This is a very auspicious occasion for me, the end of this chapter had brought the total Unbeta'd version of Consequences of Actions to over one full megabyte of text after nine months of writing this story. Consequently this chapter is longer and more involved than usual, hope you like it.
This is the first time I have ever written a story that has ever made it to this amount of data and I'm very happy that people have been friendly and supportive enough to make me want to write this.
So thanks to Skeet/AlbertG, Spartan, Tyr, Chris O'Farrell, Ed Beccara, Lightning Count, Inquisitor, Urgo, Hyperion and anyone else from Spacebattles that have supported me in this endeavour.
Next Stop TEN THOUSAND WORDS.(hopefully within next few chapters)
Chapter 25
"Ooh shit.. Umm. Hide!"
Secure Docking station
EA Space Station One
Earth Orbit
Earth Alliance
The Achilles settled into a parking orbit close to the station. The area was busy much busier than the docks around Io station or Beta Durani, fighters, shuttles tugs and small warships flitted around the massive construct looming over them. Like all Alliance battle stations the station was made up of a trio of immense wheel-shaped O'Neill Class habitats.
The surrounding area was clear of anything above the size of an Olympus. However the station and surrounding orbit was encased in a layer of Orbital Satellite Weapons systems known as the GOD system. That was something many aboard figured could be of serious use in their own universe.
"What are you reading on those things?"
Davis looked over the scans from the sensor station, the Global Orbital Defense satellite systems were in no way covered by ECM systems to even remotely confuse enemy scans. Given the sensitivity and range of Minbari weapons and scanners this was an obvious way to make them cheaper and easier to make in large amounts- something that would be necessary for the Inner colonies as the Minbari got closer.
"Very Heavy form of Plasma Cannon, mid range but very powerful- possibly enough to damage our own shields. Nuclear and heavy explosive missiles in multiple ranks on port and starboard sides of the main cannon plus a pair of smaller pulse cannons, possibly for anti fighter or ordinance work. Colonel these things could cripple a Ha'tak in a single volley."
"I have got to be me one of these," Murmured on of the ship's pilots as he cracked a grin at his cohort.
"Hold your course Lt," said Taylor as she looked at the information covering the screens,
"Your right however. These would be of use for planetary defences back home. A few upgrades and we'd be able to hit incoming ships before they got near us. Anything else Major?"
"There are several hundred in Orbit several layers deep and it seems more are under construction," he frowned slightly. "That's odd."
"Major?"
"Some of these weapons sats are more powerful and up to date. Some seem to hold railguns and sensor systems, our own technology aboard their satellites. There also seem to be some with heavier pulse and laser weapons. Not Many however but enough."
"With luck they will be effective against the Minbari if they get this far."
"I believe they will be."
"Sir?" the helmsman interrupted. We're getting a beacon. We've got clearance to dock straight ahead, looks big too."
"Major?"
"Heavily armoured and defended Sir, looks like they are pulling out the stops for us."
"How so?"
"Because from these readings this is the Presidential docking bay and the President's ship is in the dock as well. Sir, the dock isn't part of the main structure, the bay won't have gravity as it's not spinning."
The docking port ahead of them was well lit and while large and cavernous was also heavily armoured and defended by an assortment of ships including a full squadron of Starfuries at strategic points in the area. Inside the main dock a large stationary spaceship painted blue and white sat to one side a docking platform and lift next to it, a second docking port sat on the other side of the platform.
Getting closer it was possible to see that the ship was a highly modified Nova class warship. However it was unarmed except for twice the usual amount of interceptors and an expanded fighter bay. On the side it was possible to read the legend- Earthforce One.
"Presidential transport alright, a modified warship as well."
"Slightly safer than a civilian model, I'd think," said Davis. "We've being waved in,Sir."
"Very well." She hit a switch on her chair. "All hands this is the Captain, report to docking stations, repeat all hands to docking stations. Helm take us in."
"Aye, Sir."
The Achilles main engines shut down allowing the smaller reaction thrusters across the hull to bring it into a straight line with the main dock allowing the ship an easy dock with the facility. A quad of vacuum sealed tubes pushed out from the dock as the main doors to the bay slammed shut sending a slight shudder throughout the ship and the docking facilities it was attached to.
"Sir, the bay is zero gravity and I'm not reading atmosphere- this isn't a drydock Sir."
"Thank you. Scanners, Major?"
"All airlocks are pressurised Colonel, airlocks on their side are opened and are awaiting out own."
"Open the main locks but keep the others shut for the moment," replied Taylor
"Aye, Sir."
"Well Major let's go and say howdy to our hosts."
"Aye, Sir." He smiled slightly.
On the other side of the platform a half dozen security officers were suspended in mid air as they awaited the arrival of the Ship's officers. Looking up at the ship's airlock they saw the Achilles' main lower airlock open up allowing four crewmembers to leave the ship.
"Permission to come aboard," said a male voice.
"Permission granted Sir, please come through." The guard looked at his PDA to check the faces of the officers coming through. "Major Davis, I'm Lt Connelly welcome to Earth Station One."
"Thank you Lt, this is Colonel Taylor Ship's Commander and Sgts Thomson and Gardiner ship's Marine Contingent."
"Sir, Sgts, please come with me the President is expecting you."
"Thank you," Davis responded.
The four Achilles crewmembers were escorted by the security team to a lift. Strapping down they were warned that they would soon enter a positive gravity situation as they passed from the main dock to the rotating wheel of the station.
Awaiting the team as they moved through were a large congregation of troops and civilians awaiting their arrival. The lift ceased movement as it slipped into the rotating wheel of the station and came to a stop at a large airlock in front of the assembled group.
"Now Arriving, Colonel Joanna Davis, United States Air Force, Major Paul Davis, United States Air Force and military escort."
A Midshipman Piped the Two officers aboard. "Ladies and Gentlemen, President Marie Crane, president of the Earth Alliance." A petite brown haired woman approached the Air force officers, an aura of power and an obvious weariness surrounded her.
"Colonel It's nice to meet you at last. Welcome to the Earth Alliance."
"Madam President," Joanna replied.
"Please walk this way."
"I'm sorry it's taken so long for us to finally get to Earth to meet with you Ma'am," Davis Said as they walked alongside the President and her staff.
"That's quite alright Major, I'm aware of your help against the Minbari at Beta Durani and your stopover at Io Station. I have already met with your pilot Lt Silverston when he came to Earth but it is still nice to meet you both and I look forward to seeing others of your crew."
"If you would like Madam President, we will be able to show you around the Achilles once everything is on order here. Major Davis will be our liaison to the Earth Alliance when we start negotiations. I'm sure he would be willing to help you out."
"Of course, Colonel Madam President."
"Thank you both."
The combined members of the Achilles crew, the guards and the members of the Earth Senate walked through the main concourse into the station proper. Little small talk was exchanged between the two factions as they walked past a series of massive view ports, both Davis and Taylor slowed a little to see the view.
"It's still impressive even now," The man next to the president said, a Senator Santiago if Taylor remembered correctly. "I've been coming and going from earth for twenty years Colonel and I still sometimes just like to stand and watch."
"My apologies Senator I just wasn't expecting this view," she replied. "We don't have a space station like this back home, we only see through the viewports or the monitors, it's quite startling."
They turned away and rejoined their escort unabashed at their actions. The President nodded to both having done so herself a number of times, the rest of the journey was quiet and uneventful as they made their way to the meeting rooms.
Briefing Room 3
Presidential offices
EA Station One
The briefing room had obviously been rearranged from its original set up to allow the room to be used for a presidential reception. A groups of tables were set up along the side of the room where all kinds of drinks and food were set up from basic human finger foods to wines and beers, to foreign delicacies such as Centauri Bravari and strangely enough a large tray of Swedish Meatballs.
The room was host to human diplomats, guards and most unlikely, a contingent of Narn warriors and Centauri diplomats sat in two opposite sides of the room separated by the massed human contingent from the Alliance and the outer colonies.
"Colonel, Major; welcome to the Earth Alliance," the President spoke. "I apologise for the overly extravagant reception however we couldn't persuade the Centauri and Narn to leave you alone," she said Sotto Voice. "However please come in and meet the diplomatic parties, the sooner it's over the better."
"Yes Ma'am," grinned the Colonel.
The first stop had been to the main tables where the two officers were able to get their hands on a pair of drinks. They knew before this was over they may need more than the bottles they had to hand. The two Sgts left their charges and retreated to the edges of the room next to their cohorts from the other powers having had to give up their side arms at the door much as everyone else had had to.
Funny thing with Marines is that even after having their firearms taken from them by the Alliance Secret Service, they stood by ready to fight off the others in the room if necessary. No marine is ever unarmed and these men were no different it's only that the two of them still had a multitude of hand weapons about their persons.
"Ahh Madam President, it is good to see you again. These must be the newcomers, yes?"
"Indeed Ambassador Mollari. Allow me to introduce you to Colonel Joanna Taylor and Major Paul Davis of the Air Force Vessel Achilles."
"Ambassador." Davis Nodded.
"Ambassador," said Taylor, a second later.
"On behalf of the Centauri Republic, welcome to this area of space."
"Thank you, Sir," said Davis. "We believe that the Centauri are responsible for the ability of the humans of this area of space to explore space."
"Yes Indeed, your friends the humans were thought to be an older and lost planet belonging to the Centauri. We were wrong, however, it allowed us to make new friends and allies that we need. Humans are an interesting species, yes?"
"I like to think so. Being human myself I think we're interesting."
"Yes I heard that you and your ship are human built. However where exactly are you from?"
"I'm not sure myself Ambassador, we got lost while in hyperspace and we came out near Earth Alliance Space, then something strange happened. We were attacked seconds after coming out of hyperspace by the Minbari- they've attacked us several times for no real reason."
"Yes they do seem to have something against all humans, no matter where they are from," said a new voice.
"Colonel, Major, this is G'Kar of the Narn Kah'Ri, Ambassador to the Earth Alliance."
"Greetings to you both. We have heard much of your exploits here even out in the Narn Regime it is impressive that you have been so willing to help your fellow humans against an enemy that you know nothing about." G'Kar grinned widely. "Indeed, it is the talk of the entire League of Non-Aligned worlds as well as the other major powers all across the surrounding sectors."
"We were attacked for no reason except we're human Ambassador, and the old human adage is 'My enemy's enemy is my friend'. The Alliance helped us and in return we helped them with what they needed which was an ally against the Minbari . Simple as that," Taylor Said.
"Gentlemen please, let's let the good Colonel and a Major meet the others first. you will have a chance to interrogate them later ok?" The President smiled. "Your attachés will have to get in contact with Earthdome however I'm sure it won't be a problem."
"It should be fine," replied Davis
"Thank you both."
The two men merely bowed to the three human representatives and walked away to their own groups, the Centauri speedily making his departure to the amusement of the Narn.
"Sorry about that," Crane Said.
"No problem Madam President, we're used to it by now."
"Really?"
"Yes, and it doesn't get any easier," Taylor said. "For Paul more so than me."
"Major?"
"I was formally with the pentagon staff attached to a highly classified project as a liaison. As such I was responsible for a great many receptions and information gathering proceedings involving the project and those races and cultures we came into contact with. Some were harder and some were easier."
"I'm not surprised, diplomacy can be a cruel game. I'm surprised they allowed such a useful officer to transfer to an operational ship."
"The Achilles was on her shakedown cruise. Several of the crew are there just for that shakedown, I was one of them. Once we return I'll be retransferred to the Pentagon and back to by former post."
"That is a shame. The Achilles seems like a fine vessel."
"She is, however my rank and posting precludes me from commanding a vessel at this point in time. There are several command level officers ahead of me in the line for all the ships in the fleet."
"Madam Presiden," a Voice interrupted. "My apologies for interrupting, we require your presence at Command and Control," a tall middle aged staff officer spoke to the president. "Please come this way."
"Sorry about this Colonel, Major."
"Quite alright Madam President." Taylor nodded and smiled back. The President smiled back and left the room quickly on the heels of the staff officer.
"Excuse me Colonel." The two turned around to see another Senator behind them. "I don't believe we've been introduced, Senator Morgan Clark, nice to meet you both."
The two Officers nodded and shook the hand of the officious Senator all the while the fighter pilot's debriefing come into mind about the officials he had met while on the planet's surface none had stuck into their mind more so than the report about this man. The erstwhile Lt had not trusted this man one inch during his meeting. The fact that the man had had several others in the room with him while the Lt was talking with him made the pilot much more uncomfortable than he should have been. The belief that the Senator had had several of these so called Psi-Corps officers around him had made the Lt take care with anything he said or thought, although the fact the telepath had run from the room throwing up and bleeding had been an interesting view for the pilot. Even more so was the look that crossed the face of the Senator and his aide at that reaction by the telepath, a look that would have been missed by most people.
"Senator, nice to meet you. Lt Silverston asked us to inquire about a young lady who was taken ill during his tour here a few days ago."
Something flickered in the Senator's eyes but his face stayed still, something that did not go unnoticed by the keen eyes of the Air force officers.
"She is quite well," Clark announced. "The poor dear has been ill lately some form of brain disease that is fortunately non transferable. I'm keeping her on until she is able to function once more, allowing her to work to keep herself occupied. I shall inform her that the Lt has been asking about her, I believe she will be delighted."
"Thank you Senator. That is kind of you in both cases." Davis ever the Diplomat.
"That is quite alright Major, it is the least I can do for people that have served me so well for so long, excuse me." The Ssenator walked away the smile slipping off as he turned away from the guests and walked out of the main door."
"Joanna, one of these days your mouth is going to get us both in trouble."
"From that guy? He's harmless."
Earthforce Situation room
EA Station One
Earth Orbit
Several minutes later
The Situation room was a massive construct taking up close to a half square kilometer of station surface. The room was the orbital section of EarthForce's deployment and tactical suite linked directly with the suites in Geneva and Proxima at all times. Hundreds of crewmen and officers sat or stood at their stations on all sides co-ordinating with their opposites at the other sites.
Above them along one wall stood a situational map that showed the full extent of EarthForce ships and stations across the entire Alliance and beyond. As of now, along three quarters of the map thick blue lines intersected red lines and large white symbols of the Earth Alliance.
The Alliance was under siege.
"General Tobias."
"Madam President."
"Well, this doesn't look good."
"No Ma'am. According to reports from all forward sectors the Minbari have launched an offensive all along our lines. All of our Mid- range bases are under attack and the task forces and smaller colonies along the front lines are under fire."
The board changed as numbers of ships along those lines were added to the count. Hundreds of Sharlins had been counted, while over a thousand other ships were in position around them all along the lines.
Some areas were devoid of Sharlin or other heavy warships allowing the Alliance ships to wipe them out with few losses, thanks to the weapons and scanner systems developed from the Achilles' technology.
"What is the status of all Alliance forces?"
"Every active forward fleet is on the lines. We've scattered forces around the Alliance, task forces working up or in transfer and those under refit for battle damage or upgrades."
"How many have the upgrades?"
"Every Station bar Wolf 359 has been upgraded to the new specs and thirty percent of all ships have the ability to see the enemy ships. However the Minbari outnumber our vessels by two to one and the Swacs are not as useful as anticipated. We've barely the ships to hold."
"What about the inner systems defence fleets?"
"We've dispatched elements from the inner fleets and the League borders. It's unlikely that we'll have any problems from that quarter while the Minbari are on the move. We've been unable to remove ships from the Ch'lonas Border however due to intermittent attacks from that side of the Alliance."
"What's on that border?"
"Mostly older ships, Tethys, Avengers, massive wings of Nova Starfuries and first run Hyperions, anything we could scrounge out of the boneyards at Proxima."
The screen changed to the areas of space where the alliance borders mixed with that of the Ch'lonas Imperium and Koulani Directorate. Where there was once large concentrations of new and powerful Earthforce warships now sat small streams of aging warships, many on their last legs.
"What is the condition of the Home Fleet?"
"By orders of Earthdome the Fleet is still intact just awaiting orders."
The President looked at the boards reading their numbers as the Minbari ship's made further inroads into the Alliance territory. They needed help and needed it quickly. As the President, she had the power to make decisions that many would not make and others would not like. In this instance she believed was right on both counts.
"Send them."
"Ma'am."
"There are over two hundred ships sitting in the Inner colonies doing nothing. I know that many want to fight to stop the Minbari and I'm letting them. Send the Sol fleet and anything else you can from both Sol and Proxima. We have to hold the Minbari back.
"Yes Ma'am," the General said satisfied at the President's answer. "Lt, send a message to EAS Lexington, You are a go, all ships are cleared for departure."
"Aye, Sir."
The President looked at the General with a slight smirk on her face and her arms folded, Tobias just looked back at her.
"You knew what I was going to do, didn't you?"
"I guessed ,Madam President, that's all." He shrugged.
The conversation was interrupted by a call from one of the command centre's communications areas. A young Ensign probably straight from the Academy was stood up looking at them.
"Sir, we're receiving communications from Task Force Galapagos at Beta Durani."
"Put it on."
"This is the EAS Nautilus to Earthforce command do you read?"
"This is Earth Station one, Go ahead," the Ensign replied.
"Sir the Minbari are hitting us hard. We've lost the outer defence stations and a third of the fleet. The Minbari aren't holding back this time Command."
"Captain Smith, this is General Tobias, where is General Hague?"
"Durani station has lost communications Sir, combination of damage and those damned Minbari jammers we're barely transmitting ourselves."
"Captain Smith this is The President. Can you hold them?"
"Ma'am, it's possible. They are taking a hell of a lot more casualties than we are at the moment. The fixed defences are holding them at bay, however the SWACS is losing effectiveness across the fleet. Sir, our systems just aren't holding the locks like the Achilles did."
"Keep them back Captain. Three Task forces have been dispatched to Durani sector they will be their in thirteen hours."
"We'll try Sir, Nautilus out."
EAS Nautilus
Beta Durani Task force
Beta Durani
Same time
The ship rocked as a fusion blast pierced a Starfury that was in turn chasing a Nial. Its own fire blew the enemy fighter apart even as the Sharlin killed it, the explosion of its reactor causing the much larger Nova to rock slightly. In retaliation the Nova let loose a full barrage from it's forward weapons into the main hull of the approaching leviathan,. The Plasma bursts burned through the hull and into the main ship itself causing hull breaches and atmospheric loss across the entire ship. Undeterred the Minbari let loose another blast from its nose mounted Neutron cannon hulling the Nova.
"We've a hull breach lower decks section thirteen through nineteen and twenty six."
"Seal them off; keep firing on that bastard."
"Weapons firing. Sir, interceptors are back online."
"Give that ship everything we have."
"Aye, Sir."
The plasma bolts and interceptor fire peppered the Minbari ship causing widespread damage and blowing off the forward weapons modules. The power already set to fire exploded, blowing the entire forward section of the Sharlin apart. The fighters from both sides surrounding the ship were caught by the explosion many being killed outright by the energy and radiation exposure.
"Sir?"
"Kill It."
Every weapon that could fire forward fired simultaneously in an alpha strike totally gutting the Minbari ship and blowing it apart. Its interceptors hammering into the fighters making a run on it's own fighter wing.
"Target destroyed. Two Minbari escort ships coming in."
"Where?"
"Port side, 224 mark 3."
"Ready weapons."
"Incoming fire."
"Interceptors."
While the interceptors were of immense use against all kinds of plasma and pulse weapons they were of lesser use against the Minbari fusion and Neutron weapons. However the constant fire in their area could freak the targeting scanners of even the Minbari ships, causing a loss of target lock.
"Enemy lock intercepted Sir. They are charging their fusion cannons."
"Target?"
"Targets locked, Sir."
"Fire."
The Minbari warships came in fast and hard at the Nova, one to a side both port and starboard. While the turreted plasma cannons aboard the Alliance ships could not move fast enough to accurately track the small ships, the newly Installed railguns were more than fast enough. Hidden from sight by the mass and energy readings of the reactors and firing chambers of the weapons systems dozens of small railguns bigger and much more potent than the Achilles based railguns swung into action.
Hundreds of rounds per second fired from the sides of the Nova class directly into the path of the fast paced Minbari escort ships, unable to move out of the way or simply caring more about killing the Nova class ship both Minbari ships were peppered by solid projectiles firing at close to half the speed of light.
Much like their brethren at the last battle of Beta Durani the ships shattered under fire. Their armour was seen to be breaking and shearing off into the void, opening up the internals of the small warships. More and more rounds penetrated into the inner hull blowing through the corridors and bulkheads and out the other side. The two ships simply came apart like a jigsaw falling out of its frame. The reactors exploded annihilating much of the debris as it rushed past the Nautilus.
"Minbari ships still coming Sir, heading for the main fleet concentration."
"Position."
"Position beta Sir, right in front of the docks."
Gotcha "Communications, contact the shipyards. Codeword is Breaker."
"Aye Sir. Dockyards responding Breaker, breaker."
The dockyards as a whole were made up of girders and piping. Sections such as airtight docks and pressurised personnel areas were also seen by the causal observer. The attack by the Minbari had sent the entire working population scattering to the station, or planetside. Usually these docks were completely defenceless and dedicated only to building ships. They relied on friendly ships, planetary and system defences to hold the enemy at bay keeping them away from the valuable and vulnerable docks and their ships under construction.
With the Dilgar and Minbari wars, it was decided to equip the docks with interceptors and standard particle beam weapons against the fighters that could and likely would penetrate this far into any Alliance command station. However because of the Minbari, alternate plans had been put together thanks to the newfound ability to see through to the Minbari and acquire target locks.
From more than two dozen berths plasma, pulse and missile fire ripped out from the darkened shipyards impacting against the Minabri warships. A second and third salvo followed from those same berths followed by streams of Starfuries and lastly two dozen half completed warships.
Nova Dreadnaughts, Hyperion Cruisers, and Olympus corvettes cruised out from their berths firing again and again into the surprised ranks of enemy ships. Amny of the enemy ships were crippled or outright destroyed. A huge amount of the Minbari's smaller units were cut in half.
The Minbari replied in kind. Their powerful fusion cannons oreinto the heavy armour of the Novas damaging several of the human ships while annihilating the smaller Corvettes and Cruisers.
"Breaker units are engaged sir, Reinforcements are coming from the fighter bays sir six squadrons of Starfuries all armed, Sir."
"Send them to the break units, they need more cover, Fleet Status?"
"Coming through now Sir, it's bad."
"How bad?" he asked.
"Initial estimates confirmed Sir. One third to half the fleet are disabled or destroyed. The entire outer defence perimeter is trashed as well. Reports are more than twenty of the largest of the fleetyards are destroyed with others damaged. The Breaker units are moving to reengage." The look on the Ensign's face changed. "SIR! They're after the Nova X docks."
The viewscreen on the Captain's console changed as he brought up a view from the ship's visual scanners. The view was grim as a half dozen heavy warships guarding the Nova Docks were annihilated by the encroaching Minbari ships.
"Dammit, Helm bring us around, all local ships congregate on the Nova X Docks. They can not be allowed to destroy those ships or the yards."
"Aye Sir, all ships responding."
The massive Nova Dreadnaught turned ponderously around, heading for the massed Minbari ships pushing towards the lightly defended Nova X yards and their precious cargoes. All around them Hyperions, Olympus class corvettes and Starfury squadrons formed up and attacked. From this range only the missiles from the smaller ships and the fighters could be sure of hitting the Minbari ships.
"Durani Station has locks on everything."
"All fighters break and attack."
A dozen Starfury squadrons broke ranks and went after the Minbari warships, missiles flashing from their fuselage crossing the distance in seconds and impacting across the flanks of a dozen ships. Railcannon and missile fires lanced from the Olympus Corvettes supporting the fighters.
Minbari Nials turned to intercept the numerous Starfuries and their escorting warships as they came in, the Nova X defences pouring what little fire they could into the forward units of the Minbari task force.
Missiles and projectiles impacted the Minbari from two sides as more and more of the smaller and faster ships charged towards the warcruisers and their escorts. Hundreds of rounds from railguns, pulse cannons and missile launchers were exchanged, many missing or being intercepted by the Minbari counterfire.
However the fire was massed enough to kill more than half of the smaller ships and cripple two of the massive warcruisers before the Sharlins could move out of the way. High explosive missiles blew holes in one cruiser's drive fins causing it to lose control and spin out of formation.
-Straight into the Nova X Docks.
"Oh my God." Captain Smith looked ashen as he saw the damage to crash had done to the Nova docks.
The lowermost of the six docks had been shattered by the collision. A partially completed ship was blown apart by the collision with the Minbari warship. The fins sheared off by the collision sliced open the third and forth docks crippling both ships and killing everyone inside the bays. By some luck or fortune the Minbari's main reactor did not explode in the collision leaving the rest of the complex intact albeit damaged by flying debris from the three damaged docks.
"Sir, the Minbari are disengaging from our lines. They've leaving."
"All ships you get a shot HIT THEM."
The Minbari ships pulled away more than half their number destroyed by the defences of the dockyards and the ships dedicated to it's defence. The retreating ships were attacked from behind and the front by ships that had already been out system when the attack began.
The crossfire killed more than half of the remaining Minbari attempting to escape causing more damage to the others in the fleeing group from debris and reactor explosions. Fighters attempted to draw fire from the incoming forces but were all but ignored by the larger ships, allowing the few remaining Starfury squadrons to take them on.
Minbari Flagship Drala Fi
Refit Shargotti Warcruiser
Beta Durani Warfleet
With the return of the Drala Fi after the failed attack against Beta Durani it was decided that the newest Shargotti off of the Worker's shipyards would be renamed in honour of the crippled warship. The refit warship was a redesign dedicated to the oncoming war against the shadows and their thralls, much like the war refit Sharlins that had become a staple in the Minbari battlefleets over the course of the War against the Earthers. Now this Shargotti refit was to replace those heavy warships already in service either by new builds, or by a full refit after the end of the War.
Now for the second time, a Drala Fi was forced to run from an outnumbered and inferior force of Earth ships. Their losses were just too great to have anything more than a Pyrrhic victory against the Earthers.
"All ships retreat."
The Shai Alyt of the Drala Fi had replaced his Satai as the ship's Commander. His forces were stronger and larger than those Sharonn had commanded those few weeks ago. However they were not enough, a great many more ships and defences had been erected around the Station and its forces. The surprise attack from the dockyards and from the ships in the outer system was something they had not expected and many of their best ships had been destroyed by the traitorous and dishonourable attack from those quarters. More ships had been lost from these actions and now there was little choice other than to escape with what forces he still could gather.
"Shai Alyt, Enemy ships are retreating."
"What?"
"They are pulling back, regrouping around their Shipyards and command station. Their fighters are also pulling back."
"They are letting us go," the Alyt said.
"Shai Alyt?" the XO asked.
"The humans are letting us retreat, allowing us to save our honour from our defeat."
"The humans do not know the concept of a Minbari's honour."
"Yet they let us leave. All ships pull back and ready to leave."
"Yes, Alyt."
"Communications, send a message to the Humans in their main language, tell them… Tell them. Thank you."
"Alyt."