To Dream in the City of Sorrows by Babylon 5 Page B

what kind of army did they want to put together? How much control would he have in the selection process and the training?
    Suddenly there was movement, a release of held breaths, even smiles. Rathenn spoke a few soft words to Delenn, Jenimer asked something quietly of Turval, to which he received a one-word reply.
    “The Anla’shok have traditionally allowed only Minbari of the military caste to join, those either born to the caste or called to it,” said Jenimer, “But we fear that opposition from the military-caste leaders will make it too difficult to recruit enough candidates from their ranks, so we have studied prophecy and history and determined that it is now the proper time to open up membership more freely to the religious caste as well.”
    “What about the worker caste?” Sinclair asked.
    “As members of the Anla’shok?” Jenimer responded almost incredulously.
    Sinclair nodded.
    “That would be unacceptable to the military caste,” Jenimer replied.
    “It is believed by some,” said Delenn quietly, “that Valen did not find it unacceptable.”
    “There is no absolute proof of that,” rejoined Rathenn.
    “If I accept your request to become head of the Rangers,” Sinclair said, “those worker caste who qualify will be allowed to join on a completely equal basis with all other Minbari and Humans – even if that royally knots the shorts of the military caste.”
    “Jeffrey I know that you have always had a deep concern for the rights of workers,” said Delenn, “but it will be difficult to persuade the military caste. Is it wise to risk the reinstitution of the Rangers on this issue at this time? Perhaps later–“
    “I can’t take on this task,” Sinclair replied, “unless I’m free to find the very best candidates your people have to offer regardless of caste. I’m afraid this has to be nonnegotiable.”
    Jenimer looked extremely conflicted. Sinclair waited patiently.
    “Perhaps it can be done,” Jenimer said at last.
    “What about the Human candidates?” Sinclair asked.
    “That is a delicate question,” said Jenimer. “We do not wish to attract undue attention from your government on this matter. In fact, we would like to keep the knowledge of the Rangers’ existence to as few people as possible.”
    “So much for putting an ad in Universe Today,” said Sinclair. “How then do we attract Human candidates?”
    “We will start with those Humans who are already on Minbar,” said Rathenn. “We have complete information on all of them, and you have already met a good many of them.”
    “Ah,” said Sinclair with understanding. “That’s why you had me personally interview as many Humans as you could fit into my schedule, so I would have a leg up on who might be a likely candidate to become a Ranger and who wouldn’t.”
    Rathenn nodded. “You can continue to contact all visitors here from Earth without attracting unwanted attention for as long as you continue to function as the Earth’s ambassador here. From those you select will come others, as they recruit other candidates from among those they know.”
    “Then we are agreed?” Jenimer asked. “You will join the battle and lead the Rangers?”
    Sinclair took a deep breath. “Under one other condition. That if you accept me as Entil’Zha, accept me as a fully Human Entil’Zha, for that is what I am, Human, no more and no less than any other Human. If you’ll agree to that, then ... yes.”
    What was he getting himself into? And what was Catherine going to say about all of this?
    “Our beliefs are as firm as yours,” said Jenimer, “but we can accept your terms and conduct ourselves toward you as you request. It is just as well for the present, as the subject of the transference of souls is a most sensitive one. It is best not spoken of outside these walls or the chambers of the Grey Council.”
    Yes, that’s what Rathenn had said – was it only a few weeks ago? – in the meeting with President Clark in which