Hello everyone, as promised here is the first chapter of the rewritten Hidden Destiny. It has been a while hope you all enjoy reading it as it is for me to write it. My sincerest thanks to Walker-98 for assistance and beta reading.
I do not own Freespace 2 or Babylon 5. The rights to use their characters, concepts, plots etc. belongs to Volition, Interplay, Parallax Online, and Warner Bros. Studios.
Chapter 1:
GALACTIC TERRAN SCIENCE CRUISER ERIKSON
MINTAKA STAR SYSTEM
Captain Sollen slowly tapped the armchair as he silently observed the brown tinted planet in the view screen slowly rotating, around him the bridge crew worked calmly, many with a childlike smile as the data the sensors provided poured through their console screens, talking excitedly between themselves, most likely trading theories or impressions. The Captain took a deep breath, first thinking that this is as a boring assignment as it could be and then for the nth time, gazed about the bridge analyzing the Erikson. The ship was a Faustus Science Cruiser that, like most others, had once been primarily a civilian ship commissioned by the GTVA Navy for various endeavors, be it diplomatic, exploration, research or technology testing.
Given its current mission, it was crewed mostly by scientists and researchers, with only a small number of active military personnel. It was a recent shift in the GTVA operations. Before the Second Great War most science cruisers were crewed exclusively by civilians, except during wartime when the military assumed command. Recently, High Command decided that to improve response times and adherence to orders, all science cruisers, and auxiliary ships were to be permanently commanded by a military officer. This order indeed enhanced command and control during battle but, in peacetime, the missions given were tedious, and it was seen more like a punishing assignment for commanders that fell out of favor with Command, or merely the ones that weren't fitting to command a frontline warship.
The Erikson slowly orbited the planet, its powerful sensors sweeping the surface, cataloging everything on the sphere. Sollen said nothing, he was only here to fulfill his mission objectives, and all the cataloging, researching, and exploration were left to the civilian crew. To pass the time, he pressed a button on the command console lighting up a small screen, characters spread across the screen as he again began reviewing his mission objectives.
Discovered a month ago by a routine patrol from the New Capella 3rd fleet and, High Command quickly dispatched a small armada for its survey. Command feared the newly discovered jump node led to a Shivan infested system and the threat it posed to the Alliance.
The 3rd Fleet moved in formation, fortifying each side of the jump node while it started an aggressive recon of the new system. Eventually, as time passed, without encountering anything Shivan, the initial fear gave way to the natural Terran curiosity and with it, came the exploration ships, mostly Faustus class although there were some dedicated vessels of the Vidar class.
"Interesting, this planet is now beginning its first steps in supporting life." Sollen heard one of the crew talking, "The volcanic activities seems to be slowly subsiding." The talking scientist turned to the scanner operator, "Are there any life signs?"
The young officer worked over the data, adjusting parameters. A minute later, he answered while still keeping his eyes on the console screens, "There are minute signals from the largest body of water." A pause, "Small type of invertebrates."
Everybody on the bridge smiled, all except the military personnel. "This is a great discovery, a planet in an advanced state of life development." Theories were already formulating in the scientist's mind, "With this, we can understand further how our own planet developed."
"Record everything and send our discovery to the fleet's science division." A nod from the operator, "We need to probe further..." He rambled before being interrupted by another scientist, "I think it's better we focus our efforts on the moon, according to these readings it has a stable atmosphere and greater numbers of life forms, it could probably be habitable to Terran parameters without resorting to terraforming!"
After that last suggestion, a light, friendly discussion spread on the bridge, Sollen let them be, he could care less about what they were talking about. He was trained for leading a combat ship, and so until he was needed, he allowed them some freedom. His eyes narrowed, he longed for command of a warship, even a gunship if it need be, but the Admiral chose for him this position. He couldn't tell if the Admiral wanted to keep him out of trouble or out of his way, given his actual posting it was most likely both.
His musings were interrupted by the sensor operator, "Captain, there is a subspace disturbance in a nearby sector. Can't verify origin."
"Could it be another scout ship?" He straightened his posture and uniform out of habit. "There are many in the system."
"No, sir. I've checked all planned expeditions and their routes, we are the only one in this area." The operator responded.
"So what can you tell me about it?" Sollen leaned forward, his curiosity getting the better of him.
The operator took a few seconds as he studied the sensor data. "The signal's subspace harmonics are too fluid to be a subspace motivator, most likely it is a natural occurrence according to the readings I'm getting from the sensors."
"Natural phenomenon?" Sollen kept a neutral stance, but on the inside, he worked over the possibilities. "A jump node?"
The remainder of the bridge was now quiet as they heard the exchange between the Captain and the sensors operator, "It is the most likely possibility, sir. However, we need to bring the ship closer to get accurate scans."
Sollen looked at the view screen for a moment, the planet still in view. "Show me where exactly this phenomenon is located."
The Faustus science cruiser had, short of the Charybdis AWACS and its Vasudan counterpart, the most sensitive subspace scanners in active duty. The spinning blades, usually the center of countless jokes and puns especially from fighter pilots, were powerful subspace projectors, able to detect the smallest variation, provided that they were close enough.
The screen changed, zooming out form the planet, until it was just a point of light, off to the right side of the screen, with a blinking purple dot marking the position of the unknown sensor reading.
"That's not far off, a quick jump and we will be there."
Sollen gave a thin smile, this was more like it, something to cut his boredom, at least until they solved this mystery, as it was better than staying here listening to the crew discussing the origin of life. "Communications, notify the GTD Phoenicia about this situation and send them a data copy, inform them that we are on our way to investigate this anomaly."
"Navigation, plot a course to the anomaly but put us as far away as possible to still effectively scan it. We still don't know exactly what it is."
Less than a minute after, the communications officer spoke, "Captain, the GTD Phoenicia responded, they agreed with your assessment and gave authorization to scout the area, but are dispatching fighter wings and a cruiser as a precaution and, should we encounter anything hostile, we are to leave the area immediately."
Sollen smiled, "Now then, let's see this anomaly. Initiate jump."
In the vacuum of space, the Erikson accelerated quickly, its engines burning bright. Then space parted and a blue and white distortion appeared. It grew rapidly as the small science cruiser flew through it and, just as swiftly as the subspace portal appeared, it vanished.
The jump lasted only a few minutes, the Erikson exiting the familiar blue and white background of subspace, the jump point opening, rippling waves moving away from the center of it as the Erikson traversed dimensions.
"We have arrived at our destination."
Sollen leaned forward as he put a serious look "Good, now initiate a full sensor sweep, I want to know where exactly is this anomaly and everything else that could be out there." Then turned to the junior officer in charge of weapons, "Standby on defense systems, it's not much, but I want to be prepared if something does come up, at least until the jump drives are recharged. Engineering, you know what to do."
"Yes sir, initiating the emergency charge, estimated time 2 minutes." Fully charging the subspace drive was a process that took time and careful regulation of energy, the modern drives were far superior and much more efficient than the ones used in the Great War but still required careful attention. The Emergency Charge was a process of quickly charging the drives, with the possibility of suffering damage and needing repairs after a jump. Usually, it was light damage, but exploding drives were not unheard off, as well as the jump wasn't nearly as accurate as a normally charged drive, so it was used sparingly.
The bridge crew complied with his orders, the civilians still present on the bridge also went about their duties but nothing like the fluid movements and ease of trained military personnel. Minutes passed while the sensors worked over the area, there was no sign of any ships of any kind and, with it, the possibility of encounters of any kind disappeared. As the all clear signal from the sensors was heard, the anxiety the crew carried all but vanished, replaced by curiosity.
"Captain I... think I got something." The sensors officer reported, confusion splattered all over his face.
"You think, Lieutenant?" Sollen replied, his dark blue eyes narrowing at the officer's uncertainty.
"Yes, sir, I can detect the location of the subspace anomaly but it appears and disappears at intervals, sometimes for several seconds, others by only by milliseconds, it seems to be releasing its energy in waves from the central point..." The operator trailed off, he had never seen anything like this.
"Captain, if I may?" Sollen turned to face Antony Torrel, one of the civilian scientists stationed on the Erikson who, unlike most civilians onboard, had the sense to properly address military ranks. "Yes, Torrel? Something useful to add?"
The middle-aged man cleared his throat "Yes, Captain, I specialize in subspace mechanics, not to disrespect the lieutenant." he gestured towards the officer still trying to make sense of the readings, "But I'm sure I can analyze the readings further."
Sollen thought for a moment before agreeing, "Lieutenant, allow Torrel access to the scans. Perhaps he can make sense of it."
"Thank you, Captain." Torrel smiled as he made his way towards the sensor console now vacated by the lieutenant. Sitting down, he started to analyze the sensor scans, his smile broadening, "This is incredible, at first glance this seems like an unstable jump node but, if I'm not mistaken, what we are seeing is a node in the final process of stabilizing." He finished with a triumphant smirk.
The rest of the civilian crew, silent just a moment before, burst in light conversation and banter, many already trading ideas while a few were moving towards the sensor console, hoping to see the data for themselves, but Sollen would have none of it.
"Everyone, be silent and return to your duties." He raised his voice high enough to be heard over the increasing noise, the bridge became quiet seconds later. "This is still a military ship and, no matter how fascinating or interesting this is, we have to think of the possibilities." He stared at the green computer-generated node now on the screen. "Perhaps this is a natural process, or perhaps there are Shivans on the other side just waiting for it to stabilize or, worse, they are stabilizing it themselves, there are too many possibilities." At the mention of Shivans, everyone on the bridge lowered their heads, even years after the war the scars left by the destroyers on the Alliance was still very powerful.
"Communications, send a message to the Phoenicia, code Red, jump node confirmed, request immediate reinforcements." Sollen looked at the green jump node as he sat back in his command chair. Minutes later near the Erikson several jump points formed, disgorging a Leviathan Cruiser and two wings of fighters, the warships dispatched by the GTD Phoenicia, but Sollen expected far more Alliance ships to converge on his position in the near future.
Earth Alliance Dakota Star System
Contested System
The year is 2342 and war raged. The Earth Alliance, after a disastrous first contact, found itself in a desperate battle for survival with the enigmatic Minbari Federation. Recently coming out of a major war with the Dilgar Imperium, Humanity was confident, proud and arrogant. Earth Dome and the military was sure that they could take on anything, anyone, and pushed for further aggressive expansion. It was a golden age where the Earth Alliance grew both in economic power, technology and size, numerous colonies and outposts were established as Humanity spread throughout the stars, with few races capable of opposing them and the rest firmly in treaties and alliances. Thus Humanity thought itself invincible.
Fate shattered their dreams and self-centered attitude when the Earth Alliance met the Minbari. During a survey of their border, Captain Jankowski, in his arrogance and eagerness to rise in rank and influence, defied his orders to initiate contact and approached a Minbari group of ships. The Minbari Warriors, for their part upon seeing the approaching Earthforce task force, opened gun ports as a sign of respect. However, the Minbari had not considered the lack of knowledge of their caste traditions beyond their borders. For in most of known space opening gun ports was regarded as the prelude to attack. Adding to the confusion, the scanners of the Minbari War cruisers scrambled the electronics of the Earth ships, temporarily disabling the jump drives.
Unable to retreat and with the Minbari incapable of understanding their language and approaching with the weapons ports opened, Captain Jankowski made the fateful decision of ordering the Earth ships to open fire, damaging the lead Minbari vessel and killing Dukat, the leader of the Minbari.
The war began by mistakes done by both sides but and as with every armed conflict before, it took on a life of its own, as the Minbari, lost to their rage and in their grief, began a holy war that could only end with the complete eradication of humanity.
A year and a half had passed since that fateful encounter, and the Earth Alliance was in its last gasps. Most of the outer colonies were either destroyed or captured. Messages of surrender were sent continuously but always ignored, pleas for help to other governments rebuked. Even the Centauri Republic, Earth's most significant trading partner and one of the most influential race in known space, had refused to help. Eventually, the last hope for peace died on the cold ground of the Epsilon system. Humanity was alone.
Lieutenant Kerry Crawford checked his scanner for the tenth time these last few minutes, the anticipation was building up as they waited. A small Earth Force raiding fleet, barely more than two dozen warships, remained inside of an asteroid field in the former Earth Alliance system of Dakota, with the capital ships running at low power while Starfuries latched onto the nearby asteroids. Only a single scout probe farther out was giving any form of scanner waves, passively searching for any Minbari contacts, as even if the scanners were unable to lock on, they could still partly detect the Minbari ships, at least knowing that something was there. This fleet was the only active Earth Alliance presence left in this system, one of several in the occupied territories in an effort to harass and delay the Minbari Armada in their inexorable advance towards Earth. All the crewmen and pilots were volunteers, as everyone knew it was a mission where there was no coming back.
They have been attacking and raiding supply areas and sometimes isolated ships, although always either freighters or small patrol warships, anything more significant would be able to either destroy the fleet or should they escape, track them down to their hidden base. This was the only partially effective tactic where the Earth Alliance was able to inflict any type of damage to the Minbari war machine, as standard fleet-to-fleet combat was avoided since it was always in favor of the Minbari. Their technology far surpassed the Humans in all areas, but it was the Stealth device employed by virtually every Minbari ship that genuinely changed the balance of power.
The Earth fleet was using the dense asteroid field to hide their base from which they launch their raids, and also to prevent detection by the Minbari warships. Everyone knew if a single ship found them, the outcome was the complete destruction of every vessel in the fleet.
Unfortunately, their safe haven had been compromised, unknowingly being followed after a raid, and only noticed after arriving at the station that they were being trailed by a Minbari scout. The small Earth force fleet prepared for the imminent arrival of the Minbari, their makeshift station, a hollowed asteroid used as command and supply center, was already powered down and evacuated, reactors on standby to detonate, a last act of defiance to damage the Minbari should they approach it.
The Earth Fleet was never large, to begin with, but even by raiding standards it was small, and the constant raids depleted it, with only a handful of ships being cruisers while the rest were small warships, corvettes, and frigates accompanied by two Oracle Elint ships. They were led by one of the few Nova-X destroyers still in service, a prototype ship intended to replace the Nova Dreadnaught.
Crawford breathed slowly, the anxiety building up, he flipped a switch linking his fighter with the one next to him through a direct laser communication, one of the safest ways of communication unless someone put a receiver in the direct path of the beam. Unfortunately, it suffered from severe short range.
"Hey, Simmons, you there?" He whispered, but even if he screamed no one would be able to hear.
"Yes, I'm here. Where else would I be?" The slightly annoyed voice of Gerre Simons answered back.
"Do you really think they're coming here? It's been about three hours, and this waiting is unnerving if they want to kill us at least would they hurry up, at this rate I'll die of anticipation." He hoped to inject a bit of fun into the conversation, but it came out incredibly forced.
"They're coming alright."Simmons replied as he eyed the readout from the sensors, "The boneheads won't miss the chance of killing more of us, besides that scout stood there while we ran into the asteroid field, they've clearly seen us."
"But why the long wait?" Crawford exhaled, "Perhaps they are still planning the attack on us, or are attempting to starve us to death."
Simmons laughed, Kerry was never one stand still for long, one of the reasons why he didn't choose a career as a starship officer. "Trust me, they are coming. It could be the next minute or the next hour, but they'll come."
"Well, I just want them to attack and get this over with. I'll give them the fight of their lives." Crawford stated a predatory smile on his lips. "It's the wait I can't stand."
Simmons heard him and sighed, "Calm down, I know how you feel, but focus. I need you to stay sharp out there, keep your head cool."
"I know. Don't worry, I'm focused. The Minbari have to pay for what they've done to my world."
"It was my world too, Kerry." Simmons understood how he felt, they'd been on leave in their home colony when a group of Minbari warships suddenly appeared in orbit, the war cruisers plowed through the small and surprised garrison fleet before turning their weapons on the colony, obliterating it from orbit. They only managed to escape because they were on a ship on the other side of the colony, and close enough to quickly reach the jump gate. It was the opening salvos of the war. "I'm sure they'll come and, when that happens, I'll have your back."
Crawford smiled, "Thanks, let's give them hell."
Further away from the waiting Starfuries, at the center of the Earth fleet stood the flagship, the Nova-X destroyer, EAS Monolith, the largest and most formidable ship present. The mile-long vessel had more firepower and armor than the ship class it intended to replace. Along with enhanced carrier capabilities and command and control, but what really set the Nova-X Destroyer apart from the Nova or even any other Earth ship, was the sizeable rotating section in the middle of the ship's hull. It provided the crew with artificial gravity, substantially increasing the operational range and the crew's ability keep on duty for more extended periods of time, without having to visit a station or planet to rest and recover from the lack of gravity. Most ships had internal gravity sections, but they were small, inefficient, and a weak replacement for real gravity, the Nova-X was the first time Earthforce build one with such a large and external section.
This ship class was still in prototype and testing phase, with only a handful being constructed at the time, but the early defeats suffered against the Minbari forced Earthforce to deploy them years ahead of schedule. While superior to the most common Nova Dreadnaughts, even lasting somewhat longer against the Minbari, they still suffered from the same fatal flaw, the inability to accurately lock weapons on the Minbari ships.
Captain Aran Linvail surveyed the bridge, it was quiet with only the faint hum of computers and the occasional exchange of words between the bridge crew, there was, however, tension on the air, the anxiety that everyone felt as a battle approached. He was tired, but with the threat of the Minbari suddenly appearing at any time kept him awake. His second in command Jan Mansveld went about the bridge, checking each system in turn.
"Sir, perhaps is better you rest for a while," Mansveld suggested as he stood beside Linvail's command chair.
Linvail chuckled, "You worry about me making a wrong or sluggish decision while I'm tired, not about my well being, right?" Finishing with a smirk, Mansveld was a very professional and militarist man, in fact, he was the second in command of the Monolith long before Linvail was promoted to captain since the Minbari war began the Monolith had another commander. He died in battle with the Minbari, while Mansveld survived, and taking command of the Destroyer he pulled through, escaping and even managing to destroy a Minbari attack frigate through the use of massed missile strikes, a battle told amongst the ship's surviving crew. He was offered command of the Monolith several times but always refused, part of him wondered why, since Mansveld was clearly highly skilled in commanding and more experienced than him, as more than once he found himself depending on his experience.
Mansveld kept a stoic face, "I'm simply realistic, sir. A few hours rest never did any harm, besides we are inside the asteroid field, the Minbari won't jump inside it, not after what happened to the Blackstar."
He was correct, ever since Sheridan managed to lure the Warrior caste flagship into a trap and destroy it, the Minbari were reluctant to enter asteroid fields, at least directly from jump points. They prefer to jump outside and move at a slower rate where they have time to check for mines and traps. Whatever the reason, Earthforce fleets enjoyed a relatively safe zone inside the fields. Should the Minbari enter they would be at a slight disadvantage since the greater range of their weapons would be partly nullified by the close quarter's combat, and the EA ships' ability to hit increasing due to the shorter engagement range.
Linvail rubbed his chin, the slight stubble brushing against his skin, he would have shaved, but due to the threat, he remained on the bridge. Not willing to lose the time. "I understand your concern, Commander, but I'll remain on duty here." Mansveld frowned for a split second before returning to his neutral face. Linvail had a mental chuckle, Mansveld would never admit it, but he was also tired, being on the bridge for longer without resting.
"Sir, while I'll not dispute your order if the Minbari appear you have to be at your best capacity."
"Commander, I appreciate your concern but this isn't a question of if they appear, but when they appear. They clearly saw us hiding here, it is only a matter of time before they arrive."
The crew heard the exchange without as much as a side glance, they were already used to the banter between the Captain and the Commander, some even found some type of amusement in it. However, the thoughts of all on the bridge stopped as the Lieutenant in charge of the sensors spoke out.
"Jump point detected, sector 12, very faint but it is clearly there."
Most of the bridge crew paled as they heard the report, they knew what was coming, and there was nothing they could do to stop it.
Linvail stood up, his previous relaxed posture changing to one of command and authority, "Do you detect any ships?"
"No, sir, if it is the Minbari the stealth field is keeping them hidden."
Linvail thought for a moment "A scout. They don't know exactly where we are or how many of us are." He sat back down as he mentally planned the best strategy he could use. "Send a signal to the fleet, Minbari scouts detected, power up systems and charge weapons, fighter groups are to stay near the warships and work in tandem with the interceptor grid. Have the Sagittarius squadron stay with the station and only to engage at my command." The officers quickly and professionally relayed the orders, the initial shock rapidly being replaced by anger, and a need to make the Minbari pay dearly for their lives.
The low hum of the computers was replaced by the blaring of the internal sirens, warning the rest of the ship crew that battle was imminent. The reactor was brought up to combat power, weapon turrets all across the fleet tested the elevation and horizontal hydraulics, checking anything that could affect their performance.
The waiting didn't last long, as less than a minute later half a dozen jump points showed, the ruptures in the fabric of space glowing orange as they appeared closer to the edge of the asteroid field disgorging a Minbari fleet. The blue hulled warships wasted no time as dozens of Neutron and Fusion beams lashed out at the entrenched EA ships which replied in kind with bursts of white and blue pulse and plasma cannons. Flight groups of Minbari Nial fighters sped forwards, intent on attacking the Human ships at close range, doing one pass with their weapons and damaging several systems on the forward most EA ships, only to be set upon by the hidden Starfuries. The initial surprise was enough that several Nials fell, the plasma pulses so numerous that even if fired by sight several managed to hit. The Minbari pilots quickly recovered and turned towards the Human fighters, light fusion beams traded fire with plasma pulses, explosions racked both sides with the Starfuries taking the worst of it.
Crawford swore loudly as he put the Starfury in a controlled spin, narrowly evading the Fusion beams of the pursuing Minbari fighter, pushing the control stick to the side, the X shaped fighter pulled to the left while spinning the ship on its axis. Turning around, he came face to face with the Minbari, the computer continually warning the impossibility of lock but he ignored it, it ran the same warning so many times it became background noise. He pressed the trigger, and the Starfury Plasma cannons fired, white pulses of energy flew through space, but its destructive energies were wasted as the target weaved around them. Unable to get a computer lock, human pilots had to rely on sight to hit their targets, something near impossible due to the speed and fast-paced combat of modern times.
He kept spinning the Starfury following the Minbari, shots came close but never hit, and Crawford had a feeling that the bonehead was playing with him. He wasn't sure if he was, but he would regret it.
Suddenly, he pushed the speed to maximum the Starfury suddenly accelerating, his body feeling the G forces, the flight suit working to keep the blood flowing trying to prevent blackouts, he quickly approached the Blue Nial fighter before it could use its superior speed.
The Minbari apparently didn't expect it as he reacted too slowly and too late.
"Now I got you." Crawford pressed the secondary trigger releasing a missile from the wing, he didn't have a lock, but this missile didn't need it. It quickly covered the distance between the two fighters, it wasn't on target, and he would have been stunned if it were. Instead, it had a timed fuse, it came close then the warhead exploded showering the area directly ahead with deadly shrapnel. The Minbari fighter caught the brunt of it, shrapnel pieces tore his opponent apart, systems where shred while the drive fin was wholly severed from the primary hull, the remains of the ship tumbled through space until a pair of plasma pulses finished it.
Crawford exhaled, luck was with him this day, at least until now. He pulled his fighter up rejoining the main battle happening on the edge of the asteroid field.
The Earth Force traded shots with the Minbari. Already one Hyperion cruiser was a burning wreck with an Artemis frigate in the process of joining it. However, on the Minbari side, one Tinashi War Frigate was pushing ahead of the rest, serving as the vanguard. It was venting air, and its drive fin was damaged, further back two more frigates supported its advancing brethren while the only Sharlin War Cruiser and most likely flagship of the Minbari fleet present, kept taking raging shots at the Human vessels from outside the field.
The Human crews for their part used the asteroids like tiles in a chessboard, using them as cover, shooting each time they changed position, adjusting and redeploying as needed. Starfuries dueled with Nials, the presence of the asteroids limiting the Minbari fighter's superior range and speed forcing them to close combat, where the Starfuries pilots could use their craft's great agility to the best of their abilities.
Linvail watched the battle with a clinical eye. The Monolith fired again, twin heavy laser cannons shot through space missing the leading Minbari by a wide margin. Even damaged, the war frigate still had the stealth field fully operational and enough power to dish out as an Olympus corvette discovered, two Neutron beams spearing it as it moved to attack the frigate.
"Order the Oracles to put more power on the ECM, the Minbari are breaking through our countermeasures."
"Captain, the Oracles report that they can't put any more power into it, they are scrambling the Minbari targeting as best as they can, any more and it probably will burn the system out."
Linvail swore, "That frigate is giving the other Minbari warships target coordinates." To compound the fact, a Tethys cutter fell from a long-range attack from the Sharlin. "We have to destroy it."
Linvail weighted his options. The Monolith was the only one that could take on the frigate, but the time it took to approach it would be enough for the frigate to bisect the destroyer.
"Weapons, how many flash missiles do we have?" He asked, a plan forming in his head.
"Eight missiles, sir."
Linvail was silent for a moment, the Monolith rumbling slightly as the laser cannons fired again; Mansveld was standing, giving orders to the crew, encouraging them. A flight of Nials charged the Monolith, thin green beams raking the hull, damaging one of the plasma turrets. Defensive cannons fired in retribution, they missed but distracted the Minbari until the defending Starfuries fell upon the Nials, the concentration of plasma bolts managed to destroy one, its remains exploding against the dark armor of the Monolith, the rest dispersing to avoid the same fate.
Linvail knew that they won't survive today, but at least they will take some of the Minbari with them. "Weapons, load the remaining missiles, fire half at the frigate at my command and detonate them when they reach near their target. Warn the rest of the fleet, we'll deal with that frigate."
Mansveld looked sharply in his direction, "Those missiles lost their effectiveness months ago. The Minbari have adapted to their effects, we'll only have a few seconds of protection from them."
"And that is all we need," Linvail smirked.
MINTAKA STAR SYSTEM
UNKNOWN JUMP NODE
The area around the newly discovered Jump Node, previously quiet and empty, was now, three days later it was bustling with activity, numerous starships ranging from small fighters to the massive destroyer class patrolled the area, their sensors continually searching for anything that might come through.
The GTVA High command, as soon as it received the news about a newly discovered Jump Node, immediately ordered the 3rd Terran fleet to move in and fortify the area. A standard procedure since the Second Great War, as any node had the potential to be a point of entry for Shivan attacks into Alliance space.
A battle group patrolled the space around the node, the GTD Messana, an Orion class Destroyer, was stationed near the node, presenting its broadside to it, ready to unleash its heavy beams on anything that came through unannounced. Despite the introduction of the Hecate class of destroyers, the Orion still served as a vital part of the Terran Armada, as it was built with more of an emphasis on ship-to-ship combat. Several heavy beam emplacements dotted the 2.1-kilometer hull, able to lay a devastating barrage in nearly all directions. It was the heavy hitter of the Terran part of the Alliance. With only the more recent Vasudan Hatshesput Destroyer surpassing it in ship-to-ship combat, however despite all the power the Orion possessed, it was designed in an age where fighter and bomber technology wasn't as advanced and before shields where developed, so its anti-fighter defenses where found lacking. Even with modern upgrades, more Orions where lost to bomber strikes than battling other capital ships, compounding this weakness, it was slower, had weaker armor and carried less strike craft than modern destroyers, but until a suitable replacement is developed, the Orion will still serve the Alliance for the years to come.
Along with the GTD Messana, groups of corvettes and cruisers were present, patrolling the area near the node. Being smaller and far more maneuverable than destroyers, the corvettes still carried heavy firepower both in anti-ship and fighter defense. It allows them to more quickly react to any sudden situation, patrolling along with them where many fighter and bomber wings both to escort the capital ships and to assist them in assaults, besides those flying through space, there were many more on standby.
Farther away from the node, was the GTD Aquitaine, flagship of the 3rd Terran Fleet. The lumbering Hecate destroyer was holding station escorted by two corvettes and two cruisers, its large fighter bay supplying most of the strike craft in the sector, while the extensive command and control it possessed allowed absolute supervision and handling over the GTVA forces, significantly increasing the reaction times and tactical maneuvering. While the Orion was a front line destroyer, the Hecate was designed to act as a fleet carrier and flagship. The vast hangars housed over 150 strike craft, the highest of the Alliance fleet with the exception being the ill-fated Colossus, its anti-fighter defenses were one of the best available. Anti-fighter beams, flak guns, and pulse turrets dotted the hull, the Second Great War showed how useful the Hecate class were in the flagship role and as a fleet carrier, but also showed how it lacked in capital ship combat should it ever come to blows with another destroyer class. To remedy these shortcomings after the war, the GTVA upgraded the Hecate with several heavy pulse cannons, improved beam cannons and missile batteries that could both be used for defense and attack. While also enhancing the fighter defenses and reorganizing the interior allowing it to carry even more strike craft, while this allowed the Hecate to handle better against other destroyers it was still a poor match for the Orion hitting power.
The blockade on the area was extensive, it would take a concerted and substantial Shivan deployment to break through, and even that would take time. This would allow the GTVA to deploy it's fire ships. A designation brought back from Earth's seafaring history, where vessels filled with explosives, were sent burning towards enemy fleets in an attempt to ram and set ablaze the enemy. In present times the fire ships were decommissioned warships that were stripped of the interior and loaded up with new generation Meson Bombs. Since the last Shivan war these ships were used as a last-ditch tactic to sever the jump corridors connecting the Nodes, should the Shivans come through in numbers and the GTVA was unable to stop them, something that has become blatantly clear since the destruction of the Capella Star.
Far closer to the node were several science cruisers, using their powerful sensors to catalog and analyze the abnormal jump node, trying to understand if the seemly random energy pulses were dangerous and if the node could be traversed.
HECATE CLASS DESTROYER
GTD AQUITAINE
Admiral Petrarch was a busy man these last few hours, receiving reports and transmitting them to high command was tiring, all the while handling the positioning of the entire fleet to cover three systems, no easy task since the fleet still hasn't fully recovered from the losses suffered in the Second Great War. Fortunately, High Command, for once, has decided to be smart and dispatched the 14th Terran fleet to reinforce them. It will take at least a few more days until they assemble in New Capella and move in force, so until then the 3rd Fleet was all that was guarding that node.
He watched the tactical projector with experienced eyes. At the center of it, the gray representation of the node blinked slowly, around it many symbols colored green moved about, each class of ship represented by a unique symbol, an entire reinforced battle group of the 3rd Fleet was present in this system, as he didn't want to take any chances.
"Admiral, the Corvettes Cormorant and Inquisitor report that they have arrived at the designated waypoints and are resuming patrol." Petrarch nodded, "Good, orders remain the same, and to link up with the Messana fighter wing should the need for cover arises."
"Yes Admiral, relaying orders." Petrarch waited only a few seconds "Admiral, the corvettes have acknowledged."
Petrarch tried to relax a little but it was a nearly impossible task, there was little else he could do but keep things under control and wait, something he hated. Another look at the projector showed the half a dozen Faustus cruisers near the jump node, their science crews examining the node and trying to understand it. He just hoped that nothing would come through, the memories of the war still fresh in his mind, and he guessed, in most of the fleets crew members as well. Of all the Alliance fleets, they, the 3rd Fleet, knew firsthand what the cost of failure was, and the consequences of it.
"Admiral, we have a transmission from the Erikson."
Petrarch face tightened, he disliked having to with Captain Sollen, the man was a wild card, stubborn and rash, with a propensity of acting first and think later and, on top of it, all too sure of himself, almost to the point of arrogance. After the Roarch installation incident last year, he reassigned him to the Erikson to prevent future misunderstandings and as a punishment for misreading orders.
Petrarch could never guess that, of all the ship commanders in the fleet, it would be him to find a new jump node, furthermore to compound his annoyance, Captain Sollen was the highest ranking officer of the fleet's science cruiser division, so naturally he assumed the command of analyzing and possibly exploring the node, at least until more dedicated exploration ships arrive.
"Patch it through." Adjusting his uniform out of habit he stared at the view screen as Sollen appeared in it. "Admiral," he started, "We've finished preliminary scans of the node, according to with my subspace specialist the anomalous energy pulses are increasing in power, nothing dangerous but the pulses are falling into a pattern with few variations." Sollen paused, looking down for a second. "Given the nature of jump nodes and after brief calculations by my specialist, in a few hours, the node will probably be stable for light, noninvasive probing."
Admiral Petrarch rubbed his chin as he processed the new information, if this was indeed a new jump node, stable or not, it was another possible door for the Shivans to enter GTVA space. Sollen waited for the Admirals reply, his blue eyes staring at him with unusual intensity but otherwise betrayed nothing of his thoughts, Petrarch knew that Sollen greatly disliked him, but at least he was professional enough to keep it from showing it openly.
"Understood, Captain, did you send the data to the Copernicus?"
"The data is being compiled as we speak, Admiral." Sollen took a second to adequately address him earning a pointed look from Sanders, Petrarch's second in command, the Admiral gave a mental sigh, he was always giving these small pointless jabs. He suspected it was more to annoy his second in command than himself, they went into the same class in the Academy so they had shared a lot of time together in their officer's course.
"Anything else, Captain?"
Sollen looked down again, this time for several seconds, his face turning into a frown for a moment before returning to the view screen.
"Yes Admiral, as per standard procedures in this situation, my specialist is making a few calculations on which system this node connects, but is having problems in triangulating the probable exit point."
"Nothing unusual, Captain," Petrarch answered. "They are preliminary calculations, I'm sure that after more detailed observations and with more people and computer power working on it he can ascertain the position."
Sollen smiled slightly, "No Admiral, he can't ascertain not because there is insufficient data, but because the pulses are reaching so far into subspace that the location of the exit point is far, probably not on our star cluster or even in this galactic arm."
At that, the Admiral grimaced, this changes quite a lot about this situation. "Is your specialist certain of it?"
"Yes, Admiral, while there are variations in the calculation, the results are mostly the same, the exit point is too far away to accurately pinpoint."
"Alright, Captain, keep me posted on new developments, and keep sending the data to the Copernicus, I'll inform High Command about this."
"Yes sir, Erikson out." With that, the viewscreen changed to the area around the jump node and the battle group around it.
Petrarch sighed, things were never dull. "Lieutenant, get me High Command and make it fast."
On the Erikson, Sollen smiled as he watched Petrarch wink out, feeling good about himself as he corrected the Admiral, even if it was a small thing. Releasing a deep breath, he agreed that it was perhaps petty of him but he got what victory he could have, no matter how small.
Leaning back, he wondered if this discovery could finally convince High Command to transfer him and his crew back to a military warship, however, he liked to think realistically, the transfer probably would stop on the Admirals desk, under the largest stack of papers he could find.
Petrarch never quite trusted him again after that debacle, that and his own Academy records weren't very appealing, not because he wasn't a capable commander, in fact he was on the top three best in his class with some of the best grades and results, but on the other hand he wasn't very good at dealing with others, especially when they tried to make a fool out of him and use him to further their standing.
Unfortunately, the admonishments he got during the academy years reflected on his posting, he got nothing better than a Cruiser, and after last year, a Science ship. Most of his Academy class went on to command large warships, most were serving aboard Deimos corvettes as executive officers while those that excelled, like Sanders, got to command a destroyer.
Hours passed slowly as he mused on his past and the possible future, Sollen walked around the bridge for a while to cut the boredom before the communications officer turned to him.
"Captain, the Copernicus has finished their initial analysis of the subspace tunnel, when the node stabilizes and at High Commands order we are to deploy a probe into the node and begin the transition analysis."
Sollen raised an eyebrow, "Deploy a probe?" It was quite an adventurous order from the normally slow acting High command. "Confirm that."
"Confirmation codes check out."
He didn't like it, it was too sudden, that and that the GTVA knew little of this node and its unusual circumstances. As Torell explained, it was the first time both Terrans and Vasudans could observe a subspace node still in the process of stabilizing. Sending a probe in at this stage could possibly be dangerous. The face of Torrel mirrored his, concern and puzzlement at the order.
"Captain, are these orders real?" Torel asked quietly, concern clear as day. "Anyone with basic subspace knowledge knows that it could be a potentially dangerous situation, there is much we don't know, too many unknown variables!"
"Get me the Admiral," Sollen ordered more forcibly that he wanted. He was in the military, and as such, he fulfilled orders given to him, but there was something wrong about this, a feeling he had, it was too sudden. Seconds passed as he waited for the connection to the Aquitaine, he will get to the bottom of this.
The screen again came to life with the old man facing him, next to him was Sanders glaring at him. Sollen smirked on the inside, somewhat happy that he could still annoy him.
"Yes, Captain Sollen?" Petrach questioned.
"Admiral, I've received orders to prepare and launch a probe into the node as soon as it stabilizes. Is this correct, sir?"
"Yes, it is Captain."
Sollen grimaced, subconsciously he knew that by doing this, he will get in in line for another reprimand. "Sir, you do understand how dangerous this is. It is the first time we have seen such a phenomenon, we have little experience with it, and there are many unknown variables. It could be dangerous!"
"The researchers in the Copernicus have made calculations and assured us there is only a small chance of something unusual happening, and if it did happen the chances of a destructive event are even smaller." Although Petrarch dismissed Sollen's concern, he could understand the Captain's worries, nevertheless he gave his orders and he expected them to be fulfilled.
Sollen was about to retort but Petrarch continued, "Furthermore, High Command has been apprised of the situation, its possible risks, and consequences, and after conferring with the Security Council approved an unmanned reconnaissance of the node tunnel and the system at its exit point." Petrarch narrowed its eyes, "These are our orders Captain, I am sure you will follow them to the letter!"
Sollen frowned, although he didn't want to make his position even more difficult than it is, he just could not let this one pass. "A small chance is still a chance of something happening, Admiral. What if something happens? Then what? Command isn't the one sitting in a probable subspace bomb!" Sollen mentally flinched, he knew he was stretching his luck, and this probably was too much.
"You are out of line, Captain!" Petrarch raised his voice slightly, something he rarely did but it wasn't the first time that Sollen got on his nerves, and, like before he wasn't letting this one pass. "I understand your concern, but we work as a team, and as a team, there must be trust, and I have trust in the men and women working with us, something you should learn, Captain, given your past mistakes." Petrarch glared at Sollen who for the most part kept the same annoyed glare, "I trust you understand these orders and will follow them to the best of your ability!"
"I understand, sir, it won't happen again, sir. I'll prepare the probe for deployment." Sollen yielded, this is a war he couldn't win, and he had nothing to gain by trading barbs with the Admiral.
"Good. I expect this will be the last conversation we have about trusting others and following orders." The inherent threat was palpable, Sollen didn't want to end up commanding a freighter so he chose to not pursue this any further.
"Yes, sir. Erikson out." He made a gesture to cut the channel before leaning back in his chair. Passing a hand through his short black hair, he sighed, most of the bridge crew staring at him from the corner of their eyes, only a few understood what happened between him and the Admiral, those that understood merely shook their heads before resuming their duties.
"Well, Torell, it seems we have a difficult and ungrateful mission in front of us."
The scientist merely nodded, it was useless to argue with the Admiral, as he found out. Admiral Petrarch was a good man, he cared for the people he commanded, and in turn, was respected by his soldiers. His somewhat strict and inflexible demeanor was a negative point, but in all, he was an outstanding commander. Of all present, had the best chance of convincing High Command to wait, as they had a habit of not fully grasping the situation at hand and not hearing recommendations before issuing orders, or even giving objectives without telling the commanders everything.
Unfortunately, it was precisely what was happening here. "It seems like it. Let's just hope nothing bad happens."
Sollen shook his head "Don't count on it." He then glanced at the viewscreen, the green jump node projection slowly spinning.