From: "Aubrey W. Adkins" {xazqrten@cox.net}
Subject: John And Delenn After 20 Years Part 3 of 4
Original Publish Date: Tue, 19 Aug 1997 23:21:03 -0700

Standard disclaimer-all characters in this story are owned by JMS,
PTEN and/or WB. They can have them back anytime.

Send comments to [xazqrten@cox.net]

Title: John And Delenn After 20 Years Part 3

This story will make more sense if you have read "Redheaded
Telepath." However, it can stand on its own.

"..." = spoken words
{...} = telepathic speech
[...] = one's own thoughts, internal
(...) = to set off items such as acronyms immediately identified by the 
phrase they stand for.
'...' = to set off odd items???

******************************



From: "Aubrey W. Adkins" {xazqrten@cox.net}
Subject: John & Delenn 20 Years After Part 3
Original Publish Date: Tue, 04 Nov 1997 


Send comments to [xazqrten@cox.net]
Title: John and Delenn After 20 Years Part 3

******************************

   It had been ten days since Lyta arrived on Earth for this visit. It was her 
first in almost twenty years. Willa was having the time of her life visiting 
with her children and getting to know her grandchildren. Lyta wondered if she 
would have trouble getting her to leave. Susan had been a gracious host and 
most helpful getting various Earthgov officials to meet with Lyta in an
unofficial capacity. It was obvious that she needed to get an ambassador level 
representative stationed here. There was too much going on she needed to know 
about. If it could be wrangled to get David assigned to Earth, Willa would be 
the perfect person for the position. She set up a meeting with Susan to 
discuss just that.

   {What do you think, is it possible?}

   {I don't know, but I can do some subtle inquiring about it.}

   {Do you think David might retire and come here with her?}

   {That might be one lever I can use. Let me see what can be done.}

   {Thanks, Susan.}

   {Bester is right, you are going soft.}

   Lyta just looked at her with a puzzled expression on her face. {I have to
be going, I have to meet Willa at Bester's office. He says it is important. I 
am ready to go home.}

   {Have a good trip and be safe.}

   Lyta waved her hand in acknowledgment as she walked out of Susan's office.

*****************************************************

   Back in Bester's office, Willa and Alfred were waiting for Lyta.

   {Everything is ready?}

   {Yes, Willa, it is.}

   Lyta strolled through the door and asked, {What's so important?}

   {We’ll show you.}

   She followed Willa and Alfred down the hallway. They passed two psi cops, 
one older and one just out of his teens. The younger one thought to his 
teacher, {Was that her?}

   {Yep.}

   {She doesn't look like she could do much.}

   {Son, she could rip your mind out and not even give it a second thought.}

   {I heard she is also a teek. I thought they were all crazy.}

   {Did you see how Mr. Bester deferred to her and her friend?}

   {Yes, so?}

   {I heard the older lady is a very high P-13.}

   {I never heard of a real natural P-13.}

   {Well you just passed one.}

   {What about the redhead?}

   {There isn't a scale for her.}

   {What do you mean?}

   {We are P-12's, right?}

   {Yes.}

   {What is our empathic range?}

   {Maybe a couple of klicks (kilometers), Why?}

   {According to Mr. Bester, hers is over 20,000 kilometers.}

   {Jesus Christ, what is she?}

   {I don't think you really want to know.}

   {HE'S RIGHT YOUNG MAN, YOU REALLY DON'T WANT TO KNOW!}

   The young psi cop looked at his older companion with wide eyes, {Did you 
'hear' that?}

   His companion nodded assent.

******************************

   Bester stopped in front of a door labeled auditorium. {There are some
people in there who want to meet you.} He opened the door and Lyta and Willa 
followed him in.

   The room was about 10 by 15 meters in size, and there were thirty or so
young men and women sitting, waiting. Except for six of them, all were in psi 
cop uniforms.

   Lyta gave Bester a blistering, what is going on here, look. Bester could
almost feel heat coming from her eyes.

   Stepping upon the small stage, Bester told the gathering, {This is the lady
you wanted to meet.}

   One of the psi cops asked, {Ma'am are you really Mrs. Lyta Blaine? You look 
a bit young.}

   Bester answered, {Don't let her appearance fool you. She’s older than she
looks.}

   Lyta gave him an even nastier look. If looks could kill, Bester would be
history. Come to think of it, in her case they could.

   {If one of you will tell me what you want we can get on with it.}

   {Mrs. Blaine, we wanted to be able to express our gratitude for what you
did for at least one of our parents.}

   {I still don't understand.}

   {Mrs. Blaine, each of us has at least one parent that were meant to be put
into the shadow ships. You saved them from that.}

   {Yes. So?}

   {If it weren't for you, none of us would be here. What we want to thank you 
for is simple. We thank you for our lives.}

   Keeping her expression neutral, {I appreciate the thought. I have one
request of each of you.}

   {Yes, ma'am,} they thought in unison?

   {Never abuse your abilities.}

   Bester said, {Lyta, you ask for a lot.}

   {I give a lot.}

   The audience filed up and talked to Lyta one on one. They wanted her to
meet their parents. She hadn't seen most of them in almost twenty years. She 
agreed that when she came to Earth again she would visit with all of them 
again.

   "Ouch!"

   {What's wrong Lyta?}

   Looking momentarily lost in thought, Lyta answered, {It’s Whitestar Alpha.}

   {How do you know?}

   Lyta impaled Bester with a withering look.

   Later in Bester's office, {I want to do in-depth interviews with them,
Alfred.}

   {Lyta. Are you recruiting?}

   {Of course. When am I not?}

   {Okay, I will arrange it.}

   Giving him her sweetest smile, {Thanks.}

******************************

   They had finished breakfast and were having an extra cup of coffee.

   {Come on Willa. I want to see Susan today.}

   Willa looked at her friend with a questioning expression.

   {It concerns our relations with Earthgov.}

   {Lead on.}

   On the way to meet Susan, Lyta explained her plans for the youngsters she
had just met. Willa was surprised and amused at the thought of Bester's 
reaction.

   Susan had managed to make arrangements for Lyta and Willa to meet with the 
proper Earthgov representatives again. This time it was in an official 
capacity. They started the wheels rolling for the establishment of a permanent 
embassy and ambassador from Epsilon III on Earth. Some of the officials 
wondered why it had taken so long. Lyta had explained that she hated to rush 
things. 

   Susan insisted that she meet with her friends on the general staff. They 
wanted to discuss possibilities for obtaining some of the older whitestar 
technologies with her. The meeting went well. No promises were made; Lyta 
leaned toward leasing them the auto-repair technologies, but she wasn't going 
to upgrade their weapons systems.

   It took Bester the better part of the day to schedule the interviews Lyta
wanted. He told her she could begin first thing the next day. The interviews 
went well and Lyta was immensely pleased with the results. These were a first 
rate group of young telepaths, and they had scruples. She told Bester she 
would take all of them. He didn’t want to cooperate until Lyta explained that 
she didn't want all of them immediately. She would take them over a period of 
a year or so. Bester voiced his opinion and went about getting the red tape 
started. His daughter was to be one of the first. She would return to Epsilon 
III with Lyta.

******************************

   Onboard Whitestar Alpha, Bester's daughter, Lyta Alfreda, looked around the 
ship's bridge area. {I have never been on a real starship before. The Earth-
Mars shuttle doesn't count.}

   {Do you mind if we call you Alfreda, one Lyta is plenty.}

   {No ma’am that will be just fine, Mrs. Armstead.}

   {Call me Willa.}

   {Ma'am, you are older than my mom and I don't call her by her first name.}

   {Make an exception for me, please.}

   {Me too,} added Lyta. {Let's go home.}

   In an Earth force orbiting tracking facility and in the control facility
associated with it, the operators watched the whitestar rotate on its axis, 
open a small jump point, and apparently vanish.

   "Captain, the whitestar is gone."

   "What do you mean gone? It was scheduled to leave. Is there a problem?"

   "Sir. What I mean is it vanished. One second it opened a jump point, the
next it wasn't there."

   The watch commander reviewed the video replay of what had been recorded and 
relayed it to Earthforce headquarters. His feeling was let them sort it out. 
It was safer for the career that way.

   In Earthforce headquarters, Susan and the rest of the staff watched the
video replay a number of times. When the replay was slowed down it showed that 
the whitestar had accelerated away at a rate equal to more than ten gravities.

   "Susan, what do you know about this?"

   "I’m as surprised as you are, Bob. She told me this was a prototype, but
she never discussed any of its capabilities. Even the older whitestars can 
open jump points and had more firepower than anything we have, even today. It 
might help to review recordings of power buildups prior to her departure, if 
any are available."

   "They’re being reviewed now, but don't expect much from them."

   "Why not?"

   "The energy readings were too great for the monitoring equipment to
measure. One instant, everything was reading normal; the next, the monitors 
were saturated, then the readings went to zero and returned to normal 
background levels."

******************************

   It is three months later on Epsilon III.

   {Welcome back to the world, John.}

   {Lyta?}

   {John, when Dr. Franklin is finished with you, I want to see you.}

   {Lyta, it will be a couple of days before I can let him go,} responded
Steven.

   {How is Delenn doing?}

   {Just fine, she will be finishing her transformation in about two weeks.}

   {Thanks Steven.}

   Lyta had been looking forward to John's release from the transformation
process. She was anxious to test some of her theories with John and Whitestar 
Alpha. Sighing to herself, she pulled another batch of papers from her IN 
basket. She hated bureaucratic paperwork. It seemed to have a life of its own. 

   The engineers and technicians had been working hard to get the latest
modifications installed in Alpha before Sheridan was released from the medical 
facility.

   She initiated contact with the ship, and it was like petting an enthusiastic
puppy. It had been some time since her last conscious contact with it. It was 
fun, not to mention breathtaking, just seeing the planet and its surroundings 
from the ship's point of view. It could alter one's perceptions and 
perspectives.

     A week went by, and one morning John and his constant companion, Alfreda, 
entered her office and greeted her.

   "Good morning, Lyta," said Sheridan.

   {It's nice to see you again, John. Good morning, Alfreda, is your pupil
behaving?}

   {Yes, ma'am, as well as can be expected.}

   {Lyta, doesn't anyone talk anymore?}

   {Only to non-telepaths, it's too slow.}

   Lyta nodded affirmative.

   {What is this pupil thing?}

   {Remember, I told you that you and Delenn would have to undergo extensive 
training to control the telepathic abilities you would have after the change?}

   {Yes.}

   {She is an important part of your training. She is what is keeping you from
going crazy.}

   {How?}

   Lyta nodded to Alfreda.

   John grabbed his head and cried out in pain.

   Lyta nodded again and John recovering his composure, {What was that?}

   {That is what an inexperienced and untrained telepath can be subjected to
just by people around him or her.}

   {The training will help me learn to control this?}

   {That and much more.}

   {Just what is it you wanted me for?}

   {We are going to take a trip on the Alpha. I need for you to verify some of
my theories.}

   {Theories???}

   {Yes. The ship is waiting for us.}

   Two hours later on Whitestar Alpha.

   {Lyta, just the three of us?}

   {That’s more than enough. Alpha, this is John Sheridan. He is to have
control as necessary to carry out our mission. John say hello to Alpha.}

   {Uh, hello, Alpha.}

   Sheridan felt a very warm fuzzy feeling come over him.

   {I like him. Hello John, welcome.}

   {Lyta?}

   {You have been accepted by the ship. It will do whatever you want. You can 
take us out of here anytime you’re ready.}

   {How do I do that?}

   {Same way you walk, just do it.}

   All three of them were seeing the space around the ship from the
perspective of the ship. Sheridan looked around to see where the jump gate was 
located. As he did this, his perspective began to change as the ship began 
moving. The jump gate came into view and it occurred to Sheridan that he 
should get clearance from Babylon 5 to use it. In his head, he heard the 
Babylon 5 controller saying, "Whitestar Alpha, you are cleared for jump."

   By this time, the ship was accelerating rapidly toward the jump gate. The
initialization codes were sent and the jump gate activated. The ship was in 
hyperspace before Sheridan had time to think about it.

   {Lyta!!!}

   {What?}

   {What’s going on here?}

   A soft voice inside his head inquired, {Are you angry with me?}

   {Lyta!!!}

   {That was the ship John. It did what you wanted.}

   {I’m not angry. I was not prepared for this.} The warm fuzzy feeling
returned.

   {Lyta? How is this happening?}

   {You are one with the ship, John. It is an extension of you. By the way, we 
want to go to sector 44,86,14.}

   {Okay. What’re we going to do there?}

   {Test the new systems upgrades that have just been installed.}

   {What upgrades?}

   {You’ll see.}

   Exiting from hyperspace went without fanfare and they found themselves near 
a field of very large asteroids. Some were at least a hundred kilometers in 
diameter at their widest points.

   {What now Lyta?}

   {We wait.}

   {For what?}

   As if on cue, several ships came from behind the asteroids. They targeted
Alpha and opened fire.

   Onboard Alpha, Sheridan observed all this in a few milliseconds.  Alpha 
answered the incoming fire in milliseconds, and the incoming weapons fire 
never reached the skin of the ship.

   The attacking ships were disabled or outright destroyed, and several large
asteroids had been destroyed by energy beams that went through the targets and 
impacted the asteroids behind them.

   {Lyta?}

   {That was the first test, John.}

   {It responded as fast as I could think. There was no delay. How?}

   {John, you still don't understand. You and the ship are one. It is an
extension of your mind and body. Just like your arms and legs. No normally 
manned ship could survive an encounter with Alpha. It will use your tactics as 
fast as you can think. There is no delay.}

   {I didn't think the things that just happened.}

   {Not consciously. It knows when you need to be in total control. When you 
are in total control you are the ship. I can't explain it any other way.}

   {How powerful are the weapons arrays on this ship?}

   {Very.}

   John was looking at the asteroid field and was eyeing one that must be
nearly 50 kilometers in diameter. He wondered what it would take to destroy 
it, and before he realized it the main array was firing on it. The asteroid at 
first absorbed the incoming energy, but about a minute later it exploded into 
small pieces.

   {Lyta?}

   {What now?}

   {It fired.}

   {And?}

   {What if there had been innocent people over there?}

   {It wouldn't have fired, because you wouldn't hurt innocent people.}

   {Oh.}

   {Quit worrying John. Everything is just fine. It’s working just as I 
imagined. We’re going to have one more test, so, don't shoot to kill, John. 
Alfreda, John, let's take seats and strap ourselves in.}

   {Will that really be necessary, Lyta?}

   {Better safe than sorry, John.}

   As they strapped themselves in, numerous jump points formed on all sides of 
Alpha and other whitestars were exiting them. Alpha was being targeted by all 
of them.

   Seeing what was happening, Sheridan's mind raced at full speed and Alpha 
moved with it. The incoming ships were trying to retarget Alpha as they began 
receiving incoming fire. The invading whitestars never stood a chance. Onboard 
Alpha, the enhanced gravity generators were being strained to the burnout 
point trying to adjust to the maneuvers being executed as Sheridan engaged 
and "destroyed" the attackers. Lyta and Alfreda were holding their heads and 
John was breathing very heavily, and his head hurt.

   {Lyta? What just happened?}

   {You just defeated a concerted attack from 12 whitestars. It works even 
better than I expected.}

   "Whitestar Alpha, this is attack leader. Your performance was absolutely
stellar. Our estimate is that you destroyed 5 of us and rendered the remainder 
incapable of continuing the attack. If we aren't needed anymore we are 
returning to patrol. Attack leader out."

   {John, no ship could have successfully targeted Alpha during this test. If
it weren't for the enhanced gravity generators and equipment that dampens 
inertial movement, our necks and backs would have snapped during the maneuvers 
you executed.}

   {Mr. Sheridan, Lyta, why did you bring me along?}  inquired Alfreda.

   {You are John's tutor,} replied Lyta.

   {With only the three of us here there isn't anyone to block him from.}

   {I know, but it gives you new perspectives into his personality and should
help in future training.}

   {Oh.}

   {Lyta, is there any reason we can't give this thing a real trial?}

   {No, what do you have in mind?}  They laughed at the humor of the remark.

   {I want to try a maneuver on a Drakh colony. I have an idea of how to 
defeat orbital defenses.}

   {The Mars maneuver, modified?}

   Sheridan nodded. Lyta gave him the coordinates for the nearest colony. 
Alpha vanished into hyperspace at her maximum speed. They had to grab railings 
to keep from being thrown to the deck by the sudden acceleration.

   {John, you need to be careful how you do that. You could hurt anyone on
board, if they weren't expecting it.}

   {Point well made, Lyta.}

******************************

   Alpha was standing in hyperspace at a point just outside the orbital 
defenses of the Drakh colony. Sheridan was scanning the surface and noting 
targets. It was a manufacturing colony and weapons and ships were obviously 
its main products.

   {Lyta, I am going to jump in and after the run, jump out.}

   Lyta just gave him her patented poker face look.

   {Fasten your seatbelts ladies, we’re going in.}

   Less than two minutes later Alpha was back in hyperspace and heading for
home. Sheridan had destroyed everything in a swath two kilometers wide and ten 
kilometers long. There was no indication that the Drakh even knew what had hit 
them. Sheridan had detected no scans while he was making his run. He had not 
opened jump points as such. Alpha had sort of phased in and out. He had become 
aware of a new prototype stealth installation while executing the attack.

   {Lyta. You didn't tell me about the stealth technology.}

   {Didn't think it was necessary.}

   As they left the shuttle, Lyta reminded Alfreda that she was on duty again.
Alfreda nodded.

   {John, the tests were a real success. We will be designing modifications
based on what we learned out there. It's time for you to start serious 
training. Delenn will be ready to join you in a few weeks.}

   John turned to leave and kissed Alfreda on the top of the head.

   {Why did you do that?}

   {You’re the daughter we never had.}

   Alfreda loked at him and realized that he was serious. It was obvious that
whatever had passed between her father and this man was history. He didn't 
hold grudges.

******************************

   {John?}

   {Delenn?}

   {Where are you, John?}

   {Waiting right next to your container.}

   Sheridan was accompanied be Alfreda and Lyta's son, Michael. The young man 
was assigned to Delenn.

   {How long now Steven?}

   {Maybe fifteen minutes. I would like to get her cleaned up first. Give me
half an hour after she comes out.}

   {Contact me then.} Sheridan and Alfreda left. Michael stayed. He was 
already maintaining blocks for Delenn.

******************************

   {Lyta, you wanted to see me?}

   {Yes, Delenn. Michael, please wait outside.}

   {How are things with you and John?}

   {Everything is fine. Did you have something in particular in mind?}

   {Yes. How is the bond between you?}

   {He can cook flarn properly now and I seem to have a good grasp of military 
tactics. It seems that we both know things and can do things we have never 
done before as individuals.}

   {The bond isn't causing any problems?}

   {Lyta, it has been a year since I went through the change. John and I now
act like one person. I mean we do things individually, but some things get
shared without any conscious thought. Was that part of our change?}

   {Yes. You were my guinea pigs. You are the only non-identical twin type
telepaths linked like this. I figured, if it would work, you were the two to
make it do so.}

   {What would have happened if it hadn't worked?}

   {I had faith in my in you and also Steven's work.}

   {I should be angry, but the link with John has given me satisfaction that I
have never experienced before. It is an unbreakable bond. It gives me
perspectives I couldn't imagine before.}

   {And John?}

   {He’s happier than he has ever been before.}

   {You would know, too.}

   {I don't need the help with controlling my broadcasting much lately.}

   {It’s time for the next part of your training. I’m sending you to aide our
ambassador to the Fjon Republic. They’re a new race that have a multi-planet 
consortium about half-way around the galactic plane. It will take about three 
weeks to get there. You and John will be leaving in about six months. They are 
a non-telepathic race and are a little behind Earth in technology.}

   {Is John aware of this?}

   {He is now.}

   {Will Alfreda and Michael be coming with us?}

   {Yes.}

   {We will be gone for some time; they won't have regular contact with
humans.}

   {You’re human.}

   {Lyta, it isn't fair to them.}

   {If they don't want to go. I’ll send someone else.}

   {The twins aren't going to like being separated.}

   {I know, but it will give us a virtually instantaneous communications link.}

   {They’re what gave you the idea for John and me?}

   Lyta nodded.

******************************

   {Delenn, how do you feel about this assignment?}

   {You have to ask?}

   {I don't get everything through the link, but I can feel your apprehension.}

   {It has been a long time since we had to deal with a completely new race. I
guess what I’m feeling is normal. The information data crystals are good, but 
I wonder about what they don't show.}

   {This race seems to be peaceful. Their society appears to have advanced
socially before it did technologically, and they haven't suffered the 
devastating wars that have plagued most other races.}

   {That’s the problem. Since they don't have wars, they may be an
irresistible target to some of the more aggressive races.}

   {I suppose that we’ll have to see that it doesn't happen.}

******************************

   Alpha reentered normal space outside the range of the Fjon scanners and
continued toward the Fjon home planet. It was in orbit above the planet's
capital city waiting for acknowledgment of its arrival.

   {Ambassador, we are here.}

   {I know. Wait for the government’s formal communications.}

   "Spaceship in orbit, welcome to Fjon, you have been identified as
representing the Interstellar Alliance of Planets. I am sending coordinates 
for your shuttle to land when you come down. Our representative will be 
awaiting your arrival. Please notify us twenty of your standard minutes prior 
to your arrival."

   "This is Assistant Ambassador Delenn Sherman, it will be our pleasure, out."

   {Are you ready John?}

   {Yes, let's go.}

   John, Delenn, Michael and Alfreda boarded the shuttle for the trip to the
surface.

   {All right everyone, we communicate verbally whenever we are in the 
presence of any of the local populous,} John iterated.

******************************

   The shuttle landed and the passengers debarked. The ambassador and local
representatives were there to meet them. The weather was cool but comfortable 
by Earth standards.

   "Delenn, John, I’m so happy to see you. I want to introduce you the prime
minister of the Fjon Republic and her senior staff. Prime Minister this is my
protégé, Delenn Sherman, and her husband, John, my new military attaché. They 
will be working with me and your staff."

   The prime minister made the introductions of her staff and invited them to 
a small informal dinner the following night. As group left the spaceport, John 
noted the apparently complete lack of security, but said nothing. He would ask 
the ambassador about it later.

******************************

   {Ambassador Lawrence, I noted a lack of security around the spaceport.}

   {John, call me, Betty. Save the titles for formal public use. The lack of
security that you noted is endemic of this culture. You will find it hard to
explain things to these people that we accept as normal.}

   Betty went on to explain some items not covered in the information provided 
on the data crystals. It turned out that the Fjons were very much into 
competition. They were almost crazy for sports of all kinds. Their
competitiveness manifested itself in personal challenges and sports. They 
didn't fight to the death. Their philosophy was that losers would support 
winners for the common good. They accepted that sports could result in 
accidental deaths, but to purposefully kill someone was an automatic death 
penalty. Crimes against persons were also severely dealt with. They were 
extremely competitive in all their business dealings and most of their other 
everyday activities.

   {They are like a pride of lions. They are the top predators on the planet
and they compete amongst themselves, but they don't kill one another. They 
also don't trash their environment.}

   {Betty, do you think that this competitiveness might be channeled into a
military that is focused outward?} Inquired John.

   {Is that going to be your approach?}

   {I think that may be part of it. I believe the data crystals about the
history of the other races will help too. I want to take it slowly and develop
an integrated approach that emphasizes their cultural strengths.}

******************************

   The dinner had been a success. The earthlings had learned much about their 
hosts that wasn't included on the data crystals. There had been lively
discussions about and comparisons of religious beliefs and folk lore. It
included a short science lesson on the natural history of the planet. 

   The lack of wars had made the preservation of old records more complete 
than any other civilization with which John and Delenn were familiar. 

   Alfreda and Michael had been silent and paid attention to everything that 
transpired. They didn't realize that this was part of their training for 
future assignments. Lyta had intended it to be this way.

   After the dinner, Michael and Alfreda were left alone to their own devices.
Since it was still not late, they took a walk in the beautiful park that was
adjacent to their apartment building. They were not alone, the locals seemed 
to be enjoying the park, too.

   Michael wasn't going to say anything, but he was becoming aware of the fact 
that Alfreda was beautiful. He was beginning to realize that he was strongly 
attracted to her. It was all he could do to keep his feelings hidden.

   [He is handsome. Looks like his dad and has his mom's hair. He is just
about the nicest guy I know. Hell, he is the nicest. I wonder how he feels 
about me? Geesh, both of us telepaths and not a clue.]

   [She looks like a combination between her mother and father. We’re going to 
be here for more than a year.]

   {Gorgeous night, isn't it?}

   {Alfreda, it is that.}

   {Can I call you Mike?}

   {Sure.}

   {Mike will you call me, Freddy?}

   {Sure.}

   {I prefer Lyta, but your mom already is using that and I really think
Alfreda is stuffy and formal sounding.}

   As they were walking and talking, Alfreda had unconsciously taken Mike's 
hand into hers. It didn't go unnoticed, but he said nothing. The thought of 
him and her being a thing hadn't occurred to him because she was a psi-cop.

   {You are a psi-cop aren't you?}

   Looking up at him she replied, {Yes. Why?}

   Mike had noticed the locals looking at them with puzzled expressions. He
realized that they had been using telepathic communication.

   "Freddy, we’re breaking one of the rules."

   The vocalization caught her completely off guard. It also diverted her
attention away from the fact that he hadn't answered her question.

   "What?"

   "We're supposed to use vocal speech when in public."

   "I’m sorry."

   "The locals won't understand us, but they won't pay much attention either. 
At least, I hope they don't."

   Mike's voice wasn't lost on Alfreda. She liked it. It had a good baritone
quality to it. It was something that hadn't come across using telepathy. It
would in the future, now that she was aware of it. He had noted that her voice 
was a bit deep for a woman, pleasingly so. It had a warm soothing quality to 
it.

   He could do a quick scan of her to find out how she felt about him, but the 
idea was almost nauseating to him. His mom had taught him how to do them so 
that the person wasn't aware of it. He had never done it except under her 
supervision in training. He wouldn't start now.

   They had been walking some time when Mike said, "We should be getting back."

   They didn't see John and Delenn sitting on a bench in the shadows as they
returned to the building and said their goodnights. Old habits die hard, and 
she couldn't help scanning Michael as they went to their separate quarters. 
She was astonished that there were no blocks in place and even more so when 
she sensed nothing, just emptiness.

   {Goodnight, Freddy.}

******************************

   {You know, Delenn, they make a handsome couple.}

   {I know and we just got here.}

   {Do you think Lyta set this up?} John inquired.

   {Of course. She wants them together. She’s breeding super telepaths.}

   {Wouldn't it be simpler to do it in a lab?}

   {She wants to be sure that the changes breed true under normal conditions.
Mike is very powerful and is also a telekinetic. Alfreda is a very powerful
P-12. If Lyta is correct, their offspring would be the first second generation
transfer of her longevity and other abilities.}

   {She said we were going to be part of something special. What an
understatement.}

   {Typical Lyta.}

   John was nuzzling her hair and getting turned on. It was unhurried and
comfortable. They had been married more than twenty years, but he often found 
himself behaving like a newlywed. Delenn for her part loved every bit of it. 
Their love had been forged under stress, in fire, and was unshakable. The link 
they shared now just made things even more solid.

   {I think it is time we went inside.}

   "Mmumf, okay," he responded.

******************************

   They had been working closely at the embassy for just over three months and 
had been on what would have qualified as dates numerous times. Michael had 
made no effort to advance their relationship beyond the holding of hands that 
had occurred that first evening. Alfreda was not happy that he had not even 
held her hand since then. He was nice, attentive, and easygoing, but the fact 
that he had made no move on her was very irritating. She had talked to Delenn 
on numerous occasions, but Delenn had been neutral in all her answers and 
advice. It looked like she was going to have to be very direct in her dealings 
with Michael.

   After supper, they were again taking yet another one of their evening walks
around the park's area.

   {Michael is there something about me that you don't like?}

   Michael was caught completely off guard. [Where did that come from?] {What 
makes you think a thing like that?}

   {We’ve been seeing one another for over three months and you won't even 
hold my hand. You didn't seem to mind the first time.}

   {That was an accident. We’ve been seeing one another because there isn't 
anyone else for us to see.}

   {Have I done something to offend you?}

   {Not really.}

   {Then what is wrong?}

   {It isn't anything that you have done; it’s what you are.}

   {I don't understand. What do you mean by what I am?}

   {You’re a psi cop.}

   {What does that have to do with anything?}

   Michael projected into her mind all the things that had been done to his
mother. She had made sure that her sons knew all about it. It was her way of
showing them what can happen when power is abused. It also explained much 
about his mother's attitude toward certain people. Alfreda reeled under the 
onslaught of images that assaulted her mind. She looked at him completely 
bewildered.

   {Michael, I had nothing to do with that.}

   {You have the attitude that those psi cops had. It’s part of your training.
You abuse people because you can.}

   {I'm not like that.}

   {Really. Did you think I wasn't aware that you have tried to scan me 
several times since we got here?}

   His accusation left her speechless. There was more to Michael than met the
eye. How could she deny the truth.

   {It isn't what you think.}

   {Oh, enlighten me.}

   She was trying to think of some answer to defuse the situation, but her
mind was blank as to any solutions.

   She smiled, {I can't.}

   {Can't or won't, same difference. Goodnight.} Michael turned and walked
away.

   {Mike, you can scan me and learn the truth.} There was no answer.

   First thing the next morning Alfreda sought out Delenn and explained what 
happened the night before.

   {I think I have messed up, royally. Do you have any suggestions I might use 
to salvage the situation?}

   {He showed you what happened to Lyta at the hands of Psi Corps. That was 
his way of telling you what he thinks of Psi Corps and their methods. You 
displayed no hesitation in using or misusing your abilities. Gaining his trust 
will be almost impossible. He is much like Lyta.} 

   {I thought we might have a chance of getting something going. I don't think 
there’s much chance of that now.}

   {You are probably correct. Lyta is going to be very disappointed about
this.}

   {His mom, disappointed. How? Better question. Why?}

   {Do you think you and he were sent here by chance? Not likely. When Lyta is 
involved chance and accident don't exist.}

   {I don't understand? Why would she be concerned?}

   {The two of you are here alone, except for a few adults who are either 
paired or too old to care.}

   {She intended for us to get together?}

   {There isn't another human in your age group for a thousand light years in 
any direction.}

   {There will be hell to pay for me when I get back. Thanks for the insight.}

******************************

   {I thought that she would have more sense.}

   {Who are you talking about, Lyta?}

   {Alfreda.}

   Paul dearly loved his wife, but sometimes he just had no clues as to what
she was planning, doing or thinking. She never seemed to realize this in spite
of his obvious lack of knowledge.

   {What’re you talking about?}

   {I sent Alfreda and Michael to Fjon with John and Delenn. I thought having 
them isolated with only themselves for company that something might develop.}

   {You what! Why?}

   {I was expecting the patter of little feet.}

   {Lyta, when will you stop trying to manipulate people?}

   {Try?}

   {Okay, when are you going to stop manipulating people?}

   {When I’m a gray haired old woman.}

   {In other words, never.}

   She just smiled.

   {So, tell me about this Alfreda thing.}

   They were laying across their bed with Lyta's head on Paul's chest. She
explained what her plans had been and where the problems were. He ran his hand 
through her copper colored hair.

   {Lyta, you never give it a rest do you?}

   She nodded no.

   {Now you have two youngsters a thousand light years from others their own 
age and one of them can't stand the other. Does it ever occur to you that you 
can make mistakes?}

   {All the time.}

   {What are you going to do about it?}

   {Since Michael is our communications line, I suppose I’ll have the next
ship out bring her back. She’ll need more training.}

   {That will leave Michael alone without anyone to socialize with.}

   {He can handle it.}

   {That sounds pretty ruthless.}

   {Michael is a ranger, his training has covered these possibilities.}

   {The boys are tough, but sometimes it seems like you are harder on them 
than you are on their contemporaries.}

   {I can't show favoritism just because they’re my sons.}

   {You don't have to brutalize them to prove the point.}

   Lyta didn't like the direction this conversation was taking.

   {Your point is noted. Have you noticed that John is getting very friendly
with Willa's daughter.}

   {What is your point.}

   {She seems a little old for him.}

   {What!}

   {She is thirty-five and he is barely twenty-two.}

   {Give it a rest, Lyta. Have you been interfering with his private life?}

   {No. He works out with her, and they go everywhere together. It started 
after she tried to join the rangers. I thought she was a little old for a new
recruit.}

   {Lyta, he is an adult. He can see whomever he wishes.}

   {I suppose you’re right.}

   Next day Lyta watched her son and Marsha work out together. They were not 
aware that they were being watched. They made a really handsome couple. Marsha 
had been a gymnast, and was a martial arts master, and had interned with the 
psi cops. She had not liked them, but had remained with them specializing in 
counter industrial espionage in the private sector with some special 
assignments to military units. She was a very powerful telepath and an even 
more powerful empath. She didn't need to scan someone to detect lying. She 
could read their emotional states like a book.

   They had been sparring with pikes and hand to hand for almost an hour. Lyta 
was tired from just watching their efforts. They were very good. She felt 
sorry for anyone dumb enough to start a fight with either of them. As they 
started to leave John took Marsha in his arms and kissed her very deeply. Lyta 
could feel the emotions even through her natural blocks. These two seemed to 
be more than just friends. The thought of that disturbed her.

   At dinner that night, she and Paul had another long discussion about her 
sons and her relationship with them. She decided that she had to let go. It 
wouldn't be easy, but it was the right thing to do.

******************************

   The next day in her office, Lyta had an unscheduled visitor. Marsha
Armstead, white female, age 35, 180 cm tall, 78 kilograms, and beautiful too.

   [John has fabulous taste in women.]

   {Good morning Marsha. What can I do for you?}

   {I need to talk to you about John.}

   {Oh?}

   {Yes ma'am. I know that you don't approve of my seeing him.}

   [Where did she learn about that?]

   {You know that I’m an empath.}

   Lyta nodded acknowledgment.

   {I have been aware of your feelings for some time.}

   Lyta raised an eyebrow.

   {I didn't scan or anything. It's just that your feelings were so intense, I
couldn't help but sense them.}

   Lyta cocked her head, {Go on.}

   {I know you and mom are very close friends and I don't want any friction
between our families.}

   Lyta just listened. She made no effort to respond.

   {I discussed it with John last night, and we have decided to stop seeing one
another. It’ll make things much easier for all of us.}

   Lyta never changed her expression. {I wasn't aware that there was a 
problem.}

   {Ma'am, your emotions and your actions lead me to believe otherwise. 
Anyway, John agrees with me.}

   {I really am sorry to hear this, but I won't interfere.}

   Marsha left.

   Lyta was stunned.

   Lyta contacted Paul and related her meeting with Marsha to him.

   {How does it feel to be cut off at the pass? Besides you got what you
wanted.}

   {Later, Paul.}

   Later that morning, Marsha and John said their goodbyes and she boarded the 
shuttle for Babylon 5. Her reservations would have her well on her way to 
Earth before the day was over. She had been lucky enough to catch a passenger 
ship that been delayed in departing.

   A week after her experience with Marsha, Lyta again went to watch them work 
out together. She wanted to talk with them and straighten out her relationship 
with both of them. Her discussions with Paul had caused her to rethink a 
number of her feelings about them. 

   She sat in the same place she had used the last time. John came in on 
schedule, but his workout partner wasn't Marsha. It was another ranger that 
Lyta didn't know by name, even though she had seen him before. She wondered 
where Marsha could be.

   After the work out was over, Lyta approached her son, {John.}

   {Mom, what brings you down here?}

   {I wanted to discuss some things with you.}

   {Sure, but couldn't you simply invite me to dinner?}

   {I had hoped to talk with both you and Marsha.}

   {About what?}

   {Your relationship with her.}

   {Nothing to discuss, mom. That's all over with.}

   {I don't understand?}

   {Marsha and I had a serious discussion and decided that by dating me she 
was de facto robbing the cradle, so to speak, and it wasn't kosher.}

   {I would still like to discuss it with her.}

   {Mom, it's over. Forget about it.}

   Lyta could feel her son's anger even though he did nothing to show it,
outwardly. He was even toned if that was possible when talking telepathically. 
It was if he was discussing the price of eggs with her.

   {I still want to see her.}

   {Well, you better get ready to go to Earth. She left Epsilon III last week.}

   Lyta didn't respond. She tried to hide her feelings and she almost
succeeded. For the briefest instant, John saw a hurt expression on his 
mother's face. He had never seen her display any emotion like that before. He 
said nothing and walked away.

******************************

   It was a beautiful morning, the air was crisp and clean, John had not 
enjoyed a morning like this since Delenn and he had went camping on Minbar 
almost ten years ago. David had been twelve at the time, and they had caught 
the Minbari equivalent of bass for breakfast that morning. John could almost 
smell the aroma. His mouth was watering. He had picked up his fishing rod when 
he heard Michael wake up.

   {Mr. Sheridan, where are you going this early?}

   {I feel like trying to catch breakfast. Come on, two of us should be able 
to do it in half the time.}

   {Sir, I've never been fishing before.}

   {No, time like the present to learn, Michael.}

   As they slipped quietly out of camp, they didn't notice that Delenn was 
watching them and had heard their exchange. John had missed much as David grew 
up. His duties had always seemed to conspire to keep them apart.

   Delenn exited the tent and took in the early rising sun. It was going to be 
another gorgeous day. She loved the climate on this planet. The planet was 
slightly larger than earth, but was somewhat less dense, which resulted in 
almost exactly one Earth gravity. It was slightly further from its sun and was 
only tilted about 10 degrees on its axis. Its orbit was more circular than 
Earth's. These factors gave it an overall climate just slightly cooler than
Earth's, but it didn't have as extreme seasonal variations as earth. It was 
really a lovely world.

   She heard sounds of movement coming from Alfreda's tent and moments later 
they were followed by the appearance of the tent's lone occupant.

   {Decide to join the living?}

   {Good morning, Mrs. Sheridan. Are we the first ones up?}

   {No. John and Michael went fishing. They are trying to catch
breakfast. I really do wish you would call me Delenn.}

   {I'm afraid it's another of my bad habits.}

   {Keep working on it, you will overcome it.}

   {Exactly when is the next ship from home due to arrive?}

   {You are thinking about your orders to return on it?}

   {Yes. I was beginning to think I might be able to patch things up
with Mike.}

   {It’s due in eight days. Don't worry, things will work out.}

   {I think I’ll return to Earth. At least I’ll be with my own kind.}

   {What do you think your father and mother will think?}

   {Father, mother, Lyta, they’ll have to learn to live with it. It’s my life 
and as long as I don't break Psi Corps rules, I can do whatever I want.}

   {Do you think they’re just going to let a psi cop go.}

   {There are alternatives.}

   Delenn could sense Alfreda's despair and it worried her. She was afraid of 
what Psi Corps would do to her for her failure to perform. Alfreda was a very 
strong person, but she had a sense of duty that was extreme. She didn't seem 
like the type who could suffer failure well. Bester had screwed her up. He 
might be okay, now, in Lyta's book, but he would never be okay in hers.

   The men made a noisy approach to camp. They had only been gone about thirty 
minutes, but they had a half dozen of what passed locally for fish.

   After breakfast, they broke down the camp and started off on another leg of 
their planned hiking-camping mini-vacation.

   They had spent a week at hiking and camping and John had enjoyed himself 
more than any other time he could remember in the past two decades. Just him 
and Delenn, if you didn't count Michael and Alfreda. They had done some rock 
climbing too. He made himself a promise to do this more often. It really 
helped with one perspectives. Delenn had thoroughly enjoyed herself and was 
pleased to see how the time off had affected John. Apparently, Michael and 
Alfreda had enjoyed the trip, but they were no closer now than before they 
started.

******************************

   He awoke with a nauseous feeling almost overpowering him. As he got out of 
bed he could hear retching coming from the bathroom.

   {Delenn! Are you okay?}

   "Oh, in Valen's name, I am sick."

   The sound of more retching and he was feeling his stomach start to empty 
its contents. He just made it to the second bathroom when his supper made its 
unwelcome appearance.

   Later that morning, after managing to get themselves under control, John 
and Delenn went to the mess facility maintained in their building and managed 
to eat some breakfast.

   {I think a visit to the infirmary is in order, Delenn.}

   She nodded agreement.

   {Delenn, you don't think...nah.} He was remembering the last time this 
happened to him. It was when Lyta made the whole quadrant sick.

   {John, we are too old for such a thing.}

   The medical technician confirmed John's guess. Delenn was pregnant.

   {I don't understand, when David was born, we were told I could never have 
any more.}

   {Delenn, you were half Minbari then. You are a hundred per cent human now 
and it is, obviously, possible.}

******************************

   Michael was in the middle of his workout with Larry Evans one of the older 
rangers who did duty as engineer, mechanic and part time medical technician.

   {What do you know about the psi cops?}

   {They’re a section of Psi Corps. They’re arrogant and don't mind abusing 
their abilities when they see fit. Why?}

   {Alfreda has tried to scan me several times.}

   {Why did she do that?}

   {She claimed she only wanted to find out how I felt toward her.}

   Hesitating, Larry responded, {Oh?}

   {All she had to do was ask.}

   {I’m afraid it's not that simple Mike.}

   {Why not?}

   {Have you had any experience with women?}

   {No. What difference does that make.}

   {Mike, it makes all the difference in the world. Tell me about the two of 
you.}

   Mike told him the whole story.

   {I see. You’re troubled that she tried to manipulate you.}

   {I think that was her intent.}

   {Do you know how your parents met and got married?}

   {All I know is that they met on Babylon 5 during the Earth Civil War,
just after the Shadow War. They were both rogue telepaths.}

   {That is true as far as it goes. Come to dinner tonight and I'll tell
you a story that might help you to see things more clearly.}

   {Okay. I’m not known for passing up a free meal.}

******************************

   {Larry you’re playing with fire. Lyta might not appreciate you telling him 
or Alfreda the truth and she can be nasty when she gets mad.}

   {You think I don't know that. Invite John and Delenn, too. If we are all in 
on it, she may not trash us when she finds out.}

   Gathilee called Delenn and Alfreda and the invitations were made.

   Everyone was there except Michael. He arrived just in time for dinner. He 
missed the pre-dinner social conversation. His expression left no doubt that 
he wasn't happy about the presence of Alfreda. The dinner was a quiet affair 
with John, Delenn, Gay and Larry doing all the talking. Mike and Freddy were 
each keeping to him/herself. Dinner was over and Mike helped Gay remove the 
dishes and police the dining area.

   Mike started for the door to leave when John said, "Sit down Michael."

   The vocal admonition stopped Mike in his tracks. He looked at Sheridan.

   {It's time you learned some things about your parents that you don't know.}

   {Like what?}

   {For starters, Lyta caused the destruction of a planet just to let Bester 
know what real pain was all about.}

   Michael looked like someone had hit him with a pike. Alfreda just looked 
astonished.

   John proceeded to tell them about Alfreda's father and mother, the frozen 
telepaths and Z’ha’dum and how Lyta fitted in.

   Both youngsters sat in stunned silence.

   {Mike, do you know anything about how your mom and dad got together?}

   Mike nodded, no. John proceeded to tell them all about that and even his 
less than stellar part of it. Delenn backed his story. The youngsters were 
speechless.

   {Mike, your mom is an unbelievably powerful telepath. Maybe the strongest 
in the Galaxy, but she is human. She makes mistakes, but we all love her 
because she always keeps our best interests in her heart. She is as tough and 
hard headed as can be, but she is as soft as they get. Give Alfreda
a break. If you must be angry, be angry at her father, she is what he made 
her.}

   The two of them just sat and said nothing. Both of them had much to think 
about after what Sheridan had just told them.

   Gay tried to lighten the affair, {Anyone for charades?}

   Later after more talk and socialization, the dinner party broke up.

   {Larry, do you think Lyta will have our heads for this?}

   {I don't know, hon', I just don't know.}

   Mike and Alfreda walked back to their apartments together. Before they said 
goodnight Alfreda asked Mike to scan her to be sure what she had told him was 
true. Michael said he would think about it.

   Alfreda was asleep when her mother knocked on her door and asked to be 
admitted. She was puzzled because her mom was supposed to be back on Earth, 
but she told her to come in anyway.

   She talked to her mom for what seemed like hours. She discussed her 
feelings for Michael and how she had screwed the relationship up. She also 
talked about her feelings toward Psi Corps, her father, and so many other 
things that she couldn't keep all of them straight. Her mom kissed her 
goodnight and tucked her in before leaving.

   Next morning at breakfast she was telling Michael, Delenn and John about 
the dream and how real it seemed to be. She asked Michael if he had thought 
about what she had asked last night. He had.

   {Alfreda, he has already scanned you.}

   {What makes you think so?}

   {Because that is how a Vorlon would do it.}

   Alfreda looked confused.

   {You mean the image of my mom was he in my mind?}

   {Lyta taught him how to do it.}

   {Why don't they teach us that in Psi Corps?}

   {Because a P-12 isn't powerful enough to pull it off.}

   Alfreda, looking even more confused, {We're not?}

   {Lyta also taught Willa how to do it. Willa had been using a form of the 
technique to fool Psi Corps into believing that she was a freaky P-7.}

   {And her children?}

   {They have been doing it too.}

   {The Vorlons taught Lyta. She believes that she may have been like Willa 
before she got involved with them only she was so good at it that Psi Corps 
never suspected her at all.}

   {Mike.}

   {Your apologies are accepted. I’m sorry for my behavior the past few 
months.}

   That afternoon Alfreda was waiting at the gym for Michael.

   {Do you mind if I watch you guys workout?}

   {Why watch. Put on your gear and workout with us.}

   Alfreda was thrilled and had the time of her life competing with them. She 
was drenched with sweat before it ended and felt absolutely wonderful. On 
their way back to their quarters, she could sense the difference in feelings 
Mike had for her.

   Later that evening, they took their usual stroll before turning in. For the 
first time in many years, she wore something besides her uniform and gloves. 
This time they held hands for real and the effect was almost over whelming. By 
the time they arrived back at their apartments, she was wanting Michael. She 
didn't hide the fact. She pulled his head down and kissed him and his knees 
went weak. Michael for his part didn't know how to respond. This was all new 
to him. They broke the kiss and Michael escaped into his apartment. Alfreda, 
breathing hard, felt cheated. She had never been involved with a man before 
and was as new to this as Michael.

   [Tomorrow night he won't get away so easily.]

   Michael sat down and tried to get his thoughts straight. His breathing was 
heavy. His heart was pounding like a trip hammer and his knees were not 
working quite right. She had been soft and warm. Her touch had sent tingles, 
like a mild electric shock, through him. He didn't know that his responses had 
been amplified by his telepathic and empathic abilities. He knew in his heart 
that if she did this tomorrow night he would not be able to resist his
animal instincts.

   She did and he didn't.

   They were late to breakfast the following day. John and Delenn feigned 
ignorance about what had transpired. The rest of the personnel paid no 
attention, either. They had been expecting it sooner than this. Everyone 
agreed that they were a good match.

   Michael made contact with John and let him know that things were right 
between him and Alfreda. He wanted mom to know he wanted her to stay. The 
reply was that the final decision would rest with the ambassador and the 
Sheridan's.

   Michael relayed the information to John Sheridan. The answer was immediate. 
Alfreda would be staying. Michael thanked him. Back in his apartment, Michael 
sat down and cried. He had been so afraid his mother wouldn't change her mind. 
In the past, she had never changed her mind once she had made a decision 
concerning her sons, regardless of how harsh the repercussions to them.

   Michael and Alfreda were married less that a month later.

******************************************************

   {John how are the negotiations coming?}

   {We have agreed that the alliance can keep a whitestar in the system so the 
historical data and records of battle tactics can be integrated with their 
theories of games into a war college of sorts.

   They are studying the best ways of developing a military organization to 
suit their anticipated needs. It is going to be some time before it is ready 
to go. The jump gate construction ship is on its way. They want to get some of 
their engineers involved in the construction efforts for training purposes.}

   {The communications buoys and navigation beacons are being tested now. They 
should be online by the end of the month. They will use encoded transponders. 
It should keep the traffic down for the first year or so.}

   {They wanted to know how one whitestar can protect the entire system. I 
told them it couldn't. I am negotiating for permission for one in orbit around 
each of the colonies they have established on the other two planets. It looks 
like it might get a little easier later on.}

   {Not in trade talks it won't. These people are in their element trading. It 
is most interesting though.}

   They finished supper and went for a walk in the park. John could sense that 
Delenn had plans for later. His anticipation was getting into gear. It had 
been a good day and would be an even better evening.

   They had been here almost two years, their daughter was five months old and 
a little darling. She was the first human born on Fjon, but not the only one. 
Michael and Alfreda had been blessed with a son. John and Delenn despite the 
age difference spent a lot of time with Mike and Freddy. 

   The whole human community on Fjon was extremely close knit. With the 
engineers and technicians involved with facilities construction and 
maintenance, they numbered just over a hundred and fifty.

   Lyta and Paul and Alfred and Carlyon were thrilled to be grandparents. All 
were anxious to meet him.

******************************************************
MTC

part 4

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