Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Surrender, and we will spare your lives,” the human sergeant said in broken Minbari. Shinzo could tell he was a sergeant, based on how others acted in his presence. Six human marines, rifles at the ready, cornered them in the salle. 

Shinzo felt no fear. In fact, he was excited. He was bored to death by the practice routine that Master Dannmar assigned to them, but not even in his wildest dreams could he imagine something like this happening. He noticed Kyumi shivering on his left, nervously gripping his practice denn’bok. Kyumi was a gentle type, always the first one to crumble. Akiro, on his right, chuckled quietly to herself—must’ve come up with a hook for a new teela already. Nothing ever got her down. Shinzo knew they were on their own; nobody ever went to this part of the temple that late. Just the three of them, armed with wooden staves. They were doomed.

“Our lives aren’t yours to spare, human,” Shinzo sneered at the sergeant defiantly, poising himself for the attack. “Denn-Shah!” he yelled and smacked his staff on the head of one of the Marines. The human staggered back and collapsed in a heap. Inspired by the easy win, Shinzo bared his teeth and glared tauntingly at his opponents. Thrill and excitement filled him to the brim, and momentarily he forgot about caution. He swung his staff, preparing for another strike, just a tad too showy, just a bit too sloppy. That was a mistake.

 “Charge!” barked the human sergeant. The marines surged forth, lightning-fast, and before he could react, they pinned him to the ground. Shinzo tried to wriggle out, but, being almost twice smaller than any of his foes, he failed disgracefully.

He wondered if there was a more foolish way to die. Probably not. What would his family think if they learned about this? The Elders of Yuhsaw—all highly esteemed warriors, respected among the Fire Wings, whose cunning and mastery had triumphed in the Earth-Minbari War—had raised an offspring who couldn't last two minutes in a fight with a handful of humans.

Shinzo often dreamed about his first encounter with humans. In his dream, he would lead not less than a Sharlin Cruiser to some vital strategic outpost, where devious humans would try their every dirty trick on him, but naturally, without success, and after a fierce struggle in the dark of night he would emerge victorious, covered in wounds and glory.

Shinzo laughed bitterly at his silly fantasy. Suddenly, something caught his sight. A gleam of crystal light flickered faintly in the darkness of the balcony level. Then, the huge tapestry hanging from the balustrade fell to the ground, trapping most of the humans under its heavy fabric. As they tumbled about and shouted, trying to break free, a Minbari warrior armed with two leaf-shaped blades appeared behind the human, who was restraining Shinzo, and swiftly slit his throat. The human died instantly, his blood splattering all over Shinzo.

“Musaruh!” Kyumi cried with relief.

“Out! Now!” Musaruh shouted, pointing to the door.

Shinzo jumped to his feet and joined his friends who were running towards the exit. As the heavy door closed behind them, all went eerily quiet.

“Follow me. Quick,” Musaruh commanded and started down the murky hallway.

“Musaruh, wait,” Kyumi whimpered, skipping after the warrior. “What’s going on? How did you know we were there?”

“Master Dannmar sent me,” Musaruh said, picking up the pace. “Haven’t I told you it’s dangerous to practise at night? Shinzo, I know it was your idea.”

“C’mon, Big Bro. Nothing ever happens at night,” Shinzo replied, smearing the human blood on his face.

“It’s chief trainee Musaruh for you, Shinzo. If we make it to the dawn, you’ll serve your penance every night till the end of the cycle.”

“How could this happen, chief trainee? Akiro asked with pompous reverence. “Humans in the temple? Why would they even bother assaulting Valusha? Who would want this ratty planet anyway?”

Musaruh gave her a stern look. “Watch your attitude, Akiro. This place is sacred. But you are not wrong. It has no strategic value.”

“How did they even learn about the temple?” Shinzo mused aloud. “Starlit Sanctuary is not a place you can find on a map. I mean… why?”

“I… don’t know.” The warrior lowered his voice. “There must be something we overlooked.”

Musaruh’s face grew sombre. He appeared to be wrapped in thoughts, pondering on their precarious situation.

“Where are we going, Musaruh?” Kyumi half whispered. “Someplace safe?”

“What’s the matter, Kyumi? Wanna go back to your mommy, already?” Shinzo jeered. “Here, have some human blood. That'll toughen you up.” With that, he reached out for Kyumi’s face and smeared the blood on his cheek.

“Ew!... Gross!” Kyumi cried and jerked away hastily.

Musaruh grabbed Shinzo's wrist and squeezed it hard. “You little brat,” he hissed, losing his cool.

Shinzo tensed up and jerked in his grip, trying to wriggle out. All his excitement instantly flew away. The grip wasn’t too painful, but it was humiliating. He averted his gaze, holding back tears.

Musaruh took a deep breath and said calmly, “Please, stop acting like a child. I need your help.” He patted Shinzo on the shoulder. “Can I count on you, li’l bro?”

Shinzo shook off Musaruh’s hand dismissively. “Sure... chief trainee,” he muttered. “You can count on me.”

“Good.” The warrior straightened up, evidently pleased with himself. “Keep up.”

They walked out onto the viaduct above the formation square. Shinzo shivered habitually as the cool mountain wind hit him in the chest, tugging at his tunic. He reflectively looked up, into the starry sky. In no other place were the stars as bright as here, in the Starlit Sanctuary, atop of the mountain, except, perhaps, in space.

His thoughts wandered far away, there, into the depths of the dark sky, to the distant worlds beyond the Minbari Space, where shining stars called to him, teasing with challenges and promising wonders. One day, Shinzo would go there. His ascension was not far off. Four, maybe five more cycles, and he could join the Fleet, become a pilot and never set foot on the ground again.

“Master Dannmar…” Kyumi’s quivering voice came from behind him, barely audible above the howling wind.

Shinzo turned around. Kyumi leaned over the stone balustrade stretching along the viaduct’s edge and stared at the formation square below. Down there, all the revered master teachers were lined up on the verge of the abyss. In front of them, human soldiers stood in formation ready to shoot. All trainees were herded to the square as well. They were heavily outnumbered and outmatched. Humans controlled the Starlit Sanctuary now. That much was absolutely clear.

“Fire!” the human officer commanded, and a dozen gunshots shattered the still mountain air. Master Dannmar flinched lightly as he often did when the old wounds bothered him. Then, he staggered back and fell into the abyss.

“No!” Kyumi wailed, instantly drawing all eyes to himself.

“Kyumi, get down!” Musaruh shouted and dashed to the balustrade.

A group of marines appeared out of nowhere and marched towards them. Their sergeant pointed his gun at Shinzo and said, “One sudden move and somebody dies.” He then turned to Musaruh. “Step away from the edge. Slowly.”

Chapter Text

"Stop weeping, Kyumi. You'll set us up." Shinzo hissed and elbowed Kyumi in the ribs as they trudged along the ascending hallway, herded by human guards.

"I'm trying…" Kyumi quivered and sobbed even louder.

Musaruh gently hugged Kyumi around the shoulder and gave Shinzo an accusing look.

Shinzo hated it when he did that. As if saying, “Now go and think of what you've done.” What did he do? He only did what was right. One must not look vulnerable in front of the enemy. Even if one doesn't have the courage, one must at least try to fake it. Kyumi relied too much on the compassion of others. Stupid. That's why he's so weak. Crybaby. Shinzo looked away, seeking hastily for something else to focus on. His gaze fell on the statue of Valen as they stepped into the Sacred Grove.

Valen was broken. The fragments of his body lay scattered around on the grass. His arm, once pointing the way into the bright and peaceful future, was now soaking in the fountain amidst random rubbish that humans had piled up there.

In place of Valen now stood a machine-like contraption, the purpose of which Shinzo couldn't guess. Some humans were engaged in a stringently choreographed ritual that involved shouting, throwing things at each other, talking to the machine, and laughing occasionally when the machine talked back. Others sat atop of the fallen Valen, looking excessively relaxed, smoking, and leisurely chatting with each other. One of them gestured to Shinzo, challenging him to come forth, and he advanced without thinking.

"Oi! You! March on, bonehead!" The human guard yelled and stabbed him painfully with the rifle's butt, pushing him back into the line. Shinzo obeyed. He trudged on meekly, trying to look at his feet so as not to cause any more trouble.

They stopped on the great staircase leading into the Hall of Sermon. Something was going on by the entrance, but Shinzo couldn't see anything. He elbowed his way through the crowd and ran into Akiro and Kyumi.

"Shinzo, where have you been?" said Kyumi. He appeared to be completely composed now.

"Where is Musaruh?" Shinzo tiptoed, trying to catch a glimpse of Musaruh's pointy headbone.

"Up in the front, gathering intel," Akiro replied. "Why do you think they brought us here?"

"Well, it makes sense," Shinzo said matter-of-factly. "I would also choose this place."

Akiro looked at him with bemusement, Kyumi with apprehension.

"Would you deign to elucidate?" Akiro asked in a mellow voice, portraying her elegant self.

"Hah," Shinzo sneered and spoke fervently, portraying his tactic-genius self. "Hall of Sermon is the highest point of the temple. It's big enough for all of us to fit. It has only one entrance and is surrounded by treacherous cliffs from all the other sides. I'd only need a few soldiers for every shift to guard it. Go ahead, try to escape! I dare you!" He laughed triumphantly, forgetting that he was the prisoner and humans were the captors, and not the other way around.

“Shut up, Shinzo,” Kyumi cut him off. “I’m trying to listen.”

Shinzo picked up the sound of a heated argument coming from the entrance. Some trouble was about to erupt. “C’mon, let’s see,” he said.

They worked their way to the front line. There, by the entrance, Musaruh stood between a bunch of the youngest Minbari trainees and a group of human marines, shouting at their sergeant, who was about to rage.

“Shut it, kid!” the sergeant barked. “I can’t kill you brats, but I’m sure you’ll survive some holes in your kneecaps. See this guy?” he pointed to one of his soldiers. “He loves shooting kneecaps. He is an artist of kneecap shots. One word and he’ll make a collection of masterpieces out of you.”

“You are not putting anything on any of my students until I know what it is,” Musaruh spoke in a dead calm voice.

“It’s a freaking ID tag.” The sergeant shoved the bracelet under Musaruh’s nose. “No spikes, no heaters, no shockers, see? This thing doesn’t even send the telemetry. Dammit! It’s completely harmless.”

“Human words worth nothing. Give me that.”

Musaruh grabbed the bracelet and put it on. The bracelet locked on his wrist with a soft click but nothing else happened. He twisted it around, tried to shake it off, and then hit it against the wall. Nothing happened. Apart from being locked, the bracelet didn’t seem to be doing anything.

“Satisfied?” the human said condescendingly.

Musaruh sighed heavily and nodded. One by one he brought forth the younglings and allowed the humans to put the bracelets on them. Once cuffed, they were admitted into the Hall of Sermon. 

“Nice job, chief,” Shinzo sneered as the bracelet locked on his wrist. Musaruh gave him a head slap. He took it defiantly.

The Hall was quickly filling up with people. Once inside, the trainees would wander about and find a place to rest. Most of them appeared to be completely crushed by the situation. Some tried to look cheerful as if refusing to take on the weight of the problem. Musaruh came in last. The heavy door closed behind him. He couldn't look anyone in the eye and quickly retired, out of everyone's sight.

Shinzo followed him with his gaze. Musaruh screwed up immensely. Now was a good time to challenge his leadership. Without a second thought, Shinzo moved after him, but someone jerked him back by the collar of his tunic.

“Don’t even think about it,” said Akiro.

“About what?” Shinzo replied impassively.

“He’s drained, can’t you see? You’ll look like a treacherous peasant.” Akiro winced with contempt. “Spare your challenge for some other day, hero.”

“Drop it, Shinzo,” said Kyumi and patted him gently on the shoulder. "Let's rest."

Chapter Text

Shinzo couldn’t sleep that night. He sat by the lancet window, studying the bracelet on his wrist. At a closer look, it appeared more complicated than just an ID tag. Somehow it stayed in contact with his skin all the time, as if adjusting to his every move. He could swear he saw the bracelet glowing now and then, but every time he strained his eyes to make sure, the light faded as if being rapidly absorbed by his skin.

First rays of the sun rising above the mountain range poured through the vivid pattern of the stained glass window. The coloured shades played merrily on the weathered grey floor, blending in an intricate mosaic. Shinzo watched them leisurely, finding a mild pleasure in figuring out the strongest hues. Some colours easily took over the others, powered by the cool morning light. But as time passed, they retreated, giving way to the warming tones of noon.

"Noon. It’s noontime already," the thought hauled Shinzo back to reality. He looked around. Most of the trainees were still asleep. That was weird. No one usually slept that late in the day.

“Akiro... Get up... Sun is high.” He poked her lightly in the chest.

Akiro stirred angrily in her sleep and knocked Shinzo’s hand away. “Piss off, Shinzo. Not now,” she grumbled, then turned away and fell back asleep.

“Kyumi...” He shook Kyumi by the shoulders. “Kyumi...”

Kyumi tried to open his eyes but immediately squinched them shut as if in pain. His whole body tensed up as he blinked laboriously and rubbed his eyelids, his fingers trembling in desperate need of relief. The reflex tears pooled in the creases by the corners of his eyes and trickled down his cheeks.

“Stop it, Kyumi! You’re hurting yourself!” Shinzo yelped, grasping Kyumi’s hands.

“I can’t see, Shinzo...” Kyumi mewled miserably. “It’s too bright… the light. It’s burning…”

“But you are in the shade,” said Shinzo. “It’s not bright at all.”

“It’s no good!” Kyumi cried. “My eyes won’t work!”

Shinzo leaned closer. “There is nothing wrong with them… I can’t see any injuries.”

Suddenly, Kyumi ceased all his frantic movements and curled up by the wall, tucking his face into his knees.

“Where does it hurt?” Shinzo kneeled before him. “Kyumi? Where does it hurt?”

Kyumi did not respond. He covered his ears with his hands and started rocking slowly back and forth.

“Hold on. I’ll find Musaruh.” Shinzo jumped to his feet and stormed off.

—

Musaruh trembled feverishly, huddling into his robes.

“Not you too…” Shinzo sank to his knees.

“Stay… away…” Musaruh rasped. “It might… spread…”

"It's a bit too late for that," Shinzo said, crawling closer. "I think everybody is sick now."

Musaruh grinned bitterly, fighting his tremors.

"It's the bracelet, isn't it? It's doing something to you, to us all," Shinzo murmured.

Musaruh stretched out his cuffed hand. The skin around his wrist took on an ugly scaly texture, somewhat reminiscent of stone. It seemed to be spreading.

"Completely harmless... huh?" the warrior rasped. "Never… trust a human."

Shinzo grabbed his arm and studied the scales closely. They were clearly made out of Musaruh's own skin as though it was mutating rapidly. If that much developed just overnight, he would be covered in stuff within a week.

"How come…you… aren't sick?" Musaruh asked.

Shinzo shrugged his shoulders. "It must be working in your sleep. I was awake the whole night. I figured… they might do something to us when we are asleep."

"Good… thinking, Li'l bro." The warrior smiled, genuinely pleased, but his face twisted in pain right away.

"What should I do?" Shinzo whispered.

"Stay… awake…" With that Musaruh took a deep breath and gave in to the shudders. Shortly after, he relaxed and fell asleep with an eerily peaceful expression on his face.

Shinzo glanced around warily. Whatever humans implanted in them, it escalated fast. One by one, all the trainees gave in to the illness. As soon as they dozed off, the stony scales quickly spread all over their bodies.

Shinzo paced back and forth, determined to stay awake. He dashed and sprang and plunged his head into the Water Shrine. 

He went over his favourite practice routine again and again, but the change crept in regardless. He could feel it now.

His muscles tremored uncontrollably, shattering his flow. His breath became ragged and shallow and that made him dizzy. His knees buckled under his weight and he tumbled down ungracefully. The ground hit his chest hard, blowing the air out of his lungs. Unable to get up, he crawled on his elbows, dragging his legs behind him.

A violent spasm clenched his shoulder.

Shinzo whimpered quietly. He could no longer move any muscle and lay flat on the cold, stone floor.

Panic gripped his will. Shinzo screamed in frustration, grateful that his friends couldn't hear him. He had never felt so weak before. What could be worse than being helpless, dependent, and at the mercy of others? Nothing. Whatever human plague might befall him couldn't be that dreadful. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, embracing the inevitable.

Chapter Text

Dr Stephen Franklin worked late at night in his lab. It had been just a week since they set it up in the Starlit Sanctuary, right in the heart of the ancient Minbari temple. He hadn't gotten used to the local daylight cycle yet. Besides, he had heaps of paperwork to do.

"Dr Franklin, it's the 66th again," Dr Serena Lawson called out. She was the only other expert on Minbari he could think of when he was tasked with hiring people with relevant skills for this expedition. What relevant skills? Ever since they made contact with Minbari, they've been in an unceasing state of war. The most relevant skill set would be a Minbari killer. This mission, however, had quite the opposite goal. He grabbed his coffee cup and went to check it out.

"Ah, the Moonlighter." Franklin smiled, watching the visual feed.

"You shouldn’t give them nicknames, you know. It can develop into an inappropriate attachment."

"Too late,” said Franklin. “This one is my favourite now. What's up with him?"

"He is awake," said Serena worriedly.

"So soon?” Franklin raised his eyebrows. “That's extremely premature."

"Shall I use sedatives?"

"No, wait..." Franklin paused, thinking through options. "What's his biometrics?"

"Almost normal. Heart beats like a metronome."

"Let's see how he goes. Start recording."

"Already."

That's what he liked about working with Serena. She always guessed in advance what he might come up with. Too bad she was a Doctor of Philosophy and not of Medicine; otherwise he'd worked with her all the time.

"He is trying to stand up. Are you sure, this is a good idea?" Serena said.

"Blood pressure?"

"Elevated... Oh my god, he is crawling…"

"What a stubborn child," Franklin noted, leisurely sipping his coffee.

The 66th crawled steadily between the rows of bunk beds, carefully arranging every move as if his body was made of porcelain.

"So relentless…" Serena sighed. "I can't imagine what he feels. Must be a torment."

"If he was in pain, we would see it in his metrics," Stephen retorted.

"Not a physical torment, yes. But does it make it any better?" She looked at him inquisitively.

Franklin knew that look. She was about to read him a lecture on the nature of morality if he wouldn’t stir the discussion elsewhere.

"Looks like he has a destination." He pointed at the screen. "What's that over there?"

That worked well. Serena took the bait.

"Oh, that's a Water Shrine, and a very interesting one too. They are quite common in Minbari places of worship. My theory is that they are tributes to an ancient—"

"I don't think he is up to a prayer," said Stephen, interrupting her. "Look… He just wants to have a good look at himself."

The 66th clumsily gripped the rim of the water basin and pulled himself up. It seemed his legs were not responding well, as he didn't try to bend his knees. Instead, he dragged his feet under himself and stood up on them like on crutches. Then he froze motionless, staring into reflection.

"Heart rate?" asked Stephen.

"Twice higher than normal," Serena supplied.

"Too much to live through, little one, eh?” Franklin turned away from the monitors. “Sedate him."

---

“Number 66,” Franklin called out, and another Minbari kid walked in timidly through the door.

“Ah, Moonlighter.” Franklin smiled.

“Who?” the kid said, tensing up.

“It’s just a nickname I made up for you. Come on in.” Stephen showed him to the chair. “What is your real name?”

“Shinzo…” the kid mumbled, averting his eyes. “From the Yuhsaw family.”

“How are you feeling today, Shinzo?”

“My head bone…" he said sheepishly. "Will it grow back?”

That question again. All of them, of course, felt violated, vulnerable, and afraid. The loss of the headbone meant a great deal to each of them. It wasn’t completely gone though. In most cases, the full Minbari headbone would shrink to a thin stripe of a bony headband, growing out of the temples and joining together on the nape in a pointy crest. But the Moonlighter was less fortunate than others. All that had left of his headbone were two tiny, antler-like, spiky outgrowths on his temples. They would be completely invisible when his hair grows out.

“It’s still there,” said Stephen. “It’s just a little different.”

“I look like a two-year-old,” Shinzo snapped angrily. “Will it grow back?”

“No. But you already know that, do you?” said Franklin. “Do you understand what happened to you?”

“You gave me your human bugs,” the kid said defiantly. “And they made me sick.”

“Not exactly,” Stephen said softly. “You are not sick, Shinzo. You are half-human.”

The kid wiggled anxiously on his chair. 

“You can’t do that…” he said, his voice trembling with chagrin. “It’s not fair.”

“Yes. Not fair at all. But for you, it means new life, new friends, new adventures—”

“You can’t do this!” the kid cried. “It’s not fair!”

Franklin hated the guy who wrote this script. It didn’t work on any of them. He wished he knew who that idiot was, so he could shove this freaking script up his ass and make him deal with three hundred Minbari kids crying in despair, screaming in pain, and shouting with anger. The transformation hurt them so deeply that they could either grow up very quickly or completely lose themselves, becoming forever dependent. Though maybe it was precisely the intention of the Earthforce. After all, they wanted soldiers, not poets.

A group of marines, loaded with heavy boxes, appeared at the doorway. They walked into the lab and began dropping the boxes carelessly onto the floor in no particular order.

"Hey, be gentle!" Franklin yelled to the soldiers. "That's highly sensitive machinery, not bricks."

"What's up, Doc? Wanna do them damn boxes, yourself? one of the soldiers drawled, causing affirmative laughs from the others.

"Your name, soldier?" Franklin said, his voice laced with irritation. "I'll have a chat with your superior officer."

"Wanna give me a performance review?" the soldier smirked and casually stuck his hands in his pockets. "It'd better be a good one, Doc. Who knows, I might wanna return a favour."

Others lingered around, intrigued by the quarrel. Franklin rose to his feet, boiling with wrath.

"Get out," he snapped, pointing them to the door. The soldiers dismissed themselves shortly, laughing and jeering. Stephen sank to his chair. He noticed that the kid was now sparkling with curiosity. His frustration disappeared without a trace.

"What rank are you?" Shinzo asked.

"What?"

"Your status. What is it? What do you do?"

"I'm a doctor,” Stephen said. “I heal people."

"Those low-rank warriors felt pretty confident around you," the kid smirked. "You must be a very low rank in your caste, then."

"My caste?" 

"Yes, the doctors' caste. It is your caste, isn't it?" Shinzo smiled and started rocking on his chair playfully.

"I'm not in a doctor's caste," Stephen explained patiently.

"Why? Are you an outcast?" Shinzo looked at him with concern.

"My caste is just me. No one cast me out."

An awkward pause hung in the air. Shinzo looked pensive and confused.

"I don't understand," he said at last. "How are you… why are they… what is…"

"You need to rest," Stephen said. "Come on. Go back to your friends."

The kid got up slowly and walked away, wrapped in thoughts.

---

Stephen was studying the medical charts when Major Steiger, boiling with wrath, marched into the lab.

“Care to explain what’s going on in my camp, Franklin?” he said.

“A sabotage?” Stephen suggested, without taking his eyes off the charts.

“I knew it. Damned brats!” Major barked. “So much for lenient policies. Should’ve drilled them right from the start.”

“Relax, Major. It’s just a mischief. They are kids, what did you expect?”

“Mischief my ass! They are driving my soldiers nuts. Lurk around, steal stuff, deny everything, and cover each other’s arses. They are organised! They're doing it on purpose!”

“You are quite right, Major. There is a purpose,” Dr Lawson said softly. “However, I don’t believe it is sabotage.”

“Well, what is it then?” said Major.

“They are trying to restore their honour,” Serena replied.

Steiger looked at her in bemusement. “By stealing private Harper’s socks?” he said.

“Lucky socks.”

“Beg your pardon?”

“Private Harper’s lucky socks," Serena pointed out. "You see, they are very selective in what they steal. A rabbit's foot, a letter from home, a picture of a girlfriend. See the pattern?”

“What pattern? It's all worthless junk.”

“Quite the contrary,” she said. "Exactly because it enrages you and your soldiers the trinkets have infinite value to them."

"For f…" Major stammered, then took a deep breath and said, "Doctor Lawson, could you please start making sense? What do they do with the stuff? How do I stop it?"

"Well, there is a very peculiar ritual involved," Serena went on patiently. First, they perform the ordeals, the nature of which depends on the candidates' individual abilities, but it always involves danger, risk, and finding a treasure. Then, they bring the treasures before the Shaman and he acknowledges their feats. Next, they throw the treasure into the sacred fire to be consumed in honour of their clans. Are you still following, Major?”

"The Shaman," said Steiger. "Is he real or is that a figure of speech?"

"Oh, Number 1 is the Shaman," Serena noted casually. "They believe that by destroying the values taken from their enemies—"

"Number 1! That little shit!" Steiger muttered. "I should've known."

"Musaruh," Franklin barged in. "His name is Musaruh. And don't mistake him for a child, Major. He isn't one. Unfortunately."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You can't just discipline him. He won't yield."

"I have my methods, Doctor," said the Major and headed to the door. "You do your job and I'll do mine."

Chapter Text

“Hands off, Shinzo! You’ll tear it!” Akiro knocked off Shinzo’s hand and caringly adjusted her bucket hat.

“So what?” Shinzo laughed. “It's wasted anyway.”

“No way I’m burning it. It’s too good for that,” Akiro said proudly. “I’m keeping it.”

“No, you don’t.” Kyumi gave her a concerned look. “Musaruh will never allow this.”

“Musaruh doesn’t need to know,” said Akiro.

“You’re starting to sound like a human,” Kyumi said accusingly. “You even look like one in that ridiculous hat.”

“My hat is cool, your buzz cut is ridiculous,” Akiro grinned. “Gonna turn me in, Kyumi?”

“What? No! What makes you say that?”

“Ever since humans came you’ve been no fun. Tagging along with Musaruh. Following his lame rules.”

“They aren’t lame,” Kyumi said quietly. “He is trying to help us.”

“He’s trying to help himself,” Akiro winced. “He’s always been slow and now he completely lost it.”

Kyumi quickly looked away, and Akiro turned to Shinzo. “So, what’s your gift? Anything fancy?” she asked.

“Oh, yeah,” Shinzo boasted. “You’ll see tonight. It’s gonna be awesome.”

“Huh. Can’t wait,” Akiro said, somewhat deflated.

---

All lights faded except the glowing energy crystals in the furnace. Two dozen trainees, all about Akiro's age, gathered in a circle around the light, whispering among each other in anxious anticipation. Musaruh stepped in by her side and gestured to everyone to shut up. He then nodded to Akiro, inviting her to proceed. Akiro smirked. It was that solemn face Musaruh made that amused her, as if anyone gave a damn about this lame ritual. No one would come at all if Akiro did not agree to perform as the opening act of the ceremony.

It was a thousand years old teela about the Shadow War. Akiro loved this story. It had everything. A vicious enemy, a great cause, a treasure snatched straight from the numbing clutches of terror itself, a tragic death, and the ultimate sacrifice.

Akiro stood up tall and began to sing in a pure solemn soprano. She couldn't understand half of the lyrics, but those she could, filled her with delight. 

There once was Tulan, warrior and priest, the noblest and the wisest…

… and with the secret weapon, he fled the Shadow World…

night after night he drove his ship with Shadows on his tail…

… with no respite, with fading hope, and all alone against the darkness…

… and when he had but one last breath, he stirred his ship into the star…

… and dying in the light he knew that secret's safe and Shadows cannot have it…

Thus, always be remembered as one who forged Minbari pride and grace, and honour…

Akiro soared on the last note and skillfully softened it until it blended seamlessly with the strained silence. She heard a few people resume their breathing. Then, pleased with herself, she bowed in the manner of the religious caste and retreated. Musaruh took over.

"I thank you, Akiro, for reminding us all what a Minbari ought to do in times as grievous as present."

Akiro made a mocking face behind his back, causing a few sniggers from the audience. Musaruh ignored her and said, "Kyumi of the family Dosh, bring forth your gift."

Kyumi stepped forward and bowed reverently to Musaruh. He stretched out his hand, presenting a shabby leather-covered notebook apparently belonging to one of the human soldiers.

"The gift is worthy," Musaruh said. "You may cast it into the fire."

Kyumi carefully placed the notebook onto the glowing crystals. It turned into ashes in an instant. He stepped aside, making way for the next candidate.

One by one, the trainees bowed to Musaruh and presented the trinkets, patiently waiting for him to sanction the destruction. Everything proceeded smoothly, within the bounds of propriety, until it came to Shinzo's turn.

"Shinzo of the family Yuhsaw, bring forth your gift."

Shinzo readily stepped forward with that taunting look on his face. Akiro sensed a scandal.

"I don't have it on me," Shinzo said, matter-of-factly.

Musaruh tensed up visibly and spoke with poorly concealed anger, "Do you need more time to acquire it?"

"No. I’ve put it back. My feat is complete," Shinzo declared, addressing the audience.

"What do you mean, you’ve put it back?" Musaruh muttered.

Shinzo held a dramatic pause, then said, "I stole a treasure from my enemies, without being caught and, when they noticed that, I dropped it in their Major's Quarters, without being caught."

"That's not how it works," Musaruh barked. "There's no honour in that."

"Oh, no. The honour is all there," Shinzo laughed. "You're just denying it because it's mine, not yours."

"What? That's not about you…" Musaruh bit his tongue, suppressing his simmering rage. Then he continued in a snooty, condescending manner, "Let me explain to you once more the meaning of the ritual. We burn the treasures stolen from our enemies in the Starfire as great Tulan once did. This way we honour—"

"You got it all wrong," said Shinzo, interrupting him. "Tulan didn't just burn the Shadow ship, that would've been stupid."

Akiro noticed that everyone was watching Shinzo now. In fact, although she didn't want to admit it, she was intrigued as well.

“Tulan knew he entered the Minbari space. He knew that his friends had caught his beacon, but there was no point in waiting for backup, for no one had any idea how to destroy a single Shadow ship, let alone a fleet..."

Akiro didn't know this part of the story. As a member of an esteemed religious family she, of course, knew a lot about the Shadow War. For her, it was heroic poems, tragic ballads, tales of wonders and adventures. Shinzo, on the other hand, always dug up some boring technical details, cluttering the stories with how many ships each side had, which manoeuvres they used, which clans were involved, and why this particular Alyt chose to do this and that. He often got carried away, lost in facts and numbers. This time, however, it seemed like Shinzo actually had a point, so Akiro made an effort to stay engaged.

"... Tulan assumed that extremely packed matter could destroy the ship. That's why he chose to fly through the star, so that when his beacon died out, everyone would know the exact condition that had cracked the Shadow armour!"

Shinzo looked around, smiling triumphantly, but his joy quickly faded, as he noticed that everyone was confused. "Come on, guys, you have to see!" he implored. "Tulan enlightened Minbari and gave them a fair chance against the enemy by putting himself in the ultimate danger! It's not about stealing some lousy treasure!"

"Did you just make it up?" Musaruh said dismissively. "Nice try, Shinzo. Now tell us the whole truth. What really happened to your gift?"

"You…" Shinzo hissed, clenching his fists in fury. That got to him. Shinzo jumped at Musaruh, aiming for his face, but Musaruh easily deflected the clumsy attack. It was a bad move, too stupid. Shinzo was smaller and weaker, and he had just given Musaruh a legitimate reason to beat the crap out of him. What was he thinking? He probably wasn't thinking at all. He rushed around Musaruh, desperately trying to sneak into his range, but it was hopeless. Musaruh handled him easily, almost absently. Akiro caught a gnawing feeling that something ugly was about to happen.

Shinzo lingered by the furnace, panting heavily. Suddenly, he grabbed one of the glowing crystals with his bare hand and glared fearlessly at his opponent.

“Drop that!” Musaruh shouted.

Shinzo cried out in rage and threw the crystal at Musaruh’s head. Musaruh ducked instinctively, letting the crystal pass mere inches above his bristling hair. At that moment, a human soldier appeared at the doorway, and the crystal crashed into his chest. Upon the impact, the crystal’s shell cracked and a highly charged matter erupted outside with a flash of light, bright as a sun. The soldier wavered and crashed onto the ground, unconscious. Others mingled by the door unsure of what to do.

“Make way. Step aside,” said Major Steiger, marching into the room. “What’s going on here?”

He cast a suspicious look at the body lying on the floor, then at Musaruh standing nearby.

“Call Doctor Franklin,” he said, and one of the soldiers stormed out.

“You…” Steiger pointed at Musaruh, “are going to the brig. Now.”

Chapter Text

“You set him up,” Akiro grinned.

“No, I didn’t.”

“That’s dumb, Shinzo. Everybody saw it,” Akiro said and grinned even wider. “You set him up.”

“Serves him well!” Shinzo muttered.

“Yeah, but he’s gonna snitch on you to your elders,” Akiro pointed out.

“Nah, he’ll pass on it,” said Shinzo, waving his hand dismissively. “That’s beneath him.”

“Come on! It’s Musaruh we’re talking about,” Akiro jeered. “He’ll hand you over on a silver plate.”

Shinzo hated to admit it but Akiro was right. Musaruh wouldn't miss a chance to put him down, not after what happened.

Akiro gave him a concerned look. “What are you gonna do, now?” 

“I vanish,” Shinzo mused aloud. Then, in response to Akiro’s puzzled look, he added, “He’d surely report me to save his face. Unless he also has to report that I'm gone."

“That would mean he had messed up,” Akiro smiled in understanding. “I’m coming with you.”

“No! You can't leave,” Kyumi intervened. "We have to stick together."

Akiro was about to jeer at that but Shinzo took her over. "Come with us, Kyumi," he said softly. "We'll go to the valley, to Lyciana village. We’ll call for help from there."

"What if humans are already there?" Kyumi argued.

"We don't know that," Shinzo pointed out. "Musaruh didn't even bother to send a scout squad."

"Of course, he didn't,” said Kyumi. “He wouldn't risk the life of any student. It's too dangerous."

"Hah!” Shinzo exclaimed defiantly. “Not more dangerous than staying here, at humans' mercy."

Kyumi fell silent. Shinzo could see he was in doubt.

"How do we even find the way?" Kyumi said at last. "How far is it?"

"I got this," Shinzo smiled slyly. "Trust me."

---

As they made their way through a gloomy cavern under the temple, Akiro gave Shinzo a wary look. “How did you learn there was a cave here?” she asked.

“I have a stash here,” Shinzo replied curtly.

“A stash?” she eyed him with suspicion. “What do you stash?”

“Climbing gear, warm clothes, crackers…” Shinzo said, trying to sound nonchalant.

“Have you been planning this all along?” Kyumi murmured, gazing around in worried astonishment.

“Um...” Shinzo stammered, shrinking under Akiro's inquisitive gaze.

“It’s not the first time you think of running away, right?” she said, somewhat accusingly.

“I... no… The thought came to me now and then, since my first day here,” Shinzo replied haltingly.

“Wicked,” Akiro breathed out with a hint of admiration in her tone.

Shinzo found himself puffing out his chest and squaring his shoulders proudly. Praise from Akiro was a rare catch. Sometimes Shinzo thought she would withhold it on purpose, simply to taunt him.

“How far did you go?” Kyumi asked.

“Um… well… Not all the way to the valley…” Shinzo stammered and darted a guilty gaze at Akiro. “Ah, here it is,” he said with relief as they stopped by the nook hidden in a rock formation, invisible to an untrained eye.

The amount of supplies he dragged here over the years was enough to equip a dozen people.

“What’s the…” Akiro breathed out. “You never got the stuff out of the cave, did you?” she demanded. “Did you?”

“Yes," said Shinzo hastily. "Never had a strong enough reason.”

“Well, at least we won’t run out of crackers,” Kyumi chuckled.

---

The wind hauled viciously, threatening to blow away a small improvised shelter on the slope of the mountain. Kyumi lay unconscious on the snow floor, emitting misty vapours into the frigid air, his breath laborious and uneven.

Akiro paced nervously back and forth. "It's all your fault," she barked angrily.

"I didn't drag you with me," Shinzo noted patiently. "You've volunteered, remember?"

"So much for saving your face. Now we are screwed beyond repair! What if he dies?"

She gazed anxiously at Kyumi.

"He won't die. If we go to the village and call for help, as I was suggesting in the first place," Shinzo said with a hint of accusation.

"Forget that freaking village!" Akiro shouted. "We must go back and get Doctor Franklin."

"We aren't going back," Shinzo snapped. "Franklin is not a Minbari. He won't be able to conduct an Ailment Rebirth Ceremony."

"Shut up!" You don't give a shit about the Ceremony!"

Akiro kicked the snow wall in frustration. Strangely it made her feel better. She regained her composure and said, "Kyumi is half-human. He needs Franklin, not a Minbari healer. Heck, the village healers might not even look at him. Chances are they'll simply spurn him. Franklin, we can trust."

She looked utterly defeated. That silent plea in her eyes made Shinzo nauseous. 

"I'm not going back," he said firmly.

"Damn your dumb pride!" Akiro cried. "You'll kill him. Don't you see?"

"The longer you fight me, the less time he has,” Shinzo said dryly. “Help me carry him to the village."

"I'll help you carry him to the temple," Akiro retorted.

"Fine then! Stay here!” he burst out. “I'm going alone."

Shinzo snatched his backpack and stormed off. As he ran away down the snowy slope, he could faintly hear Akiro screaming something in despair. He didn't bother to look back. Akiro will cool down when he comes back with help. Kyumi will be all right when he comes back with help.

—

Shinzo trudged along the quiet valley, brushing through flowers with his weary feet. A soft white cloud veiled the mountain peak, concealing the temple on the top. He marched all night without rest. His body was burning with fatigue, but his hopes soared high as he noticed signs of intelligent life here and there. A bird nest tenderly fixed so as not to disturb the weaving pattern, leaves on the wild vines carefully cut so the berries could have more sun, a nuk-nuk’s hole surrounded by the water guides so that it is not flooded by the rain. The village must be near, he thought.

His heart leapt with joy when he noticed the blades of windmills above the treetops, gleaming in the sunlight. Shinzo quickened his pace.

As he discerned the curved roofs of the traditional Minbari dwellings in the distance, he raced forth, calling for help. He rushed towards the stone gates, crying out as loud as he could. Suddenly, he halted in disbelief, and gazed up, at the gates.

There, over the graceful arch of the crossbeam, hung three human soldiers, swaying gently in the wind. Shinzo recognized them. Private Jackson—the bucket hat, Private Mia—the leathered scratch pad, and Sergeant Grant—his would-be triumph. Their faces were covered in cuts arranged in symbols in the local worker caste's dialect. Shinzo deciphered a few: “Fiend”, “Filth”, and “Fraud”. They were dead for at least a week.

Suddenly, a low squeaking sound came from the house nearby. The door opened and a Minbari kid about Shinzo’s age walked onto the porch, whistling a cheerful tune. As he noticed Shinzo by the gate, he stumbled and froze to the spot. A look of sheer terror crossed his face. “Human…” he whispered.

“No,” said Shinzo hastily. “No, I’m—”

“Human!!” The Minbari screamed and dashed off, alarming others.

Shinzo panicked. What to do? Wait for them to come? Give in to their judgement? And if they won’t listen, run back to the mountain? Too far. Take a stand and fight? Alone and unarmed against the entire village. Hide? Where? His gaze rushed around, scanning the place, calculating options. He saw an abandoned well on the main square just a dash away. His legs dragged him towards the well before he noticed.

He made an effort to stop and considered talking to them once more. What could they do? Beat him? He’ll live. Kill him? What about Kyumi and Akiro? They're still waiting for him on the mountain. He stifled a helpless sob.

The sound of swift footsteps of a crowd came from what seemed to be just around the corner. Before he knew it, he was in the well, attuning his ears to every noise and peeking through the tiny cracks in the timber piled up above him.

The villagers moved swiftly without saying a word, their robes rustling in the wind, their unblinking eyes meticulously scanning the area. Among them, a towering figure took the lead, his gaze focused and resolute.

Shinzo huddled against the floor. His heart pounded fiercely in his chest as he struggled to suppress the sound of his own breath. The leader loomed over the well, peering ahead. Shinzo watched him closely, pressing his hands to his mouth. Can’t scream. Don’t scream.

He expelled a shaky breath as the leader turned away. Wrong move. Minbari instantly spun around and looked straight at Shinzo as if he could see through the timber. Shinzo crouched in his spot and tensed his legs, preparing to attack.

The leader’s eyes narrowed. Suddenly, he lifted up all the boards at once. Shinzo jumped at him, catching him unprepared, and unbalanced him. Minbari stumbled, staggered back, and fell to the ground. Shinzo cried out in rage and smashed his head on the cobblestone pavement. That was enough to knock him out, but others were coming. A stone hit him on the shoulder. Shinzo ducked as another one flew past his head. The villagers moved at him all at once, and he ran.

He ran to the open fields away from the mountain, desperately fast, his lungs bursting, blood pumping in his ears, the hunters hot on his tail. They were coordinating with short sharp war cries, closing in on him from all sides. He swayed and darted and dodged and swerved. He forgot his fatigue and his pain, forgot why he came here, and what he needed to do. He had no desires but one, to run away, to hide. All he ever was, alloyed into a single sense… fear. He became a terror existing in the moment.

Chunky legs beneath him began to crumble, shaking harder with every leap. 

A treacherous tussock caught his foot, tripping him over. He tumbled down and rolled over and over along the gritty footpath. The hunting cries grew louder, merging into a deafening roar. He bumped on the ground, swallowed the dust and tried to cry for mercy.

At last, he fell flat on his chest, nearly hitting the ground with his forehead. He curled up on his side, expecting the villagers' wrath to come crashing down on him any moment. But the tumult suddenly died out.

Shinzo opened his eyes cautiously and saw a squeaky-clean, black leather boot next to his face. As he gazed up, he saw the glossy black long coat, the red lining, the shining breastplate, and the denn’bok hanging from the belt. An Alyt from the Fire Wings Clan stood on the path, looking down at him, mildly surprised. Behind the Alyt, in the field, two Morshin Shuttles were unloading the troops of the Planetary Intervention Force unit.

“Huh. Good day to you,” said the warrior.

“Good day…” Shinzo murmured.

The Alyt bent down and helped him to his feet. “Who are you?” he asked.

“I’m...” Shinzo faltered. He suddenly found himself unable to utter his own name. Some vital component was missing. Tears welled up in his eyes, and frantic sobs shook him hard. For the first time in too long, he couldn’t stop crying. He wailed out loud, wild and unrestrained, like a helpless child. He wailed for the end of his all-defiant bravery, the darkness of Minbari souls, and the good friends he had left behind in the icy cold night on the mountain.

Chapter Text

Shinzo stared absently at the bowl of Raalon stew in front of him. He vaguely remembered that it is supposed to taste good, especially for someone who hasn’t had a hot meal for three days. Somehow he couldn’t determine if he was hungry at all. It seemed he forgot how to feel that.

A leaf of pil’sha floating on the surface caught his attention, and he puffed at it. The leaf twirled with gentle grace. That amused him, and he puffed again.

“Can't manage it, eh?” the voice made him twitch in surprise. Shinzo raised his gaze. The Fire Wings Alyt watched him with a mocking smile on his face.

“Ah... yes... no... I mean…” Shinzo mumbled.

“Rashock,” the Alyt introduced himself and sat opposite Shinzo.

“Rashock? Like, the Rashock? A Hero of the Shadow War?” Shinzo asked, staring at the Alyt unabashedly.

“Huh? Bookish, aren’t you?“ Rashock remarked.

Shinzo smiled sheepishly.

“After him, yes,” the warrior said. “I need to ask you something.”

"Of course," Shinzo put aside his meal. "Anything."

"Well, to start with. Your name?"

Shinzo averted his gaze. "I... can't say."

"You can't say?" Rashock looked at him suspiciously. "Well, nonetheless. I need to call you something. Of course, it can't be a Minbari name," the Alyt mused aloud. "How about Davi–"

"Moonlighter," Shinzo cut him off.

"What?"

"Moonlighter," he repeated. "If you want to stick a human name to me, that should be it."

"Whatever," Rashock grunted and laid out a bunch of identification charts on the table. "Do you recall seeing any of these ships back in Starlit Sanctuary?... Moonlighter," he winced as he said the last bit.

Shinzo glanced through the charts. He recognised some silhouettes, but others he saw for the first time. They immediately consumed all his attention. He grabbed the pictures, scrutinising every detail.

"These ones? Are you sure?" the Alyt said cautiously. "They are orbital. Where did you see them?"

"I didn't," Shinzo replied, without taking his eyes off the charts. "These are very new. They weren't in the latest issue of the Warzone Chronicles. Can I keep them?"

"Focus, kid!" Rashock yanked the pictures away from his hands. "What did you actually see?"

Shinzo sighed wistfully and looked at the charts again. "None of these were in the temple," he said. "There aren't many troop transports, just cargo ships. It's not an outpost. It's a field lab."

Rashock's eyes narrowed. "Numbers?"

"A battalion," Shinzo returned.

"Just infantry?” asked the Alyt. “No space support? No machine backing?"

"Not even fully armed," Shinzo said confidently.

"Huh. Well then."

The Alyt pulled out a piece of paper and laid it on the table, before Shinzo.

"Write it all down in a sworn statement," he said. "For future reference."

"What future reference?" Shinzo looked at him in bemusement.

"In case you provided any false testimony," Rashock noted matter-of-factly. "So, you better be precise. Clear?"

"But I didn't!" Shinzo yelled, enraged at the false accusation.

"Good. Don't forget to write it down."

The Alyt got up from the table. He quickly gathered the identification charts and slid them towards Shinzo. "Do a good job and you may have these." With that, he spun on his heel and marched out of the mess hall.

Shinzo stared dully at the paper. False testimony? Why would he give a false testimony? Rashock must’ve been mixed up. Maybe, the villagers in their misery made up some nonsense about him. He had to explain everything. Shinzo took a deep breath and began scribbling.

—

Soft, cooling breeze rustled Shinzo's hair as he basked in the golden glow of the sun rising above the field outside Lyciana. There, lined up in military precision, stood half a hundred Tishat fighters at attention, their wings shimmering in the morning dew. The ground crews bustled about, testing the engines, cleaning the guns, and running diagnostic routines. 

Shinzo crept closer to one of the fighters, trying not to draw attention to himself. He gaped with admiration at the graceful curves of the air blades, the elegant shape of the hull, and the glinting ruby glass of the viewports. The fighter resembled a predator poised for attack. Shinzo felt a burning desire to get inside and become one with the predator. He stretched out his hand and touched the gleaming surface.

“Hey! Back off!” One of the torans darted towards him and grabbed his hand. “What d’ya think ya doing?”

“I... I just wanted to see,” Shinzo mumbled.

“Watch where you put your dirty little hands!” The toran pushed him aside, sending him sprawling on the ground. “Now I have to wash it again. Dammit!”

“Chill, Zag,” another toran approached. “It’s clean enough.”

“Are you blind? There is grease all over the place,” Zag muttered. “He’s freaking sweating!”

“I’m sorry…” Shinzo murmured. “I didn’t mean to…”

“You shouldn’t loiter around the crafts,” the toran said. ”You might get in trouble.”

“Don’t pamper him, Shoon. He’s gonna come back,” Zag grumbled.

“Go play in the village,” Shoon waved him off.

“Can I stay? Please…” Shinzo whimpered. “I won’t touch anything. Promise.”

“Hah! See? What did I tell ya,” Zag barked, “Sticks like glue. Get the hell outta here, freak!”

Zag grabbed a crowbar and flung it at Shinzo, expecting that it would scare him away. The crowbar swooshed past and hit Shinzo's arm as he huddled in on his spot. It hurt his feelings more than his body. He grasped the bar and moved toward Zag, determined to break some bones.

“What’s the...” Zag faltered. “Drop that, freak. Don’t ya dare—Damn!”

Zag staggered back and bumped into the spacecraft, trying to dodge the attack. Shinzo swung his weapon, preparing to strike again, but, suddenly, someone hauled him back. He turned around and saw a young warrior clad in a black robe grasping his wrist tightly. The warrior disarmed him with a quick twisting move.

“What’s going on here?” the warrior said. “Trashing my ship before I even took off? Zag, Shoon, explain yourselves.”

“Hiai’s’,” Shoon sprang to attention.

“The freak attacked me,” Zag muttered, tidying up his uniform. “Who set him loose?”

“Zag…” the Hiai’s sighed audibly. “How many times do I have to tell you? He is not a freak, he is a half-Minbari.”

“Yeah,” Zag drawled, “and the other half is a freakish human. The bigger half!”

“These are good humans, Zag. They fought on our side,” the warrior explained patiently. “May I remind you that Achilles Tribe was distinguished by Fire Wings for their loyalty? They have earned their right to live with us.”

“A human's a human,” Zag sneered. “No matter how many Minbari lasses he had f—”

"Shut it, Galrin!” the Hiai's barked. "Mess Duty. Now."

"What, again?" Zag whined, "And for that little shit?"

"Shoon, you too. Keep an eye on him."

"Aye-aye, Hiai's." Shoon bowed respectfully and started in the direction of the mess hall, dragging Zag with him.

"Zag will adjust eventually. He just needs a bit more time," the Hiai's looked at Shinzo somewhat friendly. "Feeling ok?"

"What was that nonsense about?" Shinzo said bitterly. "I'm not a human."

"Of course, you aren't," he said softly. "Not any more. But your father is. It's kinda hard to conceal."

Shinzo fell silent, struggling to make sense of it all. Human Achilles Tribe? Did he mean the crew of EAS Achilles? Shinzo recalled a picture from the Warzone Chronicles from several years ago. It featured Earthers in human fleet uniforms, decorated with some meaningless trinkets. They looked somewhat ridiculous and Shinzo didn't bother to read the story, but the headline stuck in his memory for some mysterious reason. "Good human. Loyal, brave, docile".

A sharp, stinging pain in his head disrupted his thoughts. The Hiai's plucked out a tuft of his hair.

"Ouch!" Shinzo squealed. "What was that for?"

"Just wanted to check if it hurts," the warrior smirked.

"Of course, it hurts! Do you think…" Shinzo stammered, then waved him off indifferently, "Whatever."

"Sorry, that was a bit lame," the Hiai's said. "So… wanna meet other pilots?"

"Hell yeah!" Shinzo yelped, immediately forgetting all his concerns.

Chapter Text

Rashock struggled to stay present. His head swarmed with questions, all demanding immediate answers. What are they planning? What's going on? How is this possible? Are they mad? Or is it a genius strategy? Another ugly human trick? Nothing is clear.

"It is unclear," he didn't realise that he said that aloud.

"What do you mean it's unclear? Are they Humans or Minbari?" the voice came from the intercom speaker. Shai Alyt Seraphis had called for the field report and was already losing his temper.

"It's hard to tell... They are both and none," said Rashock.

"Cut that nonsense, Alyt,” Seraphis snapped. “Report the facts."

"The enemy is trenched in the Sacred Temple," Rashock recited. "They are no match to us but they hold three hundred kids as hostages."

"Human kids?"

"Minbari."

“Contact the chief trainee. Organize a diversion,” Shai Alyt suggested. 

“He might be human,” Rashock pointed out.

“Eliminate him and promote a Minbari.”

“They might all be humans,” Rashock retorted.

“Then kill them all,” Seraphis barked. ”What's your problem?

“What if they are Minbari?” Rashok raised his voice. “Since when are we murdering kids in cold blood?”

Seraphis took a thought. It seemed he finally grasped the problem.

“I see,” he said at last. “Well, in that case, it is not for us to decide. I'm sending it through to the Grey Council.”

“You need more intel,” Rashock argued. “There is hardly anything to send.”

“Do not negotiate with humans, Alyt. I’m not doing anything without Grey Council’s resolution,” Seraphis said and ended the call.

---

The kid loped through the doorway.

“Hey, Moonlighter, come on in,” Rashock showed him to the chair. “Getting along alright?”

“Yeah, I've been hanging out with the pilots,” he chuckled. “They're cool. Do you think they’ll teach me to fly?”

“In time, maybe, but you have to be a Hiai’i first to qualify for a pilot.”

“Huh? That's, like, a ton of years away. I don't think I can wait that long,” the kid complained. “Maybe I should become a raider. Steal a ship, rob bad guys, give to good ones.”

“Right. Speaking of which.” Rashock handed him a photo. “Do you know this human?”

“Major Steiger. He is the chief warrior. I've sneaked into his quarters once,” the kid bragged. 

“What can you tell me about him? Is he a good guy or a bad guy?”

Moonlighter fell silent, wrinkling his forehead in deep thought, then said,

“Hm... He is burdened by his rank and relies a lot on the ways of his caste. That's why soldiers don't respect him, but they never show it,” he smiled and added, “and he likes his trinkets a lot.”

“What about this guy?” Rashok pulled out another photo.

“Doctor Stephen Franklin,” the kid said joyfully. “We're pals. He's cool, much cooler than Steiger. He is on his own and doesn't need any caste."

"And this lady?"

"Doctor Lawson," he smiled shyly. "She's kinda nice, a bit snooty and talks empty words at length but kind, has a warm voice and soft hands."

“I see,” Rashock put away the photos. "Well, thank you for your input, Moonlighter, very valuable."

The kid lingered in indecision.

“Is there anything else you want to say?”

“Yes… there is something…” he murmured. “Have you fought on the Line?”

Rashock didn't expect that. Moonlighter was way too young to know anything about the Line. 

"How did you learn about that? Surely not from the Warzone Chronicles?"

"I've heard humans fought fiercely on the Line. I've heard their courage was terrifying,” he said in a trembling voice. "But the pilots laughed me off. They said it's all tall tales."

"Did they indeed?" Rashock smiled gently. “I wasn't on the Line, no, but a friend of mine was.”

“Who is your friend?” the kid lightened up. “Is he a Hero?”

“A hero? Oh, you mean a Hero of the Line. Actually, yes, he is a Hero of the Line, but you probably never heard of him. Tahloon from—”

“Tahloon?”  the kid almost jumped in excitement. “You mean the Tahloon? Of course, I've heard of him. He is in my clan… I mean, your clan...”

Moonlighter suddenly fell silent, huddling into his chair, as if trying to hide.

“You are a Fire Wing...” Rashock said, lowering his voice.

The kid gradually turned red and looked away, unable to utter a word. Rashock suddenly realised that his own son was about the same age, attending an academy no different from the Starlit Sanctuary, on a planet no different from Valusha. Moonlighter could have ended up in the same fleet with him one day. If only the warrior caste was quicker in apprehending Humans' wicked intelligence.

“Hey… it’s all good,” he said softly. "Fire Wings are in great need of brave little scouts like you."

The kid looked at him wearily. He wasn't ashamed, he was in pain. Rashock felt a burning need to do something for him. "Come on," he said and headed to the door. "I will teach you to fly."

Moonlighter slowly got up and tagged along with him in wary astonishment.

---

Rashock stared at the intercom screen in baffled disbelief. "And that's it? That’s their solution?” he said. “Are you absolutely sure?"

"Positive," Seraphis confirmed. "Eliminate all tainted individuals. Leave no witnesses. Direct order from Grey Council. They were crystal clear in their intentions."

"But it can't be!" Rashock snapped. "Are you sure they've got accurate intel?"

"They've got all the intel they need, Alyt," Seraphis said with a hint of irritation.

“Look, I’ve contacted humans. Some of them are willing to cooperate. We could—”

"Don't even think about it," the Shai Alyt cut off. "This crap reeks of political scandal. I'm not touching it with a five-foot pole."

“But they are in disagreement. I have an angle here. I just need more time.”

"It is the decision of the Nine, Alyt. You got a problem with that?" There was a tinge of a threat in his voice.

"No…” Rashock said, lowering his voice. “No problem."

"Good. Counting on you." The intercom screen faded, indicating the end of the call.

Rashock slumped into his chair, looking around aimlessly. His gaze fell on the pile of medical files that Doctor Franklin had leaked to him, the confirmations of the kids' identities. What use were they now? The Nine hadn't even considered a compromise. "Eliminate all tainted individuals," could they be misinformed? Or, on the contrary, did they know something he didn't?

The intercom screen lit up with an incoming call notification. Rashock startled in apprehension as he saw the caller's name. He tapped "respond", and a hooded figure, clad in grey, appeared on the screen.

“Satai Delenn, it's an honour—”

“Do not kill the halfbreeds, Alyt,” she cut him off.

He took a moment to gather his thoughts. “With all due respect, Satai,” he said, “I’ve just received the order from Grey Council—”

“Grey Council is mistaken,” she asserted. ”Do not confuse authority for wisdom. The halfbreeds are as much Minbari as you and I are.”

“It is not for me to decide…” he looked away. ”The order is clear…”

“Rashock… of the family Lekhar,” she said with reverence, “You served our people well for many years and I respect you for that. Your position demands adherence to your orders, but what does your conscience tell you?”

Rashock looked at the Moonlighter’s photo on top of the pile of medical files. Shinzo from the family Yuhsaw. Now he knew his real name.

“I like the kid,” he sighed, “witty, nimble, courageous, it would break my heart to kill him.”

“Then you know I am right,” she said softly.

“Yes, but what does it have to do with the Grey Council's decision?” he pointed out. “For them, the halfbreeds are just a minor inconvenience, a piece that doesn't fit, easier to erase than to be concerned with.”

“Oh no. They are concerned,” she objected. “Haven't they asked you to kill all the witnesses?”

“Well, not to kill, but… wait…” he stammered. “These aren't the first halfbreeds they encountered, yes?”

“Yes, you are correct,” she said and took off her hood. Her golden brown hair cascaded gracefully down her shoulders, shimmering in a crispy white light. Her delicately small bone crest blended seamlessly with the warm-toned skin of her face, so oddly animated for a Minbari. The most striking, however, were her eyes. Her greyish-blue eyes gripped his attention instantly. He saw emotions and thoughts mixing together in infinite complexity, constantly evolving. She looked dangerously enchanting and remarkably comforting at the same time.

“Well…” he breathed out, “that certainly explains a lot.”

“I am sorry to put this burden on your shoulders,” Delenn said, looking gently into his eyes. “But I believe you can carry it like no other.”

Rashock nodded silently. The burden wasn’t heavy. He made his choice the moment she opposed the Grey Council, but it didn’t lessen the challenge.

“What would you suggest?” she asked.

“I can start with organizing the trainees… but there are only three hundred of them… sabotage possibly…”

“This is too slow,” she said. “If you don’t move today, Seraphis will replace you tomorrow.”

“Then buy me more time. I’m not a magician and half of those kids can’t lace their shoes by themselves.”

She fell silent for a while, then said thoughtfully, “Grey Council spread the rumour that humans killed the kids. Their families are mourning them already. If only we could prove them wrong. That would give us some room to maneuver.”

“Well, that's certainly not impossible,” Rashock smiled. “I happen to know just the right human for the job.”

Chapter Text

Shinzo felt dizzy. The ground spun with crazy speed as he rolled through the sky, struggling to stabilise the flyer.

“Reduce the torque. You’re caught in your own inertia,” Rashock's voice came from the comm device.

“What’s torque?” Shinzo yelled, fighting the controls.

“Too late. You’re losing altitude,” Rashock said. “Turn off the engine.”

“What?” Shinzo yelped incredulously. The idea seemed crazy.

“Now!” barked Rashock.

Shinzo obeyed. The flyer stopped spinning and began falling down rapidly.

“Good. You levelled,” Rashock said, reassuringly. “Now glide.”

Shinzo steered the controls gently and soared slowly through the clouds, regaining his confidence as the flyer responded well.

“Come down here,” Rashock said. “I need to talk to you.”

“Can’t this wait?” Shinzo whined. “I want to have another go before dark.”

“Out of question. Land. Now," Rashock said sternly.

"Ugh.. alright… let’s get it over with."

The flyer turned around and landed softly on the field. Shinzo opened the door but stayed buckled up, hoping to take off again shortly.

“Nice touchdown,” Rashock smiled. “This time you didn’t even make a vortex in the ground.”

“Thanks,” Shinzo chuckled. “But I need to practice some more. What's the matter?”

“Right. I hate to ruin it for you, but the matter is more serious than you think.”

Shinzo sighed, looking longingly into the sky. “Ok,” he said meekly, “I’m listening.”

“We have informed your family about the nature of your transformation. I must say, Doctor Franklin was a huge help—”

“You did what?” Shinzo looked at him in disbelief. "No, you couldn't… could you?"

“You have to understand," Rashock said assertively. "They thought you were dead. They’ve been preparing mourning rituals.”

“Good!” Shinzo yelled. “You should’ve let them!”

“Yes, maybe I should have."

“Maybe!...” Shinzo paused, unable to frame his anger into words.

Rashock waited patiently, giving him time to cool down. "But there is no going back now," he said eventually. "They preferred to mourn you rather than accept the truth.”

“Of course, they did…” Shinzo muttered. “They are Yuhsaws. What did you expect?”

“I need you to talk to them,” Rashock said curtly.

Shinzo looked at him in bewilderment. “No,” he said firmly.

“Look… They think you no longer have a Minbari soul. If you could convince them otherwise—”

“I said, no!” he repeated. “I’m not doing this.”

“Shinzo, listen to me. Without Yuhsaws’ support, our chance of persuading Grey Council is infinitely slim.”

“You don’t even care, do you?” Shinzo laughed bitterly.

“Please stop acting like a child.” Rashock struggled to stay composed. “I need you to convince others that you are still a Minbari.”

“No,” Shinzo snapped. “You can’t make me.”

With that he sealed the door and shot off straight into the sky, rapidly gaining altitude. Grey, brittle clouds passed by, feverishly fast. The sky's hue changed gradually from cosy ginger through bleak orange to worrisome dark blue.

As he escaped the atmosphere, all sounds faded abruptly. The vivid landscapes of the planet gave way to the unwelcoming black space and cold, distant white stars. He didn’t know where he was going, but the sense of moving away brought him much-needed relief.

A Nial fighter appeared on his tail. “This is pointless, you’ll run out of air before long.” Rashock caught up with him. “Where are you going, Shinzo?”

“Anywhere,” said Shinzo.

“You can’t run from yourself. You have obligations before your people.”

“No, I don’t. I’m dead, remember?” Shinzo chuckled bitterly. “Death releases us from our obligations.”

“That is completely unrelated. You took it all wrong.”

“Of course, I did,” Shinzo said sardonically. “I have the wrong soul.”

Rashock’s voice softened. “Come on, you know, this is not what I mean.”

“And yet, this is exactly what you think,” barked Shinzo.

Rashock didn’t respond but kept following him. The oxygen level indicator crept down steadily. Shinzo constantly looked around, searching for any means to shake him off. But there was only empty space. An infinitely vast empty space. Gradually, he lost the sense of direction and could no longer tell if he was moving at all. The need for escape came back, more urgent than ever. It gnawed at him, contaminating all his thoughts.

Suddenly, a group of Starfuries flew past. They flipped over and lined up in escort formation. Shinzo counted four of them. He peered into the distance and soon noticed a solitary destroyer.

"Incoming message on the open channel," the onboard computer announced, "EAS Hegel to unidentified Minbari vessel, shut down the engines and prepare for towing."

"Shinzo, to my left wing, now," Rashock commanded. "We can take them out."

Shinzo hesitated for an instant, then turned off the engine and let go of the controls. "I surrender," he said firmly.

Rashock's ship dashed off sharply, skidding along the Starfuries. They scattered around and broke the formation. He flipped over and fired his fusion cannons. Two precise shots took out the fighters escorting Shinzo. Others dashed after Rashock, firing their weapons. He evaded their attacks with ease, simply veering around.

Shinzo knew that Starfuries could not target a Nial fighter, but he had never realised what a huge drawback it was in actual combat. It seemed Rashock was toying with them. He shot one and crippled another. The Starfury could not manoeuvre, firing desperately from all guns. Soon, she ran out of ammo.

"I'm gonna pretend that I didn't hear that, Shinzo," Rashock said condescendingly. "Let's go home."

"I said, I surrender," Shinzo repeated. "Computer, broadcast it on the open channel."

"Commencing…" the computer responded.

"That is ridiculous," Rashock muttered. "Do you think they'll take you in because you look human? You will always be deficient to them."

"Fine," said Shinzo. "At least I won't need to act deficient."

"What—" Rashock's voice broke off. Suddenly, the control panel lit up, flashing alarmingly red. "Hostile lock confirmed," the ship computer burst out. "Warning. Engines off. Evasion impossible."

"The destroyer!" Rashock shouted. "She can target you! Move!"

Shinzo panicked, instantly forgetting everything he learned. He staggered, unable to command his own hands.

"Hostile weapon ready," the computer announced. "Firing in three… two… one."

Shinzo saw a bright flash at the bow of EAS Hegel. The next moment, Rashock’s ship bumped into him and pushed him off the attack line. A blindingly white, pulsating missile tore through the hull of Rashock’s fighter. For a moment, its metal shell lit up with a lightning-hot glow. Then, the fighter evaporated without a trace. Shinzo could still see its shape in residual electric-blue discharges as the machine voice of the onboard computer recited indifferently, "EAS Hegel to unidentified Minbari vessel, shut down the engines and prepare for towing."

Chapter Text

Tahloon half-listened to the human, who was rumbling some nonsense about three dead pilots, and one devious Minbari. He allowed himself to rest his eyes on the elite warrior caste flyer. It had been too long since he had seen one. It looked almost alien in the hangar of EAS Hegel. “Captain, you call me before you make a mess, not after,” he said and looked accusingly at the human.

“They didn't look hostile,” Captain said. “We thought they were envoys.”

“Smiths of Glory do not work for envoys,” Tahloon remarked matter-of-factly.

“Who?” asked the Captain.

“The shipwrights’ guild,” Tahloon replied, pointing at the logo on the flyer. “They make personalised flyers for high-ranking warriors.”

“That's pretty freaking valuable info to have in the Minbari Military Field Guide,” Captain announced in a complaining tone.

“Hey, I said I'm working on it,” Tahloon muttered. “Writing is not my strong suit. And that guy you gave me, is dumb as a log.”

“Top of the class,” Captain shrugged his shoulders. ”I don’t have better writers for you. Anyway, he can't be a high-ranking warrior.”

“Who?” asked Tahloon.

“The pilot. Came with the flyer. He doesn't resemble a warrior at all. He actually resembles you.”

Tahloon looked at the human in mild bemusement.

“Oh, I didn't mean that,” said Captain hastily. “What I actually meant was…”

“Shut up,” Tahloon snapped. “Don't want to hear it.”

He crawled into the flyer and touched the launch crystal on the control panel. The panel lit up with multiple colours. 

“Welcome, how can I help?” the ship computer greeted.

“Ship, who is your owner?” Tahloon asked.

“Rashock of Lekhar,” answered the ship.

“Son of a… wait… “ Tahloon paused and looked at the human. “You said there were two of them?”

“Yes, this one and a Nial fighter,” the human replied.

“Ship, playback the latest logs,” Tahloon said nervously.

As he watched the Nial fighter dancing among the Starfuries, an uneasy suspicion crept into his mind. He had a sickening feeling that he recognised Rashock in each manoeuvre, even though he had never seen him flying. The sound of Rashock's voice on the radio recording made Tahloon’s eyes get wet and blurry, deep sorrow washing over him. He let out a shaky breath as he watched the fighter melt away in a dazzlingly bright flash of the EAS Hegel's missile.

"Did you know him?" Captain asked quietly.

Tahloon nodded, his body tensing up with overwhelming grief. "I’ll be in my quarters," he said in a breaking voice.

---

An Incoming call rang annoyingly on the communicator. Tahloon accepted it and stared absently at the screen.

"Long time no see," a pleasant female voice came from the speaker and woke him up.

"Delenn?" he straightened up reflexively. "How on earth did you find me?"

"Well, if you were on Earth it would have been much easier," she smiled. "But I have my channels."

Her smile invoked a warm, long-forgotten feeling that Tahloon had assumed was lost forever. Ever since his transformation, when he had to part ways with Delenn, he had tried his best to bury that feeling deep within his heart. Now, the memories of their shared joy and grief, of their friendly banter and tender moments of mutual care, all came to life in his mind at once. The feeling filled him to the brim, transforming his grief into equally powerful joy, and a cheerful grin spread across his face.

"Glad to see me?" she said playfully.

"You have no idea," he laughed.

"Good. Stick to it." She paused briefly to give him time to enjoy the moment, then continued, turning all business: "I was wondering… have you been in touch with your old friend, recently? Rashock of Lekhar." 

Tahloon shook his head ambiguously, his joy disappearing by the second.

"He's not responding to my calls. It worries me greatly—"

"He's dead," Tahloon said. "Perished in the line of duty."

Delenn took a moment to gather her thoughts. "Are you quite sure?" she said.

"Affirmative," he nodded. "Got his ship here with a passenger. Whoever he is, he obviously means a lot to Rashock… meant a lot…"

"I was afraid the kid might revolt…" she mused aloud. "We've asked of him too much."

"Ah, so you put him up to this? Why am I not surprised? Honestly, Delenn—"

"I need you to go to Valusha," she cut him off.

"What?" Tahloon looked at her in bemusement. That came out of the blue. But knowing Delenn, that was to be expected.

"Listen,” said Delenn. “With Rashock gone, Seraphis will not wait any longer. He will take over the operation personally and kill all the halfbreeds."

"Uh-huh,” said Tahloon, picking up speed. “So what do you want me to do? Kill Seraphis?"

"I need you to evacuate Doctor Franklin," said Delenn in a dead serious tone.

"A human?” Tahloon marvelled. “What the heck does he have to do with it?"

"Long story. Focus,” snapped Delenn. “Seraphis is about to storm Starlit Sanctuary. We can't lose Franklin, his testimony is invaluable."

Tahloon grabbed his head, amazed and frustrated at the same time. Hundreds of questions filled his mind. But he knew there was no point asking them. "Delenn…" he sighed. "Your orders drive me crazy sometimes."

"You know I can't order you, Tahloon," her voice sounded soft and comforting.

"Yeah… just another old habit," he said. "How do I even get to Starlit Sanctuary? I've never been there."

"But the kid is still with you, isn't he?"

"Great," Tahloon muttered. "Babysitting."

"I'm sure you'll manage," Delenn gave him a cheeky smile and disconnected.

---

The kid wiggled anxiously on his chair as Tahloon approached him. “Hullo. I'm Tahloon.” He stretched out his hand.

“Tahloon? Alyt Tahloon? A Hero of the Line?” the kid stared at him in amazement.

“In the flesh,” said Tahloon. He took note of the size of the kid's antlers. They were even smaller than Tahloon's own and almost invisible under his thick, unkempt hair. One might think that the humans were obsessed with making halfbreeds look less and less like Minbari.

“They got you too,” the kid whispered. “Why are you here?!”

“Where do you think I should be?” asked Tahloon.

“In the frontline!" the kid shouted angrily. "Fighting humans! Teaching them Minbari ways!”

“Hah,” Tahloon grinned joyfully. “This is the frontline, and I do teach them Minbari ways. See my badges? I'm an SLO.”

“Essel… owe?”

“Strategic Liaison Officer.”

“Is that a Minbari caste?” said the kid.

“A caste of my own.” Tahloon gave him a wink and strutted around theatrically.

The kid gaped at him in admiration. “Can I be in your caste?” he asked.

“Well, that depends on what you want to do,” Tahloon responded evasively.

The kid sprung to his feet. “I can fight, and fly, and… and…”

“Chill. I don't care what you can do,” Tahloon said. “I asked what you want to do.”

“I… don't understand.”

“Is there something you love? Anything?” Tahloon gave him an inquisitive look. “Anyone?”

“It wasn't my fault…” the kid averted his gaze, “I didn't mean to…”

“Yes, you did,” Tahloon said calmly. “People do not steal their friends' flyers without meaning to.”

“I didn't want him to die,” the kid said in a shaking voice. “Will you turn me in?”

“Why?” said Tahloon. “Do you wish to be punished?”

“This is the path to redemption,” the kid said hesitantly, half-asking.

“Is it? What exactly do you hope to redeem down that path? The love of a friend? The trust of a comrade? The care of a brother?”

The kid looked away unable to withstand his gaze. He slowly paced around, shrugging nervously now and then. He appeared to be in deep conflict with himself, pausing occasionally and kicking the floor in frustration. Suddenly, he looked up at Tahloon, his eyes glinting with determination. “I want to make it all anew…” he said firmly. “I want to become a brother, a comrade, a friend, but… I don't know where to start.”

“Well, that's a stroke of luck,” Tahloon chuckled. “I am a pro at getting started.”

The kid smiled sheepishly. His breath became even and peaceful. The tension faded away from his body, making him look taller, older, and ready to live on.

Tahloon leaned forward and spoke in a theatrical half-whisper, “Now, I need to sneak into the Starlit Sanctuary. Do you know the way?”

Chapter Text

“What do you mean you’re not sure?” Tahloon said as they soared above the mountain range near Starlit Sanctuary.

“Well, it was dark,” Shinzo tried to fend off. “It should be here somewhere. It’s hard to spot from above, can you go lower?”

Tahloon rolled his eyes and dived down. The flyer glided along the surface almost touching the snow crust.

"Now I can't see anything," Shinzo complained. "Can you go up?"

"Make up your mind, will you?" grumbled Tahloon.

Shinzo folded his arms on his chest. "You should've let me fly. That would've been much easier."

"Nuh-uh, no way you're flying. Not on my watch," Tahloon said calmly.

"Why? I can fly!" Shinzo burst out angrily.

"You don't have a licence," Tahloon replied in a deadpan voice.

Shinzo gave him a puzzled look. "What licence?"

"Any licence,” came the answer.

Shinzo looked away, seemingly disappointed. “Fine…” he sighed. “You’re going in the wrong direction, see that peak over there…”

He suddenly fell silent as the group of black Minbari fighters crossed the sky in strict formation.

“They are here,” said Tahloon. “Game on.”

“There, land there,” Shinzo pointed at the saddle underneath.

---

Explosions thundered above their heads as they ran through the cave under the Starlit Sanctuary. Shinzo led the way, effortlessly navigating through the tunnels that branched in all directions.

“This place is huge,” Tahloon marvelled. “How do you know—”

“Shh!” Shinzo stopped short, straining his ears. “Someone else is here.”

“I’m telling you, we‘re lost,” a sound came from the left. 

“Akiro…” Shinzo whispered and dashed in the direction of the voice.

“I thought you knew the way,” another voice made him run faster. They entered a huge cavern packed with halfbreed kids of different ages. Most of them were too young to comprehend the danger they were in. 

“Kyumi, you’re alive!” Shinzo squealed, addressing one of the kids.

“Not thanks to you, traitor,” another kid muttered.

“Take it easy, Akiro,” Kyumi said. “Musaruh says we shouldn’t judge him.”

“Musaruh is here?” Shinzo looked around warily. “What’s going on?”

“Evacuation,” Akiro replied. “Musaruh has nothing to do with this. He’s too busy killing Steiger.”

“What?” asked Shinzo.

“He thinks it will buy his way into the fleet,” Akiro smirked. “Idiotic ideas seem to be your family trait.”

“Akiro, I’m sorry—”

“Holy shit! Patient zero in the flesh!” a human woman approached them and stared at Tahloon unabashedly.

“Pardon?” Tahloon said, somewhat confused.

“Are you sleeping well?” she grabbed his head and pulled it down, scrutinising his scalp. “Hm, these must be itchy, do they bother you?”

“Hey—”

“I mean, wow, you look stable!” she exclaimed. “Can I get your smear?”

“Ok, back off, lady,” Tahloon jerked away. “Who the hell are you?”

“It's Doctor Lawson,” Shinzo laughed. “She works with Franklin. Where is he, by the way?”

“In the Sacred Grove, uploading the research reports,” she noted casually. “He was going to join us. Now that you mention it, I wonder what takes him so long.”

“Sacred Grove, where is it?” Tahloon asked.

“I know the way, I’ll show you.” Shinzo jumped in front of him ready to shoot off.

“Hey, Shinzo,” Akiro called out softly. “Do you mind drawing us a map?”

“Sure,” Shinzo smiled, evidently happy to assist.

---

The day was leaning to its dusk when they reached the Sacred Grove. The faint light of the dying sun flowed languidly through the stained glass windows of the ancient temple, casting a hellish-red glow. Tahloon glanced at the tree crowns. He couldn't spot a single leaf moving as if they were frozen in time. Long ago, in another life, he mistook this feeling for tranquillity and inner peace. Now, however, it was clenching his heart like a rusty iron cage, tightening with every step. He desperately looked for any sign of life. A distant sound of heated conversation disrupted the oppressive silence. With a sigh of relief, he followed the sound, absorbing every word like a breath of fresh air.

"Slow down, human. Are you saying that Grey Council is lying?" The speaker was a Minbari worker. Tahloon instantly recognized the dialect.

"Well, not exactly. I'm not a specialist in Minbari sophistry, but I believe it is referred to as 'not telling the whole truth'." The second voice made Shinzo leap with joy. Apparently, it belonged to Franklin.

"If they aren't of Achilles Tribe like you say, then how did they grow so human?" the worker asked.

"They didn't,” said Franklin. “They were normal Minbari kids just a few weeks ago."

"Bollocks!" snapped the worker.

"You don't have to believe my words, I'll show you the video logs… hang on…"

Tahloon scanned the area as they approached the transmitter's tower at the centre of the Sacred Grove. Franklin stood by the console typing something in. The worker turned out to be a toran. He was immersed in his thoughts, unarmed and harmless. Apart from them, no one was around.

"Having fun, Doctor Franklin?" Tahloon said composedly. "I suggest you find a safer place."

Franklin turned around. "Holy shit, patient—"

"Zero, yes," Tahloon cut him off. "Can we get over this?"

"What are you doing here?"

"Escorting your infinitely valuable butt," he said in a deadpan voice. "Delenn asked me."

"Hm… then Rashock must be—"

"Dead. Tragically perished protecting those he loved. Finished?" he nodded at the console. "We're leaving."

"Hold on," Franklin said. “Shoon here does not believe that you were once a Minbari, can you prove him wrong?"

"Shoon here can believe whatever bullshit he likes," Tahloon barked, losing his temper. "March on!"

“Okay-okay, coming,” Franklin said, slinging his bag over his shoulder. “Have you always been like that?”

“What do you mean, always?” Tahloon said, cooling down, as they walked towards the exit.

“You know, before the transformation, or is this the human side taking over?”

“Fuck off, Doctor.”

---

They ran down the arcade as some hauntingly familiar voice suddenly caught Tahloon's attention. He stopped by the archway, looking for the speaker. There, in the formation square Shai Alyt Seraphis was swaggering around a halfbreed, not much older than Shinzo, surrounded by Minbari warriors.

"Now, pay close attention to the antlers," the Shai Alyt pointed his finger at the halfbreed's face. "You can clearly see that they are not of Minbari origin."

Tahloon stifled a flash of anger.

"Musaruh…" Shinzo murmured, lingering hesitantly by his side.

"The brat is not a Minbari," the Shai Alyt continued. "And he never will be."

Musaruh humbly lowered his gaze. He stretched out his hand, offering his leaf-shaped knife as a gesture of resignation. Seraphis took it, then in one swift, calculated move, he slit Musaruh's throat. Shinzo gasped. Tears welled up in his eyes as he watched Musaruh bleed to death.

"Seraphis!" Tahloon barked, striding across the formation square. "Fucking animal!"

"Well, well, if it isn't Tahloon the Traitor," Seraphis snarled. "I could kill you right here without trial or investigation, and nobody would care."

"Cut the crap," Tahloon said. "Dogs like you can only kill by orders."

"You dare…" the Shai Alyt hissed and advanced towards him, his denn’bok at the ready. “I see you have forgotten your manners, where is your pike?”

“Chill, Shai Alyt,” Tahloon waved his denn’bok dismissively. “I came prepared.” He then threw it on the ground, and it rolled towards Seraphis’ feet. “I’m not in the mood,” he drawled. “Wanna restore your honour in a fight? Count me out.”

The Shai Alyt lingered in indecision for a moment, then his rage took over. “Brat!” he shouted and dashed towards Tahloon aiming for his head.

Tahloon pulled out an antique colt and two precise shots shattered Seraphis’s knees. His pike went sailing from his hands as he tumbled awkwardly onto the ground. Tahloon approached him with a leisurely shuffling gait. “You know, humans have a taste for the pieces of archaic rituals. Once sacred, a ritual becomes redundant. Then it becomes profane and they laugh at it, break it apart, taking in pieces they like. And decades later the pieces reappear, loaded with very unique personal values.” He crouched down and pointed his gun at Seraphis’s head. “And then, they share them with the like-minded.”

“You can’t kill me,” the Shai Alyt rasped. “Minbari do not kill Minbari.”

“Oh, but I'm not a Minbari, am I?” said Tahloon coldly. “And I never will be.”

A loud bang shuddered the still mountain air. Seraphis died instantly. Tahloon got up to his feet and gazed around. “I am Tahloon from the Fire Wings Clan.” He strolled through the crowd addressing everyone directly as he went. “Alyt Rashock was my dear friend and he chose to give his life to save the halfbreeds. Now, each of you has to decide whether his sacrifice was in vain.”

The warriors whispered among themselves, lingering in indecision. Some looked mixed up, others wary, but no one attempted to stop him as he walked away with Franklin and Shinzo by his side.

Chapter Text

In the silent night just before dawn, fog curled at the bottom of the valley. Shinzo walked briskly without looking back. His mind was free of all concerns. His heart was in comfort, and his soul in peace. He was among his own. He belonged. Franklin’s weary figure came into his focus. Shinzo fell into step beside him. “I get it now,” he said. “How to be a caste on your own.”

“Do you really?” Franklin looked at him sceptically. “Just kidding. Proud of you.”

“Why did you choose to come with us?” asked Shinzo with concern. “The humans will not take you back now.”

“We are responsible for those we tamed,” Franklin said more to himself than to Shinzo.

“Huh? What does that mean?”

“It means that you need me… and I need you,” he said softly.

The look on his face made Shinzo smile before he could notice that. “So, will you never leave?”

“One day, I will,” said Franklin. “But this day is not today.”

“How do you know that?” Shinzo asked.

“Because when that day comes, I will be very sad,” Franklin smiled softly. “And today I’m happy.”

“I know,” Shinzo said joyfully. “I won’t let you get sad, and then you won’t have to leave.”

Franklin laughed cheerfully. “I’m sure you won’t.”