Sword of Damocles Disclaimer: Babylon 5 and all related items are the property of Time Warner, JMS etc... I'm just borrowing the universe for a while, I'll try not to break it. This story is just for fun.

It is the Earth Year 2280. For nearly two decades the Interstellar Alliance had worked to keep the Peace among its members. In time the threats that rose to face the ISA were dealt with and peace was restored to the Galaxy.
The Shadows were gone, the Drakh were defeated and the Centauri were no longer a threat. Peace seemed to have come at last. Until one day when an Alien Race from beyond the farthest borders of the Alliance threaten its continued existence. Now the Earth Alliance and all the other members of the ISA must prepare to fight once more or lose all that they had gained.



Babylon 5: The Sword of Damocles: Part I


The night was silent, the night is always silent in space. This night seemed even more so to Captain David Fisher as he stood looking out into the eternal black. The Earth Alliance Ship Damocles, one of the newest and most powerful ships in explored space prepared to fire.

"All systems ready Captain, the new guns are on line..., test target locked." the ships first officer Commander Alan Cone reported. "Very good," responded the Captain as he activated his main monitoring console, "Commence fire. Lets give the Brass a good show."

_______________________

"We can see here a typical Warlock Class ship firing its main Particle Beam Cannon, it is powerful enough to destroy the test target in 1.6 seconds leaving limited debris. The new Warlock's Fusion/Particle Beam Cannon, as seen here live from on the EAS Damocles, can destroy a similar target in 0.6 seconds," the graying old Earth Force General reported to the assembled reviewers. General Raindeck had severed Earth for so many years no one could remember a time when he wasn't around.
"The F/P cannon also leaves no traceable debris for us to examine, giving the weapon an estimated 4 times the power of the old Warlocks."
"Why would such a weapon be required General?" Senator Bastra inquired from across the War Room, "Surely the Warlocks are powerful enough, your own reports tell us that the current Warlocks can destroy a Minbari Warcruiser, how so you justify the expense."
General Raindeck turned to face the younger man, "The Warlocks could theoretically fight a Minbari Cruiser and possibly win but that 'fact' is open to serious debate. Senator, this new system added to all are existing Warlock designs would make them nearly unbeatable in ship to ship combat." Raindeck paused to look around at the gather politicians and Officers around the room, "There is also the fact that the Narn Bin'Tak and the Centauri Octurian designs have become a major presence in their respective militaries. We need to keep our edge."
"We understand that General, but the cost of refitting our Fleet with these weapons is high, I just need to make sure it is needed before I consider supporting it."
"It will be Senator, don't worry."

"General," a young comm. officer said, "The Damocles is reporting in they have received a distress signal from a freight convoy, and are moving to investigate."

__________________________

"Open jump point, take us out of hyperspace," Captain Fisher ordered calmly. "Charge all weapons and prepare to lock on to hostile targets, all hands Battle Stations."

The Damocles jumped out of hyperspace and into a graveyard . "The convey appears to have been destroyed Captain," Comdr. Cone reported, "Only debris and radiation being detected." Fisher moved closer to investigate the data, "That was quick."
"Wait, there is a ship coming up behind us, type unknown, their weapons are armed... their firing..." The Damocles was rocked by weapons strikes as an unknown alien warship passed overhead.
"Damage report."
"No damage Captain, but she gave us a good shake."
"Lock all weapons on the hostile craft. Fire when ready."

The plasma cannons began to fire, the pulse cannons tracked the enemies course and struck the strange alien vessel. The vessel was large, over 1800 metres long a huge irregular central command pod with four huge weapon nacelles in cross or "t" formation surrounding the central section it was all connected in the aft section by large engine array and massive support pylons for the weapons. Its design however was not the object of Captain Fisher's attention...
"It blocked all our shots, nothing got through, not a single shot Captain." Lt. Cordane, the ships weapons master said with clear amazement. "It isn't possible sir," Comdr.. Cone said, "It just isn't possible."
"They must have some form of energy field, like the Abbai use," Captain Fisher decided, Earth has been trying to get there hands on it for years without any luck."
"Well it appears they figured it out sir." Lt. Cordane said.
"Lock main guns on that ship Comdr.." Fisher ordered, "Lets see if the new weapons can cause any damage." Cone relayed the orders calling out weapons lock.
The Bridge stood silent for a moment as the alien turned back toward the Damocles
"Fire, all weapons open fire..." Captain Fisher ordered.

Once again plasma and pulse cannons fired their energy bolts, this time they were joined by the power of the new main fusion/particle beam cannon. The blue/green double beams sliced through space striking the strange alien craft, visibly shaking it.
"Captain, energy output from the vessel has dropped......... their breaking off... jump point is forming..... they have gone to hyperspace."
"Thank you Comdr.." Fisher said, "Stand down weapons and set course for Earth, max. power."
"Yes sir."

__________________________
"General Raindeck will see you now Captain" a female aid said and lead Captain Fisher into the main office of the aging general. He was sitting behind a large oak desk in a large but sparsely decorated office, that showed nothing to mark this mans vast military experience.

"Welcome Captain," Raindeck said in greeting, raising himself out of his simple and uncomfortable looking chair to shake Fishers hand. "Quite a show you put on for us the other day, Senator Bastra was particularly impressed." "Thank you sir," Fisher responded, "I wish it could have gone better."
The General just nodded, to that. "I've reviewed the battle data Captain but I still want to hear your analysis. What the hell went on out there."
"That isn't an easy question sir, but I'll give you the best my people have come up with. The weapons appear to be located in these four cylindrical nacelles. Each has four energy pulse cannons that my techs describe as Heavy disrupter charges. Each nacelle also has a large squared off indented section. There appear to be missile launchers located here. There are also large Beam weapon arrays located on either side of the missile sections."
"That of course isn't the most impressive thing about this ship sir." Fisher paused looking straight at the general, "The ship also appears to be armed with an energy field powerful enough to deflect the power of the Fusion/ Particle cannon."
"Amazing," Raindeck said, "In all my years I've never even conceived of a ship that powerful. Other than the shield what was your impression of their tech level."
"Their weapons were powerful, general, but not any more powerful than the average Minbari cruiser, our hull and defense grid were able to deflect much of the brunt of the assault. Interesting thing though, one of my techs noted that the alien jump engines seemed to draw more power than most ships normally need. He said that only low tech races who have just developed jump point tech generally require that much power relative to size to open a jump point. This may suggest a race who have only recently discovered how to build jump engines. Even when we first developed jump tech, because it was based on Centauri designs, we didn't have such large power requirement."
"Thank you, Captain," the General said, "I'll be sending this report along to the ISA Joint Defense Council on Minbar. Information like this may help us the next time we face this race again."
"Respectfully sir, what makes you think they will strike at us again?" Fisher asked almost fearing the answer.
"Simple Captain," Raindeck answered, "They now know that the can hurt us easily and we can barely touch them at all, that may make them more dangerous than any race we have ever faced."

________________________

A lone Whitestar raced along through normal space. Most of the regular patrols along the border of the Interstellar Alliance were fairly uneventful. This region was know for being very quite, only a few raider strikes every few months and even those had been getting fewer. It was at times like these that Vandur, a Ranger and Captain of the Whitestar 27, longed for the days of his youth. As a young Minbari he had joined the Rangers just as the war against the Shadows was about to begin. He could not push back the feeling of boredom as it struggled to gain a purchase in his heart. A Ranger should never be bored he thought to himself.
"Captain, there is an energy spike forming to port," a young Drazi Ranger reported, " A jump point is forming in local space, and it is very big."
"Bring the weapons online and prepare to investigate," Vandur ordered all boredom vanishing as a a feeling of apprehension began to grip him. The humans he had worked with would have called it a pit forming in his stomach.
"Sir, the ship is of an unknown design reported to us by Earthforce.......," the Drazi said, "The vessel is reported as hostile."
"Very well, open a channel and transmit in lingua code and all known languages," Vandur ordered.
"This is the InterStellar Alliance ship, Whitestar 27. You are in violation of ISA space leave now."
"They appear to be ignore......," the Drazi broke of in mid-sentance as the comm. became active.
"We are the Vyron, you will stand aside or be destroyed, "the alien intruder replied in plain Minbari
"Set intercept course, and lock weapons," Vandur ordered, "lets not let them get away." Several minutes went by as they approached the larger vessel. Vandur could see some of the forward weapons array on the Vyron vessel he turned to the Drazi.
"Repeat my earlier hail."

With that the Vyron ship opened fire and massive discharges began playing over the 27's hull with each blast that struck home. "Full evasive," Vandur commanded, "Fire all weapons, continuous fire."

The Whitestar began to juke and twist and role firing is powerful quantum discharge cannon and and pulsed neutron and fusion cannons. The 27 closed on the alien vessel till they were barely five hundred metres away. "Our weapons do not appear to be having any effect on the intruder Captain," the Drazi reported frantically. "There is a vast energy build up in their port weapons cylinder Captain." another Ranger reported.
As he reported it a massive energy blast strikes the Whitestar. Vandur is knocked to the floor as many of the bridge stations begin to explode. "Damage report," he cries looking around his battered bridge with deck plates smashed and fire everywhere. He sees the Drazi sprawled all over his console to the left of the command chair, obviously dead.
Another Minbari pulls the unfortunate Drazi of the console to comply with the Captain's request, "All systems damaged; auto repair off-line, hull breaches everywhere, minimal engine power. They hit us with some sort of lightning gun Captain, its output was Ten times greater than our main cannon. They barely hit us sir and it did this."
"Launch the log buoy, have it dump its records into hyperspace."
"Sir, they are powering up their dorsal weapons array."
"Launch the buoy."
"Log buoy away.......... In Valen's name, they're firing...."

____________________________________

Part II- Two weeks later

"This is the Image/Log buoy information taken from the Whitestar 27," Admiral G'Kern the current head of the Interstellar Alliance's Joint Defense Council said addressing several of the Alliances top military leaders, including Gen. Raindeck, "The 27 was destroyed this Alien vessel, the same type of vessel encountered two weeks ago by the EAS Damocles."
"This vessel seems to be protected by an energy shield that surrounds the entire ship. A Whitestar's weapons had little of no effect on the ship. The Footage we've seen of the Earth Force ship showed only minimal damage marked by an estimated 5-10% drop in their shields output."
The Admiral paused for a moment, "The 27 also recorded a massive energy blast emanating from one of the weapon nacelles. This blast had the power of Ten Quantum Gravitic cannons, at least, and one glancing shot was enough to ruin the Whitestar outright."
Captain Fisher stood at the back of the room listening intently to the briefing. G'Kern continued. "This race appears to call itself the Vyron, their goals are unclear, their motives unknown, what is known is that their ships are powerful and extremely hostile."
Matthew Gideon, the Captain of the Excaliber rose, "Sir, the Excaliber uses super weapons that work together to form one powerful weapon. Do these Vyron use similar weapons? Would a greater weapon be formed by the combination of these weapon nacelles?"
"Their is no evidence to support that either way Capt. Gideon, but I truly hope not," G'Kern responded.
"The Excaliber will head up the Fleet Task Force including six Whitestar's, two Minbari Warcruisers and one Narn Bin'Tak. Any questions?" He looked around the room, "No very well."
Gen. Raindeck stood quickly, "Admiral, I respectfully request that the Damocles be permitted to join the Task Force as it is the only ship to survive combat with these Vyron."
"Very well General. Release the ship to the ISA command and they can join the fight. If there is nothing further than your all dismissed."

___________________________

Captain Fisher returned to the Damocles later that day after field briefings on the the Vyron 'situation' for five hours. Stepping onto the Bridge he saw Comdr.. Cone starring intently into his monitor.
"Good evening, Captain," Cone said looking away from the console, "They finally let you go."
"Yes Comdr.., they did. What is our status." "All systems functional, sir. We have just received our orders and change of command authorization from Earth Force. We are now assigned to the ISA."
"Good," Fisher replied, "Contact the Excaliber. I want to speak with Captain Gideon."

"How are you Matt," Fisher asked, "Its been a long time."
Matthew Gideon smiled letting out a quick laugh, "It sure has Dave, about three years. Listen what can you tell me about that ship." Fisher considered this for a moment, "It is like nothing I have ever seen, its weapons are powerful but the shields are incredible. It took the full brunt of our main guns and still had lots of juice left to keep those shields powered." He paused briefly, "Frankly Matt I think the Excaliber is our only real shot of beating this thing."
Gideon stood silent for a moment, "If you are right, we could be putting a lot of people at risk."
"What choice do we have Matt, we can't let you do it alone."
"No, I suppose not. We will be heading out to the Nor'Ana system, that is were they destroyed Whitestar 27 so that's were we will begin."
"I'll see you on the other side than Matt, good hunting,"
"Good hunting Dave."

_______________________________

"We are approaching Nor'Ana, Capt.," Comdr. Cone reported, "We are ordered to jump out immediately."
"Jump." Fisher ordered, "All weapons stand ready, begin active scanning."
"Aye, sir," Cone replied carrying out the orders.
The Damocles jumped out into realspace in perfect formation with the two Whitestar's that had been giving her escort. "No ships in the immediate area Captain," Lt. Cordane reported, "Jump area secure." "Transmit all clear to the rest of the task force," Fisher said.
Jump points began to open as the ISA task force spilled out into realspace. "Inform Excaliber of our status. Continue active scanning."
"Captain, there are no transmissions of any kind coming from the fourth planet," Cordane reported. "What is your point Lt.," Comdr.. Cone inquired. "Sirs, there are supposed to be 2 billion people with late information age technology on the fourth planet, it's the Anaian Homeworld, there is a vast network of comm. satellites, a large electronic tech base, but it is all dead. Not so much as a peep."
"Inform the Excaliber that we are sending a recon. flight of Thunderbolt fighters to the fourth planet, tell them what you told me. Comdr.. scramble Pathfinder Squadron immediately." Fisher looked around the Bridge and back to Cone, "Alan I have a very bad feeling about this."

"Path 1, to all ships, begin active scanning," Lt. Jack Davies ordered, flying high over the Fourth Planet. Path 6 reported back first, "Sir, there is massive damage to the planets population centres. Much of the infrastructure has been destroyed."
"It looks fairly recent," Path 4 said. "Defiantly didn't happen two or three weeks ago," Path 9 added.
"Let's take another pass and get back to the Barn" Davies ordered, "We have what we came out here for."

_________________________________

Part III

"So you see sir, Lt. Davies reported, "their is massive damage to the planet. Several cities were destroyed as were all major military facilities." An image of the planet surface clearly showed the damage. "According to our files this world was only beginning to make interstellar contact. They only requested membership in the ISA last year."
"Why would they attack such a minor target," Cone asked, "This planet has no strategic value they didn't take anything, they just came and destroyed. It doesn't make any sense."
Fisher closed his eyes for a moment and seemed to take time to compose himself, "How many dead?" he finally asked.
"Over 6 million dead sir. The cities are very crowded, it's fortunate that more weren't killed."
"Thank you Lt.," Fisher said, "you are dismissed."
Comdr. Cone looked away from the image, "Are you okay Cap." he asked?
"I'm fine Alan," he said, "Send this data to Excaliber. Also arrange a meeting with Captain Gideon for me."
"Yes sir." Cone responded as Fisher walks from the Briefing Room.

_____________________________

Matthew Gideon stood silent. His crew worked feverishly around him trying to find reasons, any small clue as to why the Vyron attacked here and were they went after.
It had been over ten years since he took command of this ship, back during the Drakh crisis. When all was said and done the plague cured and all the other bullshit ended he thought that he would lose this ship. He was after all an Earthforce officer not a Ranger, and the ship was built for the the ISA not Earthforce. He had been completely prepared to give this command up at the close of his mission. The Former President John Sheridan had other ideas.
They were at a celebration party on Babylon 5 when Sheridan walked up to him. "Captain Gideon," Sheridan said without preamble, "Your experience on the Excaliber makes you valuable, their is no one better suited to remain in command of the Excaliber than you. It is for that reason I have arranged with the Earth Alliance President to have you continue to be assigned to this ship."
"Why me," Gideon asked?
"As I said your experience, and because I need to have someone on that ship who I know will do what is right, no matter what. Then their was your falling out with Earth, they wont forgive that- believe me I know. You talents will be wasted in minor acts of revenge, bad assignment and the like." Sheridan looked him straight in the eye, "Will you do it Captain?"
"Of course Mr. President, with one condition, I get to keep my first officer, John Mattheson."
"Already arranged Captain. Good day." And with that Sheridan turned and walked over to another group including his wife Delenn.
That encounter had left him completely stunned possibly for the first time in his life. The second time came after reading the report from the Damocles.
"Six million dead John." Gideon said breaking into his own reverie, "Why would any one do that. They were no threat, not to any one."
"I don't know Captain," Lt. Comdr. John Mattheson replied, "Maybe they're just mean aliens."
A Narn Ranger made a sound somewhere between a snort and a growl as she heard this. "Something bothering you Na'Tael," Gideon asked. "No sir," she replied.
When the ISA took back control of the Excaliber most of its Earthforce crew left for other assignments. Na'Tael and the other Rangers as well as a few personal from various member races militaries now made up the majority of the crew. Only about 5% of the old crew remained including Gideon and Mattheson.
"Good," Gideon said to her and turned back to face Mattheson, "Capt. Fisher is coming aboard, make preparations to receive him and have him directed to my quarters as soon as he's onboard, understood."
"Did he say why he was coming sir."
"No," Gideon said already leaving the Bridge.

_______________________________

Both men sat in silence, holding glasses of some alien liquor as if in salute to the dead. Gideon broke the silence first.
"We've received reports that the Vyron have spotted all over the sector. No attacks, and only a handful have actually been confirmed but it seems they're scouting out the region. All the worlds they've been seen near have been near are fairly minor."
Fisher drank deeply from his glass, "We've never even encountered these beings before, we have no idea were they came from or what they want. How the hell are we supposed to beat them?"
"I don't know Dave," Gideon responded, "But we will. We have to."
"Yeah right, we do have our orders after all."
Both men laughed silently at that.
"I've decided to split the task force," Gideon said more seriously, "The Excaliber will take two Whitestar's, the Minbari cruisers will stay together, the T'Roth will also take two Whitestar's. The Damocles has been assigned Whitestar 17 and 43. I want you to check out the territories around sector 900 by 20 by 15. Their has been a lot of activity out there."
"I'll head out as soon as I'm back onboard," Fisher said. He began to head for the door but turned back to face Gideon before opening it. "Matt," he asked silently, "Did you ever get the ship that killed the Cebreaus?"
"Yes, I got it all right."
"Good then maybe there is a chance will beat this one too."
"You know we will."
Fisher just nodded slowly and left the room.

___________________________

"Power jump engines," Captain Fisher ordered, "take us out of hyperspace."
"Aye, Captain," Cone responded, "Helm, open jump point."
Cone looked back at Fisher expectantly, "Jump," Fisher said. "Begin scanning region for any sign of Vyron activity."
The Vyron had been reported in this system four times in the last month as it was a semi major transfer point back to the more major systems. "There is no indication of the Vyron sir," Lt. Cordane said. "Continue scans," Fisher told him as he turned to face Cone, "Comdr. launch a squad of Thunderbolts send them on patrol. Then have the Whitestars begin scanning the planets directly."
Cone approached Fisher and said quietly as not to be heard by the crew, "Sir that would leave us separated if the Vyron attack." "I am well aware of that Alan," Fisher said, "Don't worry the Whitestars are fast enough to get back to us in time if we need them."
"Yes sir" Cone said not convinced, "I'm relaying your orders now."

"He wants us to WHAT?!" was the response of Aleana, the most emotional Minbari Steven DeVries, Captain of Whitestar 17, had ever seen, "That would put everyone at risk."
"Our fleet commander has ordered us to investigate the planets in this system. We will now go and do that, understood," DeVries said. He had been an Earthforce captain until Clark had come to power on Earth. Resigning after the end of the conflict he had eventually found his way to the Rangers and into the command of a Whitestar.
"Now set course for the nearest planet," DeVries ordered.
"Very well," Aleana said as she complied with the order.
They spent several minutes in relative silence as the approached the nearest of the four planets in the system. "Third Planet coming up now sir." Aleana reported. It was a dead gray lump in space nearly half the size of the Earth. Records from old failed mining operations were the only information on the planet.
"Very good," DeVries said, "Bring us to a fast orbit of the planet. Begin scanning."
The Whitestar began to orbit the planet at high velocity. The remains of old abandoned mining operations showing clearly on his monitor.
"Yuh, Captain," Aleana said, "We're registering one Vyron warship straight ahead, their moving to intercept." The fear was evident though controlled in Aleana's voice.
"Battle stations. Charge all weapons, begin erratic maneuvering," DeVries ordered.
"They are firing their disrupter cannons." Aleana reported
"Send a message back to the Damocles, tell them what's happening."
"We can't we're being jammed."
"Shit, head back to the Damocles, do it now," DeVries said as the ship shook with impact. They were once again rounding the planet when the Damocles came into view.

"Sorry we're late Steve," Fisher said.
"That's okay Dave I glad you came," DeVries response came back over the comm., "How did you know?"
"The 43 got a piece of your message and sent it on," Fisher told him, "I'll tell you the rest later. Damocles out."
The Vyron vessel was now coming into view. Its forward cannons blazing at the 17. "Lock all weapons on the Vyron ship, charge the main cannon," Fisher ordered.
"All weapons locked Capt., main cannon ready to fire." Cordane reported.
The two ships continued to move closer, "We are taking hits sir," Cone pointed out.
"Yes I know," Fisher told him, "You may fire counter-measures Lt., bring us in a bit closer Comdr."
The ships were very close now only a few dozen kilometres separated them now. "Capt., shouldn't we...."
"FIRE" Fisher ordered, cutting into Cone's statement.
Massive energy bolts began to fly at the enemy vessel. The blue/green beam of the Fusion/Particle beam sliced through space toward its target. The weapons struck with immense force. "Have the Whitestars concentrate fire where our beam is striking the ship." Fisher ordered.
Now the Whitestar's greenish beams added to power of the attack. "Sir their overall energy output is dropping, I think their shield is buckling." Cordane reported. Wait, no their power system is stabilizing at 50% of the overall power detected."
"Continue firing," Fisher said.
"Their is no further effect Captain," Cordane said.
"Lock in a full spread of missiles, all silos," Fisher ordered him, "Give them everything we've got."
The battle continued to rage as Thunderbolts, and the Whitestars swarmed around the Vyron ship. They all along with the Damocles continued to fire as the Vyron worked to knock them out of the sky. Fisher watched as the 43 took a hit from one of the Vyron's starboard beam weapons and began to tumble out of control.
"Missiles locked Capt." Cordane told him.
"Fire."
Dozens of missiles launched from the Damocles raced toward the Vyron vessel. They began to strike, massive explosions masked the Vyron vessels from view for a moment. The explosions cleared and the crews of all three ships looked out into space with horrible amazement.
"It's still there," Cone said, "I can't believe it, its still there."
"Full scan," Fisher ordered.
"The shield is gone Captain," Cordane reported, "their is some structural damage to their port and starboard nacelles. Main power seems to be gone. They're dead in space sir."
"Comdr. have a boarding party prepared to go over there," Fisher said, "Communications get me the Excaliber." He turned back to Cone, "Have the Whitestars stay here to supervise the boarding action," he said to him, "Let's go find out what they were doing over on the third planet."

_________________________________

Part IV

The Excaliber jumped out of hyperspace not far from the Damocles and it's escorts. Four days had passed since the battle that finally saw a victory against this strange and hostile foe. The Vyron warship remained in high orbit of the third planet, still menacing, but without any teeth.
"Send the Captain of the Excaliber my compliments" Fisher said. The communications officer hurried to carry it out.
"Captain Gideon returns your compliments sir and requests an open channel," the comm. officer reported. Fisher nodded and the voice of Captain Matthew Gideon came in clear over the speakers.
"Nice work Dave," Gideon said, "glad to see you made it out in one piece."
"We did okay," Fisher told him, "but the 43 took a major hit. They'll be out of commission for a while."
"Tell me what you've got so far," said Gideon.
"We'll send you over a full report, but I'll give you the short version," Fisher told him.
"The techs say it is amazing. Massive fusion generators power the main cannons and there is some sort of Matter/Anti-matter reactor for the ships systems and their super-cannons." Fisher took in a deep breath and let it out slowly, "They also say the shields systems are smashed beyond all recognition, no way for them to salvage it. Maybe the ISA can do better."
"I hope so Captain," Gideon said. "What about the crew?"
"Many were killed by our last attack," Fisher reported, "the rest committed suicide, after scrambling all their computer systems. It will take years to get anything useful out of them."
Gideon shook his head in annoyance for a minute mumbling to himself. "What is it," Fisher asked?
"Nothing, I just think I know someone who might be able to make something out it." Gideon said with a little it of distaste easily noticeable in his voice.
"Who," Fisher asked simply?
"He works for Interplanetary Expeditions, his name is Maximillian Eilerson," Gideon informed him. "He is arrogant, self assured, cocky, snobbish and he was the biggest pain in my side throughout the Drakh Crisis. He is also the best linguist IPX ever produced and an excellent researher/acheologist. If anyone can figure it out it's probably him."
"Well he'll have plenty of work he decides to come out here." Fisher said. "It seems as though out friends, the Vyron had plans for this star system."
"What kind of plans?"
"The build a forward base to attack your enemy kind." Fisher informed him. "Oh and one more thing. The ship we have here isn't the one that killed Whitestar 27."
"What do you mean," Gideon asked?
"The hull markings are all wrong compared to the images taken by the 27."
"So there is another one out there," Gideon said.
"At least one," Fisher responded.
"I don't like the sounds of that," Gideon told him.
"No, neither do I."

_______________________

"Thi.... is the E....S Achilles.....under ....attack. We..... assistance....any ...plea....e help...." Captain Gideon turned the recording off and turned to face his task force commanders.
"This was the last transmission recorded from the Omega class destroyer, EAS Achilles, before it was destroyed by a Vyron ship," he told them. "None of the crew survived."
"The Vyron have been taking a more violent stance in the last few days since we beat them in sector 900 by 20 by 15. My XO Comdr. Mattheson is passing you the official siting reports as well as all confirmations. We have also been assigned a larger force to deal with the problem."
"Have we learned anything of value from the Vyron ship or the base," The Minbari Captain, Trugara asked?
"The base was appeared to be in it's first stage of construction. As for the ship, most of the systems were damaged in the final assault. Captain Fisher would you please fill us in on that."
"Of course," Fisher said raising himself out of his chair as Gideon seated himself.
"We arrived in system and I decided to have the Whitestars begin exploring the nearby planets. Whitestar 17 went to the third planet and discovered the Vyron ship on the far side. The attempted to call for help and retreated from the Vyron. They were being jammed but the 43 was able to pick up the transmission and we moved to intercept."
"We didn't have long to wait," the Vyron came around the planet we waited with our fire until the last minute. It proved ineffective so I ordered a missile strike. The combined fire power of both Whitestars and our full weapons compliment is what caused the damage to the Vyron vessel. It also won us the battle and probably saved all three ships."
"As for the technology, that which still works is highly advanced but the computers were screwed up by the crew before they all committed suicide."
"A pity we couldn't have caused slightly less damage to the vessel," N'Len the Narn captain said.
"Yes it would have been more convenient to have a working shield to base our defense upon," Trugara agreed.
"We don't have time for convenience or pity, captains," Gideon said, "The Vyron ship will be towed to a neutral location were it can be examined and studied for possible use against the Vyron. Until then return to your ships."
"President Delenn has approved Admiral G'Kerns request for more ships, you'll be receiving you reinforcements in less then two days. Good hunting."
With that the meeting was dismissed. The other captains and their staff left the briefing quickly, eager to get back to their own ships. Fisher remained with Gideon.
"That went well," Fisher commented.
"Not really," Gideon responded. "They all think you used a bit of overkill in taking down that ship and that I'm defending you because your human."
"Frankly, we don't even know what overkill is for the Vyron," Fisher said. That ship took a blast as nearly as powerful as your main weapon can put out and all it did was pop the shields and bust up a few systems. If that is overkill then were all in for it."

___________________

Max Eilerson was working long into the night when suddenly there was a beep coming from the door. Annoyed he got up to answer it. He hated interruptions, especially when he was getting somewhere. He had been on Babylon 5 for nearly a week now and was finally making a break through in decoding the Vyron's language.
"What is it," he said as he opened the door to his quarters on the station. Major Zack Allan entered the room. He was dressed in his black Army of Light uniform the symbol of station commander etched into his sleeve.
"Mr. Eilerson," Allen said, I've come to check on your progress so I can report it back to Minbar.
Major Allan's words brought a wry smile to Eilerson's face as he directed him his monitor.
"I've managed to decode some of the files and translate them," Eilerson told him. "Nothing of interest, no technical readouts or system controls. I did however find some interesting historical files that may be of some use."
"The Alliance isn't looking for a history lesson, Mr. Eilerson," Allan said.
"Yes, but as I said these are interesting," Eilerson rebutted. According to this they were briefly part of a great war one thousand years ago. It also says there civilization was defeated by an Ancient race of darkness. Not long after, the ancient race disappeared and left them in ruins. They retained much advanced technology but lost the ability to travel through the stars. It appears as though they have only just regained their ability to travel through hyperspace."
Allan turned away for a moment, then looked back. "Your telling me that the Shadows destroyed these peep's world a thousand years ago and they're out here trying to do the same to us?"
"It seems that way, Major," Eilerson said "From what I have gathered here it seems they have been trying to build ships that this ancient race couldn't takeout easily. That is why they never ventured back into the stars till now they have only just discovered how to defend themselves against these Shadows."
"But there are no more Shadows," Allan said
"They did not know that," Eilerson pointed out.
"Yeah, right." Allan said. "Look, good work Mr. Eilerson. I'll send this to the president as soon as possible."
"Please do Major," Eilerson said. "Good evening."
"Good night."
Major Allan left the room and Eilerson returned to his computer station and started working again.


_________________

General John Raindeck's image filled the monitor in Capt. Fisher's private office.
"Captain the ISA has requested that I take over tactical command of the task force," the general said. "Effective immediately. Capt. Gideon will still be the commander in the field but all major decisions will go through me."
"Excuse me sir," Fisher said, "but what precipitated this change in command?"
"I know you to well David," Raindeck told him. "You tend to think in broad conspiracies, just like Gideon."
"Well there is no conspiracy her Captain so just drop it."
"Yes, sir," Fisher replied.
"I want you to take your task force element to the Engaphi system," Raindeck ordered, "Your new reinforcements are ready?"
"Yes, General," Fisher told him, "the four Omega class destroyers, Twelve Whitestars and three Hyperion scouts arrived yesterday well be ready to go by tomorrow."
"I want you gone within the hour Captain," Raindeck ordered.
Fisher knew better than to argue, "Yes sir. Within the hour sir.
"Good," Raindeck said and good luck Captain.

___________________

For three days the Damocles Task Force was stationed in the Engaphi starsystem. General Raindeck gave word yesterday that the Damocles was to be officially separated from the Excaliber's command. A new Task Force was formed around the Damocles and included six more Whitestars, eight Omega destroyers, four Nova Dreadnoughts and fifteen Hyperion cruisers. This left his official strength at one Warlock destroyer, eighteen Whitestars, twelve Omega destroyers, four Novas and eighteen Hyperions. They were now designated the 2nd Task Force of the ISA Protective Force or ISAPF.
"Comdr. Cone, any word from Babylon 5," Fisher asked as he walked onto the bridge?
"Yes sir," Cone replied.
"Well what is it Comdr.?"
"Sir, Mr. Eilerson has uncovered some interesting historical data, in addition he and his IPX have managed to get some of the systems working," Cone reported. "They have also given at least a partial reason why they didn't use their main weapon on us. Their apparently do not have extreme range. Only a few hundred metres given the data they have found."
"Yes, the data from Whitestar 27 did show they were only about five hundred metres from the ship," Fisher said.
"It appears we have found a weakness Capt., if only a minor one."
"Perhaps Alan. Will find out."

Lt. Cordane sat quietly at his monitor. As Weapons Master on a Earthforce ship he was required to maintain a watch over the ships scanning systems. For days he waited and watched thinking nothing would happen with such a large force present in the system. As it turned out he was deadly wrong.
"Comdr., Vyron fleet jumping out of hyperspace in sector four," Cordane yelled out.
"Battle Stations," Cone ordered, "Captain to the Bridge."
Fisher walked onto the bridge as the klaxons began to blare. "Report," he ordered.
Cone nodded to Cordane who began to speak. "Sir, a Vyron fleet just jumped in on the far side of the system."
"How many ships," Fisher inquired?
"Four of their cruisers and six other ships. Configurations unknown."
"Open frequencies to all ships," Fisher ordered.
"Channel open sir," Cone responded.
"EAS Damocles to all ships, form up on the Damocles and follow us in," Fisher ordered over the comm. "Launch all fighters and prepare to engage the enemy. Stay at least five hundred metres from the front of those ships" He signaled that the transmission be ended.
"Bring us in Commander," Fisher ordered.

The massive power of the 2nd Task Force went to work against the smaller force of the Vyron fleet. Somehow these two fleets were evenly matched. The new Vyron ships were similar to their larger craft, but no less able. These ships only measured two thirds of the length of the cruisers. The dorsal and ventral weapons cylinders were gone though the port and starboard ones remained. The command pod was shorter but underneath it were two heavy beam weapons.
"Were taking another hit Captain," Cone reported as the ship quaked and rattled around him. The battle was not progressing well. "Four more Whitestars are pulling back, two Omegas have been critically damaged, three Novas have been destroyed." The ship again shook with impact. "We've destroyed two of their ships, one cruiser and a destroyer. Only one of their ships is falling back."
"Lt. Cordane," Fisher said ignoring Cone's report, "prepare another missile volley, lock on the weakened cruiser, and fire at will." A huge array of missiles bursts from the silos on the Damocles and race for the one lagging Vyron cruiser. Obviously damaged the ship tries to shoot down the missiles before they can strike. They Vyron largely fail as dozens of the missiles catch the ship in its centre of mass and engulf in it in pure white fire.
"Target destroyed Captain," Cordane reported.
"We lost another Whitestar, sir," Cone said.
"They're pulling back sir," Cordane noted, "they're forming up."
"There are a jump points opening behind the Vyron ships," Cone reported. "Three jump points nothing coming out yet."
"Their Vyron reinforcements, I know it," the Comm Officer said.
"No their not," Fisher said as a familiar form moved through the Vortex into realspace.

"Comdr. Mattheson," Gideon said. "Clear my skies."
"Yes sir," Mattheson replied. "All weapons, all craft, lock on hostile targets and fire at will."
Massive amounts of energy sailed out from the weapons of the Excaliber and the other fifty ships of the 1st Task Force. The Vyron trapped between two powerful fleets had no where to run. Minbari Sharlin Warcruisers fired their powerful weapons while Whitestars and Narn cruisers laid down cover fire. The Excaliber caught a Vyron destroyer with its full forward weapons compliment as missiles and energy weapons from over a dozen ships hit it. The ship exploded in a flash of bright fire.
"Captain we are receiving a message from the Damocles, sir," Na'Tael said.
"Put it through," Gideon ordered, "How are you Dave?"
"Fine thanks," Fisher's reply came over the speakers. "Glad you came though."
"Couldn't let you have all the fun," Gideon responded, "Look we better finish this later, there is a battle going on after all."
"Agreed," Fisher said as the comm shut down.

"The Vyron are breaking off," Cone reported. "Jump points forming."
"Let them go Comdr.," Fisher ordered. The battle had taken nearly four hours.

The fleet was battered and bruised. Twenty-three ships were destroyed or damaged beyond repair. 15, 000 had lost their lives on the ISA side and thousands more were injured. The Vyron had struck fear into every ISA member world. Nine Vyron ships had effectively held off nearly one hundred vessels.
Reports from Minbar suggest that the ISA is beginning to prepare for all out war.
The EAS Damocles had suffered moderate damage the battle. It's F/P Cannon was knocked off-line and it's hull was breached in several places.
Captain Fisher lay on his bed starring at the ceiling. It had been one of the longest days of his life. He had joined Earthforce after the Minbari war and had rarely seen a day of true heavy combat. The last time was back when the Drakh attempted to invade Earth. He was a Lt. aboard an Omega Destroyer, the Guthrie. That battle didn't compare to what had happened here today.
Sleep, Fisher thought to himself, will not come easily tonight.

_____________________

Part V - 1 Month Later

The Damocles had been out of the fight for nearly a month now. It had taken that long for Earthforce to repair the damage done to her. Captain Fisher sat at a small cafe not to far from Earthforce HQ starring at his coffee.
In the last month the Vyron had begun an offensive. Launching attacks from several starsystems where they had constructed bases and they began striking out at ISA ships. Over one hundred Vyron ships had been confirmed in the sector and they seemed to be taking every opportunity to hurt the Alliance.
"You know with a look like that on your face, you would think the Vyron had already won," a familiar voice said from beside him.
Fisher looked up startled into the beautiful face of Captain Tessa Fluentes, "Tess," he exclaimed a smile flashing on his face, "How are you? What are you doing here?"
Back in the academy Fisher had sworn he would one day marry this women, but after graduation they were assigned to different commands and had in time grown apart.
"I was recalled by Earthdome," she told him, "they're taking this Vyron thing very seriously."
"They should," Fisher said, "I've fought them Tess, they are more powerful then anything I've seen."
"Is it really that bad," she asked?
"Yes," Fisher responded simply.
"I can't stay." Tessa said, " I have a meeting with General Ivanova in a little while."
"I understand. I have to go see Raindeck soon," he told her, "Let me walk you back to HQ. It will give us time to catch up."
"Sure Dave," she said smiling again, "that sounds great."
"Are you still in command of the Macedon?" Fisher asked naming the Omega class ship that was her first command.
"Yes," she said, "for almost six years now. We been out on the rim mostly, patrolling on the far side of Earth space showing the flag whenever possible."
"What about you, how long have you been on the Damocles," she inquired?
"She rolled of the line about six months ago," he told her, "I was assigned about two months before that. For most of the first few months we were testing the new weapons and control systems."
"Sounds fun," Tessa said.
They walked through the doors of Earthforce Headquarters and walked over the Seal of the Earth Alliance.
"So, this is where we go our separate ways again," Fisher said.
"Yeah, I guess so," Tessa replied.
They starred at each other for a moment but then Tessa did something Fisher had never expected or even hoped for. She hugged him. "I've missed you Dave," she admitted.
"I've missed you too Tess." Fisher told her. "Lets not wait so long next time."
"Agreed," she said letting go of him and walking off.
"I love you," Fisher whispered under his breath.

_____________________

General Raindeck was standing in front of a huge monitor displaying the region of battle. Fisher could see where the Vyron were focusing their strikes against the Alliance. Red marks showed where battles had been fought in recent days and a smaller in picture display told of ship losses.
Fisher approached the General coming to attention behind him.
"Reporting as ordered sir," Fisher said.
"Ah, welcome Captain," Raindeck said without turning from the display. "The Vyron are an impressive foe as you can see. They continue to hit our fleets and are slowly whittling away our forces."
"Yes sir," Fisher said, not sure what Raindeck was getting at.
"Your ship is ready to go back out," it was a statement not a question.
"Yes General, all damage has been repaired. The Damocles is ready to fight."
"Good Captain," Raindeck said as he took a status report from an aid. "Then you shall take your ship and head for Babylon 5 immediately."
"Babylon 5 sir?"
"Yes, Babylon 5 Captain." Raindeck responded.
"Sir, Babylon 5 is no where near the front lines," Fisher said, "Wouldn't it be better to put the Damocles closer to the battle lines?"
"Not this time Captain," Raindeck said, "I have something else planned for you."
"Very well General. When do we leave?"
"Tomorrow. I have some cargo I want you to take as well, and your escort wont be ready till then." Raindeck told him.
"Who is our escort?" Fisher asked.
"The EAS Macedon will accompany you Captain," Raindeck replied. "Now get going."
"Yes General." Fisher said. He looked up at the monitor again, turned and left the room.

_____________________

Zack Allan couldn't remember the last time the station had been so busy. With the station scheduled to be decommissioned and destroyed next year few people bothered to come any more. Only a few traders frequented the station these days.
Now dozens of military personal from all over the ISA were running around the station along with IPX researchers. Several thousand humans and aliens from dozens of fleets working together building something amazing.
"Major Allan," a voice called from behind him. Zack turned to face his addresser.
"Yes," he said.
"I am Captain David Fisher from the Damocles," the speaker addressed himself, extending his hand.
Zack took his hand and said, "Pleasure to meet you Captain, welcome to Babylon 5."
"Thank you Major," Fisher said. "I received a packet saying I should come and see you when I arrived here." Fisher waited expectantly.
A confused frown crossed Zack's face for the moment, "I've got nothing for you Capt., I never heard of you before you got here," Zack finally told him. Both men starred at each other a moment.
Finally Fisher broke the silence, "Then who..."
"I did," a new voice interjected.
Zack turned and a big smile formed on his face, Fishers jaw dropped to the floor at the site.
"Mr. President, I had now idea you were coming to the station, sir," Allan said.
"That is because I didn't tell anyone," Sheridan told them, "and Mr. Vice President now, Zack." Sheridan shifted his focus to Fisher. "Captain, I apologize for the subterfuge but it was needed, I wanted to meet you personally but for security reasons I couldn't tell you to meet me here."
"Of course not sir," Fisher said regaining his composure slightly, "I understand."
"Zack, I believe the War Room is still intact," Sheridan said.
"Yes sir, just the way you left it sir," Allan reported.
"Then lead the way Major."
"Yes sir."

____________________

Sheridan walked into the War Room and dozens of vivid memories. It was here that he planned the war against the Shadows with Delenn, Ivanova and the others. From here he began the fight to liberate Earth. He walked down the steps into the War Room proper and stood in front of the large table were so many meetings had taken place. Over there was were Garibaldi first told them about the Shadows weakness against telapaths. In this chair Delenn had sat while arguing to keep the league together.
Sheridan walked around the table slowly. He saw the Galactic map, the Voice of the Resistance news desk and many other little things from out of his past. It seemed as if it were a million years ago.
"Mr. Vice-President," Fisher said breaking into Sheridan's thoughts softly, "What can I do for you sir."
Sheridan turned and smiled, "Of course, you want to know why your here," he said, "all in good time. There are a few more people who need to be here first. Tell me Captian is this your first visit to Babylon 5?"
"No sir, I came here once shortly before the station broke away from the Alliance. It was more hectic then, not as many military personal around," Fisher paused thought to himself, "but there is something about this place that just feels alive, I can't describe it."
"You don't have to," Sheridan told him, "I understand."
Major Allan walked through the door just as Sheridan finished, leading several people. Fisher saw many faces he knew including Steve DeVries from Whitestar 17, Admiral G'Kern of the Joint Command, and...Tessa Fluentes.
Sheridan returned to the table. When DeVries saw him he gasped a little but quickly regained his composure.
"Entil' Zha," DeVries said with a formal bow that Sheridan acknowledged.
"Welcome all of you," Sheridan said as the guest took their seats. "You have been gathered here because we are no longer going to play a passive role in this war."
A general stir ran through the room. Sheridan continued, "The Rangers have located a Vyron supply base which is keeping their offencive in business. I mean to deprive them of that base." Sheridan paused for a moment to look at everyone in the room, "You have been chosen because you are the best people we have for the job. Admiral, please fill them in."
Sheridan took his seat as G'Kern stood.
"The Vyron base is located in the Angedilla system and is a veritable fortress," G'Kern told them. "It is defended by two Vyron Warcruisers and four destroyers as well as several starfighter craft. The ships specs are included in you orders but the fighter is a complete unkown. We have never engaged a Vyron fighter force before and don't know what to expect." He stopped for a moment to let it set in. "We are sending your ships, along with dozens more gathered here, to that system. Once there you will destroy any resistance and take the planet."
Tessa looked over to Fisher then back to G'Kern and asked, "Sir, we can barely hurt them, how can we take this entire planet from them?"
"Thank you Captian," G'Kern said, "as it happens I have a good answer to that very question. Mr. Eilerson please step in here for a moment." Max Eilerson entered the War Room carring several readouts and schematic drawings. "Eilerson here has been working on that Vyron hulk for several weeks now," G'Kern told them, "and has discovered a weakness in the Vyron shield systems. Mr. Eilerson if you would."
"Of course," Eilerson said dropping his load on the table next to Sheridan," I have been working on decoding and translating the Vyron language from the reck recovered in sector 900. Using my translations IPX has discovered a weakness in their shield systems." Fisher noted that Eilerson spoke with all the arrogance Gideon had attributed to him.
"The shields are highly suseptable to ion energy. If there is enough energy directed at the Vyron like in a typical heavy Ion Cannon then their shields will be rendered useless."
Fisher now spoke up, "Few ISA members use ion weapons, in fact only the Narn and their Ion mines come to mind at the moment, what good is this for us?"
"Your ships are being modified to fire an increased ion signiture from your main weapons," G'Kern informed them.
"Also," Sheridan said, "the Centauri Republic is offering us over thirty Vorchan warships for this strike."
"The Centauri not trusted," a Drazi Captain said, "Maybe they help enemy."
"The Centuari Emperor has assured me his forces will follow orders," Sheridan responded. "I trust him, you should too."
The Drazi looked satisfied with Sheridans response.
"Your ships will all be ready in twenty-four hours," G'Kern told them, "You will rendeavous the Centauri in hyperspace in 27 hours. Be ready. Dismissed.

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