Here's the final part.

Babylon 5: Angels
A Babylon 5 / Neon Genesis Evangelion crossover
by Mark Craig

Part 13 - In the Depths of Human Hearts

     The next thing Jesa knew he was being extricated from the entry 
plug and transferred to a medical bay on what he thought was White Star 
Prime, but he wasn't entirely sure, and secured and stabilized for 
transport to the superior medical facilities on Babylon 5. He saw many 
faces when he returned, but they were a blur to him, and so he would 
never remember who was there to see him in the most undignified 
position of being carried out of the entry plug. He really didn't 
remember much after that as he flitted in and out of consciousness, 
doubtless it was due to the rather potent medications that the on-board 
doctors gave him, the entire trip back. During the time he thought he 
could hear a soft voice whispering to him, but he couldn't make out who 
it was or what it was saying.
     In the nether regions where Jesa's consciousness now dwelt, Jesa 
dreamed of being in a rolling green meadow, meeting his friends as 
young children between the ages of eight and eleven. He, Allishar, 
Allyson, Danielle, Laura, and Rico all playing typical childhood games 
and in general having the fun children that age should be having. He 
then dreamed of reuniting with his friends as they were now, especially
Danielle. He knew she would be there for him even if everyone else were 
to turn their backs on him. He didn't know how he knew this, he just 
did. Until he met Danielle after encountering the 15th Angel, he had 
forgotten what love was after Jenelle's death, and for some time he had 
accepted that. Now that Danielle came into his life, he could see it 
have more meaning than ever before, even when he still had Jenelle.
     He also dreamed of Angels, not the ones he had just fought against 
which were real and hell-bent on destroying everything, but the 
mythical ones with wings and halos over their heads and baby faces who 
flew around the realms of what some would call Heaven. But Jesa knew 
Heaven was what one made it into. Anything could be Heaven, just like 
anything could also be Hell. Wait a minute. Why was he dreaming about 
this when he himself was an agnostic? He didn't believe in any of this, 
not really. Though one really has no control over the mind when it 
dreams. What was it Freud said some three hundred years ago: "All men 
are great in their dreams?"
     The only time Jesa could remember being this injured was during 
the battle for Mars last year when a freak shot from an Earthforce 
fighter from the destroyer Horatio shorted out his Starfury's 
electrical systems, causing his instruments to explode in his face. But 
that only put him out of action for about a week, causing him to miss 
the final battle for Earth.
     He then saw three women in the distance standing in a field of 
green. One he recognized as Danielle wearing an Earthforce uniform. 
Another he recognized as Asuka, looking exactly as she did when she was 
fourteen wearing a yellow sun dress and she was smiling at him. The 
third he really didn't recognize but he guessed it could be Asuka's 
mother. She was an older-looking woman, about mid-to-late-30s with red
hair, blue-gray eyes, and an equally pleasant look on her face. I see 
where Danielle gets her looks from, he thought.
     "Where am I?" he asked aloud.
     "You fought bravely, Jesa Marason," Asuka said. "My mother and I 
are very proud."
     "The Angels are no more, as it was meant to be," Asuka's mother 
said. "You served the Evangelion as it had served you. But now it 
should also be no more. It has served its purpose, and should never be 
used again."
     "Why?" Jesa asked. "I don't understand."
     "The Fourth Impact," Asuka replied. "Just as Eva was the key to 
initiating the Third Impact, it will also be the key to initiating the 
Fourth Impact if it were used again, and the whole galaxy will feel the 
Fourth Impact as it spreads like ripples away from its origin."
     "We fear nothing will survive the Fourth Impact if it were to be 
triggered," Asuka's mother added. "To avoid this possibility Eva must 
never be used again."
     "I know, now," Jesa said. "I piloted Eva for my family and 
friends. But after doing so I have to agree, it belongs in the past and 
should remain part of it. We're repeating the same mistakes we made in 
2015 when Third Impact resulted, and we were very nearly extinguished 
for it. Unfortunately there are those who do not see it that way and 
who will use Eva for their own ends. I can't make that decision."
     "We know," Asuka said, a touch of sadness in her voice. "All you 
can do is try, and hope sensibility takes over before everything ends."
     "I'll try to make them understand," Jesa said finally.
     "Then our task here is complete, Jesa Marason," Asuka replied in 
satisfaction. "Farewell. May you and Danielle have a long and fruitful 
life." And with that, Asuka and her mother faded away.

     "Del-chan! You made it back!"
     When Del Tarrant walked back onto the station with John Jansen and 
Tom Carrollton the first thing he saw was Saki Nijino running to him, 
jumping into his arms, kissing him, and giving him a near crushing bear 
hug. Before he could really say anything he could hear her crying onto 
his shoulder. He felt that shoulder become damp after a few moments.
     John and Tom gave Del looks of askance and Del merely shrugged as 
best as he could and they walked off, shaking their heads. They're 
thinking, how can he put up with her, as psychotic as she can get in a 
fighter? I say, so what? Love knows no bounds.
     After a moment she jumped down and left Del gasping for air. "Wow. 
I've got to come back more often. I hope you left at least one rib 
intact."
     Saki just gave a girlish giggle. "Well, I'm just glad to see you 
made it out of there. After we heard what happened I feared the worst." 
She noticed the bandage wrapped around his head and gingerly touched 
it. "What is this, Del-chan?"
     "Oh, it's nothing, really. Just a mild concussion. An Angel 
decided to take me bull-riding and I smacked my head against my helmet. 
No big deal. Dr. Piper aboard the Griffin said it'd fade in a few 
days."
     "Well, come on," she said, taking him by the arm. "Let's get you 
home so we can take care of that."
     "I'm all right, Saki. Really I am.
     "Are you sure?" she asked in concern
     "Yes, I'm sure," he answered. "Look, Jesa came out of this a lot 
worse than I did. He got mangled up inside the damn Evangelion."
     "That may be," she said firmly, "but though Jesa's a nice guy and 
all, I'm not in love with him. I'm in love with you. And I insist we 
get you home so you can rest and tell me everything that happened out 
there."
     Sighing, Del just let Saki lead him to his own quarters. He knew 
there was no way he would win this argument. She wouldn't let him. Saki 
would insist on playing mother hen to him until he'd fully recovered. 
There is no love that doesn't have a price tag attached. Sometimes I 
wonder if I deserve her, she's too good to me.

     Jesa slowly awoke and found himself in Medlab 1, realizing he was back on Babylon 5. We're back already? Bloody hell, and I slept the 
whole way, too. He noticed bandages around his forehead and right eye. 
Additional bandages wrapped around his left arm. His right arm was in a 
sling as well as an air-cast. His left leg was also in an air-cast. His 
vision in his good eye seemed to be a bit distorted, expanding and 
contracting like he was looking at a fun house mirror without seeing 
his own reflection. His head gave a dull, throbbing ache as did all his 
other injuries. He looked to his left and was surprised to see Allishar 
sitting in a chair by the bed. What's he doing here, being my nursemaid 
or something? I wonder what Terry would make of this. He'd probably 
think we were getting too close, knowing the warped sense of humor that
seems to run in their family. But still, has Allishar been there since 
I got back? Come to think of it, how the hell long ago was that?
     "Allishar?" he croaked, his throat parched. Jesa could see 
Allishar looked as distorted as everything else in the room. "Are you 
okay?"
     Allishar stirred about in the chair. Bloody hell, has he been 
asleep in that damned chair? Jesa wondered. That couldn't have been 
comfortable. Jesa remembered spending a few nights in those chairs 
himself in the past.
     "Jesa," Allishar said, "I'm glad to see you're finally awake. Why 
do you ask?"
     Jesa gave a slight grin. "Well, you look a little bent out of 
shape." He blinked a couple of times and put his bandaged left arm to 
his forehead. "Oh, I guess it's just my eyes. How long?"
     "Four days," Allishar said.
     "You mean I've been back on Babylon 5 for four days?"
     "Yes, you have."
     "And you've been here the whole time?"
     Allishar nodded. "Ever since Dr. Franklin managed to get you 
stabilized after surgery. I'll let him explain. But don't worry about 
me, Jesa. I'm fine. You, on the other hand, look like crap."
     Jesa gave a slight chuckle. "Gee, thanks. At least I have an 
excuse. But why, Allishar? Why would you abandon your duties to stand 
vigil over me?"
     "You're a true friend, Jesa, something I don't have many of. About 
the only true friends I have are you, Devon, Allyson, Laura, and Rico. 
I could do no less for you or any of them in your situation."
     "Well, I don't know how to thank you," Jesa said.
     "Just get the hell out of here," Allishar replied, "and that'll be 
thanks enough."
     "Where are Rico and Laura? I thought they'd be here as well."
     "They have been, as have Devon and Allyson, for more than two days 
until Dr. Franklin ordered them all to bed. As the ranking officer, I 
convinced Dr. Franklin to let me stay, since I figured you needed to 
see a friendly face once you finally woke up, and he agreed. We were 
going to go in shifts, but when we first got here we got to talking and 
we lost track of time. I'm sure you know how that goes. They should be 
back again in a few hours. Besides, it's 0330 hours. Most of the 
station's asleep."
     "Anyone else show up?"
     Allishar shook his head no.
     Where is she? I thought she'd be here, Jesa thought, then changed 
the subject. "So will I live?"
     "According to Dr. Franklin, yes. Believe it or not, you'll even be 
able to fly a Starfury again, but it'll be some time before you'll be 
restored to flight status. Maybe five weeks. He can give you the 
details; medical science is way over my head."
     "Mine, too," Jesa said and he made the mistake of trying to sit up 
until his protesting ribs made it impossible and he lay back down.
     "Hey, Jesa," Allishar said, helping ease him back on the bed, "you 
just lay back and rest. You don't need to be moving around like that 
for a while. Just rest for now. From what I heard about what went down 
out there, you've earned it."
     "Oh, man, Allishar," Jesa recollected after a moment, "it was the 
worst fight I ever dreamed of. A lot of good people died out there at 
the hands of those six Angels. Starfuries and other fighters dropped 
like flies. I take it you heard about the Missouri."
     Allishar nodded grimly. "Yeah, we heard. Alpha and Delta Squad's 
nearly wiped out, and I heard about Phil. I'm truly sorry. Losing 
someone under your command never gets any easier."
     "I know. Phil may have been headstrong and a risk-taker, but he 
was a good guy, and a damn good cook. He was like Mr. Garibaldi in this 
respect: he wanted original ingredients when he cooked Mexican food. 
Nobody could cook enchiladas and burritos like Phil."
     "I know. By the way, the memorial services for all the dead at 
M-235 were yesterday," Allishar said. "During the service Sheridan 
announced everyone who served in that battle would be recommended for a 
presidential citation. And Lochley's going to recommend you for the 
Earth Alliance Medal of Honor for your actions at M-235."
     "Whatever for?" Jesa said. "I don't deserve it. All I did was 
pilot Eva and fight Angels. That's all it was designed to do. And I 
nearly died in the Eva. Give it to those who did die, like the 1200 men 
and women of the Missouri."
     "But you do deserve it, Jesa. I can see my reservations about the 
Evas were justified. If anything more happened to you, I would've been 
tempted to find the nearest Nerv facility and blow it to hell with a 
couple of Captain Benton's 'crowd pleasers.'"
     "Well, I don't think that will be necessary. But in spite of 
everything, we won. We got the bastards."
     "You did, all right. And you had the courage to go in knowing 
what the Eva could do to you. That alone is worth something there."
     Just then, Dr. Franklin walked in and studied a clipboard he was 
carrying. "I see you're finally awake, Commander," he said.
     "Yeah, Doc. So how bad is it?"
     "Bad enough. Lacerations in both arms, chest, forehead, abdomen, 
and both legs. We also had to do reconstructive surgery on your right 
eye, but the good news is we were able to save it and you should be 
able to see normally when it heals. It'll itch and sting for several 
weeks while it's healing though. Plus compound fractures in both 
your right forearm and left leg. You'll be in a lot of pain for some 
time and I can give you something for that. I'd say you'll be on the 
shelf for the next five to six weeks. But the good news is I think 
you'll make a full recovery."
     "That's good, Doc," Jesa said.
     "It sure is," Allishar agreed. "Jesa, I need to go get something 
in my quarters and I'll be back in a little while." He got up to leave.
     "Hey, Allishar."
     "Hm?"
     "Devon and Laura were right. The Evangelion is demonic. It belongs 
in the past or we risk repeating the mistakes of that time. I'll sure 
as hell never get in that thing again. Just give me a Starfury and 
it'll see me through."
     "I don't blame you, Jesa," Allishar said. "But I'm not so sure 
Nerv will see it that way. They know how well you fought in it, and 
they'll come one day asking you to pilot it again."
     "Nerv can go to hell. I know what an Eva can do to someone better 
than those idiots at Nerv, and I'll be damned if I'll get in it again. 
By the way, those wrestling videos you showed me last month helped. I 
gave an Angel a Spear, but the right arm was gone, so I really couldn't 
follow it up with a Jackhammer. Surprised the hell out of everyone."
     Allishar howled with uproarious laughter as he walked off. Jesa 
joined him but found even laughing too painful. "The Man!" Allishar 
yelled in the distance, and Jesa had to keep from laughing again. Oh, 
Allishar is something else.
     "I'll be back to check on you again in a couple of hours, 
Commander," Franklin said and he also left, oblivious to the joke 
shared between Jesa and Allishar. Danielle then came sauntering in, 
giving Jesa a warm smile.
     "How are you doing, Jesa?" she asked.
     "Been better," he replied, smiling back. "What happened to you? I 
thought you'd be here before now."
     "In debriefing with President Sheridan and Captain Lochley. Get 
this, she's thinking of dropping the psych discharge and reinstating me 
into Earthforce. I'm going to be a Starfury pilot again. President 
Sheridan said I handled myself well out there and he recommended I get 
a second chance."
     "That's great," Jesa said with sincerity, though he thought she 
was hiding something.
     "Isn't it, though? I finally think I'm getting my life back after 
what happened at Proxima-3. And now I've got this second chance, I 
won't give it, or you, up so easily."
     "Well, if you can't get onto a squad, just give me a call. I'll 
fly with you."
     "I know you will," she said and kissed him on the cheek. "Well, 
I've got to go, but I'll see you a little later on, okay?"
     Again he sensed she was hiding something from him. "Another 
debriefing?"
     "From Nerv this time. Wonder Girl wants to know everything I know 
about the Eva, and about the Angels and all that. They may want me to 
join up with them, but I'm not about to work for the likes of 
Thirteen."
     "I don't blame you. Tell them the Eva should be destroyed. I'll 
drop it into the local star myself if they'd like."
     "I will, but I don't think they'll go for it."
     "Typical Nerv," Jesa said. "Just remember one thing. Never trust 
them."
     "I never have. Bye, Jesa," Danielle said and she started to leave.
     Jesa couldn't shake the feeling she was keeping something from 
him, and he couldn't keep silent any more. "Hey, Danielle?"
     "Hm?" 
     "Before you go, why don't you tell me why you're really leaving?"
     She stopped in her tracks. She turned around and opened her mouth 
to protest, but instead she stepped back towards him. "You wouldn't 
want me to."
     "Why not? Come on, Danielle, I may be flat on my back and look 
like a freaking mummy but I'm not stupid. So whatever it is, you can 
tell me."
     Nodding, she sat down in the same chair Allishar was in a moment 
before. "Okay, Jesa. I'll tell you. But I want this to be our secret. 
It's a part of my past I'm not proud of, and I'm not ready to have 
everyone else know about it."
     "All right."
     Danielle took a deep breath. "It's because of the Tau Squad pilots 
that were in here the last few days. That's why I haven't been here 
before now."
     "You mean Allishar, Allyson, and Devon? Why?"
     "I served with them aboard the Damocles. I was a cocky little 
vixen back then, and I made sure everyone knew it. Especially rookie 
pilots like Allishar and Allyson. Back then, their squad was known as 
Sigma Squad."
     "Yeah, the Ghost Riders. I've heard of them."
     "Right. Anyway, this group had this habit of gathering together in 
the mess hall and talking among themselves. Several pilots and I 
thought they didn't talk with anyone outside their own little clique as 
it were, and we thought they were a bunch of stuck-up, arrogant pansies 
who thought they were better than us. So I, being just as arrogant and
conceited as I thought they were, took it upon myself to take them down 
a few pegs, particularly Allishar, Allyson, Saki Nijino, and a few 
others. So I harassed them. Tormented them, actually, and I took a 
perverse pleasure in doing so. All to prove I was better than they. And 
I hurt them. I hurt them bad, particularly Allyson."
     Jesa lay in silence, not believing what he was hearing. Where did 
she get the idea they were arrogant? Just because they took their 
lunches together and talked among themselves? That's no big deal. Only 
thing is they always use the biggest table in the officers' lounge, but 
since I usually eat in my own quarters that doesn't matter, either. "Go on. I'm listening."
     "I thought they were like that for years, and just a minute ago I 
stopped outside Medlab and I heard Allishar in here talking to you 
about how you were a close friend to him and I realized I was wrong 
about them. I've been deluding myself all this time for nothing. I had 
no idea he could be so kind as to stay with anyone outside his group. I
was a stupid, selfish bitch, Jesa, and in some respects I still am. 
That's not a nice thing to know about yourself."
     "Danielle, you know damn well that's not true. You had the guts to 
tell me about all that. That proves something to me right there. What 
happened on the Damocles happened nearly seven years ago. It's history 
now, and nothing you can do will change that. So why don't you just go 
to them and admit what you did was a mistake and let them forgive you 
for it, because I'm sure they will."
     "It's not that easy, Jesa. What I did was a mistake. I realize 
that and I'm willing to make up for it. But I'm not sure if they will 
accept anything I say now."
     You never know unless you give it a chance. They're close friends 
of mine, Danielle, and I can assure you that if you want to clear 
things up with them, they'll listen. I'm certain of it."
     "Perhaps I will," Danielle said, getting up. "But in my own time. 
Just don't tell them about me, okay?"
     "Okay, I won't. But you'll likely run into them sooner or later if 
you're reinstated."
     She sighed. "I know. I'll deal with that when the time comes. 
Thanks, Jesa. I'll see you later." And she did walk quickly out before 
Allishar returned,. leaving him alone in Medlab. I really hate being 
alone like this, he thought. Especially now, with all I've been 
through.

Personal Log, August 12, 2262

     It has been four days since our battle with the Angels at M-235, 
and while we were victorious, the cost of the victory in terms of lives 
and equipment was immeasurable. And the worst blow of all was the loss 
of the battleship Missouri. In her memory a plaque will be mounted in 
the station's customs area and construction just began on a memorial 
for the Missouri and her crew on the EarthDome grounds.
     Captain Ivanova said her good-byes and left for Earth Station 
Prime yesterday morning for repairs to the Griffin, and Commander 
Miranami is also due to return to Earth this afternoon after finalizing 
her final reports for Nerv. However, I made it clear she will be 
leaving without Evangelion Unit 02. Unit 02 has been declared 
Interstellar Alliance property by the Declaration of Principles, and 
Earth Alliance President Luchenko supports this decision.
     The Angels were undoubtedly the most dangerous foe the 
Interstellar Alliance has yet faced, and we almost didn't survive the 
encounter. But the Angels are also a problem I don't believe we'll have 
to face again, because I don't think any of us will survive if we did.
     Commander Marason is resting in Medlab after what he went through 
in piloting the Evangelion. I couldn't blame him if he were to refuse 
to pilot it again, not after how it made him suffer. Captain Lochley 
has recommended Commander Marason for the Earth Alliance Medal of Honor 
for his actions in piloting the Eva, and we could all learn from his 
example. In addition, I am awarding special presidential citations to 
each and every one who served at M-235. Captain Lochley and myself will 
visit Commander Marason in Medlab after the Perry departs Babylon 5. It 
seemed the least I could do. If it hadn't been for him, I wouldn't be 
here making this entry right now.
     But I still can't help but think there's an even greater darkness 
awaiting us, and that darkness comes in two forms: Nerv and Seele. I 
get the feeling we haven't seen the last of them. And what of 
Evangelion Unit 01, being restored at the Nerv facility in Tokyo-4? And 
also what of Unit 04, missing after it was stolen by a group of Raiders
from the ruins of the Mars Kingdom under the Nerv Mars Branch? I feel 
we haven't seen the last of them, either, and the legacy of Evangelion 
will be around for some time. But will we survive it in the end? Or 
will we go the way of the unfortunate souls lost in Third Impact? Only 
time, and perhaps faith, will answer that question.

     "End recording," Sheridan said, leaning back in his desk chair, 
staring out the window opposite him overlooking Babylon Park. The cost 
was indeed high, but Sheridan had to believe the cost of inaction 
would've been infinitely greater. After this last battle, he still 
didn't know what the Angels were, nor did he know whether humanity
itself was really the 18th Angel. If he were asked that a week ago, 
Sheridan would've said no. But too much has happened in recent days to 
be sure any more. And if there's one thing John Sheridan loathed, it 
was not being sure of something.
     "John?"
     He was so lost in though he hadn't noticed Delenn standing in 
front of him. He got up and went around the desk to embrace her.
     "Thinking long thoughts, I see," she said.
     He shook his head. "No, no, no. Just reflecting on what's 
happened." He led her over to one of the couches he used for more 
personal meetings over near the window. "I sometimes find it difficult 
to believe all that destruction was caused by six Angels."
     "It was tragic, and it will be some time before we'll be able to 
rebuild. But it had to be done, John. You know that as well as I. If we 
had done nothing, Commander Miranami's warning of a Fourth Impact would 
very likely come to pass."
     "Nerv's still up in arms over Earthforce's handling of the Angel 
situation," Sheridan admitted. "I don't think we've heard the last of 
them or of Eva. They're restoring Eva-01."
     "In Valen's name," Delenn said. "Have they learned nothing from 
Third Impact?"
     "I don't know. But that's for another time."
     "What about Eva-02?"
     "It's in Bay 2. I've declared it Alliance property, and Luchenko 
supports this, but Nerv's wanting it back. And I don't believe I should 
turn it over to them."
     "Then, don't. I'll support whatever decision you make concerning 
Eva."
     "Thank you. These Evangelions belong in the past, and I don't 
think Nerv or Seele realizes it. You see, back in 2015 Nerv and Seele 
were working together toying with forces which could destroy 
everything, and look at the result. We can't afford to make those mistakes again."
     "Yet you fear we are."
     "Hell, yes, Delenn. We are. Look at the facts. Nerv's trying to 
rebuild Eva-01. They also wanted Eva-04 after it was found in the Mars 
Kingdom before they even knew Eva-02 was found. And Seele's out there 
operating under some agenda we can only guess at. I have to be honest, 
Delenn. Nerv and Seele frighten me."
     "I can see why," Delenn agreed. "But remember, John. What is, is."
     "True. And whatever comes we'll deal with it."

     When Allishar returned to Medlab a few minutes after he left, Jesa 
noticed be brought Allyson and Devon along, with Allishar and Allyson 
entering hand in hand. So that's what he meant. Bloody hell, who 
would've thought they were that far along? He wasn't too surprised, 
though. He'd seem them walk hand in hand before. He also noticed
Allyson was carrying a flat box. Still, despite everything, he couldn't 
help feeling a little mischievous.
     "So, this is what you meant by 'getting something from your 
quarters,' eh, Allishar?" Jesa asked, indicating Allyson. "Why didn't 
you tell me you two were shacking up?"
     "No we're not," Allyson said indignantly. She didn't believe Jesa 
could be so lewd. "You know, Jesa, if you weren't all bandaged up and 
lying helpless on your back, I would smack you for saying that."
     Jesa chuckled. "I see your sense of humor's improved, Allyson."
     "The hell it has." She sighed. "Well, if you can make remarks like 
that, you're fine. Just don't scare us like that again."
     Jesa gave a mock salute with his bandaged left arm. "Yes, ma'am. 
Never again."
     "I still don't like the fact you even considered piloting the 
Eva," Devon said. "That was bloody insane for you to do it. Look what 
it did to you, Jesa. But I think I understand why you did it."
     "Hey, if it's any consolation," Jesa replied, "I won't get near 
that infernal contraption again."
     "You just make sure of it. Say, would you mind if I dropped a 
couple of thermite grenades into the Eva?"
     "If it were up to me, I'd say go for it. But it's not, so I'd get 
Sheridan's approval first."
     "So, anyway," Allyson said. "How are you doing, Jesa? Really."
     "Well, I'll be out of action for several weeks, but I'll be back 
buzzing the station again before you know it. Laura will be leading 
Epsilon Squad until I return."
     "Well, that's good," Allyson replied, "because Allishar's right. 
You do look like hell."
     "Oh, it looks a lot worse than it really is," Jesa said.
     "Yeah, sure, Jesa," Allishar said, not buying a word of it.
     "At any rate," Allyson broke in, "I bet you're wondering about 
this box I'm holding."
     "The thought had crossed my mind," Jesa admitted.
     "Well, the three of us decided to bring you something. We were 
going to do this some days from now, but with all that's happened, we 
thought now would be a good time." And with that Allyson handed the box 
to Jesa.
     "What is it?" Jesa asked, trying to sound suspicious.
     "Just open it," Allyson insisted.
     Jesa did so, laying the box on his stomach and opening it with his 
good left hand. From the box he pulled out two black T-shirts. One was 
a Goldberg "Who's Next?" shirt, and the other a green-lettered 
"Degeneration X" shirt with "Two Words: SUCK IT!!!" on the back.
     "Oh, you guys shouldn't have," Jesa said, chuckling again.
     "Actually it was my idea," Allishar said. "Laura had told me about 
the Spear you pulled in the Eva, and the arm takedown, but I couldn't 
really believe it until you yourself told me."
     "I didn't know they still made T-shirts for 20th-century 
wrestling? How'd you get them?"
     "Ryoko. Her cousin's a big wrestling fan back on Earth and he was 
able to get them for us."
     "Why, I don't know what to say."
     "Well, 'thank you' usually works," Allyson said.
     "Thank you, guys," Jesa said, smiling at them.
     "Not a problem," Allishar replied. "But tell me one thing. How the hell did you pull a spear and an arm takedown in space?"
     "Oh, that," Jesa answered. "It was in a pure fit of rage. I 
dropped an AT Field beneath both myself and the Angel. I then kicked 
the thrusters to maximum and speared the thing."
     "Clever," Devon said, "using the AT Field as a wrestling mat. What 
possessed you to think of it?"
     "Heat of the moment. Still it's a pity the Eva had only one arm, 
or I would've followed the Spear up with a Jackhammer."
     Allishar laughed at the mention of the Jackhammer again, and his 
merriment spread to Allyson and even Devon. Jesa also joined in, even 
though laughing made his chest protest in pain.
     "You okay, Jesa?" Allyson asked in concern.
     "Fine. It just hurts to laugh. But that's okay. With you guys 
here, I can live with it."
     Hey, who decided to throw a party and not invite us?" Laura said 
as she and Rico came in. "Nice shirts, Jesa."
     "Not our fault," Allyson said.
     "Sure it wasn't," Laura jibed, then turning her attention to Jesa. 
"And you! What have you got to say for yourself for making us worry 
about you so much?"
     Jesa shook his head. "Nothing."
     "Hey, at least he thinks of the Evas the same way we do," Devon 
said.
     "Yeah, now," Laura replied, "after the damned thing nearly killed 
him. Jesa, don't ever do that again."
     "I won't," Jesa assured her.
     "We did like the spear, though," Rico jumped in.
     "What is this 'we' crap, Vazquez?" Laura demanded. "You might've 
liked it, but I don't recall liking that stunt."
     "Laura, you're so mean," Rico said, sounding hurt.
     "Those two ought to get a room," Devon said, to which Jesa, 
Allishar, and Allyson laughed.
     Laura glared at him. "Don't go there, Devon. Or should I bring up 
some of the lewd remarks you've been known to spew out in the casinos?"
     "Oh, that's cold," Rico said.
     "And don't think I've forgotten your cheesy pick-up lines, Rico," 
Laura fired back.
     "Well, Rico does live life between his legs," Jesa said.
     "You mean he thinks he does," Allyson added, to which everyone 
except Rico laughed.
     The group talked well into the morning. As Jesa lay on the bed 
talking and laughing with the others without regard for his injuries, 
he realized just being with his friends, even though he was laid up in 
a medlab bed, was his Heaven. And for that, Jesa couldn't be happier.
     I only wish Danielle were here.

                    --- End of Babylon 5: Angels ---  

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