Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The sound of breakers crashing against the beach was loud in the hazy afternoon air. Seabirds wheeled and cried overhead, and the sun was hot against Talia Winters’ face. She tugged the brim of her straw hat to adjust its angle, shading her face better from the glare, then reached for the glass sitting at the table by her elbow.

Sipping the chilled juice, she wiggled her toes, her feet at the end of the lounger she was reclining on, and looked beyond them. In the surf ahead of her, beyond the chaotic breakers, she could see a figure, its dark head face down in the deeper water, the pipe of a snorkel jutting upward. She watched idly as they crossed to and fro, before pausing in one spot and then diving beneath the surface, a splash from a powerful kick sending them downward beneath the sun dappled waves.

She found herself holding her breath, waiting for the figure to surface again. When they did she gulped in air, feeling suddenly ridiculous.

The figure swam a lazy crawl back toward the shore, emerging from the churning waves and tugging the mask and snorkel from her head as she strode up the sand toward Talia. The telepath looked up as she did so, admiring the view of the woman in her sleek one piece, then hiked an eyebrow.

“ I hope you used sunscreen on your back. You were out there for quite some time.”

Susan Ivanova grinned, her teeth shockingly white against her sun-kissed face.

“You should know,” she said, snatching the broad brimmed straw hat from her head, then leaning down and kissing her, “you rubbed it on me.”

Talia squealed as water dripped from her hair and body, spattering her hot skin with cool droplets.

“Susan!”

“What?” She feigned innocence, handing Talia her hat again and grabbing the small bag from beneath the table, before dropping her snorkel and mask into it. “You should come out with me next time; the reef is teeming with life.”

She put her hat back on and sipped more of the delicious juice, her blue gaze still fixed on the figure now towelling herself off beside her bed. She felt her pulse leap as Susan dipped toward her to reach her lower legs, offering a view straight down her low-cut top.

“I can think of a more interesting way to pass the time,” she murmured, her voice a seductive purr.

Ivanova straightened slowly, and looked at her. “Are you trying to get me back to the room, Ms. Winters?”

“Is it working?”

She pressed the towel against her dripping hair, her eyes raking across the bikini-clad form lounging before her.

“Keep using that tone on me and we might not make it to the room.”

Talia grinned and glanced behind herself at the beach cottage, just metres from where they were. “Good job we don't have far to go, then.”

Susan gave her one more look, then strode toward the building, her feet kicking up the white sand.

“Coming?” She called over her shoulder.

They were five days in to a week of shore leave for Ivanova. She’d had so much leave accrued that Sheridan had forced her to take some, and once Talia was able to clear her schedule it suddenly became an exciting opportunity to get off the station, and spend some real time together.

Talia had recently sat in on negotiations between a property developer and a chain of hotels that was expanding across the Earth colonies. As a bonus for the work she had done for them, they generously gave her a week at any vacation spot on Earth, and she had chosen the beautiful beach hotel in Sri Lanka.

She and the Commander were just weeks into a love affair that was consuming them both with its intensity. Every spare moment was spent either with Susan Ivanova, or thinking about her, or talking to her via comms. They’d both hoped that having nothing but time together might ease the overwhelming compulsion to be together a little, but so far, at least for Talia, it wasn’t the case.

Pressed up against the other woman, who was currently between her and the shower wall, with her fingers tight inside her and feeling the last shudders of Susan’s orgasm fluttering against them, she wondered how she could give this up when they returned to Babylon 5.

Ivanova’s hand was curled around the back of her head, her mouth pressed into her shoulder. She felt her breathy gasps become more even, and then her lips were brushing up the column of her neck.

“Mmmm….” Her voice was low and heavy with passion. The water continued to cascade over them both, and Susan’s hand was slippery with it when it moved from her head to traverse the length of her torso, sliding between them to invade the heat between Talia’s thighs.

“God…Susan…” she leaned heavily into her, her own legs suddenly weakened by the sensations radiating out from between them. Ivanova took hold of her and spun them, reversing their positions and pressing Talia against the tiles. She kissed her, open-mouthed and hot, and Talia felt her fingers sliding into her as her tongue slipped into her mouth.

“I’ll never get over this,” Susan eventually murmured against her lips, her breath hitching as she thrust and curled her fingers inside her. But by then Talia had no words to respond with, and instead clutched at her sunburned shoulders, her head falling back against the tiles. She was so close to climax that her brain was unable to fathom what was happening when Susan’s hand disappeared from between her legs, but then she was sinking to her knees and her mouth was suddenly on her, hot and relentless; she felt the pulse of her orgasm push out into their psychic bond as she came, crying out nonsense into the humid shower cubicle. Susan was caught in the intensity of it, her hands flexing almost painfully against her thighs as Talia’s fingers grasped and released in Susan’s wet hair.

They remained where they were for a long moment, both breathing heavily, still floating in the telepathic connection that Susan had been so afraid of initially, and which she now craved like a drug. Eventually she kissed the blonde hair at Talia’s thighs, and stood, kissing her lips as she came level with her face.

“How about a siesta?” She asked, nuzzling the spot behind her ear that seemed to have been crafted to fit her alone.

Talia hummed. “Yes. And then, later, cocktails, I think, by the pool…”

They were sitting in the shade of an awning, overlooking the blue waters of the large pool, when Talia noticed guests gathering around the holocomm unit at the bar. She frowned a little, causing Susan to turn and look over her shoulder.

“What the hell?”

There was a definite buzz of conversation. Ivanova got up from her chair and strode across to the bar, and Talia couldn’t help but feel a tinge of amusement at the way in which people automatically moved aside to let her through.

Whatever she was watching, her back straightened and then she turned and came toward her. Her face was set in a mask of professional determination that Talia was all too familiar with.

“The Centauri Emperor is dead.”

Talia looked at her with shock. “Was he still on Babylon 5?”

She nodded, and Talia felt her conflict, but before she could suggest going back to their bungalow to retrieve Ivanova’s comm, a woman wearing the corporate uniform of the hotel chain approached their table.

“I’m sorry to disturb you, but is one of you Commander Susan Ivanova?”

She turned her head. “I am.”

The woman held out a small portable comm unit. “We have a call for you.”

She nodded and took the unit, placing it on the table and sitting down before she engaged the call.

John Sheridan was worried. The rapid pace with which events had started to unravel following the Emperor’s death was alarming. He feared that the latest reports of an attack against the Narn outpost at Sector 14 would reveal that the Centauri were involved, but as yet there was nothing official. Meanwhile he had a powder keg brewing right there on station between the Centauri and Narn populations, and the temperature of that seemed to be increasing by the hour. G’Kar was raging and demanding blood, and Mollari was being less than forthcoming about anything to do with it.

He needed Ivanova back on station ASAP. He felt like a tyrant, dragging her back from vacation early, but he relied on her strategic mind and ability to cut through bullshit to compliment his diplomacy and tact in dealing with what he knew was coming.

There was also the issue of a potential closure to transport if things got too difficult on station. The last thing he needed was a stranded Ivanova out there on a commercial passenger liner; he wouldn’t put it past her to commandeer the vessel just to get back to her post.

In the end he bit the bullet and sent the comm request to the resort she’d named on her emergency contact. He had been surprised (pleasantly) to see that she had taken time out to go relax on a beach in the Indian Ocean. He calculated that, when it was thirteen hundred hours on station, it would be late afternoon in Sri Lanka, so went ahead and commed the resort.

After a few minutes where he assumed they were seeking her out, his second in command appeared on screen. Her eyes were bright in her sun-kissed face, and she was wearing a black linen vest that showed off tanned shoulders and arms. Behind her a pool glittered in the sun, and an endless blue sky stretched out above.

“We just heard about the Emperor,” she said without preamble, “how are things?”

He shook his head. “Not great. There’ve been other developments which could cause us some potential issues on station.”

She knew he couldn’t speak openly as she was using a third party comm unit, but she’d already figured out the potential flash point. The Centauri Emperor’s family had been involved in the original occupation of the Narn homeworld. His visit to the station had been controversial due to that fact, but they’d managed to just about keep a lid on things. His death would be celebrated by their Narn population, which would incense the Centauri with whom they shared the scant living space on the station.

She raised an eyebrow. “I’m taking it you want me back there?”

He grimaced. “I’m sorry, Susan.”

“It’s fine.” He saw her turn her head to look to her right, a small smile playing at her lips, and wondered who she was looking at.

“By the way, the Centauri have requested support from Ms. Winters. The Emperor travelled with two telepaths, but they have been returned to Centauri Prime. Apparently as part of his death rituals they need a telepath to be present. I believe she’s taken some leave but the commercial offices won’t reveal her whereabouts - I wondered whether you might know?” He smiled. “I know you two have been getting on a little better of late, so I thought she may have mentioned if she was going off station?”

She glanced right again, then cleared her throat. “Uh…yeah, she’s off station.”

Then the screen turned slightly and he was looking at a smiling and equally sun-kissed Talia Winters, bright blonde hair moving in the breeze against a loose white cotton shirt.

“Two for one,” Ivanova quipped, obviously a little uneasy at the disclosure that they were holidaying together.

“I’ll be happy to help, Captain.” She said evenly.

Interesting, he mused.

“Great! Right then. Any issues or delays in getting transport back let me know and I’ll see what strings I can pull.”

“Yes, sir.”

Ivanova shut off the Comm, then looked at Talia.

“I am so sorry.”

She put a hand on her arm, gave it a gentle squeeze. “Relax. Why don’t you go inside and organise transport, and I’ll go pack our things?”

Ivanova nodded, and leaned in to kiss her. Then they stood and went their separate ways.

Michael Garibaldi just happened to be at the customs check-in when Ivanova’s transport came in. In the end she had managed to get them on a commercial flight headed for the station the next morning, and they were passing through the jump gate at Epsilon III a little over thirty six hours after that.

He’d been a little confused when Sheridan had casually mentioned that Ivanova and Talia Winters were taking a vacation together. He’d have given his right arm to spend a romantic week at some fancy beach resort with the gorgeous telepath, but the very last person he would have expected to want to vacation with the woman was Susan Ivanova.

He was very, very curious as to the status of their relationship. Ivanova had, he had to admit, moved on from her initial cold avoidance to a sort of acceptance of the other woman, but she never seemed to go out of her way to socialise with her. And now he’s being told that they are holidaying together at a beach resort on Earth.

And so as the passengers started to disembark he settled himself into the deep shadows beside one of the security booths, and waited, figuring it wouldn’t take long as Ivanova would no-doubt be in a hellacious rush to get stuck into the problems waiting for her.

As it transpired it wasn’t long at all. The two women came to the front of the queue (as did anyone who lived and worked on the station), and he was treated to a view of the beautiful Ms. Winters wrapped in a pale blue dress that set off her honey-tanned skin and sun-bleached hair. Ivanova, still in her own civvies, black linen pants and a white cotton shirt with the sleeves rolled up, looked just about as relaxed as he’d ever seen her (apart from that one time when she fell asleep in the mess hall). She spoke with the guard on duty - Christy - then turned to smile at the blonde beside her and said something to her.

The smile Talia gave her back, and the accompanying look that Garibaldi caught from her bright eyes, made his toes twitch.

But then they were moving on, and he was left with a view of their retreat, and Ivanova’s hand placed just-so in the small of Talia’s back as they moved through the crowds in customs.

One thing Garibaldi was good at was teasing apart a mystery. And this sudden turnaround in Ivanova’s tolerance of the blonde woman was one that he intended to get to the bottom of.

The next few days were a blur of meetings and outbreaks of violence between Narn and Centauri residents. Garibaldi and his team were working double shifts trying to quell the dissent, but it seemed that as soon as they put down one skirmish, a brawl would start up somewhere else

Ivanova felt like Sri Lanka had happened in another life time when she finally headed back to her quarters at a reasonable hour on the third night back on the station. She hadn’t seen Talia except for a brief lunch the day before, and had been coming home at all hours of the night thanks to the troubles. She was pulling her uniform jacket off when her door chimes sounded.

“Yeah?” She called out.

The door slid open and Talia came through it, carrying a paper sac in both arms which she set down on the kitchen counter, before tugging off her gloves and placing them beside it.

“I brought dinner,” she said, “and some wine.”

“You’re amazing.” She walked across the floor to pull her into her arms, burying her face in her neck. Talia returned the hug, reaching up to pull the binding from Ivanova’s hair and running her fingers through it. She leaned back slightly then to take Susan’s face between her hands, and kissed her.

“I have missed you,” she murmured when they drew apart.

Susan ran her fingers across her smooth cheek. “It’s madness out there, Talia.” She dipped her head to kiss her again, then released her and reached for the bag, extracting the wine. “How about we skip the food, open this, and take it to bed?”

The blonde woman didn’t answer her, just lifted her hand to the fastening of her own jacket and started walking toward the bedroom.

“Best idea I’ve heard in days.”

Some time later Ivanova was sitting up against the headboard, the blonde woman lying on her belly beside her with a pillow beneath her head, arms folded beneath it.

“I released the ship that will take the Emperor’s body home to Centauri Prime today,” she said, her fingers idly drawing patterns across Talia’s tanned, bare shoulder, “how did the death ceremony go?”

Talia sighed. “It was long and very male-oriented, and to be honest all that was required of me was to confirm that his mind was no longer present. But I had to sit through many, many hours of readings and a never ending queue of Centauri males who all wanted to say something about him.” She smiled softly. “Do you know, though, Ambassador G’Kar sent an offering for his temple. Apparently they spoke just before he took ill.”

“ G’Kar told me about it. He’d said that he wanted peace. That he wanted to apologise for the past.” She traced the tan line where Talia’s bikini strap had bisected her back. “You seen much of Garibaldi since we got back?”

Talia turned her head to look at her. “Why are we talking about Mr. Garibaldi in bed?”

“Because I know he’s dying to ask why we went away together.” She shrugged. “He’s been popping up at odd times, and I can tell he wants to ask me, then chickens out at the last minute.”

“Just tell him, if he does. Might get him to stop turning up in transport tubes when I’m waiting for them.”

Susan laughed. “He doesn’t!”

“Oh, he does.” She rolled her eyes. “It’s like he has a sixth sense.”

“Hmmmm…” her fingers were swirling a pattern against Talia’s skin, “…do you want to tell people? About us, I mean?”

Talia’s eyes were hooded in the low light. “Susan, you can hang a banner from the core shuttle for all I care. There’s literally no-one on this station who should have an opinion about who I sleep with. You, however,” she turned onto her side and reached across the small space between them to caress her cheek, “are an Earth Force Officer, and there must be security protocols you have to follow?”

Ivanova sighed. “I’ll have to declare it to John officially at some point, yes.”

“So…what are you waiting for?”

She blinked. “I guess….it’s just…” she shook her head. “Talia, this has all happened so fast, I didn’t want to presume..mmmhmmnff”

She was silenced by the other woman’s lips, as Talia surged upward to claim her mouth in a fiery kiss. Before she could organise her limbs, Talia was sitting astride her thighs and had her face between her palms. Susan’s hands slid down her back to squeeze her ass, tugging her closer, then ran back up across her hips, over the keys of her ribs.

“I’ll ask again,” Talia burred, nipping at her jawline, “what are you waiting for? I’m in love with you, you tell me than you’re in love with me, this isn’t some meaningless fling, for either of us.”

Ivanova flipped them over, pinning Talia beneath her.

“I’ll speak to him in the morning,” she growled, before claiming her lips once more.

Sheridan stared at his second in command, momentarily stunned by what she had just told him. She returned his gaze levelly, and after a silence that stretched just a little too long, she raised her eyebrows.

“You okay, sir?”

He shook his head slowly. “I really don’t want to believe it, but I’d suspected it was true.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Jesus, Susan, this is a mess.”

“Yeah, well, it gets better.” She continued. “Not only have the Centauri admitted that they have ‘reclaimed the sector’, but there’s a report circulating amongst the Narn that the outpost was attacked initially not by Centauri ships, but by something else entirely, an unknown enemy, and that the Centauri are in league with them.”

Sheridan’s eyes narrowed. “Is there any information on these…unknown ships?”

She shook her head. “I get the feeling, though, that Ambassador G’Kar knows more than he’s saying right now. He seems…extremely troubled by events, beyond what the Centauri have just done.”

They were both quiet for a beat, the only sound in the room coming from the air circulators. Eventually Sheridan leaned forward and clasped his hands together on his desk.

“Whilst I have you, I wanted to apologise, again, for dragging you away from your vacation.”

Ivanova shrugged. “Couldn’t be helped. You did the right thing. Hell, if you hadn’t asked, I’d’ve come back anyway.”

He grinned. “I…kinda figured as much.” His lips twitched. “I hope Ms. Winters wasn’t too upset?”

He was fishing, and she knew it. But she had already decided that it was time to tell him, and so she shook her head and looked down at her hands, knotted together in her lap.

“No, she was fine about it.” Her eyes came up to meet his gaze. “John, I need to tell you - “. Her link squawked, and she bit back a curse and tapped it, looking apologetically at Sheridan. “Ivanova.”

“Commander,” it was lieutenant Jeffries in C & C, “we have a situation developing between a Narn cargo vessel and a Centauri heavy cruiser. The Centauri are threatening to fire on them.”

“Alright, keep them calm, I’m on my way. Out.” She was rising to her feet. “Sorry, Captain, I’ll have to catch you later.”

He nodded, and she was gone.

It was around nineteen hundred hours when Ivanova finally stepped away from her desk in C & C. She was tired, frustrated at the violence they were witnessing on the station. Two Centauri and a Narn resident had died in a fight in Red sector earlier, and there had been another stand-off between two ship’s captains after the one which took her from Sheridan’s office earlier in the day.

She headed toward Earhart’s, thinking she might catch up with her boss there, and on the way bumped into Garibaldi.

“Susan, I’m glad I caught you.” He grinned. “You headed to Earhart’s ?”

She raised an eyebrow. “I am. It’s been a hell of a day - again - and I thought I’d drown my sorrows before heading on home.”

He rubbed the back of his neck. “Mind if I join you?”

“It’s a bar, Michael, you don’t need my permission.”

“True.” He grinned. “But I wanna hear all about your vacation.”

They reached the elevator that took them up to the bar. Ivanova pressed the control, and the doors slid open. Once inside, she turned to the Chief as the lift ascended.

“What can I say? It was hot, I swam in the ocean, lay on the beach, drank cocktails, and ate my weight in seafood.” She shrugged. “Perfect vacation. Right up until the point I get called back here.”

The doors opened, and the sudden noise was like an assault on the ears, saving Susan from any further questions. She lead the way to the bar where she ordered herself a vodka tonic and an iced tea for Garibaldi.

They carried their drinks over to an empty table, and as a Garibaldi sat down she deposited her glass on the table.

“Be right back. Just need to pay a visit.”

She was on her way back to the table, pushing through the crowd of EF personnel, when she spotted a familiar flash of bright silver-blonde hair coming out of the elevator. Her pulse jumped, sudden and involuntary, and without thinking about it she changed direction.

Talia spotted her cutting through the blue-clad bodies and felt her mouth curl onto a smile. They pushed toward one another until, half way between the elevator and the bar, they met.

“You are a sight for sore eyes. How did you get in?” Ivanova said, overjoyed to see her after another day of interminable madness.

Talia’s smile was dazzling. “I managed to convince a lovely ensign that Commander Ivanova had sent for me.” She reached out a gloved hand as if to touch her face, then remembered where they were and pulled back. But Ivanova lifted her own hand and took hold of Talia’s before she could lower it.

“It’s okay, Talia.”

Blue eyes searched blue. “Really?”

Susan nodded. She was over the need for secrecy and propriety. If what she and Sheridan suspected was coming became reality, her personal life would be the last thing on anyones’ minds.

Garibaldi was itching to question Ivanova about the presence of Talia Winters on her recent vacation to Earth. As much as he had wanted to do a little digging of his own, events on board had taken every minute of his time. He sipped his iced tea and cast his gaze around the crowded bar. It was busier than usual, no doubt due to the madness currently permeating the every-day events on the station, and people’s needed to blow off some steam.

In the press of milling bodies, he spotted a sleek fall of gold hair against a deep red and black business suit, the colours in contrast to the dark blue uniforms. His heart lifted at the sight of the station’s resident telepath, and he watched her cast her gaze about before it settled on someone and she smiled, the expression lighting her whole face.

Then he saw the long braid that sat against the deep blue jacket of the person who was approaching her, saw Ivanova in profile as she turned to smile at the blonde, and say something to her. He watched as Talia raised one gloved hand toward her then pause, only for Ivanova to reach up and clasp that hand in her own.

If Garibaldi was surprised to see Susan Ivanova take the hand of a telepath, he was rendered speechless when that same telepath stepped toward her, cupped her jaw with her other hand, and kissed her.

“Well,” a familiar voice said from close behind him, “I suppose that explains a few things.”

He looked up to find Sheridan standing at his shoulder, his gaze sill fixed on his XO who was enthusiastically returning Talia’s kiss. She had her hands in that shining blonde hair, and when Talia eventually drew back, she smiled at her in a way that left no doubt about her feelings.

“I guess it does,” Garibaldi said after a long moment of silence.

Chapter Text

“We have an audience.”

Susan followed Talia’s gaze to see both her CO and the Chief watching them. As her eyes found theirs, they hastily looked away. She sighed, raised an eyebrow at Talia, then took her hand again.

“Come on. Might as well get this over with.”

Talia gave her hand a squeeze.

“How about you go get me a drink, and I’ll say hello?”

Ivanova gave her a quizzical look, but Talia just smiled. “Go. White wine.”

She watched the straight back of her lover as she moved toward the bar, then turned and stepped toward the two men, smiling as she approached the table.

“Good evening, Captain, Mr. Garibaldi.”

Sheridan rallied first. “And to you, Ms. Winters. You should know that, as we’re in Earhart’s, there’s no business allowed in here, and so you will have to call me John.”

She nodded. “Alright. Then please, call me Talia. May I sit?”

Garibaldi found his manners, and stood to tug out a chair for her.

“Please..”

She smiled at him, and they all sat.

“Well, shall I address the obvious elephant in the room?” She raised a gloved hand to curl her hair back behind her ear. “In answer to your questions, yes, Susan and I are together, yes, that’s why we went on vacation, but this is still quite new to us, too, and no,” her lips quirked ever so slightly, “I am not reading your minds right now.”

Sheridan looked at her for a long moment, then chuckled. “I appreciate your directness, Talia.”

She shrugged. “With the way things are going these days, obfuscation seems so pointless, wouldn’t you agree?”

Sheridan nodded, but Garibaldi scratched a fingernail against the tabletop, watching the movement of his finger. “Talia, I couldn’t agree more. I, for one, am becoming tired of subterfuge, especially when it comes on a galactic level.”

“Woah, Michael,” Ivanova placed a wine glass in front of Talia, and handed a bottle or beer to her Captain. “Getting dangerously close to business talk, there, my friend.”

She grabbed a chair from nearby and sat beside Talia, who was frowning in confusion.

“There’s a tradition,” Susan explained, “that if you come into Earhart’s and talk abut business, you have to buy the whole bar a drink.” She glanced around. “And seeing how busy it is right now, that would probably clean out a month’s credits.”

“So, Talia,” Sheridan took a pull form his beer bottle, “how was your vacation? and I am sorry, by the way, for hijacking you both to come back.”

She shook her head, looked at Ivanova with a smile. “It was wonderful, wasn’t it, Susan?”

Ivanova sighed. “Feels like a lifetime ago.” She nodded, then. “But, yes, it was wonderful.”

Sheridan’s face twisted. “Well, now I feel doubly crap.”

“Ah, don’t worry, John,” she flashed him a grin, “I’m sure I’ll be getting my own back at some point, dragging you away from something when some crisis happens.” She looked at Talia again, smiling, then back to her boss. “And…for what it’s worth, I was tying to tell you…about this…earlier, when Corwin decided to comm me.”

“I guessed as much.” He shrugged. “We can talk more about things tomorrow. But for now..” he raised his bottle, “..here’s to better things to come.”

They raised their glasses, but the part of Susan that made her such a good fighter pilot, the part that seemed to sense danger just before it arose, couldn’t help but lift its head and sniff the air, hackles rising.

Trouble was coming. She’d bet on it.

Ivanova finally managed to officially inform Sheridan about her relationship the next morning, and they completed the necessary paperwork. She was back in C & C directing traffic later that day when she received a comm from Officer Weiss in Customs, who stated that there was a VIP from Earth Force just arrived and they were asking for someone from Command.

Puzzled as to why she knew nothing about said arrival, she handed over to Lieutenant Greelish and walked the short distance between the Dome and the arrivals area.

She stopped dead in her tracks when she recognised the woman standing with the young security officer, the sense of foreboding she’d had the previous evening suddenly making sense.

Jenna McCabe had been a fleet pilot when Ivanova started her training. Although older than her by only six years, she had seemed vastly experienced to the young, impressionable junior officer, who developed a crush on her almost instantly.

Ivanova was a quick study, and had flawless instincts when it came to flying. McCabe sometimes helped out with training runs to push the skills of the better fliers, and after one afternoon chasing each other around the far side of Mars, McCabe had taken her out for a drink, ostensibly to discuss the finer points of the training exercise, but instead wound up taking her back to her quarters, and into her bed.

Their affair was hot and brief; after just a month McCabe was shipped out and Susan had never seen her since, until now.

Although it was almost ten years since she’d seen her, she looked little different to the days back at Air Dome. Her short, black hair was as sharply cut as ever, and her coffee coloured eyes were flicking to and fro, taking in the landscape around her. When they fell upon Ivanova, they widened slightly in recognition, and a small smile transformed her features.

Ivanova set her own smile in place, and approached the other woman.

“I’m told we have a VIP asking for someone from Command, and yet we knew nothing of your visit.”

“Uh..” Weiss blinked, “Commander, this is ESI agent-“

“Jenna McCabe.” Ivanova raised an eyebrow. “We know one another already.”

“That we do.” McCabe countered lightly, but Ivanova felt the resonance of her tone. “Congratulations on making Commander, Susan. Never had any doubt you’d go far.”

Ivanova shook her head. “Right place, right time.” She lead the other woman out of the security area. “ESI? I’d heard you transferred across to Security, but….”

McCabe shrugged. “As you said…right place, right time.”

I they walked in silence for a beat, then Ivanova spoke again. “We really did have no idea you were coming. I’m assuming you’ll need to speak with the Captain?”

She nodded. “I do.”

“Then I’m sorry, but you’ll have to wait until later today. He’s currently in with the council of the league of non-aligned worlds, and I can personally attest to just how long those meetings can stretch on for.”

“Oh, it’s fine, there’s no immediate urgency.” She matched her long stride to Ivanova’s, and was looking around herself with interest. “Perhaps you could show me around this tin can, maybe take me to lunch? I’ve always wanted to visit the station, but never got the chance before.”

“I think I can manage that.”

The tour was easy - something Ivanova was used to doing for visiting VIPs and diplomats, but sitting down to lunch with an ex-lover was slightly unsettling. In the end McCabe laughed at her obvious discomfort.

“Relax, Susan, I’m not about to ruin your reputation here with tales of our time together outside the cockpit.”

Ivanova shook her head. “Sorry, it’s just…” she shrugged, “I’m not that used to seeing people from my past.”

“Really?” She sipped from the tall glass of water by her plate. “I heard Malcolm Biggs payed a visit last year?”

Despite their connection, Ivanova bristled at having her history obviously researched by the other woman.

“He was a mistake I came to regret.” She eventually responded, her voice clipped.

McCabe regarded her as she chewed a mouthful of pasta. After she’d swallowed it, she was about to speak, when Ivanova caught sight of Talia moving across the walkway beyond the cafe they were sitting in.

“Excuse me a moment,” she said, pushing to her feet and hurrying through the lunchtime traffic toward her.

Talia felt her mental caress before she reached her. She turned, the smile already on her face, and stepped toward her, reaching up to press a kiss to her cheek.

“What a lovely surprise!”

Ivanova took her hand. “I can’t stay, I’m entertaining a VIP until Sheridan is free later. Can we meet for dinner?”

The blonde nodded. “Sure. Comm me when you’re free.”

Susan nodded, smiled, and released her, moving back to the table in the cafe, where she took her seat again.

“Sorry about that.”

McCabe’s face was fixed again in a look of professional detachment.

“Who was that? She’s quite beautiful.”

She frowned. “She’s the station’s resident commercial telepath. Why?”

Her face hardened a little, something unsettling flitting across her features. “Are you close?”

Ivanova felt anger pushing against her diaphragm.

“I really don’t see-“

“Susan!” she reached across the table and grabbed her wrist. “This isn’t personal. Well..perhaps a little, but only because I wouldn’t like to see you hurt. Just answer me!”

The urgency in her voice, the sincerity in her eyes, made her tamp down her original response and, instead, nod her head once.

“We are. Why?”

McCabe looked at her for a long moment, then released her wrist and sat back, throwing her napkin onto her plate.

“Well…fuck.”

Ivanova, Garibaldi and Jenna McCabe sat in awkward silence in the Captain’s office, awaiting his return from the council meeting. When he finally arrived, looking already more than a littler stressed, Ivanova leapt to her feet.

“Captain, I’m sorry to just invade your office without warning, but this is ESI agent Jenna McCabe. She arrived a couple of hours ago.”

He frowned at the other woman. “We weren’t told anyone from ESI was coming, agent McCabe. Care to enlighten us as to why?”

She got to her feet and crossed to the desk, coming to stand before his holocomm unit.

“May I?” She said, producing a data crystal from her pocket and holding it up.

Sheridan nodded.

“You are no doubt aware,” she said, inserting the crystal into the reader and manipulating the keypad that appeared, “that my department is a subsidiary of EarthForce, and answer directly to the Presidential office.”

He nodded. “Of course.”

“Which mean most of those who work for ESI are totally loyal to Clark’s regime.”

“Yes…he is President, after all.”

“That he is.” She looked up. “For now.”

Garibaldi narrowed his eyes at her. “You said ‘most’. That mean there are some who aren’t?”

McCabe flashed him a grin. “I’d heard about you, Mr. Garibaldi. They weren’t exaggerating when they said you were one suspicious bastard.”

“Yeah well….that’s my job.” He peered at her closely. “What’s yours?”

She glanced at the control panel and brought up the image of a Psi Cop. Ivanova felt her skin tighten.

“This is Bertoldo Turi. He’s special attaché to Clark. We believe he’s part of a larger conspiracy to bring about martial law on Earth and her colonies, and to pull away from the current alien alliances we have.”

Ivanova could understand the conspiracy part - hell, they’d already been speculating along those lines. But a Psi Cop being in the middle of it didn’t make sense.

“What the hell do the Corps get out of that?”

McCabe looked at her. “Excellent question. We believe they’re building a power base. In fact, we know they are.” She pressed something on the virtual keypad, and the holo sprang to life.

‘..we will have agents in every office of Earth Alliance, including EarthForce, by the time Clark is in power,’ the PsiCop said, obviously speaking to someone via the comm which had been recorded. ‘Most are already in place.’ There was a pause when the other person must have spoken, then he shook his head. ‘No, there is no way. These people don’t even know who they are. We have programmed sleeper personalities to gather information and, when the time is right, we will trigger them. They have been trained to use deadly force to eliminate all obstacles, and will be one hundred percent loyal.’

Sheridan’s eyes were round. “Jesus….who knows about this?”

“Only a very few people.” She switched the holo off and pocketed the crystal again. “Clark’s office sent me here to check on the current situation with the alien populations. That’s my official task.” She raised a dark eyebrow. “I also report to another group within EF, one which….is non-too keen to see Clark and his associates get their way.”

“You mean, you're a spy?”

She shrugged. “Bit of an old fashioned term, but…it’ll do. The point is, Babylon 5 will be a pivotal location in the coming political coup; we know that a sleeper agent has been here for some time.”

Ivanova was blinking as she processed what she’d just heard. Then she looked at McCabe, already knowing the answer to the question she was about to ask.

“You asked me about Talia earlier…you think it’s her, don’t you?”

The other woman’s eyes were sympathetic, but she nodded. “I’m afraid we know it’s her, Susan. We intercepted part of a list of names and postings, and…hers was on it.”

She felt sick, could feel the blood draining from her face, a buzzing sound in her ears.

Garibaldi shook his head. “No way. If you knew Talia Winters….she’s no spy!”

Jenna was looking at Ivanova still, but addressed his comment.

“She will have no idea, Chief. According to the records we managed to gather, she was programmed at the Syria Planum facility just prior to being posted here. She’s probably been reporting back to them since then.”

“Oh, God…” She swallowed back the bile that threatened to come up, and covered her mouth with a hand. Then her head snapped up toward the agent. “How do we get it out of her?”

McCabe shook her head slowly. “I’m so sorry, Susan, but we can’t. If she’s threatened with exposure in anyway, the secondary personality will be triggered, and Talia - the woman that you know - will simply cease to exist.”

She couldn’t stop her stomach from convulsing this time, and so leapt from her chair and all but ran to Sheridan’s bathroom, slamming the door and retching into the toilet. Once her stomach was empty, her brain seemed to kick back into gear. After rinsing out her mouth and splashing her face with water, she pulled open the door and marched back into the room, to find McCabe had departed.

Sheridan looked at her with concern. “Are you alright, Susan?”

She shook her head.

Garibaldi was looking at her closely. “You know McCabe, don’t you?”

“I…I do, yes. She was a fleet pilot when I was training at Flight Dome. We were …quite close for a while.”

“And do you trust her?”

Ivanova took a breath, then nodded. “I do.” She chewed her lip for a moment, gathering her thoughts, then spoke.

“Alright, I’m going to tell you two things now, things that only Talia and I currently know. I’m relying on you to use your judgment on who needs to know this going forward, because it could end her life, and potentially mine too. At the very least, I can kiss my career goodbye.” She took another long breath. “Talia has been inside my head many times since we...since we got together.” She looked up into the shocked faces of both men, neither of whom would have ever thought Ivanova would allow a telepath into her mind.

“Susan…” Garibaldi looked horrified, “…she could have scanned you!“

“No, she absolutely could not have scanned me, Garibaldi, because I would have known, and blocked her.”

He shook his head. “Everyone thinks they would know, Susan, but only another telepath could sense or block a scan.”

She stared at him, watched his face go through a whole gamut of emotional responses as he realised what she meant.

“I’ve been inside her mind, too.” She said, quietly.

Sheridan was gaping at her. “Who else knows this, Susan?”

She swallowed. “Only my family, Talia, and now you two. I’ve been latent all my life; can’t use it worth a damn, but I know when I’m being scanned, and I can block someone if I want to.”

“Fucking hell fire.” Garibaldi ran a trembling hand over his already disarrayed hair. “So that’s why you’ve avoided telepaths…they might have sensed your abilities.”

She nodded. “Yes.”

Sheridan was pacing his office. “You said two things. What’s the second?”

Ivanova bit her lip. “It’s about Talia’s abilities. John, before you came to the station, a man called Jason Ironheart came here, trying to outrun the Corps. He was an ex-lover of Talia’s, and the Corps had experimented on him to try to significantly enhance his abilities. He was already a P10, but what they did to him changed him in impossible ways. His abilities were…something different. In the end he wasn’t human anymore.” She swallowed, remembering how she had felt him in her mind, the enormity of his power. “Before he was gone, he went into Talia’s mind and…changed her, gave her abilities she didn’t have before.” She knotted her hands together. “She’s way beyond a P5 and is still discovering the full extent of what she’s capable of. I believe she could trap this thing inside her mind if she knew it was there; we just need a way to get it out once she does.”

Garibaldi was shaking his head. “It’s too risky…it could trigger that thing and McCabe said-“

But Ivanova held up her hand. “Michael, you’re going to have to take my word on this. I’m telling you, Talia has the ability to do this. Besides…” her eyes shone in the light of the room, “…what option do we have? It’s going to be triggered at some point, anyway, and when it is, she’ll just…”

Sheridan thought at that point that his XO was about to cry, right there in his office. But she set her features into a determined mask, and blinked back the tears.

“This could be a huge boost to our cause,” he said after a minute. “Imagine having Talia on side, without the Corps having any knowledge of her having removed the implanted personality. It would keep them at arm’s length, believing that they had her here, watching and reporting back. We could even feed them disinformation…yes, this could work.”

“Then you’ll help me?” Ivanova asked, raising an eyebrow.

He nodded. “What do we need to do?”

She shook her head. “I don’t know yet…but I intend to find out.”

That night, after dinner, Susan took Talia home to her quarters and made love to her until she was exhausted, the guilt she felt about hiding what she knew from Talia driving an almost insatiable need to make her feel loved. She fell asleep wrapped in her arms, and Ivanova lay awake into the early hours of the morning, channelling the terror of what might happen into thoughts of what she could do.

She remembered a discussion with Lennier about telepaths on Minbar being revered, and so decided that she would start with a conversation with the Minbari Ambassador.

Talia was not fooled by Susan’s display of affection, and sensed that she was troubled by something. But she trusted her to come clean about it when she was ready, and, when she awoke the next morning to a steaming cup of coffee by the bed, and an already dressed Susan perched by her side, she was proven correct.

“Talia,” Ivanova reached out to stroke her hair back behind her ear. “I know you probably realise that there’s something on my mind.”

The blonde woman smiled, leaning back against the headboard. “You were very…driven last night. I think if I hadn’t practically passed out after the fourth time, we’d still be going now.” Her face became more serious, and she covered Ivanova’s hand, now resting at her neck, with her own. “What is it, Susan? What’s bothering you? Was it that woman you were having lunch with?”

She drew a long breath. “Partly, yes. She came here with news…a warning. I’m looking into something today, so I won’t be in C & C if you need me. But I have to ask for your patience because I cannot tell you yet what it is.’ Her eyes searched Talia’s, as if seeking absolution. “Can you give me some time?”

Talia, used to occasional military subterfuge from Ivanova, leaned forward and placed a kiss to her lips. “Take all the time you need.” She leaned back again, and stretched languidly, the sheet dropping away from her bare breasts as she did so. “I’ll just stay here for a while.”

Ivanova’s libido woke up in an instant.

“Talia…” she growled, “…that’s not fair.”

“Susan,” she purred, leaning in again without bothering to cover herself, “it’s not even half past six yet. Who on Earth is up at this time for you to meet with?” She reached out and stroked the collar of her jacket, sighing dramatically. “I really do love a woman in uniform…”

Ivanova gave up, and quickly unhooked the jacket’s fastenings, pulling it from her arms and tossing it onto the floor.

“How about a woman out of uniform?” She asked, before grabbing Talia by the waist and pulling her down to lie onto her back, then climbing across her hips to gaze down into her sleep-softened face.

“Even better,” she whispered, before sinking her hands into her hair and tugging her down into a kiss.

Delenn sipped her lilac-coloured tea, her face a mask of deep thought. When she placed the delicate cup back onto the low table and straightened, her expressive green eyes moved to Ivanova once more.

“Susan, I thank you for revealing this to me, and for your trust. It is deeply troubling to hear that your Earth powers are so…fractured that they would do this.”

She sighed, blowing out her cheeks in exasperation. “It’s terrifying, in all honesty. But I guess most races have experienced internal strife and coups in their history. I just never thought we’d be back here in my lifetime.” She leaned forward, resting her forearms against her thighs. “This is…a complex situation we find ourselves in. If we can isolate this personality artefact in Talia’s mind and somehow find a way to destroy it, I know she would be invaluable to us going forward.” She met her green gaze with steadfast blue. “I think we all know what’s coming, Ambassador. We’re going to need every advantage we can muster if we’re going to make a difference. And if we do nothing, than Talia will eventually be…”. She shook her head, unable to speak the words.

Something in Susan’s face must have revealed more than she thought, as the Minbari woman’s head tilted slightly, a quizzical look flitting across her features.

“There is more, I suspect, in your motivation to help save Ms. Winters than just…doing the right thing, and gaining an advantage for our cause. She is special to you, yes?”

Ivanova felt herself blushing, and momentarily lowered her face. When she raised her head again she could only nod.

“She is, yes.”

That seemed to sway it for the Ambassador. She got to her feet, smoothing down her skirts with graceful hands.

“I will contact the Guild of Telepaths in Tuzenor, to seek their guidance. I will inform you as soon as I have an answer, hopefully later today.”

Ivanova stood up. “Ambassador, I -“

“Delenn,” she held out both hands to Susan, who took them, “I consider us friends, Susan. You have helped me in so many ways, particularly since my transformation. It is my honour to be able to repay even a small part of that kindness.”

Feeling a little overwhelmed, Susan smiled softly, then gently squeezed her hands.

“Thank you,” she said.

It felt terrible, hiding all of this from Talia, but she consoled herself with the thought of what could happen if she revealed things too soon. After speaking with Delenn she sequestered herself in her office, intending to do a deep dive into published research on psychic programming. She had just pulled a file together when Sheridan came into the room.

“Any luck yet?”

She sighed, sitting back and running a hand over her pulled-back hair.

“I spoke with Delenn earlier; she’s going to contact the Minbari Guild of Telepaths to ask for advice.” She nodded toward her screen. “I’m just about to start reading through research papers on the subject - or at least as close to it as I can find.”

Sheridan crossed the office and sat down in front of her.

“How are you doing with all this, Susan?”

“John…” she shook her head, “…I’m trying not to think too deeply about it right now - not until I understand it better. You know me, I need to be doing something or I’ll drive myself and anyone around me insane.” She managed a rueful smile. “Nobody needs that.”

He nodded, then raised an eyebrow. “How’s Talia? She must have realised you’re keeping something from her?”

Ivanova nodded. “I told her I had to keep quiet about something - I think she believes it’s station business, and she’s used to that. But I won’t be able to obfuscate for ever.” She looked down at her hands, splayed against the edge of the desk. “Because it’s tied to her, and my emotions are involved, sooner or later she’s going to pick up on it when we…when our minds are connected.”

He was about to ask more on that subject, but something in her eyes, the faint blush that was painting her cheeks, made him close his mouth again and hold the thought.

“Well,” he said instead, “we’ll do everything we can to find a way out of this for her, Susan. I can only hope you’re correct about her ability to fight it.”

“Yeah,”. She sighed, “me too.”

Before Jenna McCabe left Babylon 5, she sought out Susan one last time. When she entered her office, Ivanova initially didn’t even register her presence, so engrossed was she in reading a paper about psychic surgery.

“Must be interesting.” She said from the doorway, causing Susan to jump.

“Sorry…” she blinked, then shrugged “…anything which might potentially save Talia’s life is of utmost interest right now.”

McCabe gestured to the empty chair facing Susan’s, and she nodded assent. When she was seated she crossed her legs, clasping her hands around her knee.

“Anything useful?”

“Not sure yet. Perhaps.” She sat back. “I take it you are shipping out?”

The other woman nodded. “I’m on my way to Titan. Just thought I’d see how you are doing, and say goodbye.”

Ivanova sighed. “Jenna…I’m glad you were able to tell us about this, I really am. But I just wish there was more information - like who did the programming, or how it was done.” She grimaced. “From what I’ve been reading, there are any number of techniques the Corps have used in the past - some are completely reversible, some can be overwritten, others removed. But without knowing what they did…” she shook her head, “we could cause more damage if anything is attempted without that knowledge.”

McCabe grimaced. “I’m sorry, Susan, I really am. I wish I did have more information, but I’ve told you everything we have.” She chewed her lip for a moment. “I do have a contact in the Corps, I’ll reach out to see whether they can find anything”

“Please.”

She nodded, then smiled warmly. “Despite the circumstances, it really has been nice seeing you again.” She tiled her head. “Do you still get to fly?”

“Occasionally.” Susan nodded. “Though not as often as I’d like. How about you?”

“It’s rare - though mostly just flying my own shuttle.” She raised an eyebrow. “Must be great having a few squadrons of ‘Furies at your command?”

She laughed at that. “One thing I’ve learned, from this side of the desk, is that fleet fighter pilots are all crazy. Surely we weren’t like that?”

“Worse, probably.”

“Huh.” She contemplated that for a moment, then stood, McCabe following her lead. They walked toward the office door, where Susan turned to her and put a hand on her arm. “ It’s good to know we’re not fighting this alone. Good luck, Jenna, in whatever it is you’re in the middle of. ”

She covered Susan’s hand with her own, gave it a light squeeze. “You too, Susan. I get the feeling we’re all going to need it.” Then she leaned in and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “It really has been wonderful to see you again.”

Delenn was able to offer some hope later that day in the form of a technique suggested by the guild of Telepaths on Minbar.

The downside was that it could, potentially, destroy Talia’s psi abilities completely.

Ivanova had to let that fully sink in before she realised just how that might impact on her lover. Talia had come into her powers at the age of five, and couldn’t remember a time when she wasn’t telepathic. It was such a fundamental part of who she was that Ivanova knew already what her answer would be to that suggestion.

But it was at least an option, and if it saved her life, then it was one that deserved consideration.

What was potentially of more use was the information which came through from McCabe a little over twenty four hours later.

Chapter Text

Sheridan gritted his teeth as he endured the long, impassioned speech from the Llort Captain who had a grievance to air about his cargo being subjected to taxes. There was a sewage issue on Red seven, another scuffle between Narn and Centauri residents in the Plaza, and Ivanova was juggling issues in the Dome with the council meeting to be held later that afternoon.

And just to make sure none of them got off shift on time, Garibaldi had informed him they now had a suspected serial killer on the loose in Brown sector.

He’d just seen off the visiting Captain when his office door slid open, and his XO walked in.

“McCabe has sent some intel, “ she said, a little breathless from her obvious hurry to get there, “her source has identified the methods used to programme Talia.” She took a deep breath, obviously trying to calm herself. “John, this could be the breakthrough we need.”

He felt a spark of hope. “That’s incredible, Susan. What’s the next step?”

She ran a hand across her hair and huffed out a breath. “I’ll need to talk to Stephen, use his underground contacts to find someone who knows this methodology. Then we need to find someone who can reverse it.”

He looked at her for a long moment. “You realise that might be someone who is still working for the Corps?”

She nodded. “Yes.” A breath, and he knew then what she was going to say next. “John, I need to know you’ll let me do what needs to be done. To follow this through.”

His eyes were steady on her. “I won’t risk you, Susan.”

“Damnit, John, we’re all taking risks here.” Her gaze softened a little. “I’ll be careful.”

His mouth was a grim line. “Somehow that doesn’t make me feel any better.”

“The way I see it, we have everything to gain. We save Talia, and she is then able to act as a double agent.” She shrugged. “Win, win.”

“Hmm.” Sheridan didn’t look convinced. “It’s the first of those challenges which worries me.”

“There’s something else which has been playing on my mind. McCabe mentioned that this other personality could have been reporting back to the Corps since Talia came aboard. It would have to be in some kind of unconscious state - perhaps when Talia is asleep.” She sighed. “I hate to do it, but I’m going to ask Michael to hack her Babcom unit to look at her usage over the past twelve months. That should let us know.”

He nodded. “Alright. That’s a good idea.”

Two days later Michael had worrying news which he brought to Sheridan’s office.

“You were right, Susan. There’s an encrypted message being sent roughly once a month from Talia’s unit. It’s being made anywhere between two and five a.m.”

Sheridan looked horrified. “Can you decode the messages?”

He shook his head. “They’re no longer there. Someone with a lot of computer know-how has been able to remove every trace of them. I only know about them because I found the dial-out signatures.

“When was the last one sent?” Ivanova asked.

He tapped his data pad. “Just over three weeks ago.”

She crossed her arms about her waist, and walked to the viewport to look out at the starfield beyond. Blinking lights showed the heavy traffic coming and going outside, and in the distance Epsilon III was just coming into view as the station rotated.

“Stephen has made contact with a rogue who went through the same sleeper programme. He’s on his way from Mars. He believes he can help.”

Sheridan watched her, could read her unease in the rigidity of her posture.

“How’s she doing, Susan?”

A slight shake of her head, but she didn’t turn around. “I know she’s starting to worry about what it is I’m keeping from her. She can sense that it’s personal.”

“And how are you doing?”

She did turn this time, and the dark circles beneath her eyes were answer enough to that question.

“I’ll be fine.”

“Look,” Garibaldi leaned forward to place his data pad on Sheridan’s desk. “I have planted a tracer programme in Talia’s Babcom system. It’ll record anything that she sends.”

She nodded. “Good.”

Talia hadn’t seen Susan in almost a week. They had both been busy, but she also felt that the other woman was avoiding seeing her, and she was almost certain it had something to do with whatever it was that Ivanova was having to keep secret from her.

She was beginning to think that, whatever it was, it involved either the Corps, or even herself.

She picked over a late dinner, and retired to bed with a book, nodding off just after eleven. When she woke up a few hours later, sitting on her sofa, with no memory whatsoever of having got out of bed, she felt a surge of confusion. Had she been sleepwalking? Talia could not remember ever having done so before. Then a small flower of panic blossomed; could this be something to do with what Susan was obviously avoiding discussing with her? Had she been behaving irrationally without even knowing it?

Was there something wrong with her?

Talia was a creature of logic; she quashed the middle-of-the-night fears and took a deep breath, telling herself not to be so melodramatic. Rationally, she knew she should just ask Susan outright; irrationally, she just wanted to throw some clothes over her nightgown and take herself to Susan to reassure herself that she wasn’t going crazy.

She sighed, decided she would solve nothing by sitting there in a panic, and got to her feet to take herself back to bed. As she moved toward her bedroom she glanced across at the small desk in front of her Babcom unit, and frowned when she noticed the empty wine glass there.

She had no recollection of drinking wine since the last time she ate dinner with Susan in her quarters.

Ivanova was dozing fitfully when the door chimes sounded. With a resigned sigh she hauled herself from her warm bed, tugged on her robe, and moved into her living area.

“Come,” she said softly.

The door whooshed open, and Talia surged toward her, flinging herself against her and wrapping her arms tightly around her. Susan frowned, instinctively lifting her own arms to encircle the telepath, her palms stroking against her back.

“Hey…” she crooned after a moment, “not that I’m not happy to see you, but what’s wrong?”

She felt Talia sigh into her neck, her arms squeezing a little tighter.

“Something is wrong with me, isn’t it?”

Ah.

She drew back a little from Talia, forcing the other woman to lift her head and look at her.

“What’s happened to make you think that?” She asked carefully.

Talia knew then that she was correct. She could hear it in Susan’s voice, could see it in her eyes. She decided that she needed to be direct and stick to the facts.

“Susan…you’ve been avoiding me, you already told me there was something going on. which you couldn’t share with me. And then tonight…” she took a deep breath, “…tonight I fell asleep in bed and woke up two hours later sitting on my sofa. There was an empty wine glass by the Babcom unit, which I know I hadn’t put there…”

Susan blinked at her, then Talia felt her fingers press a little harder against her back, as if the darker woman was reassuring herself that she was still there, before she released her and stepped away. She took her by the hand and lead her to sit beside her on the sofa.

“There’s no easy way to say this,” she said quietly, “but we recently received intel that there is a spy on the station. A sleeper agent programmed by Psi Corps who is here to collect information on what we’re doing here, and who reports back to the Corps on a regular basis.”

Talia went white. She’d heard of telepaths acting as informers, and had also heard rumours about there having been an experimental initiative to implant alternate personalities in some agents, which could act without their knowledge and thus made them the perfect spies.

The image of that glass on her desk filled her mind.

‘Susan…” she swallowed, “it’s me, isn’t it?”

Ivanova’s face hardened, and she lunged forward to crush Talia in a fierce embrace. “No,” she whispered forcefully against her hair, “it’s not you, Talia. It’s whatever they programmed into your mind.”

For a few moments Talia allowed herself the warmth of their connection, the comfort of Susan’s arms around her, her smell soothing her. But thoughts of what she could potentially do forced her to pull back, leaning away from her until Susan had no choice than to release her.

“Before you tell me anything else,” she said, forcing her voice to remain level and calm, “I think it best that you ask Michael to take me into custody.”

“What?” Ivanova frowned, shaking her head, “no, Talia, there’s no need-“

“Susan,” she reached out to put a hand on her arm, “I suspect I have used my Babcom unit tonight to contact god-knows who, and I have absolutely no recollection of it. I cannot be trusted at this point.” Her eyes softened, and Ivanova saw the real fear and pain reflected in their depths. “Please, Susan.”

She felt tears prickle in her own eyes, but she got up from the sofa and walked back into her bedroom. After a brief conversation with the Security Chief, she silently came back into the living room and sat beside the blonde woman, taking her into her arms once more.

“I love you,” she said, and now Talia could hear the anger layered just beneath her words, “I am working on a solution to this, Talia, I promise you.”

She clung to her, hot tears spilling from her own eyes, Ivanova’s cheek already wet against her neck. “Please….don’t tell me anything until Mr. Garibaldi has me somewhere safe.”

When the Chief arrived just a few minutes later, he was surprised to find Talia dressed only in her night gown with a coat thrown over it.

“Doesn’t matter,” she said, eyes wide with fear, “Susan can bring me something to wear. Please, Michael, just….put me somewhere I can’t access a communication device, or hurt anyone.”

His eyes flicked to Susan, who had clearly been crying. “Talia…what makes you think you’d hurt anyone?”

She shook her head. “Full disclosure? I’m telekinetic. If that…that other personality can also access the abilities I now have, it could use them to hurt anyone it saw as a threat.”

Ivanova, still in her own dressing gown, reached out to take hold of her hand. “I’ll bring your clothes and some things from your quarters.” She looked at Michael. “Not sure how you’re gonna explain why you’re holding her to your team, but we’ll need a valid reason that’s not the truth.”

He nodded. “Already have one. I’m placing Ms. Winters in protective custody after she was attacked by the killer we’re chasing down in Brown sector.” His face softened again as he looked at Talia. “I’m sorry. And I promise, we’ll take care of you. I’m not putting you in a cell. We have a small suite which we use for holding people overnight. It ain’t the Ritz, but it has a bed and a bathroom and somewhere to sit.”

Ivanova watched Michael lead Talia toward the transport tube before heading out to her quarters. She collected clothes and toiletries, her favourite tea, and a book that was lying by her bed. She packed everything into an overnight bag, and took it to the security hub. Two officers were outside the door which lead into the secure corridor, but they’d obviously been briefed by the Chief, and stepped aside as she approached. She nodded to them and pressed her palm to the door mechanism, stepping into the dark corridor beyond as the steel plate slid aside. Lights blinked on as she walked forward toward the one lit window; inside she could see Talia, sitting at a small round table, her head in her hands. Michael was sitting opposite her, his mouth moving as he spoke.

She repeated the process of pressing her palm to the door reader, then input her security clearance. As the door opened Talia’s head lifted, and she swiped an errant tear form her lashes.

“Michael said he managed to record whatever it was that I’d sent, but that it’s encrypted.” She gave a small laugh that contained no humour. “I wouldn’t have the first idea how to encrypt a channel. What the hell have they done to me?”

Ivanova placed the bag carefully on the narrow bed, and crossed the small space between that and the table to crouch before Talia. She took her hands in hers, and looked into her face.

“We will sort this out, I promise you.”

Talia held her gaze for a long moment, then dropped her hands and launched herself from the chair, moving to stand in front of the darkened window.

“Those bastards,” she spat, wrapping her arms around herself, “when I am free of this, once it’s been removed from me, I swear I will not rest until that institution admits to what it’s done to us. All of us.” She spun around to look at her again. “Look at you, Susan. You lost your Mother to them when you we a child, and have lived your entire life in fear of being discovered, fear of the same thing happening to you.”

Ivanova was on her feet. She glanced at Garibaldi, who shrugged. “We talked. Talia knows you told Sheridan and I.”

She nodded, then looked back to her lover. “Talia, there’s someone on their way to the Station who might be able to help. Someone who had the same thing done to him, but had it removed. I’ve also asked for Delenn’s help.” She stepped closer to the blonde. “She’s consulted with the League of Telepaths on Minbar, and they also believe they have a way of removing the implanted personality, but there’s a catch.” She shook her head. “There’s a slim chance that it could also affect your psionic abilities - could wipe them out.”

Talia’s gaze was heartbreaking. Susan read every thought that flitted across her expressive features.

“It’s a last resort,” she said softly, “I really believe this rogue Stephen has contacted can reverse what they did to you.”

She held Ivanova’s gaze for a moment, then looked down and nodded. “Alright. When does he get here?”

Susan felt the first tiny glimmer of hope in a long time. “In the morning.”

Ivanova and Michael were waiting by the Customs station when the small transport disembarked its passengers. Susan felt the psychic presence of the middle aged man who approached the line long before Michael got a nod from his officer at the checkpoint, and it shocked her to realise that she was now far more aware of the telepathic ‘handshake’ that Talia had explained to her was used by all those trained by the Corps. She bolstered her own psychic blocks, and was about to speak when she heard Michael draw in a quick breath.

“I know her.”

She frowned, glanced at him then back to the line. “Who?”

“See the redhead a few people behind our guy? That’s Lyta Alexander; she was the first commercial telepath on station here.”

Susan felt her stomach sink. “Shit. Think he’s been followed?”

“Guess we’ll see.” He unconsciously touched the PPG holster on his belt, then nodded at the man who was now looking in their direction. As he made his way toward them, Ivanova stepped away from the chief, plastering a smile across her face as though she was sharing a pleasantry with him.

“I’m gonna step aside and keep an eye on that woman. I’ll catch you up back at security.”

He nodded, smiling also, and she swung away and headed toward the exits. But just before she reached them she ducked into the shadow of a stack of shipping crates awaiting collection, and waited.

It wasn’t long before Michael strolled past with the other man. She kept her blocks high and watched until the woman’s bright hair moved away from the line of people and she was walking toward the wide doors that lead into the station. Susan followed her progress until she was through and in the crowds beyond, before leaving the shadows and following.

It was almost lunch time, and foot traffic was high. Susan managed to tail the slender form all the way to the Zocalo, but as she ducked down a narrow walkway between some stalls and a row of shops, she momentarily lost sight of her. Quickening her pace she started down the walkway, when suddenly the woman stepped out from a shop doorway and stood in her path.

“Why are you following me?”

Ivanova was momentarily taken aback by the intensity of the woman’s dark eyes, but she overcame it quickly.

“I’m wondering what you're doing here, Ms. Alexander?”

Those eyes scrutinised her for a long moment, then she seemed to make a decision.

“Buy me a drink and I’ll explain, Commander.”

They sat in a small street cafe, and Ivanova ordered them both a coffee. Lyta watched her carefully, could see the tight rein she had on herself despite the obvious fatigue that was written across her features.

“I came here with someone else. I was accompanying them from Mars.”

“Were you?” Ivanova sat back. “Or were you sent to follow them?” She gestured toward the woman’s clothing. “No gloves or badge, so you don’t want people to know what you are. Is that the way the Corps does business these days?”

The redhead surprised her then by laughing out loud. She waited whilst the waiter deposited their drinks, then leaned forward a little.

“Commander, I haven’t worked for the Corps in a very long time. I’m with the Resistance, and I know you know that Philip Longman is, too - it was, after all, you who asked for his help.”

Ivanova lifted her cup and sipped. The coffee on the station had improved in the last twelve months, but still had a way to go. She swallowed it anyway.

“Ms. Alexander, I don’t know what you are referring to.”

“No, of course you don’t. “ She sipped her own drink, grimacing slightly at the bitter taste. “Just as I don’t know that your current commercial telepath, the woman you’ve been sharing a bed with for the last two months, has been sending messages to someone in the Corps on a regular basis about what’s going on here on Babylon 5.”

Susan’s cup hit the table with a clang.

“Now just a goddam minute -” she growled, but Alexander held up a hand.

“Commander, relax.” She sighed. “I really am with the resistance. And I know Talia is not aware of what she’s been doing. The sleeper programme -“

“She is.” Ivanova’s shoulders dropped ever so slightly. “She is aware. She woke up last night not in her bed, and figured out something is wrong.” She felt the band of tension across her temples loosen at the admission. “I had to tell her, in the end. She’d half figured it out, anyway.”

Lyta’s gaze was contemplative. She seemed to be thinking for a minute, then tilted her head.

“And…she wasn’t triggered?”

“No. Why?”

She drank more coffee. “Talia Winters is a P5.” She raised an eyebrow. “Or was. The Corps scientists who designed the programme deliberately chose mid-range teeps as sleeper agents, as their abilities were not deemed strong enough to resist the programming once it was activated.” She placed her cup back on the table and folded her hands together. “The implanted personality will defend itself. Once the host is made aware of it’s existence, it is programmed to destroy the original personality and take over. If Talia is aware, then the Control has either already taken over without you realising, or she’s somehow managed to keep it from activating.”

Susan felt a faint brush against her mind from the other woman, and kept her face impassive. But Lyta frowned.

“You have telepathic blocks.”

She made herself shrug. ‘My mother was a telepath. She told me it was probably just instinctive.”

Those dark eyes scrutinised her face for a moment longer. Lyta could tell they we much, much more than just a crude remnant of something a child had built to keep her Mother from her thoughts, but she knew pressing the matter with the other woman was not going to be helpful. She let it go and picked up her cup again. “Anyway, to answer your original question, I am here to support Philip, and to ensure that he comes to no harm. I also know Talia Winters from our time at the Corps training centre. We were friends, once. I thought I might be able to help with what Philip is going to try to do.” She sipped more of the bitter brew, wincing. “And for God’s sake, can’t someone sort out the coffee crisis on this station? It’s better than it was, but it still tastes like shit.”

Susan didn’t respond, but something inside her decided that she might just be able to grow to like Lyta Alexander.

Whether she could learn to trust her was another matter entirely.

Philip Longman stood facing Talia, his fingers placed either side of her temples. Ivanova waited beside Lyta Alexander outside the room and watched through the window, resisting the desire to reach out mentally to Talia.

“Relax,” Lyta murmured, obviously sensing her disquiet, “she’s absolutely fine. Philip is looking for the area they’ve inserted the programme.”

Susan shifted her weight from one foot to the other, her arms crossed rigidly over her chest.

“How long will this take him?”

Lyta shrugged. “Depends on the shielding. He’s having to work very, very lightly as it could trigger the alt.”

Susan swallowed. “Would that really erase her?”

The redhead sighed. “This isn’t an exact science, Commander. Even the bastards who put this together couldn’t answer with one hundred percent confidence.” Her lips thinned. “But I’ve seen it happen. So it’s possible, yes.”

She tamped down the nausea that washed over her again, but her face must have paled. Lyta felt genuine sympathy for the tall woman; she obviously had deep feelings for the blonde telepath, but they were buried behind a hard shell of anger and suspicion right now. She suspected it was only her exhaustion which was allowing tiny cracks to form in the facade, showing the feelings inside in small glimpses to the outside world.

“How does it work? The removal, I mean.”

Lyta shook her head. “Every case is different. But Philip has become quite skilled at finding the conditioning pathways within the mind, and fracturing them. Then it’s all about showing the subject how to break the mental connections. These control programmes are like parasites - they weave themselves into the existing mental architecture. That’s how they are able to take over - the pathways are already established.” She frowned. “Talia must have remarkable shielding abilities for a P5 if none of this has triggered the programme.”

“She’s…unique.”

Lyta turned to her. “I have to ask….was she aware of your abilities, Commander?”

Ivanova was ready to bluster, but the sympathetic look on Alexander’s face gave her pause. In the end she just gave a small nod.

“Yes. She’s aware.”

“Well then, there’s definitely more at play here than a typical P5 telepath’s abilities.” She raised an eyebrow. “I know what was in the reports she was sending back to the Corps, and whilst the Control mentioned your relationship, there was no reference to you being telepathic.”

Ivanova made a face. “I’m not telepathic.”

‘Oh,” Lyta shook her head, “you most definitely are, Commander.” She peered at her again. “Are you sure she knew? When you and she make love, do you…?”

“Jesus…” Susan muttered, shaking her head, “…I feel like I should be wearing a t-shirt with a slogan or something.” She huffed a sigh. “Yes, we share our minds when we…” she waved her hands, “…you know..”

“Do you hear her voice in your mind?”

She nodded.

“And…can she hear yours?”

She paused, but there was little point in holding any of this back now.

“Yes.”

Lyta looked about to say more, but Philip was lowering his hands, and both telepaths were drawing away from one another, eyes open and blinking. Ivanova was first through the door, and Talia’s eyes were on her as soon as she appeared. When she saw the redhead, she looked confused, but smiled.

“Lyta?! What are you doing here?”

The two women embraced like old friends.

“I’m here to help Philip,” she supplied with a smile, “I work with the Resistance.”

The slightly balding man looked at Talia. “You have remarkable - and quite rare - abilities, Ms. Winters. I was told you were a P5.”

She knotted her hands together and looked at Susan, who gave a small nod.

“I was. But I have been…changed in the last twelve months.”

“Well whatever happened, I believe it may have saved your life.” His face sobered. “he programme inside you is extremely robust, and very deeply implanted. But somehow, you have managed to erect barriers around it. It only has access to what it itself witnesses - not your memories.” He shook his head. “That’s not how these things usually work, I can assure you. It appears that, on some deep, subconscious level, your mind was aware of the presence of the alt, and protected itself from it.”

Ivanova saw a flicker of hope dance across Talia’s face.

“Can you help her get rid of it?”

He nodded. “I believe Ms. Winters has effectively done a lot of the work without realising it. I just need to help her to break the connections between it and her mind.”

Ivanova felt some of the tension bleed out of her shoulders.

“Does she need to be locked up like this?” She looked at Talia. “Lyta has seen the reports it was sending - it can’t access your memories, Talia.”

She shivered, despite the room temperature being a steady twenty degrees. “No, Susan. I’m staying here until it’s gone. If that thing can control my body when I’m asleep, I’m not risking you - or anyone else for that matter - until I know it’s been annihilated.” She felt horrified at the thought of all those nights she had slept beside Susan, all those opportunities for the Control personality to have awakened and harmed her. She turned her eyes to Philip Longman. “Can we start now?”

He gave a nod. “It will take time - a number of sessions. We’ll have to rest in between for a few hours each time.”

Ivanova felt the impatience radiating from Talia.

“How long in total?”

He blinked. “I don’t -“

“Best guess.”

A shrug. “A few days at least - perhaps weeks. It’s deep and very well embedded after all this time.

Susan nodded. “Alright.” She heard the door open as Michael Garibaldi entered. She saw Lyta turn to him.

“Hello, Mr. Garibaldi. Long time, no see.”

He nodded to her. “Ms. Alexander. How are you these days?”

A small smile tugged at her lips. “Oh, you know…rebellious.”

Ivanova saw the flicker of a smile at the Chief’s own mouth. “Well…that’s good to hear.” He looked at Talia. “How you doing?”

She blew out a long breath. “Ready to start separating this thing from my mind.”

“Well, don’t let me stop you. I just came in here to grab the Commander.” He glanced at Susan and tilted his head toward the door. “Can I steal you away for a minute?”

She followed him out of the door, and once it was closed he turned his back to the window into the room.

“Corwin has just informed Sheridan that there’s a Psi Corps shuttle requesting clearance to dock. They’re not for giving a reason for their visit, but are demanding to speak with Talia.”

She felt fear flood her body like ice water, but shook it off after logic came back to her.

“They can’t be here because of whatever she sent last night,” she reasoned, “it’s too soon.” She chewed her lip. “Did you manage to figure out what her message was?”

“Not yet,” he ran a hand through his hair, “I have it running through all six of my decryption programmes, so hopefully soon.”

“Hmm.” she glanced back through the window. Talia was saying something to Lyta, and Longman was sitting quietly on the bed, his hands on his knees and his eyes closed. She assumed he was meditating before starting work to rid Talia of the alt.

Making a decision, she tapped her wrist comm.

‘Ivanova to Sheridan.”

A brief pause, the the Captain’s voice came back.

“I take it you’ve just heard?”

“Yes. I’m going to head up to C & C and see whether I can stall them.” She glanced at Michael. “The Chief can meet them at the docking area and take them to the commercial sector via the rest of the station. Hopefully they won’t have been here before and -“

“Susan, it’s a Psi Cop unit.”

The ice water was back. She huffed in frustration. A mystery tour was not going to work on them - they would know they were being diverted to waste time.

“Damnit, John, when will we ever get a break?!”

“Next life, perhaps?”

Garibaldi cocked his head to one side. “We did have a case of Hyach flu come through docking bay seven last week. If you bring them in there, they’ll have to wait for two hours before we can allow them to access the rest of the station.”

Ivanova shook her head slowly at him. “Michael, you’re a genius. Alright, so we stall him for a few hours, give Talia a chance to prepare. I’m on my way.”

She ended the communication and put a hand on Garibaldi’s arm. “Gimme one sec.”

He watched as she re-entered the holding cell, and Talia looked up as she moved toward her. She said something to the blonde telepath, who reached out to touch her face. Ivanova leaned into her hand, then turned and came out of the room.

“Alright,” she said, her voice firm, “let’s do this.”

Chapter Text

A little over four hours later, following a long delay in the docking queue, and then the required quarantine time, Garibaldi lead two very frustrated Psi Cops directly to the commercial sector where Ivanova and Talia would be meeting them.

Unbeknownst to the Psi Cops, there would also be a security team on stand by, just around the corner. Lyta Alexander had insisted on being with them.

The two cops, Bateson and Cooper, were silent during the walk. Garibaldi chattered away to them, pointing out places of interest along the route, but they made no reply. He was almost certain they were communicating silently the whole way there.

At last they reached the commercial offices, and he directed them through to the small office which Talia sometimes used to meet with clients. When they discovered it to be empty, they turned on him.

“Where is she?” The woman asked.

Garibaldi held up his hands. “Hey, all I know is that she said she’d meet you here. She was busy earlier, apparently.”

They stood in silence, their anger almost palpable. Garibaldi deliberately ran his favourite cartoons through his head whilst they waited. He was up to the third when he heard Talia’s voice approaching.

When she appeared, the blonde woman was flanked by both Sheridan and Ivanova.

“My apologies for keeping you waiting,” she said evenly, “I was attending to a matter for the Captain.”

Cooper, tall, thin and prematurely balding, curled his lip. “You are here, now. We have orders to escort you to the Corps Mars facility. You are needed there.”

Ivanova felt her heart rate almost double. Talia looked confused, her brows knitting together.

“I’m not aware of having been recalled for anything?”

“That’s irrelevant.” The woman, Bateson, snapped. “These are your orders.”

Sheridan stepped forward. “Well that’s not going to be possible,” he said, his voice a calm counterpoint to the tension in the room, “Ms. Winters has been contracted to complete work here on the station.”

Cooper shook his head. “That’s not on her docket.”

“Sorry,” Talia gave a small shrug, “The commission was only filed earlier.”

“Then we shall send someone else.” Bateson said. But Ivanova was shaking her head.

“No…I’m afraid that won’t do. Ms. Winters has been asked for specifically for this commission. The Ambassador trusts her, you see.”

The first sign of uncertainty showed as the two dark-clad telepaths looked at one another.

“Ambassador?” Bateson queried.

“Sorry - it’s actually Ambassadors, plural. “ Ivanova stretched a smile that had nothing to do with warmth. “Ambassador Delenn of the Minbari, and Ambassador Kosh of the Vorlon Empire, have business together. They have asked that Ms. Winters provide her usual service to ensure things are as they seem.” Her smile widened, and Talia wanted to laugh, so shark-like was it. “I assume that the Corps can manage without Ms. Winters for a while longer? Or would you like to explain to the Minbari and Vorlon Governments why their business must be delayed?”

Cooper blinked. “We will seek further instruction on our orders.”

Garibaldi pursed his lips. “Oooh…you do know that if you return to your ship now, you’ll have to quarantine all over again?”

“This is ridiculous!” Bateson snarled. “You are deliberately preventing us from -“

“From what?” Ivanova’s voice was like a blade, hard and sharp.

They were silent. She saw Talia’s eyes widen and knew they were in her head. But then she gave a small shake, blonde hair moving against her shoulders.

“Sorry, I believe the Vorlon Ambassador put a block in my mind to prevent intrusion until our business is concluded.” She made a contrite face. “I can’t bypass it.”

Cooper’s eyes widened. “You allowed a Vorlon to put something in your head?”

The irony of the statement was not lost on anyone present. But no-one spoke. Susan could practically feel Talia biting her tongue.

“Look,” she said eventually, “why don’t you use my office to contact your superiors, and we will wait outside?”

Bateson nodded. “Yes, we will do that.”

They filed out into the corridor, and in the relative peace of the deserted space Susan pressed her fingers to Talia’s.

“You okay?”

She nodded, turned wide eyes to Sheridan. “Thank you, Captain,” she said, quietly. “That was very quick thinking earlier. How on Earth did you get the Ambassadors to agree to it?”

He shrugged. “I asked. But I don’t recall Ambassador Kosh doing anything to your mind?”

Talia smiled. “Actually, that was all Lyta. I still need to talk to her about how she did it.”

As she spoke, they were approached by Delenn and Lennier. Talia looked up and smiled.

“Ambassador! I’m glad you’re here. I’d like to thank you for your part in this.”

The Minbari woman smiled. “Ms. Winters. It is my pleasure.” Her green eyes twinkled. “Besides, I know Ambassador Kosh and I will be very grateful for your services during our discussions.”

The two black-clad Psi Cops came out of Talia’s office. Ivanova was gratified to see the flicker of uncertainty, even a little fear, move across their faces on sighting the two Minbari .

“We are to remain here until the conclusion of your business,” Cooper stated. “Captain, we will need accommodations.”

Sheridan sucked breath through his teeth. “I’m pretty certain that, at the moment, we’re full. You could try the hotel district, but I’m not sure how long you’ll be here.” He looked at Delenn, who bowed her head.

“Our work with Ambassador Kosh should take no more than six of your Earth months.” She said serenely.

“Six months?!” Cooper shook his head. “No…no, that’s unacceptable.”

“Oh?” Delenn frowned, tilting her head slightly to one side. “Shall I summon Ambassador Kosh? Perhaps you would like to share that with him, also. In the meantime..” she looked at Sheridan and bowed, “…please excuse me, Captain. I will need to go and contact the Minbari High Council to inform them that Psi Corps would wish us to cancel the treaty negotiations with the Vorlon Empire, as our mutually chosen mediator cannot be made available to us.”

“Wait! Wait!” Cooper held up a hand, visibly shaken now. “That’s not what I meant!”

Delenn’s eyes hardened. “Then you should attempt to be more clear.”

“Of course, I apologise, Ambasador.” He glanced at Bateson. “I believe it may be prudent for us to return to our ship and communicate again with command.” He risked a glance at the people standing before him. “I cannot see there being any issue with us delaying any decisions until tomorrow.”

When they had seen the two black suited figures disappear into the crowds again, Talia visibly sagged.

“Hey,” Ivanova slid an arm about her waist, “you’re running on fumes. Come on, you need some food and some rest.”

Talia barked a laugh. “And you don’t?!”

“Yeah, well,” she shrugged, “I’m used to it.”

Sheridan looked at Delenn. “We owe you a huge debt for this. I know how difficult it is for you to be untruthful.”

The serene woman smiled slyly. “There was no subterfuge, Captain. We are in talks with the Vorlons - or, at least, I am - on an ongoing basis. Six months was just a ‘guess’ as you would say, and if we ever did need a mediator, well,” she put a soft hand on Talia’s arm, “Ms. Winters would, of course, be our natural choice.”

Ivanova laughed. “That, Ambassador, is why you a such a devastatingly effective diplomat, and I am just a soldier.”

Sheridan nodded. “Amen to that. Now from one soldier to another, go take Talia back to security and you are both to get some rest.” He eyeballed her. “And that’s an order, Commander.”

It was an order she was happy to comply with. In the security suite they ate a dinner ordered in from Talia’s favourite cafe in the Zocalo, and stretched out on the narrow cot together, both exhausted. But Talia was so afraid of waking as the ‘other one’, as she was calling the alt now, despite being reassured that the room was monitored, she struggled to fall asleep.

“Tell me a story,” she whispered into the space of a breath between them on the pillow.

Susan’s hand stroked up her back, warm and soothing, thinking for a minute. Eventually, she spoke.

“My Mama once told me a story that was passed down by her babushka - her grandmother. It was a tale about a woman who came from a village in the mountains near where she grew up. As a girl she loved to play in the forest, and she learned the names of the plants and the trees, and how they could be used to cure the sick. At the edge of the forest was a wide river, the water clear and cold as it tumbled down from the high mountains above. It pooled in a deep lake not far from the village, a place where men sometimes came to catch fish. The girl would go there sometimes to sit on the banks and listen to the wind.” Her fingers were in Talia’s hair now, lightly massaging the base of her skull. “She grew in beauty, strong and fair. The way my Mama described her, she looked like you.” She smiled and tipped her head forward to place a kiss on Talia’s brow. “One day a man saw her, watched her walking from the trees to sit on a rock by the water. He wanted her on sight, her beauty calling to him. He was much older than her, but he had power, owned a large farm nearby and so had more wealth than anyone in the mountains. So when he asked, her Papa had no choice other than to give him her hand.”

“Bastard…” Talia murmured, eyelids starting to droop.

“The girl obeyed her Papa, but the man was terribly cruel, and one night, desperate to escape her fate, she went to the lake, and drowned herself in the deep green waters.”

“That’s not a happy story,” the blonde woman said sleepily, tucking her head beneath Susan’s chin. She felt the other woman’s chuckle vibrate through her body.

“Then let me finish. Because of the great wrong done to her, the girl became a Rusalka. Neither alive, nor dead, every day at sunset she left the waters of the lake and walked along the shoreline that she loved, trapped by what had been done to her. She was very beautiful, and many local men would try to follow her, but she always evaded them, slipping back into the depths, her long golden hair swirling on the surface before disappearing from view.

One night the man who had taken her from her family came there to fish. He saw her, the Rusalka, and wanted her, just as he had his bride. This time she did not try to escape. She lured him into the lake with her, until he was out of his depth. There she took him down into the cold, deep water, where he was trapped in the tangle of weeds and her long, bright hair.”

Talia had gone still, her breathing regular and deep. Ivanova smiled and stroked the back of her neck.

“The man drowned,” she continued, her voice soft, “and his death gave the Rusalka the vengeance she had needed. No longer trapped by his control, her spirit was free to enter Heaven, and so she moved on, and was never again seen by the shores of the lake.”

Talia gave a small sigh, and Ivanova felt her lips brush her collar bone.

“Love you,” she murmured against her skin, half lost in sleep.

She tightened her arms about her. “Love you, too, my Rusalka.”

When Susan woke, she carefully untangled herself from Talia, who had wound up spooned into her front, and slipped from the bed to head out into the corridor.

It was almost six a.m., so she knew Sheridan would be up; she commed him directly from her wrist.

“I hope you slept, Susan.”

“Like a baby. Listen, I figured it out, why they’re here for Talia.”

“Oh?”

“John,” she ran a hand across her messed-up hair. “You filed EF paperwork about my relationship with her a couple of weeks ago. That’s enough time for it to filter down to Psi Corps, and flag up with whomever is running this thing.”

She heard him hiss out a breath. “God damn them!”

“No, listen.” She was grinning. “Don’t you see? They needed to test her loyalty, her being so close to command. That’s why they’re here - they must’ve been rubbing their hands with glee when that damned HR56 form dropped on their desks. But we really have them where we want them. Now we’ve blocked their attempts to get her off station, I’d put a month’s credits on them wanting those Psi Cops to deep scan Talia right here. Either that, or they’ll be sending someone else who will. We need to let them do it, now, before Lyta and Longman root out the alt personality.”

Sheridan was silent for a moment. “You’re gonna have to walk me through your thinking here, Susan.”

“It’s simple. Let them verify that she’s still operating as they intended, and they’ll have no reason to doubt her going forward. Then, whatever information we feed to them, they’ll accept without question.”

“What about…your secret? Surely they’ll pick it up from Talia’s mind.”

Ivanova sighed. “I’ll just have to risk it.”

“Something tells me she might not agree with that.”

“Yeah, well, you let me worry about Talia.”

“I don’t like the sound of that.” Talia said from the doorway where she stood, blinking sleepily.

Ivanova smiled at her. “I’ll catch you later, John.”

When Lyta arrived some time afterward, Talia asked for her help with hiding her knowledge of Susan’s telepathy. Susan watched as they sat together on the bed, hands clasped together, for quite some time. When she cautiously lowered her own blocks, she could feel the force of their two minds, forged together, working at…something. She pulled away from it, got to her feet and took herself out of the room, uncomfortable with the intensity of what was taking place. Outside, in the corridor, she found Garibaldi looking on through the window.

“Anything yet from the Psi Cops?” She asked.

He grunted. “You’re not gonna like it.”

“Oh, let me guess. They’ve been ordered to deep scan Talia here?”

“Jeez, Susan, you turned that telepathy on me or what?”

She glared at him. “I told you, I’m useless - worse than useless! I couldn’t scan you if my life depended on it.” She sighed. “I dreamed about it last night, figured out that’s what they’d want to do.”

“And this…” he gestured to the two telepaths, “…is this Lyta helping her to hide that she knows all about the control programme ?”

She nodded. “That, and what she knows about me.”

“Alright. Well, they’ve requested we set up in Sheridan’s office at fourteen hundred. Think they’ll be done by then?”

Ivanova folded her arms. “Guess they’ll have to be.”

When it was done, and Talia was gasping for breath and hanging on to the edge of Sheridan’s desk, Ivanova’s arm about her waist, Garibaldi felt physically sick at what he had just witnessed. He couldn’t even begin to imagine what Talia had felt.

Sheridan was pouring a glass of water for her.

“Did you get everything you needed?” He spat at the two dark-clad Psi Cops.

Bateson nodded. “We did. Ms. Winters is free to continue her duties here.”

Cooper looked at the two women standing before him. Ivanova glared at him.

“Anything else?”

He ignored her, focusing on Talia. “We will share the information on your relationship with the Commander, of course.”

Talia nodded, but Susan curled her lip at him. “Go to Hell!” She snarled.

Garibaldi looked at Zac Allan, pale and earnest standing by the door.

“Zac, please see these two…officers to their ship.”

“Roger that.” He held out his arm toward the door. “Right this way.”

As they left, and the door closed at their backs, Sheridan met Talia’s pain-filled eyes.

“You okay?”

She nodded. “I will be.” She lifted a hand to cover Susan’s at her waist. “They didn’t get it, Susan. They don’t know.”

She steered her into one of the chairs in front of the desk. “Good. I don’t know how you did it, but we all owe you, and Lyta, a lot.” She put a hand on her shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “Me especially.”

Talia dropped her face into her hands for a long moment, soothed as Susan’s hand began rubbing slow circles between her shoulders. Eventually she lifted her head and sought out Garibaldi.

“Michael, will you take me back to Security now, please? We need to continue with the removal.”

“Talia!” Susan frowned. “Please, take a break. Your mind has just endured a massive amount of trauma!”

She turned to look up at her. “I need it out, Susan. I want my life back. Nothing is more traumatic than knowing there’s a ticking timebomb inside my head.”

Ivanova held her gaze a moment longer, then looked at Garibaldi and nodded. She watched him lead Talia out of the office, then turned to Sheridan.

“Once we have this thing out of Talia’s mind, are you serious about using her connection to feed false information to Psi Corps?”

He frowned. “Of course. Why?”

“Because I think I know what we should start with.”

Susan brought some of her things to the holding suite they had given to Talia. The telepath fought her, but she flatly refused to leave her alone, returning to the small space every evening after her shift was done and spending every night tucked into the narrow bed with her. It took Longman and Lyta nine days to help her break all the connections in her mind that stitched the constructed personality to Talia’s own. Longman reassured her that, without the connections, the alt would wither away and eventually degrade, in the same way extraneous information dissipates from working memory if not used.

As they were packing up their things to leave, Susan asked Talia a question, and she answered ‘yes’ without a second’s hesitation. They left security hand in hand, and back in Susan’s quarters Talia put her things away in the spaces she had made for her.

“We’ll get the rest of your things tomorrow.” Susan promised, pulling her into her arms. “But for now,” she leaned in and kissed her, the first real kiss they had shared since this nightmare began, “welcome home.”

Talia, determined and very motivated, kissed her again, her hands moving across her body with the urgency of need. In moments they were out of their clothes and pressed together on Susan’s bed. They made love to each other with all the pent-up passion of their recent forced abstinence. Once that frustration was sated, they made love again, this time more slowly, their touches languorous and sensuous, whispering to each other of love and commitment. They slept in a tangle of limbs and sheets, skin-close in the middle of Susan’s bed, accustomed to the more recent confines of the narrow bed in security.

The next day Talia moved the remainder her things into Susan’s quarters. As she put her belongings away she realised that she had precious few personal items, other than clothes. It saddened her, but she made a silent promise, to herself and to Susan, that going forward they would build a better life together than they had each had apart.

As the time approached for Talia’s alt to make contact with her Corps handler, she sat down with the command staff to plan what she would send.

“I know Susan has had some thoughts about this,” Sheridan stated. “Why don’t you explain it to everyone?”

So she did. It was simple, and devastatingly effective.

Talia was going to tell whoever was listening that Sheridan and his team were working with the Centauri, with whom Clark’s regime had signed a peace agreement, to find a way to stabilise the current crisis with the Narn. She would omit the fact that Babylon 5 was unofficially taking in Narn refugees.

She was also going to report that the Minbari and Vorlons were at odds about what was happening in the galaxy at present, and were not prepared to become involved. It fitted with what they’d told the Psi Cops - that the Vorlons and Minbari were about to enter negotiations - and so reinforced Talia’s status as being under the influence of the sleeper personality.

“It’ll buy us time,” Ivanova reasoned. “Give us the chance to work together to find out what’s really happening out there - these reports about those strange ships - without alerting them about it.”

She then outlined a longer-term plan, to feed back information about issues on the station with the defense grid, and concerns about the station’s ability to repel any assault from external agencies.

“It’s a gamble, I’ll admit,” she reasoned, “but it could pay off in the future if we find ourselves in a position that doesn't align with the way Earth Alliance is moving.”

Talia had nodded uncomfortably at that. “If the meeting I was asked to attend around this NIghtwatch movement is anything to go by, that’s a definite possibility.”

Then the Markab plague found Babylon 5, and its aftermath left scars on everyone that remained. Susan found herself clinging to Talia through the hard days and nights that followed, lost in the grief of the responsibility of producing death certificates for every adult and child lost to it. Then, fast on the heels of that, Lyta returned to the station to inform them that the underground had received intel on the sleeper programme, and the presence on station of there being a programmed alt personality amongst them.

Talia was, unexpectedly, profoundly affected by Lyta’s shared intel. When Susan asked her why one night, she could only state that, had they not identified and eradicated the sleeper weeks previously, it could have been triggered by a telepathic ‘key’ which Lyta had been given along with the intel from their spies. Lyta was almost certain that, without prior knowledge of the alt in her head, Talia could have undergone the death of personality it was designed to bring about.

Essentially, Talia would have ceased to exist.

Ivanova had sunk into a depression with that revelation, knowing the actual point in time it would have happened. For almost a week she lost herself every night in relentless work, or sleeplessness and vodka. Talia coaxed her through it with love and compassion. Then, some weeks later, after a night out that included a lovely meal in Fresh Aire, and drinks in the Casino, she took her to stroll the gardens at twilight, and there, beneath an apple tree, she asked Susan to marry her.

“I know it’s still relatively early in our relationship,” she stated, “and there is a lot to consider. But the galaxy is starting to fall apart, and the once thing I am certain of is my love for you. I never want to be apart from you, Susan Ivanova. So, marry me. And we will face whatever the universe has in store for us, together.” She kissed her. “ Be mine, Susan.”

She gave Susan a ring that contained a dark stone shot through with veins of gold and silver. It was a Minbari cha’douh gemstone, symbolising the balance between light and dark. Lennier had procured it for her, and she had found a jeweller on the station who set it into a band of platinum.

Susan accepted her ring, and kissed her again beneath the blossoms, pale and luminous in the coming dark.

“Talia,” she whispered into her golden hair, “my Rusalka. Don’t you know? I’m already yours, for ever.”