Addition Into The Circle

Chapter 9: Councils and Cops

Amann sighed as he stood outside the Council Chambers, waiting in boredom for the Council to finish the issue they were discussing. He was tired of this waiting. Even the Lower Council back home didn't bicker this long. Patience Amann, patience is the key, Amann thought as he waited for the issue on his shield technology to be called. He heard Sheriden speak, since he was the council head.

"This council will now hear the proposal from Alesian Industries on a new defense technology to be used for this station."

Kosh visibly narrowed his visor. Delenn looked at Sheriden with a slight panic in her eyes as she took a peek at Kosh. G'kar's eyes swept the room as Amann entered. He noted Kosh's reaction and the small glee in Londo's face. Amann walked into the center of the chamber and straightened his suit.

"I am Amann Adar, of Alesian Industries. I wish to offer this station developing shield technology to be used for the defense of Babylon 5. It seems dark times are ahead and the safety of your lives will likely be at risk. My technology can protect your lives and everyone on this station."

Londo, prompted by the invisible cue, spoke.

"What kind of technology are we talking about, Mr Amann?"

"I am referring to energy shielding that will protect from almost all forms of weapons fire. Of course, the technology is fairly primitive and will fail after sustained fire, but it will take much more of a beating than unshielded ships will. This is my offer to Babylon 5."

Kosh opened his visor up. Then he spoke in a clear voice.

"No."

Then he walked out.

Amann blinked. He expected the Vorlon to abstain, but it was a minor annoyance. he still had enough votes to win. He waited as Delenn spoke.

"We do not see any necessary need to increase such armament to this station. If necessary, the Minbari will contribute ships to defend the station. If we begin to increase armament on this station, it may send a wrong message."

Amann spoke.

"Before you cast your vote, I would like to remind you this is a purely defensive technology. It will only ensure the survivability of Babylon 5, it cannot be used to attack enemy ships."

Londo stood up at that point.

"The Centauri Republic votes in favor of the proposal."

He sat back down. G'kar narrowed his eyes. He did not like the strut in Londo's voice. Then, to Amann's surprise, G'kar spoke... against Amann.

"Well, if the Centauri are for it, then we are against it. We can ill-afford an arms race."

Amann's head snapped to G'Kar. His face showed surprise, followed by a flash of anger. He did not expect to be betrayed. Then the clamoring among the non-aligned worlds began to mount against Amann. Even Londo and Sheriden were taken aback.

Amann nodded slowly as the League cast it's vote of No. He was deathly calm, but on the inside he was seething. The traitor would pay dearly for voting against him. Sheriden spoke.

"I would like to cast an affirmative vote for the Earth Alliance, but the vote is already against the resolution. Motion denied."

He slammed down the gavel and walked out. The rest of the ambassadors began to file out slowly, talking amongst themselves. Amann took one look at all of them and strode out, his face reflecting cold fury. He was going to have a "talk" with that backstabbing Narn. He was not amused. Not amused at all. He headed for the ambassadorial wing and waited outside. After a few moments, G'Kar rounded the corner. He saw Amann standing outside his quarters, and almost sneeringly spoke.

"Mr Adar, how nice to see you so soon after the Council."

Amann growled.

"You traitor. Where I come from, we shoot traitors against a wall. Get inside. Now."

G'kar growled.

"How dare you! I am the Ambassador of the Narn Regime!"

Amann grabbed G'kar by the collar and slammed him against the wall. G'kar coughed at the immense strength with which Amann used to slam him against the wall. Amann shouted in rage.

"We had a deal, Mr AMBASSADOR! I do not find it amusing to be... betrayed, and stabbed in the back. Did you think that I would not notice you influencing the Non-Aligned worlds?"

G'Kar coughed as Amann slammed a fist into his chest. He was about to respond when Amann opened the door with a wave of his hand. He frowned. That couldn't happen, not without hitting the button on the side. He was snapped out of his momentary reverie as Amann grabbed him again and threw him into his quarters. G'kar hit the floor painfully, sliding and rolling into the wall. Amann walked in and closed the door with another wave of his hand as G'kar brought himself to lean against the wall.

"We had a perfectly decent deal, with a lot of benefit for your people. Why did you betray me? WHY?"

Amann looked angry, angry enough that it made even G'kar flinch.

G'Kar tried to speak, but the breath was knocked out of him. He was dazed from the blow.

"You...had the Centauri agree...you offered them something..."

Amann's eyes blazed with blue rage.

"What does it matter what I offered them? Did you think I would be foolish enough to give them technology that would overcome you? What kind of stupid business practice it would be if you lose? I offered you technology that would make your people equal to the Centauri! Instead you blew it! You could have had an equal footing on par with the Centauri and also have a edge on some of the other races too!"

Amann glared at the Narn laying near his feet.

"Now you simply pissed me off. I will sell you the technology we have agreed upon. Still. But there is a catch now."

He started to pace before G'Kar.

"I assure you that you are not going to go unpunished, Mr. G'kar. Your government will pay triple the price we had agreed upon. Understand this... If you betray me again, there will be consequences that you cannot possibly imagine... beginning with the Centauri getting the same technology for almost nothing. Their ships would utterly tear your own fleet to ribbons. And that would only be the start of what would happen. I leave it to your imagination. Do we have a deal or should I go talk with Londo about putting armor on Centauri ships as well?"

He looked at G'Kar with something akin to dislike. G'Kar finally spoke after a moment.

"Very well..."

Amann nodded.

"Good. Then I am glad we are agreed. I expect the first payment tomorrow. I will ship the devices when payment is given."

Amann turned and walked out, opening the door with a wave of his hand. G'Kar could not understand how he could do that.

Amann breathed in and out as he walked along. He was still fuming over the betrayal of the Narn, but he was calming down. He realized that he could use a drink and headed off to the casino in Red Sector. He finally reached the casino and stepped inside, noting the activity. He even saw Londo on the other side of the room playing at some strange table. Amann went to the bar and ordered a a few minutes, Londo had noticed Amann, and with a strange smile, abandoned his game quickly and approached Amann, who was sipping his drink in thought.

"Well, Mr Adar... A bit crestfallen, I see. Do not worry too much, Mr Adar... I am certain that you will find clients far richer than Babylon 5. The Republic is very wealthy, and very interested in your technologies... Even if the Narns are too afraid of the Vorlons to agree to it."

"That may be so Mr. Ambassador, but the Narn has been...persuaded."

There was a tone of coldness that chilled even Londo to hear it. There was more to Mr. Adar than he thought.

"I see... but the Narn are an untrustworthy race... Cowardly and easily cowed by power and force... You did not show power that matched the influence of the Vorlons. Who could?"

"You would be surprised...there are other races besides the Vorlons out there, some even more powerful..."

Had Amann been paying more attention, he would have noticed the barman was a little shadier than usual. He would have also seen the hesitation of the barman's hand as he paused over the glass, or the small vial concealed within. Londo chuckled.

"I don't doubt that, this is a big galaxy after all... but for now... the Vorlons are the power here..."

"Yes...the Vorlons are..."

Amann paused as he downed the drink. The barman walked off.

"But won't always be...perhaps my technologies will shift the balance of power..."

Londo continued.

"You see, Mr Adar... the Centauri government is very willing to accept that 'shift' in the balance. We would love to purchase more of your technology..."

"Of course...as you might have guessed, my source of such technologies is alien in origin...which my scientists are studying and selling as our understanding of them grows..."

Londo's eyes glinted as if he found the right target.

"And how greater benefit it would be if our brilliant scientists could work together."

"Maybe...my scientists are doing well though..."

Amann left the bait out. He could make a few Goa'uld devices available, he mused. It wouldn't do much against his kind of technology...but it might be useful if the Centauri paid him enough.

Amann knew that he needed to make an opening in the Vorlon's influence in order for his plan to work. Perhaps a pretense of selling technology to the Centauri could make the Narns and others worried. He also needed to show power. He could easily provoke the Vorlons and destroy their ships but that would make an enemy of the potential allies in the Minbari and the Vorlons themselves.

Destroying ships of EarthForce or anything else would not be enough... he needed to show the power equal to that of Vorlons, both to terrify the Narns and their allies while showing that he, Amann Adar, is not to be trifled with. Amann racked his brain, then realized that perhaps show of force could work well with a political move. Using the Centauri to pressure the Narn, and manipulate the Narns politics to pressure G'kar.

Amann smiled at Londo.

"I will think on the scientists ambassador. The hour is getting a bit late. I do have an appointment at 7. It is nearly 5 now."

Londo smiled back.

"Of course, Mr Adar. I think Alesian Industries and the Centauri government can do great work together."

"Yes. Good day, Ambassador."

He gave the Centauri a polite nod and headed off. A man in the corner got up and started to follow him discreetly. He pulled out a small comm device and spoke into it quietly.

"Target is moving."


Janice was sitting at a table as Amann approached, her long hair done up in a bun and wearing a stunning strapless dress. She smiled at Amann as he approached, standing up to greet him. Amann greeted her with a smile. She really was pretty, and she did remind him alot about his wife. Her death still troubled him. Janice smiled and sat down again, folding her hands in her lap. She smiled at him a bit nervously.

"Mr. Adar. I must say I'm impressed. Reservations at the finest restaurant in Babylon 5?"

"Yes...well...It was the least I could do."

He smiled, albeit rather nervously.

Janice looked at the menu for a second, but when she realized he was still standing, she glanced up. She giggled slightly.

"Well sit down!"

Amann sat down at her suggestion. He was fairly nervous. He did not want to screw this up. He opened the menu up and looked through it. He decided on what he would have. Earth food had not changed all that much, and he had a liking for their food. The waiter came over to the table in a white suit and opened up the pad he was carrying.

"Something to drink?"

Amann paused.

"Hmmm...what sort of wine would you like, Janice?"

Janice was still looking through the menu, looking thoughtful.

"Some red wine would be nice,"

Amann spoke.

"The finest red wine that you have. Please."

He sat back as he folded the menu and put it off to the side. Janice smiled.

"So many things to choose from, I hardly ever get food like this,"

Amann laughed slightly. He decided on a fairly cliched line from his observations on Earth culture.

"Well, it does not do to have eyes bigger than the plate."

Janice laughed, setting the menu down.

"That's true."

Amann settled back in his chair.

"Well, we should probably get to know each other more. For instance, how did you get all the way out here from Earth? A bit off the beaten track, is it not?"

Janice smiled and leaned forward against the table.

"Well, it's a bit of a long story..."

Amann smiled at her.

"We got time."

Janice gave a mock sigh, then laughed.

"Alright then."

She smiled and slid forward a little so they were closer together.

"My father was a trader. He stopped her at Babylon 5 a lot, for obvious reasons."

Amann nodded.

"Understandable. He was a merchant and Babylon 5 is a port. Matter of fact, this is a prime place for economic success if you have the right technology and the right goods."

Janice said with a laugh.

"Yeah, no kidding, This place is buzzing with people and merchants from everywhere."

She smiled.

"Anyway, I went with him once I got out of college. And well, I just fell in love with the place."

She shrugged slightly. Amann crossed his hands in front of him.

"Interesting. This is an interesting place, especially for engineers and business majors. I wonder what you took in college. If I had to guess, it had to either be a business or a hospitality degree."

"Business, actually. Good guess!"

Amann smiled back at her.

"Well it was only logical after all. After all, you are a manager at a major hotel. I would try to guess your age, but if I am wrong, I do run the risk of offending you."

He smiled and put the charm on. A thing he had learned from O'Neill was how to apply a sharp wit and sarcasm.

Janice laughed and leaned forward, smiling teasingly.

"Go ahead, I will not get mad."

She grinned.

Amann sighed slightly and leaned forward until he was a few feet away from her across the small table.

"Well, let's see...you are one of the managers, but not THE manager yet. That probably means you are fairly new at the job. Perhaps a year or two. You probably were employed right out of college. You most likely went to college right after high school."

He continued.

"Most degrees are 4 years, sometimes 6 if you are getting a Master's degree. I would say...23 or 24."

Janice blinked at him, then started laughing.

"Wow, you are good at this. I'm 23."

Amann smiled.

"I am sure your life has been fairly interesting, what with a father stomping the space lanes in a trader ship."

She sighed wistfully.

"Yeah, it has been. When he got back he'd bring things from all over the galaxy for us, and tell us these amazing stories..."

"Well I would like to meet him. Sounds like a fascinating character. I knew a few traders as well, but they are a bit...crass, to put it delicately."

"Yeah, some of them aren't so nice. But my dad was great. He still stops by here occasionally. I'm sure he'd like to meet you."

"Well it is not so much that they aren't nice, it's more that they are rough around the edges."

Amann smirked.

"You probably get the idea. I am sure your father can relate."

"Yeah, he definitely can. It's not the easiest life."

"No it is not. I suppose you are curious about me. I was an unknown before my company exploded out of the woodwork."

Janice smiled.

"Well as a matter of fact, I am. So who are you, Mr. Adar?"

She giggled and leaned forward. Amann leaned back. He decided a lie would do with some mixing of the truth.

"Well, I was the only son of a few scientists myself. We traveled the galaxy on digs, looking through ancient cultures, civilizations, and ecological systems. The technology that I have that is revolutionary came from those digs and the like. My parents are dead, their ship was destroyed..."

"Oh..."

Janice gently reached over and placed a hand on his shoulder. She whispered, sympathy in her eyes.

"I'm sorry,"

Amann nodded slightly.

"It is ok...It happened a long time ago. I did keep their notes and logs and their artifacts, which did help me found my business. I thought it was best to use what my parents left me to better myself and to do good with it."

She spoke, smiling gently.

"I'm sure they'd be proud of you,"

She hesitantly pulled her hand away. Amann spoke after a moment.

"Yeah, not much left to tell, unless you like details about digs, and the alien stuff we found."

"No, that's fine, But wow...that's impressive."

Amann beamed at her.

"That is very kind of you. It took me a while to understand the technology behind the alien artifacts, but I figured it out with some ease. I did study for a while and trained myself in engineering."

"My dad always helped me in business studies, but you had no one to help you. That is impressive."

"Well, colleges are overrated in all honesty. All it does is teach you to teach yourself. I did that on my own. In the end, college only gives you a slip of paper for pure bragging rights."

He smiled.

"A bit cynical, I know."

Janice laughed.

"Yeah, it pretty much is, but unfortunately you need one to do just about anything."

"Yes...unless you start a business yourself, like I did. And I seem to be raking in the millions, perhaps billions soon. I just got contracts with many major Earth corporations and the Centauri. I even started a Research and Development Department for EarthForce's needs."

Janice blinked at him, surprise on her face.

"Wow, that's big."

"Yes, and growing bigger. Soon, my company will be a powerhouse that will rival even the biggest companies. I even hired more people to take on the slack. The future is limitless for my company."

"Yeah, really. But wow, I didn't know you were that big."

She laughed.

"Well I gotta say this yet again, impressive!"

"Yes...but enough about business. It grows tiresome after a while. All work and no play makes for a dull day."

He smiled at her.

"I prefer pleasure to business. Business before pleasure only works when you want to get something done."

He realized how that sounded.

"Oh crap...err...that didn't come out right did it?"

Janice started laughing, putting a hand over her mouth to stifle the laughter.

"I-it's okay,"

Amann went red.

"That really came out wrong. Wow. Mind must be in the gutter...and I thought I could rise out of that."

Janice was still giggling slightly.

"It's okay, it's okay,"

She took in a deep breath.

"Wow, I haven't laughed that hard in months."

Amann shook his head.

"Well that is one positive. So err...what did you decide on having for dinner?"

Janice picked the menu up. She blushed a little.

"Would lobster be alright? I don't want you to pay too much..."

Amann laughed.

"It is no bother at all. I can easily afford it you know...heck, I might even supply the lobster to the restaurant. I am not sure yet. I have hired people to perform the logistics of the company now. It is too big to manage myself, so I am relegated to managing people."

Janice laughed.

"Alright, then, lobster it is."

"Steak goes good with it too. I will probably order one."

Amann smiled.

"I wouldn't want my date to feel unappreciated now."

Janice giggled.

"Well thank you, Mr. Adar,"

"Just Amann...will do..."

He smiled at her. Janice was taken aback at the gentle look he gave her now. She spoke after a moment.

"Okay, Amann,"

Amann smiled as the waiter came back. He placed the order and asked for a refill of their glasses. He even asked for the bottle to remain at the table.

"I like to pour the bottle myself at times. It makes me feel more cultured."

Janice sipped at her glass.

"Well you certainly do have class,"

"Well I try anyway. So what should we talk about while we wait for dinner to be prepared?"

Janice shrugged.

"How are you liking Babylon 5 so far?"

"So far so good. I have been expanding heavily on the station. I probably supply nearly 50% of the food shipments if not more now. Life is good."

He smiled as he relaxed. Talking to women on dates was not so hard after all. He didn't have to be nervous as a Legionnaire entering his first combat action.

Janice smiled.

"That's good."

She sipped her drink.

"Thank you for this, I'm really enjoying it."

"You are welcome. I haven't been on a date in a long time. I had wondered if I was doing well."

Janice laughed.

"You are doing fine."

"That is good."

They chatted idly for several minutes until the waiter came back with the lobster and the steak. Amann thanked the waiter and started to dig in, first putting his napkin in his lap.

Janice did the same, and started eating too. She chatted idly as she ate, laughing with him. Finally, both of them finished eating and the plates were taken away. Amann smiled at her as he poured the last of the wine in her glass. Janice smiled at Amann and raised the glass to her lips.

"Thank you,"

Amann watched her as she sipped it. She was beautiful, and the memory of his wife was strong, especially now. Janice set the glass down and looked at him. She went red slightly.

"You're staring at me, you know..."

Amann's pale face flushed red.

"I am sorry. I should probably not stare..."

"It's okay...I don't mind."

Amann nodded slightly as she finished the last of the wine in her glass as the waiter brought the check over. Amann looked at the bill and paid it, leaving the waiter a generous tip as he placed the napkin on the table and got up.

"Well normally I would escort you to your quarters, but might be a little pretentious on a first date."

Janice laughed and stood up as well.

"Very well, Amann. You may escort me to my quarters."

Amann held out his arm and Janice took it, walking along to her quarters. He chatted with her idly, enjoying her company. They reached a door near the hotel and Janice paused.

"Well this is my quarters."

Amann smiled at her.

"Well, I will talk with you tomorrow and I bid you good night."

He smiled as she gave him a kiss and entered her quarters. He walked along humming contently. The night went well. He reached his hotel room and used his key, entering the room. He put his coat on the table.

"Have a pleasant evening, Mr. Adar?"

Amann spun on the spot to find Bester sitting in a chair beside the door. Amann growled in anger.

"You. I told you I would kill you if you bothered me again."

Bester smiled.

"That you did."

Amann spoke forcefully.

"You will leave my room. Now. Or I will throw you out."

Bester got up and pulled out a stun gun.

"Tell me, Mr. Adar. How exactly do you intend to do that?"

Amann raised his hand and concentrated. He was surprised to learn his powers were suppressed.

"What the..."

Bester pointed the stun gun at Amann and fired. Amann cried out as the electrical charge stunned his nervous sytem and overloaded it. He collapsed on the floor as more Psi Cops entered. Bester smiled.

"Take him to the shuttle. We go to Mars. I will go speak with Captain Sheriden to let him know our business is concluded here."