Near the edge of the Sol system, a hyperspace jump point opened less than three hundred thousand kilometers distant of the far side of the planet Neptune, spewing out the USS Ambassador with its tractored EAS warship approaching the Mars belt before the first EAS warship detected them and attempted to intercept them. Immediately, the starship accelerated to warp and reached Mars orbit in less than a minute.
"You realize that every time you do this, you're giving my government fits," the General murmured to a grim-faced Garrett. Security was on an all-time high and these amazing ships entered Earth space with seeming impunity; twice now including this time-then there was Sheridan's ship, the one that invaded the Sol system some months earlier. "Please begin broadcasting now, before they decide to start shooting at us. I wouldn't want anyone to be hurt before we can straighten this out."
"That would make things difficult," she agreed. The Captain pointed to Castillo, who began gave the command. Then she nodded to the General.
The General cleared his voice and started speaking. "This is General Christopher Brindley. Do not fire repeat, I do not fire. This is a non-hostile approach. To all EAS ships, keep your distance and do not approach any closer than one hundred thousand kilometers. I repeat…"
"Captain, we have a message coming thru."
"Put it onscreen."
A tall male of Japanese decent appeared on the main viewer. He did not look happy. "This is Captain Tasaki of the EAS Athena's Fury. You are in violation of Earth space and you will surrender immediately, or we will open fire."
"Captain, you will not initiate hostilities," Brindley tersely replied. "We are now in a state of war with the Centauri. The President needs to be aware of the situation. If you fire on this ship I will personally bust you down to a third class Crewman, after I kick the living crap out of you. Do you understand me?" the man screamed, not caring in the least that he was doing so.
Athena's Fury's Captain never twitched. "Sir, you are under duress and as such…"
Garrett raised her hand and stepped in front of the screen. "Captain Tasaki," she said quickly. "Our scans sow that you have four additional ships approximately five light minutes out in hyperspace vectoring in on this position. This makes a total of seven ships to one. Do not think for a second that numbers will save you. I will turn you and your compatriots into ashes if you so much as fire a ranging shot in my direction. We are here for your benefit so don't get yourself killed out of stupidity."
General Brindley hadn't realized that he was sweating. He didn't doubt any of her threats for an instant. "Tasaki, don't be a fool. Keep your distance. Your devotion is commendable but this is too big for this type of posturing. I'm coming over now. Back off." Quickly he looked at Garrett who nodded back.
"For all of our sakes, I hope you can convince them to do what's right."
A few seconds later, an astonished crew of the Athena's Fury stood back as Earth Force officers began appearing on their bridge.
"Get me Earth Force command," the General roared at the Communication's officer, who rushed to obey.
Rachel Garrett, Captain of the USS Enterprise-C, now known as the Ambassador, hated playing the bully, however there was a determination in her now. Until they adjusted their attitudes, she intended to make Earth Force respect and fear her.
"Good luck," she said softly. At her command the Ambassador pulled away at warp one, created a jump point and was gone.
Seven days later-Babylon Five:
"You're on in five…four…three…two…one…"
"This is an ISN special report-THE FLAMES OF WAR. I'm Robyn Kelley."
"And I'm Terry Lynde reporting here from Babylon Five, the space station commanded by breakaway Officer, the former EAS Captain, and the cause of the recent rebellion of the Earth Colonies under the legitimate authority of President Clarke, John Sheridan. This station has been, until yesterday under official quarantine, which has now been lifted by President Clarke himself, due to the extraordinary circumstances dominating current events. Until last week, there had been a violent standoff between the two factions, with neither side giving up their respected views in a conflict that has split the Earth in two. No longer are we a unified world, but a world racked with fear and distrust of the alien influences that threaten to engulf us."
"And President Clarke's fears seem to be justified," Robyn continued. "The Centauri, under the direct orders of Emperor Cartagia have attacked, destroying the colony on Proxima III. The EAS ships protecting the colony were attacked which resulted in multiple casualties and forced to retreat. The entire colony was then irradiated with nuclear type weapons. So far, there have been no survivors found. In an extraordinary move, General Brindley chose to enter restricted Babylon Five space to escape the pursuing Centauri warships. Despite differences between the two factions, an agreement was struck and the General was escorted safely to Earth space with a message-come to Babylon Five so that we can deal with this."
"Babylon Five itself was attacked by a massive Centauri fleet which was repelled by the combined forces of B5s's EAS and alien warships, along with the Human controlled, so-called Federation Starfleet ships that have caused so much grief to Earth Force in the last few months. At the same time, the Minbari Federation was also viciously attacked by elements of another race, which destroy several outer territories. It is believed that over twelve million Minbari were killed. This represents a serious threat that could well launch Earth into another major war with races other than the Centauri. There are also rumors that the Vorlons are in a major fight of their own, but nothing has been confirmed as of yet. Because of the attacks and rumors of war, the President has taken this step to have representatives meet on Babylon Five with the non-aligned races, the Minbari and Captain Sheridan, to began preparations for what promises to be a major struggle against the forces of evil. To say that President Clarke, the Minbari and the other races are angry would be a gross understatement. Terry?"
"Security here is tighter than anything than I've ever seen. We were screened more times than we could count before they allowed us in. There are reporters, including us, from every species gathered here, attempting to get a glimmer of information of the current proceedings. The fact that we were even allowed here, speaks of the seriousness and the resolve of the situation at hand, and their confidence in protecting those government officials that are coming here. We are standing in the crystal observatory were we can see the space vessels of every description stationed near the front of Babylon Five. There are at least three renegade EAS ships that we can see and one of the exotic Federation ships is visible in the distance. We've been told that allied forces are guarding this entire sector up to a distance of a light-year. Our own forces are located at the perimeter, separated far enough to ensure that there are no incidents between the two Earth Forces. Over here," he said pointing to his left, "Just flying pass, are two of the White Stars-Sheridan's ships. There are ships representing the Brakiri Alliance, the Gaim Intelligence, the Drazi Freehold, the Pak'ma'ra, and a dozen others, but so far none of them have been allowed to dock shuttles as of yet.
"Excuse me, Terry," Robyn said. "But the Jumpgate has just activated. There are three ships coming thru, but-I can't tell from this distance exactly what type…"
The camera zoomed in and there was a gasp from the cameraman as his floating vidcam transferred the signal. The opening of a jump gate was always a spectacular sight, and this time was no exception.
"They're Minbari warships, the big ones." Terry's voice betrayed the awe as they trio moved to their respected places near the massive station. "Two are Sharlin Class heavy battleships and the smaller one is a White Star. This is the first time we've seen them close up like this. Many years ago the Minbari almost caused the extinction of mankind and the memories, although dimming have not been forgotten by any stretch of the imagination. This is one of the reasons why President Clarke…"
The commentary abruptly ceased as Captain Sheridan followed by Kosh of Vorlon, entered the room. All of the reporters immediately focused on his and the staff with him. He walked up to the podium in front of the window.
"Ladies and Gentleman. I want to thank you for your cooperation and patience during this historical conference about to take place. This conference is being videoed live to every world in this alliance, and the Centauri and their allies will see it also. They'll see it and know that we are resolved in our struggle that they have placed us in. We are not afraid of them and we will not cower and hide while they kill innocent people in a war that they have started, for whatever reason. The colony on Proxima III is gone. Four worlds of the Minbari Federation have been attacked resulting in great loss of life. Babylon Five was attacked. EAS ships were attacked and several destroyed in an unprovoked attack. Worlds from all over have been assailed. This cannot and will not continue. To this extent, the races here, including Earth Gov, have set aside differences for now, have come to sign a mutual defense pact. The enemy has power and the numbers, but we're not defenseless and we are here to give warning that you have opened Pandora's box." He touched the comm pad. "You may begin."
To the left of the podium, the reporters heard a humming sound as a set of shimmering images caught their collective eyes. Three Minbari, one female and two males, appeared within the shimmering light, a moment later becoming solid. Delenn, Menroi and Neroon bowed to the stunned crowd. Silently, they moved to Sheridan's left just as the shimmering began again. Next, were the Drazi contingents, looking somewhat frightened from the experience, but otherwise determined. The unprecedented acts continued as the EAS representatives, General Brindley, and his aides, including Timen Christov, moved off to one side. The General, this being his second experience with the transporters, considered himself an old hand, watched with stone-faced amusement as Timen's legs buckled slightly. As the seconds passed, several more species arrived the same way, shaken and awed by the experience.
The Narns appeared next, along with the Klingons, represented by Worf and Captain Koral. Some of the more observant reporters noticed that their appearance was different than the others had been. Evidently, they used a different technique to matter transport than the previous guests. And finally, the Federation Captains Picard and Garrett and Ambassador Guinan materialized.
Sheridan cleared his throat slightly, pulling everyone's attention back to him. "This is just a small example of what we have at our disposal and we will use everything we have to end this war as quickly as possible. The Shadows of conflict threaten to engulf us all, but we will not succumb to the darkness."
I'm sure he sees me the Drazi thought. Even with all my precautions, Kosh sees me, and the Guinan woman also. Why haven't they exposed me? The holo-imager worked perfectly and no one had noticed him, but it had been one of the greatest and unexpected challenges he had faced in a long time. Federation scanners had almost caught him on three separate occasions and he was constantly adjusting his equipment to counter their passive probes. These people were indeed formidable and it seemed likely that the Centauri and the Drakh were about to have their hands full. His recordings of the Federation matter integrators were astounding and much valuable data had been gathered.
But the Shadows were extremely powerful and with the Vorlons all but defeated, the advantage was theirs. That's why his people had left for parts unknown, far from the approaching darkness. But things had a way of changing when least expected. Idly, he wondered how Clarke would react with the uncensored broadcasts originating from this station. Evidently, the Great Machine of Epsilon IV was supporting the transmission. Bowing slightly to Kosh and Guinan, Galen continued to listen to Captain Sheridan and to the Earth reporters trying desperately to report the news, while being bias towards Clarke but against Sheridan at the same time. They walk a thin thread he mused.
Just like him.
Deep space Explorer ship Ganymede II:
Captain Lauren Clopton yawned once more as she looked into the vast sea of stars. So far, they had discovered two new races and catalogued several stellar phenomena, but other than that, nothing. Deep-space surveys were like that. But the crew was vigilant. There was a desperate need to find out where the federation's location was. The Starfleet ships were indeed powerful and it was far better that they discover their origins before they were themselves discovered poking around.
The IPX Explorer–class vessel, along with three of its sister ships, had been on mission for the last four months with no success so far. They weren't part of the military, but they were 'on loan' from the private sector, and thus supported by them. Everybody had been pressed into service in order to find the origins of the Federation colony.
They were nearly a hundred light-years out, further than any Earth vessel had ever been before. The deep-range surveyor had been backtracking the proposed direction from which the Federation vessels had purportedly come from. Supported by a long-ranged EAS Nova escort being used as a moveable command base, they had methodically documented every area of space looking for clues to their origins. Two days ago, the seven-member crew had heard the rumors from Earth Force that their mission may be a mote point; these people may have come from another reality.
Yeah, right. Tell me another one. Then I'll have a New York Bridge to sell you had been the general consensus among the crew.
It may have been true, but General Brindley and the others were having none of it. Earth Force demanded confirmation, one-way or the other, so their mission continued. Today promised to be like any other day on this rather boring mission.
"Captain?"
"Don't tell me," Lauren answered. "We've found another rock out here, a big one his time."
"No, Ma'am," Jeanette answered ignoring the sarcasm. "We have a real contact. It's metallic, approximately twenty thousand tons, radiating almost no heat."
That perked Lauren up considerably. "Have you confirmed the signal?"
"Yes," Jeanette said quickly, as her hands brushed across her instruments. "It's definitely alien in origin. There is no power signature but the metallurgical readings coincide with those taken from the Clinkgon vessel."
"It's called Klingon," the Captain corrected. "I think." She shook her head in amusement. "Begin taking detailed readings and Jake, move in slowly. Some of these races like to bobby-trap abandoned ships and equipment."
"Understood."
"Andrea, call the teams and tell them we have something. I want them all here," Lauren said as she continued looking at the contact. The more she looked at the derelict, the more she and her crew came to believe that this was the real thing. If it was, then it was very likely that the Federation and Klingons had lied. Alternative universe, her foot; these folks were homegrown. From where, she didn't know yet, but when the deep-space probes were ready, she knew what directions they would head.
The newcomers had given Earth Gov fits and with the enemies advanced technology; Earth Force was no match for this Federation organization. They desperately needed to balance the scales in case their fleet came calling. Earth Force needed to understand these people or at least find out from where they came so that if that time did come, Earth would be ready or least have some idea of where to strike back.
Within a half an hour, the Ganymede II slowly circled the wrecked remains. Whatever had happened to the ship had caused a titanic explosion but there was a portion left, not larger than her IPX vessel. The entire crew was bouncing with excitement, but Lauren reined them in. It was time to do a final check.
"Radiation across the board."
"Negative."
"Power source or emissions?"
"Negative."
"Life signs?"
"None. There may be a body present, but I can't tell from here."
"We'll wait for the others to get here before we start."
Seven hours later, the Nova escort Helix and the two IPX ships arrived via jump space. After a conference it was decided that rather than bringing the wreckage into the Helix, they would explore it first. Three scientists and two security guards in EVA suits entered the neck of the destroyed bird of prey and headed towards the bridge. Their light units discovered two mummified, mangled corpses, Klingon males, plastered against the bulkheads because of the force of the blast that took the rest of the ship. Reaching the bridge, Jeanette shook her head.
"The bridge is almost gone, but there are a few computer components still intact," she said as her voice shook with excitement. Ten minutes later: "We found two of their energy hand weapons and some of their hand-held computer equipment!"
"How much of it is salvageable?"
"A lot, Captain Clopton." One man's trash is another man's treasure. "I recommend that we bring it into the Helix. There's a lot of damage and it's likely that most of the data has been lost, but even if a fragment remains it'll be well worth the effort."
"Jeanette," one of the scientists yelled. "I believe this is their weapons console, or what's left of it!"
Two hours later, the precious cargo was safely inside the Helix, along with two of the survey craft. The last IXP vessel would remain in the area to continue the sweep, but everyone was in agreement. The treasure the explorers had found was more than they ever imagined finding.
One thing was sure; this find would change the course of the upcoming war.
The warship created a jump point and began its journey back to Earth. A heavy escort group was already on the way to meet them.
Captain Sisko watched the stars streak by from the bridge of the USS Yeager, now traveling at maximum warp. They would reach their target system in a week. One of the interesting things about warp travel was that there were areas of space-time in subspace, which allowed one to travel so much faster than projected speed, even if time remained relative inside the subspace bubble. That hint in itself suggested much greater velocities that could be obtained that would break the warp ten barrier currently restricting warp travel.
Doctor Deanna Troi stood next to him, sharing the view with a quiet contentment that was becoming her trademark. "I've never heard of Bajor," she said softly.
"I have," Sisko answered just as softly. "It was a world annexed by the Cardassians. Millions of Bajorans were tortured and killed and it's a Cardassian colony, now. There is no reason to believe that the world exists here, but the dreams keep telling me that I have to come. The voices insist that I come, but they are getting softer. Sometimes, I can barely hear them. It is as though we don't have much time left."
"You believe that this might be a way home." It was a statement from Deanna, not a question. Picard and Garrett, by way of Guinan, were aware of this development and decided to take a chance because so far, all of their efforts to get back home had proven fruitless. Now they were chasing dreams.
"It is possible," he conceded. Quietly, he was thankful that they hadn't placed in him in a padded room for observation. "I don't know, but every other avenue has been negative so far."
Several minutes passed before Deanna spoke again. "I miss my mother and my sister," Deanna whispered. "I can't stand the idea of the Klingons winning. With the jump space technology, we may be able to turn the tide."
"But that would mean leaving the Klingons stranded here."
"Yes, it does." Lost in her train of thought for a moment, Deanna's next words were spoken carefully. "Captain, I don't hate these Klingons, especially not Worf. But, if it meant that we would win this war, I would have them all killed in a moment."
Silently, he nodded in agreement, as distasteful as it was. The only cost would be a portion of their soul. "I hope it doesn't come to that, but I understand your point. As individuals, they are not that bad. They have been useful and even cordial, but our hatred runs deep. That was something that Captain Garrett made me confront. Emotions are hard to conquer."
"Mine more so than yours." Deanna sighed and the weight of the world could be heard in it. "Earth has survived so far. My Betazed did not and I can still hear the screams of a billion deaths in my mind." For a second, the woman shivered violently. "I find that I can't hate these Klingons, but I hate their race as a whole."
"We have a long way to go, don't we?" There was nothing worse than to live one's life hating. But twenty-two years of war-that should not have occurred in the first place-was hard to let go of. Hate hated to be suppressed and usually transferred itself onto something else. He and the others like him were trying their best to avoid that.
"Yes, we do. Maybe one day, we can let go-"
"-But, not yet."
"Rachel told me something once that I needed an attitude adjustment. She wanted me to actively confront my personal demons and move on. Hate she said doesn't make you stronger, only weaker in the long run."
"Spoken like someone who hasn't experienced world after world destroyed by savages."
Quietly, they both continued looking at the stars that streaked by.
"He's still in my mind," she said. "Not nearly as strong as before, but still there.
"Bester?"
"Yes." The name issued from her lips as if it were vomit. "I can feel his hatred and fear, even at this distance, like an itch deep inside my mind. Even with the mind control techniques taught to me by the Vulcan's, there's a touch that still lingers. He is coming to Babylon Five with the others. They are escaping Clarke's purge and they have no where else to go to."
"The Psi-Corps is coming to B5? How many?"
"As many telepaths as possible. Clarke will destroy them. He's had hundreds killed already. If they don't get help soon, he will wipe them out."
Sisko grimaced. That possibility would cause a host of difficulties. "If Sheridan is wise, he will not let them on his station. They can't be trusted."
"No, you're wrong. The telepaths can be trusted, but Psi-Corps can't. They're corrupt and their agenda is one of coercion and duplicity. With them onboard my people will be busy soon filtering out the truth from the lies."
"You mean, our people, all of us, Doctor. These are not our people."
Her eyes flared slightly at the realization of what she'd just said. "It's the bond," she whispered to herself. "The phrase 'Corps is mother and father' keeps trying to infiltrate my being. But it's a lie," she said violently. "Bester mind is filled with that propaganda. He honestly believes he is doing right, but he and his people want to start a war with the non-telepaths." Louder: "I will not allow this to control my life." Slowly, she walked the length of the bridge before turning abruptly to face Ben once more. "The good thing about this is that he's having a lot more difficulty with this bond than I. I hope he suffers well."
Babylon Five:
"That went better than I expected, Captain Sheridan," Neroon murmured. "I believed that Clarke's people would have never agreed to the treaty."
Neroon almost flopped onto the couch inside Delenn quarters. The alien drink he was now consuming tasted surprisingly good. The nourishment replication device in her room was frankly amazing, and he was strongly considering asking the Grey Counsel to open trade negotiations with the Starfleet ships. It was true, as he had suspected; this group was dangerous-but not to his people. Delenn trusted them, as did Captain Menroi. As for himself, he wasn't yet convinced, but they weren't the threat he believed them to be either. Time and more study would tell.
But for now, he was tired of dealing with so many alien races. Their nuances and motivations were sometimes incomprehensible. More and more, he was developing a respect for Delenn and her considerable talents. The war had already started and still there was bickering as to leadership. Earth Force demanded that they take the lead against the Centauri. That was acceptable, but their insistence that Babylon Five be placed under direct Earth Gov control was insolent and ludicrous. Brindley and his associates seemed ashamed to even have suggested it. But they were obliged to follow the orders of their government.
"They didn't have a choice. What you saw was simple posturing. Even Clarke understands that Earth can't deal with this situation alone."
"Humans!" Neroon laugh was laced with irony. "We're more alike than I previously believed. Very well, I will tell the counsel that the White Stars will remain under Babylon Five's control but now, we must go. The times for pleasure and rest are over. My people need every ship. This time, I believe I will take the shuttlecraft," he said with a twinkle in his eyes. "The other way is faster, I'll admit. But, but this way, I won't be in danger of losing this wonderful drink I've just finished."
Sheridan nodded sympathetically and grabbed Delenn's hand. Trying to convince her to stay was folly. She was needed on Minbar and he needed to be here, free to concentrate on the upcoming war. "My candle is lit against the darkness. Be well."
Her smile warmed his heart. "Be well," she said.