Chapter 4 (Shaal Mayan)

In her chambers deep within the Yellow Starwar cruiser, Shaal Mayan sat with a new and insightful poem she'd written for the inhabitants of a far-flung colony.

She liked to create poems and pray for the well-being of her people. Her spiritual mission was a challenge, but she accepted it with grace and enthusiasm. She understood how to speak the visions in her mind in such a way that everyone could accept them without question. Such powerful revelations led to different opinions and heated discussions within the Minbari castes.

The words and ideas flowed through her blood. She was a true poet, known and cherished by her people. Her gift has even changed the minds of other alien species and Shaal hoped she could make a difference in the future.

At the moment, she was reading aloud a brand new poem she'd created especially for a Minbari colony isolated in the far reaches of space. Her childhood friend Delenn listened with delight to her powerful words. With applause, Delenn stood up and applauded. "Those were the most enchanting words I have ever heard. Even for such a small colony, you've outdone yourself."

Shaal smiled in the flickering light and accepted the comment. She looked up from the scroll to Delenn. "Thank you Delenn. Your words mean a lot to me. I can only hope that my poems can enrich the lives of the colony that is living in such isolation."

Delenn walked over to the candle-lit shrine and gazed into the single glowing flame, lost in her own thoughts. "Yes, this war with the humans has lasted far longer than anyone would ever have imagined. We're stretched thin and we need all the enlightenment you can give us."

Shaal knew the war had turned into something that couldn't be stopped. The humans had no home world and they kept appearing all over the place, attacking Minbari colonies and stealing vital cargo. But Shaal was not sure about her thoughts on the humans. Like all Minbari she was surprised about the sudden and complete destruction of the human's home world. She'd hoped the warrior caste would stop their senseless war after they conquered Earth. But after the planet blew up, humans scattered like the seeds off a flower. Bit-by-bit and over time, they sought revenge on the Minbari.

"We should not have done what we did…. It was wrong. The Minbari cannot claim victory in destroying a young race that was unable protect themselves. What kind of example did we set?" Remembering that she was in the presence of a Satai, a member of the Grey Council, Shaal immediately realized her mistake and curtailed her sentence.

Delenn gave her a warm smile. Her friend might have overstepped her mark, but she did mean well. The general Minbari did see the war as a waste of time. Now they had no chance in stopping the humans on their never-ending crusade.

"Shaal, you are the cultural treasure and the soul of our entire race. You don't have to hide your words. I will always cherish your views." Delenn walked closer and extended her warm smile further.

Shaal felt embarrassed to question the motives of the Grey Council, but at least her friend understood.

"Such complicated and unprecedented times we live in. I only hope we find a way out of this dreary situation. My poems can only do so much." Shaal took a gentle sip from a glass of flavoured water Delenn had prepared for her.

Shaal could feel her friend was troubled with the responsibilities pressed on her. She often heard about the war having a mind of its own, dragging everyone down a dark hole.

Shaal stood up and wandered the room. She touched a few items and then looked at the shrine. She'd tried, time and again, to project her words and thoughts to Valen, but it seemed that the more she tried to reach out with her prayers, the more her questions remained unanswered.

Still deep in thought, Shaal turned away from the faintly lit candle. "It was a pity we needed to take the warrior caste cruiser to the colony. The caste doesn't appreciate my teachings and it's been a stifling journey."

Delenn laughed causing Shaal to smile, before too long, they were laughing in unison, clearing away the misty mental cloud that had developed in the room.

But before they had had any chance to speak, a gruff Minbari dressed in all his warrior caste clothes and high-ranking insignia marched in. Shaal wished that was some form of privacy in the ship they were travailing in, but it was not the warrior cast way. How convenient! She thought.

Delenn and Shaa tried to form their faces into stoic expressions but, as feared, he had already seen them giggling like girls.

"Satai Delenn. I have come to inform you that we have intercepted some human transmissions and are taking a small detour to an asteroid field."

Shaal interjected, "I don't see how this would warrant us deviating from my route to the colony. Surely we can leave the humans alone this instance?"

Delenn stared in disbelief at Shaal's interruption, usually her friend was never this outspoken.

Shaal looked back at the gruff Minbari as he responded, "The humans are our primary enemy and we will take every effort to kill every one. We are a proud people and do not take kindly to rodents that hide from us. We will exterminate them all." He turned to Delenn. "Satai Delenn. If you have no further questions, I must return to my duties."

Delenn looked at him in contempt. "Is it necessary to deviate from the plan?"

The Minbari stared at Delenn with thinly veiled scorn. "I'm sorry Satai Delenn, but it is what the commander of this vessel wants to do. Do not worry, we will cleanse this area of humans and proceed to the outer colony. It will not take long."

He turned and left Shaal's quarters before she could ask any more questions. Shaal assumed the man didn't want to explain everything to her; it might put him in more turmoil.

Shaal turned to Delenn who looked displeased. "Do not worry yourself over the simple matters. I will meditate until all this is over. Perhaps I will say a prayer to the humans they'll exterminate."

With a trace of sadness, Shaal placed her hand on Delenn's shoulder and accompanied her to the entrance of her room. "It is a pity, but I am glad we had the chance to have catch up. We have been separated for so long. You are a treasured and honoured friend, Shaal. I will face this moment with joy, knowing you are by my side."

Shaal blushed with the comment. "Delenn, you know you are my closest friend. I cherish every moment we have together."

Shaal walked over to the port window and stared through into space, watching the asteroid field grow closer. Asteroids orbited each other in random trajectories, as if someone shovelled up a load of gravel and tossed it into space. She felt sorry to the humans who were trying to hide, trying to be safe. But there was nothing she could do but wait for the massacre to end.