Title: In the Gardens of the Past, Prologue through Part 22 (Book I: Inception)

Author: B5Crusader@geocities.com
Date: 09-11-97
Compiled: 10-31-98

Notes/Dedication:   This ongoing story about Valen's War against the Shadows is dedicated to all Babylon 5 fans, all the cast and crew of Babylon 5 (both past, present, and future), and especially to J. Michael Straczynski for creating such a wonderful show. In the Gardens of the Past should be considered an alternate reality past history for Babylon 5, though every effort was made to make the story fit within the existing Babylon 5 universe. Changes will be made to this story as more information about the character of Valen or the past history of the Minbari becomes available. For now, enjoy.

All criticism and suggestions are welcome, but please do not send any Flarn ala Sheridan. :)

Gardens of Infinite Peace,
Tuzanor, Minbar, Minbari Federation

She sat on the cold stone of the ground and stared at the flickering flame,
seemingly unaware of the presence of the other two. The light from the flame
cast odd shadows upon the surrounding stone and plant life. The only other
illumination was the soft light of the two silvery moons and the stars. Despite
the darkness surrounding her, she was relaxed and at peace. She had nothing
to fear here.

The flame was part of the gardens small monument to those who had fallen
in the great war against the darkness. So many lives had been lost that it
had been decided that the flame would be lit eternally. In memory of those
who had passed beyond the veil, to those who had sacrificed all, and as a
reminder to the future.

She shifted slightly to adjust her plain robe more comfortably against the
night's chill. She did not mind the cool temperatures though. They were reminders
of other times. The joyous times she had experienced and the heart rending
darker times in her life. A time that was already becoming near myth to her
people. But what was myth to many was a startling reality for her.

She smiled to herself, knowing the others could not see her face from the
shadows of her drawn hood. She had rarely had time or reason to allow herself
this small indulgence. But here, in this wonderful garden of tranquility,
she allowed herself to smile freely. To smile at fond memories and old friends
long past. And of legends that were being born.

She heard the barest whisper of a robe against skin and turned her head slightly
to bring the other into view. She was an old woman, her hood slung on her
back to reveal a wizened and kind face. She bowed deeply and respectfully
to this woman, ancient by Minbari standards at 190 cycles.

This woman had been old when she was but a mere baby. Ninety four cycles
had passed since the day of her birth. She marveled at this for a moment
as she waited to see if the other woman would speak. She had known this living
legend her entire life. But all she saw was the woman she knew, not the legend
so many described her and the others by.

"Are you sure you wish to wait here? It will be quite sometime before the
appointed hour arrives, little one." The older Minbari said softly.

She smiled mischievously in response and shook her head, the movement barely
noticeable to anyone else. "No, Revered Grand-Mother. I shall wait here in
this place. If you desire to wait in the temple, I shall not be offended.
I merely wished to reminisce about simpler times. I do not desire to inflict
my whims upon you or anyone else."

A light musical laughter greeted her ears from the older woman's amusement.

"I may be one hundred and ninety cycles, but it is not yet my time to walk
to the sea. I shall stay here and reflect on what has been, what is, and
what shall become. If you are not offended by the presence of an old woman,
Anla'shok."

It was her time to laugh at an old joke between the two women. As much as
she hated titles, the older woman hated the reverential attitude many had
towards her. "Please sit, Ilirenn. It is good to see you again, after such
a long time."

"And you, little one. Our duties keep us apart, but our unity of purpose
shall always bind our souls." Ilirenn replied gently.

"I have missed you greatly, but have heard many good things about your order."
She said softly.

Ilirenn bowed her head slightly in humble thanks to the younger woman's praise.
The Sisters of Valeria reputation had quickly spread across Minbar, despite
the orders attempts to remain anonymous.

"And I am most pleased by what you have done as well, Emphilia. Your parents
would be most proud that you have done so well. Especially your father."

This time Emphilia bow her head in silence and humility at the praise.

"I hope that is true." She replied in the barest of whispers.

Both women fell silent as they stared into the flame, remembering things
that even now were nearly forgotten but the others.

"I miss him." Emphilia said quietly, unable to keep the sadness out of her
voice.

"We all do. He will return someday." Ilirenn replied, the pain also obvious
in the older woman's voice.

"I know." Emphilia whispered and glanced up to a patch of the sky embedded
in her memories.

"You are going to the sea." Emphilia stated as she returned her gaze to the
eternal flame of the garden.

"Yes. It is my time. I shall join him. But not before I complete this last
duty for him, for our people. And for you." The older Minbari stated serenely.

"Thank you." Emphilia said, knowing the simple words were not enough to express
her gratitude and the depth of the emotions she felt at this time. The older
woman did not respond. There was no need for words when the understanding
was clear.

Emphilia closed her eyes after a moments contemplation of the flame. She
allowed herself something she had not done for several years. She remembered
the past. She remembered the stories, the good times, the dark times. All
of it. And she saw the future expand before her.

The Vorlon glided forward with only the barest whisper of it's encounter
suit. It could sense that both Minbari knew of its presence. It stopped and
watched the two Minbari before it and marveled again at how these people
of a race far younger than its own could comprehend so much and not even
realize it. There was so much great potential in these creatures.

The Vorlon considered this for a moment and remembered the strange Minbari
it had come to think of as a friend. It had learned much from this strange
Minbari. Much more than any Vorlon had thought possible to learn from any
of the younger races. But this one has been so very different than the rest.
It was because of this friendship the Vorlon was here.

Unlike many of its kind the Vorlon had been saddened at the passing of its
friend. He who had walked the endless sea had told him what had to be, given
him secrets that no others would ever learn. It was these secrets he protected
now, even from his own kind.

The image of a blue swirling mass anchored over a barren world entered its
thoughts. And a name... Babylon 5. So much alike the very gift its friend
had brought with him. And yet very different.

The Vorlon glided back into the darkened corner of the garden it had been
observing the other two from. It allowed itself a moments satisfaction in
knowing it would one day see its friend again. But for now, the present was
its concern.

Part 1

Babylon 4 (1264 A.D.(Terran) Approx.)

	The warriors glanced serripticiously at him and his companion, but he 
ignored them. It was simply their curiosity. He could accept that. He would 
have been surprised if they had *not* been curious about him. His companion 
shuffled back and forth next to him, muttering in some language he did not 
understand. Noting the apparent agitation this was causing some of the Minbari 
warriors watching them, he turned to his companion.

	"You might want to stop doing that, Zathras. Our...guests, seem to be 
nervous about you." Jeffrey Sinclair said in English, a touch of humor in his 
voice. He could not help but noticed the weariness as well.

	Zathras bobbed his head and made a clicking noise but smiled in return.

	"Sorry. Zathras just thinking. Did not mean to disturb you." The alien 
replied apologetically. Jeff could not help but notice that Zathras was actually 
much taller than his first impressions of him had been. He surmised that this was 
because he had come to know Zathras since taking Babylon 4 a thousand years into 
the past.

	His present.

	Jeff shook his head slightly before he caught himself in another temporal
linguistics knot. He and Zathras had discussed it to the point of total confusion 
and a very nasty headache.

	"You weren't disturbing me, but I'm afraid that Minbari Warriors in this day 
and age are somewhat reactionary in nature. And more than a little willing to fight 
than talk." Jeff said.

	"They not change much then. Zathras see no difference." The alien replied
straitfaced.

	Jeff could not help but laugh at Zathras' joke. This got both he and Zathras 
several stares from the Warrior's clustered around the Main Corridor. Some were hostile, 
others nervous. Most were simply curious. Jeff decided to continue to ignore them. He 
was certain that would indicate that nothing unusual was amiss.

	He grinned at Zathras, whose face matched his own. It was obvious the alien was
pleased with himself and to Jeff's reaction to the joke. Jeff's smile faded slightly.

	"Zathras. Have I thanked you for all the help you have been?" He asked.

	Zathras nodded slowly. "Yes. Thank Zathras everyday. Zathras keep count. It is 
good to know Zathras can be of service fixing station."

	"I meant have I thanked you for helping me. Personally." Jeff clarified.

	"Yes. But no need to thank Zathras. Zathras glad to be here. Zathras know what 
it is like to be alone. Not good. Especially for the One." He replied, his demeanor 
suddenly very serious. 

	Jeff saw a great deal of wisdom and experience in the aliens face at that
moment. Zathras may behave and seem awkward and absent minded, but Jeff had found him 
to be far wiser and understanding than any one he had ever known.

	"I wanted to thank you. For everything, especially during the change. I'm not 
sure I could have done that alone." Jeff said.

	Zathras scoffed. "You would have done. Zathras know you. You would have done 
whether Zathras be here or not."

	"You sound sure of that." Jeff said.

	"I'm sure. I know *you*." Zathras emphasized the last word by gently poking at him
with a finger.

	Jeff smiled slightly at that and bowed his head, wondering where Zathras got such
faith in him from. It was obvious that Zathras was certain everything would fall into place
just as history dictated. Jeff wasn't so sure and had no intention of taking any chance of
altering history.

	"I thank you anyway."

	Zathras nodded and turned to look down the corridor.

	Jeff watched the alien beside him with fondness. They had only been together for a
short time but Jeff already considered Zathras a friend. The strange fellow had done all
the work preparing the station for their arrival while he had entered the Chrysalis. Jeff
had been amazed at the level of change Zathras had been able to complete before he'd 
emerged from the Chrysalis.

	Mostly he had been thankful for Zathras being there when he had emerged. He had been
cold and weak, seemingly barely able to breathe. Zathras had helped him recover his
strength. Without even Jeff asking he had left  to "complete repairs" while Jeff took the
final steps of the transformation alone. Jeff was most grateful for this.

	He had only talked with Delenn once about the Chrysalis. She had stated that she
was glad Lennier had been there to help her. She was not sure she would have wanted to be
alone. Jeff knew he had to be alone at this time. If he could not do this there would be
no point in going any further.

	He had quickly stripped away the bluish-grey "skin" to reveal his own skin
underneath. It hadn't felt or looked much different. A bit more pale, but nothing else.
The moment of truth had been when he looked into the mirror to see his own face. He had
dreaded this part the worst of all.

	Staring back at him had been...himself. A Minbari face, but still himself. Suddenly,
all his doubts passed away looking into his own eyes. He had been relieved and laughed off 
his foolishness. He knew at that moment that he really did belong here and he had made the 
correct choice.

	He'd quickly gotten used to his "new" body, though still found himself a little
tired at times. He and Zathras had finished as many of the alterations as possible before
contacting the Vorlons and the Minbari. Things had worked far better than he hoped.

	Now he just needed to convince a largely hostile and contentious group of people
that he could help them defeat the Shadows. It sounded a lot easier than he knew it would 
be. At this moment he was now glad he'd been assigned to Babylon 5, even if it had been
due to Delenn and other high ranked Minbari. 

	As to the Vorlons...he wasn't so sure what to do with them. Two had arrived on 
station and he had been informed several more were on the way. He was certain one of those
he'd spoken briefly with had been Ulkesh, but kept that to himself.

	"Zathras, Where are the Vorlons?" He asked suddenly.

	"Ah...Zathras send them to their quarters." He replied instantly.

	"Good." Jeff replied quietly.

	"The One is worried about the Vorlons." Zathras stated matter of factly.

	"Not worried per se. Just wary of their support. The Vorlons I know always seem
to do whatever they want, irregardless of anyone else around them. For them to readily
support us makes me nervous." Jeff noted.

	"Yes. Very unusual. Vorlons strange. Zathras not like them."

	Jeff was surprised by this admission, but made no comment. "I hope this works." Jeff 
stated to no one in particular.

	"It will." Zathras said confidently.

	"How long will we be able to run things here until we can get a suitable number of 
Minbari crew?" Jeff asked.

	"Long enough. Yes. Long enough." Zathras stated simply.

	"Good. We better head on up to the command deck. I want to be sure everything goes off 
without a hitch." Jeff said and started walking to the nearest lift. Zathras quickly followed 
him without comment but bobbed his head in greeting when they passed a group of Warriors as the 
pair entered the lift.

	A few minutes later they approached the sealed doors to C&C. Zathras and Jeff shared a 
knowing grin at seeing a pair of Minbari Warriors standing near the lock trying to appear as if 
it were the least thing in the whole universe they could care about. Jeff silently bowed his head 
to the pair and keyed in the code to open the door.

	Zathras quickly went in to the room while Jeff turned to look at the two embarrassed 
Warriors with a slight smile. "Would you care to see the command deck?" He asked politely.

	Both Warriors looked at one another in surprise before nodding. "Yes, we would. Thank you, 
Valen." The smaller of the two replied.

	Jeff smiled in return. "You are most welcome. After all I brought this station here to be 
used to fight a war. But you have me at a disadvantage."

	"Disadvantage?" The larger warrior's tenor voice asked in surprise.

	"Your names." Jeff replied simply.

	Jeff could instantly see both were extremely embarrassed by such an oversight in common 
courtesy. The smaller of the two sketched a short salute, which was mimicked by the larger warrior.

	"I am Kellior, and my companion is Vethall. We are of the..."

	"Star Riders Clan. Yes, I recognize the markings on your uniforms. A very old and proud 
tradition, I must say. Though it is said some Star Riders can be a bit over reactionary at times." 
Jeff said as he guided them into the room.

	Kellior and Vethall both caught the subtle implication and glanced at one another apprehensively, 
momentarily forgetting the strange room around them.

	"Yes, there are some warriors who need to learn patience." Vethall agreed glancing at Kellior 
who merely nodded. The Minbari they knew as Valen turned to look at them silently for a moment before 
nodding. 

	"Please feel free to look around. After all, you need to give your Shai Alyt and Clan Elders 
a proper report. Do you not?" With that Jeff turned away from them and quickly strode over to the main 
console where Zathras stood muttering.

	Kellior and Vethall looked at one another in shock.

	"How did..." Vethall started to speak.

	"We are not spies." Kellior interrupted with indignation and anger on his face.

	"Then why did you try to access the command deck through covert means?" Jeff asked without 
turning to look at them.

	Zathras glanced at the human-minbari hybrid warily noting the exasperation in The One's voice. 
Jeff nodded once to him and completed his overview of the system changes Zathras had done. He was 
satisfied with what he saw.

	"Are you claiming me to be a liar?" Kellior demanded.

	Jeff sighed in irritation and turned to face the two Minbari warriors, any humor he had towards 
these two had disappeared due to Kellior's behavior.

	"I know what I see and I know what the sensor logs show me. I simply asked a question. If you do 
not like the inference than I suggest that you be more careful next time. Perhaps you will not get caught 
then." He stated, speaking in Vik to the Warriors.

	"I do not have to take this from a filthy..." Kellior started towards Valen but was stopped by 
Vethall grabbing his arm.

	"You are correct, Valen. We did try to gain access to the command deck. My apologies. For both 
of us and our Clan." Vethall stated solemnly.

	Jeff cocked his head slightly to the side in surprise at the admission of guilt.

	"Then the apology is accepted and the incident forgotten. Please feel free to look around." He 
replied after a moments study of the larger of the pair.

	"Thank you. I am afraid Kellior must return to the docking bay. You will need to know what 
arrangements our Clan leaders may need before arriving here. He will gather the information for you. I 
shall stay and inspect this place." Vethall stated simply and pushed Kellior out the door. The smaller 
Warrior glared at Valen the entire time.

	"As you wish." Jeff replied and looked over at Zathras, who was smiling in apparent approval.

	"Zathras show him. You do what need to be done." Zathras said and quickly headed over to the 
Warrior who was inspecting one of the communications panels.
	
	Jeff watched the the Minbari Warrior and the strange alien for several moments. He was surprised 
to note the Warrior did not seem to mind Zathras presence, unlike many of the other warriors. Jeff 
remembered well that these Minbari, while not xenophobic, were not well disposed towards aliens.

	'Kind of like back home.' Jeff thought. 

	He instantly felt the return of the isolation and loneliness that he had felt since his friends 
had left to go back home. He missed them even more than he thought he would. 

	Zathras and he had become friends rather quickly, much to both their surprise, but Jeff did get 
tired of Zathras'deferring to him because he was 'The One'. Zathras could not simply keep him grounded 
and remind him of who he truly was.

	Jeff now appreciated everything his friends had ever done with him, and for him. He missed all 
of them now that they were out of reach and cherished every memory, good and bad alike. Especially Captain 
Sheridan. While the two had never served together all Jeff had to do was remember his plebe year at the 
academy to prevent any delusions from entering his mind about what he was doing here. He now found it 
amusing that Sheridan's hazing that he had hated was now one of his more fond, though decidedly not pleasant, 
memories.

	He sighed to himself again. He would miss Delenn's timeless wisdom, Susan's no nonsense ways, and 
especially Mike's humor. But he knew he had to be here or everyone would die. He could not, he would not, 
allow that to happen. He could not have lived with himself to see his friends killed and everything around 
him destroyed again. 

	Not again.

	He glanced out the view port for a moment admiring the view before returning his attention back to 
the console before him. The Clan Elders would be here in a few days. He needed to make his plan work and he 
knew he had only one shot. Zathras may have believed everything was set but Jeff wasn't willing to take any 
chances.



Part 2

Babylon 4 (1264 A.D. (Terran) Approx.)

He watched the growing crowd silently from the corner near the room's entrance.
He knew how he must look to them. Calm. Emotionless. A seemingly disinterested
nod in greeting here and there to those whose eyes stayed on him to long
and earned his attention. Categorizing every thing he saw. That was of course
what those who even deigned to look at him would see. His true demeanor was
contrary to that carefully crafted outward appearance.

He was tired. He had pushed himself too hard again, still not use to his new
surroundings, his strangely different body. But for now the anger, sadness,
and not a little contempt fueled him.

Only a few hours ago he had actually be eager and hopeful for this meeting.
Now, after hours of the arrogance, the mistrust, the decadence and the abuse
he had seen from these beings had disgusted him beyond his ability to articulate.
So he remained silent and continued to watch.

He noted rather humorlessly that no others stood within three meters of him.
Even the two Vorlons had a handful of beings braving their presence. He was
not sure if that was a good thing that they felt more comfortable around
the Vorlon encounter suits, than him. But at the moment he did not care.

He noted one of the Vorlons, whose encounter suit reminded him of the first
Vorlon he had ever met, encounter suit's head cocked ever so slightly to
side as if picking up his momentary look at them. He simply nodded once and
turned his eye back the crowd.

Despite choosing the largest conference room on the station, the two hundred
plus individual made the room feel small, yet still formal. He noted that
those gathered had arranged themselves around the room in various fashions
indicating power or wealth, as well as weakness and impoverishment. The strongest
and wealthiest had come to prove their dominance over the others. Their pride
prevented them from anything less than this. The weak and impoverished had
come for reasons of their own yet to be discovered. He suspected they had
really little choice in the matter.

'The superior control the inferior.'

The words of one of the most contemptible beings he had ever had the misfortune
to meet echoed in his mind as he watched those around him. He was certain
that those 'inferiors' he saw in the crowd at the beck and call of the
'superiors' would gladly rip the throats out of some, if not all, of them
given the chance.

He noted the ritual arrangement of seating based upon status, clan, and family.
Factions allying or breaking apart right before his eyes and he had not even
addressed them. Standing on the brink of extinction and they still played
their petty games.

Zathras quickly came over to him, though Jeff couldn't help but think of
it as scurrying over.

"They are all here. We are ready." Zathras informed him, in Terran English.

Jeff nodded. "Then let's get things rolling." Jeff replied in Adronado. Zathras
smiled and went to seal the door to the room.

Jeff took a deep breath and released it slowly to relieve the tension that
had been building in him.

'Well Valen ol' boy, here we go.'

He quickly strode to the single pedestal with a chair slightly off to the
side at the front of the room and simply stood there until the crowd noticed
his presence. It took a only a few seconds for all noise in the room to stop
as the Minbari turned to stare at him.

He inclined his head in a silent greeting, which all in the room to as an
indication that he was now ready to tell them why he was here. They quickly
took their seats as he silently watched them.

Valen noted after all were settled that none of those who were Workers had
been allowed to take a portion of the limited number of sitting spaces. The
Workers were silently clustered by the back and side walls. All but a few
richly clad Workers seemed to be trying to be unobtrusive as possible.
But what caught his attention entirely was an old slight Minbari woman, dressed
plainly. Valen was not an expert on guessing a Minbari's age by the bony
outgrowth on their heads, but he could tell this woman was extremely aged.

She almost seemed frail as she leaned on a gnarled wooden pole to support
her, until he saw her eyes. Gleaming azure blue eyes stared unwaveringly
back at him. He could see a fire there. Great strength of will tempered by
wisdom.

He bowed slightly towards the other Minbari before turning to pick up the
chair beside him. He quickly walked over to the old woman and set the chair
down before her a few steps away. He stepped back and bowed respectfully
to her. The only indication of he had of her acknowledgement of his presence
was a slight glimmer in her eye. Otherwise her face remained passive and
immovable as stone.

"Though this chair is not as fine or comfortable as the others, it is yours
to rest in, should you desire to." He said quietly in Lennan.

Two of the younger, better dressed Workers started for the chair but stopped
after a few steps at Valen's cold glare at them.

"It is not for you."

The two younger Elders looked at each other with apprehension on their faces
before glancing with some disdain towards the old woman. Valen returned his
gaze to her.

"This seat is for you and you alone. I'm sure the path you have walked is
long and tiring. I would be honored if you should find some rest and comfort
here, if only for a short time."

The old woman tilted her head slight as if studying him. After a moments
silence, she bowed her head.

"It is agreeable to my old bones. Thank you." Her voice was raspy and soft,
but full of steel.

She smoothly glided forward and took the seat. Valen smiled in response,
bowed, and strode back to the pedestal. He quickly looked around the room
and noted with some satisfaction that he had the full attention of all present.
He bowed to the room. He spoke in standard Minbari, grateful that it had
changed little in a thousand years.

"I greet and welcome you to this place. My name is Valen. I am sure you are
curious as to why I have asked you here. I am sure you have many other question
as well such as who I am, where I come from, and why I am here."

"To the first question...I am simply called Valen. What you see before you
is simply who I am." He noted several gaudily clad Religious and Warrior
Caste members suddenly seemed embarrassed at the finery compared to his simple
grey Ranger tunic and pants. The Ranger brooch fixed to his chest would have
been a bauble compared to some of the jewel encrusted clothing before him.

"As to where I come from I can not tell you at this time. It would be dangerous
for all involved were you to know of my people and their worlds." As he expected
the crowd murmured at this. Some of the murmuring were hostile, other
questioning, but none openly vocalized to him.

"Since you have answered the first question, discarded the second question,
I ask you the third. Why are you here, Valen?" An arrogant male voice demanded
in Vik, the tongue of the Warrior Caste.

Valen smiled slightly and turned towards the voice. He quickly picked out
a Shai Alyt wearing the crests of the Wind Swords.

"Quite simply this, Shai Alyt: I am here to help our people defeat the Shadows."
He replied in Vik as well, earning the surprised looks of several other nearby
Warriors and Religious members. For a moment no one spoke as the meaning
of his words sank in.

"You seem to know a great deal about these being we call the Shadows." A
female religious caste elder stated.

"Not as much as I wish, but more than I desire to know." Valen switched to
Adronado, earning him more surprised looks as well as a growing number of
pleased expressions.

"I know this: your main starbase, the place you rallied your forces against
these Shadows has been destroyed. You have lost every major engagement since
then and our people are dying and the colony worlds are burning."

There was a stunned surprise at the bluntness of his words.

"Does that essentially describe your situation?" He asked.

Again stunned silence.

Valen paced over towards the old woman again and noted an ever so small curling
of her lips in a grim smile.

"You are correct in what you say but our situation is not as bad or dramatic
as you make it sound." The Shai Alyt spoke again. Valen turned to look at
him and clasped his hind behind his back.

"Then perhaps you would be willing to tell me what you know of these Shadows?"
He asked.

"That is classified." The Wind Sword stated, his face darkening visibly at
Valen's apparent refusal to accept his statement at face value.

"Perhaps it is classified for your Wind Swords, Shai Alyt Sherann. That is
your way, not the way of the Moon Shields." Another younger Shai Alyt stated
with obvious disgust in his voice.

"Then perhaps you would be willing to give me this information, Shai Alyt...?"
Valen asked the Moon Shield.

"Shai Alyt Kersihio of the Family Threnn. There is simply not much to tell.
Their ships are black, blacker than space itself. They strike quickly and
without warning. When they pass by it seems as if there is a scream in your
mind. They are remorseless. They do not stop until they have completed their
work. We know nothing of them other than this." The Moon Shield warrior answered
matter of factly and with little emotion.

"That is not entirely all we know, Kersihio." An matronly looking Religious
caste Elder said gently, a slight hint of anger in her voice.

"As you say Elder Ilirenn. But that is not my fault. The one responsible
for our only defeat of the Shadows is not present and had been forbidden
to speak of the victory." Kersihio looked pointedly at Wind Sword Shai Alyt.

This information caught Valen's attention.

"You have actually defeated the Shadows?" He asked.

"It was a Wind Sword, Valen. But *they* refuse to mention anything about
the particulars of the battle." Kersihio replied, his anger at the Wind Swords
was obvious.

"We refuse to discuss something that is irrelevant. Our own debriefing showed
nothing of value that could help defeat the Shadows." Sherann spat back at
Kersihio.

"So you say, Sherann." Kersihio retorted in disgust.

"Perhaps now would be a good time to inform the others of what occurred. If it
is not important then such a fact will be noted. What harm could there be
in allowing a victory to be known?" The elderly worker caste elder asked
softly, her voice holding a slight twinge of humor. She smiled ever so slightly
to Valen and bowed her head when she noticed his surprised look.

Sherann simply stared at her for a moment and mimicked her bow ever so slightly.

"Out of respect for your wisdom, I shall comply. If nothing else it will
show all who doubt the Wind Swords that we do speak the truth in this matter."
He stated.

"That would be most welcome. And wise, Shai Alyt." Valen replied.

"First you must answer my question, Valen. Why are you here?" Sherann demanded.

Valen smiled slightly and turned to face the room. "Quite simply put, I am here to help 
you defeat these Shadows."

This announcement was greeted by scorn and contempt from all assembled. Even
some of the workers seemed to regard his statement as ludicrous. But Valen
was more interested in those who suddenly seemed very interested in what
he had to say. He noted a wide and varying mix from all the castes now watched
him silently.

"And how do you plan to defeat the Shadows? You are simply one man." Kersihio
asked skeptically.

"Where I come from it is said the power of one mind can change the universe."
He replied.

This earned him several audible snorts from the gathered Elders.

"Oh, so we are simply to wish them away and they will disappear?" The scornful
question was from an unidentified person in the crowd. Many chuckled at this
comment.

"I'm sure the Shadows would find such a thought amusing if they did not have
the intention of killing you." Valen snapped back.

This silenced the gathered crowd instantly.

"I have simply come here to help you fight the Shadows. My first step in
this was to bring you this station to replace that which was lost. Regardless
of whether you desire my help in any other fashion, this station is for the
use of all Minbari. If you wish to hear nothing more than this, so be it."
He continued.

"And the next step?" Asked another of the Religious caste elders.

"We must unite against the Shadows. As all of our people face extinction
should we not be united in fighting this enemy?" Valen responded.

"You assume we are not united already in our desire to defeat these Shadows.
Obviously you do not understand the situation." Sherann stated derisively.
Valen fixed Sherann with a chilling stare that made the Wind Sword cease
his mocking laughter instantly.

"Then why are you withholding information about the only victory you've had
against the Shadows? Why do you prevent the sharing of weapons technology
with the other Warrior Clans? Why do you hinder the Workers in their abilities
to repair and construct your Warships? Why does the Religious caste not support
the Warriors with their own soldiers? Answer me this!" Valen asked glaring
at the gathered leaders.

Some met his stare defiantly, but many more looked at one another in shame
and guilt. None answered his questions. Valen looked at each of them allowing
the silence in the room to become uncomfortable before speaking again.

"You have no answer for me, do you? Perhaps you finally see that you are
as much at fault for your losses as the Shadows are."

He pointed to Sherann and stated coldly in Vik. "Your Caste's pride prevented
you from admitting your frailties. You can not even admit a victory against
the Shadows because you know that such a victory is meaningless. So you hide
it. Pretend the victory was a defeat in the hopes that it will go away and
be forgotten. You are suppose to be defenders of your people, yet you let
them die because they were not of your Caste."

He then pointed to Ilirenn, switching to Adronado. "Your Caste's arrogance
that you are correct and superior to all others prevented you from asking
for the help you needed. You too are responsible for the losses our people
have suffered. You saw the enemy for what they were but refused to admit
you needed help. This arrogance stopped you from arming the Warriors and
aiding them when they needed it most. How many died because they were not
of your Caste?"

He finally pointed to the old Worker Caste elder, switching to Lennan. "And
your Caste...the caste that which builds everything, you're presumption that
you will be ignored and chastised led to you simply watch and accept what
happened. I do not know whether to be angry with you or pity you. You make
the clothes they wear, prepare the food they eat, build their temples and
fortifications, create their weapons and warships. You are servants to them.
Saw what needed to be done. Yet you remained silent believing they would
not listen. You presumed your words would fall on deaf ears. You did not
even try to help them. How many died because of your complacency?"

He turned to take in the whole room, noting many of the castes looking at
one another as if truly seeing them for the first time.

"Do you understand?" He asked those gathered before quietly.

After several moments of silence, the old Minbari Worker Elder stood. "I
understand, Valen. We must truly unite, as one people. In unity we will be
able to defeat the Shadows."

"And how do we attain this unity? Our people have never been united on anything."
One of the Religious caste asked.

"May I suggest that your leaders join together to coordinate your efforts
against the Shadows. They could open up trade between the Castes and Clans,
share technology, and unhinder the restrictions placed upon the workers.
All of this could help greatly in defeating the Shadows." Valen said.

"You are suggesting a new ruling body be formed to lead Minbar?" Sherann
asked incredulously.

"Not a ruling body per se. Simply a Council. A way to unify strategies and
resources against the Shadows. How the Council would be run would have to
be agreed upon by all of you. But all the Castes must have an equal say in
all the Council's decisions." Valen quickly replied.

"Even the Workers?" A young Religious aide asked scornfully.

"Since they make the materials you will need to fight, they should have a
say. It would prevent any unreasonable demands being placed upon them by
either the Warriors and Religious." He pointed out.

Ilirenn rose from her seat. "Your words cary much truth in them, Valen. Perhaps
it is time for us to consider what you have said."

"Then I shall leave you now. I have much to do elsewhere on the station.
Should you require anything please ask and I, or my assistant, Zathras, shall
try to get it for you." He replied. He bowed to the assembled Minbari, noting
their looks of surprise as the Vorlons exited the room without comment.

He followed the encounter suits out of the room with Zathras close behind.

"Went well. Yes?" Zathras asked, in English.

He shrugged slightly. "As well as can be expected, I suppose. I think I just
might have gotten through to some of them. Guess we'll find out soon enough."
Part 3

Babylon 4 (1264 A.D. (Terran) Approx.)

Shai Alyt Sherann of the Wind Swords Clan watched the others in the room with
icy disdain apparent on his face. Few dared walk closer than a few meters
than him. Less so were those willing to stand near by. Only one dared stand
beside him with a open look of contempt on her face.

Sherann glanced over at the younger Minbari, noting as he always did the
incomplete carving of her bonecrest. Intricate swirls and patterns at the
base of her bonecrest gave way to the more natural and jagged style favored
by the Warrior Caste. He could no help but chuckle lightly as a mere narrowing
of her dark blue eyes sent a Worker Caste servant quickly scurrying away
to see if others desired any of the refreshments he carried on a simple tray.

"Alyt, did you really need to do that? I was considering accepting the offer
of a drink." Sherann commented dryly as the younger Warrior glanced at him.

No emotion showed on her face at what some warriors would have considered
a rebuke. She merely saluted and bowed. "My apologies, Shai Alyt. I thought
you merely did not wish to be disturbed by an....inferior." She replied crisply.

Sherann noted her slight hesitation before the last word she spoke but chose
to ignore it, knowing full well why she had done so. Despite what others
said about her, Sherann found her to be an exceptional warrior. Perhaps one
of the best he had ever known.

'A shame her career is over at such a young age. Such talent will be missed.'
He thought to himself glumly.

"As what you did was out of respect and concern of duty, than I am in error
for rebuking you, Emphilio." Sherann stated, watching her reaction closely.

"Not at all, Shai Alyt. It is I who was in error due to my arrogant presumption.
I am sorry." Emphilio replied. She noted a slight curving of at the tips
of Sherann's lips at her ritualistic phrase of apology.

"Then it is forgotten. Tell me, Alyt Emphilio, what do you think of all of
this?" Sherann asked, opening his arms to indicate the room around them

He watched her scan the room quickly knowing she was organizing her thought
to a concise report. She had only been under his command a short time but
he knew her service record well. He knew *her* well.

She turned to face him a odd look of contempt and curiosity on her face
that Sherann found interesting to see.

"I am not certain as to what you are referring to. The other Castes are not
us. Most are weak and no threat to the Wind Swords." She said.

"And those that are a threat?" He asked.

"They will be defeated as the situation dictates." She replied confidently.

"What about this Valen and his idea of unifying against the Shadows?" Sherann
asked. He had already made his decision and was not going to change but was
curious as to her reaction.

"It is a noble purpose." Was the quick, though obvious neutral reply.

"A dubious answer, Emphilio. That is not like you." Sherann noted with a
slight tilting of his head in interest. When no further answer was forth
coming Sherann sighed in obvious impatience.

"Well? I want you opinion." He demanded.

She narrowed her eyes dangerously.

"He is a fool. And so are you to support him!" She hissed angrily back.

"I have my own reasons in backing him on this. You know that!" Sherann pointed
out apparently calm at her words. Inside he quickly crushed the spark of
anger at the insolent tone she had used in speaking to him.

"Yes, I know. It is still foolish. We are Warriors! Let us simply take what
we need and be done with it. To accept an alliance with the other Castes
and Clans is ridiculous." Emphilio stated.

"Perhaps. Perhaps not." Sherann smiled knowingly at her. "But it will give
us time to make preparations if nothing else. We both will get what we want."
He paused at the look of skepticism she tried to hide. He placed a hand on
her shoulder and squeezed it gently.

"Remember, we have been planning this for a long time. To build an empire
like we envision we need to be patient and careful. The others would unite
long enough to destroy us if they knew what was coming." His voice was low
and carried only as far as her ears.

She nodded slowly in response. "I know, Sherann. I still think we should
simply kill this Valen and claim this place for the Wind Swords. Our troops
are the most numerous at present. It wouldn't take to much of an effort to
keep this place under our control."

"Yes, that is true. However, I feel this alliance could give us much needed
time to prepare and perhaps even gain us a few more allies. Though the others
may not be Warrior Caste or even Wind Sword, they can prove to be useful
allies and supporters." Sherann smiled confidently.

"Perhaps." She said skeptically. "What about Valen?"

"What about him?" Sherann asked. He was beginning to wonder at Emphilio's
unusually hostile behavior and sentiments toward the strange Minbari.

"What shall be done with him?" Emphilio asked.

"Nothing. He seems to be very resourceful. Certainly his people seem sufficiently
advanced to be of some use in fighting these Shadows." Sherann noted.

"He should be eliminated. He could pose a threat to our plans." Emphilio's
statement earned her a scornful laugh from Sherann. Several nearby looked
over at the noise but quickly turned their attention elsewhere upon realizing
who it had come from.

"You are paranoid." Sherann stated with a slight chuckle.

"And that paranoia has helped me defeat all my enemies." Emphilio noted.

This comment erased the smile on Sherann's face away instantly. He knew it
was more true than he cared to think about. And it *was* a major factor in
his unpopular decision to make her his personal aide. He looked her strait
in the eyes for several moments without comment noting with some Warrior's
pride that she returned his stare with equal measure.

"Why do you hate this Valen so much, Emphilio? What about him rattles you
so?" He asked after several moments.

"I could ask the same of you. And of everyone here." She replied.

"What do you mean?" He asked curious.

"I have noted that all who have met him seem quite impressed by him. In some
I see fear of him. In others I see them simply follow what ever he tells
them to do. Many more seem to respect him when he had not even *earned* that
respect.

"He had done nothing and yet our people's *leaders* treat him as if he was
some sort of savior with all the answers and weapons we need to defeat the
Shadows. It disgusts me to the core of my being!" She replied fiercely.
Sherann quietly looked at the frail appearing Minbari before him and considered
her words. He quickly decided what needed to be done.

"Perhaps you are right in this. With that in mind I release you from the
restrictions I have placed upon our warriors regarding Valen. Do what you
feel is necessary but do not endanger our plans or embarrass the Clan. You
will not survive such a mistake!" Sherann practically growled his final threat
at her knowing she would take to heart what he said.

Emphilio nodded slowly and smiled dangerously back at Sherann. "As you say,
Shai Alyt." She turned and started to walk away when Sherann stopped her
by touching her shoulder.

"And Emphilio, do nothing until after this next meeting is over." Sherann
said.

"Yes, Shai Alyt." She replied crisply and moved away.

Sherann noted that all quickly stepped out her way as she made for the rooms
exit. He was not sure whether to be happy or sad to note that the Warriors
were quicker in this than even the Workers. Despite what he knew about Emphilio's
past Sherann had come to like her a great deal.

Perhaps he could reverse some of the wrongs his caste had done when his plans
were finished. But such ideas were for later. They were at the horizon that
he planned to start his first step towards this very day.



The stars hung in the blackness of space, neither cold nor warm. Seemingly
indifferent to the passage of time yet terrible when their time had ended.
Cosmic instruments of both life and death. All the endless possibilities
that shown in the light and lurked in the terrible, dark in between. A sea
of seemingly timeless eternity. A sea of stars.

Valen watched these stars, his thoughts both far away in an another place,
another world, another life, yet centered very much on where he was. Who
he was. He stared at a particular point of light pondering the past and the
future in the same moment. Wondering about old friends and loved ones. Old
lives.

He sensed more than heard or saw the others on the command deck. He knew
they cast occasional glances at him in curiosity. He knew they wondered why
he allowed them here. Why he was remote. Why he even here. He listened to
their hushed words and smiled at the mix of tongues that reached his ears,
pleased that one part of his plans would be easier to complete than he had
hoped.

For several days the Caste Elders had debated. During this time he and Zathras
had been kept busy trying to maintain the station long enough to gather some
sort of crew. Both he and Zathras knew the two of them could not run this
place much longer by themselves.

During these meetings he had begun to notice more people who came to the
command deck. A mix of all castes and Clans had come to investigate the station
for themselves. It was only the most curious who came to the command deck.
Some to see this place for themselves. A few to see the Minbari who had delivered
this place to them.

Each of them he had greeted warmly, irregardless of caste, clan, or position.
He and Zathras had shown them whatever they wished to view and explained
what they could. At first only a few had offered some assistance to help
out. An eclectic mix of Warrior elite, Religious acolytes, and Worker poor.
He had more than welcomed this and encouraged their participation hoping
that they would see that working together for a common goal, a shared purpose,
would make them stronger than the divisions that currently wracked their
people.

It had been during his daily morning check-in that it had dawned on him that
those working controls on the command deck had been the same ones who had
been there the preceding days. They were working in unison, caste and clan
apparently forgotten as they tried to fathom their strange surroundings.
He had even noted that Vethall, one of the first Star Riders he had met here,
had seemed to appoint himself as deck officer, ensuring everything worked
smoothly and with minimal fuss.

He had spent much of the day guessing at who would arrive for their "duty
shift" and was not surprised to see the faces match the days previous ones,
though occasionally a new one joined their ranks. It had been a heartening
sight for him.

He now silently listened to them noting how they helped one another when
some difficulty arose. He could sense Vethall observing him and the others
in silent patience. Valen had to admit that Vethall was very well suited
to running the command deck while he was distracted on numerous other station
needs. He hoped that he could keep the Warrior on. He had great promise.

He heard the slightest whisper of sound and knew instantly the Vorlon that
had been silently observing from the corner had moved. The encounter suit
was very familiar to him, having looked upon it numerous times in Council
sessions and meetings in the past. Despite this he was not willing to ask
what he suspected was true. He had decided to let the Vorlons decide what
to do since his initial contact with them. He was studying them undoubtably
as much as they were studying him.

The Vorlon stopped beside him, tilting the glowing single irised head of
it's encounter suit slightly at an angle as if considering something. Valen
looked at the Vorlon ignoring the surprised and awed looks the Minbari in
the Control Pit gave to both of them. He said nothing and merely looked at
the Vorlon with open curiosity.

The warbling musical tones emitted from the translator followed by words
not in Minbari, as Valen expected, but in English. "You look to the past."

It was a statement.

Valen noted the odd expressions the other Minbari gave the Vorlon at the
incomprehensible words their ears heard. He shook his head slowly and smiled
ever so slightly knowing his next words would be on of the few times that
he would ever confuse a Vorlon. "No, old friend. I see the future before
me." He replied in English as well, turning to the view of stars again as
he did so.

As expected the Vorlon only replied with more musical tones that to Valen
sounded as if it were confused and understanding at the same time. After
a few moments of this the question he expected came from the enigmatic alien
beside him. "Who are you?"

Despite expecting the question he tilted his head slightly to look at the
Vorlon from the corner of his eye considering the question. Who was he? A
soldier tossed into a war with little chance of success? A social revolutionary
in the making? A prophet? A savior? A Human named Jeffrey Sinclair? A Minbari
named Valen? Or something entire different? In the end he decided on the
only thing he could. The simplest and yet most complicated answer possible.

"I am what you see before you." He said turning to face the Vorlon again.

The iris of the encounter suit narrowed giving Valen the distinct impression
of one who was narrowing their eyes as if seeing something clearly for the
first time. For several moments neither moved nor said a single word.

The Vorlon suddenly moved back slight and seemed to bow its head as it spoke
a single word. "Entil'Zha."

Before he could recover at hearing the Vorlon use the familiar title he had
once carried the strange alien had already exited the command deck. He glanced
around noting some of the Minbari, including Vethall looked at him in a mixture
of apprehension and shock. He merely nodded to them and headed over to his
small alcove of an office.

He had just sat down when Zathras rushed through the door, seemingly agitated.
A glimmer of humor showed in the aliens eyes which sparked a small smile
from Valen in response. "Ah...ah...good. There you are. Finished they have.
Come. They tell Zathras to bring you."

"Vethall, I am going to meet with the Clan Elders again. Would you be willing
to watch over thing here while I am gone." He asked, knowing the Warrior
would eagerly accept the opportunity presented to him.

"Of course, Shai Alyt. I would be honored." The Warrior replied as he executed
a crisp salute.

Valen merely nodded in response, uncomfortable with the rank and position
Vethall obviously thought was his, and quickly exited the command deck.

Vethall silently beckoned a nearby Worker to take his place and wandered
over to the main console. He was quickly taken in by the view before him.
He quickly lost him self in the sea of stars and its endless dreams and
possibilities. He saw the future expand before him.

Part 4

Babylon 4 (1264 A.D. (Terran) Approx)

As he entered the council chamber, Valen noted the Vorlons were in the same
place they had been the last time he had been to the room. He mentally shrugged
to himself at this and quickly continued to the main podium as all eyes in
the room watched him in complete silence.

He bowed politely to the gathered elders, though he doubted many would understand
his gesture. He glanced back to Zathras, who had remained by the entrance,
and noted that the alien actually seemed rather pleased and unconcerned.
Calm even.

"I have been told you have reached a decision." He stated simply focusing
his attention back to the gathered Clan Elders. He was not surprised when
the old Minbari woman he had offered a chair to before stood and bowed to
him with an ever so slight smile on her face.

"I am both pleased and honored to inform you that after some debate all of
the Castes and Clans agree that your proposal has merit." She said. Her smiled
grew as one appeared upon Valen's own visage.

"That is most welcome news to my ears, honored Mother." He replied, noting
several smiled at his use of a rare, but honored, epithet for her.

"It pleases me to that as well." She replied.

"So the Clans and Castes will unite against the Shadows?" He asked.

"Yes, Valen. We have even agreed that you have some small wisdom in allowing
the workers and equal say in our deliberations of the War Council." Shai
Alyt Sherann answered.

"War Council?" Valen asked, surprise clearly apparent in his reaction.

Sherann smiled hungrily. "Of course. You said we must unite to fight the
Shadows. A War Council is the simplest way to organize our forces to do so."

Valen bowed his head in acknowledgement. "I admit I am surprised at this.
I thought it would be more difficult. Apparently I misjudged all of you greatly."

"Not entirely, Valen." Ilirenn replied casting a sidelong glance at Sherann
and a few others. "But the Universe allowed wisdom to prevail itself upon
all of us."

"That is most welcome to hear. How may I be of service to you?" Valen asked.

Ilirenn seemed to become uncomfortable at his question and hesitated momentarily
before answering. "There are some...elements...amongst our Elders who are
wary of you. We know nothing of you or your people. They do not believe you
can help us."

"I understand." Valen said neutrally.

"Do not mistake what I say to be the opinion of the majority." Quickly continued
seeming to sense Valen's apprehension at her previous statement. "The majority
of us have agreed that since this Station was built by your people then you
and Zathras are best suited in determining the needs of this place, be it
material, personnel, or weapons."

A light chuckling caught the attention of all in the room. The old Worker
Caste woman ceased her chuckles when she noted the others were staring at
her but the humor was still plain upon her face. She looked Valen straight
in the eye. "They are afraid of you. Afraid you will irrevocably change
everything." She chuckled again momentarily before continuing. "They are
right, of course. But they are right for the wrong reasons."

Sherann snorted derisively at the Worker. "Ignore her, it is obvious that
she is becoming senile. Ask what you need of us to run this place Valen and
it shall be provided. In this all the Castes are agreed."

"I thank you for your generosity but there is one thing that I must make
clear from this point forward." Valen stated.

"And that is?" Ilirenn asked, curiously.

"I must have sole authority over the operation of this station. From personnel
to station security." He said, instantly hearing dark mutterings from many.

He noted Sherann, Ilirenn, Kersihio, and many of the elders quickly look
at one another and nod or shake their heads in a silent exchange.

Sherann looked grim as he turned his attention back to Valen. "Done, though
I have my doubts in allowing you control over the security of this station."

"Duly noted, Shai Alyt. I thank all of you in this regard." He replied.

"Simply send us a list of the materials and equipment you may need. We shall
obtain them for you." Ilirenn informed him.

He nodded his head in thanks. "As to personnel, I have noted some have taken
it upon themselves to help maintain this station the past few days. Would
there be any difficulty in allowing these individuals to remain?" He asked.

"We had considered that this might happen during our deliberations. If they
choose to stay, then they will be allowed to do so." Kersihio replied, an
apparent smirk of satisfaction upon his face the puzzled Valen. Obviously
some political battle had been fought on this point, but Valen thought better
to mention the subject again.

"Again I thank all of you. I must go now and make appropriate preparations."
He bowed to the assembled leaders and quickly left the room with Zathras
by his side.

Valen felt extremely lucky to have gotten out of the room without further
discussion. It was obvious that no one n the room considered the alliance
any thing more than temporary. The tension and hostility had been palpable.


"It's a start."

"What?" Valen asked, realizing Zathras was walking beside him for the first
time.

"It is a start." The alien replied smiling.

He did not smile in return but merely nodded. "I suppose that is true. I'm
not sure whether I expected more or less from them. They definitely are not
like any Minbari I've every met."

"True. They are more like your people." Zathras said with a small clicking
noise.

He considered Zathras words for a moment. "I hadn't considered that, but
you're right."

Zathras seemed to smile smugly at that but said nothing more as the pair
silently continued upon their way.



Alyt Emphilio stood silently with a group of lesser ranked Warriors glaring
around this area of the station that was called the Main Corridor. She supposed
the name was accurate enough. Clustered about here and there she could see
other Minbari congregating, either staring slack jawed at something that
had caught their attention or in deep conversation about one thing or another.

She glanced at the Warriors around her, hiding the contempt and anger she held
for most of them. Only Velrini who looked at her with humor in his eyes held
any of her respect. The rest were sycophants hoping to garner attention and
favor from the Wind Swords newest hero. From the Sha'tha. The Shadow Warrior.

From her.

'Shadow Warrior, indeed.' She thought angrily to herself. She was quite well
aware of the true meaning behind the epithet she had been given. Yes she
was the first to defeat the Shadows in battle, but the name was an apt
description of her status amongst her fellow warriors and leaders.

She felt the old, burning anger rise within her again. As she had done
for the past twenty five cycles she quickly crushed it by force of will alone.
She would have vengeance soon enough. Her well laid plans would not falter.
She simply had to eliminate a small, unforeseen complication.

"I see him. Him and that alien freak of his." Velrini growled darkly tilting
his head in the direction of her intended target. As stated she saw him briskly
walking through the area with the strange alien beside him. They were seemingly
engrossed in a conversation.

Emphilio narrowed her eyes dangerously seeing Valen's relaxed demeanor. She
had hope, perhaps foolishly, that Sherann would come to his senses. Obviously
he had not. Valen had gotten what he wanted. The thought alone enraged her.

She flicked her eyes to Velrini and the others and smiled wickedly. "Let
us end the foolish charade."

She quickly strode directly toward the duo, intercepting them in the middle
of the corridor. Without comment, she extended her pike and lashed out at
Zathras sending the alien sprawling away from Valen, gasping for breath. Valen
quickly assumed a stance she di not recognize but assumed was defensive in
nature.

"What do you think you are doing?" He asked, his eyes flashed dangerously.

For the barest moment Emphilio a sliver of fear enter her heart. Perhaps
this Minbari wasn't as weak as she thought. As quickly as the emotion came,
it had fled. Sherann had failed the Clan. She would not.

"I am removing a stain upon the honor of the Wind Swords Clan." She announced
loudly, attracting more attention than her surprise attack had done. Minbari
quickly gathered around the pair. None moved to assist Zathras who still was 
trying to regain his breath.

"And attacking an unarmed individual without provocation is considered honorable
amongst the Wind Swords?" Valen replied angrily. He heard several sharp gasps
of surprise at his words.

"What do you know of honor? You are not Wind Sword! You are not a Warrior!"
She asked defiantly, building up to her announcement in the traditional manner.

"True, I am not a Wind Sword. But not a Warrior? Are you certain of this?
You do not know me." He replied, trying to calm the small female Warrior
before him.

"I know what I see." She replied withholding her challenge. She was waiting
for the proper opening.

"I don't know what I have done to offend you or your Clan but I promise that
whatever this slight was it was not my intention." Valen stated trying to
placate her. 

'What the hell did I do wrong?' He wondered to himself.

She sneered at his words. He had given her the opening she needed. "You are
pathetic and weak. That the Elders would defer anything to you disgusts me.
You have no standing amongst us. You are no one. I shall not allow this farce
to continue! I, Alyt Emphilio of the Wind Swords challenge you to Denn'sha,
Valen Outcast!"

He watched her raise her pike as she announced her challenge and saw the
hatred in her eyes. The other Minbari murmured, some in shock and surprise,
others in praise and respect. He knew he had no choice in what had to be
done now. 

'Why does this always happen between me and the Wind Swords?' He
wondered mirthlessly.

He straitened and bowed his head ever so slightly. "You do not know what
you say, unaware of what is coming. It does not have to be Warrior Emphilio."
He replied resignedly.

"Denn'sha!" She spat back at him in fury. She had seen the sadness in his
eyes. The pity. Pity from an outcast! Intolerable!

"Would you have me fight you unarmed? I have no denn'bok to fight you with.
I have simply my mind and my body. Is that sufficient?" He asked quietly.

She narrowed her eyes in consideration. She needed this to be an equal fight
for any to accept her victory completely. "Who gathered here would be willing
to allow the Outcast a weapon so he may allow himself the illusion he is
my equal?" She rasped, compressing the denn'bok in her hands as she did so.
If necessary she would fight him without it.

No one moved or said a word. So long did the silence last that Emphilio started
to announce she would fight him without the denn'bok when a voice broke the
silence calmly.

"If it would be acceptable, Valen may use my staff. It is not denn'bok, but
has served me well in my old age."

All turned to see who spoke. Valen was shocked to see the aged Worker Caste
Elder he had offered a seat to smiling openly at him. In her extended arms
lay her wooden staff. He slowly walked over to her and took the staff from
her hands. As he stepped back he noted she seemed smaller somehow. He could
see she was tired.

"Thank you." He murmured softly to her in Lennan. She merely bowed her head
to him in reply.

He quickly strode back towards Emphilio, testing the balance and weight of
the staff as he did so. "Will this be acceptable?" He asked challengingly.

"If you find it acceptable, then so do I." Emphilio replied, and re-extended
her denn'bok. "Den'sha!"

"Denn'sha it is then." Valen replied as he lowered himself into a traditional
denn'bok fighting stance and awaited Emphilio's attack.

The smaller female Minbari circled him twice before lashing out in a series
of strikes he easily parried. She was forced to retreat at his own surprising
strike at her. She bowed her head mockingly to him.

The two circled each other silently. This time he struck first. Emphilio
was surprised at his sudden attack, more by the speed and precision of it
than the very fact he had done so. She barely parried his blows but smiled
in satisfaction when a counter strike by her struck the back of his shoulder
forcing a small retreat.

She quickly pressed what little advantage she had been given and was frustrated
when he easily parried, dodged, and even jumped over her strikes and sweeps.
It was obvious to her that Valen had been well trained to fight with a denn'bok.
This would not be an easy, or clean victory.

Pike struck staff again and again, as neither seemed to be able to find a
weakness or opening in the others defense. They were now locked together
straining to overpower one another. Emphilio knew she could not hold out
against Valen's superior strength. She quickly freed her right had and viciously
launched a punch at his face. She felt satisfaction at seeing his head snap
back and his pressure against her slacken.

Quickly taking advantage she pushed with all her strength against him and
swept one of legs behind his to completely overbalance him. She started to
grin in triumph as he fell but the sensation was quickly lost as she realized
he had grabbed her arms and was pulling her down with him. In a neatly executed
move she found herself being tossed over him.

She landed hard enough to loose her grip on he pike, but quickly flipped
herself to a crouch. She saw he was still on his hand and knees, crimson
blood streaming freely from his nose to the cold metallic floor of the corridor.
He seemed to be groggy.

She quickly started for him and lashed out with a vicious kick the caught
him in the side. She felt his ribs crack at the blow but took no satisfaction
in his groan of pain that accompanied it. She had come to respect this Valen
in their short battle, but he had to die. She felt no regret in that. It
was what needed to be. Hoping that she could end this quickly for both of
them she kicked at him again.

She yelped in surprise as his hands grabbed her ankle and twisted it viciously
to the side sending a searing pain to her knee as she heard a small popping
sound. She then felt him push her back with and knew she could not remain
upright despite her best efforts.

She groaned slightly as she crashed to the ground. Seeing her pike within
arms reach she grabbed it and rolled onto her back collapsing and extending
the pike as she lashed out in a maneuver few could perform with any skill.
She was pleased to see it work as the extending pike clipped Valen's left
eye near the scar he bore. He staggered back a few steps. She swung a wide
arc and landed a blow to his battered ribs again in a satisfying thump.

Her satisfaction fled as Valen's staff connected with her throat causing
to gag and gasp for breath, as the denn'bok slipped from her fingers in shock
from the blow. Valen quickly moved forward and struck her again across the
face, sending her sprawling to unconsciousness.

Valen slowly walked towards the now still Minbari before him. The pain in
his side made it hard to breath and the blood still ran freely from his nose.
He could already tell his left eye was swelling up from Emphilio's surprising
maneuver. He was simply glad his reflexes had still allowed him to avoid
more serious injury from her maneuver.

Using the staff, he rolled the Warrior on to her back. Seeing the purple
motteling at her throat he wondered if he had killed her with the blow to
the neck but after a moments observation saw her torso rise and fall in a
steady rhythm. He lowered the staff and allowed himself to relax.

"She must die. It is denn'sha." A voice Valen did not recognize called from
the crowd. Many murmurs of agreement followed the comment. He slowly turned
in a circle to view the crowd.

"No." He said as he returned to face Emphilio's unconscious form. His reply
sounded hoarse and ragged even to his own ears.

"They are correct. This is denn'sha. You both knew what that meant when you
agreed to fight. There is no victor in denn'sha until one is dead." Valen
raised his eyes tiredly at the voice that now spoke. He found himself looking
into the impassive visage of Shai Alyt Sherann.

"As I now control her life and her soul, I take it and return it to her
willingly." He replied, remembering the old phrase Derhann had taught him.
The only phrase that could be used to spare another's life in denn'sha.

Sherann and the others seemed to consider this. "This is not how we do things.
Denn'sha is death." He stated. Valen could see the other man disagreed with
the words spoken but was bound by tradition to speak and obey them.

"It is my right to take her life, but we need good warriors to fight the
Shadows. Therefore, I take it and return it to her." He argued back.

The others looked at Sherann awaiting his decision. After a moment the Warrior
Elder sighed as he came to a decision. Valen could see that it was one he
did not find comfortable to make.

"Do what you wish to Alyt Emphilio, she is no longer recognized by the Clan.
She is dead to us. Alyt Emphilio died in the denn'sha. She died with honor."
Sherann stated solemnly.

Valen stared in shock at the Elder, as did many others gathered. "Surely
you can not outcast her for this one small, insignificant duel?" He asked
disbelievingly.

"She knew my orders regarding you and chose to ignore them." Sherann replied
simply and turned to leave.

"Unacceptable, Shai Alyt." Valen retorted angrily. His anger seemed to surprise
the Elder, who turned a curious gaze upon him.

"Why do you care about an enemy who would have happily killed you? Why do
you care about a disobedient Warrior?" He asked curiously.

"Because all life is important to me." He replied simply.

"She disobeyed my decree." Sherann noted.

"And that requires death? Was it not her disobedience that made her the Sha'tha?"

Valen asked, noting looks of surprise at his use of Emphilio's better known
epithet. He could see many were surprised at the revelation that Emphilio
was the one who had defeated the Shadows. Obviously it was not common knowledge. 
It had, in fact, took him several hours worth of constant haranguing of Vethall to 
finally gain this information.

"What you say is true." Sherann conceded. "But she must be punished."

"Then choose something other than death or being made outcast." Valen demanded.

Sherann seemed to consider this, despite the dark look he cast at Emphilio.
"Very well, Valen. She will not be outcast, or killed. But neither will she
have benefit of my Clan. If she lives to the Clan she is disgraced, her honor
soiled. When I decide she has regained that honor she may rejoin the ranks
of the Wind Swords, but not before." Sherann declared and quickly stalked
off. Valen knew he could get nothing better than this.

He silently knelt by the Warrior who was now awakening. She started to lunge
for him weakly but he easily stopped her.

"It is over, Alyt Emphilio. You were defeated." He stated sadly.

She stared at him uncomprehendingly for several moments. He could see the
confusion, pain, and hate in her eyes as she realized what his words meant.

"Then why am I alive?" She asked sitting up slowly.

"I took your life and gave it back to you." Valen answered simply.

"It is denn'sha. You must kill me." She stated matter of factly.

"I am afraid I did just that." He said sadly, looking away into the crowd.

She followed his gaze and instantly noted many Wind Swords turn quickly away
from her in contempt. Even her only friend, Velrini, eventually turned away
from her. The look of silent pity in his eyes told her everything she needed
to know.

"I am outcast." She whispered softly. The old emotions she had pushed away
for twenty five cycles started to come back.

"No. Not outcast. You are of the Caste, but expect no help from the Clan."
Valen told her.

She glared at him in rekindled hatred. "You should have killed me." She hissed.

"I have need of you and every other warrior. Killing you would solve nothing."
He replied matching her stare.

"What good am I to you without my Clan?" She asked.

"I am sure I can find something to make the Sha'tha useful." He replied
humorlessly.

"As you took my life and returned it to me, then I must serve until you release
me." Emphilio said. Her voice was neutral but her hate of him was clear.

"I know. I will try to ensure that your service is short. I have no desire
to have one under my command who does not wish to be there." Valen responded.

"Know this, Valen: When you release me, I will kill you." She swore.

"In that I have no doubt, Alyt Emphilio." He replied.

After a moments silence between them they both realized Zathras was standing
nearby with a worried expression on his face. Valen glanced down at Emphilio's
leg and tried to ignore the pain in his chest. He offered a hand to Emphilio.

"We had better have your leg checked on. It may be broken." He stated simply.

After a moments hesitation Emphilio took the offered help and regained her
footing.

She was surprised when Zathras handed her denn'bok back to her in the collapsed
position with a look she took to be apologetic. She nodded her thanks and
placed the pike back into her cloak.

Valen handed the staff he had used over to her. "You will need this now more
than I will." He said and started to slowly walk towards the lifts.

Emphilio stared at his retreating back for a moment before following the
man she now hated so much. She leaned heavily on the wooden staff Valen had
handed her and followed Valen's alien aide to the lift as quickly as pain
would allow. Together all three entered the lift.


Watching them unawares, Capenni was fascinated by what he had seen. Never
in his entire life as a Worker had he seen anyone act as this Valen had.
One moment the odd Minbari was as brutal and vicious as any Warrior, the
next as compassionate and understanding as a Religious Caste healer. Underlying
it all was the simplicity and anonymity of the Workers. It was very strange.
Capenni could not help but be confused by this seeming incongruous behavior.
Perhaps Lerenn is correct about him. He thought to himself as he continued
on toward his destination.


Several hours later Valen found himself in Green 12 outside a door patiently
waiting an answer to his call. In his hands he carried the wooden staff the
old Minbari woman had given him. He had cleaned it of all the blood as best he
could but some had stained the knobby top of the staff permanently.

After spending a short time in Medlab having his injuries tended to by a
Religious caste volunteer as well as seeing to the wellbeing of Zathras and
Emphilio he had spent sometime trying to find the old Minbari to return to
her staff to her.

He pushed the buzzer again, hoping that this was the correct quarters
fro whom he searched. After a moment the door opened to reveal a young Worker
wearing simple clothing standing with a carefully neutral expression on his
face. The Worker glanced at the staff and him before stepping back. "Please
come in. Lerenn is expecting you."

"Thank you." Valen replied and entered the quarters startled slightly at
how dark everything was despite the large number of candles that had been
placed in the sleeping quarters. Seeing no one else present in the empty
main room he proceeded to the bedroom.

The sight that greeted him worried him instantly.

The old Minbari lay on simple flat Earthforce issue bunk with several pillows
arranged to keep her small form from lying horizontal to the floor. She was sealing
the last of a small stack of missives as he quietly watched her. He noted
how her hands shook so much that it was actually difficult for her to place
the seals on the paper.

When she had finally set aside the last of her work, she glanced up at him
and smiled gently. "Feeling pity for an old woman?" She asked. Despite her
obviously weakened state her eyes sparkled brightly with humor and life.

To hide is embarrassment for staring at her he bowed his head. "My apologies.
I did not mean to offend you." He replied.

"You did not, but then you did not answer my question either." She laughed
softly.

He smiled in return unable to resist her obvious warm and welcoming presence.

"No, I was not pitying you. Simply noting that you do not appear as well
as when I last saw you." He commented.

"I'm old." She stated as if it explained everything. For her, it did. Valen
acknowledged her statement with an agreeing nod of the head.

"I wanted to thank you for allowing me to use your staff. I tried to return
it after the denn'sha but noticed you were no longer present." He said as
he started to hand it to her.

She help up her small hand and waved the staff away. "I no longer require
its service. It is yours to do with as you wish." She said. Her tone of voice
indicated she would brook no argument in this.

"As you wish." He said, a hint of worry seeping into his voice at her behavior.

She patted the space on her bed gently. "Please sit. There is much I wish
to discuss with you before I go."

He readily complied and sat down gently so as not to disturb her. Before
he even realized it she held his head still a surprisingly strong grasp and
stared at him intently. Uncertain what she was doing he simply stared back
in curiosity.

After a full minute of this she released him and gently patted his shoulder
before leaning back. She closed her eyes momentarily and took a deep breath.

When her eyes opened again, the brown orbs gleamed in pure joy.
"It *is* you, isn't it, my old friend?" She asked softly, happiness obvious
in her voice.

"I-I don't think I understand." He started uneasily at the surety in her
voice.

She chuckled happily at his confusion. "Oh, yes it is you. The body is different,
the crest sharper, the eyes different. But I see you so clearly. No soul
can I see more clearly." She said.

"I think you may have me confused with..." He started to speak but stopped
at another chuckle from her.

"No. We have traveled together since the beginning of time, dear friend.
From life to life. We walked upon the shores of the Se'hal Sea at the dawn
of our people existence. We brought peace to the warring tribes, sang the
homesongs of a distant world I see in your eyes. We ventured forth to the
star themselves. We have always been together, if only for a short time."
She said watching him with adoration and love. Seeing his disbelief she patted
his hand gently.

"You do not believe, do you?" She asked gently.

He smiled gently afraid his next words may offend the old Minbari before
him. He *did* feel more relaxed around this woman. He wasn't sure why, though.

"No...I mean...I'm not sure. Maybe there is reincarnation but I don't believe
in it myself." He stated.

"You always say that." She said with a small laugh. He couldn't help but
join her laughter.

"I'll take your word for it." He said.

"Good." She stared at him with a wistful smile that slowly faded to a more
somber look. He sat up straiter noting the change.

"I am only sorry I will not be able to help you in your great cause this
time. No more than what I have been able to arrange." She indicated the stack
of missives cryptically.

"You're dying." He said, feeling a sudden sharp stab of sadness enter his
heart. He had just met one of the most intriguing, intelligent, and funny
Minbari he had ever known since...since...

'Delenn.' His thought provided him.

And now she was leaving before he even had a chance to get to know her.

"I'm sorry." She whispered apologetically seeing the sadness in his eyes
he thought he had contained so well. She hadn't met for him to be hurt.

"For what?" He asked, trying to force a light tone in his voice. Even he
could hear the flatness in it.

"For my leaving before we had a chance to become reacquainted." She quickly
reached over and pulled a book from underneath the missives and handed it
to him.

He slowly took it looking at her questioningly. She smiled in response.

"It is for you. I came to realize that in this life we would only spend a
very short time together, if at all. Ten cycles ago I decided to write down
everything I could remember about my life for you. So you could know me when
I was gone." She explained.

He felt a wave of emotions flood him that left him speechless for several
minutes as he carefully traced the small intricate designs in the leather
binding of the book. When finally under control he looked into her eyes and
saw unshed tears there.

"Thank you." He whispered. She smiled gently in return as she placed her
hand over his heart. He quickly followed her gesture. They bowed their head
together in unison before pulling back from one another.

Lerenn sank back against the pillows and closed her eyes. He quickly stood
at seeing this. "I should go. You are tired and should rest." He said.

She chuckled and opened her eyes. "I shall be dead soon enough, Valen. Please,
humor and old Minbari and stay. We shall have some tea and speak of things.
Tell me of yourself so that I may have something to take with me when it
is my time."

He smiled gently and sat back down. "As you wish, my friend."




Part 5

Babylon 4 (1264 A.D. (Terran) Approx.)

Sherann waited patiently idly glancing from one member of the Council to
the other. Few present spoke to anyone else. There was a palpable somber
tone to the room. Even the clothing of many was subdued, less adorned than
they had been just three days before.

'Before Lerenn died.' Sherann thought sadly.

Despite Lerenn being Worker Caste, Sherann had admired her greatly. All of
the Elder had admired her. The reasons were many and widely varied from Elder
to Elder.

For Sherann it had been her stubbornness. Lerenn had never once in his entire
life he had heard of her backed down from any Caste, any Clan, any family.
When she felt her cause was just and proper she fought harder and more bravely
than any warrior he had ever known.

He also admired her ability for debate. He had seen first hand her ability
to crush an opponents argument by using their own facts against them in ways
they had not forseen. She had been a powerful leader for the Worker Caste.
No others could replace her.

He would miss her. She had been a legend to him since childhood. He felt
deeply honored to have known her. She had been a worthy adversary and an
even worthier ally.

He glanced around the room again. He was surprised at the level of sadness
and loss he could see in the others despite it being two days since her ashes
had been scattered in space near the station, but the feeling of emptiness
lingered.

But Sherann knew they must move forward. Hence he had called the War Council
together after witnessing an altercation between two of his own Warriors.

Sherann instantly focused his attention on Valen as he came into the chamber.
He noted that Valen again wore the simple dark grey trousers, hooded tunic
and cloak. The only decoration he bore was the blue-green jeweled pin upon
his chest and a belt buckle that seemed to match the pin. It was what he
had seen Valen wear everyday since his arrival except for one thing.

Sherann could not help but notice the denn'bok that Valen now carried. Lerenn's
family pike. Sherann was secretly pleased that Lerenn had given Valen her
pike to show all of Minbari her support of the stranger who had come to them.

Though he saw Valen as a hindrance to his ultimate goals, he respected him.
And today was about respect.

"Shai Alyt Sherann, may I ask what todays meeting is in regards to?" Valen
asked without preamble after a cursory bow to the gathered Minbari and the
three Vorlons present. It was obvious to all that his injured ribs were bothering
him.

Sherann noted Valen looked haggard but admired the other Minbari's stubbornness.
Sherann knew first hand that Valen had refused any analgesics to ease the
pain of his injuries. That alone had raised Valen's esteem in his eyes.

A touch of sadness Sherann had seen at Lerenn's funeral still lingered in
the other Minbari's strange eyes. Sherann had been told that Valen had been
there when Lerenn had passed beyond. Others had doubted this, but not Sherann.
He could still see the soul deep sadness that others apparently could not.

Sherann pushed these thoughts aside but still felt a twinge of regret as
he stood and nodded in respect to Valen. Circumstances had forced him to
take action earlier than he had hoped, but such minor difficulties could
be tolerated.

"To be blunt: you." Sherann stated.

"Me? What do you mean?" Valen looked at him questioningly.

"It has come to my attention these past few darkened and saddening days that
there is some dissatisfaction on the station. Not only amongst the Warriors,
but amongst the Religious and Workers as well." Sherann said.

"As you say this regards me then what seems to be the problem?" Valen asked.

"Some of the Warrior caste have indicated that they will not follow one who
has not proven themselves in battle. While you have proven most efficient
in personal defense when you defeated the Sha'tha, that does not a Shai Alyt
make." Sherann stated.

"I see." Valen replied as if considering Sherann's words carefully.

"While I am loathe to agree with the Shai Alyt on this, he is correct. There
has been some in my own caste who have expressed reservations towards your
presence in the War Council." Ilirenn added, the reluctance to speak was
clear in her voice. She cast a pointed look at Sherann, who simply ignored
her.

Valen nodded to her. "I thank you for your honesty." He tilted his head slightly
to the gathered Worker Caste Elders. "And you?"

The youngest of them lifted his head slightly at the question. "We follow
where you lead. Lerenn believed in you. So do we."

Valen smiled slightly at that. "Of that I am sure. But no one group is ever
completely united on any subject. But, I take your statement as it was intended
and thank you for your support."

"How would you have me prove my worth to all of Minbar?" Valen asked the
assembly.

Sherann glanced at Ilirenn who nodded slightly to him.

"After some considerable debate amongst ourselves we have decided upon combat.
As you would have us unite to defeat the Shadows we now demand that you prove
your combat skill to our people." Sherann said.

"And how may I do this?" Valen asked, wariness in his eyes despite his apparent
relaxed stance.

"You must defeat the Shadows in a battle." Ilirenn supplied before Sherann
could respond.

"Defeat the Shadows." Valen said flatly.

"Yes." Sherann said.

Sherann watched as Valen took a deep breath and released it as if burdened
greatly. "Very well. Do you have any particular target or location you wish
this battle to be fought or any limitation as to the means by which it is
fought?" He asked brusquely.

"The setting and means are yours to choose. None shall interfere. All we
ask is for proof of your worthiness. And that it be done by the end of the
year. Until that time you may not be at War Council meetings except those
regarding this station's operation." Sherann answered.

Valen nodded. "Fair enough. I must go now and make preparations." He surprised
all when he suddenly executed a crisp Warrior Caste salute to them, bowed
to the Vorlons and exited the room without further comment.

'I think this may get very interesting.' Sherann thought to himself as the
rest of the Council started to discuss how to better unify their actions
against the Shadows. He wasn't looking forward to the eventual arguments
that arose. For the barest moment he wished he would be joining Valen in
his upcoming battle.


Emphilio stalked through the halls of station impatiently. She knew by the
way the other Minbari scurried quickly out of her way that she was failing
miserably at hiding her anger and annoyance.

The fact that she was noticeably limping and sharp pain was felt on every
other step did not improve her mood any. Even worse was she was now looking
for the one who had inflicted the injury upon her leg.

It had been a bad day. A very bad day. She suspected it was going to get
even worse. The universe was trying to teach her something. She was sure
of that.

That or she had become the play toy of a universal gok.

'The universe is laughing at me. I know it!' She mentally grumbled to herself.

That morning, after accompanying Valen on his usual, albeit injury reduced,
routine of calisthenics, a quick morning meal, and checking in with Alyt
Vethall on the Command Deck, she had found time and opportunity to transfer
over to the Pelara Gok to retrieve the few possessions she had from her quarters
there.

Walking the decks of Shai Alyt Sherann's flagship had not been a pleasant
experience. She had never had many friends amongst the Warrior Caste, but
she knew full well her background prevented that.

The contempt, anger, and scornful looks that greeted her on arrival and passage
through the ship had instantly put her on edge. She had finally snapped when
she had been refused access to her quarters and possession by the Pelara
Gok's head of security. She allowed herself a small grin of satisfaction
in memory.

Too bad I didn't break his other leg as well.

After taking the unfortunate, and quite unconscious, Warrior to receive medical
treatment for his broken limbs she had quickly gathered her possessions together
and left the ship. The pilot of the shuttle, Kebbel, wisely chose not to
inquire as to their sudden departure from the Pelara Gok.

After debarking from the shuttle she had headed for the Command Deck, knowing
Valen had planned to do much of the days work from there. She had been more
than a little irritated to find only Vethall watching over things.

Vethall had quickly explained to her what had occurred in the War Council.
She wasn't sure whether to praise Sherann for his deviousness or strangle
him. Perhaps she could find a way to do both?

Five hours of fruitless search, two of those hours listening to Zathras prattle
on endlessly had nearly driven her insane. It had taken all the chants and
techniques she could remember her father teaching her to stop herself from
throttling the fuzzy, boneless alien.

The universe smiled upon the alien and Zathras soon departed to help some
workers discover more of the technical wonders of the station.

'Good thing he left. I was about to teach him the technical wonders of a denn'bok
blow to the head.' Emphilio thought with dark amusement.

She was now headed toward the last place he could possibly be. She had searched
everywhere. From the unoccupied high-g sections to the null-g cargo bays.
Who would have imagined it would be hard to fins a single Minbari on the
station? Not her. She had found it easier to find people on all of Minbar
than here.

As Emphilio stalked into a small set of gardens in the Agrarian section, part of 
the aptly named Green Sector, of the station she could not help but admire the 
sheer scope and technical expertise that went into building the station, but this 
time for reasons other than military concerns. Briefly she wondered why the 
majority of the Agrarian section was located in the station's Red Sector.

As a Warrior she had primarily been interested in the station's offensive
and defensive systems, power systems, targeting arrays, communications and
other sundry details that concerned the members of the Warrior Caste.

As a Minbari she was in awe of the sheer size and obvious effort that had
been put in to developing such a large and efficient hydroponics farm. Everywhere
she looked there were numerous crops, very few of which appeared to be from
Minbar. From time to time she could see Minbari workers inspecting the crops
and the hydroponic systems that supported them as she walked towards the
much more popular Gardens.

The gardens were full of strange and exotic alien plants that Valen had insisted
were high on oxygen production. Emphilio pitied most Warriors who did not
admire the perfect blending of functionality with aesthetic appeal. She felt
lucky in that the designers of this place had taken time to add something
of beauty to the otherwise ugly and stark utilitarian nature of the station.

After several moments search through the several paths of the garden she
finally found him sitting alone on a small metal bench far from the main
paths favored by those who had started to frequent the Gardens. She could
tell he was deep in thought as he stared at a group of small Minbari plants
without even acknowledging her presence.

She decided to wait for him to speak before voicing her concerns. She had
learned quickly in the two days she had come to serve him that he valued
her opinion on many subjects. Why he did so she could not say for certain.
She only knew he did despite her obvious hatred of him.

After several minutes of silence it became obvious she would wait for some
time. This fact only increased her irritability. She quickly pushed aside
her impatience and studied him as she had the past couple of days.

She noted he seemed tired. That he always seemed tired. Valen was by no
means old by Minbari standards, perhaps a decade older than herself in
appearance. When she had inquired about his age he had merely smiled at her
and said "Old enough".

At the time she had thought it an odd answer. She had seen a knowledge in
his eyes at that moment that she had been meditating on ever since in an
attempt to understand it. She had come no closer to any answers and started
to doubt she ever would. Now looking at him closely in the garden she began
to see why.

An air of sadness hung around him.

'What could cause you so much sadness? What is it that could make you sechli
sakarr?' Emphilio wondered in silence at him. For the barest of moments she
understood him. Understood him better than she cared to think about.

As if sensing her question he turned to look at her a smiled as he bowed
his head to her. In that one single action she caught glimpse of understanding
that actually frightened her.

"You heard about the War Council." He stated simply.

"Yes. What do you intend to do?" She asked, suddenly very wary of what she
asked of this Minbari. No Minbari, Warrior or other had unnerved her like
this. So much so that she was actually willing to admit to herself she was
afraid of him.

"Fight, of course. There is no other choice." He said with a hint of both
resignation and steel in his voice.

"You have no ships with which to fight, no weapons other than Elder Lerenn's
pike." Emphilio pointed out.

"True. But weapons and ships and armies do not a Warrior make. Neither does
a successful Warrior necessarily make a good leader." Valen said, an odd smile 
flitted across his face, as he indicated she should sit on the bench across 
from him.

Emphilio took the offered seat silently before replying. "That is also true,
Valen. But the War Council will not accept anything else in this case."

"I know." Was the response.

"And?" She asked, letting impatience slip into her voice.

He glanced at her and a small smile curled at his lips. "I shall have to
find a generous and giving Warrior to borrow a fighter from or have the Shadows
attack this station."

Emphilio was certain she gaped like an idiot at Valen for a moment at his
words before realizing he had actually made a joke. A dark humored joke to
be certain but one she could appreciate. Despite her dislike of him she felt
a smile come to her face.

"That would defeat the purpose of you bringing the station to us in the first
place." Emphilio noted humorously.

"Ah well, then I shall have to borrow a fighter then." He said.

"I think I may be able to help in that regards." Emphilio said hesitantly.

"I thought you had no support from the Wind Swords." He said cocking his
head slightly to the side in interest.

"I do not. Most of the Wind Swords will have nothing to do with me." Emphilio
stated without emotion.

"I see little has changed in the Wind Swords penchant for being reactionaries."
He commented dryly. She noted some odd look cross his face before he covered
it with his usual neutral expression he seemed to wear.

"Perhaps." Emphilio conceded. "This does not preclude my contacts with the
other Warrior Clans. I shall see if one of them would allow you to borrow
one of their fighters to appease the War Council's demand."

"Someone not of the Wind Swords would listen to you?" He asked, genuine surprise
showing on his face.

"I am the Sha'tha. The only Warrior to defeat the Shadows in combat. It has
given me a great deal of influence with many Warriors, especially those who
have fought the Shadows themselves and were lucky enough to survive." Emphilio
stated.

Valen nodded in response to her statements but gave her a considering look.
"I am curious about something. I have noted that while all the Castes seem
to respect you, a great deal do not seem to *like* you."

"Being *liked* is pointless." She answered.

"Agreed there. Perhaps I should have said hated. I've noted more than one
truly seemed to hate you. Why?" He asked.

She glared at him. "That should be obvious enough." She waved her hand indicating
her crest.

"I'm sorry. I forgot that here inter-caste marriages are frowned upon. I
did not mean to offend you." He said gently.

She was surprised to see in his eyes that he truly was sorry for bringing
the subject up. Before even realizing it she was apologizing to him.

"No, it is I who should apologize." She said.

"For what?" He asked, puzzlement in his expression.

"I...that is..." She stammered trying to find the words to explain. Try as
she could she found her self unable to articulate.

"That's all right. I understand." He said quietly.

'What are you doing? He's you're enemy!' A part of her mind screamed in rage
at her.

Emphilio quickly stood, feeling confused at this sudden understanding she
had developed of Valen. An understanding she did not want. She had to get
away from him and think.

"I shall go and make some inquiries." She said quickly and very nearly fled
from him without waiting for a response.

Valen simply sat there and watched the retreating Wind Sword with a surprised
look on his face.

'Just when I thought I may have broken through those barriers, she develops
new ones.' He thought to himself. He was certain they had almost come to an
understanding.

He knew she hated him. He couldn't really blame her. In her eyes he was just
some strange Minbari who had turned her Universe upside down. Taken her from
a respected, if disliked warrior, of a powerful Clan and reduced her to a
Clan-less servant. It was more than enough of a reason to want him dead.

He sighed to himself and returned to his thoughts and plans. A war needed
to eb fought and won. A people needed to be saved from themselves. He only
hoped he was sufficiently prepared for the challenged



Part 6

War Cruiser Hestanna (1264 A.D. (Terran) Approx.)

Valen silently followed the dark clad female Minbari out of the flyer Icheryl
and onto the flight deck. He noted the Minbari Novawind class fighters of
the ships fighter roin they passed as she briskly strode to the bay's exit.

'The last time I saw any of those was in the Yedor Historical Museum.' He
thought to himself. He quickly pushed those thought aside. That was the past
for him.

He cast a quick glance at the Warrior he now tread silently beside. He could
see her face was a cold, menacing mask of anger and arrogance. A face that
for a long time he had associated with all Minbari until Delenn.

Neither of the pair had spoken since leaving the Station. They had, in fact,
not spoken a word since Emphilio had come to him at 0300 Hours to inform
him that she had acquired him a vessel in which to fight. It was one of the
few times he was glad the nightmares had already awakened him.

He had thanked her and in typical response she had saluted and left without
comment. The stiffness of her movements had betrayed her discomfort of being
around him.

Now seven hours later he was aboard the War Cruiser Hestanna, a light cruiser
operated by the Star Riders clan. He had been surprised to discover this,
wondering at Emphilio's ability to gain such a vessel. It was certainly not
the most powerful ship available, but it would suit his purpose well.

He sighed to himself as he followed her through the decks leading to the
bridge. The entire time she glared at any Warrior who even glanced their
way. Some returned her harsh gaze but many more seemed to find sudden urgent
business else where. Her attitude was starting to annoy him greatly.

As they passed a large burly guard apparently standing watch outside the
bridge he was surprised to see the otherwise menacing Minbari give Emphilio
an almost affectionate smile as he allowed them access to the bridge. Emphilio
seemed to not even see the smile and coldly strode through the door. Valen
noted the barest hint of hurt at her behavior as he too passed the guard.

As they stepped on the bridge Valen was pleased to note the crew continued
to work casting an occasional interested look at the two visitors. The bridge
appeared to be like any other Minbari ship, though admittedly he had only
seen two in his life aside from the Ranger's White Stars.

Seated in a chair in the middle of the bridge Valen could see a rather plain
looking Minbari, neither physically imposing nor charismatic. He could also
see he was rather old to be a Shai Alyt of such a minor vessel.

The long jagged edges of his bonecrest as well as the chips and scrapes were
a testament to a long history of battle for this Minbari. The small, but
numerous, awards on the man's otherwise plain uniform showed he had indeed
served well and long. The fact that the Shai Alyt was dressed in such a manner
gave Valen a small hope that he and this Star Rider could work together.

"Shai Alyt Trefall of the Star Riders Clan, I am Alyt Emphilio. The person
beside me is Valen." She said crisply and saluted the older Minbari. It was
at this moment Valen noted a subtle but obvious difference in their uniforms
he had not noticed immediately.

The crest of the Star Riders Clan, though small, gleamed proudly from the
Shai Alyt's uniform. Where the crest of the Wind Swords should have rested
on Emphilio's uniform, nothing but dark cloth could be seen. She wore no
ornamentation other than her rank, her qualification badges and stripes,
and a single small, silver brooch encrusted with several obsidian colored
stones. The award of the Sha'Tha. The Shadow Warrior.

Trefall turned his head to gaze at them in apparent amusement, barely nodding
his head in acknowledgement of Emphilio's salute. The Minbari gazed up and
down at Valen as if studying him closely.

Trefall noted the charcoal grey trousers and tunic, as well as the cloak.
His eyes gazed momentarily at the scar on the others cheek, noting it did
not appear to be more than a few years old. But his attention focused mostly
on the brooch on the strange Minbari's chest though. Familiar materials that
made up the brooch but a hint of something alien. Much like the man's eyes
themselves.

When he looked into those eyes he could see one who had been burdened with
responsibility before. And a terrible knowledge. "So you are the Minbari
that has the Elders running scared?" He asked with some amusement in his
eyes.

Valen shrugged. "I do not know how you came to such a conclusion as to the
Elders of your Clan. In any case, yes I am Valen."

"You defeated the Sha'tha, that is reason enough for them to fear you." Trefall
said cryptically.

Valen felt more than saw Emphilio tense up beside him at the use of her better
known epithet. His curiousness regarding her finally came forward.

"Why is the Sha'tha feared? Simply because she defeated the Shadows?" Valen
asked.

Trefall looked at him in surprise. "You truly do not know about her do you?"

The Shai Alyt glanced over to the female warrior and if considering something.
"It is her story to tell. When she wished you to know. You will know."

Valen nodded slightly, willing to allow the subject to be forgotten as clearly
Emphilio wished. "As you say."

"You still have not answered my question regarding the Elders." Valen noted
lightly. Trefall chuckled slightly at the light, but insistent authority
in Valen's voice.

Just as quickly his face darkened as he spoke.

"They are afraid of you. Afraid of the Shadows. Afraid of her. Afraid of
the universe. They are fools and cowards." Trefall stood and strode over
to Valen.

"They are afraid of you because for the first time since the Days of Fire
they do not have the answers, the wisdom, the money, or the arms to defeat
their enemies. The power and authority of the Clans has fractured and weakened.
They are vulnerable.

"Many see this. The Workers most of all. They are tired of slaving for the
Religious and Warriors. They have been for some time. Even as we speak they
rebel against the weaker Clans."

"And how do I fit into this?" Valen asked.

"Because they are afraid of change. You represent change itself. You've forced
the Elders to allow the Workers an equal voice. This has emboldened them
greatly." Emphilio explained for Trefall, who merely nodded in agreement
to her words.

"They fear civil war." Valen stated simply.

"Civil war is inevitable. The last large Clan war not all that long ago."
Emphilio interjected flatly earning her a hard look from the Shai Alyt.

"Yes. Many believe you are actually Worker cast, given the magnificent station
you have brought to us. I thought as much myself until I heard of your defeat
of Emphilio in personal combat." Trefall confessed.

"And now?" Valen asked.

"And now I'm going to find out if you are what I suspect. A Warrior." The
Shai Alyt said with a smile.

"That is why you are willing to help me defeat the Shadows and meet the
requirements of the War Council." Valen said.

Trefall became somber. "That and the fact that I am old. I have fought many
wars. Seen too much death. Too much blood. Too much destruction. Too much
despair and hate. Enough to last several incarnations. I have heard your
words and believe them to be true. These Shadows will destroy us all unless
we unite. I would rather die fighting in support of someone who believed
in his cause than to continue as I have and watch my world, my people fall
into the abyss."

Valen glanced over to Emphilio noting her neutral expression.

"And why are you helping me, aside from fulfilling a debt you feel you owe
me?" He asked her.

"I assist you for much the same reason as the Shai Alyt. I, more than many,
know of what he has spoken of. It is a time for change. I must know for myself
if you can win this war for us. The only other recourse is too terrible to
consider. If I must pass into the night, I would much rather do so now and
fully aware of how I will die than later at the whims of the Shadows." Emphilio
replied honestly.

Valen felt the sudden overwhelming feel of gratefulness at these two Minbari.

Not prophecy. Not propaganda. They were following their own hearts and were
listening to *him*. For the first time since he had come to these people
he began to believe that maybe, just maybe, he could do what was required
of him.

"Thank you." He said softly, the tone in his voice seemed to soften Emphilio's
hard gaze ever so slightly. She and Trefall nodded in silent reply.

Trefall smiled slightly. "How do you plan to meet the War Council's requirements?
We don't even know where the Shadows are, let alone where they are going
to attack next."

Valen tilted his head in consideration and remained silent for several moments
in apparent thought. "I can not use this ship directly. Too many would say
that it was you or Alyt Emphilio that defeated them instead of myself. I
need a clear victory for myself to convince the War Council."

Emphilio noted a slight gleam of anticipation in Valen's eyes. "Then how
do you plant to fight them?"

"If the Shai Alyt would allow it, I would use one of his fighters." Valen
said.

Trefall raised his head, surprise obvious on his face. "A single fighter?"

"Yes."

Emphilio and Trefall exchanged glances, ignoring the surprised looks of several
nearby crewmembers who had overheard the exchange. Emphilio shrugged slightly
at the questioning look on Trefall's face, which prompted a slight smile
from Valen.

"A single ship is admirable but getting yourself killed will not prove that
you can defeat the Shadows." Trefall said as he turned and strode back to
his chair and took a seat.

"Using your ship and crew would prove nothing to the Council. They would
claim I used the Sha'tha's skills to win the battle, not my own." Valen
countered.

The older Warrior grunted in agreement. "I'm afraid you are correct in that
regards." He waved his hand in disgust. "Fools! All of them."

"Perhaps there is a better solution." Emphilio ventured quietly, catching
the attention of both men.

Trefall looked at her with a predatory smile. "I knew you had something planned."
He murmured.

Emphilio bowed her head slightly in acknowledgement, not catching the brief
puzzlement on Trefall's face at the gesture. "Let Valen have use of a roin
of fighters."

"Only a single roin?" Trefall asked, disbelief evident in his voice.

Valen missed the rest of debate the ensued between the two warriors as a
plan formed in his mind from Emphilio's suggestion that he be allowed use
of a full squadron of fighters. It was daring, foolish and likely to get
him killed.

It could work if done right.

"...impossible, the information we have..."

"Is of no use to anyone now." Valen cut Trefall's comment off.

"What do you mean 'of no use'?" Emphilio asked.

"I mean that I'm not going to wait for another attack to fight them. They
want something to attack, I say give them something to attack." Valen said,
smiling broadly as he looked Emphilio directly in the eyes. "And I need your
help, Alyt."

The female warrior instantly became wary. Though phrased as a request, it
was obvious to her it was actually a pleasantly spoken order. One she was
certain she would regret. "What do you ask of me?"

"Does the term 'bait' mean anything to you?" Valen asked.

"I don't understand." Emphilio said in confusion.

"You will. I have an idea, but I think we should talk somewhere less...public."
Valen said.

"Come." Trefall quickly led them from the Bridge, eager to hear the plan
this strange Minbari wished to propose.



Part 7

"Fighter 1 to Roin. Keep alert, possible contact in 30 seconds." Valen said
calmly across the communications link. As per his pre-launch instructions
no one responded. He smiled slightly as he watched the sensor reading intently.

Everything is going according to plan. 'Now all we need is Murphy.' He thought
with a bit of grim humor. Too bad none of the Minbari would have understood
it had he spoken it aloud. He was certain his fellow pilots would appreciate
the humor.

The other eight pilots in his roin were all volunteers. Five were Star Riders
from the Hestanna, one was a Fire Wing pilot who'd claimed to "feel drawn"
to Valen, one a strange Religious caste pilot who had been fully prepared
to fight Valen over the right to serve with the other warriors, and of course
there was the female Wind Sword warrior currently serving as his aide.

Why Emphilio had insisted on being part of the roin, Valen was not certain.
He only knew she had been most emphatic about her participation. In the end
he had agreed not because of her persuasiveness or his weariness at hearing
her qualifications. It had been a sparkle in her eye at the prospect of flying
and fighting again. She had seemed to become truly alive for the first time
since he had fought her. In a moment of comraderie and understanding between
pilots he allowed her to serve with him. A small moment of joy in an otherwise
grim and dark time.

'Has it only been thirteen days that I've known her?' A part of his mind wondered
silently to himself. It seemed it had been paradoxically longer and shorter.

Not unlike the woman he had observed during that same time period.

He looked out his cockpit window to see the barely visible, darkened shadow
of another Novawind fighter flying alongside his own. He knew it would be
Emphilio. Despite his protests she had demanded to serve as one of his two
wingmates, after he had convinced Trefall that he could defeat the Shadows
using simply nine fighters.

Now, eight days later, the small Minbari attack group awaited the Shadows
in an asteroid belt of a star system the Vorlons had suggested. But they
were not the prey this time. This time they were the hunters. The Shadows
just didn't know this fact yet.

Valen flicked a switch to the main comm channel being used by the Hestanna,
smiling as he heard Emphilio's voice again. "This is Alyt Emphilio Sha'tha,
of the War Cruiser Hestanna, to any Wind Sword vessels in sector 24, we have
had a drive failure and require assistance. Please respond." The short message
looped over and over again.

The message was obviously faulty to any who knew about Minbari organizational
structures. He was counting on the fact that the Shadows did not appear to
know much about the Minbari. He was hoping they concentrated on the fact
that the Sha'tha was present. If they weren't drawn by the opportunity for
vengeance then perhaps the idea of a worthy enemy would draw them.

Apparently it had worked. An hour ago the Hestanna had detected three jumppoints
in the star system. The Shadow vessels were headed towards their location
in the asteroid field, but appeared to be approaching cautiously.

That was what had Valen worried. Nothing he'd ever read or experienced with
the Shadows indicated any instance of the caution they now appeared to be
showing. They obviously suspected something, as one of the three Shadow vessels
was what he and the "other" Anla'shok had dubbed as a scout version of the
Shadow ships.

This ship was leading the other two vessels towards the asteroid feild. Its
pair of companion ships worried him greatly. By all appearances they were
not the full sized Shadow ships, but a smaller version of the same ship.

One of those ships could easily slice up the Hestanna and here he was actually
trying to take on *three* with only nine fighters and an asteroid field.

Fortunately the Hestanna was relatively safe and undetected on the far side
of the asteroid field where his roin now waited.

'I must be mad!' He thought to himself. He noted the Shadow Scout now had
started to move slowly into the asteroids near them. It was time.

'And so it begins.'

He almost laughed out loud at his sudden and absurd remembrance of Kosh's
words to him on that day both terrible and wonderful so long ago. A day of
death, life, and rebirth.

"A day perhaps not so different than today." He muttered under his breath
to himself as he opened a comm channel.

"Trinary One, prepare to commence attack. Trinary Two and Three, hold position
until all ships are in the target area." He said softly. The designated leaders
of the other two fighter groups did not acknowledge. His communication had
only been to indicate the beginning of the attack.

The Shadow Scout ship came into view. "Now!" He snapped, as he quickly
reactivated the Novawind's targeting and weapons.

The three nimble ships quickly cleared the large asteroid that had been
concealing them from the Shadow's sensor sweeps. The fighter opened fire
with their fusion cannons peppering the oily black skin of their prey before
converging their fire at the base of the spiky protrusions.

The ship seemed to scream harrowingly in their minds as the upper spikes
separated from the rest of the body from the unexpected damage, causing the
ship to careen wildly into another nearby asteroid.

Valen glanced down at his tac-display as he quickly spun the Novawind into
a one-eighty, grateful that the Minbari grav drives allowed the ships to
perform the maneuver as quickly as any Star Fury he had ever flown.

He completed the maneuver in time to see Novawind piloted by Minoi, the religious
caste pilot, approaching the badly damaged Scout ship. Despite the damage
it suffered the ship was still able to turn and face the approaching fighter.
Minoi got of a few shot before his fighter was neatly sliced in two by the
Shadow scout.

"Emphilio target the...."

"...the dorsal section of the ship. Understood." Emphilio replied crisply,
a hint of irritation in her voice causing him to grin. She had seen the apparent
sluggishness of the Scout ship and knew that the other two Shadow vessels
would be there within seconds to avenge the attack on it.

The two combined their fire again, this time all of concentrated on the badly
damaged section of the ship. The ship seemed to scream in rage at them but
did not return fire. After a few sections a small explosion seemed to cause
the ship to twitch. It was then still as a strange, black fluid like substance
seemed to seep from the vessel. It seemed to slowly shrivel before them.

"One down." Emphilio's almost casual voice came over the comm.

"Good thing. I think it's companions are here to play now." Valen replied
as he noted the rapidly approaching ships.

Emphilio was puzzled by Valen's phrasing but fully understood the meaning
as she too saw the ships coming towards them. "Would not now be a good time
to proceed with phase two?" She asked in a calm voice that did not match
the feeling of doom she felt as the enemy angrily approached them.

"Not yet. We need them closer." His voice almost growled in reply.

He and Emphilio's fighters dodged back and forth between the asteroids as the
Shadows vessels followed them further into the belt. The Shadows started
firing intermittedly as when the ships were away from the protection of the
asteroids, causing both pilot to perform extremely risky evasive maneuver
to avoid the deadly fire, the asteroids, and the fragments of asteroid destroyed
when the weapons fire obliterated the smaller chunks of rocks.

"Valen!" Emphilio called over the comm, exasperated as she avoided nearly
smashing her Novawind into an asteroid while avoiding a triple burst of fire
from the Shadows.

There was no response. "Valen!" This time she was more insistent.

"All Trinaries: Now!" He called across the comm channel. Valen and Emphilo
flipped the fighters around to face the closest ship, as the six other fighter
launched from the places of concealment.

Trinary Three instantly let loose with a long burst of fire aimed not at
the second Shadow vessel, but instead at the asteroids near its path. The
rocks fragmented and large chunks were scattered before the vessel or impacted
against the skin of the ship, seeming to give it pause.

Trinary Two also performed a similar maneuver fortunate that it seemed more
effective, several of the asteroid fragments actually shearing away some
of the ships spiky protrusions, which Valen and Emphilio took advantage of
by adding their own fire to these damaged areas.

The Shadows quickly recovered and seem to fire every where at once. In an
instant three fighters exploded in the furious volley of fire.

"Evasive maneuvers!" Valen ordered, knowing it would do them little good.
The Shadow were angry and intend on eliminating the annoyance completely
and quite permanently.

The first Shadow vessel doggedly pursued Emphilio and Valen's fighters, ignoring
the asteroids than pummeled it skin. Valen had never heard or seen any Shadow
vessel seem to show such obsessiveness. Yes the ships kept coming until they
had destroyed their target, but never with the reckless abandon this one
seemed to show.

For several minutes a game of cat and mouse ensued between the smaller fighters
and the behemoth ship. The two Minbari took every opportunity to fire upon
the ships damaged sections. The Shadow in return very nearly destroyed them
both more times than either pilot wanted to admit.

The trap had turned into a complete fiasco. It had been a foolish idea from
the start, and he knew it. It had been done in desperation to prove once
and for all where he fit in with the Minbari. All it had done was get good
warriors killed.

Emphilio was carefully dodging an asteroid when she noted Valen suddenly
reverse his course and headed straight back towards the pursuing Shadow ship.

'What in the Abyss are you doing?' She wondered in shock. She quickly followed
brought her ship back on an intercept course with Valen's own fighter.

"Valen, what are you doing?" She asked.

"All pilots retreat. Get to the Hestanna and get out of here." Valen ordered.

Not less than a few days ago Emphilio would have gladly left Valen to die,
but now she could not. He had proven to be an exceptional Warrior in her
eyes. She had to admit he was a quite exceptional pilot and quite an unorthodox
tactician. This alone was reason enough for her to stay with him. She had
served with few Warriors as skilled as he.

Ona more personal level she wanted to understand this Minbari, whose almost
alien eyes seemed to peirce the souls of those around him and who spoke
strangely. He had been so determined to prove that he could help them, that
they needed him. Now he seemed intent on destroying himself. She didn't
understand this dichotomy. If she died with him, then perhaps in the Hereafter
she could discover who he was before they were reborn in the next generation.

She noted the other surviving fighters started to retreat. She did not. Instead
she increased her speed and quickly caught up with Valen's fighter which
was firing at the massive black behemoth before it and avoiding the returned
fire with a graceful ease that surprised even her. It was if he had been
through this before.

"Emphilio?" He voice cut through the link as she added her own weapons fire
to his.

"At your service, Valen." She said in half jest.

"How comforting to know I'll have a bearer for the thimble that will hold
my remains." He deadpanned, as he brought his fighter under the belly of
the ship peppering it almost ineffectually.

"You assume I will not wind up in the same thimble, Valen." She replied adding
her own fire to his won. She grinned suddenly realising she was *actually*
enjoying what was probably going to be the last few second of her existence.

"Don't go planning your next incarnations yet." Came the voice of Trefall
over the comm.

An instant later the damaged Shadow vessel they had been fighting was struck
by weapons fire that seared of several spikes and blew entire chunks of the
crafts dark skin complete off the ships hull. A seen before a strange black
fluid seemed to seep from the ship, reminding all present of blood from a
wound.

The ship turned as the Hestanna suddenly came into view barreling through
the asteroids, ignoring the damage to its own hull. Suddenly, and surprisingly
both Shadows vessels turned and accelerated away. Once clear of the asteroids,
they seemed to "wibble" out of view as they entered into hyperspace.

"Shall we pursue them?" Trefall asked over the comm.

"No. We're done here. Let's gather up the survivors and dead. It's time to
go home." Valen replied, sounding extremely tired even to his own ears as
he started for the waiting Cruiser.


An hour later Valen stood in the fighter bay, quietly watching the technicians
cracking the seals to the last remnant of a fighter. It was Minoi's fighter.

An instant later a bustle of activity caught his attention as one of the
technicians called for the ships only healer who had stood waiting in case
his services were needed.

Valen rushed over in time to see the technicians pull the bruised and battered
Minoi from the fighter and stretch him out on an awaiting gurney. The Religious
caste Minbari's eyes opened just enough for the blue to be seen. He saw Valen
standing there and smiled weakly before closing them again as he was carried
away.

"He will be all right, Valen. I promise you this." The healer informed him
before quickly following the wounded man and his bearers. He bowed in head
in silent acknowledgement to the retreating back of the healer before turning
to his gaze back to the remnants of the Novawind, pondering the deaths of
two of the roin's pilots.

"It seems I am no longer the only Sha'tha." A voice brought him out of his
reverie, startling him as he realized he had not heard her approach.

He looked at Emphilio and noticed instantly she had a genuine smile on her
face. The normal bitterness in her voice also was gone. The sullen anger
in her eyes he had seen so often was now replaced with a sparkle of merriment.
Even her posture exuded a new confidence and ease with others he had not
seen in her before.

He wondered briefly if this was the true Emphilio. The Emphilio that had
been before the Shadows had come. If it was, he could only consider the Warrior
Caste Elders fools for ignoring her abilities. He could see the endless
possibilities for her in that instance.

"Then out of respect and gratefulness to you for your actions on my behalf,
I release you from your vow to me. Honor has been served. I pity any who
would stand against you." He said solemnly, placing his palm on her chest
and bowed in a sign of respect.

Her grin grew as she copied his gesture. "Honor has been satisfied, but I
still desire to serve you."

"Why?" He asked in surprise.

She withdrew her hand and started to leave the fighter bay. Valen followed
her. "Because you will win. You are Sha'tha. As am I." She replied somewhat
cryptically.

"What do you mean I am Sha'tha? What does that have to do with anything?"
He asked truly puzzled.

"You do not know the original meaning of Sha'tha, do you?" She asked.

"I thought it was a reference to you and your defeat over the Shadows."

"It is. It also is an ancient reference to bandits. Those who fight in the
shadows, without honor or cast. Outcast." She explained in a soft, almost
whisper as she lead him through the decks of the ship headed towards the
bridge as she explained.

"Do many know the original meaning?" He asked.

"Enough do to know that my title is double edged." She replied, some of her
cheerfulness faded.

"So now it refers to an honorable Warrior and her victory over a powerful
enemy." Valen stated approvingly. Emphilio coughed lightly at that trying
to hide her apparent embarrassment.

"Perhaps." She said quietly as she turned to enter the bridge, ignoring the
guard that stood there.

Valen looked at the stone faced guard and sighed before following her in.
He never saw the slight smile of humor and sympathy on the guards face.


"Glory be to you, Valen. This is a most momentous day." Shai Alyt Trefall
bellowed as soon as Valen had entered the bridge.

He looked over at Emphilio in embarrassment and saw the same expression on
her face. He sighed to himself again. "I thank you for your praise, Shai
Alyt. But now is not the time to be celebrating. I lost two of your warriors
to this...foolishness."

Trefall sobered a little at Valen's apparent lack of enthusiasm to celebrate
his victory. He looked more carefully at the Minbari before him, noting his
apparent fatigue and sorrow. "You speak the truth, of course. But our people
have been without hope for so long, even this little skirmish will buoy our
Warriors hearts. Surely you see the benefit in that?"

"Yes. Please forgive me if I find no joy in it." Valen said flatly.

"The Shai Alyt has already sent a transmission of the battle back to the
station and Minbar." Emphilio glanced disapprovingly at Trefall as she spoke.

Valen closed his eyes and forced himself not to sigh in exasperation. He
knew Trefall was right. Any victory against the Shadows was a much needed
morale builder. The Minbari believed themselves on the edge of extinction.

He was not so sure they were wrong about that despite what he knew.

"So everyone will know about it by the time we get back?" He asked, unsure
as to how much the Minbari controlled their information to their own people
in this time.

Trefall laughed. "But of course! You're a hero to our people, Valen. The
war council will have to listen to you now."

"At least there is that." He concurred.

Emphilio looked at Valen noting he seemed to be acting strangely, even by
her own experiences with him. "Perhaps you should get some rest. You will
see thing more clearly then."

Valen's hazel eyes turned to her, seeming to bore through her skin and peirce
her soul. The alienness she had imagined in those Minbari eyes before seemed
quite clear to her now.

"I see far too clearly already." His whispered cryptically and strode quickly
from the room, leaving every Minbari on the bridge looking at each other
in confusion.

"What did he mean by that?" Trefall wondered aloud.

"I don't know. I don't think I want to know, either." Emphilio muttered to
herself, earning equally questioning look from Trefall.


Part 8

Babylon 4 (1264 A.D. (Approx))

Sherann watched the explosion on the screen and froze it. Anger, rage, and hate 
collided with respect, happiness, and joy. The problem Sherann decided was what 
emotion was directed at whom: Valen or the Shadows. 

He certainly had reason to have anger at the Shadows. They had attacked without 
warning or provocation. Cost him many skilled Warriors. Had cost him Clan and kin 
both. 

The anger naturally led to rage and hate for this enemy. It was a Warriors way to 
control the anger, hate, and rage. To channel it into his abilities to defeat the enemy.

With these emotions naturally came his respect for strength. For how could any Warrior 
not respect a powerful and dangerous foe such as these Shadows. They had been viewed as 
undefeatable for so long. Only one victory against them in battle.

Until Valen.

Sherann could not help but respect the strange Minbari. Anyone that could defeat the 
Shadows was worthy of respect, certainly. That victory had brought happiness and joy to 
Sherann's warrior soul.

Happiness because the victory would inspire his warriors to even greater feats of bravery 
and daring against the Shadows. Joy, because they had something to believe in: victory.

Unfortunately, Valen's victory made him Sha'tha in the minds of the people. A Shadow Warrior,
a hero. He now was a potential obstacle to Sherann's long term plans. And so came the anger 
again.

He quickly wrestled it away. He needed to plan carefully now. No one on the war council would oppose 
Valen now. 

"No thanks to that damned Star Rider Trefall." He thought darkly to himself. 

He felt a brief flash of rage at his long time rival. But Sherann had to admit Trefall had outwitted 
this time. He could accept that. He did not have to like it, but he could accept it as another small 
insignificant loss in an ongoing power struggle between the Wind Swords and Star Riders.

"How are the people accepting this?" Sherann asked the room's only other occupant.

"Since it arrived two days ago, word had spread to all colonies and outposts. The reaction is the same. 
The people are happy and joyous. Some call him Sha'tha." The voice answered with a slightly 
synthesized twang that Sherann found annoying. The voice synthesizer was a necessary precaution for his 
agent but he still did not like it.

"He is Sha'tha, whether he wishes to be or not." Sherann shook his head in disgust. Sherann restarted 
the video and watched in silence until the end, exulting for a moment in the sight of fleeing Shadows 
ships.

"Do you think you will be able to carry out your assignment?" He asked.

"Yes, Shai Alyt." The voice replied evenly.

"Good. No one should pose any problems for you then." Sherann nodded in satisfaction.

"What of Sha'tha Emphilio?" The other asked.

Sherann narrowed his eyes in anger. "I have no choice in that matter. She will have to be recognized as 
part of the Wind Swords again. The people would ask too many questions otherwise. That does not mean she 
will be accepted back into our ranks."

"She poses a threat to your plans. Perhaps she should be eliminated." The other noted.

Sherann shook his head. "No. She has garnered much strength and respect lately. Many will listen to her 
words and follow her deeds. I believe I will able to use this to my advantage."

"Very well, Shai Alyt." The other said, displeasure in the voice obvious.

"Go now. I have more planning to do." Sherann waved dismissively and ignore the others gesture of respect 
and exit from the room. Valen would call for a gathering of the War Council soon. He smiled to himself as 
he saw his plans unfold before him.



Emphilio pushed the door signal, involuntarily wincing at the annoying sound it made as she did so, and 
waited patiently for a response. After a few moments of silence she pressed the button again and waited. 
After a third attempt with out the desired result, she impatiently tapped in the alpha numeric code Valen 
had given her.

The door opened with the usual familiar yet slightly annoying whine to reveal a darkened room. That was 
not normal for Valen. Emphilio slowly entered the room, taking her collapsed pike into her hand in case 
of unexpected danger. 

Only a single candle nearly completely burned down gave the room illumination, it's light reflected off a 
large crystalline sculpture that sat on table next to it. The effect gave the room an ethereal, 
otherworldly look. An alienness that made Emphilio shiver involuntarily.

"Valen?" She called softly, not seeing anything that appeared to be out of place from her quick 
observation. Valen had few possessions and what he did have was always neat and tidy.

She listened carefully for a moment and then headed towards the partially opened door that separated 
the sleeping area from the main room. She looked in and relaxed.

She could barely see his form in the shadows, sitting up in his bed. She stepped in the room and nodded 
her head, thinking he had realized she was here. When he did not return her nod, she looked closer to be 
sure he was awake.

His eyes were open, but he stared at the wall. It was if he was seeing things she could not. It was 
obvious his thoughts were else where. His eyes were sunken and  he looked as if he hadn't slept at all. 
He seemed paler than normal and he was shivering ever so slightly. That worried her more than she cared 
to admit. 

He had been acting strange ever since the battle with the Shadows. More withdrawn from the people around 
him. It had been Zathras' own observation of this the previous morning that had prompted her to watch him 
more carefully for the rest of the day. As much as she disliked the alien, Zathras had been correct about 
Valen's behavior.

She slowly approached his side and called his name again, more insistently. Mistaking his hand twitch as 
an indication he had woke she let out a long breath in relief. 

"You did not sleep well did you?" She asked patting his shoulder.

An instant later she felt herself slam painfully into the floor, dazed by the impact despite her crest 
absorbing much of the blow. She could feel a powerful hand choking her throat. His hand. 

She looked up through blurry vision to see Valen's other arm held back ready to deliver a vicious, and 
she was certain, fatal blow. His face was contorted with a rage she had never seen on any Minbari face. 
His eyes seemed to glow with a hatred that terrified her. And Emphilio hadn't been terrified of anything
since her childhood.

"Valen!" She croaked out.

In an instant she saw recognition dawn in his eyes, as well as horror. He was instantly off of her and 
backed away to a nearby corner. The fear, horror, self loathing and embarrassment was evident on his 
features. 

She started coughing the instant the pressure on her throat had been released but she could hear him 
muttering in something that was obviously alien to her ears. She rolled on to her knees and stayed there, 
gently rubbing her throat and closed her eyes, using every meditative technique she could think of to 
calm herself.

She felt more than heard him kneel beside her. "Emphilio?" His voice was very quiet, too still. The 
voice of some one trying too hard to keep control of some emotion.

She coughed once and swallowed before answering, not looking at him. "Yes, Valen."

"Are you alright? I...I am sorry. I...did not know it was you. I.." His voice trailed off. She could 
hear the myriad of emotions in his voice, most overriding was his concern for her.

"I am alright, Valen." She looked up at him, seeing the concern on his face and eyes. He looked down 
in shame.

"I'm sorry." He murmured again.

"Did you think I was someone else?" She asked quickly regaining her composure.

"I'd rather not say." He quickly stood and stepped away from her. She could see by the tension in his 
body that he was afraid.

'What could he be afraid of? Of the shadows? Of me?' She wondered. She was also not satisfied with his 
answer, which sparked her anger at being so easily taken down by him. "That is not an answer. You could 
have killed me, but did not. I think I at least deserve to know why."

She saw him take in a shaky breath and close his eyes. "Please, leave. I'll join you outside in 
thirty minutes."

She stared at him for a moment, reluctant to leave but she clearly heard the authority in his voice. 
He would brook no dissent on this matter. She started to leave but stopped at the sleeping chamber's
door. "I will not forget this Valen. I *will* know why you attacked me."

"Don't look for things that you don't understand, Emphilio. And don't pursue that course of thought. 
It may very well get you killed." Valen warned her as she exited his quarters to wait outside. 

She now knew for certain something was wrong with Valen. She hoped very much it was not what she 
believed. She had seen far too many suffer the same affliction. She had nearly gotten herself killed 
because of it. 

She wasn't sure why she felt obligated to help him. Perhaps it had been his kindness towards her. 
Perhaps it was one Warrior's respect for another. She didn't want to dwell too deeply on the 
motivations of her actions. Those thoughts and emotions she had though long dead were now back 
and confused her.

So she waited and considered what needed to be done.



Later.

Emphilio stood by another door now, this time inside the War Council's chamber. She glanced at the 
other handful of Minbari next to her seeing they too were becoming disgusted at the loud, and 
sometimes abusive arguing taking place before them. 

Emphilio smiled sympathetically as she caught Valen's look of tired disgust as the arguments flew 
back and forth. She was still angry at his unexplained assault of her that morning, but several 
hours of near constant bickering by the Clan Elders had made her more than willing to back up 
Valen's points. 

Valen's requests were reasonable, they made sense, and they were easy to implement. Naturally, 
that meant the Elders had to fight it. At that moment she was very grateful most of the power 
wielders on Minbar had ignored her the majority of her life. Emphilio snorted in disgust. 
Politicians!

A loud cracking sound stunned the gathered Elders into silence, some visibly jumping at the 
sound. Emphilio heard a nearby Worker snicker at the startled expressions of the Elders. She 
glanced out the side of her eye to see several others barely suppressing their smiles. 

Like everyone present in the room, Emphilio turned her eyes towards the source of the sound. 
Valen stood silently beside the podium his hand resting on the now shattered marble surface. 
Even the two Vorlons seemed to be paying more attention now. She smirked rather arrogantly at 
the others, whose eyes had widened in surprise upon seeing the shattered marble.

"I do not have time to waste or your bickering trivialities. So I call for a vote on my first 
proposal. Do you give me complete authorization and control over acquiring personell and supplies 
necessary to maintaining the integrity of this station? Yes or No." Valen asked calmly.

"How dare..." A Warrior Elder snarled, rising from her seat.

"He is Sha'tha! That is why he dares!" Emphilio growled voice cut off the older female Minbari, 
who wore the crests of the Moon Shields.

The Moon Shield glared at Emphilio for a moment in challenge but quickly resumed her seat at 
seeing Emphilio's predatory look.

"I believe Elder Nemano merely mistook Valen's request in the wrong vein." The Worker Elder 
Velorian spoke quietly, neither supporting or condemning the Warrior Elder in the tone of his 
voice.

"Valen is correct, though. There is much to be done and little time to do it. Let us cast our 
votes on today's subjects and be done with it." Shai Alyt Sherann interjected, getting several 
surprised looks from the other Elders.

"Do I have complete authority over station disposition?" Valen asked again.

The Worker elders instantly cast their votes, showing they were united in approval. The Religious 
Elders were slower but also gave complete approval. When the final tally came from the Warriors, 
not all approved but there were none who voted against the proposal. Valen sighed in relief.

"Thank you." Valen said bowing to the Elders politely. As he stood strait again he could see 
smiles on several of the Minbari lined up near the door out of the corner of his eyes. 

"It is late and we are all tired. I suggest we reconvene tomorrow morning to continue our 
discussions on the other matters." Valen suggested.

"I see no reason why we should not continue our debate now. It is not that late in the evening." 
Nemano stated. A few others present nodded their heads in support, but most said nothing.

"The view is always clearer in the new dawn." The words were accompanied my an almost musical sound. 
It was Kosh.

All present stared at the Vorlons in surprise. It was the first time in weeks any of the three 
Vorlons on the station had spoken. 

"Perhaps Valen is correct. And there is wisdom to the Vorlon's words. We are all tired. Some rest 
and food would do us all some good." Ilirenn said quietly after several moments of stunned silence.

"As you say, Ilirenn." Sherann agreed, his eyes still focused on the pair of Vorlons.

"Then the meeting is adjourned until tomorrow morning." Valen announced in a slightly louder tone.

The Minbari quickly emptied the room. After all had left except Valen and Emphilio the pair of 
Vorlons also moved to leave.

"Why?" Valen asked just as they reached the room's door. Emphilio glanced at him questioningly 
but remained silent.

The darker of the two encounter suits turned sharply to face them. The red iris seemed to flash 
in anger. "It is none of your concern." The Vorlon turned to leave again.

"I think it is my concern Ulkesh Naranek." Valen countered.

Both Vorlons suddenly stopped and slowly turned to face the Minbari pair. The darker colored 
encountered slid forward, making a haunting musical sound that sounded anything but friendly. 

Emphilio quickly moved to block the Vorlon's advance towards Valen and took her denn'bok into hand. 
She was certain it would do little to harm these Vorlons, but it made her feel better. Her actions 
seemed to surprise the Vorlon as it stopped and tilted its head slightly to the side.

"How do you know my name?" The Vorlon asked.

Valen smiled slightly, sensing the Vorlon's apparent unease. There were few times he would ever have 
even a slight advantage over the Vorlons. Knowing this he decided to make the best of it for now. 
He didn't trust them. At least not this Ulkesh.

"Information is always given at the proper time." He replied cryptically.

Emphilio could feel the growing anger of this Vorlon. She risked a glimpse at the other one. The one 
she had heard Valen call Kosh a few weeks earlier during one of their many discussions in the Gardens. 
Kosh simply stood there, unmoving, it's green iris glowing brightly.

"It is the proper time." Ulkesh stated.

"That is what you believe. I do not." Valen countered walking to stand beside Emphilio.

"Tell us." Ulkesh demanded again.

"No. Not you. Not any of the Vorlons until it is time." Valen replied.

"Who are you?" The voice was softer, but held no less amount of determination in its tone. 
It was not Ulkesh.

Valen turned and bowed his head ever so slightly to the other Vorlon. "You already have that 
answer, Kosh Naranek. You just don't understand it yet."

"Entil'Zha." The Vorlons spoke in unison, bringing a chill down Emphilio's spine at the unfamiliar term.

She glanced over at Valen in time to see him execute a deeper, more respectful bow to the pair 
of Vorlons. Unsure as to what just happened she bobbed her head in a slight bow as well.

"Come, Emphilio. I need your help in choosing suitable crew members." Valen briskly strode from 
the room, as if the two now silent Vorlons were nothing more then curious pieces of furniture. 
She quickly followed, deciding that she much preferred Valen's odd company over that of such 
strange aliens.

She silently followed him down the hall and to a waiting lift. Once inside she noticed he rubbed 
his right hand gently.

"You have a most unusual way of getting attention. Is shattering marble with your hands how your 
people gain attention in meetings." She asked with a light teasing in her voice.

Valen chuckled. "Well, we usually use a gavel. I guess I just got a bit carried away."

"Perhaps, just a little." Emphilio agreed. "Still it was an impressive display of strength."

"And stupidity." Valen added.

"Hmm. True. Just because we are capable of doing something does not mean we *should* do it." 
Emphilio stated.

"Well said, my friend. Now about the selection of crewmembers..."

The pair exited the lift and continued on towards his office deep in discussion. There was much 
work ahead for both of them.


Part 9



Lenn'sa Colony, Minbari Federation

Felio smiled slightly as he looked over the city. The colony's lights glittered
brightly in the darkness that presaged the coming dawn. The city actually
looked peaceful and beautiful during this time. Felio liked this time of
day on Lenn'sa. The only time he could allow himself to think such thoughts
of beauty and peace.

'Too bad Lenn'sa is nothing like what I imagine it to be at times.' Felio
thought to himself. Perhaps he would think otherwise if he had lived in the
main city. Of that he was certain. After all, prisoners rarely saw things
in the same light as guards. And Felio was a guard.

Lenn'sa Colony was an outcastes colony. Anyone who disobeyed the Elders,
committed treason to their Clan, or were made outcast for any number of crimes
were sent here or to other colonies of similar nature.

Not that Felio agreed with the policy. All those sent to guard these colonies
know the real truth about them. The people were not criminals. Most were
victims of Clan and Family politics. Some were unfortunates who had gotten
caught in a backlash from a large clan. Some had simply fled here, hoping
for something better.

Felio could almost pity them. Almost. His very presence here indicated his
own low esteem with in the Warrior Caste. His own liberal views that were
not tolerated by his Clan and family.

Felio mentally shrugged to himself as he had thousands of times before. He
was a Warrior. He would do his duty. Even if all that meant was watching
the more desperate and violent elements of Lenn'sa colony kill each other
or watching his own fellow guards harass the populace needlessly. He had
no interest in such foolishness.

Hence, he found himself bored and idly watching the city while he occasionally
glanced at his other companions to see that they at least made the appearance
of watching the colony's defense systems.

There was little to do on this colony. Certainly no glorious battles to be
fought. Nothing to do but discuss the recent stories of Valen and Sha'tha
Emphilio. Felio longed to see Valen's battle station he had heard so much
about and to see the strange Minbari for himself.

'Perhaps...' Felio quashed the hopeful thought before it even completely
formed in his mind. There were only two ways he was leaving Lenn'sa colony.

Death or retirement. Neither choice particularly pleased him.

He turned back to the main screen of the room, giving the planetary system's
sensor reports a quick look over. Lenn'sa may be a dead end career for him,
but he was a Warrior. Outcastes or no, he was here to protect them. Duty
was duty.

The two other warriors on duty, Temann and Coros, continued their discussion.
Felio caught snatches of the conversation noting Coros was telling Temann
of his fighter roin's encounter with a Shadow ship the previous year.

Felio suddenly noted a small energy surge in orbit above the main colony.

"Temann. Coros. What was that energy spike?"

The other too Minbari quickly focused their attention to their monitors.

"Unknown, Felio." Temann reported crisply.

"Calling up visual from satellites." Coros announced.

The main screen shifted to show a starfield. Nothing more.

"Nothing? Are the sensors malfunctioning?" Temann asked incredulously.

As if in answer to the Minbari's question, all three noticed a slight shimmering
that soon coalesced into a large spiky black object. Coros recognized it
instantly.

"Shadows." He whispered in horror.

Felio turned to look in shock at Coros. Temann visibly paled, his breathing
quickened rapidly. "You're sure?" Felio asked.

"It's them!" Coros slammed his hand onto the station alert and starting quickly
barking out instruction on the commlink.

Felio bolted out the door, headed toward the hangar bays. He could see dozens
of pilots and support crews sluggishly heading towards the same location.
It was obvious they were unsure if this were a simple drill or a real call
up.

"It's the Shadows! They're here!" Felio screamed at the other pilots. Those
two simple phrases galvanized the other warriors, whose sluggishness faded
in an instant as the true import of his words registered.

Felio quickly reached the main hangar and climbed into his waiting Novawind
fighter. The tech, Kelorn, waved him clear of the hangar and then disappeared
into the night to prepare another fighter.

"Firewing 6, ready to launch. Hurry up everyone." Felio called across the
comm, looking for anyone who was ready to launch.

"Firewing 11, ready for launch. Let's go Felio."

"Affirmative, Eleven. Let's get up there, Rema." Felio replied as he took
off.

Barely off the ground Felio was horrified to see several purple-red beams
slice through the slightly clouded sky and engulf the main head quarters
of the base in flames. The commline from the control center went dead in
an instant.

"By the abyss." Rema whispered in horror.

"That's exactly where these bastards came from." Kelio growled in anger.

His anger quickly dissipated into fear as he saw several small, fighter sized
black ships similar in configuration to the Shadow vessel he had seen headed
directly for the base and the colony just beyond it.

Felio fired his pulse cannons, shocked to see the shadow fighters seemingly
*absorb* the energy. Rema added his own weapons fire, but it too had no effect.

"Evasive maneu..." Felio never finished the sentence as he saw Rema's Novawind
was riddled with fire from the Shadow fighters. The first blast killed Rema
instantly, the rest simply pulverized his fighter.

Felio found himself in a similar position as his ship was literally blasted
away from him. Felio ejected an instant before his fighter exploded.

Felio felt as if he fell for a long time, the cold night air chilling him
to the bones. The ground seemed to approach faster and faster. He then was
painfully jerked back and up as the parafoil finally deployed from his ejection
seat.

He simply hung there and watched the ensuing slaughter, all the while he
could hear screams in his mind. The screaming grew louder the closer to
the ground he got as Lenn'sa colony burned. Felio struck the ground and was
consumed by darkness, never realizing he had vocalized the screams he heard
in his mind.

The song of the Shadows lived in the pre-dawn darkness of Lenn'sa Colony.

Babylon 4

Valen sighed and leaned back in his chair as he watched the two Elders argue
over some minor disagreement. He was too tired to bother stopping them. His
hand still hurt and he felt the beginnings of what was sure to be a nasty
headache. He hoped Emphilio had more of the pain reliever she had offered
him last night for his hand. It had also worked wonders for his headache.
He was certain he would need it tonight.

'Well, at least it is quieter than yesterday's meeting.' He allowed himself
a small grin. Hearing a rustling from the side he glanced over to see Kosh
seemingly nod the encounter suit's headpiece in agreement.

He winced as the high pitched, nasally voice of the religious caste Elder
rose in anger. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Emphilio watching him
with a bemused, if slightly irritated, look on her face. When the Elder's
voice rose to even louder volume, Valen cleared his throat softly.
Instantly the room was quiet and all eyes focused on him. 'I guess Emphilio
was right.'

"Yes, Valen?" The Elder bobbed his head nervously.

"While I appreciate your effort to make your point of view understood clearly,
could you perhaps do it more succinctly?" He asked.

"Of course, Valen." The Elder started again, even louder than before.

Valen winced again, and heard a soft snicker that he recognized as belonging
to Emphilio. He didn't blame her. Obviously Elder Daro's bonecrest was a
bit thicker than most. 'So much for subtlety in this case.'

"Elder Daro, I think they did not hear you back in Yedor. Could you perhaps
speak louder." He said casually.

"What?" Daro asked in confusion. Several snickers and sudden coughs seemed
to erupt in various locations around the room. The target of Elder Daro's
venom, Sherann, was amongst those who suddenly felt the need to cough.

"There is no need to shout, Elder Daro. I believe everyone's hearing is
sufficient enough to speak in a normal tone." Valen said more diplomatically
this time.

"Of course, Valen." Daro bowed and smiled, oblivious to the others reactions
around him.

"I accept your argument, Daro. But I can clearly see we will not resolve this
today. Let us cont..." Sherann spoke, obviously tired of the debate. Zathras'
sudden burst into the room stopped Sherann in mid sentence. The strange alien
quickly rushed to Valen without even realizing several dozen sets of eyes
were watching him.

"Valen, bad news. Very bad news. Here. Look." It was obvious Zathras was
very upset and agitated as he handed over a data crystal. Anything that could
rattle Zathras this badly could not be good.

He quickly placed into the crystal port. "Play." He commanded and he turned
to the room's main screen.

The monitor was grainy for a moment and then cleared to reveal images of
shadow fighters flying over a burning remnants of what appeared to have been
a city. The picture wavered and faded out several times. When cleared again,
weapons fire could be seen rising from the city. The shadow fighters quickly
retaliated. After a few more second the recording ended in static and snow.
All present in the room remained where they were in stunned silence. Even
the Vorlons seemed shocked at what they had seen.

"Zathras, where did this come from?" Valen asked quietly as he removed the
data crystal.

"Distress call. Transmission from Lenn'sa Colony to Minbar." Zathras replied.

"Lenn'sa?" Emphilio's voice was raspy, as if the word itself was constricting
her throat. The rest of the room's occupants began murmuring to themselves.

"We'll reconvene tomorrow morning. I ask that anyone with information or
ships in the area of Lenn'sa Colony send them there to find out what happened.
Meeting adjourned." He quickly rose, and was startled to see Emphilio bolt
from the room.

Valen got two steps towards the door, when he found himself surrounded by
several aides offering him information and advise. He had intended to get
to the COmmand Deck to organize things. Realizing that would not be possible
he called up Vethall and had him route all comm signals regarding Lenn'sa
to the council chamber.

Six hours later.

As he walked the long empty corridor alone, he tried to clear his mind of
the past six hours. The headache he had feared earlier was upon him, far
worse than he had expected. His hand no longer seemed to pain him, but he
suspected that was because his entire body seemed scream at him with cramped
and overly tense muscles. He felt like his mind was a jumble with information
eager aides had reported to him, most of which had proved absolutely useless
to the current situation. And he was weary of having to settle every single
minor dispute or problem that had arisen. He had nearly lost his patience
more than once.

Two of his three aides had been a great help, but they had simply been
overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of people that needed to see him. Capenni,
his aide from the Worker Caste had seemed to thrive on the work, efficiently
and rather enthusiastically organizing reports and requests. Takar, his aide
from the Religious caste, had seemed overwhelmed at first but had quickly
joined Capenni in his work, often calming the more demanding Minbari Elders
and leaders with her gentle but adamantine voice.

The last he had seen of the two was Capenni helping a half asleep Takar back
to her quarters. He had thanked the two young Minbari for their help, noting
the smiles of pleasure that they tried to hide from him.

Though longing for nothing more than some food and sleep, he now was searching
for his third aide. He had questions for her. Ones that he knew she would
answer with honesty. Assuming he could find her. Emphilio had seemingly
disappeared from the face of the universe by all accounts from the other
Minbari he had questioned. After checking all the other places he knew she
preferred to relax at during her off duty times, he now approached the last
place she could possibly be.

He heard a muffled thud from the entrance he approached as well as a soft,
familiar grunt of exertion. He stood in the door way and simply watched her,
relieved he finally found her in the gymnasium they usually sparred in when 
time permitted.

Emphilio went through a quick successions of strikes and parry's with her
pike, sometimes striking at a padded pole, other times striking at unseen
foes and opponents. Her movements were fluid and as graceful as a dancer.

Many years of practice and experience could be seen as she deftly maneuvered
the pike and herself through some of the most dangerous, as well as deadly,
sequences known. It would have been beautiful to watch if not for the anger
in her face, the too sharp of stroke here, the slight loss of control there.
It was obvious she was venting a great deal of uncontrolled anger.

Only the best denn'bok Sech's would have noticed the slight miscues and errors,
the lapses in fluidity that ruined the graceful maneuvers. Or only one of
their best students.

After several minutes, Emphilio suddenly stopped in mid-slash as she realized
someone was in the room with her. Valen noted her back stiffened before she
slowly turned to face him, trying hard to control her ragged breathing. She
simply stared at him in anger.

No words. No apologies. No questions. Nothing. He was surprised to realize
he had expected just this response from her.

"We missed you during the crisis today." He kept his voice neutral, uncaring.
As if he spoke of nothing more important than a clear day of weather.

She looked away from his eyes, but still said nothing. She collapsed the
pike and sat down on a nearby mat, assuming a meditative pose. He quickly
followed her example remaining several meters away from her.

"I had hoped to get information quickly concerning what happened, but things
did not go well." He continued. "Takar and Capenni did admirably well considering
the situation. I had hoped for your insight into several reports but you
were busy elsewhere I suppose. They are waiting for you when ever you have
time to go over them."

She flicked a quick glance up to him before turning her head back down to
stare at the blue padded mat upon which she rest.

He felt a stab of familiar pain in his heart, searing and soul deep as he
recognized the expression he had seen on her face. An expression he had seen
far too often in his life. One he had carried for years himself. He sighed
gently, steeling himself before he spoke. It took several minutes before
he felt calm enough. His voice was low, soft, gentle. Almost as if he were 
afraid to further disturb the already unsettled silence between them.

"When I was younger I was in a terrible war. It started by accident. A
misunderstanding between my people and another. We fought hard and bravely,
but they were simply stronger than us, more technologically advanced. The
war went badly for us. Many people died and many more were crippled and injured."

"For two years we fought. Bravely, perhaps. Futilely, some had said. Aside
from a single victory early in the war we had been defeated in every engagement.
The enemy taking no prisoners. I saw squadrons, entire fleets, wiped out
before their advance. Many of my friends died. I saw many more loose hope,
loose faith. They lost their belief in everything."

"Despite everything I saw, I did not loose my faith. I'm not sure why. Perhaps
it was ignorance on my part, or perhaps I had fallen to some twisted
psychological problem in which I believed myself invincible. A rather self
destructive belief of being inviolate, untouchable. I don't know. I don't
really believe anything was wrong with me, but so many others seemed to think
so."

"Even as we went forth to meet the enemy in what would become the final battle
of the war, I still believed. We we're headed for extinction and yet I still
believed we could defeat the enemy. I suppose my enthusiasm and faith inspired
the rest of my team, for they to seemed actually joyous and happy as we headed
out to face the enemy assault."

"When they came, it was....indescribable, awesome and horrific. In less than
a minute my team was gone, my best friend literally vaporised before my eyes.
Eleven other souls, my comrades, replaced by small stars as their fighters
were blown into oblivion."

"As crazy as this may sound I still believed, even after seeing my friend
atomized. I did not stop believing until....I saw.....it." He stopped as
his voice broke. He was staring st his hand unawares of the violent shaking
of his body. Or of Emphilio's sympathetic gaze.

"What did you see?" Emphilio asked gently. He was silent for a moment.

"I saw death. My death, my friend's death, the death of my people. All that
we had accomplished, all that we would ever be. Dead. It was the end of
everything."

"The helmet of one of my comrades spun past my cockpit. I saw...I thought
I saw....accusation in his eyes. His face frozen in a scream. The eyes of
a dead man staring at me as if it were my fault he no longer lived."

A long pause followed.

"I tried to join them. Tried so damned hard. We swore to go down fighting
together. I tried to ram my ship into the nearest enemy cruiser. Maxed my
engines to build up enough speed to take as many of them with me to the abyss
as possible. I blacked out. When I awoke again, the war was over. We had
won. The enemy surrendered one step away from their victory. The war was
over."

"That's what they wanted everyone to believe, anyway. The war wasn't over
for me though. I nearly quit my Warrior Caste, unable to deal with the guilt
of living. I didn't have any faith any more. I no longer really believed
in anything. I only had my hate, my anger, and my confusion all feeding off
one another."

"The friends and loved ones I did have helped me through the worst of it,
the nightmares and the guilt. For years I hated the ones who had killed so
many of us. It took me a long time to forgive them. A damned long time."

"How did you cope?" Emphilio asked suddenly.

He glanced up at her, his shaking subsiding. "I buried myself in my work.
I tried to make sure everything went the way I thought it should, helped
those who needed it, opposed those who acted in ways that were inappropriate."

"My Warrior Caste and leaders didn't really know what to do with me and the
other heroes of the war. Of the two hundred some survivors of the last battle,
over half left the Warrior Caste and just simply...disappeared. Many just
went to wander the stars I suppose. Me? I had no where else to go, nothing
else I wished to do. So I stayed. A symbol to future soldiers I guess. Shuffled
from one backwater assignment to another, occasionally making an enemy within
the more corrupt outposts."

"It does not sound very satisfying." Emphilio noted.

"It wasn't. Not for a very long time. Not until I was placed in command of
a diplomatic outpost. A place devoted to making peace between races. I found
part of my faith there again, that maybe I could still make a difference.
That things really could work out for the best."

"A place to begin healing your shattered soul." Emphilio said approvingly.

Valen smiled gently. "I suppose that is more true than I thought. It was
the beginning of it all for me."

"The beginning of what?" Emphilio asked in confusion.

"Everything." He smiled at his own cryptic remark. He gently removed the
brooch he wore and cradled it in his hands, staring at it with a fond smile.
The blue-green jewel was accentuated by the light that dimly reflected of
the smooth surface.

"By the time I was assigned to the outpost, I had come to accept what happened
during the war. I'd even come to forgive my former enemies. That didn't
stop the nightmares or the feeling that something was missing in my life,
of course. It was just acceptance."

"I wasn't supposed to represent our people there, but our ambassador took
ill and a replacement was never sent. Maybe in a way that helped me. I didn't
have time for the political games of many of the ambassadors since I had
to keep the station operating as well as safe. They knew I was serious when
I had an issue to discuss with them."

"Too bad I was only stationed there for such a short time. I miss it." His
voice carried a wistful note in it that caught Emphilio's attention.

"What happened?"

"I was made an Ambassador." He replied as his right thumb gently traced the
edge of the brooch.

"A Warrior made an Ambassador?" Emphilio stared at him in disbelief.

He chuckled at her expression. "Yes, an Ambassador. Truth be known, I find
it a bad idea to make a war hero the Ambassador to the people he fought and
killed. But then, my government has its own ways of doing things."

"Sounds like a war waiting to happen." Emphilio noted with some disapproval.

"It almost was. But that story is for another time. Suffice to say that I
had virtually no support for my government and the people I had been sent
to either didn't have a clue what to do with me or thought I was the second
coming."

"The second coming of what?" Emphilio asked in confusion, regretting her
question when she saw the embarrassed look on his face.

"My apologies. That was figure of speech. I meant that they thought I was
someone important to their people that had returned." He explained.

"I think I understand. They thought you were the reincarnation of one of their cultural
heroes?" She was pleased to see him nod his head at her question.

"It was while I was there, that I learned of the Shadows. Slowly and secretly
we started to build a defense against these Shadows. A way to defeat them.
That's why I am here." He looked her in the eye as he spoke, gauging her
reaction.

"You were sent here to help us defeat the Shadows?" She asked uncertainly.

He simply nodded his head once.

"Then why the secrecy? You and your people are Minbari. Why hide from us?
Why the secrecy? If your people are ready to fight the Shadows, then call
them to us. We need them." Emphilio was agitated.

"Because they are not ready!" Valen stated more harshly than he intended.

"Then why send you and this station?" Emphilio asked challengingly.

"Because they are not ready. They won't be for quite some time." He closed
his eyes and sighed heavily.

"My...people are not like the Minbari here, Emphilio. We share much in common,
but we are *not* you. They have problems, tensions that are unresolved, but
not the level of violence and xenophobia that exists here."

"I don't understand. You speak as if you are not Minbari." Emphilio looked
at him suspiciously. She noted his eyes narrowed slightly in tension, but
it quickly faded away.

"Let me simply say, I did not grow up amongst Minbari and leave it at that."
Valen said.

"Then why are you telling me this?" She asked, confused more now than she
had ever been about this Minbari before her.

"I found it necessary." He simply replied, without looking at her.

"That is not an answer." She berated him.

"No, it is not." He chuckled lightly, a hint sadness in his eyes. "You asked
me earlier why I had tried to kill you. I had the nightmares again. Far worse
than any I had ever had since the end of the War itself. I thought you
were...them. The enemy."

"Why now?" She asked.

He looked down at the brooch. Stared at it as if he could see something that
filled his face with a mixed expression of joy, terror and wonder. "Because
you were right. You did deserve an explanation. And because I needed...still
need...some one I can talk to. Some one I can trust."

"And you think I am that person?" She looked at him oddly.

He chuckled again. "As strange as it may sound, I consider you a friend,
Emphilio. With your dislike for me, I know you will speak honestly and openly.
You are like that with everyone. It is very refreshing to experience."

"I don't know what to say." She spoke, as Valen had said, honestly.

"There is no need to say anything." He said again looking back at the brooch
in his hands.

"That brooch has great meaning for you doesn't it?" She asked after several
minutes of silence had passed between them.

He glanced up at her and nodded. "It is my one reminder that I choose to
keep with me at all times. To remind me of who I am, why I am here, and what
may be required of me." He glanced back down at the brooch in his hand running
a finger over the surface before reaffixing it to his tunic.

"What stone is that? I have seen it before, but do not recall what it is."
Emphilio asked.

"An Isil'zha."

"An Isil'zha? A seeing stone?" She asked, the disbelief in her voice catching
his attention.

"A seeing stone?" He asked in confusing, unfamiliar with Emphilio's reference
to the stone.

"In the Time of Fire, it was claimed by some that they could see the future
by meditating with a Seeing Stone. An Isil'zha. That to look at the stone
was to see the future." Emphilio explained quickly, remembering the childhood
story her parent had told her. She felt the stab of pain in her heart again
at remembering her parents. And of home.

Valen saw the sadness on her face. "I'm sorry, I did not mean to bring back
bad memories."

"You didn't, Valen. The memories, good and bad are all ways there." Emphilio
reassured him. She sighed heavily, giving up any pretense of maintaining
her meditative pose.

"I spent the large majority of my youth on Lenn'sa." She said quietly.
She heard him mutter something in a language she did not understand, but
she could hear the shock and horror in his voice.

"I'm sorry, Emphilio. I had no idea." He said quietly.

"There is now reason to be sorry, Valen. You could not have known. And I
have not had reason nor desire to speak of it until now." Emphilio said.

"Was your family at the colony?" He asked hesitantly.

"No. My family has been gone for quite some time. I am alone." She answered.

"I do not wish to cause you any harm, Emphilio, but I need any information
you may have on Lenn'sa. I can not seem to get the information I need from
the others." He said.

She gave a sharp bark of laughter. "That is not surprising." Seeing his puzzled
look she shrugged her shoulders and stared at a far wall, remembering.

"Lenn'sa is an outcast colony. You defy the Clan, the Caste, or the Family,
you can be sent there. It, and colonies like it, are a haven for the worst
elements of our society. Criminals of the greatest magnitude, but who also
had powerful enough connections to avoid capital punishment, are sent to
such places."

"When I was five cycles old, my parent took I and my brother, Rishio, to
Lenn'sa. I did not understand why at the time. My mother, Larion, was a Warrior.
I naturally assumed she had been assigned to a posting that we could actually
join her. We had done so before. My father, Emphann, was a religious caste
scholar. His work allowed him to move as he needed to."

"My parent's forbade us to leave the district we lived in, a rare mixed caste
district. Much of the time they would not even let Rishio or I go outside.
But we were not bored. We were kept busy studying culture, music, history
and religion by our father, whilst mother taught us the martial arts of denn'bok
and kalen'tha."

"When I was nine cycles old I caught Rishio trying to sneak out to see the
rest of the Colony. I demanded he take me with him, or I would have to tell
our parents. I know he was angry at my threat but he agreed."

"On that cold night I finally learned what we were and why we were on Lenn'sa.
We were outcast! We were both angry with our parents for some time over their
keeping the truth from us. After that night they told us of everything that
happened that had led to their exile to Lenn'sa. Rishio and I vowed to regain
honor for our family when we were old enough."

"It seems you have." Valen noted.

Emphilio nodded sadly. "So it would seem. Except I was the only one who would
live to see it." She continued.

"On the twelfth cycle of my birth I told my parents, I wished to be a warrior.
They were not surprised. Rishio had done the same on his twelfth cycle. Several
nights after my declaration, a group of strangers came to the house. We had
had some trouble with thieves before and had chased them off before, so Rishio
and I listened as my parent went to confront them."

"They were dressed all in black and kept their heads cloaked, but I recognized
the crest of Star Riders on the apparent leader of the twelve warriors. I
could not hear the words they spoke, but I could see my mother was upset,
as was my father."

"It all happened so suddenly. The Star Rider drew a weapon and fired it. The
blast struck my father and he went down with a cry and no longer moved. My
mother went berserk and attacked the Star Rider, killing him with a powerful
blow to the head. The darkened night was suddenly full of light as the other
eleven strangers fired their weapons, killing my mother."

"Rishio went crazy in rage, leaving the house with my mother's rifle. He
actually killed three of them before they killed him as well. I heard one
them order another two to find me and kill me so they could leave.They were
actually laughing about what they were doing. It filled me with rage, but
I remembered my mother's teaching and did not allow the anger to cloud my
thinking."

"I was actually able to surprise one of them. In a bit of irony, I killed
him with a denn'tha, a ceremonial blade commemorating a Warrior's first
kill. The other caught me and started to beat me with his pike."

"I was able to pull the cloak of his head and saw a young male only a few
cycles older than my brother. I'm not sure why he stopped, but he suddenly
retracted the pike and looked at me for several moments. He then simply left.
I heard him tell the others that I had killed his companion. When asked if
I was dead I remember him saying 'Her soul is no more'. They then left."

"A month later, after my parents and brother had been buried, another group
of strangers arrived wearing the crests of the Wind Swords. They had come
to tell my parents that the Clan had lifted their exile. They were welcome
to return home. They were stunned to find only a sullen, angry twelve cycle
female in the household."

"They took me back to my mother's family in Zmedor. I became a Warrior. Here
I am. There is nothing else really." Emphilio finished.

Valen simply sat there stunned at the story she had told him. She could see
the mixed emotions he had. Anger, sympathy, compassion, even respect for
her.

"I think you have just helped me a great deal in understanding you, Emphilio.
You and the other Minbari here." He finally said.

Uncertain of what to say, she merely shrugged. Secretly, she had surprised
herself by telling him what had happened to her at Lenn'sa. Even more surprising
to her, was she actually felt better now. The anger and guilt faded to their
usual state within her.

"I plan to go to Lenn'sa colony, Emphilio. I need to see the situation there
as no one seems willing to give me the information necessary. You do not
have to come if you wish." He said, standing.

"I will come, Valen. I swore to stand beside you. And I too need to know
what happened. Lenn'sa might have been an outcastes colony, but they were
still people murdered by the Shadows. I can not allow that to pass unanswered."
Emphilio stated firmly, her hard stare revealing the truth of her words.

"Good." Valen nodded approvingly. "Since the War Council refuses to do anything
about this, I will do so myself."

"I shall inform Shai Alyt Trefall in the morning we shall need his services
again." Emphilio informed him.

"No need. Trefall has already told me he will be departing to Lenn'sa tomorrow
morning. I shall see you in the docking bay at 0900 hours." He inclined his
head towards her and smiled softly. "Try to get some sleep."

"I will, Valen." She replied and silently watched him leave the room.
Several hours of deep meditation later she was no closer to an answer to
the questions in her mind, but she was able to get some sleep.


Part 11

Babylon 4 (1264 A.D.(Terran Approx.))

He smiled to himself in satisfaction as he watched the Minbari below him
mix and mingle amongst the few shops and restaurants of the main corridor.
There weren't many people on board yet, but the market area had become quite
popular in short order. For him, it was a sure sign the station was finally
coming to life.

He leaned against the railing of the catwalk and nodded his head in approval,
unable, and unwilling, to stop the pride he felt. Not just for himself, but
for the people he watched below him. They were the first to join him as his
crew for the station. They had worked hard and were justifiably proud of
what they had accomplished in such a short time.

"Five months." He mused to himself. It has seemed shorter. Certainly things
were moving at a much faster pace since his visit to the ruins of Lenn'sa
colony.

As he had expected Lenn'sa had been completely destroyed. The survivors begging
for food, water, medical attention, any sort of aid what so ever. He'd been
enraged to see the first aid groups had done nothing to help the victims
of the Shadow attack. So enraged, that he had actually struck a Warrior Caste
Elder by the name of Hemm when he had spat in the direction of a badly burned
little girl wearing what had appeared to once been clothing favored by the
Religious caste.

It had not been a wise, or very diplomatic, decision but one he did not regret
it. He'd felt a great deal of satisfaction in berating the Elder, who had
cradled a broken nose in his hand, shock and surprise evident in his eyes.
He'd then turned and helped the young girl over to the nearest Healer.

Word had spread quickly about what had happened and soon all the Minbari
seemed much more eager to help the the citizens of Lenn'sa. He'd even later
seen Elder Hemm speaking to the young girl, giving her a small piece of candy.
Valen had kept what he'd seen to himself, certain the hard and gruff Hemm
did not wish others to see he had a soft side.

Hemm had even openly supported Valen's announcement that he wanted the four
hundred survivors of Lenn'sa massacre to be moved to his station for residency.
That had created a storm of controversy amongst all the Elders. He'd eventually
won pointing out that they had agreed that he was solely responsible for
the disbursement and operations of the station. Hemm had immediately stepped
forward and ordered his fleet's ships to ferry the civilians to the station.

Despite the worries of some, the Lenn'sa survivors fit in well with those
on the station already. In less than a month, they'd all been placed in suitable
jobs on station and returned to a fairly normal routine. He smiled suddenly
as he noted one of the Lenn'sa survivors chatting easily with a Warrior and
an Worker near a small fruit vendor.

'It's really starting to work. They're coming together.' He couldn't help
but feel pride in that. He'd seen the seeds of change in the people. He just
didn't think it could be nurtured so quickly.

Despite the positive things that had occurred lately, there were equally
negative events unfolding. The Shadows hadn't struck at Minbari targets since
Lenn'sa, but they had struck at other races the Minbari either had dealings
with or had heard about. The most recent attacks had been on a race known
as the Abendi. Things would not remain calm for the Minbari for long. The
Shadows would be coming again.

There was still much to be done.

A musical tone filled the air beside him. "Yes, Kosh?" He asked, turning
towards the Vorlon.

"It is a good beginning." The Vorlon stated, in english.

"But only a beginning, Kosh." He replied in his native tongue, for a moment
wondering again how Kosh knew his language. English in this time was very
different than the english he grew up speaking. Somehow, he'd never bothered
to ask.

"You can not save them all." Kosh said gliding closer to him and turning
it's encountered suited head as if watching the Minbari below mingle.

Valen glanced at the Vorlon before turning his head back to the people below.
"You think I should let them pass?" He asked.

The Vorlon was silent for several moments before answering. "No. You say
they will be needed?"

"Yes. If my people are to survive, *these* people must survive! I can't allow
anything else. I will not allow the darkness to consume my people. Both of
my people." Valen said with much conviction.

"I understand." THe Vorlon replied.

"Will you help me?" He asked.

"I will do what I can." Kosh answered.

"That is all I ask. No more." Valen replied.

The two fell into silence as they watched the antics of some of those below.
A couple of times he heard the twinkling music from Kosh, but no translation
was forthcoming. He assumed the Vorlon was commenting aloud at what he saw,
though his limited contact with the Vorlons was not a good determination
of Vorlon behavior. They simply watched and pondered events around them in
companionable silence. Relaxed and peaceful despite the information he had
just shared with Kosh.

"Why?" The Vorlon asked suddenly.

Valen shrugged his shoulders. "Why did I tell you these things?"

The encounter suit's head bobbed down once in affirmation of the question.

"Because I don't trust the other Vorlons. I trust you, Kosh. I know you will
do what needs to be precisely because it *does* need to be done. That and
you are different than Ulkesh or Arkesh. Those two either seem to dislike
us or have no interest what so ever in what is happening. More than anything
I think you truly care what happens to the younger races." Valen explained.

"Every side has two doors." Kosh said.

"Yes, but something has to be the hinge. No?" Valen asked.

Kosh look at him suddenly, music twittering but no translation was forthcoming.
Valen got the distinct impression that the Vorlon was actually laughing in
amusement.

"The sun shines clearly in the sky." Kosh said, approval obvious in the tone
of the translation. Though he understood exactly what Kosh meant by the phrase,
he found it annoying when the Vorlon suddenly went cryptic on him.

Valen glanced back to the crowds below and could not stop himself from smiling
as he saw Emphilio striding confidently down the corridor as if she owned
it. Her two companions, Vethall and Zathras, mirroring her attitude. Though
not unfriendly, they conveyed a sense of authority over the others in the
market. Several saluted as they walked past.

When Emphilio's eyes looked up to see him, he could see a smile there that
showed no trace on her impassive face. He nodded once, receiving a barely
perceptible nod in return.

"You care for her." Kosh's tone sounded unnaturally curious.

"What?" Valen asked in confusion at Kosh's sudden statement.

"You care for her." The Vorlon repeated again, this time in Adronado.

"We are comrades. Perhaps even friends." Valen replied.

"No." Obvious skepticism and a mild rebuke accompanied that simple word.

"You think...you mean...I...her...we" Valen sputtered, Kosh seemingly laughing
again as he did so.

"Yes."

The human-minbari hybrid simply stared at the Vorlon in shock for several
moments before chuckling. "Damn! Never argue with a Vorlon."

Kosh nodded his head again in agreement.

"Is is that obvious?" He finally asked Kosh, suddenly nervous.

"To them: No."

"Good." Valen sighed in relief.

Emphilio and he had become closer than either of them had ever thought possible
when they had first met. They had become comrades and friends. Only a week
ago they had finally admitted to each other the attraction between them.
It had been a rather eye opening experience for him. But a most enjoyable
one.

They had been extremely careful to allow now one to realize what was happening
between them. He'd thought they'd done pretty well. No one except Zathras
and Vethall had seemed to notice, neither of whom were inclined to interfere.
He was grateful for that. So far, he and Emphilio both seemed uncertain where
this was going. They had many secrets between them still.

"You should inform her." Kosh stated suddenly.

He considered this for a moment. He wanted to tell Emphilio. Wanted to have
some one he didn't have to hide things from. While he was certain Kosh and
Zathras would never reveal anything about him to the others, he simply couldn't
*talk* to them the way he could with Emphilio.

The truth be known, there was *no one* he could talk to freely. No one who
understood what he felt and why he felt it. No one to understand his decidedly
unique perspective in this universe. In short he was alone. Surrounded by
beings, yet still alone.

He had hope to find *her*. It had only been a short time, he knew but his
hope had faded away to almost nothing. *She* was a hope for the future. Emphilio
was a vibrant reality. He *did* care for Emphilio. He admitted that much,
but his *heart* belonged elsewhere.

'Great! I'm discussing my private life with a Vorlon!' He sighed in disgust
with himself and the predicament he found himself in. To him it seemed almost
absurd to be worried about such things with the coming war against the Shadows.

"I very much would like to tell her, Kosh, but I can't. Not yet. She wouldn't
understand. None of them would."

"I must go now. There is much to be done." Kosh stated suddenly and started
to glide away after exchanging a short bow with a puzzled Valen.

A moment later Emphilio came striding along the cat walk towards Valen with
a report in her hand and expression on her face the warned of bad news. "What's
happened?"

"There's been a new attack." Emphilio stated handing him the report.

HIs face darkened as he read the report. He suddenly stormed off down the
catwalk. Emphilio could hear him muttering angrily picking up the final words
he said. "You damned, stupid bastards."

War Council Chamber (Two Hours Later)

"I don't give a damned why you cruisers refused to help defend Kemenn outpost!
The fact remains that entire fleet of ships was wiped out by your Clan's
refusal to send aide!" Valen growled at Shai Alyt Kurdet of the Star Riders
clan.

"They were Fire Wings! I am under no obligation to support them!" Kurdet
snapped back angrily.

"We Fire Wings helped you Star Riders with you war against the Wind Swords
two decades ago. If this is how you Star Riders treat your allies, we shall
withdraw from this Council immediately." Elder Remann of the Fire Wings
threatened.

Kurdet snorted derisively. "With as quickly as your troops were killed at
Kemenn outpost, we would be better off without your Clan's presence."

The Council room erupted. Some supporting Kurdet's words, many more were
outraged. Shai Alyt Sherann quickly stood and jerked Kurdet around to face
him, anger obvious on his face. "You are out of line, Kurdet. You have no
right to speak in such a manner to Remann."

"Remove your hand from me, Wind Sword! This does not concern you or your
Clan." Kurdet hissed angrily, his hand resting on his collapsed pike
threateningly.

"Stop this!" Valen bellowed, pushing the two Warrior Elders apart.

Sherann backed up a few steps despite the anger he felt. Kurdet refused
to back away and glared at Valen. "You have no right to interfere. You are
not of either of our Clans! Stay out of things that are not your concern,
Valen Sha'tha!"

Kurdet had spoken the final word as if it were the filthiest epithet he knew,
making it clear to all what exactly he meant. He did not get the reaction
he had hoped for. Valen's amber eyes stared unwaveringly into those of the
Star Rider, cold and unforgiving. "You will return to your seat now, Shai
Alyt. Or you will be removed from this chamber."

For an instant it seemed Kurdet would refuse. His body was tense, anger in
his face obvious. But the warrior saw something in Valen's eyes he could
not name. Something in the way Valen phrased his order that made Kurdet decide
that now was not the time to confront this particular Minbari.

The Star Rider suddenly relaxed and bowed his head ever so slightly. "As
you wish, Valen."

Valen cast a glance about the room seeing the others also take their seats.
All except Elder Remann of the Fire Wings, who stood at the podium. Valen
silently returned to his own seat. "Please continue with your proposition,
Elder Remann."

Remann nodded his head in thanks, casting another daggered look at Kurdet
before speaking again. "Surely all of you can see that we need to be united
against these Shadows."

"We are united in this endeavor." Ilirenn interrupted earning her an exasperated
sigh from Valen that she chose to ignore.

"Then why did the Star Rider ships refuse to come to the aide of the defenders
of Kemenn outpost? If that is what you call united, then I would much prefer
to remove my Clans entire presence and take our chances on our own." Remann
declared, bolstered by Valen's apparent support.

"Impossible, Remann. We all know the Fire Wings produce the best fighter
craft and jump engines, but it is the Star Riders and Moon Shields that control
much of the material needed for your manufacturing centers." The Worker Elder,
Teshana spoke.

"That is true, Teshana. But I can not allow the Warriors of Fire Wings to
fight unless I have assurances that we will not be betrayed by the Star Riders
or any other Clan." Remann pointed out.

The Star Riders started to protest but fell silent at the looks they received
from Valen, Emphilio and Trefall.

"What do you propose to prevent such a thing, Remann?" Ilirenn asked, glancing
apprehensively at her fellow Religious caste members, both of her Clan and
the others.

"We need to integrate our forces into one fighting force.