Chapter Three:

Life isn't a fairy tale. Things aren't sorted instantly. Nothing comes together immediately. Its not one kiss and you've already reached the 'happily every after'. It's long and it's hard and it's gritty.

Susan and Marcus know that; they've both seen enough and lived enough and suffered enough not to expect everything to work about at once. In fact they both have doubts about whether it will work out at all.

She still wakes up sweating and screaming in the darkest hour of the night. If anything the nightmares have become more frequent. Now that he's back old fears preys more acutely, because this time she has something more to lose. It takes a long time to truly believe she's not alone anymore.

He has to adjust to the world of the living again. He may appear twenty (two) years older but age isn't that simple. Time is a fluid thing and he has to make up for all he's lost. Friends that he remembered have gone; he will never see many of them again. They've gone without a chance of goodbye and that something his character finds hardest to accept. Those that are still around have changed: older, slower, wiser. He has to fit in with that. Even Babylon 5 – his home – his refuge has gone. The loss soaks into his being, making him feel heavy and burdened.

Nor have their pasts vanished; their grief and guilt and self hatred may be matched, they may understand each other but its still pain. And pain damages.

But all is not lost; the universe may be satisfied, for at last fate seems to be lending a hand of fortune. Perhaps the debt has been cleared. Maybe it's decided they have suffered enough.

Marcus begins to work among the Rangers once more, understanding new ways and new customs. He is something of an icon now; not just for his courage and fierce loyalty which was always admired but his resurrection. He's caught the 'Sheridan syndrome'; a man who has come back from the dead and as such must be more than mere mortal. Your greater points are always exaggerated after martyrdom but now he's actually around to enjoy it now. It's a first; except perhaps for Jesus. The attention hasn't gone to his head as much to make that comparison.

The number of Ranger's is increasing every year and Susan struggles with the additional workload. If it was anyone else they would've buckled months earlier. There's only ever been a one Entil'zha but after all; this is a time of radical changes. Delenn's famous for those decisions. And since when has Delenn let insignificant things like death and time stop her when she's made a choice? Marcus knows she thinks he's a greater Ranger now than ever envisioned. Before it was guilt; a duty; making up for the lost. Now it's a purpose, a calling – Susan's calling and his calling.

The two of them are called a second Delenn and Sheridan. Both discourage the comparison; they know they'll never match up that pair: Marcus could never been as strong or charismatic as John and Susan will never have Delenn's diplomacy and grace – but still the label sticks.

Perhaps though the comparison is not based on their achievements or what glory they earn. Perhaps it is on their courage, their dedication, their vision for a better age...

Or perhaps it is based on the closeness they share. The partnership that is led by hope (and a tad of scepticism) and supported by love.

After all like their predecessors Marcus and Susan are the leaders of a new age. Still battling the never ending challenges life and the universe throw their way. They carry the torch now but most importantly of all they carry it together.

And perhaps, just perhaps they don't have to worry about being good enough anymore: about proving themselves – hiding themselves – fighting themselves – healing themselves and past mistakes. Perhaps they are good enough for each other and that is good enough for now and forever.