Sisters Under The Skin, part 8: The Mission (NEW, B5, 8/14)
We are STILL on the damned station, or nearby at least. Soon, soon we'll take off for greener pastures. But in the meantime, we have a little more Theo, Garibaldi being an ass (He gets better later. Blame PsiCorps, he certainly will.), Lorien being Lorien, a teensy bit of Zathras, and Draal(!) who I love madly and think was woefully underutilized in the series, in either of his incarnation. I still have a fit of laughter when I think of Delenn justifying the change in actor...'He looks younger, more fit...' ORLY?
Sisters Under the Skin
Part 8: The Mission
Standard disclaimer applies; not my characters or settings or backgrounds. But they are my words.
A few days later Susan Ivanova appeared at the door of Anna and John's quarters. Anna opened the door and barely managed to get out the words, "John's not here..." when Susan interrupted bluntly.
"I'm leaving on a mission with Lorien. He's requested you come along with us." Ivanova was standing stiffly upright, the only evidence of her tension a slight tapping of one foot on the hard steel of the floor, only lightly covered with carpet.
Anna gaped at her. "What on earth for?" she managed to get out.
"I have no idea," snapped Susan waspishly. "It's a fool's errand in any case."
"Then why are you going?" Anna asked in surprise. "The military response must be imminent. I mean, I don't know anything specific about your plans, but..."
Susan went still, an ominous stillness. "Captain's orders. He thinks it's important that I take Lorien on this excursion. Lorien thinks you need to come for some reason. I can't order you to come. But I can ask." She cocked her head to one side. "So, will you?"
Anna couldn't think. She waved one hand helplessly in the air, then covered her eyes, caught between shock and amusement. Striving for some more time to consider Ivanova's suggestion, she asked, "Does John know Lorien wants me to tag along?"
Susan's eyes narrowed. "I don't know. They're never far apart, those two. I assume this was a joint decision."
Anna shook her head. "Well, I want to hear it from John. And maybe Lorien too. It's time those two started talking about their plans. Especially if they're including me in them."
Susan nodded crisply. "We leave tomorrow. The shuttle to the White Star departs at 0700. See you then." At the door she added without turning around, "Or not."
Anna called John in C&C, leaving a message that she needed to talk with him before she left the station. That should make him take notice, especially if was unaware of Lorien's request. It did, because barely twenty minutes had passed before the com alerted her to an incoming call.
"Anna, what's this all about?" John was speaking simultaneously to her and signing a tablet held under his nose by a young ensign with a large Adam's apple and a nervous disposition.
Anna waited patiently until he was done, and the ensign had moved out of hearing range. "Ivanova brought me a message from Lorien. Apparently he's in dire need of a xeno-anthropologist on this quest of his."
John's mouth twitched, almost as if he was about to laugh. "Honestly, I didn't know about this. But I trust Lorien's instincts, and his motivations. Go ahead if you like. I'm sure he has a reason for wanting you along." His eyes clouded. "Be careful. I don't think you'll be in any danger, but these are dangerous times."
Anna felt tears sting her eyes. "Nowhere near as dangerous as every damn thing you've been doing the last year. John, I know this is difficult for you. You've moved on, and I just woke up. For me it's still four years ago and I was just telling Lizzie about my new mission, and having to cancel on our meeting on Centauri Prime." She smiled sadly. "I wish I'd never gone on the Icarus. I wish I'd never left you."
John made an abortive moment, as if to touch the screen, to touch her face. "I've wished that too. Many times." He was silent for a little while, absently waving off an approaching crewman. "Are you going to go then?"
"Yes," Anna lifted her chin. "I want to be of some use in this war. Everyone else is doing their bit; time I did something. Maybe Lorien has something in mind."
"All right," John replied. He hesitated, then looked directly into her eyes. "One thing I regretted after we spoke, that last time...I never said..." Straightening his back and squaring his shoulders, he said, "I love you, Anna. I always will. It's just, well..."
"It's just that things have changed." Anna smiled. "I love you, too. And I'll see you when I get back."
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On board the White Star, Anna felt like a scientist again. The ship itself was fascinating, a mix of Minbari and Vorlon technology like she'd never seen before. The Minbari crew didn't mind answering her questions, the few that spoke English in any case, and the rest helped her with her burgeoning Adronato. Commander Ivanova left her strictly alone, and Lorien watched her every move from behind slightly glowing eyes.
Anna had quickly found out the mission, to find the 'First Ones', beings older than any race previously discovered. That provided her with hours of study, as she went over the record of each encounter; those from the present mission and previous ones where these mysterious beings had been located. She hadn't yet been 'summoned' by Lorien, and it was beginning to annoy her. Finally, she decided to beard the alien in his den. He'd taken up residence in the small viewing area off the bridge, spending hours looking out at the stars. Anna walked by the crew members, all busy at their work. Ivanova was not in the command chair, somewhat to Anna's relief.
The alien sat on a cushioned bench in front of the dark sky. His arm was stretched along the back of the bench, the long fingers tapping out a gentle rhythm. He didn't look up at her approach, merely saying in his soft voice that always ended in an upward lilt, "Dr. Sheridan. Did you wish to speak with me?"
"I think it's the other way round," said Anna. She took a seat next to Lorien, and said firmly, "You wanted me here. Why?"
"You have a role to play." He observed her through half-closed eyes. "An important one, perhaps." He cocked his head and smiled slightly, “Or perhaps not.”
Anna shook her head. "I'm out of place and out of my own time. What can I possibly do?"
Lorien leaned forward, and placed one long finger against her forehead. "You know more than you realize. About them."
"I don't know anything about them!" Anna protested. "I don't remember..." She flinched at the touch of his hand. It burned like a live coal held against her flesh. "There's nothing I can do. I have no power over them."
"And they have no power over you," remarked Lorien, regarding her mildly. "At least, I suspect this is true. Soon, we will be meeting someone who can tell us for certain."
Anna couldn't help it; professional interest flared in her. "One of the First Ones we've been seeking? But what can they tell you? What can they do..." Her voice stuttered to a stop as her mind caught up with the implications behind Lorien's implacable expression. "There's nothing left of them inside me," she protested. "Lyta made sure of that."
"The telepath's powers were enhanced by the Vorlons," mused Lorien. "But they left her unaware of much of her capabilities." He folded his fingers into a steeple in front of his chin and watched her carefully. Anna's face twisted with a sudden stab of fear. "Our next contacts are more powerful and also more familiar with your captors. Unto a shadow of a shadow they will see. Then," he added with a slight smile, "We will also see."
A tremor shook the ship. Alarms sounded, and Anna heard the rustle of Minbari robes as crewman assumed position to meet what awaited them.
Ivanova appeared in the doorway. "Someone to see you," she said with heavy irony. "Both of you."
************************
Anna opened her eyes to behold a truly terrifying sight, a furious Susan Ivanova. The Commander was looking down at Anna...which meant she was lying down? Anna struggled to a sitting position, putting out hand to pull herself up. She was assisted by the firm grip of the Commander, hauling her rapidly upright.
"This is my ship, and my command. I won't be locked out of any space on it, not by an alien, even one that's older than God, and not by a woman back from the dead." Ivanova looked at Lorien coldly. "Was that the last of your old friends?" Looking back at Anna, she demanded, "What on Earth were you two doing?"
Anna shook her head, and immediately wished she hadn't.
Ivanova gave a deep sigh, and addressed Lorien again. "Can we go now?"
The alien smiled at her and nodded. "They will join us at the meeting place as Sheridan has asked. And they were the last, so yes, Commander. We may return now. Our mission is at an end."
"And what did you do to Dr. Sheridan?" asked Ivanova, a look of concern crossing her face.
"Showed me what I can do to help," replied Anna. She got unsteadily to her feet. Susan discreetly put her hand under Anna's elbow. Pointing to the viewport, which now showed only a glimmer of the energy trail from the departed First Ones, Anna explained. "They went into my mind. No Shadows there, just like Lyta said. But apparently the experience of being plugged into their ships left me sensitive to their presence. I've got a built-in Shadow detector. It might even work second or third hand, and tell me if someone's working with them, or has been influenced by them."
Susan stared at her, and gave a low whistle. "That might come in handy. Eventually. But right now we've got a war to catch up with." She gave Anna's arm an awkward pat. "Get some rest. We'll be heading back at full speed. The fleet will already be in place, and I am not going to miss this battle."
***********************
Anna didn't get a chance to see either Susan or Lorien before they hurriedly left the station to catch up with the fleet which had been assembled by John and Delenn. The vast army of ships might already be facing down the combined might of the Shadows and the Vorlons. Communication with the fleet had been severely curtailed, and back on the station where it all started they might not know it was over... until it was over.
Mr. Garibaldi was in command of the station, being the highest ranking member of the command staff left on board. There was Dr. Franklin, but running a space station was not his area of expertise. Not that it was Mr. Garibaldi's either, but Anna supposed John had left a well-trained cadre of lieutenants and ensigns to actually run the station. Someone had to be in command though, and that seemed to be the Security chief.
She'd thought the tension was high before, now it was even worse. The corridors were deserted. People kept to their quarters; waiting, praying, hoping. Everyone she had come to know since her return was gone--Delenn, Lyta, John. Everyone, that is, except Stephen Franklin, and that's where she was headed. There had to be some way she could help. She had considered asking Brother Theo, but he was hard to find these days. His brothers seemed to be everywhere, offering assistance in myriad ways, spiritual and otherwise, but moral support was not her cup of tea. Logistics, admin work, some sort of basic clerical help in the medical facilities; that she could do, and perhaps lessen the burden on the medical staff who were still dealing with incoming refugees.
Outside of MedLab One, she paused to look through the glass. Dr. Franklin was in the small office area, staring at a computer screen. He didn't seem to see the scan displayed on it; rather, he seemed lost in thought. Anna waited a moment, then firmly entered the facility and headed towards the doctor.
"Dr. Franklin?" she asked. Then, suddenly fearful of the blank look in his eyes, "Stephen?" Her voice choked on the next words, "Has there been any news?"
"What?" Stephen turned around, not seeming to see Anna at first, then his eyes snapped into focus. He shook his head after a moment, "No. No news."
Anna felt a mix of relief and disappointment. "It's hard to be the ones who wait, isn't it?" she said with tense sympathy.
"You get used to it," replied Stephen. A wry smile crossed his face. "What can I do for you?"
"More like what can I do for you," Anna countered. Pulling a chair forward, she sat down and crossed her legs at the knee. "I want to help." Gesturing at the facility beyond the glass door, with staff clustered around patients, as well as moving to and fro on their medical errands, she added, "There must be something I can do here."
Stephen shook his head. "It's not so bad right now. Most of the worst cases have been dealt with; the less injured or mildly ill are still down on the planet. Do you have any medical training?" he queried.
"Basic first aid, CPR, a class that included the Adams Guide to Basic Xeno-Biology...that sort of thing." Anna's voice petered out as she listed her scant relevant talents. "I speak a bit of several languages," she added. "Although I suppose you use computers for translation. And my knowledge of medical terms is extremely limited."
Stephen looked at her thoughtfully. "Perhaps there is something you can do. You're used to interviewing people and collating data. We have a whole lot of displaced people down on Epsilon Three. We check them in when they arrive, give them an id bracelet or necklace or chip as their anatomy and degree of injury decree. But we need a master list, with names, planet of origin, and cross-checks for family and possible re-location options. My staff is spread too thin dealing with their medical care and basic needs. The various ambassadors have provided translators, but they are too few and too busy up here." He cocked his head and looked at her. "Are you up for it?"
Anna beamed happily at him. "I'll do what I can. When do I start?"
Stephen looked back at the screen, blanking the file he'd not been looking at and pulled up a schedule. "Tomorrow morning all right? I'll have someone in Communications pull together a kit for you; comlink, portable system with back-up power, translation software for your tablet, that sort of thing. You just pack what you'll need for a few weeks in field conditions." He stopped for a moment, then snapped his fingers. "Actually, I might be able to do better than that. Some of my staff has been quartered in the caves outside the Great Machine. We can probably fit you in there. I'm sure Draal won't mind."
"Great Machine? Draal?" asked Anna in surprise. "I thought Epsilon Three was uninhabited!"
"So did we," replied Stephen. "You'll like Draal. He was a big help with setting up the field camps down there. We're using the Great Machine as a power source for light, heat, medical equipment, communications." He sat upright suddenly, as if struck by a flash of inspiration. "I'll bet Draal can tap into that Machine of his and find out what's going on with the Captain!"
Anna was startled. "So this is some kind of listening device, this machine? Or is it used for long-distance surveillance?"
"Not...exactly," replied Stephen. "Draal is part of the Machine now, although he can step out of it and others can go in...I'm not exactly sure how it works," he confessed. "But I've always been curious." His expression brightened. "I think I'll go down with you. Introduce you around, check on things in the camps myself, and have another look at that Machine. We can tell Draal we want to check up on Delenn. Turnabout is fair play. She asked me to look in on him periodically, make sure his body remained in good shape. He'd do anything for her."
"His body?" Anna asked, curiosity overtaking her. "Draal is a Minbari name, isn't it? How does he know Delenn?"
"He was her tutor. Known her for ages, long before her change in the chrysalis." Stephen leaned back in his chair, and rested his head back against his interlaced fingers. "Yes, this is a good idea all around. Thank you, Anna."
************************
The next day found the two of them taking a shuttle down to the planet. Mr. Garibaldi had apparently been glad to give permission for Anna to leave the station. Anna suspected he still didn't trust her. She was intrigued by the cautious protocols alerting the mysterious Draal to their approach. From the attitude of the pilot, she discerned there had been some trouble before. Looking to Stephen, she found the doctor immersed in case files on his tablet, obviously unconcerned at the byplay between pilot and surface. Relaxing, she craned her head to look at the rapidly growing planetary surface in the small viewport. It would be good to be planetside again.
The shuttle landed in a large open circle, blowing up clouds of dust. Personnel ran up to it as soon as it was down and helped with the lowered stairs. The back of the shuttle opened up and medical staff began to unload the supplies Dr. Franklin had brought down from the station. Stephen helped Anna down the stairs, the duffel slung over shoulder keeping her slightly off-balance. Jumping the last step, she landed on the soil of Epsilon 3.
Stephen was immediately surrounded by his staff, and he spoke rapidly to them, obviously outlining a plan of action. He gestured to Anna and she followed him and them into a large plastic dome structure, probably the main field hospital. Most of the patients that had been sent down to the planet were not in bad straits, but sometimes there were complications. After a moment, Stephen called her over and introduced her to the others. One of the, a nurse who said cheerfully, "Call me Helen!", and took her bag and showed her the way to her new digs. Stephen called after them, "I'll be along in a minute, Anna! Get yourself settled."
Anna followed Helen Raines down a stone-lined hallway. There were thick wooden doorways on either side of the hall. It looked for all the world like a medieval castle back on Earth. Helen pushed open one of the doors and entered. Three cots were inside; two along the side walls, and one along the back wall.
"Joyce Wang and I share this room, but there was plenty of room for another cot. You'll be in this one," she pointed towards the back. "The patients aren't too demanding, but we're short-staffed. They'll like having someone to talk to, poor things. So many of them have lost everything. Whole planets gone, even whole systems." Helen's voice shook a bit.
Anna patted her arm. "Well, I'll do what I can."
"And we appreciate it," replied Helen warmly. Her comlink sounded a loud chirp and she examined the pattern of lights. "I'm wanted in the main dome. I'll drop you back by the hospital; I gather Dr. Franklin wants you to meet our host." Helen's eyes sparkled. "You'll like Draal."
"Everyone says that!" laughed Anna, dropping her bag on the indicated cot. She took out her tablet and slapped on her link. "Let's go," she said. "I'm dying to meet this Draal and see the Great Machine."
************************
Anna met up with Stephen at the entrance of a long, dark corridor that had no visible end. They had descended deep into the planet, then Helen had left to return to the surface, and to her duties. Stephen was talking to a wiry alien with bushy hair like a fox. They were deeply engrossed, both of them gesticulating wildly. Anna drew near, and heard talk of generators and electrical fluctuations and malfunctioning equipment.
"Zathras fix already. Cannot be needing fixed again." The small alien clicked his teeth together in defiance.
"I know, I know," soothed Stephen. "And you've done a wonderful job, connecting all the station equipment to the Great Machine. It's not like you can pick up the connectors at the nearest space market. But it's not working, and we need it for the Maru's environmental needs."
Zathras shook his head rapidly back and forth, then nodded. "Will look. Will fix." He twisted his head around and peered at Anna. "Shadow Watcher is here." He gave Anna a sketchy bow and hurried off down a side corridor.
Anna came up to Stephen and said, "Who was that?"
Stephen smiled. "One of the caretakers. What did he call you?"
"Shadow Watcher," said Anna thoughtfully, looking after Zathras, who had disappeared already into the unlit gloom. "I wonder how he knew," she muttered under her breath, then looked back at Stephen. "So where does this Draal hang out?"
"I do not 'hang' out," boomed a voice from behind her.
Anna swiveled to behold the slightly glowing figure of a portly Minbari directly behind her. His face was round, with lines from years of laughter at his eyes and the corners of his mouth. At the moment, however, his mouth was fixed in a stern frown. His image fizzled and wavered, then solidified again.
"I suppose you could say my body hangs, supported in the cradle of the Great Machine." Draal looked hard at Anna. "You are Anna Sheridan," he accused her.
"I am," answered Anna, wondering what was causing the sparks of animosity she could feel emanating from Draal.
"You are welcome to stay here on Epsilon 3," continued Draal, talking over her acknowledgment. "The doctor has vouched for you, and..."
"Does everyone who comes down here need to be vouched for?" Anna asked, stung by the implied distrust in the Minbari's statement. "What about the patients? You told me you don't even have a complete list," she addressed Stephen now, eyes blazing. "If I'm not wanted down here," she began, torn between fury and dismay and close to tears.
Stephen looked at Draal with exasperation, but the Minbari just shrugged. He soothed Anna, "I need you here, and Draal has agreed." He gave Draal a hard stare. "Haven't you?"
"Of course," Draal rumbled. "And I apologize if my words offended you. I am the guardian of the Great Machine, and it is a grave responsibility." He bowed deeply towards Anna. "Please, tell me you did not hear my words, and accept as apology an old man's invitation to observe the wonders of this place."
Anna's temper was quick to burn, but just as quick to die away. "Of course, I understand," she said. Looking at Stephen, whose expression was one of barely suppressed excitement, she went on, "I would love to see your Machine. Stephen, can you spare the time to come along? If that's all right with you, Draal," she added with a smile.
"Fine!" boomed Draal. "More makes for merriment, as the worker caste says. You are welcome to accompany us, Doctor." He moved away, the glow from his holographic form casting shadows down the dim hallway. "This way," he said, and vanished.
Anna and Stephen stared down the empty corridor, then at each other.
From the other end of long tunnel a light flared. "Aren't you coming?" came Draal's unmistakable roar. Anna and Stephen hastened towards the ever-receding light.
*************************
Wonderful was the only word for the Great Machine. Anna had never seen active technology that advanced, not even on the White Star. The machine itself pierced the planet, extending through the core from one surface to the opposite one on the other side. She couldn't imagine the technology required to hide this huge planetary apparatus from the quarter of a million people on the station orbiting it. Almost in a dream, she walked behind Draal and Stephen, who were discussing the machine's capabilities. Who could have built such a wonder, and for what reason?
As if he had read her mind, Draal spoke to her, an educator's light in his eye, "It is meant to record and observe, and only occasionally to interfere. Those who built this were scholars and engineers, and dreamers, too." He beamed at the awestruck expression on her face. "Do you like it?" he asked, like a child showing off its work.
"It's amazing," Anna replied. "I could stay here for years, just studying this." They were now on the walkway that led to the heart of the Machine. Anna looked down, then up, at the seemingly endless column of machinery that powered the thing. Looking ahead, she could see the body of Draal, connected by tubes and wires and implants to the Machine, looking for all the world as if he was being crucified. "Does it hurt?" she suddenly asked, observing a rictus of pain twist Draal's physical face.
Stephen was observing the same thing with concern. "What's going on?" he asked, looking back at the hologram. It flickered again, fading and then solidifying.
"Something is happening," replied Draal in a low voice. "Would you like to see?"
Both Anna and Stephen nodded. Anna held her breath. The battle, she thought. Susan had said she had barely a day to get to Corianus Six. The White Star carrying her and Lorien would arrive just as the battle started, if John's strategy went as planned.
Draal's hologram hurried them to the foot of the cradle in which his body hung suspended. Anna and Stephen stood close together, looking about them. Draal was touching various controls, shifting levers and twisting knobs. "I am not certain where the signal is coming from; it's weak, but if I can pull it in through the Machine..."
Anna felt pressure fill her ears, and the blood rush to her head with a thrumming sound. Grabbing hold of Stephen's arm, she said hoarsely, "Do you see?"
Draal's body stiffened in the cradle, and his eyes snapped open. Stephen's eyes were fixed inwards, as were Anna's. She saw the bridge of the command ship, saw John and Delenn, encased in a shimmering force field, with Lorien forming a bridge between them. Beyond them stood two aliens, one tall and draped in a glistening robe of gold and brown, the other short and insect-like, its exterior sharp and jagged with an oily black sheen. The back of Anna's neck throbbed in pain, the focus of the agony just where her skull met the cervical vertebrae.
Somehow Anna saw and heard both conversations at once. John was speaking with a woman encased in glass or ice; Delenn sparred with various figures, most of whom Anna recognized. This was the craziest battle she'd ever witnessed. It was also the first battle she'd ever witnessed. John's tone was blunt, his words sharp and definitive. He must have expected the questions and answers he heard from the Vorlon's representative. Anna felt her heart swell with pride as John pressed his arguments for the end to this awful war. Delenn was speaking with a simulacrum of Stephen, who was passionate in his embrace of evolution through war, the very opposite of what Anna knew his ideals to be. A representation of Susan also attempted to sway her, and Lennier, and a Ranger. Delenn held her own against all the storm of passion and emotion; Anna was proud of her too. The battle was of words and ideas, and after all the death and destruction, maybe that was all that was left. The final battle was to be of the mind, and of the heart.
Anna managed to catch hold of Stephen's hand, and gripped it tightly. The arguments hadn't worked, John and Delenn were refusing the play the game, and the aliens were petty in reaction to their rejection. Ships were sacrificing themselves, throwing themselves between John and Delenn and the attack. It was obvious to her and everyone who had witnessed the war of words that those two were the rock on which the alliance stood. Anna wanted to look away, but the images were poured directly into her mind, and there was no hiding from the knowledge that her husband and her friend shared one heart.
Finally it was over. The good guys had seemingly...won? The vision, or projection, whatever it was, vanished from her inner eye, and Stephen dropped her hand. The doctor staggered away, leaning against a console and rubbing his temples. Draal moved towards Anna.
"It looks as if the long struggle is over," he observed quietly. "They will be coming home."
Anna looked into the Minbari's eyes, seeing both the warmth of native kindness and a cold evaluation. "It is their home, isn't it? I know it's John's now." The admission stung a bit. They had never had a home, both busy with their respective careers, dedicated to their work.
"Delenn has made the station, and what it stands for, her life's work. It is her mission, and her penance." Draal spoke deliberately, watching Anna closely.
Anna shook her head. "I won't ask what you mean by that. It's none of my business." She leaned back against a railing and closed her eyes. "But you're wrong, you know. It's not over. John won't rest until Earth is free." Opening her eyes, she was surprised to see that Draal was nodding.
The Minbari examined her thoughtfully. "I have known Delenn since she was a child. She is...fond of Captain Sheridan, I believe."
Anna nodded, speechless. Where on Earth or in all the galaxy was this conversation going?
"I would have liked to have seen her happy." His slightly glowing image dimmed, the holographic equivalent of a deep sigh. "She has been alone too long."
At this Anna shook her head. "Come on, Draal. This thing between the three of us, it's confusing all right, but we're all adults. I don't want to hurt anyone, not my husband and not Delenn for that matter. I consider her a friend!" A very good friend. She added firmly, "We'll sort it out together," adding under her breath, "Once we get a moment to breathe."
Draal chuckled softly, then threw back his head and let out a big echoing laugh. "A moment to breathe! Around Delenn and Sheridan!" He dried an imagined tear from one eye. "Not even the Great Machine can predict when that moment will arrive. If it ever does." Draal eyed her again. "I like you, Anna Sheridan. Perhaps you will find a way through this." Without turning around he barked suddenly, "Doctor! Please do not touch that conduit. My body would not appreciate accidental detachment from one of its main life supports."
Stephen, flustered, dropped the hand he'd been reaching towards one of the tubes leading to Draal's body now hanging relaxed in the Machine upon which its survival depended. "We should be going," he said to Anna. "I have to get back up to the station." Smiling brightly, he added, "Should be quite a party when they get back. Better get some preparations underway."
Anna's thought processes stalled at that idea. She felt suddenly adrift, and unconnected. Celebrations were the last thing on her mind; all the end of this war had shown her was how much John and Delenn belonged together. And even with her brave words to Draal, she didn't see a place for herself in their world. It was probably best to lose herself in her new job, at least for the moment. Nodding farewell to Draal, wordlessly she trailed Stephen back to the medical encampment.
*************************
After three days, Anna felt more like herself. There was a bewildering variety of aliens in the encampment. It seemed like the whole sector had ended up taking refuge on Babylon 5. She had been through all three encampments, and organized the patients into groups; those who had a place in mind to go, family or friends ready to take them in, those who were going to have to spend some time in a camp awaiting placement, and those who were unable or unwilling to speak, not even to say who they were or where they had come from. Some of these were not physically injured, and Anna had some success drafting them to work for her, delivering and recovering forms, and entering data into the small computer Stephen had sent down with her. The data was uploaded every night and collated on the station's main system. Reports were sent to the relevant ambassadors, who responded with offers of placement when possible. Anna was exhausted at night, but took time to write up field notes on the various cultures reaction to disaster and dispersal, feeling like a vulture circling a battlefield, but fascinated all the same.
The tension that arose in her whenever she thought about John and Delenn's return to the station, and the inevitable return of the three of them circling each other in silent misery haunted her every free moment. Finally, in the middle of her fourth day on Epsilon Three, she decided it was time to work on an idea that had been brewing in her mind since her jaunt with Commander Ivanova and Lorien. Using her link, she made an appointment, and then took the next shuttle up to Babylon 5.
*************************
"It's good to see you again," Anna began nervously. She was seated on the edge of an uncomfortable metal chair in a small office off a row of living quarters that had been converted into a kind of dormitory.
Brother Theo observed her anxiety with concern. "What can I do for you, Doctor Sheridan?"
"Call me Anna, please," she broke in. "Almost no one does any more," she added wistfully. Clearing her throat, she began again. "I've been working with the refugees in the medical encampments down on Epsilon Three, assembling records, names, planets of origin, family or tribe, that sort of thing. Trying to get a handle on where they will all go, now that the war is over."
The monk nodded in sympathy. "It's a good idea. So many people with no place to go. This was only ever meant to be a temporary refuge..."
The words echoed in Anna's skull. Temporary refuge. That's what she had come to realize the station meant to her. It certainly wasn't a home. And she wanted to go home. "I want to go to Earth," she said quickly before she changed her mind. "I think I can help."
"Help how?" Theo's eyebrows and voice raised in question. "Help who?"
Anna hesitated. "Can I speak in confidence?"
Theo leaned forward and took her hands in his. "Of course, my child. It's what I am here for."
"I can sense them," she whispered. "Or rather I can sense where they've been, who they've touched." She put one hand to her forehead, "Lorien showed me how, or rather his friends did. It's because of what they did to me. Now I'm sensitive to them somehow. And I think they're on Earth."
Theo sat back in his chair and steepled his fingers. "That," he said, "would explain a great deal." He sat silent for a moment.
Anna waited patiently. It felt as if her whole life was hanging on the monk's next words.
"Very well," he said. "I will put you in touch with a friend of mine, Reverend William Dexter. He is connected to the underground resistance. If there is Shadow influence on Earth, he will want to know." He regarded her solemnly, as if testing her resolve. "Are you sure you are not avoiding the situation here on the station? That this is what you want to do?"
"This is what I have to do," said Anna firmly. "I have to find my own way, and I want to help. The only thing is, I hate to leave Dr. Franklin in the lurch, down on the planet."
Theo smiled. "I think I can help with that." He rose and held out a hand to her. "Now, let us speak with Dr. Franklin and arrange replacements from among my monks to continue your work with the refugees. Then, we must find transport for you to Earth. For that, I believe we must rely on Mr. Garibaldi. He seems to have a special relationship with the Rangers we've seen so much of. And they seem to be able to go anywhere they please; perhaps you can 'hitch a ride' with them."
He smiled gently at Anna, and she had the sudden feeling that Brother Theo could arrange many things for her--that he knew more about how things worked on the station than anyone realized. He reminded her of Draal.
***********************
"Brother Theo?" snapped Michael Garibaldi. "What does he want?" The young lieutenant held steady under the withering gaze of the Security Chief and designated commander of the station.
"I don't know, sir," replied the officer. "He's in the Captain's office, with the Captain's...um, wife."
Garibaldi sighed. "I suppose I'd better see what they want." He dumped a pile of folders, loose papers, and a tablet into the lieutenant's arms. "Put this somewhere out of my sight." As the lieutenant juggled the unsteady stack, Garibaldi jerked his head towards the command station. "Just put it down over there. I'll be right back." He strode off the command deck towards Sheridan's office.
Inside John's office, Anna and Theo sat before the wide desk. Anna looked around her at the signs and symbols of her husband's status and position. Some were familiar to her; others were not. Theo sat with both hands clasped in front of him, eyes almost closed, blue slits encased in laugh lines.
"What can I do for you two?" said Garibaldi crisply. He sat down behind the large desk.
Anna tried not to hold that against him. She looked at Theo, who shrugged expressively. She sighed, and began, "I need to get to Earth." She bit back further explanation in the face of Garibaldi's instant look of surprise and suspicion. Trying to moderate any anxiety that was leaking through, she continued, "I don't belong here. I think we both know that."
Garibaldi sucked in his lower lip and nibbled on it. His eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Anna. Turning to Theo, he asked, "And what is your part in this?"
"Oh, just general moral support," replied Theo genially. "Mrs. Sheridan came to me for advice and when she told me what she wanted to do, I suggested we consult Dr. Franklin. He in turn suggested you might be able to help."
Anna managed not to turn and stare at Theo, upon hearing this somewhat modified description of events. Her own reluctance to confide in Mr. Garibaldi must have somehow been communicated to the monk. She smiled warmly at the security officer. "Stephen says you have contacts, people who can get me through the blockade and back home."
Garibaldi stared hard at Theo, then smiled grimly. "Contacts I do have, but that's not an easy trip whatever route you take and whoever accompanies you." He drummed his fingers on the desktop. "Does the Captain know about this sudden desire for space travel?"
Anna looked down, wondering how to play this. "No," she said slowly. "I haven't talked to him about it. He's hard to talk to. He's...changed." Shaking her head, she added, "I just want to go home, Mr. Garibaldi, and try to make some sense of what happened to me."
"Everyone at home thinks you're dead," pointed out Garibaldi.
"My identicard works. I have money, and friends who will help me, hide me while I figure things out," replied Anna. "Even relatives. I'd like to let John's family know I'm alive at least."
Garibaldi sat back in the chair and folded his hands behind his head. "If the Shadows can track you, it's probably better you're not here." He examined her in silence and then nodded once, sharp and decisive. "I'll send someone to your quarters in half an hour. Be packed and ready to go."
************************
Anna looked around John's quarters one more time. She didn't have much to pack, some of the clothes she'd bought in the Zocalo, the small glass pyramid Delenn had given her, her field notes. The room was neat and tidy, shipshape, just the way John liked it. There was just one more thing; she had to leave John a message.
The monitor hung on the wall, inviting her to leave a brief video farewell, but she wanted to write it out. Words always seemed more real written down on old-fashioned paper. Rummaging in the small desk that sat against the wall in the living area, she found paper but no pen. Knowing John would keep supplies for similar tasks close together, she pulled the drawer out as far as it would go, and reached her slim hand deep into the depths. Her fingers found a cylindrical object, but also something square and soft. Pulling out the pen, she laid it aside, and unable to quell her curiosity, went back after the other item.
It was a small square box, the kind in which jewelry was stored, and she stared at it with sick fascination. Her hesitation over the impropriety of her snooping was momentary and she snapped open the black velvet box. A small brilliant diamond in a spare but elegant setting met her eye. Anna stared first at the engagement ring in its plush setting, then at the more elaborate one on her own left hand. It had been John's grandmother's and it meant the world to her. As this one, as simple as it was, would have meant the world to Delenn. Carefully, she replaced the box in the drawer and closed it. Taking the paper to the table, she quickly sketched out a few words to John. The note to Delenn took a bit longer.
The door chime sounded notice of her escort's arrival, and she laid the letters exactly in the center of the low table, placing a glass paperweight on top of them. The top one was folded over and addressed to John. She had sealed the message to Delenn, which lay beneath John's. Picking up her borrowed carryall, with all her worldly possessions folded inside, she went to the door and opened it. A tall man, in the somber dark tunic and cloak of a Ranger was waiting patiently on one side of the open doorway. Anna nodded to him, and followed him as he walked quickly towards the turbo-lift that would take them to the passenger docks. She didn't look back.
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