Disclaimer: I do not own Babylon 5 or its characters, those belong to Warner Brothers. I do not own Robotech or its characters, those belong to Harmony Gold.
Earth vs. Minbari – Robotech To The Rescue
Chapter 5
Minbari Federation Space
Aboard the Valen'Tha
The Sharlin class war cruiser Valen'Tha was the warship where the Grey Council lived and worked in governing their people. The Grey Council was gathered, meeting now to discuss the excellent progress that they were making in heir holy crusade to wipe out the human race for the death of Dukhat, who had been their leader, and considered to have been the Best of the Minbari people.
The ritual greeting completed, Satai Coplann of the Warrior Caste, one of the Grey Council members started speaking, "Our holy crusade against the humans proceeds on schedule, we have eliminated two more colonies and we are preparing a war fleet to strike at a major colony world, a colony they call Deneb. War Leader Brammer, please inform us of the progress and your plan for Deneb."
The entire Grey Council watched as a Minbari stepped forward to address them, he was the War Leader for the Minbari.
Bowing as a measure of respect to the Grey Council, War Leader Brammer began to address the Grey Council. "Satais, the war proceeds as we have planned. Two more colonies have been completely destroyed, the world they call LV-426 and Kemper. We are now making final preparations to attack two more colonies, Deneb and Sestun."
"How long until these colonies are destroyed?", asked Satai Morann of the Warrior Caste.
Brammer replied, "Both war fleets are completing a resupply and will proceed with their attacks when the resupply is complete. The journey to Sestun will take five days, the journey to Deneb will be in three days based on where they are resupplying from."
The various Grey Council members gave approving nods as they were told this news. Satai Delenn asked, "War Leader, based on our Warrior's progress, how long do you think it will take to complete this crusade?"
Brammer was silent for a moment, collecting his thoughts and he finally replied, "We are learning that the humans have an extremely large amount of colony worlds, more so than any of the other races. With so many worlds, it will take time to exterminate all of humanity. This brings risk, risk that the humans might develop technologies to counter our stealth."
"What would you suggest to shorten the time?", asked Satai Coplann.
Brammer replied, "I need more ships." He looked at the three Satais of the Worker Caste. "The workers must increase the number of warships they are bringing online from the storage yards."
Satai Alnenn of the Worker Caste said, "Our workers are working extremely hard already. We are on schedule to bring an additional ten Sharlin War Cruisers, twenty Tinashi War Frigates and three Shargoti Battlecruisers on time."
"Commendable, but apparently we need more.", pressed Satai Coplann.
"Our workers are working as hard as they can! They are hard workers and they are doing everything they can to help the Warrior Caste and our people in this holy crusade. But we have a problem."
Another Satai of the Worker Caste, Varenn spoke, "Yes, we have received reports from the Worker Caste Elders that they have been receiving reports that the humans have deployed some of their warships within our space and have begun attacking our shipping. Additionally, we have received troubling news that the League of Non-Aligned Worlds has been asked by the humans to close their borders to our trading ships as a form of protest against our holy war."
Everyone looked upset over this last bit of news. Satai Delenn of the Religious Caste began speaking, "If the League closes their borders to our trading ships this would have catastrophic consequences to our own economy. The people would suffer. The League, the Centauri, and the Narn have expressed their displeasure over our war with the humans. We are quickly becoming pariahs to the rest of the galaxy. If the League enacts a trading embargo, this would be disastrous."
Satai Morann of the Warrior Caste said, "If the League enacts a trade embargo, we shall treat that as an act of war. To do such a thing would show that they are offering aid to the humans by forcing us to do as they wished. I shall instruct one of our Wind Sword Clans to dispatch a ship to the League and impress upon them their need to refuse such a request from the humans."
Satai Delenn offered a weak protest, "We have threatened the League already, and if we continue to be threatening they could unite. Some of them dare to call us bullies!"
Satai Morann was dismissive, "We are older and wiser than the other races. They will come to learn and accept that what we are doing is righteous and just."
Satai Coplann gave an approving nod. "There, that settles that problem, we will ensure that the League will not impose any kind of trade embargo on our Federation or they too shall feel our Warrior's wrath."
Satai Varenn said, "That the threat of a trade embargo is eased is one thing, but our shipping is still being attacked by humans and by raiders and pirates that the humans have contracted. We are starting to run into logistical issues and they are going to get worse if these raids on our shipping are not stopped."
"The Warriors assigned to protecting our territories within our space are spread out due to so many being reassigned to the front lines. Perhaps we should recall some so that this problem can be dealt with."
After a moment's pause and a glance between the other two Satais of the Warrior Caste, Satai Coplann said, "Satai Varenn we shall consult with the Elders of the Warrior Caste and determine the best way to deal with this issue. Thank you for bringing it to our attention."
Satai Morann said, War Leader Brammer, we will work to address the need for bringing more warships online quicker. Your plans for the Deneb and Sestun attacks are approved. Now, let us talk of the workers and their duties to give the Warriors more ships in a timely manner.
Delenn nodded along with the rest of the Grey Council members but no one noticed the guilt on her face that appeared briefly. She wished she could stop this bloodshed.
EarthForce High Command
Conference Room Three
It was early in the morning and inside the Conference Room it was already locked into Secure mode to prevent any electronic, mundane, and even telepathic eavesdropping. There were very few people in the room. In the conference room were General Robert Lefcourt, Vice President Luis Santiago, and their most senior staff members.
With a smile General Lefcourt said, "So, you got the job of overseeing Operation Morning Dawn Mister Vice President?"
With a grunt the Vice President said, "Someone's got to make sure this gets done right. So, have you started looking and selecting those candidates for evacuation?"
"Yes, we're looking for mainly younger citizens and military personnel although there will be a mix of older people that have knowledge that will be needed for starting our civilization completely over should the President authorize an evacuation."
Luis nodded and was looking at papers. "What about technical knowledge and taking cultural artifacts?"
With a breath and a huff he said, "We will need to work together on that. We'll have to devise and plan for the computer storage to contain all that knowledge and we'll need to contact museum curators and make those kind of arrangements. This has to remain Top Secret Luis, we can't let the public or even those we don't trust gain knowledge we're planning an evacuation on this big of a scale."
As Luis was writing notes he said, "Yes, we're going to need additional people to help. I know some people to call that we can bring in on this. I'll need some of your people."
General Lefcourt said, "That's not a problem.", He was making a couple notes of his own and he added, "You tell me what you need and I'll do my best to get it to you. When is the President making her speech?"
Luis replied, "Six pm is when she's going to be making her broadcast, then the world and our colonies will know."
With a sigh Robert said, "Yeah, I just hope our people over in Pegasus return soon."
The two leaders began discussing the necessary things that would be required for the planned evacuation of millions of people. It was hoped that it would not be necessary but that it would be capable of being done if the Robotech ships were unable to defeat the Minbari. Those selected for evacuation would flee Earth and/or her colonies board the Robotech ships, then fold back to Pegasus and start over, leaving the Milky Way galaxy behind.
EarthForce High Command
Level Four
The specialist operative that had been contracted had made it into the fourth level of the secure facility. They hadn't made any discoveries that their employer was looking for. They had been briefed that whatever was going on within EarthForce High Command was most likely in the most secure areas, probably in levels eight to level ten.
The operative was completely human, no Zentraedi or Tirolian ancestry was a part of his family tree. He was a relatively powerful telepath and was a proud member of Humans First. His employer was able to get him access to this facility's upper levels and the lesser security levels. Now he was going to have to go through the more tougher security.
Acting as if he belonged, he confidently moved through different checkpoints with no problem as his employer's people had been able to give him a very good cover identity. As he moved through, he would lightly sweep the area to see if he could spot someone that had the sort of knowledge that his employer was looking for. He had to be extremely careful. If he was caught, he could be shot and killed for treason by the guards here at the worst, and if he was captured, no doubt his employer would see to it that he didn't live long enough to talk.
Carefully proceeding deeper into the facility, he just crossed into a higher security zone. He was going to have to be extremely careful now.
The operative made his way carefully, acting as if he belonged as he moved through the building. He was on his way to the next level of the high security section that he was going to have to get through so he could gain access to whatever was going on deep within EarthForce High Command.
Approaching the next level of security for Level Seven, the operative approached the security checkpoint and walked through the full body scanner and once he walked through the machine he was greeted by the security officer on the other end.
"Sir, what are you doing here?", the guard asked.
Giving his best smile, trying to put the guard at ease the operative said, "I'm on my way to a meeting down in level eight."
The guard looked at the operative for a moment then said, "Identicard please."
The operative presented the identicard to the guard and gave his best smile to put the man at ease. The guard looked over the man's identicard carefully before passing through the card reader and it gave the correct sound as it passed through.
"Who's your meeting with?", the guard asked.
Keeping that smile the operative said, "Sorry, you're not cleared for that information." He applied a little bit of his telepathic power to the man to allow him to pass through, bypassing the DNA and blood tests as his DNA would trigger an alarm.
After a pat down to verify he had nothing improper the man was waved through.
Unknown to the operative the guard he just dealt with was a telepath himself acting as an undercover operative for the higher security levels of the complex. Immediately the guard spoke into his comm link and gave a code phrase that was rarely used but constantly trained for.
Trained personnel were deployed including three telepaths that were very high Psi rated telepaths. Multiple cameras from various angles zoomed in on the now known intruder. They watched the man proceed through the level and head to the next level security checkpoint. The telepaths that were nearby had started shielding the thoughts of nearby personnel and the man stopped in the corridor a good distance before the next security checkpoint.
The operative knew something was wrong when he could no longer sense the surface thoughts of the people nearby. Right away he knew. Looking around, the man turned to see eight guards and he knew at least one of them was a telepath and once he got a good look at the uniforms, he saw the pins emblazoned on the uniforms that marked them as members of the Telepathic Monitoring Commission within EarthForce.
One of the guards stepped forward with one hand on the holster of his weapon, the other was stretched outward towards the man. "Sir, I'm going ask you to raise your hands slowly above your head."
Other guards had drawn their weapons and had the man in their sights. Guards from the other side of the corridor approached as well and additional guards started keeping the facility's personnel away from the stand off situation.
The operative looked at the telepaths and said, "Well, looks like I'm a bit outnumbered, but do you think you can take me?"
Two of the telepaths were female Zentraedi or had a Zentraedi bloodline while the third telepath was a male and appeared human. One of the female telepaths, a woman with short blue hair said, "Maybe you can beat one P12 but I doubt you can beat three. Do as you're instructed and you'll get out of this someday."
The operative didn't smile. He looked at the guard that was closest to him.
"Don't do it.", advised the blue haired telepath.
The operative said, "I don't have a choice. I can't allow myself to be taken into custody."
With his back turned the guards had moved closer with their weapons drawn.
"Tell them to stay back!" the operative yelled.
The guards stopped but they kept their weapons on the operative.
The blue haired telepath asked, "Mind if I ask your name?"
The operative smiled grimly, "Don't have one except when I'm on a mission. I have a number."
The blue haired telepath asked, "Then what's your number? And I don't mean your phone number, what are you called?"
"Can't tell you." the man replied.
The guard that was closest to the operative said, "Look, you don't want to do this, you're surrounded and there are three telepaths here that are more than capable of stopping it is whatever you're going to attempt. Now, put your hands above your head."
"I told you, I can't do that.", the operative said.
The other female Zentraedi telepath, a woman with very long pink hair said, "Yes you can."
The man acted as if he'd been punched. Shaking his head he said, "Stop, don't do this…." Struggling to keep his arms down, first his right hand began to rise, revealing a small PPG pistol that he ended up dropping. He screamed, "Which one of you did that?! Stop! I'm one of you!" Then the man's left hand began to rise as well and it was empty. Slowly, as the man was trying to visibly resist the telepathic commands being sent against him by three telepaths.
Continuing to protest against the three telepaths, it was finally clear that the man could not resist the three telepaths that were against him. Both his hands were raised high above his head. The blue haired telepath said, "We've got him, take him. He has a suicide pill in his teeth. We're keeping him from biting down on it."
The man was swarmed by the guards and quickly he was handcuffed and a guard swept the man's mouth and found the fake tooth and removed it and grabbed the intact suicide pill from the man's mouth and tossed it to the ground where another guard nearby picked it up and placed it into a forensics bag. Another guard produced a syringe and injected the man in the arm and called out, "Sedatives are in!"
Seconds later the struggling operative was out like a light. After he was on the ground the man was thoroughly searched from top to bottom. All items were collected and placed into evidence bags. A gurney was brought over from medical and the man was placed on it and secured. Then he was taken by a secure elevator back up to the surface level and wheeled out onto a waiting transport vehicle that launched into the sky and soon the man was being taken to a secure facility.
Now the guards left behind began to do a full sweep of the building, tracing this operatives steps backwards to see where he came from, where he entered the building from, and see if he talked to anyone. Senior officers were called, and reports were made, Someone just tried to breach EarthForce High Command and made it very deep into the facility. The higher ups were not going to be happy.
The transport vehicle landed in a secure landing bay at a facility that was highly classified in the Swiss Alps. The unconscious operative was taken to a secure medical wing where he was scanned thoroughly by machines for any intrusive devices as well as any other suicide devices or things that might injure himself. He was swabbed for DNA, blood was collected, he was fingerprinted, his eyes were opened and retina scans were taken, and high resolution photos were taken of the operative from head to toe. His clothing was removed and taken as evidence.
A doctor looked at the unconscious man's vitals to see if he was medically stable then he was injected with anti telepathic drugs so he would be unable to use his abilities upon waking up. Once he was awakened, the drugs would be supplied in his food and water. After being given the clear by medical, the prisoner was taken to a cell and placed on the bed. A guard was placed in front of the cell, cameras were recording and after the man woke up he would be taken out of the cell for interrogation.
EarthDome
The Office of the Secretary of Defense
Working in her official office at EarthDome was something that Secretary of Defense Millia Sterling did only when necessary given how much her attention was required at EarthForce High Command.
She was busy working, reading the most recent report from Miriya Sterling regarding the progress from the day before on the Veritech training program when her intercom buzzed. She pushed the button and said, "Yes?"
"Ma'am, Senator Clark is wondering if you have a few minutes."
Surprised, the green haired woman took several seconds to wonder why the Senator wanted to speak to her. Curiosity won out as she said, "That will be fine, send him in."
"Yes, ma'am."
The door to her office opened and Senator Morgan Clark walked into Secretary Sterling's office and he walked over to her desk where she stood up and offered her hand for a handshake and the two shook hands as they greeted each other.
"Senator."
"Madam Secretary."
Gesturing for the Senator to sit she sat back down in her own chair and asked, "What brings you out of your busy day to come over and speak to me Senator?"
Giving the appearance of being friendly, Senator Clark smiled and said, "I just finished a meeting and I was nearby. Thought I'd swing by so we could have a chat." The Senator kept his face friendly. "I was wondering if you could offer any insights as to what the President is going to be saying later today?"
With a friendly smile of her own, the Secretary replied, "I'm sorry Senator, but I cannot give you any hints about the President's speech, you'll just have to wait and see."
Tilting his head slightly he asked, "Not even a clue?"
Giving a wan smile Millia replied, "Afraid not. I'm sworn to secrecy Senator. There's been too many leaks recently so she's taking extra steps."
With a slight scowl that quickly vanished Senator Clark asked, "Anything you can tell me about the war effort?"
Raising her hands in a placating gesture she said, "Sorry Senator,, but you did receive your daily briefing. I cannot tell you about any classified operations."
Senator Clark pounced, "So, there is something going on?"
With a smirk she said, "Nice try Senator."
Taking another approach the Senator asked, "Can you confirm that the President has sent Secretary Sheridan and a diplomatic team to the League of Non-Aligned Worlds to beg them for aid?" The Senator's tone had taken a hard edge when he said the words "beg for aid.".
Millia took a moment and responded, "While I can confirm that a diplomatic team is en route to speak to the League, I cannot confirm who has gone to lead that effort."
"I find it odd that no announcement was made about the Secretary's departure."
Looking apologetic Millia said, "I wish I could tell you something about it but I'm afraid I can't. I'm sure the State Department will be announcing something tomorrow morning."
The Senator looked at Millia silently for a moment before tilting his head he said, "Madam Secretary, I'm not sure if I've every told you that I was sorry for your loss. To lose your parents and so much of your family from the Dilgar so long ago when you were a child. A tragic beginning for you to be sure, but you've come a long way yourself."
"Thank you Senator, you're too kind, but thankfully, I had the support of Miriya Sterling and her family. It's why I changed my last name out of gratitude."
The too looked at each other for a moment and then Senator Clark brought his arms in front of him across his chest and clasping his hands together, he said, "Madam Secretary, don't you think it would be better if you thought about the future?"
Keeping a level gaze Millia said, "I am Senator. I am thinking about our future all the time, especially now in this time of crisis."
"This crisis will hopefully pass eventually, and I think it's very important that you think about who you associate with. I have big plans for my future and I can see you being a part of that political future as well Madam Secretary. Having a friend like me would be extremely fortuitous."
Leaning back in her chair, she steepled her hands and said, "I highly doubt that inviting me into your inner circle would benefit you, especially those friends of yours in Humans First might not look kindly upon such move."
"Humans First is a proud organization that wants to speak for all of Humanity Madam Secretary."
Giving a pointed look she scoffed. "If that were true Senator, then there would be more members of Zentraedi and Tirolian ancestry in higher positions within that organization and not given what are clearly positions that look good as publicity or propaganda. Actions, not words Senator are important."
Giving a look of understanding and concern Senator Clark replied, "I share your concerns, believe me I do. But I can assure you that Humans First is not the organization it's detractors make it out to be."
"Really? I haven't seen anything from Humans First to prove their detractors wrong. Perhaps you should get out while the getting is still good Senator. You could do some real good with a more inclusive organization given your appearance."
Confused, Senator Clark asked, "What do you mean by that?"
Raising a hand to point at the Senator's face she said, "Your jaw, it's very defined and it strikes me as it is a very unique Zentraedi feature. Are you sure you don't have a Zentraedi relative in your family tree?" As she asked the question she had a slight smirk.
Looking very directly at Millia Sterling, Senator Clark rebuffed her question, "I can assure you, there are no Zentraedi relatives in my family tree."
Nodding her head she said, "Right, my mistake." Although unspoken it was clear that she wasn't mistaken.
The two people were staring at each other when the Secretary's phone rang and the ringing tone was an audio cue that this call was urgent. Holding up her hand she said, "Apologies Senator but I must answer this call."
She picked up the phone and answered, "Sterling here."
A pause as she listened to the voice on the other end. Then she said, "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Tango Omega Five Tango Charlie Seven."
She listened carefully for about a minute then she responded, "How far did he get?" A pause. "Is the building on lockdown?" A pause. "Is he dead?" A pause. "Good. I do not want anything to happen to this person, I want answers right down to his shoe size and I want answers yesterday. Get our best specialists over there. While you are having people getting those answers I want to know how this man made it so far into EarthForce High Command! I'll inform the President personally. Get me those answers General."
As the Secretary was on the phone Senator Clark's heart started to race as he realized that something has gone horribly wrong with the infiltration into EarthForce High Command. He tried to keep a calm facade but it was admittedly difficult as he was hearing the one side of the conversation that it seemed that the infiltrator had been captured. Inwardly he was screaming in rage and cursing his ill fortune.
After the Secretary hung up the phone she looked at the Senator with an expression that showed she was very upset. "Apologies Senator but it seems an intruder breached EarthForce High Command and made it to level seven before he was identified and caught. The facility is on lockdown while the investigation into this breach begins. I'm sorry Senator but I must cut this meeting short, I'm sure you understand."
Giving an understanding expression of his own while still internally screaming inside he calmly said, "Perfectly understandable Madam Secretary. Please, do keep me and the rest of the Senate informed about this breach, it is extremely concerning."
Giving a nod she said, "I will inform the Senate about this breach right away, I trust you will speak of this to no one. We must not let whoever sent this intruder find out that their plan failed."
Standing up now, Senator Clark expressed agreement. "Of course, of course, we can't afford any leaks."
Secretary Sterling stood up and watched Senator Clark walk to the door.
"We'll talk again soon, I'm sure Senator.", she said as he left."
Giving a knowing expression Senator Clark said, "Yes, I'm sure we will.", and the man left the office and quickly started heading for his own office.
Senator Clark walked very quickly through the government building that was EarthDome and made his way through private hallways not open to the general public that would get him to his office quicker. He grumbled and growled as he walked through the corridors when no one was around to hear him but when near anyone he gave off that friendly demeanor but clearly too busy to stop and chat with anyone.
Going through the final security checkpoint he was able to reach his office, telling the staff as he moved through t hat he needed a few minutes to be left alone. He opened his office door and slammed it shut, locking it right away.
He took off his coat and threw it across the room where it landed on the floor in front of the expensive sofa. Stepping forward a few steps he let out a yell that thankfully no one could hear due to the expensive soundproofing of the room. Morgan Clark turned to the liquor cabinet in his office and quickly reached for the twenty five year old bottle of scotch and poured a double shout into a rocks glass without ice and he downed it.
"Goddamn it! Fuck!", he cursed and after he finished the scotch he threw the glass into the unlit fireplace.
Morgan Clark was furious. He would not be denied he thought to himself as he went to his personal washroom where he splashed his face with water and vigorously washed his face. Looking up at the mirror, he cursed as he realized one of his very special contact lenses fell out, revealing his violet iris that revealed he was not human. Looking in the sink he saw his contact lens on the edge of falling into the drain.
Cursing some more he grabbed the contact lens and taking care to clean it with a saline bottle he put the contact lens back into place, giving the appearance of ordinary blue eyes. Morgan Clark looked his appearance carefully. His hair color was fine, he'd have to reapply the dye to it most likely in the next day or two. He walked out of his restroom and began to pace.
He needed to think, it seemed that Millia Sterling might know his biggest secret, but as much as he wanted to act, she was too well protected, no one would get close to harm her and even if some assassin got lucky, whoever managed to kill the Secretary of Defense would find themselves chased to the ends of the galaxy by Miriya Sterling, and all her friends. Millia Sterling was a target that he knew he couldn't strike against right now. If he asked his friends, they'd laugh at him, maybe even turn on him.
Speaking of his friends, he was sure he was going to be contacted very soon from his "friends" about the clusterfuck that happened and sure enough, his personal phone started ringing and he knew exactly who was calling.
"Shit!" he exclaimed.
The phone continued to ring and he knew he had to answer the phone or it would cause problems so after a calming breath or two he answered the phone.
"Yes?"
The voice on the other line was altered electronically and the voice ordered, "We need to meet."
The Pegasus Galaxy
EAS Achilles
The crew of the Achilles along with Secretary of State Sheridan were still aboard the bridge awaiting further instructions from the Robotech Factory. They had been waiting for hours for the supposed further instructions but since docking with the Robotech Factory, there had been no further contact from the Factory other than repeated, "Please Stand By." messages.
With nothing to do, John asked Sensors to do a sweep of the docking bay they were in to determine how many ships were in the docking bay with them and of what warship classes they were.
Everyone was surprised to find that there were one thousand Eisenhower Class Battleships and one thousand Ikazuchi Cruisers.
John in a bit of curiosity asked, "What's going on here Doctor Lang? Did we leave people behind to stay aboard the Robotech Factory? Why weren't these ships placed in the mothball yard?"
The scientist/historian that was Doctor Lang adjusted his glasses again and replied, "No Captain, no one was left behind to stay aboard the Robotech Factory. The issue of trust was a big factor in not allowing anyone, not even the Sentinel Races to keep people aboard the Factory. As to why these ships were not moved to mothballs, I do not know. There is nothing in the notes that were left behind by my great, great grandfather Doctor Emil Lang."
"Then who's been talking to us?", asked Secretary 'Sheridan.
Doctor Lang replied, "It is a completely automated system. The Factory was shut down to low power levels to maintain its own security. Everything we are doing is according to the Reactivation Protocol."
The XO, Lieutenant Commander Delinda Lamiz exasperatedly said, "Then what is taking so long? We've been waiting here for six hours!"
Before anyone could respond the speakers in the Bridge came alive with the voice of the Robotech Factory. "Apologies for the delay, we can proceed with the next level of the Reactivation Protocols."
Captain Sheridan asked, "What took so long?"
The Voice replied, "The Factory was bringing up minimal life support necessary for the next portion of the Reactivation Protocols so you would not have a need for your group to wear life support equipment. We can now proceed. Follow these directions without any deviations. Failure to follow these directions will cause the Factory to enact hostile invader protocols where your ship along with everyone aboard your ship will be killed. Am I clear?"
Everyone gulped.
John replied, "Crystal."
"Very good. The representatives carrying the tablets entrusted to them are to bring these tablets with themselves. Only the three representatives are to disembark from this ship using the forward airlock and personnel transfer tube. Once these representatives have disembarked, they are to follow the directional markings until they have reached the personnel transport awaiting them. The transport vehicle will bring the representatives to the Control Center where the final procedures for Reactivation will be done. Final warning, should the representatives fail, this ship and everyone aboard will be destroyed. Representatives of the UEG and the representative from Doctor Lang's family, please proceed to the airlock and disembark. You have three minutes."
Captain Sheridan let out a loud breath. He stood up from his command station and said, "Let's not waste any time then. Mister Secretary, Doctor Lang, please grab your tablet and join me for a little field trip.", John was smirking as he picked up his own tablet and led them to the forward airlock.
John stopped right before he left the Bridge. He looked at his Executive Officer and said, "You have the ship Lieutenant Commander. Send a report to our friends that I've gone aboard the Factory to complete the procedure."
Lieutenant Commander Delinda Lamiz saluted her Captain. "Aye sir, I have the ship. I'll do that immediately. Good luck sir."
"Thank you.", he replied.
The three men left the Bridge and made their way to the forward airlock. The Chief Engineer was waiting with a smile on her face. "Sir, allow me to open the airlock for you."
Smiling himself, John replied, "By all means Lieutenant Commander Sevina, go ahead."
"Aye sir! I really wish I could go aboard with you sir.", Sevina said as she was pressing the correct buttons to open the air lock.
John nodded, "You will soon enough, Lieutenant Commander. I promise you."
The airlock slid open and the Captain, the Secretary, and the Doctor entered. Sevina closed the door behind them and after a brief pause, John pushed the button to open the outer door and the three walked through a translucent tube that allowed them to see the docking bay they were in. Upon leaving the boarding tube they found themselves in a corridor that was dark at first but lights turned on after a few seconds. Then an arrow telling them to turn left and proceed forward appeared on the wall.
The three walked along the corridor until they reached the end and were looking at another corridor that intersected with the one they were standing in. Awaiting them was a hover car. Remembering their instructions, the three men boarded the vehicle and once all three were aboard, the hover car began to move.
The same voice they heard while aboard the Achilles spoke from a speaker in the dashboard of the hover car. "The journey to the Control Center will take six minutes thirty seconds. Please relax and make no attempt to leave the transport."
The three men could do nothing but sit and wait for the hover car take them to their destination. John tried to see if the voice was listening. "Hello?", John asked.
There was no response.
"Interesting, it seems to be monitoring us only as necessary.", David said.
"So it would seem.", Doctor Lang responded.
John asked, "Doctor, did you bring your tablet?"
"Oh, yes I did.", he replied.
John responded, "Okay, it's just I saw you enter your code using what looked like notes from a notebook when we were first transmitting our codes."
"That was my fault, I left my tablet in my quarters.", he chuckled than added, "I had the code in my notebook, written in ancient Tirolian and in my own personal code as well so no one could just read it and enter the code themselves."
"Hmm.", John said.
Captain Sheridan said, "Hey, do either of you recognize the Voice that's been speaking to us? It sounds very familiar and I can't place it but I know I've heard that voice before."
The Doctor and the Secretary looked at each other then David spoke first. "I have to agree with you that the voice is familiar."
Doctor Lang nodded his head in agreement saying, "Yes, and I think I know who the voice is."
"Really?", both men asked.
"I'm not entirely sure but if I'm right we will find out soon for ourselves."
The hover car took them through an endless maze of corridors and passed closed doors for various rooms and stations within the Factory that were along the way and everything seemed to be completely the same. They entered one elevator, traveled a number of levels then left the elevator and passed through more corridors. The three men most likely would have gotten lost were it not for the fact that they were on this hover car and it was taking them exactly where they were supposed to go.
"God, this place is huge.", David said.
John and Doctor Lang said, "Yes."
The hover car continued along on its journey and another elevator door opened as the hover car approached and once the car was in the elevator the doors closed and the elevator moved.`
After several seconds the elevator opened and the hovercar moved out of the elevator and began to travel along more corridors and pass closed doors as it traveled along its programmed path.
Finally it stopped at a wide door. To the right of the door the words "Factory Control Center" were next to the door.
David said, "Looks like we're here."
The three men got out of the hovercar, making sure that each person had their tablet. Doctor Lang stood in front of the doors and they silently slid open. They all could see that not all of the lights were on inside the room as if the station was on minimal power. Together, the three entered the Control Room and the doors slid shut behind them.
Looking around the room, it was a fairly large room, set into tiers as there were many different computer stations on the different tiers. None of the computers were on that they could see. It reminded John and David of the old NASA Mission Control from the early era of space flight.
The jaws of David and John Sheridan went wide in surprise while Doctor Robert Lang adjusted his glasses as they stared at the sight at the top of the tier.
Standing at the top of the room to their right of the doors was a man. A man that appeared to be in his early fifties. He was wearing the uniform of a REF Admiral, standing about five feet seven inches with white hair and Caucasian. The three men recognized the man standing, he was a figure out of history, out of legend practically.
Standing at the top was none other than Admiral Rick Hunter of the Robotech Expeditionary Force.
Admiral Hunter said, "Welcome to the Robotech Factory gentlemen, please move to the bottom tier and go to the only working computer terminal. Follow the instructions to enter your security codes. Once that is done you will be instructed to place your tablets within the workstation."
John looked at the Admiral standing there and finally noticed the lights that were behind the figure and he was able to see details that made it more obvious that the man they were looking at was a very complex hologram.
"It's a hologram.", John stated.
Before the others could say something the apparent hologram of Rick Hunter said, "I'm a hardlight holographic projection programmed with the memories and likeness of Admiral Rick Hunter. I must insist that the three of you complete the procedure soon or I must assume you are hostile and take the appropriate measures."
Secretary Sheridan grunted, "Let's get this done."
The three men walked down the steps to the bottom of the Control Center and on the far right of this tier against the wall was a solitary terminal not connected to any of the other workstations. The computer was on and the screen was displaying a prompt on the screen.
The hologram of Rick Hunter materialized at the bottom tier with them and gestured to the computer, "Please enter your final authorization codes as prompted by the workstation."
Looking at the screen the three men saw:
Executive: _ _ _ _-_ _ _ _ _-_ _ _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ _
Secretary Sheridan looked at John and Doctor Lang and said, "Looks like I'm up first." David sat at the chair and took out his tablet, activated it and accessed the final authorization code as he'd been instructed by President Levy. He looked at his code and looked at the screen. Nodding his head that the code seemed to match the number of spaces that were on display on the tablet, he carefully entered the code and once he'd double checked it after he entered the code he pressed the Enter key.
Rick said, "Executive Branch code has been received and accepted. Please enter the next code."
Defense: _ _ _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ _ _ -_ _ _ _ _
David stood up and John moved to sit in the chair next. Activating his own tablet, he accessed his own final authorization code and carefully inputted the code as it was displayed on the tablet and finally pressing Enter once he was sure that the code matched.
Rick said, "Defense Department Branch code has been received and accepted. Please enter the next code.
Doctor Lang: _ _ _ - _ _ _ _- _ _ _ _ _-_ _ _-_ _ _ _- _ _ _ _ _
John stood up and Doctor Lang moved into the chair and accessed his own tablet. The man entered his code in quickly and pressed the Enter key.
Rick said "Doctor Lang's code has been received and accepted."
A panel next to the computer slid open revealing a medium sized opening.
Rick ordered, "Please place your tablets inside in a standing position. The tablets can only be inserted one way."
Since Doctor Lang was sitting at the computer, he placed his tablet inside the opening as instructed then stood up and moved out of the way. David placed his tablet inside next and then John did so last. The three men waited as they watched the panel slide shut.
Rick said, "Just a moment please."
Thirty seconds later the hologram actually smiled and said, "Final authorization codes have been received and accepted. The tablets that have these codes have been returned and confirmed that no tampering has occurred. Reactivation and Retrieval Procedures have been completed. The Robotech Factory, everything within it, and the mothball yards are now back under Earth control."
All the computers in the Control Center turned on and began to boot up. All of the lights came on in the room as well. The men could hear the sounds and feel the thrum of systems coming online as the Factory began to come to life.
John activated his comm link. "Sheridan to Achilles."
"Achilles here sir.", responded the voice of Delinda.
"Procedures are done, the Factory is ours.", he replied.
The sounds of cheers could be heard through the speaker. "That's wonderful sir. Orders?", asked Delinda.
"Stand by.", John replied. He muted the microphone and looked at the holographic avatar of Admiral Hunter.
"Send two transport vehicle to my ship, I will be bringing my Chief Engineer and some people aboard."
The avatar responded after several seconds. "Transport vehicles en route, arrival time in three minutes."
Releasing the mute on his microphone John said, "I have a couple transports coming, ETA is three minutes. Send Sevina, an engineering team, and all of Doctor Lang's specialists down. The vehicle will take them to the Control Center which is where we are right now. I'm going to contact our friends and have them dock with the Factory. Before we disembark everyone, we're going to have one more meeting to discuss what needs to be done."
"Understood sir. I'll have Chief Engineer Sevina, her team and Doctor Lang's team ready for the transport soon. Achilles out."
John looked around the room and saw that there was a FoldCom station. Looking at the Avatar of Rick Hunter again he pointed at the FoldCom station. "Is that operational."
The avatar looked at the FoldCom station and said, "Diagnostics complete, yes it is operational."
John walked over to the FoldCom station and looked at it. "Lieutenant Livsey?", he asked over his comm link.
"Sir?", his communication officer replied.
"There's a FoldCom here, I'm going to contact EarthForce High Command from here, can you give me the settings please?"
"Yes sir, give me a moment. Here they are…", Lisa responded and finished giving John the settings that were needed to contact EarthForce.
Once that was done, John activated the FoldCom and awaited a response. Which was almost immediate. There was a whooping siren sound as a screen seemed to fold outward in mid air showing that they'd contacted EarthForce High Command once again.
David, John, and Robert found themselves looking at the image of General Robert Lefcourt.
"Gentlemen," General Lefcourt greeted the three. "I hope you have good news. We've been waiting for hours."
John said with a smile, "Apologies for the delay sir, we had to wait for the Factory to bring up minimal life support systems. However...Sir, I'm happy to report that the Robotech Factory and everything are ours. We are speaking to you from the Robotech Factory's Control Center."
The three men aboard the Factory watched as there were cheers from the men and women behind General Lefcourt. The General was smiling broadly. "That's wonderful news. I'll inform the President as soon as we're done. Good work, all of you."
John replied, "Thank you sir,"
Doctor Lang and Secretary Sheridan echoed John's response.
"General, the Factory is coming online right now, I'm about to contact the Aegis, Daedalus, and Maxwell to dock with the Factory and then we'll discuss what we have to do. I have to admit, it's quite a lot."
"Understood, Captain. But remember, you're under a time crunch. I want another update from you in three hours or sooner after you've all determined a course of action.", responded General Lefcourt.
Captain Sheridan replied, "Yes sir."
The communication was cut and the whooping siren sounded again as the screen folded and disappeared like a wink.
"I noticed you didn't tell the General about our glowing friend here.", David said.
John nodded in acknowledgment, "We're going to have to have a discussion about that."
The hologram of Rick Hunter was standing and watching impassively.
"But first, I need to contact our friends.", John said with a smile.
John activated his personal comm link to reach the three Hyperion Cruisers that were parked outside.
"This is Captain John Sheridan, I'm happy to announce that the Factory and everything are once again ours and under our control."
Captain Kania Jiina of the Aegis responded with her congratulations first followed quickly by the other Captains.
John said, "Thank you all. Now, I'm going to open up Bay 4, proceed to the Factory station for docking, and be advised the Factory will tractor your ships in and dock you automatically once you reach fifteen thousand meters. We'll need to have a face to face meeting to discuss the tasks in front of us so, upon docking a transport will be awaiting for you Captains Jiina, Richards, and Thar. We'll meet aboard the Achilles in forty five minutes. So don't disembark your crews yet."
The Captains all acknowledged the order and they disconnected the communication.
Turning to face the holographic avatar, John declared, "You are an Artificial Intelligence."
Nodding his head Rick confirmed, "I am. Although I'm not an artificial intelligence that you are probably accustomed to interacting with."
Doctor Lang cut in, "Excuse some of the radiating hostility from Captain Sheridan and Secretary of State David Sheridan. After the war with the Haydonites, there was a separate incident with Artificial Intelligence. Artificial Intelligences are strictly illegal within Earth Alliance territories. Virtual Intelligences are strictly controlled and monitored to make sure they do not become truly sapient are still permitted."
Hologram Rick gave a thoughtful "Hmm," sound then said, "Interesting. Well there was no way for my makers, your predecessors to foresee such an incident to happen many years later."
John nodded and looked at the Secretary. Doctor Lang walked around the holographic avatar to see how well it was projected. He poked a finger at hologram Rick's arm and he actually felt resistance. Standing in front of the hologram again Doctor Lang asked, "Who created you?"
The avatar of Admiral Hunter replied, "I was a joint project created by Doctor Emil Lang and Rem Cabell along with contributions of memory and personality of Admiral Hunter."
"Why?", asked David Sheridan.
"It was determined by the ranking members of the REF and the civilian authority that with the sealing of the Robotech Factory and all of the warships within the mothball yard that someone or something had to be left behind to help and assist Humanity should the time come that Humanity would need to retrieve its former technology. As for how I got chosen to be that person to have those memories and personality implanted and that I would be the one to welcome you back and help you all, well it's really simple. I drew the short straw."
John barked a laugh. "You drew straws?"
Rick replied with that Rick Hunter brashness, running a hand through his holographic hair. The avatar chuckled and replied, "We did and I drew the short one. It was determined you could also use my knowledge of Robotech warfare. The technology to build Robotech mecha and warships is one thing, but I do possess quite a lot of knowledge of using Robotech ships and mecha. I fought the wars Captain Sheridan and I remember it all. All four of them."
David looked at John and Robert sighed and said, "We're still going to have to talk about this."
John and Robert looked at each other and nodded.
John said, "See to it that the three warships approaching the station are docked in Bay 4 as close to the Achilles as possible."
Rick acknowledged the order. "Right away. The three ships will be docked in ten minutes."
John looked at Doctor Lang and ordered, "Doctor, work with your team and Chief Engineer Sevina and her people on making sure that all systems are online. Check the Reflex Furnaces, the works. Go meet Sevina and your team outside and begin carrying out my orders. I don't want everyone seeing Admiral Hunter around the station."
"Yes sir.", he replied. Doctor Lang left the control room to greet the soon to arrive Chief Engineer, her team of engineers, and his own specialists.
Looking at the holographic avatar again John said, "I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to not use your avatar for the time being."
Scratching his own chin, the holographic avatar of Rick Hunter appeared thoughtful. "I see. Well, I suppose I can understand that. Very well, if you need me to appear visibly, just say the word. For now, I can mimic a very robust VI."
Letting out the breath he was holding John said, "Thank you. We'll work this out, I'm sure of it."
The hologram of Rick Hunter disappeared and David let out his own breath that he seemed to have been holding for awhile. David asked, "Damn. An honest to goodness AI. What were our predecessors thinking?"
John said, "Things were different back then dad. We'd fought and won the war against the Haydonites and it would not have been possible without help from the AI's that fought with us against the Haydonites. We just forgot those lessons. Besides, our predecessors knew that we'd need help. I mean what if we came back two hundred or even three hundred years later, we'd really need the assistance of an AI like the Admiral."
"Don't call it that, son. It is not him.", David said sternly.
With a sigh John looked around the room with all the computers booted up and systems throughout the Factory still coming online.
John ordered, Please transmit the status of all Factory systems coming online to the Achilles."
"Of course, Captain.", replied the Voice of Rick Hunter.
John sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I need to return to the Achilles so we can discuss our plans with my fellow Captains. There's a lot here, we need to do an inventory of what's aboard the Factory, what's in the mothball yard, figure out how much we can take with us, and that's just what I can think of off the top of my head right now."
David nodded and looked at his son in understanding. "Well, let's get going, I need to return to my notes regarding the Sentinels races. They might turn up before we leave."
When the two walked out of the door, Doctor Lang was walking back in alone. Vehicles were driving off down the corridors.
"What's happening Doctor?"
Doctor Lang adjusted his glasses once more as he replied, "Sir, Chief Engineer Sevina is heading for the Engineering section along with my team. I'm going back inside here to monitor everything from here and once all Factory systems are online I will start a low level diagnostic for all the systems."
John started, "Very well, I instructed Admi-," John corrected himself when his father gave a grunt. "I've instructed the AI to transmit all data with regards to the Factory systems coning online so we'll know when it's fully online."
Doctor Lang stroked his small trimmed goatee as he responded, "Would you like me to attend the meeting sir?"
John replied, "Would it interfere with what you need to do?"
Scratching the side of his face briefly the Doctor replied, "I think it would be best if I worked with the Chief Engineer, her team and my people. That way we can get things moving quicker."
"That's fine then. Keep me posted Doctor."
Just then another hover car pulled up to the three men and stopped.
Walking over to the vehicle and getting in John spoke as he moved and got in, "Looks like our ride's here. Let's go Mister Secretary. Doctor Lang, carry on and do keep me informed."
Secretary Sheridan boarded the hover car as well and John said, "To the Achilles." The hover car began to move and make its way back towards the Achilles.
At the far end of the system a tiny satellite placed to keep watch over the Factory Station and report on activity, especially if the Factory Station powered up completely. Over the century it had watched as robbers, pirates, treasure hunters, would be warlofrds make attempts on taking possession of the Factory or the mothball yard and each time those that tried were wiped out.
Now, the satellite detected and observed the Factory Satellite powering up to full power. This was different from all the other attempts that it had watched over the many years it had watched silently.
Now, it sent a transmission to its builders, "They have returned. Factory Satellite coming online."
EarthDome
President Levy's Office
President Elizabeth Levy was going over her speech that she would be given within the hour when the phone rang. She had instructed her assistants and Chief of Staff that she was to be undisturbed unless it was urgent so she knew that this phone call had to be urgent so she picked up the phone and answered.
"Yes?"
The voice of Secretary Millia Sterling replied, "Madam President, sorry to bother you but I had to speak to you."
"That's fine, what is it?", she replied. Inwardly she was hoping that another colony hadn't fallen.
Secretary Sterling spoke with a cheerful tone as she said, "First, we have received word from Pegasus that Captain Sheridan, David Sheridan, and Doctor Robert Lang have successfully regained control of the Robotech Factory and the mothball yard."
Breathing a sigh of relief Elizabeth Levy quietly said, "Thank God. Millia, that's wonderful news! Be sure to give my congratulations to them upon the next communication."
"I will ma'am. Now, I have some troubling news to report. First, someone breached EarthForce High Command and made it all the way to level seven. Apparently this intruder was a highly trained operative and the investigation is still in the early stages but what we know is one, he was highly trained, two he was completely human with no Zentraedi or Tirolian genetics, three, he was a telepath, a strong one most likely a P10. When he was captured there were three P12s to compel him to surrender. He's being held in one of our most secure facilities right now under a suicide watch and anti telepathic drugs."
Growling in anger Elizabeth was still able to calmly say, "I want to be kept informed about this investigation Millia. Find out everything about this intruder and who hired him."
"Yes, ma'am. Finally, I had a visit from Senator Clark. He really wants to know what your speech is about and what we are doing that has so much of our High Command under the tightest of security protocols. He's really trying to find out what we're up to ma'am."
Actually smiling at hearing of the Senator's failure Elizabeth happily asked, "I assume he left your office empty handed?"
Millia happily replied, "Oh yes ma'am. He was not a happy camper."
"Well that's good, Millia. Do you think the Senator might have been behind the intruder?"
"Do I think so? Yes. But I don't have any proof and the interrogation hasn't started yet from what I was told just before I called you."
"Thank you Millia for this report. Keep me informed on everything."
"Yes Madam President. Good luck with your speech."
The two hung up their phones and President Levy returned to going over her speech.
A few hours later, it was a few minutes before the time for the President's speech. She would be giving it from her office and currently makeup artists were touching up on the President's makeup and her chief of staff was looking over the President's speech. Cameramen were going over the equipment and checking everything over and testing broadcast feeds to make sure that nothing would go wrong broadcasting the speech to the entire world and beyond to Earth's colonies.
With everything prepared and ready President Elizabeth Levy was wearing a blue suit jacket with the Earth Alliance symbol pin on her lapel, a white blouse and blue slacks. She was sitting at her desk, holding a copy of her speech but she was not going to use it except as a prop. She knew what she was going to say.
In addition to the Chief of Staff sitting in the room off screen was Luis Santiago, her Vice President, Millia Sterling, the Secretary of Defense, her Secretary of Commerce, and General Robert Lefcourt. She could see them giving her smiles of support.
A producer was holding her hand to her ear as she was listening to the voice on the other in. She spoke in a clear voice, "Madam President, thirty seconds. Quiet everyone! We're about to go live!"
Soon a man stepped over and was holding up his hand. He was looking at his clock saying, "We're live in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three…" He held out his hand showing two fingers, then one finger and closed his fist.
President Elizabeth Levy smiled at the camera and said, "To the people of Earth and all of her colonies, good evening from Geneva, Switzerland and I thank you for letting me come into your homes, businesses, and public places so I can speak to you about a matter of great importance."
"As you know our war against the Minbari continues and we are suffering tremendous losses. As your President, I take my oath of office seriously and I have been doing not only everything I can to end the war diplomatically, which sadly the Minbari have rebuffed, but I have been pushing our military leadership to find solutions to the Minbari's technological superiority so that we have a fighting chance."
She took a sip of water from the clear glass next to her. Picking up the copy of the speech, she gave the appearance of looking at it but she set it down and resumed talking. "Having charged our military to find a solution, recently our military leadership met with myself and senior members of my administration as they offered a solution that was an idea that had not been considered before until then. To be honest ladies and gentlemen this proposed idea is a long shot gamble. There were those in this meeting who were opposed to this idea and it was discussed vigorously between everyone present in the meeting."
"But, we were all presented data that the proposed idea has a very good chance of succeeding. So, it came down to me and after careful thought and consideration, I decided to approve the military's gamble and that gamble is currently underway. People of Earth and her colonies, under my authority as President of Earth I have invoked the Special Clause of the Sentinels Treaty and have dispatched an expedition back to the Pegasus Galaxy to reclaim and retrieve our former ships and weapons of the past. People of Earth, all of Humanity, it is my strongest belief that in order to defeat the Minbari, we will once again have to use Robotechnology to save us once more."
"This was not an easy decision, but given the circumstances Humanity finds itself in currently, I felt there was no other option available to us as a civilization. The Special Clause of the Sentinels Treaty gives us the Right to Reclaim Our Robotech Ships, Weapons, and Technology should we find ourselves in a situation severe enough that we would have to return to such weapons and technology so that we may defend ourselves."
Taking another drink of water she continued, "I know that for some of you, you may feel that we should not reopen that which we swore we would never use again but as your President, you have charged me with a more sacred duty...our survival. I believe that by returning to our old Robotech ships and weapons, we will even things between the Minbari forces and our own military and once the Minbari military begins to sustain losses of their own, I am hopeful and confident they will come to the negotiating table and we can end this war diplomatically."
"As I speak to you now, the expedition to Pegasus has successfully reclaimed the old Robotech Factory and those ships that were stored away. Simultaneously, we have started with Robotech retraining and familiarization among our military at secret military installations while the Expedition makes the necessary preparations to return with as much Robotechnology as they can. Soon, they will make the journey back home and our military will soon take the fight to the Minbari using Robotech weapons and the Minbari will find themselves in a proper war on a level that they have never seen for at least a thousand years."
"So, I am asking all citizens of Earth and her colonies that possess the knowledge of Robotechnology, to report to your local EarthForce recruitment center and reenlist. Your people need you. To those Zentraedi that served with the REF and have retired to a life of peace, we would be open to at the minimum giving you a sign up bonus and a serious discussion of reinstatement to your former rank based on your experience."
"To all of Humanity, we are doing everything we can to bring this war to an end. We are still in communication with various members of the League of Non-Aligned Worlds to put diplomatic pressure on the Minbari, to enact trade sanctions against the Minbari, and to allow Human refugees the chance to flee through their space to reach safety. We are also in communication with the Narn and the Centauri and hope that they too shall do the same thing as the League."
"Additionally, I have dispatched Secretary of State David Sheridan with the Pegasus Expedition so that should our former allies of the Sentinel Races make contact, he will lead the diplomatic mission to ask them to come to our aid as the Sentinels Treaty was drafted that should one of us be attacked, the others would rise to defend the other. I know that times will continue to be hard in the short term but the time is rapidly approaching that the tide will change and soon enough the time will come and for the Minbari people to realize that it is time to end this war and actually find themselves ready and willing to talk Peace."
With a soft but hopeful expression on her face President Levy brought her speech to a close. "Thank you all for your time. I wish you all the best."
She looked into the camera and waited for the Producer to announce, "We're clear!"
President Levy slumped back into her chair and let out an explosive breath. Everyone in the room started clapping and moving closer to the President's desk while the video production people started moving all the gear out of the office very quickly and soon it was just the President and her closest people.
"Great speech Madam President.", her Chief of Staff said.
Vice President Santiago echoed the Chief, "Yes, it was a great speech."
There were echoes from everyone in the room as they complemented the President's speech.
Sitting up in her chair President Levy said, "Thank you everyone." She sighed and said, "We have a lot of work ahead of us everyone. I'm hopeful that our Ambassador to the League of Non-Aligned Worlds will bring us good news."
General Lefcourt gave a grim expression. "The trick will be if he can get there safely. The Minbari are not respecting Diplomatic beacons on any of our ships."
Nodding grimly at that President Levy agreed, "Sadly, that's true. I'm still hopeful that our ship and our Ambassador will make it safely."
Luis Santiago said, "I do hope you're right Madam President."
One of the other Cabinet members asked, "What do you think the Press is saying right now?"
"Let's find out.", President Levy replied and she turned on the video screen to display multiple news stations to start watching and listening to the reactions.
The Robotech Factory
EAS Achilles
The Captains and their Executive Officers from the three Hyperion Cruisers along with Captain Sheridan and Lieutenant Commander Lamiz were sitting in one of the conference rooms aboard the Achilles.
Captain Sheridan smiled and said, "Well I'm happy to say we have the Factory and the mothball yards back in our possession. The reason for this meeting is we need to create a plan of action and not run off in a thousand different directions or we'd get nothing done. I'm interested in any ideas and suggestions you might have."
John gestured to Delinda who had a laptop open and was making notes. I was thinking that first we need to find out if this Factory can fold back to Sol. If it can, is it equipped with a Nichols Drive or a standard Fold Engine. If it can fold, this will make bringing many ships from the mothball yard a lot easier. Then we need to do an inventory of everything aboard the Factory and the mothball yard. I'm sure you noticed that there's a thousand Eisenhowers and a thousand Ikazuchis just in this bay alone. We will also need to figure out how much we can take with us."
Captain Thar asked, "When will we know if the Factory is capable of Folding?"
John replied, "All systems are still coming online, it'll most likely be hours or even a day before we'll know."
Captain Richards asked, "Where is Doctor Lang, shouldn't he be here?"
Sighing, John replied, "I have him working with my Chief Engineer in monitoring everything in the Control Center to make sure that there are no problems. Sevina is down in the Factory's Engineering section and is looking things over directly."
Captain Jiina said, "Well, we should get started and find out what we have, and I'd like to suggest that the ships we focus on bringing back to with us to be of the Cruiser Class warships and bigger."
Elizabeth Sheridan asked, "May I ask why?"
Captain Jiina responded with a smile, "Simple Lieutenant Commander, it's a matter of firepower and we need it. I feel that if we were to bring Garfish Class warships it would be a mistake. While I'm confident that the alloys of a Robotech warship are capable of resisting Minbari fire far better than our current ship construction, I believe that the Garfish lacks the durability that we so desperately need at this time, even taking into account the barrier system. I strongly think we'll need cruiser class ships and above to bring this war to the Minbari."
The other captains and executive officers think about what Captain Jiina suggested and her reasoning.
Captain Richards said, "I'm not entirely sold on that but we'll have to see what we have available to bring back with us."
John said, "Let me contact Doctor Lang. He pushed a button and said, "Lieutenant Livsey, please patch me through to Doctor Lang."
"Yes sir, just a minute.", the young communication officer chirped. After a few seconds she said, "Patching him through now sir."
There was a chime and Doctor Lang appeared as a hologram floating out of a tiny projector on the conference room table next to Captain Sheridan. Everyone was surprised at the sight.
"Yes?", the Doctor replied.
John quickly regained his composure and said, "Doctor Lang, sorry to disturb your own progress but we wanted a status report. How far along is the Factory coming online?"
They watched as the Doctor adjusted his glasses and made a show of looking at something off camera and he turned to look at the projector and said, "Everything is still coming online, life support to the whole station will be fully online within the next two hours. Power to the whole station is already coming online throughout the station, it is about fifty percent complete and should be finished in about two hours as well."
"What's the status of the Fold engines?", asked Captain Thar.
Turning to look at something then looking back at the projector the Doctor replied, "Those are still powering up. We are looking at six to eight hours before they are fully online and once they are powered up, a full diagnostic will be needed. In fact once all systems are online which based on the data that is coming in will take about ten to twelve hours, I will be initiating the full Factory diagnostic which will take between twenty four to thirty six hours to complete."
Everyone looked around at each other. Then John asked, "Do we have an inventory of what's aboard the Factory right now?"
The Doctor replied, "Those systems are not accessible yet, perhaps within the next couple of hours."
"What about weapons? Can the Factory defend itself?", asked Lieutenant Commander Khamjin
Nodding affirmatively, Doctor Lang said, "Oh yes, weapons are online. Due to the mission, the Factory kept the weapons in stand by mode when we locked things down. Diagnostics on the weapon systems is in progress but the Factory's heavy particle beam turrets are fully operational. Missiles are at fifty percent operational status as the diagnostic is almost done. The pop up defensive turrets are fifty percent operational as well. The Factory is capable of defending itself right now and all weapons will be fully online within the hour."
John said, "Thank you Doctor. We'll let you get back to work."
Nodding his head, the Doctor disconnected and the hologram disappeared.
John commented, "I had no idea that feature was there. Very nice."
There were chuckles and then John said, "The past few days I've had all the extra people aboard my ship shadow the crew and pick up things as we worked. I think what I will do is transfer some of the people that have been watching my crew over to your warships to start going over things with your crews individually, then you can transfer people from your ships to mine and they can shadow my crew and see what a Robotech ship is like and learn the systems."
"From what I read abut the Factory, there are warship simulators here as well as these docked Eisenhower and Ikazuchi cruisers. Let's get these people in these simulators and see about getting our people the ability to crew a warship to at least get them from point a to point b because that's what they're going to be doing quite frankly, moving warships from the mothball yard to a static position for a fold jump back home."
Captain Jiina agreed, "That seems a good idea sir. We'll be needing to move a lot of ships."
John clapped his hands once and said, "Since we're waiting on the Factory to come fully online, join me in the ship's mess for dinner please. I'm sure you're all hungry and I think it would be better to discuss things over food." John glanced at his wife who seemed to not even look at him during the meeting. Internally he sighed, he was going to have to start talking to his wife more often while they were in Pegasus.
Everyone agreed that food was a good idea, so they rose from their seats and Captain Sheridan and his Executive Officer led their guests to the ship's mess for a hot meal.