Dedicated to Maria: Ma, I will write you soon. Treat those kids well.

Luis: I got chance to read your e-mail. Better this time. Try once more. Remember I want it specifically for TWS not Veneers. No preservers or anybody else we know. I want it unique, but not back to the beginning of time. The fact that you've given me what you have means that you do have the gift. That is why I am narrowing you down. Try again.

RenS: Londo will be fairly happy under the current conditions. Things will change later.

Thomas William Riker has yet to meet William Thomas Riker of the Enterprise-D. Worf and Worf; Commander Data and Lieutenant Commander Data, Tasha and Sela. Mr. and Mrs Tom Paris and young B'ellana. Oh, wow! And what about Deanna Garibaldi and Bester? I have a lot of work ahead of me.

Most of the comments I respond to in reviews, but you can e-mail me as well and I will comment during these postings…Thank you, ever so much people for commenting on my stories. Please keep them coming.

Chapter Twenty-Seven Part 1

"The One Side of the Coin"

(The Armageddon Conflict :) Part 3

"Crisis Point"

Footnote in the History of the universe of Babylon Five:

The historians studying the Armageddon conflict had many reasons to rank President Clark one of the greatest traitors in Earth's history. Without benefit of his advisors or Psi-Corps, he was also considered one of the more incompetent leaders that Earth had produced in two hundred years. Evidence of his incompetence was his decision to order Captain Jake Thompson to attack Voyager immediately after the Drakh attack that spread the Shadow plague across Earth. The Federation starship came to Earth's aid, but Clark saw this as an opportunity to gain power and he went for it.

At the very least it was an ill-conceived plan that would have completely destroyed Earth Alliance as a power in the galaxy. The resistance forces in the area were prepared to defend Voyager to the death. The resultant battle would have doomed EarthForce as a viable entity. The worse case scenario was that Voyager would be destroyed (unlikely, given Janeway's unique answer to the Clark dilemma); and with that destruction any chance that the plague could have been stopped in time to save the population would have been lost. Clark's impulsiveness caused him to act too soon in threatening Earth with the G.O.D.s. That mistake cost him his already flattering powerbase and his life. That same impulsiveness caused Morden to tip his hand too soon by trying to stop in Voyager from assisting against the plague his associates engineered. That conflict attracted the Sinhindrea to Earth much sooner than anyone could have predicted.

Unknown to everyone, the Sinhindrea were 'hunting' the creatures (Voyager, the Azetbur and the Rantoul) who surprise attacked them near the Z'ha'dum gateway. The loss of several vessels to the same species of aliens (by the Enterprise and the Earth alliance ships Revere and Hera) who were also in association with the Shadows as demonstrated by the Advanced Destroyers near Centauri Prime) made them targets to be destroyed. It marked the beginning of the darkest period in Earth's history. And what happened to Earth served as a horrific template for all of the major powers.

White Star Three:

Captain Hiroshi's heart skipped a beat when she saw the damage inflicted on battered hull of the USS Enterprise. The saucer section now sported a huge gaping wound from a shot that penetrated through both sides of the hull. The characteristic bluish glow emanating from the port nacelle was simply a rapid flutter now. She was flanked by two Omegas, one resistance and one loyalist, both of whom seemed determined to protect her at any cost. And at point was one of the rarely seen Explorer ships, the Cortez looking majestic as ever.

White Star Three slowly flew between the two Omegas as she performed a detailed analysis of the starship. The Ambassador was about three klicks distant doing the same thing. She gasped at the power required to penetrate the shields of the galaxy-class ship and a moment later, it was confirmed that the weapons used were Sinhindrea-based. Like so many others, she had sub-consciously believed that the starships were almost invincible and to see the Enterprise in such terrible shape just made that impending danger all the more real.

This is the Hera to White Star."

"This is Captain Hiroshi. Thank you for your assistance."

"The Enterprise and the Revere saved us. We were more than happy to return the favor," the Captain graciously replied. "There are reports that Earth has been attacked by the Drakh and we're needed there. We're leaving escort to you now, but there is vital information that Babylon 5, Earth Alliance and the others need to know. These aliens don't use jumpspace. They have no need to use jumpgates and they are destroying them. If they destroy enough of them then everyone's going to be crippled to some extent. They're run all over us."

Hiroshi was still reeling from the first report. "Earth was attacked?"

"A short while ago," the Captain confirmed. "It's bad."

"I won't hold you. Good luck."

"Thank you. Captain Elizabeth Lochley, out." The Hera turned gracefully and headed towards Earth.

"Prepare to transport the medical staff and myself to the Enterprise."

"Yes, Ma'am." The transporter officer gulped. He had never used it himself and hopefully never would. But it was still a nice thing to have.

USS Enterprise:

Sandra Hiroshi and several of her medical crew materialized in the transporter room and were immediately struck by the devastation. The room was in shambles. Two of the main computer systems were all but destroyed and there were ugly scorch marks on the walls. Quickly she led her crew out and was met by Commander William Riker. After taking carefully inventory she, very unprofessionally as one of her crew pointed out, jumped into his arms. The man promptly hit the floor and the petite woman almost fainted. She saw his overall condition-disheveled hair, a small gash in his scalpline and the slight limp-but she had not taken into consideration the seriousness of his injuries. None of that stopped her from giving him the biggest bear-hug anyone had ever seen.

"Will, what happened?" she demanded while looking into her eyes to confirm that he was really okay.

"We won," he whispered. "But they hurt us. We have to let the others know. Their weaponry is at least as strong as the Shadows. We-all of us, will have to prepare."

That was an unwelcome bit of news. "How's Captain Picard?"

"He was injured but Dr Crusher is good. She has him sedated; however he should be awake at any time. And I believe that Captain Garret is with him now."

"Well, we're here to escort you to B5," she whispered in tones that conveyed that nothing else would happen to him unless it was over her dead, dead body. "A lot's happened since you were out. Earth was attacked by the Drakh. I want to talk to Picard as soon as I can."

"Follow me," he said. Turning smartly he limped towards medical bay…

SICKBAY:

The first thing that Jean-Luc saw was Rachel's dark brown eyes staring back at him. He actually smiled Beverly noticed, as she moved to attend another wounded patient. She was happy for him. It was good that the two of them had found one another, even if it took another universe for them to do so.

"I am glad you didn't decide to drop dead, Jean-Luc," Rachel whispered. He almost looked sexy in that medical garb. She'd talk about that later. "I would have been very angry at you."

"I think I will stay around a little longer," he whispered back. His ribs hurt. Dr. Crusher had told him that he had broken four of them along with his arm and both legs. Even medicated, he felt terrible. But she was here and irreverently, he felt better for it. "The Ambassador?" he murmured. He couldn't speak that much as his throat was still raw.

"She's fine," she said. "But I have some bad news. Earth is being attacked by the Drakh. It's a very large strike force and at last reports, EA wasn't doing too well against them."

"Are the Centauri involved as well?" He was rewarded by aa sober shaking of Rachel's head. "Then there is nothing we can do," he sighed. "You know that they will come after B5 next and we have to prepare. We are going to have to give them full access to our weapons technology. But the Minbari and even the Narn will become the first defense against this new enemy." He hated to say that but this encounter with the Sinhindrea had convinced him once and for all that this had become a choice between the Prime Directive and survival.

"I know," she said solemnly. "The Prime Directive is about to be tossed into the wind." With that omission she, strangely she had to admit, finally acknowledged that they had officially slipped head first down that slippery path and there was no going back. "I pray that we are doing the right thing."

"The Prime Directive are rules designed to keep the Federation from interfering in another's culture." Picard ruefully shook his head. "We have abandoned one of our last ties to our universe."

"No," Rachel responded. "They are guidelines, not unbendable rules. They're being constantly redefined and that is what we're doing right now," she said with absolute conviction. "I will not let everyone die because I choose not to interfere with their natural development while they are being slaughtered. The Sinhindrea are vicious. We've both seen this. We're here now-let's deal with it."

Both of them were silent now, each wrapped up in their own thoughts, and truth be told in each other, providing and receiving comfort.

For Picard this was indeed foreign territory. For so long he had focused on his duty to the Federation and Starfleet. The Klingons had been responsible for the deaths of tens of billions and he and his ship, Enterprise, were the first line of defense against barbaric savagery. He didn't have time for a personal life and that was the price he willingly paid for having the job of protecting those he loved. Now, he wasn't so sure if the path he'd chosen was the best. The presence of Rachel was an eye-opener, especially since she was so completely contrary to everything he knew Starfleet to be. Sometimes the lack of closeness took too much of a toll. And the toll had increased. The entity called Q had told him that this galaxy was doomed and there was nothing he or anyone could do about it. The presence of the Sinhindrea meant that he now looked at those words in a new light. But he also told him that there was a way out.

With this information, the question now became, should he and his crews search for a way out as the entity has indicated; or should he stay and condemn his people to death? Which was more important-his universe or this one? There was a time when he could have answered that question immediately, without the slightest doubt. But things had changed. His perception had changed and more importantly, his connection with this reality had changed. It was stronger. It felt right and it felt natural. It was as if the old universe was disconnecting itself from him and his crew, and that this one was accepting him like a transplanted organ accepted by its new owner. If that were true, then did he dare to allow this severing to continue? What if Sisko had been wrong and this Q entity right? He had never spoken to Garret about this. Only Guinan had been privy to that information and she seemed skeptical. Maybe it was time to tell her and the senior staff.

A few moments later, the interlude was interrupted by the appearance of an Ensign who quickly appeared next to the two Captains. "I'm sorry to interrupt," she said quickly. The comm-badge system hadn't been repaired yet. "But we have a priority call from the B5 station."

"Wonderful. Probably more bad news. Patch it through."

Captain Sheridan appeared on the small computer console next to him. "We're putting through a call you really need to take Captain," he said quickly. "Is Captain Garrett there?"

"Yes, Captain."

"Good. Hold for a moment…"

His face disappeared and in his place stood a woman. She was a little older than Rachel with brunette hair that appeared to be graying a bit at the temples. The woman reeked of command presence but at the same time there was a matronly persona that surrounded her; one even stronger than Rachel's. But what shocked them was the uniform she wore. It was similar, but not quite like anything either one of them had ever seen. But it was nevertheless unmistakably Federation designed.

"Hello, Captain Picard, Captain Garrett," the woman said in a husky voice. "I'm Admiral Kathryn Janeway of the Federation Starship Voyager. It is good to see you."

At first neither of the Captains spoke. It had to be some type of trick. It was too much of a shock. That response was something that the Admiral had expected. So she continued speaking as if nothing was going on.

"I realize that is somewhat of a shock, and that's an understatement. However, I assure you that this is not a deception," she said as she raised both hands as if lecturing to students. "Starfleet command is aware of your 'special' circumstances by which you came to this place. I know you have a thousand questions and I promise that all of this will be explained to you when we arrive at Babylon Five."

"Admiral," Picard said cautiously. He was trying to get used to that word. "Where are you at this moment?" His voice fairly dripped with suspicion. "How did you get here?"

Evidently Janeway noticed and became a touch more formal. "Presently, we're in Earth Orbit. The planet was attacked by a species called the Drakh. They have inflicted terrible damage throughout the system and have used some type of biogenic weapon against the planet. Earth is under total quarantine. My medical teams are working on the problem and we are in close contact with President Clark of Earth Alliance. As to how we got here; we arrived here by way of a gateway created by a species called the Vorlons. There was a problem however. The gate has been compromised by a species called the Yonji Sinhindrea, native to our universe. Captain Garrett, I am sending you the authentication codes for the USS Enterprise-C. Captain Picard," Janeway continued. "I will send the codes to you as well, however I am not sure of their value to you as you have been somewhat displaced in realities as well as in time."

That bit of information completely surprised him. "You are aware of this?"

"I am aware of a lot of things, Captain, much of which I will not share over an open channel. Obviously hyperspace and subspace are not quite compatible for communication purposes. Our people are working on it even as we speak. I will see you in five days. When you exit hyperspace contact me on Starfleet channel twenty-two. We have a lot to talk about. Right now I have a meeting with the President."

"The man is not to be trusted, Admiral."

"Thank you for the warning," she said kindly. "Everyone we've spoken with has said the same thing. We'll be prepared. For now we'll keep in contact via Babylon Five comms. I have already spoken to Captain Sisko and I look forward to meeting all of you."

"Acknowledged, Admiral."

After taking a couple of moments to recover, Rachel smiled at him with that familiar dubious smile of hers he'd become so used to. It also served to cover the threatened bubbly part of her nature to come boiling to the surface. "How long do you think it will take before everyone on both ships have the registry number of Voyager memorized?"

His smirk was equally understated. "My estimation is six minutes."

"That's much longer than mine."

'We are not alone' he thought jubilantly. "I believe it is time to get what's left of my ship back to B5."

EarthSpace

A bead of sweat found its way down the nose of President Clark and it wasn't due to the heat in the ship; indeed it was rather cold on Earth Force Once. It was because his mind was racing. If this bold plan worked then it would be the defining point in his career. In twenty-five minutes the Federation delegation was going to meet with him and his most trusted aides. When that happened, then for the first time Clark would have the opportunity to acquire hostages. None of the others would be in the position to help them and if they dared to use their transporters to escape, then his people had orders to shoot them immediately. Their ship would bring back charred corpses.

Of course, this action would very likely mean his death, but gambles like this always demanded high stakes. As of now the three remaining black Omegas-not including his traitorous cousin's-were positioned so that they could, if needed, fire instantly on the alien starship. Several other EA ships were also positioned to give backup support if the smaller ship entered the fray. This entire plan was an act of desperation, but if he succeeded…

And if he couldn't persuade them then no one would be a winner here. The fight would be brutal; but either way, Sheridan and his cohorts would lose everything attacking the legitimate EarthDome government. Insurrection could be added to the long lists of the Resistances' traitorous acts.

"We'll meet in the crew's mess hall," he ordered. "There are only two ways in, two ways out and it is situated in the most secured area of the ship. The Shadow armor will interfere with their transporters."

"Are you sure, Sir?" Thompson asked. "If they can transport faster than we can hit them, then we'll lose the hostages and our main advantage."

"Our scientists have told me that it takes at least seven seconds for their transporters to complete the cycle. They also assure me that the communication badges must be active before they can get a lock on their people," Clark noted with some satisfaction. "That is our window." It was plenty of time.

"What if they can help us with whatever the Drakh has infected Earth with? Thousands are going to die."

"Don't be a fool," he hissed. "That's Shadow technology. Earth is already dead. Nothing can save them. It's a waste of valuable resources to try."

Thompson said nothing and even managed to hide his surprise at Clark's knowledge about the aliens. Normally rock-solid in his devotion to the Presidency, his found himself beginning to worry about the state of his leader's mind.

He had family on Earth, too.

USS Voyager:

"Commander Data, what have you got?"

As Captain Chakotay and Admiral Janeway peered over his shoulders, the android's hands flew over the console with a speed that would shame a concert pianist. "The outer armor of Earth Force One is composed of a pseudo organic polymer which is superior to the standard metal -based armor used by most of the other vessels. I estimate that it would take an additional fifteen percent more power to penetrate the protective shell. This makes it comparable to the rather thin ablative coating found on Cylon destroyers. The ship has no shields and no gravity generating capability. It took our sensors an additional five point three seconds to penetrate the outer layers of the ship. Once the initial parameters were established, we were able to easily penetrate the ship's hull. This pseudo-organic layer has characteristics similar to other organic lifeforms that Starfleet has encountered in the past. However, this material being crude synthetic imitation, is in fact inferior to those space-born organisms. I believe that this is EarthForce's attempt at replicating a synthetic analog of the original material they have encountered. They have succeeded in producing a viable if somewhat inferior product."

"But it is impressive that they were able to achieve a useful product."

"On the contrary, the material is highly carcinogenic and is deadly to living organisms. Although used as an outside protective layer, the crew will be affected if they continue to serve onboard for more than seven months."

Both officers were shocked. "Surely they must realize the danger they're in?"

"Maybe not, Captain. If there have been no long-term studies performed on the product they may be unaware of the side effects. It is also possible that they may not have been told of the inherent dangers of serving onboard that ship," Data said.

"How much of a threat is this vessel to us?"

"At this range, Voyager would be able to resist a full scale assault for eight minutes without active shields and only ablative armor. If Voyager is fully defensive, then we could withstand twenty minutes of continuous fire before we would have to retreat from the area. I believe that it is prudent to mention that their targeting systems require three seconds before they would be able to lock onto our ships. Also, our metaphasic shielding effectively renders us invisible to their sensors."

"I want detailed scans, Commander."

"The scans have already been completed, Admiral."

"Mr. Worf, I would like for you to complete preparations as we have discussed. You and Mr. Data have twenty minutes."

"Yes, Ma'am," Worf said as both officers left to bridge.

"Admiral Janeway due to the current crisis I only have a small window in which to speak to you. I would like for you to transport over to Earth Force One. I would like to see this amazing device that I've heard so much about in action. I would visit your ship, but my advisors feel that it would be more comfortable for the people, if you and your people came to my ship."

"Thank you, Mr. President," the Admiral said in her most gracious tone. "My Captain and two of my assistants well beam over in fifteen minutes. We are looking forward to meeting you in person."

"As am I. And please call me Morgan. I also want to than you for offering your assistance in helping our wounded. Your shuttles and their capabilities are magic. You've saved many of my people."

"Again, it's in our charter to help those in need of help."

"The President's smile widened. "I'm sure," he said ever so pleasantly. "In fifteen minutes. Oh, Admiral, I forgot to ask. Can you scan my ship? I want to give you directions where to beam to."

"Most of our scans are being reflected back," she lied. "However if you place some sort of energy source in the area you wish us to beam to, then we can use it as a beacon to help out targeting scanners."

He smiled even more. "It will be done." Nodding, he cut the channel.

"He smiles a lot, doesn't he?" Chakotay said to Kathryn.

"That smile made him look like a Ferengi in heat," Tom Paris mentioned offhandedly.

"Be respectful, Tom," chastised the Admiral. "He is the President of this government. But you're right. He does seem less than trustworthy. Have both of the Cobras launched?"

"Yes, Ma'am," rumbled Worf. "They are performing rescue operations as needed and are aware that we may 'require' their help should your plan not work out. Lieutenant Commander Riker is performing a similar duty near the edge of the system."

"We've thrown the bait out," the Admiral said, satisfied. "Let's see if we can catch anything." She touched her combadge: "Commander Data, is everything ready?"

"I have completed detailed scans of the ship and programmed them into the computer. Arrangements will be complete in six minutes.

Earth Force One:

"Mr. President, with your permission, we'll beam over now."

"Understood, Voyager. You may begin." Clark licked his lips. He wanted to see this. Like so many others he'd been told about it but few of them really knew what to expect. But the thought of converting matter to energy and back again in its original form excited him. When he had heard of the food replicator onboard the Enterprise, he had obsessed about it.

Now, the Admiral and her staff were coming and he and his staff waited nervously. The first thing the President and his staff heard was a strange-unearthly whine that filled the air. The air itself tingled with power and Clark found that he was a bit giddy by the experience. Points of lights appeared, pulsating as though alive, rapidly changing into a shimmering blue humanoid ghost-image. That blue light turned into living, breathing individuals, the entire process taking eight seconds. As with millions upon millions of others, seeing a transporter in action was a staggering, breath-taking sight.

Three people had transported onto his ship. Admiral Janeway was at the head, a little shorter than he expected. There was what he thought was a dark-skinned Vulcan with her and another alien. That alien was the strangest of all. It-he was blue with antennae! This woman surrounded herself with aliens just as Picard had. That made him frown; for appearances sake.

Not that he really cared one way or the other. The truth was, aliens didn't bother him. In fact they have been extremely useful as scapegoats. People were so gullible. Give them a convenient target to blame their woes and problems on and they were like attack dogs. Hitler had learned this long ago, not that Morgan would ever compare himself to that madman. Nevertheless he did have some interesting methods and they still worked three hundred years later. Maybe Hitler did hate Jews, but he loved the power that hatred gave him even more. The Earth-Minbari war had helped him more than anyone had imagined. He was able to mold that fear and hatred into something that he could use. And there were thousands of people willing to follow his cause. Even Thompson was loyal-not to him, but to the office he represented. That blind obedience was also very useful-such as now.

"Admiral Janeway. On behalf of the Earth Alliance I want to thank you for everything that you've done for us."

"On behalf of the Federation, you're welcomed," she said. "This is Commander Tuvok, First Officer and lieutenant Commander Sondrar. I understand that this is a difficult time, Mr. President. But we are here to offer our services in any way we can so that we can help combat the plague infecting you planet."

"Thank you," Clark said. "This is Captain Jake Thompson and my first advisor, Nicholi Androvich Christov and those people are my security. They're there to insure my safely," he said. Perilous times, you understand."

Thompson nodded quickly. "If you will excuse me, this ship demands my attention at this moment. It was good to meet you, Admiral."

"Yes, Captain," Janeway said evenly. "I hope we meet again," she added as he walked through the doorway.

"Security is to be expected," she said evenly. "These are perilous times. My medical staff is at your disposal."

Clark nodded as Thompson exited the room. "I'm very glad to hear that, Admiral," he whispered. "But I have a question? What can your people possibly do to defeat the power of a species that walked the universe a million years before mankind was conceived of? The Drakh derived their technology from a species call Shadows. Their technology is beyond our imagination and your ability to do anything about it, so why try?"

Sondrar looked perplexed. "Granted, if what you say may be true, there is no harm in trying. Billions of lives are at risk. The Federation has encountered a lot of exotic diseases in our travels. We may be able to help."

"Your people have helped me enough already," the President harshly answered. He was no longer trying to hide his anger now. "Ask Picard and Garrett what they've done to help."

Clark noticed the Admiral's eyes narrow at his retort. "I guess this meeting is over," she told him.

"Don't touch your badges, or my men will fire," he announced triumphantly. Clark's security had their weapons pointed at the surprised Federation Officers. They quickly removed their weapons, com badges and anything else the trio carried. Now, for a change, he was back in control.

"I don't know what your true purpose is here, in our space," he said. "But I can guess. You people have destabilized this entire area of space. You've fermented rebellion and sedition in Earth Alliance. You've destroyed EA ships and killed thousands of loyal citizens. You've participated in the theft of Earth Gov property and consorted with traitors. You've started the war with the Centauri and Drakh against my government. Your people have spread lies about my administration."

"Your Captains Picard and Garrett have caused more damage to EarthForce than anything in our collective memories," Chistov added. "I believe that you and your so-called government has done this as a prelude to invasion of our territories."

"Gentlemen-"

"Admiral," Clark hissed, cutting her off. "Do not try to continue the lies that you're from another universe. No one here believes you. We've had ships back-tracking the Enterprise and Ambassador's trajectories and we found the Klingon derelict. It didn't survive the long journey from wherever you come from." He moved closer to a fuming Janeway, almost nose-to-nose. "You intend to invade us and we intend to stop you."

"We have no intentions o invading your territories, Mr. President. Our non interference policy-"

"-Has been broken more times than I can count," retorted Clark. "Earth is doomed. But I have you and that means that I have your ship."

"Captain Chakotay will not succumb to blackmail," the Admiral answered hotly.

"Maybe he will, or maybe he won't," Clark countered. "But it doesn't matter. Right now your vaulted shields are down and your crew is too busy trying to help us," he sneered. Strangely, the Admiral didn't seem intimidated. So, she had strength which meant that he'd have to kill one of her subordinates to put the fear of Clark in her. "My warships have you in our sights. They will cripple you before your crew has a chance to defend themselves."

"Contrary to your beliefs, Mr. President, we don't need your territory," she said evenly. There wasn't a trace of fear in her voice."

To the side Christov's forehead started getting moist. Something was wrong. She and her officers were too confident. He'd seen Picard act the same before he revealed that awesome energy matter replication. Next to him, Commander Grissom was nervous as well. Their President had pushed too hard and way too fast.

"Admiral." Christov's voice was low. "Instead of destroying your ship and taking what's left of it, perhaps we can strike some sort of deal. Call it a recompense for all of the damage your people have done to our society."

"We don't give out our technology to aggressive species."

"But we're human."

"Mr. Christov," Tuvok began. "Your President is not concerned about the billions of people under his charge. That is not logical. You cannot be trusted with the responsibly our technology would give you. Your attitude is too provincial, too narrow-minded to be a good public servant."

"The Federation does not acquire territory by conquest. Besides, if we wanted this area of space, you wouldn't be able to stop us," Sondrar added. "Not with your level of technology."

Clark's face flushed bright red. "That very attitude will destroy your Federation when they come here, because we will be ready, starting right now. Surrender your ship now. I have soldiers awaiting my orders. No one will be hurt. I promise."

The three Federation officers glanced at one another.

They didn't believe them for a second.

TBC

This chapter is to be continued.