DARKNESS.  It comes in many forms.  There is the simple absence of light.  There is the darkness of dreams and nightmares.  There is what Ha'Cormar'ah G'Kar - still buried in the heart of his Great Machine - would call the darkness we fight.  But greater by far, as Ha'Cormar'ah G'Kar would also say, is the darkness of the soul that has lost its way.
      One such soul was walking through the corridors of power in the Main Dome at Proxima 3, last bastion of the human race.  Said soul was the last, best hope of the human race, although precious few knew the nature of that last, best hope.
      One who did was walking beside her.  Marcus Cole, both bodyguard and spy.  He had been given the task of keeping an eye on her by Captain John Sheridan, who had his own doubts about humanity's new allies, doubts that had been realised several months ago in a confusing and terrifying encounter aboard the lost, never built, space station Babylon 4.  After that meeting, Sheridan had called a council of his most trusted friends and allies - Marcus himself; Commander David Corwin, Sheridan's second; and Sheridan's prisoner Satai Delenn.  And he had spoken of Shadows.
      Marcus knew about Shadows.  He had seen them rising from the ground as they destroyed the only home he had ever known.  He had learned about Shadows from Narn Councillor Na'Toth and Narn prophet G'Kar, who were slowly building an army against the Shadows' return.
      Oh yes, Marcus knew about Shadows, and he knew his purpose in opposing them.  To follow, to watch, to observe, and nothing more.
      For the moment at least.
      He wasn't sure what she thought about this.  She barely spoke to him, barely even acknowledged his presence, save for a quiet, half-mocking smile whenever he was around.  At least in public.  In private....
      He fingered his PPG nervously.  As a weapon it seemed strangely unnatural to him, as if he should be carrying something else.  She didn't notice his unease.  She never did.
      "Lieutenant Ivanova," said the Security official at the entrance to the Resistance Government's quarters.  She was always called lieutenant - the rank she had held before her trip to the dead world called Z'ha'dum.  Although she was technically still a member of Earthforce, the title felt wrong to Marcus.  He wondered how long it would be before another title stood there instead.
      That of Ambassador.
      Ambassador of Shadows.
      How could such a beautiful woman be touched by such evil? he thought.  Was it simply bad luck?  What could - and would - she have done as a servant of Light instead?
      "And Mr. Cole."  Complete contempt in three words.  Marcus knew that the guard didn't like him, but that didn't matter.  He was here on Captain Sheridan's direct authority and Captain Sheridan had a great deal of authority with the Resistance Government.
      They had tried to protest, had said that Lieutenant Ivanova already had more than adequate security provisions.  Sheridan had countered by saying that Marcus would also serve as diplomatic staff.  The Resistance Government had said that Marcus had no background in such an area.  Sheridan had responded by forging documents proving that Marcus had worked on the staff of Administrator Na'Far on Vega 7, rather than being merely a miner.
      Ivanova had observed this whole debate quietly and without fuss.
      "Go on in.  They've been expecting you."
      Actually only a few members of the Resistance Government were there.  President Crane was absent - presumably still unwell.  She had fallen mysteriously and conveniently ill a few months ago and had not yet recovered.  In her seat was Vice President Clark, a man Sheridan did not trust one inch.  Clark had been acting differently in recent months.  More.... energetic than usual.  General Takashima was her usual quietly observant and professionally refined self.  General Hague meanwhile was looking even more tired and stressed than usual.
      "Thank you for coming, Miss Ivanova," Clark said.  Susan smiled almost imperceptibly as he did so.  "We will be having a guest who has been most anxious to meet you.  He will be arriving in a few hours and he has requested a private meeting."
      "Oh?  Just how private?" she said smiling, and Clark chuckled.  "So, who is this guest?"
      "His name is Bester," said Takashima slowly.  "He used to be a Psi Cop."  Marcus saw all of the blood drain from Susan's face.  Takashima did not notice, or if she did, she made no reaction.  "Have you heard of him?"
      "No," Susan breathed.  "No.  Who is he?"
      "A high-ranking Psi Cop," Hague said dully.  "Very powerful, too.  Like the rest of us, he escaped the attack on Mars, thanks of course to Captain Sheridan's intervention.  He set up his own colony somewhere.  We don't know where.  Some secret Psi Corps base or something.  Psi Corps doesn't exist any more, of course, but he acts as if it does.  The Minbari seem to leave him alone for some reason.  Perhaps he made a deal with them."  The bitterness in his voice was almost tangible.
      "But he has done us a favour or two," Takashima said quickly.  "He arranged for food shipments to tide us over the worse of the famines a few years ago, and he has provided us with the occasional useful piece of information about Minbari activities.  We owe him several favours."
      "He's heard about recent events here," Hague said.  "And he's interested.  He's requested a meeting to talk about your friends.  He's also interested in Satai Delenn, but as Captain Sheridan won't be returning from Ragesh Three for another eight hours or so, we thought Mr. Bester could meet with you first...."
      "No!" Susan cried.  "No telepaths!  They would.... damage the link between myself and my friends.  I cannot meet him, I am afraid."
      "He will not attempt to scan or read you...." Hague began, but Clark interrupted him.
      "If that is the case, then Mr. Bester will have to be disappointed.  We apologise for your inconvenience, Miss Ivanova."
      "Perhaps he could meet the.... head of your diplomatic staff, then," Hague said, indicating Marcus, who did his best not to look startled.
      "That would not be possible either," Susan replied quickly.  "Telepathic activity may damage the link between him and my friends as well."
      Marcus nodded, knowing there was no such link.  He was paying the matter little attention however, having noticed something else which he felt more important.  He had seen something surprising in her eyes at the suggestion that she might have to meet this Bester.
      Terror.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

"When will they learn?  For God's sake, we're not their errand boys.  I wonder if G'Kar knows anything about this.  He probably does, although I wish I knew what he was doing inside that damned Machine."
      Captain Sheridan, greatest human war hero, a captain with an outstanding record, the Starkiller, et cetera et cetera, turned about sharply and caught his foot on the leg of the couch.  He stumbled forward and was rewarded with a soft chuckle for his acrobatics.
      "I am sorry," said Delenn, but she was still smiling.  Slowly, she lowered another piece on to the structure she was building.  She took a step backwards and regarded it, nodding slowly.
      "How is it going?"
      "Well.... I think."
      "You still don't know what this is going to do to you, do you, Delenn?  Dammit, I wish you'd reconsider."
      "I cannot, she replied.  "This was mentioned in our prophecies.  I saw my change in a vision I experienced on Babylon Four.  It will bring my people and yours closer together.  I must do this."
      "I don't place any trust in prophecies or visions."  She looked at him and saw the pain in his eyes.  He had seen something in the future on Babylon 4.  Although she did not know the specifics, she could see how it troubled him.  She walked slowly around the table to his side and placed one hand on his arm.  She met his eyes, and then smiled, not voicing her own concerns.
      If the one part of her vision was true - her change - then would the rest of it also be true?  She had seen Minbar in ruins and herself standing over his grave.  Would that come to pass in spite of her change - or because of it?
      "For another thing," he said.  "You don't know what that machine will do to you.  It might even kill you.  And.... our races can never be brought together.  None of us here trusts Minbari.  Nor do I - except for you, of course - and we both know what will happen when Sinoval is made leader."
      "The machine was given to me by Valen himself," she said.  "I trust in his wisdom.  But Sinoval.... it will be soon now.  Our mourning is almost over.  What will emerge from it will be dark and terrible, far worse than anything we have seen so far."
      "I don't think it can get much worse, and we'll hardly be unprepared this time.  Could the.... Shadows defeat your people?"
      "Perhaps.... probably.  It depends on so many things.... and on this.  That is why I must divert the course of the Council.  If I complete the prophecy, I may be able to wrench control of the council from Sinoval, show them what Valen showed me, and alert them to who the true enemy is."
      "But it's too far for us.  We won't stop until you're all dead, and now we've got the potential to do that.  And I'm the one who gave it to them."
      Delenn saw the guilt in his eyes, and it mirrored almost exactly the guilt in her own.  Yes, he might have been the door to the alliance between the Shadows and the humans, but she had been the one who had made that door possible in the first place.
      "Tell me of your recent mission," she said.  "I hear so little down here."
      He smiled, recognising a deliberate change in subject when he heard one.  Then his smile evaporated as he remembered what she was asking about.
      "Ragesh Three was an agricultural colony, for God's sake.  Completely useless.  The Narns took it from the Centauri in the last war, but never did anything with it.  The Centauri attacked anyway.  The Kha'Ri responded of course, and they wanted me along as back up.  There wasn't much of a firefight and the Centauri pulled out as soon as things got tense, but it's got the Kha'Ri really rattled.  Na'Toth's speaking out against war, and so is anyone else in G'Kar's little conspiracy, but they're very quiet voices indeed.  I'll give it a few months tops, and then.... poof!  Another war on our hands."
      "So much death," she whispered softly.  "Always so much death."
      His link activated.  It was Corwin.  "We're about an hour out of Proxima now, Captain."
      "Good," Sheridan replied.  "Anything else?"
      "Yeah.  There's a message from the Resistance Government.  You're not going to like this, Captain."

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Lyta Alexander walked through the corridors of power as if she'd been born to them.  She paid no attention to those she passed, and why should she?  She was a telepath - one of the élite, gifted few who would change the world.  That was what Psi Corps had told her.
      She hadn't been able to change the world, though.  The Minbari had got there first.
      Psi Corps, with all its rules, rankings and regulations, did not exist any more.  The Minbari had taken that from her as well.  But to some, Psi Corps would never die.  One such was on Proxima 3 now, and he would want to see her.  He was currently meeting with Vice President Clark, General Takashima, General Hague and Mr. Welles, but he would want to see her soon.
      She had someone else to see first.
      She waited outside the door, hoping that he was here.  The two of them hadn't spent much time together recently.  He hadn't said much by way of explanation, but she knew he was up to something and it involved that woman.
      Lieutenant - or perhaps that should be Ambassador - Ivanova stood at the door as it opened.  Lyta saw her eyes widen with fear and hatred.  Then she stepped back.
      "Marcus, honey," she said sweetly.  "It's for you."
      Marcus came to the door and brushed past Ivanova, who smiled sweetly at him.  The smile twitched as she looked at Lyta, and then she disappeared back inside.
      Lyta was about to speak when she realised she needed more than words.  Throwing her arms around his neck, she kissed him.  It was not their first kiss, but his reaction was one of surprise and stillness, and a slow, halting response.  Then she hugged him and felt his arms around her.
      "I've missed you," she said.
      "I've.... missed you too."
      Slowly and casually, she slipped into his mind.  Familiar territory for her now.  He didn't seem to know when she did this, but it always made her feel comfortable.
      "What's happening?" she asked.  "This is Captain Sheridan's idea, isn't it?"  He didn't need to answer.  "No, don't tell me.  I don't want to know.  Be careful, Marcus.  She's dangerous.  I don't know what, but...."  (The other voice in her mind, the one who spoke to her as she slept, was screaming at her now.)  "Just be careful."
      "I.... will," he said slowly.  His mind was calm, outwardly at least, although he was hiding something.  That was rare, for him to try to hide things from her.
      Her link activated.  "Miss Alexander, the Resistance Government would like to see you as soon as possible."
      She sighed.  "I.... have.... to...."
      "I know."
      She kissed him again and left.  He watched her go, noting the way she kept adjusting her skirt or her gloves or the Psi Corps badge she still wore.
      (And he remembered the way Susan touched him, kissed him, slid herself next to him....)

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Susan was alone at last.  No, not alone - she was never alone - but Marcus was not with her.  She could feel her friends' anger.  Why did she let him stay?  She guessed that Sheridan was experiencing some reservations about her and her friends.  That Minbari witch was poisoning him, and it was at her bidding that he'd sent Marcus here to spy on him.
      So why hadn't she got rid of him?  An 'accident' or a Keeper.  They might be noticed, but so what?  Sheridan was already under the thumb of that Minbari whore, and Clark already had a Keeper.  Who else here possessed enough power to worry about?
      So why hadn't she?
      She knew the answer.  It was the look in his eyes the first time she'd tried to seduce him.  Such terror.  He'd backed away, mumbling excuses, afraid even to look at her.
      The second attempt had also failed, but the third.... that had succeeded.  He had been a virgin, and afterwards he had cried.  So sweet, so naïve, so innocent....
      So why had it affected her so badly?  Was his innocence a reminder of her own before Psi Corps had taken her mother?
      And Psi Corps.  That was another problem, a more terrifying one.  She could feel the twinges in Lyta's psi-power, and this.... Bester was far stronger than she'd thought possible.  She could feel him now, his mind.... like a cloud that shadowed everything else around it.
      "Telepaths to the left of me, telepaths to the right," she whispered.  "You promised I'd be safe.  You.... promised."
      And then she felt another brief twinge of psi-power and her eyes widened.
      "She has a Vorlon inside her."
      The Shadows knew this too.  And they were angry.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Mr. Welles was a quiet man, and unflappable, skills which had served him well in the past.  He had a knack for blending in so that he was seldom noticed, unless he chose to be.  And he had a photographic memory, all talents that he knew well how to use.
      His official title was Chief Warrant Officer and Head of Security.  His unofficial title was Spymaster General.  He listened, he watched, he observed and he remembered.
      His last important task had been the interrogation of Satai Delenn.  He had been doing well, until Captain Sheridan had taken her away.  Welles had tried to object, but he didn't mind really.  He was patient.
      To all things, there is a time.
      At present, he was watching Clark bandy words with Bester.  He didn't like telepaths - their abilities made a mockery of his work - but he had learned to use them.  He had been studying Bester for over an hour and his mind had tallied a great deal of information.
      Short, but acts as though he were taller.  Acts as though his height doesn't bother him, but it still rankles.  Psi Cop or not, he's still human, with all a human's weaknesses.
      Doesn't use his left hand.  An affectation or a disability?  Connected to his height, perhaps?  Birth deformity?  Check details, may have other infirmities.  Possible weapons.
      Still wears Psi Cop uniform.  Why?  Psi Corps destroyed with Earth.  Gloves serve practical purpose.  Badge and uniform do not.  Engender fear, perhaps?  A constant reminder of what he is?  What he can do?  Reminder to whom?  Himself - or others?
      And on and on.  Voice, stance, actions, words.  Welles recorded it all, for later use.  But he was growing increasingly distracted.
      Clark was acting differently, and had been doing so for a while.  It was nothing solid that Welles could identify, but it was there, and it was unknown, and it was irritating him that he couldn't spot the source.
      The door opened and a security guard ushered someone in.  Welles noted the guard.  It was Boggs.  A good man.  Efficient.  Dedicated.  Did what needed to be done.
      He turned his attention to the newcomer.  Lyta Alexander.  Telepath.  Sixth generation.  P5.  Height.  Weight.  Age.  A number of reprimands for inappropriate use of psi-powers.  Had formed liaison with Sheridan's bodyguard, who was now serving as Lieutenant Ivanova's aide.  Had helped in his interrogation of Satai Delenn.
      "Ah, Miss Alexander," Bester said.  "A pleasure as always.  You've been keeping well, I trust."
      "Yes, thank you," she replied.  Too quick.  Too nervous.  Has something to hide from her superior.  What?  Liaison with Cole?  Usage of psi-powers?  Something else?
      Her Psi Corps badge is crooked.  A sign, perhaps, of slipping allegiances.
      "We will have to talk later in private," Bester said.  Then he turned to Welles himself.  "Many thanks for the transcripts of your interrogation of Satai Delenn.  I was wondering however, why they stopped so abruptly."
      Surprise question.  Out of the blue?  Trying to find something?  "Captain Sheridan felt that Satai Delenn would be better off kept aboard the Babylon, for security reasons."
      "What about the ships we asked for?" Hague said, and Welles looked at him.  No subtlety.  No guile.  An honest man among politicians.  An honest man whose honesty is destroying him.  He's not sure about our new allies.  He's the only one in this room who's faced down Minbari in battle.  He knows what they can do.
      "I'm afraid our own defences are looking quite rocky at present, General, but I will see what I can arrange."  An admission of weakness?  No, a lie.  For what purpose?  What does he know about our new allies?
      "About Captain Sheridan?"
      "He has returned," Clark said.  "But he said that it will take him a while to handle the aftermath of his mission.  Bureaucratic details and so forth.  Owing to security reasons, he feels it would be unwise to bring Satai Delenn down here.  Would the Babylon be suitable for you to meet her?"
      "Oh yes.  Perfect."
      "Well then, Captain Sheridan said that 1500 hours would be a fine time for him...."
      "Over two hours.  Perfect.  It will give Miss Alexander and myself time to discuss things.  Thank you, all.  It has been a pleasure."
      Welles watched Bester and Alexander leave, and he felt eyes on him.  Looking up, he saw Takashima watching him.  She had said very little during the meeting, evidently preferring to watch.
      Just as Welles had.
      He had a feeling that she was a more powerful protagonist than Clark, Hague or Bester.
      She was dangerous.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Sheridan had not been sure what to expect in Bester.  He had never met the Psi Cop before - although he had had dealings with a few of Bester's aides - but he had heard a great deal about Alfred Bester.  Psi Cop.  Diplomat.  Leader.
      He hadn't been expecting the short man with a useless hand who shot glances everywhere.  But then one look in Bester's eyes and at the telepath's quietly mocking grin proved that Bester himself was exactly what he had been expecting.
      He wondered what Bester had been expecting.  The Psi Cop gave no sign of whether he had been expecting anything at all.
      "It's good to meet you at last, Mr. Bester," he said.  He'd held meetings with various dignitaries - usually Narns or from the League - before, but this one put a sour taste in his mouth.
      "Likewise, Captain Sheridan."  Bester did not extend a hand.  "This is an impressive ship.  Destroyer class, isn't it?"
      "She.... used to be.  She's had so many modifications and alterations done to her over the years that she's now in a class of her own.  We prefer to think of her as a Babylon-class ship."
      "Ah, yes.  The ancient tower of Babel, which ascended into the heavens as all of mankind worked together to one singular purpose.  A fine ideal, don't you think?  Do you know much about ancient history, Captain Sheridan?"
      "I'm more familiar with the twentieth century."
      "Ah, it is a fascinating subject, although I have always preferred Greek history myself.  We managed to rescue two damaged destroyer ships from the end of the war.  We repaired them and renamed them.  The Ozymandias and the Parmenion."
      Sheridan turned and stared.  "You have two destroyers?"
      "To all things a time, Captain Sheridan.  This is a fascinating ship.  I would quite like a tour."
      He refrained from gnashing his teeth.  "Of course.  I also understand you wish to question Satai Delenn."
      "I would.  Miss Alexander is a gifted telepath, but she may have missed something in her scans.  I miss nothing, Captain Sheridan."
      "Of course.  If you would care to come to my office first, so that we can sort out a few details."
      Sheridan was tense as he led Bester up to the ready room.  Bester was a P12, the best and the strongest.  Corwin had wanted to be here for this, but he had refused.  Delenn had said that this was not necessary, but he knew it was.
      This was too important for anyone, even Bester, to ruin, but if what he was planning went wrong....  He was surprised that Bester didn't have guards, or any form of escort.  Apparently he had flown here alone in one of his Psi Corps Black Omega Starfuries.
      But then why would Bester need guards, when he possessed one of the most powerful minds in existence?  The Minbari hadn't touched his power at all.  Perhaps he'd made a deal with them.
      They reached Sheridan's office and stepped inside.  No one else was there.
      "So, Captain, what are these little details...?"
      Bester stiffened, and there was a cause.  Sheridan had drawn his PPG and placed it at the base of the Psi Cop's skull.
      "I'm waiting for an explanation, Captain."
      "You Psi Cops always think you own everything.  Maybe you aren't getting an explanation.  Maybe I'll just blow your head off right here."
      "Oh?  And what would murder do to your career?"
      "They can't do anything to me.  They need me too much, and I'll say that you attacked me.  Or did you think that they actually trusted you?"
      "I've never needed to be trusted, Captain, but I see your point.  What if they don't believe you?"
      "They will."  Because I'll have witnesses.  David will back me up even though I told him to stay out of this.  He'll involve himself.
      "Well then, Captain.  It seems your.... persuasiveness has won me over.  I'll be leaving then, shall I?  With my head, if you wouldn't mind.  I'm very attached to it, you see.  We're inseparable, in fact."
      Sheridan stepped backwards, one step.  "We'll have to put off some time for appearance's sake, but you can spend it here.  The only part of my ship you'll be going anywhere near is from here to the docking bays, and the only person you'll be seeing is me."
      "I was not aware of any insanity in your record, Captain."
      "I'm not insane," he replied.  "I don't like you and I don't trust you."
      "I don't trust myself either, Captain.  At least that puts me in the majority.  So, this is a fascinating office, at least."
      "Shut up."
      Sheridan activated his link.  "Mr. Corwin.  Mr. Bester and I will be attending to matters in my office.  Please ensure we are not disturbed."
      "Yes, sir," came Corwin's voice over the link.  All scripted of course.  Sheridan hoped those tricks Delenn had shown him were working, but what did it matter if they didn't?  She would be safe, and he was still indispensable.
      He had a feeling it was going to be a long few hours.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

"It worked then?"
      "It worked," Sheridan confirmed.  "Although I'll be damned if I know how.  Those mind clearing tricks you taught me must have worked."
      Delenn frowned.  "If he is as powerful as you say...."  She placed another part on to the machine.  "I would be careful, John.  I think you have made an enemy today."
      "So what's one more?  He's gone now anyway, and I know he didn't give the Resistance Government a briefing on what just happened.  I.... I just can't help feeling he had something deeper in mind.  Well, whatever he wanted, he either got it or he didn't, and either way it can't be helped.  And he'll either tell the Resistance Government or he won't.  Either way, they won't be able to do anything.
      "How is that thing coming along?"
      "Soon," she said.  She looked up and met his eyes.  He saw her concern.
      "Soon."

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

A few hours out of Proxima 3, heading for the Proxima system jump gate, at a point where he was sure his transmissions wouldn't be intercepted, Bester sent a coded signal.  A few minutes later, a familiar voice appeared over the comm channel.
      "Hey, boss.  How'd it go?"
      "Mr. Garibaldi?  I was expecting Ben Zayn."
      "He's off somewhere.  Trouble with the Streibs.  You know how it is, boss.  So, how'd it go?"
      "Fine.  I got what I came for."
      "Captain John Sheridan?"
      "Yes.  A complete and detailed scan, and all without his knowledge.  At least I think so.  He'd formed some unusual blocks, but I got past them eventually.  It just took a little time."
      "And?"
      "And, Mr. Garibaldi, our information was correct.  One hundred percent so."
      "Nothing's one hundred percent anything, boss."
      "Always the sceptic, eh, Mr. Garibaldi.  Some days I'm very glad I'm not in your wife's place."
      "I'm very glad you're not in my wife's place too."
      Bester chuckled.  "How is she anyway?"
      "The same.  Throwing up every morning and hating every minute of it."
      "Remember, you promised to name the child after me if he's a boy."
      "Alfred Garibaldi?  What kind of a name is that?  Alfredo, perhaps."
      "We shall see, Mr. Garibaldi.  We shall see."
      "What about the Minbari?  Satai Delenn?"
      "No.  I didn't get close enough to her, but that doesn't matter.  She was only an added bonus anyway.  Ah, here's the jump gate.  I will be back in about twelve hours."
      "I'll see you then, boss.  C and C out."
      Bester closed his eyes.  Everything was going as it should.  His information had been correct after all.  There had been some disagreement as to whether it should be trusted, but now everything was going fine and could continue.
      He smiled.

---

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