ForevaXena's FanFic . . .

Babylon Five:  The Kelly Leick Chronicles
Part One:  Jenny Winters and the PSI Cop

by Daniel Stevens

DISCLAIMER:  This story is based upon the book series 'The Psi Corps Trilogy', by J. Gregory Keyes, which is itself based upon the TV Series 'Babylon 5', by J. Michael Straczynski, which is property of Babylonian Productions and Time-Warner.  No copyright infringement is intended.  Far from it, I would most heartily recommend that you purchase and read the entire 'Psi Corps Trilogy', by J. Gregory Keyes, so as to get a better handle on some of the nuances of this story.  I would most especially recommend that you buy and read the first two books of the trilogy, titled 'Dark Genesis', and 'Deadly Relations', for this particular story.
 
SYNOPSIS:  This story is set some seventy years before Babylon 5 becomes operational.  In it, one of the two main characters that I am introducing is a fictional distant descendant of the actress Hudson Leick (a.k.a. 'Callisto'), and a Psi Cop - one of the elite force assigned to enforce Earth Alliance laws and Psi Corps regulations concerning telepaths.  The story is patterned after some of the 'Father Flanagan' type of movie that were made back in the 1950's.
 
Dedicated to Hudson Leick - happy belated birthday, (or early Yule).
 
SPECIAL NOTES # 1:  I need to clarify some items before you start reading this story, as some of you may have never watched Babylon 5.  First off, a teep is Psi Corps slang for a telepath, while a mundane or normal is someone with no telepathic talent.  Teeptown is the overall headquarters for the Psi Corps, and a suburb of Geneva, Switzerland, while Geneva is the capital of the Earth Alliance.  Psi Cops are an elite force of telepaths, assigned to enforce Earth Alliance laws and Psi Corps regulations concerning telepaths.  The first and foremost of these is that all human telepaths must either join Psi Corps, take a certain type of drug, called 'sleepers', to inhibit their talent, or go to jail.  One requirement to become a Psi Cop is that the person must be rated P12, which are the most powerful telepaths we have - that we know of.  A fully trained Psi Cop can cut through any mental block, can create blocks that no other telepath can get through, can maintain either a deep scan or a block against a deep scan for over an hour, can control other people's actions if they wish, can hide, by making their pursuers think they're someone or somewhere else, etc.  Walter Koenig (a.k.a. 'Chekov' on 'Star Trek') played a Psi Cop named Bester on 'Babylon 5', and the trilogy I mentioned in the disclaimer is mostly Bester's background, and his life story, aside from his appearances aboard B5.  Reading the Psi Corps Trilogy can explain it a lot more in depth than I can, however.
 
SPECIAL NOTES # 2:  Maglev trains are a more advanced form of the monorail at Disneyland.  Itea is a small fishing and resort village in Greece, of our own day, which happens to occupy the exact site of the actual, historical village of Cirrha, which *was* destroyed in 590 BCE, by a coalition of other Greek city-states, and the site consecrated to Apollo. The description of the Dolphin Restaurant included in the series is from the 1995 edition of the 'Fodor's: Greece' travel guide. 
 

SPECIAL NOTES # 3:  CONCERNING KELLY LEICK'S BACKGROUND.

This has been written with a view towards conformity with the story line in the book 'Dark Genesis', by J. Gregory Keyes.
 
1. Around 2055 - 2065, at least one of actress Hudson Leick's descendants lives in the Greek fishing and resort village of Itea, and runs a bed and breakfast there.  Another descendant (or perhaps the same one) belongs to one of the astronaut/angel cults that briefly flourish about this time.
 
2. Heidi Leick (Kelly's grandmother) joins the Metasensory Regulation Authority around 2118, and is rated P12.  She is assigned to duty with one of Desa Alexander's 'special teams'. (Or goon squads, depending on your point of view.)
 
3. Kelly Leick is born into Cadre Prime, in Teeptown, Geneva, Switzerland, on 09 May 2159.  She is rated P12 as a child.
 
4. Kelly Leick graduates from the Psi Corps Academy, with honors, in 2181, and is assigned to the Metasensory Police, as an intern.  She is fully rated as a Psi Cop, and a field operative, two years later.
 
5. In early September 2189, Kelly Leick handles the deep scan of a recently apprehended rogue telepath named Jenny Winters.  This will prove to change her life permanently.
 
6. In mid September 2189, Mr. Achilles Robert Farber is properly punished for his sick, perverted exploitation of Jenny Winters' telepathic talent in previous years - by none other than Kelly Leick, on orders from Psi Corps Director Kevin Vacit himself.
 
And now, on to the story (at last!!!!!!!!)

Chapter One
September 2189
 
After his aide Natasha Alexander had left his office with the instructions for the coordinated strikes against the Resistance, Psi Corps Director Kevin Vacit remains at his desk for a short while, staring at both the girl's diary, and her self-drawn card, thinking.  Making a decision.
 
Finally, he puts the card back in the diary, then writes a short note, and puts it in there, as well.  That done, he hits his com button.  His receptionist answers.
 
"Sir?"
 
"I wish to see Ms. Leick, ASAP."
 
"Yes, Sir."
 
A short while later, the woman he had requested to see comes into his office. She marches up to the front of his desk, and comes to attention, saluting.  The Director looks up at her, as he acknowledges her salute.  Tall and slender, in her coal-black Metapol uniform.  Short cut platinum blonde hair.  Intense brown eyes, that bespeak a mind like a steel trap behind them.  All-business manner, and perfect military bearing.  Attractive, and deadly.  Had she not been a teep, he thinks to himself, she would have been career military for sure.  Probably an Earthforce officer.  Maybe a Major, or Lieutenant Commander, by now.
 
"At ease, Ms. Leick.  Please have a seat."
 
She does so, as he shuts off his terminal from working on another matter entirely.
 
"Ms. Kelly Leick, you were involved in the apprehension of that girl, were you not?"
 
"Yes, Sir.  I also performed the deep scan on her."  A moment later, "To have endured so much suffering at such a young age..."
 
"I know.  That's the main reason she will *not* be going to a camp."
 
"Sir?"
 
"As you yourself just pointed out, she has endured more pain and suffering than any kid her age should have to.  Besides, we have *everything* we need to straighten her out right here in Teeptown.  She's been through Hell, but *we* got hold of her before it was too late, thank Heavens."
 
"The Corps is Mother, the Corps is Father."
 
"Exactly."  A moment later, "By the way, this is the reason I called you in here."
 
Director Vacit pushes the diary over to her.  She takes it.
 
"Please see that it's returned to her."
 
"Yes, Sir.  I'll handle the matter personally."
 
"Very good, Ms. Leick.  Also, I noted in your file that you'll be due a month's leave pretty soon.  Any idea where you'll go?"
 
"Yes, Sir.  I'll be going to Itea.  It's a small fishing and resort village a few clicks southwest of Delphi, on the north shore of the Gulf of Corinth, in Greece.  My genetic family has gone there for vacation since around 2000, for what I'll admit are sentimental reasons.  In fact, back in the middle of the Twenty-First, some of them lived there."
 
"I see.  Well, I hope you enjoy your trip.  You will see to Mr. Farber first, will you not?"
 
"Of course, Sir!"  The Director can pick up a slight hint of cold fury in the tone of her voice, directed at the above-named individual.  Very understandable fury, as he feels the same way.  "It will be my *pleasure*!"
 
"Very well, Ms. Leick.  Dismissed."
 
Ms. Kelly Leick stands up, and leaves the office, as Mr. Vacit gets back to work on another matter entirely.
 
********************
 
Roughly an hour later, Ms. Leick is at the Psi Corps Medical Center, Home Facility, on the top floor, at the Nurse Station.  She soon spots the charge nurse.  Probably a P3 or lower.  Most of the medical staff are low level teeps, after all.  She calls the nurse over.
 
'Nurse, could you tell me which room Ms. Jenny Winters is in?'
 
"Sure, Ma'am.  She's in Room 915."
 
'Thanks.  Please have her duty nurse meet me there.'
 
A few minutes later, the Psi Cop is at the door to Room 915.  She reaches through the door with her mind, to touch the occupant's mind very lightly for just a second.  Then, she pulls back, and smiles.
 
'Good.  She's sound asleep.  Just what the poor girl needs right now.'
 
Just then, the duty nurse assigned to look after Ms. Jenny Winters walks up, looking somewhat nervous.  Ms. Leick hands him the diary, and another package.
 
'I would like for you to place these on her bedside table, so that they'll be the first things she sees when she wakes up.'
 
"Yes, Ma'am.  I'll do it right now."
 
The duty nurse goes into the room, to place the diary and package as instructed.  The Psi Cop looks in, to see Jenny Winters, unruly blonde hair and all, indeed sound asleep.  Her room looks very much like the Platonic Ideal of a modern hospital room.  Then, the duty nurse comes back out.
 
'Thanks.  The Corps thanks you, as well.'
 
"You're welcome, Ma'am."
 
With that, Kelly Leick departs, while the duty nurse gets back to his regular routine.
 
********************
 
Some time later, Jenny Winters wakes up.  Sure enough, the first thing she sees is her diary.  She reaches for it, to see a piece of paper fall out of it that is not her self-drawn card.  She picks up the piece of paper, and reads what's on it.
 

"Dear Ms. Winters,

I, and all of Psi Corps with me, would greatly appreciate it if you would continue your diary.  Ms. Dexter was right about the need to keep a journal.  The diary of that other girl she mentioned has been of great historical value for well over two hundred years now.  Perhaps one day yours will be similarly valued.  I sincerely hope so.  Please at least consider my request.  Thank you for your time and attention.
                                                                                      

Best wishes,

K. Vacit

Director, Psi Corps."

"Dear Ms. Winters,

Please accept these books as my way of welcoming you to our family.  I hope you enjoy the one about King Arthur, at least.  Perhaps, when your education has progressed sufficiently, we can speak again.  In the meantime, just leave Mr. Farber to me, your new big sister.  Best wishes for a speedy recovery.  Be seeing you, Sis.

Love,
Ms. Kelly Leick, a.k.a. 'Ms. Psi Cop'."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Two
April 2190
 
It is a warm spring afternoon, as class is being let out for the weekend.  Jenny Winters is packing her back pack to return to her dorm room, when one of her Psi Instructors walks up.  A tall, powerfully built man, clearly of West African origin.  A P10, like most of the Instructors at the Academy.  She can see concern written all over his face, without even having to attempt a surface scan of him.
 
'Jenny, you have a visitor.  She's a Psi Cop, but assures me that her business with you is personal, not official.'
 
After a moment, "I see.  I guess I'll have to see what she wants with me.  Where is she?"
 
'She's right outside, on the quad, waiting for you.  I'll take you to her, if you'd like.'
 
"Sure, Mr. Ajango, and thanks.", with a weak smile that does nothing to hide her apprehension.
 
A few minutes later, Teacher and Student are out on the Psi Corps Minor Academy grounds, walking towards a blonde Psi Cop.  The Psi Cop is sitting on a park bench, watching some cadre students at play.  When she senses, then sees them approaching, she stands up.
 
'Ms. Leick, this is Ms. Jenny Winters, as requested.'
 
'Thanks, Mr. Ajango.  That will be all.'  Then,  'Care to have a seat, Ms. Winters?  Or can I call you Jenny?'
 
Mr. Ajango leaves, as both women sit down on the bench.
 
"Sure, why not?  Most everyone else here does."
 
'First off, I must say that your overall appearance has definitely improved since your arrival.', smiling warmly and approvingly at the younger girl.
 
Jenny is now wearing a calf-length pastel and black dress, with a vest of the same colors, a pair of equally fashionable shoes. and a pair of black gloves.  The Psi Corps badge stands out clearly on her vest, as does her neatly combed blonde hair.  A far cry from the tee shirt, faded jeans, and sneakers she had been wearing when first apprehended.
 
"Thanks.  So, what is it you..?"
 
'What do I want?  To see how you're getting along.  To prove to you that I'm not quite the ogre you still think of me as being.', with a slight note of amusement on her face.
 
Jenny couldn't help but blush and smile sheepishly at that.
 
'Also, to buy you a milkshake, if you'd like, and to see how you liked the books.  By the way, my name is Kelly Leick.'
 
"Thanks for the books, Ms. Leick.  I especially like the one about King Arthur."
 
'Kelly - please.  And you're welcome.  I kind of thought that one would be your favorite.'
 
"Okay, Kelly.  But I am wondering why you're being so nice to me, when I was your enemy only a few months ago."
 
'Jenny, contrary to popular rumor, Psi Cops are human, too.  At least I don't *think* I've suddenly turned into a Narn or a Centauri.'
 
Jenny has to smile at that.  Psi Cop humor.
 
"Very funny, Ms. Kelly Psi Cop."
 
'Seriously, ever since we first met, and I deep scanned you, hardly a day has passed when I didn't think about you.  What I saw in the scan, which your diary confirmed, really did break my heart, and infuriated me.  Especially the way that guy Farber used your talent for his own sick, perverted pleasure, and drove you to drink.'
 
Both minds are now registering considerable anger, at the above named sicko.
 
'Jenny, as I indicated a moment ago, your friend Ms. Dexter was right about your diary breaking my heart.  Yes, I did read it.  However, it also reaffirmed my work *as* a Psi Cop.  I do what I do for the sake of young people like yourself.  I... I'm not all that good with this kind of thing, Jenny.  You'll just have to bear with me.', as the Psi Cop's head drops.
 
Jenny Winters reaches over, and places her now gloved hand on Kelly Leick's forearm.  Kelly looks up, to see her smile.
 
'Kelly, it's all right.  I realize now that you're only doing what you think is right, and I'm beginning to see why.  I... used to think... that Psi Corps... was a form... of slavery.  Me, who *was* a slave, this time last year!  What a crock!'
 
'Really.  However, Mr. Farber's already been dealt with, rather harshly.  I saw to it personally.'
 
'You did?'
 
'Yes, I did.  He's paying for what he did to you even as we speak.'
 
'What did you do to him?'
 
'Planted a recurring nightmare in his mind.  A rather nasty one, at that.  I seriously doubt that he'll *ever* get a good night's sleep again.  You see, Jenny, the Corps does take care of it's own, like any good parent should.  That includes you.'
 
'Thanks, Kelly, for a sense of closure where Mr. Farber is concerned.'
 
'It was my pleasure.  And speaking of pleasure, I believe I promised you a milkshake.'
 
'I think you did say something about it.'
 
'Well, are you ready for one of the best milkshakes in the entire system?'
 
'Lead on, Kelly.'
 
Psi Cop and Student stand, and head out.
 
*******************
 
A few minutes later, they arrive at the Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream Shop in Teeptown.  They go right in, and walk up to the counter.  A young man steps forward, who clearly works there.  Most likely a P1 or P2.  He immediately recognizes Kelly as a regular customer.
 
"What will you be having today, Ms. Leick?"
 
"Emile, I'm letting my friend Jenny order for both of us today."
 
Emile turns to Jenny Winters, who addresses him.
 
"What do you have for milk shakes?"
 
"Well, Ma'am, we can fix it thin-thick, medium thick, or extra thick, in medium, large, or jumbo, in any flavor you see here."
 
Jenny looks over at the Psi Cop.
 
'Jenny, extra thick will bust your ribs out.  Take my word for it.'
 
"Okay, I'll go with medium thick, large, in chocolate fudge."
 
'I'll have one of the same thing.'  Then, 'Good choice, Jenny.'
 
"Thanks, Kelly."
 
"Coming right up, ladies.", as the attendant gets to work making their shakes.
 
*******************
 
A few minutes later, they are sitting at one of the outside tables, working on their milk shakes.
 
"Kelly, this is great!"
 
'And a lot better for you than *some* of the things you used to put in your body.  In fact, I would bet that your Psi Rating would be one full level higher if you hadn't drank or sniffed paint.'
 
"I know, but as you know, I had my reasons."
 
'The main one of which will spend the rest of his miserable life paying for it.'
 
"Every night, from what you've told me."
 
'Unless he can come up with the gall *and* the credits to seek out a rogue P12 to remove my little gift that keeps on giving.  Not very likely, as I also put in an Asimov Block to keep him from saying anything about what happened, much less seeking any sort of help, or trying to retaliate.  Ah, yes, he knows exactly who did it, and why, and is *totally* helpless to act on that knowledge.'
 
Both women laugh now.
 
'Not to change the subject, but it was obvious a while ago that you've mastered your p'talking technique, as well as a P5 can.  I'd like to see how you're coming along in other areas.'
 
"Like what?"
 
'Like, I'm going to surface scan you.  I want you to try to block me.  Ready?'
 
After a moment, "Ready."
 
For a full minute, both Psi Cop and Student look like they're in deep concentration.  Then, Jenny shudders for a second, and Kelly relaxes.  The Psi Cop is obviously elated by what has just happened.
 
"Jenny, that was great!  I practically had to go to deep scan to get anything!  You're to be congratulated!"
 
"Thanks.  Mr. Ajango is an excellent Instructor."
 
'Who also has an excellent student.  By the way, has he started you on any fringe skills yet?'
 
"Kelly, you know they only teach that stuff in Major Academy."
 
'Officially, yes.  That is true.  However, I also know that sometimes the Minor Academy Instructors will start teaching those skills to those students they consider exceptional.  And at the rate you're going now, you should graduate at or near the top of your Psi Rating for...'
 
"They say 2198.  But coming from a Psi Cop, that has to be high praise, indeed.  Thanks."
 
'You're welcome, Jenny.  By the way, before I take you back to your dorm, I'd like for you to meet someone.  An old friend of mine, from when I was an Academy student myself.'
 
"Who?"
 
'Her name is Constance O'Brien.  She was *my* Instructor in Major Academy, when I specialized as a Psi Cop.  Early in life, from what she has told me, she was also a 'poster child' for the *need* for an organization like Psi Corps.'
 
"She sounds interesting."
 
'She is.  Very.'
 
"Well, then, since we've finished our milk shakes, what are we waiting for?"
 
'Nothing that I can think of.'
 
Both of them stand, dispose of their recyclable materials, and leave the shop.
 
********************
 
A few minutes later, Psi Cop and Student arrive at the door of a modest home in the Married Couples and Retirees Section of Teeptown.  This is close to the Administrative Section, and usually off limits to children.  Kelly rings the door bell.
 
'I'll be right there!'  The mental voice sounds distinctly elderly.
 
A minute later, the door opens, revealing the resident of the dwelling to be a rather spry elderly woman, with silver hair.  Jenny can tell that she is as full of life as many people half her age *wish* they were.  She too, wears the uniform of a Psi Cop.  She proceeds to share a big hug with Kelly.
 
"Kelly, it's so good to see one of my best students again!  So, what brings you dropping by?"
 
"I wanted someone to meet you.  Connie, this is Jenny Winters.  She began classes in Minor Academy last fall, as a P5."
 
"Well, come on in, you two.  Jenny, any friend of Kelly's is a friend of mine."
 
"Thanks, Ms. O'Brien."
 
"Under my roof, you call me Connie.  But Kelly knows that already."  A moment later, "Have a seat, young-uns."
 
Both of Connie's guests sit where directed, on the couch, in the den.
 
"So, what can I get you to drink?  Tea, sodas, lemonade?"
 
"I'll have a lemonade.  Jenny?"
 
"The same, please."

"Three lemonades coming right up.", as Connie leaves the room.
 
A couple of minutes later, the lemonades are served, and Connie has also sat down, in a nearby chair.
 
"So, what can an old lady do for the two of you?"
 
"Connie, I told Jenny about you being something of a 'poster child' for the need to have an organization like Psi Corps, when you were little.  You see, this time last year, she was still a blip.  You name it, she's been through too much of it."
 
"I see.  Then you'll be wanting me to show her my old data crystal of the Alex DiPeso Show."
 
"Exactly, but you might want to show her the scar on the left side of your face first."
 
Connie does so.  Jenny is horrified by what she sees.  The scar runs from her hairline down past the neckline of her uniform blouse.
 
"What happened?!"
 
"It's all on the data crystal.  Keep in mind that the episode you're about to see first aired seventy-three years ago.  I was only five at the time."
 
Connie goes to get the data crystal, puts it in the appropriate crystal port, turns on the monitor, hits 'run', and resumes her seat.  They watch as Earth Alliance Senator Lee Crawford describes how Connie's entire family was butchered, execution style, the previous year.  Connie herself had been shot, hacked with a machete, and left for dead.  Then, they see how not only the studio audience, but Mr. DiPeso himself, warm to the little tyke.  Jenny is heartbroken, and infuriated, and finally pleased, by what she sees.  It's nothing new for the other two, one of whom had lived it.  Still, Jenny can see a single tear running down Kelly's face.  Connie's expression, on the other hand, could have been carved from solid granite.  Then, the program's done.
 
"Connie, how could the people who did that to you have ever thought that a little cutie like you were back then deserved such brutal treatment?!"
 
"Kid, I've asked myself the same question many times.  The only answer I can come up with that makes any sense is the one Senator Crawford spoke of.  Ignorance, and fear of what was then the unknown.  To tell you the truth, I don't hate the ones who did this to me any more.  I pity them, or rather, their memories.  You have to admit, though, I did make quite an impression on that clown DiPeso.  As much of one as the movie star."
 
"I'd say more of one.  I didn't see him cry for *her*, or for any of the others."
 
"Jenny, that tear was seen by some six billion viewers, live, and later made Global News Network.  I've been told that my appearance was what swayed world opinion in our favor."
 
"And that, Jenny, is why I say that Connie was the poster child for the need for an organization like Psi Corps, or the Metasensory Regulation Authority, as it was called back then."
 
"Thanks for letting me see that.  I only wish Fiona, Matthew, and Stephen could have seen it, and met you."
 
Connie sits for a moment, not understanding the reference.  Then, "Oh, the leaders of the Resistance.  They may have been misguided, Jenny, but no one can doubt their courage, or that they were as devoted in their own way to the well-being of all telepaths as anyone here."
 
"I certainly don't doubt either one, and I had to fight them."  A moment later, "What a waste."
 
"What do you mean by that?"
 
"No offense intended, Jenny.  I just meant that I would have been pleased if I could have called them my friends, and proud to have had either one of the Dexters as my partner out in the field.  Everything I've heard about them aside from the anti-Resistance propaganda leads me to believe that they were a credit to humanity in general, and telepaths in particular.  That, and their high Psi Ratings, are what *made* them so dangerous to Psi Corps.  So, if I sounded like I was running them down, I apologize.  That was not my intention.  I, for one, can have the deepest respect and regard for someone while regretting some of the choices that person makes."
 
"Okay, Kelly.  Apology accepted."
 
"Would you two kids like refills?"
 
"Sure!"
 
"Me, too."
 
"I'll be back in a flash, then.", as Connie stands up, collects the glasses, and heads back to her kitchen.
 
A moment later, 'Jenny, I'm really sorry about offending you.'
 
Smiling warmly, Jenny takes Kelly's hand.
 
'Hey, Kelly, it's all right.  Will you just give it a rest?'
 
'Sure.  Thanks.', as Kelly now reaches out to give Jenny a hug, which the Student accepts and returns.
 
When Connie returns with the refills, distributes them, and sits down, Jenny gets to recount her misadventures as a rogue teep.  When she describes the way that Mr. Farber had used her talent for his own perverted pleasure, at numerous other people's expense - and her own - the smile fades from Connie's face, to be replaced by a look of cold fury.
 
"That sick piece of shit!"
 
"Kelly took care of him, though."
 
"Good!  Ignorance and fear of the unknown I can forgive, but not that sort of sick, shameless exploitation of an innocent child!"
 
"Don't worry, Connie.  He got what was coming to him, for what he did to Jenny.  I saw to it personally."  A moment later, "I seriously doubt that he'll *ever* get a good night's sleep again."
 
"Glad to hear it."
 
A few minutes later, when they had finished their refills of lemonade, "Well, Connie, we have to get going.  Jenny's due back at her dorm room pretty soon for dinner, and I'm afraid that between you and me, we've already fed her enough to ruin her appetite."
 
"Okay, then.  But please come back and see me.  You, too, Jenny."
 
"Abacus, meaning you can count on it."
 
********************
 
Some time later, back at the door to Jenny Winters' dorm. She and Kelly are holding hands again.
 
'Well, Jenny, I hope you had a good time this afternoon.'
 
'I did.  I also made not just one, but two new friends, neither of whom I would have figured on a year ago. Thanks for everything, Kelly.  Especially for opening my eyes.'
 
'It was the least I could do.  I'll be seeing you, okay?'
 
'The sooner, the better.  Oh, and Kelly?'
 
'Uh-huh?'
 
'You need not ever worry about me *ever* going blip again.  Not only have I learned my lesson in principle, but I could never do that to you.  Not after all you've done for me.  I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I ever broke your heart that way.'
 
'Thanks, Jenny.  That means a lot to me.  As much as you do.'
 
Psi Cop and Student give each other a big hug.
 
'Goodnight, Jenny, and have a nice weekend.'
 
"You, too, Kelly.  This afternoon is definitely going down in my diary."
 
'It had better.', as Kelly smiles at her new friend.  They both laugh.
 
'By the way, concerning something you said earlier.  You never were my enemy.  You were just confused and misguided back then, and I'm just thankful to have been a part of helping you find your way.  Goodnight, Jenny.'
 
"Goodnight, Kelly."
 
Jenny watches as Kelly walks away, then goes inside, to eat a good meal, do her homework, and record the day's events in her diary.
 
*********************
 
"29 April 2190
 
Dear Diary,
 
Today was like any other Friday since I got here, until class let out for the weekend.  That was when 'Ms. Psi Cop' came to see me.
 
Her real name is Kelly Leick.  She is nothing like what I had always pictured a Psi Cop as being like.  I had her imagined as some sort of ogre out of medieval legend, but she's really a very nice person, once you get to know her. She really seems to care about me, not just as a closed case, but as a person.  She has a great sense of humor, too.
 
We talked for a while.  She told me that she had handled Mr. Farber's punishment personally, for what he did to me.  She then took me to get a chocolate fudge milk shake, medium thick.  It was great, and so was she.  She tested me on my ability to block a casual scan, and said that I passed with flying colors.  She also asked if Mr. Ajango had started me on any fringe skills yet, despite my youth.  Coming from her, that question was the highest compliment.
 
Then, she took me to see one of her old Instructors, who was quite probably her personal mentor in Major Academy.  Ms. Constance O'Brien showed me a data crystal from seventy-three years ago, which really got to me.  I won't go into detail now, but seeing it gave me a new respect for the work that MetaPol does on behalf of all teeps.  Even those who don't appreciate it, like me last year.  I have also found a new respect for Kelly, who went out of her way for me today.  I know now what I have to do.  I must be the best P5 that I can be, whatever I end up doing for Psi Corps, so that Kelly will be proud of me.  The Corps is Mother, the Corps is Father."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Three
May 2198
 
The Graduation Ceremonies for the Psi Corps Major Academy Class of 2198 have just been completed.  However, the auditorium is still packed with graduates, instructors, staff of all sorts, and various categories of well-wishers.  Some of the latter are actually mundanes, though most are teeps.  The scene is the normal one of polite, orderly chaos that is usual at such events, no matter what school one names.
 
New Graduate Jenny Winters, resplendent in her cap and gown, is sweeping the crowd for one particular person.  She hears a familiar, and beloved, feminine voice inside her head.
 
'Hey, Jen!  I'm over here, by the main door!'
 
Jenny makes her way through the crowded auditorium, over to where the voice in her head had directed her, to see her best friend.  Kelly Leick, in a MetaPol full dress uniform, looks all the world like a proud parent or older sister, as they share a big hug.  When they pull apart, Jenny keeps Kelly's hand.
 
'I'm glad you could make it, Kelly, what with your busy schedule.'
 
'I'm *never* that busy, that I'd miss your proudest moment!  You of all people should know that by now, Jen!'
 
'Thanks, Kelly.  Only you know how much it means to me, for you to be here.  I just wish Connie could have lived long enough to come.'
 
'I know.  I miss her, too.  They didn't come any better than her.'
 
'Maybe not, but they still come just as good.  I know.  I'm p'talking to her.'
 
'Thanks for the compliment, Jen.'
 
'It's also the truth, as far as I'm concerned.'
 
Just then, Kelly spots another familiar face in the crowd.
 
"Hey, Ms. Alexander!  Come on over!  I'd like for you to meet someone!"
 
Ms. Natasha Alexander wades through the crowd, to reach Kelly and Jenny in short order.
 
"Ms. Alexander, I'd like for you to meet Ms. Jenny Winters.  Jen, this is Ms. Natasha Alexander."
 
"Pleased to meet you, Ma'am.", as they shake hands.
 
"Likewise, Ms. Winters.  You're to be congratulated for turning out so well after such a horrible start in life.  To finish first in your Psi Rating..."
 
"How do you..?"
 
"Jen, Ms. Alexander works for the Director's Office.  They know everything in Psi Corps that's worth knowing."
 
"Well, then, thanks, Ms. Alexander."
 
"You're welcome, Ms. Winters."
 
"Ms. Alexander, could you do us a favor?"
 
"Depends on what it is, Ms. Leick."
 
"Could you take a couple of pictures of us together?", as Kelly hands her a camera.
 
"Sure.  I'd be glad to.", as she accepts the camera.  Jenny and Kelly now pose together, arms around each other.
 
After the pictures are taken, Ms. Natasha Alexander does have one question for Jenny.
 
"So, Ms. Winters, where do you think you'll intern?"
 
"Probably with the Commercial Division.  What with Earth finally reaching out to the stars in earnest, there should be a *lot* of demand for Commercial Teeps soon."
 
"Excellent choice.  I almost interned there myself, but a research project I began years ago right here at the Academy got me pulled for the Director's Office, instead."
 
"If I may ask, what was it about?"
 
"You may ask, Ms. Leick, but I'm not at liberty to answer, and I'd know if you scanned for it."
 
"I see."  Then, "Jen, that's the deal with the Director's Office.  They know everything, but aren't allowed to reveal anything about what they know."
 
"Quite true, Ms. Leick."  Then, "Well, Ms. Winters, good luck as a Commercial Teep."
 
"Thanks, Ms. Alexander."
 
Ms. Natasha Alexander moves on.  Kelly and Jenny return their attention to each other.
 
'Jen, I would take you to the finest restaurant in all Geneva to celebrate your graduating with honors, but I've just had an even better idea.'
 
"What's that?"
 
'It's a little secret that's been in my genetic family for nearly two centuries now.  You like seafood?'
 
********************
 
Three days later, in the Greek fishing and resort village of Itea.  Jenny and Kelly had traveled to Athens by maglev train, then to Itea by moped. Kelly has already found a room at an inn that has been there since the 2040's where she and her genetic family are well known, both teeps and mundanes.  Now, the two women are on foot, somewhere near the beach, and downtown.  Both are dressed in civvies, with only their gloves and badges to identify them as members of Psi Corps.  They are nearing a certain locally popular restaurant.
 
'This, Jen, is the Dolphin Restaurant.  My genetic family has been coming here to eat for almost two hundred years now.  The fish is guaranteed to be fresh, because the proprietor send out the boats every day.  Also, if you'd like, he'll set us up a table out on the beach.  And don't worry about getting cold.  The layout of the harbor, and the mountains, pretty well shelters the town from unwelcome cold blasts, even during what passes for winter around here.  Also, I highly recommend the house wine.  Just about the best vintage in all Greece.'
 
"Kelly, I never knew this place existed!"
 
'Few people do.  The old Director was one of the few who did.  I'll miss him.'
 
"I know.  Mr. Vacit was a good man.  I think we'll all miss him."
 
Just then, Kelly spots the proprietor of the restaurant, seating customers.  A portly, middle-aged man, with a short beard that's starting to go gray.
 
"Hey, Nikos!"
 
Nikos turns, to see "Kelly Leick!  Long time, no see, kiddo!"  He walks up to the two women, with a big smile spread all over his face.
 
"Nikos, if we could get a table for two, overlooking the harbor?"
 
"Coming right up, Kelly."
 
Once they're seated, Nikos returns with a pitcher of lemonade on ice, two glasses, and two menus.
 
"So, Kelly, who's your new friend?"
 
"Nikos, this is Ms. Jenny Winters.  She just graduated from the Academy a few days ago, and we're here to celebrate."
 
"Pleased to meet you, Sir."
 
"Likewise, Ms. Winters.  Any friend of Kelly Leick and her genetic family is a friend of the whole village."
 
"Thanks."
 
Then, "How about I give you two a little time to decide what you want?"
 
"Fine by me, Nikos."
 
A moment later, as Nikos goes on to his next customer, 'As I told you a few minutes ago, we've been coming here for vacations and special occasions for almost two centuries now, for what I'll admit are sentimental reasons.  In fact, back in the middle of the last century, one of them ran a bed and breakfast two clicks east of here, on the beach, called the Pension Kallisto.  So, what do you think?'
 
"Kelly, this is fascinating, and coming from you, a special honor!  I learn something new about you every time we get together!"
 
'Nothing but the best, for the 'Psi Cop's Pet'!'
 
They both laugh at what some of the other Academy students had come to call Ms. Jenny Winters.
 
"What can I say?  They were just jealous."  A moment later, "By the way, I just might decide to intern with MetaPol, in the office, after all.  That way, we can hopefully see a lot more of each other."
 
'Great!  I'll specifically request you for my Precinct, since I've just been promoted to take charge of one now, and can have any intern or Psi Cop I want, on request.'
 
"In that case, it's settled.  I *will* intern with MetaPol."
 
'Good deal, Jen.  Welcome aboard.'
 
(*'AND SO IT BEGINS...'*)

Continued in "A Day In The Life"

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