Brigadier General Jonathan Hendrickson was sitting at his desk, pad in hand as he scrolled through depressing reports of the current war. He sighed disapprovingly as he saw another Earth Alliance task force marked with the Omega symbol. More ships that Earth desperately needed to fight off the oppressive Minbari advance wasted without anything to show for their efforts. Once again he cursed the arrogance of the Minbari and genocide they were causing everywhere humanity was. At the end of the Dilgar War, Earth thought it was the biggest gun around... only they forgot that there's always someone else with bigger guns, damn the Minbari. He laid the pad down gently on the desk and wearily placed his head between his hands and began to massage his temples. Hendrickson's though began to wander as he contemplated sending off another scout in the direction of Minbari territory to attempt parley and discuss terms of surrender. The previous few attempts had been viciously rebuffed and the scattered remains of the scout ships had been shoved out of hyperspace through the Io jump gate, a clear indication of Minbari sentiment. Regardless the peace attempts were kept up as it long ago was realized that the survival of Humanity depended upon Minbari goodwill.
The door to General Hendrickson's office was flung open without warning. "Sir!" shouted the non-commissioned officer. "We've been trying to contact you for the past 5 minutes. A starship of unknown configuration has just entered the system, and it seems to be towing one of our ships, a Hyperion class sir!"
"Send Battlegroup Theta to intercept and then hail them," Hendrickson ordered. "Where in-system are they?"
"Yes Sir," he replied as he pressed a few buttons on his pad and then said. "About 1 AU outside Mars orbit, sir. They just...just showed up!"
Hendrickson stood up and began to walk to the Ops control center with the non-com. "What do you mean they just showed up?"
"I don't know Sir," he said. "One minute everything was normal, 5 by 5, and the next that ship appeared! There was no hyperspace horizon at all."
"Well, that's damn peculiar," He said softly to himself clearly confused. He then looked at the aide and asked. "Do we have a visual on the unknown ship? Are there any markings of any kind that correlate to any of the league races?"
"Yes Sir," replied the non-com. "That's the odd part about it too Sir. The markings are in English."
General Hendrickson remarked in astonishment as they entered the Ops control center, "English!"
Near Mars Orbit lay a massive metal wheel with four spokes; this was the New Liberty class space station Victory. From the vast number of ships surrounding her, a small Battlegroup detached itself from the rest. A Nova and three Hyperion's along with their complement of Starfuries and then some, moved their way out of Mars orbit and began the short trip to put enough distance between Mars and themselves to open a jump point. The Nova signaled its companions and fired up its jump engines, and there in previously open devoid space, a vortex tore open in front of the Battlegroup. The Hyperion's and Starfuries moved into the tear with the Nova coming in last keeping the jump point open for the others. As soon as the Nova entered the hyperspace event horizon it vanished leaving nothing behind.
"Unknown ship, this is Earth Alliance Command, do you read?" said an officer at the com station. "I repeat… unknown ship, this is Earth Alliance Command, do you read?"
The previously blank monitor flickered to life showing the familiar figure of Commander John Sheridan in an unfamiliar location with a couple of men in black pants with shirts in shockingly bright colors. In spite of the very un-military look of them, General Hendrickson could see a military air about the beings on the unknown ship. "Earth Alliance Command this is Commander Sheridan, its good to hear your voice again."
Hendrickson stepped over to the display. "Commander Sheridan, this is General Hendrickson please state the nature of this visit?"
"Sir, our patrol was ambushed by the Minbari in the Jericho system. The Lexington is heavily damaged but it's the only ship worth salvaging." Sheridan reported.
"At least some of you were rescued," mourned the General. "Damn the Minbari!"
"That's not all Sir," Sheridan added. "We were able to take out that super cruiser that has been stalking our ships! I had the Lexington hide behind a large asteroid while we mined 3 other small ones with nukes. When we sent out the distress signal they came back to try and finish what they started, but we gave them a nasty black eye. That command ship won't be bothering Earth ever again. We also luckily managed to destroy 3 Minbari Tinashi's with the last nuke, I'll send along the report immediately."
"That's… amazing John! If it was anyone but you I wouldn't believe them," said the shocked and amazed General. "But who is towing your ship?"
"Well, that Sir is a complicated answer. I'm not sure if they even know the full details," said an elated Sheridan. "They claim they are from Earth Sir!"
The man in a gold colored long-sleeve shirt, with an odd triangle like insignia on the left breast standing just slightly to the right and behind Sheridan, took a step forward. "I'm Captain James T. Kirk, of the starship Enterprise. We were in the area unwillingly, and happened to be the closest ship. We were the first to respond to the Lexington's distress signal."
General Hendrickson nodded his head, "Thank you very much Captain for rendering assistance to one of our ships. You've saved quite us a few lives I wager."
"It was nothing General, part of our mission statement is to help those in need whenever possible." replied Kirk. "However, like I said earlier, we have arrived in this area of space unwillingly due to a unknown series of equipment problems. Perhaps we could negotiate with Earth for some minor repairs and supplies?"
"By all means Captain Kirk, it would be the least we could do for someone who helped save one of our ships," said a grateful Hendrickson. "And I have to admit I'm more than a bit curious about you and your ship, perhaps you could come down here and we could discuss what you need? I have sent an escort out your way; they will bring you to Earth. "
"Of course General, we would appreciate any and all help your government can give us," said Kirk. "Sheridan, a few officers and I will take a shuttle to meet them as soon as they arrive, Kirk out."
The monitor screen blanked out. "Well, that's not something you see everyday, I wonder where they came from and what this will mean for Earth," mused General Hendrickson.
On the Enterprise, the main viewer switched from General Hendrickson to the star filled background. Kirk turned and sat in his command chair and said to Sheridan. "Thanks for helping us, without you this could have easily been a disaster waiting to happen."
"It's the least we could do Captain," said Commander Sheridan. "I only wish there was some way I could persuade you and your ship to help Earth out more. This conflict has been more genocide than war, and frankly unless something drastic changes I don't see anything changing. I don't know how much more advanced technologically you are over us, but everything I've seen so far would go a long way to helping us even the odds in this war."
"We'll give you all the help we can," said Kirk. "However there are rules we have to abide by. After all, not that the example applies in particular to the Earth Alliance; but you wouldn't want to give nuclear weapons to neanderthals. I've seen and caused good intentions to be corrupted because of a lack of maturity to use those good intentions properly."
"If we weren't at war I think I would be able to understand your sentiments easier," commented Sheridan although he seemed to understand.
"I agree, and we will do everything we can to help," said Kirk. "After all this is also our Earth, after a fashion."
"Captain," interrupted Spock. "Sensors show in system of over 21,000 ships of various types, 17,000 of them seem to be 12 meter long one manned fighter types. One of the 250 meters long vessels and four of the 150 meters long vessels and 395 fighters I believe just entered what Commander Sheridan here described as their version of warp speed."
Sheridan looked at Kirk, "Our 250-meter ships are the Nova Class but I believe we only have about three hundred of those ships still in service. If your sensors are able to see system wide, you should see some 150-meter ships. They are the same as my Lexington, a Hyperion class. We have a small corvette class called an Olympus, but like your first officer said, the bulk of our ships here to defend Earth are fighters."
"That's an awful lot of ships in one system," Kirk pondered.
"While, like I said earlier," said Sheridan slowly sorrow echoing from his voice as he spoke. "With the Minbari so much more technologically advanced than us, we can't target their ships with our sensors. Every successful hit we've had on their ships has been from manual targeting, and to do that we have to be within knife fighting range. You have no idea how many ships have to sacrifice themselves to allow the others to get close enough to even get a shot off, let alone score a hit."
"I didn't realize things were that bad," said Kirk.
"Things are getting that bad, what's worse is that all attempts at surrendering or making peace have been rebuffed violently," Sheridan said angrily. "But we wont shirk our duty to defend Earth and the human race."
"These tactics by the Minbari seem highly illogical," Spock commented. "However, humanity is a stubborn race and in the final hours they may yet defy the odds against them."
"We've defied the odds ourselves a few times saving Earth," said Kirk. "Captain Archer on the original Enterprise was able to defeat a species bent on the genocide of humanity."
"Yes… we wont go gently into the night of extinction," Sheridan passionately said. "We'll fight them to the last man or woman if that's what it takes, and if its our destiny to become extinct, then by God we'll take them with us!"
Everyone on the bridge was impressed by the passion and charisma expressed. The passion deserved respect and one by one, starting with Uhura, the bridge crew took the time from their consoles to look at Sheridan with appraisal. Spock also seemed to be impressed, but one can never tell with a Vulcan. He turned back to his scanners as the clapping died down and noticed an energy surge.
"Captain, I have an event horizon with properties of a wormhole forming up 500 kilometer in front of the ship," said Spock.
"On screen," demanded Kirk.
The view screen changed to show a blue like tear in space and upon recognition Sheridan said, "That's a jump point formation. I would assume that's our escort?"
Out in space in front of the Enterprise, three hundred and ninety-five 12 meter long fighter ships exited hyperspace through the jump point opened by the Nova. 4 Hyperion's almost identical to the Lexington followed the fighter craft, only then did the Nova itself finally come through the jump point it had created. Years of training showed the military precision as the 400-ship escort fleet formed up within scant moments after transition to real space.
"This is Earth Alliance Battlegroup Theta calling the Enterprise," the Enterprise bridge crew heard. "Do you read, over?"
"Open a channel," said Kirk, and he waited for Uhura to comply before continuing. "Earth Alliance Battlegroup Theta this is Captain James T. Kirk of the U.S.S Enterprise, we read you."
"Captain Kirk, I have been authorized to escort your ship to Mars, and from there to take your shuttle to Earth to meet with General Hendrickson," said Captain Hiroshi of the EAS Hera. "Please follow me and keep your ship within five thousand meters of mine at all times or you will be fired upon."
"Agreed, Kirk out," he said. "Helm, take us within 5000 meters of that ship."
"Aye, aye Captain," Sulu replied.
As the Enterprise maneuvered within the allotted distance the Hera managed to rotate herself around and re-charge her jump gate generators. Soon there was a familiar yellow tear in space leading to a higher dimension and their path to Mars. The Enterprise followed Battlegroup Theta into the red and black abyss of hyperspace.
The NCC-1701-7, also known as the 'Galileo II', arced gracefully into the docking bay onboard the EAS Hera and gently came to a stop against the deck plating.
"Hera, this is the Galileo," Spock said. "We are secure and ready for transport to Earth."
"Affirmative Galileo," came the reply. "We will be making the jump to hyperspace shortly and will inform you again when we arrive at our destination, Hera out."
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking." deadpanned Methos. "Welcome to Earth Alliance Flight Hera, nonstop from Mars to Earth. The weather ahead is good and, therefore, we should have a smooth and uneventful flight, please fasten your seat belts and prepare for take-off. To operate your seat belt, insert the metal tab into the buckle, and pull tight."
Both Kirk and Spock gave Methos a blank mystified stare as he mimicked fastening his seatbelt as his little speech was interrupted by Sheridan's laughter. A few moments later while Sheridan continued laughing a still puzzled Kirk said, "I'm not sure I understand you, is everything ok Dr. Adams?"
"One out of three won't fund my interplanetary comedy tour," Methos said as he rolled his eyes. "But at least someone appreciates my humor."
"On commercial flights usually the captain of the ship gives little speeches like that before take off," John said. "I assume since you have artificial gravity you wouldn't need seatbelts nor the speech."
"Oh wonderful," commented Methos lightheartedly. "Ruin the joke even further by explaining it."
"I see," interjected Kirk. "All joking aside, we need to figure out a plan of action. Are we sure there is no way to get back home?"
"Captain… Even if we find or create a device capable of interspatial travel, it will be highly improbable that we would ever find our home universe. According to the Theory of Quantum Mechanics, the number of universes we need to search is almost infinite. Each original universe would branch out into an unknown number of sub-universes according to decisions made. In essence, each universe is a complex tree in a forest of universes. Looking for our home will be like looking for a twig in that forest. A most daunting impossible task," said Spock.
"Yes, I seem to remember you saying that earlier," mused Kirk.
"We could always become a rogue band of pirates or mercenaries. Though the accents might get annoying after a while, and would everyone need a peg leg and an eye patch?"
"Dr. Adams, if your not going to seriously contribute to helping us in this manner could you please be quiet?" an annoyed Captain Kirk said.
"No one appreciates a comedian anymore," he said. "Fine, Earth is still Earth, right? Should we be able to provide them some way out of the war they are currently in now, they would be rather indebted to us. Under Star Fleet laws we cannot provide them technology that would advance them beyond their years. However, like I just said, if we provide them some way out of the war they are in, they might be willing to accept a charter in the Federation. Granted the Federation back in our universe wouldn't and might never find out, but it would give you the legal leeway to put down roots and avoid any future problems that might occur."
"Hmm, if we are stuck here then Earth would probably be the best place, It may be human sentiments, Spock. Part of you should understand that..." said Kirk. "Instead, I would feel much better about infusing Federation technology into the Earth Alliance if they were a member of the Federation Charter."
"The Prime Directive would allow such a thing," commented Mr. Spock. "However they would need to accept the Charter."
"I don't feel completely comfortable about the Earth Alliance. It's too much like the governments during the Terror Wars in the early 21st century. It doesn't have the checks and balances that a stable interstellar government requires," said Methos. "If they adopt the Charter not only would they have a more grounded society with laws to protect others from prejudice and social stigmas, but that to be a truly great society requires the advancement of more than just one species."
"History has shown that an interstellar government cannot succeed in the long run if it remains a single species only organization," said Spock.
"What about the Romulan and Klingon governments," asked Kirk?
"Who are they," asked Sheridan?
"In Romulan society, military rank influences social standing. Because Romulans are members of a militant civilization, who consider defending the Romulan Empire and their own personal honor of foremost importance, military service and its accompanying rank are decisive factors in determining social eminence. The government of Romulus is dependant upon the Tal Shiar, the Romulan Secret Police, to maintain order and stability among both civilians and the military. The Tal Shiar is known for its brutal tactics, which include routine kidnapping, torture, and assassination. Romulan society is based upon a highly structured caste system. Unlike most of the species in our universe, Romulans still practice slavery, and frequently use conquered races for forced slave labor and shock troops," Methos answered looking winded from saying so much in a short time. "The Klingon's are a warrior race also practiceing slavery, and frequently use conquered races for forced slave labor. They live by a strict and very complex code of honor. In many ways, the culture is similar to ancient feudal Europe. Klingon warrior's can be compared with the European knights of that period. Likewise, the Klingon government system is akin to that of the Middle Ages. Klingon government is based on a system of "houses." Your position in government and society is dependent upon how big, wealthy, and honorable your house is. Each House is allowed to send one representative to the Klingon High Council. The High Council selects a Leader for themselves; any warrior is allowed to apply for the job. The winner is chosen based on how many battles they have been in and won, how old they are, how honorable they are, and how large and powerful their House is."
"The Romulans sound similar to the Roman Republic of our past, but to help prove Commander Spock right the best example here in our Universe is the Centauri government. They once held over 150 star systems and many different species but are down to only 12 now," said Sheridan. "One's house, or family, defines one's cultural rank, status, and title to the Centauri. A House's social position is always in flux as other houses gain or lose their prestige as a result of other House's machinations. Houses with long histories of service to the Republic are Noble Houses and are held in the greatest respect. Noble Houses hold much wealth and power and are deeply involved in the politics, economics, and industries of the Republic. They still practice slavery, and frequently use non-Centauri for forced slave labor. Kinda like a mix between Klingons and Romulans in fact."
"As you see Captain," said Spock. "Any society that does not endorse the freedoms inherent in the population they administrate are doomed to fail eventually. Like Commander Sheridan just said in his example about the Centauri."
"You had mentioned the Centauri before," asked Kirk. "They were the race that gave you your faster than light capabilities?"
"Ah, yes. Initially they tried to trick us into believing we were a lost colony of theirs since they look so similar to us," Sheridan said. "Proven false of course. Most think they tried that approach due to the fact that they had suffered so many losses in their botched attempt to subjugate the Narns."
"Let me guess, they played cruel overlord and treated the Narns as second-class citizens or less," asked Methos? "Then they revolted successfully but weren't numerous or technologically well off to return the favor to the Centauri and now it's a stalemate?"
Sheridan blinked for a second and then said, "…Actually, that's pretty much dead on from the information we have."
"Can you give us a little information about the Narns," Kirk asked.
"Can't hurt I suppose," replied Sheridan. "The Narn were originally an agrarian planet with minimal technology. They welcomed the Centauri when they arrived in the early 22nd Century. In the century and a half following their brutal enslavement the Centauri strip mined the planet for its resources and savaged its environment. The Narns evolved into a more aggressive and warlike species. They pledged that they would never be conquered again, and to this end they turned themselves into a powerful war machine. The majority of their technology was developed from equipment left behind by the Centauri when they ended their first occupation. They have often dealt in the black market arms trade, and they are the only government willing to provide weapons to us during this war we are in with the Minbari, even if they are charging an arm and a leg for them. Since the weapons appear to be of Centauri origin, they figure the Centauri Republic would be the recipient of any Minbari wrath if they captured any of the weapons we've purchased off them."
"So not only do they make a hefty profit, if their weapons are captured the Centauri are to blame," said Kirk. "If you can't obtain your revenge yourself shift them blame and have someone else do it for you?"
"Fascinating," commented Spock. "Vicious, backstabbing, barbaric, greedy, violent and needlessly emotional... If not for their biopsychology, they could be humans"
"I never thought about it in that light before Commander Spock," Sheridan said. "I suppose most of the species we've meet have some traits they share with us."
"Since we seem to be stuck here for the foreseeable future," asked Methos. "Do you mind telling us what you know about the other races you've come in contact with before?"
"As long as you don't mind answering some of my questions in return," replied Sheridan, and upon receiving a nod from Captain Kirk proceeded to tell what he knew of the intergalactic politics and races Earth had come in contact with over the course of the years. In return Spock, Kirk or Methos would answer what questions he had. The remainder of the flight back to Earth gave way to this information exchange all the way up till the time that Sheridan parted ways to file his report, while Kirk, Spock and Methos attended their meeting with General Hendrickson. An aide escorted them through the halls of the government building to an exquisitely crafted pair of wooden doors which he proceeded to open ushering them into the room which contained the people they were about to meet. General Hendrickson turned as the door opened and stood up to greet the extra-universal guests.
"Gentlemen, welcome to Earth," said General Hendrickson. "I hope you had a good trip here. Let me introduce you to a few people sitting in on our meeting. To my left is General Lefcourt, to his left is General Fontaine, then we have Senator Morgan Clark the chairperson of the Senate Research and Development Oversight Committee, and Vice President Luis Santiago."
Kirk nodded respectfully and said, "I'm Captain James T. Kirk Captain of the U.S.S Enterprise of the United Federation of Planets. This is my First Officer Commander Spock, and Dr. Benjamin Adams, a historian and civilian scientist under contract with Starfleet."
"It's a pleasure to meet all of you," Hendrickson said. "If this was a normal situation we could spend more time on pleasantries, but we are at war and fighting for our lives. Let me get to the point, from what we have learned you possess shield technology, gravity tech, tractor beam tech, some form of previously unknown faster-than-light tech, and propulsion tech. All of these from what our records show are vastly superior to what we currently have, and would give us the ability to fight the Minbari on an equal, if not above, state. What can we do for you to offer those technologies to us?"
Kirk knew this was coming and said, "I understand the problems your in, but you need to see things from our perspective." He turned to look at Spock, "Mr. Spock if you would please?"
"Of course Captain," Spock replied and then coughed slightly and began to recite from memory. "Star Fleet's General Order number one: As the right of each sentient species to live in accordance with its normal cultural evolution is considered sacred, no Star Fleet personnel may interfere with the healthy development of alien life and culture. Such interference includes the introduction of superior knowledge, strength, or technology to a world whose society is incapable of handling such advantages wisely. Star Fleet personnel may not violate this Prime Directive, even to save their lives and/or their ship unless they are acting to right an earlier violation or an accidental contamination of said culture. This directive takes precedence over any and all other considerations, and carries with it the highest moral obligation."
"So you see the dilemma I am under gentlemen," asked Kirk. "We however have found out through the course of our investigations that we are no longer in our universe and somehow were transported to this universe. My officers have told me that it is impossible to recreate the event. Even if we could find or create a way back, the statistics against us locating the correct universe are so monumentally high that it is best just to say impossible. As unbelievable as it might seem, this is not the first extra-universal problem my crew has faced, but it is the most problematic in that we have no way back home, back to our Earth."
"This all sounds rather farfetched and to be blunt highly fictional," claimed Senator Clark. "General Hendrickson, if you don't mind I would like someone from Psi Corps to join our meeting and be proof to the truths or lies being said."
"Psi Corps," asked Methos. "Who are they General?"
"Psi Corps is an agency of the Earth Alliance responsible for telepathic individuals," he said and then continued after he saw the questionoing looks he received from that statement. "This is a new thing for us, its only been in the past 200 years that we have had human telepaths, so panic and persecution ensued after the confirmation of telepathic abilities. The Psi Corps was created by the Earth Alliance to protect telepaths but also to identify and control them. Not our finest hour in my opinion."
Clark snorted contemptuously trying to bring the subject back to his request.
"Yes Senator Clark go get your 'teep'," sighed Hendrickson as he watched Clark stride purposefully out of the room. "I apologize for the problems, having a telepath around isn't going to cause any problems will it?"
"No problem General, its quite alright," said Kirk. "Although due to my time with Commander Spock I assume my mental barriers are higher than normal, I hope this won't be a problem?"
"Out of curiosity," asked Santiago. "Why would your time with Commander Spock help you?"
"I am a Vulcan," Spock replied. "We are a species that lives by reason and logic. My people are what you would consider touch-telepaths. Like the Centauri who came and gave you the ability to reach out to the stars, so we helped the Humans in our universe."
"I… see," said General Fontaine clearly troubled. "Is this a common occurrence in your universe Captain Kirk?"
"I believe Aenar on Andoria telepathic," Kirk replied. "Hmm… the Deltan people have limited telepathic ability, and some of the women of the Argelius II have telepathic abilities. We have heard rumors of others, is that a problem? The Federation doesn't discriminate over something as trivial as that."
"It sounds like your society went about dealing with telepaths better than we have been able to," General Hendrickson said. "While I don't have a problem with them, some people cannot get past their fears and discrimination. That human trait I fear we have yet to extinguish from our 'enlightened' society."
The room doors opened up and Clark walked back in with a short man in black with a gold insignia of the Greek letter Psi followed behind him. Kirk abruptly stood up upon taking a closer look at the man in black. "Chekov, why aren't you at your post? I didn't assign you to the away mission!"
"As intriguing as the possibilities in those questions may be," replied the man. "I am not this Chekov you are talking about. My name is Bester, Alfred Bester, and I will be your telepath this evening."
"I'll take the white wine please," Methos commented. "When might we be receiving our menu's?"
"How cute," Bester drolly said. "Under Psi Corps law 1 subsection 4 do the three of you agree to being scanned to verify the truth of what you say in this briefing?"
Kirk, Spock and Methos agreed as Clark took his seat with a shark-like grin on his face. From there the meeting went to discuss various technologies Kirk was willing to trade for supplies and repairs to the Enterprise. Santiago was curious about the political aspects to the Federation and from there the meeting shifted to the different aspects of the Federation Charter. While some of the Earth Alliance people were slightly leery of the provisions allowed by non-humans Clark was downright hostile. Santiago seemed to be highly in favor of the document, believing only minor changes needed to be made to the current Earth constitution to adopt it as their own. In the end Kirk had given the Alliance sensor technology to be able to track Minbari ships in return for the supplies and repairs he needed. The only other notable event that happened was with the telepath. Halfway into the meeting after he arrived Bester had abruptly slumped down in his chair almost as if someone had punched him in the solar plexus.
"Captain Kirk," said Santiago. "If you can give us some time to study the information you've left us we would be better prepared to answer your question upon adoption of your Federation Charter. In the mean time it has come to my attention that the Minbari have contacted the Narn about a parley to discuss a ceasefire. With the Generals permission perhaps you and your ship would be willing to take Commander Sheridan along to verify if it is real or a trap. I believe, General, that we have no ships to spare to provide any safety for Sheridan?"
"That would be correct Mr. Santiago, and if the Enterprise would agree we would be in your debit for protecting a valuable member of our armed services," Hendrickson replied. "Should this not be a trap we could quite possibly be even more in your debit by helping end this deadly war."
"Speaking of Commander Sheridan," said General Lefcourt as he stood up to leave. "If you'll excuse me I have a meeting with him shortly."
"Of course Mr. Santiago, General, we would be honored to protect Commander Sheridan," Kirk said. "If you'll excuse us we'll head back to our ship and prepare for this mission?"
"Thank you very much for helping us out more than you already have," said Santiago as General Lefcourt left the room. "I'll bring up the charter with President Levy and if she approves also we'll let you know."
Clark just rolled his eyes for the thousandth time and waited for everyone to leave to interrogate Bester. More than a few pointed looks from General Hendrickson and Santiago had kept him from making too many outbursts, but this farce would be worth it from the information the telepath had gleaned from the visitor's heads. He waited a moment after everyone had gone and asked, "Well, what did you find out?" Silence answered him. Bester continued to stare forward seemingly oblivious to Senator Clark.
"Bester!"Clark shouted. Still silence was his only reply. Clark by this point in time was more than merely frustrated. He got up and started shaking the telepath none too gently. The telepath fell over and landed on his side still silent and seemingly oblivious to everything around him. "Damn telepaths," said Clark as he called the emergency services. "Medics, report to room 327 I have an emergency!"
A immense thunderous roar sounded throughout the gathering. Cheers and fists raised in the air permeated the room. The Minbari ship on the view screen finished exploding and then the image faded to black. If anything the noise level then rose in decibel a cacophony of triumph seldom seen so far in the war. People turned to one side and hugged who ever was there. Women kissed men, men slapped the back of other men, and some even cried showing how much it meant to them.
"Needless to say we plan on broadcasting this to every major planetary network for the next three days. The Black Star was their flagship. We've shown we can out think it and out fight it! And if anyone in the press corps ask about the morality of sending out a distress call and hitting the enemy, remind them that the Minbari do not take survivors. They were on a mission to murder the surviving crew of the Lexington, they paid the price." said General Lefcourt. "Dismissed."
The men and women in uniform still jubilant slowly turned and made their way out of the room. General Lefcourt turned to Commander Sheridan who was standing at parade rest next to him and congratulated John on his victory. "That was quick thinking on your part commander, you're to be commended."
"Thank you sir," said Sheridan.
"Now I have another job for you,"
"But my ship?" asked John.
"Will be in space dock for some time to be repaired," said General Lefcourt "I need you for this immediately."
He began to walk away while Sheridan turned to follow him. They walked out of the auditorium and down the hall to a small briefing room. The room held a mahogany red wooden desk sat in the middle with an EA flag standing up to the right next to one of the two windows in the room. A tall reptilian alien stood with his back to the door looking at a standing map of Earth Alliance territory. It had a stocky build and was bald, with a yellowish complexion, mottled with brown and green spots. To the left sprawled out in a chair looking like he was totally boneless was the civilian contractor and historian from the Enterprise, Dr. Adams.
"Commander Sheridan you already know Dr. Adams over there, but this is G'Kar," the General said as he pointed to the reptilian looking alien. "A representative of the Narn Regime which has agreed to sell us weapons to help equalize the battle. He is also here to make arrangements for a covert mission."
"Commander," said G'Kar as he put his fists together and bowed slightly.
"A Narn cruiser will transport you to one of our abandoned listening posts in sector nine-one-nine where in theory you will rendezvous with a representative of the Minbari government. Note, I said in theory," he said. "We have heard that certain elements in their government want a meeting to discuss finding a way out of this war that doesn't involve the annihilation of Earth."
"Most progressive of them," commented G'Kar.
"It could also be a trick," He said as Sheridan snorted. "We want you to make contact cause you showed that you can handle them if things get hot and your first contact protocols is outstanding."
"And I'm expendable," Sheridan knowingly said as Lefcourt nodded to his reply.
"Once we know its safe, and they are serious, we will send in the negotiators," said Lefcourt.
"Anyone else on my team," asked Sheridan?
Lefcourt leaned over his desk and pressed a button and the doors to the room open. Another man in a Earth Alliance uniform walks in escorted by three military police. "Commander Sheridan this is Dr. Steven Franklin. He has had some contact with the Minbari before the war, he will be on hand to verify if they are who they say they are and can be on hand in case things go badly."
"You volunteered?" asked Sheridan.
"I didn't have much of a choice, it was the only way I could get out of the stockade," Franklin sarcastically said. "Long story, I'll tell you later."
Sheridan nodded his head looking rather dismayed and suspicious. "What about a translator," he asked General Lefcourt a few moments later.
"We have heard your contact has been studying your language," G'Kar said. "Just in case I will go along since I am fluent in Minbari and English."
"I don't have to tell you how important this mission is commander, we are still only a few months into this war and millions of lives are at stake, more here in the home system," said Lefcourt. "This has to go well. We are also sending with you the friends you picked up. They want to see if there is any possible means to peace before they take sides to help us."
Methos lazily raised a hand in the air and pointed to himself, and said, "For king and country and all the tea in China, or something like that anyways."
"Indeed," the general said. "Good luck Commander, Earth is counting on you."