Ivanova’s never had much to do with kids, not since she was one herself; childcare is not a required skill in Earthforce. Dealing with a child, even one on the verge of puberty, is way out of her comfort zone, but learning that Alisa Belden is a telepath, just coming into her powers, has triggered a protective instinct Susan didn’t know she had.

Perhaps it’s nothing more than a convenient outlet for her hatred and resentment of Psi Corps and all that it stands for, or perhaps it’s because Alisa, despite her criminal tendencies, is so young and doesn’t deserve to have her freedom stripped away, one way or another. Whatever the motivation, Susan is determined that Psi Corps isn’t simply going to waltz in and take her. Alisa has choices, she deserves to know what they are, and then she can make up her own mind.

If, even after everything has been spelled out to her, she still chooses Psi Corps, well, at least she’ll be going into it with her eyes open, not blinded by propaganda and false promises.

Perhaps Alisa reminds her a little of herself when she was a girl, stubborn and proud, determined to do things her way. She’s too young to be alone like this though, with no adult to offer her guidance and advice, and having Ms Winters treating her like she’s already Psi Corps property offends Ivanova’s sensibilities.

So she’ll appoint herself as the girl’s advocate, investigate all possible options, and present them to Alisa in as unbiased a manner as she can manage, even if those options are somewhat limited: Psi Corps, the Sleeper drugs, or… what? Perhaps one or more of the ambassadors, Londo, G’Kar, or Delenn might be able to offer an alternative. It’s something she can look into.


The End