Part 2  

A brief rush of panic flashed through Angel as he opened his eyes; expecting to find himself in the damp cell in Ranan's house. Instead, he felt warm and pulled the chair closer to the fire place. In sheer amazement he touched the coat, so warm, so soft, so valuable. His master must be a generous man to let him wear it. Searching the room, he saw food on the table and remembered the Minbari had given him permission to eat it.

Hands trembling, he picked up a piece of fruit. He couldn't remember the last time he had eaten something that hadn't been dirty or vile-tasting. The sweet taste vaguely reminded him of another time he must have eaten something similar.

The door opened and he froze, remembering another door open to reveal master Ranan. Restless eyes waited for someone to enter and he sighed as his new master approached. Not Ranan, not Ranan...

Neroon saw the relief in Marcus' eyes and reminded himself to call him Angel and not Marcus, it would only confuse the Ranger. First, he needed some information about how Marcus had gotten into this mess. In the meantime he was going to clean him up and get him dressed.

"Master? You said I could eat something," he murmured. "I didn't mean to be insolent."

"You can eat all you want," Neroon replied, realizing Marcus was afraid to eat more without his explicit permission. "But tell me, how did you become a slave?" Now that was a question he really wanted answered. How was it possible that Marcus no longer knew who he was?

"I don't know," he answered in uncertain tone. "I remember running out of a building. Master Ranan appeared and... I must have lost consciousness. I woke up in different clothes in a cell underneath his house."

Leaning forward, Neroon questioned him further. "Different clothing? Can you describe your old clothing to me?"

Thoroughly confused, he stared at his new master and wondered why the Minbari was interested in his old clothes. "Something dark? A tunic? Some kind of pin with a green stone?" He desperately searched his clouded memory to answer his master's question.

Neroon got to his feet and walked over to the sink in the corner of the room. Sometimes he actually had the luxury of hot water and for Marcus' sake he hoped this was such a moment. Filling a container with, yes, warm water, he pondered what Marcus had told him. Running out of a building? Had he been sent on a mission as well and had something gone terribly wrong?

Walking back to where Marcus was seated, Neroon placed the container on the floor and picked up a towel. Marcus was covered in dirt and blood. There was no way he could smuggle him onboard a transport looking like this. Marcus also needed clothes.

He wondered about his master's plans, seeing him return with water and a towel.

"Here, remove the dirt and blood from your body." Neroon handed him the now wet towel. "I will get a dry one and some clothes for you to wear."

Fiddling with the wet towel, he finally understood what his master wanted him to do. But he couldn't do it. To obey this command meant touching himself and he couldn't do that. The towel dropped onto the floor and Neroon turned to look at him. The collar would punish any disobedience should his master become angry with him. "Master, don't ask this of me," he pleaded in a strangled tone.

"Why?" Neroon returned and sat down next to him, picking up the towel from the floor. There was an expression of shame in Marcus' eyes.

"I... don't know."

"Will you let me wash and dress you?" Neroon asked, feeling uncomfortable but certain he could perform this duty for another warrior.

"Master, that seems hardly appropriate, you serving me."

"Do not worry about that. We are wasting time. We need to be ready to leave should our friend give the word," Neroon said beneath his breath.

"Our friend?"

"Still as observant as always, aren't you?" Neroon mused, attracting a curious look from Marcus.

"Master? I don't understand," Angel mumbled, desperately.

"One day you will, I promise."

Gently pulling the coat from Marcus' shoulders, Neroon flinched, seeing raw bite marks had broken Marcus' skin. While running gentle fingers over the injury, Marcus tensed. "Do not be afraid of me, Angel. I won't hurt you." He tried to reassure the injured human, but Marcus shook violently whenever touched.

"I'm sorry... as my master you're entitled to do with me whatever pleases you."

"Angel, tell me if I hurt you." Neroon wiped the blood and dirt off Marcus' face with even more determination. He was sorry he couldn't offer Marcus the comfort of a bath or shower; he needed to keep low profile while being on Centauri Prime. Not receiving any answer, he lifted Marcus' chin and saw tears in his green eyes.

"You're kind, master." He had been so lucky to escape Ranan's reign of terror and this Minbari was so friendly and concerned. Choking back his pain and shame, he remained absolutely motionless during the time his master cleaned him up.

Neroon was having second thoughts about washing Marcus when reaching the younger man's waist, but with firm resolution he did what he had to do. It had to be even more embarrassing, perhaps even degrading to Marcus. Finally finished, he dropped the now blood-stained towel into the sink and walked over to the little cupboard where he had found some clothing upon arriving here. The blue shirt and black trousers were several sizes too large for Marcus, but they had to do for now.

Angel sat in the chair, clutching the blanket his master had covered him with. Shivers still racked his body from being touched that intimately. He only knew too well why the touch of a hand anywhere on his body upset him this much; shame crept into his mind, but was quickly followed by relief. His Minbari master didn't scare him half as much as the memory of Master Ranan hurting him. In a strange way he trusted the Minbari. Something in those dark eyes seemed familiar, coaxed him into trusting his master.

"Let me help you get dressed, Angel." Neroon placed the clothes on the table and watched Marcus gingerly raise himself from the chair. "Are you in pain?" He was unable to keep the concern from his voice.

"Pain? There is nothing but pain."

His words made Neroon want to storm into Ranan's house and place his hands around the Centauri's throat to slowly strangle the life out of him. Reminding himself he had to get Marcus into safety first, he bit back his anger. The Ranger obviously needed help to get into the over-sized shirt and trousers. Another problem presented itself, he had no other pair of boots and it was too cold to let Marcus walk barefooted through the snow. "I have to leave you alone again for some moments. Why do you not use the opportunity to get some sleep? I will be back very soon." Studying Marcus, he was rather pleased with the result. The blood was gone and the dirt as well. The only thing he hadn't been able to dispose of was that accursed slave-collar.

"I will stay here as you wish, master," Angel said, relieved the Minbari seemed to truly care for him.

Looking over at the cot in the corner of his room, Neroon remembered his reluctance to sleep horizontally, but there had been no alternative available. After a couple of days chasing contacts to get the necessary information he'd been so tired that he had fallen asleep in the bed. Once he woke again and concluded he was still alive, his reluctance had diminished greatly and he had been using the bed ever since. Marcus will be more comfortable lying down; the hard thing will be to get him into the bed.

"You need to rest, Angel. Come with me. I will help you lie down on the bed."  The anguish on Marcus' face was growing. "I just want you to get some sleep, nothing else," Neroon added after a moment's thought.

Angel wrapped the blanket even more tightly around himself as his master approached and helped him out of the chair. Because of the blanket, his master didn't have to touch any naked skin and he followed obediently as the Minbari walked him to the bed. A bed, he hadn't slept in one for so long! Master Ranan's cell hadn't even contained a mattress so he had been forced to sleep on the cold floor.

"Sit down." Marcus almost collapsed on the bed. Vir had to find a way to get them off Centauri Prime!

As he sat down Angel sighed audibly. He couldn't help but watch every move his master made and wonder why he was this kind towards a mere slave.

Neroon lifted Marcus' feet and forced him to lie down. Covering him with some blankets he hoped Marcus wouldn't be cold.

His eyelids were dropping shut, but Angel didn't want to sleep; too afraid something bad would happen once he was asleep. He wanted to trust his master, but his sense of trust had been brutally crushed.

"Sleep now, Angel. I promise I will be back shortly." Realizing Marcus was already asleep, he stroked the dark hair and saw blood clots still dangling in the locks. Intent on buying boots and some other things Neroon left the hovel.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It took him longer than expected to get all necessary items, but after an hour Neroon left the market place to head back to his rooms; wondering how Marcus was doing, None of his questions had been answered yet; the Ranger had given him no explanation for what had happened. Thinking about Marcus, he realized that the human was like a child; afraid and lost. He would have to handle this very carefully, not wanting to scare Marcus.

Softly opening the door, his eyes immediately scanned the room. Marcus was still asleep in the bed, and while putting down the boots, he wondered why Marcus only answered to the name Angel. Well, there had been their conversations on Babylon 5, but... it still puzzled him.

Marcus stirred and he walked over to the younger man. The slave-collar would definitely leave him with scars. Marcus struggled with the blankets as a bad dream disturbed his peaceful sleep. A scream echoed through the room and he sat down to comfort his charge. "Angel? Wake up, you are having a nightmare."

Angel's eyes flashed open and stared in horror at his master, expecting to see Master Ranan, not the Minbari. Calming down slowly he felt embarrassed for disturbing his master like this. "I'm sorry, master. It won't happen again," he murmured between clenched teeth.

"Yes it will. Do not feel guilty about it, Angel," he replied, trying to make Marcus relax. It worked. The tension slipped from Marcus' shoulders and the young man stretched his body, careful not to pull a muscle.

"Thank you for being so kind, master." He watched as the Minbari tucked him in. For some reason he didn't fear this man.

"Do you think you will be able to go back to sleep? It is the middle of night and until Vir sends the word there is nothing we can do except wait and in your case rest," Neroon said in a comforting tone.

"I don't know master, but I'll try," Angel replied, wanting desperately to please him.

Neroon smiled, seeing Marcus falling asleep again. Walking to the chair near the fire-place, he wondered how Delenn would react upon hearing Marcus had been captured and 'altered '.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One hour later, Neroon woke from his slumber to find Marcus sitting upright in bed. The Ranger mumbled something in Centauri and was shaking badly. Realizing that he wasn't going to get any sleep tonight, Neroon re-seated himself on the bed and pulled Marcus close to his chest. After a brief moment of resistance, Marcus surrendered. Marcus was still asleep and not wanting to wake him, Neroon made Marcus lie down again. Too late did he realize that Marcus wasn't going to let go of him so he gave in and lay down behind him, spooning his body against Marcus. The younger man wriggled closer and he wrapped his arms around Marcus. He was surprised to feel how cold Marcus was even though he was covered with several blankets and a coat. I will use my own body heat to warm him. This feels good. 

Neroon wondered how Marcus would react when he woke up in his arms. That is something I can worry about later. His hands tangled in Marcus' hair, trying to remove some of the dried blood and dirt. Thankfully, Marcus had no more nightmares that night and although he lay awake all those hours till morning he enjoyed being this close to Marcus. Finally, he drifted off into sleep as well.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Warm. He was warm and felt secure, although he wasn't precisely sure why. It was then that he sensed someone lying close to him, pressed into him. Panicking, he slowly turned onto his back and looked at the person asleep behind him. It was his master. Strong arms held him tight and his panic grew. Perhaps if I remain motionless he won't wake up. He completely forgot that at some point his master was bound to open his eyes. Lying absolutely still, he listened to the Minbari's breathing and was surprised to feel his unease disappear. Being honest with himself at last, he had to admit he liked having his master this close. It made him feel cherished and he couldn't remember the last time someone had held him like this. The embrace was protecting but also possessive, making sure he couldn't slip out of it and leave.

Neroon woke some moments later, disturbed by Marcus' movements. Keeping his eyes closed for a little longer, he tried to decide on a course of action. He had no way of knowing how Marcus would react upon realizing he was awake as well. "Angel? It is time to get up." He was surprised at his own soft tone.

Hearing those words, Angel tried hard not to cringe, but now that his master was awake again his old fear returned full-force.

Letting go of Marcus, he struggled to his feet. A moment later, Marcus left the warmth of the bed as well. The younger man looked like he was going to keel over any minute now.

"Master? What do you want me to do?" Awaiting instructions, Angel tried hard to forget how tired he still was and how warm he had been only moments ago in his master's embrace.

"Sit in the chair and try to eat something." Neroon was about to help Marcus get there when a knock on the door stopped him. Casting a quick glance at Marcus, he saw his own worry reflected in those green eyes. "Do as I told you and sit down before you collapse onto the floor," he repeated firmly.

Angel obediently curled up in the chair.

Slowly opening the door, Neroon saw Vir's scared face and pulled him inside.

"Neroon, I need to talk to you. I shouldn't be here, but there's no time to lose."

Alert, Neroon warned the young Centauri. "Be calm, Marcus is inside and easily frightened."

Vir followed Neroon and gasped, seeing the dishevelled Ranger sitting by the fire place.

"Angel?" Neroon said softly. "This is a friend. His name is Vir." Neroon saw panic rise in Marcus' eyes as the younger man realized that a Centauri was in here with them.

Angel felt paralyzed, afraid there was some perverse reason for his master to bring this Centauri here. Unable to move, he stared at the wall.

Turning to face Neroon, Vir instinctively knew what had happened to Marcus and he felt ashamed for being Centauri.

"Angel?" Not getting an answer, Neroon walked toward Marcus, whose eyes were filled with frightful apprehension. He understood. "Vir won't touch you and you do not have to touch him." He was relieved when Marcus' eyes came alive again. "Vir, when will we be able to leave?" As far as he was concerned, they couldn't leave soon enough.

"I'm here to guide you," Vir paused. "Neroon, can you pilot a Centauri flyer?"

"I am a fast learner. Just take us there." Immensely relieved, Neroon beckoned Marcus to get up and join them. Closely observing Marcus' off- balance, hesitant movements as he put on the boots and gloves he'd handed him, Neroon knew he had to hide Marcus from view as much as possible. Draping the warm cloak over Marcus' shoulders he saw the gratitude in his green eyes. "We have to go now, Angel. Whatever happens, I want you to stay close to me. Do you understand?"

"Yes, master. I'll stay close to you."

Impatiently, Vir led them through the streets. They had to stop several times because Marcus repeatedly tripped over his own feet.

"You are slowing us down." Neroon regretted his words at once, seeing the guilty expression on Marcus' face. Not giving Marcus a chance to apologize, he wrapped an arm around the Ranger's waist and supported Marcus. He noticed the spasms coursing through Marcus' body, but wasn't sure what was causing them; pain or shame. Thankfully, they quickly arrived at their destination. While climbing aboard, he thanked Vir for his helpi and closed all hatches and doors.

Utterly drained, Angel watched his master strap him into the chair; he didn't try to understand what was going on; he only knew his master wanted to leave as quickly as possible. Fatigued and confused, he closed his eyes and dozed off.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One hour later, Marcus was still asleep. He observed the younger man carefully, making sure Marcus wasn't tormented by nightmares. After several attempts to contact Lennier or Babylon 5, he had given up for the moment. There was a chance the Centauri were listening in on these frequencies and the last thing he wanted was to attract their attention.

Remembering Vir's frightened look, he couldn't help but admire the young Centauri for his courage. He knew Vir would want to return to Babylon 5 as quickly as possible now that the mission had been completed. In his pockets he carried the data crystals containing the information Delenn required.

His thoughts drifted back to Marcus and he walked over to the sleeping man to reassure himself the Ranger was all right. Deep within his very soul a mad rage struggled to the surface. Ranan was going to pay for this, one way or another, even if he had to deal with the Centauri slave-trader himself.

Marcus stirred and he stepped away. As green eyes revealed themselves to him, he wondered if the man he had fallen in love with was still in there somewhere. He desperately hoped Marcus' memory and personality could be restored. A howling anger directed at Ranan began to build in his mind.

"Master, are you angry with me?" The collar tightened and panic overwhelmed him.

"No, I am not angry with you. Why do you keep asking me that question?" He studied Marcus and suddenly realized that the collar seemed to cut even deeper into the skin of his throat, drawing blood.

"Because the collar reacts to your anger, master. When you're angry, it tightens. When you're mad, it sends off an electric jolt to teach me obedience," he explained in a confused tone. Was it possible that his master hadn't been told these things? He shuddered as his master's fingers curled themselves around the collar. No, I don't want to be touched, please...  Too scared to speak the words aloud, hl sensed how gentle fingertips probed the tightness of the metal collar.

"Why did you not tell me earlier? You are bleeding." Neroon forced himself to calm down. He had been asking himself why that telepath had touched his mind; now he had his answer. The collar had been linked to his mind, chaining Marcus to his whims. He had to tightly control his emotions to avoid hurting Marcus any further.

"I assumed you knew, master," Angel murmured, relieved to feel the collar loosen again. It had never been this loose before; somehow he must have pleased his master. "May I ask you a question?" he paused, waiting for permission to continue.

"Of course," Neroon assured him.

"Where are we going? Why are we leaving Centauri space?" He'd wanted to ask these questions ever since their departure.

"It's a long story, Angel." Neroon wanted to tell him about the Rangers and Babylon 5, but was stopped short by the computer warning them. They were being tracked. After making sure Marcus was safely strapped into the chair, he walked back to the pilot seat and studied the two Centauri fighters approaching their flyer. One of the ships was hailing them. Switching to visual, two Centauri soldiers appeared on screen.

"This is Captain Vazar. You're trespassing Centauri law by leaving the planet without permission. I command you to return to Centauri Prime or we'll proceed to eliminate you."

Not interested in talking to them, Neroon terminated the connection. Glancing at Marcus, he saw the younger man's nervousness. "Do not be afraid. I won't allow them to get to you, Marcus." He was too busy working the controls to see the pained look on the younger man's face, hearing that strange name.

Angel remained silent and was almost hurled out of his chair as his master manoeuvred their flyer out of the Centauri's reach for now. His fingers clawed into the fabric of the chair as they opened fire. Neroon managed to outsmart their attackers again, but he realized they were no match for the powerful fighters.

Aware of the fact he only had one chance to escape, Neroon programmed the computer to jump to hyper space. The second they jumped they were hit and he was thrown to the back of the flyer. As his head hit metal Neroon passed out.

Angel saw his master crash into the wall and despair washed through him. His master was hurt and the flyer seemed to be out of control. There was nothing he could do; he didn't know how to pilot a flyer! But I have to try. I can't let my master die. Unstrapping himself from the chair, he collapsed onto the floor as the flyer spun around. There had to be a way to gain control of the ship! Crawling towards the control panels, he stared in confusion at the countless flash-lights. He never realized his hands moved quickly over the panel to regain control over the flyer. Stupefied, he stared at his own hands as he managed to place the flyer on auto pilot.

 Hesitantly approaching, he felt scared as his master moaned while regaining consciousness. "Master? Are you hurt? Is there anything I can do?" Wanting to help so badly, he overcame his fear and knelt beside his master. "You have to wake up, master. I don't know how to pilot this flyer."

Neroon opened his eyes and felt blood dripping from his forehead. The agony on Marcus' face urged him to show no weakness. This time he had to be the strong one. "Angel, search for some kind of first-aid kit." Pausing, he watched Marcus hurry to search the cabin. Slowly pulling himself to his feet, he looked at the controls and was amazed to see everything was within normal perimeters. "Did you put the flyer on auto, Angel?" He wiped some blood from his head.

"Yes, I think I did. I'm not sure though," Angel whispered in bewilderment. He had found some bandages and waited for his master to tell him what to do.

Realizing Marcus was waiting for instructions, Neroon took the bandages and cleaned the wound himself after he'd made sure they were back on course for Babylon 5. It would take them 30 more hours at least to get there. Sitting down again, he watched Marcus. The younger man seemed lost, not sure what to do as he stood in the center of the cabin. He was curious to find out what Marcus would do when not given any orders.

"Master? May I sit down again? I feel dizzy."

"Dizzy? " Neroon's concern showed in his voice.

His master was obviously worried for him and for some reason, Angel blushed.

Neroon rose to his feet and looked in to Marcus' eyes. Why hadn't he seen how glazed they were? Walking over to one of the chairs in the back, he adjusted the seat so Marcus would be able to lie down horizontally.

Shivers hovered over Angel's skin as the Minbari beckoned him closer. He had hoped his master wouldn't require his services this soon, but he knew he had to obey.

"Lie down, Angel." Neroon instructed, suddenly aware of the hooded glance which began to cover glazed eyes.

Angel did as he was told and cold permeated his mind. But if the master wanted this... Hesitantly reaching out to touch the Minbari's face, he knew what he had to do.

Revelation finally dawned on Neroon as he recognized the fright in those green eyes. "I know about the 'art' of Marak," he spat the word, obviously disgusted and saw Marcus cringe. "I do not require such services, Angel. I am not going to rape you or touch you against your will," he assured the trembling human who stared at him in bafflement.

"Master, I'm scared."

"Why?"

"You have treated me so kindly, you even respect me although you don't have to. I don't want to displease you," he blurted out.

Leaning over Marcus, he pushed back some dark locks. Marak, the slave is taught how to react according to the wishes of his master during the abuse and how to please him by whether keeping quiet or screaming out his agony, whatever pleases the owner. Neroon stared into empty eyes. Rape is more like it. They dare to call it an art-form! To beat a victim into submission and then force him is revolting. And they subjected you to it, Marcus. I can read it in your eyes; the mirrors of your soul.

"Why do you not try to sleep? I need to stay awake, but there is no reason why you should not rest." Neroon withdrew his hand, feeling Marcus flinch at his touch. Suddenly Marcus reached out for him and curled his fingers around his hand.

"I'm so glad it was you who bought me. I don't think I would be alive now had the buyer been Centauri." He touched his master voluntarily and it felt good.

Neroon nodded. Marcus was probably right. Feeling encouraged, he stroked Marcus' brow, softly massaging his temples. A sigh floated through the cabin.

Had someone told him days ago that he would ever again enjoy being touched he would have called them crazy. Angel surrendered to his master's caress and drifted off into sleep.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lost in dreamless sleep, Angel felt safe. Neroon saw the contented expression on his face and smiled sadly. The doctors on Babylon 5 would surely be able to help Marcus recover from the ordeal. Trying to get in touch with the space station or Lennier once more, he pondered the behavior Marcus had been displaying ever since finding him. This obedience was truly unsettling and that collar...

Shivers ran down his spine as he remembered that the device reacted to his mood swings. He had never liked the Centauri, but now he began to loathe them. Reminding himself not all of them were evil, he hoped Vir had been able to leave as well. Thanks to him and Londo Mollari he had been able to complete his mission successfully. Still not receiving a response from the station or Lennier, he methodically searched the cabin and found a box which contained several food items. Placing it on the seat of a chair, he sorted them out. Food bars; rather distasteful, but they would keep them alive. Beneath the bars he uncovered 3 bottles filled with water. He didn't expect to find a note as well.

Neroon,

Please take good care of Marcus and be careful not to get angry. The collar will react to it. I asked Londo to get one of the keys that can open such a collar. When you arrive at Babylon 5, he'll be waiting for you. Don't try to remove it yourself. Some collars have been known to kill slaves during its removal by electrocuting them.

Vir.

Slipping the note into one of his pockets, he closed the now empty box. Hearing a groan coming from behind him, he turned to face Marcus. The Ranger was waking up.

Not sure where he was, Angel studied his surroundings. His memory worked slowly and it took him several minutes to realize he was in a flyer. Remembering the rest at last, he searched the room for his master and felt relieved he was close.

"Here, eat this," Neroon said, handing Marcus one of the food bars and a bottle of water. "I know they taste awful, but you need to get your strength back."

Thankful, Angel accepted the food. Peeking at his master, he remembered their earlier discussion about Marak. Too afraid to hope it had been reality and not only a dream, he stuttered as he addressed the Minbari. "Master... were you sincere when you said that... that you don't require... certain services from me?"

"Yes, I was serious," Neroon assured the younger man whose eyes were still glazed, but now also possessed some sparkle.

"Why?" he asked, feeling momentarily bold. Angel lowered his eyes and concentrated on the food bar he had been given. He sensed his master's eyes on him and flinched. He flinched a lot lately and he knew why.

"Why? Because I do not believe in rape," Neroon answered softly.

That got Angel's attention and he felt confident enough to look at his master to ask another question. "Then why did you buy me? If not for... those services, what for?" Was it possible that something much worse lay in store for him and his master was only toying with him?

"I am going to tell you something Angel. And I think it will be hard for you to comprehend so let me finish the whole tale before you ask me any more questions." Neroon sat down on the chair next to Marcus and chose his words very carefully. "Your real name is Marcus Cole. I do not know what happened to make you lose your memory. You are a Ranger, a soldier of light and you are stationed on Babylon 5."

Angel shook his head vehemently. Why was his master telling him lies? "I'm not a Ranger, master. Look at me! I'm a slave." A sudden thought hit him and he didn't dare to look at his master any longer. "Do you want me to act like him? Do I bear any resemblance to this Ranger? If you want to call me Marcus I can learn to answer to that name, but I'll never be him, master," he pleaded, afraid to displease the Minbari.

Neroon's only reaction was a a deep sigh. He had hoped this information would trigger the Ranger's memories, but he now realized that wasn't going to happen. "I should have waited to tell you this until we were back on Babylon 5. Now, it only confuses you," Neroon realized. Looking at the tortured expression in Marcus' green eyes, he got to his feet and walked back to the pilot seat. "Eat the food bar and make sure you drink enough fluids, Angel."

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Marcus Cole, I wonder why my master told me about him. Angel stared at the Minbari whose hands hovered over the control panels. He had a hard time believing his luck. First, he had been bought by this kind master and then he had been told that he would be treated with respect. If Master Ranan knew, he would be furious.

He remembered Master Ranan's harsh words, telling him that everyone would treat him like a worthless object. Perhaps that's only true of Centauri. He didn't know that much about Minbari, but had already decided he liked them a lot better than Centauri. To be treated this respectfully was something he never expected; as a slave he wasn't entitled to any consideration. Ever since his master had mentioned Marcus Cole, this Ranger, the Minbari had been strangely quiet. Feeling how loose the collar was, he knew his master wasn't angry with him. Was his master sad? Silently rising from his chair he tiptoed over to the Minbari. "Master? You're so quiet," he ventured to remark, hesitant to study his features.

Neroon looked up and saw the feverish expression in Marcus' green eyes. Was it due to an infected wound or caused by a troubled mind? Marcus swayed slightly on his feet and he quickly beckoned the younger man to sit down again.

Enthralled, Angel sat down. Looking into those marvellous eyes he knew he could grow to love the Minbari.

"My mind is troubled, Angel," Neroon admitted, wanting to stroke the soft hair, but stopping those thoughts at once.

"About this Ranger you mentioned?" Angel hoped he wasn't being too forward.

"Yes, he is very important to me," Neroon confessed. The strangest feelings were running through him as he talked to Angel, a slave who no longer remembered he was a Ranger. After all he has been through he remains unchanged in his compassion.

"Why don't you tell me more about him? It might lift your spirits," Angel suggested, so eager to ease his master's evident discomfort. "It seems like you're really fond of him, master." Angel was surprised at his boldness, making such a statement.

"Yes, I am," Neroon admitted. A weak smile appeared on his face.

"Master, do you love him?" Angel wished he could take back those impertinent words, but it was too late. Any moment now the Minbari would become angry with him. He had no business asking questions about his master's private affairs.

"Yes, I love him Angel." Whispering those words was his final commitment to Marcus. He had never made this admission before.

Swallowing hard, Angel discovered a gleam of jealous feelings coursing through him and he immediately berated himself for having them. He was a slave; he shouldn't grow attached to this master who was certainly going to sell him once they had arrived at the station he had mentioned. "Then he's a very fortunate man to have won your love, master." Avoiding the Minbari's eyes, he looked at the bruises on his hands and remembered how carefully his master had washed the blood and dirt off his skin.

"You are jealous of yourself, Angel," Neroon stated, earning the most desperate look he had ever seen. "I do not want to talk about this any more. There are other things you need to know before we arrive at Babylon 5. I want you to memorize the names I am going to give you," Neroon said, stepping away from the feelings he had revealed to the younger man..

"I'm sorry master, but I find it very hard to memorize things," Angel mumbled in a guilty tone. "There are... holes, gaps in my mind."

"I know. You do realize that your memory is not intact, Angel?"

"Not intact? I suppose so." Pushing himself deeper into the chair, Angel pulled up his legs and braced them against his seat, wrapping his arms around them. Resting his chin on his knees he waited for his master to tell him more.

"Well, try to memorize them, Angel. I won't get angry with you should you forget them." Speaking in a calming tone, he noticed how the tension left Marcus' body.

Nodding, Angel finally dared to look his master in the eyes.

"We are heading for Babylon 5, a space station near Epsilon 3. John Sheridan is the station's Captain. His second in command is Susan Ivanova." Neroon was forced to pause as Marcus interrupted him.

"A woman? Master Ranan told me they..." Confused, Angel left his remark unfinished.

"It is perfectly normal for females to rise to that position, Angel. Now let me continue... Ah, yes, I better not forget to mention Mr. Garibaldi to you. He is Chief of security and I am sure he will have a lot of questions for you, Angel," Neroon had to stop once more as he saw the scared look on the other man's face.

"Questions, master? Is he going to interrogate me?"

"No, he won't interrogate you. No one is going to question you, I promise." Assuring Marcus he would protect him made quite a difference, he noticed.

Angel leaned back again and hid his face behind his hair, but the fear was diminishing due to the master's reassurance

"There are also other Minbari like me. Delenn will want to talk to you and you will also meet her aide, Lennier." Racking his brain to see if he had left out anyone, he stumbled on to one morel name he knew was going to scare Angel. "There will also be a Centauri waiting for us," he started and fear returned to the green eyes. "He is a friend, like Vir. You do remember Vir, do you not?"

Slowly nodding his head, Angel tried his best to memorize all this information, but knew he had already forgotten half of it.

"This Centauri's name is Londo. We will need his help to remove that slave-collar you are wearing," Neroon added, certain to get a reaction out of Marcus by making that remark.

"Remove the collar? Master, are you serious or merely toying with me?" Angel knew he sounded desperate, but he didn't care.

"I am serious, Angel." Neroon realized he had to do something to distract the younger man for the remaining hours of their journey or Marcus would stress himself out. Reaching a decision, he uncovered his pike and placed it in Marcus' hands.

"What's this?" Angel looked at the unknown object.

"It is a puzzle. I want you to figure out how to extend it. But whatever you do, do not point it at yourself," Neroon warned him, seeing the curious sparkle in Angel's green eyes.

"A puzzle?" Running his fingers over the short metal tube, he wondered how to open it. Remembering his master's warning to direct it away from him, he continued to study the metal tube.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It worried Neroon that it took Marcus more than 2 hours to figure out how to extend the pike. Hearing the familiar sound at last, he turned around and saw a strange mixture of surprise and curiosity on Marcus' face.

"Master? I solved your riddle," Pride echoed through his voice and Angel smiled at the Minbari. He never thought he would have been able to do this. "You told me to open it, but you never mentioned its purpose to me. Master?" Still smiling at the Minbari, he examined the metal object.

"It is a Minbari fighting pike; a weapon," Neroon explained, but wasn't prepared to see the sudden expression of trespassing in Marcus' eyes. "What is wrong, Angel?" It saddened him to see Marcus' smile fade.

"Slaves are forbidden to touch a weapon, master," Angel replied in shocked tone. Getting up from his chair he reverently placed the pike onto the floor.

"I am sorry. I did not know that." Mentally cursing himself, he realized he had upset Marcus.

"You don't need to apologize to me, master," Angel said in sad tone. "I'm only your slave."

Shaking his head, Neroon felt his anger return and smothered the spark before it turned into a raging fire. Studying the readings once more, he reckoned they would arrive at Babylon 5 in eight more hours. He had to think of a way to contact Delenn or Lennier without Marcus listening to that conversation. Trying hard to find a solution for his problem, he looked at the human curled up in the chair next to him. Marcus' eyes were once again shutting down from fatigue and he knew what to do. For once he was going to act like the master Marcus thought he was. "Angel, I want you to go into the back of the cabin and lie down. I want you to sleep, or if sleep eludes you to rest. The next eight hours you will remain there."

A bit unsteady on his feet, Angel walked into the back. This was the first time his master truly exercised his right as an owner and strangely enough he didn't mind. He had been thinking about getting some sleep himself, but had been hesitant to do so without explicit permission. Feeling groggy, he stared at his right hand which wasn't just trembling; it was shaking badly. Something was wrong, but he didn't dare to call out to his master who obviously wanted to be alone. Placing his hand on the bed-like chair, about to roll himself onto it, his fingers slipped from their resting place. Caught off-balance, he realized too late that his entire body was shaking violently. Not able to repress a soft scream of panic, he collapsed onto the floor.

Hearing the muffled sounds, Neroon looked behind him and saw Marcus faint. He only needed a few seconds to make his way over there and quickly gathered Marcus in his arms. "Angel? What happened?" Marcus was still conscious, but the glazed look in his eyes had deepened.

"Psi Cop... in my head," Angel stuttered, clinging to his master for safety.

"Psi Cop?" Suddenly certain things began to make sense; had someone captured Marcus, interrogated him and after they had finished with him, left the Ranger for dead on Centauri Prime? "Let me help you lie down. I will stay with you if you want me to," Neroon said soothingly, helping him to lie down on the adjusted chair. "Do you often have these attacks of vertigo?"

"No, not often, " Angel replied truthfully. Now that he was off his feet, he told himself to relax. His master would take care of him, he hoped.

"I will have a look at that first-aid kit and see if there is something inside to fight the vertigo." Neroon was about to turn around when he looked Marcus in the eyes. "Tell me honestly, Angel, are you in any pain?"

Angel wavered, not certain what he saw in those dark eyes. "Yes, my stomach hurts," he admitted at last.

"Any headaches?" Neroon continued, not yet satisfied.

"Can't remember a time when I was free of them," Angel muttered. "I can't remember... My mind is blank, and my head hurts from trying to figure out why I can't remember..."

Bringing the first-aid kit with him, Neroon searched its contents and found a mild sedative which could also be used as a painkiller. In silence, he thanked Vir for placing the food and Med Kit in the flyer. Opting for the mild sedative in the end, he followed the instructions on the label and dissolved two tablets into a glass of water. "Drink this, slowly and do not be afraid if you get even more tired. There is some sort of sleeping medication in it." Seeing the trust in Marcus' eyes, he felt uneasy and wondered what would be left of their friendship after Marcus regained his memories. It had been such folly to reveal his feelings for Marcus like this, even if the human didn't know who he really was.

Accepting the glass, Angel emptied it slowly. The slave trusted his master and although he might end up emotionally hurt when sold, hel was determined to savour every moment he could spend with this kind Minbari. His master's soothing presence made him forget all the horrible things which had happened while being with Master Ranan. Bit by bit, his eyes began to close; the medication was taking affect. Allowing himself to slip away into the calm darkness, he smiled as his master stroked his hair. Hel was surprised to find that the touch didn't bother him; he even welcomed it.

Watching him fall asleep, Neroon slipped out of his cloak and covered Marcus with it. He had to find a way to contact Babylon 5 or Lennier. If only he had moved quicker, had seen Marcus earlier, they might have made it to the rendezvous. Neroon returned to his seat and sent one more call on a secured channel; encrypted. Against all hope, he finally received a message from White Star One.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Initially, Lennier didn't believe the Ranger who informed him of an incoming encrypted message originating from a small Centauri flyer. Only one person knew of this frequency; Neroon. Telling the Ranger to put the message through, he was stunned to see Neroon's face on screen. "Neroon? Is it really you? When you did not make it to the rendezvous I assumed... "

"I hate to disappoint you, Lennier. But I'm still alive," Neroon said in a dead pan voice.

Not sure how to react to that comment, Lennier told the Rangers to allow the Centauri flyer to dock. Addressing Neroon once more, he saw a worried expression on the warrior's face. "I will inform Delenn at once that you have arrived. She was concerned to hear you did not appear at the agreed time."

"Lennier, do not contact Delenn yet. There is something else I need to tell you first.

"I need to tell you something also, Neroon. I am afraid it is bad news." Lennier took a deep breath. "Marcus died during a mission. He was killed on Centauri Prime three weeks ago." Closely watching the warrior's face, he was flabbergasted to see Neroon smile.

"Then I may actually have a very pleasant surprise for you," Neroon said thoughtfully and terminated the connection.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Angel? You have got to wake up now. We are going to leave this flyer." Neroon gently pulled Marcus to his feet. In retrospect, he wished he hadn't given Marcus that sedative.

Trying hard to wake up, Angel felt how he was being hauled to his feet. Through his hazy mind he heard his master's voice and wondered why they had to leave the flyer. Doing his best to comply to his master's wishes, he managed to open his eyes. Feeling those strong arms around him didn't scare him any longer. Instead, he felt safe and protected. The master wouldn't hurt him. The headache was gone, but felt awfully wobbly on his legs. Had it not been for his master's support he would never have made it out of the flyer.

Raising his eyes, he saw several Minbari approach them, all wearing robes or some dark coloured uniforms. Just don't let there be any Centauri, please.

Lennier crooked his head to get a clearer view of the two men approaching him. So Neroon wasn't alone; was that the surprise he had mentioned? Whispering to his companions to stand back, he proceeded to walk towards Neroon.

"Lennier," Neroon said softly, "I think we should take him to the sleeping quarters."

The young Minbari was now close enough to see the face which the long dark hair had obscured. He froze in his tracks, staring at the green eyes shimmering through the dark locks and was incapable of speech for several moments. It couldn't be Marcus!

"Yes, it is Marcus, but he is suffering from memory loss. He only answers to the name Angel," Neroon informed Lennier, who was staring at them.

"It cannot be him," Lennier whispered. "I attended the memorial service, saw how his coffin was ejected into space." In one moment of perfect clarity, he realized the terrible mistake they had made upon assuming that the man wearing the Ranger's uniform had been Marcus Cole. "His face had been burned by PPG blasts. There was no reason to assume it was not Marcus," he explained and wondered just who it had been they had found. Shock was replaced by relief and he felt the need to touch Marcus to convince himself it truly was his trusted friend standing opposite him.

Terrified of being touched, Angel stared at the hand that was quickly coming closer. He jerked back and almost stumbled. His master tightened his hold and pulled him back.

Lennier felt embarrassed as he realized that he had evidently scared his friend and took one step back.

Angel sighed as the Minbari put some distance between them. Feeling embarrassed as well, he looked at the young Minbari. A kind face stared back at him. Seeing those eyes he felt reassured. There was no evil in them. Shuddering, he remembered Master Ranan's eyes and forced himself to push that memory back into a corner of his mind. The sedative was still affecting him and his eyes closed again.

"You better not touch him, he... was mistreated, " Neroon said softly, after realizing he shouldn't mention the abuse in Marcus' presence. Noticing the shocked look on Lennier's face, he knew how the young Minbari must feel.

"Is that a slave-collar?" Lennier ventured to ask.

"Yes, Vir advised me not to remove it myself, but to wait until Londo brings the matching key," he explained. "Vir also told me that some collars explode when tampered with." Fumbling in his pockets, he handed Lennier the note and began to walk towards the exit, eager to get Marcus to lie down and sleep off the affects of the sedative.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lennier bowed reverently as Delenn's face appeared on the small screen in the briefing room, located next to the bridge. "Delenn," he said and saw the sad expression in her eyes.

"Lennier, I did not expect to hear from you at this moment. Has something out of the ordinary occurred?"

"Yes, something has happened indeed," Neroon stated, walking into range so Delenn would be able to see him. Her face brightened, and a smile actually appeared.

"Neroon! We thought you were dead! This is truly good news. Lennier, I am glad you informed me," Delenn exclaimed upon seeing the warrior. It had been hard for her to deal with Marcus' death and Neroon's disappearance. Suddenly she grew sad again, remembering the bad news she had to tell Neroon.

"Delenn, there is more news," Lennier said in a hesitant tone.

"Yes?" Delenn waited for him to continue.

"I think it would be best if Neroon told you." Lennier looked to the warrior.

Neroon nodded; he would inform Delenn. Now that he had learned about Marcus' mission to safeguard Bester while on his way to Centauri Prime, he realized why Marcus was this messed up. When Lennier had told him about the capture and torture at the hands of Caim and his Shadow -creature, he had remained silent. Forcing himself to mentally return to their present conversation, he looked Delenn in the eyes. "Marcus is still alive."

"Neroon, I am so sorry, but we found his body. He is dead," Delenn answered compassionately. She had long realized the warrior's attraction to Marcus, but denial wasn't going to do Neroon any good.

"Delenn, Marcus is alive," Neroon repeated. "He was not killed on Centauri Prime. I do not know who it was you found, but it was not Marcus."

"It is true," Lennier interrupted. "I have seen Marcus with my own eyes, but he..." Lennier fell silent, unable to explain further.

Delenn stared at the two Minbari. They were serious! Was it possible that Marcus hadn't died on Centauri Prime? She didn't dare to hope, but when she looked into Lennier's eyes she began to believe.

"He lost his memory," Neroonr explained. "A slave trader got his hands on Marcus and... did a lot of damage." Neroon told himself to stay calm, otherwise the collar would tighten again. "Marcus is convinced he is a slave. His mind has been tampered with. We will need a telepath to restore his memories."

"Bester has already left, but I will send him a message to return as quickly as possible," Delenn promised. She was certain the Psi Cop would return to help them. In Bester's eyes she had read true concern for the Ranger.

Recognizing the name, Neroon looked at Lennier. "The Psi Cop Marcus was supposed to protect?"

Lennier nodded slowly, relieved that everything might turn out so well.

"How much longer before you will reach Babylon 5, Lennier?" Delenn asked, eager to start preparations and to tell John the good news. Susan and Michael would also be thrilled to learn Marcus was still alive.

"Our estimated time of arrival is 2200 hundred hours," Lennier answered after checking their progress.

"Delenn," Neroon said gravely, "do not expect too much. The man we knew does not exist any more. We can only hope this Bester will be able to help him," he tempered her obvious enthusiasm.

"Neroon, I thought he was dead..." Delenn offered as an explanation.

"I know," Neroon whispered, and then continued in louder tone. "Keep our arrival low profile. He is in no condition to be greeted by a crowd. I suggest you also bring along a physician."

"I will alert Doctor Franklin at once." Casting one more thankful look at both men, she terminated the connection and went to seek out Sheridan.

"Lennier, I am going to check on Marcus," Neroon said, a touch of fatigue in his voice.

"May I join you? I will keep my distance. The last thing I want is to scare him again."

Considering this request, Neroon eventually gave in. Marcus needed to get used to other people being around.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Angel had woken some minutes ago and was now trying to get off the rigged platform. The fact that he had been resting this much lately was a luxury he knew wouldn't last. The master had bought him for a purpose, whatever that might be. Studying his surroundings as well as the sedative allowed him to, he tried to decipher the alien writing on the wall. It was no language he was able to read. He only knew Standard and some Centauri.

Slowly walking towards another platform, he suddenly realized that the other Minbari, Lennier, had also addressed him as Marcus. This confused him. Had his master been honest when telling him he was a Ranger? No, I better not think about it. I will be who ever the master tells me to be. He returned to his platform and sat down. It was pleasantly warm in here, not as cold as the southern hemisphere of Centauri Prime.

Suddenly, the door opened and he couldn't help being afraid; these alien surroundings made him feel uncomfortable. Relieved, he watched his master approach. Lennier was one step behind the Minbari.

"Did you get any sleep, Angel?" Neroon inquired, aware of the haunted look in Marcus' eyes.

"Yes, master," Angel answered truthfully, feeling Lennier's eyes scan him.

"Good. You need to rest. We will arrive at Babylon 5 in one standard hour," Neroon informed him.

"Is there something you require... Angel?" Lennier asked the Ranger, who quickly stared at his master, not sure he was allowed to answer that question.

"Tell him, Angel. Lennier is a friend; a good friend."

Lennier avoided looking at Neroon, hearing that remark. It pained him to see Marcus this confused. He had been upset at first as he'd noticed that Marcus called Neroon master, but now he realized that Neroon hadn't abused the power he held over Marcus. Respectfully, Lennier looked at Neroon and bowed his head; showing his gratitude.

Angel didn't notice the silent exchange between the two Minbari. Well, his master had told him to speak up. "I'm hungry master," he admitted and was rewarded with a nod and a smile from Lennier.

"I will arrange for a meal. Please excuse me." Lennier hurried out of the room, feeling like he was about to choke. As he had looked into Marcus' eyes, a stranger had stared back at him.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

John Sheridan wondered why Delenn had summoned them to the War Room. Looking at his second in command and friend, he realized Susan Ivanova was mourning Marcus' death in her own way. The Ranger's sudden demise had shaken her more than she wanted to admit and she still flatly refused to discuss his death with anyone. He wanted to help her so badly, but she wouldn't let anyone in.

Sheridan's gaze came to rest upon Michael's face. The Captain had been most upset to learn that Garibaldi had been frequently seen in the bars in Down Below ordering Tequila, but thankfully not drinking it. Michael's peculiar behavior had started after Marcus' memorial service three weeks ago. He had been relieved to learn that Franklin had made sure the Chief didn't sip from the alcohol by keeping Garibaldi company and by talking to him.

Studying Delenn, he saw an awkward smile on her face which made him feel uncomfortable. It was so evident all of them were still struggling with Cole's unexpected death and for Delenn to laugh seemed hardly appropriate.

"I have good news, my friends," Delenn started in an excited tone she couldn't hide. "I have spoken to Neroon." She had informed them several days ago that the warrior had gone missing during a mission on Centauri Prime. The Command Staff had been amazed to learn that Neroon had been secretly working for the Rangers.

"I thought he died on that mission," Michael interjected, not really interested. Although he had seen the warrior act differently during Marcus' recovery, he still didn't trust Neroon.

"It seems he was only delayed," Delenn answered firmly, not wanting to be distracted and wondering how they were going to react to her next remark. "Neroon was late because he bought a slave on Centauri Prime." She knew it wasn't the polite thing to do,--to mislead them--, but she simply didn't know how to break the news to them that Marcus was alive against all odds. The truth was she hardly believed it herself. If it hadn't been for Lennier's assurance that it really was Marcus, she would have doubted Neroon's words.

"Neroon bought a slave?" Stephen repeated, uncertain why the Minbari would do such a thing.

Michael looked at Franklin; it seemed like Neroon had only been pretending to have changed. The Chief kept quiet though. The tension in this room was making him uncomfortable. Looking at Ivanova, he realized she hadn't slept in days. Dark circles had appeared underneath her eyes; her empty stare worried him. He knew she thought of herself as some sort of jinx and that she blamed herself for Marcus' death, although there was no reason to do so. Her look reminded him of the moment she had found out Talia was a spy. Delenn's voice shook him from his dark mood.

"He found Marcus, alive!" A shattering silence descended onto the War Room as she spoke those words. Delenn's smile broadened, full of happiness.

Susan was the first to react. "Delenn, he's dead," she whispered in broken tone, obviously upset. "Why are you doing this?" The Commander stared at her hands. Only since his memorial service she'd realized that the annoying Ranger was dead; truly gone. Susan wished she could go back in time and keep him from accepting that stupid mission to protect Bester. No longer would he tease her, harass her, surprise her with bacon and eggs. Ivanova had enjoyed their verbal sparring very much, even if it hadn't show. Missing him already, she remembered their last conversation and couldn't help smiling. Marcus had been so immensely happy and relieved after she had advised him to give Neroon a chance.

"I am serious, Commander. Lennier assured me it is Marcus," Delenn said more firmly, adding authority to her statement. All of a sudden she saw them stare at her, none of them believing a single word she'd said.

Slowly, Stephen allowed himself to hope Delenn's words were true. Sitting on the edge of his seat, he waited for more information.

Garibaldi finally processed Delenn's words. A mischievous grin appeared on his face. It did sound like a stunt only Marcus could pull off. Although he had often felt the desire to shove Cole out of an airlock or space him for never shutting up, he had been distressed to discover just how much Marcus' death had shaken him in the end. "Seems our Ranger pulled through again," he quipped in the end, breaking the awkward silence hanging over the room. He had never realized that Marcus had become a part of their little family.

Sheridan sighed. Why did Delenn always keep these things secret? He had blamed himself, hearing of the Ranger's death. After all, he had been the one who had urged Marcus to accept the mission.

Ivanova peeked at their faces and saw Garibaldi grin; the others were smiling weakly. What if it was true and death had spit the Ranger out again? Too annoying to digest! It seemed like some fairy tale come true; problem was she didn't believe in them.

"But there is problem." Delenn saw their smiles fade into expressions of concern.

"I knew it was too good to be true," Susan stated in a tired voice. She had hardly slept since Marcus' death and vodka had been her only companion during those dreadful hours of the wolf, which now also had cubs. It was hard to believe Delenn; she didn't dare to hope. Glancing at Delenn, she saw faith and hope in the Minbari's eyes.

"We all know that Mr. Garibaldi organized the attack on Caim's layer to free them and Mr. Bester told us that Caim interrogated Marcus... brutally, so when we came upon a man wearing a Ranger uniform we assumed it was Marcus. We were wrong. Apparently, Marcus fell into the hands of the same Centauri who tried to abduct him after he had challenged Neroon to Denn'Sha," Delenn informed them.

"Hold on," Michael interrupted. "Who was that guy wearing Marcus' uniform? After all, he got one hell of a memorial service!" Garibaldi caught Susan's desperate grin and knew he had managed to lift their spirits just a little. "Not to mention all the changes I'll have to make to the security log..."

"We will probably never know, Mr. Garibaldi," Delenn answered, a bit annoyed at the interruption."During Caim's interrogation Marcus' memory must have been destroyed. He has no recollection of being a Ranger. Neither does he remember his name. Marcus is convinced he is a slave and although Neroon has tried to tell him he is not, Marcus refuses to believe him." Delenn stopped, looking at their faces, trying to gauge their reactions. "The Centauri..." She couldn't continue, embarrassed to have let this happen, for not having interfered. She should have send a Ranger to Centauri Prime to make sure Marcus had really died that night. Guilt clouded her eyes as she gathered her courage to finish her story. "The Centauri abused and mistreated Marcus. Neroon told me he acts like a frightened child, especially afraid of being touched. That is why we will need your help, Doctor Franklin."

"I understand." Stephen wondered in what kind of emotional state Marcus would be upon arriving at the station. "I'll be careful. I suggest we give him some time to adjust to this new situation. No visitors for some time; they would only scare him."

"Agreed," Delenn replied. "There is one more thing we need to discuss."

Ivanova somehow knew what that subject was going to be. "You're talking about Bester, aren't you? Damn, I don't want that sneaky bastard on my station! Look what he did to Marcus during that mission!"

"Commander, I know this must be hard on you," Delenn answered calmly, "but he is probably the only one who can undo the damage Caim did." Sighing, Delenn tried to catch the Commander's gaze. "Please understand, Susan. I have no other choice. After receiving Neroon's message I called Mr. Bester back to the station. He agreed to help Marcus."

Ivanova glared at Sheridan, silently asking him why he hadn't stopped Delenn from doing so.

The Ambassador caught that glare and reacted to it. "This is the first time the Captain has learned of any of this, Commander," she stated resolutely. "He had no idea what was going on."

"Dammit Delenn! I'm glad Marcus is alive, but to allow Bester into his mind!"

"Susan," Garibaldi leaned in closer and whispered into her ear."I'm not thrilled about that idea either, but we need to do what's best for Marcus."

Knowing the Chief was probably right, Susan calmed down; a stubborn, defiant expression remained on her face though. "I still don't like it."

They were distracted when Londo Mollari hesitantly entered the room. It was obvious the Centauri didn't feel comfortable intruding like this. Remembering the message Vir had sent him only too well, Londo had done the best he could to find a key that could unlock the Ranger's collar.

"Londo." John Sheridan rose to his feet, not expecting him.

"Captain," Londo said, seeing the remnants of disgust in their eyes. He knew it wasn't really directed at him, but at Ranan. Still, he felt ashamed for his people. "Vir told me what happened to Marcus Cole. I asked my contact to acquire the key so we can remove the slave-collar as quickly as possible. I expect the key to arrive any moment now. I will contact you the moment it's handed over to me." Londo wondered about their questioningly looks.

"Slave-collar? What collar?" Garibaldi asked in a muffled tone. What the hell was Londo talking about? He saw a similar dumbfounded expression on Susan and Stephen's face.

"You don't know?" Londo felt even more distressed now that he had to explain this to them. "Marcus is wearing a slave-collar, a rather advanced one actually. It reacts to his master's emotions. Is it true that the warrior Neroon is his master?"

"Yes, " Delenn replied softly. Lennier and Neroon hadn't told her this part.

"Let me explain this to you," Londo started. "If Neroon gets angry, no matter what the reason might be, the collar will tighten around Marcus' throat and will send off electric jolts which will hurt Cole tremendously. The collar can suffocate him; kill him. It's extremely important Neroon keeps in control of his emotions at all times."

A fist was slammed into the table and Susan rose to her feet. "You can't be serious, Londo!"

"Commander, I assure you I am," Londo said calmly. "That's why we need to remove that collar as quickly as possible. Up until that moment we'll have to be careful not to anger the Minbari warrior."

Michael growled. "I better stay out of Neroon's way then."

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Delenn, Sheridan and Stephen were waiting for Neroon's shuttle to dock. Lennier had told her that he had to stay onboard for another hour and would join them later.

"John? I am scared," Delenn admitted in hushed tone.

"Why? It's only Marcus," the Captain replied, looking at the woman he loved so much.

"That is it, John. He is not Marcus any longer! Neroon told me about his behavior. According to him Marcus is like a child, a very frightened one... and I am to blame."

"Delenn," Stephen interjected. "Marcus knew the dangers involved. No one knew what was going to happen. At least he's still alive."

"I know you are right, but..."

"No buts, Delenn." He pointed at the opening doors. "Look, here they come."

Delenn centered herself and tried to catch a glimpse as the two men slowly made their way through the corridor.

"Neroon isn't wearing his uniform?" Stephen mumbled.

"No, as he is no longer a member of the clan of the Star Riders, he is officially no longer a warrior and not entitled to wear one," Delenn explained, looking at the dark clothes Neroon was wearing. Shifting her glance to the man walking at his side, she shivered and reached for John's support, who promptly wrapped an arm around her. "Oh Valen, what have I done?" Taking in Marcus' appearance, Delenn grew quiet. The Ranger's glazed eyes were big and focused on the floor. The dark hair was still covered with blood and hid a large part of his pale face. "John? "

Sheridan took a deep breath upon seeing the Ranger. Marcus looked worse than he'd expected. This man had been to hell and back; it showed in his eyes.

Geez, and I thought he looked bad after Neroon beat him up. Stephen did his best not to reach for the scanner he had brought with him for a first check. Seeing Marcus, he knew he had to take this very slowly. What did they do to him? His gaze was drawn to the metal collar Marcus was wearing, partly covered with blood. Trembling, he remembered it reacted to Neroon's anger.

Angel scanned the docking area with half-closed eyes. Somehow, he already felt comfortable here, probably had something to do with being so far away from Centauri Prime. Trying hard not to think of Master Ranan, he concentrated on the three people standing at the end of the corridor.

"Now remember, Angel, these people are friends. They are here to help you," Neroon reminded him softly.

Nodding his head, Angel was able to make out a strange-looking woman who appeared to be waiting for them as well. She had a bonecrest like his master but also long, beautiful hair. "Master, who's she?"

"That is Delenn. The man next to her is John Sheridan, Captain; the man on the right is Doctor Franklin," Neroon explained patiently.

"Why are they here?" Angel was taken aback when the woman smiled at him.

"They want to welcome you." Uncertain what to tell Marcus, Neroon opted for something non-confrontational.

"Neroon, welcome back, " Delenn said in a friendly tone, then focused her attention on the Ranger walking close to him. Too close, Marcus is scared. Remembering Neroon's instructions, she didn't try to touch Marcus.

"Entil'Zha." Neroon bowed slightly and nodded toward the other two men. "This is Angel. He needs our help." Neroon caught the astonishment on their faces as Marcus tried to hide behind his broad back. Turning slightly, he looked at Marcus and smiled. "There's no reason to be afraid, Angel."  Pulling Marcus back to his side, he saw the aggravation on Marcus' face. Thankfully, Delenn broke the awkward silence.

"Welcome to Babylon 5, Angel." Her voice wavered, speaking his name.

"Yeah, it's good to have you back," Sheridan remarked, then kicked himself mentally as he realized he had said the wrong thing.

"Back?" Angel mumbled, looking at his master for an explanation. These people seemed kind and he especially liked Delenn who was so polite and friendly. Not getting any reply from his master, he looked at the last man who had kept silent till now. He remembered his master telling him it was a doctor.

Stephen didn't know what he felt when he looked into Marcus' clouded eyes. Neroon had been right; there was no trace of recognition. However, he did notice how glazed Marcus' eyes were and decided not to waste any more time. "I'm Stephen," he introduced himself and refrained from extending his hand at the last moment, seeing the scared look on Marcus' face. "Neroon, I think we should take him to Medlab now."

"Agreed, " the warrior said firmly and was surprised to feel Marcus' hand hesitantly slip around his arm. He literally smelled the fear clinging to Marcus.

"You aren't going to leave me alone with them, please?" Desperately trying to catch his master's gaze, Angel kept one eye on the strangers close to him. Afraid to think of what this doctor might do to him, he reached for the one person he had begun to trust. The thought of being without his master scared him. The Minbari had become his only refuge. "Please, master?"

Sheridan exchanged a glance with Delenn, stunned to see Marcus this afraid. He had never known the Ranger to show his fear, then remembered something Delenn had told him; that the man they had come to know this last year no longer existed. Suddenly, he realized something else as well; Marcus was convinced he was a slave. His entire body language spoke of fear and a desperate need to please Neroon; his master. Infuriated by Caim's and Ranan's manipulations, he was determined to do anything he could to help Marcus recover. That mission had been sheer madness from the first moment it had been conceived. He should never have given into it!

Delenn was having similar thoughts. To part Marcus now from Neroon would be cruel. It was obvious Marcus was clinging to Neroon for support and strength. Somehow she wasn't surprised to find that Neroon had managed to win Marcus' trust; the warrior had changed greatly. His debriefing would have to wait. "Why do you not accompany Angel to Medlab, Neroon? We can talk later."

"Thank you Delenn." Looking at Stephen, Neroon said," Doctor, lead the way. I think Angel needs to lie down."

Stephen nodded, eager to start examining his friend. He didn't like the way Marcus looked or acted.

Realizing he was leaning heavily on his master, Angel tried to loosen the hold he had on the Minbari, only to stumble once more over his feet as the dizziness returned. Again, it was his master who caught and steadied him.

"Do not let go of me, Angel," Neroon warned him, feeling the sudden unease in Marcus' body. "You can lean on me as long as you need to. I do not want you to fall and hurt yourself. Just concentrate on taking one step at a time."

"But master, you're practically carrying me," Angel protested, but not letting go of the Minbari for one moment, cherishing his closeness. Feeling the doctor's gaze on him, he was relieved his master would stay close. He hated physicians. One time after Master Ranan had been too rough with him, the Centauri had been forced to call in a physician, but the man had hurt him the moment Master Ranan had left his cell. His memories were blurry and he only remembered some sharp pain which had moved through him. His injuries had remained untreated and Master Ranan hadn't paid any attention to his plea for a painkiller. Eventually he had given up. Looking at this human doctor, he felt afraid.

Stephen wasn't really surprised to see fear on Marcus' face. A feeling of anger came over him and he suddenly realized how Neroon had to feel. At that moment he admired the warrior for keeping in control as the Minbari did. Observing Neroon's tenderness when talking to or touching the ranger told him that Neroon had treated Marcus with respect. Susan had told him about the attraction Neroon felt towards Marcus and he saw that feeling reflected in the Minbari's eyes and gestures. It was obvious Marcus trusted Neroon. He realized the Ranger wouldn't trust him though, was probably even scared of him.

"Neroon? What's his condition? Did you notice anything in particular?" Stephen asked while taking them to Medlab Three. Michael had made sure the corridors would be empty so they wouldn't encounter anyone on their way to Medlab. Only now did he realize what a good idea that had been. He had expected Marcus to be disorientated, but he had to admit that Marcus was in a much worse condition than he'd originally thought possible. His eyes rested once more on the slave-collar which seemed way too tight. He could hardly imagine the iron discipline Neroon had to possess in order to control his rage.

"Vertigo, exhaustion, major headaches, I think," Neroon replied, and smiled upon seeing Stephen's baffled look. Shrugging his shoulders, he settled for grinning at the doctor.

"All right, Angel. I'm going to do a full check on you. Can you tell me how you feel and where you hurt? " Stephen said, beckoning Neroon to make Marcus lie down on the exam bed.

"Angel, lie down and answer Doctor Franklin's questions truthfully," Neroon admonished Marcus, aware of the younger man's reluctance.

Realizing the doctor was waiting for an answer, Angel didn't know what to say. He couldn't answer those questions in the presence of his master... Answering those questions meant telling them what had happened to him. As his master gently pushed him down onto the exam bed, a sting of pain moved through his stomach.

"You can tell him," Neroon tried again. "Stephen's an excellent physician and knows how to treat your injuries." He warrior could tell something was troubling Marcus.

"Neroon?" Stephen wondered why Marcus was eyeing him suspiciously.

"Let me try," Neroon said, studying Marcus, who was trembling. "Angel, did a doctor hurt you?" He was getting better at reading Marcus' emotions and the twists of his mind.

Franklin stared at Neroon, hearing that question; what kind of doctor would hurt a patient? But he saw Neroon had hit bull's eye. Marcus cringed and averted his eyes. Damn, now it'll be even more difficult to get his cooperation and to win his trust! He was mad at the physician who had done this to Marcus.

Angel nodded once and wanted nothing more than to be left alone. This doctor might want to help him, but he no longer trusted anyone, except for his master. Turning onto his left side, he hid his face behind his hands and pulled up his legs; curling himself into a ball. His master was talking to him, but he didn't want to listen, almost yearning for the pain the collar would give him for disobeying his master by ignoring him. Perhaps it would have been best if he had died on Centauri Prime. His master was making him face his past and he loathed the man he was.

The two men stared at each other as Marcus tried to mentally isolate himself.

"Perhaps it would be best to sedate him during the examination," Stephen told Neroon. "There's little I can do when he refuses to cooperate."

"Give me a moment." Neroon's heart pounded in his chest seeing Marcus lost like this. "Angel, I want you to look at me." Neroon was surprised when Marcus actually obeyed. His green eyes were swimming. "Stephen won't hurt you. He is a man of honor. I will stay close if you want me to, but you have to cooperate. Your wounds need to be treated," Neroon said, making sure concern showed in his voice.

Angel rolled onto his back. Staring into his master's eyes, he wanted to touch him, grab his hand and hold onto it for reassurance.

Neroon saw the uncertainty in his eyes and realized Marcus needed him. Slowly, so Marcus could see what he was doing, he took the Ranger's right hand in his. "Now tell the doctor what he wants to know."

Looking at the physician at last, Angel hoped his master was right and that the doctor could be trusted. "My head hurts and my stomach as well."

But Franklin listened closely and understood. "I'm going to scan you and run some tests on you. I'll have to take some blood as well; I'll try to make it as comfortable as possible for you. Do we have a deal, Mar... Angel?" Berating himself for his slip of the tongue, he looked the Ranger in the eyes and realized Marcus hadn't noticed the hesitance in his voice before pronouncing his name.

"Master, will you stay?" Angel still wavered.

Looking at Franklin for permission, the doctor nodded his consent. "Yes, Angel," Neroon said firmly. "I will stay."

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I had to sedate him, Neroon. The tests were too painful for Marcus," Stephen explained in an agonized tone while keeping one eye on his patient and friend. Marcus was soundly asleep now.

"You acted correctly," Neroon agreed, softly caressing Marcus' fingers. "He has already been hurt too much."

"I'll get the results in a couple of minutes," Stephen whispered, careful not to wake Marcus. "Delenn asked to be informed about Marcus' condition as well so I'll expect to see both of you in my office at 2100 hours."

Neroon nodded, pulled up a chair and sat down next to the exam bed. He'd been under the impression that Stephen had already departed when the doctor's voice suddenly startled him.

"Neroon, about that collar he's wearing... You know your anger can kill him?"

"I know that, Doctor Franklin, and I assure you that I am in full control of my emotions." Enveloping Marcus' right hand in his, Neroon couldn't repress a sigh.

"You love him, don't you, Neroon?" Franklin's question sounded more like a statement; instinctively knowing he was right. Watching the Minbari, he noticed the knitted brow; Neroon was worried.

"Yes, I do," was Neroon's short answer.

Nodding his head, Stephen left them alone. Marcus would be asleep for a couple more hours and he realized no matter what would happen, Neroon was determined to stay at Marcus' side.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Not expecting any visitors, Neroon was surprised to see Commander Ivanova enter Medlab Three. He remembered Lennier telling him that Marcus had been in love with her for quite some time and that the Commander had rejected his love. It was beyond his comprehension how she could choose a lost love above Marcus Cole. Noticing the hesitance in her movements, he realized she wasn't sure he would allow her inside.

"Neroon?" she whispered, uncertainty flashing in her eyes.

"Commander, please come inside," Neroon said in calm tone, letting her know she was welcome here. This visit, no, confrontation had to be hard on her.

"Can I sit with you for some moments? I still can't believe he made it back alive," Susan admitted, looking at Neroon with tired eyes.

Studying Neroon, Susan no longer disliked him for what he had done during Delenn's ceremony. After Marcus had allowed her to read the warrior's letter, she'd realized it had been a difficult time for Neroon as well, something she had never considered. Neroon's behavior during Marcus' recovery had convinced her the Minbari was serious in his good intentions. It was a strange position she found herself in; she knew Marcus was infatuated with Neroon, but she also knew Neroon was in love with Marcus. If only the two of them had told each other about their feelings before things went haywire! Susan wondered how Neroon was dealing with all this. Everyone was concerned about Marcus, but Neroon had to be struggling with his feelings too. Perhaps it was because he appeared so strong that nobody was worried for him. As she looked into his dark eyes she saw his pain as well.

"Of course."

Susan was forced to stop her pondering and sat down on the edge of the bed. Marcus was asleep, a contented smile on his pale face.

"He won't wake up though, Commander. Doctor Franklin had to put him to sleep in order to examine him."

"I'm fine with just sitting here, Neroon. I just needed to convince myself he's alive."

"He will recover," Neroon stated, feeling her unspoken question. A firm determination showed in his voice.

Susan smiled. She knew Neroon would do whatever necessary to aid Marcus' recovery. Seeing their entwined fingers, she looked up at Neroon and saw the love hiding in his eyes. Neroon tried to retreat behind his walls and not to reveal too much, but she had seen his true emotions that instant. "The two of you will work, Neroon."

"I hope so," Neroon mumbled, not sure himself. "He is the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. Marcus upended my life the moment he bested me during Denn'Sha and gave me a reason for wanting to live."

Getting up from the bed, Susan smiled at the two of them."Let me know if there's anything I can do to help," she offered, staring at the slave-collar around his neck. Feeling warm skin beneath her fingers, she realized she had taken Marcus' other hand into hers. He's alive, breathing; he didn't die on Centauri Prime. Perhaps the wolf will stay away tonight. Convinced Marcus was watched over, she glanced once more at Neroon and knew he would be there for Marcus. The Ranger needed a lot of care and support.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was quiet, --too quiet-- in his office and Stephen tried to gauge the state of mind of both Neroon and Delenn. They were looking at him, not sure what to expect. He was unable to determine which one of them was more nervous and worried; Neroon hid his feelings too well, even now.

The expression in Doctor Franklin's eyes told Neroon that the results were unsettling. What was wrong with Marcus? Do not pretend ignorance. You saw too many victims of interrogation and abuse during the battles you fought. You know the consequences. "The results, doctor," he urged Stephen on. He had to know the extent of Marcus' injuries, both mentally and physically. Noticing Stephen's frustrated sigh, Neroon braced himself for the worst scenario.

"Let's start with the headaches, vertigo and memory loss," Stephen said, turning professional although it was hard to make that change from friend to doctor in this case. "I ran a neural scan on him, a couple of them actually because the readings didn't make any sense. They still don't; running from excessive high brain activity to almost shutting down at times." His voice dropped and he found himself concentrating on Neroon. "Mentally, Marcus is a mess. I can't help him. We better hope Bester can undo the damage."

"I hope so too." Delenn's voice shook, but her face remained composed.

Catching the doctor's worried gaze, Neroon knew it wasn't over yet. Stephen had more bad news to tell them.

"Marcus has severe internal injuries. There's some internal bleeding, that's why complained about his stomach aching. I already asked Lillian to prep him for surgery. I'm afraid to wait any longer."

Suddenly, Neroon realized Stephen was addressing him specifically.

"Who ever abused him did some major damage," Stephen started, looking Neroon in the eyes. "I know you want a relationship with him and I need to warn you Neroon. Marcus won't be able to have a sexual relationship for quite some time." Franklin hoped Neroon understood what he was talking about. He knew he should be more specific, but the words eluded him.

"Nothing invasive," Neroon added, more comfortable to name the problem than Franklin was. "I already knew that, doctor." Looking at Delenn, Neroon saw her discomfort and embarrassment. But he knew this had to come in the open so everyone of them knew what the situation was. Franklin was watching him, apparently waiting for some sort of answer. "Doctor, I realize Marcus will need a lot of time and support to recover and I respect that." But there was more.

"His abuser carried a sexually transmitted virus and Marcus contracted it, " Stephen continued, seeing the crestfallen expression in Neroon's eyes. "I put him on antibiotics to fight the virus. He should recover from it in a week." Addressing Delenn, he continued. "Even if Bester's able to restore his memory and neural functions, Marcus won't be able to go back on duty for months. This time, I insist he's given time to heal, Delenn. No more missions without my consent, " Stephen said resolutely.

"I will see to it, Doctor Franklin," Delenn promised, a guilty expression subduing her relief. "What will be your next step?"

"Surgery," Franklin answered. "I need to do some reconstructive surgery."

"This surgery,"  Neroon asked, "will take care of his... stomach ache?" He knew only too well what was causing that ache.

"Yes, I think so," Franklin replied, impatient to join his team to get started on his friend.

"How long will this operation take?" Neroon wanted to know everything concerning Marcus.

"One hour at least. Neroon, you need to take care of yourself as well. Marcus will need you and you better be rested when he regains consciousness," Stephen said, while getting up from his chair. "I have to leave now. I'll contact both of you when I'm done with the operation."

Both Minbari rose to their feet and bowed. After the doctor had left the room, Delenn stopped Neroon who wanted to leave the office. "You are serious, Neroon? You will take care of Marcus?"

"Delenn, you may not believe me, but I love Marcus," Neroon stated and a bit of his old arrogance showed.

It made her smile; Neroon had long claimed Marcus as his own and was determined to see him heal.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Confused, blurred sight, nauseous, Angel wondered why he felt this sick. The last thing he remembered was the doctor telling him that he was going to sleep through all the tests because it would be best for him. Lifting his hand, he saw the IV's and realized something else must have happened. Trying to get into a more comfortable position, he moved his body and realized his stomach didn't hurt that much any longer. Thankful, he managed to turn onto his side and the last remnant of pain vanished. He still didn't understand why his master went through all this trouble to have him checked out. It must cost him a fortune. Feeling guilty, he tried to get out of bed.

"Lie down, Angel, and rest."

He was surprised to see his master sitting in a chair close to him. "Master? I feel sick.".

"That is not surprising, considering you just had surgery," Neroon explained to him.

"Surgery? What for, master? " Once more resting his body against the softness of the pillows, he looked at Neroon pleadingly. Master Ranan would never worry about him the way the Minbari obviously did.

"You were bleeding internally," Neroon said soothingly and got up from his chair. Approaching the younger man, he was relieved to see Marcus's eyes were clear for the moment. Something urged him to take the Ranger's hand in to his and he was pleasantly surprised when Marcus didn't flinch at the touch.

"I... don't understand," Angel uttered at last.

"What is it you do not understand?" Neroon asked, tenderly caressing the bruised skin.

"Why do you care this much for me?" Angel knew he wasn't supposed to question his master, but the need to know was overwhelming.

"Because you need someone who cares for you," Neroon said, telling him a half-truth and was relieved to see Stephen Franklin enter the room that moment.

Angel grew silent, seeing the look of anguish in his master's eyes. The presence of the physician made him uncomfortable although the doctor hadn't given him any reason to question his good intentions.

"You're awake. That's good, " Stephen started. "I had to put you on antibiotics and fluids, that's why you're hooked up to the IV's," he explained, seeing the confused look on Marcus' face.

Peeking at his master, Angel wondered if he was allowed to speak. A moment later he cringed as the door opened; a Centauri appeared and frightened the hell out of him.

Neroon noticed it and squeezed his hand to assure him he wasn't in any danger.

"This is Londo, a friend, " Franklin quickly explained to Marcus.

Terrified, Angel tightened his grip on his master's hand. Lying in bed, he felt totally bereft of any possibility to defend himself if necessary.

"I brought the key. Well, it's actually a micro chip," Londo said, eyes focused on Marcus. It was the first time he saw the Ranger in this state and didn't like the fear and horror that showed in his green eyes. Keeping his distance, Mollari handed the small key over to Stephen. Londo had seen this look too many times during his visits to Cartagia's court and knew his presence frightened Marcus.

"What do I do?" Stephen asked Mollari, looking at the object.

"If you examine the collar you will find a small opening in the back. Just push the chip into it," Londo instructed.

"You heard him, Angel." Neroon pulled Marcus in to his arms until the younger man sat upright in the bed. Marcus didn't cringe, nor did he pull away.

"Master? Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Yes, I'm sure. Doctor? Proceed."

Sweeping back some dark locks, Stephen discovered the opening Londo had mentioned. Franklin paused for one moment and looked Neroon in the eyes; this was it.

"The doctor is now going to remove the collar, Angel, " Neroon told Marcus who had begun to tremble. Holding Marcus even closer, he looked at his greent eyes; they were big with anticipation and agony.

Angel heard his master's words and waited for something to happen. An instant later the collar tightened, then slipped off his neck. He couldn't believe this was really happening.

Stephen exchanged a quick glance with Neroon and flung the slave-collar on to the floor. It had left wounds on Marcus' throat and neck, bloody welts that needed to be taken care off.

As he finally allowed himself to admit that the collar was gone, Angel raised a hand to feel along his throat, trying to convince himself it no longer had any hold on him. "It is gone," he murmured, looking into his master's eyes. The softness and compassion he saw in them made him speechless.

"I'll make sure it's destroyed," Londo said, picking up the collar and looking at it with evident disgust. He was about to leave the room when Marcus called him back.

Not certain his master would approve of him speaking without permission, Angel needed to thank the Centauri. Perhaps not all of them were evil. "Sir?" he said hesitantly and forced himself to look into Londo's eyes. "Thank you."

"There's no need to thank me. I hate slavery," Londo replied, a sad smile illuminating his features and closed the door behind him.

In the meantime, Stephen had stepped outside and returned with some salve that would prevent infection. The wounds the collar had created were raw and needed to be sealed. Handing the jar to Neroon, he watched Marcus who still couldn't believe the collar was gone. "Apply some of this salve onto the wounds, Neroon. I think he'll be more comfortable with you treating them." Seeing understanding in the Minbari's eyes, he left the room. Standing outside, he recalled how he had left them; Marcus' face had been buried in the folds of Neroon's cloak.

After the doctor had left, Angel felt confident enough to look at the Minbari. There was only one question swirling in his mind. His master had told him that he loved this Ranger named Marcus Cole and he knew that his master would leave him eventually to return to his lover. But the thought of being left alone made him feel sick. Bewildered, he boldly addressed his master. "Are you going to leave me now, master? I know you want to return to this Ranger you told me about, but... I need you." That admission had been hard for him to make.

Shifting on the bed, Neroon positioned Marcus between his legs and cradled him against his chest while one of his hands opened the jar Stephen had given him.

For one moment panic coursed through Angel, feeling his master slip behind him; sensing a warm, almost hot, body behind him, but he fought his fear and told himself to trust the Minbari.

Pushing Marcus' hair out of his way, Neroon finally gave into his anger and envisioned choking the life out of Ranan, slowly, deliberately, and enjoying every second of it.

"Master? You didn't answer my question." Angel moaned as gentle hands moved over his skin to dispense the salve over the wounds. Surrendering to the Minbari, he leaned back and let go of all tension.

Neroon felt him relax and tenderly applied the lotion. "I am not going to leave you, Angel," was all he managed to say. Marcus' unconditional surrender and trust was something he didn't expect; not this soon.

Relieved, Angel closed his eyes and concentrated on the feel of those hands seemingly caressing his skin. It made the pain go away and he was beginning to doze off when demanding lips suddenly replaced the fingertips. Totally confused, Angel tensed and forgot to breathe for a moment. "Master? What are you doing?"

"Kissing your wounds. Is this acceptable to you?" Neroon' fingers traced the bruised skin, carefully avoiding Ranan's bite-marks which had broken Marcus' skin. It angered him that Ranan had marked Marcus in this manner. Waiting for an answer, he briefly stopped kissing Marucs' neck.

I don't understand. He loves this Marcus Cole and yet, he seems to care for me as well. Suddenly realizing that his master had stopped his sensual caress, he knew the Minbari would respect his decision whatever that might be. But he could never deny his master, the Minbari didn't need his permission to touch him.

Sensing his hesitance, Neroon put away the salve and kissed Marcus once more at the back of his neck just beneath his ear.

Angel moaned as his master's lips returned. There was only one thing he could say, "Yes, it's acceptable, master." Not questioning his luck, he delighted in being caressed like this. The Minbari's hands and lips never moved lower, but continued to move over his neck. He forgot his pain and breathed words he'd never wanted to say aloud. "I love you, master."

Stopping immediately, Neroon rose from the bed and put some distance between them.

"Master? Please forgive me!" Angel pleaded, not sure what he had done to upset his master.

Taking a deep breath, Neroon returned to the bed and looked into green eyes, searching for a clue why Marcus made that confession now. The expression in Marcus' eyes only spoke of love and surrender.

Tremendously scared he had committed a grave mistake, Angel hid nothing when the master searched his eyes. As the Minbari opened his arms, he didn't waver and held onto him tightly.

"Your admission surprised me, Angel. There is nothing to forgive," Neroon soothed him; Marcus began to cry softly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bester never expected to return to Babylon 5 this quickly; he'd only been gone for three weeks. So Marcus was still alive. Receiving that message had truly pleased him and he had cancelled all his appointments to return to Babylon 5.

Now that he was waiting for Ambassador Delenn, he realized what lay ahead of him. To undo all damage would be hard, perhaps even impossible. There was a chance he wouldn't be able to pull this one off alone; he might need help. Lyta Alexander came to mind. This woman with her enhanced Vorlon capabilities would be a great assistant, but would she agree to work with him?

Had the victim been anyone else he would never have been this concerned. But Marcus had trusted him, had allowed himself to be captured because the Ranger had believed in his promise to free him. Damning Caim and Ranan, he paced the room impatiently, but stopped when the doors opened. "Ambassador Delenn, Captain Sheridan," Bester started, then halted as Commander Ivanova appeared as well. The Psi Cop sensed her distrust; hate. "Tell me what happened to Marcus Cole." 

Ivanova answered him in an icy tone. "We'll tell you and you'll make him whole again, or else..."

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I'm only going to do this because it's you who's asking me, Susan. I want to help Marcus as well, but the first time that little weasel tries something, I'm out of there," Lyta stated.

"I understand. I really do, but right now he's the only one who can help Marcus to get his memory back," Susan said vehemently. She'd never thought that she would ever be defending Bester and trying to convince Lyta to work together with the Psi Cop.

"When do you want me to come to Medlab?" Lyta asked, wondering what Bester was up to. There had to be a hidden agenda; he always had one.

"1200 hours, if that's fine with you. Bester wants to talk to Marcus first, alone," Susan said uncomfortably. The idea of Bester roaming the Ranger's mind made her shiver. Especially since Marcus had no way to defend himself. Delenn had been right when she'd told them that 'Angel' was like a child.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Walking into Medlab Three, Alfred didn't expect to be stopped by a Minbari. He was about to order the Minbari out of his way when something made him study the man more closely. He finally realized who this Minbari had to be. They were eyeing each other carefully and he noticed how strong Neroon's natural mental defenses were. It would be nearly impossible to scan him without any cooperation on Neroon's part. These Minbari had learned of ways to shut out telepaths without being telepaths themselves. It intrigued him.

"You are Bester?"

"And you must be Neroon. Marcus told me about you," Bester replied calmly.

"He did?" Neroon was surprised.

"Yes." Bester watched him closely to see what kind of effect his words had on the Minbari. "He told me about your letter; giving him time to find an answer to your question," he said in a flat voice, not wanting to show too much of his emotions.

"Then he must have trusted you," Neroon remarked.

"I don't know about that, but I do know he was looking forward to giving you his answer." He was aware of the fact that maybe Marcus would never be able to tell the Minbari what that answer was. Even more determined to repair the damage Caim had done, he stared into Neroon's eyes who answered him with a glare. "Marcus was also attracted to you."

"Thank you for being this honest." Bowing slightly, Neroon was surprised to see the Psi Cop return the gesture. Apparently Marcus had impressed Bester. "I will take you to him."

Catching Neroon's questioning glance, Alfred explained being out of uniform. "This is something personal. I made a promise," his voice dropped momentarily, " to a friend and I intend to keep it."

Angel watched them enter and suddenly a chilling wind permeated his soul. There was something about the stranger accompanying his master that scared him immensely.

"Hello, Angel," he started, remembering Neroon telling him to use that name, "I'm Alfred."

Remaining quiet, Angel wondered what this stranger wanted of him.

Bester saw suspicion and fear move through Marcus' mind and gasped as he realized that the protective shield he had installed had been severely damaged. Caim had shattered Marcus' mind into hundreds of pieces, which were now drifting aimlessly, desperately trying to reconnect. Carefully probing the extent of the damage, he realized how bad it was. He would definitely need Lyta's help. In an attempt to distract the Ranger from the mild scan he was doing, he continued to speak in a calm voice. "I know there's a gigantic gap in your memories, but can you tell me something about yourself?"

His master nodded, encouraging him to open up. It was all Angel needed. "I'm a slave, my first master was Ranan, then master Neroon bought me." He tried to think of something else to say, but his mind seemed clouded for some reason and it was very hard for him to form any kind of coherent sentences right now.

Stumbling on memories concerning Pirin, Ranan's telepath, Alfred knew he couldn't tell the Ranger he was a telepath himself. It would only scare Marcus unnecessarily. What stunned him most was that Marcus had absolutely no recollection of who he was. Caim had violated the Ranger's mind and memory while trying to find what he had been looking for. As he actually viewed the damage Caim had done, he recoiled in shock. The last remnants of Caim's power lingered here; imbedded deeply within the Ranger's crushed mind. Red hot energy flashed around him, denying him access to Marcus' mind and memories. He was forced to retreat very quickly.

There was only one thing he could do at this moment. It was obvious Marcus trusted Neroon, so he strengthened that feeling of trust by planting reassuring associations into the Ranger's mind when it came to the Minbari. Retreating from Marcus' mind, he saw the emptiness in his green eyes and swallowed hard. This was his fault. He'd made a promise and hadn't been able to keep it.

Angel shook his head slightly as if to clear his thoughts. He stared at this man, Alfred, and wondered why he seemed so familiar.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lyta already regretted giving into Ivanova's request to assist Bester. His mere presence seemed to suffocate her. Stephen had told her what Marcus was going through and she really wanted to help him, but the idea of Bester being this close to her... Shivers ran down her spine as she entered Medlab Three at last. Blinking her eyes, she suddenly realized that Bester wasn't wearing his uniform. What was the Psi Cop up to this time?

Bester looked at her, saw the expression on her face and knew he had to convince her of his intentions before they could enter Marcus' mind. Shifting his glance to the doctor, he asked Franklin to give him a moment alone with Ms. Alexander.

"What is your game plan this time, Bester? Are you after some secret information?" Lyta said, her voice filled with contempt.

"Not this time, Ms. Alexander. But I do want to discuss Marcus Cole with you." He realized he needed Lyta Alexander to restore the Ranger's mind. It was a scary thought that they may not succeed in repairing the damage done. Looking her in the eyes he said, "Ms.Alexander, the last thing I want is for you to turn on me while we are inside Marcus' mind. I need you to trust me." He saw the stunned expression on Lyta's face.

"Trust you? I'll never trust you," she said calmly.

"That's why I want you to look into my mind to see for yourself I'm sincere this time. Should you find me a liar, you can walk out that door and I won't ask you again."

"You can't be serious!" Bester was willing to let her into his mind? Either it was a trap or he was being honest. Well, he isn't wearing his uniform or Psi Corps pin at the moment.

"Don't misunderstand me, Ms. Alexander. I'll shield my mind from your probing when it comes down to matters which aren't related to Marcus," Alfred added, sensing her uncertainty.

"It's a deal, if I find anything that implies you're lying, I'm gone," she said, accepting his offer reluctantly.

"Then do it," Bester replied, eager to get this over with. He opened part of his mind for her and shivered the moment she scanned him.

Lyta moved slowly through his mind, enjoying this moment of power she had over him. It stunned her that he would do this for the Ranger's well-being. Why did he feel such an obligation towards Marcus Cole?

Because we became friends during that mission.

Lyta froze, hearing him answer her question telepathically and wondered just how strong the Psi Cop really was.

He lost a girl he was very fond off due to the Shadows, Bester continued his explanation. I lost Carolyn to them, for some reason it created a bond.

Roaming through his memories a bit longer, she saw him shoot a Psi Cop, one of Caim's blood hounds and consequently saving the Ranger's life by doing that. No matter how much she uncovered of what had happened during that mission she couldn't find any dishonesty in his intention to help Marcus. Sighing, she withdrew from his mind and stared into his eyes.

"All right, I'll help you. What do you want me to do?" Lyta asked, still a bit shaken from what she had read in his mind. Friendship, Bester had called it, she knew he would never admit it, but it was more than friendship.

"I probed the damage Caim did earlier on and I'll need your help to repair the holes in his mind. You'll have to support me when I can't push through."

"Let's do it then."

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was silent in his room. His master had fallen asleep in the chair and Angel delighted in studying his features. He kissed me, told me he wasn't going to leave me alone. It's impossible; I can't be that lucky. Why would he want a slave as his lover? He remembered the look in his master's eyes. Ever since the Minbari had bought him his life had changed, had greatly improved. He wanted to get better as quickly as possible; there were too many people fussing over him; something he wasn't used to.

A knock on the door woke Neroon and he immediately searched the room for Marcus. The Ranger was watching him and he saw the change in his eyes. "Enter," he said, knowing it could only be Bester. He hadn't told Marcus who Bester was, nor why he was here.

Alfred opened the door and Lyta moved inside as well. Marcus' eyes grew big with apprehension and Bester engulfed the Ranger in reassuring, soothing thoughts.

Lyta felt Bester's manipulation of Marcus' fear and allowed it to happen. It wouldn't harm the Ranger. Seeing Marcus for the first time made her feel sad. She felt the unresolved terror in his mind, overshadowing a feeling she couldn't name at first. Then she realized what it was; an awakening sense of sensuality directed at Neroon.  He's in love with the Minbari? she thought, not aware someone else was listening in; she never figured out how Bester managed to get past her defenses.

Yes, a wondrous thing love is, isn't it, Ms. Alexander?

Don't do that! This wasn't part of the deal.

Come now Ms Alexander. We have no time for these games, we've got work to do. Can you feel the blocks in his mind?

Yes, I can, what are you going to do?

There are two things we need to focus on. First, I will undo the blocks I installed in his mind myself to slow down Caim's probing of Marcus' mind,  he explained, then listened to her surprised response.

You installed blocks in Marcus' mind?

I had to. Marcus was no match for Caim's powers. I don't expect any problems when I take those blocks down, but then we'll have to undo the damage Caim did as he violated Marcus' mind. The protective shield I installed no longer works properly. I'm not even sure it kept him safe during the moments he needed its protection. The moment Marcus regains control over his memory and mental functions we'll have to evaluate the damage done, Bester explained, finally realizing the enormity of the task at hand.

Protective shield? You were serious when you told me you did everything to protect him from getting hurt, weren't you? Was Bester human after all? Capable of caring for someone else?

We should start now, Bester told her, stepping away from her question.

"Master?" Angel moaned as his headache seemed to return. "My head hurts."

Neroon immediately knew what Bester was doing and shivered as the female telepath's eyes turned black. Apparently Bester had decided to get someone to help him. "Do not be afraid, Angel. They want to help you. Do not fight them. I will stay with you to make sure they won't hurt you."

Angel heard the words, but there was a razor-sharp fire moving through him that threatened to burn him. He froze as someone spoke to him in his mind; it scared him tremendously.

We're going to restore your memory, just try to relax.

Angel somehow knew it was Alfred's voice and realized instinctively he couldn't fight the telepath.

Bester and Lyta had to stop when they encountered the blocks Alfred had installed in the Ranger's mind. She gasped; they had been savagely ripped apart. Only a very powerful telepath would be able to destroy blocks installed by a P12.

Caim was P13, Alfred offered as an explanation. I'm going to take these blocks down. What's left of them that is.

Lyta watched, fascinated against her will at how Bester's mind reached for the remaining defenses. As his mental hand touched the bricks that formed the defense wall of the block, they began to crumble one by one. Now, they could move further into Marcus' mind. Suddenly, Lyta sensed how she gained some kind of solid shape in the Ranger's mind. Bester's form appeared beside her; a serious expression on his face. They were standing in a dark corridor of Marcus' mind.

I find it easier to work like this, Alfred explained as she tentatively took a step into the corridor towards a wall that seemed to exist of flames.

A burning heat sprung from it and made her very uncomfortable. What was this hideous thing doing in Marcus' mind?

This is Caim's doing. He... violated Marcus' mind and locked away his memories. I do wonder what his plans were for the Ranger, Alfred mused, wondering how he was going to get passed this obstruction. Reaching out with his mind he was thrown back instantly.

What do you suggest we do? Lyta asked, probing its strength as well.

Moving together and try to extinguish it?

Sounds like a plan. She wasn't thrilled to do this, but this monstrosity had to be removed. It had done too much damage already. Hesitantly putting aside her resistance to being linked to Bester's mind, they reached out together. A waterfall of mental energy appeared and subdued the fire.

Taking control of their linkage, Bester pushed against the smothering remnants of the wall of fire and couldn't repress an exultant gasp as the last flames finally disappeared.

Angel screamed as his head seemed to explode. Hurling himself into the arms of his master, who sat next to him on the bed, he yelled again. Neroon was at a loss and stared at the two telepaths. Holding Marcus as tightly as possible he called on Valen's name.

One essence moved through the ravages of Marcus' mind. Communication was no longer necessary between them. Separating eventually, they both felt their individuality being restored and they broke the contact at the exact same moment.

Marcus fainted and Neroon pressed the button that would call a nurse or doctor to the room. Easing the younger man down onto the bed, he registered the moans coming from the female telepath. Thankfully, Stephen and Lillian entered that moment and caught both telepaths before they hit the floor.

Waking up, he opened his eyes and searched the room. He felt confused, unfocused and his heart missed a beat when he sensed someone's eyes on him. "Neroon?" He cringed, seeing how exhausted Neroon looked. Dark circles showed beneath his eyes.

"Marcus?" Neroon jumped up from his chair finally seeing recognition in his green eyes.

"It is you. I thought I was dreaming." Marcus knew something very important eluded him. "What am I doing in Medlab, Neroon?" Tremors shook his body as his memories returned. Realizing what had happened to him, he covered his face with his hands. Hearing Neroon approach, he couldn't look the Minbari in the eyes. He knows everything!  He shied away when Neroon tried to gather him in his arms. Jerking back, tears made their way over his face. "Don't touch me, Neroon. For God's sake, just leave me alone." He screamed hysterically as Ranan's voice intruded his thoughts, mocking him.

Shocked, Neroon stared at Marcus. Had he lost the man he loved after all? "Marcus?"

"Go away! Marcus shouted again, turning away from Neroon.

Realizing Marcus was serious, Neroon slowly walked out of the room and felt defeated.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I'm sorry, Neroon, but Marcus doesn't want to see you. Every time I mention your name to him he... loses control and starts to yell at me," Stephen said, truly concerned for both of them.

"I do not understand, doctor," Neroon admitted. "Why is he acting like this?"

"Shame, Neroon. He's ashamed of what happened to him," Franklin explained. "We had to discuss his treatment and the mere mention of Ranan or the abuse sent him over the edge."

Neroon was about to ask Stephen another question when Doctor Hobbs entered with a very distressed look on her face. "Stephen? Marcus Cole just sneaked out of Medlab, again."

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tainted, stained, dishonoured... Marcus' thoughts constantly circled around those three words. Huddled in the corner of his quarters he tried to make sense of what had happened to him during the time his mind had been locked away behind Bester's blocks. Alfred had tried his best to save him from the horror and the pain, but Caim had reached behind those blocks to strangle his mind.

Bester had been strangely silent when he'd visited him hours later in Medlab. It was obvious the Psi Cop felt guilty for what had happened to him. He knew Alfred was truly concerned for his well-being, but the Psi Cops' presence had almost suffocated him and he had yelled at Bester to get out and leave him alone. Shame was killing him. The truth was that he had been brutally tortured and raped. He'd ran, leaving Medlab and Neroon behind to lock himself in his quarters

In the silence of his room, he let go of the tears that had been burning in his eyes ever since Bester had brought his mind back from oblivion. Neroon had pleaded with him to let him into his room... He knew the Minbari was pacing the corridor right now, hoping to eventually be allowed entrance. There was simply too much to deal with in such a short time. The last weeks were blurry, but he did remember the agony he had suffered at Ranan's hands. The thing that stood out most in his mind however, was the gentle care with which Neroon had treated him after having saved him for a second time from Ranan.

That name brought back shadowy images; hours spent alone in a dirty cell, the feel of the Centauri's hands on his body... till his mind had gone numb because of the pain. He had been utterly helpless and defenseless and Ranan had taken full advantage of it. The protective shield Alfred had installed in his mind had failed in keeping the worst from him. The market, the bidding, aching memories flashed through him. He remembered Neroon walking towards the scaffold on which Ranan was selling his slaves, him. Only the ones who had learned obedience ever left his 'tender care'.

What would have happened if Neroon hadn't been there? A shudder racked his trembling body. During the time Ranan had spent 'educating' him in the art of Marak, -- surrendered rape-- he had realized what lay in store for him and had tried to fight Ranan. But the blocks and shield Caim had ripped apart had severely damaged his mind, had immensely weakened him. He had resigned himself to a life of pain and servitude after the last time Ranan had tried to teach him 'obedience', finally succeeding in the end.

Neroon... Too afraid to think of the Minbari, he retreated deep within his mind -- that secret place-- where he felt safe. Safe enough to think about the warrior. No, a warrior no longer, but a tactical advisor to Delenn. Stephen had told him. Frustrated, he scratched at the wounds around his neck where his slave collar had been. The wounds stung and the scars would be visible as long as he lived, no matter how much balm was applied.

Neroon... He had told the Minbari to go away. How could he ever explain to Neroon how dirty he felt? And yet Neroon remained faithfully at his side, pacing the corridor... In his obsessed state of mind he heard Neroon pace just outside; out of reach by his own choice. He had to find a way to make Neroon understand that he had to forget about their relationship. No matter how much he longed for Neroon's love and touch; he couldn't have it, couldn't give into his need to be comforted by the Minbari. To be held, rocked, to be told that everything would be all right: that the pain would diminish in time...

Pulling up his legs he wrapped his arms around them. Rocking himself, he tried to stay in that empty, greyish place in his anguished mind. Tainted, stained, dishonoured, the words returned in full force as he realized what he had lost due to Caim's violation of his mind. Neroon was lost to him forever.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

No more! Turning towards Garibaldi, Neroon couldn't take anymore of this waiting and uncertainty. "Do it! Use your security override to gain access to his quarters." Neroon's deep voice dropped. "I fear for him. At a time like this he cannot be alone."

Garibaldi nodded and wasted no more time. "Security override, authorization Michael Garibaldi, open door to Marcus Cole's quarters." It only took the computer system a moment to open the door and Neroon stormed inside. Michael stayed in the corridor just in case he would be needed. He retreated towards the end of the corridor, not wanting to eavesdrop on what would certainly be a very emotional conversation. Marcus had been balancing on the edge of hysteria when he had fled out of Medlab. Michael Garibaldi stared at the ceiling. This was such a mess.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As Neroon stepped into the Ranger's quarters he focused his eyes on the human on the floor. The Minbari saw the bloody welts the slave collar had left behind. Marcus' eyes were closed. He silently approached Marcus, desperately wanting to take the younger man in to his arms to comfort him.

"Marcus? Please let me help you," he pleaded in a soft voice. The Ranger didn't react to his words and he took another step closer to him. Deciding it would be best to keep some distance, he lowered himself on to one knee so he was level with Marcus. "Why are you punishing yourself? You are not to blame for what happened, Marcus. You must know that."

The soft, sensual voice pierced his mind and Marcus opened his tired eyes to look upon the proud, magnificent looking Minbari opposite him. I can't falter now. "Neroon, you have no business here. You shouldn't be here. I should be dead to you."

"Why?" He was pleased to get a response out of Marcus. The loneliness surrounding the human was almost too much to bear.

"I know about the ways of Minbari warriors, Neroon," his voice quivered, forgetting the countless times Neroon had already touched him. "You'll defile yourself by touching me. I don't want that to happen. At least one of us should remain with honor." His soul was crying out in anger and agony at the injustice done to him, but he silenced it. It was important that Neroon would forget about him; about the attraction that lingered between them. Even now, desire was pulling them towards each other and he fought hard to replace that feeling of want with the certainty that he was unworthy to be Neroon's lover.

"I am no longer a warrior, Marcus. Look at my clothes, I am not wearing a uniform." He wanted to reach out to Marcus so badly, but realized that the Ranger didn't want to be touched. The pain and suffering on Marcus' face was making him angry. He didn't understand why Marcus was torturing himself like this. "Marcus, in my eyes you will find only love. You have to forgive yourself for something you could not stop. I only wished I had killed Ranan the first time he tried to abduct you."

Hearing his words but not understanding them, Marcus shook badly. Pain was battering against the edges of his mind and the wounds around his neck stung awfully. There was no more strength left inside him to fight Neroon's words of reassurance; wanting to hear them again, over and over again. He wanted to hear those words for all eternity. "Neroon, you must understand. I'm unclean!"

"Not to me, my angel." Neroon slid towards Marcus and smothered his protests. "You are pure, you are compassion. Fight those dark feelings inside your mind. They should not be there. You need to heal, not to tear yourself apart."

Sobbing openly, Marcus allowed himself to be held by Neroon. Soft fingers tenderly caressed his skin and he trembled violently. Lacking the power to pull himself away, he surrendered. This felt good, felt like receiving absolution for what he had been through. It drove away the pain and some of the shame.

"Let me take away all of your pain, Marcus," Neroon pleaded. "I know what you have been through. Bester told me." Not getting a response from Marcus, he resolutely stroked the dark hair. There was so much hurt inside Marcus and he could only try to alleviate it. "Caim is dead; paid the price for his horrid experiments," he said soothingly, breathing the words into Marcus' ear. "Ranan hurt you even more than Caim did and I know someday he will be punished for his crimes as well. You are home now, safe, and the pain will diminish in time."

"But I'll always be stained." Marcus cried in Neroon's embrace.

"No stains, my angel. Let me prove my words to you."

"How?" The word was nothing more than a whimper as he lifted his tear-stained eyes to finally meet Neroon's gaze. He didn't dare to hope the Minbari still wanted him. Neroon had changed greatly, yes, but could he truly set aside traditions that had been a part of him for so long?

"You called yourself unclean, Marcus." His breath caressed bruised skin. "Do not ever call yourself that again. Will you allow me to console you?"

Nodding his head, Marcus eyed Neroon carefully as the Minbari placed warm fingers on his naked arm. A violent flash-back made him flinch as hot fingertips tenderly caressed his black and blue skin.

"Let it go, Marcus. Do not hold onto pain and shame. Let it go."

"I..." Marcus watched nimble fingers move to the palm of his hand where wires had been attached to his skin to enable Caim to punish him in case an answer had displeased the Psi Cop. That electric pain coursed through him once more as Neroon stroked the softness of his palm.

"Let it go, my angel," Neroon crooned. "Let go of the pain and remember how it felt to be touched with love. Look into my eyes, Marcus."

Hypnotized, entranced, Marcus did as the Minbari ordered and stared into dark eyes, which only spoke of unconditional trust and love. That realization gave him the strength to release his anguish. Sobbing uncontrollably, he hid his face in Neroon's robes and wrapped one arm around the Minbari. Soothing fingers calmly stroked the inside of his wrist, another place where the wires had been attached, With every stroke, the agony was coaxed from his body and he cried till there were no more tears left.

"Why do you love me this much, Neroon? " Marcus managed to choke out the question while riding waves of confusion. "I can't understand why someone as strong as you would choose me."

Not stifling his delighted smile, Neroon replied, "You are the strong one, Marcus. You always were. After the Denn'Sha challenge, which you so foolishly issued, I clung to your strength, your forgiveness. When I look at you, I see compassion."

During Neroon's speech, Marcus hadn't been able to avert his eyes. These words were swirling into his very soul creating a safe heaven for him to draw strength from. As he stared into Neroon's watering eyes, the anger and hurt were being driven away, fleeing from his mind and soul.

"Ah, I see I am getting through to you at last, good." Neroon smiled tenderly and proceeded to pull Marcus closer to his chest. Cherishing this moment of rest he continued to caress Marcus' skin.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Outside, standing alone in the corridor, Garibaldi slammed a fist into the wall. It hadn't been his intention to listen to their conversation, but Marcus' tormented voice had carried through the corridor like the scream of an abandoned child. Damn those Psi Cops and their perverted mind games. I wish I could make Caim pay for what he did to Marcus. A pity he's dead already. If Caim hadn't screwed up his mind the Centauri would never have been able to get hold of Marcus. He wanted to help Marcus, but there was nothing he could do except hope that Neroon could help Marcus recover from the hell the Ranger had been through.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Startled, his body twitched as he realized he'd fallen asleep in Neroon's arms. Peeking through his eyelids, he stared at the Minbari's peaceful features. Neroon's strength had pulled him out of his depression. Suddenly realizing they were lying on the floor, he looked at the strong arms wrapped around him; protective, never yielding, but at the same time so possessive; he craved surrendering himself to the strong Minbari. His head rested against Neroon's shoulder and his hands were buried in the softness of Neroon's robes. Robes? Why is he wearing robes? The question fled his mind as Neroon's fingers began to tangle in his hair.

"Are you feeling better now, Marcus? You cried a long time. I want your promise to never again shut me out like that."

"I'm sorry I did Neroon. But..." With cracked voice, he tried to form words that refused to leave his aching throat. "I felt like damaged goods, worthless. You know what the worst part is?"  Their eyes met. Gentle but firm strokes of Neroon's fingers moving over his arm made him shiver and relax at the same time. So strong, so determined and for some elusive reason he loves me.

"Tell me, share it with me. Make me understand, Marcus."

Licking his chapped lips, Marcus tried to think of a way to tell him about the horror he had felt an hour ago. "Ranan did things to me... He really hurt me, physically as well as emotionally. I'm afraid I won't be able to deal with it. This 'experience' --his abuse-- has changed me..." No longer able to continue, Marcus went silent and immersed himself in Neroon's calming presence. Arms enfolded him even more firmly and he sighed.

"I cared for you while you didn't know who you were, Marcus, and I will care for you now. I will never stop caring for you," Neroon stated firmly. "We will find a way to deal with this. We will fight this together."

"You have no idea how much it means to me to hear you speak these words, Neroon. Without you, your strength... I would be still a slave now."

"Do not think about that," Neroon interrupted him. "You are in my arms now, where you belong."

For the first time since regaining full consciousness and control of his mind Marcus chuckled; a weak smile illuminated his face.

Neroon saw it and answered the hesitant smile with one of his own. Something he had said had pleased Marcus.

"I belong in your arms?"

The amusement in his voice was sincere and brightened Neroon's mood immediately. "Did you ever doubt that? Do you not know you are mine?" Another question burned Neroon's lips. "Marcus, about that letter I hid in the poetry book..."

A shy expression replaced Marcus' smile, as he remembered reading that letter all too well. It seemed a lifetime ago. "Yes. I read it, and I know what you wrote was the truth. I thought about it while you were gone, even during the mission... before everything fell apart," he paused, gathering courage to give Neroon his answer. "It seems so stupid now, how can I not love you? You respect me, support me in my darkest hour... Your love is reflected in your eyes. I think you're the most beautiful being I have ever seen. That's why I can't understand why you would choose me."

Though Marcus' words had initially pleased him, those last words disturbed him. "I will tell you why a thousand times if you need to hear it that often, Marcus." Neroon leaned in closer and allowed his lips to softly touch Marcus' bruised throat. "I love you for your strength, your compassion. I think you will need to hear this many times. I want to kiss you, Marcus. Will you allow me to do so?" He knew he had to act slowly. Marcus still associated being touched in whatever form with pain.

"I..." Marcus wavered. "I would like that." As Neroon claimed his lips, Marcus let go of that last bit of shameful pain and surrendered unconditionally to the Minbari.

As he claimed Marcus' lips, Neroon let go of his last bit of hesitance and surrendered unconditionally to the human.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Bester braced himself for a confrontation with the Chief of security, but he had to talk to Marcus once more. He wanted to see if there was a way to help the Ranger cope with what had happened to him. Caim's violation must certainly have left scars in Marcus' mind. The blocks might have been undone, but the Ranger's mind was certainly one big battlefield of mental energy caught in a mouse trap.

"What do you want, Bester?" Garibaldi asked in a cold tone. "Haven't you done enough damage already?"

"You might find this hard to believe, Mr. Garibaldi, but I tried my best to keep Mr. Cole from getting damaged at Caim's hands. I want to talk to him and you will let me pass now."

Garibaldi shivered slightly hearing that determined and calculating tone. He wasn't going to let Bester get to Marcus though, not in the Ranger's current state of mind; he needed rest. A voice coming from Marcus' quarters caught him off-guard.

"It's alright, Mr. Garibaldi," Marcus said weakly as he stood in the doorway.

Neroon towered behind the Ranger with a stern expression on his face, so obviously meant to scare off intruders who wanted to harm Marcus.

"Let him enter, Michael. Bester isn't going to hurt me. I must be crazy, but I trust him." Taking one step back, Marcus felt Neroon's arms slip around his waist, steadying him; telling everyone the Ranger was his.

Refraining from answering, the Chief stepped aside to let Bester pass. His instincts were telling him to be wary, to keep an eye on the Psi Cop, but he read the trust in the Ranger's eyes when Marcus looked at Bester.

"Come and sit down, Marcus," Neroon said, using the grip he had on the Ranger to pull him towards the chair to make him sit down.

Marcus curled himself into a ball, watching Bester approach. He remembered another Psi Cop's face and shuddered.

Bester caught the thought without scanning the Ranger. It was obvious Marcus' once tight control had slipped away during his ordeal. At least he had to try to restore the Ranger's natural shields or else every telepath close to Marcus would know what had happened on Centauri Prime. Perhaps he could also repair some damage in the process. Being a man of deeds, not words, Bester looked at Marcus. "Will you let me into your mind once more? I want to try and repair the damage Caim did. I'm not going to hurt you, Marcus," he said as if explaining something to a child. "You're hurting." Noticing the concerned expression in Neroon's eyes, he realized the first emotional storm had already past. Marcus remained silent and he sensed the younger man's indecisiveness, his fear to be touched telepathically.

"I think you should let him try, Marcus," Neroon stated. "I will stay here and watch over you to make sure he won't hurt you."

Casting a glance of silent understanding at Neroon, Bester nodded his consent. Neroon's presence would comfort Marcus.

Lifting his head, Marcus eyed Alfred for some moments. His heart was telling him to trust the Psi Cop, but he was scared his mind would be chained again because of some hidden agenda on account of Bester. No, Neroon would never allow that. "Do what you must, Alfred." His voice shook with fright.

"Thank you." Alfred extended his right hand.

Marcus swallowed hard, looking at the hand. He knew Bester was waiting for him to place his own hand on top of it. Slowly, wavering, he complied, but couldn't hide the flinch of his body as skin touched skin. The past was still very close and he expected to be hit by an electric jolt trying to break his will.

"Now open your mind to me like we practiced on the freighter. Don't be afraid of me, Marcus," Bester instructed in a calm voice. "Center yourself and let me attend to the rest."

It was harder than Marcus thought it would be; letting go of his control. As he felt Bester move through his mind, panic grasped him. Feeling Neroon's reassuring hand on his shoulder made him calm down a little. Tremendously scared because he no longer had any control over his mind, Marcus let himself fall towards nothingness; that safe place.

Bester felt him slip away and cursed beneath his breath. Marcus was terrified of having him in his mind. He shook his head; he had to repair the damage first. It might actually prove to be a good thing that Marcus had retreated to that trusted little corner of his mind; that way the Ranger wouldn't get hurt during his attempts to deal with the damage done by Caim.

Carefully sliding through Marcus' mind, he encountered several mental injuries and had to stop a number of times to take care of them. Some were more severe than others; neural pathways had been destroyed. So he grasped the nearest strands of thought and formed them the way he wanted; moulding them in a certain way so they could take the place of the ones Caim had destroyed.

At last he found the biggest wound; Marcus' horrid memories. Bester looked at the mind-corridor. There was a frantic, electrical wind blowing through the deserted rooms, doors wide open, he cast a glance inside. The floor and ceiling were missing, strange images of beings were whirling around; Centauri were wearing Psi Corps uniforms. A mixture of twisted memories moved around him and he grew worried.

Mentally shaking his head, he stepped into the first thought room. Marcus wasn't able to deal with his memories right now. The best thing he could do was to mould these images into something less frightening which would keep the pain and shame away from Marcus till the Ranger would be ready to deal with it. Then the memories would surface full force again so he would be able to make a full recovery. It was only a temporary solution, but the only one he could think of. He was hesitant to block the memories concerning the rapes forever. That was a decision he wasn't entitled to make. Expect for the rapes, Marcus would remember everything Caim and Ranan had done to him. Alfred had never done anything like this before and felt hesitant to take action.

I have no choice, I brought this upon him, I have to find a way to ease his pain. Walking into the second room, no images appeared. Instead he felt hands touching him telepathically. Every time they touched him pain blasted through him. He realized that these were memories dealing with Caim's and Dana's torture. He repeated the same process and felt relieved as the mental touch no longer hurt. As he entered the third and last room, he was overcome with a sensation of guilt and shame for what the Centauri had done to him. Unable to continue without knowing what they had done to Marcus, he pulled at the thoughts, making them transparent and he watched the scene unfold in front of his mental eye. Cringing with borrowed pain Bester wondered how much Marcus remembered of his captivity at the hands of the Centauri. Ranan had been ruthless, merciless, as he'd tried to make the Ranger obey to his commands. Rapes, withdrawal of food and water, harsh words and savage punishment was what Marcus had suffered during those weeks.

Determined to do this right, Bester captured Marcus' most terrifying memories in his own calm mind and began to slow down the frantic movement with which they were dancing in the Ranger's mind. It took him some time to bring them down to an acceptable speed. After a moment of contemplation he forced the memories to dull. They had weakened to a point where they wouldn't be able to torture Marcus till the Ranger was ready to face them, no sooner.

Now he had to find a way to lure Marcus away from the nothingness in his mind. Angry with himself, Bester realized he should never have allowed the Ranger to be captured by Caim. But at that point it had seemed the only way to escape certain death by elimination at the hands of Caim's hounds. It took him a while to find the mind corridor in which Marcus was hiding. Trying to open the door he found it firmly locked.

Marcus, I want to help you. He knew he wasn't going to receive an answer. However, there might be another way to reach Marcus. Opening his eyes, he found that Neroon was studying him critically. "I need your help, Neroon. Marcus has retreated into the void of his mind and won't answer my call. I want you to come with me and get him out of his self constructed prison."

Considering the request, Neroon nodded his agreement.

"Place your hand on top of his and allow me to guide you to the void," Bester instructed.

Neroon followed the order and gently placed his hand around the Ranger's. There was a pull, a tug and he began to fall into Marcus' mind at a rapid pace till Bester suddenly appeared next to him, pulling him onto some kind of floor.

Come with me, Bester whispered. There is no time to lose.

Walking beside the Psi Cop, Neroon glanced at Marcus' mindscape. It was dark and cold and the lower they went, the more obscure his surroundings became. They halted when a door stopped them in their tracks.

He's hiding behind that door and won't let me in, Alfred explained.

Can he hear me? Neroon stared at the door.

Yes, he can hear us, he just won't acknowledge our presence.

Satisfied, Neroon placed a hand on the door and realized it would be impossible to force it open. He didn't know what material he was dealing with, but it didn't yield as he pushed against it. Marcus would have to open it willingly. Marcus? You promised to never shut me out again, but that is what you are doing now.

Bester nodded, pleased the Minbari might have found a way to convince Marcus to reach out to him.

He's here? Here in this cold darkness? And he is using my own words against me? I did promise to never again shut him out. In his heart he knew Neroon had already won this struggle. With a mental command he unlocked the door, his last barrier to protect himself from being hurt, and waited.

Neroon's heart missed a beat upon seeing the door open. Momentarily gazing at the Psi Cop he saw approval and stepped inside. A feeling of emptiness crashed through him as a grey void surrounded him. In the middle of this depressing nothingness he located Marcus who was trying to get to his feet. There were dark circles beneath his eyes, but the expression in them was dead no more. Something strangely, vividly, alive stared back at him. Neroon opened his arms and caught Marcus ranger tightly in them. "It is over, Marcus. Let us go and leave this deserted void behind us." Not paying any attention to Marcus' protest, Neroon scooped him up in his arms and joined Bester who was anxiously waiting for them to appear.

Pleased that Neroon had been able to get through to the Ranger, Bester made sure they left Marcus' mind as quickly as possible.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Neroon stared at the sleeping human on the couch. Marcus had been drained once he had regained his senses and he had told the Ranger to get some rest. It also gave him the perfect opportunity to ask Bester some questions. "Thank you for helping him heal," he started, looking the Psi Cop in the eyes. "But there are some things I want to ask you."

"I know," Bester said, not averting his eyes. Once again, he wondered about these Minbari. Marcus had told him they had taught him everything about blocking telepaths. "You want to know what truly terrified him."

"Yes." Neroon didn't deny the truth.

"The Centauri, this Ranan, hurt him badly. I placed blocks around his twisted memories. Marcus won't have any recollection of the rapes until he's ready to deal with it. I don't think he's able to deal with it right now."

"Should I ever get the opportunity to avenge him..." A threat left Neroon's lips.

"Believe me when I say I share your feelings. I would like to kill Ranan myself." Staring into Neroon's eyes, he continued. "Actually, I have called in a favor someone owes me at Cartagia's court. Ranan should be dead by now."

Neroon nodded, surprised at how satisfied he felt hearing Bester's words. "It is a pity I can't avenge his honor myself, but to know this creature has finally paid for his crimes..."

"I know, my friend," Alfred whispered. "I know."

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tightly curled up on the couch, Marcus looked peaceful to Neroon. Bester had left them alone to rest in his own guest quarters; the Psi Cop had looked exhausted. Alone with Marcus at last. He sat down on the floor close to Marcus. Raising a hand, he gently stroked the black hair and realized the Ranger might be cold wearing only a med gown.

The doctor should have a look at him. Walking over to the BabCom unit, he contacted Stephen Franklin who was obviously relieved upon hearing that Marcus had calmed down considerably. Stephen promised to stop by as quickly as possible and he would take Marcus' medication with him; especially worried his friend hadn't taken the prescribed antibiotics to fight the infection.

Returning to the sofa, he tried to wake Marcus without startling him. "Marcus, you would be more comfortable in bed. Wake up," he whispered. The Ranger stirred and slowly opened his eyes. Neroon gasped as he saw the change in them. Terror had been replaced by something easily recognizable; forgiveness, compassion; love.

"Neroon." Marcus stared into his dark eyes and swallowed hard as he realized how much. the Minbari loved him. All emotions showed clearly in Neroon's eyes and he felt thankful for the love he'd found at last. Perhaps there was a god with some sense of justice after all. In a certain way his faith was being restored to him now he had accepted Neroon's love for him.

Speechless, Neroon captured his gaze and didn't let go. He realized Marcus probably had lot of questions, but they would have to wait. The Ranger needed to rest first.

"Neroon, I want to thank you for..." Searching for the right words, he couldn't continue. He only wished for Neroon to kiss him again. It had felt so good, so reassuring. "Loving me, I guess. If it hadn't been for you, your strength..."

"We already discussed that, Marcus." Neroon smiled at him, knowing only too well what Marcus was going through; he felt the same way and decided to speak his thoughts out loud. "It was destiny I fought you in Down Below, that I grew fond of you and managed to save you on Centauri Prime. There has to be some deeper reason why this has happened to us. I do believe we are fated for each other, Marcus."

"Certainly appears that way, doesn't it?" Propping himself up onto his elbows, Marcus tried to sit upright and sensed Neroon moving to help him. "Why don't you sit down for a moment? Neroon, I really want to talk to you."

"I know you want to discuss matters between us, but you need to rest first. I want you to lie down in bed. You will be more comfortable there."

Sighing, Marcus knew protesting would be useless. And to be completely honest he liked the fact that Neroon wanted to take care of him. All past events had drained him and he wanted to be taken care of for once. So he gave in willingly, delighted that Neroon cared so much for him; having someone around who truly loved him was a novel experience for him.

Neroon supported him in rising from the couch. Wobbly and swaying lightly, he knew he was a long way from being healed, but he didn't mind. Neroon would be there to fuss over him. To fuss over me!

"I contacted Doctor Franklin. You scared him by leaving Medlab the way you did. I will have to be more careful in case you ever want to sneak out on me ," Neroon said teasingly.

"Sneak out on you?" Something told him that the Minbari would detect 'a sneak out attempt ' before he had made it to the door, --not that he felt the need to do so-- Lying down in bed, he wondered if Neroon would be willing to keep him company a little longer. "Why don't you... join me in bed?"

His request made Neroon smile. The change within Marcus was obvious; Bester had made the right decision in blocking those horrid memories. Marcus wasn't able to deal with Ranan's abuse right now. "After the doctor has checked on you I --will-- join you in bed," Neroon mumbled sensually.

Goose pimples appeared all over Marcus' body and he quivered slightly at that promise of intimacy. It made him wonder what kind of lover Neroon would be; passionate certainly, also dominating, perhaps even a bit possessive. In some way he wanted to surrender himself to the Minbari; to hand over all control to Neroon. Had he told the warrior he'd never had a lover before? Excitement coursed through Marcus; for the first time in his life he had a lover!

Neroon carefully watched the play of emotions on Marcus' face and had a fairly good idea what his promise had done to the Ranger; joining him in bed... It made him smile more brightly. Marcus had no idea what lay ahead of him. Although no longer officially a member of the Warrior Caste, Neroon wanted to honor their required rituals in forming a relationship with another warrior. He also remembered Stephen's warning that Marcus needed to heal before they could be intimate. The rituals would provide a valid reason for Marcus not to question the required period of abstinence. Those two months might be enough for him to heal internally, if not, a longer period would follow. He didn't want Marcus to wonder why reconstructive surgery had been necessary now that all memories concerning the rapes had been blocked.

The door chime broke the silence and Neroon got up from the bed. "Enter," he said while walking towards the door. As Stephen appeared, he bowed slightly.

Franklin was worried for his friend. The Ranger had left Medlab while being hysterical and he expected the worst. What he didn't expect to find was Marcus half asleep in bed with a funny grin on his face. "Marcus?" Sitting down on the bed, he ran some diagnostic equipment over his patient's body.

"I'm fine now Stephen. I really am. Just so bloody tired. What did you feed me through those IV's? Sleeping meds?" Marcus watched his friend and saw some of Stephen's worry disappear.

"Why did you freak out like that, Marcus?" The doctor opened his Med Kit.

"I really don't know," he admitted, searching his memory for something that had been locked away behind mental doors which didn't yield as he tried to open them.

"Whatever it was, you seem calm now. I suppose I can't convince you to return to Medlab with me?" Stephen placed some vials on the night stand.

"No, Stephen. I think I found someone who's willing to nurse me back to health," Marcus said half jokingly, half serious.

"I won't let him out of my sight, doctor," Neroon stated while walking towards the bed. "Marcus will find it impossible to sneak out on me."

"I love a challenge." Marcus couldn't resist making that remark. The look Neroon gave him made him quaver lightly. He could tell the Minbari was serious.

"All right then. You stay in your quarters, preferably in bed," Stephen told Marcus and then looked at Neroon. "Make sure he takes his medication every 4 hours, otherwise..."

"I get the picture," Marcus wished Stephen would stop being this overly protective of him. Relieved to see Franklin leave his quarters he turned onto his side and looked at Neroon. "You promised to keep me company."

"I will." Neroon realized that Marcus needed him close. Slipping out of his outer robe, he walked over to the bed and lay down next to Marcus, facing him. The green eyes were filled with anticipation. There was no trace of fear or shame left in them and he pulled Marcus closer. Wrapping his arms around Marcus, he allowed the Ranger to snuggle up to him. "Marcus," he started, caressing the Ranger's face lightly. "You do realize there are a number of rituals and rules we have to observe before we... can become one."

Confused, Marcus' eyes grew big. He knew Minbari did nothing without ritual, but Neroon had never struck him as someone who clung to ceremony. Before we can become one? Does that mean... nothing physical is going to happen between us? Nervously licking his lips he withdrew his hands from Neroon's waist, not sure if he was already trespassing Minbari rules. "What kind of rituals? Am I allowed to touch you? Are you allowed to hold me like this?"

Neroon smiled. Originally, he'd wanted to tell Marcus tomorrow when they were rested, but he couldn't leave Marcus in this uncertainty. "There are four rituals we have to honor, Marcus. Although the rules were set out by a clan I no longer belong to, I want to follow them. Building a relationship requires time and trust and you have been through a lot lately. It would be best to take this slow. We can touch, kiss, satisfy each other's sexual needs, but performing the ultimate intimacy will have to wait." A sly, wicked smile crossed Neroon's features.

Marcus' face immediately darkened and a rejected expression appeared in his eyes. "How long?"

"At least two months, depending on the time needed to perform the rituals correctly," Neroon said soothingly. A crestfallen expression shone from the Ranger's eyes and he knew Marcus was disappointed. But he also knew that Marcus needed time to get his life together again.

"But I am allowed to touch you?" Marcus asked again. He desperately needed the contact, Neroon's warmth.

"Yes." To prove his words, Neroon took hold of Marcus' right hand and placed it on his bare chest.

That little action assured Marcus everything was all right and leaning in, he brushed Neroon's lips, expressing a slowly awakening sensuality that lingered within him.

The kiss surprised Neroon, but he hungered for the contact as well and taking control of the kiss he parted Marcus' lips to thoroughly explore his lover's mouth. The desperate moan flowing from Marcus' lips delighted him. Grabbing the Ranger's head between his hands he used just enough pressure to make sure Marcus felt his strength; waiting for a reaction.

Turning onto his back, he stared at the Minbari above him. Although Neroon was still lying next to him and not putting any body weight on him, he felt his power and gladly yielded to Neroon; it made him feel safe.

Pleased with Marcus' reaction, Neroon released his lips and settled down next to the Ranger. Still holding Marcus close, he smiled upon seeing the baffled look on the Ranger's face. "Just a prelude to what the future will hold for us," he teased Marcus.

Softly panting, Marcus was trying to recover from the feeling of being devoured. A prelude! Maybe it isn't such a bad idea after all to take this slow. Tucking his head underneath Neroon's, his fingers found their way to the Minbari's bonecrest and he lightly caressed that area, coaxing soft groans from Neroon's lips.

"Marcus... you know... what this does to me," Neroon whispered, enjoying the sensual caress.

"Yes, I know. It's one of your most erogenous zones."

"You better stop now before I decide it would be best to sleep separately during those two months," Neroon admonished him. An ache was building in his groin and would shortly become unbearable.

"If that's what you want." Marcus stopped reluctantly and buried his hands inside Neroon's robes, not touching any skin but burning his fingertips nonetheless.

"Go to sleep now, Marcus."

"I can't. I keep thinking about you."

Neroon couldn't help smiling hearing that remark. Those two months were going to be very demanding.

"Tell me about the first ritual." Wriggling closer to Neroon, he closed his eyes and hoped the Minbari's voice would lull him into sleep.

"Ah, curious, are you not? The first ritual is called "Naftare" and we will spend many hours talking."

"Talking? People tell me all the time I ought to stop babbling and now you're going to encourage me?" Marcus' voice trailed off as sleep began to claim him. "You're in trouble now... Neroon." His eyes closed and he slept safely in his lover's embrace.

Smiling, Neroon cherished feeling Marcus this close to him, but knew they would have to address some subjects to guarantee their future relationship. Marcus had not yet said a single word about his alter ego, Angel. Ranan's abuse had to be kept a secret till Marcus was ready to face those memories and he reminded himself to talk to Franklin as quickly as possible to ensure the doctor wouldn't mention it. Fatigued, his head began to spin and he willed himself to stop pondering these things. Smelling Marcus' now familiar scent this close, urged him to let go of reality and he followed his lover into sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

The first thing Marcus saw upon opening his eyes was Neroon, still peacefully asleep. Two months at least! But he realized he had to honor Neroon's wishes. Performing rituals he knew nothing about didn't appeal to him, but if Neroon wanted, needed to do this his way... Lazily stretching his body he was surprised to find just how many muscles in his body still ached. And then there was this stomach ache that flared up sometimes...

He knew who was to blame for most of his injuries; Ranan. The Centauri had inflicted so much pain in order to make him obedient. Trying hard to banish thoughts of Ranan from his mind, he focused on Neroon instead.

But Ranan's voice reappeared, mocking him. He felt furious for what Caim and Ranan had done to him and suddenly realized he didn't even know if Caim had escaped in the end. Neroon had mentioned something, but he'd been too emotional to register his words. Shuddering, he hoped the Psi Cop was dead. As his memories returned to him a chill crept into his heart, remembering Dana and the Shadow-creature she'd become. And then there had been that box; filled with electrified pain... Wires attached to his skin; he could still feel them. A whimper fled his lips, once more hearing the delight in Caim's voice every time the Psi Cop had switched on that accursed machine.

The days he'd spent at Caim's mercy were impossible to count. He had no idea how long he'd been locked up in there. I can deal with these memories... I can. I have to. The Minbari taught me how to survive terror, but they never told me it would hurt this much! He tried to free himself from Neroon's embrace to get to his feet, but found that the Minbari had a firm grip on him.

"Marcus, stay."

The whispered words made him freeze. "How long have you been awake, Neroon?"

"Long enough to feel you shiver and tremble with remembered pain," Neroon replied. His eyes flashed open and searched out the anguish in Marcus' green orbs. Neroon spoke words he knew he would have to repeat many times during the next weeks. "Tell me what scared you, Marcus."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Neroon cleaned off the table after they'd had dinner. Marcus had offered to help him, but he'd refused his offer, telling him to rest instead. Moping, Marcus had retreated to the couch. Thinking back to today's events, he still remembered the pain in Marcus' voice upon telling him what Caim and Ranan had done to him. He  was relieved Marcus had begun to talk about what had happened to him; it had to be a good sign.

During one of Marcus' naps, he had placed a call to Medlab, informing Stephen of the blocks which Bester had placed around the Ranger's memories as far as the rapes were concerned. The doctor had been hesitant to approve of such an action, but now understood why Marcus had been that calm when he'd checked on the ranger; it explained a lot. Stephen had asked him to make sure Marcus was taking his medication and to accompany the Ranger to Medlab for another physical.

Once more concentrating on Marcus, he saw the troubled look in his eyes. The Ranger had pulled up his legs and his chin rested on his knees, arms tightly wrapped around himself. A feeling of abandonment clung to him and urged him to walk over to Marcus at once. He had to do something to stop Marcus from retreating further into this depression. "Marcus, you are still wearing that med gown and the doctor expects us in 30 minutes in Medlab. Why not change your clothing?"

"I guess you're right." Marcus slowly rose to his feet and was unable to hide the expression of pain on his face.

"Marcus?"

"It's my stomach again. It still hurts."

Neroon knew he had to be careful; there was a chance Marcus wouldn't remember why he'd had surgery in the first place. "Your injuries require time to heal. We will mention it to Stephen once we get to Medlab."

Tired, Marcus nodded his head and continued his walk over to the bedroom. Opening the closet he searched for his one pair of sweats. Reaching down to get his shoes he was overcome with dizziness. Thankfully, the vertigo disappeared after some moments. He wasn't going to tell Neroon about it though; he didn't want to worry Neroon unnecessarily. Looking at the bed he realized there was nothing else he rather wanted than to get into it and sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bester had been pacing his room for some time now. Marcus' control had been restored and the Ranger had been reunited with Neroon at last. He should feel happy for them but he didn't. Analyzing the feelings running through him, he realized he felt lonely. Marcus had always been honest with him; had told him he loved Neroon. He'd been fooling himself in hoping to achieve more than friendship.

His face brightened momentarily; at least he'd made a friend. For the first time in years he'd allowed himself to trust a mundane and hadn't been disappointed. But there was more; his alliance with Sheridan and Delenn had tightened. But I still feel lonely. He needed something to do, to keep himself busy. I only kept part of my promise to Marcus. Perhaps there's a way I can repay Marcus in full. He remembered the Ranger's other request before surrendering himself to Caim.

Talia Winters. Strange, that he cares for someone he never knew, but that compassion was one of the things that attracted me to him in the first place. The former commercial telepath was no stranger to him. He even knew where she was kept prisoner; the alternate personality had made her hard to control. Planting that alternate personality into her mind had never been his idea and he didn't particularly like this strategy, but realized the advantages of having a spy that close to an enemy, or alley.

It was a good thing his position within the Corps was still untouched; it meant having full access to the camp where Talia was being held prisoner. He had used Caim's death to send a message to his superiors; that they shouldn't meddle in his affairs and they had left him alone. The first thing he had done upon arriving at headquarters had been to fire all of Caim's spies. Now, he had an assistant he could trust; his protégé Byron.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Once more walking the trusted corridors of Babylon 5 Marcus was well aware of the fact that Neroon's eyes never let go of him. The Minbari was walking next to him and constantly scanning their surroundings, even now prepared for a would-be attacker. One of Neroon's hands rested at the small of his back; another show of obvious concern. He had to admit that he hadn't felt this safe and cherished since his parents had died. "Do we really have to go to Medlab?"

"Yes, Stephen wants to examine you." Neroon rubbed his lover's back reassuringly, feeling Marcus tense up as the Ranger caught sight of someone turning around the corner. It was important Marcus got used to having people around, even strangers whom he didn't know.

"I don't understand why Stephen is this overly concerned," Marcus whispered, carefully eyeing the Narn who was leaving the corridor again. "I'm doing fine."

Wisely, Neroon refrained from commenting on that remark. Marcus might be under the impression that he was healing fast, but it wasn't the truth. He had to monitor Marcus' progress carefully.

Finally arriving at Medlab, they were greeted by Stephen Franklin who immediately dragged Marcus inside an exam room after asking Neroon to wait outside. "We're going to do a complete physical on you, Marcus. Lillian is going to guide you through all the tests and when you're done we'll talk some more," he stated calmly, not giving Marcus a chance to protest.

"But Stephen..."

"I'm the doctor, Marcus. You're the patient. That means I'm in charge!" Franklin said a little more loudly than he'd intended to. He didn't want to verbally fight with his friend, but he needed Marcus' test results. The infection was starting to worry him now that Marcus hadn't taken the prescribed antibiotics regularly.

There was little Marcus could do once Lillian had entered the room so he gave in. "How long is this going to take?"

"One hour max," Lillian replied, already busy hooking him up to some diagnostic equipment.

"Neroon, we need to talk," Franklin said in a determined tone.

"You do not approve of Bester's decision to temporarily block his memories of the rapes," Neroon stated, looking him in the eyes.

"Yes, that's true. I think that Marcus will end up even more hurt in the end." Stephen watched Neroon and saw the intense look in his eyes.

"How can he be hurt even more, doctor? We have the means to alleviate his pain a bit, why not do it?"

"I know you want to protect him Neroon. Believe me, so do I, but what will happen if Marcus discovers the truth about the abuse by accident? Did you consider that possibility?" Stephen tried to reason with the Minbari knowing that Neroon wanted to keep this terrible secret from the ranger at all cost. "What if this backfires?"

"If that happens I will find a way to deal with it," Neroon replied steadfast.

Stephen shook his head and wondered how he could get through to him. "Neroon, Marcus will want to know why he had surgery; what the extent of his injuries are. Do you seriously expect me to lie to him?"

"If necessary; yes." Neroon's stern expression was resolved.

"I thought Minbari never lied."

"Except to protect someone from harm, doctor." Getting angry with the human for questioning his actions, he turned his back to Stephen. "Understand this, Doctor Franklin; I will not allow Marcus to suffer even more because of that abuse. If that includes informing all who know about the rapes to keep quiet we will do that. Marcus needs to heal, not to be confronted by even more pain." Facing Franklin again, he glared at the doctor.

Not having a real choice Stephen was forced to give into Neroon's demand for the present; but this argument wasn't over yet. "You have to make sure he takes his medication every four hours otherwise the infection will spread."

"I understand. Marcus also complained about a stomach ache," Neroon replied, stepping away from their previous argument.

"That's not surprising. Internally, he's still healing. Marcus needs to rest, Neroon."

"I know that, but there is something else that troubles me. Marcus is withdrawing into himself. Sometimes he tries to isolate himself from me. During those moments I see pain in his eyes."

Remaining quiet for a moment Franklin considered the information. "It's normal for him to feel depressed. Marcus must deal with this on his own terms. The most important thing however is that he starts talking about these last weeks. If he trusts you enough to tell you about his pain you've achieved a lot."

"He did tell me some things about Ranan and Caim. There is so much agony in his voice when his mind travels back to that period."

"Marcus told you about them?" 

"Yes."

"Then he's on his way to recovery, Neroon."

"I hope so." Sighing, Neroon knew there was a long and difficult road ahead of them. "I did manage to peak his curiosity though when I told him we could not be intimate for some months."

"What did you tell him?" Truly curious to find out how Neroon had explained this to Marcus, Stephen looked at him.

"It was easily solved, doctor. I told him there are certain rituals we have to perform first. It was no lie. I do want to take this slowly and the Star Riders' rituals will aid me in doing this properly."

"Just remember I'm here in case you need me," Stephen said, offering the Minbari his help.

"I know that. Thank you, doctor." Neroon bowed slightly and wondered what the future held in store for him.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

These tests were definitely draining him. Marcus had lost count of all exams he'd been forced to submit to, but checking the time told him that ninety minutes had already passed. "I thought this was going to take one hour max," he commented, using her own words on purpose. He watched her reaction carefully.

"Stephen asked me to run some more tests on you; that's why it's taking longer than planned," Doctor Hobbs explained.

"What kind of tests?" Being stuck in Medlab anyway the least he could do was to gather some information on his physical condition.

"A blood test, for example."

Seeing the syringe in her hand he shuddered. As the needle disappeared underneath his skin, he was reminded of the wires which had been attached there not so long ago. Doing his best not to look at the syringe, he stared at the ceiling and in his mind he started counting in Minbari to distract himself. He wondered if she'd noticed his sudden gooseflesh. "Why does Stephen want to do these extra tests?"

"I guess he has his reasons to do so," she said, avoiding the real topic.

Growing quiet again, he was relieved when she was finally done. He wanted to return to his quarters, to talk to Neroon and feel his arms around him.

"Do you think you can make it to Stephen's office on your own? I know he wants to talk to you."

"I'm sure I can handle that short distance." Wishing he'd had brought his Ranger cloak along, he felt vulnerable as he walked over to his friend's office. He could have sworn some patients, as well as nurses, were watching him and whispering behind his back. Walking a tad faster, he tried to tell himself that his imagination was playing tricks on him. Arriving at the office at last he sighed upon seeing Neroon sitting opposite Franklin. Neroon didn't look too happy though; he could tell his lover wasn't pleased. Knowing that made him feel distressed.

"Marcus, come inside and sit down." Stephen noticed the slightly panicked expression in the Ranger's eyes and smiled reassuringly.

"So what are the results of all those tests?" Marcus asked hesitantly. In a certain way he didn't want to know and regretted asking that question. Casting a glance at Neroon, he saw the discontentment in his eyes, but the smile the Minbari gave him reassured him that Neroon wasn't upset with him.

"I'm satisfied with those results, Marcus. You're making a slow recovery, but considering the amount of trauma you've been through that's understandable. I want you to come in every second day. We're going to monitor you closely."

"That's it?" Disbelief sounded in his voice and he noticed the looks Neroon and Stephen exchanged; they weren't telling him the whole story, were keeping things a secret.

"I'm going to increase your dose of antibiotics though. We need to take care of a... serious infection which is causing your stomach ache. You'll take a double dose every four hours even at night, understood?" Shifting his eyes from Marcus to Neroon he wanted to make sure that the Minbari was going to oversee Marcus taking the medication in case the Ranger forgot to take the pills.

"I will make sure he takes them," Neroon promised.

"What kind of infection? I can tell you're holding back on me." A bitter tone slipped into Marcus' voice.

Neroon leaned in closer and gently took Marcus' hands in his. Looking Marcus in the eyes, he knew he had to be convincing now. "There is no way of telling how you got this infection. Many things happened to you during these last weeks. You should focus on getting better."

Marcus swallowed hard and realized Neroon was doing his best to keep something from him; he could sense the Minbari's anxiety. "I trust you to do what's best for me," he said honestly.

"Good." Satisfied, Neroon rose from his chair and ignored the inquisitive look Stephen gave him. "We should return to your quarters now Marcus. You need to rest."

"Take it easy, Marcus and --don't-- forget to take your medication," Stephen reminded him.

"I will. Don't worry, Stephen. I want to get better as well." Marcus hoped that by saying that he'd taken away some of the doctor's worries.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bester had been on his way back from Marcus' quarters after no one had answered the door chime and didn't expect to meet them in the corridor. Marcus looked strangely out of character only wearing a sweat suit and Alfred sensed his apparent unease. "Marcus, Neroon." Realizing both of them were worried, he wondered why.

"Alfred? I didn't know you were coming over," Marcus whispered, overcome by memories seeing the Psi Cop. Trusting Bester had saved his life in the end.

"I wanted to have a word with you before I left." Following them inside Alfred noticed Neroon beckoning Marcus to sit down.

"I think you will want some privacy," Neroon said studying Bester carefully. It was obvious the Psi Cop wanted to talk to Marcus privately and he retreated in to the bedroom, tired himself.

Focusing his attention on Marcus, her saw the fatigue in his eyes and decided to keep this conversation as short as possible. "I'll leave for headquarters in one hour and I want you to know that I'll keep my promise and will try to find Talia Winters. But understand that there's no way I can guarantee I can restore her own personality. It's never been done before."

"I'll come with you," Marcus said seriously. He couldn't let Bester do this by himself.

"No, " Alfred said shaking his head, "you'll stay here and recover. I'll contact you." There was no way he was going to allow Marcus to accompany him.

A sad expression appeared on Marcus' face. "I don't want you to leave. I hate saying goodbye to friends."

Alfred smiled; it had been a long time since anyone had called him a friend. "Marcus, before I go... There's something you need to know," he said, wondering how to address the matter.

"You've done something to my memory, haven't you?" Fear showed in his voice and Marcus knew it. He'd been suspecting something like this since neither Neroon nor Stephen wanted to discuss that infection.

"I should have known I could never fool you," Bester said calmly and watched how Neroon appeared in the doorway. Apparently the Minbari had heard those last words and was now waiting, a bit apprehensively, for his answer. He could hear Neroon's thoughts for one moment, Do not tell him. You will destroy him.

"Alfred?" Marcus said pleadingly; needing answers.

"Marcus, you have to believe me when I tell you it's better this way. Don't go back into the past, focus on the future. You're recovering. Neroon's at your side. Don't chase these forgotten memories, --don't--." Immersing Marcus in soothing thoughts and emotions, he watched the younger man carefully.

"I won't chase them, but I feel... lost," Marcus admitted. Bester was right; everything had turned out well. He was back on Babylon 5, Neroon had declared his love for him,  and asked me to wait two more bloody months at least, and he was healing slowly. "You'll contact me once you know more about Talia Winters?"

"I will," Bester promised and got to his feet.

Marcus tried to rise from the chair as well, but discovered he lacked the energy to do so.

Leaning in closer one more time, Alfred touched Marcus' hand and sent the younger man a message. Promise me you'll stay here in Neroon's care and that you won't do anything reckless?

Surprised to hear that mind voice again Marcus opened his eyes and smiled. "I promise, Alfred."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The vid they'd been watching had come to an end; Marcus had fallen asleep in his arms before the movie had been half way through. The Ranger's head lay in his lap and Neroon enjoyed stroking the dark hair which continued to fascinate him; so soft. No longer able to resist the urge to claim Marcus' lips, he brushed them softly.

Feeling pleasantly tired Marcus's eyes fluttered open to see what had woken him and stared right into the Minbari's eyes. As Neroon's tongue demanded entry to the softness of his mouth, he yielded once more. A moan of delight escaped and he saw the effect it had on Neroon. The Minbari slipped a hand underneath his head and gently pulled him upright. "Neroon? What... I thought..." His words were smothered by another possessive kiss, denying him the right to finish his question.

"It is time for the first ritual, Marcus," Neroon said determined and cradled his lover in his arms.

"Now? I can hardly keep my eyes open, Neroon."

"Then the time is right indeed. Fatigued as you are you won't try to hide the truth from me. I know you, Marcus. You find it hard to share your innermost thoughts with anyone, even with me. But I'm going to make you open up to me. And in return you can ask me everything you ever wanted to know. It will be a fair trade; the Naftare."

"Are you serious, Neroon?" Marcus wondered if there was still a way to get out of this one.

"Yes. I want you to start by telling me about your youth, your friends, parents, the hopes you once had, the disappointments you suffered."

Averting his eyes, Marcus felt lost. He couldn't tell Neroon all these things.

"I am waiting, Marcus." Neroon saw the fright in his eyes and wondered why it was there.

"I'm not sure I can do this, Neroon."

"You can. Now tell me."

"All right, but remember you made me do it!" Marcus gave in, but only reluctantly. Where to start? "I was born on Delta 3. My dad was in charge of the mining operation there. We moved to Arisia after my brother William was born." Pushing himself deeper into Neroon's embrace he caressed the Minbari's fingers. This was one of the hardest things he'd ever done --voluntarily--. "I loved my parents a great deal, but to be honest I was my mother's favorite. William didn't mind; he was always up to some mischief. Can you believe I was the serious one back then?" Marcus didn't expect Neroon to answer that hypothetical question, but he did.

"Yes, the oldest sibling usually is more serious than the younger one."

"I think I'll be interested to hear your story as well, Neroon."

"You will, but now continue yours."

"You're not going to give me a choice, are you?" Smiling as well, Marcus relaxed in his lover's arms. "We grew up together and got along nicely. I ended up in Earthforce during the Earth-Minbari war."

"You fought in that war?" This time Neroon was truly surprised. He'd thought Marcus had been too young to have participated in it.

"Towards the end, yes. Hated Earthforce though. I wonder how many people know of the hideous things they did to try to win that war." Marcus shuddered, remembering the horrors he'd seen during those days. Once he'd been told to pass down an order to wipe out a settlement of supposed Minbari spies. Later on he'd seen the corpses of children, burnt and broken. They had been the acclaimed spies.

"Marcus, you stopped."

"I know, some memories aren't that pleasant." Marcus needed a moment to compose himself. "Upon my return I learned that William had left to study or 'to find the meaning of life' as he called it. My parents died and I took over the company and tried to bury myself in work. I haven't told you about Hasina, have I?" Looking up at Neroon he quivered seeing the intensity in his dark eyes. The Minbari seemed to devour every word he spoke.

"No, you have not." Neroon wrapped his arms more tightly around Marcus and waited for the rest of the story.

"Hasina was a beautiful young lady and very smart as well. Looking back I realize that she tried to reach me, but I was too blind to see how much she cared for me. William returned, he'd joined the rangers by then, and tried to convince me to join them as well. One night the Shadows attacked Arisia and everyone I knew died that night. I sometimes think I died as well." Tears were stinging his eyes and Marcus desperately tried to force them back.

Feeling the Ranger shiver in his arms, Neroon rocked him till Marcus had regained control of his emotions. "I never knew you carried such a burden."

"This is very personal to me Neroon. Only four people know about it."

"But there is more...."

"Yes, I guess there is." Shifting in Neroon's embrace, he clasped his hands around the Minbari's. "I joined the Rangers because I promised William to do so and found a new purpose in life. I served Jeffrey Sinclair and now I serve Delenn. I was in love with Commander Ivanova for some time, but she told me she didn't feel the same way when she came to visit me in Medlab after you beat me up. Then, slowly.... I fell in love with you. I found your letter, got drunk for the first time in my life..." Marcus had to stop because Neroon interrupted him.

"You got drunk? Why?"

"Because you'd gone away on a mission and I knew for certain you would never return. I couldn't be that lucky to get you back," Marcus explained in soft tone.

"And then you left for Centauri Prime."

"Yes, I did. Everything went wrong on that mission. It was doomed from the start." Wondering what more to tell, Marcus knew of nothing else to share with the Minbari.

"What about Angel?"

Flinching slightly at the mention of that name, Marcus tried to remain calm. He'd avoided this subject on purpose. "I honestly don't know; ask me questions and I'll try to answer them," Marcus said, cringing by the idea of having to talk about that period.

"Do you hate that part of your personality?"

Shrugging his shoulders, Marcus tried to think of an honest answer. "It's like Angel is a part of me, yet someone else at the same time, I felt his emotions... My emotions. It's confusing. I don't know how to explain this..."

"You told me you loved me before Bester gave you back your control and to be honest, I fell in love with you all over again. No matter how much you suffered as a slave; Angel was as compassionate as you are now. "

A smile appeared on the Ranger's face. "You fell in love with me for a second time?"

"Yes. " Neroon returned that smile.

"You're a mystery to me, Neroon. I was so weak back then. I did everything you told me to..."

"You were under the impression you were a slave, Marcus. But I can tell you I found your obedience rather unsettling. I like that wild fire in you."

The Ranger's smile changed into a chuckle. "Wild fire? Neroon..." Marcus felt Neroon's laugh rather than actually hearing it. "Got any more questions for me?"

There were a couple of questions Neroon still had left, but they were part of the second ritual; he would have to wait a little longer to get those answers. "Only one more, why were you that upset when I asked you about angels the first time we spoke about them?"

Closing his eyes Marcus realized he should have known this question would follow. "The night Arisia was destroyed I lost my faith in goodness and in a caring God. When you asked me that question I felt lost."

"I understand now Marcus. One last question. I called you angel before I left on my mission. Would it cause you pain if I continued to call you that?"

Slightly turning in Neroon's embrace, Marcus looked into those seductive dark eyes. "No, it doesn't hurt when it's you who calls me angel."

"Excellent," Neroon whispered. "Now that my questions have been answered we will have some herbal tea. Then, I will share my history with you."

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Handing Marcus his tea Neroon sat down again and was delighted to find that the Ranger moved right back into his arms. "Be careful, it is still hot."

"I know, Neroon. Now tell me about your life. I don't know that much about you," Marcus urged him on, studying his facial expression. Neroon looked fairly comfortable.

"What --do-- you know about me, Marcus?"

"I know you are... were a clansman of the Star Riders, Branmer's Alit and that you took Delenn's place in the Grey Council. I don't think I've to go into details how you tried to stop her from becoming Entil'Zha," he added with a shy smile.

"No, you don't," Neroon admitted and allowed his fingers to explore the texture of Marcus' beard. "You should remove all this facial hair."

Marcus laughed aloud. "Why?"

"You will look even more handsome without it. There is no need to hide yourself underneath it."

"Hide?" Marcus repeated, a bit shaken; did Neroon know everything? It was true, though.

"Yes, hide, but I was going to tell you about myself so do not distract me."

"Me? Distracting you? You were the one who..." Marcus fell silent seeing Neroon's admonishing expression. "Sorry, told you I always babble," he apologized.

The Minbari paid it no more attention and gathered his thoughts. "I was born on Minbar 70 cycles ago. My parents were both Religious Caste. I began to feel an attraction towards the Warrior Caste at a very young age. I must admit though that I did waver between the Warrior and Religious Caste when the time came to make my choice and reveal my calling. My father knew about my doubts and urged me to listen to my heart. After all this time I'm still not sure I did. My younger brother Denbaar followed in our parent's footsteps and became a priest."

"You're the older brother?" Marcus interjected.

"Yes, Denbaar is my only brother. I have no other siblings. My parents were very blessed to have two children."

"Where's Denbaar now?" Marcus wondered about the priest's reaction upon hearing his brother had been declared an outcast.

"On Minbar. He is a teacher in one of the temples. I do not know if he has heard of my downfall yet."

"Can't you contact him?" It was obvious Neroon was hurting and Marcus couldn't bear seeing him like this.

"He is forbidden to talk to me by law now that I am an outcast," Neroon explained, touched by Marcus' concern.

"I'm sorry. It must be hard to have a brother and not being allowed to talk to him."

"Your love takes away most of my pain, Marcus." Neroon watched his stunned expression upon hearing this admission. "Now let me continue. I served Shai Alit Branmer for ten cycles, 15 human years. Even before I was re-assigned to the Ingata I was married to Shari," he paused, aware of Marcus' bafflement.

"You ... were, are, married?"

"Shari died 13 cycles ago... during childbirth."

Marcus' head was ringing with all this information and realized just how little he had known about Neroon when he had fallen in love with him. "Did the child survive?"

"Yes, Elaan survived and my grandparents took it upon themselves to raise him; I had my responsibilities towards my Clan and could not leave to take care of him. I wished I had been able to spend more time with him. His eyes were Shari's and it pained me to look into them at times, but I never showed that hurt."

"Being banished from Minbar must be hard on you. Don't you miss your family?"

"Of course I do, Marcus. But I made my choices and I promised myself never to regret them." Moving his arms lower he wrapped them around his lover's waist. He was pleased to see the eagerness with which Marcus yielded to him. In time you will become the dominant one. You are still afraid and need to surrender yourself to me. In time, I will surrender to you.

"Can I ask you a question?" Marcus placed his hands on his lover's and waited for an answer.

"Of course."

"Are you happy here? Now? Being a tactical advisor to Delenn and being stuck with me?" Uncertainty echoed in his voice.

"Marcus..." Neroon made the Ranger look him in the eyes. "I am honored Delenn gave me the chance to prove myself and to become part of her... council. And you, I love you so much it hurts at times. I have never before loved someone this much and the intensity of these feelings scare me. You do realize you will be 'stuck' with me as long as you will live, Marcus?" Neroon said teasingly, trying to take away Marcus' doubts by speaking nothing but the truth. Tears appeared in the Ranger's eyes and he was taken aback seeing them.

"Nobody ever said something like that to me," Marcus confessed and wanted to wipe away the tear which had managed to escape his eyes, but Neroon stopped him.

With his fingertips he traced the wetness on the Ranger's face and licked the tear off his finger with his tongue. "It tastes like salt."

It made Marcus laugh.

"Any more questions?" Neroon asked, relieved to witness the return of Marcus' smile.

"No..."

"Then we will go to bed now and try to get some sleep. "

Stretching his body like a cat, Marcus checked the time and was shocked to discover two hours had past. "Isn't it time for me to take my medication again?"

Neroon had watched him get up and wanted nothing more than to take Marcus right there on the floor. He wondered if the Ranger was aware of the sensuality in his movements. Control Neroon. Be patient, remember the doctor's warning. "Yes, it is. I will get the vial. Why do you not get into bed and I will bring it to you?" Marcus disappeared into the bedroom and Neroon walked into the kitchen to get a glass of water and the antibiotics. As he entered the bedroom he found Marcus already asleep in bed. "Marcus, you still have to take your pills."

The Ranger woke again, but his eyes remained closed. Taking the glass and pills from Neroon's hands, he swallowed them obediently. As Neroon slid into bed, he immediately snuggled up to the Minbari. Spooning himself against Neroon, he slipped his arms around his lover's waist and rested his head against the Minbari's broad back.

Neroon chuckled softly as Marcus possessively draped a leg over his upper thigh.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PSI CORPS' REHABILITATION CAMP PROMETHEUS

Byron studied the female telepath closely. Alfred had given him the order to write a detailed report on her. More specifically, he had been ordered to find a way to remove the alternate personality and to restore the original one. It was the first time Bester had given him such an assignment and he felt personally challenged to help Talia Winters.

During the next couple of days Byron observed her, tried to communicate with Talia after the sleepers in her blood had disappeared. He began probing the strength of the alternate personality and was surprised she had given it a name; Janus. She would have short, very short spells of lucidity and it were those moments which convinced Byron that her own personality could be restored.

As he pressed the send button he wondered why Bester was this interested in a former commercial telepath. One hour later he received his instructions; to stay close to Talia and to prepare for Bester's arrival.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Susan?" Surprised to find her here, Marcus couldn't hide his smile or his happiness. In a certain way he'd spent this last week in Paradise. Neroon had fussed over him and he had enjoyed every moment of it. At night he'd felt safe in Neroon's strong arms. He was only healing this quickly due to the Minbari's tender care.

"Marcus! You look great!" Susan returned the smile somewhat hesitantly and studied him. The Ranger did look great. Wonder what Neroon has been feeding you. Marcus was definitely gaining weight and colour had appeared on his cheekbones. His eyes were livid with merriment. Only the not yet healed welts told of what he'd suffered not so long ago.

"I do feel great," Marcus admitted. Looking around to see if Neroon was close he found no trace of the Minbari, but knew the warrior had to be somewhere in the Zocalo. "I never got the opportunity to tell you that you were so right in advising me to give Neroon a chance. "

"I'm glad you're happy, Marcus. I really am." Susan's smile brightened noticing the love in his eyes. "What are you doing here? I thought Stephen confined you to quarters?"

"I'm still confined to my rooms..." Scanning his surroundings once more he leaned in closer to whisper into her ear. "If Stephen finds me here I'm in big trouble. It took me two days of bugging Neroon before he allowed me to take a walk."

"Where's Neroon now?" Susan noticed Marcus looking about all the time.

"He's close, somewhere." Pulling his cloak tighter around his frame, Marcus saw the loneliness in her eyes. "What brings you here, Susan? I hardly recognized you out of uniform." She was wearing a brown tunic and her hair was dancing on her shoulders. I hope Alfred finds Talia, he thought, saddened by her grief.

"Garibaldi's birthday is coming up and I forgot to buy him a present last year. I better make up for it this year."

"Did you already find a suitable gift?"

"Not yet, I'm still searching and I hate shopping." Looking over his shoulder, Susan saw Neroon approach them. The buyers and merchants moved out of his path to make way for the Minbari. Susan couldn't help wondering about the unlikely pair of them. "Your boyfriend's coming over," she said and grinned at the Ranger who immediately swirled around.

"Marcus, I bought something I think will look very good on you," Neroon blinked at the Commander. He was in a frighteningly good mood and wanted to tease Marcus a bit. During this last week he'd discovered how little clothing the Ranger owned and had decided they needed to go to the Zocalo to buy new clothing. This particular piece had immediately attracted his attention. He loved to embarrass Marcus, because then his lover would start to blush in that seductive way he loved so much.

Accepting the gift-wrapped package Marcus studied Neroon and saw the obvious mischief in his eyes. The Minbari was up to something; he'd better be careful now. He had been astonished to learn that Neroon possessed a somewhat twisted kind of humour.

Susan had also noticed Neroon's expression. Still grinning, she wondered what the small, very small, package might contain.

Pushing the paper to one side a small card appeared and almost fell to the floor. Marcus caught it and swallowed hard. If only he knew what Neroon had bought him!

"Read it aloud," Neroon forced out between clenched teeth, doing his best not to burst out laughing yet.

Realizing there was no way out Marcus began to read, "There's no mistaking the appeal of Marcus. A sleek and slinky G-string that's a joy to wear - for those who dare! Designed with thrilling freedom and easy comfort..." Totally stunned, Marcus looked into Neroon's sparkling eyes and felt the blood rise to his face. "You bought me a thong?"

"He's adorable when he blushes!" Susan quipped and saw Neroon nod his head.

"Marcus is easy to embarrass," Neroon said softly. "Marcus, are you not going to open it?" Challenging the flustered Ranger, his laughter boomed through the Zocalo.

"I don't have a choice, have I?" Marcus gave in and opened the plastic box.

"Your face is almost as red as that thong is." Susan slapped her knees and exploded into laughter as well. This was too much! There was no way she could stay serious with him staring in shock at that little piece of fabric.

"I expect you to wear it this evening." Neroon tried to sound earnest, but almost choked in his laughter.

Marcus wished the floor would open and swallow him. He was going to get Neroon for this!

"Come on, Marcus. Don't take it that seriously. Why don't you buy Neroon one in return? I'm sure they have a lot of different styles... Neroon, is that model really called Marcus?" Susan leaned against the wall. This felt so good! It had been so long since she'd laughed like this.

"Yes, it is."

Marcus watched the two of them and his anger disappeared. Susan had never before been this chipper and it made him feel good that Neroon had managed to break through her walls in a ludicrous way like this. Finally, he laughed as well but was plotting revenge on Neroon nonetheless.

"Where did you buy this?" Susan inquired. "I suddenly know what I'm going to get Michael for his birthday. The two of you have to drop in; you must see his face when he uncovers his present." Ivanova chuckled.

Exchanging looks, it was Neroon who replied. "We will drop by..."

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Studying himself in the mirror Marcus realized he was somewhat revolted by what he saw. His naked body was still covered in bruises and scars were appearing now where injuries had been. The welts on his neck had closed, but now it looked like he was wearing some weird kind of necklace. He hated those scars.

Neroon had asked him to try on the thong and he'd given in just to please the Minbari. It looked ridiculous and the G-string was already driving him crazy; it felt like floss between his buttocks. The rest of his new clothes were waiting for him to slip in to. After Susan had left Neroon had insisted on buying more clothes for both of them. Remembering how carefully Neroon had chosen his new outfit he ran a hand over his new jacket made of black velvet. He wondered if Neroon had already changed into his new clothing; black pants and silk shirt.

The thong irritated him and he was considering throwing it into the dirty laundry basket when Neroon stepped into the bedroom. He licked his lips upon seeing him in his new clothes; black was a colour which most definitely suited him. Locking eyes at last, he saw raw desire in them. Desire? Lust is more like it!

Slowly, Neroon's eyes studied every inch of his lover's body. "I was right. That thong does look good on you." Noticing Marcus' goose pimples, he took a step closer towards his lover. Perhaps tonight you will be ready for the second ritual, Marcus. Close enough to touch Marcus, he raised his right hand and ran it over the Ranger's chest, coaxing a whimper from Marcus' lips. Lips, demanding to be kissed! Tightly controlling his arousal, he wetted one of his fingers with his tongue and moved it slowly over Marcus' nipple.

A fire was building in his groin and Marcus closed his eyes. Feeling that wet finger stroking that hardened nipple pushed him over the edge and he moaned, not realizing his erection showed through the thin fabric of the thong. Neroon was driving him crazy!

Marcus' response to his caress didn't surprise Neroon. Realizing he was playing with fire he knew he shouldn't push Marcus too far. The doctor had told him that it would take more time for Marcus' internal injuries to heal properly. Keeping that warning in mind, he used his other hand to stroke Marcus' erection through the fabric. Green eyes stared at him in shocked pleasure and he smiled reassuringly. "You should wear a thong all the time, Marcus." He moved his hands and while clutching the Ranger's head kissed him hard.

His legs became jelly-like and Marcus held onto Neroon for support. "Do we have to go to that party?"

"Yes. We should stop now, Marcus. We need to complete the rituals first," Neroon said and resolutely walked out of the room while composing himself.

"Bugger," Marcus mumbled. His body seemed to consist of fire. Neroon's departure left him frustrated and he tried to fight down his arousal. "Bloody thong!" Within minutes he'd dressed himself and marched into the bathroom. There was something he had to do before they could leave.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Barely believing his eyes, Neroon realized Marcus had shaved off his beard. "Why?"

"You told me to stop hiding," he whispered, uncertain if Neroon liked his new look. "But it makes me look so bloody young." Waiting for Neroon to say something, he straightened out his jacket. He could feel the thong underneath his jeans. In a certain way he suspected Neroon to have purposely chosen clothes the Minbari knew would annoy him most. His blue satin shirt was moving against his skin in an unsettling way. His nipples grew hard every time the fabric rubbed against them.

"You look handsome, Marcus. The decision to remove all that facial hair was the right one." Placing his hand once more at the small of his lover's back, Neroon wondered what good he'd done in his former life to be granted a love like this in his current lifetime.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Michael Garibaldi was shaking his head in dismay. He'd known a few people wanted to drop by because of his birthday, but this was getting ridiculous.

The first ones to arrive had been John and Delenn. Lennier had handed him his present and after unwrapping it Michael had wondered what the hell he was supposed to do with all those scented candles Delenn had given him "to meditate when one feels restless."

Then Franklin had shown up accompanied by Lyta. The doc's present hadn't been that bad; a collection of Bugs Bunny vids. Lyta had given him some alcohol free champagne to share around during 'the party '.

What party? I never said anything about a party! Just when he'd thought things couldn't get any worse Londo and Vir had arrived; bickering like an old married couple. Michael had resigned to his fate and had been absolutely 'thrilled' to receive a wrapped up box with Centauri sex aids including a weird looking inflatable doll and instructions in Centauri. Now what am I supposed to do with that? This doll has six openings in the weirdest places. He tried hard to remain composed while Sheridan and Franklin did their best to get the doll into shape.

Hoping that no one else was going to show up, he was seriously considering leaving this party and his 'guests', when Ivanova entered his quarters wearing one hell of a low-necked black dress, stunning him momentarily. "Geez, Susan, trying to kill a sex starved Chief of security?"

"I thought it was time to give this dress a second chance... a first one, actually. I've never worn it since I bought it two years ago." Susan also noticed Londo's admiring glance and poor Vir was trying hard to look innocent and --not-- to stare at her. Susan smiled. Ever since that 'incident' in the Zocalo with Marcus and Neroon she'd been in such a relaxed mood that she'd decided to dress up for the occasion. She had taken the time to get her hair done and was wearing her mother's ear rings for the first time in five years.

"You look breath-taking, my dear," Londo complimented her, bowed and moved to kiss her hand.

Garibaldi stared at this vision in black and wondered if he should do a security check to see if she was the real Commander Ivanova. Lyta however distracted him, handing him a glass of the alcohol free champagne. Michael hesitated for one moment, then joined her and emptied the glass in one go.

"What did you buy our beloved Chief?" Sheridan studied his second in command. Susan had seldom been this relaxed and John wanted to know what had caused it. It was a refreshing change.

"A... challenging present," Ivanova replied in mysterious tone. The moment she wanted to hand it over to Garibaldi the door chime sounded and the Chief clutched his head with his hands in mock aggravation. "When is this going to end? I wanted to keep this quiet; a secret! By the way, --who-- is manning C&C at the moment?" Michael wondered suddenly; almost the complete chain of command was present in his quarters.

"Poor Lt. Corwin," Susan whispered with a wicked grin on her face.

The door chime chirped once more and Michael gave in. "Enter," he exclaimed, curious to see who else knew about this 'party'.

Everyone in the room stopped talking for a moment when Marcus and Neroon entered the Chief's quarters, both out of uniform. All of them were surprised to see Marcus had shaved off his beard. Delenn poked John in his ribs to get his attention. "They do look happy, don't you think so?"

"Marcus seems to be recovering nicely thanks to Neroon's care," Stephen said in soft tone and Delenn nodded her head in agreement.

"I never thought Neroon would be able to overcome his prejudice against humans and now he has even taken a human lover," Lennier whispered.

Sheridan looked up hearing the last bit of that sentence. "Lover? Marcus and Neroon are lovers? Why am I the last one to hear this news?" John watched the two men sit down next to each other on the couch after they'd congratulated an even more stunned Garibaldi.

Staying close to Neroon, Marcus realized they were the only ones without a present and shifted uncomfortably on the sofa. Susan sat down next to him and handed him a gift wrapped box.

"I think you should be the one to give it to him. You know what's inside," she said teasingly. "Are you wearing that thong now?" Ivanova whispered those last words.

Don't blush, Cole. Whatever you do, don't blush! Why did she have to say that?

"Well? Are you?" Susan pushed further, delighted to have managed to shut him up.

Marcus nodded once and stared at the box in his hands. "Do I really have to give it to Garibaldi? He'll shoot me, you know."

Neroon heard the plea and listened in on their conversation. "Marcus, stop worrying and give it to him. The Commander and I bought it while you were trying on those jeans you are wearing now."

"Here, Marcus, Neroon, have a glass of the bubbly stuff and don't worry; no alcohol," Lyta handed them their glasses.

Neroon looked at Delenn to make sure she was also having a drink. Satisfied that even Lennier was sipping from it he followed their example.

Feeling embarrassed, Marcus handed the present to Garibaldi who was eyeing the item very suspiciously. "I just want you to know that I didn't buy this, Michael. Neroon and Susan picked it." The Ranger moved and was immediately reminded of the fact that he was wearing that bloody thong; how could he make Neroon pay for forcing him wear it?

Extremely curious, Michael slowly unwrapped the gift. If Susan had chosen this he better watch out for some practical joke. The first thing he saw was a card.

"Read it aloud," Susan said in a tone mimicking the command Neroon had given Marcus in the Zocalo.

Michael knew he was in trouble when he read the words. Clearing his voice the Chief decided to play along. He wasn't going to be embarrassed over this one. "Less is certainly a lot more fun when you're wearing a swinger! This little nylon number is completely backless, with no under string - just the pouch and nothing else. You'll relish the airy freedom and enjoy the sensation of such a daring style." He laughed wholeheartedly and saw Ivanova's disappointment. "I like that idea of complete freedom."

"Dammit Michael, you aren't even embarrassed!" Ivanova cursed softly and did her best to look like she was moping, but couldn't pull if off. At least Marcus is wearing that red thong... wonder how it looks on him. Casting a look at Neroon she wanted to know how the Minbari had reacted seeing Marcus wearing that G-string. Shivering slightly she began to realize how happy the two of them had to be; it made her feel lonely.

Sitting quietly in between Neroon and Susan, Marcus studied the others present. Although everyone was laughing and in a good mood he wanted nothing more than to return to his own quarters. Londo's and Vir's presence made him shiver and his thoughts began to slip back to Ranan all the time. Trying to say as little as possible he sensed Delenn's eyes on him and stared at the floor. Marcus knew she was concerned but he was alright, only the large number of people present made him feel shy.

Garibaldi had been observing Marcus and Neroon for one hour now. They were sitting very close and Michael noticed how Marcus every so often curled his fingers around Neroon's hand, who promptly reacted and squeezed them in return. Probing the Minbari's eyes Michael saw a softness he'd never noticed before.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

On their way back to Marcus' quarters Neroon noticed how absent-minded Marcus was. "Is something wrong?" he asked, a bit worried Marcus was falling back into some sort of depression.

"No, I really enjoyed myself this evening, but... seeing Vir and Londo made me think back to..."

"I should have known," Neroon replied and pulled him closer. "Is there anything I can do?"

"Stay close? Hold me?" Smiling, Marcus rested his head against Neroon's shoulder and relished his physical presence.

"I am not going to leave you, Marcus." Typing in that strange access code, Neroon still wondered if the word Road Runner had a special meaning to humans. "Shall we go to bed? I do not know about you, but I am tired."

"Sure, why not." Marcus headed towards the bedroom and dropped onto the bed in a fit of exhaustion.

"It is time for your medication," Neroon reminded him and Marcus accepted the pills and water.

"I'm tired as well," the Ranger whispered and stretched his body while lying down.

"You should undress before going to sleep," Neroon hoped Marcus was ready for this next step and that he wasn't rushing his lover.

"Undress? I'll change into my sweats, don't worry," Reluctantly walking over to the cupboard Marcus couldn't believe his eyes as he realized that Neroon had taken off all his clothes and was now standing --naked-- in front of him. Unable to tear away his eyes Marcus studied the Minbari's well-trained body; all muscle, no fat. A washboard abdomen and broad shoulders... His gaze dropped below the waistline and he was briefly taken aback because of the lack of pubic hair there. "You're beautiful, Neroon." The words were uttered before he realized he'd actually spoken them.

"You are pleased then?" Neroon said teasingly while striding towards the bed and finally sitting down.

"Oh yes, most definitely." Marcus knew his face had become flustered.

"I love it when you blush, Marcus. But you should remove your clothes as well and then join me in bed. I want to feel your skin against mine." Neroon waited for Marcus to make up his mind.

"I... can't do that."

"Why not? Come over here."

Shuffling his feet Marcus didn't know what to do. He felt ashamed for his bruised body and because of the scars which were now a part of him. Taking one step closer to the bed, it felt like he was being pulled forward, as if he'd been hypnotized by Neroon's eyes. He allowed Neroon to pull him down till he sat on the bed next to him. He shivered when hot fingers began to unbutton his shirt.

Neroon felt Marcus tremble as he pushed the shirt off the Ranger's shoulders. "Can you step out of your trousers yourself or do you want me to assist you?" he whispered sensually.

Marcus swallowed hard. "I think I can do that myself. " Quickly getting up from the bed Marcus unzipped his jeans and flung them into a corner of the bedroom. The only thing he was wearing now was that bloody thong.

"Remove the thong as well," Neroon purred. It was only a distraction from the human's real beauty.

"Do I have to?" Torn between two evils Marcus realized that if he did lose the thong he was going to be stark naked. That little piece of cloth was the only thing covering his private parts at this point.

"Do not be ashamed, Marcus."

But I am! Seeing the reassuring expression in Neroon's eyes, he stepped out of the G-string and tried hard not to look too embarrassed. Why was Neroon doing this to him?

"Now join me in bed, my lover." Neroon was pleased that Marcus had overcome his shame.

"My lover?" Marcus repeated, a bit stunned to hear those words actually spoken aloud. Feeling awkward, he moved to lie down next to Neroon and for the first time he became aware of the smell that was Neroon.

"Yes, you are my lover," Neroon wrapped his arms around his lover and noticed how gingerly, no hesitantly, Marcus moved into them.

The skin-on-skin contact was new to Marcus, but it felt so good, --so right-- to rest in Neroon's arms that he relaxed.

"Now sleep and only dream of pleasant things," Neroon murmured, sensing his already regular breathing; a sure sign that Marcus was falling asleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Neroon woke during the night because Marcus was moving about in bed. It took him a moment to realize that his lover, who was lying closely spooned behind him, was very aroused. Marcus was rubbing up against him, moaning softly, pressing himself even closer into the warm body in front of him. Neroon smiled as it occurred to him that Marcus might be having an erotic dream involving him.

Turning onto his back, he watched Marcus' face and saw the tightly closed eyes; the younger man was sound asleep. Marcus was now rubbing himself against his upper thigh and Neroon grinned mischievously. It was apparent that Marcus' sexual needs had been ignored too long. Pushing the comforter off both their naked bodies, he remembered how shyly Marcus had undressed himself before going to bed; the red thong was now lying on the floor next to his clothes.

He knew that Marcus was still trying to deal with the pain Ranan had inflicted on him; including ' his education in the art of Marak '. Although he had seen Marcus naked before, this was the first time he saw his lover in an aroused state. His expression was admiring as he saw Marcus' erection; the Ranger was well-endowed and he was pleased about that.

His left thigh was beginning to moisten with Marcus' precum and his own arousal woke as well. As he felt himself harden, he wished he could take his lover now, without having to think of all possible consequences, like causing even more internal damage. Considering his possibilities, he was determined to give his lover the ecstasy he deserved. Although any form of penetration was still out of the question until Stephen Franklin was satisfied with the progress Marcus had made, he knew a number of ways to make Marcus scream with ecstasy. It was his very intention to drive Marcus crazy with lust.

Allowing his lover to continue to rub up against his thigh, he pressed his lips on Marcus' throat, leaving behind a trial of kisses. Closely watching Marcus, he noticed that Marcus wasn't waking up yet and chuckled softly. Playing hard to get, are you? His fingertips moved to pinch an already erect nipple and his lips brushed the area beneath the Ranger's ear. Feeling Marcus tremble underneath this caress, his lips returned to his lover's mouth and forced it open; tracing the inside of the Marcus' mouth with his tongue in a demanding and possessive manner.

Marcus woke slowly, but immediately sensed Neroon's closeness; felt hands moving over his body, slowly but passionately. His mouth was being ravished by Neroon who was thoroughly exploring every delightful inch of it. Startled, Marcus realized he was shamelessly rubbing up against Neroon and he began to blush, utterly embarrassed for doing so. The fact that there was some stickiness on the Minbari's thigh told him that he must have been doing so for some time now. He was truly shocked when Neroon's hands stroked the insides of his thighs, lightly, teasingly; finally nudging his legs apart. Flashing his eyes open, he stared into dilated pupils and noticed the delighted smile on Neroon's face, which threw him off balance. Neroon's stare wasn't angry or reproachful. I rubbed up against him. I need to apologize. But the fire in his groin was telling him otherwise; demanding acknowledgement and satisfaction. "Neroon, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be disrespectful," he mumbled, avoiding dark eyes.

Silencing Marcus by placing a finger against his lover's lips, Neroon saw the uncertain expression in Marcus' eyes and realized the Ranger felt ashamed for some obscure reason. Running one hand over his lover's chest he asked, "There is no reason to apologize and yet I see shame in your eyes, why?"

"For rubbing up against you like that," Marcus said and began to pant softly as Neroon's palm caressed him between his legs in slow, sensual strokes which were taking his breath away. "What are you... doing?" His eyes grew big as that hand began to knead his balls with precise movements and calculated pressure. He hardened even more, although he didn't believe that could have been possible. His erection hurt and he craved release so badly. Stumbling over the words he wanted to say, he found himself staring into Neroon's eyes. "I should go into the bathroom and... jerk myself off there... Neroon... you're going to make me come if you keep touching me like that!" Not knowing exactly why he wanted to get away from Neroon, he struggled briefly to free himself, but strong hands kept him in place.

Suddenly realizing what was upsetting Marcus, Neroon whispered soft words of reassurance into his lover's ear. "Do not feel embarrassed for a normal physical need. Your body is telling you not to ignore its desires and urges any longer. I know how to please you. Marcus, let me. "

"What about those rituals of yours?" Marcus objected without real conviction. Neroon's hand was now stroking his fully erect cock and another greedy hand had moved beneath his buttocks to squeeze them tightly. No longer thinking about retreating to the bathroom, he whimpered as Neroon's hand continued to pull the foreskin over the head, waiting one --long-- agonizing moment before releasing it. His legs were twitching futilely and he couldn't help wrapping his arms around Neroon's waist in want, desperately trying to hold onto him.

"I am allowed to please you this way. We are not breaking any rules. Surrender to me, my lover. I will make you come with such abandon that you will scream my name when you find release."

Marcus shivered hearing that promise. Staring into Neroon's clouded eyes, he knew the Minbari was serious. He felt incredibly grateful to have Neroon for a lover. "I surrendered to you a long time ago. You know I'm yours, Neroon," he confessed in trembling tone and was stunned when Neroon stopped caressing him; bereft of the feel of his lover's fingers on his skin, he sighed. "What...?"

"Lie down on your side facing away from me and move into my arms," Neroon told his confused lover in a firm tone.

Marcus wavered for one moment hearing the tension in Neroon's voice, but did as he was told. Neroon had turned onto his side as well and he moved into his lover's open arms which resolutely pulled him closer. Obeying that silent command, he pressed himself against his lover's hot body. One arm tightly wrapped itself around his shoulder, giving Neroon access to his chest area. He was momentarily shocked to feel Neroon's erection press against his buttocks.

Once more, Neroon nudged the Ranger's legs apart and positioned his knee between them, telling Marcus that he was going to determine their course of action.

"What are you going to do?" Not able to keep quiet any more Marcus tried to look at the Minbari. He was confused; never before had he allowed someone to touch him like this; to dominate him in this way. He trusted Neroon, but the pain Ranan had inflicted still lingered in his subconscious, urging him to be careful.

"You surrendered to me so do not question me. You a're not allowed to touch me or talk to me; the only acceptable noise you are allowed to make is whimpering, no screaming, your desire." Marcus turned rigid in his arms and he realized his lover had never done anything like this before. In an attempt to take away all possible fear, he whispered sensually into his lover's ear, "I love you, Marcus. Do not be afraid."

Nodding his head, Marcus felt a tight knot in his stomach and didn't know if it was caused by fear or excitement. Now that Neroon was lying behind him he couldn't see what the Minbari was up to and felt apprehensive. The presence of this hot body warming his was exciting and frightening at the same time. He began to pant involuntarily as Neroon pressed his leg between his thighs, tightly, causing a friction that made his cock throb heavily. Feeling totally exposed, he swallowed hard and finally admitted to himself that he was scared.

Sensing his lover's confusion and want urged Neroon to return to caressing him. Marcus trembled underneath his fingertips and Neroon smelled his lover's fear. Ranan's name appeared in his mind and overcome with anger, he pushed it away. Concentrating on pleasing his lover, he wetted his fingertips and ran them over Marcus' chest, barely touching any skin. At last he rolled an erect nipple between his fingers. Blowing softly over the wetness of the Ranger's skin, he felt Marcus gasp from surprise. A tortured moan escaped Marcus as he submitted his now sensitive nipple to the procedure for a second time, while squeezing his lover's full balls lightly. A whimper filled the room; demanding more and the Ranger wriggled closer. He wrapped one leg around his lover's to lift it slightly. He deliberately pressed his own throbbing shaft between Marcus' buttocks and moved slowly against the soft skin. Taking one of Marcus' earlobes between his teeth he fondled it with his tongue; slowly suckling it.

Marcus was mumbling incoherently at this point; trying to obey Neroon's earlier command of keeping quiet, but his need for release was overwhelming him.

Finally, Neroon curled his fingers around Marcus' pulsating cock which was now completely covered with precum. He knew the erection would be painful now, throbbing, tormenting Marcus who promptly whimpered with want as he stopped stroking the sensitive flesh. With his fingers still tightly curled around the burning flesh, he spooned himself against his lover's buttocks; his shaft continued to teasingly stroke Marcus between his legs, until his cock finally pushed against the Ranger's full balls.

Instinctively arching up against the hand that refused him release, Marcus desperately tried to lock eyes with Neroon, but the Minbari prevented that by placing one hand on his lover's forehead. Applying a minimum of force, he urged Marcus to expose as much of his throat as the Ranger could. A moment later sharp teeth scraped soft skin, biting him playfully. Panting, moaning, Marcus desperately begged him for release without the use of any words at all. His cock was heavy and Marcus wanted to scream his need.

Still rubbing up against Marcus' lower body Neroon stopped stroking his lover's erection, and in doing so coaxed the most pitiful tones out of Marcus. "I doubt that you really want to come," Neroon whispered seductively in husky voice. "Otherwise your moans would reach my ears, but they are so soft and subdued I cannot hear them."

Neroon, please let me beg... This is torture. Marcus jerked in Neroon's embrace as moist fingers circled over the head of his throbbing penis; he began to thrust with his hips. Every time his hips jerked back Neroon's balls bounced against his buttocks. No longer in control of his own movements and emotions, he panted heavily. Groaning, he wished Neroon would let go of that one --too sensitive-- nipple which he was constantly rolling between his fingers. A desperate cry filled with agony fled his lips.

"That is better. I heard that one. Now I want you to scream your want, Marcus, and perhaps then I will allow you to come." His eyes never let go of his lover; gauging his reactions, eagerness, despair; squeezing Marcus' buttocks, lapping beneath his ear. The human's body was an instrument he knew how to play and he wanted Marcus to remember this moment for the rest of his life. It had to be a big step for Marcus to surrender to him like this after all the horrors he'd been subjected to on Centauri Prime; it was obvious that his lover trusted him.

All Marcus knew was the feel of Neroon's fingers on his shaft, stroking him, squeezing him, moving away to knead his full balls only to return with a new vengeance and speeding up the rhythm again. He threw back his head in submission, softly screaming his desire and pressing himself into the Minbari's body; desperate to feel Neroon's erection, evidence of his lover's own arousal. During one irrational moment he craved being taking by Neroon; not gently but aggressively. This revelation shocked him. Imagining how it would feel to be penetrated by Neroon he knew it would be in love and trust, not in pain and fear.

Fire... burning in my veins, I can smell myself, his sweat... Those nimble, agile fingers of his; to feel them on my cock... I want to feel Neroon deep inside my body, I want to be possessed by him; that thought alone is enough to make me come in his arms... this is so unreal and yet I know it's reality. Neroon, please let me come! I can't take this any longer....I'm burning up inside! His hands clenched into tight fists and a muffled scream left his lips when he felt his impending release. Crying out his lover's name in high-pitched tone Marcus came in long, releasing spurts. "Ne... roon... oh!" His body exploded and his mind went numb. As Neroon flickered his tongue over the back of his neck, Marcus shivered violently in orgasmic sensitivity; wanting nothing more than to feel Neroon thrust inside him, to feel the Minbari erupt inside his body. Overcome by sensations he'd never experienced before, a tear crept down his cheek.

Extremely pleased with the results he'd achieved, Neroon held Marcus close, purring reassuring words of love into the Ranger's ear; some of them in Standard, some words in Minbari, professing his undying love to Marcus. Fascinated, Neroon watched how semen splashed onto his lover's abdomen and thighs. He wanted to taste it, devour his lover's come, but refrained from doing so; not sure if the sexually transmitted virus Marcus might still be carrying would also affect him. Marcus had tensed up in his arms and only now did he begin to relax; his fists opened and a beautiful sigh left the Ranger's lips. "You screamed my name, my lover," Neroon crooned, caressing soft skin.

Neroon's cock was still softly rubbing against him and a film of sweat settled down onto his trembling body. Marcus' voice shook as he addressed Neroon, cursing the fact that he couldn't see his face. "I never felt like this before... Neroon, you drove me insane... I wanted to beg you for release but... you did that on purpose..." Little aftershocks of the orgasm he'd experienced moments ago were transformed into spasms of delight as he tried to calm down. Neroon had made him let go of all shame and inhibitions and he loved the Minbari even more for doing so.

"Of course... You seem to be a fast learner though and I have to admit I am very eager to teach you more." Neroon chuckled and turned him in the embrace. Seeing Marcus' expression, which seemed to waver between eagerness and bewilderment, he knew he had pleased his lover. "I will clean you up before we will go back to sleep. You are sticky with your come," he emphasized that last word by allowing his tone to drop sensually, breathing the word into Marcus' ear.

"Bugger... Neroon! I..." Marcus stared at his face and saw the sparkle in his dark eyes. Neroon had shown him how their love life would be like. His body was still trying to recover from that sensual experience. What the hell just happened? I'm shaking like a leaf!

Neroon gently freed himself of Marcus' tight hold on him and stroked his lover's face once more before disappearing into the bathroom. Returning to the bedroom, he sat down on the edge of the bed and began to wipe the semen off Marcus' skin, watching him intensely. "Did you enjoy surrendering yourself to me? I dominated this sexual encounter, were you comfortable with that?" he asked in firm tone, not expecting to see the tear in the Ranger's eye. "Marcus?"

"No, I don't mind you being the dominant one. Right now I need that. I need you to tell me what to do, how to react; this is all new to me and I'm scared to make mistakes. With Ranan there was so much pain involved. I don't want to think back to what happened in that dirty cell," Marcus sobbed, feeling embarrassed to show his emotions this openly, but Neroon had taken away some of his fear of sexual intimacy. "Thank you, Neroon. You're the first to do this for me. I never knew it could be like this... with so much love. You've healed a hurt inside my soul. I love you, Neroon."

"It must be extremely hard on you to allow me to have this much control over you." Neroon disposed of the now dirty towel and climbed back into bed, cradling his lover in his arms. Locking eyes with Marcus, he saw the difference in them. "Next time you feel the need to rub up against me, wake me and I will make you come like that again," he promised. "Now go back to sleep, my lover." Years of discipline allowed him to let his own arousal die; he'd only wanted to show Marcus that the arousal was mutual, that he did crave the Ranger sexually.

Sleepily nuzzling Neroon's hot skin, Marcus fell asleep, contented, satiated.

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