PART 10 - The Delicate Balance of In-Between
by Jimmy, June 2, 2001
Neroon paced the room once more. He kept losing count after the forty-fourth step, and the warrior could not figure out why he was unable to remain focused past that odd number. The cool, recycled air once again ruffled the front of his shirt, creating an odd sensation for the Minbari. The moment he was arrested, Neroon was immediately stripped of his armor and anything that could be used as a weapon. And since he was Warrior Caste, Neroon was surprised they didn't demand he be naked while waiting in the holding cell. The door slid open and Hedronn stepped in. His gaze was inscrutable, his body language distant.
"I'm surprised to see you here." Neroon spoke in the warrior dialect.
"I'm surprised to find myself here."
"Well, it's not everyday two old warriors find themselves unmade." Neroon admitted dryly. "Where is Delenn? Being sworn back into The Grey Council?"
"No, she's on her way to find Sech Turval. The old rascal is on a goodwill tour to one of our colonies. She was able to get a message to his ship earlier and made arrangements to meet with him."
"Why?" Neroon was genuinely confused.
"The humans have an odd form of jurisprudence. Delenn believes Sech Turval could aid your cause greatly by speaking on your behalf should the need arise. He does possess a formidable mind. He was also the most ruthless teacher I had ever come across." Hedronn unconsciously rubbed his left arm. "I still remember the sting of his reed whenever I said something that displeased him."
"He used to land his blows on my head. You were fortunate to have been beaten on your arm." Neroon said, reluctantly smiling. "Is it just me or was Sech Turval always that old? I don't remember ever meeting anyone who could recount tales of his youth."
"Turval was born old and with that damn cane in his hand." Hedronn replied easily. "So, if we are supremely lucky, the moment Captain Sheridan gives him any grief, he too will taste the bite of Turval's terror."
Neroon chuckled, "You think Turval's stick will crack that thick human skull? I doubt it."
"You've never seen Turval in his full and omniscient glory, Neroon. He can beat mountains into subservient hills when he sets his mind to it."
"Whose idea was it to find Turval?"
"Delenn's. She was his favorite student. If anyone can convince him to come to Babylon 5, it is she."
"I did not ask for her interference." Neroon said, "I do not want him to see me like this."
"Delenn doesn't give a whit about what you want, Neroon. All she can think about is Minbar and what will happen to our world the moment this gets out."
Neroon was astonished. "No one else knows?"
"No, Rathenn, Jerina and probably your people are the only other Minbari who know of your arrest. The old priest is meditating in his room, refusing to speak to anyone save Delenn. Jerina's been sworn to silence, and Delenn has convinced the humans to keep quiet about this for as long as possible. I believe Sheridan has not yet filed charges with Earth Dome."
"That does come as a surprise," Neroon admitted. "I would have thought the humans would have paraded my arrest in public as soon as I was thrown in here. So, are Captain Sheridan and his staff celebrating my downfall?"
"No, they are quiet about it. I think it comes as a shock to them ... they really believed Minbari do not kill Minbari."
"What do you believe?"
"What the evidence says, Neroon. But you do not have to answer to me, only to our people for what you have done."
"You have reviewed the evidence then?"
"Yes, and very thoroughly. They had enough to arrest you yesterday but waited until they were sure."
"Which means they are a determined lot." Neroon said, "And my people on Babylon 5?"
"They have all gone underground, as they should. But I hope they think twice before moving against Babylon 5. Jerina has made it a point to stand guard alongside the dozen security personnel lined in the hallway right outside your cell. She wants to make sure the Sun Hunters get their 'pound of flesh' as Mr. Garibaldi described it."
"How judicious of her."
"Neroon, you realize she's determined to see you destroyed, don't you?"
The warrior nodded tiredly, "Yes, I do."
"I hope you do not harbor any tender feelings for her. It will make it more difficult ..."
"I know," Neroon interrupted. "I have great respect and admiration for Jerina, but it was never about tenderness. I just wanted peace, Hedronn. Peace amongst our caste."
"It has been a difficult road, hasn't it?" Hedronn sat on the floor next to his comrade, his broad shoulders slightly bent.
"I thought the moment I took Delenn's place, we would finally get what we deserved. Now, look at us." Neroon took a deep breath, "Where did we go wrong, Hedronn? Was it because we violated Valen's wishes? Did he foresee this? Is that why he demanded three from each caste?"
"Best not to think like a member of the Religious Caste." Hedronn said, snapping Neroon out of his depression. "We have Rathenn, Delenn and her ground scraper, Lennier, to do that for us."
"Hedronn, I want you to do something for me."
"What?" The Satai asked warily.
"Find Quietbrook. I am bored and in need of entertainment. Tell her I wish to continue the conversation we began in my flyer. She will understand."
"Neroon, it's best not to depend on the humans for any form of fairness, especially that one."
"Just do as I ask, Hedronn. Please."
It was the 'please' that forced the Satai to seek out the doctor. He found her in Med Lab, juggling what looked like six different tasks simultaneously.
"Neroon wants to speak with you." Hedronn commanded, instantly getting Quietbrook's attention. "He says he wishes to continue a previous discussion you shared in his flyer."
Quietbrook didn't say anything for nearly a minute, driving Hedronn's frustrations closer to the breaking point.
"Did you hear what I said?" He thundered.
"Yes, I did." She responded thoughtfully. "I have a question and please answer honestly. When do warriors take off their gloves?"
Hedronn frowned, "Take off ... when they are resting."
"And the only place they would rest is what they would consider their personal quarters, correct?"
"Yes, of course, that could be anywhere." Hedronn replied, not understanding the reasoning behind this strange conversation.
"Can you do something for me? In exchange, I will speak with Neroon."
"What is it?" Hedronn's curiosity was stirred.
She handed him a colored marker. "Write the following question on my hand ..."
-- continued in part eleven --