Babylon 5 SS
Page 3
Another Narn stood and interrupted. He was old, his red eyes heavily wrinkled at the corners. He spoke softly and G'Kar listened with respect. "It is not percentage we worry about, G'Kar. We have had specific traditions since the dawn of our civilization. We set ourselves up for failure when we allow someone into our most sacred circle of leadership who does not understand these traditions."
"Although I respect you, D'Paur, that is pure poppycock," G'Kar replied. "When I spent time on Babylon 5, it did not make me any less Narn. In fact, the longer I spent time among other races, the more Narn I became. By being exposed to other thoughts, I more firmly appreciated my own Narn thoughts."
"But how worthy can this girl be? She has not seen enough of life or Narn to be a truly good member of the First Circle," came the last member's argument.
"You roll out of bed, buff your spots, put on your pants and come to this place two blocks from your home, in order to embrace your heritage." G'Kar took Jerrica by her hand and led her to the center of the First Circle. He held onto her shoulders and looked at each member.
"Jerrica has come light years to attain her heritage. She has risked life and limb to embrace her birthright. She nearly died to become Narn. I'd say that being Narn means a lot more to her than it does to all of you."
There was silence in the entire amphitheater as G'Kar's words settled in. He stood, completely comfortable, before the thousands gathered. When bodies finally began to stir, after long deliberation, the lead Kha'Ri council member replied. "We must gather, alone, to discuss this." And the Kha'Ri was dismissed. G'Kar wandered out of the council chambers and Na'Toth kept Alisa and Jerrica from following him.
"He needs time," Na'Toth said solemnly. Jerrica and Alisa nodded and did not move.
The council reassembled a few hours later. Alisa couldn't help but wonder if their decision-making session was akin to {/Twelve Angry Narns/} - like the old Earth vid-flick she'd once watched. They filed into the hall and took their respective seats. G'Kar came down the stairs from outside and sat on the edge of a seat on the second tier.
"We have made a decision based on all that you have provided us." There was a great pause. Then, "We have decided that we want you, G'Kar, back in the Kha'Ri. Your place is open for your return to our leadership. We do not ask you to rule. Or to do anything but simply advise, as you once asked eight years ago."
G'Kar seemed to sag a bit and his eyes softened. The council representative continued, "What do you say to this, G'Kar?"
G'Kar stood up. "I say no. I'm going back among the stars." He motioned with his gloved finger to Jerrica, sitting down at the base of the amphitheater. "And I am taking Jerrica with me."
The entire assembly went crazy at this. There was shouting and mayhem. The Second and Third Tiers were crying out at the First Circle. The Council representative was trying to keep order. "{/Hush! Silence! Now!/}"
The room had died down a bit by the time Jerrica made her way to G'Kar on the Second Tier.
"Citizen G'Kar. Do not leave us again. Please! We will do whatever you wish, if you will just stay on Narn."
"You wish me to stay as an advisor, yet you heed nothing I say. Why stay?" he asked simply.
"What do you want?" the Council member asked.
"That is a very dangerous question." G'Kar shook a gloved finger at the man at the center of the assembly. "But I will tell you anyway. Jerrica must take my place at the Kha'Ri First Circle. It is law that my closest heir take the seat. It {/is/} tradition."
There was some murmuring at this. "Either she takes my place," G'Kar said over the shuffling. "Or we leave Narn."
Jerrica looked up at him, and he looked down at the girl, his ... offspring, and then he winked. She tried not to laugh and turned around quickly.
The First Circle conferred quickly among themselves at the base of the amphitheater in a little huddle. They turned around and the Council representative spoke again. "Agreed."
The whole assembly was buzzing now, with a positive energy. G'Kar broke into a great grin and clasped his hands together in triumph.
Jerrica looked up at him again, quietly. "You see?" he said. "That was not so difficult, was it?"
She smiled at him, motioning to the notepad in her hand. "I'm writing it all down," she said, "to share one day with others."
G'Kar chuckled. "I know the impulse."
She started to climb down to where Na'Toth and Alisa were now standing. Then she remembered something.
"Oh, of course, that's right!" Jerrica said. Your book! I read your book in freshman literature class, Dad. It was pretty good ... for a first draft."
G'Kar gasped. He realized that for the first time in eight years, he was utterly speechless and to nothing less than a remark coming form his ... his ... he couldn't even say it.
Na'Toth approached with a grin and struck her chest with her fists in greeting. "Hello, G'Kar. Welcome home," she said briskly.
"Na'Toth. Thank you for looking after my -" He stopped abruptly and shouted down at Jerrica. "First draft? What do you mean first draft?!!"
Na'Toth continued as if he had said nothing. "My job is to protect all that is yours. Even though you are no longer Ambassador and I am no longer your personal watch dog. I have developed a responsibility to your person."
G'Kar stared, listened, and pondered life. Alisa could feel that he was starting to feel oddly at home suddenly. And he chuckled as he started to ease in. He and Na'Toth started at Jerrica for a few moments, watching the young Narn talk with Alisa Beldon in excitement. Then, Na'Toth clapped G'Kar on the back twice, roughly, and he glanced back up with alarm.
"It's good to have you back ..."
She barked. "Dad."