SE:IV B5 RP

[GuppyShark]

Quadrant 27
Alpha Command Post, Hurr System Force

"Oh, this isn't good," Nialrebmak sighed.

On his viewscreen sixty Brakiri warships were on a course for Quadrant 27 VII. They had been advised of their planned arrival, but diplomatic squabbling had prevented the Hurr fleet from escorting them safely. Now they had lost all communications with civilisations to the galactic east - which included the Brakiri.

The Brakiri's stated intentions were peaceful, merely passing through this sector as part of some political meeting. But peaceful intentions could prove for naught if the Brakiri fleet did not change its course. Without the correct command codes, automated planetary defence satellite systems would engage the fleet, forcing it to retaliate in self defence. Such a thing could lead to a full scale war. A war the young Hurr state would be unlikely to win, even with the foreign aid they enjoyed.

And General Nialrebmak was on duty. This was his responsibility.

Regs were regs.

"This is General Nialrebmak to all personnel. Report to your duty stations. This is not a drill. Potentially hostile fleet is en route."

M6

The conference room was in an uproar. The galactic trade lanes had been disrupted once again. Naturally all fingers were pointed squarely at the Dilgar.

Dilgar Ambassador Rai'jal was in his element. Far from cowed, he seemed to relish the jibes of his fellow diplomats.

The League Ambassador would have to throw in his own two credits against the Dilgar later. For now, the cessation of civilian communications eastword of the Hurr had caused a more immediate problem, one that he would have to rectify immediately.

He pulled the Brakiri ambassador aside.

[img=left]http://members.optusnet.com.au/bcarletti/drazi100.jpg[/img] "The Hurr have contacted us about a problem this disruption has caused. They're unable to communicate with your fleet in Quadrant 27. They require assurances that the fleet will bypass their world and not engage its defences."





.

[brianeyci]

ISN

"With the snowball of naval expansion and planetary applications, the League of Non-Aligned Worlds has become a major force in galactic politics. ISN has just learned that Governors Alexander Powell and Martinique Hagras of the Trembas and Tulok systems have declared independence from the Corporate Sector and asked for membership in the League. Corporate Sector stocks fell to their lowest in ten years after the announcement. Meanwhile the new Prime Minister Nunziata has declared a state of emergency in the Corporate Sector as mass demonstrations on all Corporate Worlds over the Prime Minister's sale of two hundred warships to the League threaten her fragile government."

Mesopotamia Six

Ambassador Samuel Chen entered the Mesopotamia Six Council Chambers. Anna Oswin had mysteriously disappeared along with key Black Watch officers. It was as if Marxis had planned his disappearance all along.

"Fellow Ambassadors, honored guests," Chen said. "There is a matter of grave importance facing the Mesopotamian Council. The Dilgar Centauri war continues to damage the jump gate network. The Interstellar Red Cross has smuggled proof of hundreds of millions of dead Centauri and Dilgar. It is unbelievable that this has not been discussed before, and that galactic powers are so slow to move."

"We demand the Mesopotamian Security Council immediately authorize an intervention force and for the major star navies to deploy no less than the equivalent of three carrier battlegroups and one million peacekeepers to the affected region with a robust mandate to engage any and all threats to interstellar stability."

Chen glanced at the Centauri and Dilgar ambassadors. They would not like it, but there was far too much innocent life at stake and Chen doubted even Mollari's vaunted Republican Guards could control their bloodlust after the promised execution of one hundred million Centauri. If the Minbari and Earth Alliance deployed a sizeable force immediately, maybe the killing could stop, and that was all that mattered.

But Chen knew that was wishful thinking. It was far too little, far too late, and petty squabbling would likely prevent any force from deployment for many standard months, and it would take months more for warships to enter Centauri and Dilgar space, more than enough time for both the Centauri or Dilgar to murder each other to exhaustion. Chen almost hoped Earthforce or even the Minbari would act unilaterally and keep the dictators of the galaxy apart, but the Minbari had lately been introspective, and Alshain's administration never involved itself in war, especially when there was potential for heavy casualties.

Damn you motherfuckers, get off your ass and do something!

[Arthur_Tuxedo]

He pulled the Brakiri ambassador aside.

[img=left]http://members.optusnet.com.au/bcarletti/drazi100.jpg[/img] "The Hurr have contacted us about a problem this disruption has caused. They're unable to communicate with your fleet in Quadrant 27. They require assurances that the fleet will bypass their world and not engage its defences."

Krull stated flatly, "We have no wish to fight the Hurr or anyone else in this part of space. We only wish to pass through the sector, and will only fire if fired upon."

[Nephtys]

M6...

"At this time, the Minbari Federation will do what we can." Delenn said, hand placed upon her head. She takes a deep breath. "This... is under great debate on our Homeworld. Until consensus is reached, the authority has been granted to perform two tasks."

"The first, is the contacting of two rogue Minbari War Cruisers, Tragati and Ralafa, which have been wandering between hyperspace routes in rebellion against our decision to end the first campaign against the Dilgar. They will respond to our orders and will join Centauri Forces in the defense of their worlds."

"The second... is the removal of the secret staging base within Cooke system, hidden in a gaseous pocket near the periphery of the system. Unless it is dismantled within two standard time units, the Warrior Caste will dismantle it for you. The Cooke system must not become militarized."

[brianeyci]

"The Corporate Sector offers to purchase the bases in the Cooke system and dismantle them for the Dilgar," Chen said. The Corporate Sector might be going to shit, but Nunziata had given him a little room to maneuver, and they could certainly afford to pay off the Dilgar. Or as they said in Chinese culture, to give face to the Dilgar, as important in galactic power games as everything else. Or take a look at their technology. Marxis had been a xenophobe, but Marxis's files had revealed he was right about one thing--the Minbari, the Vorlons, the Centauri, the Brakiri and even Dilgar technology was centuries ahead of human engineering. Just the fact that the Minbari could even see the Dilgar's hidden stations when the latest Corporate intelligence briefings said nothing was proof of their hands in all things. And, rogue Minbari warships? What if they took their rage out on human colonies in Kokkar or--

Wait Chen, you've paid too much attention to Marxis's propaganda. Besides, she's cute. Let's see what happens.

[Tobor]

Rai'Jal turned to the assembly. He looked very serious as he said simply.

"ANY, ship attempting to enter the conflict zone that has not been approved by my government will be destroyed."

"We do not, as i'm sure the Centauri will not, approve of veiled attempts to infiltrate the combat zone which will invariably result in aide to our enemies."

"Further more, we issue apologies to ALL of our good neighbours for the continuance of 'disruption' to trade. It was an unfortunate accident that has been rectified and shall not be repeated."

"In regards to the research stations mapping the Cooke Nebula. Any COMPETANT scan would have revealed that they are unarmed. Since Cooke has been neutral territory for over ten years, you have NO jurisdiction there ambassador. As for your claims to being de-militarized, i'm sure the Shadows will contest that fact. After all have you not taken it upon yourself to attack their vessels in that system? Then of course Earth has held a military presence there for as long as the Station has been operational. We have no intention of 'militarizing' the region, but our ships will defend themselves."

"That is all."

He took his seat and waited for the firestorm to rage anew.

[brianeyci]

An aide rushed in and gave Chen a datapad. "That is somewhat incorrect," Chen said cooly. "The Cooke station is not neutral territory but claimed by the Earth Alliance." He looked at Commander O'Hare and Ambassador Robert Fox. "Interstellar law is clear--for a star system to be considered neutral, it must be abandoned, and an Earth Alliance colony predated the construction of the station. It appears that only the Earth Alliance can legally request the Dilgar remove their stations."

"As for refusing interstellar aid Ambassador, so be it. But should more evidence of Dilgar atrocity arise, and the Centauri request it, the Corporate Sector will support an intervention force. The same if there are Centauri atrocities against Dilgar non-combatants."

Of course if I had my way I'd be going in with half of Earthforce and toppling your barbaric Warmaster's government. Dammit Fox, say something.

[Trogdor]

The most annoying thing about the Dilgar is that they're completely insane, Vir mused.

Any other nation which was discovered to have an outpost hidden in another's space would count itself embarressed and agree to dismantle the outpost. But with the Dilgar it was "You're stupid. Screw you...your mom's ugly!"

Of course, that wasn't Vir's problem. What was his problem, though, was the fact that the 1st Expeditionary Force had managed to brute force its way into Vreetan (losing a considerable number of vessels but still remaining a potent force) and was on the Dilgar's doorstep. For any sane race, that would be checkmate, but the Dilgar Warmaster had welcomed the slaughtering of her people before and would do so again, Vir was sure. If they threatened to glass a Dilgar core world, the Warmaster might very well call their bluff.

Then again, Admiral Vladimir would be happy, more than happy, to carry out the threat, Vir knew. And while most of the Centauri Republic's population probably wouldn't care, it would lose them the moral high ground, which in turn would lose them any chance of foriegn aid. Even worse, it could garner some for the Dilgar, judging by Chen's words.

Marxis wouldn't have cared about us slaughtering one another. I can't believe the galaxy is rid of him and I find myself wishing he'd held power just a little longer, Vir thought ruefully.

The problem was lack of information. Both Ambassador Fox and EarthDome had been strangely quiet of late. Vir had no idea what the EA planned to do, if anything. The Republic had a pact of military alliance with the Earthers, but Alshain hadn't even sent them a message cheering them on.

And Vir no longer had any idea where the Brakiri stood. He knew Kullenbrach's ostenible agenda, at least the broad swath of it. But the Dilgar had recently started fielding ships of Shadow construction, and he'd believed that the Brakiri now controlled the Shadows. Had the Brakiri actually backed the Dilgar, or was their control over the Shadows imperfect?

So he kept silent and waited, hoping to gain enough information to make his next move. And soon.

[Tobor]

Seeming to digest the new information brought in by the Corporate ambassador, Rai'Jal momentarily lost his poise. Regaining it quickly he started.

"In light of this new evidence we shall allow a human delegation to visit and inspect the stations. If they come back with results showing military capacity on board then they may do as they choose in regards to them. Provided the crews are escorted back to the edge of the Rhagesh system, our people are our life.

The last bit was said with as much gusto as Rai'Jal could manage. Secretly he thought it a tad too much but the opportunity was too much to pass over.

[Uraniun235]

M6 Council chambers

Ambassador Fox rose, and spoke gently.

"Concerning the bases within the nebula, Earth Alliance suggests that the Dilgar permit observers, selected by the M6 council and representative of all the major powers, to visit the bases and see for themselves the peaceful nature of the mission the bases are charged with. Surely, such an act would remove any perception of danger which some might attribute to your presence in the nebula."

The Dilgar ambassador rolled his eyes, and almost seemed about to speak, when Fox continued... in a somewhat sterner voice.

"Concerning the closure of a jump gate vital to galactic trade and communication... the repeated disruption of the jump gate network by the Dilgar is absolutely unacceptable. The record will show that similar incidents have occurred in the past, accompanied by assurances that they would not be repeated in the future.

As a representative of the Earth Alliance, as so ordered by my government... Earth Alliance issues the strongest condemnation of the Dilgar, and warns that if the Dilgar do not immediately undo the damage they have done at the Koula system, we will undo it ourselves."

---

Earthdome

"Very interesting, this "ten-point plan", Madam Prime Minister. For the most part it seems quite amenable. We'll begin working on restoring the Trembas/Tala jump-gate. After that, we'll want to send in observer ships to confirm the demilitarization of the Corporate Sector, at which point we will send in two carrier groups to secure the Corporate Sector borders."

[brianeyci]

Chen's aide whispered in his ear. His eyes widened.

"The Corporate Sector will inspect the Dilgar stations, as our--" He coughed. "Diplomatic courier is apparently armed with a fighter complement and marines. I assure the Council I have just discovered this now and we will withdraw this hyperspace courier commissioned during Marxis's rule as soon as possible."

Earthdome

"That is agreeable Mr. President. Several of our worlds have ceded from the Corporate Sector and the Trembas, Nocalo and Tulok systems are now members of the League of Non-Aligned Worlds, or will be shortly. May I suggest we simply give Earthforce remote command of several of our scout vessels, rather than your vessels making the long trek to Corporate space. Meanwhile we will have to begin negotiations with the League, if two large carrier battlegroups are to be stationed near their territory."

[brianeyci]

"It looks like the Dilgar reopened the jump gate sir," a swarthy Lt. Colonel said to Brigadier General Samantha Carter. Carter had been a staunch opponent of the Marxis Administration and led resistance efforts on "Marxis II", the dictator's home planet. Soon, the last vestiges of Benjamin Marxis would be gone with the renaming of the Corporate Homeworlds to their original namesakes, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston and Philadelphia.

"Interesting," Carter said.

"Sir?"

"It looks like the Dilgar closed the gate between Koula and Raghesh for a reason--to open a new one. What's around the new gate?"

"A Dilgar world."

"Exactly. Any Centauri fleet will face ground batteries and these Dilgar Black Pawn starbases. What's intel say about them?"

"Eighteen five hundred megawatt pulse cannons and standard armor."

"They'll give Centauri a bloody nose at least--"

The doors burst open. "Sir, a Dilgar fleet has attacked Thessein!"

Thessein was a Centauri homeworld. The Dilgar had billions of Centauri by the throat. Carter felt cold.

"They don't call her a War Master for nothing. Any word on the Centauri?"

"Yes sir, they've broken through the Dilgar blockade. We believe they are orbiting the Dilgar homeworld."

"There is nothing sweet nor fitting in your dying. You will die like a dog for no reason," muttered Carter.

"Sir?"

"There's nothing we can do." Carter paused. "Forward this data to the League."

[Tobor]

The Warmaster was jubilant.
She was relaxing in something the humans called a bath. Casually she watched the accumulated reports of the last month. As expected the Centauri had taken the cautious approach.

Rather than attacking one of the more heavily populated Dilgar worlds they had taken their ragtag fleet of damaged vessels towards the closest - Ambition. Anticipating such a move, the Warmaster had ordered as many of the populace to be evacuated before the fleet had arrived.
This blunder by the Centauri had given the other planets much needed time to fortify their position and a chance of saving the people.

THis alone was not the reason for Jha'Durs' mirth. For their arrogance the Centauri had payed dearly. An eye for an eye as the humans said. Thessin X was now a smoldering ruin of a planet. Nothing stood in the way of the Warmaster now. With the Centauri fleet trying to devestate her worlds they had oopened the door for her to destroy them.
It was a bold irony she thought.

As she read the next report a grin played about her face. It was Battle Master Bra'ka. He was informing her of the campaign against the Narn.

"The planet cou.., Revenge is once again ours Ma'am. "

Even with their corporate vessels the Narn were still pathetic on the battlefield. 24 U.S. Class baseships had managed to destory their entire fleet and sack all three of their worlds. Once again the Narn were where they should be, under the Heel. And this time no shining avenger would be there to free them.

THe only minor concern was that the Minbari had a hidden base within the Nebula between Melitra and Thessin. Of course they were too vain to appreciate the hypocracy of condemning her stations in Cooke, whilst employing some of their own. It would be of little consequnce. they were alone and isolated, and would soon be pacified.

Of slightly more concern was the Vorlon gate-crasher vessel that the Minbari had just moved into the Thessin Nebula itself. She wondered what it was planning but concoled herself that the bufoons on the Grey Council probably thought they could contain her by breaking the ties between Thessin and Vreetan.

Reports finished, she sank back down into the scented water and continued to enjoy her bath.

[brianeyci]

"We've found Marxis's override codes for his United States battlecruisers," General Young said. "They were in the most unusual place--"

"Good," Nunziata said. "Send out the failsafe command."

"We'll be in breach of several contract with the Narn, the Dilgar, the Centauri--these codes aren't supposed to exist Ma'am."

Nunziata looked at the intelligence brief. The Dilgar, using twenty-four Corporate vessels, had defeated over three hundred Narn warships, also of Corporate design. Not surprising, considering the United States class had stealth armor technology, she thought. The same stealth armor technology she had agreed to ban to rejoin the Earth Alliance. Nunziata suspected the stealth armor was stolen from the Minbari years ago. But she would be damned if she let the Dilgar and Centauri keep slaughtering each other.

"Do it. I want every starship Marxis sold to be flying bathtubs by the end of today."

"Yes Madam President. But the United States warships we sold to the League--"

"--I'll talk to the League about it."

[Trogdor]

The mood in Londo's office was bleak, to say the least. Dmitri cleared his throat. "Londo, Admiral Vladimir disobeyed orders and glassed Ambition. Shall I have him arested?"

"No," Londo said. "I will not blame the man for being right. I want--"

The door to his office suddenly burst open and in strode Lord Reefa, flanked by a pair of Republican Guards.

"Reefa! What is the meaning of this!" Londo barked. "Get out of my office at once!"

"I'm afraid that this isn't your office anymore, Mollari," Reefa said smugly. "The Centaurum just passed a vote of no confidence. You are no longer Emperor of the Centauri Republic!"

"What? Why wasn't I informed that such a vote was happening?" Londo demanded.

"It was a closed session, and not common knowledge," Reefa replied. "Of course, as emperor you had a right to be there, but you just haven't been troubling yourself to be present at the Centaurum lately."

"I have a war to run," Londo snarled.

"You had a war to run," Reefa corrected. "When I'm finished, you'll have nothing to oversee but an eight by eight cell."

"Why you--!"

Londo attempted to charge Reefa, but the Guards restrained him before he could touch the nobleman. Grinning arrogantly, Reefa removed the golden Centauri crest which hung around Londo's neck.

"I suppose this should be obvious, but I'll tell you anyway. The Centaurum has appointed me to take your place," Reefa said, then hung the crest around his own neck. "All hail Emperor Reefa The First."

This caused Londo to renew his struggles, but the Guards held him fast.

"Take him away," Reefa ordered.

They did so, and Reefa turned to Dmitri, who was watching in stunned silence. "I suppose I have more important matters than to clean house," Reefa mused aloud. "What's your name?"

"D-Dmitri," he answered. "My name is Dmitri...Excellency."

"Well, Dmitri, just remember that we're going to be doing things differently from now on and serve loyaly and I'm sure we'll get along famously," Reefa said.

Dmitri swallowed. "Yes, Excellency."

"Good, now get me a line to Warmaster Jha'Dur," Reefa ordered. "Let's see if we can end this madness."

[brianeyci]

"It's... it's not working."

"What?"

"The codes sir... they're duds. They've activated some kind of countdown."

"Get everybody the hell out of the building, now!"

• .

Marxis checked his PPG rifle. Around him were two dozen of his handpicked Black Watch, all who swore their lives to him. Getting out of Corporate Space had been simple. Marxis had all the transponder codes, memorized, and they were traveling in a civilian shuttle. The odds were one in a million they would be inspected.

It was even simpler getting into Centauri space. Despite the ongoing war, the jump gates between the Centauri and the Earth Alliance had been kept open with steady convoys of private merchants eager to sell their equipment and stock to the bloodthirsty Dilgar, or the beseiged Centauri. And the Dilgar too, were Corporate allies. Money talked, more than battleships and carriers, and Marxis's anonymous account in Zurich secured enough credits to buy a small moon.

"We are approaching Centauri Prime," the pilot said.

Now would begin phase two of his plan. Freeing Londo Mollari. Marxis had no delusions--he and his dozen men could not hope to breach whatever security measures protected the overthrown Emperor. But he did not intend to breach security on his own, and not right away. He would bide his time, contact his informants and spies. And perhaps, schedule a meeting with Lord Reefa. For now they would hide in one of the Black Watch's safehouses, and meld among the thousands of merchants who came and left every cycle.

And if Mollari didn't listen, well. There was always War Master Jha'dur.

[GuppyShark]

ISN News Update

"This ISN news update is brought to you by UAC Consumer Goods. Delivering the dividends of Martian research to your home."

"The Dilgar/Centauri War appears to be reaching its end. The Dilgar have announced that the Centaurum and the Dilgar Empire have agreed to a ceasefire while they discuss the terms of a negotiated truce. Representatives from nearby governments have expressed cautious optimism, but some have sought to remind their constituents that the Dilgar Empire accompanied their annoucement with the proviso that the Dilgar are ready to return to war if they are not satisfied with the terms of the truce.

The Dilgar/Centauri War has claimed the lives of billions of sentients since it began, mostly Centauri and Narn."

[brianeyci]

"CEO Michael Dragan of CSS Galactic, the Corporate Sector's largest shipbuilding contractor, expressed interest in obtaining colonization permits for the Cooke and Canton systems. 'These low-value worlds, with the proper application of technology, will become thriving colonies', Mr. Dragan said today at a press conference."

"Meanwhile despite mass protests Prime Minister Nunziata signed the final documents to hand the Tulok, Trembas and Yolu worlds to the League of Non-Aligned Worlds after independence movements by their regional governments. At the same time several hundred warships, built under the Marxis regime, departed from the Corporate Sector for delivery to the League. 'I want to assure all our clients that it is business as usual,' the Prime Minister said."

"The Corporate Sector is expected to request Earth Alliance jump gate transponder codes. Already scores of merchant vessels are queuing at major jump gates, awaiting the normalization of trade relations. 'It's about bloody time,' said one merchant headed for Mars."

[brianeyci]

ISN

"The Corporate Sector dismantled another sixteen orbital drydocks today in its bid to regain admission to the Earth Alliance. Meanwhile, League peacekeepers set foot on dozens of former Corporate worlds and the Yolu homeworld today. 'It is a great day for democracy,' Brigadier General Samantha Carter said."

M6

"We are deeply disturbed by the Minbari deployment of warships to the Cooke region, along with the Vorlon Empire's launching of satellites. If this is a legitimate scientific or exploratory program, the Corporate Sector has no objections," Chen said. The warships were older Minbari vessels, so it was possible. Still, Chen doubted the Minbari sent Sharlins on scouting missions.

"If however this is due to the Dilgar stations, the Corporate Sector is in the process of intense negotiations with the Dilgar Empire to take command of the stations and dismantle them. The Dilgar Empire has already expressed strong interest, and there are arrears dating back to the Corporate Sector's old administration. Therefore, I am confident that the Dilgar will allow Corporate inspectors to board their stations, as suggested by the esteemed Ambassador Fox. There is no need for hasty action or loss of life.

However the Corporate Sector finds it strange that the Minbari oppose militarization of the Cooke system yet their Vorlon allies have launched a satellite defense network. It is completely unnecessary and ineffective to launch satellites on this side of the Cooke jump gate.

The Corporate Sector intends to apply for permits for the colonization of the Cooke and Canton systems. These colonies once settled will be administered by the League of Non-Aligned Worlds. The Corporate Sector does not support the position that the presence of an Earth Alliance colony negates the neutrality of Mesopotamia Six. However, there are eleven worlds in the Cooke and Canton systems and the Earth Alliance and Minbari Federation have already planted flags. At the very least, the Corporate Sector intends to legally purchase colonization permits for the Canton system. We inform the Council not because of any legal obligation on our part, since the negotiations will take place between the Earth Alliance and the Corporate Sector, but due to the previous history between the Corporate Sector and the Council. We assure the Council that the Corporate Sector does not intend to establish military facilities on any of the eleven colonies it proposes to construct.

As well a civilian freighter with jump gate transponder codes is on the jump gate between the Canton system and Quadrant 27. It will reactivate the jump gate between the Kokkar system and Quadrant 27 and has no intention of disrupting interstellar trade.

Also the Corporate Sector intends to forgive all debt incurred by belligerent states during the Dilgar-Narn-Centauri wars as a humanitarian gesture. This is no way admits liability of the Corporate Sector for deaths during the war, but is instead intended to assist in reconstruction of devastated Centauri and Dilgar infrastructure. We hope galactic peace can be maintained.

Thank you."

[Trogdor]

ISN

"Despite the coming ceasefire, the violence between the Dilgar Empire and the Centauri Republic continues tonight. This month, a number of minor skirmishes broke out in several star systems. Another Narn populated Centauri world was also conquered by Dilgar ground forces.

"Regardless, the new Centauri Emperor remains optimistic, stating that he was sure a lasting peace could be reached."

"In a related story, Emperor Reefa has publicly lambasted his predecessor, Londo Mollari, who was removed from office following a vote of no confidence and subsequently imprisoned on charges of criminal incompetence. Emperor Reefa said, quote:

'I am horrified by the inefficiencies in the military and the underdeveloped state of numerous Centauri colonies. While Mollari was building an image of a kinder, gentler Centauri Republic he was also building a fleet of expensive and huge warships. Sweeping military, economic, and infrastructure reforms will be my first act of buisness after the war is officially over.' End quote."

"Now we take you to Bawbwa Wawa, for Eye on M6."

[Flashy image of the station and the name of the segment appear before going to another reporter]

"Thank you, Doris. The top story remains the tension over the Dilgar station in Cooke and the Minbari's military deployment in the region. Ambassador Chen of the Corporate Sector seems seem particularly concerned about the latter issue, but tensions have not reached anywhere near the levels they were at during the 'censure period.'"

Doris chuckles. "Thank goodness for that. Has there been any discussion of the Centauri-Dilgar War lately?"

"No, not since the announcement of the upcoming ceasefire. Ambassadors Cotto and Rai'Jal have both been absent from most of the Council meetings lately. They're probably working on a treaty behind closed doors. The only thing Ambassador Cotto's publically done in the last several days is agree with the Corporate Sector's movement that the Cooke region should be open for colonization, this coming on the heels of the news that the Corporates are going to waive the outstanding debts that both the Dilgar and Centauri have with them."

"Do you think we'll be seeing a renewed Centauri/Corporate friendship?" Doris asks.

"Anything's possible, especially considering that there is new leadership in both nations, but only time will tell."

[Kojiro]

"The gate out of the Cooke system leads to Vorlon and Minbari space. We have every right to defend it. The satellites have been there for a considerable time with no objection. Perhaps if the Corporate sector hadn't so hastily withdrawn from this council they would have been present to stop the deployment. They are there now, and they will stay there. The Vorlon Empire will look extremely disfavourably on anyone who tries to remove them without our consent."

Lyta paused for a moment to gather herself.

"I am also instructed to deliver a message to the Dilgar. 'The friend of our enemy is our enemy'. It is the only warning that will be given."

[Nephtys]

Lennier was here again, Delenn having been recalled once more. Something was happening with her constant absence... but only time will tell what.

"While we cannot speak for the Vorlons..." he began, reading a pre-written note left behind by Delenn. "We understand their desire for our mutual defense during these turbulent times. A defense network on the end of the cooke Jumpgate cannot be used for offensive purposes, and merely will protect vulnerable shipping through the region from attack by raiders or organized forces with defended strongpoints they can return to."

"While the purpose of a defensive satellite network is clear, it clearly is not the case with the hidden bases. The defenses are in the open. All hands are bared and what is shown is shown."

He cleared his throat.

"Our fleet transitting Cooke will keep a wide berth from all foreign shipping and wait for lulls in traffic to proceed. Although Cooke is neutral ground, we must traverse the system to reach our forward outposts. This small squadron is being sent for Warrior caste training exercises there."

[brianeyci]

"Just because no star nation has objected until now that does not make my point irrelevant. The galaxy has simply been busy with other matters. And you are quite aware of the Corporate Sector's political situation."

"As for removal, there is no need for saber rattling. If my memory serves it was the Minbari who made the first threat to destroy Dilgar state property."

"Ultimately however Cooke is Earth Alliance sovereign territory and it is the Earth Alliance's perogative to allow deployment of military assets. The Corporate Sector's only interest is in fair commercial exploitation. Seniar Fleet Systems has expressed an interest in deploying its own satellite network."

Neutral ground my ass, thought Chen. I always thought it was bullshit propaganda, but Marxis was right--Minbari and Vorlon warships unescorted through EA space! Outrageous. Why hadn't Alshain sat a carrier battle group here? There were millions of human beings right next door. Did Alshain trust the Minbari and Vorlons so much that he gave their militaries carte blanche? But fifteen ships, even Minbari ships, couldn't accomplish anything, and with the sale of Brakiri and Corporate starships to the League and Alshain's promised deployment of two carrier battlegroups... Chen felt ashamed for a moment, knowing he was thinking exactly like his predecessor. He always thought Marxis was a lying racist, but apparently he had been an honest racist.

[Trogdor]

Ivan was taking Vir's place in the Council, who had given him strict instructions on what to do and not to do.

"Gentlemen, can we not compromise on some of these matters?" he asked. "If the Vorlon Empire were to simply move their satellites to the other side of the gate, then that would solve some of the problems we face, yes?"

"As for the problem of having Minbari warships passing through the area, the location of this station was selected because this system is something of a galactic crossroads. This problem will likely come up fairly often as a result," Ivan continued. "Unfortunatly, having Earth Alliance keep a force nearby opens them up to allegations that they are trying to intimidate the ambassadors here, as your predecessor alleged, Ambassador Chen."

"I believe what the situation calls for is an international force," he said. "All nations on the Council will contribute a certain number of ships. They will answer to Earth Alliance authority but remain crewed by the people of their various nations."

[brianeyci]

Green Sector - Corporate Diplomatic Quarters

"Hands open my fucking ass," muttered Chen. He was skimming Marxis's old intelligence reports, now declassified to discredit the dictator. Marxis bent over backwards to make sure alien factions were busy killing each other with his guns, and when someone didn't have enough he sold them, sometimes at under market value. It worked in a way. The Narns had never attacked the Corporate Sector, nor had the Dilgar or the Centauri.

The report highlighted the Marxis's disgust with aliens. The Vorlons especially, after the "accidental" destruction of an entire Narn world. It was clear from the documents that although Marxis was a xenophobe in every possible way, he did not want to exterminate every alien, but merely make sure aliens were too busy killing each other to notice the Corporate Sector or the Earth Alliance. And sell them cheap mass produced consumer goods.

What shocked Chen was Operation Freedom. Marxis's Generals a few years ago had drawn up a plan to send hundreds of lightly armed vessels disguised as merchant transports to Earth. They would have bypassed most of Earthforce, then dropped the equivalent of five divisions worth of troops and special forces in key cities on Earth. At the last second, Marxis vetoed the plan and "disappeared" his generals.

That was old history though. What was useful was Chen had discovered Marxis's older star charts recorded Minbari vessels in Brakiri space. Minbari vessels, hiding in nebula. Minbari vessels destroying Brakiri mining vessels. Chen wondered why Kullenbrach had stayed silent, but the Brakiri Ambassador was on bad terms with the Dilgar anyway and probably relished watching the Minbari threatening to destroy Dilgar property with a bullshit excuse. And Chen didn't feel like backing the Dilgar, not after they killed billions of Centauri. Then again, the Minbari were rigidly divided into three castes, so maybe Lennier didn't know the Minbari kept ships in nebula. Or maybe he was lying.

There were hypocrites and liars everywhere in Mesopotamia Six. Chen laughed.