Chapter 7

Minbar:

After a thousand years of silence, the Vorlons had come to Minbar.

The entire population of the homeworld was awestruck at the sight of three Vorlon vessels in orbit overhead. The 'First Ship' of the Grey Council and the Vorlon delegation orbited Minbar together, a show of solidarity that, on the one hand, fortified and, on the other, terrified the children of the Vorlon.

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A stunned Delenn scampered into the private chamber of the now deceased Dukhat, a hallowed place she'd cherished and protected in the memory of the leader who owned her heart and soul more than the most passionate lover she could ever imagine having. She was the only one allowed to enter the shrine to her fallen mentor. Respectfully, she entered his place and waited.

She wasn't alone. She'd never been. That was what the Vorlons had told her. But she saw no sign of them here. So, she asked the traditional question. "Where are you?"

Now, the familiar, almost musical voice greeted her. "We have always been here."

She whirled to find the two Vorlons emerging from the shadows.

"Your people are here," Delenn said.

"Yes," one of them said, the music underlying its answer.

"Why?"

"To help," was the response of the first Vorlon.

Delenn gasped at that. If the Vorlons were offering their aid, things were far, far worse than even she had envisioned. However, now, they were here and they were 'the' power. They were 'First Ones.' None could withstand their power. The younger races were nothing to them and these Federation and Klingon beasts would be crushed. "Are the Vorlons going to bring your ships into the war?"

"No." The music now sounded like a dirge to her ears.

"Why not?" she asked. "If they were such a threat that you've officially broken a thousand years of silence, why not add your forces to ours?"

"We are betrayed," the first Kosh said. "The storm would become worse. Everything is darkness."

"It is true then," Delenn whispered lowly. "They are agents of the Shadows."

"They threaten everything," the second Kosh said. "The future is filled with darkness. They are darkness. Stop them now with everything you have." The Vorlon moved toward her and handed her a data crystal.

"Go," Kosh said. "Use it."

"Use it now," the second Kosh added as she rushed from the room with the crystal pressed firmly into the palm of her hand.

#

Although shuttles constantly passed back and forth between the Minbari star dock and the massive Vorlon cargo vessel, Delenn and the rest of the Grey Council hardly noticed them.

Satai Coplann was engrossed in the information contained on the Vorlons' crystal. "Look at this application! This approach will increase the power of our stealth fields four-fold. Wonderful. The Federation sensors will have to get within twenty thousand kilometers in order to achieve an accurate lock."

"That 'is' useful," Delenn agreed. "We can now track their ships as they travel in their form of FTL and their transmat technology will be unable to beam weapons onto our ships without our knowledge."

"Even with these changes, it is still not enough," Coplann said. "I have spoken to all of the warrior castes—the Wind Swords, the Blood Knives, the Star Riders, the Spear of Light Roin; they are all in agreement and speak as one. We've lost most of the engagements against these Sha'tha. The rest of the fleet must be activated if we are to survive."

"With the gifts given to us by the Vorlons, their promises to spy on the enemy's defenses on our behalf and a fleet of nearly eight hundred Sharlins and twice that number of Tinashis fighting as one, we will overwhelm and crush them here and in their home space."

"The worker caste agrees," Satai Teshana said. "We must deny them Earth's resources before they become too well established. We have nearly four hundred warships available for this operation. The Proxima III base has been abandoned. The Earth Alliance ships are nothing to us. If we strike soon and destroy Earth, the enemy's main fleet will have neither tactical nor logistical support in our space."

Delenn had never wanted this. She had never wanted genocide. However her people came first and what the Vorlons said must be true. It was time to end this. "The vote is cast; the time is now. In the next few weeks, we will improve our ships using the material the Vorlons have supplied to us. Their technical equipment will allow us to prevail against the coming darkness."

Sol system-Earth Alliance:

President Elizabeth Levy's constant stress headache had already begun to diminish when Sarek had returned with the Valkyrie and the Klingons. The news from Captain Spock had also been just what she'd needed to hear. The forces at Proxima III had been safely evacuated to Wolf 359. The long lost Jericho colony had been evacuated and now a force of Federation and Klingon ships held it. She imagined what the Minbari were thinking when their first wave of ships had been wiped out. Now, considering how much she looked forward to her next meeting, she believed she'd soon be pain free for at least the remainder of her day. "Martin," she spoke into her intercom, "send in Senator Clark, please."

As the man timidly stepped into her office, she barely managed to conceal the glee she felt at his well-deserved predicament. After the scandal that had erupted when the Excelsior had left, Clark had been walking on a tightrope. The people had not taken kindly to the fact he'd disclosed the Excelsior's presence to ISN and now, there was no amount of spin-doctoring that could keep the fire off of his well-toasted butt.

"Good evening, Madame President," the senator said warily.

"Good evening, senator," she answered with a charming smile. "Would you care to sit?" she indicated the arm chair directly across from her desk.

"Thank you," he said and he planted himself in the chair.

Subdued now, Senator Morgan Clark, chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, did not appear to be a happy man at the moment.

"Morgan," she asked, like the spider to the fly, "I was curious to know which way is the wind blowing on that Senate investigation?"

He grimaced. "Well, a few of my so-called colleagues have called for my resignation. They say I attempted to usurp your authority. Of course, they're quite mistaken. I never tried to steal your moment in the sun."

She shrugged. "Perhaps not, Morgan. However, we had discussed the issue and I thought we had an understanding that we weren't ready to disclose the Excelsior's presence. Then, you went and implied that the Federation was here and, suddenly, four Minbari warships showed up in our space. What was the public to think after that?"

"I know. Clearly, I made an inadvertent mistake, Madame President."

"Yes, you did, Morgan," she said, her voice was now hard. "Instead of increasing your political capital, you've taken quite a hit. Now, your prestige and future political career is on the line, wouldn't you agree?"

He narrowed his eyes at her, his anger at his predicament plainly evident on his face. But he couldn't argue because he knew she knew she could sink him effortlessly. "Yes, Madame President," he said lowly.

She grinned at him. "I'm glad we see eye-to-eye on this, Morgan. So, I believe I have a way to help you recover from your 'inadvertent mistake.' You see, the visitors have returned to Earth Alliance space and I want you as far away from them as humanly possible. Therefore, I want you to travel to Io and coordinate with EarthForce on the defenses there and the Titan defense docks and military installations. Your job is to make certain they get everything they need from your committee to support their efforts to defend our system from the Minbari."

"B-but," he sputtered, "isn't that one of the targets the Minbari will attack if they enter our system?"

She shrugged and noted, "Morgan, when they come, nowhere in particular in the solar system will be safe. However, Io will have a lot of EarthForce ships, a few Federation and Klingon warships, and the visitors' ground based weapon emplacements. I believe you'll stand a good chance of surviving both the attack and your 'inadvertent mistake.' Now, your transport is scheduled to leave early tomorrow morning from Kinsey International Spaceport. Make certain you're on it. That's all. Oh, and Morgan? Have a nice flight."

The man recognized the dismissal for what it was. Nodding sullenly to her, Morgan Clark rose from his seat and staggered out of her office.

Then as Elizabeth Levy leaned back in her large chair, she suddenly noticed that her headache was entirely gone!

Indeed, today had been a very good day!

#

Bridge of the USS Valkyrie:

"Renee!" Tynen gushed as he entered the bridge from the turbolift with his stoic wife at his side. "The nacelles are all still in place! Will wonders never cease?"

Then he noticed the somber rather than normally exasperated look on his Operations Officer's face and his mood sobered rapidly. "Frost, what's wrong?"

The young woman sighed. "Sir, we picked this up from one of their local broadcasts a few minutes ago. Commander V'Lar and you won't like what you're about to see. Do you want me to pipe it to your ready room?"

He shook his head. "No, that's all right, Renee. Put it on the main screen."

"Aye, sir," Frost said and activated the viewer.

Soon, the letters 'ISN' appeared on the screen followed by a voice that said, "We interrupt your evening schedule to bring you the following special program. January 23, 2248. Interstellar Network News presents "The Evening News" with your host, Cynthia Torqueman, reporting live from the ISN News Center, in Geneva."

"Good evening, I'm Cynthia Torqueman," said an attractive woman with blonde hair and a faux earnest look on her face. "In the hundred or so years since humanity went to the stars, we've established outposts and colonies on over two dozen worlds in fourteen solar systems. However, most of those colonies have fallen to the Minbari, an advanced alien race that declared war against humanity after a first contact that went horribly wrong. Although we tried to reach out to them, even to surrender to them, all our calls to the Minbari Federation have gone unanswered. As we prepared for the worse, perhaps the very twilight of our race, a miracle happened. It seems that several of our ships that fled from a Minbari attack accidentally fell through a passageway that wondrously led them and their pursuers to the other side of the galaxy. Once there, our refugees were rescued by ships from two major powers in that area of space, the United Federation of Planets and the Klingon Empire. The ships that belonged to those two governments were able to do what our vessels have not; target and destroy Minbari warships. Even more remarkable was the fact that the crew members, including the captain, of the United Federation of Planets vessel were predominately Human."

"Shortly after that confrontation, the Minbari sent a strike force through the passageway and attacked a colony world of the Federation as well as vessels belonging to the Klingon Empire. These attacks were devastating. The colony of over twenty-eight million people was virtually wiped out. Subsequently, both governments declared war against the Minbari Federation and have now sent ships here to help protect Earth, our Earth, from an imminent attack by the Minbari."

"So, who are our erstwhile allies, you might ask? Well, the Klingon Empire is comprised of a humanoid race of proud warriors that stretches across the breadth of five thousand light years. Although they appear to share some traits with humanity, they are an entirely different species. It is also our understanding that most of their citizens are members of the same species. The United Federation of Planets, on the other hand, is quite different. It is a government of homeworlds and colonies of numerous races, some humanoid, some not. It is said that it governs an area of space that is more than seven thousand light years across. The Federation has a quasi-military organization called Starfleet that provides defense and conducts exploration on behalf of its government. Incredibly, the majority of Starfleet's members are Humans from a planet they call Earth, too. Their Earth also has a number of colonies that were settled by the Humans on that side of the galaxy."

"The Federation sent a ship to our world that left to return to the Alpha Quadrant, their area of space, three and a half weeks ago. At present, one of their vessels has arrived in Earth Alliance space along with a Klingon warship with more to come. So, tonight, we want to ask one of our experts on interstellar relations to take you through his analysis of the materials provided to us by the Federation in the hopes we'll gain some insight on the brothers of man from beyond the farthest star!"

"Now, joining us on our program is Professor Amir Rajiv Khali of Harvard University," the ISN reporter said then turned toward the man. "Dr. Khali, thank you for joining us."

"Thank you for having me, Cynthia."

"Doctor, you've conducted a thorough analysis of the material concerning the 'other' Earth previously given to us by the representatives of the United Federation of Planets, isn't that right?"

"Yes, I have."

"Can you walk us through it, professor?"

"Certainly; however, allow me to begin by proposing a question to your viewers first. What is the 'essence,'" he asked while his fingers feigned quotation marks in the air, "that defines mankind?" He paused momentarily for effect then continued. "In our area of space, we have many aliens; however, they look quite dissimilar to Humanity. However, according to the material left behind by the Federation, there are many aliens in their space that look quite like their humans, almost by operation of a divine plan. Now, some might suppose these humanoid 'aliens' actually had originated on Federation Earth but had been transplanted during prehistoric times to different planets by highly advanced extraterrestrial intelligences. Instead, it's been made clear that these other humanoids originated on their own planets. Therefore the likelihood different species that have evolved in completely separate ecospheres could possibly produce viable hybrids would, under normal circumstances, appear to be astronomically minute. However, on both the USS Excelsior and, now it seems, the USS Valkyrie, we see evidence that their humans have ignored the obvious warnings of nature and have cross-bred freely with alien species. These actions should, by providence itself, be impossible. Yet, apparently, science has circumvented the defense mechanisms of nature, a system that has been in place for untold millions of years on every planet ensuring each species' survival. Thus, in my mind, it raises a pervasive question: is this science and advancement or perverted abomination?"

"In our area of space, I can assure you that the Centauri would never want a Human hybrid child and the Narn would never want a Centauri hybrid child. In either case, such a fetus would be immediately terminated. That is true of the Earth Alliance as well."

"However, in the Federation, not only do they allow this practice to occur but they actively encourage it! For instance, let us examine the example of the hybrid Captain Spock, the half-human, half-Vulcan offspring of the Federation Ambassador to the Earth Alliance and a human woman from Federation Earth. I can hardly imagine the hardships young Spock had to endure or how alone he must have felt trapped between two worlds. Yet, even with the unquestioned tragedy of his existence speaking against the continuation of such an ill-conceived practice, my sources at EarthForce now tell me that Captain Spock's Vulcan cousin, a female Starfleet officer, recently married the human captain of the very Federation star cruiser now in orbit above our world! Did these two officers consider the hardships in store for their children being raised under such conditions? And where does it stop? How would a Klingon–human hybrid be treated in the Federation or the Empire after all the years of reported animosity between the two governments? Would it even be allowed to breed?"

Tynen narrowed his eyes at the fool on his main view-screen while he studiously ignored the horrified gasps of his bridge crew at the man's evident ignorance. As he embraced the aggression he now felt down deep in his soul, he was mildly surprised to sense through his bond with V'Lar that his wife felt the same about the supposedly 'learned man.'

Then he recalled a previous conversation they'd had and it all made sense. It was the day after the new MACO platoon had joined their ship during its stint in Regulus space. He'd said he'd thought she'd be just as protective of their child as the Linda Hamilton character had been in the Terminator II: Judgment Day movie. To which she'd replied,

"Yes, like her, I am one tough witch."

As they continued to listen to the madman, he now knew that women, be they Vulcan or human, were the deadliest of the species when it came to the protection of their offspring even when they're merely being threatened by a hypothetical situation.

"And what does this say about humans and Klingons and Vulcans?" Khali asked. "Is not humanity the summation of the species' genetics over millions of years? If so, could it be said that the Federation branch of humanity has so polluted its own gene-pool that its members should not be considered human at all?"

"Professor Khali," the interviewer snapped, "I must say I'm taken aback by your analysis. These people came from the other side of the galaxy to help us avoid extermination at the hands of the Minbari. Yet, instead of showing them gratitude, you appear to be insulting them at every turn!"

His face was the picture of shocked innocence. "You believe I'm insulting the Federation? Heaven's no, Cynthia! I am eternally grateful for their coming to our aid, believe you me! All I'm saying is we need to ensure, even after establishing cordial ties with the Federation, that we do not end up like the humans on their side of the galaxy. If my analysis is correct, I fear that the 'humans' in the Federation will soon no longer be able to claim they are truly representative of humanity. Genetic impurities will pollute their gene pool. Although it may already be too late for them, I maintain we must not allow this to happen to our Earth – the real one," he stated emphatically. "We will have to work hard to keep the Human race from following in the footsteps of those people over there. If we are to preserve ourselves from genetic contamination, then we must begin to act now before the dangers slap us in our collective faces."

The interviewer still appeared to Tynen to be appalled by the vitriol spewed by the man during the past few minutes even as she thanked him for his insight and terminated the interview. Suddenly, the captain smiled thinly. "I suppose the old saying is true; ignorance IS bliss!"

Frost, along with most of the bridge crew, chuckled at that. "Aye, sir!" she quipped.

Now, Tynen turned to his wife. "Even though this…person is a madman, I think we need to address his viewpoints now to keep them from getting out of hand. I want you to send Mister Hastings and Lieutenant Palamas to speak to ISN and see if that organization would like to hear the truth, for a change of pace!" he snapped, sighed deeply, and slowly counted to ten. Bob Hastings was an Altair Information Syndicate reporter who the fleet's Sentient Relations and Communications Division had embedded on Tynen's ship to support the war effort back home and to help win the hearts and minds of the races on this side of the galaxy. In regards to the latter, Tynen thought it was time for Hastings to start earning his keep. As for Athena Palamas, the Yale-trained psychiatrist was also a virtual demi-goddess. Her father had been the alien who had called himself Apollo and her mother Lieutenant Carolyn Palamas from Kirk's Enterprise during its first five year mission under the famous captain's command. Not only was Athena incredibly beautiful, she was a powerful telepath who also possessed formidable telekinetic powers. After her arrival on the ship, she seemed to have developed a good rapport with Hastings, so Tynen had assigned her to be the ship's media officer.

The captain now studied his wife's eyes and saw the flames of anger she hid down deep inside. However, she outwardly maintained her Vulcan control and nodded. "Very well, sir. I will assign them to the task immediately."

He smiled gently to her and said, "Thank you, V'Lar."

She nodded. "You are welcome, sir," she said simply and turned to retreat into the turbolift where he knew she could safely vent.

#

Later that evening, after they'd finished their meal, they were returning to their quarters when the captain asked his first officer, "So have you and Rex determined which Earth's the original one?"

"Yes, adun. By scanning the neutrino emissions here, we have determined that your Earth is the original one. Apparently, this system was created in the same manner as UFC 347601. At some point in the distant past your system moved through a massive tear in the space-time continuum, resulting in its replication at the subatomic level."

"That's fascinating, aduna. However, considering how closed-minded some of their so-called 'learned men' are, perhaps we should keep that information to ourselves for now."

"Agreed," she said simply.

The door to their quarters slid open and they entered their room. After changing out of their uniforms, they walked hand-in-hand into their bathroom and stepped into their shower. Warm water streamed onto their bodies as the lovers washed each other and kissed intermittently. When she finished bathing him, he washed her hair, gently massaging her scalp with his fingertips, lovingly pampering her. Finally, after he rinsed her hair, he gently caressed her cheek and she moved into the palm of his hand like a kitten.

After they'd dried each other's bodies with large, fluffy bath sheets, they cloaked themselves in their robes and settled in on their bed to cuddle. Closing his eyes, he breathed deeply, drawing in her scent. He sensed her concerns through their connection and whispered, "He's wrong, beloved."

She nodded. "Yes. However, there are those who believe as Khali does, even on Vulcan and your Earth. For instance, it took quite some time for my people to accept Spock into our society."

"Perhaps so," he murmured. "Yet, was he not cherished by his parents?"

"Although his father was stern with him when he was young, he cherished my cousin. Of course, Spock was the center of his mother's world."

Tynen said nothing for several moments. Then he gently planted kisses on his wife's graceful neck while his hands caressed her shoulders through the smooth material of her robe. "V'Lar, my precious aduna. When we have our little ones, I will always love them as I shall always love you. This, I vow."

In response, she slowly turned to him and gently kissed his lips. "I shall always cherish thee as well, my adun."

He pressed his lips against her temple and they divested each other of their robes just before he kissed her deeply. She arched into his caress while her hands ran up and down the length of his torso. Moments later, he kissed and nipped his way down V'Lar's neck, eliciting tiny moans of encouragement from her.

Soon, every move was matched between the lovers. He broke away from their heated kisses and flicked his tongue against his Vulcan wife's plump lower lip before he returned to the gentle slope of her neck. V'Lar's head rolled backwards while her eyes squeezed shut as her husband suckled her sensitive flesh into his mouth. Soon, her hands slipped away from their grasp on his broad shoulders, descending down the planes of his back to his hips. Then she grabbed hold and placed him where she needed him.

Finally, their bodies joined as one. As her legs curled against his sides, his right hand cradled her bottom and pressed her body tightly against his. Then they made love for hours and it was as reaffirming and sublime as it was continuous.

Later that night, while he reveled in the serenity of her mind as she slept, he smiled as he drifted off to join her in Hypnos' realm.

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