Address criticisms to [xazqrten@coc.net] Without, it there can't be any improvement.
************************************************ "That was not your best idea, Susan," said Lochley. "How was I supposed to know she would have him in there?" "Well, she is a female and he looks like a male," replied Lochley. "I think it is good that she has someone who cares for her," commented Delenn. "They’re like animals in heat," retorted Susan. "...And you and Charles aren't," countered Lochley. "Speak for yourself and Larry," replied Susan. "Are you two going to engage in a, what is the human term...cat fight?" Asked Delenn. Both women stopped and looked at her. Then they laughed. "I guess I just don't think of Lyta in normal human terms," noted Susan. "I have noted that," commented Delenn, solemnly. "She is your best friend, Susan, and you don't think of her as human." "I didn't mean it like that, Delenn. I love her like a sister, and you don't think of brothers and sisters in the same way you do everyone else. I didn't think of my brother as a male because I didn't think of him in sexual terms." "I know what you mean, Susan. I had someone like that once," agreed Lochley. Delenn considered those statements for a moment, and then thought of her parents. "I understand, Susan. My apologies for jumping to conclusions." "Shall we buy supper and see a show? It won't be a total wash," said Susan. ******************************************************* He could hear someone singing somewhere. It seemed a long way off. Slowly he opened one eye. The lights were on and the singing was coming from the shower. As he tried to move, his body reminded him how out of shape he was by aching all over. [If I don't get back in shape, this woman is going to kill me.] "Are you awake yet, Sheraun?" [She isn't human...of course she isn't, you sap.] "I’m awake, Lyta, but I'm not moving yet." "I’m beginning to think you Minbari males can't function after making love. Is that true, or a misconception on my part?" she asked. "It's just me. We Minbari males don't have these problems with Minbari females," he managed to reply. "Well! Excuse me for asking." "I just don't understand, Lyta. There comes a point in lovemaking where a normal couple would be satisfied and sated and stop. We don't seem to reach that point. I almost pass out from the efforts. Granted, it is the most pleasurable endeavor I have ever indulged in, but I would at least like to be more than semi-conscious when we finish." "I’ll have to work on that. You aren't a telepath, so you have no defense against my pleasure sharing feedback." "I am famished. If you will get your pretty butt out of the shower, I will divest myself of the reminder of last nights exertions. Then, we can get something to eat." ******************************************************* It was getting to be time for the wedding, and Susan and company were discussing last minute details. Everyone went to take their places. "John. Why am I nervous?" "It's your first marriage, Susan. Delenn and I just had dad, Londo and G'kar there, and Delenn and I were nervous. I think it comes with the experience." John walked Susan down the aisle. There were twenty or so friends and acquaintances present for the occasion. Fifteen minutes later, Susan Ivanova was Susan Ivanova-Wayne. The reception was a slightly larger affair. Some who couldn't get to the wedding did get to the reception. "How does it feel to be married, Susan?" Asked Lyta. "No different than before, yet." "Lyta?" asked Delenn, "What happened to Sheraun. I saw him this morning and he looked terrible?" "We made love last night." Susan looked at Delenn, "Did he really look that good? I thought he looked like death warmed over. What’re you doing to him, Lyta?" Stepping close to her friends she whispered, "When we make love, I feed back the pleasure feelings I experience with his to him. It causes him to work even harder, pardon the pun, to experience even more pleasure. I prevent him from finishing until I’m ready. Fortunately he is in very good physical condition. Usually he almost passes out from exhaustion just as I let him finish. If he were a normal human...well, you get the idea." Susan looked at Delenn and commented, "She's killing him with sex." Lyta just smiled and shrugged her shoulders. "Susan. What do you want with Sheraun's ship tomorrow?" asked Delenn. "I want him to power down the whitestar and we will have a little race beginning from a complete stop, relative to Babylon 5. I want to demonstrate Ares' acceleration. It’s simple and straight forward. I'd like to be in position about 0930." ******************************************************* "Sheraun. I don't mean to pry, but you look like something the dog dragged in," commented John Sheridan. "Yes sir, son," said Chief Comer, "I have seen three day old dead bodies that looked better than you do just now. I think your redheaded girlfriend is trying to see to your untimely demise." Sheraun looked at Comer for a whole minute. Then a smile slowly spread over his face. "You may be correct, chief. I hadn't considered that she might be trying to kill me. It is a sneaky way to do it." John added, "Lyta said she was a weapon. She just never explained exactly what kind." The men laughed very heartily and the women noticed. "I wonder what is so funny?" asked Delenn. "I am," answered Lyta. "They’re ribbing Sheraun about our relationship, and its effects on him." "You can't say you didn't ask for this Lyta," noted Susan. "I note that your husbands are laughing the loudest," replied Lyta. "John has always had a good sense of humor, though I sometimes wonder about it," noted Delenn. "For your information, Sheraun will survive the experience," retorted Lyta. "You propose to race a whitestar, Susan?" asked Lochley. "Yes. The Ares is the only one of her kind. They won't build anymore like it. I want some of the powers to be to see just what she can do. I could destroy most of the Earthforce fleet with her before they could take me out. She really is a very fine fighting ship. Because of her firepower, speed and maneuverability she’s more than a match for a Minbari war cruiser." "I didn't know that," responded Delenn. "Neither does anyone else. I can do more with her than you would ever guess," replied Susan. "Tomorrow you’ll get a short demonstration." ******************************************************* "Captain. We’re at the starting point," said her navigator. "Where’s Whitestar 71?" asked Susan. "She’s holding station at her starting point, captain. She’s powered down and is only using maneuvering thrusters, same as us," replied one of the tracking console operators. "Are you there, John?" asked Susan. The image of John Sheridan appeared on her communications display screen. "I’m here, Susan. Sheraun is standing by," replied the image. "You say when, John, and we'll get this thing underway," she answered, looking over at her engineer, who was standing by and giving her the all ready sign. "Susan, Sheraun...when!" said John. "Hit it, engineering! Navigator, all ahead emergency, now!" exclaimed Susan. The engineer sitting at his console began to make entries, and at various points on the ship, the fusion reactors started racing toward overload. The race was being monitored from Babylon 5's C&C and on every ship on station around the station. Standing in the back area of the bridge, Leftcourt and some of the senior officers were watching with interest. Susan turned her command chair and looked at them. "Gentlemen, you should find seats and fasten yourselves in. Otherwise, find some place you can hold onto. When we do the violent maneuvers, the artificial gravity system won't be enough to hold you in place." A few minutes after the race started, the tracking console operator said, "Captain. The whitestar is at maximum power and starting to pull away from us." "That’s to be expected. Engineer, how are we doing?" "Our reactors are just below overload shutdown level, captain. We are feeding their entire output to the engines." The violent shaking of the deck and feeling of being pushed toward the stern of the ship, in spite of the artificial gravity, was evidence of the tremendous power being fed to the engines and the acceleration that resulted. "Engineer, can't you give me any more power?" "Captain. We’re operating as close as we can to automatic shutdown, without tripping the reactors off line." "Disable the safeties. I want every last erg of energy we can generate fed to the engines." Leftcourt was watching the engineer's face during this exchange, and saw her flinch at Susan's last order. "Susan. Is this necessary?" Swiveling her chair to face him, she replied, "I plan to win this race. What good is a toy if you can't play with it?" "I had never thought of the Ares as a toy," he replied. "Quit sweating, general. We've done this during training a number of times. My engineer is just a bit cautious." "Captain. We are beginning to overtake the whitestar," observed the tracking console operator. ******************************************************* "Do you think this was a good idea, John?" asked Delenn. "It’s only going to embarrass Susan." "I wouldn't be too sure about that Delenn. She knows what a whitestar can do. We don't really know what the Ares can do. All we have are the official specifications, and according to them, the whitestar should easily beat her ship." "She told me and Captain Lochley that she could beat a war cruiser. Susan isn't given to idle boasting. You may be correct. We may get a surprise." ******************************************************* "What do you think, captain?" Asked Sheraun's first officer. "We are faster than she is, if you believe the published specifications. However, this is Susan Ivanova, and where she is concerned, I'd be careful how I bet. Are we powered down?" "Yes sir. We are waiting for the go signal. It is 0929, so it shouldn't be long. We are reading seven of eight reactors in idle on the Ares. I understand one is completely inoperative and one of the others cannot operate at full output. We have the advantage." Sheraun looked his first officer in the face and asked, "Why am I not at ease with things after that observation?" Over the communications system came the word, from John Sheridan, "Susan, Sheraun...when!" "Engineer! Full power to the drives!" Ordered Sheraun. ******************************************************* "What do you think, Captain? Are they just a little bit nuts?" asked Lt. Corwin of Captain Lochley. "I don't know, Lieutenant, but it should be interesting. What’re the power readings on both ships?" "They’re powered down and idling. The only things they are using are maneuvering thrusters to keep station, sir," replied Corwin, pointing out the power monitor readings of both ships. Over the monitor speaker came the word, "Susan, Sheraun...when!" "Captain! Look at the power monitor readings!" Lochley, Corwin and most all of the C&C watchstanders were engrossed in the readings on the monitors. "It appears that Susan is putting it ‘balls to the wall’ to quote a saying from Michael Garibaldi," said a voice from behind them. "Lyta! How did you get in here?" demanded Lochley. "Through the door," she answered. "Shall I call security, Captain?" asked Corwin. "No, Lieutenant. Don't bother," replied Lochley. "What can I do for you, Lyta?" "I just wanted to watch the race with someone. I was thinking of pulling a practical joke on Susan." "What kind of practical joke?" "I thought I might shut down half of the Ares' reactors just as she starts to catch the whitestar, but it occurred to me that Susan might not see the humor." At that comment, Lochley turned and looked at her. "It was just an idle thought. Don't get so upset." "You have a strange sense of humor, Lyta." "It sort of matches the rest of me, doesn't it?" "No argument," responded Lochley. "Would you like to watch the race from a very unique perspective, Elizabeth?" "What do you have in mind?" "In your office." "Mr. Corwin. I don't want to be disturbed by anything less than a major disaster." "Yes, Sir." "Show me what you have in mind, Lyta," said Lochley, walking toward her office. ******************************************************* "Get comfortable on the couch, Elizabeth." Lochley looked at Lyta with a puzzled expression. "Why?" "You’re going to have a real out-of-body experience. You will probably be the first human to have a real one." "I’m not sure I like the sound of this." "Just lay down and close your eyes and relax. It won't hurt a bit." Lochley reclined on the couch, relaxed and closed her eyes. [Lyta has lost it.] {I haven't lost anything. Come on, we’re missing the race.} Lochley found herself looking down at her resting physical body and felt a real pang of fear. {There’s nothing to be afraid of. Let's go.} {Where are you, Lyta?} {I’m right here with you. Now, let's go!} Lochley's vision could encompass her whole office without turning her head, if she'd had one. This was disorienting, but she quickly adjusted. Almost immediately she began seeing the wall come closer then pass behind her as she seemed to pass through it into C&C. The crew was watching the race while directing traffic. [They didn't even notice me.] {Of course they didn't notice you. You’re pure mental energy at this point. Now quit dallying, and come on.} Lochley quickly passed through the outer hull of the station and found herself in the endless vacuum of space. She watched as the station receded quickly in her view. She observed the Ares and Whitestar 71 as they were beginning their acceleration runs. {What do you think, Elizabeth? Is this a view or what?} {This isn't real, is it? I mean, this is really a telepath trick. Right?} {Trick, my ass. You’re a thousand kilometers distance from Babylon 5. Well your consciousness is. This is very real. Now, let's go see what Susan is doing.} In a moment Lochley's view changed from deep space to the CIC area of the Ares, complete with the CIC crew, the generals watching, and Susan in her command chair. {They can't hear us, can they?} {Susan can.} {Lyta? Is that you?} {Yes. I decided to give Elizabeth a once in a lifetime experience.} {Elizabeth?} {I’m here Susan. I don't know how, but apparently I am.} {Well, enjoy the show. I’m going to win.} {Lack of confidence has never been one of your weak points, Susan.} {You should know Lyta.} "Engineer, how are we doing?" "We’re squeezing everything out of her that we can, Captain." "Captain," said the navigator, "We’re beginning to overtake the Whitestar 71." "As soon as we pass them, execute maneuver A1. Upon completion of the maneuver, bring us to a full stop, relative to the station," responded Susan. Turning to face the generals watching the exercise, she said, "I suggest that you men find something very solid to hold onto unless you have a seat with a restraining belt. The A1 maneuver is going to throw things around." ******************************************************* On the whitestar, Sheraun said nothing as his navigator reported that the Ares was beginning to overtake them. He was not surprised. The sensors were recording power levels on the Ares that should not have been possible. It was obvious to him that Susan was pushing her ship to the very edge of its breaking point. He had to hand it to her. She really knew her ship's capabilities and limitations. He also realized that if her ship was one-hundred percent operational, it would have beaten his whitestar from the very beginning. "How are we doing, navigator?" "She has almost overtaken us, Captain. She is going to win." ******************************************************* "Well, Delenn?" "Knowing Susan, I shouldn't be surprised. I hope Captain Sheraun isn't feeling bad." "I’m sure he isn't. He’s being beaten by the best, and since she’s running her reactors beyond their design levels, she is essentially cheating. The whitestar design won't allow for that." "That's not true John. I was aboard her when it went to aid that Narn freighter. It was operating beyond design limits then." "How could it do that?" Leaning close and whispering into his ear, "Maya took control of the ship's operating system and ran it to the absolute limits. If she was operating the whitestar, Susan would lose badly." John looked Delenn in the eyes and knew she wasn't pulling his leg. Her sense of humor was a bit warped lately, for a Minbari. However, it did make some kind of sense, since Maya was the offspring of the Vorlon's biggest experiment in genetics. ******************************************************* "Captain we have overtaken and are passing the Whitestar 71," chimed the navigator. "Execute maneuver A1", Susan responded. Immediately the main drives were shut down and thrusters began to rapidly rotate the ship on all three of its axis. The speed of the maneuver caught the observing generals unprepared, in spite of Susan's warnings. Only holding on for dear life prevented several of them from being seriously injured. As it was some of them would experience twisted arms and shoulders with a few bruises thrown in. Elsewhere on the ship, some non-crewmembers were experiencing nausea and a few, including several of the generals, were puking their guts out. However, crew preparation prevented any major damage due to loose equipment and tools. "Captain! Reactor number eight has been scrammed!" said the engineering watch excitedly." "Why?" responded Susan. "We don't know. Everything looked fine on the monitors, but it just shut down. The safety watch says he didn't pull the switch," replied the engineer. "I want it investigated when we’re finished with this demonstration. Do data dumps of the actual parameters and the monitor logs ASAP." {I shut it down, Susan. It was about to explode. Your monitors for the unit have been tampered with.} {Lyta? You're still here?} {Elizabeth and I are both still here. I was observing all your reactors and that one had an output almost ten percent higher than was indicated on its monitor, as compared to the others. I’m sorry, but I like you too much to let it go boom. You remember, no boom today, boom tomorrow. There is always a boom tomorrow?" {I remember. Thank you again. I owe you so much now, I’ll never be able to repay you.} {I didn't say anything about repayment. That is all in your imagination.} {So long, Lyta. I’ll see you later.} Susan didn't know it would be almost two decades, and a whole other lifetime, before her path would cross Lyta's, again. ******************************************************* Opening her eyes and still lying on the couch, Lochley looked at Lyta sitting in front of her desk and asked, "Was that real?" "It was as real as the couch you’re lying on. To my knowledge, no other human has ever had a real experience like you just had." "How about you?" "I'm not really human anymore. It’s simply the form I’m most comfortable with. It’s my "natural state", so to speak. Lorien appeared as a corporal being when he was with John or otherwise amongst station residents, but his natural form was a ball of energy." "You look human, you make love like a human, and you even got pregnant and gave birth like a human." "It’s only what I’m most familiar with." "How about Maya?" "Neither is she. She just doesn't realize yet, what she really is." "I don't know what to say." "There’s nothing to say. Things are what they are. I and my offspring will just have to live with it." Stepping over to the office door, Lochley found it would not open. "What’s wrong with the door, Lyta?" "I fixed it so no one, like Mr. Corwin, would accidentally walk in and find you apparently asleep on the couch. They wouldn't have been able to waken you. Since I was seen coming in here with you, they would have questioned you being in here alone. Try the door now." Lochley found it operated normally. Looking thoughtfully at Lyta, she asked, "I suppose if I tell anyone what happened they’ll think I’m slightly crazy?" "I should think so," responded Lyta just as thoughtfully. "At the very least, your fitness to command would be questioned." "After today, in spite of my experiences with you, you still terrify the hell out of me. Not on a personal level, since I know I have nothing to fear from you. Your abilities are another story." "Welcome to the club, Elizabeth. I terrify the hell out of myself, when I think about what I can do, but I don't have a choice." ******************************************************* "How are things going, Mr. Corwin?" asked Lochley. "You missed a swell race, captain," he replied. "I may not have missed as much as you think, Lieutenant," responded Lochley, watching Lyta leave. Corwin's eyes followed the captain's. "What's with her?" he asked. "Nothing. She just wanted to share an experience with me. It was quite unique." Corwin looked at Lochley, but her expression gave nothing away. ******************************************************* "She has overtaken us, Shai Alyt," said his navigator. "Reverse course and bring us to a stop," replied Sheraun. As the whitestar reversed her direction, Sheraun and his bridge crew watching the display at the front of the bridge were treated to the Ares shutting down her drives and beginning to do what at first appeared to be an uncontrolled tumble on all her axis. "Weapons. What is going on over there?" asked Sheraun. "What looks like an uncontrolled tumble is in fact bringing every weapon she has to bear on us in a controlled sequence. I'd hate to have to attack her, Shai Alyt. She'd cut us to pieces," responded his weapons officer. As he continued to watch the Ares reversed her original course and was coming to a full stop. "Whitestar 71 to Ares," transmitted Sheraun. "Go whitestar," came Ivanova's response. "I have enjoyed your demonstration. My congratulations on your ship's performance," said Sheraun. "Thank you for your help, Whitestar 71. I hope to work with you again in the future. Ares out," replied Susan. "John are you still there?" Transmitted Susan. "You did well Susan. Congratulations. Maybe one day you can teach our rangers how to think outside the box," Sheridan out. "Babylon 5 C&C, this is Ares. Over." "Ares this C&C. Go." "We are departing Babylon 5 space at this time. Thank you for your hospitality and services. Ares out." Onboard Ares in CIC, Susan looked at the navigator. "We’re back on course, captain, and the jump engines are on line," commented her navigator. "Open a jump point and take us home, Joe," responded Susan. "Yes sir!" Enabling the intra ship announcing system, Susan announced, "This is the captain speaking. We are departing Babylon 5 space. Next stop, Earth orbit. It's time to go home." As she finished her announcement, the Ares entered the jump point and disappeared off Babylon 5's monitors. **************************************************** Looking at the image of John Sheridan on his forward display, Sheraun said, "It was my pleasure to help Susan with her demonstration." "Your cooperation and attitude are appreciated, Captain Sheraun. Till next time." The image of Sheridan faded. "Navigator, take us back to station." ******************************************************* "I think it's time we went home John." "I agree Delenn. I miss David, too." Sheridan's whitestar used the local jumpgate to leave the Babylon 5 control area. ******************************************************* In her quarters Lyta was putting in a call to Mars. A familiar face appeared on her comm. screen. "Hello Michael. Scramble the channel on your end." As she said this, she placed a data crystal in the receptacle on the communications console. "We have the people you requested. We're holding them in a secure installation on Earth. They're on sleepers at the present time. I assume you want to do the interrogation personally. I have support personnel staged to give you any aid you deem necessary. When should I expect you?" "I’ll be leaving Babylon 5 tomorrow morning our time. That should put me there in time for a late supper. Michael, I expect one of your pasta dinners, none of the prepackaged stuff. Tell Lise she’s going to get to babysit for a few days. I’m bringing Maya with me. I would leave her on the station, but it might not be safe for the local lowlifes." "I’ll be expecting you. One day you have to show me these hyperspace shortcuts you use. If we can bottle them, we could get rich. I forgot, I am rich." Giving him her best smile, she said farewell and closed the channel. It was only lunch time and Lyta had already done everything to prepare for the trip to Mars and Earth. ******************************************************* Lyta entered Emily's quarters. Maya and Emily were playing some kind of computer game. Maya looked up and said, "Mom, I had her beaten and then she got sneaky on me. Now I’m about to lose." "Object lesson, sweetheart, don't score the win until the game is finished. Are you two ready to go to lunch?" Emily replied, "Food...the magic word. Just as soon as we finish here. I want to get this win while I can. She has been creaming me all morning." While Lyta watched and waited for the game to be finished, she stepped over to Emily's comm. panel and had C&C patch her through to Sheraun's ship. "What can I do for you Lyta?" he asked. "I’m leaving for Mars tomorrow and wondered if you might like to have dinner tonight." "I will make it. I will see you about 1800. If that is satisfactory?" "It'll do just fine," she replied and broke the connection. "Mom, does this mean I sleep over here tonight?" "Probably, dear." "Lyta, may I come along?" asked Emily. "Certainly. I plan to invite Captain Lochley, Larry and Jason Conrad. I’m leaving, and will only return long enough to pick up you, Jason and anyone of the ambassador's staff needing transportation home." "Are you going to take me to Mars with you, mom?" "That’s my plan. Why?" "I would rather stay here with Emily." "Have you asked her how she feels about it?" "No. Not yet." "If she wants to stay with me, I have no problem with it," responded Emily. "I really enjoy being with her." Lyta remembering what she had learned of Emily's childhood when she had deep scanned her, understood the woman's feelings for Maya. "Then you can stay here. I’ll only be gone for a couple of weeks. You must promise to behave while I’m gone." "Always, mom." Ten minutes later they headed for lunch. ******************************************************* The dinner went without a hitch. Lyta made sure that Emily and Jason were seated together. When Emily left with Maya in tow, Jason accompanied her. After the threesome left, Lochley commented, "Lyta, you’re as subtle as a brick in the face." Looking offended, Lyta asked, "What’re you talking about, Elizabeth?" "I just saw you play matchmaker. Do you deny it?" "Yes." "Boss, you were a bit obvious," added Larry. "If I had intended to play matchmaker, I would not have brought Maya along." "Yes you would," chimed in Sheraun. "Maya makes it look like something else, but we know better Lyta," noted Lochley. Lyta was looking crestfallen and at everything except her dinner companions. "I was only bringing them together. It’s up to them to make or not make something of it. They are good people and need companionship." "Which you, of course, were happy to arrange," said Lochley. "It amounts to nothing more than a blind date," Lyta replied defensively. "So it does," concluded Sheraun. ******************************************************* "It's time for you to rise and shine, Sheraun. Time for you to get back to your ship, and for me to be on my way to Mars." Rolling over and slowly opening his eyes, he replied, "It is too early." "I’m leaving just as soon as I have made sure I have everything I need. You can suit yourself. Just lock the door when you leave." Twenty minutes later she had kissed Sheraun goodbye, not realizing how long it would be until she did again, and went to kiss Maya goodbye for a few weeks. ******************************************************* "Leaving already Lyta?" Asked Zack Allan from behind her, as she was clearing the customs area and heading for her shuttle parking area. "Yes, Zack. I have business on Mars," she replied. Captain Lochley walked up and said, "Good luck Lyta and thanks for everything." "That's what friends are for Elizabeth." The women shook hands and Lyta walked off. "I take it you have changed your opinion of her, captain?" "Yes. Yes I have Zack." Thirty minutes later Lyta's shuttle disappeared into the local jumpgate vortex. ******************************************************* END PART 22.
.
At this point this story splits. The main Lyta story continues, and I think I’m going to try and write an Ivanova one that will dovetail back into this one many years into the future. I didn't plan it this way, but I like the idea.
Aubrey