I woke up once again in the Infirmary, a habit I was none too thrilled about.  My head was pounding and my ribs were killing me, so I tried to move as little as possible.  I did notice however, that Neroon occupied the bed next to mine, although he was still asleep.  He looked even worse than I felt, which was surprising because I felt like hell.  Neroon had a small bandage on his head, but thankfully his bone crest was fully restored and both his arms were resting comfortably at his side.  I had been concerned that there might have been some nerve damage from the way he had been hanging, but thankfully everything seemed to be in working order from what I could see.  Overall, considering I thought he was dead, Neroon looked amazing.

 While I was staring starry-eyed at Neroon, Malinar had entered the Infirmary and approached me silently.

 You are up I see. Malinar commented taking a seat near my bedside.

 Awake at least. I mumbled, my words slurred a bit due to the drugs pumped into my system to manage the pain.

 You should be well enough to leave the Infirmary in two or three days.

 And Neroon? I asked, for once having no qualms about making my concern for the Minbari known.  Malinar smiled  at me before answering, making me squirm under his too perceptive gaze.

 The Alit will be fine, in fact he should be up and about a day before you are. Malinar commented.  I looked disbelievingly at the bed-ridden Minbari next to me, and simply raised a incredulous eyebrow at Malinar.  Most of his injuries, unlike yours, are superficial and will be healed quickly.  The only reason we are keeping him in the Infirmary at all is due to his ribs, which will be healed in no time, thanks mostly to Minbari healing.

 Damn Minbari physiology. I cursed good-naturedly under my breath, only to hear an answering curse from the bed beside me.

 Damn human impetuousness.

 Neroon! I exclaimed trying to get up before I realized that wouldnt have been the smartest idea in my current condition.  Youre alright.

 Of course I am alright, Im not a puny human, laid up in bed for weeks. Neroon blustered, trying  (and failing) to look dignified in the medical gown.

 Of course, what was I thinking? I asked chuckling at Neroons antics, only to be interrupted as Malinar cleared his throat, reminding both of us we were not alone in the room.

 It is good to have you back with us, Alit. Malinar said bowing slightly in respect.  I have taken the liberty of postponing the ceremony for three days until you may both be there.

 Very good. Neroon said sleepily, obviously still tired from his ordeal.

 I will leave you two alone now.  Get some rest. Malinar said as he left the Infirmary.

 After Malinar left I looked back towards Neroon, my gaze heavy-lidded with the need to sleep.  Stifling a yawn I continued to look over the Minbari with open concern.

 Are you sure youre okay? I asked quietly already half-asleep.

 Neroon opened his left eye and looked at my sleepy continence before smiling reassuringly.

 I will be fine, Marcus.

 Good. I responded, not really aware of precisely what I was saying.  I missed you.

 I thought I heard Neroon say I missed you too, but I didnt remember the conversation the next morning, as I fell into a dreamless sleep.

 

Chapter 17

 

When next I woke I felt remarkably better, although still quite tired.  Stretching my arms above my head unfortunately pulled at my still sore ribs, and any sudden movements caused my head to pound, but other than that I was feeling well-rested.  I was just about to put my head back on my pillow and try to get back to sleep, when I caught movement out of the corner of my eye.

 So you have finally woken up. Neroon commented looking bored of bed rest already.  I thought you were going to sleep half the day away.

 What time is it? I asked in between a yawn.

 0900 hours.

 At least  Ive made up the sleep I didnt get last night. I mumbled.  So how are you feeling? Any better?

 Much. Neroon answered, turning in my direction.  Now if the doctor would let me out of bed I would be even better.

 Bed rest will help you heal fully.  You were just, um, attacked by Shakiri.  It will take a little time to feel in tip top shape again.

 As if you were anymore content to lie in bed yesterday when there were things you needed to do. Neroon shrewdly commented.

 Heard about that, huh? I asked, trying to down-play my concern for Neroon, now that he was back and feeling alright.  Well today, I was just about to go back to sleep until somebody interrupted me.  Besides, I am sure your ship wont fall apart without you for one day.

 Go back to sleep if you wish to. Neroon said, pretending to sound sullen, causing me to laugh out loud.

 Ow!  Dont do that, Neroon.  Im still hurt here. I groused.

 I am sure I have no idea what you are talking about.  Mow go to sleep.

 Im up already, no point in sleeping now. I commented, looking at Neroon fully for the first time since our conversation began.  For a few seconds we simply stared at each other drinking the other in, until Neroon hesitantly broke the peaceful silence.

 As I recall, we were talking about the wish for family before we were rudely interrupted, during our last conversation