"Ice Breaker" part two
This is the second of a set of Alternate Universe stories that takes place right after my story 'Homecoming' finishes. I strongly recommend reading it first, to avoid getting lost.
*Emphasis marks*
[Indicates thoughts and telepathy]
Flashbacks are indented
~~~~
[This cannot be happening,] Lyta thought. [Tell me it's not true. I can't get mad at him, he's my friend! Or is he still?] Standing up automatically, she slowly put her hand out and grasped his. Years of business training managed to elect only a small, strained smile.
"Are you all right, Lyta?" He asked, noticing the loss of color in her face.
"Fine," she stated firmly. [This can't be happening. He's only here because he was assigned?! Delenn would never be that cruel to me, would she? Or does she even know?]
The sound of the door chime brought both of their attentions back, and they each took a step towards it before noticing the other had done the same. They both stopped, looking at the other. Well, Zack was looking, wearing the neutral expression so common to his profession. Lyta had opted for a flat-out glare. "I can get the door myself, Zack."
"You could, but I would prefer to."
She stepped back, waving her hand in dismissal. She was obviously annoyed. Zack quickly moved to the door - and out of Lyta's line of fire - reaching it just as the chime sounded again. A quick check of the viewscreen showed the two ranger guards he'd left stationed outside, a fidgeting young woman whom he recognised as another member of the trade envoy, and a third ranger who'd just been assigned to that particular woman as primary bodyguard.
As soon as he keyed the door open, she pushed past, barely sparing him a glance on her way to Lyta. She looked agitated about - something.
[I need to talk to you. Now. Alone.] She took Lyta's arm, glanced around, and started to pull her towards the nearest set of doors.
"Rashelle, what's wrong?" Lyta asked, concerned.
[I need to talk to you. Now! And alone. I realise this isn't your fault, but -]
"What's wrong?" Lyta asked again, freeing her arm to close the doors behind them.
Rashelle stopped and covered her face. "Augh! . . . I can't believe it."
[What?!?] Lyta demanded.
~~~~
"What'd you do, Charlie?" the second guard asked.
"I have no idea," said the third. "I introduced myself just like I was supposed to, and she didn't say a word through the whole thing. Just stared at me. I waited for about a minute, nothing, then she blinked about a dozen times in two seconds, turned around to leave - so I followed - and came right here."
"Well," Zack said, "If she hasn't gotten visibly mad, you did better than I did. Delenn was right, this *is* going to be a challenge."
"Is it all right if I come in to talk, sir? I don't want to risk angering her-"
"They've moved into another room to talk, you can come in," Zack said.
"The Governor still didn't like the idea of needing us, I gather," the first ranger commented.
"Not hardly," Zack muttered.
"Do we switch to plan B? Or wait to see if her temper cools?"
"No, she seemed abhorrent to the idea of bodyguards in general, not just having a male nearby. But my gender could still be a cause, so I'll be careful. When Deveax gets here, send her in, we'll ask her to get Lyta's permission on exactly which people are to be staying directly with her." Zack sighed and ushered Charlie in, letting the door seal away the rest of his conversation.
"So," the first ranger commented to the air in general, "I'm guessing the previous friendship didn't soften the blow much."
"Not much," the second one replied, also to the air.
They glanced at each other, then returned to formal stance.
~~~~
"I just can't believe it," she repeated.
"Hello, Lyta calling Rashelle. Are you with me?"
"God, no. I'm out in the hall!" She suddenly started pacing around the room.
Lyta blinked twice, then waited for an explanation to come.
"Have you seen the man I came with? Have you SEEN him?" Rashelle demanded.
"No," Lyta said.
"Well, look. No! Don't open the door! Mindwalk. I don't *care* if it's not fair to them. Do it? Please? . . . Ok. You see him? You see what he looks like?"
Eyes closed to visible light and head tilted in consideration, Lyta watched. "Brown hair, grey eyes, smooth complexion, clean shaven. A honest soldier's aura. The problem would be in what?"
"He's drop-dead gorgeous, that's the problem! We're supposed to maintain a 'discreet distance', Lyta. How'm I supposed to concentrate on work with that . . . that GOD near me?"
"You're already attracted to someone? This fast? Rashelle, have you been eating heatroot?"
"No! Yes, I mean. I mean, yes, I do think he is very attractive, yes, this fast, and no, you know damn well no heatroot left home. It's too dangerous to let non-citizens use it unsupervised. Lyta! *Governor*! What should I do? I don't want him to leave but I don't know if I can work with him for the time we'll be here."
"You, child, are not do to anything involving intimacy with him - or any other guard here, or any member or earthforce - we all covered that rule before letting anyone off the ground for the trip here. Understand? You are not to try, encourage, or even permit such activities!"
"I know! I know - but - but - I'm tempted to . . . I just - Oh, I don't know! I need help."
Lyta covered her eyes with one hand, sighing. "All the others are being assigned permanent bodyguards as well, right? And the floaters for public events."
"Yes, all of us. Why?"
"By all things considered holy, I hope they have an easier time adjusting."
"You don't like yours? Isn't he the same man who helped the center group leave Babylon 5? You were friends before, right?"
"We did not part on the best of terms, Rashelle. He is here for his 'assignment'."
"I know. Ranger Anderson - or can I call him Charles? I'll have to ask him - he explained it to me after introducing himself, oh, he's got a wonderful voice."
"I heard enough explaining from Zack," Lyta said dryly.
Rashelle stopped pacing, a little confused. "I guess you're still mad at men in general, then. I'd have been flattered to find out!"
"Flattered?! Whatever for!?"
Rashelle blinked, even more confused. Then, "what did he say to you?"
Lyta sent a summary to her telepathically, too tired to try to explain it verbally.
Keeping the link open between them even after the message was complete to listen to the calming effect of memory-music, The younger telepath was silent for a few seconds. "Um . . . you really should go back out there and finish the conversation. Charles was a lot more . . . condensed . . . when he spoke to me. Mr. Allan only had time to tell you some of it."
"Then what's the rest?" Lyta's annoyance lifted slightly as curiosity nudged its way in.
"Well, after the first minute, when I wasn't giving Charles a reply, he got nervous and started t'explain more, to try 'n make me understand - see, none of the guards were really *assigned* here. They all volunteered, more than a month ago, when the messages came back about us coming. The ones who will stay - since we've got the right to refuse any of them - all the ones who will come are the most qualified, the best out of the lot. Teep wasn't a secret to most of the rangers, so they weren't worried about us being a threat to them like all the other crazies out there. They want t'help! And we get to pick who we want out of them! I want Charles. He is so gorgeous! And since he was allowed to try, then you *know* he's got to be good! . . . Lyta? you ok?"
" . . . fine," she said weakly.
"You don't look fine. You look like a vampire just dined on you."
"I think I have just made a very bad mistake."
[ ? ] Rashelle sent.
[A month ago? Zack volunteered that long ago?]
[More than. En'til'zha had to put the cut off date at four weeks ago. He's the one they want to put in charge? Then he was the one asking about the situation - about YOUR safety - as soon as the first White Star message hit Minbar! . . Lyta? You're . . . ] She looked around quickly, saw a box of tissues and grabbed it, giving one to Lyta. "Is that bad? Why - why are you so upset all of a sudden?" Rashelle queried, concerned, as she helped Lyta to a chair.
[Because . . . I assumed he only came because he was ordered to.] Lyta held the tissue to her eyes to catch the stray tears.
"He never got your message? Oh . . . gee, you really *did* bite his head off, then."
"I know," Lyta rasped, wiping her eyes. "I know."
Rashelle chewed on her lip for a few seconds, thinking. "We . . . could . . . pretend I talked you into minding your manners until things get sorted out . . . if you help me figure out what to do about Apollo out there."
"You're not going to so much as touch him. Rashelle, he might be married for all you know. Hell, even Zack might be."
Her face fell at Lyta's comment.
Composing herself, Lyta continued. "He likely assumes you're mad as well. He and Zack have been talking this whole time. So. We'll use that - it should work given your reluctance to touch the comm systems-"
"That's true - I um - kindof didn't check my messages this morning anyway."
"Rashelle," Lyta said in a tired voice.
"Well the machines here scream so much! It's horrible! I have no idea how I put up with it before, never mind the damned sleeper drugs."
"Fine. Just DO NOT leap into bed with him - not now or ever. Don't do that with anyone, not based on looks, lust, or even a few kind words. Learn that much from my mistake, all right? Don't get hurt. His priority is your safety. Not your bed. Understand?" Lyta was all business again.
"Yes, Governor. I understand . . . thank you."
They looked at each other, and both smiled slightly.
"Now what do I do?" Rashelle asked.
"You bloody well check your messages. Screen's over there - If I can stand to use these things, you can as well. I'll go talk to them."
~~~~
" . . . what . . . could . . . they be DOing?"
"Still talking, most likely. Don't worry, Charlie, if miss Drenn had complained about you, it's a safe bet the Governor would have bit your ear right off by now. More coffee?"
"Please." He held out a mostly-empty cup. "It's only been a few minutes. Normally, I wouldn't worry, but we both know those ladies are not your typical diplomats."
"Not by a long shot." Zack smiled slightly, but he was still quite concerned, running his conversation with Lyta over in his mind. [Her reception was, well, strained. Message? Why would - uh oh. There isn't one from Lyta waiting, is there?!?] Flexing his fingers around his cup, he wondered how fast he could get a secured line placed to download information - like a missed call - from B5's computers. "There's the added factor of her young age - you read the file sent oon her?"
"The years she's lost from the drugs, I know. Even if we don't have the exact years down, I realise her mental age is much less than the 21 physical years she looks to be."
That's when the door opened without sounding the chime first, and both men were on their feet with weapons ready before the person entering could get three steps in.
"Nice to see you, too," she said wryly. "A bit jumpy today?"
"Deveax," Charlie greeted his fellow ranger as he clicked his pike closed and hid it again.
Zack simply nodded to her and powered down his PPG before putting it back under his jacket.
She held up a portable viewscreen and data crystal. "Here's the file summaries you requested. Am I to - hello, Ma'am." Deveax switched tracks as Lyta re-entered the main room. "It's a pleasure to be able to introduce myself finally. Lisette Deveax, at your service." The ranger's face was split into a huge grin.
A few seconds of silent study brought a warm smile to Lyta's face as well. "I had wondered what your name was. It's good to finally know you made it out alive."
"And you too, you conniving little con artist! You look good - well, except for that nifty little accessory." Deveax reached out and turned Lyta's head to examine the scar better, ignoring the way the others had reacted to the name calling. "Gah. I hope whoever did that, died."
"They did. They never intended to live," Lyta replied evenly before breaking into a grin as well. "Is it too late to thank you for your help?"
"Nahhh," she said. "I thoroughly enjoyed watching everyone's reaction afterwards, too."
Zack cleared his throat to get their attention back. "Perhaps you two would care to fill the rest of us in?"
Her smile not fading in the least, Lyta turned to face him. "Lisette here is responsible for saving my life, and the lives of literally hundreds of telepaths - thousands of lives, actually, since the family members were able to follow soon afterwards."
"Deveax, you never mentioned that!"
"Charlie, you never asked. But, since I know everyone is safe, is it all right to speak of the . . . event?"
Lyta nodded. "Come, sit. I think we would all enjoy hearing the full story. When Rash- ah, there you are. Done? Good. Now apologize for scaring him," and Lyta pointed to where Ranger Anderson stood cautiously near.
Rashelle mumbled something about not expecting any visitors, looking at the floor with a slight blush. Then slightly louder, she added, "It'd be good if some others accepted th'honor of yur presence, too. Thanks for bein' here."
Lyta gave her a narrow look, but said nothing out loud.
Only another telepath would have heard Rashelle's giggle.
Getting their attention back and introduing herself to an again-suspicious Rashelle, Deveax motioned for them to get comfortable on some of the multitude of chairs, and sat back deciding where to begin the retelling. "There had been rumors spreading back to us about raids - of a sort - along a string of outer colonies - where a group of ruthless Psi Cops who would come, sweep over the planet, base, or moon, rounding up rogue telepaths, regardless of species - although almost all were human. The bloodhounds also arrested anyone who had tried to help the rogues - friends, family, anyone who got in their way. Not a one of the prisoners was ever seen again after being shuttled up to huge, unmarked ships. So, of course the Alliance was concerned, it looked like wholesale slaughter was taking place, just as soon as the prisoners were out of sight. This was before they cracked open the Corps' records, I remind you - there still was little or no actual proof of the deaths that were occuring in the camps - we could not offically do anything to stop them, but with what we saw, we were given orders to intervene. I was heading the team that was sent out to what was assumed to be the next target. Muggy little world, too hot and too many insects to be pleasant, but miners go to where the minerals are, so there was a few thriving settlements. I watched the first of the shuttles come down, heading right for center of town. Within two hours, the entire settlement had been searched, and other Psi Cops were coming in from the outer camps, taking the captives with them into town for 'processing'. I was just about to call in everyone and spring the trap, when I recognized the leader." She paused to take a sip from her cup.
"Who, I might add," Deveax looked straight at Lyta, "looked pretty damn good in black. The uniform was perfect, on her and on the whole group. Gloves, polished boots, severe evil attitudes, the whole nine yards, all perfect. Except that I knew darn well the woman in charge of the 'psi cops' was really a rogue with a price on her head fat enough to let me retire in extreme luxury. But, on that type of backwater world, who's who in the criminal universe isn't the main topic of conversation, the locals obviously assumed she was legit. I decided to sit back and watch quietly as over three dozen rogue telepaths were tranquilized and sent up to the ships in orbit, and twice that number of normals who'd resisted them or helped the rogues were also drugged and sent up - just one wasn't - he was hit on the head and left lying in the mud - we found out later he'd been more of a threat than a help to the rogues. Then, the local authorities were dutifully thanked for their co-operation - which hadn't been provided enthusiastically - and the Psi Cops left. Never saw any of the prisoners again, and over the next few months or so, some of the families of rogues that had been left behind for not resisting gradually packed up and left. But, to get to my point: a few days after they left with the rogues - many of which the locals hadn't even suspected were teeps - a few days later, the REAL Psi Cops arrived. Oh, I wish I'd thought to bring a camera along. When the real Psi Cops heard that 'You had already been here, and no, we don't have any idea where you went', the real Psi Cops had *fits*. Closer to a temper tantrum than I'd ever seen from an adult. See, that world was the second-last in a string of 23 that had been visited - we only knew of 4 at the time, and the rangers are *good* at finding information, as you all know. Over three hundred known rogues got away scot-free, plus hundreds of supporters, with not even a trace to start the hunt again. The Corps was not pleased."
"I heard about that!" Zack said to Lyta. "It was less than a year after you left . . . that was *you*?"
Lyta grinned mischievously. "We needed crews for the ships. We wouldn't have made it out if Lisette had blown our cover, but she chose not to."
"Thank you," Rashelle chimed in quietly, with a small smile. She was curled up, her chin on her knees with her legs pulled up to her tightly.
"My pleasure," Deveax said smugly.
Before any of the others could add their own comments, the conversation was interrupted by the door chime, and Captain Ivanova's arrival.
"I see there's company for dinner," she observed as she walked right in and set down her parcel. "Zack!! You made it!"
"Captain," he grinned as he stood up and shared a firm handshake, "it's good to see you again." The two rangers also greeted her with her rank, with only Rashelle using the name Ivanova.
Lyta was quiet for the moments it them took to say hi, her good mood evaporating. Skipping the pleasantries, she got right to the point. "Did you know?"
Ivanova paused, wondering which part of what conversation she had missed. "About . . ?"
Lyta flicked her eyes towards Zack and the ranger who sat beside him.
"If you'd be kind enough to fill me in?"
The male ranger could hide his discomfort from showing physically, but his emotions were leaking badly enough for Ivanova to pick up, even through the disruption of Rashelle's dizzy whirlwind of feelings she huddled on her spot of the couch; even past the slow and steady, yet uneven, throb that marked Lyta's powerful presence.
Catching Ivanova's mental poke, Rashelle stood up. "Perhaps I should go. I'll need time to prepare for the press conference." At Lyta's nod of ascension, she quickly walked away, Charles Anderson a few discreet steps behind.
Ivanova glanced at Lyta. To almost anyone observing, the redhead would have been smoldering anger, or at best annoyance, just barely covered with a calm facade. But to a telepath who was paying attention, there was a different Lyta. Excited but worried, still slightly annoyed, cautiously optimistic, an entire rainbow of emotions was sensed as soon as Ivanova lowered her shields. She almost wished that she could pick up more than that, but quickly repressed the desire. Latent telepathy was dangerous enough, even with the war over, but active telepathy was not something to be envied. Ever.
In other words, Ivanova knew her friend was up to something, but not what. Since a straight answer was not likely to be forthcoming from Lyta, Ivanova turned towards Zack and the remaining ranger. "So, what have I missed?"
"I just got here," Deveax said.
[We didn't exactly get off to a good start, Susan. I'm trying to figure out how to fix it, but not so fast that I look foolish. Give me a few hours, at least. Possibly days,] Lyta sent privately.
At the same time, Zack also replied. "I am here, hopefully, to oversee the other bodyguards, and to help ensure the personal safety of the trade envoy. Including the Governor," he added, looking at Lyta.
"Zack," Lyta snapped suddenly, her irritation completely real now, "I didn't want that title in the first place. Susan knows who I am. I have a name. Please, use it. Keep the formalities for diplomats and the press."
He nodded mutely.
Lyta continued, a little calmer. "Is there any preference as to how I address you in public? Either of you?"
"Deveax suits me. I do like Lisette in private, though."
"I guess 'Mister Allan' for public. I don't carry earthforce rank anymore, and I left 'Chief' back on B5."
Lyta nodded. "So, what's the first business?"
"YOU are going to eat!" Ivanova ordered. "Zack, Lisette, this girl would starve to death if people didn't remind her to eat. She skipped two meals already today, and I've already informed her that she will have a full, balanced meal inside her before the conference. So we better get a move on. Lyta, see if there's anything in that box I bought that you'll like. It's about as chemical free as can be found on the planet, and the whole lot of it's fresh. As for you two, don't be afraid to boss her around-"
"Ex-CUSE me!" Lyta exclaimed.
"-she respects strength. Just don't do it in public, and if she gives you 'that look' - like the one she's wearing now - you're pushing the limit, so back off if you think it's best to."
With an exasperated growl, Lyta went to investigate the new food source.
"Just don't push her. She's the most stubborn woman in the universe when she wants to be. I strongly doubt Lyta would deliberately provoke you, unless you either really tick her off, or she thinks you deserve it. She hasn't had an easy time since she left, and that's burned off much of her buffer zones. So be gentle with her. If I hear otherwise, I'll hunt you down and maim you. Anyone for more tea?"
Surprised at the abrupt shift in topics, both Zack and Deveax shook their heads.
Ivanova shrugged, and got up to pour herself a cup, adding a little sugar. "It's not a bad blend, once you get used to it. The plant was Minbari originally, but the taste has changed with the different soil back on Teep. It's loaded with caffeine, however. Great for study sessions. So," she asked as she sat down again, "I'm guessing you two are going to be her primaries? She hasn't tossed you out the door physically, which is a good sign."
"I'd accept, if offered," Deveax said. "If not, I have the most likely candidates' files with me. The final decision is up to each envoy member."
"I don't know," Zack admitted. "She seemed to flicker between hating me and being glad I was here."
"Did she swear at or threaten you?" Ivanova asked.
"No, of course not," Zack said. "I've never known her to be that way."
"Really? I used to think that, too. Trust me. That woman could out cuss the most foul mouthed marine in existence. She wasn't happy about needing guards, you understand-"
"-do I ever."
"-the crime rate back home is almost zero, they don't even need a standing police force. It's a big switch for her. But she still considers you a friend, so that'll help. After all, you came, right?"
"Right - but there seems to be a slight communication gap. She seems surprised I had come here, but she didn't at first, just unsure. I want to go back and check for old messages before I say anything else, to avoid trouble."
"Messa - how long since you've checked??"
"Just over a week - Lyta seemed . . . a bit off at that."
Ivanova nodded. "Uh, yeah. Go check. Now. I'm not saying anything until you do. Go, use one of the bedroom's comm units and link in. A week? No wonder she came so close to fli- hang on. Why a week?"
"Delenn wanted to do a final briefing, in person, before I came here."
Ivanova thought for a second. Then, "please pardon the question, but what made you decide to come?"
"As soon as I got word of where your ship was, I was asking Delenn if Lyta was there, if she was ok. I hadn't had any reliable news of her since she left, and you knew how worried I was about her. I finally got some answers then. The neck wound, some general news about all of them. Delenn didn't mention the pregnancy - just that Lyta had separated from Byron. I only heard about the . . . I . . . only heard about the baby when you were all on route for here. Captain - all the rumors say her infant died, but some of the rumors say she's lost two before that one. Can you clarify things? I don't want to risk offending her."
" . . . Nathaniel was her third child. None of them lived to be even a day old."
Zack, visibly unhappy, shifted his stance around. "H- . . . how?"
"A genetic disorder from Byron. He'd been blaming their deaths on her, hiding the truth. It would have been curable, had he taken even one of several chances for treatment, but he refused to admit to her that he was . . . defective. Pride. And then came the fall."
"Oh . . ." Deveax exclaimed softly.
Zack was an ash-grey color, staring at the doorway Lyta had gone through those few minutes before.
"And I *forbid* you to EVER mention it to the media! Understand?"
"Yes, Captain," they replied in unison.
Zack slowly turned and went into a spare bedroom, closing the door behind him. He knew what he had to do.
~~~~