Disclaimer: I do not own Babylon 5 or its characters, those belong to Warner Brothers. I do not own Robotech or its characters, those belong to Harmony Gold. I do not own Macross or its characters, those belong to Big West and Studio Nue.

Chapter 17

The Robotech Factory

SDFMC-03 Thor's Hammer

It was early in the morning and Admiral Komira Parino was very busy working aboard her new flagship the Macross Cannon Class warship Thor's Hammer. The mighty warship was still docked within the Robotech Factory as personnel had only just recently been assigned to the warship.

Currently she was in her office waiting for the appointment that she'd scheduled very early this morning before going to bed. She took a drink of her coffee that her aide Karinna had brought to her as soon as she had returned to the office from the Flag Bridge.

A chime was followed by her young aide's voice, "Admiral, your appointment is here."

"Send him in, see to it we're not disturbed unless it's absolutely urgent.", Komira said.

"Yes, Admiral." Then Komira heard over the comm, "Go ahead Captain."

The door opened and a Tirolian man walked in, closing the door behind him. He was tall, six feet and very thin. He had neon blue hair in a regulation military close hair cut and piercing blue eyes. The man was wearing an EarthForce uniform with Captain's bars and insignia.

Walking to the front of Komira's desk the Tirolian man stood at attention and saluted, "Captain Malaedor Lagos reporting as ordered, Admiral Parino."

Komira smiled as she stood up and returned the Captain's salute. That done she walked around her desk and pulled the man into a hug. "It's so good to see you Mal. I heard you had some close calls." She released the man from the hug and looked at him as she said the last words.

The Tirolian nodded and let out a sigh. "I will admit, they were indeed very close."

Komira gestured for the man to take a seat and returned to her own chair.

Komira said, "So, I hear that after all that excitement you had they decided to give you something boring to do and you've been running supply missions to the Dilgar colony. How are the Dilgar doing over there?"

Chuckling the Tirolian said, "Breeding like rabbits. Their population's growing faster than projections predicted yet again."

Arching an eyebrow Komira said, "That fast eh? Well, they are trying to avoid extinction. Did you know the brass is talking about building new colony ships out of the old designs? These won't just be colonization ships, but evacuation arks in case the shit hits the fan."

Tilting his head in thought Malaedor said, "Can't say I'm surprised. Have they started construction?"

Shaking her head Komira said, "No, the final design is being decided on, but it looks like they're going big, very big. Projected ship size would be large enough to hold ten to fifteen million people along with all the logistics to support the crew and the civilians. They're looking to build enough to save over a hundred million people should it become necessary for us to evacuate.

Malaedor gave a low whistle. "Wow. Where would we be evacuating to?"

Komira replied, "Pegasus. We'd be telling this galaxy to go pound sand and we'd start over in Pegasus. The Sentinels would offer us some worlds they haven't colonized yet for us to start over on. But, that's in case this current strategy doesn't work. Negotiations on that particular issue have only just begun and are in the preliminary stage with the Sentinels Alliance Foreign Minister. Personally, I think we're going to win this war now that we're back to using Robotechnology. Quite frankly Mal, the Minbari are fucked. Before we get started do you want anything, coffee, water, tea?"

Malaedor replied, "Well given the news of the victory at Sestun and the news we hit the Minbari worlds for once I'd say the odds of a victory are looking a hell of a lot better. As for a drink, it may be early but how about a twenty five year old bottle of scotch?"

Shaking her head Komira answered, "Sorry, working."

Scoffing he said, "Like that's stopped you in the past."

Smirking she said, "I'm a lot more responsible now." Malaedor gave her a quick smirk of his own at that remark. Komira waved her hand in a 'yeah-yeah' motion as she kept talking. "But you play your cards right, you might get that drink." She spread both her arms out and in a sweeping gesture and said, "As you can see, this lovely warship of the past is now my flagship for the newly reformed Seventh Fleet." She brought her arms down to rest on the armrests.

Nodding, Malaedor said, "Yep, congratulations to both your new ship and new command Admiral. It is well deserved and long overdue."

Komira smiled and said, "Thank you. I have a crew to run this fine warship, but what I don't have is a Captain." She brought her right arm up and pointed her index finger at the Tirolian Captain. "That's where you come in, job's yours."

The man blinked owlishly. Then he shook his head and looked shocked. "You want me to command your flagship?!"

Komira pointedly said, "You were my XO before I retired. We worked as a great team then. You know how I think, you know my expectations. You're the ideal person that I want for the job."

"I haven't been in command of anything bigger than a Hyperion! This ship needs a Captain with Nova Class on their resume."

Komira countered, "Captain Sheridan's commanding the SDF-3, his last ship command was the Achilles, an Ikazuchi, before that he assumed command of the Lexington over the Black Star incident. Besides, you interviewed with Miriya for the SDF-3 so you know that you were up for that command. I'm offering you this, if you want it say so. If you really don't want to command this fine Macross Cannon class warship, say so."

Malaedor held up his hands in a braking gesture. "Wait, wait, wait. I'm not saying I don't want the job, I do want it. I really do, but will the powers that be approve of your choice?"

Komira smiled, "Mal, I have a blank check. I am putting the Seventh Fleet back together, the tip of the spear. I get to say who's in command of what. In fact, I have to sign off on the next group of officers to take command a group of Ikazuchi and Eisenhower class ships." She pointed towards the wall where he knew that they were inside the Robotech Factory. "As we speak, the Factory is going to start building more Macross Class Battle Fortresses and more of the smaller Macross Quarter class warships very soon. Those will be part of the Seventh Fleet as soon as they're ready. How many of which class are we going to get, I don't know; possibly a hundred or more so we''ll see. Mal, I'm going to be very busy and I want someone that I trust implicitly to command my flagship." She was looking directly at Malaedor. "I picked you for that position so, do you want the job?"

Malaedor whistled. "Whoa." Then he smiled at her and offered his hand for a handshake. "I'm your guy until I die or you find someone better for the job."

Komira smirked and reached across her desk to shake hands. Then she moved her hand to her computer and made several keystrokes and taps on the touch screen. "Welcome aboard Captain. Let's go to the Bridge and you can get started. Official orders will arrive later today."

The two rose from their seats and Captain Lagos opened the door and stepped to the side so Komira walked out first with her new Captain behind her who closed the door.

Komira looked at her aide who had quickly stood up. "Karinna, Captain Lagos is officially now the Captain of the Thor's Hammer. Let's go."

The young Zentraedi Lieutenant was smiling as she chirped, "Congratulations on your new posting Captain." she grabbed her tablet computer and looked at her senior officer. "Ready, ma'am."

Komira arched an eyebrow at her young aide. "Trying to make me feel old, Lieutenant?"

"Eep!", the young girl chirped.

Komira chuckled, "Gotcha." She started walking and the group left the Admiral's office to journey to the Bridge. As they walked down the corridors to the elevator Komira said, "Captain Lagos, we are on a tight schedule, the crew is still learning and getting familiar with the warship's systems. I'd like to see this ship take her first cruise in a two or three days. Meet with your new Department Heads, find out how everyone's acclimating and work on getting this ship ready for full operation. We will be testing all four of the Reflex Cannons during that cruise along with her other weapon systems. Also, you'll need to get the ship's strike wing put together. This ship's loaded with VF-2SS Veritechs not Alphas or Betas. During the Haydonite war we had to switch to these Veritechs that Doctor Lang and the Robotech Design Group had developed. In some ways, they're superior to the Alpha and Beta design. At any rate, we'll be getting pilots and we're going to be getting a CAG for the strike wing. I'll want our pilots ready to go when we launch our invasion."

The elevator doors opened and they entered. Komira kept talking. "The fleet has a large task ahead, we will be invading a Minbari world and we're going to take it from them. All indications to me from Intelligence and General Lefcourt are that the world we're going to invade is called Terellan if the Minbari don't make an offer for peace talks soon. So, we'll be needing to conduct multiple fleet exercises, including at least one dress rehearsal for the invasion with our GroPos colleagues. The elevator doors had closed and the elevator took the group to the Bridge level.

"Got it.", Captain Lagos said with a nod.

The elevator door opened and the group walked out into the short corridor that led directly to the Bridge. As soon as the group walked on to the Command deck, a junior officer called out, "Admiral on deck!"

Everyone stood up at attention and Komira said, "As you were." The crew returned to their duties then Komira said to the communications officer, "Let me have ship wide please."

With a nod and a reply, "Aye ma'am.", was quickly followed up by with a ship wide whistle.

Komira looked around and then started speaking, "This is the Admiral, I am happy to announce that as of this date at zero eight thirty hours this fine warship now has a Captain. Captain Malaedor Lagos assumes command of the Macross Cannon Class warship Thor's Hammer. Captain Lagos, the ship is yours."

Approaching the command chair that Komira was standing next to. She gestured for him to take the seat. With a small grin the man took the Captain's chair and sat down. After a few seconds he said, "To the crew of the Thor's Hammer, I am Captain Malaedor Lagos, your new captain. I have to say that today was a surprise for me as much as it may be for you. Now, I know we have a lot to do and not a lot of time so we will all be pushed hard to carry out our duties so that we can end this war in victory. Officers, and enlisted, I have an open door policy so don't be afraid to see me if you have any concerns. Department Heads, report to Conference Room One at thirteen hundred hours for a meeting to discuss current operational status. Chief of the Watch, please note in the log that I have assumed command. Captain Lagos, out."

Looking around the Bridge Captain Lagos didn't see a senior officer. "Where is the XO?", he asked.

The Lieutenant working communications said, "He had to go to the main hangar bay, there was a problem. He gave me the Conn until he returned or a senior officer relieved me.

Looking at the young man Captain Lagos asked, "What sort of problem?"

Before the Lieutenant could answer a new voice did. "A problem with some of the requisitioned supplies that hadn't arrived on the last supply shuttle. I had to speak with the load master in charge of our supply run personally. That problem has since been taken care of sir. Another supply shuttle with the missing supplies will be arriving within three hours."

Walking onto the Bridge was a tall Human man, just short of six feet tall with Asian features of black hair and green eyes. He had a scar on the right side of his that went from his ear down to his chin. The man had Commander's rank and insignia. He walked up to Captain Lagos and Admiral Parino and saluted both.

"Captain Lagos, Admiral Parino.", the Commander said.

Both returned the salute. Malaedor offered his hand in a handshake and introduced himself saying, "I take it you're my XO. Malaedor Lagos."

Shaking the Captain's hand the man said, "That's me, Hikaru Mizushima, sir."

Komira smiled, "I'm sure the two of you will work well together." Her aide Karinna whispered something to the Admiral and Komira said, "Well, I have a meeting aboard the Factory I need to get to. Captain, we'll talk later today and a lot more over the coming days."

Malaedor said, "Yes, Admiral I'm sure we will."

Komira left the Bridge with her aide and everything seemed to calm down as the Admiral's presence was gone. Malaedor looked at his Executive Officer and asked, "Well Mister Mizushima, I know you've only been aboard a short time but I would appreciate a tour."

The Commander nodded his head saying, "Certainly sir. Let's start with the Bridge. This is the Command Deck, here we command the warship directly. The other parts of the Bridge are broken down to levels below us. Weapons, Engineering, Mecha Command." The man gestured with his arms as he pointed downward first then he pointed above them. "Above us is the Flag Bridge where Admiral Parino will be in command of the Fleet."

Malaedor looked up and could see screens that were floating in the air at the upper bridge level. He looked at his Executive Officer asking, "The Admiral's staff at work?"

"She doesn't have a staff yet, just the aide following her everywhere but the Admiral was up there earlier communicating with Captains that have taken command of their ships that are now assigned to the Seventh Fleet. By the end of today we should be up to three thousand warships.", the Executive Officer explained.

Pausing for a moment Captain Lagos looked at the Lieutenant manning the communication station then said, "Lieutenant, you still have the Conn, the XO and I will be on a brief tour of the ship, but if either of us are needed, go ahead and contact us on our links."

"Yes, sir.", said the Lieutenant.

As the two senior officers left the Command deck to go to the Weapons control deck of the ship's Bridge Captain Lagos inquired to his XO as to how things were going with the crew so far.

The Robotech Factory

Main Conference Room

The main conference room was secured as the room was occupied by Doctor Robert Lang, General Richard Franklin, Admiral Komira Parino and a holographic avatar of Admiral Rick Hunter. Greetings were exchanged, coffee, tea, or water was obtained along with some finger foods to satisfy any hunger pangs and the meeting started.

The officer's aides were to the side of the room with their own drinks and small plates of food with their laptops and/or tablets activated, ready to record and take notes for their assigned officers.

Doctor Lang said, "Welcome aboard the Robotech Factory General Franklin. General Lefcourt advised us that you would be coming to discuss with us regarding new dropship and/or assault landing craft designs for the upcoming invasion of a Minbari world. Have you looked at the designs and models we still have from the last Robotech war?"

General Franklin nodded saying, "I have. I've spoken with General Fontaine and since the invasion operation could be approved and authorized to "Go" at any time we're going to use what we have. I think we'd like to build some new designs later. But we do have some questions."

Doctor Lang nodded. "By all means General, ask."

General Franklin pushed a button on his laptop and a projector displayed a three dimensional image of a Zentraedi Frandlar Tiluvo-class dropship. Gesturing to the image the man asked, "Can we make some upgrades to this design, add point defense weapons such as Interceptors to it?"

Doctor Lang said, "You want to modify the dropships we currently have to add Interceptors to the dropship?"

Giving a curt nod General Franklin replied, "Yes. If it's possible, at the very least."

Komira leaned forward to look at the holographic image. With a gesture of his hand, Rick caused the image of the Zentraedi landing craft to grow in size causing Komira to lean back. She gave a glare that really wasn't serious. "Har har.", she said.

Rick chuckled.

With the larger image of the Zentraedi dropship vessel the group looked it over. Doctor Lang rubbed his chin in thought and used his laptop to access some data. "I believe it should be possible to install Interceptors onto the Zentraedi dropship but we might have to rip out the Reflex Furnace that are currently installed and put in a more modern one so that it has the necessary power."

"How long would that take?", asked General Franklin.

Doctor Lang was quiet then he murmured something to Rick Hunter and the two quickly conferred. Doctor Lang finally said, "Well, I wish I could give you a better answer than this but quite frankly, we don't know. We'd have to take a close look at it. If we're lucky, it's a simple rip out the old Reflex Furnaces and installing new ones then installing the new Interceptors and hooking everything up and making sure nothing goes wrong. If we run into problems such as needing to reconfigure the dropship completely due to the new Reflex Furnaces not fitting in exactly the same as the old ones, that could add delays."

The General asked, "What about the HorizonT class? Can we install Interceptors onto those?"

A new hologram appeared of the old workhorse the HorizonT class dropship from the war against the Invid during the Sentinels campaign. The group looked at the hologram for a moment or two before Doctor Lang said, "Well, theoretically it should be possible. Again, we may need to replace the reflex furnace to supply the power for those Interceptors."

The General grunted. He looked at Komira and asked her, "What about the boarding shuttles, do what you have currently meet your needs for our assault on that shipyard of theirs?"

Komira tapped the desk with her fingers quickly then she replied, "What we have will do the job. We can load the shuttles with GroPos in the new CVR armor and send them off to dock with the shipyard and assault it and take it under our control. Once we secure the facility we can send in Engineers and prize crews to grab as many of their warships as we can, power them up and get them out of there to a point where an escort of our Robotech ships can Fold them to a safe zone where they can be examined thoroughly before bringing them to one of our own shipyards to prevent them from tracking their ships to our core star systems."

With another grunt General Franklin silently looked at his laptop then declared, "Then we'll go with what we've got, you can take one of the Zentraedi dropships and a HorizonT so you can do a feasibility study to see if those ships can take the proposed modifications."

Doctor Lang said, "Certainly."

General Franklin asked, "What is the status on the Queadlunn-Rhea mecha?"

Doctor Lang displayed a new hologram of the Queadlunn-Rhea powered armor mecha. "The final design changes were done before the attack against the Minbari worlds. Production is underway and the first models will be coming off the line later this afternoon. Two squadrons are already claimed by Admiral Sterling's flagship. Additional squadrons coming off this production run will go to Grand Admiral Hesh's fleet and spread across the EarthForce fleet as well."

Komira looked at Doctor Lang and with a smirk she asked, "One of those Queadlunn-Rhea suits already painted red?"

There were chuckles from Rick and Komira.

Doctor Lang adjusted his glasses saying, "Of course, and the mecha in question is going to be the first one off the line."

General Franklin said, "I think my boys would like some of those new Queadlunn-Rhea mecha as well."

Rick chimed in, "Don't worry General, there's going to be plenty available. The first production run is over twenty thousand mecha."

The meeting went on for some time and near the end General Franklin asked Komira, "Admiral, I know you've just begun putting your fleet together, but how long before you think you're ready?"

Komira looked at General Franklin then said, "It's only my second day as Commander of the Seventh Fleet, General. I've got a fleet of two thousand ships activated only yesterday and another thousand coming online by the end of today with the other two thousand to come online as soon as the crews are deemed ready to man and command those warships."

The General asked, "So, it will be a while."

Komira gave a small sigh and said, "Unfortunately, yes. While most of our people are taking the transition to Robotech warship operations well, there are some personnel that are not transitioning well." She looked at Admiral Hunter and gestured to him. "Admiral, how are the problem children?"

Rick looked at the two officers and replied, "Had a few quit, I'm sorry to say their career as EarthForce officers is done. The others are starting to get a clue."

"Wonders never cease, it's about time some of that dead weight finally left.", Komira said.

Rick looked at Komira asking, "I take it you're quite familiar with them?"

Komira said, "I retired because I got tired of dealing with people like that." She paused, shrugged her shoulders then said, "EarthForce was getting too many officers that were politicians, not tacticians and fighters, especially after the Dilgar war. Those men and women you are teaching have the lowest scores for a reason, they'd send fleets of ships and thousands of men to deal with a problem and as long as they won they'd find some way of coming out of it looking pretty for the media, nevermind that sixty to seventy percent of their forces were lost in combat." Giving Rick a steady look she said, "I really hope you can turn them around."

Rick said, "Trust me, if any of them fail this course, they're done. General Lefcourt has assured me that he has no more need for political and social officers, he needs warriors."

Komira said, "Good, it's about damn time."

General Franklin asked, "If you had to, do you think that with three thousand ships, you and your people can take us to our target and carry out the invasion?"

Komira replied without a pause to think about her answer. "General, as I said, it's too early for me to give you a definitive answer. I'm only just starting to get this fleet up and running, I have to find out where the people under my command are at. Look, once I have an idea where we are at I can get a better determination. We'll need to do at least one dress rehearsal for the invasion anyway." Looking at the Human General Komira asked, "How are your troops faring with Destroid and Cyclone operation? Are they going to be ready?"

General Franklin gave a thin smile then said, "They'll be ready. Of that you can be assured."

Smiling back, Komira said, "Good, you can be assured the fleet will be ready to take your men and get them to where ever you need them to go and we'll pound the enemy's defenses to dust so our Marines can seize the planet.

General Franklin nodded his head. "Well, we'll see about that, won't we? Good luck getting your fleet together Admiral." He looked at Doctor Lang and said, "Send any design ideas for new dropships directly to me. I have to go to Mars now and see how the Destroid training is progressing there. Going to run some war game exercises while I'm there. We'll talk some more, I'm sure." With that the General left, his aide quickly following behind.

Once he was gone Komira looked at Doctor Lang and asked, "So, Doctor how long are you staying in command of the Factory?"

Doctor Lang adjusted his glasses and answered, "Not for much longer, I've been informed that the new commanding officer is arriving later today." He was putting his things together as he talked. Then he paused his work to look at Komira and said, "I was told that the new commanding officer is a Colonel, a man by the name of Kilpatrick."

Komira looked at Doctor Lang with a frown on her expression. "Jonathan Kilpatrick? Colonel Jonathan Kilpatrick is to be the new commanding officer of the Factory?"

Nodding his head Doctor Lang replied, "Yes, I do believe that's the name. Is something wrong?"

Komira said, "He's an asshole. You and he are not going to get along, that I can promise. I'm really surprised they didn't put a General in command of this place." She looked at Rick and pointed at him. "He's going to hate you, I mean hate with a capital H."

Rick blinked then tilted his head and commented, "Oh, I see, his service record is rather…bland. Oh, I see what you mean, he has a hatred for VI's and AI's."

Komira chuckled, "Hacking and reading his service record, Rick? For shame."

Rick looked innocently as he said, "Just trying to get an idea of what type of person he is. I can tell he's going to be a pain in the ass."

Komira stood up. "As I said, he's an asshole. The man thinks and wishes he was a General and this command will definitely get him that first star, provided he doesn't fuck up." She looked at her aide and gestured that it was time to go. "Well Doc, hate to eat and run", she walked over and grabbed a sandwich from the table and took a bite and chewed quickly. "but I have to get going. Good luck with the new CO, any problems call General Lefcourt." She walked out of the room to head back to her flagship.

The discussion continued for another forty minutes as they talked ideas for making design improvements to the two different landing craft. A Zentraedi landing craft and a HorizonT would be moved to begin prototyping to see what improvements could be made.

A Minbari Planet

Valusha System

Wind Sword Clan Controlled Space

On a world within the system of Valusha while there was one world heavily colonized and populated by the Minbari, there were a few that had only a small population. One was penal world where the Wind Sword Clan sent their most unrepentant criminals. It was also a place where the some of the Wind Swords were able to take advantage of things that most of their people most likely wouldn't approve of.

But to protect the Federation, the Wind Swords would be the Light Against The Dark.

A group of Minbari were making their way to a secluded location where a "guest" was staying. This person had come to the Elders of the Wind Swords Clan asking for and getting sanctuary many years ago, near the end of the war against the Dilgar. There were Minbari Warriors guarding the perimeter as well as the entrance to the small unassuming house that the "guest" was staying in.

Upon seeing the Elder at the head of the procession the guards allowed him and his escorts to enter the secured house. Passing through an airlock entry the group was scanned and the inner door only opened once the outer door was secured. Once the inner door slid open the group entered the house. Waiting for them was the "guest" that the Wind Swords Clan had been hosting for a very long time.

The "guest" was feminine in form with brown hair atop her head and draping the sides. She had a slightly pronounced forehead and pointed ears. Her eyes were yellow with a brown pupil that was vertical. Her teeth had fangs, giving her a predator appearance and in all, she appeared very feline in appearance and the Minbari in the room were looking at the most infamous Dilgar WarMaster in all of the Dilgar race.

This was Jha'dur, known throughout the galaxy as Deathwalker.

The Dilgar woman gave a small bow and gave a welcoming gesture. She declared, "Welcome, welcome my...friends. It has been so very long since I was visited by you, an Elder of the Wind Swords Clan. What brings you to my humble abode?"

The Minbari Wind Swords Elder gestured to his retinue to remain calm. "Jha'dur, I trust your stay here has been comfortable?" He looked around the room and it was furnished with many luxuries that the Dilgar WarMaster had brought with her as well as some that were provided by the Wind Swords Clan.

With a smirk Jha'dur replied, "I have enjoyed and continue to enjoy my stay under your watchful eyes. Came to see how I was doing? The last time I was visited was more than five years ago. Oh, where are my manners? Would you like anything to drink? I'm afraid my offerings are somewhat limited as I do not entertain guests."

The Elder gave a dismissive gesture saying, "No that is not necessary. I am here to talk to you about a most serious matter. Your services...especially in your skill set that you are most renowned for are required."

The Elder sat down in the biggest chair that was in the room and looked directly at Jha'dur as he was speaking. Jha'dur sat down on a smaller chair that faced the larger one. She did not let anything show that she was upset that the Elder was sitting in her favorite chair.

Jha'dur tilted her head inquisitively then asked, "You want me to create bio weapons for you?" Now she gave a direct flat look to the Minbari Elder. "I thought you Minbari considered my weapons and my skills to be 'barbaric and without honor'. Well, I am surprised indeed."

The Elder snarled, "Your weapons are barbaric and without honor...but...they do what they do most efficiently." He paused and his gaze bore into Jha'dur. "Our war against the Humans drags too long, there are too many of them and frankly our people are becoming weary of war even though this Crusade to wipe them out is just. I want to end this war quickly and I have decided that your weapons are what are needed."

Jha'dur was not stupid. She had cultivated sources among those Minbari Warriors that guarded her and kept her in her gilded cage and she had heard the news and rumors that the Humans were now fighting back with new ships and weapons that were killing the Minbari at incredible distances. She made no show of emotion or reaction as she listened to the Minbari Elder.

Jha'dur leaned back in her chair and steepled her hands. "Well, this is interesting. You wish me to create a new bio weapon to use against the Humans."

The Elder nodded. "Yes. We have tested the stockpiles you supplied us and have found that they have lost their potency. That and the Humans have inoculated themselves against your signature weapons. New weapons are needed and given that you hate the Humans as much as we do, I believe that this would be what the Humans call a…win-win."

Jha'dur was silent as she contemplated the Minbari Elder's words. Her eyes barely blinking as she looked at the Minbari Elder. Finally she spoke, "Elder Sarudoon, this...task you want me to do for you, it is not sanctioned by your government is it?" She watched the Minbari carefully.

Without flinching, there was a minute expression change that Jha'dur caught on the Elder's face. Elder Sarudoon answered, "This is for the Minbari people. Once we are victorious it doesn't matter how that victory was achieved as it is the victors that get to write history. Besides, wouldn't you like to do that which you do so well...crafting weapons to kill billions of Humans." He gave Jha'dur a feral smile. "This is your opportunity for revenge against the Humans, Jha'dur."

The Dilgar woman was looking at the Minbari Elder. She took in a breath and said, "And what is to stop you from throwing me before your leaders and placing all the blame upon me? I am no fool. Or perhaps you would simply kill me and present my head to your leaders and to that of the wider galaxy once I have done all the work?"

The Elder didn't react visibly as he reassuringly answered, "My dear Jha'dur, you were and are promised sanctuary at the Wind Swords generosity. We would do no such thing to you as you are our guest." He steepled his own hands and continued, "However you were informed that there would be a price for our hospitality. I am no informing you that your bill has come due."

Jha'dur continued to express nothing on her face, her hands still steepled in front of her. After a moment she asked, "The stockpiles of weapons I surrendered to the Wind Swords are not good enough?"

Sarudoon replied, "As I've said, the stockpiles have begun to degrade and their potency is...not as strong."

Jha'dur gave a feral smile. "You've used them against the Humans already haven't you?"

Sarudoon's expression gave away nothing as he sat silent in response.

Jha'dur's feral smile didn't fade as she said, "Well, well, well isn't that interesting…." She tapped her chin then said, "Let me guess, you used some of my weapons that I had given to you and you stored away and when you didn't get the result you wanted, you glassed the planet to obscure any trace." Her gaze didn't waver as she finished, "Very smart."

Again, Sarudoon was silent and his face betrayed nothing. Several seconds passed before Sarudoon said, "Perhaps you should consult your notes while the laboratory is still under construction that way you have some ideas on how to proceed."

Jha'dur tapped the side of her head with her index finger. "My notes are here, Elder. That way no one can just take my notes and steal my work."

The two were silent for a moment. Sarudoon nodding as if in approval or perhaps it was understanding.

Then Jha'dur brought her hands together and clapped once. "Well then. If I'm to help you, if I am to bring the name of Deathwalker back to prominence I will need some things. One, a laboratory with all the chemicals I will list and I will need a supply of humans. I'm afraid I'll need you to capture some and bring them to the lab so that I may find the most efficient means of wiping that race from the galaxy."

Sarudoon nodded then said, "That will not be a problem. A laboratory is being constructed as we speak and it will be ready soon. As for the humans, that will not be a problem either. We have taken thousands of them prisoner to be used for sport."

Jha'dur stood up and said, "I will need to see this laboratory before it is finished in case you forget to install something that is needed." Her tone indicated that this was not negotiable.

Sarudoon nodded his head and said, "That is acceptable." He gestured to one of the other Minbari Warriors that was with him and the Minbari Warrior pulled out a black article of clothing. Sarudoon said, "I'm afraid you will not get to see where the laboratory is located however."

With a small huff Jha'dur gave a nod and said, "Go ahead."

The Warrior covered Jha'dur's head with a black covering and she was bound in the front with cuffs. Then she was guided out of the house and taken to a waiting Minbari shuttle. The group boarded and the shuttle launched into the sky flying a circuitous route, climbing and diving to throw off any sense of direction that the blindfolded Dilgar woman could use to figure out the way to the newly constructed laboratory.

Once the shuttle landed the group exited the shuttle and Jha'dur was taken on a meandering path, arriving at a nondescript building. The group led Jha'dur inside and her hood was removed while her cuffs stayed in place.

Sarudoon gestured towards the lab that was still under construction. "Well, what do you think?"

Jha'dur looked at the laboratory and started to walk through it. She took note of the equipment that was present as well as the security measures to prevent the spread of anything biohazardous. She finished her inspection and said, "Not bad. Looks like you have everything necessary. I'm surprised."

Sarudoon gave a small bow. "We have done extensive research into what is necessary to craft the types of weapons that you are so experienced at making. This laboratory will be finished in two days so, will you be able to start as soon as it is ready within the next couple of days?"

Jha'dur examined one of the lab equipment pieces then looked at Sarudoon and said, "Before I can start, I will need blood and tissue samples from the Humans you have captured. As many as you can possibly supply. They will need to be collected and stored properly."

Sarudoon had Jha'dur explain how the genetic material would have to be stored after it was collected and he assured her that when the laboratory was finished, she would have thousands of blood and tissue samples to work with which pleased the Dilgar Warmaster.

The hood was put back on Jha'dur's head and they returned to the shuttle and the shuttle again flew a meandering random return path before landing nearby Jha'dur's gilded cage. Once she was returned to her home she went to her desk and wrote down a list of chemicals and other scientific ingredients she would be requiring so that she could start working on bio weapons and gave the list to Sarudoon who passed it to one of his subordinates. After this, goodbyes were exchanged, Sarudoon and his retinue left and boarded the shuttle once more leaving Jha'dur behind in her gilded cage.

As the shuttle was taking off Sarudoon began issuing more orders. "See to it that our guest is watched most thoroughly. I want telepaths monitoring her thoughts looking for any signs she intends on betraying us or making an escape attempt. Warriors watching her personally or on camera are to be extra vigilant. Also, gather a team of Workers to begin collecting that blood and tissue samples that Jha'dur will need."

"How much should we collect?", a Warrior asked.

Sarudoon answered, "Give her two thousand and see if that is good enough for her."

There was silence in the cabin for several minutes then Sarudoon continued, "I want this weapon she creates for us to be used against a Human colony as soon as possible. Find a suitable target, a target with a very large Human population that would be perfect for our needs." The Minbari Warriors with him gave bows of the heads in return. Sarudoon gave new orders to the pilot to go to a different destination so that his subordinates could get to work on the tasks that needed to be done.

Back in the gilded cage that Jha'dur was calling home, Jha'dur was smiling. Soon she would have her revenge against Humanity. But first, she would have to begin making the necessary preparations for her escape. She had things and people in place to assist her so she would reach out to them and give them the stand by order. Once she made the bio weapon that would be the instrument of her vengeance against Humanity she would leave this world and Minbari space and make a new life for herself out in the galaxy.

The galaxy would come to remember and fear the name Deathwalker once more.

The Robotech Factory

A Lecture Hall – At the same time of the Conference Room Meeting

The room had been converted into a huge lecture hall complete with a podium in the front and there were video screens placed on the wall behind the podium. The room was crowded, just under a couple thousand people sitting in desks in what reminded many of them of their Academy days.

While everyone was wearing a uniform of EarthForce, their rank insignia and emblems had been removed. No one was showing their rank in this hall. But people knew many of the people in the room and knew what rank that person was if they recognized the person sitting at their desk. There were Lieutenant Commanders, Commanders, Captains, Commodores, and a handful of Admirals, most of these Admirals were on the lower rank.

The door slid open and Admiral Rick Hunter walked in, it was clear that he was using the advanced gynoid body and not a holographic projection as he walked into the room rather than using one of the room's holographic projectors. As he walked in to the large hall everyone stood up from their desk and stood at attention. The video screens activated behind the Admiral to form one gigantic image of the Earth Alliance Flag. Admiral Hunter walked to the podium and looked up at the assembled group of people in the hall. Looking ahead he said, "Be seated."

Everyone sat back down in their chairs and Rick kept his gaze moving through the room, taking everyone in as he began, "I am not interested in who your mother or father is, what family you come from, which party you support...except given that you are here, you've been cleared of any and all connections and ties to Humans First. But the point of the matter is, whoever you are, what rank you currently hold, where you come from and who you know does not matter to me. What does matter to me...what I want to know is...your breaking point."

He paused as he swept the room then continued, "Given what I have seen of your simulated engagements, I have a very good idea what that breaking point is. You are here because all of you, every single one of you have shown in the simulators what NOT to do with the warship or the task force group under your command. Your scores are all the lowest of the low. In simulated battles, you have managed to get your warship command destroyed multiple times or allowed your ship and crews to be captured by the enemy. Your simulated fleet engagements in simulated battles have resulted in Minbari victories and the losses of many ships and mecha under your command."

Rick pounded the podium with his fist as he said, "Not once, not twice but multiple times! A sizable portion of you that have manged to achieve multiple victories have done so at great costs to your ships and your crews. Quite frankly, every one of you have sustained such losses that your casualty rates in these simulated battles are absolutely horrendous."

"Honestly, you seem to think that being in command of a Robotech warship and mecha is a magic silver bullet and you've given orders to the men and women under your command that would result in not only their deaths, but possibly your ships and your people being captured by the enemy. You seem to be thinking that space warfare is along the lines of Napoleonic combat!"

Glaring at the group he kept talking, "Ladies and gentlemen, to paraphrase an old war dog general of history you seem to have forgotten one of the most important commandments of war. No war has been won by having our men and women dying for our country, it's been won by making the other poor bastard of a son of a bitch dying for theirs!" Rick's glare at the group of men and women could have peeled the paint off the walls.

"You are all here for one final opportunity to change your fates, this course you are about to take over the next several weeks is a simple Pass/Fail. Pass and your career in EarthForce is back on track and you will eventually command a front line warship or be assigned as a task force commander against the enemy if your scores are high enough. Fail and you will find yourselves reassigned to somewhere else in EarthForce...such as logistics and supply or forensic accounting or some other place far away from commanding men and women and leading them into battle."

Sweeping the room one final time Rick said, "Rank has no privilege here except for my own, you are all equal here while you are taking this course. You were randomly assigned a number between one hundred twenty five to two thousand five hundred seventy five. There are not that many of you here, the numbers mean nothing except as an identifier. You can assume that being a lower number means something more than a higher number or vice versa but I can assure you it doesn't. You think your days in the Academy were tough? I am going to push you and test you and you will LEARN how to fight like proper EarthForce officers with Robotech warships and mecha. Now, look at your tablets, we are going to go over a select few of the worst of the worst offenders that have been compiled from all simulated battle exercises. We will start with single ship engagements."

A man raised his hand, the room was darkened but Rick could see the man clearly. "Yes, Mister five hundred forty one?"

The man stood up, he had blonde hair and blue eyes. He glared at Rick and said, "Permission to speak freely...sir."

Rick activated a light to shine directly over the man. "You may."

The man, identified as five hundred forty one cleared his throat and asked, "What if I or anyone else here walks out of this room right now because we feel that this," the man barked a harsh laugh then continued, "is not a valuable use of our time."

Rick looked around the room and could see several people that seemed to be thinking the same way.

Rick gestured with his hand and above the man identified as number five hundred forty one a hologram image of statistics appeared. The statistics were not very good, in fact they were terrible.

Rick said, "Well, Mister five hundred forty one let's all take a look at your simulated battle statistics. In single warship engagements you've managed to rack one win, twenty four losses and one enemy combat vessel killed. Your ship and crew have been captured eight times and you have had your ship destroyed with all hands thirteen times, and destroyed with more than half your crew killed in their escape pods three times." Everyone was silent. The man sputtered in indignation while Rick continued, "In simulated fleet engagements, zero victories, twelve losses, a dozen enemy warships destroyed, but your fleet losses are over eighty five percent including mecha. Multiple warships that were under your fleet command have been captured by the enemy more than five different battles and that is not including your own flagship specifically having been captured by the Minbari three times. I'd say you're at the top percentage of the list needing this course, Mister five hundred forty one."

Regaining some form of control the man slammed his hand on the desk in front of him. "This is bullshit, I'm a ranking flag-"

Rick cut him off. "As I said, not in this classroom, not with me." He looked around the room at everyone as he said, "You are all here at General Lefcourt's orders, however if you drop out of this course or fail, and you will also be returned to your current rank and you will be reassigned far away from frontline duty or you will be asked to resign. Whatever rank you hold currently, consider it suspended temporarily while you are here taking this course. Should you pass, you will return to your current rank and your career will progress onward and forward once more."

Rick's gaze swept across the room. "Let me remind you again, all of you are here at the orders of General Lefcourt, courtesy of the Bureau of Personnel. You are all here because you all have statistics similar to Mister five hundred forty one or worse. I'm here to teach you proper Robotech warfare and tactics as I have been there and I have done that for a lot longer than any of you. I have the skills and the knowledge to back it up. When I'm done with you, you will be better soldiers and more importantly, you will be better officers." He gave the entire room a serious look then added, "Unless you decide to drop this class of your own free will or fail…in which case you can be assured that your chances of commanding a fleet let alone a warship will never, ever happen in your career should you elect to stay in EarthForce."

The man identified as five hundred forty one had been glaring angrily as Rick displayed and explained his simulated battle statistics. "This is preposterous! I will not stand for this! I have friends, connections-"

Rick cut him off. He was looking directly at the man but his eyes also swept the room as he declared, "As I said when I introduced myself, those connections you have will not help you any longer." Rick swept the room again, looking at everyone in the room. "The future of your careers depend on taking the lessons that I am going to teach you to heart. I have knowledge that you clearly are lacking and I'm here to give to you. This war has cost EarthForce many of its best men and women and in desperation some of you have been promoted to positions too early."

"But, it's not too late. I'm going to break you down and rebuild you and it is up to you to rise to this challenge. Succeed, and your military career is saved, fail...well as I said, we do need people in logistics and supply and other such positions. I'm going to be honest here and say that not all of you will pass, that much is certain but I believe that each of you still has something to offer EarthForce."

The blonde haired man identified as five hundred forty one picked up his things and said, "I am not going to put up with this, I'll be contacting our Senator about this. I'm leaving." He started to walk out and as he did so, a group of about eighteen men and women started grabbing their things and started to leave the room.

Before anyone reached the door Rick said, "It is within your right to walk out and drop out of this advanced tactics course, but if you do so your career as you know it ends. You will not be allowed to return here, you will not be getting that next star if you're an admiral, and those few among you that are captains won't be getting that promotion to commodore let alone admiral. Your careers as front line officers will be over. Enjoy working in logistics and supply or in accounting or even working in our culinary supply chain."

Some of the group hesitated as they were walking. One woman with purple hair stopped, looked up to the ceiling and sighed then she returned to her desk and sat back down. The rest kept walking, the man identified as number five hundred forty one was first to walk out the door followed by the remaining group.

The door slid closed and a chime announced that the door was now locked. Rick looked around and said, "Those men and women have just flushed their careers down the drain. That is not just a promise, it is a guarantee. Every one of you received the same video message from General Lefcourt ordering you here and he stated what the consequences were for failure."

Rick looked around the room making sure that he looked into the eyes of the people sitting at their desks. Turning slightly to allow a hologram of combat footage to display Rick said, "Now, even though he's not here any longer let us review mister five hundred forty one's simulated battle history and I will show you where and when he made critical errors in his decision making that led to his defeats on all his simulated battle engagements."

Tablets at the men and women's desks came on and the large video screen on the wall behind Admiral Hunter showed paused footage of a simulator where the man known as five hundred forty one was sitting in the Captain's chair. A holographic projector activated to show the battle space where everyone could see the lone Ikazuchi class cruiser against one of the large Minbari warships.

Rick announced, "Let us watch the battle unfold, I will be quizzing you to see if you can identify the mistakes that were made."

The footage began and everyone watched the simulated battle unfold.

Meanwhile the group of men and women were walking down the halls talking among themselves about what they were going to do when each of their tablets chirped that they had received a priority message. The men and women stopped and opened their tablets and saw the message that was addressed to each of them personally.

"Report to EAFONAVBUPERS immediately for reassignment." It was signed by the Admiral in command of EarthForce's Naval Bureau of Personnel.

Everyone looked stunned. As each man and woman was processing this a squad of security personnel approached and said, "Everyone, your permissions to remain on the Robotech Factory have been removed. You are to accompany us to hangar bay twelve where you will take a shuttle back down to Earth as soon as one can be made available."

One of the men said, "Now see-"

The sergeant unsnapped his holster and placed his hand on the PPG but did not draw it out. "It was not a request, sir. The Factory is a secure facility and your permissions to be aboard have been revoked. All of you are to follow me and my men please."

The man made an attempt of trying to stand taller and said, "We outrank-"

The sergeant kept his hand on the PPG and said, "Right now, I'm following orders to remove unauthorized personnel from the Robotech Factory. It is my understanding that you've all received orders to report back to Earth. Let's move along now."

Another person, a woman said, "What about our things?"

"Your personal effects are being packed and will be loaded on to the shuttle before your departure. Now, if you'll follow me please." He gave a gesture with his left arm to show them which way he wanted them to go.

A different man with dark blue hair said, "I want to go back to the hall, please let me go back. I changed my mind."

The sergeant shook his head, "Sorry but you were told that there would be no second chances once you walked out of the hall. Come with me please."

The man with dark blue hair looked resigned and sighed. He was the first to start walking. The group of officers were escorted to hangar bay twelve where a shuttle was parked and awaiting them for departure. They all boarded the ship in silence, some of them seething with quiet rage. After several minutes their belongings were loaded aboard the cargo compartment and the shuttle was given clearance for departure. The shuttle launched and made its way back to Earth at EarthForce HQ.

Upon landing the men and women exited the shuttle where there were people with LED placards that displayed their rank and names. Each of the officers had put their ranks and insignia back on to their uniform shirts and approached each person that was waiting for them. They were escorted to a waiting hover cars that took them to the one gigantic building that was EarthForce's Naval Bureau of Personnel. Their escorts guided them to the twenty fourth floor where they were led to a large room.

Many of the men and women were confused as they entered. The escort that was in the lead instructed them to seat at the large conference room table. As they did so, the lead escort said that he and the rest of their escorts would be waiting outside.

As soon as the door closed the center wall opened to reveal a large video screen which powered on and General Robert Lefcourt was on the screen sitting in his office with his hands folded on top of his desk in front of him. He was looking directly at the camera and everyone could feel his gaze as he looked at all of them. It was clear that this was not a recording.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I see you've made your decision to drop out of the Advanced Tactics course being taught by Admiral Hunter. Effective immediately, you will be given new assignments. These assignments will not be combat assignments, nor will you be given command assignments. You will be as far from the front lines as you can be assigned and you will be reporting to an officer senior to your current ranks. You can accept these assignments and carry them out to your best ability or if you so desire you are free to submit your resignations. Your escorts have those new orders waiting for you. Good luck."

The screen went black and the door opened. The escorts walked in and placed a folder with each officer's name in front of the respective officer. The lead escort, a Captain said, "Lady and gentlemen, your new orders are in the folder in front of you. Should you not wish to accept that assignment, your escort will take you downstairs so that you may submit your resignation where you will be processed out of EarthForce. Those of you that do accept your new orders, your escort will take you to the appropriate transport craft so that you may reach your new assignment. Your personal effects from the Robotech Factory will be sent onward later."

Folders were opened and the men and women looked their new assignments. There was a brief silence as each person read their new orders and then there were multiple outbursts and exclamations of rage and protest.

The officers that were escorting these people knew it was going to be a long day and internally sighed.

EarthForce HQ

General Lefcourt's Office

Earth

It was early in the morning and Admiral Miriya Sterling was quickly ushered to General Lefcourt's office upon her arrival and the man stood up and greeted Miriya with a handshake. Coffee and breakfast foods and pastries were brought in since it was so early in the day.

The two senior officers took the time to grab some food and eat for a few minutes and exchange some small talk. Once hunger was briefly satisfied, the two senior officers got down to business.

General Lefcourt said, "As I told you late last night we have a situation and I thank you for coming in so early."

Miriya didn't look concerned but she waited for General Lefcourt to give her the bad news. The General took a breath then he said, "An inquiry is being opened into your handling of the rescue mission."

Before Miriya could say anything, the General held up a hand to stall her and kept talking. He said, "Specifically, the man you left behind was named Jason Zimmerman and he was the son of a very powerful man, an industrialist named Donald Zimmerman."

Miriya scoffed. "Oh please, I gave that idiot every opportunity to save his own ass and he wanted nothing to do with us saving him. The son of a bitch was a member of Humans First, he had a pin on his clothes like his other friends, friends that I add were smarter than him and ran for their lives to the shuttle as soon as they were told the Minbari were coming. Have we checked the family for more Humans First ties? Send squads of investigators over there and turn this man's life upside down. That should shut the son of a bitch up."

Robert Lefcourt sighed. "The family's rich and powerful Miriya, even with the full court press we've been putting on Humans First, Donald Zimmerman's not an idiot. His son may have been a public member of Humans First that we can substantiate and confirm, the father may have publicly disavowed him but that was still his son that was left to die there. As for the rest of the family they are coming up clean."

Miriya made another scoffing noise, and rolled her eyes. Then she leaned forward in her seat. "Robert, I'm due to take my fleet to hit my next target in twenty four hours, I can't stay here to wait around for some Senate Committee to form up then sit here and wait around so I can testify…" Her eyes narrowed as she asked, "Are you relieving me of my command for this bullshit inquiry?"

Robert brought both hands up in a "hold on" gesture. "No, Miriya, I'm not relieving you of your command. I've made arrangements so that you can give your statement to the Senate committee today. Besides, you're not the only one having to take time to talk to those vultures. I have to talk to them too."

Miriya's eyes widened. She waved her arms up and down in exasperation. "Today!? My Queadlunn-Rhea mecha are supposed to come off the production line later today! I'm supposed to pick up my customized mecha at the Factory! I have meetings with my command staff to prepare for the next target! I have a lot to do today Robert, I can't make time for this!"

Robert grimaced and said, "You've got no choice, Miriya. It's this or…", he paused so that Miriya could understand the ramifications. Then he smiled and added, "I made a call to the JAG office and talked to Admiral Chegwidden, the Judge Advocate General himself. He's putting two of his finest on deck to represent you, a Commander Rabb and Major MacKenzie. Listen to them, give your statement, answer the Senator's questions, and you'll be back aboard the SDF-3 immediately afterwards."

Miriya sighed, then brought a hand and pinched the bridge of her nose while quietly muttering Zentraedi curses words. She brought her hand down again and sighed again. "Alright, if I have to then I suppose I have no choice. I'll give my statement although I have turned in a full after action report already. There's also the footage from my helmet camera."

General Lefcourt said, "I've already forwarded a copy of your report and a copy of your helmet cam footage to your lawyers. That footage will be presented to the Committee during your testimony. Anyway your lawyers will want to speak with you before hand. Your appointment's at eleven at the JAG office. You're scheduled to testify with the Senate committee at twelve thirty."

Miriya did not look happy at all. Her face was in a scowl and her eyes blazed. After a moment closed her eyes took a deep breath then she stood up and said, "Got it. I'll be there sir." She saluted her commanding officer and left the office. She looked at her link to see the time and see if she had the free time and she did so she left HQ and took a shuttle to Washington DC. She was going to see her daughter Aurora for a chat.

Several minutes after Miriya had left the General's office, General Lefcourt's computer chirped as he received a message from Admiral Hunter informing him of several people that had dropped out of the Advanced Tactics course. He looked at the names and made a satisfying hum. Next, he started making the arrangements for their new assignments and sent them to the head of the Navy Bureau of Personnel.

While waiting he returned to doing some work and finally a notification chime announced that the personnel who'd left Admiral Hunter's class had arrived back on Earth and were now waiting in the designated conference room at the Navy Bureau of Personnel building. Activating the camera, he placed his hands folded on his desk and addressed the men and women that their careers were now on a far different track should they elect to stay in EarthForce.

EarthDome Senate Committee Chamber

Geneva, Switzerland

The committee room was crowded with spectators and a sizable media presence waiting for the hearing to start. Admiral Miriya Sterling had arrived back in Geneva after having an all too brief meeting with her daughter Aurora but thankfully she wasn't alone on her trip back to Geneva. Aurora had accompanied her back to Geneva as she too received a summons to appear before the Committee that was investigating Miriya's actions at the dead world where one man was left behind to die at the hands of the Minbari. Currently Aurora was waiting outside the hearing room waiting to be called in.

Currently sitting at the witness desk waiting for what she felt was a colossal waste of time was Admiral Miriya Sterling along with her JAG lawyers who were sitting on each side of her while she was between the two. On Miriya's right was Major Sarah MacKenzie, a Tirolian woman with dark blue hair and bright blue eyes in her EarthForce Marine uniform. On Miriya's left was Commander Harmon Rabb, a half Human/half Zentraedi. He had very light green skin and dark black hair.

Miriya had a brief amount of time to meet with her JAG lawyers and discuss strategy and options. During her meeting she came to realize that her lawyers were experienced officers in the law and in the military. Major Mackenzie had served in the GroPos and participated in combat operations while Commander Rabb was a former Starfury pilot.

Miriya had given them an authenticated copy of her helmet camera footage from the incident. They all watched that footage followed by the GroPos camera footage that included Lieutenant Kanna's and Sergeant Murtaugh's footage Once that was done they discussed the kinds of questions the Senators would ask before finally moving into the Committee chamber to await the Senators arrival.

Before going inside the committee chambers Aurora and Miriya had spent the time together talking. The mother and daughter had an all too brief reunion earlier in the day with mother and daughter promising to be more communicative going forward. Now, Aurora Sterling was waiting outside the chamber as she would have to testify after Miriya's testimony. Aurora sighed after watching her mother walk into the committee chamber as she was the first to be summoned.

Major Sarah MacKenzie was the last to enter the room and said to Aurora, "Don't worry, your mom will be fine. Commander Rabb and I will take care of her." With that, the Tirolian Marine lawyer entered the chamber and the big doors closed behind her.

After waiting fifteen minutes past the time the hearing was supposed to start finally the doors opened in the front of the room and the Senators entered and quietly moved to take their seats at the raised seats giving them the appearance of judges almost. There were media present but this hearing and testimony was not going to be broadcast live. Still, there were a few news media outlets present to watch and later report what was going on during this hearing. The gallery had a large sized crowd sitting to watch this hearing as well.

Now, as the Senators walked in and took their seats Miriya calmly sat and waited for the "show" to begin. The session was brought to order and protocols were completed. The chairperson of the Committee was a male Human named Leonard Maistroff and the last name of the Senator brought memories to Miriya's mind of another Maistroff. However what caught Miriya's eye was that Senator Morgan Clark was sitting at the far end of the Committee group. She was surprised that Senator Clark was on this committee.

Senator Leonard Maistroff, the chairperson of the Committee banged his gavel and said, "We are now in session. Admiral Sterling, thank you for making yourself available so quickly. We realize how busy you are, especially now." He paused then added, "We thank you for your service and commend you on bringing the latest victory against the Minbari for the Earth Alliance."

Miriya leaned forward slightly to speak into her microphone, "Thank you Senator." Miriya was then sworn in so that the hearing could really get started.

Major MacKenzie stood up and said, "If it pleases the Senators, Admiral Sterling would like to start this hearing by making an opening statement."

There were some mutterings in the crowd and everyone watched as the Senators talked among themselves then Chairperson Maistroff banged his gavel and announced, "There are no objections, Admiral you are free to make your statement."

Miriya's lawyer sat down and Miriya adjusted the microphone in front of her and began to speak. Her opening statement was her after action report of the incident. It was not word for word but it was thorough and explained everything that happened and it took a while for Miriya to finish her statement.

Miriya finished her statement with, "The loss of Mister Jason Zimmerman is sad, but he is responsible for his own actions. He was offered the opportunity to escape with his colleagues, but he believed that the approaching Minbari threat to be a "fake stunt" by me and by my personnel to coerce the IPX expedition to flee. If you are seeking blame, the blame falls squarely on Mister Zimmerman's shoulders. Had we delayed our departure to try to chase after Mister Zimmerman, more lives would have been lost."

The Senators watched and listened intently with only a few showing any reaction on their faces and Miriya made a point to take note of those Senators as she felt that those that reacted were looking to make an issue and try and score political points and possibly try and find her in the wrong.

Chairperson Maistroff said, "Thank you Admiral for your opening statement. We will now open the hearing for questions and Senator Rommel has asked for the privilege of being the first to start and has been granted. Senator Rommel, your time starts now."

Major Sarah MacKenzie stood up and said, "If it pleases this Committee, we are prepared to offer into evidence the footage from Admiral Sterling's body camera footage.

Commander Rabb stood and held out a data crystal showing it off to everyone in the room as Major Sarah continued to speak, "In addition to her footage we have the footage from Lieutenant Kanna and Sergeant Murtaugh along with those of Lieutenant Kanna's EarthForce Marines platoon as well. These videos have been authenticated and we have the signed affidavits that affirm their authenticity."

Commander Rabb passed the data crystal to Major MacKenzie and a Senate worker walked over and took the data crystal from the Major and started to walk back to the Senate Committee table.

Commander Rabb watched the exchange and kept an eye on the worker walking back to the Senators when he saw something suspicious. He muttered an oath then leaped over the table and grabbed the Senate worker and held the man's hand that was holding the data crystal in a grip.

The gavel was hammered multiple times by the Chairperson as he cried out, "Order! There where be order here! Commander Rabb what is the meaning of this outrage!?"

With the man under his physical control while he protested being manhandled Commander Rabb said, "Apologies Senators but I caught this man attempting to replace the data crystal we were submitting with a fake." He forced the man's hand open which revealed two data crystals on the man's palm.

Miriya was shocked. She stood up and exclaimed at the Senate worker, "You son of a bitch!" She was about to move when Major Sarah MacKenzie placed a hand on Miriya's right arm and quickly said words to calm her down and to not do anything rash.

There were more cries outrage and roars from the assembled audience as well as the Senators on the Committee. There were camera flashes from photographers even though there were also video cameras recording everything. The Committee Chairperson kept slamming his gavel calling for order.

"Order! Order!", Chairperson Maistroff banged the gavel with each word. "There will be order here!"

As order was restored the Senate worker who had tried to switch the data crystals was taken into custody and led out of the room and everyone took notice when the man screamed, "Homines primum! Homines primum! Homines primum!" while being taken out of the room.

The room exploded with an extreme loud roar as the crowd roared with boos and jeers, yells of defiance and a chant was started by someone in the back of the room.

"Humanity United! Humanity United! Humanity United!"

The chant began to sweep across the room, the crowd quickly taking up the chant and more than half of the Senators stood up from their seats and joined in with the chant. The room echoed with the chant as everyone was in defiance against the Senate worker that had shouted the infamous Humans First phrase. T

Chairperson Maistroff was banging his gavel and demanding once more, "Order! Order in the chamber!"

Miriya and Sarah, sitting at the table watched in amazement at the scene. Commander Harmon Rabb was doing his due diligence and making sure that the real data crystal did not leave his sight.

Commander Rabb examined the two data crystals and quickly identified the real one. With a firm look Commander Rabb while standing at the evidence turn in table placed the data crystal on it in front of the officer sitting at the table. He said, "This is the legitimate data crystal, Major MacKenzie and I placed an identifier mark that only the two of us knew what to look for on it just before coming here." The real data crystal was taken and secured.

The fake data crystal was collected and placed into another evidence bag and logged. Commander Rabb watched everything carefully to make sure no more shenanigans took place.

As this was happening order was restored to the chamber as Chairperson Maistroff threatened to force the room to be emptied out. With order finally restored Major Sarah MacKenzie stood up and loudly said while pointing to where Commander Rabb was making sure that the real data crystal was taken care of, "Senators, we would like the camera footage that was just turned in viewed by this body immediately. That someone in this room, apparently a Humans First member that has up till now evaded detection would attempt to switch out a legitimate piece of evidence during this hearing is highly irregular. I'm sure that a thorough investigation will begin looking into how this person was able to evade detection and how he was able to make this attempt at perverting justice. Given what has just happened, on behalf of Admiral Sterling, we must insist on the playing of this footage immediately so that there can be no doubt to the veracity and authenticity of this footage."

Surprisingly Senator Morgan Clark spoke, "I agree with the Major, I think it would be best to watch this footage at once given what has just happened."

A couple Senators glanced over at Senator Clark in surprise. Miriya glanced over at Senator Clark herself to study his face for a moment but he was giving nothing away. One of the Senators appeared as if they were going to object to the Major's motion but now they couldn't because Senator Clark just agreed with Major MacKenzie's motion.

Satisfied with the measures being taken now, Commander Rabb returned to the table and sat back down next to Miriya who gave his arm a squeeze and whispered, "Thank you, that was some excellent work Commander. Your eyes were sharp."

Harmon Rabb whispered back with a small grin, "You're welcome Admiral, just doing my job."

Committee chairperson Maistroff banged his gavel and said, "Very well we will watch the footage first." He looked over to where the media station was at and said, "When you're ready, you may start."

The room darkened slightly and the holographic projector began to play the video footage of the incident that took place on the dead world where Admiral Sterling and the marine squad rescued the IPX expedition. Of particular interest was the interactions with the one man who'd been left behind, Jason Zimmerman.

Finally the lights came back on and a fifteen minute recess was called for by one of the Senators and the chairperson granted it. Miriya and her JAG lawyers left to take a few minutes to talk about what questions might be asked now that the footage had been seen. As much as Miriya wanted to be with Aurora, she couldn't due to the fact that her daughter would be called in to give testimony and answer questions after her. All she could do was give her daughter a reassuring smile and a wave. Miriya felt good when her daughter smiled and waved back.

When the recess was about to end, Miriya and her legal team returned to their seats at the witness table. The Senators returned and sat back down and the hearing was brought back into session.

Senator Maistroff, the Chairperson announced, "Senator Rommel, your time on the clock has not yet started, you may begin."

The Senator, a Human woman that had graying hair with the last name on the placard in front of her saying "Rommel" began, "Admiral Sterling, could you explain to this Committee why you left Jason Zimmerman, a citizen of Earth Alliance behind to die on the world of PXE-J47?"

Miriya looked at the gray haired woman for several seconds before answering, "Senator, I didn't leave him on the planet, I gave Mister Zimmerman every opportunity to board the shuttle and evacuate with everyone else, he moved away from his colleagues and my personnel. He made no effort to make an attempt to leave with us even after it was revealed that the Minbari were on their way to attack the dig site. Once I had informed Mister Zimmerman that the Minbari were coming, he accused me of lying. Attempts at convincing him were not successful. However he did attempt to talk to his colleagues and convince them to stay behind. Now, had any of his colleagues had listened, they would be dead too."

Senator Rommel followed up her question with another by asking, "Admiral Sterling, we have watched the video footage and all I have a question. When you saw that Mister Zimmerman had a Humans First pin on display, why did you not have the Marines take him into custody right away?"

Miriya took a drink of water from the glass that she had in front of her then calmly answered, "My first priority was to get the people, all the people that were there loaded onto the evacuation shuttle that was there. Unfortunately, the majority of the people were back at the main camp as Mister Zimmerman managed to convince them to not want to evacuate even though that was the reason I was there. Once the people were safe I would have ordered his arrest and the arrest of the three other men that were wearing Humans First pins."

The Senator responded, "You should have arrested him immediately, if you had him arrested that man would be alive right now."

Miriya flatly looked at the woman Senator and said, "Was there a question there Senator?"

The Senator asked, "Why didn't you drag Mister Zimmerman onto the shuttle during the evacuation in the same manner you had dragged your own daughter aboard the shuttle?"

Miriya had her hands folded on the table and calmly answered, "If you had been paying attention to the footage Senator, Mister Zimmerman was given every chance to board the shuttle and he chose to move away from his colleagues and coworkers as well as my marines when I told him that I wouldn't allow him to do anything to block the evacuation. I gave him the same opportunity to board the shuttle with his colleagues. Time was a factor madam Senator, the Minbari fighters were en route as at least one had made it through Lightning Squadron's intercept and we had little time to stick around and chase after one man."

The woman Senator identified as Rommel asked, "Admiral Sterling, did you use your rank to arrange this rescue mission? That this rescue mission that you led was mainly to get your own daughter to safety and that the rest of the IPX expedition was just a fortunate circumstance?

Miriya replied, "The mission was authorized by General Lefcourt madam Senator. Since time was a factor, using a Hyperion or a Nova to get to PXE-J47 was not feasible. Only a Robotech warship would have been able to get there in time and there was an available warship to take the mission."

Senator Rommel made a face then asked, "Was this a mission just to rescue your child that you subverted into an authorized mission?"

Miriya answered with a flat look, "The mission was authorized by General Robert Lefcourt Senator. The Mission Deployment order shows that the EAS Agamemnon was deployed to rescue the IPX expedition on PXE-J47. Given the fact that the Minbari have hunted down Humanity on worlds that we've tried to hide on, I believed that the group of IPX scientists to be in extreme danger especially as they had no ship to evacuate to since they foolishly did not evacuate with the rest of their expedition when the last ship had left. The after action report reflects the same. That my daughter was a part of the expedition was incidental."

Senator Rommel pressed, "You seemed very concerned to get her on the shuttle Admiral."

Miriya took a sip of water then answered with the same direct look, "I'm a mother, I admit that I wanted to make sure she got on board that shuttle and was safe. But, I made every effort to get everyone on the IPX team aboard the shuttle. That Mister Zimmerman decided to nominate himself for a Darwin Award and subsequently won that Darwin Award is not my concern. Time was a factor with the Minbari fighters inbound to our position. We had to get out of there immediately. Basically Senator, it boiled down to the needs of the many out weigh the needs of the few or the one. The needs of getting the civilians, my marines, and my Veritech squadron to safety were more important than chasing down one man that clearly had no desire to live."

There was a lot of murmurings and more than a few chuckles and chortles when Miriya mentioned 'that Mister Zimmerman won a Darwin Award'. A few Senators were among those that joined in the small bout of laughter while a few other Senators were not pleased at that remark and it could be seen on their faces. Miriya was calm as she took another sip of water from the glass she was using.

Senator Rommel was definitely one of the Senators not laughing but before she could say anything the Chairperson banged their gavel and announced, "Senator Rommel, your time is up, Senator Walters, your turn."

Senator Walters, another woman, dark skinned with dark brown hair, very large in frame said, "That you would callously say those words...that a citizen you took an oath to protect…" She paused, looking furious as if trying to get her temper under control. "Darwin award!? You should be ashamed of yourself Admiral!"

Miriya looked flatly at the Senator and cut in. "Well, I do believe there is a saying, do stupid things, win stupid prizes. I gave him every opportunity to save himself, it's his own fault he didn't take it."

Senator Walters smacked her hand in front of her. "Admiral Sterling, that is enough! A family is grieving because of your callous actions!"

Miriya stood up, Major MacKenzie and Commander Rabb tried to pull her back down. "You're right, it's enough. That our citizens are being slaughtered like sheep by an enemy that our military was no match for until now. Our military up till now unable to fight back, and I mounted a rescue mission that NO ONE had any clue that civilians were in harms way. Had I done nothing, those civilians would be dead. You realize that right?" She looked at every single Senator. There were flashes as pictures were taken of Miriya standing tall while glaring and lecturing the Senate committee.

Miriya continued talking, "Every one of those civilians would be dead had I not taken the lead and led that rescue mission. That we are in this room wasting time over the death of one man who died because of his own stupidity shows the citizens of Earth Alliance that the rich and powerful can call in favors simply because they have a power and hold on people such as you because they paid money to buy you and quite simply, you can't say no to them because you owe them."

Senator Walter's face was turning darker as Miriya was speaking. Major MacKenzie and Commander Rabb were trying to get Miriya to sit down and stop talking but Miriya was not having it. She looked around and said, "I am too old to put up with this bullshit. I have fought in many battles before I met and married my husband and turned against my own people to fight for Humanity, may God rest his soul." She paused, and blinked back tears at the thought of her soulmate.

Getting herself under control she continued, "None of you were born when the Rain of Death happened. I have fought for, bled, almost died for Humanity multiple times and you have the audacity to call me to task because the adult child of ONE rich civilian died? You all have some sense of brains, it should be completely obvious. This man, this Jason Zimmerman was responsible for his own life and he is dead because he was stupid. That should be the final conclusion of this hearing."

The room was silent. Miriya looked at Senator Walters and said, "I have answered your questions, I have given you my statement and you have seen the footage. I have nothing more to say about this topic. Now, I have a fleet to prepare for battle. My fleet is to strike against another Minbari world in less than a day, so if you'll excuse me I have a job to do."

Miriya grabbed her things and left the witness table and walked out of the room just as the Senators started coming to their senses.

Senator Walters started screeching, "Admiral Sterling, get back here! I'm not through with you! Get back here Admiral!"

Miriya didn't listen she walked out of the room and as she walked out the crowd stood up and started applauding and cheering her. Someone started chanting her name "Miriya!" and it quickly caught on and the entire gallery was chanting her name as she walked out of the room and the people in the audience gallery kept chanting her name until Chairperson Maistroff had enough. Banging his gavel he loudly declared, "I want this chamber cleared right now and we will take a ten minute recess so that order can be restored."

Senate security began moving in to have the crowd leave the chambers while the Senators got up and walked out through their entrance. Miriya's lawyers stood up and picked up their things and walked out another entrance.

Commander Rabb looked at his colleague Major MacKenzie and let out a small whistle. "Well Mac, you were right. This hearing was short."

Major MacKenzie huffed and replied, "I didn't expect it to go like this."

A Senate staff member, specifically from Senator Maistroff's staff walked up to the two lawyers with a sheet of paper and said, "The Chairperson is issuing another subpoena for Admiral Sterling to testify."

Commander Rabb took the paper and together he and his colleague looked at it and sure enough it was another subpoena for Miriya to return to testify at another hearing, this time it was scheduled for tomorrow.

Major MacKenzie looked up and said, "The Admiral's going to be in combat tomorrow. We'll need to reschedule her appearance date."

"The Senator wants her here tomorrow.", the staff member turned and left leaving the two lawyers with shocked expressions.

"C'mon Mac, looks like we have work to do.", Commander Rabb said.

"Right. I'm with you Harm.", Major MacKenzie said.

The two JAG lawyers started moving through the hall to do whatever they could to either squash the subpoena or to get Miriya's appearance rescheduled. Both of them knew it was going to be difficult.

Author Note: I just want to say that writer's block sucks. It just does. The muse kicked me out of the car and went for a ride while leaving me stranded and once in a while it calls from some pay phone and gives me a few words to type up. Attempts at catching the muse for longer writing time have been unsuccessful so I have no idea when the next chapter will be coming.