NOTES: In the story 'The Conversation' which as just come out as an independent addition to the 'Universe' and 'Ruination War' series I said I would address the questions and comments here. So, okay folks. Relax get coffee or (like myself, hot chocolate) and get ready to read.
First, I will not chronicle the Farscape-ST:TNG crossover I have mentioned several times. That was only for the general advancement of the temporal plot and I have not thought much about it at all. The reason for this is because I am in the process of completing the two current stories and preparing for the 'Of Gods and Emissaries' story coming up in 2005. That is a B5-Stargate (not SG-1 even though a few elements will be in there-what I am not saying now) story resulting from the ramifications of the 'Universe' series. If however anyone does want to tackle the story one their own, Ill be more than happy to supply information and details on a basic plot.
The USS Enterprise C and D were sent to B5 SPECIFICALLY AT THAT TIME AND PLACE by Quinn in order to increase the Fed's chances of survival with potential friend in the B5 universe. More details later as both stories progress and join together.
***
Now, the ancients pose a problem for me because every universe has their own group of ancients to deal with. If I remember correctly the ancients in the SG-1 universe are precursors of humans. The ancients of Farscape are aliens as are the B5 and ST ones. I propose not to mix or join them in any fashion or form if I can help it because I would crack under the strain.
As you know this is mainly a ST story located in the B5 universe and because of that, the point of view mainly revolves around the Fed's perception of what's going on. This was a good thing.
But I made a mistake.
I mentioned that in 'Ruinations' the ST universe there originally hailed from a SG-1 version and because of a temporal retaliation, the ST universe was created instead. That little comment has become an unintentional headache for these stories. Realizing the fullness of the trap I set for myself (like two weeks ago) I attempted to correct it. In 'The Conversation' you will notice that I mentioned quantum strata. I will now try to explain this a little more right now.
***
In reality I have no clue as to how the quantum structure of the universe is organized, but in my writings I do propose this: There are 'groupings' of universes joined by a commonality, a similarity if you will, in which things happen in recurring patterns. The ST universe is unique and for the most part isolated from, let's say the B5 universe. Within the ST universe there are quantum variations-clusters (or strata) of different dimensions in which different paths have been taken, hence there are so many stories written by so many authors involving the same characters acting in unique ways.
Now, there are crossovers in which elements from one universe may interact with other universes, but for the most part they remain separate entities. But are exceptions to the rule of quantum strata variations. In the case of 'Ruination' (or 'Evolutions'-same thing), an anomaly occurred. Instead of a normal characteristic ST pattern forming, a SG variation was generated. With the interference of time, the past was reset and what happened is that the SG dimensional anomaly reverted to a standard ST universal variant like all of its relatives in the quantum universal strata it originated from.
I am saying that these alternative universes are NOT from a single original timeline (gotta clear that up), but was a grouping of them existing size by side, originally clustered together, which then spread out to their own unique agendas and variations. All containing similarities with one another but at the same time unique unto themselves. Again I am stressing that the Stargate quantum universe and its variants are not the prime baseline and it is not the baseline for everything here. It is unique and on its own. I'm sure that this is now all cleared up (LOL).
The Goa'uld in my upcoming story will be radically different from anything represented in SG-1. I will follow the SG movie format and I hope you'll enjoy it. No Jack, no Carter, no Daniel, no SGC-as you know them. The quantum universe of B5 is different and although the stargate exists, it-is-not-the-same. Kinsey ended up President, for about a week in this timeline before someone blew him to bits with a missile-and no it wasn't Jack. The history will be presented in the next story by the survivors of the B5 verse.
-Also no Andromeda, anywhere. I cannot that show seriously, especially when I consider that the theme song of Duck Dodgers is better than most of Andromeda's completed episodes.
***
One of the points brought up was the fact that just about every advanced civilization screws up and kills themselves and everyone else off. The T'kon empire was lost-which is ST canon-seemingly joining so many other advanced races in oblivion.
In forbidden Planet, something similar happened. This repeating pattern that Neoseether has observed does seem to be the norm. The question is why? I shall propose this answer. Human history reeks of cultures that start, grow, live, and die. The dinosaurs had their heyday and are now for the most part gone. Stars are born, they live and die. And the History channel seems to back this pattern in human development again and again, quite strongle. My belief is that most writers write this because we, in our hearts, believe this pattern to be close to law. So it reflects our subconscious beliefs that nothing is permanent.
Getting back to the T'kon.
Security among the T'kon was compromised. Logically, one supernova would not have destroyed a star-spanning culture like the T'kon who would have (1) recognized the threat of a natural occurring explosion in their territory, and (2) would not have been seriously affected by one supernova without having a contingency plan with energy that travels less than the speed of light (subspace energy not withstanding). There had to be something else happening. I and one other have suggested that a cluster of stars caused the disaster and that it was sabotage. Not by the Ciona Imperixe but by someone else. The Ciona were affected as well and much of their territories were destroyed and they were essence pushed back and had to star over re-acquiring territory that was lost.
***
As for the different ship designs that I have mentioned in all of the stories…I have not as of yet seriously thought out in detail as to what the different ships look like. For example, I envision the Viper IIIs as a forward swept-winged tri-engine fighter along the designs of the original version. These are missile-carrying fighters that carry the missiles inside as opposed to underneath the carriage. The Cobras are three times the size and are imagined along the lines of the f-18 and f-14 twin-finned American aircraft. But this is as far as I have gotten because I don't have that artistic flair to put into art what I can see within my mind. That will have to go to someone else who has that ability to do. So if you have any ideas who might have 'the gift' let me know and we shall see what we shall see. However I 'do' have a design for the USS Colin Powell conceptualized by Major Diarrhia. The zero point warp core and dual engine design is his and he graciously allowed me to use it.
Hey, Ma: I am glad I made you think. That's what we writers intend for our readers. We need those eyeballs and brains working, even if they don't want to. And now that I have confused everyone even more…on with the story.
Chapter 18
Celebrations Among the Revelations
The homeworld of Narn:
Before the start of the Great War, there had been many who believed that the Centauri had degenerated into a mockery of their former selves. Their species had been in space for nearly a thousand years, almost as long as the Minbari. Only the Minbari and the Vorlons commanded more power. But during that time something had happened to the Centauri. They became complacent, and morally and spiritually corrupted. Now, most conversations revolved around memories of the 'good old days', when they were a race to be respected and feared among all the others. A person unaware of the history would call them weak, and unimportant in the scheme of things. But that would merely show their ignorance.
The culture and attitudes of the Centauri people could be roughly compared to the Roman Empire during the time of the Augustan Caesars. But that that is where the comparisons ended. While mankind was still concerned with wind driven sails to move across the oceans, the Centauri were moving across their solar system. They were aware of other species in the universe and with jumpgate technology they explored their local groups, to the chagrins of the Narn and the Drazi. The Narns, being essentially technological primitives, were quickly defeated and enslaved, while the more advanced Drazi were kept hemmed in by the Centauri. The Republic quickly supplanted and took over their trading routes becoming rich and influential in the process.
But as time passed, the Emperors of old, weakened by strife and internal conflicts, allowed the empire to fall into disrepair. They lost control of Narn and loosened the strangle hold on the Drazi trading routes The people became desponded and unfocused. Many of the smaller powers began to spread their own wings and their influence increased, while the once powerful Centauri Empire's decreased. Emperor Cartagia's mad plans, fueled by the whispers of Shadows, began a new reign of terror. Earth colonies were attack, widening the war. However, there were no more Shadows to give him strength; no more Drakh to help him, and he began to withdraw his forces unto himself. But he chose not to abandon Narn. It was his and no one would take it away.
A dozen Centauri Primus and Vorchan battlecruisers orbited the wasted ruin that the Narn homeworld. That they had won a victory over their ancient adversaries wasn't in doubt. What was now in doubt was if they could keep their hard-won possession. The Narn Regime had put up a pretty good fight but in the end, they really had no chance at all. The Narn technology, that which was stolen from the Centauri, was outdated and inferior to what was possessed by the Centauri. Out of twelve major engagements, the Centauri war machine had decisively won nine of them. Most of the Narn military ships were now crippled or destroyed, their people demoralized and brutalized (for the second time), and their planet ravaged by the illegal use of mass accelerator-class weapons. The cities were all but destroyed; its population at the edge of starvation since precious farmland had also been targeted and ruined. And mass slavery had begun to raise its ugly head. There were many Centauri who jumped at the idea of having their personal Narn servants do their bidding. No one had intentions of giving that most exclusive of privileges up. In orbit, the first of two space stations were being built by Narn slave labor to make sure that no one would keep the Centauri from once more exercising their rightful control of the planet. It was the beginning of a whole new area.
***
The Command staff of the holding force was terrified. Their Emperor had left them alone, light-years away from any support, with standing orders to hold until relieved. General Madero quietly cursed his leader for a fool for trusting the Drakh. The Shadows were a different story. They kept their promises but no one had heard from them for months now, and that frightened him as much as it did Cartagia. The war that secured Narn so quickly had been possible because of Shadow help, but now they were nowhere to be found. Earth Force was spreading like a plague, taking advantage of the lull in the fighting, securing their bases and upgrading their system, preparing to strike. And of course, he couldn't forget about the Minbari. His leader had made too many enemies, too quickly.
Aggravated by his fears, he turned to his subordinate. "Increase the number of guard ships and put us on secured alert."
Perplexed, the captain followed orders. Several addition squads of Centauri fighters eased out of their berths to take their place on guard duty. Silently, the Captain waited for an explanation he knew would be coming. He didn't have to wait long.
"Captain Litanna, " he said quietly. "There are a few of our people who can foresee their own deaths. It comes to them in dreams, over and over again. It's been well documented."
"Yes, sir," the Captain responded. "It is rumored that certain families had the gift, or curse, depending on how one looks at it."
Madero's smile was wintry. "It's no rumor. I have foreseen my death many times. I've seen it so much that it has become somewhat of an old friend. But then, the dreams I've had for years stopped. They became something else. At first, I couldn't understand why. But when I heard about the Federation ships, I understood. Their presence had caused the universe to change. The time of my death was changed and I feel my death drawing near."
"When?" Litanna asked. He didn't know what else to say.
"When?" he echoed. "I don't know. But how?" He shrugged. "That I do know. It will be in fire."
***
Onboard the Narn heavy cruiser Prazhi, G'Kar anxiously paced back and forth, waiting for the signal to attack and liberate his world. There were sixteen ships in his little armada-mostly smaller cruisers and a few gunships-that wouldn't normally be a match for the Centauri war machine orbiting the planet. But that had, as the humans said, an ace in the hole. That 'ace' was now tearing its way across subspace at warp four…
The Narn could contain himself no longer. "It is time," he announced.
To the Captain, it might as well have been the loudest of shouts. "Jump!" he yelled to the Navigator.
The entire fleet flashed into normal space approximately 5 A.U.s from the homeworld. The Centauri Sentrii fighters immediately attacked and were met with unexpectedly fierce resistance from their Narn counterparts. The first Primus warship was turning to engage when it simply blew up, and its brother immediately followed, becoming a massive fireball. Two photon torpedoes, traveling at nearly warp six –therefore completely undetectable by Centauri sensors- had blow both ships into random particles.
The K'mpec's Honor decloaked after decelerating violently into normal space, just behind a Vorchan warship and began pounding the unsuspecting ship with its pulse disruptors. Unable to defend itself or flee it dissolved into its component parts in a spectacular explosion just as the Klingon ship cloaked once more. Panicked by the sudden violent assault and the presence of their ancient foe, the other Centauri ships quickly broke orbit and headed quickly for the enemy they could see who were headed their way. The occupying force couldn't afford to remain in orbit hampered by gravity with a ship of mad people appearing and disappearing at will. They needed room to maneuver.
The Narn fired their weapons with an accuracy and range that defied description and began punching holes into Centauri armor that had previously withstood such attacks with relative impunity. They returned fire but did little damage, as their first long-ranged weapons seemed to bounce off their enemy's hulls.
The Klingon vessel decloaked, but didn't attack a trio of Vorchans scrambling to get away. This was a Narn battle and for now, they were content to watch for a little while, at least.
***
Frantically, Malero bellowed orders to his squadron to retreat into hyperspace. His ships were being slaughtered to a man by the Narn and he understood the reason why. He correctly guessed that these ships had been augmented with alien Klingon technology. They had some type of shield protection and beam weapons took too long to burn through before they could return fire. He had to save his people before it was too late. The accursed Klingon vessel wasn't following but at the speed it was capable of, it didn't have to. In normal space the Bird-of-prey could run them down in a second.
Captain Litanna's cardiovascular system skipped a pulse when the large Narn cruiser began tracking them. "Surrender and you will be allowed to live," a voice over the comms said haughtily. The Vid image made him curse aloud. It was G'Kar! The contempt and arrogance in the Narn's voice caused him to veer away from the jump point. This was a matter of honor.
"To all ship's weapons, track and destroy that cruiser!" A moment later, weapons fire from his ship pour out and headed towards the hated Narn enemy ship.
Madero panicked. He had seen this before. The Change. The time was almost here! "Cease fire!" he screamed. "Divert all power to the jump engines. We must…"
His voice caught in his throat when he saw four fast moving projectiles headed towards his ship. Three of those energy mines veered off to hit two more of his vessels, but the fourth continued to move toward him at a most unnatural speed only to be intercepted by a Sentrii trying, ironically, to avoid a missile fired from a Narn fighter. The missile detonated less that a kilometer away from the bridge, with an explosion equivalent to a directed twenty megaton blast. The Primus began to melt.
Madero thought that he heard someone screaming something about burning, but he was to busy shrieking in unimagined agony to really care. Merciful, eternal blackness overtook him a second later.
Four heavily damaged Centauri ships managed to retreat in the safety of hyperspace. That only left sixty thousand Centauri males and females trapped on a planet full of vengeful Narn.
-All alone in the night.
***
"This is an ISN new special: Narn Under Siege: I'm Terry Lynde."
"And I'm Robyn Kelley here at ISN news. We bring you an exclusive report on continuing developments that have occurred in the last two days on the homeworld of Narn, where we have been told, the fighting is dying down and the planet has been ripped free from the grip of the Centauri. Several reliable sources have confirmed that a small squadron of Narn vessels, led by former Ambassador G'Kar of the Narn Regime, surprised and defeated a larger Centauri force in orbit and wrestled control from the occupying army on the planet's surface. There were reports of large numbers of civilians being killed during the final hours of fighting. However the surviving Centauri forces have either surrendered or have been killed. Terry?"
"The actual events that led to the home world being taken back remains sketchy at this time, but what is known is that the Centauri had only a relatively small occupying force orbiting the planet. Military officials attribute this to a change in Centauri tactics in the last few weeks from an offensive campaign to one of defense. With the apparent defection of their allies known only as the Drakh, the Centauri have become more cautious and have moved forces closer to their own territories. Several EAS battle groups have attempted to engage them, but the Centauri simply returned to hyperspace thus avoiding any fight. Experts are at a loss to explain these actions but others are overjoyed at the prospects that the war may be nearing an end not with a bang but with a whimper. Some others however, are not so optimistic. Almost everyone agrees that with the lull in the fighting EarthForce has the opportunity to upgrade their weapon's platforms such as the Moonsoon class Raneko series gunboat that served with distinction in the Battle of Proxima III. These new ships have upgraded offensive and defensive weaponry that will revolutionize the way EarthForce will be able to wage conflicts in the future. They are purportedly to have artificial gravity and a much heavier particle weapons system. Lieutenant Commander Gerald Higgins is credited for several the design implementations, which exploited to their logical conclusions, should give EarthForce a significant advantage against others who would try to subvert the integrity of Earth. Reportedly, there will be several new types of capital ships with their own artificial gravity being developed and will be online with the next couple of months."
"President Clark has offered his congratulations and best wishes to the people of Narn in the resistance against alien influences that nearly destroyed their world. And in the spirit of cooperation and unification, he has offered amnesty to any of our own renegade forces who wish to return to EarthForce. This amnesty will be administered by the Ministry of Peace, who is preparing even now for the thousands of EarthForce personnel who want to return home. He is also asking that John Sheridan and his officers consider their position and rejoin their fellow brothers and sister in once again reuniting our world. Babylon Five is Earth property he reiterated. 'The past is the past' the President said, 'and we should not let it be a permanent rift separating loved ones from one another'."
"Our legal staff has stated that Sheridan and his crew would have to face charges of insurrection concerning the theft of B5, but in light of the services rendered on behalf of EarthForce, Clark is willing to proceed with the lesser charges of conduct unbecoming an officer…."
***
"Stick it in his ear," Sheridan murmured as he turned to Michael. "Can you believe that?"
The Chief of Security simply shook his head at the absurdity of it all. "They're acting like the war is over. They're already planning to fight the next battle…us. But he's wrong."
"You're darn right," John agreed. "The Centauri aren't finished, not by a long shot. And I know Earth Force is aware of that fact also. 'The past is the past'", mimicked John. "Doesn't Clark understand that the Centauri have more ships and arms than we do, no matter how many ships we have in development? If they attack us now in force, I don't know if we would survive."
"Well don't look now," Garibaldi said. "But I don't think that this amnesty business is going to fly. More and more crews of EarthForce are defecting and now that I think of it that may be the reason why Clark's offering this in the first place. The stick hasn't worked as well as he's hoped and now-"
"He's offering the carrot," Sheridan finished. "I don't know. He's getting desperate and he's being backed into a corner. If this war ends too soon he may not be able to keep the support he's gathered since the war."
"However, we have to acknowledge that he may be gathering his forces right now. That announcement about the Monsoons is probably just the tip of the iceberg. Remember those Shadow hybrids at Proxima III? There was no way he would have let that cat out of the bag unless he was desperate. Only two of them survived that battle, but you saw the recordings as well as I did. They could have mopped up the floor with EarthForce regulars. And we got the scans from the Enterprise. Those Monsoons have Klingon technology. The pulse disruptors, and the scanners are definitely based on Klingon technology. But the polarized plating came from us."
"We thought he was dead," John grimaced. "Higgins gave his Thunderbolt to EarthGov and they copied the prototype as fast as they did Shadow technology. I thought we had a nice lead but now it's becoming a real race. Our T-2s are ready and the pilots have got a pretty good handle on them. Most the resistance ships have several of them onboard now. And we're making them as fast as we can." He paced a little, looking out the window at the newest version of the Tunderbolt Starfury. Susan was out there, casually performing maneuvers that would rip apart normal Starfuries "Have you tried the T-3 yet?"
"No, but I want to," he confessed. "I haven't had the time. But I see Susan has some flying time in Gamma four. After her first run we talked. She was ecstatic. During the simulations, she went up against ten regular fighters and took them all out without breaking a sweat. The T-2s gave the test pilots a little more of a challenge. The Gamma actually outran standard weapons fire and the hits she took bounced off her deflectors like water off a roof. She made it up to one half-light speed before slowing it down while she orbited Epsilon. She'll be finished with this run in about an hour. She and two others are doing high speed maneuvers to see how they handle in high stress simulations." Garibaldi gave him the eye. "Needless to say, when they saw our little test, the comm traffic on EarthForce around here almost burned itself out."
"Good." Let them worry about it. "As long as they believe that we have an extra ace or two up our sleeves they'll think twice about doing something. And that Michael will give us time to find out what's going on at Dum."
"Well, the Minbari are preparing to pay Cartagia a visit unless I miss my guess. But," he added, "not before we find out about Z'ha'dum. Even if half of what's in Londo's diary is true, we may be in the biggest fight of our lives, not just for us, but for everybody."
"And speaking of fights, I have to meet with General Leftcourt and Christov. It seems that they want to speak with Captain Adams."
"Here we go again," Michael said. "Why does this always have to happen to us?"
"Because we're here?" John responded. He shook his head in resignation. "I was a student of Leftcourt's when I was in the academy. He's old school and I believe that's why he's been chosen to lead this delegation." He touched his forehead. "Psychological warfare. Maybe I should ask Kosh to have Jack visit Clark for a little talk." There was a trace of humor in his voice, but not much. The Inquisitor was a homicidal maniac in every sense of the term. The man known as 'Jack the ripper' was so very good at his job, which is why the Vorlons took him in the first place.
"Good luck."
***
Captain John Adams was the last to take his seat. He didn't seem worried but he was a little anxious.
Captain Sheridan made the introductions.
"Let me start off by saying, Captain, that I'm sorry that you've gotten caught up in this mess," Leftcourt began. He was a tall gray-haired man in his early fifties, distinguished looking and absolutely loyal to EarthGov no matter what the situation was back home. "As an EarthForce representative, I want to apologize. Babylon Five isn't the place for you. It is dangerous and they don't have the resources to help you return home whereas Earth does. President Clark is offering all of the resources that we have to assist you in returning to your place of origin. In exchange we would like to have access to your technological specs of your hyperdrive system, weapons and your robot which I must confess is quite impressive."
"As the representative of the United Planet Confederation, I accept your apology and we are sorry to be such a cause for consternation among your people. However, I am not sure if it's in our best interest at this time to go to Earth. To be frank I haven't liked what I've seen on ISN broadcasts. I understand that there problems there, but from what little I've seen your Earth looks more like a Nazi state than anything else. In case you don't understand, the Nazis of my Earth-"
"We know what Nazis are, Captain," Christov fumed. "I resent that implication."
"Then you understand my point," Adams replied testily. "Personally I would prefer not to be here at all, but right now I don't seem to have a choice. I have a responsibility to my crew to do what's best for them. And your Earth is not what's best for them right now."
"But, Captain Adams," General Leftcourt said. "Consider this. Babylon Five is Earth property and eventually it will be returned to its rightful owner. When that time comes and if you're still here, where will that leave you?"
Both eyebrows rose in consternation. "I believe that that's a threat, General."
"Not at all, Captain," Leftcourt quickly corrected. "I'm just trying to open the lines of communication, here. Despite our present differences with Captain Sheridan and the others we are not true threat you think we are. Earth is still Earth. We should be able to foram a basis for mutual cooperation. We have things that can help your crew and in turn you have things that are of interest to us. For example, your hyperdrive system."
The Captain looked confused. "Your hyperspace technology is better than ours, more efficient, and faster. Why would you be interested in an inferior drive system?"
"We're interested in all types of technology," Christov answered. "Your drive technology has great potential for future applications and would allow us to explore an entirely new type of science. And your energy production far exceeds ours. The power source you use to power your ship is more efficient than anything we currently have. And we would like to examine your weapons systems and robot in detail."
"Maybe in the future," Adams suggested. "But as for right now, I don't think so. There has to be an element of trust between myself and you . That hasn't been established us yet."
"Allowing us to examine it would be a huge step for that establishment of trust," Christov reiterated. "If this is done now, there won't be problems in the future," "Don't let Sheridan's disinformation cause you to make a mistake that you'll regret in the future. President Clark is offering you amnesty. You would be wise to take it instead of staying here trying to survive on this tin can."
"Amnesty? Amnesty for what?" the UPC Captain asked Christov. He wasn't happy about the threats and he was even less happy at his options. "I'll think about it and let you know," Adam said effectively ending these preliminary talks. Listening to this dribble coming from the EarthForce people, he realized that Babylon Five's and the Federation offer to stay here was appealing to him more and more. He was beginning to understand why Sheridan broke away. It was something to think about. But now, to his relief, the Earth reps turned their concentration towards Sheridan.
"That was quite a show you put there, Captain," Leftcourt said. "How fast?"
Sheridan smiled proudly. He knew exactly what the General was talking about. "Cruising zero point five light speed. One half light-speed, so far, for an hour at full burn, without temporal distortion."
By the way Sheridan smiled, Adams believed that the man was very likely a very good poker player.
However Christov fumed. He was an open book. "No doubt more technology from your Federation friends," he said. There was a history between the two, obviously bad. "And what is the price all of these little gifts going to cost in the end?" he asked. "Despite their claims of being from another universe, EarthForce's data indicates otherwise. We know you have information on the Monsoons. Yes," he confirmed. "It comes from technology brought to us by Lieutenant Commander Higgins, a loyal officer who was frightened by things going on here on B5. His Star Fury was a revelation and we have put it to good use. But that's not the only thing, Sheridan. They've been lying to you. They're not from some alternate reality. I'm surprised that you believe that crap. I thought better of you."
"John," Leftcourt continued. "For months now, we have been back-tracking their origins and we have discovered quite a few things, including the remains of a destroyed alien derelict confirmed to be of Klingon origin. If only three vessels came through as we've been told, why is it that we found addition evidence that these people come from somewhere in our galaxy? EarthForce suspects that this may be an advance scouting party, testing us and our resolve. For heaven's sake, look at their timing! They came exactly when you needed them the most."
"Why would they make up such a preposterous lie?" John asked. Adams was watching the dynamics between the Loyalists and Resistance closely for any insight that would help him in his own personal decisions. "They're smart enough to lie a lot better than that if they wanted to."
'Amazing', Adam's thought while listening to these people. 'They accept my story, but not Picard's'.
"Maybe," Christov conceded. "However we believe that when they come, every race will be under attack not just us. For all we know, Picard, Garrett and the Klingons are working together, waiting for the moment to call in re-enforcements when we are at our divided and at our weakest. Two so-called enemies simply don't come together as easily as they did. The technology they've given is still inferior to what they could bring to bare on us all. President Clark believes that Picard, with those alien Klingons, by his actions, started the war between Centauri and Earth. They would not have attacked us if those ships weren't here in the first place. You should be helping us to re-unite and deal with this oncoming threat to our sector of space rather than creating your own little empire out here."
"Think about what you're doing, John. You're romantically involved with an alien! And your wife is still alive! You've split EarthForce down the middle with this little coupe of yours. No one knows the whole truth about what's happening on Earth because everybody's tuning into your little propaganda channel, which we can't jam, by the way. Your actions have polarized us down the middle. Like Lincoln in the American civil war between the states, Clark will have no choice but to put you down to preserve the Union."
"So, you're saying that I am Jefferson Davis to Clark's Lincoln?" The man laughed for a moment at the comparison. "I am the one to blame for splitting Earth down the middle?"
John's whole demeanor changed. "General, Mr. Christov. I believe your comparison is wrong on several points. President Lincoln didn't have his predecessor assassinated and then turn the United States into a police state to cover his butt. You want unification, but only on your terms. And those terms ignore the constitution, which we are sworn to uphold. The people of Earth have lost those freedoms guaranteed by that constitution. You have bombed innocent civilians whom we have sworn to protect and you ask me to rejoin something that isn't constitutionally legal or morally accountable to that constitution. No. I can't, in good conscience, do that and retain my soul by looking the other way when those laws are trampled and people are being killed by President Clark's regime. Now, you're negotiating with as though this war is almost over. Well, I have important news for you. It is not. What's coming may make this fight with the Centauri seem like a practice bout."
"So it's true," Leftcourt said, misunderstanding what Sheridan had said. And his anger began to build. "They are coming. It-is-inconceivable Sheridan, that you hadn't told us of the Federation threat. We needed the time to…"
"It's not the Federation, General," Sheridan responded harshly. "I asked for General Brindley for a specific reason. Frankly, we don't like or trust each other and it is that very reason why he is accompanying the other ambassadors to determine what may be the greatest threat this galaxy has ever seen. They will find out in the next twenty-four hours whether that rumor is true of false."
That caught John Adam's attention like nothing else had. The ongoing intrigues in this place made the Id monster seem tame in comparison.
***
Londo felt as though he had puked every last organ he still possessed within his body. Radiation poisoning was a horrible thing and he wished that no one would have to go through what he and the others had in the last few weeks. By rights, he should have been dead and from what he had been told by Stephen he nearly was a couple of times. But he had survived by the miracle advances of B5 and Starfleet medicals working together. Evidently certain medicines found B5 for the treatment of radiation poisoning were superior to the Federation's. Once that was discovered, both Stephen and the lovely Dr. Crusher had done research; research, which created a revolutionary new serum that effectively, countered the effects of radiation even in severe cases like his. It would take time for him to recover but he would be okay after completing the treatments scheduled for the next two years. Others in his ill-fated shuttle were recovering likewise and the wonderful thing was that it was being given away for free-to their enemies! They could make a fortune with this drug!
Babylon Five he mused. Nothing was what it seemed. A place so full of sorrow and joy in this universe, should never exist. The universe must surely be unbalanced by its very presence.
After days of unending vigilance by Vir and the others pumping him for information, he was finally left alone. With the guards outside the door, and Marcus well, somewhere, he could rest in peace. His vision was still blurry but at least he could see with his own eyes and not some artifical implant. Sheridan had pump for as much information as he dare and Londo had given it freely. The danger was too great to keep silent as he knew Cartagia would. What had happened to him? He had told Morden that it didn't matter to him if the universe burned. Now that he'd been scorched, he sang a different tune.
Those thoughts have been hovering around his mind for days now. "I am so tired," he murmured to himself.
"You can rest later," a soft voice, whispered to him. Startled, he looked around and saw a woman, a human, next to him. He could tell instantly that she too had fallen into shadow.
"Who are you?" he asked. "How did you get passed the guards?"
"I am the wife of John Sheridan. Call me Anne," the woman said. "I need to know what happened at Z'ha'dum."
He shook his head trying to remember where he had heard her name from before. "What's your interest with that vile place?"
"It was my home for a long time," she answered. "I need to know what happened."
"You've escaped from that evil? Take my advice and stay away," said Londo impassionedly. "Never go back and try to forget that it ever existed."
"I was told to bring my husband there to negotiate a peace with the Shadows but I need to know what's happened. I've lost all contact and I can't separate the facts from rumors. What did you see, Ambassador?"
"The Shadows were fighting for their lives against something worse than they. I didn't stick around you understand, to see the outcome, but they may not have fared as well as I hoped." And that was true because the things that attacked the Shadows were worse than they. He sincerely hoped that they could win because he'd rather deal with the Shadows rather than those they fought against.
"You're wrong about them, Londo. The Shadows are stronger than the Vorlons. They will defeat any who come against them."
"Mrs. Sheridan, if that is indeed who you really are, then prepare yourself. I was exposed to them, and they are in my dreams. Their dark cities call to me. Have you felt it?" he asked her. "I can feel those creatures attempting to convince me to help them. Each night it becomes stronger. They are telepathic. Can you feel it?" he asked once more. "I've been around them, my lady. But you're a part of the shadows. What is that part of you saying?"
That was why she was here. She could feel it somehow deep within her and it tore at what little bit of soul she still possessed. "They are in turmoil," she answered. "Millions are gone. Millions have been turned. Millions are fleeing. But the images…the images are blurred. I can't contact them."
"Lady Sheridan," Londo spoke. "The Shadows are chaos. They will destroy you as they destroyed me. Please take my advice and get away from them as fast as possible."
"You're wrong. They are life. They are purpose." Here eyes blazed with life. "You should have kept your promise Ambassador Mollari. You didn't and there will be a reckoning."
"You have no idea what you're talking about, Mrs. Sheridan. Now please go. I'm tired."
"Is that what you want?"
"What I want, you can't give me."
"Try me," she challenged.
"I want my soul back, something you've apparently lost also."
The return silence was all the answer he needed.
***
The Babylon station, its support group, the Enterprise and the EA loyalist's contingent went on red alert the instant Shadow emissions were detected some six minutes away in hyperspace. Three of the menacing Shadow vessels appeared, de-phasing into normal space almost on top of the station. One enemy ship was nearly three kilometers in length, defiantly targeting at the Enterprise-D, as if the others didn't matter. The Starships were on full alert and every weapon it had was trained on the organic vessel. Nearby the Yeager was hot and ready to support its bigger partner. Sheridan and the General were at B5's CnC, coordinating what would be a combined strike at this threat. General Leftcourt gaped at the black and silver image floating in front of them. It conjured up memories of his darkest nightmares.
"Sir, they're contacting us," a bewildered Corwin said. The language was in faultless English but for some reason, it grated on Corwin's mind. It seemed the perfect voice to be used by a complete evil entity. It tried to reach into his mind. "They're asking for you." He hated these things.
Sheridan's
eyebrows merely raised a fraction. If
they weren't attacking already, then he half-expected that they wanted to talk
to him. "Put it on the speaker."
"This is Captain Sheridan to Shadow vessel. What do you want?"
"We are under truce," a voice said. "We will not attack. We need to speak to you in person. May we board Babylon Five?"
"Who is we?"
"My name is Justin and all will be explained to you. But time is of the essence. May we come onboard?" The man sounded anxious, even scared that Sheridan would deny his request.
John needed a few seconds to think. Next to him Leftcourt said nothing, content to let the man control his own command. "You can come onboard, but any deviation from your shuttle or any aggressive moves from your ships and we will blow them to hell."
John could feel the anger seething within Justin as he said, "we'll see you, Captain."
Adrenalin hyped, the Captain was moving fast. "You heard me," he told CnC. "If those ships even twitch, fire everything you've got. Get me Ivanova."
Susan and her two escorts practicing with her had switched weapons from simulation to hot as soon as the Shadow vessels were detected. "She's on, Sir."
Susan was still in her Thunderbolt and as such the senior in command. He hoped that she remembered their conversations.
"Susan you're in charge out there. If they fire, take them out."
"We'll do what we can. We'll keep the channel open. Good luck."
"Look at the size of that thing," Leftcourt said. "I saw the recordings of them fighting the Vorlons, but who are they?"
"Those vessels belong to a species called the Shadows, the same people who've been behind the conflicts all over this sector," John responded, not adding that Clark was involved with them as well. You remember the ship that was seen on ISN almost a year ago. Well, the technology that the Black Omega squadron has comes from them. We've known this for a while and have interfered with their plans more than once. And because of that, given the opportunity, they could kill us all."
"The big one is paying a lot of attention to the Enterprise-D." The Starfleet looked so small compared to the behemoth waiting to swat it down.
"It should," he answered. The maximum threat-or so they think-comes from those ships out there." He turned to face the General. "We've had six months to analyze and develop defenses against their ships and their weapons. Believe me, if those two go at it, we don't want to be anywhere in the immediate area. We now have a couple of surprises here also. Let's hope we don't have to use them."
Curiously, Leftcourt returned the stare. "Why are you telling me this?"
"For the same reason why you've told me about the Klingon and Federation technology you've acquired. We are both at the edge of a cliff right now, General. Either we soar or we drown together in the river below. But for now, we will see what develops. Something's in the wind and this is the perfect opportunity to find out what it is."
***
A black crab-like shuttle made its way towards the station escorted by three Shadow fighters each of whom peeled off as the shuttle neared the station's shuttle's opening. It was guided in and parked as far as possible from its Vorlon counterpart. Babylon Five unionists were ordered to stay as far as possible from the living ship for their own safety.
In the docking bay, the support personnel backed away as the four occupants emerged. Two were human, the other two weren't. Sheridan and the General paled as Justin, Morden and the two spider-like Shadows moving silently behind them exited the craft. Garibaldi's and his six guards, equipped with PPGs and first generation phase pistols, followed behind at a respectful distance. The fact that they were here was disturbing. The fact that they were visible was frightening in its implications.
The conference room held twenty-two council members including Captain Sisko, representing Federation interests. When Justin entered, he stopped for a moment, acknowledging Sisko's presence. "You people have caused quite a stir, Captain. You should have taken our offer."
Sisko merely nodded, saying nothing. His face was carefully neutral.
As soon as everyone was seated Justin, flanked by both Shadows began. "We have come to ask for your help," he said. His voice was hollow and he seemed to have trouble speaking the words. "There have been developments at the homeworld of the Shadows."
"As in?" Sheridan asked quietly.
The old man flushed, but before he could speak, one of the Shadow aliens to his right spoke. Its voice was grating and somehow suggested an echo.
"We have been attacked by a plague formulated by the Vorlonsss," the first creature intoned in English. It was as though it were speaking to them telepathically, but no one in the room was really sure how it spoke. "The enemy has come to dessstroy. Many have fallen. Unlesss you prepare, you will all die."
The General spoke up. "Who will die?" He was clearly upset about this impromptu meeting, feeling way out of his depth.
The creature's multiples sets of eyes glowed brightly. "Everyone."
"Why should we believe you?" Sheridan yelled allowing his fury to mask his true intent. This creature had confirmed his worst fears, but he wanted all of them to hear the full truth, especially the representatives and crews of EarthForce. "You have been starting wars, pitting one race against another, causing the deaths of millions, all in an attempt to prove your petty theories that your way is better than the Vorlons. But now you've wiped them out and you're still trying to manipulate us."
"You are wrong, Ssheridan," the second creature responded. "Sssurvival comesss through ssstrife. It hasss made you ssstronger. Now you mussst ussse that ssstrength to sssurvive. We, the onesss you call Ssshadows have alwaysss loved and protected the races and have desssired only the bessst for you. Without conflict you would wither and die. Continued peace and order are weaknesss. Cartagia, your Presssident and the othersss were the catalysstsss usssed to make you ssstronger."
General Leftcourt and the others listening on the comlink collectively gasped. Clark's name spoken by the Shadow had struck like a lightning. Some believed it a deception, but others were in doubt. There was a quiet silence as everyone digested the ongoing conference.
"Are you saying that you were directly involved with Cartagia and Clark?" Sheridan asked, loud enough so that there would be no doubt that everyone heard.
"You sssuspected thisss long ago, Ssheridan. But it doesss not matter now. The enemy knowsss of your presssence and they will come and dessstroy you as they have usss. Centauri Prime'sss time isss near. Minbar'sss time isss near. Earth's time isss near."
The representatives erupted, but Sheridan's voice overrode everyone's. "So you've started a fight with something you can't handle and you want us to help you to clean up your mess?"
"It's not just our mess. It's yours, too. My associates made sure of it," Morden announced coldly. He had that poker look in his eyes like a man who had all the cards. "Clark owed us a favor, a big one," he continued, smiling confidently. "We contacted him a few days ago and believe me he was more than happy to hear from us. Right now he's ordered a fleet of ships to surprise attack Centauri Prime. He expects that my associates will help him as they have on numerous occasions. What they will find," he smirked, "is something else."
"Why are you betraying Clark?" Sheridan asked and the room became deathly silent awaiting the answer.
The answer was chilling in its simplicity. "His importance has diminished in light of new and unforeseen events."
The General was absolutely stunned. "You mean that Clark made an agreement to have you creatures help him subdue Centauri Prime." The man was so furious he could barely speak. "You've been in association with the Drakh! And now, you're telling me that you're going to help us defeat the Centauri?"
"You do not underssstand. We will not help. We have nothing to help with. What remainss of usss will follow the Vorlonsss and turn towardsss the rim. The younger racesss will be left along to sssurvive or perissh. Learn, young oness."
The creature's eyes glowed and encompassed everyone in the room. It telepathically bonded with all of them-except Sisko.
A few seconds later, "the General was screaming. "What have you creatures done? How can we fight something like that by ourselves?"
The creature ignored the Generals' ranting as it focused on Sisko. "You," it whispered softly enough for only him to hear. "You are more than you pretend to be. Multi-temporal, an entity bessidess itsself," it said to Benjamin Sisko, a man just beginning to fully understand what he truly was. Then it turned its gaze back towards Sheridan.
"Captain Sheridan," Morden said with that irritating manner. "My associates have never wanted to destroy the younger races, only make us stronger by weeding out the weak. But now it seems that the great experiment has to be terminated early."
"Cowards!"
Justin smiled. "Realists, General. Think of it this way. This is the culmination of everything my associates have worked for. The question is, will you come together to defend and defeat a superior force, or will you follow your ideals and be slaughtered?"
There was nothing else to be said.
"Get off Babylon Five," growled Sheridan. "While I'm in the mood to let you walk away."
Sssheridan," one of the creatures whispered. "You have sstrength. Come with uss. Come with Anne and you will survive."
"They're at Z'ha'dum. We will stop them and do what you couldn't. We will not allow them to solidify their foothold in this universe any more than they already have."
"The Vorlonsss have not told you the real truth, Sssheridan. It iss a three-edged sssword. If you go to Z'ha'dum, you will die. It iss not yoursss to have. We will go. Anne will come with usss."
He froze for a second. "She's not yours to have," Sheridan said harshly. All of the indifference he had towards her evaporated.
"The Shadowsss claim their own. Ssshe will dissstract you."
"Wasn't that the point in the first place? You believe that I couldn't see through that? You did that to her."
"We did not know who she was until later," Justin explained. "As soon as we discovered who she was, we pulled her out of the vessel she was assigned to. But you must understand, things happen once you've been attached to the machine," he nearly babbled. "When they pull you out, you're not quite the same anymore. She is ours," he said finally. "And she will never be the woman you've known before."
"Get off my station, now."
"Not without Anne Sheridan," he insisted.
"Ssshe isss no longer yoursss, John Sssheridan," the first Shadow alien intoned. "What hasss been touched by usss can never be the sssame again. Ssshe belongs with usss."
"Touched or not, she doesn't belong to anyone," John retorted. "She has a freedom of choice and that is a right that every sentient being has. She is not your property to be taken away as is convenient for you."
"That includes you as well," Captain. I'm surprised that you even want her here. She was simply a distraction that didn't work as well as we'd like." Justin nodded his head, slowly taking in the surroundings as if for the last time. "Or did it?"
"Ssshe will come with usss. When you die, we will have enough to ssstart over."
Sisko suddenly stood up. "You mean breeding stock." The look of revulsion on his face said it all.
"To pressserve the ssspeciesss. Yesss."
"Guards," Sheridan ordered. "Escort these people out."
"Ssshe will come now, or we will dessstroy this ssstation and everyone onboard."
"Give me a break." Unlike the others in the room, Sheridan had been unimpressed by the threat. "You come here practically begging us for our help and then you threaten to kill us all because I won't cave into one demand to send my ex-dead wife over to you? I don't believe it. You don't have the time or the resources to destroy this station because you need everything you have to turn tail and run." He pointed in the direction of the Shadow warships. "We've been gathering lots of data on your ships and I have every weapon on this station and our support ships trained on those ships out there. And I wouldn't count on your big ship helping you that much because it's going to have its hands absolutely full with the Enterprise and their combat group. It's been said over and over that once an attack has begun, a Shadow vessel never runs. That's great PR. And it's true-unless it runs into something that it can't handle, then discretion is the better part of valor. You always attack those weaker than you so you can afford to fight until the end, because you couldn't lose. Now you can lose and you will, if you start something right now."
Both Shadows seemed to grow in front of everyone's eyes. Then: "Sssurvive, if you can."
The instant they exited the room Sheridan slapped his comlink. "Security."
"Security here."
"Escort Anne Sheridan to the conference room, now."
"Yes, sir."
"Cancel that," he said a moment later. This was something he needed to do alone.
***