StarDestroyer.Net BBS

(Con't)

A week had passed since the attack by the Centauri fleet and in that time the Klingon Marauder hunted down and destroyed six Centauri warships of various classes. Attacking from a rear, cloaked position, the enemy ships never had a chance. The consensus onboard K'mpec's Honor was simple-since the enemy started the fight first everything was fair game. However that was not how Worf had seen it and he had made that forcefully clear in the days since.

"We are to do reconnaissance first," he had told the crew. "There is no honor in destroying helpless prey. Civilian ships should not be targeted."

"And why not? Koss had asked. "We were dishonorably attacked first. The enemy lied and tried to capture us. Should we not destroy them where they are?"

Surprisingly, Worf noted that the comment was more than a point of interest rather than a full challenge. He felt encouraged.

"We are only one ship," he answered simply.

"All the more reason to destroy all life on Centauri Prime," countered the young Klingon. "No one would dare attack us again. Destroy our enemies. It is the way of the warrior.”

"You are wrong," Worf had countered. "We would be hated and then hunted down like maddened targs. "The non-combatants do not deserve such a fate." His face never cracked but inside his mind everything was a whirl. In many ways, this was the same argument that had caused Betazoid to be bombed. He would not have that responsibility on his liver, unless it proved to be a necessity and right now, it wasn’t. "We need allies, a support base powerful enough to defeat our enemies. Babylon Five is strong, but they are only one station. The Humans and others there have proven their honor but eventually they will be destroyed unless they have allies strong enough to support them. The Federation ships even with our support cannot survive against the continued attacks to come."

"All the more reason to sterilize the enemy," Koss retorted. But it was an empty argument, without heart enough to make it real to the others.

Now, their Narn allies were weakened, but their hearts were strong and the thirst for vengeance and the need to regain what was theirs would give them strength, make them strong. It was well documented-all races fought harder when invaded or trying to regain what was theirs from the beginning. The Narn were such a people.

The return scans from their cloaked satellite inserted deep into the Centauri home system, had detected hundreds of Centauri vessels and those bizarre arrow ships of all different sizes and shapes. Even one of the so-called Shadow vessels had been observed over the Homeworld. At the Captain's insistence, the recordings were transmitted directly to the Federation starships. Worf's heart soared with the possibilities brought about by that action. The hatred and distrust of the Federation was breaking-just a little, if only here and nowhere else.

All the signs were clear. The Centauri were planning a war against someone. A perhaps, reckless charge on the planet would be a futile gesture, the success not be worth the price that would have to be paid. Besides he and Captain Koral were in agreement. They would not be pulled into another war by someone else's manipulations and that by all accounts, was exactly what the Shadows seemed intent on doing. Their opinion was that if a planet needed destroying, they would be ones who choose how it's done.

"We have detected the Narn war craft. Six million kilicams."

"Move towards them."

Even from that distance they could detect the Narn heavy cruiser's considerable battle damage sustained in multiple engagements with the Centauri.

"De-cloak!"

With this action the Klingons would seal their bargain with G'Kar. There was an old saying among his people-allies in words, allies in blood.

The Klingon vessel shifted into view less than a kilometer from the surprised Narns. Captain Koral loved doing that to those who had never experienced a cloaked vessel appearing on top of them. "Hail them."

"They respond."

"This is Captain Koral of the Klingon vessel K'mpec's Honor," he announced evenly, as non-threatening as possible. "We are here to assist you in the repair and upgrading of your ship. Have your engineers ready. We will transport now."

The Narn Captain, recovering from his shock of the hostile-looking craft hovering next to his ship, simply nodded.

An hour later a female Klingon engineering specialist called Kal'criss was growling at her Narn engineering counterpart as both of them inched deep into the guts of the weapons ports. "The crystal used to focus your energy emitters are cracked," she growled. "You couldn’t destroy a shuttle with this power rating." It was an exaggeration of course but she had gotten her point across.

"We have not been able to effect repairs," G'ton responded hotly, which seemed, he discovered, to be the best way to respond to the uncouth female. "We are one of the last free ships. We are constantly pressed by the Centauri."

Kal'criss nodded in understanding. Being alone was rough. "We need to change the energy converters to make them compatible. Your particle weapons will be able to channel the new disruptor beams properly. Then your enemies will be in for a surprise," she snapped at him happily."

G'ton smiled. He liked what he was hearing.

In engineering, there were also new components being added. The navigational and deflector screen generators were being hooked into their respective consoles and again compatibilities with the power relays played havoc with the configurations. But the Narns were more than used to jury-rigging equipment, and the procedure went more smoothly than many had anticipated. The Klingons had a clear purpose, a real agenda now and were in a good mood. They began replacing the Narn energy mine warheads with their own photon yields. The Narn accepted eagerly and reciprocated with detailed information on jump-point computations utilized by their own FTL systems. It was a makeshift alliance born out of desperation and casual conversations between a single, homeless Narn and a castaway crew of lost souls. What would become of this alliance and the additions to follow would prove be the first line of defense against eternal night.



The Minbari Flagship:

"Is it true? Tell me!"

"Yes. It is true, Delenn," Neroon answered. The look in his eyes said it all and the Satai recoiled.

"I do not understand. Our people have been attacked and you wish to focus mainly on the warrior caste, because you consider them of more value that the others during this time of crisis? Explain this to me," she hotly demanded.

"Our people need guidance, Delenn," he answered rather defensively. Being a member of the warrior caste, his answers to the Satai as a whole usually bordered on arrogance. And he never had a great love for Delenn. But things change and the rift within was almost as bad as the war without.

"Since your little display," he continued rather dryly, "the people have been divided. The other castes have grown more and more distrustful of the warrior caste, we who are responsible for protection of Minbar. These attacks have served only to underscore that importance. We stand ready to defend and avenge our people but we must lead in order to fulfill those vows."

You would cast out the religious and worker castes to grasp a bit of power over our own people? Neroon, I cannot believe that you would do this! There will be bloodshed, much more bloodshed because the dead of so many Minbari cry out in anguish at our foolishness.

"The people are scared. They need guidance. This isn’t like the last war-"

The tall Minbari stood quietly at Delenn's side. He was right. That time it was an error, foolishness on top of misunderstanding. This time it had been a deliberate attack designed to keep them away from aiding the Vorlons in their time of need. Minbari ships were tracking the enemy now back to their home base. She already knew where the trail would lead.

"This isn’t like the last war," she agreed. "Then, we were one people, united, to avenge our lost. This time, we are close to fighting among ourselves even as the enemy destroys our homes. Neroon, if the warrior cast should lead then they must be willing to serve those they would rule. Have you considered being the servant? Do you have the strength to do so?"

His answer was careful and considered. "I don’t know."

"Then before you choose to rule, find out what it means to truly serve. Anything less and you will not be worthy."

“There are times when you truly surprise me Delenn. Again I am reminded why he chose you," Neroon said in mocking humor and grudging respect. "What of the Humans on Babylon Five? Will they support us?"

"We acted in their time of need. They will respond accordingly," she said, utterly confident to speak for Sheridan and the others."

"There is another point that has me greatly concerned," Neroon said as they began to walk towards the chambers of the Grey council, the seat of Minbari power. "I have heard and seen the reports of the Federation Human ships. At first I discounted the reports and rumors as overactive imagination, but I can’t discount them anymore. If they are as powerful as I have been told then what type of threat are they to us? Captain Menroi has told of fantastic technology and the weaponry that was used against the Centauri has given the warrior caste cause to turn our eyes on them. Menroi and his crew are very taken with them. But I would like your evaluation, Delenn. Are they a threat?"

"First, they are not simply Human but a combination of races working together for the improvement of all. It has not worked out as well as they hoped as they have been at war with a vicious and brutal enemy called the Klingons for over twenty of their years. But even in this these people have managed to obtain a real truce with the ones who are here. They talk to each other and they have worked together. The Human on both sides share a commonality. They can make build communities with others that are not their own. B5 is an example of that and the Humans onboard the Federation starships share that same trait. They have helped B5 weather storms and have improved quality of life on the station. Even Kosh was saved by them, and for a Vorlon to speak constantly with their Ambassador should be answer enough."

That little revelation surprised him. Vorlons were very isolated. They barely talked to anyone. "I would like to evaluate them myself one day soon."

"That may come sooner that you think. This information I hold comes from them."

He raised his hairless eyebrows and the two separated as Delenn now stood at the entranceway of the Grey Council. For years this was the door she walked thru and she had valued it as a friend, like a familiar face. But only recently had it turned to an adversary, seeming now to look back at her in reproof. She swallowed and the door opened into darkness.

-And into the light. The circle of light, her people’s light and she grew strength from it. Now she was ready.

Nine hooded figures, Minbari all, surrounded her as they stepped into their own circles. Now they were ready.

“I am Grey," Delenn said, her hood covering her Human-like hair. "I stand between the candle and the star. We are Grey. We stand between the darkness and the light. I come and stand at that place that has been prepared for me and was broken by our foolishness. It is time to stand together once more. We are Grey.”

“Delenn,” one of the members of the warrior caste began. “You who have broken the circle, why are you’re here? Have you come right the wrong which had done here? Do you ask for forgiveness?”

The bitterness ran deep. She ignored the glib. “For years we have been warned that the darkness was coming and now it is here. For a thousand years we prepared for it and just as we became laxed, it has struck. We ignored the warnings from the other races as they began to war among themselves. We said that the problems of others were not our concern. Then the very enemy that we have waited for, for so long have now attacked the Vorlons. Now we began to prepare, but it is a half-hearted effort, for we were broken and afraid. We did not take the first step and now we are running behind to catch up. Now we are too late. We have been attacked by that same darkness and we have no idea where to turn to strike back. But instead we have struck against ourselves. There are those in the warrior caste who believe that they are the power and now refuse to fully support the others in their time of need.”

“That is a lie!”

“Then prove it by remembering why the Grey Council was created in the first place! If you wish to lead, then you must first serve. If this is done, we of the religious caste and the worker caste would follow gladly.”

Another of the warrior caste spoke up. “We die for our people, Delenn. What more can we do to prove that we serve?”

“By putting your trusts and your hearts in our hands knowing that we may squeeze and crush it, as you would do to us. The temptation for power is too strong and we must be ready to defend ourselves against that which comes.”

“You’re suggesting that we change the Grey.”

“There is no Grey!” she yelled. “Only leadership that have lost its way!”

There was silence for several moments as what was said was digested.

“We must serve now as never before,” she said breaking the tense silence. “If we do not, then none of us may survive. Look.”

The three dimensional visual materialize above them and an image of Centauri Prime’s solar system appeared. Even from a distance the Council could pick out the hundreds of Centauri craft interspersed with another group they could not fail to recognize. Those arrow shaped ships were very distinctive, not matter what their size.

“These images were taken by the Klingon vessel less than two days ago. There are hundreds of them throughout at least three systems in Centauri territory. They are coming and we must prepare. It is not just us, but the non-aligned races as well. We must come together before the Shadows and their allies crush us. We need a reference point, a place to organize, a fortress as we had a thousand years ago.”

“You refer to Babylon Five, I assume,” one of the other Leaders from the worker caste said. “But we must first defend our people. Make our planets safe.”

“Yes. But there will come a time when we must attack as well as defend. When that time comes, it will be there on Babylon Five where we will coordinate.”

“We will consider.”

“Consider quickly or soon, we will not have anything left to consider.”



Proxima III:

Four EAS destroyers prepared to get underway as escort, protecting their most precious cargo on its journey back to earth. General Brindley watch nervously as the convoy activated their jump engines and disappeared into hyperspace. The centers of power might have just shifted if the big heads at home did their jobs correctly.

The USS Yeager had made it back to Babylon-Five with hardly a scratch, neatly avoiding the minefields and other traps set by his government to bring the small scout ship down. But all the preparations failed as he had expected them to and the pursuers continued on to Proxima III. Their new hope of capturing or destroying the Federation ships rested in R&D’s research and they had just delivered the prototype. It was ungainly and had to be fitted on the outside of an Omega-class destroyer. It had exactly two shots worth of power. The result of rushed research and inadequate preparation, it was a risky venture that Brindley wasn’t prepared to take. The particle-laser hybrid weapon was estimated powerful enough to damage Federation shields, but one had to close to almost to point-blank range in order for it to work. The rumors were flying that President Clarke would order waves of ships into the fire so that two of the destroyers would get a clear shot. It was rumor of course, but that type of rumor gave credence to the state of moral problem still plaguing the EAS.

However the tide was beginning to change, a change that started one day after the Centauri-Babylon Five conflict. A lone Star Fury exited an EAS-controlled jumpgate and moved quickly towards the nearest blockading destroyer.

“This is Lt. Cdr. Gerald Higgins of Babylon Five,” the pilot had said repeatedly. “I am non-hostile and I have information vital to Earth Gov and Earth Force. I repeat this is Lt. Cdr. Gerald…”

The rebel ship had been surrounded and escorted into the landing bay of the EAS Evanston and within an hour technicians were all over the modified Thunderbolt class Star Fury. This was the most important find in the last fifteen years. Polarized plating- an absolute wonder!-a smaller more powerful fission generator, a new standoff and deliver system complete with lased-energy and phased generators. The engineers and technicians were practically drooling over the technology and the schematic their scans had begun to reveal. And it had been delivered into their hands; a gift handed to them by a loyal member of the Earth Force. There was the information on a new class of Star Fury being built, one which would effectively humiliate anything Earth Force could come with in the next ten to twenty years.

Interrogation and telepathic scans of the prisoner proved that he was telling the absolute truth. He had never approved of going up against his own government, indeed was forced to by the situation of being on he wrong side at the wrong time. He said he loved his Captain (as a true, close friend), but Hiroshi was wrong. Furthermore he was a wealth of information. He spoke of the Federation marvels, including the replication systems that had intimidated Brindley and Christov so. He spoke of the command structures of B5 and the Federation. He gave details of the Centauri battle. He had a wealth of information about foreign policies and the problems with the Vorlon-Shadow war, which Earth Force knew next-to-nothing about. He also expressed something else.

Fear.

-Fear of the upcoming war with the Shadows or even the Centauri against Earth. Without a doubt he believed that those same Shadow aliens would one-day attack, and Earth had to be ready or everyone would die.

Terrell Drake, Captain of the Evanston stood next to Brindley and several other senior staff members, saying nothing as both sweated over the most recent reports and the information obtained from Higgins. From the corner of his eye Brindley watched the Senior Captain as he turned several different shades of red with each passing hour. So, finally after an hour, he decided to have compassion on the man.

"Out with it."

"This is exactly what I feared," the man blurted out. "Every day that station is getting stronger and stronger. This embargo on B5 is a joke," he said stressing every single word. "The new weapon is a joke and we're sitting here like scare rabbits trying to decide what we're going to do next. It’s true that we’ve just about figured out how to track their ships in warp but you’ve read the report about the Feds. They’ve almost discovered a way to track our ships in hyperspace with enough detail to read the nameplates on them. And their so-called subspace weaponry is being configured to take us out while we’re in jump transit. Picard and Garrett have been practicing reconfiguring their subspace emitters to open hyperspace jump points. If this continues for much longer, we're going to have to nuke the entire system before they come after us and step all over our fleet for sport."

Brindley expected something like this and it appeared that several officers shared the Captain's assessment. Even he agreed with everything that was being said. Higgins’s report had also stated that the first of Sheridan’s White Stars was in the process of being fitted with warp engines. The Ambassador’s science labs were making new discoveries everyday. Very soon, any attack against them would be futile. Nuclear strike? It’ll probably just make them mad. He shivered at the thought. Like it or not, Babylon Five was becoming an independent power. However with this-gift from heaven-maybe they wouldn’t trail too far behind.

The EAS Charon and the battle group had disappeared in a flash of jump space distortion carrying that most valuable cargo and with it the hopes of Earth Force.

A young lieutenant clearing his throat for the second time interrupted his thoughts. His people knew when not to bother him unless it was very, very important. He was about to soundly blast the young man when the comments died in his throat. Behind him coming up fast, was Colonel Griffin and an Earth Force Major whose name he couldn’t remember.

“Sir, our deep space probe intercepted a transmissions,” the lieutenant said quickly. “Apparently there’s a ship, one of Sheridan’s forces that’s penetrated Vorlon space.”

Quickly, the General moved to the communications center of the ship where they were still receiving the transmission. Evidently, it was being broadcasted on a standard frequency to make sure that someone would see it. Surrounded by his staff, he listened and saw.

“Babylon Five, Captain Sheridan, are you receiving this?” the voice said. “The Shadows have penetrated the outer defenses of the Vorlon home system or at least what we think is their system. They’re not even concerned that we’re here. The Vorlons have destroyed hundreds of the Shadow vessels and still they are coming. But the Vorlons are being pushed back. The fighting has been unbelievable. We dare not get too close. They’re trying to stop something, some kind of device covered in a cloud-like vapor…"

About five minutes, again the transmission returned. “It’s orbiting the outer most planet now. Something’s happening.”

"Are we recording this?”

“Absolutely, sir. We’re also relaying the information to Earth Force.”

“Good. So those are the Shadow ships in action,” he whispered to his people. “Ladies and gentlemen, it looks like the one found on Mars. I think B5 has just been relegated to number two of our list of problems.”

“They continued watching in silence as two Vorlon fighters slammed themselves into the cloud. They went in. Nothing came out.

“There’s something… B5, can you see it? Missiles, almost two hundred meters long, thousands of them. Aimed towards the planet. They've hit! They’re penetrating the crust…ten miles…twenty miles…thirty miles. They're tunneling into the planets core."

The signal broke up for a second. "The Vorlons have fired some type of energy weapon at the shadow cloud. There was an explosion, the entire area lit up. The cloud is dispersing, breaking up." There was another pulse of interference much longer and more pronounced this time.

"That was a massive electromagnetic pulse on the planet," the voice continued. "The missiles just exploded, thousands of them, each of them with thousands of megatons. The planet is convulsing; earthquakes, magma explosions are evident everywhere on the planet. It's breaking up from the inside…My God! There's another of those things that just exited from a jump point. It's moving towards the next planet. I believe the Vorlons are bringing in another-"

The rest of the vid feed was lost as the sensor's officer's voice rang out accompanied by proximity alarms.

"Sir. We have a jump point opening one million kilometers from our position. It's two, repeat two Centauri Vorchans. They are on an intercept course heading for Proxima III.”

“Hail them.”

“They’re hailing us, sir. Sounds like it’s a pre-recorded message.”

“…Cartagia and the Centauri people will no longer be spied upon and subjected to the whims of the Government of Earth. It has struck against us once but never again…”

Brindley fumed. This nonsense about spying on the Centauri was lunacy and the riveting transmissions he had to tear himself away from were far more important than some political crap coming from the Centauri right about now. However in the back of his mind alarm bells were ringing. “Open a channel.”

“Channel, open.”

“Centauri vessels. This is an Earth Force restricted area. You will leave immediately.”

The Centauri ignored the order and continued to close in almost casually. Something was wrong. He could feel it.

“Battle stations,” he ordered. “Power everything up and launch all Star Furies. Everything!”

“Sir, we have multiple jump points all over the system!”

He could see the obvious quite clearly. The sky seemed full of Centauri ships as they too launched their fighters and in an instant they found themselves defending the very colony that just moments before was under military law. Nearly two hundred Sentri interceptors swarmed the ten Earth Force destroyers and their fighters. Earth Force didn’t wait but began firing and immediately dozens of Centauri fighters were damaged or destroyed. The larger Primus and Vorchans hit the Earth fleet like a sledgehammer. Overwhelmed, the EAS Nemies was the first to die under the withering fire of four Primus battleships. Fires erupting from over two hundred different areas signaled the death of its crew.

Although caught unprepared, they gave as well as they got, but all of the EAS ships were taking a severe beating. There were simply too many of the enemy attacking at one time. A second Omega broke apart even as it gutted its assailant. Dozens of escape pods ejected, filled with desperate men and women trying to escape the death throes of the mother vessel, but to the crew of the Evanston's mounting horror the survivors were being blown apart by the Centauri interceptors. Aurora and Thunderbolt furies fought for all they were worth but the end was a forgone conclusion. Six to one odds were not winnable under these conditions.

The Heracles blew a port engine when the order to retreat was given by the commanding General. He clearly understood what he was asking his fleet to do and he felt a bitter regret for leaving the scene, but for the sake of his command and the people under him he had to get them to safety. Proxima III would to be abandoned. The Centauri were after them not the civilians.

"Punch us a hole and have the fleet prepare to jump."

"Yes, Sir," Drake said. "The Heracles will not be able execute the jump." The ship was far too damaged to move more than five thousand KPH let alone endure the stress of hyperspace travel. "They will have to surrender."

Brindley would not abandon the Heracles and was about to give the order when Centauri Battleships began firing point blank into amidships of the wounded EAS Omega. The vessel tore itself apart spectacularly and in full display of the Earth fleet. The Centauri had no intentions of accepting surrender of any kind. Even as he watched the vile spectacle in horror he saw several of the Centauri change course, heading towards the planet. With a sense of nausea, he watched as those ships fired directly into the heart of the colony with the resulting fire creating mushroom clouds large enough to be seen from orbit. Tens of thousands maybe far, far more were dead. President Clarke had once suggested the same thing, but had relinquished under the criticism from even his closest advisors. But this was different, he thought, trying to justify it. These were aliens killing Humans, his people. It had been his responsibility to protect his people from such threats. But now, just as the threat represented a clear and present danger he had failed. Military quarantine or not, he had failed those people-his people and the weight of that failure felt like the rock of Gibraltar on his back. He could barely breathe as the Evanston and his four badly battered, surviving ships fled to the safety of hyperspace.

Seconds later, relief turned to determination as scans reported ten Centauri warships on their tail intent on running them down.

And they were slowly succeeding.

He had no choice at all. Heaven help them.

Chapter Twenty-One

“Setting the Rules”


Lieutenant Commander Castillo, in charge of the evening shift on the Ambassador, sat relaxed listening to the hums and bell of his ship as the crew went through the routine. Today had been a rough day. Some of the engineers were insisting on upgrading the warp core to the new specs consistent with the updated Ambassador class of the Enterprises-D’s time. But, right now, it was impossible. The last thing they needed was to be in the middle of a refit when someone decided to attack them. Therefore that would have to wait for a more opportune time. In the meantime he mused about home, a place that might not be possible to get back to. All the experiments in quantum temporal and spatial shifting had failed. Home was as close as his seat and as far away as the most distant galaxy. But the good news was that they could now achieve warp one in hyperspace before the dis-harmonics would tear the ship apart. From B5 in warp-hyper drive, earth was a mere six hours away, instead of three days. The alignment between sub-space and hyperspace still needed to be fine-tuned. The frequencies between the two realities had to match perfectly and so far, that quantum matching had proved elusive.

He enjoyed working command during evening shift and he got chance to choose his choice of music. The only thing he didn’t like was the ever-accursed paperwork that was placed on his PADD every few minutes it seemed. Captain Garrett insisted that the bio and science departments kept their experiments and data collection on schedule-as much as possible-so that they would not lose their edge. Many of the crewmembers were transplants from the future Enterprise and trained not in the sciences but in military tactics. So she had implemented a plan to change that onboard her vessel. The Ambassador was a diplomatic science vessel first and foremost and she intended to keep it that way as much as she could. There were classes being held constantly onboard including quantum and subspace physics, temporal and spatial harmonics incorporating normal, subspace and hyperspace theory-a requirement for everybody- and his favorite, anti-matter containment mechanics taught by Garret herself. Then there were the interspecies cytogenetics and gene comparisons studies and Federation diplomacy courses.

The holographic classrooms were nothing short of amazing. ‘Hands-on’ took on a whole new meaning here. Some days, after taking some of those classes, it felt as though his head would explode. But truth be told, he did enjoy some of those classes, as did the Narns and crew stationed on B5 who were taking the classes as well. Data was an excellent teacher and he got chance to see Tasha more often than not. The woman was beautiful and their relationship was blossoming, a good thing since he was considering asking her to marry him.

But he hadn’t yet and their ‘secret’ relationship was the casual gossip of the Enterprise, the Ambassador and a fair amount of B5-actually anyone who saw them-couldn’t help but notice it.

“Get it over with and ask the woman,” his Captain had told him in no uncertain terms.

He smiled as he remembered his response. “I don’t know if this is the right time.”

“There’s never a right time,” she said. “There’s always a wrong time. And there’s now. Don’t let your chance slip away.”

He already knew this, but hearing it from someone else helped. Hopefully, he prayed that she would follow her own advice. If opposites attract, then she and Picard were made for each other.

Ensign Mossa, a female Andorian pulled him out of his musings. “Sir, we there’s a ship, correction two more ships, exiting the jump gate. EAS configuration, Hyperions.”

“It must be the last two ships they were expecting.”

“B5 is confirming their ID’s.”

“Good. Stand down.” He relaxed. Security was at a all time high now. Castillo and Riker had no intentions of allowing raiders to piggyback a ride with friendlies.



For the last two hours, Sheridan and Commander Ivanova had taken the tour of the new instrumentation onboard the station and now they were at the final leg of their journey. Susan waited until all of the visitors were in the docking bay before she began her lecture. In front of the shocked officers was the updated Thunderbolt-B5 (for Babylon Five) Star Fury.

“Ladies and Gentlemen: This is a modified SA-26A-B5 Thunderbolt Star Fury, four times stronger and faster than its earlier sister. A plasma-injected micro-fusion reactor powers the fighter-bomber’s system. The mass is the same, fifty-two metric tons and it has an acceleration 4.3 km/per second squared with a maximum duration of twenty hours. The weapons are modified with what are called first generation phased energy pulse canons and for defense we have polarized plating, the same as on B5, and is rated to withstand four direct hits from standard Centauri fighters. And it works quite well. I haven’t even mentioned the new targeting and IDECM* systems we’re placing in this model. And the gravity and inertia systems allow a pilot to perform aerobatics that would shock you. In short, with these ships we can wipe the off the floor with anything that comes at us one-on-one.”

“Even Minbari fighters?” someone asked in the background.

“Susan’s response was a knowing, half sneer. “We’re not at war with them anymore,” came the diplomatic answer. “Shall we continue?”



“Captain Garret to the Bridge.”

“Garrett here. What’s the problem, Commander?”

“Four bogies are heading towards the B5 jump gate,” Richard answered. The sensor upgrades were good enough to track a target in hyperspace for a distance of six light minutes. Subspace sensors, having the advantage of three hundred years of engineering and application behind it, were far, far more sensitive. Hyperspace detection technology, based on subspace sensors theoretical applications was a new, raw science. But still, it was beginning to prove its worth and whatever was discovered by Sheridan’s or Fed castaways were shared.

“B5 confirms our targets. It’s three Omegas and one Hyperion class. Are they expecting any more guests?”

CnC answered. “No unauthorized guests are on the list. We’re going to battle stations.”

“Shields up! Yellow alert. We’re on the sidelines unless they start something. Move to established positions.”

“Enterprise and Yeager concurs.”



From CnC Sandra watched as Omegas powered up, quickly turning to face the gate while the blue glow of the Federation ships brightened as the moved some five thousand kilometers distant, in other words, point blank range. Captain Sheridan and Commander Ivanova along with Major Ryan rushed to CnC to find out what was going on.

“Report Hiroshi.”

“There are four EAS ships coming through the jump gate in thirty seconds. Our fighters are flanking the gate. We’re ready.”

The Jump gate activated and four EAS ships poured out. Immediately they begin broadcasting.

“Babylon Five,” Voicecom said. “We are non-hostile, repeat non hostile. We request immediate asylum. This is General Brindley of the EAS Evanston. Captain Sheridan, we need to talk. We are non-hostile. Our weapons are not powered. Do not fire, I repeat...”

A surprised Sheridan curtly responded. “Move your ships six thousand klicks on your x-axis and wait there. Any deviation will be met with hostile action. Is that clear?”

“Affirmative, B5. There are Centauri warships on our tail. They destroyed the colony on Proxima III.”

Major Ryan gasped harshly and growled at his ex-superior officer. “We’re supposed to believe that? What did you do to those people?”

“Take a look at our ships, Major! We had a total of ten ships when the blockade was overrun. Five of us made the jump and only four of us made it here. They’ve dogged us all the way here, cut off other avenues of escape, jammed out communications with Earth. There’s a war starting, Major and our people don’t know about it!”

A quick scan by the station confirmed their status. As a whole they were barely functional, the damage clearly evident, and multiple life signs fading.

“Sir, we have twelve bogies approaching B5 space, distance six light minutes and closing fast.”

“Give the order.” Bless these scanners.

“Five white Stars and the three Federation Ships went to full combat status.

Twelve Centauri battleships erupted from hyperspace jump points sixty thousand kilometers distant from Babylon Five and ran face to face a task force with the Enterprise and Ambassador flanking them. Immediately, they turned and jumped back into hyperspace without firing a shot.

“Evidently the word’s gotten out,” he said to Major Ryan who nodded in agreement. “Which is good for now. The more time we have to prepare, the better.”

With his entire bridge in a near panic, General Brindley grimaced as he watched injured crewman after crewman disappear to god-knows-where right in front of him. Well, that answered that question. Sheridan possessed power, Babylon Five was his and he couldn’t deny its effectiveness. Here was absolute proof the Federation did indeed have matter transport technology.

Sheridan’s image appeared on the comms channel. “General your injured have been removed to Babylon Five and are being taken care of. No harm will come to them,” he said. “You have my word on it.”

Brindley curtly nodded.

“I want you and your staff on your bridge in five minutes. It’s time we had a talk.”

Unable to do anything else, he complied.

“We’re here, Sheridan,” the General hissed. A second later he almost screamed as he felt his body changing into something else. Energy shimmered around him and his bridge faded and the B5 conference-teaching room took its place. Captain Drake, stone-faced and stiff, looked about with a burning anger that was palpable. The Captains of the other three EAS ships were also present having experienced the same method of transport. The room was brimming with Sheridan’s guards both Human and Narn. A few seconds later, Captains Picard and Garrett materialized-that was the best word he could think of-behind Sheridan and Major Ryan looking as arrogant as he’d ever seen them. Maybe they have a right to be he thought.

“President Clarke is not to happy with you right now,” he began. “That little stunt with the Psi-Corps has started a small civil war-as you intended for it to do.”

Sheridan’s response was just as harsh. “The people needed to know what was happening since ISN doesn’t have a clue anymore. ‘All the poisons need to come to the surface’ someone once said in ancient Rome I believe. He was right.”

The two of them glared at one another, neither backing down. Finally Brindley broke off in disgust.

A few moments later they were all seated and Sheridan began.

“What happened General? Why did the Centauri attack you?”

“It’s all your fault, Sheridan,” Brindley started. “They sent us a message before they began shooting!” He had perfect memory and he proceeded to quote the message. ‘I, Emperor Cartagia and the Centauri people will no longer be spied upon and subjected to the whims of the Government of Earth. It has struck against us once but never again will we be subjected to the manipulations of a species that would keep us from our rightful place among the stars’. He continued on from some time but the bottom line is that we are at war.”

“Then why did you come here?” the major asked. The man looked skeptical.

“They attacked us with almost no warning. We were out-numbered, and out gunned. Two of our ships were destroyed within the first two minutes and when the Heracles tried to surrender, they blew it to bits and then bombed the colony. They even destroyed one of our ships in hyperspace and you know how unstable fights are in that space. When we escaped, they attempted to flank us in hyperspace and even fired some unknown energy weapon against us. They cut off all avenues of escape except for Minbari space and here. It seems they are afraid of you, for the time being. I have to contact EarthGov and let them know what has happened.”

“EarthGov has been jamming us since we broke away,” Sheridan answered hotly. “You know that!”

Hissing, Brindley understood after all he was the one who initiated the quarantine, but he wasn’t about to let that stop him for a moment. "Let me repeat myself, Captain. Earth Force, Earth Gov, all of our protectorates are threatened. Despite our differences, Sheridan, I can't believe that you would allow Humanity to be threatened in this way without at least making the effort. In fact, the Yeager or one of your White Stars could get out of jamming range and relay the warning.

"We have a credibility problem, General Brindley, one which was created by President Clarke!"

"And you would let that stop you?" the General asked. "If that’s true then you really are a traitor. You would actually let an alien government destroy us."

Sheridan was livid and judging by the looks on the other rebel Commanders, so were they since it was implied that they too were traitors. "Screw you and your bigoted attitudes, General," Sheridan harshly responded. "There isn’t one of us here that wouldn’t lay down our lives to protect Earth, even from people who have violated the same constitution we have fought and died for in the last few months. This has never been about alien influence, but about Clarke's megalomania, those that follow him and the trampling of the rights of the people of Earth. And,” he added rubbing salt into the wound. “How do you know that Clarke hasn’t been influence by aliens in the first place?"

That thought never crossed Brindley's mind, in fact he couldn’t even conceive of such a thing. Clarke, under alien control of some sort? Never!

“We intercepted the transmission sent to you about the Vorlons and those Shadows. It’s quite a battle going on. I’m glad we’re not involved in that.” It was an obvious probe but Sheridan seemed to be waiting for it.

“We expected you to see that General. That’s’ why it was sent on an open channel. Instead of watching us every minute, we wanted you to know what was really going on.”

“It’s not our problem,” Brindley answered. As he took the measure of everyone in the room he could see the fear in some of the rebels. Their eyes darted back and forth nervously as though the wanted to flee the room. He decided to add to the pressure. Maybe conversation and guilt could do what guns and bombs couldn’t. “You and the Centauri are.”

“There’s more to it than that, General,” said Sheridan refusing to rise to the bait. “Did you know that the Minbari were attacked less than six days ago by an unknown race? This race has been seen in Centauri space and we have proof of this. The Shadows are working with the Centauri. Do you understand what that means? Do you have a clue, Brindley?” He let that sink in for a moment. “The Shadows are our problem because when they finish with the Vorlons they will come after Earth in support of the Centauri. We are talking inter-galactic war here. Very soon it’s going to be Earth, Minbar, Narn and the non-aligned races against the Shadows, the Centauri and these others. Nowhere will be safe.”

The General opened his mouth, closed it, opened it again and closed it. “You have a tendency to exaggerate Sheridan,” he said finally. “The Centauri are the problem and we’ll need everybody to deal with this threat. You saw what happened to the Narn in their war.”

Everybody had seen what had happened. The Centauri wore the Narn military down and then bombed them back into the Stone Age. No doubt about it, they were tough.

“I have proof of it, General. Take a look.”

Obviously Sheridan had prepared for this he noted. The lights darkened and on a vid screen, the images of Centauri Prime appeared surrounded by hundreds of Centauri warships along with unidentified arrow-shaped ships and in the far distance, a small shape, unmistakable spidery-like. His jaw dropped.

This was taken about three days before you were attacked.”

“Have you confirmed it?”

“Of course.”

“In light of this information, are you proposing that we join forces against this threat?” It was Colonel Griffin who asked that question. Of course, Brindley thought. If anyone would try a straight reconciliation, it would be him. The man was sharp, cool and controlled. “And if we do, assuming that you will not rejoin Earth Force, how are we to proceed?”

Sheridan appeared to be in thought for a moment. Griffin had caught him of guard and Brindley was pleased. The question was how would he respond?

“Babylon Five will welcome those who have come to join us, but at the same time, those who wish it can leave and rejoin Earth Force,” Sheridan answered. “If necessary, we will go it alone with the resources we have.” Brindley watched him watching the others around the room including the impassive Federation Officers. “I will support the Minbari and the Narn and the others in this fight, but I also want to make it clear to you that separately, we won't have much of a chance. If Minbar loses, then Earth loses, too. The Shadows and the others will swarm Earth’s defenses and that’ll be all she wrote.”

“Then there is the next question,” Griffin continued. “With your technological advances that you now have, will you share it with Earth?”

“No.”

It was a short, curt answer that the General expected.

“Not under these conditions. We won't share our technology although we will support Earth if need be with everything we have. It’s up to President Clarke and his cabinet to accept or reject this offer.”

“We need an independent confirmation of what you say.”

“That can be worked out, General but getting back to the first point. Earth Force is jamming us. I can't get thru to Earth unless you back off.”

“That isn’t strictly true,” Garrett murmured softy to Picard. They were off to the side quietly monitoring the event unfolding. They had seen Romulan-Klingon conferences less tense than this. “They can breech the jamming with the machine system on the planet below. “But, he’s keeping quiet about that for now.”

“So would I, Captain. In your opinion, do you believe that they will come to some sort of agreement?”

“The President may not have a choice,” she whispered. “But the trust factor will be a serious problem.”

“Nicely understated as usual, but you are correct. They must resolve this in their own way. But I must confess that I am curious about Colonel Griffin.”

Rachel smiled. She understood exactly what he meant. Then she caught a glimpse of a very angry EAS Officer glaring at Picard specifically. “On the other hand, it seems as if Captain Drake would love to rip your spinal chord from your still living body and beat you to death with it.” She then adapted an aura of innocence.

“Well,” he answered dryly, critiquing her sarcastic stance, “I was trying to defend myself. Personally, I don’t care how he feels,’ he said letting his voice raise slightly all the will returning the stare. “He has other responsibilities now that he should attend to. If he can't put his personal feelings to the side then he has no right commanding an EAS ship-of-the-line.”

Everyone of course heard it and tension in the room went higher than it already was. Brindley could have cut this short, however it would be only a matter of time before it festered into violence. Here, at this place it could be controlled.

But the Federation Captain wasn’t finished. “Captain Drake,” Jean-Luc Picard said walking up to the man. “If you have a problem, then let’s get it out into the open right now.”

Boiling with fury, Terrell Drake retaliated. “You had no right interfering with an Earth Force situation! You slaughtered thousands of loyal Earth Force men and women…”

“-In order to prevent even more deaths,” he cut in, “On B5, your own people and thousands of innocent sentient species! Grow up Drake! Your job demands control. Your primary responsibility is the protection of those in your care and upholding the intent of the law, not simply the letter. Everyone here is responsible for the people who rely on us to protect them whether it be in Earthspace or in the Federation.”

“Captain,” he continued with a softer voice. “Where we are from, the Federation may very well lose that war to the Klingons. Here, the Klingons and we have forged the beginnings of an alliance that belies twenty-two years of bloodshed on a scale that you can barely conceive of. You’ve barely have had two years of differences of opinions. I do not like you Drake and how you feel about me is irrelevant. But if your dislike of me stops you from performing your duty, then you should step down from command.”

“You said that where you are from,” Griffin said cutting in. “If you are talking about forging a trust, then it must begin here. Where are you from, Captains Picard and Garrett of the Federation Starships?”

A silent Brindley realized this was a turning point. The answer, whatever it was could change everything. If they chose not to answer then this conference would be for nothing. Secrets destroyed. But then, he thought, so does the truth.

Chapter Twenty-Two

“Details”


The man was right the Starship Captain realized. It was time to tell this portion of the truth. Turning to Garrett for an instant who merely blinked her affirmation, he began. “We are the space faring, Starfleet section of the United Federation of Planets*, an interstellar alliance of planetary Governments and colonies united for mutual trade, exploratory, cultural, scientific, diplomatic and defensive endeavors. At present we have over one hundred thirty member systems spread out over seven thousand light-years. Two of the founding members are Earth and Vulcan.” He saw shock and understanding among many of Brindley’s staff as he confirmed what they had begun to suspect. “Starships were designed to explore, and defend the membership. The war with the Klingon Empire has cause incalculable damage, destruction and loss of life-in our universe.”

“So it’s true. You’re from another reality.”

“Yes,” he said. “And you will do well to remember that our people are looking for us even now,” he stated, adding a slight bluff in case someone had an idea to try to wear them down. “Computer, began program.”

The room disappeared to the shock of most of the members present. What took its place were essentially the same images shown to Sheridan and the others over four months earlier. It was the most perfect holographic images they had even seen. The planet Earth and its moon appeared behind them and they saw a Federation Space station orbiting the planet. This time, the Twenty-third fleet in all its glory, was shown leaving the station. The sight of one hundred seventeen ships leaving earth orbit and warping away pulled a collective gasp from everyone in the room.

“This is our origin. And by our Charter, our rules and regulations, we will not stand by and allow those we chose to protect to be slaughtered by those who are more interested in following orders rather than doing what is right. You have a chance here to make a difference.”



Three hours later, the USS Ambassador tractoring a hastily repaired Hyperion-class destroyer entered jump space at warp one. At that speed they would enter Earthspace in six hours and time was of the essence. They had to get there as fast as possible because it was very likely that the Centauri were attacking several other Terran possessions even as they sped towards Earth, an Earth that didn’t know that the first blows had been struck.

On the bridge, Captain Rachel Garrett, General Brindley and several EAS officers-along with Fed security- stood looking at the violent swirling dimension of hyperspace rushing past at speeds they could barely fathom. Brindley appeared uninterested but she could tell that the man was taking in every bell and whistle, every nook and cranny, every station and vid screen, every section of ceiling, every seat, just about every scrap of data he could stuff in his mind. She smiled.

“Having fun, General?” The question was predatory, full of menace.

“I’m in charge of gathering data and capturing this ship. I’m responsible for capturing your crew and interrogating them to find out everything about the Federation. I don’t have fun,” he said, smiling back at her.

“None of this would have happened if you hadn’t attacked Babylon Five. In our first encounter with Earth Force, two of your ships declared us pirates and would have fired on us given half the chance. It wasn’t the best greetings we ever had for first contact.” She was serious now. “Look about you, General. What should have been a meaningful cultural exchange turned out to be ‘gunfight at the OK corral.’ What a waste.”

The General said nothing but she could see the wheels of his mind turning.

“Maybe this wasn’t the best time to come visiting,” he admitted. “But I follow the orders of the legitimate leadership of my Planet.”

“Even if the leadership assassinated your previous President?”

“It’s never been proven to my satisfaction that the explosion of his ship was anything more than an tragic accident.”

“If you say so,” she answered. She didn’t believe him for a second.

“I must confess,” Brindley said changing the subject. “Your vessel seems a lot more comfortable than I expected. I thought it would have a more military stance, at least on the bridge.”

“This design offers the best we have in combining diplomatic and defensive mission together in one unit, Garrett answered proudly. My ship was barely five years old before we came here. The Enterprise is about the same age, but it’s an unadulterated warship, pure hell on wheels, just like this one, when it has to be. Don’t play with us and you won't get burned.”

That was more than a threat Brindley surmised. That was a promise. “We’ve established a temporary truce, Captain. I will honor that truce. Your actions have been more or less defensive even if they were misguided,” he added not being able to help himself. “Besides, you’re not the threat the Centauri are. I have seen them in action and they’ll leave Earth in ashes unless we mount a proper defense against them. I don’t intend to wind up like the Narn.”

She laughed in that disarmingly fashion which caused so many people to underestimate her. “Truce for now it is. Now, do you have any questions that I can't answer?”

“Billions and billions,” he answered. “But, the first thing that’s so noticeable is that your crew is so diverse. How does that work out?”

“The Federation lives by the credo ‘infinite diversity in infinite combinations,” she answered. “Exactly opposite of your Governments views, as it were. Simply put, we have learned to communicate with one another. For the most part, it works out. Most everyone has basically the same needs and desires. It’s dependent on cultural and physiological uniqueness of course, but because we have that willingness to try, we have achieved lots of advances and overall peace with our most of our neighbors…”

“Except the Klingons.”

“Yes," she admitted. "And a few others as well. Believe me, you do not want them here. We’re not perfect, General, not even close. But we do try and we have not let species prejudice interfere with us. Now what would have happened,” she asked, “if we had came to Earth with our mixed crew?”

He sighed. The distrust would have been immediate and the consequences dire, even disastrous. He knew she already knew the answer. Silence was answer enough.

“Then will you give me a little history as to how the Federation began?”

“You only have five hours not a week,” the woman smirked. “This technology you see here is the result of cooperation of different races working together. And that’s just the beginning. Eight thousand cubic light-years of space, not even twenty-one percent of the galaxy General, and we’ve barely scratched the surface. That is why we're out here. We’re stuck in another universe, but there is so much to see and experience. Captain Jonathan Archer onboard the first Enterprise, about the size of the Yeager, more or less, started it all and his explorations and actions lead to the birth of the Federation.”

Not attempting to cover up his curiosity, he moved closer to the screen to see the image of the first Captain of a starship called Enterprise. The images were wonderfully detailed and in many ways the internal bridge looked remarkably similar to a Hyperion's bridge. Even then, he saw the alien mixture. The female first officer appeared to be one of the long-eared Vulcans.

Their whole perspective of alien cultures differs from us so radically he thought. Earth is for Earth. I understand Clarke and I agree with much of what he says concerning alien influence even if I don’t like the way he implements it. But, I wonder what a joint operation like this could accomplish? What if we had joined with the Minbari or the Narns instead of fighting against them? Could it have worked or would our mutual distrusts have caused a disaster?

He caught Garrett looking at him as though she could read his mind. He turned away slightly, embarrassed by whatever revelation that his face might have shown during his musings. To his joy, she continued on as if nothing had occurred.

"This is Captain Christopher Pike, in command of the first Constitution-class starship called Enterprise. And this man here is Captain James T. Kirk, he and his crew being one of the most famous and decorated in the entire Federation."

Brindley stood ramrod straight, mouth opened as he strained to understand the implications. "That face!"

"Yes," Garrett said simply. "He's the second match we've seen here. Major Griffin might find this Bio interesting reading…"


Enterprise-D:

Captain Sheridan walked swiftly into the medical bay and headed directly towards the isolation area that was currently the residence of Kosh of Vorlon. Next to him was Guinan matching him stride for stride. The telepathic summons had been irresistible, urgent and he had no choice but to respond. It was the fear and uncertainty in that short connection that had forced him to come running. With Picard’s permission, doctors Crusher and Franklin left the room in order to give them the much-needed privacy.

John had no idea what he was going to see, but this was the last thing he expected as Ambassador Kosh stood looking at the two of them in his original containment suit fully rebuilt, without a scratch on it. Through some unknown Vorlon technology, the suit was much like his ship, in its own way a living entity, which had now repaired the terrible damage inflicted upon it by the Shadow triad.

“Ambassador,” Sheridan smiled. “I am so glad that you are getting better.”

Kosh bowed his head within the cumbersome suit. The translator slowly responded to the commands of its master. “It is twice now.”

Sheridan suspected that he was referring to the fact that twice within three years someone had tried to kill him.

The translator began again without preamble. “The Empire is losing. The Shadows have prevailed. The three-edged sword is pointed at our throats.”

John’s heart sank. With the Vorlons out of the picture, there was little that could be done against a direct Shadow attack. “What’s the status of the Vorlons? How long can they hold out?”

“The ones called Shadows have broken the agreement. They are true to their nature. They are the hunters. We were not prepared for their attack and the circle has been broken.”

“Altered, not broken,” Guinan corrected.

Kosh’s response was to close his encounter suit’s lens slightly.

“Right now Babylon Five is about to become the center-point of a light-years sized galactic war. We’re not sure whose side anyone is on,” said a very frustrated Captain. “Your people are in trouble, thousands are dying and the whole area is de-stabilized. And now the Shadows don’t have a counterweight to keep their advances under some type of control. With them orchestrating everything what chance do we have? Even if we were able to muster everything we have, it wouldn’t be enough against the Shadows and the Centauri and the other race that’s attacking the Minbari. And what about that Shadow planet-killer cloud or whatever it is?” How do we go about fighting something like that?”

“Learn,” Kosh said as his eyepiece began to widen and glow.

John slowly opened his eyes and found himself in an immense darkened chamber. Next to him were Guinan and his father-who-was-not-his-father.

“Kosh.”

“Yes, Johnny, it’s me,” his not-father confirmed. “I thought this would be easier to explain things in this state.”

“It’s not a dream like before?”

“No, not this time.”

“Why have you chosen my father’s form?” Sheridan asked. “Is it to make me feel more comfortable or is it because you do somehow feel fatherly towards me?”

“Yes,” Kosh answered simply.

Typical. “Where are we?”

“We’re in that state where the conscious and unconscious meet in the existence you call the mind, backed by energy. It is a telepathic world that doesn’t exist, Johnny. Here we can talk and not be intruded upon, unless we choose to be.”

“What about the other telepaths onboard?”

“The phone number is unique, my boy. It’s not a party line.”

“And I’m here to ensure that it won't be,” Guinan added. “Speaking of which…”

A moment later a startled Delenn popped next to John. For a moment, it seemed as if she were about to panic until she saw Guinan and John.

“Where are we?” But she already knew the answer because she had experienced this type of communication once before. “John,” she said, smiling.

“John, Delenn, there’s so much I wanted to tell you but as I said once before, it’s hard to change and I was-afraid. But I almost lost that chance once and I will not repeat this mistake again. Guinan called me ‘stiff’ and she was right. My people are losing and are not long for the great journey, but you need to know the truth. I have told you that truth is a three-edged sword: your truth, mine and the truth itself.”

“Then what is real, Kosh and what does it have to do with us?”

“The Shadows, in their perverse minds, feel that they are doing what’s best for the younger races by promoting conflict. This is why they ask the question ‘what do you want’, because ultimately that question exacts a terrible price. They believe that conflict promotes strength. The Vorlons believe and understood that the opposite was true. ‘Who are you’ leads to understanding and enlightenment.”

Guinan looked at Kosh and smirked slightly. “They’re opposite sides of the coin, Captain. Neither which can understand or see the other’s points of view and therefore, continue to fight against one another trying to prove they are right.”

“Are you are trying to say that this whole conflict is a based on who’s right?” John asked incredulously.

"You don’t understand, John," the Vorlon-Dad said. "We want what is best for all of you. You need our guidance and wisdom so that you don’t make the same mistakes that we have."

Guinan shook her head. "Delenn, John. I have had this discussion with Kosh several times now. What they don’t seem to understand is that you're at the stage where you can decide for yourselves what you choose to be or what you choose to do. Guidance is important but not if it smothers, which is what is happening right now. Both the Vorlons and Shadows were appointed guardians for the younger races, but they have forgotten their purpose. The Shadows now interfere instead of guiding and there is no one to stop them. It may be possible to open a dialog with them, however, right now, you are simply raw material to play with."

"You're going to have to deal with this yourself, Johnny. My people are leaving for the outer Rim soon and there will be none left to help except your fellow races. You and yours will now have to make the difference."

"So you're going to abandon us when we need you the most," Delenn said quietly, nodding her head. "When we need you the most, you will abandon us."

"No," Kosh responded. "I will stay-for a while. If I don’t, then John will go to Z’ha’dum and he will die." The Human-Vorlon turned his head and pointed towards the blackness. "For now, this is your problem," he said, looking a cloud that appeared in the distance. "There were five Shadow death clouds. My people have destroyed two. One is held in reserve and two will be used to destroy any opposition. It is protected by the Shadow force and the Drakh."

"What are the Drakh?"

"The ones that have attack your people, Delenn. Beware of them, for their power is far greater than you can imagine. They are a world devoted to the teachings of the Shadows. The shedding of blood is their life." He continued once more looking at the rapidly approaching cloud. "There is a weakness here, " he said, pointing to small section of the massive missile structure. "It is heavily protected but if you can, then you can destroy it. It will take nothing less than a twenty megaton warhead to achieve your mission and the costs will be high, unless you have help."

"Then we will have to get that help,” an iron-willed Delenn stated. “I will call for a conference at Babylon Five of all of our allies and we shall have an army to fight against the darkness."

“The circle, Delenn has been altered by the presence of Guinan and the others. That which I have known to be destiny has been altered. I don’t know whether you or your ‘army of light’ can win with the forces that are arrayed against you. The enemies will try to destroy you if they can before the meeting can take place.”

“We will deal with that,” Delenn answered. “But why haven’t they come to help you? Didn’t your own people care that you were close to death?” When the Ambassador had been poisoned years ago and was close to death, an entire Vorlon taskforce assembled outside of Babylon Five to extract then Captain Sinclair for trial, who had been accuse of the plot to kill Kosh. This time there was nothing.

“There was no need.”

“Why?”

The Vorlon creature refused to answer and the air around him grew colder.

“I understand why,” Sheridan suddenly said. “Every since this so-called circle has been altered, they have no idea what’s to happen next and they’re afraid of making things worse, so they choose to nothing.”

The Vorlon-man sighed heavily. “Yes. It is hoped that I will be able to return the circle to its original reflection. They delude themselves. When the Federation came, there was no going back.

“But can we defeat the Shadows?” Sheridan asked.

“Your allies will give you a fighting chance, if you have the time. The Federation technology given to you is powerful, but it may not be enough for the time you have before it begins. The Shadows will not interfere unless they feel threatened with defeat. They want this fight, the bloodier it is, the better. But, they will attack if their interests are threatened. Your proposed alliance is a threat to them. It is not the way of chaos.”

“Well I don’t care what they think,” an angry Sheridan snarled. “What we do is our choice, not yours or the Shadows or anyone else who tries to decide for us. We will follow the rules, our rules that govern us. We may fall on our faces. Yes, we will make mistakes, but we’ll get up and move on. And we will deal with our mistakes, not you.

John’s anger subsided somewhat. “Kosh, we want your advice and wisdom, but we have to decide things for ourselves. Your parental responsibility is passing. It is time for us to get up and leave the house. Birds have to leave the nest and so do we. The parents can only hope for the best and trust in their teachings.”

“Remember the sword, John. The truth is sharper than anything you can imagine.”

“They will remember,” Guinan said. “They will make mistakes as we all have. But they will learn from them. That is their strength. Just wait and see.”

A few moments later, Sheridan and Guinan were back in the Medical bay facing the Ambassador.

“Will you stay? Sheridan asked.

The Vorlon Ambassador bowed and said one word.

“Yes.”

Sheridan moved to the comm unit. This is Captain Sheridan. Captain Picard? We need to talk.”

“On my way, Captain Sheridan.”

Chapter Twenty-Three
“False Unities and Assumptions”


Near the edge of the Sol system, a hyperspace jump point opened less than three hundred thousand kilometers distant of the far side of the planet Neptune, spewing out the USS Ambassador with its tractored EAS warship approaching the Mars belt before the first EAS warship detected them and attempted to intercept them. Immediately, the starship accelerated to warp and reached Mars orbit in less than a minute.

“You realize that every time you do this, you’re giving my government fits,” the General murmured to a grim-faced Garrett. Security was on an all-time high and these amazing ships entered Earth space with seeming impunity; twice now including this time-then there was Sheridan’s ship, the one that invaded the Sol system some months earlier. “Please begin broadcasting now, before they decide to start shooting at us. I wouldn’t want anyone to be hurt before we can straighten this out.”

“That would make things difficult,” she agreed. The Captain pointed to Castillo, who began gave the command. Then she nodded to the General.

The General cleared his voice and started speaking. “This is General Christopher Brindley. Do not fire repeat, I do not fire. This is a non-hostile approach. To all EAS ships, keep your distance and do not approach any closer than one hundred thousand kilometers. I repeat…”

“Captain, we have a message coming thru.”

“Put it onscreen.”

A tall male of Japanese decent appeared on the main viewer. He did not look happy. “This is Captain Tasaki of the EAS Athena’s Fury. You are in violation of Earth space and you will surrender immediately, or we will open fire.”

“Captain, you will not initiate hostilities," Brindley tersely replied. "We are now in a state of war with the Centauri. The President needs to be aware of the situation. If you fire on this ship I will personally bust you down to a third class Crewman, after I kick the living crap out of you. Do you understand me?” the man screamed, not caring in the least that he was doing so.

Athena’s Fury’s Captain never twitched. “Sir, you are under duress and as such…”

Garrett raised her hand and stepped in front of the screen. “Captain Tasaki,” she said quickly. “Our scans sow that you have four additional ships approximately five light minutes out in hyperspace vectoring in on this position. This makes a total of seven ships to one. Do not think for a second that numbers will save you. I will turn you and your compatriots into ashes if you so much as fire a ranging shot in my direction. We are here for your benefit so don’t get yourself killed out of stupidity.”

General Brindley hadn’t realized that he was sweating. He didn’t doubt any of her threats for an instant. “Tasaki, don’t be a fool. Keep your distance. Your devotion is commendable but this is too big for this type of posturing. I’m coming over now. Back off.” Quickly he looked at Garrett who nodded back.

“For all of our sakes, I hope you can convince them to do what’s right.”

A few seconds later, an astonished crew of the Athena’s Fury stood back as Earth Force officers began appearing on their bridge.

“Get me Earth Force command,” the General roared at the Communication’s officer, who rushed to obey.

Rachel Garrett, Captain of the USS Enterprise-C, now known as the Ambassador, hated playing the bully, however there was a determination in her now. Until they adjusted their attitudes, she intended to make Earth Force respect and fear her.

“Good luck,” she said softly. At her command the Ambassador pulled away at warp one, created a jump point and was gone.



Seven days later-Babylon Five:
“You’re on in five…four…three…two…one…”

“This is an ISN special report-THE FLAMES OF WAR. I’m Robyn Kelley.”

“And I’m Terry Lynde reporting here from Babylon Five, the space station commanded by breakaway Officer, the former EAS Captain, and the cause of the recent rebellion of the Earth Colonies under the legitimate authority of President Clarke, John Sheridan. This station has been, until yesterday under official quarantine, which has now been lifted by President Clarke himself, due to the extraordinary circumstances dominating current events. Until last week, there had been a violent standoff between the two factions, with neither side giving up their respected views in a conflict that has split the Earth in two. No longer are we a unified world, but a world racked with fear and distrust of the alien influences that threaten to engulf us.”

“And President Clarke’s fears seem to be justified,” Robyn continued. “The Centauri, under the direct orders of Emperor Cartagia have attacked, destroying the colony on Proxima III. The EAS ships protecting the colony were attacked which resulted in multiple casualties and forced to retreat. The entire colony was then irradiated with nuclear type weapons. So far, there have been no survivors found. In an extraordinary move, General Brindley chose to enter restricted Babylon Five space to escape the pursuing Centauri warships. Despite differences between the two factions, an agreement was struck and the General was escorted safely to Earth space with a message-come to Babylon Five so that we can deal with this.”

“Babylon Five itself was attacked by a massive Centauri fleet which was repelled by the combined forces of B5s’s EAS and alien warships, along with the Human controlled, so-called Federation Starfleet ships that have caused so much grief to Earth Force in the last few months. At the same time, the Minbari Federation was also viciously attacked by elements of another race, which destroy several outer territories. It is believed that over twelve million Minbari were killed. This represents a serious threat that could well launch Earth into another major war with races other than the Centauri. There are also rumors that the Vorlons are in a major fight of their own, but nothing has been confirmed as of yet. Because of the attacks and rumors of war, the President has taken this step to have representatives meet on Babylon Five with the non-aligned races, the Minbari and Captain Sheridan, to began preparations for what promises to be a major struggle against the forces of evil. To say that President Clarke, the Minbari and the other races are angry would be a gross understatement. Terry?”

“Security here is tighter than anything than I’ve ever seen. We were screened more times than we could count before they allowed us in. There are reporters, including us, from every species gathered here, attempting to get a glimmer of information of the current proceedings. The fact that we were even allowed here, speaks of the seriousness and the resolve of the situation at hand, and their confidence in protecting those government officials that are coming here. We are standing in the crystal observatory were we can see the space vessels of every description stationed near the front of Babylon Five. There are at least three renegade EAS ships that we can see and one of the exotic Federation ships is visible in the distance. We’ve been told that allied forces are guarding this entire sector up to a distance of a light-year. Our own forces are located at the perimeter, separated far enough to ensure that there are no incidents between the two Earth Forces. Over here,” he said pointing to his left, “Just flying pass, are two of the White Stars-Sheridan’s ships. There are ships representing the Brakiri Alliance, the Gaim Intelligence, the Drazi Freehold, the Pak’ma’ra, and a dozen others, but so far none of them have been allowed to dock shuttles as of yet.

“Excuse me, Terry,” Robyn said. “But the Jumpgate has just activated. There are three ships coming thru, but-I can’t tell from this distance exactly what type…”

The camera zoomed in and there was a gasp from the cameraman as his floating vidcam transferred the signal. The opening of a jump gate was always a spectacular sight, and this time was no exception.

“They’re Minbari warships, the big ones.” Terry’s voice betrayed the awe as they trio moved to their respected places near the massive station. “Two are Sharlin Class heavy battleships and the smaller one is a White Star. This is the first time we’ve seen them close up like this. Many years ago the Minbari almost caused the extinction of mankind and the memories, although dimming have not been forgotten by any stretch of the imagination. This is one of the reasons why President Clarke…”

The commentary abruptly ceased as Captain Sheridan followed by Kosh of Vorlon, entered the room. All of the reporters immediately focused on his and the staff with him. He walked up to the podium in front of the window.

“Ladies and Gentleman. I want to thank you for your cooperation and patience during this historical conference about to take place. This conference is being videoed live to every world in this alliance, and the Centauri and their allies will see it also. They’ll see it and know that we are resolved in our struggle that they have placed us in. We are not afraid of them and we will not cower and hide while they kill innocent people in a war that they have started, for whatever reason. The colony on Proxima III is gone. Four worlds of the Minbari Federation have been attacked resulting in great loss of life. Babylon Five was attacked. EAS ships were attacked and several destroyed in an unprovoked attack. Worlds from all over have been assailed. This cannot and will not continue. To this extent, the races here, including Earth Gov, have set aside differences for now, have come to sign a mutual defense pact. The enemy has power and the numbers, but we’re not defenseless and we are here to give warning that you have opened Pandora’s box.” He touched the comm pad. “You may begin.”

To the left of the podium, the reporters heard a humming sound as a set of shimmering images caught their collective eyes. Three Minbari, one female and two males, appeared within the shimmering light, a moment later becoming solid. Delenn, Menroi and Neroon bowed to the stunned crowd. Silently, they moved to Sheridan’s left just as the shimmering began again. Next, were the Drazi contingents, looking somewhat frightened from the experience, but otherwise determined. The unprecedented acts continued as the EAS representatives, General Brindley, and his aides, including Timen Christov, moved off to one side. The General, this being his second experience with the transporters, considered himself an old hand, watched with stone-faced amusement as Timen’s legs buckled slightly. As the seconds passed, several more species arrived the same way, shaken and awed by the experience.

The Narns appeared next, along with the Klingons, represented by Worf and Captain Koral. Some of the more observant reporters noticed that their appearance was different than the others had been. Evidently, they used a different technique to matter transport than the previous guests. And finally, the Federation Captains Picard and Garrett and Ambassador Guinan materialized.

Sheridan cleared his throat slightly, pulling everyone’s attention back to him. “This is just a small example of what we have at our disposal and we will use everything we have to end this war as quickly as possible. The Shadows of conflict threaten to engulf us all, but we will not succumb to the darkness.”



I’m sure he sees me the Drazi thought. Even with all my precautions, Kosh sees me, and the Guinan woman also. Why haven’t they exposed me? The holo-imager worked perfectly and no one had noticed him, but it had been one of the greatest and unexpected challenges he had faced in a long time. Federation scanners had almost caught him on three separate occasions and he was constantly adjusting his equipment to counter their passive probes. These people were indeed formidable and it seemed likely that the Centauri and the Drakh were about to have their hands full. His recordings of the Federation matter integrators were astounding and much valuable data had been gathered.

But the Shadows were extremely powerful and with the Vorlons all but defeated, the advantage was theirs. That’s why his people had left for parts unknown, far from the approaching darkness. But things had a way of changing when least expected. Idly, he wondered how Clarke would react with the uncensored broadcasts originating from this station. Evidently, the Great Machine of Epsilon IV was supporting the transmission. Bowing slightly to Kosh and Guinan, Galen continued to listen to Captain Sheridan and to the Earth reporters trying desperately to report the news, while being bias towards Clarke but against Sheridan at the same time. They walk a thin thread he mused.

Just like him.


Deep space Explorer ship Ganymede II:
Captain Lauren Clopton yawned once more as she looked into the vast sea of stars. So far, they had discovered two new races and catalogued several stellar phenomena, but other than that, nothing. Deep-space surveys were like that. But the crew was vigilant. There was a desperate need to find out where the federation’s location was. The Starfleet ships were indeed powerful and it was far better that they discover their origins before they were themselves discovered poking around.

The IPX Explorer–class vessel, along with three of its sister ships, had been on mission for the last four months with no success so far. They weren’t part of the military, but they were 'on loan' from the private sector, and thus supported by them. Everybody had been pressed into service in order to find the origins of the Federation colony.

They were nearly a hundred light-years out, further than any Earth vessel had ever been before. The deep-range surveyor had been backtracking the proposed direction from which the Federation vessels had purportedly come from. Supported by a long-ranged EAS Nova escort being used as a moveable command base, they had methodically documented every area of space looking for clues to their origins. Two days ago, the seven-member crew had heard the rumors from Earth Force that their mission may be a mote point; these people may have come from another reality.

Yeah, right. Tell me another one. Then I’ll have a New York Bridge to sell you had been the general consensus among the crew.

It may have been true, but General Brindley and the others were having none of it. Earth Force demanded confirmation, one-way or the other, so their mission continued. Today promised to be like any other day on this rather boring mission.

"Captain?"

"Don’t tell me," Lauren answered. "We've found another rock out here, a big one his time."

"No, Ma'am," Jeanette answered ignoring the sarcasm. "We have a real contact. It's metallic, approximately twenty thousand tons, radiating almost no heat."

That perked Lauren up considerably. "Have you confirmed the signal?"

"Yes," Jeanette said quickly, as her hands brushed across her instruments. "It's definitely alien in origin. There is no power signature but the metallurgical readings coincide with those taken from the Clinkgon vessel."

"It's called Klingon," the Captain corrected. "I think." She shook her head in amusement. "Begin taking detailed readings and Jake, move in slowly. Some of these races like to bobby-trap abandoned ships and equipment."

"Understood."

"Andrea, call the teams and tell them we have something. I want them all here," Lauren said as she continued looking at the contact. The more she looked at the derelict, the more she and her crew came to believe that this was the real thing. If it was, then it was very likely that the Federation and Klingons had lied. Alternative universe, her foot; these folks were homegrown. From where, she didn’t know yet, but when the deep-space probes were ready, she knew what directions they would head.

The newcomers had given Earth Gov fits and with the enemies advanced technology; Earth Force was no match for this Federation organization. They desperately needed to balance the scales in case their fleet came calling. Earth Force needed to understand these people or at least find out from where they came so that if that time did come, Earth would be ready or least have some idea of where to strike back.

Within a half an hour, the Ganymede II slowly circled the wrecked remains. Whatever had happened to the ship had caused a titanic explosion but there was a portion left, not larger than her IPX vessel. The entire crew was bouncing with excitement, but Lauren reined them in. It was time to do a final check.

"Radiation across the board."

"Negative."

"Power source or emissions?"

"Negative."

"Life signs?"

"None. There may be a body present, but I can't tell from here."

"We'll wait for the others to get here before we start."

Seven hours later, the Nova escort Helix and the two IPX ships arrived via jump space. After a conference it was decided that rather than bringing the wreckage into the Helix, they would explore it first. Three scientists and two security guards in EVA suits entered the neck of the destroyed bird of prey and headed towards the bridge. Their light units discovered two mummified, mangled corpses, Klingon males, plastered against the bulkheads because of the force of the blast that took the rest of the ship. Reaching the bridge, Jeanette shook her head.

"The bridge is almost gone, but there are a few computer components still intact," she said as her voice shook with excitement. Ten minutes later: "We found two of their energy hand weapons and some of their hand-held computer equipment!"

"How much of it is salvageable?"

"A lot, Captain Clopton." One man's trash is another man's treasure. "I recommend that we bring it into the Helix. There’s a lot of damage and it's likely that most of the data has been lost, but even if a fragment remains it'll be well worth the effort."

"Jeanette," one of the scientists yelled. "I believe this is their weapons console, or what’s left of it!"

Two hours later, the precious cargo was safely inside the Helix, along with two of the survey craft. The last IXP vessel would remain in the area to continue the sweep, but everyone was in agreement. The treasure the explorers had found was more than they ever imagined finding.

One thing was sure; this find would change the course of the upcoming war.

The warship created a jump point and began its journey back to Earth. A heavy escort group was already on the way to meet them.



Captain Sisko watched the stars streak by from the bridge of the USS Yeager, now traveling at maximum warp. They would reach their target system in a week. One of the interesting things about warp travel was that there were areas of space-time in subspace, which allowed one to travel so much faster than projected speed, even if time remained relative inside the subspace bubble. That hint in itself suggested much greater velocities that could be obtained that would break the warp ten barrier currently restricting warp travel.

Doctor Deanna Troi stood next to him, sharing the view with a quiet contentment that was becoming her trademark. "I've never heard of Bajor," she said softly.

"I have," Sisko answered just as softly. "It was a world annexed by the Cardassians. Millions of Bajorans were tortured and killed and it's a Cardassian colony, now. There is no reason to believe that the world exists here, but the dreams keep telling me that I have to come. The voices insist that I come, but they are getting softer. Sometimes, I can barely hear them. It is as though we don’t have much time left."

"You believe that this might be a way home." It was a statement from Deanna, not a question. Picard and Garrett, by way of Guinan, were aware of this development and decided to take a chance because so far, all of their efforts to get back home had proven fruitless. Now they were chasing dreams.

"It is possible," he conceded. Quietly, he was thankful that they hadn’t placed in him in a padded room for observation. "I don’t know, but every other avenue has been negative so far."

Several minutes passed before Deanna spoke again. "I miss my mother and my sister," Deanna whispered. "I can't stand the idea of the Klingons winning. With the jump space technology, we may be able to turn the tide."

"But that would mean leaving the Klingons stranded here."

"Yes, it does.” Lost in her train of thought for a moment, Deanna's next words were spoken carefully. "Captain, I don’t hate these Klingons, especially not Worf. But, if it meant that we would win this war, I would have them all killed in a moment."

Silently, he nodded in agreement, as distasteful as it was. The only cost would be a portion of their soul. "I hope it doesn’t come to that, but I understand your point. As individuals, they are not that bad. They have been useful and even cordial, but our hatred runs deep. That was something that Captain Garrett made me confront. Emotions are hard to conquer."

"Mine more so than yours.” Deanna sighed and the weight of the world could be heard in it. “Earth has survived so far. My Betazed did not and I can still hear the screams of a billion deaths in my mind." For a second, the woman shivered violently. “I find that I can't hate these Klingons, but I hate their race as a whole."

"We have a long way to go, don’t we?" There was nothing worse than to live one’s life hating. But twenty-two years of war-that should not have occurred in the first place-was hard to let go of. Hate hated to be suppressed and usually transferred itself onto something else. He and the others like him were trying their best to avoid that.

"Yes, we do. Maybe one day, we can let go-"

"-But, not yet."

"Rachel told me something once that I needed an attitude adjustment. She wanted me to actively confront my personal demons and move on. Hate she said doesn't make you stronger, only weaker in the long run."

"Spoken like someone who hasn’t experienced world after world destroyed by savages."

Quietly, they both continued looking at the stars that streaked by.

“He’s still in my mind,” she said. “Not nearly as strong as before, but still there.

“Bester?”

“Yes.” The name issued from her lips as if it were vomit. “I can feel his hatred and fear, even at this distance, like an itch deep inside my mind. Even with the mind control techniques taught to me by the Vulcan’s, there’s a touch that still lingers. He is coming to Babylon Five with the others. They are escaping Clarke’s purge and they have no where else to go to.”

“The Psi-Corps is coming to B5? How many?”

“As many telepaths as possible. Clarke will destroy them. He’s had hundreds killed already. If they don’t get help soon, he will wipe them out.”

Sisko grimaced. That possibility would cause a host of difficulties. “If Sheridan is wise, he will not let them on his station. They can't be trusted.”

“No, you’re wrong. The telepaths can be trusted, but Psi-Corps can't. They're corrupt and their agenda is one of coercion and duplicity. With them onboard my people will be busy soon filtering out the truth from the lies.”

“You mean, our people, all of us, Doctor. These are not our people.”

Her eyes flared slightly at the realization of what she'd just said. “It’s the bond,” she whispered to herself. “The phrase ‘Corps is mother and father’ keeps trying to infiltrate my being. But it’s a lie," she said violently. “Bester mind is filled with that propaganda. He honestly believes he is doing right, but he and his people want to start a war with the non-telepaths.” Louder: “I will not allow this to control my life.” Slowly, she walked the length of the bridge before turning abruptly to face Ben once more. “The good thing about this is that he’s having a lot more difficulty with this bond than I. I hope he suffers well.”



Babylon Five:

“That went better than I expected, Captain Sheridan,” Neroon murmured. “I believed that Clarke’s people would have never agreed to the treaty.”

Neroon almost flopped onto the couch inside Delenn quarters. The alien drink he was now consuming tasted surprisingly good. The nourishment replication device in her room was frankly amazing, and he was strongly considering asking the Grey Counsel to open trade negotiations with the Starfleet ships. It was true, as he had suspected; this group was dangerous-but not to his people. Delenn trusted them, as did Captain Menroi. As for himself, he wasn’t yet convinced, but they weren’t the threat he believed them to be either. Time and more study would tell.

But for now, he was tired of dealing with so many alien races. Their nuances and motivations were sometimes incomprehensible. More and more, he was developing a respect for Delenn and her considerable talents. The war had already started and still there was bickering as to leadership. Earth Force demanded that they take the lead against the Centauri. That was acceptable, but their insistence that Babylon Five be placed under direct Earth Gov control was insolent and ludicrous. Brindley and his associates seemed ashamed to even have suggested it. But they were obliged to follow the orders of their government.

“They didn’t have a choice. What you saw was simple posturing. Even Clarke understands that Earth can't deal with this situation alone.”

“Humans!” Neroon laugh was laced with irony. “We’re more alike than I previously believed. Very well, I will tell the counsel that the White Stars will remain under Babylon Five’s control but now, we must go. The times for pleasure and rest are over. My people need every ship. This time, I believe I will take the shuttlecraft,” he said with a twinkle in his eyes. "The other way is faster, I’ll admit. But, but this way, I won't be in danger of losing this wonderful drink I’ve just finished.”

Sheridan nodded sympathetically and grabbed Delenn’s hand. Trying to convince her to stay was folly. She was needed on Minbar and he needed to be here, free to concentrate on the upcoming war. “My candle is lit against the darkness. Be well.”

Her smile warmed his heart. “Be well,” she said.

Epilogue


The EAS Charon and two escort destroyers at hyperspace beacon Six-five-one, location one point three light years distant from Babylon Five space:

The last thing the security forces had expected was an attack by the Centauri. It had been understood that they might have tried to disrupt the conference at Babylon Five which was why the Charon was stationed here, waiting to escort the Earth Force diplomatic vessel back home. But there so many allied ships around, it would be suicide to try anything. Certainly one ship was less than useless.

The blackness of space retreated as the Charon’s defensive armor barely resisted the second volley of particle beams tearing into her port side. She returned fire with her main weapons and the ripped into the side of the Vorchan warship that had fired on her. Even as the EAS ship gutted her, both of her support ships were adding their considerable firepower to the mix. Mortally wounded, plasma fires in a half dozen places, the ship wavered and slowing cracked into three distinct sections. The Centauri support fighters were helpless now and an overwhelming number of Star Furies were now mopping them up, offering them the same chance for surrender as they had the Heracles.

Despite the suddenness of the attack, the Charon escort hadn’t been the primary target. Unfortunately for the Centauri, they were simply at the wrong place at the right time. The true objective had been a small Earth shuttle that somehow reached the Jump gate, frantically trying to reach a safe haven.

“We are clear of enemy activity, Captain,” Commander Trent announced. “We’ve sustained a lot of damage on our outer hull, sir. However we are still able to maneuver and critical systems are online. EAS ships are vectoring in on our position.”

“Excellent,” Captain Anderson said with obvious pride for his ship and crew. “Make sure our wounded are attended to. Now let’s see what was so important that the Centauri would sacrifice a ship-of-the-line to destroy one shuttle. I want it brought here.”

“Yes, sir.”




Z’ha’dum:

Justin, Morden and a hundred other from a dozen species watched as the Shadow fleet saluted Z’ha’dum’s dark city before phasing into hyperspace. This was the latest strike force headed towards the rapidly weakening Vorlon defense force. In their foolishness, the Vorlons had garnered no support except the younger races and that support was busy defending itself against the Drakh Hordes banging at their gates. This was one of so many mistakes the Vorlons had made in their pathetic existences, Justin believed-

-As did the others. Arrogance usually got you killed and in the end the Shadow theory seemed even stronger: that which did not kill you made you stronger. It was almost regrettable that the Shadows were going to force their ancient foes to retreat into the Rim as so many of the older races had gone to.

But exactly what was the Rim?

No one was saying.

Justin turned and slowly left the congregation followed by Morden and two Shadow aliens. The group entered his apartment and he poured himself and Morden a glass of wine.

“To victory.”

“To victory,” Morden echoed. He took a slow sip, savoring every nuance of flavor. “I expect our little package has arrived at Babylon Five by now.”

“I believe so. It was a nice touch to let the Centauri find out about it. They almost performed too well and came very close to destroying the shuttle.”

“But they didn’t, which is a good thing for them." There was a hint of darkness in his words that suggested that it was indeed good that the Centauri had failed. "Cartagia can be very reasonable when necessary," Morden said. “I wish I could be there to see Sheridan’s face.”

One of the Shadows whispered softly.

“We understand that this grand alliance can't be allowed to flourish. Sheridan is the glue that is holding it together. If he's distracted for a while,” Justin smirked, “so much the better,” for us. That is why this plan is so important. Otherwise, I see no choice but to destroy his power base.”

There were more whispers.

“The polarized plating and new weapons are a problem. I understand that you would need more resources to overwhelm them now. Even with the Federation technology, they aren’t that much of a threat. But surely they can wait until the Vorlons are subdued?”

Several more comments were whispered to the Humans.

It was Morden who responded this time. “The plan is a good one. Yes, we will be patient. We’ve learned that virtue from you.”

Two alien heads twisted, listening to something that the Humans could not hear. Quickly, they left, motioning for the two men to follow. All four of the beings reached the edge of the city and joined the tens of thousands looking up towards the heavens. Stunned, the Humans were unsure of just what they were looking at. But the Shadows knew exactly what it was.

It was found deep in hyperspace by one of the Shadow escorts, the lead alien explained. The artifact had been created and lost nearly three thousand years ago for reasons unknown.

“It’s Vorlon,” Justin hissed as the citywide view screen appeared and presented details of the artifact for all to see. Its size was almost that of Babylon Five itself, but its design reminded him at first glance, of some type of musical instrument.

The first alien confirmed it. It was going to be a victory trophy for Shadowdom. The Vorlons had searched for this particular creation for three millennia. Now it was theirs.

“But I thought that you wanted nothing to do with anything Vorlon,” said a surprised Justin.

The creature dismissed that prophecy. It said that the circle had been altered and the danger had passed, no longer being significant in the glories to come. A new circle was forming and the Shadows would ride it for the next thousand years.

Justin and Morden were not convinced. And both wanted to know exactly what that thing was.

The answer was swift. It was alleged to be a doorway into another universe, another place that the Vorlons believed would allow them to touch the hand of God and so become gods themselves. They were arrogant like that. But they had never activated it, or so it was believed. There had been a war between two factions and the artifact was stolen, hidden and forgotten in the vastness of hyperspace. Now rediscovered, it would they who would touch and be touched.

“This may not be a good idea,” Morden whispered to Justin even as several large Shadow vessels prepared to begin to move the device to a safe distance to begin experimenting with the Vorlon device in an effort to activate it. "Things Vorlon are a curse to this universe."

Justin didn’t comment. However he was in agreement with his companion one hundred percent.

By this action everything that had happened would pale into insignificance as the match began lighting the candle of Armageddon. Nothing would prepare them for the nightmare beginning to flare even while they watched astonished by the dark beauty of it all.

The old circle had indeed been ripped apart. A new, hideous one began to make itself known to the universe.



The USS Enterprise dropped out of warp almost on top of the EAS Charon’s battle group some thirty-five hours after Earth Force ship had picked up the lone occupant onboard the escaping shuttle. Her shields were up, but other than that, sensors didn’t detect any targeting locks, and that made Captain Anderson a very happy man.

“Captain Picard is onscreen.”

“Very Good.” Anderson saw the severe-looking Federation Captain eyeing him carefully. He was obviously sizing him up before he spoke. “Captain,” he said nodding slightly.

“Captain,” Picard responded. “Where is your passenger?”

“She’s here.”

“Good. Tell her to prepare for transport.”

“Acknowledged.” The man definitely wasn’t into small talk. This Captain was no one to play with. “Captain, will you relay a message to Captain Sisko for me?”

Picard looked up. “What is it?”

“Tell him that 'things are okay',” Anderson said with equal coldness. He watched in satisfaction as Picard acknowledged the insult and softened slightly.

“I’ll relay the message,” the Federation Captain said in a more civil tone. “Picard out.”

“Reminds me of a drill instructor, I had once,” the EAS Officer behind Anderson murmured, "no sense of humor at all."

The transport was completed and the Starship maximum warped towards Babylon Five.



Three hours later, the Enterprise re-entered B5 space and transported the woman to secured quarters, where John was waiting. Even though he knew who was coming, he still remained speechless, not believing in the one who stood in front of him.

“Hello John,” Anne Sheridan said simply.

Expressionless at first, he simply continued to stare. The same eyes, the same voice, that body figure he used to hold so gently and lovingly, everything he saw- it was her.

“I know what you're thinking, but their ideals are different, on levels we can barely understand," Anne began quickly. "They're not animals, but a wise and powerful race. For a moment she silent as the memories seemed to overwhelm her.

" No one comes back from Z'ha'dum the same. Part of me has been damaged, John. They put me into one of their machines," his lost-lost wife continued. "When the what-you-call Shadows released me, they told me that they would use me as bait to get to you, but I escaped. You’re interfering with their plans and they will destroy Babylon Five unless you break this alliance. They believed that if you found out that I was alive, I could be used as a ransom to keep you under control.”

John’s life shattered. She was supposed to be dead. It was another lie. But here she was, in the flesh. Beverly and Stephen had confirmed that it was indeed his wife, before she even arrived. "They told me you were dead, lost with the others on your ship."

Delenn told you I was dead," Anne corrected. "I heard the Shadows speaking about her. "She's Minbari.” The words came out as a curse. "They never tell the whole truth, especially when it's not in their interests. She wants you and will do anything to keep you for herself."

"You escaped from the Shadows? How?" He couldn’t think of anything else to say. Right now he couldn’t dare take the road he so desperately wanted to. Not yet.

"I had help," Anne whispered seductively and with more than a hint of evasion.

The hairs on John's back stood on their ends.

"Once I was free, there was no choice. I had to return to you-"

“-My love…”


Next:

Between the Darkness and the Light are “THOSE WHO STAND”