Proxima III

Earth Alliance Blockade Fleet

EAS Pollux, Captain Julio Martinez Commanding

It had been two weeks since Proxima III declared independence from Earth Alliance. President Clark's unprovoked attack and massacre on Mars appalled the leadership of Proxima III. They felt that they needed to make a statement. They would not be controlled by a tyrant that would attack his people.

One week ago, the fleet arrived and blockaded Proxima III. Everyone on the planet was terrified, knowing what had happened to Mars. So far, no attack had come. Colonial leadership promptly rejected every demand to surrender since the fleet arrived. Most people believed they were on borrowed time and that Clark would soon lose patience. It was only a matter of time before they were attacked.

"Alex, it's been my dream to command an Omega class destroyer since I joined Earthforce. But I'm afraid that it's turned into a bit of a nightmare." Captain Martinez was seated on the couch in his ready room. Commander Alex O'Dell, his XO, and his lifelong best friend stood across the room.

The Omega class represented the pride of the Earthforce fleet, the newest destroyer in the fleet. Martinez joined Earthforce in the final months of the Earth-Minbari War because he wanted to do his part to protect and defend Earth. The ultimate tool to help with that goal was to command one of Earthforce's best: an Omega class destroyer. He had worked hard and made significant sacrifices to have this opportunity.

O'Dell knew how bothered his best friend was. Martinez's entire demeanor had changed over the last few days. He was very reserved and lacked his famous personal touch when interacting with the crew. "What bothers you more: this mission or the Night Watch officer stationed on the bridge?

Martinez sighed. "It's both. I feel like I'm back in the academy. My every action is being evaluated; every decision is being second-guessed. I can't be myself because I don't know what is being reported to whom. And this mission. I understand why Proxima III is upset about Mars. I am too! I'm just not sure if this is the way to go about it."

O'Dell walked over and sat on the couch next to Martinez. "I hear ya'. I feel the same way. This blockade is ridiculous! How long are we going to sit out here? I don't like what's going on. We need to stick together more now than ever."

"Always," Martinez said while he extended his arm. O'Dell grabbed his arm and held it, their "secret" handshake from childhood.

-Two Days Later-

Each of the bridge crew had a look of boredom on their face. The endless hours of doing nothing had begun to wear on the crew. Martinez and O'Dell were seated in their usual positions on the bridge while the ever-present Night Watch officer watched everyone.

Since the blockade began, Martinez had made it a point to ask for a pointless status update every hour. At least it gave the crew something to do for five minutes each hour. He looked at the clock on the far bulkhead and realized it was almost time for the next update. He was about to give the order when he heard Lt. Simpson from Coms state, "Captain, incoming message from the flagship."

"Let's hear it, Lt," Martinez said.

"Attention, all ships. This is General Jackson. We have been ordered to attack key facilities on the planet. Any vessels attempting to flee the planet or system are to be destroyed. Attack coordinates are being transmitted now. Set a course and await further instructions. Jackson, out."

Ensign Mohammed, the helmsman, confirmed the General's message. "Coordinates received, Captain. Engage?

Martinez sat in his seat motionless. This order wasn't lawful, in his opinion. He had no interest in attacking unarmed civilians and his people. They had done nothing wrong, and they didn't deserve to die. He was a loyal Earthforce officer but knew an unlawful order when he heard it.

"No, Ensign. Lt. Simpson, inform the flagship that we will not be following that unlawful order."

The Night Watch officer looked at the captain as if he had grown another head. Before he could say anything, the general contacted the ship.

"Captain Martinez. You will follow my orders, or I will relieve you of command. Am I clear!"

"General, with all due respect, this ship will not be attacking Proxima III. Not as long as I am the captain."

Jackson was now fuming. He was known to have a violent temper and little patience. Both were now on display. "Captain, you are relieved. Commander O'Dell, you are now in command. Place Captain Martinez under arrest and prepare the Pollux to attack."

O'Dell looked over at Martinez and nodded his head slightly. The marines stationed on the bridge subdued the Night Watch officer and took him to the brig with that nod. "General, I'm afraid that I can't do that. Captain Martinez is right. The Pollux is his ship, and it will NOT participate in the attack."

The channel was abruptly closed. Moments later, four ships began to vector towards them and launched fighters.

O'Dell relayed the bad news. "Captain, multiple bogies are inbound to our location. ETA: Two minutes."

"Battlestations! Helm, plot a course for the jump gate at the best possible speed. Go! "Ordered Martinez.

The red lights came on immediately. Everyone on the bridge immediately switched into combat mode, hyper-focused on their respective jobs.

O'Dell asked, "Julio, where do we go?"

"There is only one place we can go: Babylon 5. Sheridan is honorable. He'll understand. Hopefully, we'll find support there."

O'Dell's attention returned to the tactical console. "Captain! The fleet is moving to intercept us. The Excalibur and Olympic are moving to block the gate. ETA five minutes."

"Helm, time to the jump gate?"

"Five minutes, 30 seconds, Sir," answered Mohammed.

Martinez knew they would have no choice but to fight their way out of the system. He felt terrible that his decision might cost the lives of his crew. However, he couldn't allow himself to think about that now. "Commander, I need firing solutions on the nearest targets. Prepare to return fire only if we are fired upon. Stand by on all countermeasures." Ordered Martinez.

"Sir! The Olympic has just fired missiles. They will be in primary weapons range in less than one minute," O'Dell relayed while monitoring tactical.

Martinez continued to issue orders. "Fire on any ship that fires on us. Engage countermeasures. Helm, do not deviate from our course. We must reach the jump gate."

A chorus of "aye, Sirs" was given by the crew.

The countermeasures intercepted the first group of missiles. However, there was no sense of relief on the bridge.

"More missiles are inbound, launched from multiple ships!"

Martinez held the arms of his chair tightly, bracing himself for the incoming impact. "Commander, fire at will! All hands, brace for impact!

The ship was hit multiple times, both by missiles and energy weapons. The bridge quickly filled with smoke after the second volley hit the warship. Fire suppression systems were struggling to contain the fires.

"Damage report! Yelled Martinez over the chaos. He looked over at his friend Alex. The tactical station had been destroyed, and O'Dell was severely injured.

Ops officer Lt. Commander Bradley responded, "Weapons are offline. Jump engines are fluctuating. Hull breaches on multiple decks."

"Helm, time to jump gate?" Martinez asked.

"One minute, Sir."

"Captain, Juno, and Orion have fired on the attacking ships! Incoming message from the Juno!" reported the Coms officer.

"Pollux, we are with you. We'll provide covering fire as you enter the jump gate. Where are you headed?

Martinez answered. "Babylon 5."

"We'll meet you there. Juno out."

"Captain, we are entering the jump gate."

"Jump to Babylon 5 now!"

The ship entered the jump gate, followed moments later by the Juno and the Orion.