The Delicate Balance of In-Between
by Jimmy, June 2, 2001
Setting:This story takes place right after "All Alone in the Night."
"Stephen!" The voice was so clear and brimming with such good memories - it managed to cut through all the traffic noise dominating the waiting area. Heads turned to notice a small woman strutting across the floor with confidence born of experience. She sported earth look, complete with fuchsia-dyed hair, but there were influences of other worlds in her jewelry. And she didn't throw one curious glance at the aliens surrounding her; pure earthers would have been agog at the various life forms rushing about the place.
Dr. Franklin smiled widely and with true pleasure. A look of happiness so rare, Zack's curiosity was immediately snagged. He watched as the doctor threw open his arms and the stranger fell into them with little hesitation.
"Beano!" Stephen greeted his friend. "Am I glad to welcome you on board!"
She looked up at the smiling face, "You lost weight. What happened to that butch athlete I knew?"
"Food plan." Franklin replied succinctly. "It helps, especially when one lives in a space station."
"Ahh, but I heard anything can be had in Babylon 5, for a price."
"You always did have a knack for getting things wrong. Where's your stuff?"
"Probably still on Mars." She replied in exasperation. "Two days of nothing but delays. And can I tell you just how boring Mars really is?"
He laughed. "I'll make sure they get to your quarters. So, how was the trip?"
"Sat next to a Centauri named Doaruo. He told me unholy things, things best left in the dark. And then had the damn gall to try and demonstrate."
Franklin gave her a sympathetic pat on the back. "They're a pleasure driven race, Beano."
"Is that what you call it here? We still call it a felony on earth."
"Damn glad to see you here." Franklin admitted. "I had forgotten how it used to be before I came on Babylon 5."
She shook her head, "Well, now your hell is my hell. Lead forth, Dante, and show me the Circles."
Franklin examined her clothing with close scrutiny. "I have to introduce you to Command Staff first."
She shook her head. "I'm not changing. You know how I feel about the military. The only reason I agreed to this whole damn thing was the chance to practice my craft. Not kiss up to some brass' derriere."
"The brass is John Sheridan, and as far as brasses go, he's not that bad looking."
"Star Killer." Her voice softened immediately. "There was a lot of hoo haa back on earth when his appointment became official. The Minbari had lots to say about Sinclair's replacement, and you know they're not exactly the most vocal of races. How are things?"
"Tense. But then things are always on the ropes here. That's what makes Babylon 5 such a fun place."
"Stephen," She said blandly. "If I wanted tension, I would have taken the tenure in Geneva."
"Then why did you accept my offer?" He asked, "Truthfully, I was surprised you said yes."
She shrugged her shoulders, an elegant and age-old useless gesture. "I needed a break."
"You're not going to tell me, are you?"
"Of course, not. To do otherwise would break tradition."
"And you're not going to change your shirt either, are you?"
"No, of course not ..."
"To do otherwise would break tradition." Stephen finished his friend's argument. "Come on, let's get this over with then."
-- continued in part two --