Thank you everyone for your comments and critiques of TWS. I love the comments and reviews. It is my hope that you continue to enjoy the story. The Data-Robby portion of the story has just begun and will continue dramatically when the Sinhindrea began to screw up everything. I am not letting John off the hook with Anne and as for Delenn, her people are about encounter-resistance. As some people have noticed, I have stressed the human portion of this story over most of their alien counterparts. This has been done purposely but I will not be ignoring them either. It's essentially the point of view here.:

Now here is a point of interest from concerning this story on another website that you may find interesting,

[QUOTE=mr friendly guy] During the war with the minbari, we don't really see that much of the EA as compared to when Clark was in power. Thus its hard to hate them that much. Sure I hate that incompetent captain who attacked the minbari ship, but I find it difficult to hate the EA and its citizens.

Comment Two: Watching Clarke's regime, its very hard to feel sympathy for people who allow their own government (this is a democratic society, as opposed to say pre war iraq where ) to bomb civilians on Mars. Its also very hard to like a government and the society which supports it advocating racism. As Adams pointed out, it smacks of the Nazis.

Albert speaks-

All interesting points which we should continue to flesh out (helps me put perspective in the story) however we're missing a point here. Some of you (but not all as you are in countries that have not shown the series yet) have seen the series ST:Enterprise. One of the most interesting things was the Vulcans keeping Earth on a leash so to speak in exploration and getting among the stars and visiting. In the beginning of the series I was right there talking about the Vulcans like a dog for helming in mankind. As my wife says "you're were acting indignant in front of the TV again."

I have now come to the conclusion that although they were heavy-handed, the Vulcans had a point. Earth ST is not EarthB5. The advantage that Earth (ST) had was that they developed their own FTL drives and had a little time to mature before they really start exploring deep space. Of course they did not like being held back, but that extra time really helped in the long run.

EarthB5 was different. The Centauri gave them, a species trying to get to Jupiter within a reasonable period of time, jumptech and the next you know, they were exploring everywhere with the same military attitude we have in this country, which is okay for here good or bad, but not force deep space exploration. Senator Kinsey's of SG-1, attitude is exactly the wrong type of attitude to have while exploring new and more advanced species.

EA beat the Dilgar (I believe it was them), their chests puffed up a little and the next thing you know, an ill-trained Captain fired on the Minbari and a massacre started.

That is a major difference in training, diplomacy and politics-and maturity. But EA is out here now should not go back. There needs to be a policy change in EF (EarthForce) structure and protocols. Clark notwithstanding, was allowed to do what he did because the rest of the leadership let him-whether out of fear or agreement or whatever, it was their fault.

The ministries of Peace and homeland security (oops, wrong quantum reality) and Justice were patterned after the more aggressive regimes we have here like the old KGB, the nazis, and the enforcers in a multitude of African, Asian and European dictatorships. It comes down to power. The man ordered Mars-Dome to be bombed and EF did it. After that things became easier. Now, it is my belief that the senate would have done nothing for the next ten years, especially when Clark would have hinted about his scorched earth policy. Sheridan did the correct thing, but like everything else there is a price attached to it.

Now, I like EA but in the near future, in my story, Clark is making another terrible mistake. He is about to reject 'a request' from a increasingly desperate Morden
to allow a Shadow base on Io for reasons I will go into later. Vengeance will be swift and vicious and it underscores a point that one person should not have absolute authority. The senate has had time to deal with him, harshly if necessary, but they waited for the 'right' time and now it is too late for the population. Why? Because I believe that people really hate change as a whole and we will wait as long as possible before they do something. Now he will STILL be in power when the Voy-B comes around

That's all for now. Throw your comments out and I will be answering them very likely in the review section. Please Enjoy. Albert

Chapter 22

"Fear"- part two

(One Side of the Coin)

Babylon Five:

Captain John Adams's mouth stood open as he gaped through the large window in the observation deck at the sight before him. The phenomena know as the jump points were opening in front of the station everywhere. At least five dozen huge angelfish-shaped behemoths were coming through.

"My God," he whispered.

Altaira Morbius Adams held on to him even more closely as she watched the sight along with her husband. "They're beautiful," she said, and then frowned suddenly. They're not going to attack the station are they?"

"No. I believe the big ones are called Sharlins. They're Minbari Man-o-wars. I think the conflict here has just intensified."

"This is so strange," she said. The young woman was frightened. Her life had become so complicated. "I wish my father was here."

Her husband held her closely. For most of her life she had never experienced more that two other humans around her and now there were humans galore and aliens as well. It had to be almost overwhelming for her. "Frankly, so do I. We could use some of his brainpower right about now." Her father was a genius, and Adams suspected that he would have loved it here.

"Maybe we should leave this place."

"No, my dear. This is the safest place to be right now. We can't afford to be on our own right now."

Nearby, Captain Picard and Commander Riker watched the scene as well and both of then exchanged hooded looks. The Minbari were out for blood. However, observing the Minbari fleet wasn't the reason why they were there. Lieutenant Commander Data was having a talk with Robby and Captain's prerogative demanded that he witness this historic event. The two of them were so similar yet so completely different. Data was absolutely fascinated with the robot while Robby simply observed him as if he were just another individual. For a moment neither one said much to one another. Then the two of them began to speak and the people observing were torn between the scene outside and the one unfolding next to them.

To Robby, the Data android was the closest thing to a relative it had. Designating Data as a walking sentient computer did not quite describe the android appropriately. The entity possessed a gender, male, unlike itself. Although its voice was male, anything else related to sex was entirely without meaning. The Federation officer, although somewhat limited in his speech patterns, processed information as fast as it could. Although intelligent, he didn't come with emotion protocols whereas it had a full command its language skills and that worked perfectly fine. They were useful when communicating with organics. With them Robby could 'feel' exasperation, and satisfaction of jobs well done and of being allowed to fulfill its functions in new ways. It was as much a servant as Data was not. The android mimicked humanity in ways Robby would never understand. But it had been programmed to be content so it was. Those differences however, pleased the robot. It represented diversity, strengths and weaknesses and it looked forward for future interactions with its android kin.

Both artificial intelligences abandoned regular speech, relying on a complex series of beeps to more rapid communication. Currently both were discussing math, biological sciences and sentience, the sociological ramification of artificial intelligences on organic society and hyperspace, jumpspace, subspace, and warp physics. New languages were passed back and forth between the two.

After fifteen minutes, they completed their initial talks. Now it was Robby's turn to ask questions. "You prefer to communicate vocally. Why, may I ask?"

Data tilted his head slightly. "I find that humanoid vocal intonations convey far more information than linear transfers of information. The almost infinite combinations of body language add details within the context of the message itself. Using speech, I have learned to use this body language to express myself better as I have no emotions to convey."

"I imagine you find that a convenience, Sir. As for myself, I'm limited in that aspect."

"I do not believe that is an accurate statement, Robby. I have seen you and your responses. You do have a form of body language that is most discernable."

But Robby's attention had now turned elsewhere. An audible clicking was heard as its servos activated and its scanners, not unlike radar dishes of old, began to rotate. Sir, there are sixty-one Capital ships and assorted support vessels exiting jumpspace. They are quite close, Sir.

"You can detect ships in jumpspace before they transition into normal space? Most interesting. Is your ability to detect objects in jumpspace due to your experiences in the hyperspace continuum? If that is true, then how do you process the corresponding asymmetrical distortions along a variable…"

Susan's eyes grew the instant she realized what she was seeing. Over sixty Minbari Sharlins and support craft had just entered B5 space. Other vessels were scrambling to get out of the way as one of the huge warships approached the station.

"Babylon Five to approaching Minbari cruiser, state your intentions. Please respond." There was a touch of nervousness in her voice. The Minbari were allies but to have so many literally pop up on ones doorstep like this was downright scary to say at the least. Sheridan had been informed and was on his way to CnC.

The Minbari responded and Susan came face to face with Rannaonn, Captain and Commander of the Minbari fleet. The ship's gun ports were opened but not active, a sign of respect. The Captain was warrior class, in his mid-fifties and slightly heavyset. His eyes were almost white and the frown on his face was not pleasant at all. "Greetings Babylon Five," he said. "We are here to inform you that as the Drakh have seen fit to abandon the war, we are going to explain things to the Centauri Republic and show them the error of their ways."

A chill passed through every member of the CnC who heard the transmission. All of them remembered the Minbari-earth war and there was a moment of unified pity for the Centauri who were about be on the receiving end of the vengeful Minbari.

Susan started to speak but was cut off by Sheridan who had just entered the room.

"This is John Sheridan of Babylon Five to the Commander of the Minbari fleet. Is it your intention to wipe out the Centauri people as you planned to do to Earth?" he asked carefully. It was a subtle reminder.

The Minbari coldly regarded Sheridan for a moment. "It is not the business of humans to determine policy of the Minbari…Starkiller," the warrior added. "There is another threat on the horizon and we will not fight them and have the Centauri at our backs. We intend to do whatever is necessary to eliminate the threat the Centauri pose to the Minbari people and whatever is left we will leave to the Narn government to do with as they will. We are here because it is my government's wish to invite the members of EarthForce and the forces of Babylon Five to witness righteous judgment on those to threaten the Minbari."

John thought about the number of dead he was so casually talking about and it sickened him. "Commander, have you received the reports from Delenn concerning the events at Z'ha'dum?"

"Yes, which is the very reason why we must deal with the Centauri first before dealing with these new enemies."

"She'll be back in two days with the full report," he said. "It might be prudent to wait for that report before you attack Centauri territories."

"It is too late for that," said Rannaonn. He could barely keep the scorn out of his voice. "It has already begun. Your people have been invited. Choose what you want to do, Sheridan."

"I can't speak for EarthForce," he responded. "I need to confer with members of EarthForce to see if they will do so. As for the forces of B5, we will send ships. This conflict must be ended once and for all." And with those words he felt sickened. He was condemning some poor crew to witness the slaughtering of a people. The Centauri deserved a lot but genocide wasn't one of them. True, the killed tens of millions of Narns but they didn't plan to eliminate the race. The Minbari had tendencies to do that. "We will contact you in one hour."

The commander nodded and contact was broken.

"The balloon is going up," Susan whispered in John's ear.

"Yes, it is," he answered slowly. "I'm going to talk to Londo."



Clark was shaking. Here was Morden, speaking to him on the Presidential line, asking of him a request that he could dare not refuse, but dare not consider.

"You will do this Mr. President," Morden said slowly. "You have no choice. Everything that we have done for you has led up to this moment. My associates require your help and they want it immediately."

I will not do this," he pleaded. "I can't do this."

"We're not asking, we're telling. We want to move our ships to move into your solar system for a few weeks while we regroup. Our forces are coming from all over, gathering together. And the Sol system is the ideal place. This is where my associates want to come to."

"You can't be serious." He tried to keep the surprise from his voice as he understood that Morden and his associates were desperate. That revelation frightened him but the seeds of a plan began to form. "I sent my ships to Centauri Prime on your word only and your associates weren't there. My ships were nearly destroyed by some alien race I've never heard of. Your 'associates' betrayed me in front of the entire galaxy," he hissed. "You know my whole policy has been a stand against alien control of Earth and now you want me to allow a Shadow base in my backyard after what you've done to me?"

"Yes," Morden answered immediately. "Everything that we've done has been for your benefit. Your powerbase, your Presidency, your control over the world has been because we've given you the means to do so. When you needed us, we've carried you and now you're going to reject us when we need your help," Morden's features darkened. "I don't think so, Mr. President."

"None of this has been done for my benefit," Clarke sneered as he became more confident. The Shadows were afraid that he might say no. That meant that they were desperate enough to deal. "You couldn't even get me control of Babylon Five or place in my hands those Federation ships. It seemed to me as though you were actually afraid of them." Putting on his best political voice he said, "I've heard the rumors about the Shadows being evicted from of their own system and I know you tried to pull us into your little war. It didn't work," he lied. With his confidence building quickly he continued his tirade. "Your associates have lost power and they don't know what to do. They're running scared. I will not be dragged down with them by having those aliens come here and attack us like they did the Centauri. If you're not here, then they will have no reason to attack us."

"They're going to come anyway; we've made sure of that."

"You and you associates are nothing, Morden. You played me for a fool once, but not any more."

"We're not asking for much," Morden said. His features darkened and next to him the aliens phased into view. "But we are asking."

"You powerbase is gone," came the reply. "Your associates have been hurt. If you try to force your way onto Earth, I will personally destroy it before I let you step foot on it." Then the man began smiling. Unless," he added, "you give me Babylon Five now, complete with Sheridan's head on a platter." The stunned look on Morden's face was priceless and Clark's smile grew in proportion. "You see," he announced. "I am in control here. Give me your answer when you're ready."

President Clark cut the transmission. Let them think about that.

He had done it. All ties were severed now. Charlotte had obviously betrayed him, which he kind of expected. He hoped that she would die while performing her duty but the minx still lived. She knew too much but it didn't matter now. He was on his own, as it should be. The failsafe was safely under his control. No one would take what was rightfully his without paying a terrible price.



Rannaonn was irritated by the fact that he was here at Babylon Five in the first place. The element of surprise had been lost. The station had only two Centauri onboard; the rest had been kicked off the station by Sheridan because of the last attack on Babylon Five. But there were enough spies and informants among the other races to let the Centauri know that the Minbari were coming. The fleet should have bypassed this station and proceeded directly into Centauri space. But his orders were clear-in order to help to promote the good will between the humans of Babylon Five invite the Earthers and the Starfleeters to witness Minbari justice. Personally, he hated the very idea, but he chose to submit to the will of the new 'and improved' Grey council. The old ways weren't good enough anymore. Delenn had changed everything. The Warrior Caste was being diminished, except in cases like now, when the warriors would shed their blood in order to keep the religious and worker castes safe. 'We are Grey' had little meaning now. But soon things would change, once the war was over. Then things that had been started would be completed.

Again the Federation ships were the unknown quantity. Captain Sisko would accompany him on their campaign. The Commander grimaced. Neroon and some of the others may have been convinced of their sincerity; however, he and many of his clan-mates were not. Events have been moving too fast and too erratically for their taste. He was a warrior and would not shirk from his duty, but there were too many variables to consider for the long-term health of the Minbari people. When the Centauri were dealt with, there would be Earth to re-consider. Despite Delenn's beliefs, he and many others suspected that the balance of power in this part of the galaxy was changing and not for the good of the Minbari people. That would have to stop.

Communications once more demanded his attention and he was even more irritated by the face that greeted him. "Ambassador," he said coldly. The Centauri called Londo looked as though he'd just dragged himself from the edge of the abyss. Obviously Sheridan had suggested to Londo that he plead for his people, not that it would do any good. This retribution was known to have been coming for a long time, but for 'Starkiller' to allow Londo to speak now bordered on insult.

"I know what you plan to do," Londo said quickly. "My people are guilty of many things, and I know in my hearts that their punishment will be severe. But I implore you not to destroy my people. Many of the Centauri people are innocent and want nothing to do with the war that Cartagia has started."

"He is your leader," the Minbari Commander snarled. "He is responsible for your people and he along with is people will pay. The blood of thousands cries out for vengeance. The screams of the living demand retribution. Your people allied themselves with the Drakh. What more is there to be said?"

"There is much more to be said!" Londo screamed. "My people were fools to have started these wars in the first place, yes? That, I admit is true. We have done terrible things. I have done terrible things," he admitted and there were tears in his eyes. "But if you must punish someone then punish those responsible and spare those who wanted nothing to do with the wars. They should not be held responsible for acts that they had no control over. If they are, then we and your people have learned nothing. Punish the guilty, yes. Punish me in the place of the innocent. But I beg you not to destroy a world in retribution."

Rannaonn smile was predatory. "You would freely give yourself to us? I'm impressed, Ambassador. I didn't believe that your people hadn't had that kind of strength. You surprise me." And he was, not that it was going to make any difference in the end. But maybe because of this humble offer, just maybe the Minbari would not kill all of them. The lesson with the humans stained his mind. There was no real honor is slaughtering a defenseless people. However the Centauri were more powerful than the humans. They might put up a better fight he mused.

"My life is not important," Londo insisted. "But there is a bigger picture you must consider. A foul darkness has come into our universe. They are coming. I have looked into the abyss and I have seen evil."

Rannaonn was confused as he had no idea of what Londo was speaking of and apparently, it showed.

"There are aliens that have come into our universe from another space. They were in the process of defeating the Shadows and the Drakh-together. I fear that in order to defeat them we will need all of our forces combined if we are to have a chance."

The Minbari actually laughed. Yes, there was a threat, but the seriousness of the threat had yet to be determined.

Undeterred, Londo continued. "That is why I am willing to offer myself and if necessary, my government so that the universe can survive. That is why all of the ambassadors have left; to see for themselves if I what I said and seen was true."

The council had mentioned something about another power entering region, but it was just that-a rumor. "You would betray your own people."

"To save them, yes," Londo insisted. "Captain, do you have any idea what is coming? No, you have not. I have seen it."

There was something in his voice the Commander noticed…He probably would regret this, he thought.

An hour later, Londo and Vir were secured onboard the Minbari flagship, headed for Centauri Prime. With them were the USS Yeager Major Edward Ryan's ship, the Alexander and the EA Omega Adelphi.

They would be witnesses to the abyss.



Next: Tongue in cheek (a little lightheartedness before the coming dark). And exactly what's happening on the Ambassador that has got everyone onboard wanting to shoot (with prejudice) a certain aquatic, jailed Sinhindrea?