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 ..." * * * * * * * * "I don't know if it's a good idea to let you see him." Zack said. "Listen, I have got to do this." Beano explained patiently, switching the medical kit she held from one hand to the other. "It'll only take a minute, and he's not stupid. He knows the moment he moves in on me, he'll be nothing but ashes." "I'll be looking in on the monitor." "Thanks, Zack." Beano said, effectively ending any further argument the guard could have presented by expressing her gratitude. Quietbrook stopped at the doorway to the cooled cell. It jarred her to see the warrior without his armor; Beano had gotten used to seeing him in his full gear with the shoulder guards and the hooded cape. Neroon answered her gaze with a questioning look. "I have to take your blood." She said, "There's some type of infection going on amongst the alien population. I want to make sure you don't drop dead in the next few days and cause even more trouble than you are doing now." Neroon's face revealed his displeasure as he rolled up his right sleeve. "Are you enjoying yourself, human?" "If I really wanted to have fun with this, I would have brought a straw instead of a hypodermic." She said without a trace of impatience. "I was in the room." Neroon whispered. "I spoke to Callimer." She took a deep breath, "Was Adolyn there?" "Yes, but when we left him, he was alive. I swear on my clan's honor." "Why did you not say this earlier?" "I did not know who to trust." He admitted. "I still do not, but I have no choice. Whoever made this trap knew about the meeting, and all who were involved are Minbari. You are not." Beano unfurled her right hand and flashed her palm at him. Neroon was surprised to see the question was written in his native tongue. Why did Callimer take off his gloves? Neroon frowned slightly and tipped his head to the side to indicate his confusion. He saw a look of understanding in her eyes, and a slow but sure smile dawned on her lips. "That'll be all." Beano said, wrapping up the needle and the blood sample. "Hope it didn't hurt too much." Neroon didn't even bother to answer that useless statement. Pain was something the warrior was used to, and unless it crippled him, Neroon just brushed it aside. Before she left, Beano threw a fast but deliberate look at a corner. The warrior managed to avoid taking a furtive glance until after her departure. Neroon was aware he was being watched but now he knew where the camera was located. Her question ricocheted in his mind. Why did it matter to her that Callimer did not wear his gloves? * * * * * * * * Beano walked by the duty desk and found a stranger instead of Zack. "How's it going?" The guard said. "It could be better. I'm Dr. Quietbrook by the way." "I'm Jerry McCullen." "Garibaldi told me about you. How are you doing?" "It could be better. This whole thing is making me nervous." Jerry took a hard look at the monitor. "Can't trust them you know." Beano carefully made sure her face remained unchanged. "No, you can't. But then what can you expect from them?" Jerry turned to her, "You don't exactly sound happy. I thought you'd be dancing in the aisles for building such a solid case against this animal." Beano smiled and shrugged, "It's just my exhaustion talking. Listen, I have to run this by the lab so I should get going. Take care of yourself. I don't want anything to happen to one of our star witnesses." "I'll be fine," Jerry said. "If there's anyone we should worry about, it's you, doc." "Thanks, but I'll be fit and ready after some quality sleep, which I haven't had in the last three days." "I have a great idea. I'll be going off duty in an hour. Why not have a drink with me down at the Zocalo? No strings attached, I swear. You look like you need to have at least one to nurse to bed." "Actually, that does sound good. But no strings attached, like you said." "Hey, doc, right now, I don't think I can handle anything more than someone with a sympathetic ear." "You and me both, McCullen." Beano said, her smile broadening. She bent over the terminal and whispered conspiratorially, "Do you know what's another name for Minbari beds?" "What?" Jerry asked. "Birth control." Jerry's laughter followed Beano right into the tube. * * * * * * * * Rathenn expelled a deep breath of air when he heard the stumbling outside his door. "Enter, Lenann" The aide actually managed to look dignified when the door slid open. And by all miracles, the tea tray was still firmly lodged in his hands. "What is it?" Rathenn asked, rousing himself from his meditation. "Satai Hedronn is still demanding to talk to you." Rathenn sighed, "Tell him I will be meditating a while longer and cannot be disturbed. I will return his call when I'm finished." "Yes, Satai." Lenann bowed. "I cannot help but wonder what the rest of The Grey Council thinks about having all of you on Babylon 5. I'm half expecting Valen'tha to come out of hyperspace with the Council demanding your return." Rathenn chuckle died in his throat. "In Valen's name ..." The priest whispered. "Lenann, I will take Hedronn's call. Now." * * * * * * * * Sheridan couldn't concentrate on Susan's report from C&C; the distress on Delenn's face still haunted him. Please, keep the silence as long as you can. As an act of kindness to me. He couldn't open his mouth to say another word after her plea so he just nodded and watched helplessly as she climbed into her flyer. He was still unsure about her relationship to her dear, old friend, Rathenn, but he had a growing suspicion it was nothing but friendship. Of course, that didn't mean Rathenn felt the same, and Sheridan felt slight pity for the Minbari for what he hoped would ultimately be unrequited love. "Captain?" Rathenn's voice startled Sheridan out of his reverie. The Minbari had a supernatural talent for showing up whenever John was thinking about him. "I apologize for the interruption ..." "Don't be." Sheridan said magnanimously. His good mood immediately dissipated when he saw Hedronn standing behind Delenn's friend. Their last confrontation didn't end well for either of them, and it was obvious from the look on Hedronn's face the Minbari was still smarting over it. Sheridan hadn't forgotten Delenn's kind could hold a grudge well through several reincarnations, and Hedronn will probably carry his until the Second Coming of Valen. "What can I do for you?" "Rathenn here tells me you are a military man in spite of your behavior with Drala Fi. So, try to wrap your mind around this idea, if you can." "If you're here to discuss the Black Star incident," Sheridan said, his temper already flaring. "I don't have the time or the inclination ..." "We are not here to discuss the war!" Rathenn's voice suddenly boomed, shocking the other two people in the room into chastised silence. "We're here to discuss a conspiracy that can bring down the Minbari people and quite possibly kill Delenn before she leaves hyperspace!" Sheridan paled visibly at Rathenn's last statement. "What are you talking about? What's wrong with Delenn?" "Captain," Rathenn was once more the serene priest. "Has Delenn told you about the rift between the Sun Hunters and the Star Riders?" Sheridan nodded, "It sounds like a royal mess. I hope you'll be able to bring about a peaceful resolution, for all your people." "Thank you, Captain." Rathenn sounded genuinely grateful. "From the beginning we were laboring under the assumption that Neroon came here to meet with Callimer for one of two reasons. Either to bring peace between his clan and the Sun Hunters, or to kill Callimer who was a rival for Jerina's affections." "Yes, that tracks." "But what if Neroon was being used as bait?" "Bait for what?" Sheridan said, confused. "I am a member of The Grey Council as you probably suspected." Hedronn admitted. "But so is Rathenn here." "And Delenn still retains a powerful influence among the Religious Caste, in spite of her physical change." Rathenn added, "Should anything happen to her, our caste would suffer an incalculable loss." "Don't tell me Neroon is a member of The Council also." Sheridan asked weakly. "Yes, he is." Rathenn said, "And that means ..." "A third of The Grey Council is now on my space station. Oh, hell." "We're perfect targets. If there is a successful assassination coup on our persons, The Grey Council will be devastated." "And those left behind," Hedronn said slowly, "Shall I say they are not the most qualified of The Council to lead our people?" "And there's something else." Rathenn added, "Valen'tha, the ship that The Grey Council uses ... the last we heard, it's heading towards Babylon 5. They were wondering what has happened to us, and specifically to Neroon." "Plans within plans, Sheridan." Hedronn whispered hoarsely. "Can you see it?" John examined the Minbari sitting across the desk. Fear. Nothing but fear radiated from them. And when a Minbari of their stature was frightened, it was usually for all the right reasons. "Contact the ship," Sheridan said, "Tell them to not approach Babylon 5, no matter what." "We tried," Rathenn said, "But Valen'tha travels under a powerful cloaking device to protect The Grey Council. We do not know where they are." Sheridan digested the unwanted bit of news with surprisingly little rancor. "You have to return to your ships immediately. I'll dispatch Starfuries to escort Delenn back to you. I can't risk having her back on Babylon 5. As soon as we get you together, you're leaving this sector, and you will stay away until we find out what in hell is going on here." "And Neroon?" Hedronn asked. "I'll keep him here for a while. We can't transfer him without tipping off whoever is responsible for this conspiracy. But the moment we can secure a way, he'll be returned to you." "Thank you, Captain Sheridan." Rathenn said. "I know this must sound far-fetched to your ears." "No, actually, this is the first thing that makes sense since the spoo hit the fan. I can't believe ... the entire Grey Council." Sheridan hit his link, "Garibaldi, report to me immediately." "Yes, Captain." Garibaldi's voice drifted out. "What will you do?" Hedronn asked. "Make sure Neroon's safe in his cell." Sheridan said. "And arrange proper escorts for you to your flyers. Do you think you'll be safe in your ship?" "Reasonably so," Rathenn said. "Lenann's been made aware of the situation and has stepped up the security in Yedor. He also made sure Babylon 5's sensors would not pick up the change in the cruiser's system." "Good, let's keep it that way." "You don't trust your people, do you?" Hedronn said incredulously. "Someone in Babylon 5 is involved." Sheridan said angrily. "Someone is partially responsible for this travesty and I plan to find him and rip his head off after he tells me why he did it." * * * * * * * * Beano waved to Jerry who smiled broadly when he spotted the doctor. "Got one already, I see." He said. "What is it?" "Whiskey, straight up." Beano answered, "You can't go wrong with a classic." "No, certainly can't." Jerry ordered the same. "So, how are you doing?" Beano sat back in her chair and sighed. "Exhausted. I ran myself to the ground trying to build a solid case against the Minbari. But you know how it is, politics will get in the way and we won't see one day of justice come out of this whole damn mess." "You're big on justice, aren't you?" Jerry asked. "I know because a friend of mine back on Earth Dome told me about your track record. Five death of personalities. That's a lot." "They were monsters and they deserved what they got." Beano said curtly. "Sorry, didn't mean to yell." "No, I understand. I really do." Jerry played with his glass, not drinking the alcohol. "You know who the Minbari is?" "Neroon? Oh, yes, I do." Beano whispered softly. "He's directly responsible for my mother's murder." "You do know then." "He was second-in-command to Shai Alyt Branmer. And Branmer was the one who planned that wholesale slaughter we euphemistically call The Battle of The Line. I think between the two of them we can safely say they took about a hundred thousand lives easy, including my family's." "But that was war," Jerry countered delicately. "War?" Beano echoed. "They knew we couldn't fight back. Their technology is centuries ahead of ours. So what kind of war is that? Where is the honor in fighting an enemy who could not possibly win? The Minbari speak of honor, of compassion, of ... duty but when it came down to it, they didn't think twice to ask what really happened with Dukhat. They just decided that genocide was the proper course of action and to hell with what the rest of the universe thinks." "It's their world, we just live in it." Beano smiled thinly, "It's so unfair, isn't it? Just once I would like to see the playing field leveled." "Is that what you're trying to do with the investigation?" "Trying being the proactive word. I've done this long enough to know what will fly in the courts and what won't. The stuff we gathered, it'll come apart if the defense has the right type of attorneys. And they always do." Beano sighed, "But that doesn't mean I won't go down fighting. My reputation is well known and it has to mean something to Earth Dome." "The Hakadas could always be counted to go down fighting." Jerry said softly. "Damn straight." Beano looked away to hide the sadness in her eyes. "And I will take the Minbari with me. All I have to do is figure out how." Jerry leaned closer, "What if I can guarantee that you'll have your justice?" "Sorry, had no idea you're G-d." "I'm serious. What if I can arrange it to happen?" "You and what army?" "The army that nearly got wiped out during the Earth-Minbari War. It won't be easy, but if you have the patience and the will, it can be done." Beano didn't say anything for over a minute, then met Jerry's expectant gaze. "I waited eleven years, Officer McCullen. What's a few days more? What do you need me to do?" * * * * * * * * "Lenann, there is a transmission waiting for you. It originated from Babylon 5." Lenann gave a nod of acknowledgement to the acolyte and played the message. He was expecting to be contacted by Rathenn, so it took him by surprise to see Quietbrook's face appear. She spoke in her native tongue and her agitation was very visible. Then information flashed across the screen, too fast for Lenann to decipher. He replayed the message more slowly and recognized the data. It was genetic prints of a Minbari matched with someone else. Someone who wasn't a Minbari. "Lennier," Lenann immediately called the only person he knew who understood English. "Come to my quarters, quickly. I think Quietbrook is in great danger." * * * * * * * * Franklin stretched his aching muscles, trying to refocus on the information Beano left behind. He didn't know exactly what she was trying to prove, but the written message wrapped around the data crystal told him she considered it important enough to interrupt his work. He heard the Med Lab door slide open behind him. "I'll be with you in a minute." The blow to the side of his head was perfectly aimed and Franklin tumbled out of his chair. His vision blurred with tears of pain, effectively blinding him from seeing his attacker. A solid kick into his kidneys drove him further into agony, but he managed to roll away while grabbing the booted foot still resting on his side. He yanked at it with all his might, gratified to hear a loud thud. Without hesitation Stephen charged for what he hoped was the door. It was then he heard the terrifying sound of a PPG warming up. The Med Lab door opened and Franklin ran right into Hedronn. The impact didn't even shake the Minbari warrior. In a blur of motion Hedronn shoved the human aside and threw his denn'bok at the masked assassin. The pike extended to its full length and smacked the attacker right at the center of his forehead, shattering the skull. Rathenn grabbed Franklin as the doctor fell to his knees. "We must contact Sheridan!" Hedronn nodded and dashed into the room. Rathenn heard him speak on the com and hoped Quietbrook had survived the attack also. Hedronn came out of the room, "Quietbrook is not in the lab, Rathenn." * * * * * * * * "I still don't believe it." Garibaldi said, "You really buy this Grey Council crap?" "The Minbari believe it," Sheridan answered. "And they're scared out of their minds. That has to count for something, even with you." "I have to admit, it was a little neat how everything fell into place." Garibaldi sighed, "But I thought that was my paranoia talking." "Always trust your paranoia, I do." The com rang and Sheridan answered. Beano's face appeared. "There isn't much time. I didn't know but I was being watched. Sheridan, it's a setup. Don't leave Neroon alone even for a minute. They're going to kill him. I recorded a meeting," She held up a tiny vid disk, "It'll tell everything you need to know. They've got people everywhere, don't trust anyone unless you know for sure." "Where the hell are you?" Sheridan asked. Beano turned to her left, her eyes widened. Then the screen went black. "C&C, this is Sheridan. Trace the last call into my office!" Garibaldi answered the buzzing on his link, "What is it?" The panic in Zack's voice was only too clear. "It's Doctor Franklin, someone just tried to kill him." * * * * * * * * Delenn came out of hyperspace before the intended time. She checked the controls, hoping Sech Turval's ship would also arrive earlier than planned. Suddenly the console lit up. Delenn frowned and checked. There were four ships on attack vector with her flyer. Raiders. She had nowhere to run but Delenn was determined to at least try. "This is Commander Ivanova, hold on Ambassador." Starfuries suddenly came into view and immediately began firing at the approaching ships. Delenn patiently watched the firefight, feeling nothing but pity for the strangers now engaged with Ivanova's squadron. As she expected, it didn't take long. The raiders were prepared to find one defenseless ship, not the best-trained fighter pilots from Babylon 5. "Something tells me you were expecting trouble, Commander." "Captain Sheridan asked me to personally see to your safety." Susan replied, half smiling, half smirking. "You can contact your friend when we return to the station." "I agree." Delenn replied. "Has something happened on Babylon 5 since my departure?" "Everything happened since you left. But first thing first, we need to get you to safety." * * * * * * * * Garibaldi led his three-man team to the area where Quietbrook transmitted her last call. As soon as he turned the corner, he knew he was too late. Lou, who was behind him, swore a colorful streak when he came upon the scene. "This is Garibaldi." Michael called Sheridan on his link. "Did you find her?" "No, sir," Garibaldi looked at the bloodied hall. "I think they got to her first. It looks like she put up one hell of a fight." "Don't give up on her yet, Michael." "I don't plan to, sir." He responded, "I'll call you as soon as I find something." "Hey, Chief," Lou said, "It looks like she went down this way." The group followed the bloody trail until they hit another corridor. Garibaldi turned to the left where the blood drops continued. Then to the right. His mind began racing. If I was being chased, and I knew I had to hide something before I got caught, where would I hide it? Garibaldi took the path on the right. She couldn't have gone far, had to double back in time to make sure she could lead them away from the disk. Garibaldi fell on his knees and began looking. He saw the vid disk glinting in the light, jammed between the floor and a door. Michael gingerly pulled it out, making sure he didn't damage the evidence. * * * * * * * * Neroon smelled it first, and his hunger overwhelmed him for a moment. While he was free, he was too busy to think about his own welfare. Now that he was made helpless, he could feel his body's needs overwhelming his senses. A human guard entered the cell with a tray of carefully prepared Minbari food. "Courtesy of your friend, Hedronn." Jerry said. "He demanded that we feed you on the clock." Neroon gave a gracious nod and took the tray. The warrior was glad to see roasted meat as the main course and not the usual bland vegetables the Religious Caste consumed. He was also grateful to note the absence of flarn. He hated that particular dish with fanatical passion. "What are you doing?" Zack asked from the doorway. "Giving the guy his dinner." Jerry said. "His Minbari friends demanded it." "I did no such thing." Hedronn appeared. Neroon's gaze narrowed and he slowly placed his tray on the floor. Zack leveled his PPG at Jerry, "Please, make a mistake. I really, really feel the need to kill someone today." Jerry saw the rage lurking underneath Zack's calm statement and raised his hands in surrender. Rathenn entered the room, holding Neroon's armor and weaponry. The prisoner fell on them with such unrestrained glee that he startled the priest. Zack escorted McCullen out of the room, leaving the three Minbari in privacy. "Neroon, there is a problem." Hedronn said. "There were attacks made on the human doctors. I managed to save Dr. Franklin from being killed, but the one called Quietbrook is missing." "She figured out how the evidence was tampered." Rathenn said breathlessly. "And who was behind this, but before she could reveal the conspirators, she was captured." "Is she still alive?" Neroon asked. "No one knows." Hedronn said darkly. "Sheridan's ripping apart the station to find her. And there was an attempt on Delenn's life." Neroon's eyes widened slightly, "Is she safe?" "Barely from what I heard. She's being escorted back with a full squadron for protection." "And it gets worse." Rathenn added, "Valen'tha is coming to Babylon 5." Neroon felt his strength being sapped off by the deluge of bad news. "How could I be so blind?" Hedronn answered, "We were all blind, Neroon. Not just you so the fault is also ours." "How long?" "Hours at most." Rathenn answered. "We cannot reach the ship so we cannot warn them of the dangers that await them." "And we still do not know who is responsible for this." Neroon finished the priest's sentence. "That's not totally true," Hedronn contradicted. "Before Quietbrook disappeared, she recorded a secret meeting with the human guard who tried to poison you. You should take a look." * * * * * * * * Sheridan sensed murderous rage from Neroon as he watched the disk. The Minbari's body tightened into a coil of frustrated muscle and will, and John wondered how long it would be before the warrior exploded into action. "He is not willing to talk?" Rathenn asked. "No, the guy's gone mute," Garibaldi answered. "I do have an idea on how to loosen his tongue, but I'm going to need your help." Neroon saw the determination in the human's eyes. "What do you require?" * * * * * * * * Zack still had no clue as to what Garibaldi was doing by taking McCullen out of his cell. And when they entered the Green Sector his confusion doubled. "Hey, Chief, what are we doing here?" "Finding religion, Zack. We're going to find religion for Jerry." They reached Delenn's quarters. Garibaldi opened the door to a sight that froze Zack's blood. Hedronn was now dressed in his full warrior armor, looking every bit as ferocious and enraged as Neroon who was standing besides him. "The funny thing about politics and borders on Babylon 5," Garibaldi said in a pedantic voice, "Is that in Delenn's room, it's Minbari space." With a mighty shove, he threw Jerry into the room. "Which means we can't touch or take anything in Ambassador Delenn's room. Interesting quandary, isn't it?" "It sure is, Chief. So you're saying we can't go into the Ambassador's quarters without her specific consent." Zack finally understood Garibaldi's game. "That's exactly what I'm saying. And since Delenn's been declared missing, I have no idea when we can retrieve our dear old pal, Jerry." "You can't do this," The prisoner whispered in terror. "You can't leave me here with them." "Listen to me you lying sack of gutless wonder. You used Lou to set up an innocent guy for a murder he didn't commit. Then you used me, me, to make sure the knife stays in his back. I have no patience for betrayal, Jerry, and you know exactly how I feel about treason. As far as I'm concerned, they can grind your bones to make gruel." Garibaldi looked at Neroon, "The walls are soundproof in case you're wondering." "That won't be necessary," Neroon said. "I plan to remove his tongue first. There's nothing he can say that could possibly interest me." Hedronn swooped down on Jerry like a starving vulture, and with one gloved fist lifted him clear off the floor. "You and your friends killed one of our finest warriors," Hedronn snarled, glad to return to the ways of his caste. "And that calls for blood. Yours will suffice." McCullen made a strangling noise. Hedronn leaned closer to the struggling figure, "Sorry, did you say something?" "Nothing interesting, I fear." Neroon turned to Garibaldi. "Thank you for bringing him here. Tell Captain Sheridan we will overlook my wrongful detention on Babylon 5 as we previously discussed." Hedronn opened his fist and Jerry crumpled to his knees. He took huge gasps of air before speaking. "I didn't kill anyone." He coughed out. "I don't believe you." Neroon approached McCullen until he towered over him. "Why should I?" "Because I can tell you who did ..." As McCullen stumbled over himself to tell his story, Zack leaned over to Garibaldi and whispered, "Hey, as Chief of Security, how can you do this?" "I don't have a problem with it. Why, don't you feel secure right now? I'm sure the Minbari feel secure in there, and I know I feel secure standing on this side of the door." Zack shook his head in frustration and amusement. "Remind me to never get on your bad side." "I don't have a bad side. Trust me." * * * * * * * * Sheridan peered into the dark, spotting a pinpoint of light at the end of the corridor. He turned around and gave Neroon a single nod. The Minbari noiselessly melted into the darkness at his signal. Sheridan ignored the shiver that went down his spine and continued onwards. The light became brighter and Sheridan lowered himself until he was crawling on the floor, his eyes trained for anything. However, the sight that greeted him as he edged into the room stopped his breath. He knew Beano had to be alive. She was still teetering on the chair, trying not to lose her precarious balance on it. Sheridan aimed at the top of the noose that had a stranglehold on the battered prisoner. He would have only one shot. Neroon couldn't believe the human was still conscious. He had witnessed hardened soldiers die of lesser injuries. Suddenly there was a rain of PPG fire. Garibaldi had commenced his attack and the room was soon filled with blinding fury of light. A security officer, while trying to dodge from the return fire, jostled Sheridan, causing him to miss his target. The person closest to Quietbrook ducked behind her, using her as a shield. Sheridan shouted, "It's over! You're surrounded!" "She's not dead yet!" Garibaldi added when he saw the man pull out a PPG. "So this isn't murder. Think! You know what Earth Dome will do to you if she dies!" Neroon saw the torturer hesitate but then read the look of grim determination in the creature's eyes. Before he could even make a move the human kicked the chair out from underneath Quietbrook; the loud snap as the rope became taut froze him only for a moment. He charged towards the dangling figure, heedless of any danger. Sheridan successfully shot the rope, severing it, and Neroon caught her before her body hit the ground. Garibaldi tackled the human and slammed him to the floor. In a blink of an eye the room was crawling with security personnel. "Medic!" Garibaldi screamed down the corridor. "We need a medic, now!"