A Dark, Distorted Mirror. Volume 4. A Future, Born in Pain

real world returning to him, and looked down. The woman there, Lyndisty Marrago, was moving, stirring slowly.

Morden pursed his lips, knowing what must be done. He had thought her taken by Kiro's power, but evidently that was not so. It would have been easier for all had she not been able to resist. Morden never liked getting blood on his suit.

He knelt down at her side and picked up a knife. It was sharp, clearly well–made, with a smear of poison on the blade. Lyndisty coughed and looked up at him. As he looked into her eyes he saw a resemblance to her father. Oh, Morden knew that the Lord–General was not her biological father, but there was a resemblance there nonetheless, regardless of genetics.

'I know you,' she whispered. 'I am Lyndisty, of House Marrago. My father once had you arrested for crimes against the Emperor.'

'Yes,' Morden said. 'He did.' He waited until Lyndisty pulled herself up to a kneeling position, admiring her strength as she did so. Then he plunged the knife into her chest. He was fairly sure the blow was a killing one, but there was no room for mistakes. So he stabbed her again, and again. With the third blow he was sure it was enough and he stepped back, dropping the dagger.

He smiled. There was very little blood on his suit, and what there was could easily be explained away.

He looked down at Lyndisty's body. To think, if only her true father hadn't died as he had, she would probably still be alive. It was as the Lords of Light said, as the Inquisitors taught. The sins of the father are carried down to the child.

Morden stepped back and looked at his eternal companion. The Vorlon was pleased. It also had to leave.

'I know what to do,' Morden whispered. 'I will not fail.'

There was no obvious reply to that, but he knew the Vorlon was satisfied. He watched in near–ecstasy as the glowing angel of light rose up through the ceiling. He had seen that sight countless times, and yet it always left him filled with awe. What would the sight do to the Centauri, he wondered?

But there was too much for him to do now to worry about his Light Master. He made to leave the room and seek out the Emperor, only to stop and look back. Something.... something seemed wrong, as if there was something hidden in the room. He scanned everything he could see, and there was nothing untoward, but there was that nagging feeling....

No. If there was anything there his Light Master would have found it. He was just paranoid. Besides, he had a lot of work to do.

Morden left, and did not see Lennier slide out of the shadows.

* * *

Why did he not see me? I could feel it.

Easy. A little trick we taught you. You just do not remember us teaching it to you.

I'm not listening to you. I can shut you out. I can....

No you can't, and this isn't your Keeper. I'm someone else. A friend. I've been watching you very closely. I didn't really want to have to act yet, but I couldn't risk the Vorlon finding you. The Shadow Criers either.

Who are you?

I told you. A friend. I wouldn't be surprised if you don't remember me, and it's doubtful we'll be meeting in the flesh any time soon. I just thought you should know that I'm here.

Who are you?

A friend, as I said. I already know your name, so it's only polite to provide you with mine. I am called Galen.

* * *

Warleader Na'Tok had always believed he should make a decision and stick with it. G'Sten had once told him that any leader who is talked out of a decision by his soldiers is not fit to lead.

Still, he felt they at least deserved some explanation.

'I will take full responsibility,' he said. 'I will go before the Kha'Ri and admit what I do here. None of you will be blamed, but I am the Warleader of this fleet, and until that position is taken from me, you will all obey my orders.

'Ha'Cormar'ah G'Kar said something once. Something I did not understand at the time. I am not sure I understand it now.

''There will come one moment in all our lives when all that is hangs in the balance, where one decision will shape not just our destiny, but the destinies of all those around us. Be sure, when that times comes, the decision you make is for the right reasons.'

'I am sure, and as I am Warleader, that means you are all sure also.'

And with that, there was no argument. The Narn fleet set course for Centauri Prime.

* * *

'He is my friend, my oldest friend now. So few of us left alive. Urza, gone. Malachi, gone. And now.... Marrago. Oh, what dreams we all had as young men. We would topple the pillars of creation, walk like giants through the galaxy and leave nothing but wit and smiles and a reputation all men would envy.

'And we were almost there. Urza, Refa, Marrago and I. Serving the Emperor, creating a better world, fighting for a noble aim. Great Maker, how did we all fall so far and so fast?

'I am the last. A million failed promises litter my footsteps, and in my future there is nothing but sorrow. What I am about to do now.... it will take generations to put right.

'But what choice is there?'

'There is always a choice, Londo.' The Emperor of the great and glorious Centauri Republic turned to see Morden standing at the door. The guard he had sent to find him was nearby. Morden looked very serious. There were a few spots of blood on his suit. It was remarkable the things one noticed in a crisis. 'Just be sure you make the right one.'

'From what perspective, hmm? Oh, I know what choice I make now, Mr. Morden. I will not let either of us be deluded that I do this gladly.'

'You do not have to. You are an intelligent man, Londo. You can see the way things are going. There is only one real option here - many choices yes, but only one real path. Such is ambition's debt. You choose a path, follow it all your life, and then find yourself where you are now.'

'We do not have time for this. Bring your Vorlon ships here. Save this planet, and I will accede to whatever demands you make. An embassy on this planet, you as my 'advisor', secret police scouring through my people. Save Centauri Prime and I will agree to it all.'

'Details can be fixed later, but yes, an embassy will be necessary, as well as some sort of official appointment for myself. We will also need free rein to track down all those involved in this bargain with the Shadows. Naturally, the Lord–General will be placed under arrest.'

'The details can be finalised later,' Londo said quickly. 'But in the name of the Maker, save my world!'

Morden smiled, a slender smile of triumph. 'Already taken care of. You see, I told you we knew which path you'd take. Have a look outside, and see.'

Londo walked to the window. He could see the Shadow's creature, the abomination, high in the sky, tendrils of crimson mist seeping from it.

Then he saw a flash of light, and something rose through the fog, moving towards the abomination.

'That, my dear Londo, is what a Vorlon looks like. It is said that those tainted by the Shadows cannot see one in its natural form. You can see it perfectly, can't you?'

'I can,' Londo said carefully. 'But I wish to all the Gods I could not.'

From the stuff of light, the Vorlon seraph formed a sword and swept towards the last of the byakheeshaggai.

* * *

Miraculously General Carn Mollari was still alive, although neither he nor any of his crew knew just how that could be possible. The Shadow ships moved swiftly and fired with deadly precision and power. They screamed in the dark between the stars.