By Jennifer Lee

Edited by Tim Holder

She wakes up for what seems like the hundredth time tonight or day as it were. She hated shift changes, not because her new duty shift was the Delta shift, that she liked it allowed her to relax a bit because no one was in C&C to bother her, but because she could never get herself to stay asleep leading up to her next work day.

"Uhhhhhhhggg!!" Ivanova growled as she grabbed her pillow and put it over her face. "Why in Gods name can’t I stay asleep!!" She screamed into her pillow. Ivanova then threw her pillow across her bedroom and kicked the sheets off of her a got up and went to the living area of her quarters. Who am I kidding I know exactly why I can’t sleep she thought to herself while pacing back and forth in front of her couch.

Ivanova flopped down onto her couch crossing her arm and legs and began pouting like a little girl. Thinking about how much she wanted to get close to the station’s resident commercial telepath but every time she let Talia Winters in just a little, the words her mother drilled into her head as a child haunted her till she would back away. "Tell No One!" Ivanova said out loud. "I know I can’t trust any telepath, for any reason. Not even Miss Winters." She said quietly to no one.

The chime of the door announcing that someone wished to enter broke her train of thought. "Who the Hell can that be! This better be important or someone is going to find themselves floating out an air lock!" She said as she closed her blue silk robe and walked to answer the door.

Talia Winters had gone to C&C to speak with Commander Susan Ivanova and Captain Sheridan about some of the policy and regulations that were requested by her new clients. Normally she would never had bothered to say she would speak with the Captain or the Commander but she was getting a headache from the two aliens arguing back and forth and it was getting hard to keep the stronger emotions out of the way. So she stepped in and told them that she would talk with the Captain and Commander personally and they can reconvene in two standard days.

They were paying her a very substancal fee for her services so she figured that they really wanted these negotiations to work out. So with this little trip to C&C she would be able to do two things at once not only would she be able to speak to the Captain about getting the information about the regulations she needed, but she will also be able to get the object of her desires and her torment trapped in a room with her "and no way out" she mused out loud

Talia Winters first met, then Lt. Commander Susan Ivanova, when she was trying to report to her as the new telepath that was assigned to Babylon 5. She had been trying to report in with the Second-in-command as were the Psi-Corps regulation, but every attempt to contact the Lt. Commander had served in vane for the Lt. Commander never returned her messages so she just decided to just go up and speak with her in C&C. She walked through the already open door and there she was, with her back to the door.

"Lt. Commander Ivanova" she had started when she turned around to address her Talia noticed how she was even more beautiful in person than she was in the Station personnel records. Talia tried to brush that thought out of her mind as she continued introducing herself the beautiful Lt. Commander. After she had finished she was rather shocked by the fact that Ivanova showed no real interest in the telepath at all.

So Talia tried to let her know why she was there in a playful manner, but all the Lt. Commander said was "I’m in the middle of 15 things, all of them annoying. Thank you for coming by." Talia didn’t know how to feel about the Lt. Commanders reaction towards her, but she had never been that blatantly ignored her whole life.

At that time she knew she like this woman and knew that Susan Ivanova would take a lot of work she thought to herself as she walked out. After speaking with the Chief of Security Mr. Garibaldi about what she could do about speaking with Ivanova she was able to catch her and speak with her in the Casino after her Duty shift was over.

Talia then learned of the Lt. Commander’s loathing for the Psi-Corps and the reasons behind then. Wanting to show Ivanova that not all of Psi-Corps was like she thought and certainly not her so Talia tried to offer to start over the next day but all Ivanova said was "I very much doubt it." Then walked away. As time went by and she came to know the Corps for what it really was like Talia was then able to start getting closer to Susan, but how she wanted to be far more than casual friends.

Now as she walked into C&C she was expecting to see the Commander standing at her console but she wasn’t there, she looked around and turned to leave in disappointment when Captain Sheridan came walking through the door.

"Good morning Miss Winters!" The Captain said as he walked into C&C "What can I do for you?"

"Good Morning as well Captain." Talia said trying to hide the disappointment on her face that the Commander was not there. "I would like to speak with you and Commander Ivanova on behalf of my clients if that is not to much trouble?"

"That would be fine Miss Winters, but I’m afraid the Commander will not be present due to the fact that today is her day off, but I hope I will be able to help you if you would still like?" The Captain said as he saw the look of disappointment on her face. "Well I could call and ask the Commander if she would be willing to come in later tonight if you like?"

"No that’s ok Captain I will find her and ask her myself." Talia said with a smile dancing across her face that made the Captain smile in turn

"Very well Miss Winters Shall we meet in my office at 1830?" said the Captain.

"That would be just fine." Said the telepath as she walked out of C&C with her new destination in mind.

While walking to the transport tube Talia started thinking about the night she had gone over to the Commander’s quarters. It was wonderful. Talia mused about seeing Susan in her blue silk nightgown that she had been wearing. Talia had so much wanted to tell Susan how she felt about her, but she just couldn’t bring herself to say it. It was very nice though she and Susan got a lot out in the open and now were starting to get closer.

The next thing Talia realized was that she was standing at the Commander’s door. Talia pressed the chime on the door and no answer. Talia chimed once more "Please be here, Please!" Talia said quietly to herself. Just as she was turning to go the door opened and her heart leapt into her throat at the site of the Commander standing in front of her in that same Blue silk nightgown and robe she liked. Susan’s voice snapped her out of her musing.

"Is something wrong Miss Winters? Can I help you with something? Miss Winters!?" the Commander said starting to get worried that the telepath had not said anything in response. Just as the commander was about to touch her Talia snapped to and apologized for not responding

"I’m sorry I was just thinking about something." Talia said to cover up the fact she was turning crimson.

"It’s alright," Said the Commander, "would you like to come in to talk about what ever it is that brought you here?"

Talia quickly stepped through the doorway far enough so that it would close behind her. Susan walked to and sat down on the couch sitting on one of her legs. "Have a seat." She said. Talia sat down on the couch as close to Susan without making her nervous. "What’s on your mind?" Susan said to Talia. Cursing herself for longing to see what she looks like under that suit she wore all the time.

Talia looked into those big blue orbs as she saw the Commander’s eyes wonder over her body. Talia tried not to move as so she could keep that feeling she was getting from Ivanova to stay forever. It felt like to Talia that she was going to pass out from the shire desire she was feeling from Ivanova. Talia took a deep breath as she noticed that she had not breathed in some time, breaking the Commander’s thoughts. Susan shook her head and then stared at Talia looking for the answer to the question she had asked as if the seconds of looking at the telepath had never took place. Talia sighed deeply as she asked the Commander if she would be available to discuss the policy and regulation that are concerning her clients.

The Commander eyed her for a moment and said "I will happy to help you out Miss Winters. What time?"

"1830 in the Captain’s office." Talia stated flatly. Got up and began to walk towards the door to leave, feeling that she must have been wrong about what she had felt from Susan.

"Are you hungry?" asked Ivanova. Stopping Talia in her tracks then turning around to make sure that she was not hearing things or that she was not dreaming. What the hell are you doing Ivanova’s head screamed, but she shook it off and continued "I’m starving and I can’t sleep anyway so I was think… I mean if…." Stumbled Susan now finding great interest in her hands.

"I’d love to Susan!" Talia said a bit more quickly and urgently than needed but it got a big beautiful smile out of the beautiful Commander. Susan’s blue eyes sparkled so longingly that almost made Talia take her right then and there on the couch. Talia so wanted to scan Susan so she would know if Susan felt the same way about her as she felt about Susan, but she knew that Susan would never forgive her if she found out that she did that to her. So Talia resigned herself to taking it one day at a time. Talia knew getting to know the Commander would take a lot of hard work and a lot of time.

"Ok! Great I need to change clothes," Susan said as she stumbled off the couch quickly getting into her bedroom to change. "Take a seat it will be just a second!" Came her beautiful voice from the room. Changing into her uniform Susan kept telling herself that it’s just lunch, that’s it, that’s all! Susan takes a deep breath as she steps out into the living area still buttoning the cuffs of her dress white shirt. Talia is seated on the couch with her legs crossed at the knee looking at the book that Susan had left there from the previous night. She is so beautiful thought Susan. Why is it I end up falling for the wrong people she thinks in her head, she sighs and walks up behind Talia.

Deep in thought Talia didn’t hear that Susan was done dressing, and was standing there looking at her. Talia had sat down where Susan had been sitting and felt the warmth that was still there. Talia noticed the book sitting on the table and picked it up and was smiling at the fact that they both enjoyed reading in their spare time.

Talia felt something unclear at first, but not threatening, her smile grew wider with the realization of who had just came up behind her, she leaned back against the couch feeling the warmth of Susan’s body and the feel of her body moving as she breathed. Talia closed her eyes as Susan put her strong hand on Talia’s cheek and slowly stroked her all the way back though her beautiful blonde hair pulling her head back to rest on Susan’s stomach. Talia’s breathing quickly became ragged with desire and longing. Talia slowly and gently pulled away sensing that Susan was not ready. Susan let her go and quickly recovered and asked Talia where she would like to go. Talia smiled saying "It really doesn’t matter to me where ever you like."

Susan came around into Talia’s line of sight. Talia took a deep breath at the site of the Commander in her uniform without her blue Earthforce jacket on Talia thought Susan look absolutely handsome in it. "Well we could go the new Café that has opened in Red Sector?" Susan’s words broke her train of thought "That would be fine Commander." Talia said standing to meet the Commander at the door ready to leave.

Talia look a little disappointed as the Commander put on her Jacket as they walked out the door. Susan was in total Command mode, which made Talia sigh a little as they walked into the lift. "Red Sector." Ivanova said as she turned to speak to Talia. Susan met Talia’s beautiful blue eyes as she turned making her forget what she wanted to say.

Talia met the Commander’s eyes as she turned to say something but then stopped only looking her with her mouth opened a little as if lost for words, which is very odd because she was sure Commander Susan Ivanova had never in her life been at a lost for the words to speak. Talia stood silent as she waits, in amusement, for the Commander to speak.

Ivanova realized that Talia was staring at her with a small sensual smile that made the Commander’s heart start pounding in her ears. I need to say something Susan’s head was saying to her. Looking down for a moment to recover looking back at Talia and says "I heard from Alisa the other day."

Talia’s smile widen at the thought of the young lady and all that had happened when to her. She and the Commander had both argued about the fate of Alisa for days as to whether or not she was going to go to Psi-Corps or not, but the Commander came though with other choices for the young telepath and she chose to go to Minbar to train her latent telepathic talents. Before she left she told Talia that she needed to tell the Commander how she felt about her. Talia had considered what Alisa had said but had never done so. "As did I." Talia said. "She looks so grown up didn’t she?" Talia continued.

"Yes she did, calmer too." Susan pointed out to her as Talia nodded her head thinking that she was glad that Alisa had gone to Minbar to train her latent telepathic talents instead of Psi-Corps. Talia now new all that the Corps was, and she didn’t like it at all and was glad that Alisa had the choice.

"Yes she did," Talia said with a far away tone to her voice. "Did I wake you this morning when I came bye? I didn’t even think about it on my way to your quarters. I’m so sorry if I did!" Talia was trying to explain when Susan simply said that she was already up. "Oh." Was all Talia said as the doors of the lift opened and they walked to the Café talking about how Alisa was doing.

"If I may ask," said Talia as they sat down at the table, "why are you off duty today? I mean as long as I’ve been here I have never known you to take a day off." Looking at Susan with a sincere look of curiosity in her eyes Susan said "I normally don’t take time off work, but I had no choice this time." Ivanova cut off her statement when the waiter came to take their order.

After he left Talia asked. "Why did you not have a choice in the matter?"

Susan look into her eyes thinking how beautiful, warm, and gentle they are. Blushing lightly she answered Talia question "I have a shift change. I’m now on Delta Shift for two and half weeks and then I rotate back to Alpha shift. You get a day off to adjust your sleeping pattern, but I can never sleep the first day of the change. I always feel like I need to be somewhere or do something else. It’s very…… frustrating."

Talia was smiling, "Thank you for answering my question honestly." She said warmly. "It means a lot to me that you are opening up to me." Neither one had realized that the food was sitting before them ready to be eaten.

They both smile as the began to eat.

A loud noise farther down the Zocalo caught Ivanova’s attention, standing up to her full 5’11" height, that made Talia take a sharp intake of air as she thought about how strong and beautiful this woman really was as she stood there looking and listening to what was causing the problems, saw a man running away from some security and a shop employee all of them running this way.

Before Talia knew it Susan had gracefully vaulted over the railing and charged right into the thief before he had any idea that she was there. Both Ivanova and a rather large man went tumbling down to the ground with Ivanova ending up on top. Talia startled by the fact that the Commander had vaulted over the railing or over the fact that Susan had taken such a course of action she didn’t know, but there she was among the crowd watching what was now taking place with amazement and fear for the Commander.

Commander Ivanova was knocked off by the large man with a loud thud as she hit the ground and quickly stood up as did the man looking at her with murder in his eyes. Before Ivanova had a chance to tell him to stand down the man charged her. The man slammed into Ivanova’s stomach that knocking her completely to the deck with a resounding thud as Ivanova’s head hit the ground and knocking the wind out of her for a moment, she heard Talia scream her name with fear from the crowd.

The man now crushing Ivanova under his weight grinned wildly at knocking her down to the ground, just then the grin left his face as he felt Ivanova’s knee hit him square in the groin, as the man’s eyes began to cross from the pain as Ivanova knocked the man off and rolled to her feet just as he recovered from the blow. Ivanova braced herself as the man tried to punch her.

To his unfortunate surprise Ivanova had recovered and was much quicker than he would have guessed, because Ivanova sidestepped his attack and punched him hard in the kidneys making the man stumble and fall to his knees.

"Stand down!" screamed the Commander but the large man didn’t listen and went after her again Talia didn’t know what to do. She could see security was about there but she saw the man going after Susan again. Ivanova stood her ground as she watched him coming at her finding the place to best strike the man to put him down for good, when he got to where she needed him to be she did a roundhouse kick to the face and the man went down to the ground unconscious.

Watching Susan, Talia gasped as she saw what she did the man was down on the ground. Susan knelt down to check to see if he was still breathing as she saw Talia and security come towards her. Susan noted to herself that Talia hade this shocked look on her face as she looked down at the man and then back at her. Susan mused that Talia had no idea she could fight like that. Which made Susan smile inwardly at the thought of the surprised beautiful telepath.

Mr. Garibaldi cut though the crowd holding his PPG as he knelt down to check the thief’s pulse then looking at Talia and then the Commander but before he could get a word out to ask what happened came the Commander’s voice "I think you can put your PPG away now Mr. Garibaldi I don’t think he’s going anywhere but Medlab anytime soon."

As she saw Dr. Franklin running up to where they were he ask what happened. "He took a roundhouse to the head." Came Talia’s voice, still standing over them.

"Who?" The Dr asked as he began to get the thief put on a gurney.

"I did." Came the Commander’s strong voice as she tried to stand up then falling just as she tried and was caught by Garibaldi before she hit the floor. Gasping Talia saw that Susan was not going to make it up on her own and Talia lessened the gasp between them and was now helping Garibaldi steady the Commander with her arm’s around the Commander’s waist.

"Well, It looks like you won’t be going anywhere but Medlab as well Commander." Garibaldi laughed as the Dr. came to help the Commander on a gurney herself. "I’m fine!" Ivanova yelled in protest, trying to walk away but not going far due to her losing balance once more but this time Talia was there and held the Commander up with all her strength holding her tight against her own body so the Commander would not fall.

With shock Susan found herself being held by the beautiful telepath so she would not fall. Even through the pain Susan felt a sweep of desire rise up within herself, feeling the telepath arms wrapped around her stomach and across her chest ever so gently but firmly so as not to let her fall. Susan felt the brush of Talia’s lips on her ear as she relocated her face around Susan’s hair so that she could see where the Doctor was guiding her and Susan.

Susan’s breathing became somewhat labored as she felt Talia’s breath against her ear and her pounding heart against her back. Susan thought she was going to faint due to how weak her legs were as Talia and the Doctor got her on the gurney leaving Garibaldi to deal with the unconscious thief.

Both the Commander and the thief were taken to Medlab to be treated by the time they arrived Captain Sheridan was already in Medlab looking rather pissed off as he walked up to his XO’s bed standing next to Talia.

"I see you found her." The Captain said to Talia looking at her wondering what had happened. "I swear Commander, I give you one day off and you get into trouble." The Captain said looking at Ivanova with a smile on his face and in his eyes.

"Sorry Captain but he just ran into my foot." Ivanova said with a look of utter calm and coolness as she said that.

The Captain gave out a bit laugh that the others in Medlab glance at him a couple of times as they worked. Talia smiled to see that Susan was not in any real trouble for what she did.

"Talia, I’m going to need a statement from you about what you saw happen." Came Garibaldi’s voice as he walked over to see Ivanova. The Doctor had finished his scan as Garibaldi stopped at the foot of Ivanova’s bed. "So how is she Doc?" Garibaldi asked.

"Well she has two cracked ribs and a nice concussion, but she will be alright."

"How the hell did she take down the guy with all that?" Garibaldi asked in disbelief.

"Well it’s really quite simple really," the Doctor answered, "her mind didn’t realize that her body was injured until it was all over." The others looked at the doctor and nodded realizing that they have all been there before. "She will need to stay in Medlab so she won’t go to sleep." The Doctor said while running the scanner over the Commander again.

"No I’m not!" Came the Commander’s voice as she tried to get up and off the bed before anyone could stop her she was now walking, rather unsteady towards the Medlab doors say over her shoulder that. "I will stay awake in my own quarters!"

"Freeze! Commander that’s an order!" Came the Captain’s voice freezing all of Medlab as he continued, "You will not…."

Talia interrupted the Captain "I will watch her so she will not go to sleep. I have to speak with her anyway so this will give me the time we need to get some things done." Everyone including Ivanova, stared at the beautiful, young telepath as if she just said she could sprout wings and fly.

"There you go," countered Ivanova "I have a babysitter now. Will that make you happy doctor? She can inform you if anything happens to me throughout the night."

The Doctored sigh heavily as he thought about it. She really must not want to be here if she is willing to have a telepath that close to her all night. He looked at Talia. "Are you sure you can handle the Commander and make sure she won’t fall asleep until 0200 in the morning? And then keep an eye on her to make sure she is doing ok through out the night?" The Doctor asked seriously.

"I believe I can handle it," looking at the Commander’s stubborn expression "bedsides if she doesn’t want to cooperate then I can always bring her back here to stay." Talia said as much to Doctor Franklin as to Commander Ivanova.

Looking at both Talia then Commander Ivanova "Okay, I will allow it, but if you have any problem with her Miss Winters I want to know immediately." Doctor Franklin said sighing faintly in defeat handing Talia a Medlink. "This will allow you to contact the Medlab instantly, understand?" The Doctor said with a stern look at Ivanova.

Putting the link on her hand Talia looked up at the Doctor saying, "Crystal clear Doctor, you have my word." Ivanova looked almost shocked that the Steven agreed to it. Ivanova turned to leave then stopped, trying to make sure she didn’t lose her balance trying to leave sure that if she did Steven would make her stay.

As if she knew that Susan was having a problem Talia came up from behind startling her at first but then allowed Talia to wrap her left arm around her waist and Susan put her right arm on Talia’s shoulder. That’s how they left Ivanova walked out of the Medlab with as much pride and dignity as she could muster all the way back to her quarters.

"Well I gotta say I never thought I would see the day that Ivanova would let a telepath that near her, much less spend the night in her quarters, without throwing them out an airlock or window." The Captain said to the rest of the remaining command staff. "I think I’m going to post guards at the airlocks for tonight." Garibaldi said dryly looking at the other two men while they stared at the door, where the two women had just walked out, nodding their heads in agreement.

On their way to the Commander’s quarters they ran into Minbari Ambassador Delenn. "Commander, I heard you had gotten hurt and was on my way to see you." Ambassador Delenn’s hair, which is atypical for a Minbari to have, shone in the bright lights of the corridor.

At one point in time Delenn had called upon Commander Ivanova to help her learn how to take care of her new hair among other things. So Delenn and Commander Ivanova have a good friendship with one another.

Talia has worked with Delenn on occasion and has always thought she was a very honest and open person. "Are you feeling better now?" Delenn finished. Just as she did Susan staggered to the side a bit just then Delenn said "I guess not," as she got to the other side of the Commander to help steady her.

It was not far to get to Ivanova’s quarters and after they all got in they sat Susan down on the couch. "Don’t you think she should be in Medlab Miss Winters?" Delenn said softly to Talia.

"Yes I do," respond Talia dryly to the Ambassador’s question, "but it was either I take care of her or she tries to leave of her own accord. I just couldn’t let that happen."

Delenn looked at her knowingly and nodded her head in acceptance of the young telepath’s reasoning.

"Do you need any help tonight?" Delenn asked quietly while Talia was walking her to the door.

"You know I have a concussion I’m not deaf." Ivanova said dryly as Delenn was leaving. Susan hated when people talked about her as though she couldn’t hear them. Delenn turned and bowed slightly to the Commander "I apologize Commander I did not intend to offend you."

"No I’m sorry Delenn I know you are just concern for me and I thank you very much." Susan said now smiling at the Ambassador. Delenn smiled back at Susan and turned to Talia saying "Miss Winters if you need anything…"

"I will call you," ended Talia as Delenn left and the door slid closed behind her.

Turning Talia met Susan’s gaze "Thank you Miss Winters I think I can handle it from here. I do thank you for helping me get out of Medlab I hope we can do lunch another day." Susan said while trying to get up but as soon as she did she sat back down as the room began to spin again.

Talia watched Susan put her hand on her eyes trying to make the spinning stop. Talia waited till Susan looked up at her then Talia began to remove her gloves one at a time and then she took off the Psi-Corps pin she wore set them on the kitchenette counter and turn back to face Susan with a warm determined look. She smiled "I’m not going anywhere until I deliver you to Doctor Franklin in the morning."

"Really Miss Winters… Talia I don’t need a babysitter. I will be quite alright here by myself." Susan pleaded.

Talia walked up to Susan with her hands clasped together in front of her until she was right in front of Susan. At first Susan kept her eyes fixed forward so the movement would not make her head start spinning again. Susan’s face was mere inches away from Talia’s ungloved hands she could feel the warmth radiating off of them making her breathing more labored as a result. Susan swallowed hard as she allowed her eyes to travel upwards to meet Talia’s perfect blue eyes.

Talia’s eyes were so warm and patient as she told Susan "I’m not going to let you stay here alone. Not to mention I have given my word to look out for you all night long. Besides you can’t even stand on your own without the room starting to spin." Susan looked at her and nodded her head knowing Talia was right.

"Ok then lets get you standing and into the bedroom so you can change clothes." Talia said as Susan’s head snapped up to look into Talia’s eyes and then regretting the sudden movement as the world began to spin again laughing lightly Talia places a hand on Susan’s cheek to try and reorient Susan.

Regaining her equilibrium Susan place a hand on top of Talia’, they both blushed lightly at the closeness. "Okay," Susan said as she allowed Talia to lean down and wrap her arms around Susan’s larger body frame as Susan grabbed Talia’s back.

As they both stood together Susan felt dizziness wash over her to the point she thought she was going to faint. But Talia held on tight while saying "It’s going to be alright Susan. It will pass just hang in there. I’ve got you. Your not going to fall I won’t let that happen. Trust me Susan."

Susan concentrated on Talia’s sweet voice trying to make the spinning stop in her head. Once it passed she looked right into Talia’s eyes. Unwavering Susan leaned in and kissed Talia on the cheek then she look back into Talia’s eyes amused by the fact that Talia’s coloring suddenly went three shades paler than it normally is and then flushed hot with red.

"Let’s get you in the other room ok?" Talia said with a bit of a tremble in her voice trying to hind it.

"Thank you for standing by me." said Susan her voice low and husky. What the hell are you doing Susan’s head was screaming at her.

Talia started her to her bedroom and was slowly able to loosen her grip on Susan due to Susan’s head starting to get better. Talia helped to lower Susan onto the bed. "What happened to your bed?" The telepath asked looking at the sheets and the pillow on the floor.

"We had a minor disagreement this morning." Susan said dryly looking and items in question. Talia gave a light laugh and then went to Susan’s closet to get something for her to wear. "You should be able to find something in there that you can wear as well. Talia turned towards Susan and smiled a big smile that made Susan smile in return.

She is so beautiful Talia thought to herself as she went back to looking through Susan’s closet. Talia found a peach silk nightgown like the blue one Susan had been wearing earlier and a white t-shirt and a pair of shorts. "Which would you like to wear? These are the only things in there." Talia said as she turned to show Susan want she had.

"I’ll take the shirt and shorts you can have the gown." Susan said with a smile on her face. Talia smiled back and walked over setting the shirt and shorts on the bed and then walked over to pick up the pillow and put it back on the bed while the Commander undid her uniform jacket pulling it down off her shoulders. Talia took the jacket from Susan and hung it back in the closet.

"Do you need any help?" asked Talia shyly looking down at her feet.

Smiling at the thought of the telepath hands on her body she said, "No I think I can handle it. My head in feeling better."

Smiling back at the Commander Talia walked over to the ensuit to change herself. Talia heard the Commander start undressing she had to resist the urge to take a look out the door to watch the Commander undress. When Talia was done she walk out of the ensuit and saw Susan standing in just a pair of shorts, back to her, and was putting her shirt on over her head and did not see that Talia was standing there.

Susan’s body was slender but toned to a beautiful shape. Talia just wanted to reach out and touch Susan. She finished putting on her shirt and turned back and sat down on the bed looking back at the ensuit and her eyes met that of a very aroused Talia Winters. Talia cast her eyes downwards so as to hide her blushing cheeks.

"That looks great on you." Susan said warmly as she got up and started walk, rather unsteadily, back into the living room. Talia followed Susan out into the living area and sat down next to her on the couch.

"How are you feeling now?" Talia asked, "You’re standing and walking much better."

"Yes I’m feeling a lot better. I’m still a little woozy but better." Susan response as she turned to lean her back against the arm of the couch looking at Talia noting to herself how different Talia looked without the conservative Psi-Corps suit on and smiled as she did.

"What?" Talia’s words brought Susan out of musing and looked at her and said, "It’s nothing I was just thinking about how different you look out of your suit and gloves."

Smiling at Susan she looked down at her hands and said "I feel different when I’m out of them to tell you the truth. I feel so… isolated when I’m in them all the time." Not letting Susan say anything she continued, "So what would you like to have for dinner?"

Getting up walked up to go to the kitchenette to look for food to cook. "I don’t have anything to cook." Susan says as Talia opens the refrigerating unit and the pantry. Talia seeing only a bottle of wine and a bottle of ten year old Russian Vodka sitting on the top shelf and coffee and tea in the pantry. Talia turned and looked at Susan looking rather like a child that has just got caught doing something wrong, "I don’t cook." was all she said with a shrug of her shoulders. Talia smiled at Susan and walked back towards her and said, "Well it looks like we will be ordering out tonight. Pizza ok by you?"

Susan gave a big smile "That will be fine. Although I would not ask for any meat on it you never know what they’ll use." Talia smiled and with a nod she walked over to the Babcom unit and ordered a cheese pizza and then went back to sit down with Susan on the couch.

"May I ask you a question?" asked Talia now seated facing Ivanova with both her legs curled up under her on the couch. "Fire away." Ivanova said quietly. Talia leaned forward placing her elbows on her knees and asked, "Did you always want to join Earthforce?"

Looking rather surprised by the question Ivanova just stared at Talia. Feeling Susan was rather uncomfortable she tried to explain the reason for her question. "I… you… What I mean is that you have this air about you that just screams command martial." Seeing that Susan was now smiling Talia took a deep breath of relief the Susan was ok with the question. "Did you always have it or did you have to learn it?" Talia finished. Susan looked in thought and then she looked up into Talia’s eyes and she began to tell her about what prompted her choice. That was the way they sat and talked only stopping to eat when their food had arrived. Susan made a big yawn as Talia sipped on her wine finishing telling her about roommate back at Psi-Corps. Susan laughed and then asked, "What time is it?" Looking at the commander Talia said, "0247, wow time flies…"

"Tell me about it" Susan said while yawning again. "I’m tired too," nodded Talia. "It’s safe for you to go to bed now Susan." Getting up off the couch slowly as not to push herself too quickly, "Good I’m beat." Talia stood and placed a hand on Susan’s waist to make sure Susan wouldn’t fall walked into the bedroom and Susan sat on the bed looking up into Talia’s warm, blue eyes that make her shiver all over from the need to touch this woman. Breaking the spell Talia picked up the commanders discarded uniform and put them in the cleaning unit to be cleaned and then turned and started to walk back out to the living room saying "Good night, Susan."

"Where are you going?" the commander’s words stopped Talia in mid step at the foot of Susan’s bed. Not trusting her self to turn around and look at the beautiful commander she responded, "To sleep on the couch."

"No you’re not." Came Susan’s low alto voice as if being carried on the wings of an angle made Talia weak at the knees.

"No?" was all that would come out of Talia’s mouth.

"No." Susan said as she took Talia by the arm and pulled her to sit on the bed next to her. Talia turned to Susan in shocked confusion and asked, "You want me to sleep with you? In your bed?"

Smiling widely at the confused look on Talia’s face she said simply "You are suppose to be watching me all night remember?" At that Talia smiled at the commander and Susan scooted back over the bed and then under the covers looking at the telepath waiting for her to follow suit. "I don’t bite." Jibed Susan. Smiling.

"That’s not what I heard." Talia mocked as she crawled under the covers and told the computer to turn off the lights with a laugh from Susan they fell asleep.

Something was tickling Talia to wake up, as her eyes slowly open to find what was tickling her neck she looked down to find the strong and powerful commander nuzzled close to, on top of really, her chest. Studying the Commander she noticed that most of the commander’s body was draped across her’s. Susan’s head was resting on her chest, her right arm draped across Talia’s stomach, and Susan’s right leg entwined in Talia’s legs. Talia took a deep breath and let it out slowly as not to wake up the peacefully sleeping commander. Resolved to being a human pillow Talia snuggled in a little more pulling the Commander closer making Susan pull tighter on Talia she fell back to sleep thinking on how long she wanted to feel this woman in her arms and ohh how good it felt. That was how they slept all the way till morning.

To be continued in Part 2