Chapter 7
Two months on from the Drakh surrender. The Drakh systems had all been fully rebuilt with only the defence and upgrading of certain key facilities still going on with priority going to the outer worlds and the central system.
While on his morning walk he visited the holy sanctum hoping to see the First on still their. He walked over to the central crystal he then raised his hand to it and touched it. The crystal was very cool it wasn't until he sent a telepathic signal through it asking to speak to all of them that still called this galaxy home.
King Antony was in the newly built Royal Palace situated about three hundred meters from the holy temple. He wasn't alone in his state office what was built via nanite probes in minutes of the Drakh surrender. His office was made of poly nanite armour as was the book shelves even though they looked like antique English oak. His desk gave the impression of being made of marble only he knew that he was in the most fortified room in the most fortified building in the Earth Alliance.
Antony wasn't alone he had a lot of company everyone wanted there point of view to be heard first. You had in one section of this massive office the military fleet officers of all the Alliance bidding for sector rights till the Drakh was strong enough to protect them selves. In another area you had the senior politicians from across the alliance all trying to make favours with the Drakh so that they could help restore confidence in their leadership and promoting companies that support them.
Antony just smiled watching them all fight for power they would never have. Antony allowed his mind to drift to the events that was set to come. Antony knew them all The First Ones from long ago but some of the matters at hand he had no form of recollection of. He knew he had to go soon as the First Ones wouldn't get frustrated at the wait they knew he would be late the Guardian said go and they would wait for his return. They warned everyone who was present that king Antony had to return alone.
"People, people you all sound like a pack of hungry wolves what a great first impression you have all made. I say we are civilized and this is HOW you repay my hard work with fighting with in fighting". That simple sentence was on its own enough to bring silence to the room.
"Now that's enough people you all have to wait to see who and what gets what. The Drakh council will send a formal list of everything they need right down to number of ships to patrol their frontiers. With this information I will then choose, which companies will be best suited and then and then only we will start the upgrade programmes for the remaining Drakh fleets. I'm going to have to leave you as I have some state business to take care of. So I will have to leave all in the very capable hands of my 17th daughter Princess Sophie. As I most return to see the First Ones as they are waiting to speak to me." With that Antony stood up from his desk looking at everyone and smiled at each of them in turn. Antony Decided to run a high level stealth Scan of each and every person present to double check that Sophie would be able to handle the matters they would want to discuss now. Princess Sophie looked at her father and just smiled showing him that he had nothing to worry about.
Once Antony had left the room Sophie had to make sure that they knew she was in charge. Sophie was very head strong young lady what she got from her Father and she really loved making politicians squirm for just sheer fun of it. Sophie had her hair tied up in an old fashion beehive design. Sophie was wearing a long shoulder to ankle silk Pink dress with white trimmings. "Now every one my Father the king has left. So I'm now in charge of this meeting I can only say I wish them to be very fruitful and incident free. I Have come to help the Earth Alliance to help make the necessary changes in the Drakh leadership comes in smooth and well. The smooth and tranquil events of the past events of the Earth Alliance conquests were in front of her. Her full locus was on now on looking at the Centauri delegation. I hope for this to run like those of the past with decorum and respect".
King Antony was walking through the ever winding streets. Realising every Drakh he passed was paying him a lot of notice. None of the Drakh did anything until he passed a group of young Drakh who might have been the right age for conscripted military duty. The lead Drakh put his hand inside his gown's pockets and pulled out a Drakh military pistol. He took aim but before he had a chance to fire his weapon. He was flung into his mates who had crowded around him to support him. He was flung into the air and landed in the crowd of supporters. King Antony looked at them and burst into laughter. The Drakh started to laugh as well knowing that they were very lucky as he could have easily killed them all. Antony looked at them and said "may I go now as I have urgent business to take care of". The Drakh looked back and smiled and then nodded what allowed Antony to travel on.
What seemed like an hour of walking, what turned out to be in fact had just taken twenty minutes when he glanced the time on his wrist watch. Antony walked into the Holy Sanctum and still standing were the first ones. On entering the sanctum Antony summoned his staff and pointed the staff at the entrance in seconds the entrance opening was no more and was filled with match in stones. "we Can't be heard now by people out side trying to listen on what we are talking about". The First Ones looked and nodded "Still much to discus we have regarding yours and Kosh's memory why you can't remember the events regarding Earth's Attack by both the Vorlon's and the shadows". Stated the Guardian
"I'm the oldest person or should I have said life form in this room. I choose to return to Earth my place is with my people. The actions done upon the Human race has already paid a hefty price in life and yet this price isn't high enough at what end is the price of life high enough. We at some point in time have all passed the mantle of teacher to another. With that great demands most be made". At this point Antony stopped speaking to gage the reactions of those in the chamber. "I will continue now we know why the cycle of war started. We were there when the shadow fleets moved on to the Vorlon Empire. I think l now know why they do what they did. Kosh the mistakes your people have made are too many to name but creating the door way to haven to see the true gods has to be your worst". Stated Antony
Kosh took the bait and raised his head. "The actions you cling to are actions not of our making we were victims our selves".
"Kosh you were to a point a victim however at the same moment your people created the dimension gate. I'm not standing here about that. I stand here regarding the cycle of death what started because of the events of that mistake. The Shadows saw the Vorlon fleet travel through time and attack Earth. At that point in time the Humans had limited offensive weapons but had defence technology second to none. They still have done harm to both the Vorlon's and Shadows. I also know this attack on Earth was stopped by both the Walkers and Kirishiac Lords. What I fail to under stand is why I can't remember this. I understand why the Vorlon's can't but why me".
The first ones looked around at each other and wondered are the Guardians going to finally show themselves once more to the Universe.
The Guardians Encounter suit started to open up giving of a bright white light. When the light faded away a human lady stood there dressed in a white and gold dress. "Father you can't remember because during the battle with the Hands forces they targeted YOU. They nearly overpowered you but you were forced to close your mind off. That's when your Thrown ship got protective of you and wiped the Hands ships out. As you held the original Thrown ship back and when she started to defend you their was no equal and still none She felt your pain and did what all Warships are designed to do and that is to fight. Father after the war even though you knew it would and had to happen. You felt very guilty over such needless death. You asked US all to remove those events from your memory as you knew you would leave US to head home. That Father is why you can't remember".
"Cleo my angel it's so good to see you. Your right I don't remember much from that battle. The original Thrown Ship by that battle had no equal and still has none. I think it was best that I didn't remember the events of Earth's betrayal. Yes the pain of their fall paid to costly a price on me when I realised what happened and why".
"Antony you asked to see us and your tone showed it was important". Asked Verovkhan of the Walkers.
"You're so very right. I do need to see and speak to you all. The events what's taking place these wars their happening to much and for to regular. The intervals we need them to stop their not allowing the younger and weaker races a chance to grow. Yes I know I have started many conflicts but those races would have fallen during the next Shadow War". Stated Antony
"Antony you know you can't save everyone. So why do you still keep trying for you could use your time and energy for other matters. Yes my friend to you there's no other calling you believe in life above death". Responded Lorien taking in the moment of freedom to speak.
"Earth needs to be ready for the Hands return and never mind the Shadows. That's why l allowed some Centauri to flee to the Minbari Federation. The Centauri will rally the Minbari against us and that is what I truly want. As they need time to improve those selves as well that is the Minbari not the Centauri. The Minbari still produce the Sharlin warcruiser what Valen designed for them. Yes it's still a very impressive vessel but they should have improved them. Better still they should have even replaced them by now". Stated Antony taking in the surprise from some of the others regarding the Minbari.
After a short break Antony continued. "In time I will be searching out the great Minbari Leader Dukhat who General Sinclair told us all about. Even though he had his name changed to Valen to me he was and still is Sinclair. My encounter with him after the last Great War helped him to change his path. He now works with us to make ready for the final Shadow vendetta. What action we take should if done correctly will allow all of our races present here to leave all except for myself. Valen has returned and he's now working in the Tidestone Sector creating new ships based on Earth, Vorlon and Minbari tech while producing a new 3 way hybrid range as well".Informed Antony.
Kosh raised his head taking in the full effect of the last statement realising their had to be Vorlon's alive helping on this project.
"Antony l needs to know which Vorlon's live and are helping. My people didn't want to listen to my cautious nature. I truly wish all the younger races the best their most be order. Those that follow the ways of the many Dark races should be brought into the light". Demanded Kosh
Cleo spun round and started to glare at Kosh. "My Father doesn't have to tell you anything. Your leaders wanted to try and put the Humans in their places. They failed and my Fathers forces put the best that the mighty Vorlon Empire had to shame. You should know better than doing that. Don't worry their were very few Vorlon's that did die. Zaquash knows what it means to be in chains that's the price expedition leaders pay. Umtash on the other hand is a very willing helper in the design of the new ships".
All the first ones started to laugh at how easy Cleo had put Kosh in his place.
Kosh moved forward right up to Lorien, Cleo and Antony. "Your right Antony regarding the Minbari the Sharlin class war cruiser has now been forced out of production. After the Warrior Caste heard about how easy the Humans beat the Centauri Republic. They ordered the Shargotti class it's an enlarged Sharlin but comes with more weapons. With what I've seen they are still much weaker than Earth ships. I most state I have not been up close to either the Shargotti or Human warships". Stated Kosh. Then he projected an image of both the Sharlin and Shargotti class warships.
"We still have much to talk about. Will you allow me and the others of the original hyperspace test mission to remain? As those Humans l took l will need to remain behind to combine their help. With recent events from the Tidestone have shown the Shadows have truly learned from last time. What I've learned will shock you. The Shadows have there ships growing in unpopulated galaxies in range of our home Galaxy". Stated Antony
"That can't be true we would have found them long ago. However as we weren't looking that can explain all of us missing them. Then we will have to send missions out to count there numbers". Responded Lorien.
"Well I can save time their we have already sent scooting missions from Tide stone to search out these locations. They made a rather Scary discovery theirs thousands of ships being grown and their is even new design vessels so they have learned there lesson from last time. The worse thing is the shadows wiped out what races lived there and now use them as the ships central cores". Responded Antony.
Kosh looked straight at Antony. "You most not use the knowledge you have gained from your time teaching the other first ones. Did your scouts send you images so we could define the risks if we moved against them"? Asked a very concerned Kosh.
"Yes Kosh they sent images I haven't seen them yet. I will look at them when I get back to my office. I will send them to you all when I have fully checked the information on them". Stated Antony in a rare show of anger.
"I have only ever developed ideas that I had years ago from pre test flight days are taken inspiration from others. There are still some very Human weapon ideas what will keep balance. Don't forgot I'm a techno mage and was given full access to them all well before I went to the stars. All I ask is that those I've asked for be allowed to stay behind and l will work on new technologies to help Earth to take their rightful place as Guardians". Responded Antony
It was Loriens turn to take centre stage. "Antony your true moment hasn't come yet. We need you to stay behind when we have finished here and finally moved on to see our loved ones and friends. We know you can do it Antony you just have to look at US". Lorien stopped mid sentence and turned and looked into the crystal.
Antony closed his eyes and saw what had all of Loriens concentration. "My old friend you have nothing to worry about they won't find the ship your building. I've increased the temporal barriers effect around your meditation chamber and while you're away they can't get in no more".
The crystal slowly turned into the image from Loriens and Antony's mind. Showing the dark red colour of hyperspace with some mild plasma storms in the vast distance.
Lorien looked round at Antony and bowed his head, it was at that moment they all new something else was wrong. Everyone in the chamber closed there eyes and focused on what had made Lorien to loose focus.
"My old friend it's the memorial complex I made SO long ago to Mark the dead of all our people due to the hand. It was armed that peace has a price and to keep peak some most pay. IIt doesn't mean we can't mourn those that passed or forget what they did. So this place was built as a none fixed point drifting memorial".informed Antony
"Look beyond the Tomb Star, Antony. See the Vasculm those genetically engineered creature of war I thought we had seen the last of them. The Hand used those things last time to distract us from something else". stated Dragnor of The Lordship.
"Yes I saw that my wise friend look beyond that you will see it hasn't gone unnoticed. I've dispatched Prince Stewart he's commanding the EAS Triad and her battle group. The EAS Triad is a sister ship to the Excalibur. You have no need to fear for the safety of the Memorial". Informed Antony
Prince Steuart most have thought the Vasculm was to close to the Memorial. ESA Black Prince a Royal Oak Assault Dreadnought moved slightly away from the fleet then suddenly turned on the Vasculm firing a full broadside into it.
The Vasculm turned in Anger on the Black Prince. This Vasculm was different from those seen hundreds of thousands of years ago.
Antony raised his hand and pointed at the Vasculm. They all noticed what worried Antony the Vasculm gun ports remained closed.
"Antony to Prince Stuart responds. Disengage from further attacks l repeats cease all attacks".
"Confirmation of stand down order. We will hold back incase we maybe still needed. Steuart out Father".
Kooshkan of the Mindriders looked towards the Vasculm and it stopped not from pain put of its own free will.
"The Vasculms name is Zhan da doom. She is the last of her kind. Her mate died protecting her she just wants to live and not as a slave. She knew this place held great sadness what was tied to her species. She now calls herself the memorial Guardian".
"Kooshkan can you ask Zhan da doom if her mate was attacked by local forces. If so they will be easier to find. If she could tell us were it happened we may be able to help". Asked Antony.
Kooshkan looked straight at Antony "I didn't want us to die but were tret like slaves I know much and I'm willing to share everything as long as we become free. It was our creators who turned On US. They killed my last browed they murdered them all". Kooshkan looked and shock its head.
"Is everything ok old friend. You don't sound yourself". Asked Lorien.
"This is Zhan da doom. Kooshkan allowed me to speak to you all so you would know that I was hiding nothing from you all I just miss my mate so much".
"Zhan da doom this is Lorien we will see what can be done. Your species time maybe at an end but with all that are present here we should be able to think of something".
"She told us no lies and believe me doing that to my people is impossible. She left after Loriens touching words Zhan da doom couldn't take no more it was making her relive the brutal attacks". Responded Kooshkan
"Kooshkan please inform Zhan da doom we are so sorry for her loss and for having to relive it all for us. However we will do what we can to help her". Advised Antony.
"Cleo my darling daughter".
"Yes father if you want your Thrown ship she is so very close by she always listens for you she misses you so very much. Just like we all do Father and we all know you can't leave Earth yet".
"Thank you Cleo you're so right as always. Now let's see how she handles after all these years. I know she's always close by I can hear her songs when I'm at rest. She reminds me of the Dark days and the times of light. Plus of the events still to come the Horror and Great pride and joy in everyone". Informed Antony.
Antony went into a deep meditation to search for his old ship. Once his mind touched the Original Thrown Ship it started to power up everything sensing the many possible commands what were to come.
"Hello Your Majesty it's good to feel your safe and well. I can feel your pain who has hurt you that you need this humble servants help once more". Asked the Thrown Ship.
"Do you remember the Vasculm as we have found the very last one alive? She's asking for the combined help of all the First Ones but deep down she wants my help more than that of the others. She says they were betrayed, she would like us to save her mate and her last brood and as many others as we possibly can. There masters and creators used them as toys to kill us and distract US from other matters. Remember we lost contact with four of there fleets of The Hand. Zhan da doom claims to know were these locations are and will give us them all if we do that favour". Explained His Majesty.
"You wish me to help them so I most guess you wish me to travel through time and then capture and Snare them?"
"Yes capture and secure Zhan da doom's mate, her last brood and as many others you can safely carry. However as Queen Zha da doom was there Alpha Leader capturing others they will follow her orders without complaint. Can you do all what I have asked of you and return safe and well plus fully intact"?
"As you order it will be done. I'm a lot stronger now than when you were last aboard. Vasculm sensors can no longer detect this ship. They will Survive I have never failed you and I wont now". Stated the Thrown ship before moving of faster than the speed light.
"Good luck" was the last thing Antony said to his Thrown Ship before it entered a temporal Vortex.
"Thank you again Cleo I can see how much she's grown. Cleo you know as she does when it's time to go you most take her with you. On the odd chance she refuses then she most head to Tidestone were she can look after the Human race still".
Cleo smiled back with such warmth towards her Father. Who she missed so very deeply Cleo knew as long as Earth needed him he would remain to protect them.
Kooshkan, Dragnor and Verovkhan looked at each other waiting to see who are what would speak next.
"Antony I've managed to calm Zhan da doom down. She won't harm us or even betray us she wants her species to live. She would also like to thank you for your efforts to save her species. For that she wishes to declare her full loyalty to you first and Earth second no matter the out come".Responded kooshkhan.
"Thank you kooshkhan for your help their. I can see that you have something on your mind and as do Dragnor and Verovkhan. Do tell me what is up my old friends?" Asked Antony.
"We have noticed something that's all". Responded Verovkhan.
"Well then my friends what have you all noticed and can I shed any light on the matter". Enquired Antony
"Have our sensor seen correctly Earth have now established themselves in seven other Galaxies including the one you call Tidestone". Responded Dragnor.
"Yes your seniors are correct we have established ourselves in seven further Galaxies. One of the side missions back home was to make ready for Galaxy settling programs. After the automated signal proved the catapult drive system worked we sent out another six expeditions within seventy-two hours of the Tidestone deployment signal. So we now AIM to send a new settlement force out every sixteen to twenty months. What can be very hard to keep to? As we need to keep sending more personnel sadly before we took action against the Drakh I was forced into stopping more Galaxies for now being colonized".
"Well Antony you have done much now to safe guard the Human race and many others younger races who Humans may never meet any more. You have made many great wonders some of which we never did and that includes my own people". Responded Lorien who had kept quiet for some time.
"The Question is how you developed the technology to travel to other Galaxies. As you can't use the knowledge you helped develop while as a Guardian Father". Quizzed Cleo.
"We use technologies l developed for my first hyperspace test flight. Plus what we gained from the Passatwar what makes it so very much easier to travel too other Galaxies. Without that we would still be colonizing other Galaxies but we would be more reliant on local Galaxies close to our home Galaxy".Responded Antony.
All those present turned and looked straight at Antony. "Father but aren't you the one that helped the Passatwar, lkarians and many more cultures to develop those advanced technologies". Asked Cleo
"Yes Cleo I did help them and in some cases encouraged them to move in certain directions. The only race I never helped was the early Civilizations of Earth. As they had no need of my help they needed help to keep their nightmares at bay. The inmates in the Shadows Hell prison could influence the Human race. However the Humans would need to be asleep to be influenced and there they would see things to help them grow technologically". Responded Antony.
"Father Do you mean they grew stronger due to fear or is it from inspiration only". Asked Cleo in a rather stunned tone.
"Yes Cleo from those dark places the prisoners educated the early Humans who grew more in stature by the day". Replied Antony.
Antony started to smile "looks like my connection to my Thrown ship hasn't weakened over time she's arrived in the time zone and location and has started searching now".
"Well Antony can your Thrown Ship really find Zhan da doom's mate and the rest".
Asked Kooshkan in a very puzzled tone.
"Well my friends my thrown ship has found them. The Hand has crippled Zhan da doom herself the others she spoke of haven't been killed. What Zhan da doom really saw was my Thrown ship engaging the Hands New Secret ships. The Hand vessels suffered the same fate as all the others". Stated Antony with great pride.
Meanwhile across the city in the Royal Chamber. Princess Sophie was chuckling to herself. "People please we have finally sorted out what companies will be best to help out the Drakh people. So now can we attest try defence people. As soon as we get that sorted can adjourn for dinner" stated her highness.
Newly promoted Marshal Jhandral former fleet Warlord just looked at everyone in the Room and wondered "were these all willing members did some suffer through folly like my own people did".
Princess Sophie started to laugh mainly to her self. But it was noticed by everyone who was watching her. "Your highness is everything ok" asked Jhandral in a rather puzzled tone.
Sophie looked at Jhandral and smiled. Then for a brief moment looked as if she was in deep thought.
"Jhandral my Father thinks that you are a key and you were needed for the adventures yet to come. Doesn't worry those around us have been slowed down in times I can speak to you. All you have to do is think what you wish to say and I will know so please keep your thoughts on the here and now".
"Has all the races present suffered the same fate as my own race and become slaves".
"We came due to the crimes of your people attacking my Father. Every race here somehow started a war with Earth all except the Brakiri who have formally became members of the Earth Alliance. They have paved the way for some other races close to Earth Alliance Space to want alliances with us and some have gone further and asked for protectorate status. So no each or different as we spared your species for the greater good".
"The greater good. What do you Humans know about the greater good?"
"That Jhandral is why we are here and you still live and breathe. Your ship had so many holes in it your ship should have run out of air but you didn't. When you work that out you will have your answers and the meaning of the greater good. I can't slow back time any longer as time outside the room is still moving on as normal".
Jhandral cleared his throat what got everyone's attention. "Your Royal Highness I would gladly hope that you respect my wishes on this matter. I request that my command fleet or I should say what remains of it to be up graded last. After all it's for the greater good and I don't wish people to think because of my change in uniform my beliefs would change".
"Well Jhandral I will make sure your orders will be passed over to the Chief Quartermaster for this Sector. Jhandral before I forget you do know that you're the Senior Officer in this region now. Orders of the Joint chef of Staff back home on Earth. We also understand that their is several major powers in this region what may by and take advantage of the change in government and defence forces".
"Yes Jhandral what repercussions will we have for taking control of the Drakh Federation". Asked Supreme Marshall Rommel.
"For that only time can answer as we haven't been attacked for nearly a thousand of your Human years". Replied Jhandral.
Mean while across the galaxy on Vorlonous. The Vorlon people in whole felt a presence in hyperspace from their dark past.
Tashnon, the new Vorlon Leader, was very angry at what he was seeing. Like all his people, they saw this new threat and new it's name. "These Humans harm our plans for the game. Now they cheat by bringing the forbidden weapons of war back to haunt our path of light and order."
A feeling of mass support around the council chamber filled the air. Vorlons in general hated anything and everything to do with the Hand. These Vooshkhan were of a different form of hatred that was very rarely shown and never in such numbers.
Tral'Vot, a former leader of the Vorlon people from the dark days, when the Hand walked freely in this dimension, spoke up. "Quiet! We must be careful of what we decide now. Our own actions could turn US into outcasts like the Hand. Do you want to set a way to be alone and in time, driven insane from revenge? Remember my words or we all will suffer if you don't."
Tavmor, a young Vorlon and supporter of the new Order, shrieked and discharged energy to make sure he was heard.
"The Voice of the old days needs to learn that we live in the here and now. Our actions now make our future."
"Yes, I have to agree; as long as those actions are caused by events from the here and now. We see the creatures. They are here and now, so we must act now, not later."
Valchon was a very well liked Vorlon, even though he supported the more aggressive side of the Vorlon Species. Valchon knew he had total control through fear alone. Gathering his thoughts, he then waved his tentacles to get everyone's attention. Once he had it, he spoke.
"Then if they wish to cheat, we should wipe these pitiful Humans out once and for all. We stayed behind like the others, due to our part in Earth's past, even if it wasn't through our wishes. We won't allow them to hunt us down. They can best our ships, so we need time now to grow. When we have grown in numbers and redesigned our fleet again, we will act..." Valchon stopped in mid-sentence to weigh up the council before he continued. "We will gain revenge for all of our people who have died. When the dark hand of Z'ha'dum stretches forward again, we will act and strike them down. We we shall attack their home world first."
Ulkesh didn't like what he was hearing, and once he heard enough, he spoke up.
"Must we go down the road of destruction? Do not forget with such great ease; they managed to destroy the prototype weapon ship. They also managed to destroy both our ships and the Minbari ships, with little damage to their own. If you wish the game to end, then so be it. You know Kosh is not here, and that all the First Ones were summoned by the Human king. He knows what Humans are supposed to be and how important they are for life to exist. Without them, everything would change. We would change as well, if we do what you want us to do, Valchon."
The other Vorlons knew Ulkesh had spoken the truth. Kosh was among the most regarded and respected of all their species.
"Defend Kosh you have tried, and in many ways more Vorlons should have gone with Kosh to demand answers for their actions." Replied Valchon in a rather scoring tone.
"The Minbari are strong, but they are not what are needed to halt these Humans. They have now defeated the mighty Centauri Republic and the Drakh Federation. Soon they will fear nothing. The only real strong young race left are the Orieni. We must send forward a delegation to the home world of the Orieni and convince them to make ready for war. They will set the time they need to mass produce everything. We will see what advances we can send as gifts as well." Stated a rather proud Tashnon.
The room lit up with the sudden presence of Kosh.
"Enough!" He roared.
Everyone in the room fell silent. They knew Kosh was very angry at them all. Kosh scanned the chamber in his normal green with yellow tinted encounter suit. This two tone color effect made it look organic in nature. It was as if his encounter suit was like Kosh's own ship; made from his DNA.
"You have FAILED!" Stated Kosh in the most enraged tone they had ever heard him use. "We are the guardians, shepherds for the younger races. We we have failed only once before, and that failure still haunts us today. We in our pride allowed the Hand to return. If you seek redemption, then leave the Humans alone. They will remove the Hand as a threat when they return next time. Don't worry about the Vooshkhan. The last one of its kind asked for all our help. In return they will work with the Humans against the Hand themselves." Stated Kosh in his normal proud tone of voice.
"How dare you speak on behalf of so many when you know just what harm they can do? You have the nerve to tell us to stay calm and not to worry. You give them to a race that has been taught by the Hand for revenge you're the one who has failed, Kosh. I thought one day you would fail, but not on this level" Tashnon paused to listen to the shreiks of support he had. They were not as strong as before, but enough for his own agenda.
"Listen, Kosh, to the sound of total failure." Taunted Tashnon in a very demeaning tone.
"Tashnon, you will fail. The others have seen too, and what they will do will damage the greater game." Replied Kosh.
"You're too late, Kosh. I've already dispatched an inquisitor to Orieni. I gave the order before this council meeting was declared. If that's all, I will leave you to your failure, knowing that your mistake will kill our species off." Tashnon said with great disrespect before disappearing in a bright white light, leaving behind his red encounter suit with blue tints.
The Inquisitors ship was a standard green transport vessel, shaped in the design of an Earth squid. It was moving through hyperspace, feeding on the energies found there. The transport knew it was being watched, but by whom it wasn't fully sure. Far too many were taking an interest in it and it's mission.
"Pilot, I must inform you that we have been detected by another ancient race. My concern is that I don't know which one has seen us, but they are tracking us fully."
"Then, ship, you should increase speed to make sure they don't try to stop us in our goal. Make sure to plot a slightly faster course, but make sure you have all you need in nutrients before you act on my orders" Stated Sebastian before he closed his eyes and meditated on the matters ahead.
Tashnon was alone in his office of leadership, debating over what had gone on in the chamber of power, when a very rarely seen gold with black tint Vorlon entered the office in his encounter suit.
"Mor'kash, what do I owe you for your surprise visit? You are the head of our military forces. This this must be very important." Greeted Tashnon.
"I came to save our race and redeem our species from the hated Shadows and the Hand. These humans won't bother us if we follow through with your idea. If we attack Earth now, Tashnon, we will prevail. The Oreini will be able to finish off the rest of the Humans and we can then end the game with the others with victory" Replied Mor'kash in a very commanding tone.
"Well, then, prove to me that your plan won't fail. We will need to produce a new warship with greater mass than our heavy cruiser and no less than triple the heavy cruiser fire power. If you fail you will stand down. Admiral, there is no other option" Replied Tashnon in his arrogant taunting voice.
"As you said, you have given permission for the Oreini to attack Earth. Also, I was working on your plan that you brought to the council chambers, Tashnon. So if I fail, we both have failed. This is a joint agreement from us both." Replied Mor'kash.
"Then recall as many heavy cruisers and light cruisers. Make a full battle fleet of two thousand units if not more, Admiral." Replied Tashnon.
"It will be ready in a few hours to launch. I keep three fleets on home world all the time in case a foolish visitor gets that close." Stated Mor'kash.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the galaxy, on the so- called dead world of Z'ha'dum, the two Shadow guardians watched in amusement when the Vorlons sent an envoy to the Oreini home world.
"They are so foolish, thinking the others won't help the Humans. In the end it always comes down to them. If we had been wrong so long ago, could the others have been right after all?" the first guardian Shadow asked rhetorically.
"We will soon find out. Then we won't worry. We have never been wrong in the past, so keep the faith and follow the ancient journey. The end is in sight and we will still win this debate." answered the second Shadow guardian.
Meanwhile, back on Vorlonous, Mor'kash had prepared the two fleets for their journey to Earth. The Vorlon fleets started to rise from the surface of Vorlonous, only to be met with a ship phasing into orbit. Alarms started going off everywhere and in orbit. Orbital defences came online and started targeting the ancient ship.
"Vorlon fleet, stand down. Your ships and home world will be destroyed if you enter hyperspace for Earth. Vorlon warships, stand down your weapons. This is your last warning. My sole purpose is to protect Earth and its Alliance worlds. You can try your weapons at your own risk." Demanded the Earth Throne ship.
Mor'kash, in surprise to the sudden arrival, then sent out a warning to the ancient race from Vorlonous.
Tashnon didn't like being ordered about by his own people, never mind from a ship of Earth. "Mor'kash, lock weapons on that ship and send them a warning from the gods. Fire on that vessel like we would any intruder in our space."
Mor'kash turned to look upon Tashnon and tilted his head of his encounter suit. "Fleet command, fire all weapons under order of Tashnon".
The Throne ships' sensors had picked up the weapons charging and raised their own defense screens, locking weapons on to the nearest Vorlon orbital object. The Vorlon weapons fire struck the Throne ships. Very heavy shields and the weapons fire was redirected at the nearest orbital structure. The orbital object was overwhelmed with sheer Vorlon friendly fire.
Then the Throne ship fired upon the rising Vorlon fleet and orbital defense grid. It was chosen only to cripple or warn the Vorlons. "You have been warned. This ship is older than your own species. Your weak attack will only cause more damage on your world's defences. You have failed. Stand down." Upon ending the last message, the Throne ship just faded away, not heading for hyperspace.
The Vorlon ships that had reached orbit opened jump points and entered hyperspace, searching for this mysterious Earth ship. Their ships moved in all directions from Vorlonous for several Earth hours in no avail, and in the end returned to the hanger bays to feed and regenerate.
Before Tashnon had a chance to get any angrier and to try and lash out at Mor'kash, there was a bright white flash in Tashnon's office.
"Earth is off limits to all of the First Ones. Don't deny it, child" Stated the Guardian who stood in front of them both. "That Throne ship was built for the strongest Technomage the universe has seen in a long time."
"You're not needed here, Guardian. So leave now." Replied Tashnon.
"That ship that you attacked is much older than your race, so searching for it will be a fatal mistake. You have been warned regarding Earth. The ship that was just here will watch you and act with deadly force if you act against Earth. The mission to the Oreini we can't stop, but if Earth stands after the Oreini actions, you will have only one ally left. Don't scorn your chances to survive." Explained the Guardian in a way a parent talks down to a naughty child.
Meanwhile, on the Drakh home world, in the great chamber, Lorien slowly turned and faced Antony and smiled. "My old friend, you're still keeping secrets from us all. Why have you really helped the Vooshkhan?"
"As I've already said: to lead the Vorlons and Shadows to the conclusion that we the Human race have become mind slaves to the Hand. That would make them hate and resent the Humans more. Only a few Vorlons know the truth." Explained Antony.
Lorien looked at Antony with a very wise glare and then Lorien smiled. "That's a very brave thing to do, bringing the two of them together to unite against Earth."
"Yes, it's a risk, but we have to force them into remembering why they are still here. We can hold it against them or we could act in defence of our people and systems. The younger races need to stand on their own now, and as for the shepherds ,well what I can say about them?" Smiled Antony, looking at the other First Ones.
"You've always been foolish and extremely kind hearted. It's a Human trait that you have in abundance, my old friend." Stated Verovkhan of the Walkers, whose enlarged stone head just floated. His eyes were of fire. Antony always wondered if that's where that phrase came from.
"I'm sorry, it's time. I have other duties to take care of. The temporal field will soon fail, so I must start leaving, but I will seek your combined council again at some point in the future, my friends." With that, Antony turned away from the First Ones and started to walk to the entrance arch to the great chamber.
Several hours had passed since Kosh had returned to Vorlonous to calm his people down. Antony had had enough of the constant debate about his plans and hopes for saving and redeeming the Shadows and Vorlons. The only First One race he had long since give up all hope of saving was the Hand. Their race was made of pure hatred, and anger ran through their bodies at a genetic level. Their thirst for destruction and death powered their bodies like a fierce of energy that kept them from dying out.
The young Drakh soldiers Antony had walked past earlier were still there in the same area as they had been earlier in the day when Antony passed on his way to the holy chamber. They clung to the afternoon shadows caused by the multi-story buildings in the capital. Their glowing red eyes gave them away when they tried to hide in the Shadows. The Drakh leader walked over to Antony, hoping he wouldn't frighten him. He was of the reptilian variant that had stately horns coming from his head and curving slightly. Like all Drakh he had passed, he wore a very similar dark grey cloak with a hood. As the Drakh officer got closer the other Drakh, they lifted their hoods so they could have a better view of the Human.
"Human, I need to speak with you, if you will be so kind." He requested In perfect basic Interlac.
"You can ask me anything. What do you need to know?" asked Antony with a slight smirk on his face.
"Why did you save my people? You could have destroyed us or turned us into your people's slaves." Asked the young Drakh officer.
"Simply put, I see great potential in your people." Replied Antony.
"That's not what your teachers would have done if they had managed so long ago to beat our military and conquer our worlds." Replied the Drakh officer.
Antony started to laugh and the Drakh officer looked at Antony with confusion.
"If you mean the Centauri, they are not our teachers. They attacked us and we taught them a very costly lesson. The price of attacking me was a very foolish mistake on their behalf. That is also a reason why we stopped the attacks on your people. We had found proof that it wasn't your Government who ordered the attacks on my life. Also, many of your leaders claimed me to be some kind of a god to your people and the saviour to all that stands for life." Replied Antony.
"Yes, to some, but now how do you save lives when you kill?" demanded the Officer to the support of his gang of Drakh who were moving closer to hear what was being said.
"I only ordered my guns to fire once I'd been fired upon or if those that threaten us with harm can follow through on their threats and do harm and then I do all I can to save the lives of my crew and the attacker." Retorted Antony. He stopped walking and looked at the young Drakh officer and smiled.
"Did that answer your questions and everything you wanted to know, or is there something else you want from me?" Asked Antony in a warm caring tone, knowing full well there was still another hidden question.
"Yes, great one. What chance do my friends and I have to become a part of your personal honor guard?"
"You and your troop can join tomorrow. However, if that's not soon enough, you may follow me and I will introduce you to my household guard commander. We will see when she can get all of your introduction teams readied for your combined training."
"That's soon. I never thought you would have our kind so close to you and your family. What they say about you is very true. You are the First, aren't you?"
"I'm surely not. The title of Life Giver might suit me better. That can be traced back to me. My first flight was sabotaged by followers of the Shadows. When my flight returned to normal space, the energy released started the cycle of life."
"Great One, you give us too high of an honor. We can't accept it until we all say how deeply we regret our actions earlier." Over a period of time, each of the Drakh took turns to say they were sorry in their own way to the Human king.
"You have no need to apologize to me. The road to forgiveness is made from learning from your past mistakes. You have nothing now to fear, except one thing: your new training." said Antony graciously as he encouraged them to follow him.
They walked in silence, picking up more of Drakh troops along the way. By the time they had reached the military garrison, there were close to thirty eight thousand Drakh. The Drakh commanding officer finally gave over his name and rank.
"Great One, about my rank: you never asked what it was, nor my name. My rank of Master of the Blood is a general of your special operations, I think. My name is Voudor. In basic Interlac, it means Long Sword." Stated Voudor with great pride.
Brigadier Shnos, a Sh'Lassen female officer, came walking out of a fortified building with her blond hair flowing in the breeze. The building Shnos emerged from was covered in security cameras and automated defence weapons over the building's roof.
Shnos looked very angry. She really was, even though a Sh'Lassen smiled they looked angry. Due to the fact they had cat like facial characteristics, the closest resemblance to Earth cats were lions.
"Your majesty, have you been harmed by these Drakh?" asked Shnos, baring her teeth to the Drakh.
"No, Shnos. I haven't been harmed. You spoke with such distrust and hatred, Brigadier. Meet acting General Voudor. Once he has finished your training with you Shnos, he will be officially promoted to Brigadier General. I would like you to treat my Drakh escort with respect. I want them put through special operations training. That will also include combat ship training." Stated his majesty.
Shnos snapped to attention and saluted his Majesty. She glanced and nodded at Voudor. "Sire, do you wish them to be trained to standard and to new joint Human standard?"
"Yes, Shnos. You will learn more from each other than you will know. Right now, listen, trust and learn."
Antony waved Shnos on to get on with the tasks and orders she had been verbally given moments ago. Then he looked back once more at Voudor then spoke again.
"General Long Sword, welcome home. May your new job bring everything and more than what you're looking for."
Long Sword jumped to attention and swung his left arm to his face in an attempt to simulate Human military salute. "Thank you, Great One." Long Sword's dark eyes started glisten from the joy and happiness he was feeling.
To Antony's and Shnos's shock, the Drakh who were in front of them started to undress, peeling off their old clothes. Shnos spoke up first. "Stop undressing. I don't need to see you all naked. In my culture, I can only see my life partner naked, and you're not my type. Also, my pleasure threshold will be destroyed."
Antony started to laugh and Long Sword just looked shocked at Shnos.
Antony looked at all the Drakh, trying to stop laughing. "Long Sword, I don't really know how to put this in the right way for Shnos. All I can say is that every male who undressed fully would, in Shnos's culture, would make your life partners."
Long Sword looked at Shnos. "Shnos, you have nothing to worry about. We will keep our under clothes on. They are all that we have of our own. We only removed our military uniforms."
Antony saluted Shnos and wished her all his best luck. Then, starting to head to his office, Antony was very keen to find out how the rest of the day had been, and to find out if he had picked wisely and the right member of his family Princess Sophie to look after the former Drakh Federation.
Sophie was sitting behind what she thought was her father's desk. "So, my dearest daughter, how did you find that meeting? Sorry, Sophie, for leaving you in the lurch."
"It's all right, father. I had a feeling you would have to go. I could feel them myself and those numbers meant either you or I had to see them. I would be playing catch up with all of those First Ones."
"This world will be your capital and the Drakh Federation is now yours to do with as you see best as Regent. You answer to me and the joint Earth Governments. I will be changing that when I return home."
"What do you mean father? What are you going to change?"
"Parliament and the Senate will now answer to the Privy council. Both will have ten members each while each regent will have a voice in the Privy Council, plus the fifteen members of the Royal family. They will vote for a leader and the Privy council leader will inform me of their decisions, so I can take a break once in a while. Don't worry, Sophie. Nothing is wrong. I'm just looking after everyone's best interests, that's all."
Sebastian sat in mediation, listening to his transport singing to him. He was fully aware that they had crossed into Oreini space. "Ship, how long until we reach orbit of Orenia? Are we still being monitored?"
"We will arrive in 6.34 hours at present speed and course. Yes, we are still being monitored, but at a reduced rate."
"Pilot, we are being hailed from a very unexpected source. It's a Shadow envoy, heading to Orenia. They say their mission is the same as ours and I believe if we arrived together, it will prove our point to them faster. They await confirmation."
"Well, the Shadow envoy may be right. Send my proposal and request a location and time of arrival and send them our present heading and speed. Once they reply, ship, readjust our heading and speed and estimate the time of our arrival."
Moments later the ship's voice came back to life. "We will arrive in 7.38 hours. Our speed and course is adjusted from previous heading."
Just over 7.3 hours later, the transport's early warning proximity alarms started to sound, bringing Sebastian out of his mediation.
"Ship, inform the Shadow fighter that we greet them for the greater good: the fall of our true enemy, the Hand."
Both vessels returned to normal space through the Vorlon jump point. This event was sending shock waves through both ships, but they obeyed their pilot.
Throughout Orenia, air raid sirens were being heard, all due to the fact that a single Shadow fighter was in Orenia's orbit. Worse still, they were both in geo-stable orbit above Ravencrow, the capital city and home to Hawkness tower, the Oreini military command center.
"Pilot, inform Hawkness tower command that we have come to enlist the help of the great Oreini. They suffered a plague that forced two enemies to help each other to beat this threat. So we both request landing permission."
There was no reply at first. "Ship, inform the Shadow fighter it may have to leave."
On the surface of Orenia, those in the Hawkness Tower stood in shock. They heard forty Oreini officers of different ranks up to the watch commander swarm captain Talon who just stood there.
Talon was a bird-like Oreini, with a brown curved beak. Slightly behind the beak was where the nostrils were located. The Oreini eyes were more feline than avian, with sticky upswept ears covered in fine feathers. Most had shoulder long hair for both male and female. Both sexes had chest feathers, but with different colors. Males had bright pretty chest colors and females had dark and less pronounced. Oreini, for some reason only they knew, wore only trunks indoors. The only time an Oreini was fully dressed was outdoors or when in military action.
Talon sat on an elevated central pedestal with computer screens all-round it. Spreading out from the central pedestal was a multi-level chamber. Each level had eight sub area's each sub area was responsible for a unique function. These levels knew everything that was going on in Oreini planets and colonies, space and hyperspace.
Talon gathered his sensors fast. "Communication officer, send a reply to the Vorlon vessel, giving permission for both vessels to land at the lower external hanger for security reasons. A guard team will greet you all and escort you to the council military chamber." Ordered Talon
Talon leaned forward and pressed a button that connected straight through to the military council. "Swarm Captain Talon, this better be good or you won't get your feathers back." Stated Swarm Attack General Vultorn.
"Yes, it's important. It's very important. Two Vorlon ships have entered orbit and have requested permission to -" Before Talon had a chance to finish, Vultorn interrupted him.
"That's what you call important?! I will have you out of military service for wasting my time! I knew you weren't up to that job."
"If you let me finish, Vultorn, you will see. You might have taken my command rank from me, but in the end I will have revenge. A Vorlon ship escorted by a Shadow fighter wishes to land and speak."
It was now Vultorn who went quiet, knowing that in their history those two races had always been enemies. "Talon, what have they said?"
"Only that they need our help against an enemy that's making them work together."
"Have guards dispatched to greet them and bring them to us straight away. It looks like you were right. You will get your revenge on me for this."
"Orders have already been sent and both ships have now started their descent to the arranged landing platform."
Sebastian looked in awe at the size of the Hawkness tower, thinking back to his home planet Earth and being amazed by its overall size. "Ship, is their building known to the Vorlons?" Sebastian started looking at the base of the tower. He knew from memory that the base of the tower was even bigger than his home island of United Kingdom of Great Britain back on Earth.
Sebastian stood up once the transport landed and started to walk towards the doorway. Once he reached the door, the wall of the ship started to open up and create a ramp for him to walk down. Sebastian was dressed in a black Victorian Gentlemen's suit, with a top hat and with an elaborately carved walking cane. He tilted his head as a sign of respect towards the Oreini Guard while they awaited for the Shadow envoy to disembark his fighter.
The Shadow fighter opened up to reveal a Drakh, who was dressed in dark green robe, which covered it's whole body, except it's head. He had deep bright red eyes and a scaley white head.
After nearly ten minutes of security checks, the Drakh stated his name: Xaldrac. A half an hour later, Sebastian and Xaldrac stood in front of the Oreini military council and the civil leaders sat there in the shadows of the darkened room.
"Honored emissary, explain why you brought a Shadow servant to our world." a voice from the darkness coldly demanded.
"We have a shared threat from long ago. The threat is called the Hand and they have a thrall race called Humans. They have defeated the Centauri Republic in just under two weeks and then the Drakh Federation who curtailed to them and serve the Humans willingly." Explained Sebastian.
"We heard of the Centauri defeat and we have increased our patrols along those borders." Replied a female voice from the shadows this time.
"We will help. For the first time in our history, we both will share technology to create a new breed of Oreini ships. Even with your ability to mass produce powerful fleets fast, we both think it will take you a minimum of twenty years of production. The Earth Alliance has the largest fleet anywhere. You will need these numbers and then maybe even more to beat them back." Stated Xaldrac in a slurred tone.
Sebastian tapped his cane to bring light to where there was darkness in the room. "As a team and with the best of both Shadow and Vorlons, the very best that your people have will beat Earth."
SO VERY SORRY FOR THE DELAY IN THIS UPDATED CHAPTER. HOPE YOU LIKE IT. AS NORMAL, FEEL FREE TO POST REVIEWS AND MESSAGE ME WITH QUESTIONS.
MANY THANKS TO MY BETA, SUSAN HILTON