Chapter53:

The Genesis Effect

The members of the Grey Council would never publicly admit to fear – uncertainty perhaps, but never fear. But what approached them now tested even their control. The arrival of the crews of the Worker caste supply ships was a danger they could not control. Rumor ran before the survivors at unheard of speeds.

The captured crew members had returned; a gift of life and mercy by the Federation warrior Acaltha. The crews were crammed aboard one ship and with only enough life support to survive the journey home. A Sharlin taskforce intercepted them and escorted them home. The stories that the crew told them was unbelievable and the Shai Alyt considered abandoning the entire crew rather than bring home such disturbing rumors and innuendos. But the messenger was insistent.

Sel'janok Tulann had already sent word of the being that had confronted his crews. And upon hearing that, the Council had been forced to immediately censor all further attempts by the survivors to contact their families, for fear their stories would spread beyond all control. A First One had spoken to Tulann. No encounter suits. No hiding of its face.

An Elder had sent a message.

What were the Minbari to do?

Launesse had been sent for, as had Sutain Larioha - though the Ashen had made it sound as if he were ordering the council to assemble rather than the reverse.

Becerra Alpha One:

Blue.

-An eerie and empty nest blue.

-A sensation of weight and a vague ache in his chest.

Reen hung in sleep like a sodden log below a river's surface. He drifted and wanted to sink further but there was no drag of Communal Mind to pull him down. Unable to sink, he tried to rise but was swept by a current of exhaustion and pain. He waited until, with a groan, he forced himself to sit up.

He was in a nest. The niches around him were empty. Memories flooded back in. The ultimatum delivered by the Minbari war leader, Branmer; the treacherously early attack on the Federation starbase.

And then nothing.

The light flickered momentarily in the nest room. Reen concluded that he was back on the battle saucer which must have been damaged in the attack, as indicated in the light flicker. Since he was alive and free, the Minbari attack must have been successfully repulsed. He tried to stand, but his rubbery knees nearly gave out.

Where were the others?

At the entrance to a corridor, the ceiling lights sensed his presence and lit up in welcoming sequence. Alone, Reen went to the baths to clean the sleep and dull pain from himself. As he washed, he remembered the vid of Branmer presenting his ultimatum to the alliance of Federationers, Klingons and Earthers.

In a fresh form-fitting silvery uniform, Reen found the Sleep Master, Oomal, waiting for him.

"The little death clings to you, Reen-ja," Oomal said. "You slept for so long that I thought you would die from it. The Federation doctors did what they could with you. And us."

Clearly, the Federationers then returned Reen to his saucer. "The Minbari are tulmade. Egg-eaters."

Oomal agreed. "Yes. They are mad."

A sudden thought caused Reen to say, "what about the others? Do they live?"

The Sleep Master gazed at Reen for a while before answering. "Wesut does not live. Kredin is still in intensive care. It's possible he may succumb to the Communal Mind."

Meaning Kredin may die too. Reen wanted to weep, but he couldn't. Vree were made from primitive emotionless life forms. Only when they reached sapience did they discover there were things to weep for, as well as things to laugh about, thanks to the trickster deity, Albendazel.

"And the Valifee?"

Reen was referring to the battle saucer that brought him to the starbase. The saucer that he was on now. The last he saw of it was the vessel maneuvering itself away from the attackers, firing its main energy rail cannon. Surely, it wouldn't be intact under the superior firepower of the enemy.

"Forty-one of the crewmembers were killed in the attack." Oomal paused for the Vree envoy to absorb this piece of news. "And Reen…. The Minbari have begun destroying planets in Earther territory."

Reen, shocked and anguished by this additional piece of bad news, looked away. If there was a window in the corridor, he would be looking at Starbase Becerra Alpha One and perhaps wreckages while intact vessels searched for survivors or helped in repairs. When Reen looked at Oomal again, the Sleep Master was startled at the anger in the eyes.

"The mission has changed."

Realizing what Reen meant, Oomal was alarmed. "Never before the Dilgar have we waged war, Reen, and for good reason. We cannot sleep with visions of blood and death in our minds."

"The Minbari have killed. They are murdering whole worlds. The Dilgar have done that. We stood by and did nothing until they reached us. Never again, Oomal. Never again!"

The Sleep Master sighed. "But, we cannot stand against the Minbari ourselves. The Allies are able to do that because they're more advanced than them. Reen, I know you're angry but think!"

"Who said we must stand against them by ourselves?"

Oomal looked at Reen with amazement.

Becerra Alpha One:

General Chang studiously ignored the two huge Klingon guards outside the meeting room of Azetbur, the daughter of the Klingon Chancellor. He had taken the liberty of going to the bridge of the newest Klingon battleship Black Storm to familiarize himself with the ship. It was the largest Klingon warship he'd ever seen and he was pleased. The ship had been on the drawing boards for over three years and now the first six vessels were here seeking glory and honor.

Glory and Honor. He found that amusing. The Empire was changing and this war was changing them even faster. Now the Klingons had to worry about such things as politicians, and controlling their passions, and showing mercy to their enemies. Soon someone would speak of limiting the amount of Bloodwine one could drink. Of course, that person would be gutted for even suggesting such a thing, but the way things were going it seemed inevitable. He almost sighed as he saw the Chancellor's daughter looking at him expectantly. The good old days were indeed fading quickly.

"Azetbur," he said. She nodded. "I trust your father is well?"

"Yes," was her curt answer. She nodded once more and the door closed. This conversation would remain private. "He sends his acknowledgements for your success and that of the Empire. These Minbari are animals," she growled. "Even by our standards they are barbarians. They slaughter millions for no reason. They have no honor at all."

Chang merely nodded. "The final elements of our fleet are preparing to leave to the Alliance Earth's Proxima system."

She slowly walked towards a window and stared out into the vastness of space. After a moment, she began to speak. "I find it," she paused looking for the right words. "Disturbing," she finally said, "to witness such perfect copies of star systems n this other side of the galaxy. What powers must there be to do such a thing!"

"To storm the gates of heaven," Chang said waving his arms eloquently. "To become like the gods themselves!"

"We killed our gods," Azetbur spat. "Better for everyone that they are dead. Better for us not to have such power."

The one-eyed General glared at her. "And the Federation should?" he asked pointly.

Now she glared back. "The matter is finished," she hissed. "You should not have even hinted of its existence for the entire galaxy to hear!"

"In their hands they have the power to create worlds, entire solar systems!" Chang answered quietly. "Did you see the worlds while traveling in the passageway?"

That was one of the great experiences she wanted to see for herself, but it hadn't happened on her journey. "No," she said.

His one eye gleamed at the memories. "I did. The powers that created the passageway use what must be Genesis technology far in excess to anything the Federation has. But the Federation has taken the first steps and is on their way to mastering it and what happens to us then? Will we become slaves to them, serving under their flag? Better to rule in hell, than wallow under Federation protection."

"If your agent hadn't failed, we would have had Genesis!" she announced coldly. "General, the Empire depended on your expertise in acquiring Genesis. But you picked Krudge, the worst choice imaginable. He killed Valkris, our most effective agent and the one person who loved him, simply because she'd seen the information. Why did you choose him of all people?"

Krudge was successful at what he did," he answered somewhat defensively. "He was determined. And expendable."

"The p'tahk killed Kirk's son, an unnecessary action! If Kirk ever finds out that you were Krudge's patron, the Empire will not interfere when he comes to kill you."

"He will never know," Chang responded easily. "The Empire's honor was safe at the moment of Krudge's death."

"But your little speech hinted at it," she icily countered. "Kirk is no fool. Eventually he will reason it out. Chang, you talk too much! Your pretty little speeches will start a war with the Federation at the worst possible time."

"When this is over, we may have to rethink our relationship with them."

Abruptly she stood up and glared at the one-eyed General. "When I speak to you now, I speak as the mouth of the Council. You will do nothing to interfere with the relationship developing with the Federation. You will not use Genesis as a prelude to a war with them. General, we 'need' this war. Succeed and reap the rewards of the Empire for the Empire. Our fights with the Federation are over. There are other, more important things in the universe to worry about. When you go to Proxima you will take four of the new battleships. They need to be bloodied and they will serve you well. Observe them and record any weaknesses these ships have. Now, die well, Chang. But if you can, then live."

Chang didn't quite know how to respond that. There was the possibility that he could die and if he did then valuable things could be lost. She turned away, but Chang didn't move.

"You have more to say?"

"Yes," he said slowly. "I want you to take my Bird-of-Prey."

"Why?" the woman demanded.

"The ship has unique properties that will be useful to the Empire," he said. "Weapons can be fired while she is cloaked. It is a prototype. Study it."

The Klingon woman was shocked, causing Chang to smile. "Fight well."

"Yes he responded. "Until the stars fall from the skies or I die; whichever is first."

Without another word he left to choose which new ship would be his to lead into battle.

-+-

"Commodore!"

Vladimir Frankowski had been walking down a corridor in the starbase when he heard the Vree envoy call out for him. He turned to him. "I'm sorry, Ambassador. I'm busy."

"Don't worry, Commodore. I won't complain like a typical ambassador." That caused the starbase commander to grin. Reen handed a compad to the starbase commander. "I have a proposal for the Federation."

At first, Vladimir read the compad impatiently. Then the impatience melted away as he saw what the Vree had to say. He wasn't amazed. Rather, he was wary. "Ambassador Reen, I don't have the authority to discuss this. You have to take it up with Admiral Bennett."

Reen waved a dismissive hand. "I know the Admiral is a very busy man. I was hoping you could provide the access I need to him."

Vladimir frowned. This tasted too much like Centauri politicking. At least he was just a starbase commander. He was glad he didn't have to deal with diplomats and politicians as long as he had high-ranking Admirals onboard.

The Vree envoy said, "My people have suffered in the attack. The Dilgar War has planted a deep memory in all of us. We do not want to stand by and watch wholesale slaughter occur again." He gestured at the compad in Vladimir's hand. "This would help make it easier for you to end the war more quickly. Surely your people would be starting to weary of the war."

At Vladimir's frown, Reen added, "it's natural, Commodore. Since Regulus, the war hasn't touched Federation space. So far, it has stayed on this side of the galaxy. Civilians always tire of a war they cannot see."

"You have a point there, Ambassador. But Admiral Kirk is busy. We are fighting a war, you know."

Reen shook his head with disappointment and shrugged. "If you don't want to end the war faster and risk more lives, then…." He turned and walked slowly away, looking dejected.

Vladimir bit his lower lip, thinking about the difficulties the Allies had been having in the war. He called out, "wait!"

Reen stopped. If he could, he would be smiling. Hooked.

"Ambassador Reen, you know that the Federation has told all the other governments not to interfere in the war. Maybe you could change our minds, but I doubt it. I'll arrange an appointment with Admiral Robert Bennett. He is senor in command and has authority over Admiral Kirk."

"Thank you, Commodore." With that, Reen turned and made his way to a turbolift. It was true that the Federation has forbidden intervention by all the other governments in the war, but perhaps he could do something to change their mind.

It was time to call in favors.

Command and Control, Starbase Becerra Alpha One

In the Stellar Cartography section of the command center, Vladimir pondered the hemispherical viewer which showed a detailed star map of this part of the galaxy. Beside the commodore, Lieutenant Savan was seated at the console supported by a tongue jutting out into the nearly spherical chamber. Tiny symbols indicated the locations of Alpha Quadrant and Earther ships and fleets. Three of the stars had a dark center, as if they were in eclipse. They were the stars of colonies confirmed destroyed: Beta 9, the Orion colonies and Ceti Gamma II. One star was blinking: Proxima.

"Mr. Savan, update the map," said Vladimir grimly.

The Proxima star ceased blinking and turned dark although there was still a bright corona around the darkness. Proxima 3 and 4 have been confirmed destroyed. If they didn't do something about this new enemy offensive, more stars would soon be blinking. Vladimir couldn't believe that the Minbari would be so reckless as to start a scorched planet policy. Surely they didn't want General Order 24 to be implemented on their homeworld? Even if they didn't believe the threat, they shouldn't have risked thinking that it was a bluff to be called.

But they did. And the Klingons going to Proxima were going to tear them a new…

An alarm klaxon rang out. Yellow warning lights flashed. Jolted, Vladimir ran out into the main arena of the command center where over a hundred crew members worked, followed by Savan. Not another attack!

"Commander, what is it?"

"We're detecting subspace distortions at the edge of the interdictor field," Commander Phelps said. She glanced at the main viewer briefly. She didn't have to spell out what that meant.

Jump points.

"Red Alert!" The command caused the yellow flashing lights to turn red, putting the whole battle station and the two Alamo stations on alert. Phasers and torpedoes armed.

"Jumppoints forming one hundred thousand kilometers distant!" announced Lieutenant Corbin.

On the main viewer, two yellow vortices formed. Out of them came two Vree Xill-class battle saucers.

"That wasn't in the schedules. Open a channel to the lead ship." Vladimir paused as Corbin followed his order. Another viewer activated, showing a Vree sitting in the center of a domed chamber. "Vree vessel, this is Commodore Vladimir Frankowski. Identify yourself and state your intention."

"I am General Taili of the Merchant-Adventurer Guild in the Ventuki Conglomerate. Reen-ja told us that we are needed here."

Vladimir shook his head. "Thank you, but we're fine here. We don't require assistance. The situation's under control."

"That's not what we're here for, Commodore."

A new alarm rang out. "Another jump point forming!" announced Corbin.

Indeed it was. This time, it was a Brakiri cruiser whose appearance was a disturbingly reminiscent of Minbari and Romulan ships. "What the hell?"

"The Brakiri ship, Commodore, would also be following Reen-ja's instructions," said Taili.

Incensed, Vladimir barked out an order. "Get Ambassador Reen online! General Taili, stay out of your weapons range. You do not want to know why the Minbari thought our weapons are impressive."

The Vree general nodded slightly. "Of course, Commodore Frankowski." With that, the link was cut. The two battle saucers and the Brakiri cruiser maintained their positions.

"Ambassador Reen's online, Sir."

Vladimir nodded for Corbin to put him through. The communications viewer activated. "You have a lot of explaining to do, Ambassador!"

"I apologize, Commodore. This is merely…an aspect of my negotiation with Admiral Bennett. It's only to demonstrate the sincerity of my offer."

"Well, I don't like it! We almost shot your ships out of the sky!"

"Again, I apologize. You can trust us to behave around you."

Vladimir was tempted to say that he didn't trust any of the immature races in this quadrant. "Just be sure you do." The viewer deactivated. The starbase commander took a deep breath. "At least they're not Minbari."

Commander Phelps muttered, "I wish they are."

Vladimir smiled his understanding. Yet another alarm rang. "What is it this time?"

The new jump point opened and a ship of a very alien design came through. It appeared to be a standing wheel containing a glowing and pulsating green globe in its center. Unlike a wheel, however, the vessel's twelve spokes jutted out away from the vessel's body and curved to point forward. Those had to be weapons. Closely following the alien vessel was what Vladimir recognized to be a Drazi Sun hawk. He knew that the Drazi were not capable of opening their own jump points so they must be using the alien as a kind of doorman.

"Who are they?" said Phelps to no one in particular.

Savan answered, "It's an Ipsha warship. Fascinating. The glowing ball is their version of an artificial quantum singularity."

"Vulnerable, isn't it?" commented Corbin.

Vladimir didn't like the intrusions. "Well, I hope they're the last of them. Any more and I'd have to sic the Klingons on them."

-+-

Grey Council:

Delenn looked over the young Minbari worker in their presence. He was several years younger than she, still a student. Under ordinary circumstances, she would not have given him a second glance. Now, however...

She wanted to shudder at the look of absolute calm in Launesse's eyes. It was as if the boy had no doubts left in his life. She wondered what message he could carry to give him such freedom of mind.

The rest of the Council found themselves with the same sense of reluctant wonder.

Cadroni gestured to the young Minbari. "You have been summoned to the Council to testify as to what you have witnessed, child. Tell us-"

"With all due respect to the Council, Satai, I have two messages to deliver." Launesse turned towards the two Vorlon standing in the council chambers. The normal awe other Minbari would feel in their presence was conspicuously absent from his face. His bow, however, was deep and respectful. "A message from the Collaboration of Elder Races, Most Honored."

One of the encounter suits glided forward, anger and frustration radiating from its every motion. "Speak."

"Truth takes many forms, but facts are unconditional, and will be seen."

The flare of rage from both Vorlons shook the room.

Larioha stepped forward, his face a violent mask. "You DARE to-"

The first Vorlon turned, directing a look at Larioha that silenced the Ashen immediately. "Continue."

Launesse nodded, and faced the Council. "A message is sent from the Elder Races of the space known to the Younger Races as the Alpha Quadrant to the Minbari. Let it be known that, should the Minbari, their client races, or allies interfere with our interests, or violate our territories, they will be disciplined."

A shocked Delenn was the first to speak. "Will- Were you told what territories are claimed by the First Ones?"

"No, Satai Delenn. If we wish to avoid the risk, I respectfully suggest that we must avoid the Alpha Quadrant entirely."

"But that would mean we would give these... UFOP animals a safe haven to which they could retreat when weak and strike from when strong!" objected an outraged Cadroni."I do not pass judgment, Satai. I am merely a messenger. The Elder who spoke with me told me that we have already been given knowledge of the other side of the passageway, knowledge we refuse to admit is fact. I have seen the Federation through the eyes of the Elder. I have seen the Alpha Quadrant though its eyes. Satai, we are to the Federation as the Earth Alliance was to us."

"Traitor!" hissed Branmer.

The boy shook his head. "I am no traitor to Minbar. I will go where the Grey Council bids me, act as the Council directs. I will die as the Council commands. All my loyalty lies with Minbar, and I will fight to the death to see Minbar win this war." His lips quirked. "I simply do not believe that it is possible for Minbar to win this war."

"Why?" queried an emotionally exhausted Delenn. This revelation coming on top of her meeting with Jha'dur was something that she did not need right now. Everything was spiraling out of control. Her decision to go to war had lead to a possible confrontation with a 'race' of First Ones. "Honored Satai Delenn, I have seen through the eyes of the Medusa. I have seen things our people would not, could not believe until they see for themselves."

"And what was it you saw?" she quietly asked. The boy's eyes shone with an inner light that deeply disturbed Dukhat's former apprentice."Our place in the greater scheme of things, Satai. And I am humbled." Launesse smiled. "With fortune, the same will be said of us all."

Becerra Alpha One:

"What's the meaning of this!"

Reen-ja raised his hands to forestall Admiral Bennett's anger. "It's part of my offer."

Bennett, an aging human male with a receding hairline, looked down at the Vree for a while, trying to decide whether to take the diminutive alien seriously. Clearly, Reen was being serious if he was able to bring in warships. Also clearly, he wasn't quite authorized to do so. He had quickly consulted with the Drazi, Brakiri and Ipsha governments. Apparently, they weren't aware of the diversion—subversion—of their vessels. Officially, anyway.

He knew how much official lines were worth.

Bennett sat down in the chair facing Reen. "Go ahead."

"My guild wants the right of passage through your rift."

The Starfleet Admiral raised an eyebrow, unconsciously imitating Vulcan skepticism. "For this, you brought in warships?"

Reen chuckled. "No. With you, that kind of joke would be too dangerous."

"I'll say."

"They're here to show that we're willing to support you against the Minbari."

Bennett was surprised. "You want to join the war? That will require the full participation of your governments."

"Don't worry. My guild, the Merchant-Adventurers, is closely allied with the Scientists, the Smiths and the Entertainers. If you accept, the motion will pass in the Vree High Council. Not that it's strictly necessary. Our guilds can do whatever they want as long as the projects don't require 30 percent of a guild's budget or more."

"Is that all?" said Bennett sardonically.

Recognizing the question to be rhetorical, Reen continued. "If necessary, we can use our leverages with the other League governments. You've seen how I've managed to summon the ships waiting outside your starbase. If you accept, Admiral, I'm prepared to offer the use of our drydocks and shipyards throughout the Ventuki Conglomerate, the construction of a new jumpgate in your home system free of charge. And…full access for your scientists and engineers to the ancient Iconian outpost at Alzeral, the source of our dimensional slip technology."

Bennett's eyebrows climbed his expansive forehead. "Very generous. What's the catch?"

"We would like to buy certain of your technologies—non-military, of course. We understand your need to keep the military edge. We'll go into the specifics later. We're hoping for an alliance with you. The right of passage through the rift will be more than beneficial for our traders."

Bennett watched the Vree silently.

Feeling that he needed to sweeten the offer, Reen said, "I know you need all the ships you have to hit the Minbari. We can help hold the lines behind your fleets. At least until your scientists figure out the Iconian gateway technology, of course. Think of it, Admiral! The ability to go anywhere in the whole galaxy without starships! Even Minbar itself!"

Admiral Bennett shook his head. "No."

Stunned, Reen questioningly responded, "no?"

"It won't work. As you know, we have gone out of our way to insure that no one interferes in our war with the Minbari. We're not going to change that policy."

"But…but the attack on your starbase! Some of my people have died!"

"I'm sorry, Ambassador."

"You don't understand, Admiral. We are a small nation, if slightly more advanced than the Centauri. The Dilgar War has taught us that to stand by and allow aliens murder whole worlds is not right. It has also taught us that to fight a superior enemy, we must stand together. Even so, we were losing. The Earthers rescued us. We owe them. The whole League owes them." Reen sighed regretfully. "When the Minbari War began, the Earth Alliance wanted to have us repay that debt. Out of fear for ourselves and of the Minbari power, we didn't help them." The envoy raised a hand toward Bennett. "This is our chance to erase that shame and repay our debt. And Admiral…our ships are capable of carrying 1,500 troops in cryo-drop capsules."

Bennett seemed to share Reen's regret. "Your proposal would change everything and alter the dynamic of the war. We can't risk that. We also can't risk having the Minbari start destroying League worlds. We don't have the resources to expand our umbrella of protection beyond the Earth Alliance. I'm sorry."

Reen stared down at his hands. Quietly, he asked, "and the right of passage? The opportunity of trade with you? Is that too unacceptable as well? Must you be like the Vorlon Empire?"

"Well…." Bennett took a deep breath. "Your traders can come to Becerra Alpha." He added at the brightened look in Reen's eyes. "They must go through the Courtor jumpgate." The Admiral smiled. "Of course, that will profit the Centauri colony at Courtor II. As for the right of passage through the transit way, that will have to wait until the wars over."

"Then we can go to your side of the galaxy?"

"Yes, Ambassador. It won't be a right of passage per se. The transit way will be free for anyone to use. As long as it's not to attack us, of course."

Reen nodded. "Of course." He stood up. "I suppose I can't do anything to change your mind? We are a very large and rich guild, you know."

Bennett frowned a bit. "We don't value the pursuit of wealth anymore."

Reen recognized the rebuke for what it was. Attempting bribery was a mistake. "It's funny, isn't it, Admiral? Your Federation claims to like having different races work together for a common goal, yet you want to keep the war exclusive. I understand. I also appreciate your concern for our worlds. I agree that if we join you, the Minbari would have turned their attention to our worlds. We can't afford that, not after what the Dilgar War did to us."

Bennett stood up. "And the ships?"

"I'll take care of them."

-+-

"Sir!"

Vladimir looked up from his conversation with Phelps. Lieutenant Corbin pointed at the main viewer. The League ships had opened jumppoints and were moving around to enter them.

"I guess they won't have a bearing on the war anymore," commented Vladimir.

"Yes," agreed Phelps. There was an edge in her voice, earning a look from the commodore. "It's our war, Admiral. Not theirs. My family was on Regulus. They have no right to try and interfere. Anyone who stands in the way—"

"I know," interrupted Vladimir. He didn't want her to say something that might jeopardize her career. "I know, Ms. Phelps."

-+-

Thural said, "I guess it didn't quite work the way we want, Reen-ja."

The Brother Conscience was right. Still, Reen was thrilled at Thural's use of his title. It meant that the guild have decided to reward him. The granting of trade rights to Becerra Alpha meant great profit for the Merchant-Adventurer Guild. If he played it right, he might end up as rich as the famous Ramhis Lota. He couldn't wait for the end of the war to visit the other side of the galaxy. He wondered if there's a race there who were just as capitalistic as the Vree.

They might not like the competition but at least it will keep all of them on their toes.

"We'll still give thanks to Albendazel once we're back at Vreetan."

Thural chuckled. He knew that Reen was referring to the irony of the whole episode. "Still, Reen-ja, war? Would you really have us go to war with the Minbari? That would have both the High Council and the Low Council label you nadiye and tulmade."

Other and egg-eater. Exiled and insane. Reen shrugged. "Don't you know, Thural, that war is merely aggressive negotiations by any other name?"

Thural laughed. It was a bad joke, he thought, but he needed a laugh. He stood with Reen to watch the stars move and then be eclipsed by the vista of hyperspace as their saucer jumped for home.

Minbari Space

Two days later

The two starships dropped from warp as they approached their target, the ships had powered down to near silent running to avoid the increased patrols in the immediate area.

Aboard the Romanoff, Chekov as looking over the passive sensor signals being shared by the two ships. A tight-band communications link kept the Minbari from intercepting them. Somehow the Minbari had access to subspace communications. They were not that good, but caution was still advised. The scanners had been ramped down and while the Centaur's sensors were state of the art, the Knowles sensors were much more powerful and long ranged even with the power down.

"You're receiving this, Captain?"

"We've got it Captain. There's a lot more ships on patrol. Intel was correct; they've moved a lot of ships this way."

"Our code breaker is running and we've got a few dozen different ship's signals coming in from the distance. We don't know who or where they are from, however we should be able to break the codes ourselves within a few hours."

"Good, that might help."

"What's the plan?"

Chekov looked at the screen then at the astrogation console of his helmsman. Making up his mind, he looked up at Uhura's face on the split screen. "Give us six hours, we'll pull out of range and curve round to the next system. It should pull them away from your run."

"A full sweep should take us six and a half minutes at full power. Once done, we'll be out of there."

"We should be able to meet you in nine hours at the rendezvous; if we aren't there you know what to do."

"Understood. Good luck, Captain Chekov."

"You too Madame Captain." He was all teeth as he watched Uhura simply roll her eyes. He'd never hear the end of that, but it was worth it. "Romanoff, out." He turned to his helmsman, one James Kim of San Francisco, and nodded to him. "Take us around one eighty, Ensign; then set a round course to the target."

"Aye Sir. Course laid in."

"Engage."

The Romanoff pulled away from her compatriot and flashed into warp. The ECM of both ships dissipated the warp trail before the Minbari could detect it on their scanners. The Knowles herself stayed in the same position, now merely awaiting their ally's reports.

Jericho System:

Normal space:

Fifteen light-minutes from Alpha Quadrant forces:

The Larion combat group continued gathering at their assigned positions. Two hundred capital ships sized from Troligan armored cruisers to two modified Shagotti battlecruisers in each of four attacking groups would be used in the assault against the UFOF warships and the few Earther vessels with them. There would be no reserves to fall back on in this attack. It would be all or nothing struggle and he knew that his warriors had to use everything they had, every skill they possessed in order to win this battle. The Nials fighters and Leshath heavy scouts would be carrying high-yield nuclear payloads, the strongest the Workers of Minbar had ever created, ready to release in mass as soon as they got into range of enemy targets. The Tigara attack cruisers had jammers and a few of the new subspace ECM packages designed by the Vorlons in order to help confuse the enemy of his people. His warriors were as ready as he could be and still he wished that he had another five hundred vessels.

"This whole system is a fortress," grumbled Shai Alyt Tinylal. It was almost as bad as that thrice-cursed station everyone feared to attack.

These new Humans and their allies were worse than anything ever whispered about the Shadows and their Minions during the last Great War. The specter of defeat was being shamefully whispered in the dark by the civilians and the young and the cowardly. The protectorates were restless and openly voiced their fears for the first time in a thousand years. So many Minbari had died by the hands of these infidels that census-takers were having trouble keeping up with the number of honored dead. The entire moth-balled fleet was being activated and crews trained as fast as possible. The people grumbled that the warriors weren't doing enough to protect them from the UFOP creatures trying to exterminate them. They demanded more. One thing the people had made clear, and this he was in complete agreement with. There could be no surrender to these creatures. Capitulation to creatures such as these was out of the question. Better to die screaming in defiance rather than live as slaves under their rule.

The ISN video transmission originating onboard their station had been more than frightening to everyone that watched. The people found that they could not force themselves 'not' to watch. For information concerning the war from the enemies point of view, it had become wildly popular on Minbar. The Grey Council thought about jamming it but that would have produced more grief than it was worth. Besides only a few receivers were able to pick up the transmissions, but that did nothing to keep the information from being spread across the globe in record time. Lately though, the Council had decided to re-examine that decision. Too much information was being revealed and it sent shockwaves through everyone that saw it.

UFOP technology, their associating and perverted mingling with other races – producing offspring and their overall arrogances in believing in their own superiority, disturbed his people at the fundamental level. Their threats, so casually brandied about, spoke of a dark side slowing corrupting what was left of their shriveled souls. Tinylal felt terror as such as he'd never known when the thing that called itself a Shadow made its appearance. That proved that they were beyond redemption and worthy of total extermination.

Easier said than done. Wrecked ships-of-the-line being salvaged on unedited recordings did not comfort the people. The sight of the Shagotti warship Valen's Spear, dead in space with dozens of glowing holes in its hull, with its remains being picked over by EarthForce had caused spasms throughout the Warrior's caste. Millions upon millions had sworn vengeance on those that had perpetrated such an act. The number of volunteers was up. And so was the level of anxiety.

As for the Minbari Commander, he was worried. The battle that was about to commence would be the pivotal fight against the hated UFOP and the Earthers. Victory depended on that first, crippling strike. The UFOP ships were frighteningly fast but that would mean very little if they weren't prepared for battle. And his combat group had an extra advantage; another in growing number of gifts from the Vorlons.

The Workers called it a null-field. The field located in normal space was barely a hundred kilometers wide and five hundred deep. And it had the added advantage of slowly drifting closer to the enemy forces. Most of the Minbari forces had gathered their jumping from hyperspace directly into the field and the Human Colonials hated sensor system had never detected a thing. He doubted if the UFOP sensors could even see the field unless a ship visually saw it or ran into it as the field along with his ships slowly drifted closer and closer to the Jericho system. And that was a delightful thought, because it improved the chances of victory. When the time came his forces would make micro jumps directly into the heart of their forces and cut them to pieces as quickly as they could. There would be no mercy in this battle, no collecting of trophies unless they won and had the time. A few broken hulls would be invaluable treasures but he doubted if his forces would be intact enough to collect the spoils. There would be much death in the coming hours and he wanted to preserve as many lives – Minbari lives – as possible. The few Earth Alliance ships would be a lesser concern and would be saved for last.

In five hours, Shai Alyt Aalaan would arrive and then the fight would start. Shai Alyt Tinylal prayed in Valen's name that it would come to a successful conclusion.

Pagati system

Minbari Protectorate Space

Five hours later.

Pagati Four was one of the Minbari's oldest midrange colonies. While not particularly pleasant for the cold adapted Minbari, it was a vital world valued for its immense mineral deposits and tactical and strategic position. After almost a thousand years of production, the world was heavily populated and industrialized by a combination of all three of the castes. Its major contribution was the continued amount of equipment and parts for the warships of the fleet and now with the larger fleets being pulled back from the front lines for refit and repair they were needed more than most. It was this reason that the area had been chosen by the command staff at Station Becerra as a primary target for an attack. Whilst a massed attack on the area would have taken more ships that were available something else was chosen; a different form of attack immortalized by an American squadron over three hundred and fifty years ago. But now the attack was to go ahead with a single ship, an attack that might do more damage to the Minbari than a fleet of Federation starships shattering the Minbari worlds.

The USS Romanoff sat far out of the range of the Minbari system scanners, the range inferior to the Federation ship's own. Passive scans positively identified a large number of cargo ships and worker controlled supply ships, only a very few Minbari warships were in system. Overconfidence in their ships and worlds was a good thing thought Chekov as he mused over attack plan. It was simplicity itself as he read over the PADD. A fast warp into the system followed by destruction of the warships and anything else until the Minbari decided to reply to the attack.

Simple, but as the Great Russian philosopher Murphy once said, 'whatever can go wrong will go wrong'. Chekov was determined for that not to be true for his tiny force of ships.

"Helm?"

"Course ready."

"Tactical?"

"Ready for cold start and all weapons tied for alpha strike, Sir."

"Engineering?"

"Deflectors ready Sir. Tachyon burst also ready."

"Good. Medical?"

"Medical teams on standby, Sir. We've also attached medics to damage control teams."

"Good work Doctor. All hands; this is the Captain. We are going to silent running, repeat silent running. Battle Stations."

The Red Alert claxon blared once and then shut down as the ship's power decreased. Most of the ship's systems went offline or powered down to the lowest levels possible. The modified Minbari stealth shielding adapted to their ship by the Federation could not quite cover their entire energy signature like it did the much smaller Knowles. That forced Chekov to use more unorthodox methods.

For all intents and purposes the ship was putting out as much energy as a Centauri short-range warship. Coming from this angle it was quite easy to have the Minbari believe they were a lost ship. The Romanoff crept forward and half impulse, the same speed as the Centauri ships.

"Sensors?"

"They've seen us Captain. They can't see all of us but they know we're out here. They are sending a ship to intercept."

"Class?"

"Tigara Sir; simple patrol ship."

"Time to intercept."

"One hour, Sir."

"Time to target?"

"One and a half hours, Sir."

"Let them get to ten minutes out then take us to maximum warp to the planet's outer orbit. The second we arrive send the pulse and knock out the orbital station's comms."

"Aye, Sir."

Jericho system:

Shai Alyt Aalaan and his small fleet of warships transitioned from jump space into null space flawlessly. There was absolutely no light to be seen, other than the powerful beams emanating from other ships straining to pierce the stygian darkness. His fleet stopped and remained where it was.

'I'm back where it started' thought Aalaan. "Contact Shai Alyt Tinylal," he ordered.

"Communications established."

An image appeared of the Commander. "I'm pleased that you're punctual," Tinylal said.

"This will be one of the deciding battles of the war, even more so than the Earth attack. We must retake this system or they will use it as a base to stage all of their operations."

"The entire warrior caste is aware of this. When we destroy the UFOP murderers we'll turn this place into a fortress. Never again will we be threatened in this manner."

'Worlds of the Federation' jumped unbidden into his mind. "I truly hope so. Valen be with us all."

"Then let us begin."

USS Knowles

Staging post Gamma Two Seven

Pagati Sector

One hour later.

"Captain, we are picking up some sort of disturbance in the Minbari station," Lieutenant Osborne called to Uhura.

"Can you translate it?"

"Yes Ma'am. It's being broadcast in the clear from the Pegati system. Wait - it's been cut off, Ma'am."

"What did it say?"

"UFOP ships in system, request reinforcements."

"Looks like that's our cue Lieutenant. Helm, take us in full impulse. Tactical ready shields as soon as we're detected. Sensors to full; give me everything we can."

"Ma'am, if we go to full scan they will see us and any ships left behind will be able to scan for us and pinpoint out position."

"Understood Lieutenant, but I don't want the Romanoff out there any longer than we need them to be."

"Good point, Ma'am."

"I thought so," Uhura replied. "Helm, take us in."

"Aye Ma'am," Ensign Schakowsky replied. 'Mr. Adventure' was finally getting his chance at his own.