Disclaimer: This is a continuing series based on the characterizations created by J. Michael Strazynski.
The intention is purely to further the interest in Babylon 5 and its characters, not to infringe on the rights of Mr. Strazynski or Babylonian Productions. The characters belong to them, the story is mine.
The Torch Carrying Series is rated: PG13
She didn't see Marcus again for quite some time. The ceremony was followed by a receiving line
the likes of which she hoped to never endure again. Dignitaries and ministers, Gray Council and
ambassadors from every member of the Alliance. This was the part of the job she knew she
would savor least -- the hobnobbing, quite frankly the bullshit politics. If this was as bad as it
got, she couldn't complain. But all these faces -- this sea of well-wishers --- they were beginning
to bore her to tears.
Just when she was about to excuse herself, propriety be damned, a familiar face appeared
before her. Marcus. "Entil'Zha veni!" He proclaimed with a sly smile.
She bowed and returned the smile. "I was wondering if you got lost in this crowd."
"Actually, I ran into a few friends -- told them maybe I could slip them in among the
big shots to pay their respects." He stepped aside and there before her stood his brother.
William Cole.
"Will!" She scolded. "Your supposed to be in bed!" But a smile escaped from her lips at the
sight of him up and about.
"Susan. I had to be here, you know that." He smiled as he addressed her so informally.
"Besides, I've got my nurse here to take good care of me." He motioned to the human medical
technician standing at his side. Obviously, not hired based solely on her medical skills.
"Will." She reprimanded him further. "Your supposed to be recuperating."
"Susan, a man risks his life, goes through hell and back -- you think you could let a guy have a
little fun." He winked. "If you know what I mean."
Relenting, she agreed. "I suppose you have earned it."
Laughing out loud, Will grabbed a hold of his nurse and began to walk away. "I wasn't talking
about me!"
Hoping to disguise the red that had begun rising in her cheeks, she turned and playfully slugged
Will as he walked past. When returned to her place in line, she was face to face with Marcus again.
"You'll make sure he gets back to bed?"
"Of course, but first -- I have another surprise," He said.
"Another?" She was surprised.
Marcus turned his back to her and returned from the crowd with the Garibaldi's in tow -- Michael
and Mary. Ivanova was overwhelmed. "Garibaldi! Mary! I thought -- when I talked to you, you
were--."
"Do you honestly think I'd miss this chance? See the infamous Susan Ivanova-- fawned over,
the object of an endless line of bowing and scraping from hundreds of big wigs?" Garibaldi
teased her. "The only thing that worries me is that your head might explode and you'll injure
countless innocent bystanders."
"Dad!" Mary was humiliated. Hoping to rescue the situation, she added. "Entil 'Zha Ivanova, I
am so honored to be present at your swearing in. I will never forget this day."
Ivanova suppressed a laugh, knowing that Mary took her place as a Ranger trainee very
seriously. "Mary. Just three weeks ago you kicked my butt in a game of tennis. I'm Susan,
unless addressing you in an official capacity. Is that understood?"
"Yes ma'am... Entil-- Susan." Mary agreed, awkwardly.
Ivanova looked back to the trainee's father. "You sticking around for dinner?"
"'Fraid not." He shook his head. "As much as I'd like to see you squirm in that get-up a little
longer, I've got to get back to Edgars-Garibaldi." Looking from his daughter back to Susan.
"Make sure you take good care of her."
Susan shook his hand in agreement. "She'll do well. You'll be very proud."
"I already am." He kissed his daughter on the head and escorted her through the line.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
Later than evening, Ivanova managed to slip away from the congratulatory handshakes and pats
on the back. She didn't know exactly where she was going, but instead wandered the streets of
Tuzanor with no purpose in mind. Just serenity. Her wandering brought her to a small temple.
She gazed up at the temshwee, who even at dusk managed to seem bushy tailed as they flew
through the rafters. She yawned at their enthusiasm.
In the distance, a handsome male Ranger scrutinized the new Entil'Zha. "Well Ranger One," He
spoke in a whisper. "I'm sorry to have to start your tenure out with such a sour note -- but I'm
afraid I can't play favorites. So sad it had to be you." He continued to watch her as she slowly
inspected the grounds.
The hazy glow of twilight cast interesting shadows over the temple walls - one in particular
created a rather ominous looking design. The statue of Valen. Ironically, she thought the same
thing Marcus had over twenty years earlier. Could this actually be the man I called friend?
Jeffrey Sinclair. And if so, Where was he now? Did he exist in another time, or was he simply a
part of the past - both hers and the Minbari culture's.
"He's out there.... somewhere." The voice behind her startled her momentarily, but suddenly she
realized, it didn't really surprise her. Marcus. He knew where to find her, even though she herself had
no destination in mind when she began her walk. There was no explanation, and none was
needed.
"Its a nice thought." She looked at him, as if telling him - I knew you'd be here.. "But not very
logical."
"Still a fan of logic?" He asked. "I'd have thought by now you would have sworn it off."
She laughed. "Maybe I should."
"Well then... allow me to help you get off on the right foot." He stepped toward her as they both
glanced at Valen's image. "I've come to spirit you away."
She yawned in response. "I'm completely exhausted Marcus. I'm beginning to think maybe I am
too old for this job. Besides, I've-- we've got to get started on this terrorism issue."
"Exactly why a bit of R&R will do you good." Looking to her thoughtfully. "What do you say?"
"I say..." She contemplated. "I say... I'm too tired to argue. Lead the way." He took her hand
and they left the temple together.
In the shadows, the hidden Ranger sneered. "Good. Very good. I hope you don't mind Entil'Zha
Ivanova -- but since the cat is going to be away, I think I'll have a little fun with the local mice."
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
Ivanova scowled underneath the makeshift blindfold Marcus had created out of an old scarf.
"You know, you never would have gotten away with this in my younger years."
"Yes Methuselah," He agreed, sarcastically. "Your ancient, and I'm lucky the years have soften
you. Now could you just watch your step here. I don't want to be responsible for giving the new
Ranger One a broken limb." He helped her down a secluded Minbari street. "Now, just a bit
more ahead... and turn. Here we are." He removed the blindfold with flourish.
"OK -- its a door. What was so secretive about a door?" she asked. "I mean, I know we're
definitely not in Tuzanor anymore. That shuttle ride took us at least 50 miles away."
"Your absolutely right there. We're definitely not in Kansas anymore... or maybe we are." He
opened the door.
The sight that welcomed Ivanova was overwhelming. The interior of this Minbari home was
adorned to look like a rustic Earth cabin. Simulated oak was everywhere -- shades of burgundy,
brown and green created a intimate homelike atmosphere. An authentic fireplace cast a ruddy glow over every
corner. Susan took a deep breath. "Where did this place come
from?" She asked amazed.
Marcus led her inside. "John had it built shortly after transferring to Tuzanor with Delenn. Sort
of a home away from home. The local workers all thought he was mad of course. But Delenn
was sure it was something you could appreciate."
"Its beautiful," She said, barely audible.
"Let me give you the grand tour," He offered. As they entered the main room, Susan plopped
down playfully on the plush sofa. As she sank in, she almost giggled. "How wonderful not to
have to sit like a solider! What is it with the Minbari and their need to have perfect posture at all
times?"
He laughed and pointed out that all of the furniture had been shipped from Sheridan's ancestral
home on Earth. "Practically every piece is an antique."
She stood, ready to see the rest. "Not antique. Lived-in, well-used. Come on, show me
around the place."
He proceeded to the kitchen area, which was fully stocked with goodies from Earth. "Earth
food!" After enduring the endless buffet of flarn and other Minbari foodstuffs this evening, she
practically salivated at the delicacies in front of her.
"Plus Russian caviar," He pointed out. "And a beverage called Smirnoff? Delenn said Sheridan
kept no alcohol, for obvious reasons, but I had this sent in. I understand its very popular where
you come from."
Susan gave a sly smile. "Now you've done it. Corrupting Ranger One before she even begins
her official duties."
"Before you accuse me of corruption, maybe I should finish the tour first. You may have more
ammunition to add to your list." She followed him as he walked to the next room.
The bedroom. If the rest of the house had been welcoming, this room beckoned to her soul. A
queen size, four poster bed took up much of the room -- ornamental mesquito netting draped
around the perimeter, soft downy pillows and a huge feather bed which seemed redundant in the
mass of softness that covered the mattress.
"I think one could get lost in a bed like that." He said, apprehensively.
"Its the most beautiful thing I think I've ever seen." She touched the downy fabric. "I hope you
have a good alarm. If I fall asleep in there, I'll never make it to Tuzanor by the end of caesura
(the Minbari equivalent of a weekend)." Appropriately she finished the statement with a yawn.
"Tired?" He asked.
"Completely," She sighed. "But I'm still too keyed up to sleep." She didn't know what his plans
were for the evening, but she didn't want him to leave just yet -- maybe not at all.
"Come," He offered. "Lets have a little bite to eat and I'll fix you something to help you relax."
As they started to leave the room, she pointed to the giant window which took up the entire far
wall. "What's out there?"
"That," He teased. "Is a surprise. You'll see in the morning."
He led her back to the living room, as he made his way to the adjacent kitchen. Through the
open area separating the two he asked, "So what will it be? Coffee -- the genuine article. Or
some of this--" He picked up the bottle and read it again. "Smirnoff?"
"Oh, no." She made her way to join him. "Allow me to introduce you to the decadence that is a
Lemon Drop." She looked through some cabinets. "That is, if we have lemons!"
"Lemons?" He picked one out of a drawer and tossed it in the air to her. "A bitter little Earth fruit.
Is it not?"
She caught the flying lemon. "I prefer Tart. There's a big difference you know," With a saucy
gleam in her eye. "Between bitter and tart."
"I have a feeling I'm about to find out." He said.
Later, the two relax on the cozy sofa enjoying the warmth of the fire. Each sunk into the softness
with their heads resting at angles on the billowy back cushions. The remains of the caviar,
crackers and lemon slices are scattered on the table beside them, next to a bottle of vodka,
three-quarters empty.
Susan grumpily reached down and rubbed at her sore feet. "Thank Valen the days of pomp and
circumstance are over. If my feet hurt next week I can be satisfied that its due to hard work, not
parading in front of the masses."
"Poor dutiful Susan," He reached down and grabbed hold of her tired feet, placing them
strategically in his lap. "Don't worry, come Monday you can really dig your heels into Ranger
politics. No pun intended. Maybe you can outlaw pageantry all together?"
Caught up in the sensual tide he is creating with his innocent caress, she did not respond.
Instead, she forced herself to concentrate on the fire in front of her. Conversation, she prodded
herself. Make conversation!
"Its funny," Susan said softly. "That the fireplace still exists in a world where computers keep
indoor temperature at a constant comfort level."
"Some things," Marcus suggested. "Retain their beauty and necessity, even when the world
around them changes."
Susan stared at him. "Is that what I am? A necessity?"
The vodka gave him more courage than he could typically muster in front of Susan, allowing
him to give in to all his doubt and concern. "Like breathing."
"I'm all you know," She brushed the comment aside. "Will and I that is. We're all you have left
from your past. Give it some time. You'll find there are still plenty of--"
"If you say 'fish in the sea' I swear I'll unleash upon you the most unmerciful foot tickling you
could ever imagine!" He grabbed hold of her foot, poised to begin the torture.
"You wouldn't dare," She threatened.
"Are you threatening me Entil 'Zha?" He asked.
She struggled to retain her feet, but he was relentless. "Why don't you just give in Susan?"
The question is not directed in reference to the tickle torture, and she is well aware of the fact.
Relaxing, having realized that he was yielding as well -- she answered him honestly, from the
heart. "Because I don't even know where to begin. So many unfathomable things have
happened to us. I look at you and-- I don't even have any idea what to say to you most of the
time."
"What's the old Earth idiom?" He asked. "'Actions speak volumes?'"
She grappled with her feelings and words. "Its just--"
In a smooth, fluid motion, he crossed the divide between them on the sofa and placed a finger to
her lips. "Actions, Susan. Actions." With that he pulled her in and kissed her full force on the
mouth. Her lips, tight with the initial surprise, fell away to a softness which allowed him to part
them easily.
The thunderous sound of her heart beating was the only other sensation she was aware of -- her
senses lost in a vortex created by his warm welcoming mouth. The reassuring power of his hand
as it reached up behind her back-- easing its way into the web of chestnut silk that fell behind
her, was the only grasp she seemed to have left on reality. It was easy for her to let this feeling
take control -- its one she had imagined time and again, in her sleep and waking fantasies, only
this time he wasn't going to disappear. Or was he?
The reality of the idea that he might leave again -- this time for real, not just in her head -- scared
her to death. It was easy to love the memory of Marcus. But this living, breathing Marcus could
get up and walk out. Could realize that there are better ways to live out the gift of life he was
given. She pulled away, feeling an emotion that had rarely interceded in her life-- fear.
He held her fast as she tried to back away. "Susan!" He demanded. "Look at me." She refused
to return his gaze. "Bloody hell, Susan." He lifted her chin so that their eyes met. "Don't you
think you better let me make the decisions about how I'm going to live my life?"
"I don't know what you--" She said.
"Don't give me any more of your patented explanations. Don't you think I know what this is all
about? I know everything. I know you mourned for me when I left. I know that you resented
what did or didn't happen between us on Babylon 5. And I know you dreamt about what could
have been for twenty years, while you cloistered yourself in your duty , honor and career." He
said the words with contempt. "I know that you think I'm the only one who's forfeited twenty
years of life, but you're so very wrong -- you squandered the same damned twenty years--
shutting yourself off from any emotional connection that even hinted at being the slightest bit
genuine."
"Marcus--" she tried to break in.
The look on his face made it quite clear he would not tolerate any interruptions, but he said the
words to make sure she understood. "You will do me the great favor of kindly keeping your
mouth shut!" He ordered. "I realize it will be an incredible challenge for the almighty Ivanova,
but you'll do it-- nonetheless."
In an utter state of shock, Ivanova said nothing. "What's more, I know that on that blasted day
twenty years ago, when I was hooked to that god-for-saken machine, you heard me tell you I
loved you! And you know what? I still love you, Valen help me." Emotionally exhausted, he ran
a hand though his raven hair in frustration. Susan is silent, afraid to speak, not knowing if he has
completed his tirade.
His eyes rested upon her in a helpless stare. Praying that in even some small way, he was
getting through. Knowing full well that if he didn't, he'd easily give up another twenty years
repeating himself until she relented. But now he would play his trump card. He took a deep
breath and continued with slow deliberate words, determined that she would not mistake one
syllable. "There's one last thing that I know -- and it's something I'm not even sure you yourself
are aware of yet. But aside from the fact that I love you-- You, Susan Ivanova, love me!"
Susan was completely silent. The reality of all he had said had hit her like a ton of bricks. Yes, of course she loved him. And the thought that he loved her, well - it wasn’t exactly news to her. Maybe it was time she owned up to the feelings that had been hanging over her for more than twenty years. Maybe--
"You can speak now." Marcus said. Realizing that she just might be afraid given his previous outburst.
And then Susan did something that was rare indeed. She smiled and laughed out loud. "I wasn’t quite sure." The smile lingered as she continued. "Marcus -- hold on to your...pike, but -- you’re right. I love you. And no, I really didn’t know it until just this moment. I mean, I knew that you loved me since-- and after you were gone I regretted never giving you the chance. When you came... back-- Well, I guess that I was afraid. Afraid that maybe I was right to shut you out back then, and afraid that I was definitely wrong for you now."
"Susan--" He urged.
"No, no. You made me listen, now its my turn." She said. "You are right. I wasted a lot of time making myself and everyone around me miserable. Since you came back, I’ve started really seeing things, you know? Not just going through the motions, but participating in my life. And I don’t want to waste time anymore. I don’t want to lose you again. I don’t want to lose me again."
He took her hand. "Susan, I will never allow you to become lost."
"I think I always knew that -- somewhere, inside," She said.
"Can I go back a few moments?" He grinned. "You did say that you loved me too right?"
She shook her head in response. Still afraid to speak the words too many times. "I said it."
"Then I’m pretty sure that settles it."
Susan looked perplexed. "Settles what, exactly?"
With a flourish of his cloak behind his back, Marcus lifted Susan up into his arms and carried her off to the decadent bed chamber. "Marcus," she screamed in between fits of laughter. "Your insane. Your not well. Your going to give yourself a hernia! Your--"
As they arrive at the bedroom he responded, "I’m perfectly sane. I’ve never felt more alive. And your as light as a feather. However... I will put you down, as it does seem to be the means to the end I have in mind." The devilish grin returns, as he places her carefully in the center of the four poster bed and began to remove his cloak.
"In Valen’s name." She gasped. "I almost forgot, you never--"
He looked at her with seriousness on his brow, but joked, "I’ve never... but I’m pretty sure the clothes come off first, right?"
Susan inched towards the end of the bed. "The clothes definitely come off. But sometimes its nice if you don’t have to do it yourself." Kneeling on the bed in front of him, she began to undress the novice.
As she worked at his clothes he asked. "Do you think it would be prudent of me to remove your clothing as well?"
"Extremely," she breathed.
Each worked at undoing and unfastening this and that, but gradually their impatience took hold. "Bloody hell," Marcus said. "I think this might be much more interesting if we took care of the rest as we went along." Quickly, he bounded onto the bed and pulled her down underneath him. His chest bare, her blouse unbuttoned.
Lips met lips, and tongues became reacquainted. The heat and sweltering passion between them was sweltering. Never permitting his mouth to leave hers, he carefully worked at undoing the rest of her buttons, allowing his hands entrance to her silky skin beneath the formal Ranger uniform. The touch of her skin was like heaven to him -- if he believed in heaven. Hell, it made reconsider his atheism.
At his first touch, Susan writhed underneath him. Arching her back upwards to meet the touch of his hand. His fingers roamed from the small of her back to her taut stomach... teasing, daring to inch upwards to reach her breasts. All the while, their mouths locked together in a molten exchange, searching -- reaching to reassure that the other was there, and would remain.
"Marcus," she gasped. "I was so wrong to doubt you."
"No more doubts, nothing but perfect clarity... my darling Susan."
She sat up in response, reaching for him. Pulling his shirt off and letting her fingers wander down his chest to his waist. An urgency of emotional need overcame her and she pulled him in close, wanting to feel the warmth of his skin against hers. She embraced him. Her face against the soft curly hair on his chest. "This is where I belong."
He caressed her hair, whispering into its softness. "I could have told you that a long time ago." Smiling, he pulled her away to look into her eyes. "Your still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen." And he kissed her, with patient tenderness at first. Then with the urgency of a man who had waited twenty years for the woman he loved. Needing to be as close to this woman as was humanly possible.
They made love through the night. Susan introducing Marcus to the fulfillment of their erotic desires. And Marcus, acquainting Susan with the freedom of letting her heart guide the way. It was a perfect combination and they both knew it.
As the sun began to rise on Minbar, Marcus lie awake with Susan wrapped lovingly across his chest, sleeping peacefully. Her hair cascaded over him and her arm held securely around his torso. And he swore there was no feeling to rival it in the known universe. Not even the passion they had unleashed the night before. This was what it was all about. This tranquillity.
Susan stirred slightly and, realizing where she was -- hugged Marcus tightly around the chest. "Good morning."
"Good morning, love." He softly stroked her body over the soft sheets. "Sleep well?"
"Oddly, considering how little actual sleep I got -- I feel amazingly refreshed." She smiled to herself, and looked up at him. He kissed her gently.
"As much as I don’t want to move from this heavenly position -- Get up!" He ordered. Throwing the sheets off the two of them.
"What are you doing!" She wailed.
He walked to the closet and removed two robes. Throwing one in her direction, he ordered. "Put it on, we don’t have all day."
Baffled, she obeyed, as he did the same. When they were covered he opened the blinds which covered the large window she had asked about the night before. The sight that welcomed her was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. A forest of sorts, littered with strange Minbari trees which easily stood 200 feet in the air. Falling from each tree were thousands, no millions of the smallest, most delicate looking pink and lavender leaves. The sky literally seemed to be snowing pink and lavender. "Its breath-taking." Susan said.
"Your breath-taking." Marcus responded. Pulling her into him and kissing her quickly on the head. "Come." He guided her out the door into the middle of the pastel shower.
The flurries scattered over them, creating a beautiful contrast with the ebony and sorrel colors of their hair. Susan gazed up at Marcus and lightly touched his face. “Thank you.”
"I didn’t do a thing." He insisted. "You're the one who waited 20 years for me to thaw out." He smiled.
"“This is the most wonderful day of my life." She said.
A sound startled them from their sublime experience -- pounding and crashing, metal and glass. Two Rangers appeared in the large open window where their bedroom sat. The men were covered in soot, their cloaks torn. Susan ran towards them, fearing the worst. "What is it? What’s happened?"
"Entil’Zha,"” One of them addressed her. "You must come right away. The Ranger base at Tuzanor-- has been attacked. Several are dead, many injured. Satai Delenn told us where to find you. You must come now."
Marcus and Susan exchanged frantic glances.
To be continued...
