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disclaimer: BABYLON 5, Ivanova, Talia, and all characters and situations thereof, are all rights and © J. Michael Straczynski and Babylonian Productions. This is a not-for-profit effort for the purpose of fan-to-fan appreciation of some wonderful characters :). This is a station story. pre-"Div. Loyalties". Yet another one of those 'first time' stories. Telepath-stalking. Threats. Lengthy leg exposure. Ivanova strip-o-rama. Hershey bashing. Sinfully sweet aphrodisiac confections consumed. Hot damn, I'll eat one right now. ;) Thanks to Stroppy Lass, Strapping Lass, and starfury princess for defining the Curly Whurly. ;) Not yet beta-read. Enjoy. :)
"Lt. Corwin, you have the com," Commander Susan Ivanova ordered. As the young man took over her work console, the intense, dark-haired woman who was second-in-command of Earth Alliance's Epsilon based space station, Babylon 5, took one cursive glance around Command and Control, then left through the swishing exit. Command of a giant, rotating space station upon which every known sentient life in the universe converged was chaotic--sometimes exciting--business, and definitely not easy. If Ivanova had cared to glance out the viewports she passed as she made her determined way down the maze of Blue Sector corridors, she would have seen the numorous ships, cargo transports, and shuttles manueveuring outside as they arrived, departed, or awaited permission to dock at her station. And like all living things seeking opportunity or, as the commander liked to call it, "Earth's last best hope to make a fast buck", there was no doubt that at least one of those ships carried goods of an illicit sort--or lives of the morally nebulous sort. Ivanova passed the teeming immigration terminals where Security Chief Michael Garibaldi and his people processed bodies and cargo and did their security best to deter smugglers or any simple opportunist trying to circumvent import taxes, quarantines, or just basic EA laws to bring in his or her favorite illegal item. Ivanova cleared the ships in and out and made sure their visits to Babylon 5 went as smoothly as possible. What those ships did on the station, however, no longer became her concern. It was Garibaldi's job to make sure what business--or items--making their way into the station, legally belonged there. And Ivanova certainly didn't envy the chief his job. Disembarking the tube transport that brought the commander to Red Sector's Zocalo--Babylon 5's shopping and dining bazaar, the station's second-in-command weaved her way through the bustling crowd of station residents, visitors, and what-not that could move and think. Any one of the different alien or human faces passing her regard could be involved in some unlawful transaction. The motivation could be greed, pipe dreams, or sinister intent. Unless Garibaldi were to suddenly have the ability to indiscriminately mind read--were that legally permitted in the Alliance--there was no way he could anticipate the true designs and intentions of every sentient being who arrived at Babylon 5. Illicit activity and station life went hand in hand. And speaking of mind readers-- The commander came to an abrupt stop and smoothly turned to study the fabric items on a Zocalo merchant's cart. From the corner of her eye, the dark-haired woman observed the attractive, feminine lines of the station's resident commercial telepath, Ms. Talia Winters, in her usual business suit attire, move to leave the shop entrance she had suddenly appeared in. As the smiling, blonde woman waved one last time to the store owner within, she turned and left, entering the crowd. The commander manuveured from the cart to the very store front the telepath had just left, keeping a wary eye on the departing blonde's back--and quite distinct, sensual walk. Ivanova had always made it clear that she detested Psi Corps--the organization Ms. Winters belonged to. The Corps had been responsible for the death of Ivanova's mother, so it didn't matter that the commander secretly found the resident commercial telepath rather attractive--and what's more, much to the dark-haired woman's reluctance, a surprisingly nice, warm individual. Talia Winters was still Psi-Corps and Ivanova, deeply prejudiced, could not tolerate that. The commander stepped into the darkened interior of the shop, sharp, blue eyes adjusting to the dimness, the distracting piles of goods, the hung foods stuff, and the who-knows-whats slithering softly in the barrel beside her, to target upon the small, skinny, and broadly smiling form of the shop's owner. Abul Simbel, old Cairo native, now one of Babylon 5's most resourceful 'export/import' businessmen, welcomed the proud, uniformed figure of the commander with his most indulgent smile. "Commander Ivanova," his smooth, lyrical voice easily hailed. "And what can Abu Simbel do for the most dedicated, and most exemplary officer of all of Earthforce to command Babylon 5?" "Abu," came Ivanova's terse, richly toned reply. She moved to stand by the counter the merchant presently stood behind, her demeanor as authoritive and assertive as if she were still at the com of Command and Control. She placed a hand upon the counter surface, delicately avoiding the dried something or other in a jar that looked like it once lived a happy life in some distant desert or ocean, and pinned two, bright blue eyes on the smiling shop owner. "My dear Commander," the shop owner began, his mouth toothily contrite as he got down to business. "Are you about to tell me....that you don't have it?" Ivanova interrupted, her sharp, dark eyebrows now knitting. "Commander," the thin man placated. "Abu Simbel always provides, and come station riots or station lock-downs, always, has always, made those with needs only Abu can fulfill, quite happy--" "And are you saying that today will not be one of those days?" Ivanova surmised, leaning in with a dangerous glint to her eye. "Alas," the shop owner sighed, shaking his head with a sad smile. "That is a question that can only be answered by Mr. Garibaldi." Ivanova whirled from the counter, eyes intense as her mind worked out every possible angle for the predicament she was now in. There was no solution, she realized; she presently had no bargaining chip, no influence to exercise, or even one possible compromise that could be struck to get a certain, impounded cargo shipment meant for Abu, out of the hands of dock security--not without reflecting directly on her and her exemplary Earthforce reputation, anyway. Damn that security chief! Ivanova swore privately. Michael Garibaldi's crackdown on illegal shipments had finally done it. Susan Ivanova could no longer get her contraband chocolate. The commander turned back to the still pleasantly contrite merchant and placed both her hands determinedly on the counter top. "You usually have one in reserve, Abu," she observed, her steely gaze broaching no argument. Abu always kept one in reserve. For the tidy profit the outrageously jacked up price of a presently one-of-kind item in all of Epsilon Sector brought to his greedy pockets. The shop owner was going to sell her his last bar of real, no substitute, original, from the Alps of Earth, Swiss chocolate even if it meant compromising Earth Alliance security to do so. To Ivanova's ire, the accomodatingly sorrowful merchant shook his head in resigned regret. "For you, my good Commander," his voice soothed, thin hands waving in sympathetic placation. "For you, Abu would move Epsilon, but--" "But?--" Ivanova grounded out, ready to grab the merchant and shake that elusive bar right out of him. "But today," Abu shrugged, looking to the ceiling as if inquiring of the heavens. "Such things....they are very, very popular with human women." The commander spun quickly on her heel and exited the shop. Outside of Abu Simbel's Food Goods and Delicacies, the station's second-in command stood, bright sharp-shooter eyes slowly scoping the entire expanse of the Zocalo proper. "The telepath," Ivanova growled beneath her breath. * * *
Target: Telepath Talia smiled and shook the Markab's hand once again to seal the deal. The older Markab gentleman had recognized Ms. Winters as Babylon 5's resident commercial telepath and had stopped the blonde woman as she was about to exit the Zocalo sector. Talia was more than willing to agree to his offer of a job monitoring a business deal he was closing the next day. Markab currency didn't trade too highly next to the Earth Alliance credit, and especially with Psi-Corps taking their usual fifteen percent from her fees, Talia doubted she would make much from the job, but she needed all she could get. Her little purchase from Abu Simbel had wiped out her present expense allowance for the entire week. Speaking of that sinfully indulgent purchase.... Talia's attractive red mouth broke into a secret, happy grin as she walked quickly to the nearest transport tube. Gaiety added a spring to her light step as she entered the lift. "Red 4. Garden Sector," her deep, husky voice requested, and with black gloved hands clasped behind her back, Ms. Winters swung easily from side to side in happy anticipation as the transport hurled upward.... Ivanova spotted the telepath's fair head in the distance as Ms. Winters left the presence of an elder Markab. Try as she might, she could not see if the blonde held anything in her hands. With quick, long strides, the commander crossed the remainder of the Zocalo proper and made a rush for the transport tube, only to watch its lighted car streak upwards for its unknown destination. Ivanova's palm struck the surface of the tube's shut doors in frustration. This tube did not head for the habitat ring--where Ms. Winters' quarters lay--or to the areas of public business the telepath usually utilized to conduct her work....... She's a telepath, Ivanova mused, sharp eyes narrowing. A telepath with a chocolate bar. So where would a telepath with a chocolate bar take a break? The commander paced a moment. Where she can be completely alone, no other outside thoughts to bother her. The commander quickly entered the next transport. "Red 4. Garden Sector," her rich voice commanded. Ms. Winters paused in her journey across the garden sections and glanced curiously behind her once again. She had the strangest feeling that she was being followed. Mr. Garibaldi, her longtime and persistent suitor, had an infuriating way of finding the telepath wherever she might be, yet a survey of the strolling couples or other wandering aliens did not reveal a security uniformed human male among them. Whether she could spot him or not, Talia was not about to let the chief find her once again. This was a time she especially wanted to herself, the blonde woman readily determined, and having already ruled out the Maze, the Rose Garden, and now the Zen Garden in which to hide in--the last being presently occupied by droning, religious caste Minbari--Talia had to find an alternate escape route, and fast. Where to go, where to go, the telepath mused, as she sought the cover of some tall, perfectly shaped shrubbery. She stood a moment in the shadows of the foliage, gloved finger to her chin as she sought her answer in the artificial blue of the 'sky' of the garden. Breaking that blue simulation was one of the elegant, maintenance support tubes that streaked from the garden area up into the vast spherical space of the giant, rotating space station. A smile broke on the telepath's brightened features as she got her answer. With one quick glance around, she quickly skirted the Zen Garden for her next destination. "Excuse me," Ivanova inquired politely of the Minbari peacefully breaking up their religious ceremony in the Zen Garden. "Have you seen a human female, my height, Psi-Corps telepath, blonde hair and blue eyes?" She had been able to keep sight of Ms. Winters up until now; running into a troop of slowly parading, wide-bodied Pak'ma'ra enjoying the sights of the Rose Garden had kept the commander from catching up with the elusive telepath. When the helpful Minbari male pointed in the direction of a discreetly situated maintenance access tube, Ivanova frowned darkly. Thank you, Mr. Garibaldi, the commander silently groused. For neglecting to remove the Blue level security access codes from a certain resident commercial telepath's identicard. * * *
It was an awesome sight indeed. Above Ms. Winters rotated the vast, far-reaching interior of Babylon 5's habitat and business sections. Below her were spread the distant, geometric patterns of the gardens she had just left via the maintenance tube whose access door lay behind her. Ms. Winters stood on the plain steel maintenance platform and enjoyed a silence and solitude rarely found on such a bustling, chaotic space station. A station that barely gave a person a moment's peace with it's intrigue, subtefuge, clashes, crime-- Well, it wouldn't be Babylon 5 without such controversial goings-on. Talia had to admit that she rather liked the station's proclivity for 'opportunistic transactions'. For one thing, a telepath with a discerning sweet tooth can easily obtain the best in real, 'tariff-free' chocolate if she tried hard enough. She pulled off her gloves--the psi-dampening gloves required by Earth Alliance law--and dropped the limp pair upon the steel floor. Safely tucked up one sleeve bulged a distinct, rectangular imprint. She pulled the concealed bar out and admired its weight and solidity in her bare hands. it was such a perfect, pristinely wrapped candy bar. It held such a secret....intimate promise of satisfying sweetness. Talia couldn't help a deeply delighted sound in her throat as she turned the bar over and proceeded to work her fingers into the sealed red wrapper. She froze as her ears picked up the distinct hum of an activated tube transport fast approaching. Someone's coming! panicked the telepath's shocked thought processes as she sprung to life and desperately searched about the bare, empty platform for a hiding place. It had to be Mr. Garibaldi--only he could guess that she would come up here. And of all the times to run into the security chief, it had to be while she had a conspiciously large bar of contraband chocolate! Talia heard the tube car hum serenely to a stop. She had only a second before the doors swished open. She hurriedly put the chocolate bar the only place she could think of at the moment. * * *
Mission: Extraction Commander Ivanova put on her most stern, steely regard as the transport doors swooshed apart and immediately laid her sharp eyes upon the lone, familiar figure standing upon the maintenance platform before her. As the commander slowly exited, taking her time to assess the 'situation' before her, she noted the completely stunned expression on Ms. Winter's attractive face. A deer in headlights, indeed. And a guilty one, at that. "C-Commander--" Ivanova heard the telepath's husky voice stammer. "Ms. Winters," Ivanova addressed in the most formal of tones. "Are you trespassing on a station maintenance platform to find just the right place to commit suicide? Or is there another reason you are up here?" "I--What?--" Ms. Winters attempted. "This platform is off-limits for a reason, Ms. Winters," Ivanova continued aggressively, as she circled about the platform in question. She checked each corner and discreetly over each edge. "It certainly has one of the most spectacular views of the interior, but if station's centrifugal gravity were compromised, where do you think you would end up?" Dammit. The chocolate was definitely nowhere on the platform itself. Ivanova immediately stepped before the telepath just in time to catch Talia's normally pale skin become even paler. "That's right," Ivanova continued. "You'd be floating out there," she indicated with a jerk of her dark head. "Without a prayer's chance of ever touching ground again except as a bloody smear whenever station's gravity should return. "Now--" As Ivanova lectured, she slowly circled the telepath, her bright eyes boldly raking over Ms. Winter's form hugging suit, trying to discern the familiar, rectangular shape of a hidden candy bar. It did not help that with each step she attempted to make around the telepath, Ms. Winters would take another step backward, effectively keeping her backside away from the commander. "Don't try to point out that there are safety nets," Ivanova continued, as she saw the telepath's rouged mouth part to interrupt. "Even if you fell into one of those, you don't have a chance of getting back onto the platform by yourself. That is why it is required that personnel present on this platform wear a safety line at all times." "You're not wearing one," Ms. Winters accused. Ivanova ceased her futile pursuit of trying to get behind the telepath. As both women stood and warily regarded the other, the commander decided to try another tactic. "Let me see your hands," she ordered. "What?" Ms. Winters ejected. The telepath had been keeping them behind her even as Ivanova tried to circle her. "You are obviously up here for some reason, Ms. Winters," Ivanova stated. "And I don't think it's to play solitaire. Now show me your hands." Ivanova watched as a great discomfort grew in Ms. Winters' agitated face. It was obvious that the reluctant blonde was very disturbed by the request. "I know you are not wearing your gloves, Ms. Winters," Ivanova pointed out, almost gently. She had already spotted the leather pair, lying forgotten on the platform floor. "EA law requires that you wear them at all times while in the presence of the non-telepathic, but since I already know, hiding them no longer matters." "Now show me your hands," the commander demanded quietly. The blonde telepath took a deep breath, obviously unnerved by this tense situation. Slowly, she brought both of her pale, bare hands up from behind her back for the commander's scrutiny. "Going to report me now?" Ms. Winters murmured gruffly. "About this? Never," Ivanova replied quietly. "But I will have to report you for purchasing illegally imported chocolate." Ivanova watched as Ms. Winter's red mouth dropped in stunned incredulity. Ha!! Gotcha, the commander thought with smug self-satisfaction. "How did--" the indignant telepath suddenly demanded and then clapped a hand too late over her mouth. The blonde rolled her eyes at her own hasty slip. "There's a reason people should not engage in illicit purchases, Ms. Winters," Ivanova informed. "And that is because sooner or later they get caught. I'm familiar with your civilian record. I believe this is the first time that you've been caught in an...indiscretion." Ivanova eyed the telepath carefully as the blonde woman's gray-blue eyes slid guiltily away. "Hand the bar over to me," Ivanova suggested. "And I will overlook your tresspass here, and your illegal purchase." This time the telepath's shoulders drooped in defeat, an abject sigh escaping her lips as she regarded the rotating station above her. Finally, Ms. Winter's eyes returned to the commander's cool regard, her own gray-blues gazing pointedly into the uncompromising, aloof eyes. "It was expensive chocolate," the telepath's husky voice gripe. "I can imagine," Ivanova replied unsympathetically, letting a sharp eyebrow arch. As she stood patiently, hands clasped behind her, it took all of her willpower not to prematurely rub her hands together in glee. Ms. Winters shot her one more exasperated look, then slowly bent over to pull the fabric of her mid length skirt up. Hellooo! Ivanova's brain ringadinged as she watched Ms. Winters proceed to reveal the shapely lines of one long, beautifully formed leg. The telepath's professional attire was conservative but could never completely conceal the blonde woman's distinct physical assets. As the edge of the skirt slowly crepted up the slender calf clad in the sheen of black silk stocking, then edged even higher to reveal more of Ms. Winters' shapely thigh, all thoughts of chocolate nearly fled Ivanova's brain. When Ms. Winters finally worked her skirt up high enough to reveal the black belt and garter of her stocking, nearly twenty years of despising Psi-Corps up and departed from Ivanova's consciousness. For the moment, all her basic brain processes could comprehend was the simple speculation of what sort of dainty, feminine undergarment those delicate garter belts might be attached to. Ms. Winters rotated her hip to reveal the bright, red wrapper of a chocolate bar riding snugly in the elastic band of a garter strap. She pulled the bar out and then neatly worked her skirt back down. Ivanova felt like she had turned into a statue, and a darn mute one at that. Ms. Winters stood up finally with a toss of her shoulder length, fair hair, then presented the bar to Ivanova. At the sight of the proffered prize, the commander's statued state immediately relaxed into an almost too eager hand that rose to grasp the bar-- Only to have the red wrapped prize suddenly tilt up and away from her fingers. "Wait a minute...." Ivanova heard suspicious, deep tones suddenly question. Reluctantly, the commander tore her eyes away from the candy bar now retreating back to the telepath's shoulder to meet Ms. Winters' accusatory stare. "You were the one following me in the Garden sector," the telepath continued, realization dawning in her eyes. "I had hidden the bar before leaving Abu's shop. You couldn't have known I had chocolate on me unless you buy from Abu Simbel as well." The telepath suddenly stood to her full height, utterly indignant, and Ivanova knew the jig was up. "YOU want the chocolate for yourself!" came the thunderous accusation. * * *
Counter measure: Diplomacy
"Ms. Winters--" Ivanova attempted to placate. "How dare you come up here and try to scare me like that!" the telepath chastised, anger making her voice even rougher. "I really thought you were going to get me in trouble for being up here and even for not wearing the gloves!" "I--" "And what's worse is that you were going to take my chocolate from me, not because I broke station rules but because you want it for yourself! That's practically stealing!" And Talia couldn't help it--in frustration with the overbearing commander's behavior, she hotly stamped her foot. As the telepath's heel struck the steel floor, the impacted sound was like a timely knell for the commander to make her amends, and fast. To her personal surprise, being called a thief in this situation really had the station's second-in-command feeling quite ashamed. For once, she did not feel like defending her selfish actions. Especially if it kept that chocolate away from her. Ivanova sighed her contrition and actually lowered her eyes. "I'm sorry," was all she simply said. Talia took a deep breath, and realized this was a rare event noone on the station was going to believe; Commander Susan Ivanova actually apologizing for something. The telepath no longer felt like yelling at the contrite commander. It wasn't in her nature to stay angry, nor did she enjoy it. When it was Susan who had appeared in the transport and not Garibaldi, Talia could not believe her luck--if one could call it that. She had a long time attraction for the commander that couldn't be detered even when her attempts to befriend the dark-haired woman were rebuffed. The woman was rude, prejudiced, and confrontational, and all those qualities Talia could handle. She just never thought she would be a near victim of the dark-haired woman's more conniving side. It was such a terrible thing, really, to be played with by the commander like this. Talia took her coveted bar of chocolate and stuck it between the velcro enclosures in the front of her dress--right at her breasts. She turned in a huff away from Ivanova to stare out upon the interior's vista. "Tal--Ms. Winters, don't put it there, it'll melt--" Ivanova dared to caution to the telepath's back. "What do you care, I'll be the one eating it and I don't mind a little melted chocolate," Talia retorted and then returned to regarding the expansive view with detached interest. "Ms. Winters," Ivanova called, approaching the telepath's back. "Ms. Winters. Would you consider my buying the bar from you? I will even give you more than what you--" "I don't want your money," Talia retorted, rather miffed at such an offer. "I'm sorry," her surprised ears heard the commander rich voice state again behind her. "What can I do then? Do you need a favor done around the station? Would you like a restraining order on Mr. Garibaldi?" A broad smile crept to Talia's red mouth, as she then pulled the bar from it's snug resting place and tapped it thoughtfully on her lower lip. Ivanova caught the edge of that grin in the sudden, pretty curve the telepath's cheek made in profile, and wondered if the elusive treasure still in the blonde's possession was once more within her grasp. The telepath turned around, still smiling quite delightfully--and quite smugly, noted a wary Ivanova. "Take off your jacket," She heard Ms. Winters order. "What?" was Ivanova's dumb reply. "Fair's fair," Talia intoned, stepping jauntily nearer the commander as she regarded her with a raised chin and half-closed eyes. Ivanova sputtered. "I didn't ask you to hike your skirt up!" she vehemently pointed out. "But you enjoyed it just as much as Garibaldi would, and I hardly needed to be telepathic to see that," Talia informed. "Are you still on duty?" The commander shook her head. "All right then," the telepath smoothly drawled. She took the bar and tapped it gently on Ivanova's chest with each word she pronounced next. "Take. It. Off." Ivanova considered her options, indignation and desire for the infuriatingly delicious looking bar warring on her face. "I get the entire bar," Ivanova negotiated. "No," she heard the telepath say simply. "Half." Ivanova sighed deeply. What the hell. She reached up with a slender hand, unhooked the collar, then the rest of the fastenings as Ms. Winters' eyes followed with keen and delighted interest. She shrugged out of the coat, pulling her arms out of the sleeves, then dropped the Earthforce jacket with an elaborately deliberate gesture to the platform floor. "Now," the telepath motioned with the bar. "Undo some of those buttons, and roll your sleeves up." "What??" Ivanova exclaimed, her hands on her hips. Talia raised her fine, blonde eyebrows and held up the candy bar for the commander to plainly see. With another patient sigh, Ivanova put a hand to her white dress shirt's tab collar and undid the button, as well as three more, then industriously set to work to efficiently undo her cuffs and roll up the sleeves. All the while, Ms. Winters stood with her hands clasped behind her back, a leg kicked up casually behind the other as she smiled. "You're certainly enjoying this," Ivanova griped, though her sharply raised eyebrow hardly seemed to express any animosity about the situation. "Oh very much so," Talia intoned deeply. When the commander was done, the telepath made her next request. "Now undo your hair," she indicated with an airy wave of the chocolate bar. Ivanova gave the telepath a very pointed, dark look, then decided to obey. She reached for her tight, stiff braid and removed the band, working the rich dark tresses free of their binding. She gave her head a quick shake and ran her fingers through the long, thick mass. When she was finished with combing her unruly hair into some semblence of order, Ivanova placed her hands once again on her hips, daring the blonde to make yet another request. The telepath, meanwhile, as the commander stood and glared, began a slow circle around the dark-haired woman, freely enjoying every angle that was permitted to her appreciative gaze. Her heels stopped with a happy click before the darkly amused commander once again. "Feel better?" Talia suddenly asked, smirking. Ivanova took a moment to focus on her present state of mind, and was surprised to find that she felt far more relaxed and even--well, even in a good mood. It was certainly a change from the very professional and aggressive manner she usually held herself. "As a matter of fact I do," Ivanova confirmed with some surprise. "Mmm....I guess you get to keep your pants on then," Talia thoughtfully considered. "Thanks," Susan replied sarcastically. "Though I guess I'll never know the answer to that all important question..." Talia mused, with the slightest thrust to her bottom lip that could only be described as the subtlest of pouts. "And what's that, Ms. Winters?" Ivanova could not help but ask, raising yet another sharp eyebrow as she folded her arms. She was rather enjoying this playful side of the telepath. "Boxers," the blonde woman clarified. "Or briefs?" Ivanova let out a burst of loud laughter. "Are you serious??" she demanded, hands once again to her hips as she pinned the telepath with an incredulous look. Talia swung casually where she stood, taking her time to answer. "Well, a civilian has to wonder....What do you EF women wear under those tight blue slacks anyway? Regulation white?" she speculated, cocking a head to regard the body part in question. Ivanova snorted. With a playful challenge to her gaze, she reached for her belt, undid it, then unfastened the button and zip of her pants. As she pulled the dark pants apart for the telepath's inspection, she dropped the fabric at her hips to reveal more of her undergarment. Talia's eyes practically fell out of their sockets as she recognized the style of the high french cut of delicate, lacy purple panties the commander wore. The telepath was presently wearing such a style herself--in black. She personally knew that the commander was not sporting much material in the back....to speak of. "You must be the talk of the pilots' locker room," Talia drolly commented. "Among other places," Susan cheerfully volunteered as she zipped and did up her belt. "I like 'em. They make me feel--" She raised her hands in tight fists and shook them to emphasize. "Assertive." The telepath 'oh'ed' silently in polite understanding. "Now," Susan stated, taking an aggressive, no-nonsense stance despite looking rather unruly and decidedly unofficial with her hair loose and shirt undone. "Can I have my chocolate?" Ivanova demanded. As Talia's eyes hooded in silent disapproval, Susan sighed inwardly. Licking her lips, the commander tried once again. * * *
Situation: Complicity
"May I....have some of your chocolate, Ms. Winters?" Susan asked deferentially, in her most diplomatic and politest tones possible. A sparkle of delight danced in Talia's eyes as she smiled her approval. It certainly was time to reward them both, and what a lovely circumstance to enjoy it in, too. She pulled the bar up from where it had rested behind her and proceeded to remove the outer wrapper. Susan stepped quickly to her side, anticipation in the bounce of her step as she avidly watched the chocolate being revealed. "Is it dark, or milk?" she asked in wonderment. "Milk," came the telepath's husky, low toned reply. "Sweet, or unsweetened?" "Sweet," Talia's lips pronounced softly, concentrating on the inner wrap of bright, silver foil. "Are there nuts?" "Mmm," Talia hummed. "Oh, I don't like them with nuts." Ivanova blinked. The telepath had meant--'nuts' like hazel nuts, right? Soon, the warm, rich, smooth surface of real, swiss milk chocolate was bared of wrapper and foil, in its mouth-sized, square-partitioned glory. Talia neatly snapped the large bar into two equal pieces, handing one to the commander's eagerly awaiting hands. Susan practically ran off with her portion and promptly sat down upon the edge of the platform, legs dangling. She waited for the telepath to join her, the blonde woman taking a moment to slip off her heels. Talia elegantly swung her long legs over the side and settled herself neatly. The two shared a quick, conspiratorial grin, then proceeded to bite into their sweet prizes. "Mmmm..." was all the two women said for a while. The station's awesome interior rotated serenely before them, but the only sight and aromatic scent preoccupying the two women at the moment were the very sweet, richly fragrant chocolates in their hands. "Creamy..." Susan inhaled. "Texture. The way it melts slowly in the heat and moisture of your mouth. God, it just wraps on your tongue....." "Mm," was the only sound from the telepath. "Sometimes they make them too sweet," Susan continued as she worked the richness in her mouth. "Add too much sugar and you can't taste the chocolate. Or there's too much milk. But when it's right like this--" And she emphasized by holding up a glistening, melting piece. "Smooth and seductively rich and palatable....it's perfection. It's heaven. It just plain tastes so good." Huh, the telepath thought to herself. Wonder if she talks this much during sex. "And the scent--" Ivanova put the last of her bar to her nose to inhale it. "That promise of mouthwatering goodness and love to the tongue....it's just so satisfying." "What could taste better on fingers?" Ivanova added, noting the sweet residue on her fingertips. "I can think of something better on fingers," the telepath murmured, dutifully licking hers. The commander blinked again. Wide-eyed, she turned slowly to regard Talia, who was oblivious to the commander's stare. Busily, the innocent telepath sucked on her thumb, then studied it to see if all the chocolate was gone. "And on my tongue," Talia added under her breath as she snapped off another small square and placed the chocolate on the location mentioned. Susan had the inexplicable urge to wolf down the rest of her own chocolate--immediately--the telepath's innocent comments igniting thought processes Ivanova did not want to follow at the moment. Unfortunately, to her mournful dismay, she had already eaten every last bit of the sweet morsels. The telepath however, seemed satisfied with what she had eaten and was now preoccupied with licking off the last of her sticky fingers. Talia noticed Susan eyeing her remaining squares of chocolate. "You're incorrigible," the telepath stated, disapproval in her tone. She tucked her feet under her, then neatly lifted herself up from the platform. With one quick motion, Susan bounced up and followed. "Now that Garibaldi is on to how Abu circumvents his dock inspections," Ivanova suddenly chose to mention. "It's going to be harder for Abu to avoid the luxury item import fees. By the time real Swiss chocolate gets legally from Earth to here it will be weeks, besides being far more expensive than either you or I can afford--" "All the more reason why I should save my last piece," the telepath interrupted. "For myself." "I'm the station commander," Ivanova argued as the blonde woman slipped her heels back on. "In the interest of station security my happiness and satisfaction is paramount." Talia made round eyes at the commander. "If I'd know that chocolate would insure the station's well being, I would have walked into C&C with an armload of Godiva that first time I met you," the blonde admonished to herself, slipping her last shoe on. Ivanova turned away from the infuriatingly calm telepath with a frustrated sound in her throat that could only be called a low growl. If Ms. Winters had walked in with a box of chocolate for Ivanova that first fateful day in C&C....it wouldn't have mattered. Susan's reaction to the woman's Psi-Corps affiliation would have still been the same. And that, Susan finally, privately admitted to herself, would have been a sad shame. "Nevermind. I can get more from one of the colonies--legally," Ivanova declared, her typical scowl on her face as she folded her arms. "'Hershey's'?" Talia remarked with a slightly snooty lift of her nose. She was refering to the standard issued substitute chocolate generously supplied to EF servicepeople as well as to the colonies. Like the tinned 'meat' known as 'Spam', Hershey's chocolate was the common food commodity that linked all of Earth Alliance's colonists and settlers together. "Hershey's were probably all you ate, growing up," Ivanova shot back, not caring to admit that she also, was a consummate Swiss chocolate snob. "Psi-Corps children don't always get chocolate," Talia murmured absentmindedly, as she now regarded the crumpled, yet prettily designed red wrapping of her bar. Ivanova took a breath. She'd forgotten, Talia had grown up in a Psi-Corps orphanage. Chocolate was a drug that knew no boundaries--not even for the sake of empathy. Despite the fact that in comparision, Ivanova had probably enjoyed far more real chocolate than the telepath had ever had, that had been then and this was now, therefore, Ivanova most simply, selfishly, and chauvunistically, wanted Talia's remaining chocolate. However, she no longer wanted to trick, cajole, or even beg the telepath for it. Well, she would beg the telepath for it, except that would take too long. And this time, she might not get to wear her pants. "Talia," Susan finally sighed. "I really want your chocolate. And I may resort to knocking you out in order to take it." The telepath's eyebrows nearly rose above her hairline. "All right, I wouldn't do that," Susan begrudged. "But I just wanted to be honest." "Hmmmm," was all she heard in reply as the blonde woman now stood before the commander to study her more closely. With anyone else, Susan would have maintained a most confrontational posture, but Talia's regard was so non-threatening--open, kind, and bright with a pleasant sense of curiosity--the dark-haired woman found herself relaxing to submit to the the telepath's gentle contemplation. Funny, Ivanova thought to herself. She's a telepath. If she wants to know something about me all she as to do is-- Susan suddenly stiffened in near fear and hostility, her old, well honed reflex from unwelcomed telepathic scanning. But even as the old reflex kicked in it immediately died before the commander's sudden realization: Talia had no intention at all of reading her mind. Absolutely none. Ivanova watched as Talia broke off a square of the chocolate in her hand, then held it up, her blue gray eyes hooding into a lightly mischievous, soft gaze. She slowly brought her fingers near Susan's lips. "You have to take it," Talia began softly, and Ivanova experienced a sudden shiver at the huskily spoken words. "With your mouth." * * *
Position: Compromised
Mr. Garibaldi was feeling terribly pleased--a pretty rare occurance for the security chief on a station rife with all the possible combinations for a poker hand of trouble. But today, it would seem that at least one hand had finally played out right, and if he could bet his life on it, this hand was gold. Garibaldi discreetly adjusted the bar of chocolate hidden in his sleeve as he made his quick way through the Garden Sector. The chief took his job seriously, and he certainly abided by and enforced the rules he was entrusted with to the best of his ability. No way would any corruption be found in his office. But when an illegally imported cache of black market chocolate turned up during dock inspection--sometimes a security chief had to take his opportunistic chances, and especially, recognize a godsend when he saw one. The big man halted abruptly, gave the Zen Garden a keen once over and pursed his lips, perplexed. Nuts, no Ms. Winters. "Computer, security check last use of identicard B5-EA-Psi-Winters serial code A2259-T34C-JK," He immediately spoke into his handlink. As the synthesized tones of the central computer gave the chief the requested information, he turned with an incredulous look at the discreetly situated maintenance tube it had refered to. "Well I'll be," he mused with a grin. The transport tube hummed quite merrily to Garibaldi's giddy ears as it zoomed upwards to its destination. He quickly fished the large chocolate bar out of his sleeve and dusted it off quickly, making it as presentable as possible. Women adore chocolate--real chocolate. Heck, he had been in the EA Marines, he knew this for a fact. If anything could finally win him the elusive favor of the aloof Ms. Winters, it was this sweet baby he was presently holding in his hand. He'd kiss the darn wrapper if he could be certain the bar wouldn't break or something. Talia was going to be terribly pleased with the gift, no question. This stuff was far too expensive when imported legally, and the telepath just wasn't the sort to go buy it on the black market--she probably wouldn't know where to look, concluded the security chief with a sober shake of his head. Just the thought of the well-mannered telepath in the company of shady business types was, well, unthinkable. Garibaldi felt the lift finally slow to a stop and took a moment to straighten his grey uniform jacket and clear his throat. Today was the day he'll finally, successfully, get a date with the station's telepath. And as the lift doors swished open, Garibaldi witnessed the shocking sight of Susan Ivanova's parted mouth kissing the bare fingertips of Ms. Winters. Garibaldi's jaw practically hit the floor as he watched Ivanova step back in shock at the abrupt arrival of the security chief. The telepath moved behind Ivanova and hurriedly stuffed something down the commander's lower back--making the dark-haired woman inadvertently squeak. Garibaldi couldn't help noticing the discarded jacket on the floor--the normally sharp commander's loose hair--rumpled appearance--the--the smell of chocolate in the friggin' air--holy heck and MARY, Ivanova was trying to seduce Talia-- "Why YOU---I oughta--" The security chief was over six feet tall and easily outweighed Ivanova by fifty pounds. At Garibaldi's sudden approach, the commander circled quickly, warily alarmed. "'Ey!" she shot at him in warning, just as Talia also spoke the chief's name in concern. Garibaldi stopped, now realizing what his aggressive response had looked like to the telepath. With visible effort, he pulled himself up, trying to regain some composure. "I should haul your ass in and charge you with possession!" he barked at the commander, having seen the conspicious wrapper of what was once a chocolate bar tucked in the back waistband of Ivanova's pants. "Me?? What the hell is that in your hand--taffy??" Ivanova shot back, pointing out the large obviously Swiss original bar of chocolate in the chief's meaty hand. Garibaldi could just feel the dismay--the acute hurt--overwhelm his face. Dammit....Ivanova had given Talia chocolate first . He knew that Talia had a thing for the commander. It was so obvious, but as long as Ivanova seemed to have no interest at all in returning the attention, Garibaldi saw it as his chance to pursue the telepath. If the commander couldn't recognize a good thing because she hated Psi-Corps, that was her lost. But now....now it looked like he was too fraggin' late. With as much dignity as he could muster, he pointedly ignored the still wary commander and approached Ms. Winters. The telepath appeared quite agitated by the recent vibration of threat and fear that still lingered in the air. She kept her hands behind her back as she silently acknowledged the security chief. "Ms. Winters, I wanted to give you this," Garibaldi politely informed, presenting the chocolate bar. "I hope you enjoy it," he added, with the best grin he could muster at the moment. "It's got nuts." The telepath bit her lip anxiously, her hands still clasped behind her. "It's all right Talia," Garibaldi assured gently. "I'd already seen that you're not wearing gloves." Self-consciously, Talia's bare hand came up from behind her to accept the bar from the security chief's politely offered hand. "Thank you, Michael," she said softly, her voice deep and gentle. Garibaldi only nodded, glad in a bittersweet way that he at least got to give Talia the chocolate. When he felt the commander approach in curiosity to look at the bar, he stiffened. The chief gave Ivanova one withering look that prompted the commander to come up short in surprise with a "What, me??" expression. "I'd appreciate it if you don't give her any," Michael added to Talia, as he jerked his head in Ivanova's direction. As the security chief turned and moved with slow dignity for the lift exit, Ivanova opened her mouth to protest Garibaldi's rude attitude, only to reluctantly shut it at the behest of Talia's warning shake of the head. Garibaldi stepped into the opening transport and glanced back one last time. "See you around, Talia," he bade with a cheerful grin. He stuck his hands in his pockets, his eyes pleasantly distant though he kept the telepath in his sight. The transport doors hissed quickly shut. As the lift sank rapidly downward, Garibaldi felt his whole life sink with it. Ivanova regarded the shut transport doors for a moment, completely perplexed. She wasn't sure what had happened--since Garibaldi was bringing Talia chocolate, why the heck was he so mad about the commander eating the telepath's bar? Speaking of which-- Ivanova pulled the crumpled and sticky candy wrap from the back of her waistband. What was left of the chocolate was partially melted on the silver foil. Susan nearly licked it except she managed to remember that it was still Talia's chocolate. "Go ahead Susan," the telepath assured in her low voice. As Susan greedily ate up the last of the chocolate, not caring how silly she looked practically munching on the wrapper, Talia sighed deeply and cast a bemused look to the closed transport doors. "Poor Michael," she said softly. "Poor Michael, nothin'," Susan declared. "Did you see the look on his face? I thought for a moment that Sofie's little daughter was going to have to sprout wings--he could have chucked me off the platform!" "Hmmph," Talia chuckled softly, as she looked at the gift in her hands. "I probably would have done the same if it had been the other way around and my walking in on what was happening." Ivanova thought about it for a moment, sucking in contemplation on her fingers. So that was what made Garibaldi come after her. She knew the chief was serious about Talia, but the commander didn't realize how serious until now. And did this mean that Talia had a crush that intense...on her? Ivanova imagined Garibaldi in her place as it had been just moments before--accepting chocolate from Talia's fingers--and the commander herself, walking in upon the same situation. Her own possible reaction was definitely interesting. Talia took the new bar and stuck it in the front of her dress--again, between the velcro enclosures that hugged close at her breasts. She stepped away with her hands behind her back to contemplate the station vista once again. "Uh..." Ivanova remarked. "Yes, I know," the telepath replied airily, still looking away. "It'll melt." Talia of course, made no move to place the bar somewhere less....heated. Ivanova was uncertain what to do now. She folded the crumpled wrapper in her hands with slow care, making it into a small, tight package before slipping it into her pocket. Well, she got what she came for, meaning the chocolate. She should feel pleased that her task had been achieved, but a nagging sense of incompleteness kept her feet pinned to the maintenance platform floor and heading no time soon for the transport exit. It could be the fact that another rare bar of chocolate was in the possession of Ms. Winters' chest--she meant, the commander corrected herself--Ms. Winters herself. Or, perhaps it was the fact that Susan was finally recognizing a strange kind of godsend when she saw one. "You know....that's an awfully big bar," Ivanova commented slowly, coming closer behind the telepath. She saw the now familiar curve of the telepath's cheek that indicated she was smiling. "Perhaps you'll need assistance to deal with that much chocolate," the commander continued, trying to gauge how far she could go--and especially how far she was willing to go. Ivanova took a deep mental breath and decided to take the leap. "And perhaps we could discuss the situation further over dinner," she suggested casually. Talia turned suddenly, her normally soft eyes sharp and inquisitive. Susan couldn't help the little startled leap she made at the telepath's now lasered regard. She realized too late that maybe a free meal wasn't exactly the best offer, and that the telepath might want something...more creative of the commander. God, I wonder if I'll have to get completely naked this time, Ivanova inwardly groaned, and then it occured to her that such a situation could be...very provocative were it conducted somewhere else and under more pleasurable circumstances. The heat rose to her cheeks, and she hoped the telepath didn't notice. "Three," Talia demanded. "Pardon?" Ivanova queried, not sure what she had heard. Her thought processes were still preoccupied with the vision of herself naked on a steel maintenance platform before God and the station. "Take me to dinner three times," the telepath clarified, her eyes bright and pleasantly mischievous. "Then...maaaybe I'll consider discussing the chocolate," she added with a husky drawl. "Of course," Ivanova agreed in deference. Talia smirked in approval, then moved pass the commander for the transport exit, pausing only to kneel for her gloves. As the telepath entered the lift and turned around, she bade Ivanova an engaging farewell smile. The bar of chocolate was still tuck snug in the front of her dress--an attractive accessory that kept drawing Susan's eyes directly to the telepath's chest. "I'll call," the commander added, as the lift doors shut. The hum of the transport tube as it raced down to the Garden was positively merry. Talia could not stop smiling. She pulled the bar of chocolate from her front and gave it a great big kiss. * * *
Mission: Accomplished
"You certainly drive a hard bargain," Ivanova commented, as she refilled the telepath's glass of red wine. True to her word, she was keeping the first of three dinner dates with Ms. Winters, and the blonde woman had yet to allow the commander to direct the conversation to the future partitioning of a certain, highly desirable piece of property currently in the telepath's possession. Ivanova had to wonder if Talia had brought the bar of chocolate with her to the restaurant, and if so, where it might be. The black bag accessorizing the blonde woman's evening dress was far too tiny. "Am I inconveniencing you, Commander?" Talia questioned lightly as she picked up her glass. "Not at all," Ivanova replied, not realizing that her bright blue eyes had been secretly amusing the telepath with their overt attempt to discern the possible whereabouts of chocolate on her body. The commander finally gave up on her endeavor to reconnaisance. "I'm surprised that we hadn't done this sooner." Talia's rouged mouth parted in stunned incredulity at the commander's audacity. Well she could think of a few very good reasons why they hadn't done this sooner-- Before the telepath could deliver a list, Ivanova smoothly interrupted. "It has certainly helped that we've discovered this one thing in common," she glibly commented, taking a sip from her glass. Talia took a deep, relaxing breath. "Indeed," she conceded slowly, her voice deep with sarcasm. Ivanova gave her a smirk behind her glass. Garibaldi strolled briskly into the restaurant and took a seat at the bar, heaving a sigh as he undid his sports coat to get a bit more comfortable. As was his custom, he gave his surroundings an automatic, casual once over. He immediately pinpointed the familiar, long brunette hair of one--presently irritating--fellow off-duty officer and her dinner companion through the lattice that discreetly separated the bar from the table areas. Nuts, Garibaldi mentally interjected as he turned his back on the table. "Water, no ice," he grimly told the waiter. He just couldn't believe it....all this time 'iceberg' Ivanova had shown no interest in Ms. Winters. It was practically like she hated the woman. And now, there the two were, actually enjoying dinner together, the commander most likely working some special Ivanova charm on the receptive and unsuspecting telepath.... Michael gave the table a discreet peek over his shoulder, noting how the accomodating commander was leaning in very attentively to hear what Talia was saying. He was going to keep a close eye on that sneaky Russian, the chief resolved with grim determination. If she so much as sneezed funny around the telepath, Susan Ivanova would have to answer to the chief, if his name weren't Michael Alfredo Garibaldi. "Ghirardelli," Talia's husky voice recited low and carefully for the leaning commander's eager ears. "Droste, Lindt...Cadbury...." "Ohhh," Ivanova's eyes rolled. "Cadbury. The English chocolate." She leaned in further in conspiratorial glee. "Have you every tried that bar with interlaced chocolate and a light caramel interior...when you bite down, the lattice collapses and the candy--" "Melts in your mouth," the two women spoke in appreciative unison. "Mmmm," was all Ivanova could sigh, as she leaned on a hand to regard the telepath with near dreamy eyes, her meal forgotten. Talia twirled some pasta onto her fork and tried to surpress the bubble of laughter that threatened. She could recite the names of chocolate all day and the commander would probably follow her like a happy puppy. "There's an Italian bar, absolutely gorgeous and milky, with cookie crumbles," Susan recalled, wistful at the memory. "Lazaroni, 'Amaretti di Saronno'," Talia clarified, her gray-blue gaze smoky as she smoothly delivered the name to Susan. The dark haired woman could barely surpress her shiver, the unexpected thrill of hearing Italian roll off Talia's tongue so deliciously stimulating. Ivanova licked her lips, all her attention now focused on her alluring dinner companion rather than on any contemplation of quality chocolate. A kind of electrified thrill had been a constant undercurrent to their interaction since sitting down to dinner. If Susan harbored any secret misgivings about finally spending time in the telepath's company, they were slowly becoming distant memories as avid fascination for the woman sitting across from her grew to take a pleasant and exciting hold. Susan absentmindedly moved a fork on her plate as she stared at the telepath. "That's the one," she affirmed in a low tone, her gaze bright eyed. Talia smiled. "You really enjoy your chocolate, Susan," she noted deeply with amusement. "I'm very passionate about my loves," Susan found herself saying, as the telepath's light brows indulgently arched. "I savor their every intimate moment." Talia brought up her wine glass. A tiny fire had inexplicably ignited in her loins at the commander's words. The heady wine did not exactly help to put it out. "Chocolate is such a tasty experience," she heard Ivanova's rich tones emphatically deliver. "Mmm," Talia murmured in agreement as she put her glass down. "What could taste sexier on fingers?" Ivanova blinked. She was having a bit of trouble, trying to banish a sudden, very strong image from her eager mind's eye of what...or where, the telepath's slim, long fingers would look....sexy...in.... And that image was not of how those warm, bare tips had been in her heated mouth earlier. "Come on, Susan," she thought she heard thrummed low and provocatively across the small table top. "W-What?" Susan swallowed, realizing that the dining area's temperature had become quite unbearably hot. "I said, is something wrong, Susan?" she heard Talia's concerned voice ask. "Oh no, no," the commander assured the telepath with a quick smile. In distraction, she brought her napkin up to dab quickly at her mouth. God, what was her imagination doing to her? What could taste sexier on fingers, indeed. On her fingers, Susan clarified, as she watched the telepath's gloved hands move about her meal. The commander spent the next few moments trying to preoccupy her mind with discerning exactly why she was finding practically everything about the telepath so darn sexy tonight. It's true what they say, Susan decided grimly, as she found herself gawking openly at the way Talia's fork innocently withdrew from between the telepath's red, pursed lips . Chocolate is definitely an aphrodisiac. "Y'know, they say chocolate is an aphrodisiac," Michael continued, as the bartender patiently wiped the glasses. "That's why a couple hundred years ago, soldiers would bring girls chocolate..and silk hose, during wartime. Still works, the chocolate I mean," the chief continued knowingly, giving the barkeep a sage nod of his head. "Don't know about the stockings." He sighed heavily and stared into his glass of water. "I can't believe she gave her chocolate before me," he muttered once again.
* * * Two weeks later:
"Lt. Corwin, you have the com," Ivanova tersely informed as she logged herself off duty. "Aye aye, Ma'am," the young lieutenant acknowledged, but the doors were already swishing shut behind an oblivious and determined commander. Station life was it's usual; the crime, the powerplays, the small and big struggles. As always the station was its typical handful for Babylon 5's second in command. But in the past two weeks, Ivanova reflected as she weaved purposefully through Blue Sector for the tube transport, nothing the station threw at her had been able to make her less happy than she was now. Uncharacteristically of the normally aloof and cool commander, she wore an eager smile as she disembarked into the cacaphony that was the Zocalo. As her assertive stride negotiated the crowds--her sharp, blue-eyed attention narrowed to focus on her one goal--she suddenly saw the broad gray plane of a security chief's uniformed chest loom in front of her. Michael Garibaldi folded his arms across that chest. "Heading that way, I see," the chief indicated with a thrust of his chin to Abu Simbel's Food Goods and Delicacies. "I was not!" Ivanova protested loudly. "I let you off that one time, for Talia's sake, but I'm not going to tolerate you getting your hands on more of that stuff, got that, Commander?" Garibaldi threatened. "HEY--" Ivanova interrupted. "Especially not for the purposes you use it for," the angry chief further elaborated. "I--huh???" Ivanova couldn't help exclaiming. Over the chief's broad shoulder, the beleaguered station commander noticed the station's resident commercial telepath breezily exiting Abu Simbel's Food Goods and Delicacies. Spotting the two Earthforce officers, the blonde woman strolled casually to join them. "I'm watching you," Garibaldi finally emphasized to the distracted commander with a jab of his finger at her chest. "Hello, Michael," drifted Talia's warm, husky voice between the two officers. "Hiya, Talia," Garibaldi grinned, suddenly straightening and showing none of the previous animosity that had his big form bristling at Ivanova. Talia leaned in to give Susan a quick kiss on her cheek. "Coming, Susan?" she called behind her as she continued on her way again. As the commander tried to comply, she found the chief sturdily blocking her path once again. "Garibaldi," Ivanova attempted, hoping to finally placate the security chief who had been dogging her steps since that fateful discovery on the maintenance platform. "Look....Michael. I'm being very good to her. I am. I'm being very, very good to her." The chief had a look on his face like a Narn was telling him that he adored the Centauri Republic. "I'm a changed woman, really," Ivanova insisted, watching for any give on the stoic chief's part. "Aw, c'mon, Garibaldi, she's waiting!" Finally, the chief relented and stood aside. "I'm still watching ya," Ivanova heard Garibaldi resolutely call after her hurrying back. The commander spotted the telepath's signature, womanly curves casually enter a tube transport. Ivanova exited the Zocalo proper and made a rush for the tube, only to find that Talia's lift had already left. "Red Four, Garden Sector," the commander ordered the com quickly. In the Garden Sector, several visitors gazed in surprise as a lift door opened to eject a very swift, EarthForce uniformed female apparently running like mad towards a life or death situation. Aliens would later comment among themselves that security at Babylon 5 seemed very efficient indeed. Meanwhile, the telepath who had left an unexpectedly detained station commander behind in the Zocalo made her leisurely way to the Zen Garden. Locating the discreetly hidden maintenance tube, she took one last, precautionary look around her--more out of habit than in wariness of a formally persistent security chief--then passed her identicard through the reader. As the metal doors slid open, they revealed the nonchalant figure of Commander Ivanova. "Commander," Talia easily greeted, not at all surprised to see the station's second in command standing before her with an eyebrow raised and one dark lock of hair dangling rather adorably out of place. "Had a nice run?" "You're incorrigible," was all the commander remarked, as the telepath stepped in. "Did you get it?" Ivanova immediately added once the doors slid shut. "Mm hmm," the telepath acknowledged. "Is it a Cadbury?" Susan prompted, eyes wide as if anticipating a miraculous occurance. "Yes," was all Talia replied, watching the lift indicators flash. "Did he get the right one? Not the Cadbury Flake, or the Cadbury Caramel--" "The Cadbury--" Talia interrupted, looking with great patience at Ivanova at last. "--Curly Whurly, yes," she emphasized drily, resisting the urge to roll her eyes at having to say such a silly candy bar name. Ivanova practically did a little dance at the delightful delivery of 'Curly Whurly' from the telepath's mouth and made the motion for 'gimme gimme gimme'. Talia sighed, gave her wrist a slight shake and dislodged the neatly tucked purple wrapped Cadbury bar known as 'Curly Whurly' into her leather gloved hand. As soon as the bar dropped from the telepath's sleeve, the commander's eager hands shot out to receive it. Sweet prize finally in hand, Ivanova gave the bar a big, happy kiss. Talia took another patient breath and smiled in amused good humor. Then the commander put the bar behind her and stepped close to the surprised telepath, wrapping an arm around her slim waist. "You, are a Godsend, Ms. Winters," Ivanova deeply pronounced with a wickedly broad smile. And as the transport doors swished open upon the awesome sight of the rotating space station interior, it revealed a grateful Susan Ivanova deep in an appreciative and very hungry kiss with Ms. Winters.
Fini.
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