In our story, we follow the general beliefs and guidelines laid down by JMS, but we have adjusted certain views here and there to be to our liking. We have done a lot of research on Minbari society and have unfortunately come upon certain contradictions and certain gaps. It is therefore that we have decided to take our personal view on Minbari society and expand this.
The differences lye not so much in physical differences as layed down in the Minbari Federation fact book (Aside from the stamina of some of our heroes of course!), but more on the society of the Minbari culture. As has been explained throughout the series, the structure has certain contradictions with the Federation Fact book, which we have 'adjusted' to our liking.
For example: The Warrior Caste consists solely of Clans, there are no Families. The Families are restricted to the Religious Caste, whereas the Guilds are the collective of the Worker Caste.
Minbari society at the point of our writing is struggling with itself. After the war against the Humans, the Warrior Caste have never let go of their grudge against the Religious Caste. These continue to treat the warriors with disdain, which will escalate into Civil War as it does at the middle of season 4. We have tried to emphasise the fundamental differences between these two main Castes and how the Worker Caste is always 'stuck in between'.
The Religious Caste sees itself as progressive, however clouds society with covering normal everyday events with more and more rituals and regulations.
They look down on native feelings and seek higher spiritual meaning. By doing so, they are kicking the shins of the Warrior Caste, who are more and more returning to the methods of old, for they worked.
For example: with the Warrior Caste, inter clan marriage is allowed under special circumstances, but are more common than inter family marriages with the Religious Caste.
Love is a difficult thing amongst Minbari.
The Religious and the Warrior Caste stand across each other with their conceptual understanding of this, while the Worker Caste tries to find the best of both worlds out of it.
However, because of the heavy impact the Religious Satai of the Grey Council have had on Minbari society since Valen, many of their 'beliefs' have forced their way into the Warriors' society.
Many Warriors still struggle with that today. They are naturally more inclined to follow their feelings, for they must if they are to survive in battle. It is common for Warriors to have had several 'mates' before finding the one they wish to spend the rest of their life with, however by the bidding of the Religious Caste they are forbidden to 'join' unless they are to be wed. It is a given that not every Warrior is capable of living by this rule.
Religious Caste society forces a different light on love amongst their youngsters. Love is about the spiritual connection between the two of them, not the physical. It is therefore rare to find a Religious Caste who has had several 'mates' before finding his or her true love, as it is looked down upon by the Caste. Physical bonding is nothing compared to the spiritual connection one can have with another.
They do believe in a very great variety of spiritual connections, controversially enabling them to love several partners at the same time, albeit on a different level. They are however always restricted to a single mate, as are all Minbari.
All Castes believe in the sanctuary of marriage, however as the marriage grows older, many couples drift apart and seek their own meaning. This is phenomenon often found with members of the Religious Caste, as they wonder off in search of new spiritual companions.
Warriors carry their feistiness in their heart, with all consequences that go with it. However, the rituals belonging to the Caste and Clan are sacred.
The largest problem with Minbari society regarding love is their high emotional connection to everything and – especially for the Warrior Caste – high passion drive. Masking all of this with rituals over many hundreds of years in an attempt to control the population has done them no good.
The Worker Caste apply the rules of both Castes as they see fit, creating a shift in the Caste.
As for cross-caste unions, we follow the point of view as is stated in the MFFB. It is not forbidden as such, but is considered an insult to the Caste (and Clan/Family/Guild) so is generally avoided. Only in exceptional situations it is allowed.
Further interpretations will become clear as the story proceeds.
This story requires basic knowledge of the Babylon Five universe, created by J. Michael Straczynski, all rights reserved.
The characters portrayed in this fanfic are a product of our creativity and purely fictional. Any resemblance to certain individuals is purely coincidental.
Questions, feedback or others:
(Please include 'B5 fanfic' in your subject!)
The dynamic Duo
"How much longer until we get there?", a bored female voice asked her companion.
"Another 30 minutes according to this display... 45 according to my calculations", Varas replied sarcastically.
45 minutes. Damn, 45 more minutes on this way-too-small-and-scruffy transport ship. It didn't even fit the description of a transport ship, it was a cubicle, Renati thought.
Stupid Centauri and their cost efficiency. Whenever they built something for the higher class it was luxurious and spacious, but if something was constructed for the common man it was downright cramp.
Renati and Varas had had quite the culture shock the first time they had been on a Centauri world. She remembered it well. It must have been what now, 7 years ago?
They had gone to a different planet – she couldn't recall the name – to ask the Centauri more about the Humans. The War was raging well at that time, but the Minbari were hungry for more. The Warrior Caste was without mercy, but not always at the best deposition of information. Lennon had assigned several Anla'Shok in assistance of their needs on worlds containing possible knowledge on the race now known as the Humans.
Renati and Varas were assigned to scout the planet and interrogate one of the Centauri tradesmen that was rumoured to have had dealings with the Humans. Travelling incognito as always, the two Anla'Shok had made their way through the city to the man's mansion.
His mansion was as expected: decadent and big. It were the city's houses that had left an impression on Renati. They were much smaller than expected, much less Centauri.
'Efficient space allocation' the Centauri called it. Discrimination is what the Anla'Shok made of it – in common of course, for there is no Minbari word for discrimination.
"You're distracted, what's the matter?", Varas asked her Religious companion.
"Huh?", Renati got shaken out of her reminiscence and looked up at Varas standing across from her. Of course, they were standing. Seating would have been too comfortable for the people using public transport every day...
"Oh, sorry. I was just thinking back, that's all", Renati admitted. Varas smiled from under her cape and held the strap above her head a bit tighter as the transport leaned over to the left in a sharp turn. Unlike Renati, she enjoyed travelling like this. Varas liked to experience different technologies from different cultures as best as she could.
"To confirm our superiority", she explained to any who asked, but in reality it was to compare. Sometimes other races did have good ideas, but most Minbari were too prideful to notice.
Varas was not well acquainted with the concept of pride. Shunned by other Religious Castes for being 'too strange', she had spent the larger part of her life growing up by herself – even in crèche friends had been few.
The children of the Seventh Fane of Mir had soon formed social groups that did not include her, but Varas had never really minded. She liked solitude. There was never a risk of being disturbed by another's annoying company.
Nevertheless, Renati's company was one she enjoyed. Renati, like her, was a bit of an outcast herself. She was of Chu'Domo, not Mir. First Fane, if Varas wasn't mistaken.
But the clan wasn't too fond of Renati. She was known for her independence. Renati had a knack for challenging the way of the Religious Caste, more specifically the Sech's ways.
Always ready for debate, Renati was a feisty Religious Caste. She and Varas had met during Anla'Shok training after completing crèche. The two odd balls had immediately connected with each other and were usually sent out together whenever it came to coupled assignments.
More so than others, these missions were stealthy of nature. Get in, get the information and get out – but above all: don't get noticed. This was the first time they were assigned to a diplomatic mission. Neither of the females was enthusiastic about it, but it's not as if they had a choice. Even Renati knew better than to argue with Anla'Shok Na.
"We're almost there", Varas reminded her friend of the time. She noticed the loud Centauri next to Renati getting on her nerves. "Just a little longer", Varas calmed her.
She noticed Renati rolling her eyes under her hood, sighing at the creature's manners. Civilised, my bone...
The doors of the public transport opened as a friendly female voice announced: "Camp Nau, City of Korell. Please watch your step while disembarking"
Renati and her friend nimbly descended and inhaled the fresh air with great pleasure. "Finally, it felt like it would never end", Renati complained.
"Don't be so damp, it'll only get better from now on", Varas comforted her.
"It better"
The two hooded Anla'Shok headed for the entrance of the military base in front of them. A young short-haired Centauri at the entrance asked them for proper clearance.
"We are expected by Colonel Leville, special guests from the Minbari Federation", Renati spoke to him. He scoffed something through a speaker and browsed through some papers before handing over the 'clearance' passes. "Activate them whenever you reach a check point", he said and opened the gate.
Neither Varas nor Renati had any idea what exactly a 'check point' was, but the guessed they would find out soon enough. The device they were handed was small cylinder-like object, sort of like a pen, but without a writable tip. The tip was rounded on both ends and a small ring divided the object in half at the centre. There was a small hole in it, probably a sensor of some kind, Varas figured.
"You are expected in Y-block", he said as the heavy gate closed behind them, effectively locking them in.
The military compound was average of size. It seemed to be mainly concentrated on ground troops. Renati made out only a few hangar bays suitable for war vessels. The rest had to be land oriented.
Varas was busy comparing her downloaded map of the area to what she actually saw. Her fingers moved quickly across the surface of the touchable screen, erasing lines and adding new ones elsewhere. "Anything that looks like Y-block on that?", Renati asked her occupied friend.
"Straight ahead, if the data is correct", she replied and continued her adjustments to the map. Accuracy of information was of the highest importance for the Anla'Shok.
The structures changed colour from one block to the next. It was actually pretty easy to find your way. All they needed to know was which one was Y, for there were no clear letter indications.
A small company of Centauri soldiers was practicing outside the barracks to their left. Basic physical exercises: push ups, sit ups, pumps and what not.
Nothing world-changing.
The ones who couldn't complete the exercise to the commander's liking, were shamed by taking off their shirts and continuing unprotected under the painful rays of the nearest sun.
The planet was warm above average, but the sunrays were lethal if exposed unprotected for long periods of time. The corona on the sun was much larger than average, sending more aggressive rays towards the surrounding planets.
Of course, Varas and Renati had come prepared. The Minbari hela'mers(1) had developed a special lotion to be applied on the skin for missions on worlds such as these. Nevertheless, hiding deep inside their cape didn't hurt.
Renati snickered at the 'beer bellies' some of the Centauri had. It didn't flatter the proud soldiers, especially not in this situation. Serves them right for leading such decadent lives, the Religious Caste thought.
She looked around and then noticed the colour of the barracks on the next block was yellow.
"Y-block?", she wondered while poking Varas in the ribs with her elbow.
"Hmm... possibly", Varas replied and double checked on her data pad.
"Yes, should be", she confirmed.
The females ventured forth, but were suddenly startled by an alarm. The loud noise came from the barrack behind them, where two soldiers just left and were heading their way. They rushed to apprehend the Minbari, who reflexively positioned themselves in battle stance.
"You are trespassing on Centauri military property! Lay down your weapons at once and face the floor", one of them barked.
Varas was flattered they realised their hands could be lethal, but did not budge. There must have been some mix up.
"We have clearance, we are special guests to Colonel Leville", she explained.
"Sure, and tonight I have a date with a Narn", the other one replied. "Who are you and what are you doing here?"
"Did you not hear her the first time?", Renati replied in a sharp tongue. "We're here on behalf of Colonel Leville"
"If that's so, why didn't you identify at the checkpoint?", the tallest of the two asked. Varas and Renati looked at each other, still unsure of what a checkpoint was or even what it looked like.
"We were not aware there were any", Renati spoke truthfully.
"How could you miss them?", the other Centuari exclaimed while pointing at one of the cameras hanging from a barrack. True, they had noticed the cameras, but recordings weren't odd in a place like this so they never made the link to the checkpoint.
What was it supposed to be anyway?
"Yes, the cameras. We've seen them. What about them?", Varas replied. The taller one sighed heavily and wanted to reply, but was grabbed by the arm. "They're not Centauri", the other one whispered – audible to Renati and Varas.
The soldier looked at them suspiciously and approached Renati. He reached out for her hood, but her hand intercepted his and pressed his fingers together. "No", she said in a calm, but commanding voice. The soldier dropped to his knees until she released her grip.
He jested back up, rage in his eyes. "You... you... alien! We will arrest you on the charge of trespassing and... acting suspiciously! Yes, that's it! You don't need those capes for anything, you're probably up to no good!"
His colleague rolled his eyes and took a step backwards, poking him in the ribs.
"You idiot, they're Minbari", he had noticed.
"So because they are Minbari they have to hide their faces? They are welcome here on Batain", the recent recruit complained.
"No you half-wit, because their skin will burn under the sun"
The rookie's eyes widened as he felt the three gazes pierce his own. Uncomfortably he shifted on the spot and protested: "That still doesn't explain why they are here!"
"Yes it does Mira. They are here to see the Colonel, but they probably don't know about the checkpoints", he said and stepped closer to Renati.
"The guard at the gate handed you a device. Do you still have it?", he asked.
"Yes", Renati replied and handed it over to him. He flicked it in his hand and activated a green ray coming from the centre of the device. He aligned it with the camera's eye until it flickered momentarily.
"You need to authorise yourself every time before you reach a checkpoint. If you fail to do so, the alarm will go off and we will be sent out to apprehend you. It's an extra safety measure against intruders, please remember this", he explained and handed it back.
Renati was puzzled with his explanation. Why would you need extra checkpoints? That was like saying the guard at the entrance isn't good enough – or not doing his job properly. Then again, Centauri didn't always exercise their professions with the level of devotion Minbari did...
After receiving instructions on the Colonel's whereabouts, they bowed and left the two arguing soldiers behind. What an odd match.
The Colonel was indisposed for the day, but would receive them tomorrow. Varas and Renati were offered a place to stay on the compound itself in order to avoid unnecessary trips back into the city. A gesture welcomed by Renati.
That night, the two Anla'Shok joined the late shift of Centauri soldiers in the mess hall for dinner. Suitable meals had been prepared for the guests: nothing too alien and of course acceptable by their system.
Minbari and Centauri physiology couldn't be further apart. Where the Centauri liked rich, spicy foods, Minbari favoured naturally flavoured tastes. Their highly developed nervous system allowed them to taste the finer elements in a fruit or vegetable. That quality usually made everything pleasant without the addition of spices. Herbs however were often used in Minbari cuisine.
For other races, to cook for Minbari basically came down to serving simple, non-processed or spiced meals. Bless the military cooks for taking account of that.
After their meal, the two females enjoyed a walk around the compound. During their stroll, they made good use of their time to study the environment carefully. The location of the base, the structures – or rather space – around it, the structures inside the compound, everything.
One of the structures inside the compound gave Varas' face a frown.
"Something doesn't add up", she spoke in a soft voice. Renati leaned over to look at her data pad for explanation.
"See those two barracks in front of us? According to the plans, they're supposed to be identical. However, the right one is clearly larger than the left one", she pointed out. Renati confirmed the abnormality with a nod. "You're right. Let's give it a closer look", Renati smiled feeling excitement headed her way.
The door to the compound was easily opened. Connecting their data pads and unleashing a decryption algorithm was enough. Varas could even calculate this one herself she noticed and scoffed at the simplicity of their technology. "At least they're not as bad as the Human's; 4 digit safety codes", Renati joked through a whisper. Snickering in unison, the two Anla'Shok snuck in the building.
It appeared to be an administration building, which was empty at night. The rooms revealed nothing of interest: records of what came in and went out, mostly weapons, food and clothing. There were no records that were out of the ordinary, nothing seemed out of place; yet the gut feeling there was more to this compound than met the eye haunted the two Anla'Shok.
They snuck around for another half an hour, but then decided to call off their fruitless hunt. Their absence from their quarters had probably been noticed, it was not good for them to raise suspicion. Yes, they were sent here on a diplomatic mission, but they're Anla'Shok. They're expected to snoop around. It's what they do.
"Come in", a posh voice ordered the assistant to lead the two Minbari into the desk of the Centauri Colonel.
They bowed politely and removed their hoods once he closed the blind shields on the window.
"This way you can be comfortable", he spoke, "May I offer you a drink?"
"No thank you", Renati replied in fluent Centauri.
"Aah straight to business eh? Of course, I forgot I was dealing with Minbari. Alright then, we'll have it your way", the Colonel spoke, staring at his empty glass.
"You informed our government of the need for an information network?", Varas prompted.
"Yes, indeed. You see, we believe that we can be a valuable eyes and ears to you as well. With the current evolution in the universe and your unwillingness to mingle, you will need an objective point of view of what's going around you eh?", the Colonel weaselled his way into an agreement, the way only a Centauri could.
Renati was amused at the idea the Centauri still had of the Minbari. Yes, it was true, they did not openly mingle, but the Anla'Shok were on every meaningful planet and the Warrior Caste has expanded its patrolling areas by far – as far as the other side of the known universe for some.
In a way, their stereotype vision of the Minbari comforted Renati. In the event of conflict, they would have surprise on their side.
"What would the Centauri Empire want in return for this valuable information?", Renati tried her best at diplomacy. She noticed the Centauri flinch, probably not expecting a confrontation so soon.
He didn't have his answer ready yet, ha!
"Well..", he stuttered, "We are a mighty race as you know, but being a mighty race makes you a large target. Our differences with the Narn take up quite a few of our resources at times, leaving us unable to send our forces further into the universe in order not to disperse"
The faces of the two females did not change, which unsettled him before he continued: "There are some places we have not yet had the chance of venturing. Rather than putting energy in new ships and crews, we thought it might be interesting to ask for a similar return value we are giving you. Fair, eh?"
"What exactly would that be?", Varas insisted on hearing his concrete proposal. The man was not happy about replying, but was left no choice.
"We would like to know more about a specific planet which lies beyond your border: Norsa. There are elements to our interest there", he explained.
Elements to their interest? The world he spoke of was in the Minbari protectorates: a collection of worlds inhabited by non-Minbari, but enjoying the protection of the race in exchange for minerals and resources. Its location is remote, below Minbari space, perfectly out of sight of other races.
It was quite the accomplishment for the Centauri to know the name of the planet in the first place. Before they could give him a yes or no – which they couldn't without the Council's consent anyway – they needed more information. Why were the Centauri suddenly interested in Norsa. A background check and further digging was required.
"What type of information is it that you require?", it was Renati who snapped out of thoughts first.
"Oh just general information: about the planet's composition, atmosphere, environment, species etcetera. Anything of use really", the Colonel explained his point of view.
It was difficult to tell if he had been told to do this or if this was his own plan. More so, it was even more difficult to see whether this was confined to military or reached into politics. Wherever this was going, Renati didn't like it.
Renati and Varas left the meeting pleased. They had obtained all the information they needed and that without resulting too aggressive negotiations.
Lucky day, I guess
The Colonel however was not pleased – at all – with the publicity he was getting. Yes his career had just boosted 10 years further down the line, but there were too many prying eyes on him for this deal.
It was an order that had been passed through from higher in the chain of command. A challenge, most definitely, but one he didn't appreciate. He had too much on his mind to be worried about a trade of information with the Minbari.
Working with them never paid off anyhow, the Minbari always ended up as the victor one way or the other – even if it was non-competitive.
He would try and round this deal up as fast as possible, even if it meant failing to meet the objective. It was more important to keep the other missions going than to successfully start this new one.
By tomorrow, they will be gone, he smiled content as he sipped from his now Brivari-filled glass.
That night Varas woke her friend for another closer inspection of the building they had visited. "There's apparently a party going on for one of the high placed military officers who's going away. It's the perfect opportunity for us", she had insisted.
"You're right. Nothing better than a collection of drunk Centauri cramped in a building for us to investigate at ease", she smiled back.
They made their way back to the building in question, avoiding the checkpoints where needed. Varas connected her data pad to the door's lock, opening it just as smoothly as before.
'Show me the plans again', Renati signalled her friend in Minbari sign language. She wasn't going to risk even a whisper – you never know if one of them had stayed behind.
They looked at the plans together and drew every room in great detail. Everything checked out until they arrived in a hallway with stairs leading to the next levels.
'The centre, it's too large to be a stair support, don't you think?', Renati pointed out. Varas nodded and gestured they move the bookcase filled with awards and medals that was standing against the wall.
The bookcase was heavy, even if it carried the egos of all the awarded Centauri in it, it remained too heavy for a bookcase. It took a couple more seconds before they realised it wasn't an ordinary bookcase, it was attached to the wall.
'Probably the entrance', Varas signalled.
Very carefully, Renati moved her fingers across the surface of the wood, searching for any irregularities. The wood was smooth, treated probably and felt old. The old age contradicted with the smoothness of the planks: old wood normally bends and erodes slightly, but this hadn't. The plank below it however did.
She moved in front of it and noticed a very light difference in colour. It wasn't much, actually it was barely noticeable, but because now she knew she was looking for she could see it. She wasn't sure if Centauri could, but it didn't matter.
She placed her fingers on the side of the plank and pressed it backwards, into the cupboard. After a soft push, the plank moved about an inch and suddenly the bookcase detached from the wall on one side.
Jackpot.
Silently Varas pushed the case further from the wall so they could easily slip through. There were stairs leading downwards into a damp and moist environment. Both females held their retracted Denn'Bok in their hands, ready to strike when opportunity came.
The stairs lead to a long, dark passageway that lead further under the compound. At the far end there was a dim light – and voices.
Renati held up two fingers to Varas, who nodded. As they enclosed on the opening, their bodies seemed to merge with the shadow hitting the wall. They were indeed much better suited for stealth missions: the only thing you could make out now were their lively eyes.
The room on the other side of the opening was some kind of a hallway with doors on each side. Many doors actually.
The doors were heavy and bolted, with a small opening a little over eye's height. Two armed Centauri were patrolling the hallway up and down, bored but attentive.
'Prison', Renati signalled to her friend.
'For what?', she asked.
'No idea, but will find out!', her fingers replied as her face grinned. Renati leapt into the room and swung her Denn'Bok at the nearest skull. To the Centauri it seemed as if she had appeared out of thin air. The first one didn't even get a chance to scream, while the other one was so obsessed with Renati, he hadn't noticed Varas yet. She ran past Renati and her victim and effectively swiped the Centauri. He yelped as he fell to the floor, but was soon silenced by a thud of Varas' Denn'Bok on his temple.
"Quiet", she whispered with a smile.
"What are they?", Renati asked no one in particular while peering through one of the cell door holes. "No idea", Varas replied after joining her and taking a peek herself. "But there are many in one cage. 4 in this one"
Renati shook her head and wondered. What would Centauri soldiers keep locked up together hidden from the public?
Narn.
Renati threw Varas one of the guard's keys and she opened the cell door in front of her. The foul stench of rotten meat, fecies and sweat overcame her. She immediately jumped back and gagged, but restrained herself quickly.
Four Narns were cramped into a cell barely big enough for one. They were non-responsive, but 3 of them were alive Renati could tell. She dimmed the light on her illumi-crystal and set it to a red, more comfortable light for the Narn to handle.
From what she could tell, they were badly injured. Gaping wounds scarred their upper arms and faces, while bruises coloured their bodies. They were wearing nothing more than a piece of cloth around their waist.
Chains held them in place, some to the wall, others to each other.
Slaves.
The Anla'Shok were disgusted by the idea. No matter what the outcome of any war may be, slavery should never be a consequence. It was roughshod, bestial even. A concept eluding both of them.
One of the Narn moved his hand to support his body. He positioned himself better before opening his eyes. "Can you speak?", Renati asked.
He nodded barely noticeably.
"Can you tell us what happened?", she interrogated the prisoner.
"Centauri.. capture", he tried in a broken Common. Renati noticed the wounds on his lip split as he spoke and winced.
"How long have you been here?", Varas wondered.
The Narn was quiet for several moments, until hoarsely admitting: "Don't know"
"Well no matter, we're getting you out of here", Renati replied.
"We are?", Varas replied in surprise.
"We can't leave them here Varas, we need to take them with us. We need to shelter them", she replied.
"How will we do that?", Varas exclaimed.
"Worries for when we get out of here. Let's focus on that first", she said, "Do you think you could start up that transport vehicle next to the building? It looked big enough"
"What are you going to do?", Varas wondered.
"Unchain them and get them on the transport. Then we ride to the trailer with the space transports in there and escape", Renati explained her plan.
"What if there are no transports in there?", Varas worried.
"Then we'll have to be more inventive", Renati smiled as she showed off the key to the chains she discovered in one of the guard's trousers.
In mere minutes, Varas and Renati had freed the Narn in that cell and the others from their chains. In total there were 24 Narn in the cells, 18 still alive. 'We leave the bodies', Varas had signalled Renati. She wasn't going to take on extra weight, this escapade was difficult enough already.
Those who could still walk used the last of their energy to drag their wounded Narn friends with them. Renati helped dragging 2 others while Varas only carried one. She jumped in the front of the transport, the equivalent of a large Human truck, and snickered again. Centauri, too keen on routines.
Within the blink of an eye she managed to start the truck's engine and dashed outside again to help Renati uploading the rest of the Narn.
"That's all of them, go!", her friend whispered as they took off direction hangar bay.
Renati found the truck had a device on its window shield that allowed them to get past the checkpoints without trouble. "Perhaps it'll work", she said as she aimed it at the sensor in front of the closed hangar bay door.
It took a while for it to register, but when it finally did, a satisfying beeb sounded and the gate opened.
"Let's hurry! You never know when the party will end", Varas spoke, slightly nervous. She had been on many dangerous missions before, but every time she had had sufficient time to prepare. This was different: an impulsive mission by Renati's doing. This couldn't possibly end well.
"Don't worry, they're Centauri! They'll party into the night", Renati reassured her friend.
"What if they come out here and fiend us?", Varas couldn't help herself.
"Why would they do that? The food, drinks and entertainment are inside. Varas, I think you underestimate the corruption of the Centaurian mind", she grinned.
"Now, let's pick", Renati spoke and gestured at the many transport vessels in the bay. There were small ones and very large ones, but no medium-sized regular ships.
Just their luck.
"Let's take the big one then", Renati sighed and headed towards it. The bay doors opened automatically, but she scanned the area before venturing forth. "No life forms found in allocated location", the text on her screen let her know.
"Great, let's bring them all in here", she said perkily. Renati's enthusiasm puzzled even Varas at times. She would light up as soon as she can help another. Helping these destined-for-death Narn was an understatement of helping, hence the very radiant Renati. What a spirit.
Suddenly the alarm sounded in the distance. "You're kidding!", Renati exclaimed as she took her binoculars to take a closer look at what was happening. Three armed transport vessels loaded with Centauri soldiers were headed their way. On one of the trucks, Colonel Lovell was busy giving orders to his troops.
Let's show him!
"Varas! Start the engines, we have to get out of here!", Renati yelled to her partner.
"Hurry!", she replied dashing off in search of the bridge. In the mean time, Renati helped the rest of the Narn onto the ship – their passageway to safety.
"Does this thing have jump capacity?", Renati asked as she came onto the bridge.
"No, I don't think it doesn't. It's too small to be able to and the manual mentions nothing about it", she said while digitally flicking through the recorded manual of the vessel.
"After burners?"
"Nope", Varas replied sceptically.
"Thrusters?! Anything that can shoot us up into the sky!", Renati asked frantically as she saw the mob of soldiers enclosing.
"Well, there's one thing here but I don't know what it means", Varas spoke. "Vhlets", she tried hard to pronounce it.
"Never heard of it", Renati replied while still peering through her binoculars as she closed the walkway. "What's it next to?"
"Between weapons and engines", Varas replied with a wince.
"Let's hope the universe is on our side tonight then. Push it!", she ordered.
"Renati! You're mad!"
"Push it Varas! Unless you want to find out what Centauri plasma rifles do to your skin, I suggest you push the button and get us out of here!", Renati commanded once again.
In theory, she outranked Varas. Renati had – regardless of being a religious of Caste – earned her title as Alyt a long time ago, but had never persued it to a higher rank. It was not uncommon for a member of a different Caste to be awarded a military rank for their outstanding performance in times of War.
But it was from a time long gone anyway. The Anla'Shok had evolved since then. The standard missions involve much less space flight and more world exploration. The flight is just a means to get to the target. For many it is no longer the target.
Varas closed her eyes and blessed the controls around her in a speed payer. "May Valen be with us", she hoped and pressed the dreaded button.
Suddenly, a magnificent force built up under the ship. It started shaking heavily, jerking on solid ground. The Narn inside who were complaining about their broken ribs were the last of Varas' concern.
Why weren't they going up?
She studied the panel further, but there wasn't much she could make of it. Yes she knew Centauri, fairly well actually, but the vocabulary they used to label their battle ships was hardly common knowledge.
There was a recognisable pattern however. Ever since she had pushed the button, several lights had sprung on in a linear pattern, going from dark to bright.
"Renati! Wait!", she yelped as she saw her friend headed for the weapon's system.
"Either I shoot them or they shoot us Varas!", she called back.
"No wait! It's finished – I think!", she said and slammed the last light that lit up, which was a button.
With considerable speed, the transport jested upwards towards the roof of the hangar. In a reflexive move, Renati was able to focus the Centauri turret gun upwards and blew a hole through the roof to reduce the damage on the ship.
Bless the Centauri for having weapons on all of their ship classes. Paraniod beings!
The soldiers in the trucks unleashed heavy bursts of plasma fire on them, but the ship's hull could take the damage. They were thrusted upwards into the atmosphere, barely controllable. Varas kept the ship from toppling over as she leaned on the controls with all their might.
Primitives!, she cursed the Centauri people.
"Don't worry, I've got it!", she reassured Renati who found herself stuck between the gun and the wall.
Primitives...
When they finally left the atmosphere and entered space, Renati and Varas realised their adventure was just about to begin. Two Centauri heavy cruisers that were circling the planet would head for them any minute now... the message from below should come through, no?
"Can we scramble their transmissions?", Renati wondered.
"Not with this technology", Varas scoffed.
"But did you check? You know how Centauri are. They're so corrupt they've probably built sabotaging their own into their ships as a standard function", Renati pointed out.
Varas looked at the controls again, muttering: "Good point"
She moved her fingers over the controls very nimbly, in search for a solution.
But their hope was shattered quickly when they heard the sound of a Centauri voice coming through the communication channel.
"Intruders identify yourselves! This is General Urza Varia, commander of the Black Rose. Surrender or be fired upon!", a young, but experienced Centauri ordered.
Renati looked at Varas and closed her eyes.
"Any ideas?", Varas asked her friend.
"Thinking... thinking...", Renati replied.
"Intruders! You have one minute to respond! You will be shot at if you do not respond", the typically raspy Centauri voice sounded through the speakers again.
"Well firing is out of the option.. and with no jump gate around, this is going to be difficult. Perhaps we can talk our way out of this one?", Renati wondered.
"That's going to be your burden then", Varas shoved responsibility over to her friend.
"Don't worry, he's Centauri. How smart can they be?", Renati's stereotype vision of the species clouded her clear judgement.
She pressed the button for the outgoing call and took a deep breath.
"General Varia, lay down your arms at once if you value the diplomatic relations of the Centauri Republic!", another voice sounded through the speaker. Renati and Varas looked at each other, shocked.
"Akel?", Renati whispered involuntarily.
"What? What is the meaning of this?", the Centauri exclaimed on the comm. channel.
Suddenly a jump point opened just fragments away from the Centauri ship. A Minbari Sharlin Cruiser, weapons armed, greeted the general.
"Lay down your arms General, that is an order", the female appearance of Shai Alyt Akel Zen showed up on the monitor. Akel was the Anla'Shok mentor of Varas and Renati, Warrior Caste.
At first the Centauri wanted to protest, but Akel quickly calmed him down. "I am preparing a transport to board your ship to explain the situation. Please stand by to receive me", she spoke determined.
There was no saying no to a Minbari general wanting to board your ship. It was a demonstration of honour and trust if they did, for you could easily assault their ship – or them for that matter – in their absence.
Akel was not only a determined Warrior, but an exceptional negotiator. She had picked up a thing or two from Anla'Shok training and had incorporated it in her reign as Shai Alyt. "Because it improves the way of the Warrior", was her philosophy.
It appeared to work very well for her.
The impressive Vonilbok(2) commander boarded the ship and was greeted by the General as was customary. She wore her standard black Vonilbok garment, decorated heavily with accomplishments. These were indicated by small crystal cut outs that had been fitted onto her garment on her shoulder pads. This way, they would not immediately confront others, but the Warrior carried them with him at all times.
Though most Minbari were kind and gentle of spirit, the healthy spark of competition was not lost to them. Everyone liked to accomplish something in their lives, whether it was to Master a craft or to become Shai Alyt.
Anything that allowed them to serve the people.
Unlike what one would assume, the strive of competition was not greater amongst the Warrior Caste than amongst other Castes. Workers could be equally competitive when it came to completing the greatest structure or singing the best song. With the Warriors it was just more outspoken. They were the ones who would most often confront others with it and carry it on to other Castes.
There had been manier discussion between one Shai Alyt and a Master Sech of the Religious Caste over who had Mastered the fighting technique better. Interesting afterthought given that the Religious Castes are the ones who teach the Warriors how to fight in crèche.
Shai Alyt Akel Zen was one of those proud Warriors, who didn't back down when another would try to steal her lightning. However, like every Minbari, she was honourable almost to the point of obsession. She lived by the Jen-aot'la(3), carried it in her heart and spirit with every action that she took.
She has never fought amongst her own, as the teachings advise her to. Nor does she see the fighting against some species in war a reason for radical behaviour towards them. Both sides do believe what they are doing is right, however this doesn't mean she is merciful. As the code states: "Weapons are made to kill, Warriors are made to wield them".
Akel does not hesitate in battle, she will go for the kill whenever the opportunity arises. However, the first code of the Warrior – A Warrior's actions are his words, his thoughts and his soul – obliges her to make every death an honourable one. Death by her sword is quick and painless, a swift passing into death she believes every Warrior deserves.
Fierce, but just. A pride to the Wind Swords.
But today, she had come to do something exceptional – however, not unexpected.
She would save the faces of her two Anla'Shok and end this Centauri charade. Yes, they probably did make mistakes, but the fault here lay on the Centauri side. Akel decided to keep that ace up her sleeve.
"General Akel Zen, do you mind explaining your interference?", the commander prompted her in his eccentric voice after saluting properly.
"I will explain everything once we are undone of prying eyes", she replied, ignoring his mispronunciation of her title.
It was a common flaw amongst Centauri officers. Being one of the races that have the longest diplomatic relations with the Minbari, they believe it comes with certain privileges. One of them being the corruption of the Minbari language.
General Varia gestured her to accompany him to a meeting room deeper within the ship. Akel studied the corridors carefully and unnoticeably jotted down notes on her pad in her pocket.
New voice recognition system and different layout to the previous class. Carries less, but heavier. How interesting, she thought and noticed the general duck when passing through the doorway.
He was tall, very tall. His body was slender and fresh, but his face spoke of experience. The bright spark in his eyes was a giveaway for his young age, together with the sharp features of his face.
Nevertheless this man was a general. Debated, yes, but he carried the title nonetheless.
"Now, general, do you care to explain to me fully and with every exact detail your little show and that of your children?"
The general walked onto thin ice with this statement, but Akel was keeping the temperature of the lake down until she got what she wanted.
"My children are some of the best investigators my people have. Today we have proven this again. Please do not dishonour their names", she rightfully put him in his place.
"Enlighten me then, Shai Alyt", the Centauri chose his words carefully to regain her favour. He was slick this one, smarter than Akel had thought. Well-trained in negotiations apparently. Thank Valen she went for plan B.
"The Minbari that have visited your planet posed as negotiators for the Norsa concern, because we suspect one of your officers to be guilty of war crimes", she said, heading straight for the objective.
"War crimes? That's a serious allegation that cannot simply be thrown in the debate for the worth of it", he backed away, unsure of what this Minbari female was up to.
"We are well aware of that. We also know what shame it would bring your people if this were to be revealed. That is why we wanted to handle the matter quietly and with as little fuss as possible", she weaved him into her web. "But your colonel Leville saw otherwise"
"Leville? It was Colonel Mays who contacted me on this matter", the Centauri general was confused.
"I do not know, nor do I care of your internal politics general Varia", Akel replied slightly irritated. He was missing the point. "It was colonel Leville who has made it very difficult for us to keep these crimes hidden. He escalated the situation", she stressed.
The general focussed on the matter at hand again and forgot about the irregularity.
"What crimes have been committed then?", he wondered in a calm voice. His mood had changed, from challenging, to careful. Akel loved it.
"The imprisonment in unacceptable conditions and enslavement of Narn civilians"
The general raised a brow and wanted to reply, but Akel beat him to it: "On a Centauri planet"
General Varia involuntarily closed his eyes. Yes the Centauri and the Narn had their differences, yes certain things have happened in the past that shouldn't have, but Urza wasn't a man to dwell on things – any kind of thing.
War is a constant element of passing time, it's as simple as that. It's what we learn from it that makes us into a better species. Carrying hatred to one another was not learning by his book. He did not understand the vision of so many Centauri – or Narn for that matter.
The general did not show his discontent, as expected. Tension did fill the air however, as he tried to come up with the best possible way out of this situation.
The Centauri had just started another set of important trade negotiations, one of them with the Humans. If word of these war crimes would get out, it would be nefast for some of those relations. Humans especially, reacted badly to species submitting another, whether forcibly or not. The gods only know why.
He stroke his hand across his chin, his almost ringless fingers catching the attention of Akel. Centauri history and experience had taught her that high placed men carry much jewellery. However, this Centauri only carried a single ring around his left middle finger. What an odd type he was.
"I presume this is where you propose how we settle this quietly nonetheless?", he prompted Akel with a change of tactic: from the opponent to the victim.
Crafty, incredibly crafty!
Akel's lips hid the grin she eagerly wanted to carry and replied in a calm and controlled tone: "That is why I insisted on speaking with you in person, yes"
"What is your offer?"
"Let the ship go and we will see this as an act of redemption of your people. We will ignore this happened to save face for your race", Akel spoke. She drove a very hard bargain, but had the Centauri corned and squealing for a hand to pull him out.
"Are the Narn onboard?", the apparently uninformed general asked.
"Those who survived, yes", Akel could not lie unless it was to save face for another; in this short time, there was no evasive reply for her to use. Then again, there was nothing wrong with this truth.
Urza Varia sighed and looked in the strong Warrior's eyes, unafraid: "You put me in an incredibly difficult situation. How am I going to explain the disappearance of a transport ship in orbit and under my gunpoint to my superiors?"
"Would you rather worry about what life is like as a shamed race after the war crimes of your people are revealed?", she confronted him. Urza bit his tongue, he wanted to reply, but this is a battle he had lost. The Minbari simply outclassed him in aces and wit. It was time to throw in the towel.
"You may take the ship with you on one condition", he tried. Akel did all she could to raise an eyebrow and listened.
"In the interest of improving diplomatic relations everywhere, I would like to personalise the original proposition your investigators were called here for", he prompted.
Akel was puzzled. This came out of nowhere. What did he want?
Noticing the Minbari's confusion, he addressed her in his best Vik: "Many of the Centauri officers are not the honourable men I would like for them to be, however, one warrior to another, I can assure you I am. I take great pride in my knowledge of other cultures. One cannot fare a war if one does not know the enemy. It is not only disrespectful, but simply inefficient.
The same goes for times of peace. In 4 out of 7 cases(4) war originates from a misunderstanding between cultures. If one understands the culture better, one can avoid needless war – or be more efficient in unavoidable conflict.
I have heard of your many informants and investigators across the universe. You Minbari have been spreading out for a while now, unnoticed to the greater eye, but there are those of us who know. I trust you have a great amount of knowledge on other species: trade relations, interests, general intelligence – not military.
I wish to propose an exchange of mutual intelligence between myself and you, in order to enrichen both our knowledge pools"
Akel wasn't sure at first if he was trying to trick her, but further arguments convinced her he was sincere. Regardless, she did not drop her guard and countered the proposal.
"With a minor adjustment I see value in this agreement. You will not hold this exchange of information with myself, but with one of the informants. It puts you closer to the source"
"But further from your power?", he asked with a smile.
Akel actually laughed at his joke. "Indeed", she grinned this time.
"You are indeed a Warrior general Varia", she complimented him, "But there is much experience within you. More than your age allows. It puzzles me", she spoke as she rose.
"I guess that mystery will be up to your informant to unravel"
(1) - Doctors (Adrenato)
(2) - Wind Sword: The Wind Swords are one of the 5 remaining Warrior Caste Clans. Mainly focused on offensive battle tactics, the members of this Clan are usually the first to go into battle. Stereotyping the ideal fighter, many of them have a tendacy to fanatics in pretty much anything. They are well known for their impulsiveness as well as their bravery
(3) - Minbari Warrior code (consisting out of 6 rules):
A Warrior's actions are his words, his thoughts and his soul Weapons are made to kill, Warriors are made to wield them When Warriors fight amongst themselves, only the enemy can win Every side in war believes it is doing what is right Death is a Warrior's gift, a Warrior's price and a Warrior's curse A Warrior fights for life, his own and that of his people. Each of these rules in interpreted differently by the Clans. For opposite clans such as the Wind Swords and Moon Shields, these interpretations may differ greatly.
(4) - The Centuari metric system is based on 7, not 10. The Minbari is based on 11