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crossoverficCross-posted to 100stories, crossoverfic, allfandomfics, bsg2003fics, fan_fiction, and my own LJ
Thirteen
Chapter Seventy
The End of the Beginning
John Sheridan, former commanding officer of Babylon 5 and first president of the Interstellar Alliance, was dead. He had passed away where the third age began, in the Coriana system, near the sixth planet. All the Alliance worlds mourned, and Minbar and Earth mourned the hardest. While there were some on Earth (and a few on Minbar, though they were at least polite) who used the event to heap scorn on Sheridan, the vast majority gave him the praise that he truly deserved.
The funeral was a grand affair, but there was no body in the casket, for Sheridan had simply disappeared from the Whitestar transport he had piloted solo to the system where the Shadow War had been won. When the ships came to investigate, they found that the hull had not been breached, but neither did they find his body.
They knew he was gone, though. The life energy that the First One, Lorien, had given him had run out, and that Sheridan had finally died twenty years later than when he had originally passed away on Zhadum. He had made great use of those two decades, but his time had come at last, so he had one last get-together with old friends as well as a couple of new ones.
The funeral was a massive affair, and Hollifield couldnt tell where the sea of people ended as it seemed to stretch into the horizon. On the stage were himself, Delenn, Ivanova, Garibaldi, Franklin, Centauri emperor Vir Cotto, Admiral Adama, and President Roslin. Joining them onstage were Sech Turval and Sech Durhan, as well as the entire Grey Council. Leading the festivities was the Chosen One, the leader of the Minbari, a worker caste elder named Mardren. She was a tall woman, quite tall for a female of her race. Mardren had an eloquence about her that reminded Hollifield of Delenn, and it was something he couldnt quite put his finger on.
Today is a sad day for all of us who live in this galaxy. We mourn the loss of a great man, a man whose vision and drive have brought us to the greatest peace we have ever known. He led the Army of Light to victory over the Shadows and he liberated his world from the darkness that afflicted it. He helped to found the Interstellar Alliance and led it through crisis after crisis until he retired as president a year ago.
I had the privilege to call him my friend, and I am lessened by his loss, as we all are. He has gone to the sea of stars, and waits for us all in the place where no shadows fall.
Delenn made no effort to hide her tears. David Sheridan was there as well, but he wanted to be with the Rangers, but Hollifield thought that the young man didnt want his mom to see him cry. He located him in the section reserved for the Rangers, sitting beside Starbuck and Helo, to whom David had been assigned for his final training before becoming a Ranger.
Sheridans widow would not speak during this ceremony. She had wanted to, but she was so wracked with the pain of her husbands death that, even with her strength, she could not get the words she wanted to say out. Ivanova would say some words, as would Garibaldi, and himself. Roslin and Adama would also speak, and Hollifield was curious as to what they would say. He had those thoughts in his head as he walked to the podium after Mardrens gracious introduction.
On my world, I am constantly criticized by the media for being second to Sheridan in the eyes of many of my kind. While it might bother other persons in my position, it never once bothered me. I never was jealous or envious of him, but proud to have called him my friend and to have helped him achieve his vision for this galaxy. Frankly, being second to Sheridan was more of a blessing than a burden, because he inspired me to be a better leader constantly.
I knew him for almost a half century, ever since first meeting him at Earthforce Academy so many years ago. We were all so young back then, but all of us who led the Army of Light are getting up in years now. Before he died, I had a chance to talk to John about the future, and he stressed the importance of looking towards the future and not focusing on the past. That is what I want to speak to the Rangers about right now. You are our future, and if you wish to remember Sheridan, then do so by being the best Anlashok you can be. Live the principles of the Rangers to the fullest, everyday, and you will honor the life of John Sheridan.
We will all miss him, and be lesser with his passing, but he would not want us to dwell on his passing for long. There remains so much work to be done, and it is our responsibility to carry it out. Sheridan laid the path to a better future for us all, but it is our duty to finish that long and winding road towards a brighter day for our children and our childrens children.
He left the podium to rapturous applause, and Mardren then invited President Roslin up to the podium to say a few words. Among my people, we have a prophesy from an ancient oracle named Pythia. She is believed to have been one of the writers of our Sacred Scrolls. In her prophesy, she spoke of a leader who would guide the caravan of the heavens to their new homeland.
For a long time, I believed that I was that leader. I was dying of a wasting disease that was talked about the leader having in the prophecy, that disease having been terminal breast cancer. But, having been cured of the disease, I wondered who was really the leader spoken about in the prophesy of Pythia.
Several months ago, I spoke to Sheridan about all of this. I mentioned the fact that, in the prophecy, it said: And unto the leader, they gave a vision of serpents, numbering two and ten, as a sign of things to come. I remember the look on his face when I mentioned that, and he told me that, one day while commanding Babylon 5, he had a vision of two snakes crawling on his desk. He had been up for hours on end, and he thought that his mind was just wandering at the time, but, as he looked again at his desk, he saw that there were indeed twelve snakes on his desk.
I thought he was humoring me until he showed me his personal log for that day. With the way he spoke about that vision, it indicated to me that he was the one Pythia spoke about in her prophesy. While the prophesy wasnt quite spot on, it seemed to me from that one vision that our Gods had chosen him to lead us to our new home, which, ironically enough, was once home of the Gods that my people worship. Sadly, Pythia indicated that the leader would not live to see the people enter the new land. From what I understand, the new land is our new permanent home on Kobol.
Regardless of whether or not he is the fulfillment of prophesy, he will be remembered and revered by my people for helping us out in our hour of greatest need. Without the Interstellar Alliance, we would still be running from the Cylons, searching for what we thought was the mythical colony of Earth. For all I know, we might all be dead had it not been for Sheridan and the rest of you. Youve given us so much, and there is no reasonable way we could ever repay you for all that you have done for us. All I can say is thank you. Thank you for giving us hope for survival and for preserving our way of life.
The standing ovation was much louder than it had been for Hollifields speech, and he didnt mind it in the least. He wasnt sure about Sheridan being the leader mentioned in Pythias prophesy, but, then again, he still had a hard time believeing that his old friend, Jeffery Sinclair, would eventually become Valen, the Minbari not born of Minbari who would guide them to victory in the Shadow war over a thousand years ago and to a better way of life for their entire society.
He looked over at Delenn and saw that she was deep in thought, applauding as if she was on auto pilot. Once the ovation was over, and Mardren went to the podium to introduce Adama, he whispered over to her, What do you think?
I dont know. Sheridan discussed the prophesy of Pythia with me, as well as Roslins view of him being the leader. Im not sure if it pertains to him, but if it helps them to build a better future for themselves, then who am I to disuade them from that notion? she replied.
There is still the greater confrontation at the home of the Gods. Since the Colonials believe that the home of the Gods was Kobol, it could be that the Cylons may try to attack that world sometime in the future.
Delenn nodded and added, Its possible. We shall be ready for them, in any case. John would want us to live up to our obligation to them, and I shall do that.
So shall I. Hollifield said, then turned away from her and focused on the words of Admiral Adama.
To be honest, Im not sure about the prophesy of Pythia. Then again, Ive never been a very religious man. Im a soldier, just like Sheridan was. Adama said.
I only knew him for a few months, but it seemed like I knew him all my life. We had a lot in common. We were both thrust into leadership roles that we werent ready for. We both had to lead our people against an enemy that neither of us thought we could beat. We both had lost someone close to us.
Sheridan gave my people hope, something we were in desperate need of. President Roslin and I did what we could, but we were both struggling with the burdens of leading our people into exile from our homes. He brought us to Babylon 5, which was the very safe harbor we needed against the Cylons. Now, thanks to him, we have a chance of survival and of reclaiming our homeworlds.
Most of all, I will remember him for being a friend. Not only my friend, but a friend of my people. I shall miss him, because I have never known anyone who gave of himself as much as he did. It was an honor to have known him. May the Gods bless and keep him on his path into the afterlife. So say we all. He left the podium and returned to his seat. Mardren then said a few closing remarks, and the funeral concluded.
Soon afterwards, they boarded ships and headed towards the station. It had been months since they had last been on board, so Hollifield and the others were looking forward to boarding the station one last time. As they headed towards the station through hyperspace, Delenn and Ivanova went to the bridge to meet with Starbuck, who was just getting off duty.
Delenn! General Ivanova! What brings you to the bridge?
Actually its former General Ivanova now. Ive accepted the position of Entilzha. Ivanova said, and Starbuck nodded, having expected something like this.
Congratulations! When will they install you? she asked.
When we return from the decommissioning, well have the ceremony. Weve discussed this, and weve decided that we would like for you to be the second for the ceremony. Delenn said.
Starbuck hadnt expected this, and she was clearly taken aback by the honor. I would be my honor to serve as your second!
We need to discuss something with you. Its of a personal nature. Ivanova said.
Starbuck had an idea of what that was about, and she turned to Helo and said, Take care of things while Im gone, okay?
Sure thing, Starbuck! Helo said. He didnt know what Starbuck knew, so he didnt have any idea of what they would be talking about. So he took the command chair without a second thought as Starbuck followed the other two women to one of the conference rooms.
Starbuck sat down at the table opposite from Delenn and Ivanova. I think I have an idea of what youre about to ask me.
Indeed we are Ivanova said. Delenn told me of her vision that she had during the Dreaming. Weve talked about it, and weve decided that you should be the one to follow me in the position of Entilzha when the time comes.
You still sure about this? I mean, there are plenty of other Rangers who have a lot more experience than I do. Starbuck replied.
Seniority isnt the sole reason for appointing a Ranger One. You have spirit, Starbuck, a spirit that Ive known only one other person to have.
Who? she asked.
Marcus Cole. Delenn answered. Ivanovas face fell for a split second before she rallied to cover it up, but not before Starbuck noticed. She knew that Marcus was special to Ivanova, and that one of the Entilzha-to-bes greatest regrets was that she never pursued a romantic relationship with him. She knew that he was interested in her, but she had scoffed at the idea, having had more than her fair share of bad relationships in her past. To this day, she still mourned him, even though he wasnt technically dead, but in stasis until the time came than they might be able to revive him.
Idont know what to say! Starbuck said, speechless at the thought of being second in command for the Rangers.
We wouldnt be offering this if we didnt think you could handle the responsibility. Youve come a long way since we first met you. I think it would be safe to say that you have changed a lot in recent months, and for the better. Ivanova replied.
Delenn added, So will you take the position?
I dont know if Im ready for it! Starbuck admitted honestly.
To be honest, Im not sure if Im ready to become Entilzha either, but Im still taking the job. If you accept, itd make my job a lot easier!
Starbuck thought about it, then decided to go for it. Ill accept it then! Delenn and Ivanova both burst into beaming smiles at Starbucks acceptance. They came around the table and embraced Starbuck, and it felt like being welcomed into a new family.
But the reverie was short-lived as Helo broke in, saying that they had reached the Episilon sector, and were about to jump in normal space. Another death was about to take place, and it would be every bit as painful as Sheridans passing.
They went aboard one last time to have a look at the place, which was like a ghost town. All the stalls in the Zocolo had long since been packed away. The equipment inside the Observation Dome, except for the consoles essential for the decommissioning, were removed. The stations fusion generators would be set to overload and the subsequent chain reaction would engulf the station. Leaving the station there would be a hazard to navigation, so it would be destroyed.
Hollifield gave the command for the self-destruct sequence to be intiatied, and the remaining techs set the timers off and abandoned the station. From the bridge of the Whitestar that Starbuck commanded, they watched as the reactors at the tail end of the station ruptured and spat fire for a brief moment. The fireball, quickly snuffed out by the vacuum of space, ran up the entire station and the last, best place for peace was no more.
On the bridge, there wasnt a dry eye left. Hollifield cried for the loss of the place that had been the dream of his mentor, Luis Santiago. He hoped that the old Spainard would forgive him for what hed done, but he knew that the dream would live on with the Interstellar Alliance. It wasnt a great consulation, but it was all he had.
It was a damn fine place! Adama said solemnly.
Yes, it was. Im gonna miss it. Roslin added.
As will we all. Admiral Rissen added. Hollifield looked over and saw his Jewish friend brush a tear from his eye. He would be the last commander of the station in the history books, and while he might not have been the best of the lot, he was pretty damn good for being fourth best, considering those who had come before him.
Rissen would go into retirement once back on Earth, and Lieutenant Colonel Sharon Valerii would get a promotion to full colonel and be reassigned to a new post. Hollifield had a lot of work ahead of him when he returned to Geneva, but he had one last ceremony to attend before heading home.
The day dawned bright and clear on Minbar, and the Rangers extingushed the lights as the sun came up over the horizon. Ascending the platform in a Ranger uniform was Susan Ivanova, with Delenn and Starbuck following behind her. Delenn would conduct the ceremony, with Starbuck serving as second. The ceremony began when Starbuck took an ancient and crumbling book from the table and handed it to Delenn. The dialect was so ancient that even Delenn herself had trouble with it, but she managed to handle it well enough. Starbuck had enough trouble with the worker and warrior caste Minbari, and barely knew enough religious caste dialect to have a conversation.
Once done with the reading, she closed the book and held it aloft. Starbuck took the book from Delenn and walked it back over to the table. She then picked up the goblet of diluted shaneyat (the undiluted variety was poisionous to humans, so it was heavily diluted with grape juice, which had been found to counteract the poisonous affects) and handed it to Delenn. The drink was called death destroyer in Minbari, and it would be the part of the final part of the ceremony.
Before that, though, would be the presentation of the robe that all the previous Entilzhas had worn. It was over a thousand years old, having been worn by Valen, Sinclair, Delenn, and Sheridan. Now, Ivanova would wear it, signifying her new role. The acolyte that brought it to the stage was beaming with awe in his face, and he gently placed it at the feet of Ivanova, who bowed to him once he rose. The acolyte bowed also and retreated down the stairs in the front of the stage.
Starbuck walked the goblet to Delenn, who took it from her and walked it over to Ivanova. Taste of it. Delenn said, Taste of the future, of death, and of life; and of the great void that lies between. Through this act, may death be destroyed!
Ivanova raised the goblet to her lips and took a sip, swallowing just a touch of it. She handed the goblet back to Delenn, who gave it back to Starbuck. As she placed the goblet back on the table, Delenn said to the crowd, As it was done long ago, so now we name her who shall lead us. Among the Rangers let Susan Ivanova be known as EntilZha.
Immediately, the Rangers shouted out as one, Entilzha! We live for the One. We die for the One!
Delenn continued, Entilzha! She is the light in darkness. She is the bridge between worlds! The resounding roar of approval greeted their departure. Ivanova, now head of the Rangers walked in front, with Starbuck and Delenn walking side by side. Starbuck watched Ivanova walk towards the home where the Entilzha lived, thinking that she would eventually have some big shoes to fill when the time came. She hoped that Ivanova lived for many years to come, but not because she wasnt ready to become her successor. She had come to view Ivanova as something of a mother to her, and she wanted her to live as long as she could, so that she could once and for all get over the pain that the woman who had given birth to her had inflicted upon her.
The universe was at peace, for now, but, like many times before, it was just an interregnum before conflict arose again. This time, though, the Interstellar Alliance would be the ones to initiate it. There were still years of work ahead, but they would be ready when the time came. As Starbuck headed into Ivanovas new abode, she realized that the tide had turned, and that it was only a matter of time before the enemy would be defeated. As the Minbari had a way of saying, faith manages, and Starbuck realized that it had given her the hope that her race would survive after all.
Chapter Seventy
The End of the Beginning
John Sheridan, former commanding officer of Babylon 5 and first president of the Interstellar Alliance, was dead. He had passed away where the third age began, in the Coriana system, near the sixth planet. All the Alliance worlds mourned, and Minbar and Earth mourned the hardest. While there were some on Earth (and a few on Minbar, though they were at least polite) who used the event to heap scorn on Sheridan, the vast majority gave him the praise that he truly deserved.
The funeral was a grand affair, but there was no body in the casket, for Sheridan had simply disappeared from the Whitestar transport he had piloted solo to the system where the Shadow War had been won. When the ships came to investigate, they found that the hull had not been breached, but neither did they find his body.
They knew he was gone, though. The life energy that the First One, Lorien, had given him had run out, and that Sheridan had finally died twenty years later than when he had originally passed away on Zhadum. He had made great use of those two decades, but his time had come at last, so he had one last get-together with old friends as well as a couple of new ones.
The funeral was a massive affair, and Hollifield couldnt tell where the sea of people ended as it seemed to stretch into the horizon. On the stage were himself, Delenn, Ivanova, Garibaldi, Franklin, Centauri emperor Vir Cotto, Admiral Adama, and President Roslin. Joining them onstage were Sech Turval and Sech Durhan, as well as the entire Grey Council. Leading the festivities was the Chosen One, the leader of the Minbari, a worker caste elder named Mardren. She was a tall woman, quite tall for a female of her race. Mardren had an eloquence about her that reminded Hollifield of Delenn, and it was something he couldnt quite put his finger on.
Today is a sad day for all of us who live in this galaxy. We mourn the loss of a great man, a man whose vision and drive have brought us to the greatest peace we have ever known. He led the Army of Light to victory over the Shadows and he liberated his world from the darkness that afflicted it. He helped to found the Interstellar Alliance and led it through crisis after crisis until he retired as president a year ago.
I had the privilege to call him my friend, and I am lessened by his loss, as we all are. He has gone to the sea of stars, and waits for us all in the place where no shadows fall.
Delenn made no effort to hide her tears. David Sheridan was there as well, but he wanted to be with the Rangers, but Hollifield thought that the young man didnt want his mom to see him cry. He located him in the section reserved for the Rangers, sitting beside Starbuck and Helo, to whom David had been assigned for his final training before becoming a Ranger.
Sheridans widow would not speak during this ceremony. She had wanted to, but she was so wracked with the pain of her husbands death that, even with her strength, she could not get the words she wanted to say out. Ivanova would say some words, as would Garibaldi, and himself. Roslin and Adama would also speak, and Hollifield was curious as to what they would say. He had those thoughts in his head as he walked to the podium after Mardrens gracious introduction.
On my world, I am constantly criticized by the media for being second to Sheridan in the eyes of many of my kind. While it might bother other persons in my position, it never once bothered me. I never was jealous or envious of him, but proud to have called him my friend and to have helped him achieve his vision for this galaxy. Frankly, being second to Sheridan was more of a blessing than a burden, because he inspired me to be a better leader constantly.
I knew him for almost a half century, ever since first meeting him at Earthforce Academy so many years ago. We were all so young back then, but all of us who led the Army of Light are getting up in years now. Before he died, I had a chance to talk to John about the future, and he stressed the importance of looking towards the future and not focusing on the past. That is what I want to speak to the Rangers about right now. You are our future, and if you wish to remember Sheridan, then do so by being the best Anlashok you can be. Live the principles of the Rangers to the fullest, everyday, and you will honor the life of John Sheridan.
We will all miss him, and be lesser with his passing, but he would not want us to dwell on his passing for long. There remains so much work to be done, and it is our responsibility to carry it out. Sheridan laid the path to a better future for us all, but it is our duty to finish that long and winding road towards a brighter day for our children and our childrens children.
He left the podium to rapturous applause, and Mardren then invited President Roslin up to the podium to say a few words. Among my people, we have a prophesy from an ancient oracle named Pythia. She is believed to have been one of the writers of our Sacred Scrolls. In her prophesy, she spoke of a leader who would guide the caravan of the heavens to their new homeland.
For a long time, I believed that I was that leader. I was dying of a wasting disease that was talked about the leader having in the prophecy, that disease having been terminal breast cancer. But, having been cured of the disease, I wondered who was really the leader spoken about in the prophesy of Pythia.
Several months ago, I spoke to Sheridan about all of this. I mentioned the fact that, in the prophecy, it said: And unto the leader, they gave a vision of serpents, numbering two and ten, as a sign of things to come. I remember the look on his face when I mentioned that, and he told me that, one day while commanding Babylon 5, he had a vision of two snakes crawling on his desk. He had been up for hours on end, and he thought that his mind was just wandering at the time, but, as he looked again at his desk, he saw that there were indeed twelve snakes on his desk.
I thought he was humoring me until he showed me his personal log for that day. With the way he spoke about that vision, it indicated to me that he was the one Pythia spoke about in her prophesy. While the prophesy wasnt quite spot on, it seemed to me from that one vision that our Gods had chosen him to lead us to our new home, which, ironically enough, was once home of the Gods that my people worship. Sadly, Pythia indicated that the leader would not live to see the people enter the new land. From what I understand, the new land is our new permanent home on Kobol.
Regardless of whether or not he is the fulfillment of prophesy, he will be remembered and revered by my people for helping us out in our hour of greatest need. Without the Interstellar Alliance, we would still be running from the Cylons, searching for what we thought was the mythical colony of Earth. For all I know, we might all be dead had it not been for Sheridan and the rest of you. Youve given us so much, and there is no reasonable way we could ever repay you for all that you have done for us. All I can say is thank you. Thank you for giving us hope for survival and for preserving our way of life.
The standing ovation was much louder than it had been for Hollifields speech, and he didnt mind it in the least. He wasnt sure about Sheridan being the leader mentioned in Pythias prophesy, but, then again, he still had a hard time believeing that his old friend, Jeffery Sinclair, would eventually become Valen, the Minbari not born of Minbari who would guide them to victory in the Shadow war over a thousand years ago and to a better way of life for their entire society.
He looked over at Delenn and saw that she was deep in thought, applauding as if she was on auto pilot. Once the ovation was over, and Mardren went to the podium to introduce Adama, he whispered over to her, What do you think?
I dont know. Sheridan discussed the prophesy of Pythia with me, as well as Roslins view of him being the leader. Im not sure if it pertains to him, but if it helps them to build a better future for themselves, then who am I to disuade them from that notion? she replied.
There is still the greater confrontation at the home of the Gods. Since the Colonials believe that the home of the Gods was Kobol, it could be that the Cylons may try to attack that world sometime in the future.
Delenn nodded and added, Its possible. We shall be ready for them, in any case. John would want us to live up to our obligation to them, and I shall do that.
So shall I. Hollifield said, then turned away from her and focused on the words of Admiral Adama.
To be honest, Im not sure about the prophesy of Pythia. Then again, Ive never been a very religious man. Im a soldier, just like Sheridan was. Adama said.
I only knew him for a few months, but it seemed like I knew him all my life. We had a lot in common. We were both thrust into leadership roles that we werent ready for. We both had to lead our people against an enemy that neither of us thought we could beat. We both had lost someone close to us.
Sheridan gave my people hope, something we were in desperate need of. President Roslin and I did what we could, but we were both struggling with the burdens of leading our people into exile from our homes. He brought us to Babylon 5, which was the very safe harbor we needed against the Cylons. Now, thanks to him, we have a chance of survival and of reclaiming our homeworlds.
Most of all, I will remember him for being a friend. Not only my friend, but a friend of my people. I shall miss him, because I have never known anyone who gave of himself as much as he did. It was an honor to have known him. May the Gods bless and keep him on his path into the afterlife. So say we all. He left the podium and returned to his seat. Mardren then said a few closing remarks, and the funeral concluded.
Soon afterwards, they boarded ships and headed towards the station. It had been months since they had last been on board, so Hollifield and the others were looking forward to boarding the station one last time. As they headed towards the station through hyperspace, Delenn and Ivanova went to the bridge to meet with Starbuck, who was just getting off duty.
Delenn! General Ivanova! What brings you to the bridge?
Actually its former General Ivanova now. Ive accepted the position of Entilzha. Ivanova said, and Starbuck nodded, having expected something like this.
Congratulations! When will they install you? she asked.
When we return from the decommissioning, well have the ceremony. Weve discussed this, and weve decided that we would like for you to be the second for the ceremony. Delenn said.
Starbuck hadnt expected this, and she was clearly taken aback by the honor. I would be my honor to serve as your second!
We need to discuss something with you. Its of a personal nature. Ivanova said.
Starbuck had an idea of what that was about, and she turned to Helo and said, Take care of things while Im gone, okay?
Sure thing, Starbuck! Helo said. He didnt know what Starbuck knew, so he didnt have any idea of what they would be talking about. So he took the command chair without a second thought as Starbuck followed the other two women to one of the conference rooms.
Starbuck sat down at the table opposite from Delenn and Ivanova. I think I have an idea of what youre about to ask me.
Indeed we are Ivanova said. Delenn told me of her vision that she had during the Dreaming. Weve talked about it, and weve decided that you should be the one to follow me in the position of Entilzha when the time comes.
You still sure about this? I mean, there are plenty of other Rangers who have a lot more experience than I do. Starbuck replied.
Seniority isnt the sole reason for appointing a Ranger One. You have spirit, Starbuck, a spirit that Ive known only one other person to have.
Who? she asked.
Marcus Cole. Delenn answered. Ivanovas face fell for a split second before she rallied to cover it up, but not before Starbuck noticed. She knew that Marcus was special to Ivanova, and that one of the Entilzha-to-bes greatest regrets was that she never pursued a romantic relationship with him. She knew that he was interested in her, but she had scoffed at the idea, having had more than her fair share of bad relationships in her past. To this day, she still mourned him, even though he wasnt technically dead, but in stasis until the time came than they might be able to revive him.
Idont know what to say! Starbuck said, speechless at the thought of being second in command for the Rangers.
We wouldnt be offering this if we didnt think you could handle the responsibility. Youve come a long way since we first met you. I think it would be safe to say that you have changed a lot in recent months, and for the better. Ivanova replied.
Delenn added, So will you take the position?
I dont know if Im ready for it! Starbuck admitted honestly.
To be honest, Im not sure if Im ready to become Entilzha either, but Im still taking the job. If you accept, itd make my job a lot easier!
Starbuck thought about it, then decided to go for it. Ill accept it then! Delenn and Ivanova both burst into beaming smiles at Starbucks acceptance. They came around the table and embraced Starbuck, and it felt like being welcomed into a new family.
But the reverie was short-lived as Helo broke in, saying that they had reached the Episilon sector, and were about to jump in normal space. Another death was about to take place, and it would be every bit as painful as Sheridans passing.
They went aboard one last time to have a look at the place, which was like a ghost town. All the stalls in the Zocolo had long since been packed away. The equipment inside the Observation Dome, except for the consoles essential for the decommissioning, were removed. The stations fusion generators would be set to overload and the subsequent chain reaction would engulf the station. Leaving the station there would be a hazard to navigation, so it would be destroyed.
Hollifield gave the command for the self-destruct sequence to be intiatied, and the remaining techs set the timers off and abandoned the station. From the bridge of the Whitestar that Starbuck commanded, they watched as the reactors at the tail end of the station ruptured and spat fire for a brief moment. The fireball, quickly snuffed out by the vacuum of space, ran up the entire station and the last, best place for peace was no more.
On the bridge, there wasnt a dry eye left. Hollifield cried for the loss of the place that had been the dream of his mentor, Luis Santiago. He hoped that the old Spainard would forgive him for what hed done, but he knew that the dream would live on with the Interstellar Alliance. It wasnt a great consulation, but it was all he had.
It was a damn fine place! Adama said solemnly.
Yes, it was. Im gonna miss it. Roslin added.
As will we all. Admiral Rissen added. Hollifield looked over and saw his Jewish friend brush a tear from his eye. He would be the last commander of the station in the history books, and while he might not have been the best of the lot, he was pretty damn good for being fourth best, considering those who had come before him.
Rissen would go into retirement once back on Earth, and Lieutenant Colonel Sharon Valerii would get a promotion to full colonel and be reassigned to a new post. Hollifield had a lot of work ahead of him when he returned to Geneva, but he had one last ceremony to attend before heading home.
The day dawned bright and clear on Minbar, and the Rangers extingushed the lights as the sun came up over the horizon. Ascending the platform in a Ranger uniform was Susan Ivanova, with Delenn and Starbuck following behind her. Delenn would conduct the ceremony, with Starbuck serving as second. The ceremony began when Starbuck took an ancient and crumbling book from the table and handed it to Delenn. The dialect was so ancient that even Delenn herself had trouble with it, but she managed to handle it well enough. Starbuck had enough trouble with the worker and warrior caste Minbari, and barely knew enough religious caste dialect to have a conversation.
Once done with the reading, she closed the book and held it aloft. Starbuck took the book from Delenn and walked it back over to the table. She then picked up the goblet of diluted shaneyat (the undiluted variety was poisionous to humans, so it was heavily diluted with grape juice, which had been found to counteract the poisonous affects) and handed it to Delenn. The drink was called death destroyer in Minbari, and it would be the part of the final part of the ceremony.
Before that, though, would be the presentation of the robe that all the previous Entilzhas had worn. It was over a thousand years old, having been worn by Valen, Sinclair, Delenn, and Sheridan. Now, Ivanova would wear it, signifying her new role. The acolyte that brought it to the stage was beaming with awe in his face, and he gently placed it at the feet of Ivanova, who bowed to him once he rose. The acolyte bowed also and retreated down the stairs in the front of the stage.
Starbuck walked the goblet to Delenn, who took it from her and walked it over to Ivanova. Taste of it. Delenn said, Taste of the future, of death, and of life; and of the great void that lies between. Through this act, may death be destroyed!
Ivanova raised the goblet to her lips and took a sip, swallowing just a touch of it. She handed the goblet back to Delenn, who gave it back to Starbuck. As she placed the goblet back on the table, Delenn said to the crowd, As it was done long ago, so now we name her who shall lead us. Among the Rangers let Susan Ivanova be known as EntilZha.
Immediately, the Rangers shouted out as one, Entilzha! We live for the One. We die for the One!
Delenn continued, Entilzha! She is the light in darkness. She is the bridge between worlds! The resounding roar of approval greeted their departure. Ivanova, now head of the Rangers walked in front, with Starbuck and Delenn walking side by side. Starbuck watched Ivanova walk towards the home where the Entilzha lived, thinking that she would eventually have some big shoes to fill when the time came. She hoped that Ivanova lived for many years to come, but not because she wasnt ready to become her successor. She had come to view Ivanova as something of a mother to her, and she wanted her to live as long as she could, so that she could once and for all get over the pain that the woman who had given birth to her had inflicted upon her.
The universe was at peace, for now, but, like many times before, it was just an interregnum before conflict arose again. This time, though, the Interstellar Alliance would be the ones to initiate it. There were still years of work ahead, but they would be ready when the time came. As Starbuck headed into Ivanovas new abode, she realized that the tide had turned, and that it was only a matter of time before the enemy would be defeated. As the Minbari had a way of saying, faith manages, and Starbuck realized that it had given her the hope that her race would survive after all.
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