PART 4 - The Delicate Balance of In-Between
by Jimmy, June 2, 2001
Lennier walked purposefully towards the lab, wondering if Doctor Quietbrook or Dr. Franklin was still working. It was half past two in the morning, earth time, and he believed most humans would be well ensconced in their beds by now.
"Isn't it a little late for you to be about, Lennier?"
Lennier felt the muscles on the back of his neck tighten in annoyance. Neroon always managed to bring out the worst in the acolyte. If there was anyone Lennier was capable of seriously disliking - it was Neroon. The Minbari possessed self-confidence that could only be described as arrogant, and his treatment of Delenn was not-too-subtle practice in cruelty. Lennier also didn't like the way Neroon acted towards the humans on Babylon 5. He had become quite fond of the staff, and Neroon's behavior always managed to leave him embarrassed and stumbling around for a proper explanation if not an apology.
"It could also be described as a little early, Satai Neroon." Lennier calmly responded, making sure to keep his eyes averted downward.
The left corner of Neroon's lips curled up in light amusement. The casual answer belied the supreme self-control Lennier mastered during his stay on Babylon 5. Neroon was also aware Lennier would never consciously betray Delenn no matter what tactics he employed. Adoration, unspoken love and false sense of destiny would make it nearly impossible for him to probe too deeply into the student's thoughts without having Lennier take flight. Best then to make it quick and waste as little time as possible for both.
"Are you by chance visiting the Med Lab?"
"I plan to in the near future, yes."
"I see you have acquired Delenn's propensity for deliberate obtuseness."
"Only as a necessity, Satai."
"I wish to speak to Dr. Franklin about Callimer's murder."
"The Bab-com is to your left. The directory should have his name. Good night." Lennier bowed curtly and began walking again.
Neroon stared after the acolyte with his mouth slightly ajar. He didn't think it possible, but the young Minbari just dismissed him - an elder and a member of The Grey Council with practiced ease. Lennier was halfway down the corridor when Neroon's hand landed firmly on his right shoulder.
"I suggest you visit the lab now." Neroon warned, his voice deepening audibly.
Lennier kept his head bowed, so Neroon could not see the youth's face, but he had a dawning suspicion the acolyte was laughing at him. Lennier led him docilely without another word through the various halls on the station.
"Who is it?" Franklin's voice greeted them as soon as they entered Med Lab. The temperature drop was noticeable. Neroon wondered if it was necessary for their work, or because the humans preferred a cooler climate. It didn't matter really, the coolness did much to soothe Neroon's temper.
"It is, I, Lennier. And I have a guest."
"Mr. Lennier, I was expecting you. Hold on a minute, I need to finish something."
The doctor bustled out from a back room holding numerous data crystals and a beaker tucked underneath his left arm. Lennier quickly took the glass container and stepped back to allow the doctor to settle himself into his terminal.
"Thank you." Franklin said and began plugging in the data crystals into the reader. "So what can I do for you and your guest at two-thirty in the morning?"
Lennier handed over the beaker, but not before a quick examination. The liquid in it had a curious, reflective color. "Ambassador Delenn assigned me to help you in any manner possible, Doctor Franklin. In case you have any questions about Minbari customs or physiology."
Franklin turned to Neroon, "And you are here because?"
"I wish to be updated about the investigation into Callimer's murder."
"Why? He isn't a member of your clan."
"How did you know that?"
"I read a lot. And Dr. Quietbrook is familiar with the Minbari caste system. Something about colors and schematics of your outfits."
"Where is Dr. Quietbrook?" Lennier asked, realizing Dr. Franklin was working alone.
"Back at the scene of the crime."
"Is that wise?" Lennier voiced genuine concern.
"No, but you try telling Dr. Quietbrook to stay put. She said she had extra tests to run and took off with bag and baggage about ten minutes ago."
"So is Dr. Quietbrook formally heading the investigation?"
"Yes and no. It depends on which stage of the investigation we're on. She initiates everything, and I get to sign off on it."
"And she has the necessary qualifications?" Lennier asked politely. "I am not questioning Captain Sheridan's judgment or yours ..."
"No, I know you're not, Lennier. Yes, she's very qualified for this. Probably more than I am."
"So, I should be helping Dr. Quietbrook right now."
Franklin was only too glad to get rid of the interruption, no matter how polite the interruption was. "Yes, you should be by her side even as we speak."
"Then I will go. Good evening, Doctor Franklin."
"Take care, Lennier." Franklin didn't acknowledge Neroon and returned to the data streaming across the computer terminal in front of him.
Neroon didn't take offense at the lack of recognition from the doctor. It curiously pleased him to see outright defiance from the human. Ever since becoming Satai, he was bombarded with fawning praises and undeserved respect from other Minbari. In fact, Neroon was completely sickened of the sycophantic behavior and treasured the moments when he was either left in peace or in the companionship of others who were unafraid to tell the plain truth to his face.
Lennier, recognizing Neroon's thoughts to be elsewhere, speedily removed himself from the lab in the hopes of disappearing before the Satai came to. However, he had little luck of getting rid of his companion as Neroon caught up with him as soon as he stepped out of the room. To his relief Neroon didn't press for either conversation or explanation of his odd behavior and allowed the youth to lead him into the night.
-- continued in part five --