The contorted corpse of Vaebn, formerly Major Talok, went into the diagnostic chamber. The man had been discovered to be an agent for the Romulan Empire and was captured by the EarthForce marines who fought on Andoria. Doctor Jeremy Lucas would have liked to discuss his findings with his friend, Dr. Phlox, but the Enterprise was en route to Ardana at the moment, with a detour through Coridan space. He looked up when the doors into the Columbia's sickbay slid open. Captain Erika Hernandez and General James Smits entered still discussing the recent battle over Andoria.

"…we trusted you to keep the prisoner alive for interrogation, Captain."

Erika sighed as if it was something that Smits had already said before. Jeremy thought that might actually be the case.

"General, we could not have predicted that there was an agent among us, ready to kill Vaebn." She gestured towards Jeremy. "I believe that Dr. Lucas can explain what happened."

Jeremy took up a computer tablet from a table though he did not need to review the notes. "Captain. General. Vaebn appeared to suffer from a direct pulse of electromagnetic waves to the lower cortex of his brain, effectively ceasing any neural output, killing him." The corpulent doctor paused to let that sink in before continuing. "Several marks were found on his body. They can be compared to, oh say, jellyfish stings. Based on the little genetic evidence left at the scene, I can surmise that it was through a similar tentacle-like extremity. But curiously, the DNA I recovered appears to have the ability to blend in with its surroundings. Quite extraordinary."

That brought something up in Erika's mind. "Like Suliban DNA?"

"Not quite." Jeremy pressed a button, bringing a genetic schematic up on a screen. The schematic was split in two for comparison between a Suliban DNA and another DNA. "The Cabal Sulibans consciously had their body blend with the surroundings or become another humanoid body but their DNA remains constant. This particular DNA effortlessly blends in as if it has inherent chameleon abilities. When I added a sample of Human DNA to a sample of this, the DNA immediately imitated it, becoming Human. Whatever species this DNA belongs to, they've perfected the techniques of cellular metamorphosis, and may be capable of rearranging their own cellular structures to imitate any person or object of similar size and mass. Like I said, it's quite extraordinary."

General Smits' eyes were on the screen showing a scan of Vaebn's body. "And that…creature killed the Vulcan?"

"Yes. It is as if a creature that combined the qualities of an eel, an Irukandji box jellyfish and a chironex fleckeri jellyfish attacked Vaebn." Jeremy frowned. "Also, there's something odd about Vaebn's genes, but it must be because of whatever the creature did to him." Jeremy pursed his lips and added, "I wonder what the creature was. Though I'd like to examine it, I shudder to think there's one hiding among us."

"And working for the Romulans," added Smits with a scowl.

Gamma Virginis System

Romulan-occupied Pvarto

Seen from Earth, the binary star system of Gamma Virginis looked like a pill glowing in the blackness of space. Admiral Valdore and the Romulans who came from their battle at Andoria would not find their stellar medicine here.

Least of all, Admiral Lasus.

Lasus became aware of the light, first, filling his opening eyes. Light. That meant something to Lasus. Thinking was new to him. I can think. I means me. Pain came next, the memory of raging fire.

With aching muscles, he heaved himself over, pushed up to a sitting position in a bed. Through a window, Lasus could see squat buildings rising from a cold snow-covered land. His room was in a high story of a tall building.

Where was he?

After a while, he said, "My name is Lasus, son of Mezen." More memory crashed back into his head like a lead ball, and he groaned. "Andoria," he whispered to himself. He looked at the land and city blanketed by snow beyond the window. "Is this Andoria?"

"No."

Lasus turned at the voice. Admiral Valdore came through an open door. "This is Pvarto."

"Pvarto?" For a moment, Lasus was puzzled. "But the fleets, we were attacking Andoria. We…." The rest of memory flooded back then, leaving his mouth hanging open. In his mind, he saw the boxy EarthForce ships blasting into Romulan ships with their powerful cannons. He licked suddenly dry lips. A gust of wind swirled glittering snow crystals past the window, but it was no colder than his heart. Valdore was watching him.

"We lost."

Valdore dipped his head, confirming Lasus' fear. "Ships from our three fleets are still coming to Pvarto. Ael'Riov Galathon is confirmed dead."

After a silent minute, Lasus looked around at the room he was in. "My Honor Blade. Where is it?"

Valdore raised his slanted eyebrows. "Why do you want it?"

Bleakly, Lasus said, "Final Honor."

The bigger and muscular admiral smiled softly. "Erei'riov Chulak would be aggrieved to find that his effort to save you has been a waste."

Lasus was puzzled again. He didn't know what Sub-Commander Chulak had to do with his survival. Valdore supplied the answer.

"Chulak saved you from an assassin." Valdore looked down at his folded hands. "Enarrain Terix now suffers in Areinnye for his troubles."

So Centurion Terix was dead and in Hell. Lasus chuckled mirthlessly as he said, "It would have been better if Terix succeeded."

Valdore frowned. "Why do you seek death?"

"Daise'Khre'Enriov, I seek Final Honor because I have failed my Duty. I have failed the Empire. Many of my soldiers are dead because of me. The Empress is deprived of many ships because of me. My dishonor stains my family." Lasus shuddered. "I think the dishonor is enough for me to become one of the K'manatri."

Valdore's frown deepened. The K'manatri, the Unseen Ones, were Romulan outcasts who have been stripped of rank, title and family. Making up the lowest social caste, they were not acknowledged by any citizen of the Empire. They were lower even than the Reman slaves.

"Only Final Honor would erase the dishonor," added Lasus.

Valdore said sharply, "Suicide is cowardly. A coward's mother does not weep." He lightly fingered the hilt of his own Honor Blade sheathed at the hip. "The Star Empire needs all the skilled commanders it could get. The Empress needs them! Khre'riov Lasus, remember the Virtues of the Way. Remember your courtesy to the Way."

Lasus looked up into Valdore's eyes. He certainly remembered the Virtues, which were the four basic concepts of D'Era taught to every Romulan from womb to tomb. Devotion required loyalty to one's family which strengthened as well as unified the Romulan Star Empire. This required loyalty to the state and willingness to serve as well as obey the law, faithfully. In many ways, it taught Romulan citizens to be patriotic to the Empire. Allegiance was a component of Imperial justice that required the payment of debts, keeping sworn oaths and the performance of all duties that are contracted. As such, it served as the foundation of Romulan life, both private and public. Breaking an act of allegiance was not only a violation of another's rights but a crime against Romulan society itself. Discipline added to the aspect of Allegiance and represented self control as well as self possession along with a dignified view of life. Individuals were expected to form their own destinies and do not put stock in luck. Fidelity was a second further addition to Allegiance which asked for focused determination and perseverance in any circumstances which guided a Romulan's everyday life. It required that the Romulan people were to do whatever is necessary to succeed.

If Lasus understood Valdore's reasoning, departing this life via Final Honor would be a violation of the Virtues. He whispered, "Mnhei'sahe."

Admiral Valdore grunted in satisfaction at Lasus' acceptance. "Now we must do our duty and go to ch'Rihan. We need to apologize to the Empress for the defeat at Andoria."

Lasus' eyes widened at that. Apologize to the Empress! Even a Noble-Born considered having to apologize to the Empress an ultimate humiliation, the more so if one was denied death afterwards and had to continue to live with the public embarrassment. It was opposite to being allowed to look at the Empress which was a gift or a boon. It was now too late for him to achieve Final Honor. He sighed. Mnhei'sahe.

"Especially," added Valdore, "since the Empress expected to appoint a Prince of the Blood governor of Andoria."

Lasus wondered how much further he could get with Valdore. To test it, he said, "Is it true that the Empress thinks she's the consort of a god?"

Valdore shifted on his feet. The bedridden admiral could see that he was uncomfortable or uneasy. Romulans worshipped the Elements. Though gods existed in their belief systems, they did not expect them to answer any prayer. For Empress T'Lel IV to think she was a god's consort…. "That's a rumor," answered Valdore finally. "Just a rumor."

"After the…." Lasus shuddered. "…apology, what do we do?"

"Keep fighting the war, of course. It depends on the Empress' orders."

"The defeat at Andoria is bad, Daise'Khre'Enriov. Is it time to bring the Xindi fully into the war as an ally?"

"No," Valdore answered instantly. "They are busy with their three-way civil war and with raiders from the Cardassian Republic. I wouldn't be surprised if the raids are a prelude to a Cardassian invasion of Xindi space. No. It is enough that we are funding one of the Xindi factions and we are getting war materiel like biorifles in return."

"What about these…Cardassians?"

Valdore sniffed in dismissal. "The Vulcans say they're a third-rate power running out of resources while their government is turning totalitarian. If anything, the Xindi will whittle themselves down and then any Xindi-Cardassian war will be a long one of attrition. No. We have other allies. We have agents among our enemies." He frowned as a thought occurred to him. "The enemy captured one of our highly placed agents. Fortunately, a Soul Eater got him."

Lasus shivered. It was not because of Pvarto's cold. "I do not like that code name. T'kal ni narak alat N'garkar ack."

Midday sun, Soul Eater comes.

Valdore said, "But it is apt for the species, no? Anyway, Enarrain Telvor will be at the Twin Homeworlds soon. We will harvest the ship that he reported to have captured in the other universe. I will review what he has captured during our return to ch'Rihan."

Nodding, Lasus laid back down on the bed. "Any report on the Humans' war in the other universe?"

"We will find out soon enough. Rest, Lasus. Tomorrow, we go home." Valdore patted Lasus' hand on the bed. "We will recover from Andoria. But…." He then said under his breath, "From now on, the end of the war is uncertain."

Earth starliner Orion Queen

In Centauri space

A door slid open, revealing a woman bearing a tray. She was dressed in a short dress uniform and her hair was covered in a wimple. There were tearing sounds as she negotiated her shoes' contacts with the Velcro-covered deck. Her walk on the Velcro was halting in the null-gravity environment. Stopping at a wall, she pressed a button which opened a small slot. She slid the tray into the slot and retrieved another tray. The slot closed. The attendant turned and Velcro-stepped to a curving wall.

She stepped up the curving wall and haltingly walked up it until anyone watching would think that she was upside-down. She pressed a button and spoke softly into an intercom panel. A door set into the 'ceiling' slid open, permitting her entrance into the liner's cockpit.

The two pilots and single navigator smiled up at the female attendant who proceeded handing out food packs.

"How's our passengers down below?"

The attendant shrugged. "As well as Centauri could be. Those Royal Guardsmen make me nervous."

"Don't worry. We'll be there soon."

"Where're they going, anyway?"

The captain exchanged a glance with the navigator. "Sorry, that's classified."

The attendant frowned but accepted it. She Velcro-stepped out of the cockpit. The door slid shut on the tearing sounds of her walk.

A beeping sound attracted the navigator's attention. "Captain, we're coming up at the Immolan jumpgate."

The captain-pilot nodded his acknowledgement. He flipped a switch on his console and held his headphone microphone close to his mouth. A ding sounded throughout the passenger liner.

"This is the captain speaking. We are approaching the jumpgate to Immolan V. Once through, we will make our way to Trollo Station where we will disembark for custom checks. Be sure to get a shuttle to Immolan 5. I hear that the Great Temple of Gon deserves its reputation as a tourist attraction. We hope you enjoy the visit! PanTerra thanks you for traveling the friendly lanes! Brace for jump."

Under the clunky-looking pilot section of the globular Earth starliner, a small purple-colored personal craft was attached to the hull like a remora. Inside the craft's cockpit, a Royal Guardsman tensed as a vortex bloomed open in hyperspace.

The Orion Queen came through the jumpgate without a hitch. In the distance, the blue-green jewel of a terrestrial planet hung in space. The small Centauri craft released its clamps from the underside of the liner cockpit section and drifted away before the revolving globe of the liner's main body came in contact. The Human pilot helped by moving the liner upward. That all the acknowledgement that the Humans ever gave in parting.

Once the Guardsman was sure that the craft was beyond the liner's scanner range, he activated the engines and laid in a tangential course away from Immolan V.

A groan came from behind the Guardsman who looked over his shoulder at the sound's source. Another Guardsman, seated beside a seat-bed, glanced down at the bed's occupant. "He's waking up."

Londo Mollari's eyes blinked open.

"Wh-where am I? Am I on a ship?"

The Guardsman said, "Yes."

Londo looked sharply at the soldier. It was customary for such socially inferior men to address Londo as 'my lord' or 'sir.' That the soldier didn't address him this way represented Londo's fall from grace in Centauri society. Londo frowned warily. "I had a heart attack."

"Yes. The Vulcan doctors were quite expert in healing you."

"Do enlighten me, my good soldier: Sick people stay in the hospital, sick bay, wherever there are doctors and nurses, yes? I don't see medical equipment or personnel around so this is not a medical ship, yes? Why am I here?"

"We have orders. The Vulcans had to discharge you."

"Orders?" A chill went through Londo. He remembered how he was caught talking with the Minbari, Sonovar, about the Coalition fleet's movement. He sat up on the bed, took a deep breath and brought his emotions under control. Idly, he marveled at how well he was feeling. Those Vulcan doctors must have been good. "Where am I going?"

In response, the guardsman pointed at a small porthole. Through the window, Londo could see a large warship escorted by three Vorchan-class medium cruisers in front and above and three more Vorchans behind and below the warship. The warship itself was like a Primus but more armed and elegant-looking. Any Centauri would recognize that ship.

The Valerius!

Which meant the Emperor himself was there. Londo gulped.

It turned out that Emperor Turhan had come to the Immolan System in absolute secrecy. The Royal Court always knew exactly where the Emperor was at any given minute of any day, and with whom. Every day except this day.

Inside the Valerius, a high-backed gold and purple-velveted throne was set up on a dais. In front of the dais, six stools had been set in a row. Londo knew that this was unusual. At court, only the Emperor sat. He had heard of certain secret councils where important figures did sit in the Emperor's presence. Needless to say, Londo was excited at the thought of seeing the Emperor in his secret and truest role. At the same time, he was apprehensive. No condemned person is ever brought into a secret council unless that council is to put him on trial.

Londo feared for himself and for House Mollari. If he had the time and resources at this moment, he would contact his friends and allies in the Centaurum and the Royal Court like Urza Jaddo.

Minister Talo Malachi came into the chamber with Lord Kiro.

Maybe there was a hope for Mollari. Malachi was a trusted and dear friend, as well as the Emperor's confidante. But Lord Kiro's presence didn't reassure Londo. House Kiro was a very ancient and noble house which was once a long-lived imperial dynasty. Though House Kiro had often been an ally of House Mollari, the Kiros were unofficially the hereditary messengers of the Imperial Throne.

When Malachi looked at Londo, he was stone-faced. Kiro, for his part, scowled at Londo.

"You know what I think," said Malachi, continuing a conversation he had been having with Kiro.

"I know, Minister. But we must listen. Things are changing in the galaxy."

"When do they not?" Malachi was sour.

Before Londo could gain the courage to strike up a conversation with the other men, a chamberlain appeared. He had brought a small stool-like table which he set beside the throne and put a small device on the tiny round table. Londo recognized the device as a Vulcan universal translator. The chamberlain then bowed low to Malachi and Kiro and said, "Will your lordships receive the Emperor's guests?"

Malachi nodded, and the least important guest entered first. Londo was surprised to see that it was Kalika Qwal'mizra, ambassador for the Abbai Matriarchate. Next came Stro'kath, the famous Drazi general who earned his reputation in the Dilgar War. Then Lord Tavari.

Londo wondered at the secret council that would have aliens from the League of Non-Aligned Worlds, and a Centauri lord from Tolonius VII. He surreptitiously studied the old Drazi Stro'kath. Even though he was old, he still appeared strong and fit. Aging Drazi did not change much in appearance. One of the undisputed leaders of the Drazi junta, proven in battle and practical in politics, he led the Drazi Freehold in the war against the Dilgar and had been successful in rebuilding the Drazi nation.

Why was Stro'kath of the Drazi here?

Then one more alien entered the room. She was a relatively short, silver-haired Vulcan woman with an impressive bosom. She moved slowly, gravely, hieratically. She had that sublime ease with others that one finds only in those who have been born to rule. Prince Beyon had this quality. His father, Turhan, had it.

But Londo knew her to be Ambassador V'Lar. He knew her from the Narn-Centauri negotiations at Quadrant 14 just before he attempted to betray the Coalition fleet to Sonovar. It would seem that Vulcans acquired the quality as a people. No wonder the Minbari believed that Vulcans were the secret masters of the Humans and their allies.

Minister Malachi crossed the room to the Vulcan ambassador and tried his best to mirror her upraised-hand greeting. Londo knew that V'Lar had made good relations in the Royal Court during her tenure as Vulcan ambassador to Centauri Prime.

Before they knew it, Turhan was in his throne, with young Prince Beyon standing to his right and Grand Fleet Admiral Dromo to his left, holding an ivory baton of admiralty. It would seem that on the Valerius, the comings and goings of the Emperor were silent. There had been no cymbals, flutes or bells to announce him. Behind them were the ever-present two female telepaths, semi-hidden under sheer imperial-white veils that covered them from shaven head to foot.

The women were two of four telepaths, raised together since birth. They were linked twenty-four hours a day, no matter how far apart they were. What one saw, the others saw. Traditionally, when the Emperor leaves, two went with him and two stayed behind.
This guaranteed that he knew all that occurred back home, and kept the Royal Court up to speed on what he was doing.

Emperor Turhan had jet-black hair raised in a high fan-like crest, as befitting a person of his royal stature. He was resplendent in pure white and gold finery, and the gold crescent-shaped pendant bearing the Imperial Starburst hung on gold chains from the imperial neck. Whoever wore the Seal of the Great Centauri Republic was Emperor. Idly, Londo remembered the one time he wore the Seal. It was only for five minutes and he was a child growing up in the Imperial Palace. And Turhan was much more generous to children.

Turhan spoke. "I have already welcomed Ambassador V'Lar of Vulcan. As the rest of you are close to me, you need no welcome." Londo had heard that Turhan was impatient of ceremony when the work to be done was not the ceremony itself.

"Now I begin. This is a council of war. Sit."

Everyone sat except Beyon, Dromo, the two female telepaths and Londo. And the two Royal Guardsmen flanking Londo.

"V'Lar had just come from Narn." This was a surprise to the gathered people. They had not expected Narn to be a topic of discussion in the council. Moreover, Turhan had always made sure that war with the Narn Regime was averted. If appeasement or even cessation of territories were required to maintain the peace, so be it.

And now Narn was to be discussed in a council of war.

"Speak, V'Lar of Vulcan."

The Vulcan ambassador rose from her stool and spoke in Vulcan, trusting the universal translator set on the table beside the Emperor. "The Kha'ri is most upset about the passage of the Coalition fleet through Dra'Shii and Quadrant 14. The Narn governor of Dra'Shii did nothing to stop the combined fleet. Even if he had, the combined fleet had enough power to overcome Dra'Shii's defenses. That is, if the fleet commanders had any wish to do so. That logic escaped the Kha'ri. As Dra'Shii is only one jump away from Narn itself, they were alarmed and they decided to punish the governor by replacing him. The Narn Warleader G'Sten and I persuaded the Kha'ri to not move against the fleet and to permit it passage through the Quadrant 14 System. I have also allowed the Kha'ri to believe that if they continue to violate the borders of the Centauri Republic, the fleet would be turned against the Narn Regime. Your Majesty, the Kha'ri has agreed to sign the peace treaty as proposed for them and you by the Vulcan Council."

The Centauri and the League aliens murmured in surprise at that. It meant that the Narn Regime would return Raghesh III and Quadrant 37 to the Centauri Republic and that a definite border, as well as a neutral zone, would be established between Narn and Centauri territories. And that trade between the two empires would resume through third parties which would eventually become direct commerce between the Centauri and the Narns.

That meant there'd be no war between the two antagonistic empires.

Turhan nodded, showing nothing on his face. Londo, however, thought he caught a glint of joy in the Emperor's eyes. Turhan motioned to Dromo. The Grand Fleet Admiral spoke.

"Ambassador," said Dromo, "What would happen if either party violates the treaty or the new border?"

"It will instantly mean war."

The Centauri now looked concerned. But V'Lar was not finished.

"The Vulcan High Command will be involved in that war and our ships will move against the violating party." V'Lar arched an eyebrow as she added, "If it is discovered that the violating party has been provoked into the violation, we will turn against the provocateurs."

The Centauri lords looked at each other nervously. If there was any thought of opportunistically causing the Narns to violate the treaty, it was banished. Though Vulcans were new to their scene, their combat cruisers already had a reputation of being able to match the Minbari in battle.

Turhan smiled for the first time. "I shall be interested," he said mildly, "to learn how this treaty will be upheld and what type of era it will create."

There was silence in the room. Until Turhan clapped his hands and a servant brought him a silver goblet containing chilled water. As he drank, he looked up at the ceiling. When he handed the goblet back to the servant, he began to speak.

"When the Dilgar came, they were a great threat to us all. They murdered entire worlds. Without the Earth Alliance, they might have succeeded in conquering the League of Non-Aligned Worlds and created an empire capable of challenging the Centauri Republic. The Earth Alliance had done the galaxy a great service in defeating the Dilgar. The League owes Earth a great debt."

At that, Kalika bowed her head and Stro'kath gave a short and curt nod with a scowl.

"I speak honestly when I say that I would have opposed the Dilgar had I been able. That has been a great shame of my reign." Turhan sighed slightly as he remembered the days of the Dilgar War. "And now the Earth Alliance is in dire straits. The Minbari now murder Human worlds. They have intimidated the League into abandoning the Earthers and dishonoring their mutual defense agreements. I failed to help the League and the Earthers in the Dilgar Invasion. This time, I shall not stand by and watch the slaughter of innocents." Turhan turned to Minister Malachi.

"Majesty." Malachi bowed his head. Turhan blinked. No more. When the Royal Court met, it was often what is not said in words that was the true substance of the meeting. Londo had heard that Turhan had a wide range of gestures with which he communicated his will. Unfortunately, he had not been in the Royal Court long enough to learn the all-important code.

The Minister of the Interior began, "As the Emperor knows…" Londo knew that the phrase was used at court to prepare the Emperor for something that he either did not know or had forgotten or did not want to know. "…we have been de-mothballing our surplus fleets and bringing the ships up to specs. Anyone would think that we were preparing for a possible war with the Narns and I admit that the border skirmishes have provided an excellent excuse for activating the fleets without alarming our neighbors."

Kalika and Stro'kath exchanged a meaningful glance. Londo raised his opinion of the old Drazi. Drazi had a reputation for being hot-headed and Minister Malachi's revelation would have launched any Drazi into a hot paranoid temper. But not Stro'kath.

Though his old age might have something to do with it, Londo thought.

Stro'kath leaned forward carefully. Turhan looked at him. The Drazi, taking this to be permission for him to speak, stood from his stool. "What is the point of this, Majesty?"

Londo raised his eyebrows. Drazi usually spoke in macros, but what he heard was perfect Centaurn. Just like he heard perfect Centaurn from V'Lar even though he could see that she spoke in Vulcan. He gave the translator on its table a quick glance.

Malachi simply said two words: "The Minbari."

Stro'kath scowled and shook his head slowly, not understanding. Kalika, however, did understand. Londo, with a rising horror, understood as well.

The Abbai ambassador sputtered, "Your Majesty! This is madness!" She stood up. "The Abbai will have no part of this!"

"We have no desire for war in our reign," said Turhan. "It has been my goal to use commerce and diplomacy for the Centauri Republic. It still is my goal. It would be remiss of me and my Republic to stand by and do nothing while the Minbari commits genocide against the Humans. They are a danger that must be stopped." He looked at the two League aliens. "Has the League not received similar threats?"

There was one curt nod from Stro'kath. "When the Minbari attacked the Earth Alliance, the Drazi junta immediately prepared a large fleet to go and help our allies, the Humans. The Minbari sent a small fleet to Zhabar and warned my people not to assist the Earth Alliance. Nevertheless, we sent the fleet on its way. Unfortunately, it disappeared in hyperspace. With the loss of so many ships, we could no longer do more than provide EarthForce the plans for an advanced particle weapon." He scowled darkly. "We suspect the Minbari."

Kalika sat down and looked down at her hands folded on her lap. "Each of the League homeworlds has had a similar experience. The Minbari jumped beneath our defense grids, locked their weapons on our capital city and warned that any who stood with the Earthers would share their fate." The Abbai looked up. "We were surprised. We did not have the time to raise shields and activate our defense grid. We would have entered the war had the Minbari not threatened us with extermination. Still, we have opened our borders to receive Earther refugees."

Sympathy was written on V'Lar's face as she said, "'We blame no one so bitterly as those who made us act against the best dictates of our own hearts and minds.'"

Londo thought that had the sound of a quote.

"The Humans have mounted an operation to strike into Minbari-held territory," Turhan said. "If the Humans and their allies prove themselves by scoring a victory in Minbari territory, the Centauri Republic will declare war against the Minbari."

All in the room, except for Turhan, Dromo and V'Lar, gasped. Horrified, Londo could already see his beloved homeworld, Centauri Prime, burning. This was the Narn's dream coming true!

And he couldn't do anything about it. He whispered under his breath, "No! Great Maker, no!"

V'Lar was saying, "The Vulcan Council has agreed to send at least one ship to each fleet, whether Centauri or League, to assist in breaking the Minbari stealth. While Vulcan abhors war, we have deemed it logical to lend all the assistance we could to quickly end this war. I will be in contact with various League governments to create an alliance against the Minbari."

Kalika hesitated for a while and said, "The Abbai Diplomatic Corps will assist the Vulcans. But…why are the Vulcans doing this?"

"We have reached the conclusion that if the Minbari reach the Earth Alliance homeworld, they will discover the rift leading into our universe. Logically, they will seek to come through it and exterminate the worlds of the Coalition of Planets, especially the Terran homeworld, Andoria, Vulcan, Tellar and their colonies. We do not wish to allow this to occur."

"Very…logical," said Kalika wryly. "However, the League will need additional protection if we are to go ahead with this."

Turhan nodded as if he was expecting it. "As the time approaches, I shall be stationing warships in hyperspace near the League homeworlds that participate. With Vulcan escorts, of course. They will stand guard in event of any Minbari reprisal." The Emperor paused to let that sink in. "That is, only if the Humans score a victory in Minbari territory."

Stro'kath stood up. "I will convince the Freehold Junta to endorse the plan. There will be…objections but…" Here, the old Drazi grinned mischievously. "I will personally deal with them."

The Centauri Emperor bowed his head in gratitude. Londo wished he could stop all this. It was madness! But he was not sure of his status and place in this council. He was not permitted a stool to sit on or to participate. To reinforce the message of his fall from grace, the two Royal Guardsmen still flanked him.

"Lord Tavari," Turhan said, "your house controls the Hevaria Orbital Yards at Tolonius VII. You are to put the shipyards at the disposal of the Royal Navy. We will use the yards to update our warships and to build new ships. All completed ships are to be sent to Gorash VII to await the signal for attack."

Tavari bowed. "You will be obeyed in all things, Your Majesty."

"We will place the fleet under the command of our most loyal servant, Lord-General Jorah Marrago. The seconds in command will be Admiral Andune Jaddo and Admiral Vallko Jarissi." As Turhan stood up, all in the room except for the guards bowed low. "Such is the Emperor's will," said Turhan.

As was the custom, the Centauri lords repeated in unison, "Such is the Emperor's will."

=/\=

Trying to stifle his outrage, Londo entered his assigned quarters on the Valerius. His two guards took positions flanking the door which slid shut, leaving the Centauri ambassador alone. He took a few lurching steps to a chair and sat stumblingly in it.

"What have we done?"

At the end of the secret council, V'Lar and Kalika had departed right away. Londo thought that Vulcans were a dour and puritanical lot. In many ways, Vulcans were a lot like the Minbari, at least those of the race that Londo knew. Sonovar certainly wasn't too puritanical to receive payments from Londo for information on his so-called superior people. He had to wonder whether Vulcans would be better than Minbari. He had to admit, though, that Vulcans were not prone to emotional outbursts or to genocide.

But…what the Emperor wanted was madness! He remembered the warning he gave General Lefcourt: "The Minbari are one of the oldest space-faring races. Even at the height of the Centauri Empire, when we were expanding in all directions, we never opposed the Minbari. If you do not bother them, they will not bother you."

And in leaving that room in EarthDome, Londo had said, "I only hope that in your stumbling around, you do not wake the dragon."

The dragon was awake now. And what the Emperor was doing would attract that dragon to Centauri Prime.

The door slid open. Minister Malachi strode into Londo's quarters. As soon as the door was closed again, Londo let loose his emotions on one who was supposed to his friend.

"Talo Malachi! He's insane! Great Maker, Turhan's gone mad!"

Malachi looked at Londo archly. "It is not wise to say such things aloud, Londo. Especially when you have betrayed our allies to the Minbari."

That brought him up short.

Malachi continued: "The Coalition has problems handling their wars against the Minbari and the Romulans. Imperial Intelligence tells us that the Minbari economy is being strained by their war with Earth and the Coalition. Opening new fronts and bringing other worlds into the war will break the Minbari economy. This will force them to the negotiation table. So, in exchange for certain favors, Emperor Turhan has agreed lend military help and throw his weight behind bring more worlds into the war. Hence, his plan to declare war if the Coalition proves themselves in battle in Minbari territory."

"No! He wouldn't! He couldn't! The Centaurum wouldn't stand for it!"

Malachi calmly looked at the quarters' furnishing and stroked his goatee. "The resolution was passed quietly. Fourteen opposed it. Prime Minister Shorra, Ministers Durano, Cholini and Vitari have agreed to the plan."

Londo stared. That meant the Intelligence, Defense and War Ministries supported Turhan's insanity. "Great Maker, it's madness!"

Malachi became cold. "Emperor Turhan has never chosen anything. He was born into a role that had been prepared for him. He did everything he was asked to do, because it never occurred to him to choose otherwise. His Majesty has realized that life and time are precious, and decided to choose for himself. To choose something better, to make a difference, as the Humans say."

"It's those Vulcans, isn't it?" Londo raised a waving finger as he paced the room. "I've come to find that they are very skilled at persuasion. Since the Centaurum, the ministries and we know about this insanity you call a plan, someone is sure to talk too much to the wrong person and the Minbari may find out." He turned and pointed the finger at Malachi. "I'll be damned if they do find out and do to Centauri Prime what they did to New London and the other Earth colonies."

Malachi nodded in agreement. "That's why the Emperor had each member of the Court and the Centaurum submit to the Emperor's Own to ensure the confidentiality of this thing."

Londo gaped. What the Interior Minister was saying was that the Emperor used his own female telepaths to modify the memories or motivations of those involved to ensure secrecy. He had to admit that this was clever and devious. Centauri nobles were infamous for their theft and sale of secrets as part of their playing the Great Game. Where the Minbari were concerned, such secrets were extremely dangerous and unhealthy.

"You cannot build an empire based on slaughter and deceit! Turhan knows that! Or at least I thought he knew."

Malachi sniffed dismissively. "Mollari, you are to tell the Minbari that the Coalition fleet will attack them."

The ambassador blinked in confusion. "I am to…what?!"

The minister frowned. "Is there something wrong with your hearing, Mollari?"

"No! It's just for a moment I thought I had entered an alternate universe! Minister, I know I have betrayed the Coalition, but it's in the best interest of Centauri Prime. I swear by all the fifty gods of the Pantheon!"

"Mollari, you have chosen to throw your lot in with the Minbari. You did not know what you were doing. That is why we are taking away your freedom of choice." Malachi shrugged casually. "We could have…politely requested that you fall on your sword. Or passed a resolution in the Centaurum declaring you and your House traitors to the Republics even though it's still one of the most respected of the noble houses. But for some strange reason, Turhan has a soft spot for you. He actually went out of his way to convince Starfleet to allow us to use you in this fashion. You are more valuable the way you are. He has hoped, as have I, that you would learn something from the Humans concerning your own choices. The hope is still there, but…" He held up a finger and a thumb, only an inch apart. "…it's this small!"

Londo looked at his friend uncertainly. He had been surprised to learn that the Emperor cared about him that much. "Very well. I will…leak the information of the Coalition's attack to the Minbari."

Malachi nodded with satisfaction and grasped his hands together behind his back. "You are to tell them that they're planning to assault Sh'Lekk'Tha."

Once again, Londo stared at the minister. That was not what he heard about Operation Medea's target destination. Clearly, the Emperor wished him to be a double agent feeding false information to the Minbari. Once the Minbari find out that the information was false, they might decide to kill Londo. If that's the punishment the Royal Court was hoping for, so be it. He drew himself up straight. Londo Mollari was Lord and High Seat of House Mollari, Hero of Frallis 12, and known as 'Paso Leati' in the Couro Prido dueling society.

Londo Mollari nodded his acceptance.

Malachi raised his eyebrows calculatingly and said, "One of the Emperor's telepaths will come to make it so that you absolutely believe that Sh'Lekk'Tha is the target." With that, he made his exit. Londo slumped into his chair. An old Centauri saying came to mind: "On the heights, the paths are paved with daggers."

Londo Mollari needed all the luck he could get to tread that path. Looking down, he began to pray to the goddess of luck and patroness of gamblers, Ilaros.