CHAPTER 9

The conference room aboard the Enterprise was subdued, quiet, and calm. Captain Jean-Luc Picard leaned back into his chair, which was swiveled away from the glassy black table, and stared out the windows into the depths of space. The silence helped him organize his thoughts, and consider his options. He was briefly grateful, that despite their initial setbacks, he now knew exactly what must be done to preserve this timeline. He doubted that any other dimension they would surely encounter would be so forgiving. That was not an issue in this timeline however, thanks to the Minbari Ambassador.

Yes, there was a puzzle. The databanks he and Data had reviewed aboard Babylon 5 indicated that Delenn's appearence was not typical of Minbari, and was a recent development. At any rate, Picard found her fascinating. She was exotically beautiful, granted, but he sensed in her a quiet wisdom and decency, tempered by tragedy, that reminded him a great deal of Anij... but with more fire. Given the way Babylon 5's captain had stood protectively near her at the end of the briefing, it was obvious that they were close. It was none of his business, of course, but it struck him as a promising sign, after what he'd learned about the Earth-Minbari war, and Sheridan's role in it.

He swung his chair back around to face the table when the hiss of the opening doors cut into his musings. Riker entered, followed by Worf, Data, and Dax. Picard tugged at his uniform, and nodded a welcome to his officers.

"The others are on their way," Riker explained.

Picard acknowledged that softly, and looked across the table at the others. It was only a moment later that the awkward silence was broken by the swish of the doors, heralding the entrance of Doctor Crusher, Counselor Troi, Chief Engineer LaForge, and Doctor Bashir.

When they had all taken their seats, Picard placed his hands flat on the tabletop, and leaned forward solemnly. "Now that you are all here, I think it is about time that you all heard the full story. Mr. Data knows as much as I do," Picard said with a nod to the android, "so I'm sure he can supply any specifics I miss." He paused, then said, "I suppose we should start at the beginning."

"We initially beamed into a deserted loading port, outside of customs and the main boarding terminal, so we would appear to have disembarked normally. The identicards Junior provided us allowed us to pass unopposed through customs. Unfortunately," Picard said sheepishly, "despite our not bringing any weapons along," he ignored Worf's disapproving grunt.

The Klingon was first and foremost a security officer, and he had been against disarming the away team. In his own mind, his concerns had been validated when they had been captured by station security. Picard smiled inwardly, trying to picture Worf's reaction to the equally tough-as-nails Garibaldi.

"As I was saying," he continued with a mock glare at Worf, "Their weapon scanners were better than we expected, and Doctor Bashir's medical equipment registered. That Data did not, I can only attribute to an act of Junior. I saw no indication otherwise that they had experience with positronic androids."

Data nodded. "Indeed sir, during our research into the history of this timeline, I encountered no mention of positronics or self-aware computer systems, save for a notation that Babylon 5's initial computer systems had contained an artificial intelligence. It was apparently purged by Chief Garibaldi fairly recently, and –"

"Quite so, Mr. Data." Picard hurridly interrupted, before slipping back into his narration. "At any rate, Data was not detected, but Doctor Bashir's medical equipment was. We were approached by the station's chief of security, the same Mr. Garibaldi Data just mentioned..." The captain's voice trailed off, and he shook his head. "It's not important, although Junior was involved."

Bashir snorted, and Ezri eyed him curiously. He looked over at her, and mouthed, I'll tell you later.

"He was close enough to keep tabs on us, apparently," Picard was saying. "He arrived a moment later, to make it appear as though we were expected by someone on the station. I cannot fault his timing, but he was recognized by security, which I can only take to mean that his previous visits did not pass unremarked." Picard paused when he noticed Worf glowering darkly. "Mr. Worf, I understand that there was nothing you could do about that."

Worf looked only slightly mollified, but he grumbled, "Thank you sir."

"Junior had secured quarters for us aboard the station, which we had intended to use as a secure waypoint in the event we needed to beam out, or beam equipment in. Once we were there, we had Defiant beam down some tricorders for closer inspection. Mr. LaForge and Lieutenant Barclay set off to gain an engineering perspective of the station itself." He dipped his head at Geordi, then glanced at Troi and Bashir. "Counselor Troi and Doctor Bashir went to examine the station's medical technology and learn what they could first-hand about the many alien races aboard. Commander Data and myself remained in our quarters, which had a computer terminal. We studied the history of this timeline, in order to discover where the divergence lay." Picard leaned back in his chair, and folded his hands in front of his face. "Now, as I know quite well what happened to myself and Data, I'd like to hear from the others first. Geordi, what can you tell us?"

The dark complexioned engineer leaned forward over the table, so as better to look down its length. "I hate to say it, but we didn't find out too much, Captain." His eyes unfocused as he thought back, causing the tiny etched microcircuits to rotate eerily about his pupil. "We had gotten a padd of Defiant's scan reports of the station, and checked that against a few maps of the station we found aboard. They were very thorough, and we only encountered one anomaly, and that was that the station listing included ninteen levels in Grey Sector, but," he paused at the blank looks around him. "That's their maintenance and engineering section."

Several heads around the table nodded understandingly.

"Anyway, the station maps listed nineteen levels in Grey Sector, but Defiant's scans show twenty." He shrugged. "I don't know what it means, it's probably nothing major, but we went through the whole area, at least as far as civilians are allowed to go, and there were only nineteen stops on the lift. Without clearence though, we couldn't get a look at any of the real inner workings of the station. Additionally, the only apparent access to the fusion reactor that powers the entire place is by EVA."

"I was hoping for more, Mr. LaForge, but I can understand why that was difficult," Picard said glumly.

"It's a shame too," Geordi said, with an air of disappointment. "I'd have loved to see that thing up close. It's a single reactor, so it must be huge. The only other station I know of that runs on fusion is Deep Space Nine, and they've got four reactors powering a much smaller area." He smiled brightly as he thought of something else, and continued, "I don't think any of these races use matter-antimatter reactors like we do, but they've really advanced their fusion technology. The scans Defiant got of it were pretty thorough, and I'd definately like to see those."

"Later, Geordi," Picard, replied with a borderline chuckle. His Chief Engineer could spend hours looking over that data... but there was too much to be done first. "Now, Counselor, Doctor?"

Troi spoke first, much to Bashir's evident relief. Picard waited to hear his story with some amused anticipation.

"Well, the first place we decided to go was the Zocalo."

"It's kind of like the Promanade back on DS9," Bashir cut in for everyone's benefit.

Troi ignored the doctor, and continued, "It's a marketplace of sorts, with some taverns, restaurants, and shops. We went there first, because it looked like the best place to observe the different races and people that inhabit the station." She looked at Picard apologetically. "I have trouble with large crowds, and I couldn't get much in the way of individual readings, but I sensed an overall tension in them. Most of the races seem to distrust each other, but they seemed to all fear," she paused and gestured uselessly, "something, something terrible, and external." She looked confused and anxious.

Riker reached out and squeezed her hand below the level of the tabletop. She smiled at him, but with a hint of weariness.

Picard nodded understandingly. "I think we may be able to explain that feeling, Counselor. Go on," he said, motioning.

"There's not much else to tell, Captain. There's some very interesting species on the station, but I didn't recognize any of them. We finally met up with Geordi and Reg on their way up from Grey Sector." She glanced at the engineer, who nodded afirmation. "Doctor Bashir said he wanted to see their sickbay, so I stayed with Geordi and Reg. We even saw the inside of the habitat. It was quite beautiful," she sighed wistfully. "We were just about to go to one of those restaurants for lunch, when security captured us."

Bashir noticed Picard staring at him expectantly, and launched into his own story. "After Counselor Troi left with Geordi, I looked up their infirmary, which they call Medlab, and went there. Unfortunately, since we were concealing my status as a doctor, and I wasn't injured, I wasn't able to get too far. But I did get a look at some of their equipment." His eyes lit up. "In some ways, their medical technology is limited. They still use actual surgery, and they don't have things like dermal regenerators. But in other ways... well, they were using precision nanites for non-invasive procedures, and their synthesis equipment appeared to be very good."

"That seems to be true with a lot of their technology," Riker mentioned.

Picard acknowledged the truth of that remark. Riker had obviously seen the same indications from the sensor reports he'd gotten from Lieutenant Dax.

"When they finally kicked me out of Medlab, I decided to do a little exploring of my own. I eventually wound up in some seedy bar." He flashed an expressive look at Ezri, when he added, "I mean really seedy. Worse even than Quark's."

Worf snorted, and Ezri snickered into her hand.

Grinning at the result of his pronouncement, Bashir concluded, "I met up with the Centauri ambassador there, a guy named Londo Mollari." He said the last in mock regal tones. "He tried to hook me into some kind of card game I've never heard of before... the way he explained the rules, it might well have been Fizzbin. Instead, I introduced him to darts."

He said it innocently enough, but Ezri groaned, and regarded him from under the hand she'd placed on her forehead. "Julian, you didn't."

Bashir grinned like the Cheshire cat, and refrained from comment.

Ezri stifled a dismayed giggle with obvious effort.

Picard glanced at his former tactical officer questioningly, and Worf said with uncharacteristic lightness, "Ask Chief O'Brien the next time you speak to him."

For some reason, that comment elicited more laughter from the doctor and Lieutenant Dax.

"Noted," Picard replied wryly, still not quite understanding what was so amusing.

Bashir shrugged. "After I won fifty credits from Londo, he was requested for some sort of diplomatic thing. Two minutes later, a security officer, who probably shared more than the usual number of genes with gorillas, grabbed me."

Picard chuckled drily. "That does seem to be the one experience we all shared, doesn't it?"

Worf scowled again.

"While you were all out exploring, Data and I did some research into the background history of this timeline." Picard covered the highlights of what they'd learned, Data chiming in the relavent details and dates. They explained about the Earth Alliance, the Earth-Minbari war, and the current political climate as best they could.

Reaching the end of his narrative, and noting the looks on the faces of the others as they tried to absorb everything at once, Picard gestured to the android. "Data, if you please." While Data nodded and stood, Picard looked back at the rest of his officers. "Now we come to the immediate situation, and the reason we are here."

Data nodded, and walked to the head of the conference table, where there was a large display screen mounted in the wall. "Computer," Data said flatly, "display recording file Data-Nine-Theta."

Riker grunted in recognition, and Picard sat back to watch the briefing again. On the screen, Delenn began, "What you are about to see..."

*****

"Delenn, Captain," Lennier said insistently, coming down the corridor from the bridge of the White Star. He looked troubled – that is, more tense than usual.

"What is it, Lennier?" Sheridan asked, pausing as the Minbari drew up in front of them. Behind him, Sinclair looked thoughtful, and at his side, Delenn regarded her aide with worried eyes. Marcus and Ivanova exchanged a glance.

"There is another transport docking." At the blank looks that elicited, he added, "It came from Epsilon III."

Sinclair nodded understandingly, Delenn looked surprised, and Sheridan frowned. No one had time for anything more, as a loud crash and clatter brought all of their attention to the other end of the corridor, where a Minbari crewwomen was splayed backwards on the ground, small black boxes scattered all around.

In an aggrieved tone, a growly voice grated haltingly. "Oh, Zathras being very sorry. Much apologizing." The speaker came into view, a mangy-looking humanoid with fuzzy orange hair, spotted skin, and clothing that looked both old and tattered.

Sinclair smiled in instant recognition, while his companions gaped at the strange creature. "Zathras!" he called out, and being in question jumped up from the floor, where he'd been trying to gather together the black cases.

Zathras stumbled hurridly over to the group, and stared delightedly at Sinclair. "Ah! Zathras is much pleased to be meeting you! Is very great honor, yes," he said, finishing with an odd clicking of his tongue.

"I thought I'd be seeing you again," Sinclair grinned.

"Zathras is glad for to be recognized. But much confused. Zathras does not remember meeting you before. But is very pleased to be making your aquaintance."

Understanding flashed through Sinclair's mind like a bolt of lightning. He'd forgotten how convoluted this time travel thing was. He had met Zathras two years ago, but that was who this Zathras would be soon. Sinclair was glad he didn't have to try and explain it all to anyone... it gave him a headache. "Zathras, you must listen to me very carefully," he said firmly.

"Zathras obeys the One." Zathras clicked his tongue again.

"Good. Now, when we get to Babylon 4, if you see me, but it isn't me," he said, pointing a finger at his chest, "you can't tell me anything. Do you understand?"

Zathras bobbed his head eagerly. "Oh, yes." Then his gaze abruptly darkened, and he frowned. "Well, no, Zathras not understand. But Zathras not need to understand, Zathras will do anyway," he added quickly.

Sheridan interrupted, with a look directed at Sinclair. "You know this person?"

"In a manner of speaking," Sinclair replied enigmatically.

"Oh yes," Zathras clicked, "Zathras knows the One. Draal tell Zathras many things."

"What sort of things? And who is the One?" Sheridan asked, ignoring the warning look Sinclair shot him.

Zathras looked like he was about to speak, then changed his mind, and grinned lopsidedly up at Sheridan. "Ah... trying to trick Zathras. Zathras not allowed to tell. Could do terrible things in time. Forget everything Zathras has said. But, Zathras not remember what things," he confessed. "Maybe remember later."

Sinclair's brow furrowed in bemusement. "If you remember later, can you tells us?"

"If Zathras remembers, Zathras will tell you."

Sheridan grinned delightedly, but Sinclair favored him with a mock glare. Then he motioned towards the bridge. "Come on, we've got to get going now that we have everything we need."

*****

"Well, that certainly explains a lot," Bashir said into the silence that followed the replay of Delenn's briefing.

"I'll say," Ezri said, leaning back and blinking.

"It certainly makes more sense after your little history lesson, Captain," Riker agreed.

Picard looked apologetically at his first officer. "I'm sorry we couldn't fill you in before that briefing Number One, but we were pressed for time. But now you can all see why it is imperative that we protect Babylon 4 from those Shadows."

Riker nodded thoughtfully. "That leaves one important question."

"Only one?" Bashir muttered.

"Just what are these 'Shadows,' Captain? That sounds like an awfully dramatic name," Riker asked, ignoring the doctor's outburst.

"I don't know what they are," Deanna Troi answered, "but I'm certain that they are the source of the fear I sensed back on the station. Whatever those things are, they are a source of terrible fear to many of the other races."

Picard grimly aknowledged that. "They have indeed, Counselor. I still don't understand their motivation behind their terror campaign, and I suspect we aren't likely to find out." He looked around the room. "But one thing is certain, and that is that we must prevent Babylon 4 from being destroyed."

Ezri forced a strained laugh. "And I thought Captain Kirk's time travel adventures were confusing."

Ever concious of the military aspect, Worf was the first to bring up another important issue. "Captain," Worf rumbled, "what do we know about the military capabilities of these Shadows? Those fighters did not appear to present a serious threat, but if things have been altered, can we successfully engage one of their capital ships?"

Picard frowned. The thought had occurred to him, and he still had no answer. "I don't know, Mr. Worf," he said honestly. "Their historical records were incomplete in that regard, and we weren't specifically searching for it. But actual first-hand sightings are rare, and seem to be primarily posthumous. Mainly references to unusual events in the Narn-Centauri war, and the sudden destruction of a research facility on Ganymede." He shook his head. "No, we'll just have to hope we don't run into them."

Worf growled, "I do not like this." But he fell silent, clearly leaving the decision up to the captain.

"Wait a minute, I think we're all forgetting something here," Beverly Crusher cut in, drawing several surprised looks.

"What would that be, Doctor?" Picard asked.

Crusher paused and looked around the room slowly. "We know that these M beings are supposed to be altering historical events." She drew a deep breath. "But what happens if they don't take kindly to our trying to fix things?"

For that, no one had an answer.