Chapter 33

("The One Side of the Coin"; The Armageddon Conflict :) Part 9

EarthScream: Part B

Captain Bouchet tried his best to ignore the ravaged bridge of the Armitage. A fifth of his Command was dead and half of the systems were out. His wild-eyed Exec looked as if he wanted to abandon ship any second. It was a miracle that his ship was still intact after the slaughter he'd just witnessed. Twenty-three destroyers slugged it out with two of the alien 'Ballships' at point blank range. Nearly a hundred Star Furies swarmed the Sinhindrea support ships and fighters in a knife fight that he would not have believe if he hadn't been part of it.

Earth Alliance won the fight but the price paid was enormous. Only four heavily damaged destroyers and nine Star Furies had staggered away from the fighting. Half of the Armitage's engines were junk and the Evanston- which should have been retired long ago- had had its rotating section sheared off. Her crew was abandoning it even now.

And there were still three of the enemy capitals left. Slowly the Armitage and the other survivors proceeded to give chase. At the rate they were losing ships, Earth would be defenseless in less than an hour-again.

The Clovien Lord's two pairs of eyes glared at the evil alien ship trapped by the grappler rays. The power required to trap the sHp'kU (Humanstain) ship was draining his ships' power much too quickly. Those shields refused to be completely captured and its combat computer had to constantly readjust its frequency and modulation or else the ship would escape. When three of the escort ships had tried to disable the Humanstain, they were swatted from the stars by at least two kinds of powerful beam weapons.

The Clovien huntmate had been badly hurt by Human missile fire and had lost its shields, their power source unstable. There was no way it could assist without being destroyed. The enemy continued to fire their beam weapons at its ship with increasing ferocity before it could reach detonation point. In moments, its shields would collapse, and the sHp'kU would destroy its vessel, but there would still be time enough to perform its duty. The Sinhindrea ordered his Sub to decrease the distance between it and the sHp'kU it had sworn to kill.

"Captain-energy buildup on the enemy ship!"

"They're moving closer!'

"We've got to break the tractor beam!"

"We cannot, Sir," Data said tightly. His emotion chip was activated and the emotions played havoc on his face. "Their computer compensates as fast as I can re-modulate the shields."

Chakotay's lips tightened. He had wanted to save this little surprise for another time. "Ready transphasic torpedoes."

"We are too close. Our shields are being strained and may not protect us from the blast."

"There's no choice. Phasers and IMD fire won't punch through in time."

That last statement by Commander Worf as true. Sinhindrea shields were taking a vicious beating as they strained to maintain both defense and the structural integrity of its power source. Those shields were redlining and would fail within moments and the energy source would undergo cataclysmic destabilization, but not before the self-destruct sequence completed itself.

"Sir, We're using every bit of energy we have to keep the shields and the weapons up."

"Transphasic torpedoes are ready," Worf swiftly answered. Today wasn't a good day to die, but it seemed that they would have little choice in the matter.

"Fire on my mark."

A jumpoint appeared from behind the Sinhindrea vessel and three Omegas exited, firing all weapons at the already weakened shields. The tractor beam was cut off and Voyager was backing away at extreme speed, its shields knocking boulders and small asteroids out of the way.

"Tell those ships to back off!" Chakotay yelled. "Quantum torpedoes full spread-fire."

The EA vessels were vectoring away now at extreme speed. They'd experienced Federation firepower unleashed and didn't want to be anywhere near when the blast struck. The torpedoes combined with the Sinhindrea already destabilizing Sinhindrea power node blew a hole in the Mars belt that would be seen by Earth's telescopes.

Voyager exploded from the belt and locked onto the damaged Clovien. It was fleeing directly towards the three vessels that had assisted the Federation ship and their firepower was chewing up the front of the unprotected ship. Viciously, it returned fire, using its plasma pulse and killed one of the Omegas, which simply disappeared. It was then vaporized as the two survivors fired their nuclear missiles, even while Voyagers' photon torpedoes struck from behind…

Fifteen EA alliance destroyers faced down the last remaining Sinhindrea warship capital ships. Two had managed to survived the confrontation. The Sinhindrea escorts had been destroyed, but their firepower decimated every ship it encountered, allowing the warship to break through. By now the two Cobras and remaining Peregrines had entered the fray and had let loose with a combined salvo of photon torpedoes, knocking the ship off of its trajectory. The Titanus star Furies were vectoring in for a massive strike with their own photonic missiles. The ships core was going critical fast now and the allies rushed in for the final kill. The Sinhindrea unleashed psychic scream before they extracted their final revenge, thereby completing at least part of their mission. Photonic missiles and one transphasic torpedo disemboweled the ship two seconds after it fired an immense energy bolt directly towards Mars. The pulse easily penetrated the thin atmosphere, hit the surface of the planet and proceeded to quickly spread across the surface, killing and destroying everything it touched. Domed-cities and people everywhere ceased to exist as the wave cascaded across two-thirds of the world.

Babylon Five:

As Picard went through the last of the damage reports he felt dismayed and exhausted. Although repairs to the Enterprise were continuing, the damage to her was considerable. And it was times such as this that he remembered that 'she' was little more than a piece of floating machinery serving only to keep outside space from getting in. The port nacelle was seriously damaged and it would take at least another week to get it up and running. The good thing was that Lieutenant Commander Riker's crew was more than willing to help with the repairs. The weapons and shields were back up, but warp drive was down. Enterprise was an easy target if the Drakh or the Sinhindrea decided to visit. He really didn't want to depend on others to help him, while his ship lay helpless, unable to maneuver. The Ambassador and Yeager were good ships, but they weren't the Enterprise and every ship would be needed if they were to be attacked by the Sinhindrea. Babylon Five and its support ships wouldn't be able to handle these creatures, if they came. Even with the Enterprise up to full specs it might be a moot point.

USS Enterprise personal log- combat date three seven two seven point four: I have not been overly enthused with Garrett's little stunt with the Minbari, however I do understand why she did it. There were certain technologies and capabilities that all three Captains had strived to make sure that the Minbari were to remain ignorant about. That species is as touchy as Klingons and dealing with them had been a minefield of diplomacy. While it is true that Ambassador Delenn and several of the others of the Religious, Worker and even some of the Warrior castes have established good relations with us; there were many members of the warrior caste that displayed open contempt, hostility and naked fear of the fact that 'Human based' technology could surpass theirs. The ultimate consequences of the duel between Ambassador and 'Blood of Saints' would not be known for a while. Captain Sheridan's reports noted that the Minbari onboard Babylon Five had been remarkably subdued. Whether this would lead to better relations with them or some sort of political explosion, no one was yet sure of. True humility was not one of their strengths, especially when it comes to interacting with Humanity.

Captain Garret is not making the situation any better. She is actively gloating, making Alyt Rannaonn follow her around like some trained animal. So far, he was cooperating; but the look in his eyes is filled murderous intent. I have no doubt that if he had his way Earth would be in the middle of a Human-Fed-Minbari war at this very second. But the Minbari is bound by his promise-enforced by the Minbari ruling council and the other members of his own caste-to honor the agreement. As for my part, I have said very little but Rannaonn understands that I would not hesitate to kill him in an instant if it appeared that Garret was in danger from him in any way. However, I will admit that she has a somewhat better understanding when it comes to social interaction, so I have not intervened. We shall see how this plays out.

Picard solemnly ignored Commander Riker as he entered Enterprise's bridge, looking more sullen than usual, no doubt thinking about his counterpart Thomas. William had taken a dislike to Thomas almost immediately and it hadn't helped that Thomas had just smiled, expecting just such a reaction. It was interesting to see the differences between the two men. Lieutenant Commander Thomas Riker was older than William, a vulgarity of temporal mechanics, and a bit more hardened. That was understandable. Being a prisoner of Cardassia either killed you or hardened you. But he seemed less uptight than William. And he wasn't officially Starfleet, but on loan to some government called the Colonials. Admiral Janeway, scheduled to come to B5 in two days, would explain those details later.

Captain Sisko and Lieutenant Commander Riker were now conferring together on the differences between the Yeager and Rantoul. Armament on Riker's Saber was significantly more powerful than had been expected and Sisko was eagerly gathering technological data and stockpiling equipment. And this brought another problem to the fore. It was rapidly becoming apparent that they would need a central base of operations, something that he had been adverse to. He fought against it because it meant that he was giving up his hope of returning home, despite what Sisko had said. There had to be a way.

The entity Q had told him that it was possible although the price would be high. That would mean abandoning this universe to the Sinhindrea. They would be alone with only their resources available to combat these creatures. He however had a responsibility to get his crew home. They could use the same route that Voyager had used to get here. Janeway however had not been so positive that he and the others would be 'allowed' to return. But he had the responsibility to at least try, didn't he? However if they made it back would it be their universe of would he and his crew be shadows of the 'others'?

He would decide soon.

Decisions. That was the problem.

His stubbornness had cost them time. They could have built a structure to house their ships. He refused. They could have started making a home here for themselves, but he had insisted that they were only temporary guests. Voyager was here now but could any of them get back? Would the famously stubborn Jean-Luc Picard make the correct decision for himself and his crew? Sisko and Garret would fight him if he didn't make the correct decision and technically Garret was the Senior Captain. If he insisted on going back despite the advice given him, how would the others react?

"Sir!" Tasha screamed, breaking him out of his self –absorbed contemplations. His Tactical Officer had initiated red-alert. "A Klingon warship has just de-cloaked one point five kilometers off our starboard bow,. Configuration unknown!"

"Shields to full! Ready phasers!" Picard yelled. His heart nearly stopped beating for a moment. A Klingon vessel here, right on top of them! "Arm photon torpedoes and warn the Ambassador and Babylon Five! Are they preparing to fire yet?""

"Negative, Sir," she answered. "They seem to be ignoring us for the moment. They're talking to K'mpec's Honor It's the biggest Klingon ship I've every seen! Their shields completely are blocking our scans, Sir. But their weapons are not targeting us yet."

Picard and the crew looked on at this unexpected and very unwelcome sight. This Klingon battleship made the K'vort cruiser look miniscule in comparison. It was ten meters longer than Enterprise with forward swept nacelles. The front end was tapered and the classic neck was twice as short, but four times thicker as compared to any other Klingon vessel he had ever seen.

"Sir, two Minbari warships have closed ranks with us. Several of the Earth Alliance ships and one Whitestar have done the same."

Captain Kagth was half amused at the response of the Enterprise and the other ships that had swarmed to protect the damage Galaxy. He was surprised that it was the Enterprise. Janeway hadn't mentioned that other Federation or Klingon ships would be here.

The K'vort was in bad condition. Its disruptors are underpowered, the cloak leaked and it was equipped with old-style photon torpedoes and the warp core configuration was older than he was. Where did they come from and where did the Enterprise come from? The Galaxy had been destroyed by Picard himself, many years ago-yet here it was. Different universes.-oh, how he hated temporal physics.

Captain Koral face was plastered on the screen, filled with every emotion a Klingon could express. Elation, surprise, confusion, defiance, concern, and a healthy dose of fear crossed the young Klingon's face in an instant. But it was the person behind him that caught Kagth's attention. It was a younger version of Ambassador-Commander Worf looking wild-eyed and defiant. That was another pleasant surprise that he look forward to experiencing when both Worfs came together.

"Identify yourself," Koral growled in his best command voice. "Do not attack the Federation ship or we will destroy you!"

Kagth's response was to sneer and was promptly rewarded with a glimmer of fear emanating from the Captain. "Kagth," he growled back. "My ship is the Imperial Klingon Battleship Azetbur. Identify your ship-now."

"Imperial Klingon ship K'mpec's Honor."

"Kagth was surprised and he quickly had his First Officer check the records. "It was K'mpec's Honor, two ship generations past. It was one of the earlier K'vort class designs under the command of Captain L'ukrUal."

"Where is Captain L'ukrUal?" Kagth demanded.

Again Kagth noted Koral's surprised. "Dead. Killed during the transit here."

"Who is your Second-in-Command?"

"He is Worf, son of Morg, son of Worf."

'So it was him.' Looking at the sweating Captain: "I am not here to start a war, Koral. The Federation and the Klingon Empire are allies," he said. The look of absolute surprise on the young Klingon's face surprised him.

"We are?"

'Just who were these Klingons?' "We were unaware of your presence here. We will talk later. There is much you need to know." He nodded lightly and cut communications.

"Captain, the Federation ships are targeting us with all weapons," Klyn'g announced. "Type nine phasers and photon torpedoes."

The captain nodded tersely. "Hail the Enterprise before they start shooting."

"They are responding."

On the viewscreen, Kagth came face to face with a very determined, very grim-faced Captain Picard-a younger version of the one he knew. Amazing. The bridge was subtly different from the Galaxy-class configuration he was familiar with. It was darker, more combat oriented. The crew were armed and dangerous looking. He approved.

"This is the Federation Battleship Enterprise. You are outnumbered. Surrender now or we will destroy your ship," the Captain growled angrily.

Kagth had no doubt that he would try. He glared back at the Human. The hostility shown by this Picard was certainly different than what he was expecting.

"Picard, calm yourself." To Picard's credit, his face never cracked, neither had Kagth; but inside he was roaring with laughter. The irony of a Klingon saying that to the Arbiter of Succession was priceless. "We are not at war with the Federation. I would speak to you."

Picard was not pleased. His blood enemy was facing him, daring to tell him to 'calm down' in front of his crew. Lieutenant Yar was unable to even scan the ship properly. Their shields were too far strong and there was no way that the Enterprise could shoot its way through before they destroyed his ship. But he wanted to talk instead of fight. "What do you want, Klingon?"

The Klingon tilted his head slightly before he spoke. "I'm Captain Kagth. As I said, I would speak to you and your crew."

"If you attempt to attack us-"

"Picard!" the Klingon screamed. He was furious now. "I am trying to be polite! If I choose to destroy you, your puny ship will not be able to stop me." The Klingon, with much effort began to calm down once more. "Stop acting Human," he growled. "We will meet on Babylon Five. There is much you need to know." Then he cut the comms.

For a long moment Captain Picard stood there, looking at the blank screen in front of him. Then he sighed. "I believe Captain Kagth wants to talk, Number One."

"There's nothing worse than a Klingon who wants to talk," Riker answered. More Klingons. He didn't like this one bit.

"Yes, Number One," Picard responded. "I quite agree."

BABC'nC War room:

While Captain Susan Hiroshi nearly swooned with relief and stood down from alert status, Sheridan and was pacing the war room desperate for information. Less than a half an hour earlier, they'd received the ultraviolet priority; this coming on top of the local problems.

-Earthscream.

-Twice in less than a month.

The solar system was being invaded, but the question was by who? Was it the Drakh again? That was believed to be the most likely scenario until they could contact Earth Alliance. EA military channels were swamped and from what they could tell, it wasn't the Drakh. ISN was broadcasting but details were sketchy. What was known was that a dreadful fight going on in Earth's solar system and everyone was involved including the Feds; but few more details were forthcoming. Finally, an official message came through. It was General Brindley.

"…to all EA alliance vessels. This is an Ultraviolet priority message. The Sol system has been attacked. There has been an incident independent Mars settlement. All Earth Alliance and military combat units are now at ultraviolet alert. All free colonies and Babylon Five should upgrade alert status to Ultraviolet. Earth is still under total quarantine and no vessels are allowed to enter or leave Earthspace. The…"

Sheridan's comlink signaled for his attention.

"Captain," Sandra said. "We have an incoming call from EarthDome. It's the EA liaison, Colonel Griffin."

"Patch him through."

"Acknowledged."

A haggard –looking Griffin saluted. "Sheridan, no doubt you've heard what's going on," and waited as Sheridan nodded for him to go on. "ISN is only reporting part of it. Most of our military warships have been destroyed or heavily damaged by the same race that attacked the Centauri and the Shadows. They have shields Captain, just like the Federation and the Abbai. Their ships are organic based and very powerful. A half dozen capital and support ships took on everything that we could throw at them. But two of them were specifically targeting Voyager. They survived and with their help, we destroyed the enemy, but what's now left of our forces couldn't defend against a paper bag. We have less than fully thirty functional ships within ten light-years distance; therefore Earth is now essential defenseless.

"But there's another situation. We destroyed the last attack ship but not before it fired some sort of weapon at Mars. Our scientists agree that it was some sort of plasma-based weapon of a kind we've never seen before. Admiral Janeway believes that it has an anti-proton base. Whatever the weapon was, it cut across the nuclear bonds of anything it touched. Mountains, cities, people; it didn't matter. It ceased to exist. The energy wave cascaded over three quarters of the planet. The death toll is staggering."

The war room was completely silent. For a moment, it seemed as if Susan would have allowed herself a single tear. Garibaldi had kicked a table leg. And there were sound of sniffling and muted crying. Delenn's distress was obvious.

Griffin continued slowly. "This weapon the aliens used was not the same type as used against the Centauri home world. We believe that it was a specific planetary class weapon designed to exterminate land-based populations. If that had struck Earth…"

"We will do whatever we can to help," Sheridan promised. "I'm going to call an emergency meeting of the council as soon we're finished."

"Captain," Griffin warned. "EarthDome is in shambles, the military has been decimated, Earth has been poisoned and Mars… Anti-alien sentiment will be at an all time high. We will try to downplay it as much as possible- however…."

He was right. This was shaping up to be a nightmare. And Sheridan wondered if they would have any chance at all of defusing this:

"My God," he whispered. "What as mess."

A quotation from 'The Conversation' 3-2004 on fanfiction net.

Q: "These aliens (the Sinhindrea) have a foothold now and are establishing the base on a planet called Z'ha'dum. They will spread out and destroy everything in their paths unless the space-faring races living there can unite and fight as a single entity." His smiled. It was cold and sarcastic. "I've seen them and I don't think it's going to happen. But leave it to Picard and a human male called John Sheridan and his love, Delenn of the Minbari to try. They are going to need help just to survive the first onslaught before the others understand that everyone's lives are in the balance. This means that Picard, Sisko and Garrett are going to have to toss your beloved Prime Directive to the winds. And you may have to help them."

Captain Janeway: "Do you know what you're asking?"

"Yes," answered Q. "I am asking you to help a galaxy survive by knowingly throwing your precious Prime Directive of non-interference. If you choose not to then you will doom them all and doom yourself to everlasting memories of what you could have done to help save them but didn't."

"Q, this isn't fair. There are solid reasons for the Prime Directive and even if I wanted to, I would be violating everything that I have sworn to protect."

"You've done it before," he said smugly.

The question is will she do it now?

Next:

The Earthlings, the Federation (both sides), the Minbari, the Narn, the Klingons, the Centauri, the Vorlons, the Shadows, Lorien, and all the rest, have a long talk at Babylon Five. Everyone has their own agenda. The question is will they be able to work together to deal with the increasing threat of the Sinhindrea?

Hint: what does Q think?