************** CHAPTER FOUR ****************
BABYLON 5; ADMIRAL BARNES' OFFICEJANUARY 8, 2272, 08:35 EST
****************
Sitting in his office, waiting for the meeting he was quite certain was going to be a difficult one, Jerry Barnes was sure of one thing, this day was going to be hell. Though he was least looking forward to his ceremony, scheduled to begin at 1900 this evening, the other item on his itinerary was not something he was anticipating with any sort of eagerness. President Sheridan, who had arrived on the station from Minbar only minutes before, was on his way to meet with the Admiral to discuss what in the day before, Barnes, Taylor and Rourke had code-named 'Operation Broken-Dagger", a retaliatory strike conceived by Captain MacDonald against the space station where they believed the attack on the Seventh Fleet to have originated from.
The day prior to this, following what was now being affectionately termed the Narn crisis, had been relatively uneventful though devoid of any calamity of its own. The day had started as many normally did, with a dreadful sounding wakeup alarm sounding, him rolling out of bed and quickly finding the way to a hot shower, wishing it could do something to wash away the fatigue and the concerns the previous day had brought. After a shower, longer than his norm, he dressed in a clean uniform and proceeded to another, surely long, day of work.
His first morning meeting, taking place almost immediately upon his arrival at his office, was with Vice Admiral Taylor and Assistant Director Rourke during which, Captain Edward MacDonald contacted them with his status report. He notified them of their locating of a space station where, given the location, the attack on the Seventh Fleet was likely to have staged from. He also reported that, after consultation with Captains Lemay and Whitfield, he had drawn up a preliminary attack plan. Barnes had ordered him to continue conducting drills in preparation for an attack, to check in at regular intervals and that he would get back to him with an order as soon as possible.
Before he and his staff had the opportunity to analyze the plan and further debate the possible implications of an attack, they received a transmission from Warleader Na'Goth, much to each of their surprise. He did not speak of the events that had transpired only hours before but instead reported that, while en-route back to Narn, shortly after the White Stars had departed, his fleet had been attacked by an unknown force. He told them the complete story of how he was engaged by several squadrons of attack ships while a cruiser watched from a distance and how he was able to drive the attack force back, losing over twenty cruisers in the process. Barnes had asked for his sensor data on the hostile ships, which confirmed that, whoever they were, it was the same race that had attacked the Seventh Fleet and that MacDonald now had his sights on.
It also gave them some insight as to the type of forces the enemy had and their attack strategies. In both instances where they had engaged Alliance fleets, they had used significant numbers of their attack ships quickly strike at the larger capital ships, disabling critical system and using their maneuverability to dodge defensive fire. The attack on the Seventh Fleet showed these ships complimented by various types of cruisers destroyers and squadrons of heavy fighters. During this battle, the attack ships and fighters had first damaged the capital ships, removing significant weapon and defensive systems, allowing their cruisers and destroyers to make the final kill. Unfortunately, aside from being able to easily tell their ships were armed with powerful weapons, it told them little else about this new foe.
After Barnes and Na'Goth speculating as to why the enemy had abruptly withdrawn, Na'Goth suspecting they were merely testing the response from the Narns, the conversation had ended with Barnes promising to share any new information with Na'Goth and the Warleader promising to do the same. Na'Goth also told Barnes that this would not be the last time they saw this enemy, they were only beginning to move.
Barnes, Taylor and Rourke had then taken to ironing out and making minor changes to the attack plan submitted by Captain MacDonald. Though it was simple in its design, the three concurred that it would get the job done and get most of their ships out safely. With MacDonald needing another day for the other two destroyers to arrive and to conduct another series of battle drills, Barnes concluded that it would be better to wait for President Sheridan to arrive on the station and seek approval from him in person, the President having to give the attack order before they could make any sort of a strike. Though Barnes had the authority to order limited actions without the President's approval, an act that could lead them to a war was something he definitely wanted the go ahead from Sheridan on.
Concluding their meeting, the Admiral had directed Julia to begin establishing a database of all information they had on the enemy, their ships, and weapons, to try and organize the information they currently had in an easily accessible and easy to update form. Saying she would get right on it, he ordered Vice Admiral Taylor to meet with military leaders from the Minbari, Drazi, Narns, Brakiri, Vree and Earth Alliance who had already arrived on the station for the ceremony in an effort to establish a coordinated border defense initiative along what they projected to be the border of enemy territory, wanting to be as prepared as possible if they decided to launch anymore attacks.
This meeting was followed by working through a small stack of paperwork he had dismissed earlier but now saw an urgency to take care of. First and foremost was the order giving final approval for crews to be assigned to the newest waves of White Stars, cruisers and destroyers that were entering the final stages of constructions, allowing crews to be assigned to begin training duties. He had the feeling that they may soon need as many ships and able crews as possible. The rest was minor but he took the time to be rid of it.
His first half of the day had been rounded out by a conversation with Generals Pack and McDouglass, on their way to Babylon 5 onboard the EAS Smith, an armed transport vessel, followed by a short but none-the-less enjoyable lunch with Captain Lochley. He had brought the two Earth Force Generals up to date on the information they had gathered regarding the loss of the Seventh Fleet, which was not much considering he neglected to mention the Victory's discovery of the space station, figuring he would save that information for when and if President Sheridan approved the attack. He had taken advantage of his lunch with Elizabeth to fill her in on the Narn situation from the previous night and to tell her of the space station discovered by Captain MacDonald. When she asked what he was planning to do, Barnes replied, "I don't know." Knowing that, as greatly as he wanted, he could not tell her everything, some things still had to be kept secret.
The rest of his day was filled by a series of meetings, including two more with Taylor and Rourke, conversations with the heads of construction at each of their shipyards, a meeting with Ambassador Ta'Lon, discussing the situation with Na'Goth and the attack on their fleet and finally, a pizza in his quarters as he reviewed the sensor logs sent from Earth Force HQ of the Seventh Fleet's last stand and those Na'Goth had sent of the attack against his fleet. He replayed each several times throughout the night, trying to get a better feel for the strategy these aliens employed.
Today had begun with an early morning planning session between him, Rourke and Taylor in the war room where the forwarded the revised attack plan to Captain MacDonald and told for him to be ready for a decision from the President within a few hours and to continue conducting drills in preparation for an attack. They also discussed the status of the defenses being deployed along what they simply called hostile territory, wanting to have as many ships in place as possible if the enemy decided to come screaming across the border.
After their meeting, the three of them joined Captain Lochley, Zack Allan, Ambassador Ta'Lon and a more than healthy contingent of reporters in greeting President Sheridan and Delenn as they arrived at Babylon 5 onboard White Star Prime, the White Star designated as the transport for the President and the first family of the Alliance. Barnes almost immediately pulled the President aside and told him he needed to speak with him in private, that they had urgent business to discuss relating to the loss of the Seventh Fleet. Sheridan said they would meet in the Admiral's office as soon as he and Delenn were settled in.
Now, the Admiral waited for the President to arrive. He had known Sheridan for more than nine years and had worked closely with him for four but he still could not predict how the President would react when presented with certain situations, part of the reason Barnes had refrained from briefing the President on their new information before he arrived on the station.
The door to his office slid open, Barnes reacting by springing from his desk, snapping immediately to attention and saluting the President as he walked in. Sheridan raised his hand to his gray head of hair, returning the salute. "At ease," the President commanded. Barnes motioned to a chair in front of his desk, asking the President to sit as he did the same.
"So, Admiral," Sheridan began, wasting no time with pleasantries as he knew Barnes would not either. "What's this urgent business we need to discuss?"
Barnes indicated the monitor on the wall behind him as he keyed a code into the control panel on his desk; Sheridan turned and watched the screen. The Interstellar Alliance emblem appeared against a black background with white text printed across the screen reading: IAS Victory - Sensor Feed: 2272.01.07.0358 – Security Classification: Ultraviolet. The image disappeared after ten seconds, long enough for Sheridan to read the full text and was replaced by a picture of the massive space station. "Yesterday morning, scout ships dispatched by Captain MacDonald detected this space station near the area where the Seventh Fleet was lost. Around it, they've detected several ships, the same configuration as some of those that destroyed the Seventh Fleet. We believe this to have been the base where the attack on the Seventh Fleet originated. The defenses around the station, as far as the Victory can tell, consist of three destroyers, several groups of attack ships and sizeable fighter screen deployed from the station." Barnes keyed another code into the control panel, Sheridan continuing to watch the screen with interest.
The image on the screen again changed to a series of tactical maps with the words, 'ISA Classified Document 03827183 – Operation Broken Dagger' printed across them, the text soon faded and the screen focused on the series of maps, Sheridan recognizing what they were all too well. "We've prepared an attack plan," Barnes continued his briefing as Sheridan leaned forward, studying the maps as each appeared on the screen. "Making use of three of our destroyers groups, the Victory, the Lancelot and the Aragorn along with two Earth Force Warlock destroyers, the Curunir and the Mithrandir that are due to arrive by 1700 today. The basic concept of the plan, as you can see, is to hit them in multiple waves, overwhelming them with superior numbers and firepower." Barnes realized, at that point, the irony of the plan as they had used a very similar method against the Seventh Fleet. He looked into the President's eyes, knowing that Sheridan already understood why they were having this meeting without Barnes having to say it.
"Mr. President, I'll make this short and simple, I want authority to attack, in response to the destruction of the Earth Seventh Fleet and to the attack on the Narns."
"The Narns?" Sheridan asked inquisitively with attentiveness in his voice, his head snapping back to Barnes from the monitor.
Barnes suddenly remembered, he hadn't yet told the President about that, it being among the items he planned to brief him on when he arrived on the station for which he saw no better time than now to do so. "As they were returning to Narn, Warleader Na'Goth's forces were attacked by ships with the same configurations as those at the space station and those that destroyed the Seventh Fleet. Na'Goth had superior numbers to the attack fleet and was able to drive them off but not before losing more than two-dozen cruisers in the process. We've had ships scouring all of Narn territory but haven't found any sign of the fleet that attacked them."
Sheridan gave a sigh of frustration. Not from just learning of the attack against the Narns when the Alliance had the information for more than a day but frustration from the prospect of going into another war if he approved Admiral Barnes' plan. He knew he couldn't refuse the request but also did not want to sanction it. "We're not even sure what type of defenses that thing has, we could be sending them into a deathtrap."
"There's no guarantees," Barnes conceded. "I'll be the first to admit that." It was true, they had no way of knowing what type of resistance the station and its defenders might offer to their strike force. "But this has to be done," Barnes quickly countered. "We have to show whoever this is that we will not back down once challenged. Show them that we will not –"
"—Be intimidated," Sheridan finished the Admiral's sentence with a melancholy tone to his voice, echoing a statement he had made ten years ago as a different sort of enemy targeted the Interstellar Alliance in its infant days. Though his concern for their ships and crews was genuine, it was not the total reason for his offering some protest to Barnes' plan. "You and I know very well what will happen if we do attack that station, whether the attack is successful or not, we'll be catapulting the Alliance into something we won't be able to stop. If we don't attack, we might still have some time to build up our defenses if this enemy decides to come at us. Is vengeance for the Seventh Fleet worth risking open war?" Though Sheridan posed the question to Barnes, he had little certainty of what he believed the answer to be. He understood the need to retaliate and to defend the Alliance but he could also not overlook the vow he had taken to do everything within his power to keep the Alliance at peace. It was a dilemma he had been faced with more than enough times already throughout his career. He had hoped another challenge to it would not have come so quickly.
Barnes struggled with the question as the President looked to him for his opinion. He understood the ramifications of the both sides of the debate; positive the President did as well, if not better than he. "From my perspective Mr. President," Barnes began after considerable deliberation. "Open war is inevitable. They're testing us, preparing for something, what I can't be sure of. If we strike or if we don't strike, they will. The only accomplishment we can make is to strike at them and perhaps cause them to rethink their strategy. For all we know, they could be preparing to launch a massive offensive any moment now."
"And they still could, regardless of if we attack them or not," Sheridan refuted the point made by the Admiral. "If they have a war plan, who's to say they'll decide to change it if we make a show of force against them?"
It was a valid argument; Barnes could not deny that. "If nothing else Mr. President, it will allow us to see how they react to certain movements and help us to learn more about them." Barnes stood, placing his hands on the flat top of the desk and leaning forward, his weight upon them, meeting the President's eyes with him. He had prepared a final argument in the event his others did not convince Sheridan. "Sometimes, to keep the peace and to preserve lives, we have to sacrifice both and go to war. You brought me onboard to keep the peace and to win a war if necessary. Now give me the authority I need to do both. By striking at them now, we send a message both to them and to our allies that we will not back down from attacks, that we will defend ourselves and that we will fight if necessary. You know as well as I that this has to be done."
Sheridan stood, retreating several steps back. Though he devoted much effort to it, he could find no fault in the logic of the argument Barnes presented. It was a difficult choice to make, the choice to send people into battle, to send some to their deaths and, in the larger scale, to send the Interstellar Alliance into another armed conflict. His back turned to the Admiral; Sheridan took several deep breaths, knowing the Admiral's eyes were fixed on him, waiting for the decision he had to make.
"Mr. President, time is short," Barnes pressured.
Sheridan slowly turned, making note of the face Barnes carried, one of dutiful resolve. It was that look that reminded the President why he had brought Jerry Barnes onboard as commander of the Army of Light, because he knew, despite their difference of opinions on some subjects, he was one of the few men who would be up to the task of defending the Alliance against any enemy that might threaten it. With Sheridan remaining silent for several more seconds, the Admiral continued to look to him for the answer.
A sigh, a nod, surrender. "Attack." The President said, his voice unsteady but nowhere in his mind a doubt that he had made the correct choice.
Barnes assured him that he had made the right decision. The two parted company then, as Sheridan went to take a few hours rest, weary from the trip and from the new burdens placed on him by this recent meeting while Barnes left for the war room. Vice Admiral Taylor would be waiting to transmit the orders to the Victory and Captain MacDonald would no doubt be waiting for an answer by now.
Little did Barnes realize, years later, he would question if the President's decision had been the correct one and if the path he proposed was not the wrong one to lead the Alliance down.
****************
DARK STAR; BROWN SECTOR JANUARY 8, 2272, 08:50 EST****************
The eyes of Zack Allan meticulously surveyed the establishment from the entryway. The early morning crowd consisted of no more than three dozen people, all those who either had no better place to be or those who had business, usually of a shady sort, to attend to. The small group of people, consisting of mostly humans with a few varied aliens in the mix, was quiet, attending to their drinks at the bar; most keeping themselves for company though some tables were the meeting places for groups of twos and threes.
It was those groups Zack was always on the watch for. Something many hoped to accomplish by coming to an establishment such as the Dark Star so early in the day was to be left to their own business and to not be seen. It was here where deals were made between parties whose motives in doing so were less than inline with Interstellar Alliance law. Zack mentally ran through the list of trouble this station had seen since he had been a security officer; raiders, arms dealers, criminal syndicates, too many to count.
These types of people were the ones the station's security chief had business with today. One of the messages sent to Arem had indicated this establishment as a meeting place. He had further been able to trace the second transmission to a Drazi smuggler, known to frequent the Dark Star. After having no contact with Villak at his quarters, Zack had determined the next most logical place to search would be the Dark Star, knowing Villak had many meetings her with "clients" throughout the day.
Villak was not the type who wanted to be seen, nor did he want his business affairs to be noticed. Though he played the part of the simple smuggler quite well, Villak dealt in far more than simple illegal goods. In the last four years, Villak had been implicated thirteen times as the front man for various weapon smuggling activities that station security had put an end to. Though they had a wealth of testimony from those they had arrested, there was still little aside from circumstantial evidence to tie Villak to the arms dealing being run from Babylon 5.
A connection to Arem however was something Zack could easily prove. With the transmission from Villak to Arem, Zack would have more than enough to through the Drazi off the station if he didn't cooperate and tell him what he needed to know about Arem's activities and being thrown off Babylon 5, after being connected to an accused assassin such as Arem would be a death sentence. Villak was smart enough to realize this; Zack was counting on it.
Despite the dim light, it did not take Zack long to locate the Drazi, sitting at a table in the back corner of the room with two humans and a Narn. The Chief found an adjacent corner, leaned against the wall, hand resting comfortably over his PPG as he watched the meeting transpire. The two humans were dealing with Villak, haggling over a price or means of delivery while the Narn remained quiet, likely one of Villak's bodyguards. In all probability, there were at least two other guards stationed around the Dark Star, waiting to spring into action if Villak appeared to be in danger.
Data crystals changed hands, first from the humans to Villak and then from Villak to the humans, who quickly left, wasting no time in casually strolling out the door. Zack new their business was completed and it was time for his to begin. As Villak was standing, Zack's hand landed on his shoulder, pushing him back down, prompting a deadly look from his companion. "What's your hurry Villak?" Zack asked, circling around so the Drazi could see him.
"Allan," Villak hissed as his eyes met the face of the security Chief. The last years of his life had been spent under near constant harassment from Allan and the goon squad referred to as the Babylon 5 security force. "What can I do for you on this fine day?" The Drazi asked, a smirk on his face, mocking the Chief.
"You can pack up all your stuff and leave the station," Zack answered with an equally sarcastic smirk.
"Surely, Mr. Allan, better things you have to do than harass reputable business man such as myself. Perhaps, somewhere on station, someone you have not harassed is attempting to conduct legitimate sales."
Zack saw his opening and attacked. "Well then, why don't you tell me what kind of legitimate sales you made to Jack Arem and what it was that wasn't the quality he was looking for?"
"Mr. Arem," Villak seemed to ponder the name. "Ah yes," he pretended to remember after another moment of thought. "He looked for a shipment of spoo, it was not of quality he desired. I promised more but never heard from him again. A shame, really."
"Well then, I suppose that explains it," Zack met the increasingly annoying smile from the Drazi with one of his own. After several seconds of the face off, Zack wasted no more time. He moved quickly, knocking the table into the bodyguard and slamming Villak into the corner, his PPG drawn and pressed underneath his chin. Zack's eyes flared with anger as the smug Drazi struggled against his restraint. "Now," Zack's voice indicated clearly that he had dropped the cordial routine. "You're going to tell me what I want to know about Arem or you're not going to be giving anyone else that irritating smile for a long time."
Villak looked past Allan and chuckled as his first bodyguard rose to his feet, aiming his own weapon at the Chief while his other three guards swooped in, drawing their own weapons and taking aim. Zack did not flinch, despite Villak's commands to release him, knowing the situation would soon be well in hand.
"You are outnumbered," Villak hissed, his smile showing more than ever.
Zack shook his head and grinned. "Not quite."
Exactly on time, a plethora of security officers decked in full black tactical gear stormed into the Dark Star, rifles covering the entire establishment with many trained on Villak's guards.
"Call 'em off," Zack ordered with a grin, one not returned from Villak whose face was grim. He motioned for his guards to lower their weapons, them doing so promptly and being taken into custody by the security team. "Now," Zack said, pressing his weapon further against the Drazi's hard skin. "Why don't you tell me what I need to know?"
***
"A virus that selectively targets telepaths?" Captain Lochley stepped back to her desk chair, sat down and turned to face Zack, who stood at the right side of her desk. He had arrived only a minute ago, saying that he had confronted Villak about what Arem was trying to purpose and she needed to know about it. Though it had taken some convincing, Villak admitted Arem had wanted to purchase mass quantities of this virus Lochley had never heard of before today. Villak, unable to procure the item, substituted an inferior bio-weapon for it, hoping to get his money before Arem noticed the difference. His ploy did not succeed and Arem soon had him attempting to procure more.
Sitting in a chair next to Chief Allan, Admiral Jerry Barnes nodded. "I heard rumors about something like this being developed in secret back during the Civil War." The Admiral had arrived in Lochley's office after Chief Allan had suggested that the Captain call him here as well to here what he had to report, thinking that Barnes may have some insight to the nature of what Arem was attempting to acquire. "Rumor was the Psi Corps seized it along with all design documents on it and killing the scientists who worked to create it."
"And it was never heard of again?" Lochley asked, crossing her hands in front of her as she listened to the brief lesson in the darker side of Earth's history.
"Not entirely," Barnes said grimly. As were many subjects, this was one from his past he had wanted to keep buried. "During the Telepath War, when I was onboard the Dark Thunder, we heard rumors of a renegade Corps scientist who had the formula for the weapon. I sent a team with orders to procure it and bring it back to the Dark Thunder so our forces could begin mass production on it, in the event it would have to be deployed on a planetary scale to stop the telepath threat."
Barnes spoke calmly, his words shocking both Lochley and Allan. Though the Telepath War had its impact on Babylon 5, the station was far from the frontlines and most of the fighting; hence they were not privy to many of the stories of war. "A planetary scale?" Zack finally managed. "You were going to launch a campaign of mass murder?" His emotions finally reached a boiling point as he questioned Barnes' actions. Allan felt a personal attachment to the loss suffered during the war and could not help but be appalled by what he had heard.
"It was a last resort," Barnes remained calm. "We only wanted to have the weapon in our arsenal in case all other attempts to remove the Psi Corps from power failed. It was to be used only if everything else we had failed." Barnes ended his confrontation with the Chief by returning to his story. "Unfortunately, the Psi Corps got to him before my team did and we never managed to secure the formula. Throughout the years, Earth Force Intelligence has heard rumors about pieces of the formula getting into the hands of independent arms dealers and scientists but hasn't found any concrete evidence to support that."
"Well what would a scumbag like Arem be doing trying to get mass quantities of the stuff?" Zack's question was indeed a valid one. Though telepaths, among humans at least, were still disliked and feared by some, they were not a threat to anyone.
"Zack," Lochley looked up the security chief, quickly taking charge, having an idea of where his investigation could proceed next. "Try to break into Arem's accounts, try to trace any deposits he's had in the last six months, maybe that can give you some idea as to who his employer was, maybe from there we can figure out some sort of a motive."
He shook his head and frowned. "Tried it already Captain, Arem wiped all of his records just a couple of hours before he died, my guess is, either he was trying to make a run for it and cover his tracks or, he knew someone was after him and for that reason wanted to cover his tracks. Either way, we've run into a brick wall as far as the investigation is concerned."
"And the autopsy didn't reveal anything?" Barnes inquired.
"Nothing."
The sounding of Captain Lochley's link interrupted a momentary awkward silence. "Lochley, go," she answered, toggling it on.
Commander David Corwin, his voice wrought with distress, spoke through it. "Captain, this is Commander Corwin, we're picking up an audio only distress signal being broadcast from the EAS Michael, the heavy transport ferrying General Pack and the rest of the Earth Force brass here for the ceremony."
Lochley and met eyes with Barnes, both of them relaying concern at the report delivered by her first officer as she ordered him to patch the signal through to her office. The transmission was overcome by static, Corwin saying that they would have it cleaned up momentarily.
It finally cleared to an audible degree. "Repeat this is Captain James Marshall of the armored transport EAS Michael. We are under heavy attack from unidentified forces. Multiple squadrons of heavy attack fighters are hitting every section of the ship. Our fighter cover is gone and defensive weapons can't keep up with the amount of punishment we're taking. We are carrying V.I.P. personnel. Any Earth Force ship or outposts within range of my voice, please send help. Repeat this is Captain James …" The transmission ended in an abrupt burst of static.
"We've lost the signal Captain," Corwin reported.
Lochley quickly sprang into action, knowing what had to be done. "Commander, do we have a sensor lock on the Michael?"
"Yes ma'am, she's about thirty-five minutes out. Nothing else is in range to response, we're the closest help she's got."
Lochley could only hope they would hold out that long. From how Captain Marshall made it sound, his ship was taking quite a beating, thirty-five minutes could very well be too long but she had no choice but to try. "Very well, launch Alpha and Gamma wings, tell them to haul ass to the Michael. Also advise Earth Force HQ, see if they can scramble some additional forces that way." After Corwin's acknowledgment of her order, the Captain toggled her link off and looked to Barnes, wanting to ask him if he could scramble some Alliance forces but seeing he had already disappeared from her office, slipping away while she had nothing other than talking to Corwin on her mind.
Zack, seeing the question poised on the Captain's lips, simply pointed a thumb towards the door, both of them knowing where the Admiral was headed.
***
The Red Star, an advanced prototype for what the Alliance had dubbed the second generation White Star, hung outside the station, its crew preparing for departure, as Admiral Jerry Barnes had ordered only two minutes before when he advised he was coming onboard. The White Star II as it was being called, was being slowly phased in as a replacement for the White Stars within the Interstellar Alliance fleet, the Red Star being the first ship which Barnes had successfully lobbied to have transferred to his command.
This new generation of White Star had all of the strengths of the original with few of the weaknesses. The visible bridge was removed, making the only true vulnerable spot the rear docking area. The wings featured a greater curve with a wider space between the top and bottom sets. In drills, the ship demonstrated an average speed and maneuverability thirty-seven percent greater than its predecessor. Its shielding was able to absorb, on average, fifty percent more punishment. An even greater improvement was in the weapons package. The two pulse cannons mounted on the nose were moved underneath the nose, making them a less convenient target for hostile fighters. On the wingtips, a single pulse cannon is mounted while a pair of pulse cannons is mounted another each wing, four pairs in all. The Red Star also did not lack a rear defense weapon, with two aft firing pulse cannons at its disposal. Though it would take approximately ten years to phase out the old White Stars, replacing them with the White Star II, all fleet commanders were greatly looking forward to seeing this ship in action.
Admiral Jerry Barnes was no exception. He had wasted no time in reaching the bridge once his shuttle docked with the Red Star. Taking his seat in the command chair at the center of the bridge, the design having carried over from the first series White Star, he realized that the White Star II class of ship had never seen any actual combat. With only a handful in service, the original White Stars were still handling most of the work while the White Star II was devoted to system defense duties and conducting advanced trials. With almost the entire Earth Force command staff in imminent danger, Barnes could think of no better time to test the newest weapon in the Alliance's arsenal.
Upon arriving onboard the Red Star he had transmitted a message to the Babylon 5 fighters, ordering them to enter formation with his ship and respond with them to the Michael's location. He was then contacted by Captain Lochley, who offered a heated protest about him going into a combat situation, insisting that he remain behind and allow someone else to take the Red Star into battle, trying unsuccessfully to convince him that he was too important to be putting himself into danger such as he was. Barnes overrules her objections however, stating that she should understand his need to be out there, which, she admitted, she did.
The thirty-five minutes trip, short by most standards, was agonizingly long. Since they had jumped away from Babylon 5, Barnes had the crew, the majority Rangers, trying to raise the Michael an all known frequencies with no success. He did not discount the possibility of their transmitter being damaged, nor did he favor it. The last thing Earth needed was a blow like this, so quickly after the destruction of the Seventh Fleet. His lessons in diplomacy and politics from Sheridan had done him some good, another explanation for his presence here, the Alliance needed to look like it had endeavored to save the Michael if even if the transport fell.
As the point reached where Barnes could no longer stand the waiting, the Ranger on his left, a Minbari woman dressed in the usual Ranger garb, advised they were on approach to the last known location of the transport. Barnes composed himself. He had not seen actual combat himself, aside from participating in battle drills and war games, since the Imradis incident, where he led the White Star fleet attack against the renegade Brakiri cruisers. Combat however, was something he was no stranger to and the art of it, in his experience, something not easily lost.
"Jump!" Barnes gave the order, breaking his silence that had been present for most of the journey. Seconds later, the Red Star and the compliment of twenty-four fighters from Babylon 5 leapt into normal space, the broken hull of the EAS Michael appearing before Barnes in the view port. The ship was still a good distance away but visible damage on the hull could easily be made out. Around it, dozens of dagger shaped fighters swarmed like bees, striking the hull with small white beams from their noses.
"Admiral, detecting life signs on the Michael, they're still alive but the ship is in real bad shape, it won't last much longer taking that kind of punishment. Estimate thirty-six hostile fighters out there." The Minbari reported, studying the images appearing on her screen and quickly relaying that information to Barnes.
Barnes nodded, acknowledging the report and knowing what had to be done. "Squadron leaders," Barnes flipped a switch on his chair, opening a channel to the Babylon 5 fighters. "Attack formation delta. Follow us in and stay tight until we're in range. Target their lead ships, prepare to launch missiles, we've got the draw them away from the Michael. Once we're engaged Alpha squadron will provide close in cover and support for the transport while Gamma squadron and the Red Star engage the hostiles at a distance, trying to keep them out of firing range of the Michael." He flipped the switch off and turned to the Ranger who nodded once at him, a silent report that the fighters were in formation. "Go!"
The Red Star, with twelve Thunderbolts and twelve Starfuries in tight formation, charged towards the fighters swarming the defenseless transport. To Barnes' surprise, as the rescue force advance, the fighters did not deviate from their attack on the transport, still picking at its hull with their weapons, the only ones on the fighter as far as Barnes could tell. Though he did not dare say it and distract his crew, he recognized the design of the fighter and the implications it brought.
"Gamma squadrons reports missiles locked onto the lead fighters."
"Barnes to Gamma squadrons, you are cleared to release missiles, I say again, missile release is authorized." Following the Admiral's orders, a score of missiles flew forth from the Thunderbolt fighters. Streaking forward, their tails glowing red as they advanced on the targets, Barnes counted the seconds until the weapons reached their destination. The space in front of them became alive as a series of violent explosions were seen around the transport, the sixteen missiles launched scoring nine kills. Still, the hostile fighters did not break from their attack on the transport, leading Barnes to conclude their pilots were either exceptionally well trained or exceptionally stupid.
The Red Star and fighters continued to close on the attacking ships, the Ranger rattling off the distance from the attackers. When they reached two hundred fifty meters, Barnes gave the order. The twelve forward pulse cannons of the Red Star opened fire as the accompanying fighters broke formation, firing with their own cannons. The loss of another eight fighters was enough to bring the interest of the attackers to the Alliance forces, returning fire and destroying four of the Babylon 5 fighters.
Starfuries of Alpha squadron swooped in, gliding along the hull of the Michael, pivoting and using their pulse cannons to target the hostiles as they broke away to engage Gamma squadron and the Red Star, which were speeding away from the transport, successfully attempting to draw attention away from the crippled ship. As the enemy fighters left their weapon range, the fighters fell into a defensive formation, the lead pilot contacting the ship, assuring that they would have them out of there in no time.
The Red Star and the Thunderbolts from Gamma squadrons maintained a slight lead on the dagger fighters as they pursued. The nineteen fighters unleashed another series of silvery white beams from the nose of their ships, striking the Red Star in three places, causing no noticeable damage and slicing through the hull of two Thunderbolts, destroying them. The aft weapon systems of the Alliance attack ship responded in kind, the two cannons unleashing eight bolts of energy and destroying two hostile fighters.
On the bridge, Barnes felt the hull beneath him shake, rocked by another series of hits from the enemy fighters rapidly closing behind his command. When the report came that the enemy fighters were outside range of targeting the Michael, Barnes decided it was time to end this chase. "All ships, prepare to fire breaking thrusters, standby for high velocity bank on my mark." More than one set of eyes gave the Admiral a curious look upon hearing his orders. It was a dangerous maneuver for a formation to use when hostiles weren't rapidly closing upon them.
"Now!" On Barnes' command, the Red Star and ten Thunderbolts, fired their forward thrusters briefly, enough to allow for the safe firing of their starboard thrusters, throwing the ships into a fast turn, countered by their port thrusters when they had completed a one hundred eighty degree maneuver. The ships unleashed a fury of weapon fire from their forward banks, destroying six more hostiles. The dagger fighters, unable to slow in time to keep from running into the line of Alliance ships, attempted to break away, three of their fighters ramming into Gamma squadron fighters, destroying both.
With eight fighters remaining and seven left on his side, not counting those guarding the transport, Barnes gave the pursuit order for those fighters that had just flown past them. Now the hunter had become the hunted. Barnes ordered all ships to open fire, the Red Star firing with its main beam weapon in addition to its array of pulse cannons. The beam disintegrated an enemy fighter on impact, the pulse cannons scoring an additional four kills as they ripped through the hulls of the enemy, turning them into balls of fire. Gamma squadron, through mixed attacks of missiles and cannons, destroyed two fighters, leaving only one still running from the Alliance attack force.
It was not running for long however. Dodging a fierce attack by the Alliance craft, the fighter spun around, firing its weapon, slicing off the port wings of one Thunderbolt and puncturing the cockpit of another. The hostile then charges straight at the Red Star, intensely firing its weapon while dodging a ferocious counterattack from the Alliance vessel. The hostile fighter struck the Red Star eleven additional times before it was destroyed, disabling its main beam weapon.
As Barnes look in front of him, taking in the small field of rubble that marked the final resting place for the last hostile fighter, he breathed a sigh of relief. Though the fight had been the most difficult of his career, it was difficult enough to concern him. Though they had achieved a victory, too many good pilots had to die for it and he had no idea the casualties the Michael had suffered. He ordered that they set a course back for the transport and open a channel to her. The image of General Pack, his gray hair out of place, a small red gash on his forehead, a tear on his blue uniform and relief on his face, soon filled the holographic screen in front of Barnes as it shimmered to life.
"Impeccable timing Admiral Barnes."
"Is everyone alright General?"
Pack exhaled deeply. "Twelve crew members dead, aside from that, a few cuts, bruises and a lot of broken spirits. They came out of nowhere Admiral, hitting our primary reactor with the first blow. The Captain decided to use what power we had left to jump to normal space so we could deploy our and try to make a stand without having to worry about drifting off the beacon. They knocked out our fighters and defensive guns in a matter of seconds, then they just toyed with us until you arrived, blowing off pieces of the hull and our other systems but not targeting anything that would be likely to destroy us, that is until you arrived when they stepped up their attacks. It's a good thing you drove them off or we wouldn't have survived."
"General, we'll tow you back to Babylon 5, we'll discuss this further there." Barnes chose not to discuss why the enemy fighters would chose to wait for his arrival before trying to destroy the Michael, such a strategy did not make a great deal of sense. He knew these hostiles were the same aliens that had destroyed the Seventh Fleet and attacked the Narns, adding to his feeling that this strategy made no sense. Granted the Michael was quite a tempting target with virtually the whole of the Earth Force command staff onboard but there were better targets for attempting to cripple a military. Generals could be replaced far easier than ships or space stations could.
Admiral Barnes retired from the bridge to his quarters, he needed to think and they were better than the bridge for that purpose. He could not help but focus on trying to unravel the strategy this new enemy was displaying. If they had been trying to knockout the Earth Force leadership, why would they have targeted nonessential parts of the ship, not trying to destroy it, until the rescue force arrived. Perhaps it was another test as Na'Goth had described it. Perhaps, Barnes concluded, this was all a game they were playing to test the Alliance and its member worlds, preparing for a grand strike.
***
Near the scene of the battle, obscured from sight by a moon, he continued to replay the brief conversation they had recorded between the human commanders, Barnes and Pack. He studied Barnes image, the Admiral was perplexed by their actions, and it was quite obvious. The Admiral would no doubt still be trying to determine the motives behind their actions, meaning that he had achieved yet another goal, to trigger confusion in the commanders of the Interstellar Alliance. His test was again successful and it was now time to take his new information and begin planning the next phase.
He turned in his chair to the left of the bridge. "Order the fleet withdrawn to our territory, advise home world I will be arriving within three days with the information they have requested."
"At once my Kal'Arn."
Moments later, the massive cruiser that had secretly observed the battle jumped into hyperspace.
***
"President Sheridan wasn't too happy when he found out you'd taken off on this mission, especially hours before your ceremony is supposed to start," Captain Lochley made a point of rubbing this in, given her objection to Barnes leaving which he had quickly overruled. "He did however want me to express to you his congratulations in rescuing the Michael and the Earth Force staff."
Barnes grinned. "I told Sheridan when I took this job that I wasn't going to be the sit behind a desk type commander, that I was going to be out here on the frontlines," a pause and a slight chuckle from the Admiral as he looked into Elizabeth's eyes on the small communications monitor. "He didn't like it much then either." He glanced at the display on an adjacent wall, showing their distance from the station. He had contacted Lochley an hour before when they had first jumped into hyperspace with the Earth transport in tow to advise her that they would need to have medical and repair teams standing by when they arrived. The two had been casually talking since then.
Another glance at the display to verify what he had seen. "We're about five minutes out Elizabeth, I'll see you soon."
"Jerry, one more thing, I thought you'd like to know, the Hades and the Dark Thunder arrived while you were gone. Captains McDouglass and Griffon told me that they couldn't see themselves missing your ceremony."
He was caught off his guard by this news. Last he had heard, the Hades and his former command, the Dark Thunder had been on assignment attempting to dismantle a well-armed and well-organized raider group operating within Earth Alliance territory. Though he had extended an invitation to Captain Leslie Griffon to attend the ceremony, he had expected that they would still be on assignment and unable to attend. It would be good seeing her and his old ship again, having not seen either since the Imradis incident.
Then his thoughts went to Captain Sarah McDouglass, younger sister of the Earth Force General. He could remember exactly when the last time he saw her was, more than four years prior when he had resigned from Earth Force. As his last official action, he had promoted her to command of the newest Warlock class destroyer rolling off the lines, the EAS Hades. Though she deserved the command, his true motivation in doing so had been an attempt to keep her away from the frontlines of the war with the Drahk, the Hades being scheduled for a two year shakedown cruise before going into active service. His plan had failed however, the Drahk crisis forcing the Hades to be pressed into active service almost immediately following its christening.
In the years since, they had exchanged text messages, usually formalities, making sure the other was doing well and checking in with any news they had. He had tried several times to contact her in real time but was always met with failure as the Hades was usually on a classified mission during which they could not receive communications from outside of Earth Force, even if it came from an aide to President Sheridan and later the commander of the Army of Light. During the past three months, as the pressures of his office and helping the President ratify the military act, Barnes had simply forgotten to keep in touch with her, not having the time to do so.
After several seconds of silence, Barnes chose to round out the conversation rather than saying anything about either of the Captains or allowing the silence to continue to the point where it would become uncomfortable. "I'll see you soon Elizabeth," Barnes reiterated in his conclusion, taking a long hard look at her. She returned the sentiment and the transmission ended, her image being replaced by that of the Interstellar Alliance logo as the screen faded to black. Waiting for another minute in his quarters, during which time his thoughts dwelt on Elizabeth and Sarah, the Admiral finally made his way back to the bridge.
When he arrived, the ship had completed its jump to normal space and Babylon 5 was filling the forward view port. The surviving fighters that had accompanied them broke formation and sped towards the station. Seeing the station from the distance of the jump gate, Barnes realized for the first time exactly how serious his ceremony was being taken by the Alliance member worlds. He was able to count more than five-dozen warships, several from each member world, parked outside the station. Taking in the vast array of ships, he focused on one that entered view as the Red Star turned to angle for a parking orbit with the station.
The EAS Dark Thunder, the last in a line of ships many believed should never have existed. Created during the Earth civil war for a single purpose, to destroy the White Star fleet and rebel destroyers that had joined Sheridan's rebel movement. Jerry Barnes could still remember, vividly, the two years he had spent overseeing the Omega-X destroyer project. When the time came that President Clark ordered the deployment of the Omega-X fleet, the ships were not totally completed, having still several weeks of final work left to complete. Barnes, realizing that the White Star fleet would be able to overpower the task force and not wanting to sacrifice all of their advanced destroyers and the technology involved, took the Dark Thunder away from the rest of the fleet to a neutral base where he waited out the war.
In the years following the war, the Dark Thunder played the largest part in his life. He had commanded the destroyer throughout Wallace's insurrection, the telepath war, the Drahk war and countless other crises until he resigned from Earth Force, promoting Leslie Griffon, his former tactical officer, to command the Dark Thunder. Since then, he successfully fought more than a dozen attempts by Earth Alliance politicians to have the destroyer decommissioned, wanting Earth to distance itself from the past the Dark Thunder represented.
In approximately ten minutes, the Red Star had towed the crippled EAS Michael into a position next to the station where maintenance bots soon began swarming around it, quickly stabilizing the more damaged areas of the hull that had been further weakened by the stress of two hyperspace jumps. As they continued their work, shuttles were soon being dispatched from Babylon 5 for the Earth Force command staff onboard the crippled transport.
Barnes turned command back over to the Ranger Captain of the Red Star and departed for the shuttle bay, returning to the station on the same ship he had left on a short time before. The landing area was quiet, not yet having received the flood of injured and wounded from the Earth Force transport. Babylon 5 control had temporarily shutdown all incoming traffic to allow for the quick movement of wounded who were inbound. The Admiral made his way past eight people as he entered the customs area, bypassing the security.
A medical team, led by the chief of staff, soon ran past him into the landing area as the first wave of shuttles from the Michael, carrying the Earth Force Generals and critically wounded. Captain Lochley and Commander Corwin, both having rushed from command and control, joined him. There was little said between the three officers aside from Barnes expressing sympathy for the pilots that were lost in the battle and ordering an immediate elevation of the station's alert status, that he believed those responsible for this most recent attack may attempt to attack Babylon 5.
Lochley expressed some reservation to the Admiral's concern but reluctantly agreed when the Admiral pointed out the proximity of the last attack to the station. "Those were only fighters," Barnes argued. "Short range ones at my guess, meaning they must have had a mother ship somewhere and that ship or ships is probably still out there." Barnes promising to bring in as many additional Alliance ships as possible, the Captain reluctantly agreed, sending Corwin back to C&C to coordinate their defenses with the Alliance ships present for the ceremony.
As their conversation finished, the first group of stretchers, surrounded by station medical personnel came poring from the docking bays. Lochley quickly pulled one of the medics, who did not seem to engaged in an overly important activity. "What's the casualty count?"
The medic spoke quickly, apparently anxious to return to her duties. "Twelve dead, eleven in critical condition but likely to make it, a few dozen with minor injures, the doctors have told them to report to MedLab for treatment on their own time, we're rushing the critical patients there now. Both General Pack and General McDouglass are in good shape and shouldn't be far behind."
Lochley nodded, relieved at the news that the attack did not claim as many lives as it could have. "On your way," she ordered, the medic quickly rushing to catch up to the rest of the critical patients who had already disappeared from sight.
"Barnes!" General Pack shouted, emerging from the docking bay as promised with General McDouglass by his side. "What the hell is going on out there?" The General demanded as he approached the Admiral and Captain, neither bothering with the formality of a salute. "First the Seventh Fleet, then the Narns, then the Michael, would you care to tell me who these bastards are going to hit next and when you plan on doing something about it?" Pack had apparently spent the last hour during the journey to Babylon 5 becoming angrier at the situation and the way in which the Alliance was handling it. Barnes considered asking how they had found out about the attack on the Narns and the link to the Seventh Fleet but dismissed the idea, instead deciding to try and calm the General as much as possible.
"General," Barnes maintained a cool tone as he confronted Pack. He could not blame him for his attitude, knowing he would feel the same were he in the position. "We are currently considering several plans of action, I would ask you to be patient as we work to implement them. I assure you that we will share with you any information we have when we are able to, we just need some time."
Pack began to speak another protest when Lochley took the opportunity and cut in. "Surely General, someone of your experience can understand the need for secrecy and discretion in a time like this." Pack paused another moment before giving in to the fact that Barnes and his staff would run this the way they wanted regardless of his protest.
Pack nodded, telling Barnes and Lochley he would speak with them later as he disappeared into Babylon 5, General McDouglass and several other Earth Force officers following him, likely to be holding their own top level meetings on the station before the ceremony.
Barnes, though he maintained a cool outer demeanor was slightly shaken by the brief confrontation with his former mentor. He turned to Lochley, looking into her eyes. "Thanks," he managed before walking away, knowing he still had a great many things to take care of in the few hours remaining before the ceremony.
She turned, looking at his back as he disappeared into an increasing crowd of people moving further into the station. She thought about following, to ask him about the battle and about the tie Pack had mentioned between the three attacks but decided against it, knowing he needed to focus on his duties and she needed to focus on her own. "You're welcome."
****************
IAS VICTORY; HYPERSPACEJANUARY 8, 2272, 18:42 EST
****************
Captain Edward MacDonald found himself on the verge of relaxing as he sat on the bridge of the Victory watching, on his personal monitor, the ISN coverage of the ceremony where his longtime friend and comrade would be sworn in as commander of the Army of Light and of the militaries of the Alliance member worlds. Waiting for the arrival of the two Earth Force destroyers, which at last report had been delayed slightly, he had little else to do. Commander MacKenzie and himself had finalized the battle plan with Admiral Barnes and his staff on Babylon 5 hours earlier after Barnes had returned from fighting off another attack by this new enemy. Though the latest attack was troubling, it did prove one thing; that this enemy was not beyond defeat. He had also taken care of the one piece of business he made sure to take care of before heading into any battle, entrusting someone who was not at risk, in this case, his friend Admiral Jerry Barnes with an encoded message to deliver to Julia Rourke.
With the ceremony set to officially begin in approximately fifteen minutes with a speech by President Sheridan, ISN had stepped up its coverage two hours before with an introduction giving the details of the Alliance Military Act that allowed for the creation of Barnes' position and followed by interviews with dozens of human and alien officials, giving their opinions on the Army of Light as well as their opinions on Sheridan's choice for its commander.
Indeed, the naming of Jerry Barnes to the highest military position in the galaxy was not without controversy. "He fought for Clark," one Earth Senator argued. "He helped to build the shadow Earth destroyers," a Drazi General protested. On the other side, it was brought up that Barnes helped to end the Telepath War, the Drahk Crisis and brought a swift and ultimately casualty light resolution to the Imradis Incident. Still, Sheridan's choosing of Barnes seemed to be a surprise overall, many expecting when the position was first announced that his former XO, General Susan Ivonova would be the likely choice. Many did not realize the close connection that Sheridan and Barnes had established many years before during the situation with General Wallace that continued to grow throughout the years.
MacDonald was pulled away from the news broadcast by Commander MacKenzie, whose approach from behind was given away by the reflection in the monitor, clear his throat. The Captain tapped a circular key on the arm of his chair, switching the monitor off and turning his chair to face the Commander. "Captain, the Mithrandir and the Curunir have arrived and their Captains have been briefed on the latest changes to the plan of attack. All ships report ready to engage at your order."
The Captain nodded, MacKenzie standing by patiently waiting for him to give the order. "How long will the trip through hyperspace to the target take?" MacDonald realized that in all their planning, he had not sought the answer to that important question, overlooking it in the larger strategic picture he had to consider.
"Approximately twenty-one minutes."
MacDonald acknowledged with another nod. For the crew, their Captain's composure in the situation was a model example for them, all the younger officers and Rangers trying to make their own come close to resembling his. Unlike many of them, MacDonald was no stranger to combat, it being a near constant companion to him throughout his career. "All hands man battle stations," the Captain ordered, his previously soft voice rising to be heard across the bridge. Klaxon alarms sounded, the bridge lights dimmed, allowing for easier viewing of displays and faint red lights replaced the bright white overheads. MacKenzie manned his station, giving orders for weapons to be charged, fighter squadrons prepared and defenses readied, the rest of the bridge crew taking their positions as well and MacDonald turned to face the forward screen.
"Engage," he ordered. Seconds later, the Alliance attack force, consisting of three Victory class destroyers, two Warlock destroyers, twenty-seven White Stars, six An'Shaka cruisers and twelve Blue Stars moved out of friendly territory, crossing the line into the realm of the enemy to send the Alliance across a line which they would not be able to cross back.
***
When asked to choose the location where the swearing in ceremony would take place, the arboretum seemed a more natural choice for Jerry Barnes than did other locations on the station. Captain Lochley had suggested the obvious Reception Hall and Mosque but Barnes wanted a change from so many of the other ceremonies that took place on the station, suggesting that they should place the ceremony in an atmosphere of peace. In the decision, he was also faced with the problem of accommodating both military and political leaders from a dozen worlds as well as the legions of reporters that would be covering the event. Hence, with his blessing, Captain Lochley had directed the station's resource managers to erect a small but regal stage in an open area of the arboretum.
As the Captain now stood, dressed in the rather uncomfortable and what she considered to be rather silly looking full dress uniform, she could not help but feel that Jerry had made the correct choice. The platform had been constructed of a dark brown wood, scaffolding built behind it, displaying the banners of the Interstellar Alliance, the Army of Light and the Anla'Shok in the center with the banners of the Alliance member worlds flanking them on each side. On the stage itself, a simple podium constructed of the same dark wood, the Interstellar Alliance logo displayed in the center. Behind and on both sides of the podium, several chairs, one for a military representative from each race, one for Barnes, one for Sheridan, one for Ambassador Ta'Lon, who was to deliver the oath of office and one for her. As the Captain of the station, she was to give a brief introduction.
Many of the delegates had already taken their place on the stage, causing her to begin making her way there, noting that Sheridan and Barnes were not yet present. As she approached, she spotted them, Barnes in his dress uniform and Sheridan in a black suit with dark blue shirt, the two talking beside the stage. Though, from her angle, she could not see Barnes, she knew the look Sheridan carried on his face far too well.
"So they're on the move?" Sheridan asked, his voice quiet, not wanting others, especially the press to hear their conversation but also grim with concern for the report Barnes had given him.
Barnes nodded, leaning closer to Sheridan and lowering his own voice to a whisper. "Captain MacDonald gave the go ahead order for the attack force to move into position and engage about seventeen minutes ago, I got the news just before I left my quarters. They should be engaging anytime now and," a slight pause, determining the words to not sound overly optimistic. "With luck, we'll know within an hour if the attack was successful."
"Or if it wasn't." Sheridan took note of the time and the growing presence around the stage and gestured to it. "Well Admiral, we can't worry about it now. Having all of the media attention focused on the ceremony should keep them from breaking the news of our attack if it somehow has gotten out at least until after we can make a statement about it." The President sighed, hating to be thinking of their soldiers in such an impersonal sense. "Let's put our game faces on and go play to the crowd." Barnes nodding, the two of them walked onto the stage, serious smiles on their faces as they took their seats amongst slight applause from the crowd of dignitaries, soldiers, diplomats and reporters.
Elizabeth Lochley stood; giving Jerry the slightest smile as she elegantly strode past him from her seat to the podium. "Good evening," she began, her voice echoing throughout the arboretum as she spoke into the microphone and across the galaxy as it was broadcast live across every major planetary network including those of the Centauri and C'Les. "I'm Elizabeth Lochley, Earth Force Captain and military governor of Babylon 5. I'd like to thank all of you for coming. I hope the accommodations are to your liking and that you've found the station to be hospitable," she spoke with a grin as her very dry attempt at humor raised a few laughs throughout the crowd below her. "With Babylon 5 acting as host to these events and as the new base for the Army of Light command, I've been asked to give a brief introduction. For those who aren't familiar with the itinerary, I'll be followed by prepared remarks from President John Sheridan, after which we will have the oath of office, presented by Ambassador Ta'Lon and we will close with remarks from Admiral Jerry Barnes. Following this ceremony there will be an invitation only reception and my apologies to all those in the press corps whose invitations were lost," another laugh from the crowd though that comment was less of a joke, only a handful of reporters being extended invitations to the reception.
Lochley looked back at Barnes and Sheridan who seemed to be eagerly awaiting what she had to say before continuing. "I won't take up a lot of your time with what I have to say. I was here when the Alliance was in its infant days, I've watched it grow, watched it struggle and I'm proud to be here to watch it overcome another obstacle today." As Lochley concluded her speech and introduced President Sheridan, Jerry Barnes found himself considering how many obstacles the Alliance still had in front of it.
***
"Captain, we're in position," Commander MacKenzie reported from his station on the left side of the bridge, from which he could monitor navigation, weapons, communication, sensors, damage control along with all other ship functions. "All commands standing by at red alert, report jump engines charged and ready.
Edward MacDonald took another few seconds to quickly replay the attack plan in his head. It felt as though they had simulated this a hundred times today but this was much different for this time, in all likelihood, the enemy would shoot back with more than simulated sensor readings. He took a deep breath, allowing a wave of calm to wash over him in doing so. He was prepared for battle, as were his ship and crew. He could only hope he would lead the ship to fulfill its name. One thing he knew for certain, win or lose, it would be one hell of a fight.
"First tactical squadron," MacDonald pressed a control on his chair, activating a secure communications frequency to the rest of the fleet. "Take position and standby to jump." He spoke calmly, a reassuring sound to those under his command, making them believe that at least the Captain felt there was a chance of winning this fight. On cue, seven White Stars broke formation with the fleet, closing into a tight attack formation of their own as they moved ahead into their pre-designated jump coordinates.
"Tactical squadron in position Captain." MacKenzie reported, his sensor display instantly updating to show the new position of the White Stars.
"Jump."
Above the massive dark gray station, three blue and white jump points violently ripped through the fabric of space. They gave birth to seven White Stars, their neutron and pulse cannons blazing as they charged towards the space station. The attempt at a surprise attack succeeded, the Alliance ships apparently catching the station and its defenders off guard. They skimmed along the hull of the station, bringing all weapons to bear against the outer structure. Their targets were what Captain MacDonald believed to be fighter launch bays and short-range weapon system along the exterior along with their first strike, which targeted and successfully damaged what he believed to be the command center.
The element of surprise however quickly disappeared as twelve attack ships emerged from below the station, firing with a silvery white beam weapon emitted from the noses of their ships. Several scored successful ships as they pursued the White Stars. The Alliance ships broke away from the station after their last round of hits against it, moving away at high speed, trying to widen the distance between them and the hostiles attack ships. It seemed as though their attack had worked to disable the short-range weapons of the station at least temporarily.
Despite the commendable maneuvers displayed by the fleeing White Star squadron, the hostile vessels proved equal to them. Three hostiles closed in behind a White Star who had already taken a hit to its engines, firing several bursts, penetrating the shields and the bio-armored hull, striking the ship at its heart. The ship was lost in a brilliant explosion as the quantum gravitic reactor went critical. The Captains of the remaining six White Stars ordered additional power to engines, telling their pilots to poor on the speed and increase maneuvers, wanting to avoid a similar fate. At the station, fighters were being launched, additional attack ships mobilized and one of the docked destroyers showed signs of powering up, all preparing to give chase to the Alliance sneak attack.
On the bridge of the IAS Victory, Captain MacDonald watched the results of the attack on his personal monitor as he listened to the audio from the comm. channel patched across the bridge speakers. His eyes shut for a brief second when he listened, as one of their ships was lost in the fight. He could not allow himself to grieve now, there was too much at stake and he knew there would be far too much time for mourning after the battle.
"Second attack wing is in position Captain," Commander MacKenzie indicated that the two Earth destroyers and ten White Stars were prepared to jump into combat. MacDonald took heart that after he gave the order for those ships to jump, his would be the next to enter combat and then the outcome of the battle would be decided. The Captain waited until word came that an enemy destroyer, the remaining gunboats and two squadrons of fighters had joined the pursuit of the White Stars. "Captain Hutchinson, Captain Price, God be with you. First tactical squadron, break away now. Second attack wing, jump!" The Captain's voice increased intensity as the order to attack was given as he felt the pressure and danger building with each second, hoping that his gambit would pay off as well as the simulations predicted and that it would not prove to be costly for them.
***
"Good evening," President Sheridan began immediately after stepping to the podium. After his introduction by Captain Lochley, he had stood, shook her hand and whispered a personal thank you in her ear before relieving her as the speaker. "I'd like to thank all in attendance here today, I know many of you traveled a great ways to be here today, from Earth, Narn, Minbar and many other worlds to help us commemorate this historic event.
"The Interstellar Alliance, in its short life has been marked by many events that history will remember for better or worse. Not all of those are events we're proud of, we've stumbled a lot along the way but we've also made a great many positive strides and today we make another one. In our first year, we were faced with a conflict that happened for a lot of reasons, that ended for one reason and that showed us we still had a weakness. A weakness in the fact that though we were allies, all of us could not cooperate for the common good of the Alliance. Today, we take steps to ensure that, if we are faced with another conflict of that magnitude, similar mistakes will not be made. We are gathered here today to grant official power to the Army of Light and its commanders to govern any and all military actions taken by the Alliance and its member worlds. By taking these steps today, we ensure the safety of the Alliance for years to come.
"When we first set out to give the Army of Light this power years ago, I began to consider who would be the right person to lead it through its birth, to help integrate it throughout the Alliance and to establish the command structure needed. When word leaked that we were working on a draft of the long rumored Alliance Military Act, I received over six hundred resumes from extremely qualified individuals as well as another five hundred suggestions from heads of state and diplomats from across the Alliance. The decision was one I did not take lightly, it was a difficult one but in the end, I believe it was the obvious choice, the man who had acted and was currently serving as my primary advisor in military matters. I suppose it came as a shock to some people when I selected former Earth Force General Jerry Barnes to serve in that post.
"The reason I selected Jerry Barnes for this important and demanding position is quite simply that he was the best person for the job. During his time at Earth Force Academy, Jerry Barnes earned the highest marks in tactical exercises and war game simulations, in addition to graduating at the top of his class. In his first tour of duty with Earth Force, during the Minbari War, he served with distinction, first as a fighter pilot and later as an executive officer, after receiving an injury that prevented him from flying again. After the war, he served as a destroyer captain as well as project led on Earth's advanced destroyer project. He cannot be known any better than for his actions while in command of the EAS Dark Thunder where he brought honor to both Earth and the Interstellar Alliance, helping to bring an end to countless potentially deadly incidents.
"After his retirement from Earth Force for personal reasons, I humbly extended to him an invitation to join my staff as an advisor. During this time it became clear to me that he was the best to lead the Army of Light through this new phase of its life." Sheridan paused as the crowd gave a subdued round of applause, the President motioning for silence. "Not to take up anymore time with introductions, history and explanations, I would like to ask Ambassador Ta'Lon of the Narn Regime to, at this time, deliver the oath of office."
Ta'Lon stood; making his way to the podium, as did Barnes, all the while his mind focused light years away.
***
Another of the White Stars exploded as the hostile attack ships converged behind it, firing several shots, breaking the two wings off the main structure, all three parts spiraling out of control and exploding. Five of the hostile attack ships were lining up behind another of the Alliance ships when the order from Captain MacDonald came. The White Stars quickly broke away from their course as seven jump points tore through the black space in front of them, slicing through six of the pursuing ships before they too could break away.
The Warlock destroyers Mithrandir and Curunir sprang forth from two of the jump points, pairs of White Stars appearing from the other five. The White Stars quickly entered formation with the surviving five from the first attack, turning to engage the additional forces now entering range, leaving the first six hostile attack ships for the Earth destroyers to contend with. Thunderbolt fighters flew from the launch bays of the massive destroyers as the six hostile attack ships regrouped and made for the Curunir, the closer of the two warships. Finished deploying their first wave of fighters, the two destroyers turned towards the attack ships opening fire with their primary weapons, two heavy particle beams mounted above their hangars. The four red beams broke through the enemy formation, destroying two attack ships on contact, the rest dodging the deadly beam.
The four remaining attackers zoomed in, unleashed volleys of fire on the hull of the Curunir. The destroyer suffered minor damage from the hits, their interceptor batteries dispersing half of the incoming energy beams. Fighters rushed to its defense, six Thunderbolts scoring several direct hits against the port outboard engine of the attack ship, the engine exploding under sustained fire from the more maneuverable fighters. The attacker spun out of control towards the Mithrandir to be broken apart by pulse cannon and laser fire from the turreted weapons of the destroyer.
With three remaining attack ships to deal with, the fighter squadrons vigilantly pursued them, firing with every weapon in their arsenal and corralling them between the two Warlock destroyers. Turreted weapons on both ships opened fire as the Thunderbolt squadrons broke away, creating an impassable gauntlet of energy, which the attackers could not pass through. The minor battle one, the two destroyers and their fighters turned towards the larger battle in front of them.
The fifteen White Stars charged fearlessly into the waiting lines of the enemy. The ships that had joined pursuit against the initial attack wing had entered range. The large destroyer laid down an array of fire with multiple beam weapons, rapid-fire green pulse cannons and a white energy torpedo. The twenty-four attack ships and two squadrons of fighters broke formation with the destroyers, charging towards the White Stars, their weapons firing. Three of the Alliance ships were torn apart in the opening volley from the enemy, the rest moved to engage their fighters and attack ships. Though the White Stars fought more valiantly than could be expected from even Rangers, destroying eight of the attacks ships and a squadron of fighters, they were simply outnumbered, nine of their ships being destroyed during the first six minutes of the battle. Their side of the battle however, was soon to be joined.
A cascade of missiles from the Curunir, Mithrandir and their fighters struck their targets, destroying the remaining hostile fighters and causing significant damage to the attack ships. The White Stars, joined by the Thunderbolts and supported by laser fire from the destroyers, despite their damaged state, were able to finish off the attack ships, losing two more of their ships and several Thunderbolts in the process. With its support ships eliminated, the Earth destroyers and surviving Alliance ships advanced on the hostile destroyer, its weapons still blazing, now focusing solely on the Warlocks.
Captain Edward MacDonald, still watching the battle unfold on a digital sensor display from the bridge of the Victory, breathed a sigh of relief in seeing that, so far, their planned seemed to be proceeding as they had hoped it would. Though they had suffered more losses so far than they had predicted; their forces still appeared to have the upper hand. Now was when the true test would come. They still had the base, its remaining fighters and two destroyers to deal with.
"Commander MacKenzie, status report," MacDonald demanded, his voice remaining tranquil but beginning to display the stress of battle that was upon the master of the Victory.
"We're in jump position sir, as are the Lancelot, Aragorn and the rest of our support ships. Fighter squadrons are standing by for launch, all defenses are energized and ready, all weapons are charged."
Captain MacDonald took another deep breath. He was not used to this feeling, the feeling where he realized that each breath from this point on could very well be the last he took. It was a feeling he both missed and feared in equal measure. It was a feeling he somehow knew he would be experiencing more often in the future to come. "Activate jump engines."
"Jump engines online, ready to jump!" The helmsman announced.
"Jump!"
***
Ambassador Ta'Lon and Jerry Barnes stepped to the podium, both standing at one corner of it, Sheridan falling into the background behind them. Ta'Lon placed a book engineered by his predecessor, containing the first page of the holy books of every Alliance race on the podium. The crowd remained respectfully silent as Ta'Lon turned to address Barnes. "If you choose to accept this path, you must recognize it is one of great responsibility. It is a path of great danger, of great personal risk, a path of great solitude." Barnes remained stone faced as Ta'Lon spoke, his eyes darting momentarily to Lochley who tried to hide that she was shaken by the Ambassador's last comment. Barnes did a better job of hiding it.
"Do you choose to accept this path?" Ta'Lon concluded, granting Barnes a few seconds for any final consideration or doubt.
"I do."
Ta'Lon smiled, raising the book with both of his hands. "Place your hand on the book and repeat after me." Barnes placed his right hand on the book, raising his left and meeting Ta'Lon's eyes. "I, Jerry Lucas Barnes, do solemnly swear."
"I, Jerry Lucas Barnes do solemnly swear."
"That I will support and defend the Interstellar Alliance, its citizens and its worlds, equally against all enemies foreign and domestic."
"That I will support and defend the Interstellar Alliance, its citizens and its worlds, equally against all enemies foreign and domestic."
***
The Victory, Aragorn and Lancelot shot from the newly formed jump points above the enemy space station, their escort wing of ten White Stars and twelve Blue Stars close behind. Each of the destroyers opened fire with its four forward neutron cannons, two of them targeting the hull of the space station, punching through its thick armor in several places while the third targeted the closest of the two enemy destroyers still docked at the station, punching through its hull while the defenses were still lowered, causing significant damage. As fighters launched from the station, White Stars and Blue Stars moved to engage.
"Direct hit on the hostile destroyer Captain, its falling away from the station, appears to be drifting," MacKenzie did an admirable job of relaying the newest information to the Captain as it came in. "Still no direct response from the station but they are launching fighters, support ships moving to engage,"
MacDonald was quick to react. "Respond in kind Commander, launch all fighters."
Responding to MacDonald's orders, the three Alliance destroyers gave birth the squadrons of Thunderbolt, Starfury and Minbari Nial fighters, which quickly moved to engage the enemy fighters blossoming from the station. The Lancelot, using the cover provided by its fighters to it advantage, moved in alongside the station, slicing into its hull with turreted fusion beams, gattling pulse cannons and missile launchers.
"Captain, second hostile destroyer is powering up," MacKenzie reported, his sensors showing energy readings from the reactors, engines and weapons onboard the remaining destroyer increasing.
MacDonald glanced at his screen, taking note of the battle the Warlock destroyers were currently engaged in. The battle appeared to be won with heavy damage inflicted against the hostile destroyer and their ships continuing relentless attacks against it but at a great cost. The EAS Curunir was burning in space, its Captain having given the order to abandon ship with an estimated six minutes remaining until a reactor overload. "We can't afford to go into battle against that thing Commander, tell the Aragorn to take it out, we'll give them cover." Captain MacDonald's eyes converged once again on the screen as the Victory moved forward into a wave of hostile fighters.
***
"That I will obey the orders of the President of the Interstellar Alliance."
"That I will obey the orders of the President of the Interstellar Alliance."
"And that my actions in all things shall be ones of necessity and honor."
"And that my actions in all things shall be ones of necessity and honor."
"So help me god."
"So help me God."
Ta'Lon lowed the book and extended his hand to Barnes who took it in his and shook it gratefully. "Congratulations Admiral Jerry Barnes." It was no mistake that Ta'Lon's use of his title was the first in the ceremony. Sheridan was the next to step up, shaking Barnes' hand as well, providing a pivotal photo opportunity for the gathered reporters. As the crowd erupted in applause, Sheridan and the Narn Ambassador withdrew to their seats as Barnes took center stage at the podium.
"I prepared some remarks a few days ago for this occasion," Barnes nervously began. It was not until he finished the oath of his office that he had made the decision to disregard his prepared remarks in favor of something more suiting to the events that were transpiring across the galaxy. "But I won't be reading those today, somehow they no longer seem appropriate." He built his composure as they waited for what the Admiral had to say. "As many of you have known since it began and some of you are just now learning, the Interstellar Alliance is being challenged by an enemy striking at us from the shadows."
***
The IAS Aragorn wasted no time in carrying out Captain McDonald's order. It fired its forward thrusters, falling back slightly as the Victory advanced on the enemy. The hull of the Aragorn then went black, its weapons ceasing to fire, as, for a split second, the ship seemed to hang lifelessly in space. Then, massive beams of yellow energy shot from the three wings to the nose of the ship where they converged into a single beam, shooting forth and striking the remaining enemy destroyer, splitting the ship in two as it punctured the hull.
Edward MacDonald did not allow himself the luxury of a smile when he watches the destroyer go up in flames following a burst from the Aragorn's main guns. The destruction of the enemy ship would be costly for the Alliance, putting one of their destroyers out of commission for one minute while its power rebuilt. The enemy took advantage of one of the destroyers being out of the fight, their fighters swarming towards the Victory, no doubt in an attempt to overpower it with their numbers. The turreted fusion cannons of the destroyer and its gattling pulse cannon defense grid continuously fired, striking down several of the fighters but not preventing them from scoring hits against the hull.
The bridge shook and the sound of the fighters' weapons dispersing against the crystalline armored hull gave a faint echo as it resonated throughout the ship. MacDonald checked the damage display on his screen, showing that the armor of the Victory was only refracting fifty percent of the energy weapons these fighters were using; considerably lower than what it should have been.
"Captain!" MacKenzie shouted to gain his attention, MacDonald knowing that fighters were likely not the only things he would soon have to worry about. "Several dozen new power signatures across the outer hull of the space station, their defensive weapons may be coming back online."
Before Commander MacKenzie had finished his report, the station lit up, unleashing streams of energy beams upon the Lancelot positioned on one side of the station. Seeing the hull of the mighty destroyer already being marked by several small explosions, MacDonald knew one thing; he had to take that station out now.
***
"This challenge comes from an enemy previously unknown to us. We can only assume that they have been watching us for some time," Barnes continued, speaking to a stunned crowd as no one had anticipated him addressing the current situation with which the Alliance was faced. "But whoever they are, they haven't been watching us close enough," the passion and intensity in Barnes' voice rose. "They think they can just waltz into our territory, attack and destroy our ships, threaten our leaders but they are mistaken. We will not allow ourselves to be threatened, we will not allow our citizens to be put into danger, we will not allow our soldiers to be killed, and we will not allow ourselves to be attacked. I make this promise to every citizen of the Alliance and to every solider under my command, that we will fight them. That we will defend ourselves and that we will rise to meet every threat and that the Alliance will not falter!" The Admiral exclaimed, pounding his fist on the podium, met by thunderous applause from the crowd.
Barnes waited for the clapping to calm before continuing. "The Alliance will endure, as it always had. No matter what challenge arises, no matter what obstacles we may face, the Alliance will endure and the Alliance will be victorious." Barnes humbly retired from the podium met by a silent crowd. They all wanted him to say more, to tell them what he would do to combat this new threat.
Captain Lochley concluded the ceremony, thanking those who attended and reminding those who could attend of the reception to follow. With that, those assembled filed out of the room, Sheridan, Barnes, Lochley and a handful of others moving out a separate door to avoid the press. Barnes took note of the time. By now the attack was well underway and rather than going to check on its status, he had to continue to play the part President Sheridan had continuously instructed him on.
***
"The Lancelot is hit bad, her weapons are disabled. She's trying to pull away from the station but it's hitting her engines pretty bad, trying to shut her down." MacKenzie quickly tapped several digital controls at his station, bringing up displays from another series of sensors. "The Aragorn is back in the fight, continuing to attack the station."
Captain MacDonald did not consider losing the Lancelot and option and hence was now forced to use a tactic he had not wanted employ. Desperate times did call for desperate measured however and that station had to be destroyed now to prevent the loss of another ship. "How many enemy fighters are left out there Commander?"
"Two squadrons."
MacDonald nodded, still enough to be dangerous. "Tell our fighters to hit them and them hard, keep them away from the us and the Aragorn." He turned to his right and to the tactical station while MacKenzie relayed the orders to their squadron commanders. "Can you get a shooting solution on that thing's reactor?" The Captain asked his voice filled with haste as he pointed to the station on the screen. The tactical officer answered an affirmative, saying that it would only take a few seconds; all they had to do was lock onto the strongest power signature. "Excellent, lock in the solution, bring the main guns online and tell the Aragorn to do the same."
"Captain," by the doubting tone in Commander MacKenzie's voice, MacDonald knew he was about to protest his decision to render both destroyer inoperable for a minute's time while their power recharged after firing the main guns.
"I don't want to hear it Commander," MacDonald quickly put an end to any protest. "It's the only way we're going to take that thing out in enough time to save the Lancelot. Let's just hope it does the job and those fighters do theirs."
"Main guns online Captain, Aragorn, reports the same."
"Fire!"
The main guns of both Alliance destroyers unleashed the full fury of their power, drilling through the armored hull of the station, striking it at its core. A fiery series of explosions ripped through the station from the inside out as the destruction of the reactor caused a series of explosions to cascade throughout the base. A shockwave ripped through space, throwing dozens of fighters momentarily off course and shaking the Victory.
Fighters swarming outside of his ship, his squadrons now apparently gaining the momentum over those of the enemy, striking them down in great numbers, Captain MacDonald allowed himself a sigh of relief. The battle was dying. The Mithrandir and the surviving White Stars of its wing had rescued the survivors of the Curunir and arrived to join the battle with the Victory, its fighters and White Stars helping those of MacDonald's wing to finish off the remaining enemy fighters. The Captain watched from the darkness of his bridge as the last of the enemy fighters was vanquished from the sky.
When power returned, he wasted no time in checking his sensor display. The Lancelot survived the final seconds of attacks from the station as well as its destruction but the once mighty destroyer was crippled, its weapons, engines and several other systems disabled. When MacDonald got his first look at the ship, he was stunned. The hull, once crystal silver as was the hull of his Victory was charred black with notable battle damage where the hull was marked with holes and marks from beam weapons slicing through it.
"Commander MacKenzie, bring our fighters in and take the Lancelot in tow. Then get us the hell out of here. Send a message to Babylon 5 advising them the strike was successful once we're safely back in Alliance territory." Captain MacDonald, in the period of a minute since he gave the order to fire, had completely regained his calm demeanor that had faded somewhat during the battle.
"Aye sir," Commander MacKenzie quickly ran a series of numbers through the computer, time estimates on how long it would take to accomplish the Captain's orders. "It'll take at least three hours to reach Alliance territory having to tow the Lancelot with us."
"Very well," MacDonald commented with a resigned nod. He rose from his chair, eyes from the bridge crew meeting him, all the crew wanting to congratulate him on the victory but none daring to do so. "I'll be in my quarters, contact me once we're back in our territory."
****************
BABYLON 5; BLUE SECTOR JANUARY 8, 2272, 22:50 EST****************
After spending more than three hours at the reception where he received more congratulations that he could count, Barnes had to get away. The party was beginning to wind down anyways and he felt little guilt retiring from it. Not to say he did not enjoy himself. He spent a great deal of time introducing Michael to the various Alliance dignitaries present who had not yet met his second in command. He then spent time greeting and shaking hands with Alliance representatives and military leaders who had made his position possible, making small talk with many and discussing their current military situation with others.
The rest of his time was spent catching up with Captain Leslie Griffon, who he was pleased to see in attendance. He brought her up to date on everything that had been happening in his life since last they spoke, including various details about establishing the command center for the Army of Light on Babylon 5. She, in turn, told him of the latest happenings on the EAS Dark Thunder, which crew members were still around, which were finding themselves involved with each other and what missions the destroyer had undertaken lately. She added that they had almost missed the ceremony due to an assignment they had been on, tracking down raiders in Earth Alliance territory but they had a lead point them in the direction of the main raider base. Its destruction allowed command to cut the Dark Thunder and Hades a couple days worth of leave at Babylon 5. Barnes had, of course, asked about Sarah, commenting that he had hoped to see her at the reception.
"And she wanted to be here to see you," Griffon answered. "But after the attack on the Michael, she wanted to spend some time with her sister, it's been a while since they've seen each other too." Seeing the look of disappointment in the eyes of the Admiral and feeling the need to make it disappear, she added, "She did mention something about catching up with you later though." The two engaged in a healthy amount of small talk but Barnes could do nothing to get his mind off Captain MacDonald and wondering how the attack was progressing, getting a worse feeling as every minute passed by, knowing they should have heard something.
Following his escape from the reception, he had stopped by the war room where Julia Rourke waited patiently for the news. Barnes wished he could share the apparent optimism she displayed when she assured him that, as far as they could project, Captain MacDonald had the odds on his side. "And we both know there's no one better than Mac to be running that fight," she added, hoping to give the Admiral some hope that their soldiers would still come out of this alive.
"I know," Barnes admitted with a nod. "I just want to see him come back from it."
Julia seemed to consider then for the first time that Captain MacDonald might not return even if their forces won the battle. "So do I," she said, Barnes taking note of a single tear rolling down her cheek. He then excused himself, asking her to contact him when any news came in.
With nothing else to do, he had then decided to retire to his quarters, knowing Julia would have no qualms with waking him up in the middle of the night to deliver news and he was tired, the result of a very long series of days that had reached their pinnacle this evening. He realized he was doing nothing to help his fatigue by worrying about the attack force but it was a reaction he could not help.
Barnes closed his eyes, trying again to rub the pain from behind them away as he stepped around the corner towards his quarters. When he opened his eyes, for the briefest of moments, all the concerns of the galaxy disappeared from his mind. Leaning on the door to his quarters, drumming wearily drumming her fingers against the cold metal was Sarah McDouglass. She had not yet noticed him and Barnes paused in his step as he looked at her. Her dark brown hair rolled over the shoulders of her dark blue Earth Force uniform, partially obscuring the cream color of her face.
The Admiral gathered his strength and stepped forward, clearing his throat, gaining her attention. She turned towards him, a smile gracing her red lips. "Waiting for somebody?" Barnes playfully asked.
She took several steps towards where he stood on the opposite end of the corridor. "You might say that," she said, her voice soft and soothing to Barnes as he heard it. "I've been waiting for a while. I spoke with Leslie, she said you left the reception more than thirty minutes ago, and I guessed you'd be here sooner."
He did not give a prompt answer, as he did not wish to tell her exactly what he had been doing since leaving the reception. "Yes, I had some," a hesitant pause. He did not want to share the burden of his worries with her. "I had some things to take care of before settling in for the night."
She knew the answer was not a complete that he was holding something back but she accepted it. "I'm sorry I didn't make it to the reception but I was the ceremony." She too hesitated for a moment, not certain she wanted to bring up the issue. "I saw your speech," she said timidly. "It seemed like there was something more you wanted to say there but," she looked into his eyes; they betrayed that she was correct. "But for some reason you were afraid to say it."
Barnes considered for a moment how best to respond, wishing she hadn't brought that topic to light. He had, of course, wanted to announce to the entire universe that they had launched a counterattack but he did not dare. "I can't talk about it Sarah, not now at least."
She frowned. Jerry Barnes had known her long enough to know she wouldn't except an answer like that, despite his attempt. "Come on Jerry, we know each other better than that." She placed her hand on his chest, feeling his breathing. "Whatever it is, it's bothering you, I can see that." He could not hide that fact from her. "Talk to me, she said, delicately tracing her fingers across the fine details of his uniform.
Barnes gave in, knowing she would persist until he did so. "You know about the attack on the Seventh Fleet?" He asked an obvious question as a delaying tactic, trying to avoid getting to the point.
"And about the Narns and about the Michael," she said with a dry grin. "I did spend the last few hours talking to Lillie you know."
Finally, he realized there would be no more delaying in saying what there was to say. "This morning, President Sheridan and myself ordered a counterattack against those we believe to be responsible for all three attacks. The Victory and a taskforce of ships launched the attack almost four hours ago and we haven't heard anything from them. I can't help but think that they might have been –" He choked on the words. It was no strange thing for him, the feeling of having ordered people to their deaths but this time felt different. If they hadn't succeeded, his best friend had died and the Alliance stood on the brink of destruction, faced with a vastly superior enemy that had defeated five of their mightiest warships.
Sarah's only response was to put her arms around him, Jerry responding in the same way. For a time that he could not measure, they did not say anything, simply standing, embraced in each other, both considering the dark future the Alliance now seemed to be faced with. Given the thoughts on both of their minds, Jerry considering the possibility of the Alliance falling to a hostile enemy and Sarah more focused on the loss of another friend, both were as at peace as they could be.
"You're strong Jerry," Sarah whispered. "No matter what the outcome, you'll make it through this." Hearing her simple words, the Admiral felt his strength return.
Approaching from behind Sarah, Barnes heard footsteps, the two of them quickly separating from each other, not wanting to betray signs of their close friendship to any passer by. The approaching footsteps did not belong to anyone however, Julia Rourke quickly made her way through the corridor, abruptly stopping when she saw Barnes outside of his quarters, expecting the Admiral would have been in bed by now.
Though she had not yet said anything, Barnes gained an amount of hope from the expression she carried on her face. "Sir, we just received a transmission from the Victory." She wasted no time waiting for Barnes to order her to continue. "The attack was successful and they've made it back to Alliance territory. They're en-route to our closest base to conduct repairs as we speak."
"Casualties?" Barnes did not delay in asking the most difficult of questions.
"Captain MacDonald still does not have an exact count on the dead and wounded. The Curunir was lost and the Lancelot crippled. Nineteen White Stars lost, eight Blue Stars, still unknown the numbers of fighters destroyed."
Barnes nodded, relieved, as Julia most certainly was, at the news that his friend had survived the mission. He dismissed Rourke, telling her to brief Taylor and the President and that they would meet in the morning for another planning session, anticipating the enemy would respond and knowing they would need to be ready.
After she left, he said his goodnights to Sarah and retired to his quarters. The Alliance had gained a victory this day, the first under his leadership but it came at a great cost. As he tried to sleep, he could not help the feeling that there would be greater costs to come in the future.
***
The black cruiser shot from hyperspace, arriving in a field of rubble.
From the bridge, he surveyed the wreckage in front of him. Leaning back, a smile crept its way onto his face. "Well done Admiral Barnes," the ship turned and another jump point formed on the screen in front of him. His orders were to simply verify what there intelligence told them, not to delay their journey any longer than necessary. "Well done."
To be continued … Chapter Five: While attending a conference of Alliance leaders on Minbar, Jerry Barnes joins the crew of the IAS Night's Eye when they make first contact. Back on Babylon 5, Lochley begins to consider her future.