‘We lost one of our brothers, but the mission was otherwise a success, yes.’
‘Good. That’s good. You’re looking well, although the uniform’s a bit drab.’
‘Was there something specific you wanted to see me about, Colonel?’ Vance was feeling increasingly uncomfortable, especially with his father’s uncharacteristic behaviour. Although recent events had changed Vance’s opinion of the Colonel, he still felt a barrier between them.
‘Yes. Well, you know I have contacts at EarthForce, and this was only meant to be a temporary appointment. You’ve served your purpose. Hell, you’ve even been on a successful mission after just three months of training. The Minbari now know that human recruits are vital to the coming war effort. There’s no reason for you to stay.’ He produced an envelope and handed it to Vance. ‘Papers for your transfer to the Rasvedchiks, just like you wanted.’
Vance looked down at the envelope, his name emblazoned across the front. He looked back to his father’s smiling face. ‘When I started here, I had the same attitude as you,’ said Vance. ‘But there’s a Shadow coming, and we all have to do our bit. You think you’ve done your bit now, Colonel? Did you give up your son for the effort, or did you just pick the best man for the job?’
‘I had to show that we were serious--’
‘We are serious, Colonel. I am Anla’shok. I am a Ranger. Anla’shok tulat. Entil’zha Veni.’
‘I understand what you have seen and been through has made you sympathise with this group, but there is no need for you to stay. There will be plenty more recruits. You’re EarthForce, son. You’re not one of them.’
‘You’re wrong, father. I am one of them. Until I die.’ Vance walked past the Colonel and realised that for the first time in more than ten years, he had called him father. As he headed toward the door of the observatory, he stopped. ‘The Shadows are coming, father. And I will be waiting for them alongside my brothers.’
The Colonel made no attempt to follow when Vance left.
The balcony overlooking the landing pad could never be called the most peaceful place in the academy, but Vance now found it almost as soothing as the Chapel. Men working on their ships, people coming and going, movement, life. It was somehow comforting. It made Vance feel much less alone.
He watched a cargo freighter float in to land, its thrusters flashing on intermittently as the pilot guided the cumbersome ship onto the landing pad. Expertly, he brought the ship down, the clank of its landing gear on the hard ground belying the gentleness of the landing.
As the rumbling of the engines died away, the landing platform dropped and several figures exited, guided by two Anla’shok. A mix of human and Minbari stumbled off the vessel, and Vance guessed these were new recruits ready for the next training cycle.
They filed towards the academy, and Vance saw that one of the recruits had a very familiar gait. Looking closer he saw the unmistakeable bulk of Randell drawing nearer.
Vance leaned forward and raised a hand. The look on Ran dell’s face as he saw his old friend was priceless.
You’re in for more than you know old friend, thought Vance, as he made his way through the academy and out into the streets of Tuzanor.
He walked aimlessly until he eventually came to the wide square at Tuzanor’s centre, and the four small gardens. There he saw the bent figure of the old Minbari gardener. Kneeling beside the old man, he silently picked up a pruning tool and began to trim one of the bushes.
Richard Ford, Ranger Dawning
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