Babylon 5 Fanfiction - Mars Rising (Part 2)
Disclaimer: Babylon 5 belongs to the Great Maker, JMS, I'm just playing in the sandbox a while. No copyright infringement is intended and no money was made from this. Any similarity to any other story not my own is coincidence.
Title: Mars Rising
Genre: Babylon 5 fanfic; AU; Drama/melodrama
Rating: PG-13; rated for swearing, violence/torture
Timeline: After the end of the 5 season, but before "Sleeping in Light," shortly after they have begun to set up the Alliance and before the birth of John and Delenn's son.
Author's Notes: This is one of my only attempts at something with a plot, so to speak, or drama, so... *grin* There are also probably bits and pieces of inspiration from various sources and the Minbari language is a mix of "canon" and what sounded right to my ear. It is the last old B5 fanfic I have left to archive.
Story breaks are indicated by boldface and ellipses. I've also split it up to make the post a bit more manageable.
It Begins
A day into his journey from Minbar to Mars, John stood facing a comm screen in his quarters on board the "Maria," a White Star commanded by Ranger Captain Montoya.
"That woman is impossible," the blonde woman on the screen said tersely.
John waited patiently for Theresa Halloran, Head of Covert Intelligence for the Alliance, and currently serving as a liaison for the Mars Provisional government, to be finished with her expressions of barely contained anger.
She began to pace, her image moving across the comm screen. "I did not fight, lose men and women for our independence, see blood spilled for a free Mars, only to see it slip away through the bureaucracy of Earth Gov." Theresa paused, stilling herself before the comm screen once more. "I will not see my people lose everything that they have fought and died for, not now, not ever," she vowed fiercely.
Sheridan nodded grimly in acknowledgment of her words. "I understand your anger, but the last thing that any of us wants to see, is this turn into another civil war." The President let his words settle quietly.
Theresa took a deep breath and visibly calmed herself. A cool reserve slipped into place over her face. "President Luchenko and her staff will be arriving in three days, and everything else should be in place for your arrival, Mr. President."
John nodded once more.
Another figure stepped into view of the screen to speak quietly with Theresa. She excused herself and turned to listen to the well dressed diplomatic aide. The serious dark haired man spoke quickly and stepped away as the Intelligence Head turned back to the President.
"Some of President Luchenko's staff have arrived early." She did not look happy as she said this, an expression of distrust on her face. "I need to go see to this, Mr. President."
"We'll speak more on this when I reach Mars." John responded.
Theresa nodded. "Mr. President," she closed the conversation and the comm screen went dark.
John gave a tired sigh after the screen had gone to its default status.
"Mr. President." A human Ranger stood in the doorway, waiting for acknowledgment. John turned to look at the younger man. "Mr. President, one of President Luchenko's security officers wishes to speak with you." The Ranger waited for John's response, a simple nod, before speaking a Minbari phrase to bring the image of a young man up on the comm screen. Quietly, the Ranger left and John turned to speak with the tense officer shown before him.
He was a young man, new to his rank if John didn't miss his guess, and somewhat self-important in a slightly insecure way. "Wants to prove he deserves the promotion," John thought, not unkindly.
"Mr. President," the sandy haired young man greeted John. "My name is Jeremy Harrison, I'm heading the Security Detail for President Luchenko's diplomatic visit."
Hearing the name, John realized who this young officer was, the son of a very prominent general, General Alexander Harrison. "No wonder he's out to prove himself," John thought, "that's a big name to live up to, or down, depending on who you ask."
As if seeing something in John's expression, the young officer straightened his slightly rumpled gray Earth Force uniform and spoke, his tone crisp, "I have some concerns regarding the presence of the Alliance Rangers being used as a security force for these proceedings."
"What concerns to do you have, Major Harrison?" John asked calmly.
"Why is a Minbari military force serving as security for Earth Government negotiations?" Major Harrison asked, his voice crisp and formal.
"Major, am I to understand that I have been misinformed, and your office did not agree with the arrangement?" John asked diplomatically.
The young officer gave Sheridan a cold look. "My office was informed of your request and the necessary arrangements, Mr. President."
"Informed," John thought, taking in the crisp stance of the young Major and his coldly precise speech. "He was ordered to accept the Anla'shok presence, and he doesn't like it one bit," John thought, noting the wounded pride and some unnamed emotion lurking under the surface of Major Harrison's cool mask.
"Major, both the Mars provisional government," John said calmly, taking note of the brief look of derision that passed across the young man's face, "and President Luchenko, agreed that the presence of the Anla'shok was acceptable due to the Alliance interest in these proceedings. If you have concerns that do not include allowing their presence, then perhaps we could address those," he finished tactfully.
"I will not have them interfering with the operations of my detail, Mr. President." Major Harrison spoke, his voice tight.
"I assure you Major, there will be no interference from the Rangers in the internal matters of your office. That is not their intent." John assured the young officer.
Major Harrison did not look the least bit reassured by Sheridan's statements. If anything, the president's assurances were met with a brief look of suppressed annoyance on the part of the young man.
"Mr. President," the young officer said by way ending the conversation and shutting down the comm connection before Sheridan could respond.
"Well," John spoke softly to himself, considering what this latest development might mean for the negotiations. But before he could contemplate the possible ramifications of the situation, his thoughts were interrupted by a Minbari aide.
"Mr. President," the Minbari spoke, his voice accented and hesitant with a language not his own, "what do you require for your midday meal?"
"I'm not hungry. Perhaps later, thank you," John responded absently, his mind still on the upcoming negotiations.
"My apologies, Mr. President, but I was requested to look after these matters. I have given my word that I would do so." The Minbari aide managed to sound both apologetic and authoritative, subtly bringing the matter of honor to the conversation.
"I see," John answered. And he did. Delenn had obviously spoken with the aides on board ship, and most likely those going with them planetside as well. He smiled wryly. His wife most certainly did not play fair.
"I don't suppose there are any oranges on board are there?" John asked.
"I believe we do have a small selection of Earth fruit Mr. President," the Minbari aide answered. "Would you like some flarn and tea with oranges Mr. President?"
"That will be fine," John answered.
The aide bowed, and left to see to his task. John smiled wryly as he thought of his beloved wife back on Minbar. "Worry wart," he whispered fondly...
John Sheridan was restless. He hated this part, space beneath him, but with no place for him in the operations of the ship. He couldn't even find distraction preparing for the Mars conference. He had done all he could, and anything more would have to be done on Mars itself. He sighed deeply and stretched.
"Delenn's right," he whispered ruefully, "my head would implode." John shook his head, smiling wryly to himself. Then, with a decided nod, he left his quarters, intent on going for a walk. He wandered the passageways, no particular destination in mind, trying to work out his restlessness.
Unbidden, a memory of what had happened the last time he went for a walk on a White Star came to mind. John's surprise and anger at Lennier's betrayal had dimmed somewhat with time and distance. He could even begin to understand why Lennier had done it, at least a little bit. John wasn't sure he could forgive the Minbari aide, not quite yet, but he did know what it was like to love Delenn, even if he could never see himself doing what Lennier had done. "But I suppose Lennier never imagined he was capable of it either," John thought quietly.
His thoughts were interrupted by the sounds of combat coming from down the passageway to his left. He walked in the direction of the sounds until he came to their source. In a large practice room, a small group of Ranger trainees were working on their skills with the Minbari fighting pike. In pairs, two Minbari and four human ranger trainees practiced the fluid movements that combat with the pike required. One of the human fighters noticed Sheridan watching and was distracted enough that his Minbari fighting partner was able to sweep her pike low to the floor and bring his feet out from underneath him. He looked embarrassed for a moment, then rose and bowed first to his partner, then turned to bow to the president. His partner took note of the second bow and turned herself in that direction. She bowed as well, showing her respect. The other combatants stopped in their practice also, and bowed to Sheridan where he stood in the doorway.
"I'm sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt your practice," John spoke.
The eldest of the gathered students spoke, a serene tone to his voice, "We are honored by your presence." The Minbari fighter bowed once more, his stance showing more than anything else his warrior caste background.
"Does the President wish to participate in our exercises?" the youngest, a Minbari coming from the religious caste, spoke eagerly, much to the chagrin of his companions. Before any of his companions could stop him, the young trainee was moving toward the president, holding his pike before him. When he had reached Sheridan, he bowed and spoke, "If the President wishes, he may use my weapon. I would be honored."
John looked to the proffered weapon and took it up gingerly.
"Forgive my brother Ranger's presumption, Mr. President," the eldest spoke. As he did so, the young Minbari couldn’t help but look embarrassed.
As much to redeem the young Minbari in his companions' eyes, as anything else, John spoke. "No offense taken. I would be honored to participate."
A measuring look came into the Minbari warrior's eyes before he bowed.
"Taro," the senior trainee spoke, and another Minbari born to the warrior caste approached, "Perhaps you would like to practice with the President."
Taro bowed.
The president bowed and spoke, "An honor to meet you Taro; I'm John." Sheridan noted the looks of the trainees as he introduced himself, a mixture of surprise, and on the human faces, approval. Then he followed Taro to the center of the room. The other trainees moved outward to watch the two combatants.
Both men bowed and faced one another across the open space between them. Taro began to circle and John matched his action. Then Taro was swinging his pike, moving to bring the weapon across John's side. John brought his own pike down, deflecting the blow and then quickly thrusting his own weapon forward in an attempt to hit his opponent's center with the end of the pike. Taro was quicker than the lunge and stepped back, bringing his pike in to block.
Both men went back to circling, assessing each other. Again, it was the young Minbari that attacked, feinting low to the left and bringing the other end of his pike down, trying to hit John's right shoulder. John blocked the blow, and swung his pike out to hit Taro's side. Again, Taro was too quick for the blow and turned sideways, avoiding the hit. In response, the Minbari brought his pike low, trying to sweep John's feet out from under him. John jumped though, keeping his feet and turning to block Taro's next blow.
John's pike caught Taro's in the block, allowing him to swing the other end out to connect with Taro's unprotected side. The Minbari warrior staggered back, but quickly recovered. Again, the two fighters circled. This time, when Taro feinted low right, he made another feint high left, only to complete his lower movement and catch John a blow low on his left leg when John was just an instant too slow to block.
John went down on his knee, but blocked Taro's descending blow and pushed him away hard enough that the Minbari staggered back. John took the opportunity to rise, and before Taro could fully recover, landed another blow to the warrior's other side. It briefly knocked the wind out of the ranger trainee, giving John the chance to turn and bring his pike low, sweeping the Minbari's feet out from under him. Before Taro could respond, John brought his pike to stop just above the fallen warrior's exposed throat.
"De Farhurst,, I yield," Taro answered.
John stepped back and held out his hand to help Taro rise. Once the Minbari was on his feet, they bowed to each other. A small chime echoed lightly through the practice room.
The elder trainee spoke, "It is time for meditations." He turned to bow to the president with the others before they began to gather up their things and leave the practice room. The last to leave was the youngest trainee. John stopped him and offered the pike back to the eager Minbari.
"If the President wishes, he may keep it. It is only a practice pike, but it may serve," the young Minbari said, his voice one of quick earnestness.
"I am honored," John answered. He bowed in return to the Minbari as the young ranger trainee bowed and left the practice room.
John made the pike return to its compact size and considered the weapon as it lay there in his hand. Suddenly he winced as a persistent pain made itself known coming from his leg. "That's going to bruise," he thought somewhat ruefully, then shrugged lightly. He'd had far, far worse in his life.
Now, with the worst of his restlessness cured, John made his way back to his quarters...
Part Three
Title: Mars Rising
Genre: Babylon 5 fanfic; AU; Drama/melodrama
Rating: PG-13; rated for swearing, violence/torture
Timeline: After the end of the 5 season, but before "Sleeping in Light," shortly after they have begun to set up the Alliance and before the birth of John and Delenn's son.
Author's Notes: This is one of my only attempts at something with a plot, so to speak, or drama, so... *grin* There are also probably bits and pieces of inspiration from various sources and the Minbari language is a mix of "canon" and what sounded right to my ear. It is the last old B5 fanfic I have left to archive.
Story breaks are indicated by boldface and ellipses. I've also split it up to make the post a bit more manageable.
It Begins
A day into his journey from Minbar to Mars, John stood facing a comm screen in his quarters on board the "Maria," a White Star commanded by Ranger Captain Montoya.
"That woman is impossible," the blonde woman on the screen said tersely.
John waited patiently for Theresa Halloran, Head of Covert Intelligence for the Alliance, and currently serving as a liaison for the Mars Provisional government, to be finished with her expressions of barely contained anger.
She began to pace, her image moving across the comm screen. "I did not fight, lose men and women for our independence, see blood spilled for a free Mars, only to see it slip away through the bureaucracy of Earth Gov." Theresa paused, stilling herself before the comm screen once more. "I will not see my people lose everything that they have fought and died for, not now, not ever," she vowed fiercely.
Sheridan nodded grimly in acknowledgment of her words. "I understand your anger, but the last thing that any of us wants to see, is this turn into another civil war." The President let his words settle quietly.
Theresa took a deep breath and visibly calmed herself. A cool reserve slipped into place over her face. "President Luchenko and her staff will be arriving in three days, and everything else should be in place for your arrival, Mr. President."
John nodded once more.
Another figure stepped into view of the screen to speak quietly with Theresa. She excused herself and turned to listen to the well dressed diplomatic aide. The serious dark haired man spoke quickly and stepped away as the Intelligence Head turned back to the President.
"Some of President Luchenko's staff have arrived early." She did not look happy as she said this, an expression of distrust on her face. "I need to go see to this, Mr. President."
"We'll speak more on this when I reach Mars." John responded.
Theresa nodded. "Mr. President," she closed the conversation and the comm screen went dark.
John gave a tired sigh after the screen had gone to its default status.
"Mr. President." A human Ranger stood in the doorway, waiting for acknowledgment. John turned to look at the younger man. "Mr. President, one of President Luchenko's security officers wishes to speak with you." The Ranger waited for John's response, a simple nod, before speaking a Minbari phrase to bring the image of a young man up on the comm screen. Quietly, the Ranger left and John turned to speak with the tense officer shown before him.
He was a young man, new to his rank if John didn't miss his guess, and somewhat self-important in a slightly insecure way. "Wants to prove he deserves the promotion," John thought, not unkindly.
"Mr. President," the sandy haired young man greeted John. "My name is Jeremy Harrison, I'm heading the Security Detail for President Luchenko's diplomatic visit."
Hearing the name, John realized who this young officer was, the son of a very prominent general, General Alexander Harrison. "No wonder he's out to prove himself," John thought, "that's a big name to live up to, or down, depending on who you ask."
As if seeing something in John's expression, the young officer straightened his slightly rumpled gray Earth Force uniform and spoke, his tone crisp, "I have some concerns regarding the presence of the Alliance Rangers being used as a security force for these proceedings."
"What concerns to do you have, Major Harrison?" John asked calmly.
"Why is a Minbari military force serving as security for Earth Government negotiations?" Major Harrison asked, his voice crisp and formal.
"Major, am I to understand that I have been misinformed, and your office did not agree with the arrangement?" John asked diplomatically.
The young officer gave Sheridan a cold look. "My office was informed of your request and the necessary arrangements, Mr. President."
"Informed," John thought, taking in the crisp stance of the young Major and his coldly precise speech. "He was ordered to accept the Anla'shok presence, and he doesn't like it one bit," John thought, noting the wounded pride and some unnamed emotion lurking under the surface of Major Harrison's cool mask.
"Major, both the Mars provisional government," John said calmly, taking note of the brief look of derision that passed across the young man's face, "and President Luchenko, agreed that the presence of the Anla'shok was acceptable due to the Alliance interest in these proceedings. If you have concerns that do not include allowing their presence, then perhaps we could address those," he finished tactfully.
"I will not have them interfering with the operations of my detail, Mr. President." Major Harrison spoke, his voice tight.
"I assure you Major, there will be no interference from the Rangers in the internal matters of your office. That is not their intent." John assured the young officer.
Major Harrison did not look the least bit reassured by Sheridan's statements. If anything, the president's assurances were met with a brief look of suppressed annoyance on the part of the young man.
"Mr. President," the young officer said by way ending the conversation and shutting down the comm connection before Sheridan could respond.
"Well," John spoke softly to himself, considering what this latest development might mean for the negotiations. But before he could contemplate the possible ramifications of the situation, his thoughts were interrupted by a Minbari aide.
"Mr. President," the Minbari spoke, his voice accented and hesitant with a language not his own, "what do you require for your midday meal?"
"I'm not hungry. Perhaps later, thank you," John responded absently, his mind still on the upcoming negotiations.
"My apologies, Mr. President, but I was requested to look after these matters. I have given my word that I would do so." The Minbari aide managed to sound both apologetic and authoritative, subtly bringing the matter of honor to the conversation.
"I see," John answered. And he did. Delenn had obviously spoken with the aides on board ship, and most likely those going with them planetside as well. He smiled wryly. His wife most certainly did not play fair.
"I don't suppose there are any oranges on board are there?" John asked.
"I believe we do have a small selection of Earth fruit Mr. President," the Minbari aide answered. "Would you like some flarn and tea with oranges Mr. President?"
"That will be fine," John answered.
The aide bowed, and left to see to his task. John smiled wryly as he thought of his beloved wife back on Minbar. "Worry wart," he whispered fondly...
John Sheridan was restless. He hated this part, space beneath him, but with no place for him in the operations of the ship. He couldn't even find distraction preparing for the Mars conference. He had done all he could, and anything more would have to be done on Mars itself. He sighed deeply and stretched.
"Delenn's right," he whispered ruefully, "my head would implode." John shook his head, smiling wryly to himself. Then, with a decided nod, he left his quarters, intent on going for a walk. He wandered the passageways, no particular destination in mind, trying to work out his restlessness.
Unbidden, a memory of what had happened the last time he went for a walk on a White Star came to mind. John's surprise and anger at Lennier's betrayal had dimmed somewhat with time and distance. He could even begin to understand why Lennier had done it, at least a little bit. John wasn't sure he could forgive the Minbari aide, not quite yet, but he did know what it was like to love Delenn, even if he could never see himself doing what Lennier had done. "But I suppose Lennier never imagined he was capable of it either," John thought quietly.
His thoughts were interrupted by the sounds of combat coming from down the passageway to his left. He walked in the direction of the sounds until he came to their source. In a large practice room, a small group of Ranger trainees were working on their skills with the Minbari fighting pike. In pairs, two Minbari and four human ranger trainees practiced the fluid movements that combat with the pike required. One of the human fighters noticed Sheridan watching and was distracted enough that his Minbari fighting partner was able to sweep her pike low to the floor and bring his feet out from underneath him. He looked embarrassed for a moment, then rose and bowed first to his partner, then turned to bow to the president. His partner took note of the second bow and turned herself in that direction. She bowed as well, showing her respect. The other combatants stopped in their practice also, and bowed to Sheridan where he stood in the doorway.
"I'm sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt your practice," John spoke.
The eldest of the gathered students spoke, a serene tone to his voice, "We are honored by your presence." The Minbari fighter bowed once more, his stance showing more than anything else his warrior caste background.
"Does the President wish to participate in our exercises?" the youngest, a Minbari coming from the religious caste, spoke eagerly, much to the chagrin of his companions. Before any of his companions could stop him, the young trainee was moving toward the president, holding his pike before him. When he had reached Sheridan, he bowed and spoke, "If the President wishes, he may use my weapon. I would be honored."
John looked to the proffered weapon and took it up gingerly.
"Forgive my brother Ranger's presumption, Mr. President," the eldest spoke. As he did so, the young Minbari couldn’t help but look embarrassed.
As much to redeem the young Minbari in his companions' eyes, as anything else, John spoke. "No offense taken. I would be honored to participate."
A measuring look came into the Minbari warrior's eyes before he bowed.
"Taro," the senior trainee spoke, and another Minbari born to the warrior caste approached, "Perhaps you would like to practice with the President."
Taro bowed.
The president bowed and spoke, "An honor to meet you Taro; I'm John." Sheridan noted the looks of the trainees as he introduced himself, a mixture of surprise, and on the human faces, approval. Then he followed Taro to the center of the room. The other trainees moved outward to watch the two combatants.
Both men bowed and faced one another across the open space between them. Taro began to circle and John matched his action. Then Taro was swinging his pike, moving to bring the weapon across John's side. John brought his own pike down, deflecting the blow and then quickly thrusting his own weapon forward in an attempt to hit his opponent's center with the end of the pike. Taro was quicker than the lunge and stepped back, bringing his pike in to block.
Both men went back to circling, assessing each other. Again, it was the young Minbari that attacked, feinting low to the left and bringing the other end of his pike down, trying to hit John's right shoulder. John blocked the blow, and swung his pike out to hit Taro's side. Again, Taro was too quick for the blow and turned sideways, avoiding the hit. In response, the Minbari brought his pike low, trying to sweep John's feet out from under him. John jumped though, keeping his feet and turning to block Taro's next blow.
John's pike caught Taro's in the block, allowing him to swing the other end out to connect with Taro's unprotected side. The Minbari warrior staggered back, but quickly recovered. Again, the two fighters circled. This time, when Taro feinted low right, he made another feint high left, only to complete his lower movement and catch John a blow low on his left leg when John was just an instant too slow to block.
John went down on his knee, but blocked Taro's descending blow and pushed him away hard enough that the Minbari staggered back. John took the opportunity to rise, and before Taro could fully recover, landed another blow to the warrior's other side. It briefly knocked the wind out of the ranger trainee, giving John the chance to turn and bring his pike low, sweeping the Minbari's feet out from under him. Before Taro could respond, John brought his pike to stop just above the fallen warrior's exposed throat.
"De Farhurst,, I yield," Taro answered.
John stepped back and held out his hand to help Taro rise. Once the Minbari was on his feet, they bowed to each other. A small chime echoed lightly through the practice room.
The elder trainee spoke, "It is time for meditations." He turned to bow to the president with the others before they began to gather up their things and leave the practice room. The last to leave was the youngest trainee. John stopped him and offered the pike back to the eager Minbari.
"If the President wishes, he may keep it. It is only a practice pike, but it may serve," the young Minbari said, his voice one of quick earnestness.
"I am honored," John answered. He bowed in return to the Minbari as the young ranger trainee bowed and left the practice room.
John made the pike return to its compact size and considered the weapon as it lay there in his hand. Suddenly he winced as a persistent pain made itself known coming from his leg. "That's going to bruise," he thought somewhat ruefully, then shrugged lightly. He'd had far, far worse in his life.
Now, with the worst of his restlessness cured, John made his way back to his quarters...
Part Three