Chapter Three: Negotiations
"Colonel, do you feel you can accomplish your duty?"
"Yes sir."
"Be honest with me. If you feel you cannot make it back to New Caprica with just the battlecruiser, tell me. I don't need three battlestars with me; I'll be fine with two. But you may have to face Cylon resistance. So, I'll ask again Colonel, can you accomplish your mission with only a battlecruiser?"
"Yes sir."
The battlecruiser was the newest vessel in the colonial inventory. It was fast and much smaller than a battlestar. It carried a shuttle and six Vipers. It was the smallest vessel in the colonial arsenal that could form a jump point. Starbuck had two with him to use as couriers and defensive platforms for Child of Libra if the three battlestars had to go into combat.
"Unless something has changed since we left, the corridor into the colonies should still be open. Plus, we have the FTL coms Sheridan gave us; if we get in trouble you can know instantly sir. Your battlestars will be essential in reopening a corridor to the colonies after the Cylons have closed it. You'll need those battlestars eventually Group Commander."
"Well, may the Lords of Kobol be with you Colonel."
"And you too sir."
Colonel Boxey, adopted son of the Fleet Commander, saluted Starbuck and walked towards his shuttle. His battlecruiser, Triumph, would be leaving within the hour.
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"Welcome aboard Babylon 5 Group Commander."
"Thank you Captain Lochley. It is a fine station; you must be proud to command her."
"Oh that I am. Group Commander, these are Ambassadors Delenn, G'Kar, and Mollari of the Interstellar Alliance Advisory Council. This is the ISA's Intelligence Chief, Michael Garibaldi. These are Zack Allan, B5 Security Chief, Doctor Stephen Franklin, Chief Medical Officer, and Lieutenant David Corwin, my executive officer."
Starbuck shook hands with each, while thinking I'm not cut out for this. I'm a warrior, a fighter pilot, not a commander! He had allowed Commander Rigel to deal with most of these duties while back on New Caprica, but here, he had to prove himself. Or at least he told himself that he had to.
"Group Commander, if you'll follow me, the Ambassadors to the ISA are awaiting your arrival."
Here goes nothing.
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"I would like to thank the Interstellar Alliance for the hospitality my battlegroup has received since we have met President Sheridan. As President Sheridan has already informed you, we have agreed to an exchange in technology between our two groups. I was given the authority by my government before the start of the expedition to conclude such pacts with any power I encounter. Additionally, I have been given the authority to sign non-aggression pacts and trade agreements with any power my battlegroup encounters. My legal officer has begun such proceeding with the Earth Alliance, and hope do the same the other powers of the Alliance."
"I have also been empowered to find allies to assist in our war with the Cylons. President Sheridan and Entil'Zha Delenn have agreed to provide support from the Rangers in our struggle. You have each been informed of the history of the colonies and the fight my battlegroup will have to face merely to return to our people. I beseech each of you for ships and technology to assist in that fight and the fight to save my people. I also remind you that a Cylon ship was spotted at the fringe of Alliance space."
"Thank you Ambassadors for your attention and, once again, thank you for your assistance. Despite what may happen in the future, my people shall never forget it."
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"Doctor Franklin, what is the result of the analysis?"
"Group Commander, your people are genuine humans. There are some slight variations. I estimate that your people and mine have less than 2,000 years of genetic separation between us. But there is one thing I don't understand. You say that both our people came from a planet called Kobol and your people traveled to the colonies and ours to Earth correct?"
"That is what Commander Adama believed and so do many others."
"Do you?"
"I haven't quite figured that out yet."
"The problem is that humans originated from Earth, the genetic evidence proves it."
"Are you sure? We believed for a long time that we originated from Caprica, but tests eventually revealed that to be false."
"No, we're positive. You heard what happened when the Centauri made first contact? They said we were a lost Centauri colony." Starbuck nodded. "Well after that we did extensive tests; humanity evolved on Earth."
"Then how did we get to Caprica? You only managed interstellar travel recently."
"I don't know. I wish the Vorlons were still here. They may have been able to explain it.'
"So do I, I would really have liked to meet one of these First Ones."
"Trust me, you don't."
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Starbuck sat in his cabin aboard Babylon 5, reading the report from Colonel Boxey. Triumph was handling the upgrades well and the colonel reported making record time on his journey thus far with no Cylon activity whatsoever. He was extremely happy with the two White Stars Sheridan had provided to scout for the battlecruiser on the trip to New Caprica. The captains of the vessels, one human, the other Minbari, would be the first ambassadors of the ISA to the colonies.
The bell on Starbuck's door rang.
"Enter. Ah, Ambassador Mollari, it's a pleasure to see you again."
"Yes, my friend. You probably expect to win several hundred more ducats from me, yes? Never played poker before. HA!"
"Well, I may have exaggerated a little. On the trip over here, a few of the human rangers taught me. Let's just say a have a little experience with card games previous to that."
"You know, I like you Group Commander."
"Please, Starbuck, Ambassador."
"Well, you might as well call me Londo, after all, you have all my money, why not my title too, eh?"
"If I may be serious for a minute, Londo, do you think the Alliance worlds will grant my government military forces?"
"I do not know. They are sick of war you know. I realize you have been fighting for a thousand years, but it isn't real to them. Their trade routes are also being ravaged. I expect you'll get support from the Earth Alliance and Mars, maybe the Minbari, but not much else. I don't think that will be enough to defeat your enemy and take back your original colonies."
"We have always known we can't go back Londo. The Cylons control too much territory for us to fight our way back. We just want to survive."
"Yes, I know my friend. I shall try to convince my government to provide you with some ships."
"Thank you Londo. And now."
"We drink and we gamble. Just as the gods like it!"
"Colonel, do you feel you can accomplish your duty?"
"Yes sir."
"Be honest with me. If you feel you cannot make it back to New Caprica with just the battlecruiser, tell me. I don't need three battlestars with me; I'll be fine with two. But you may have to face Cylon resistance. So, I'll ask again Colonel, can you accomplish your mission with only a battlecruiser?"
"Yes sir."
The battlecruiser was the newest vessel in the colonial inventory. It was fast and much smaller than a battlestar. It carried a shuttle and six Vipers. It was the smallest vessel in the colonial arsenal that could form a jump point. Starbuck had two with him to use as couriers and defensive platforms for Child of Libra if the three battlestars had to go into combat.
"Unless something has changed since we left, the corridor into the colonies should still be open. Plus, we have the FTL coms Sheridan gave us; if we get in trouble you can know instantly sir. Your battlestars will be essential in reopening a corridor to the colonies after the Cylons have closed it. You'll need those battlestars eventually Group Commander."
"Well, may the Lords of Kobol be with you Colonel."
"And you too sir."
Colonel Boxey, adopted son of the Fleet Commander, saluted Starbuck and walked towards his shuttle. His battlecruiser, Triumph, would be leaving within the hour.
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"Welcome aboard Babylon 5 Group Commander."
"Thank you Captain Lochley. It is a fine station; you must be proud to command her."
"Oh that I am. Group Commander, these are Ambassadors Delenn, G'Kar, and Mollari of the Interstellar Alliance Advisory Council. This is the ISA's Intelligence Chief, Michael Garibaldi. These are Zack Allan, B5 Security Chief, Doctor Stephen Franklin, Chief Medical Officer, and Lieutenant David Corwin, my executive officer."
Starbuck shook hands with each, while thinking I'm not cut out for this. I'm a warrior, a fighter pilot, not a commander! He had allowed Commander Rigel to deal with most of these duties while back on New Caprica, but here, he had to prove himself. Or at least he told himself that he had to.
"Group Commander, if you'll follow me, the Ambassadors to the ISA are awaiting your arrival."
Here goes nothing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------
"I would like to thank the Interstellar Alliance for the hospitality my battlegroup has received since we have met President Sheridan. As President Sheridan has already informed you, we have agreed to an exchange in technology between our two groups. I was given the authority by my government before the start of the expedition to conclude such pacts with any power I encounter. Additionally, I have been given the authority to sign non-aggression pacts and trade agreements with any power my battlegroup encounters. My legal officer has begun such proceeding with the Earth Alliance, and hope do the same the other powers of the Alliance."
"I have also been empowered to find allies to assist in our war with the Cylons. President Sheridan and Entil'Zha Delenn have agreed to provide support from the Rangers in our struggle. You have each been informed of the history of the colonies and the fight my battlegroup will have to face merely to return to our people. I beseech each of you for ships and technology to assist in that fight and the fight to save my people. I also remind you that a Cylon ship was spotted at the fringe of Alliance space."
"Thank you Ambassadors for your attention and, once again, thank you for your assistance. Despite what may happen in the future, my people shall never forget it."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------
"Doctor Franklin, what is the result of the analysis?"
"Group Commander, your people are genuine humans. There are some slight variations. I estimate that your people and mine have less than 2,000 years of genetic separation between us. But there is one thing I don't understand. You say that both our people came from a planet called Kobol and your people traveled to the colonies and ours to Earth correct?"
"That is what Commander Adama believed and so do many others."
"Do you?"
"I haven't quite figured that out yet."
"The problem is that humans originated from Earth, the genetic evidence proves it."
"Are you sure? We believed for a long time that we originated from Caprica, but tests eventually revealed that to be false."
"No, we're positive. You heard what happened when the Centauri made first contact? They said we were a lost Centauri colony." Starbuck nodded. "Well after that we did extensive tests; humanity evolved on Earth."
"Then how did we get to Caprica? You only managed interstellar travel recently."
"I don't know. I wish the Vorlons were still here. They may have been able to explain it.'
"So do I, I would really have liked to meet one of these First Ones."
"Trust me, you don't."
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Starbuck sat in his cabin aboard Babylon 5, reading the report from Colonel Boxey. Triumph was handling the upgrades well and the colonel reported making record time on his journey thus far with no Cylon activity whatsoever. He was extremely happy with the two White Stars Sheridan had provided to scout for the battlecruiser on the trip to New Caprica. The captains of the vessels, one human, the other Minbari, would be the first ambassadors of the ISA to the colonies.
The bell on Starbuck's door rang.
"Enter. Ah, Ambassador Mollari, it's a pleasure to see you again."
"Yes, my friend. You probably expect to win several hundred more ducats from me, yes? Never played poker before. HA!"
"Well, I may have exaggerated a little. On the trip over here, a few of the human rangers taught me. Let's just say a have a little experience with card games previous to that."
"You know, I like you Group Commander."
"Please, Starbuck, Ambassador."
"Well, you might as well call me Londo, after all, you have all my money, why not my title too, eh?"
"If I may be serious for a minute, Londo, do you think the Alliance worlds will grant my government military forces?"
"I do not know. They are sick of war you know. I realize you have been fighting for a thousand years, but it isn't real to them. Their trade routes are also being ravaged. I expect you'll get support from the Earth Alliance and Mars, maybe the Minbari, but not much else. I don't think that will be enough to defeat your enemy and take back your original colonies."
"We have always known we can't go back Londo. The Cylons control too much territory for us to fight our way back. We just want to survive."
"Yes, I know my friend. I shall try to convince my government to provide you with some ships."
"Thank you Londo. And now."
"We drink and we gamble. Just as the gods like it!"