A New War

Earth - Earthdome – President's Office

Three weeks. It had been three weeks since the president of the Earth Alliance, Morgan Clark, became aware of new human warships, presumably from a previously unknown human colony. Clark stood in front of the rarely opened drapes to his office, which allowed him to overlook the heart of the Earth Alliance government. He hoped the upcoming call from his lead agent on Babylon 5 would give him some much-needed good news.

Morden had contacted him virtually every day for updates. Until today, Clark had very little information to share. He'd become increasingly troubled because his hold on power wasn't solid as he once thought. Several Earthforce captains had rebelled over the past few weeks, further weakening the Earthforce fleet. His alliance with the Shadows, once his secret superweapon, didn't look so super anymore.

He'd heard rumors that the Shadows had lost ships against the Babylon 5 fleet. Morden appeared as calm as ever, but his constant calling told a different story. If the new human warships were such a severe threat to the Shadows, they were also a threat to him. Clark thought the Shadow alliance would solidify his hold on power, a belief he no longer held. Clark needed those human ships to become part of the Earthforce fleet to solidify his grip on power and prove humanity's superiority to the galaxy.

Clark heard a beep from the Vid-Com on his desk. His excitement began to build as he walked over and sat at his desk.

"Mr. President, I have the information you requested."

Clark thought the agent looked stressed, but he said nothing.

"Good. Let's hear it."

Jeff Smith reported everything he learned about Picard's presentation to the League members. As usual, Clark was unreadable while Smith continued to speak. Once he finished, he braced himself for Clark's response.

"Let me get this straight. These people claim to be from another universe, and everyone believed them?" Clark asked.

"Not at first. However, Picard presented some very compelling evidence that convinced them. The technology demonstration was impressive. Very advanced. Sheridan and the Minbari Ambassador Delenn both confirmed the alternative universe story."

"Well, this does change things. Have you had a chance to speak with Picard privately to get him and his people to come to Earth?"

"No, Sir. That's proven to be impossible. He's never alone while on the station, and no one is allowed on their ships. We have to assume that Sheridan has already influenced Picard with his lies about us, making it very difficult to request a private audience with him."

Clark sighed. "I need you to do whatever it takes to talk to him. We need that technology to solidify humanity's position as the dominant race in the galaxy 'and my hold on power,' Clark thought. We can't risk having those ships destroyed while fighting the Shadows. You have every resource of the Earth Alliance at your disposal for this mission. Don't fail me."

"Understood, Sir. I will make every effort."

This news wasn't what Clark had been expecting. However, he did become slightly more optimistic. If these people were from another universe, then that might be something to be exploited. He would offer them a place on Earth in exchange for access to their technology. Clark would need to appease Morden for a bit longer while he worked on getting access to Picard. Then, not even the Shadows would be a match for him.

Babylon 5 – War Room

Picard took a few moments to note how much the war room had changed during the last few weeks. What started as a few officers had grown to almost two dozen captains, tactical officers, and support officers. He was pleased by the level of knowledge and professionalism, finally overcoming the mistrust several shared. Picard hoped to resolve the remaining difficulties before they began the planned offensive.

Garrett was seated near the end of the large table, with Sisko seated to her right. It didn't matter how many of these sessions she attended; she always felt entirely out of her element. Garrett had learned more about fleet operations and battle tactics in the past month than in the years she'd spent in the academy. Though she now felt more confident in her ability to command a starship in battle, Garrett also realized she still had much more to learn.

Picard had assigned Deanna Troi as the intelligence officer for the allied fleet. She'd spent the past two weeks working with Data on improving sensor coverage. "Admiral, we have probes monitoring every populated system within 50 light-years. We also have sensors in the surrounding systems of Z'ha'dum, which have yielded limited information. Our ability to track Shadow ships is still somewhat limited. However, based on current readings, we believe several Shadow vessels are headed towards Centauri space. The exact numbers are currently unknown. It would appear they are either planning to attack the Centauri or allied with them."

"Thank you, Commander. At least we now know why the Centauri have been so reluctant to join us," Picard said.

"G'Kar informed me this morning that a Narn fleet will attack the Centauri outpost on Gorash VII in three days. He asked me for help since the Narn have provided invaluable support since we broke away from the Earth Alliance," Sheridan said.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is our opportunity. Captain Sheridan, what is the status of the White Star fleet?" Picard asked.

"The second group arrived this morning, Sir. We now have 24 ships in the fleet."

"Good. I want you to inform G'Kar that we'll join them; however, I want to change their mission plan. I strongly suspect that the Shadows will be there to defend their apparent allies, and I want a limited engagement to evaluate the effectiveness of the telepaths on Shadow ships. Please ask G'Kar to keep his ships in reserve if we need additional support. I would also like to request that he not attack the outpost on this mission. I plan to use his ships as a lure to draw out the Shadows, and then we'll attack. After this mission, whatever he chooses to do is none of my concern," Picard told Sheridan.

"I'll ask him, but I'm unsure how receptive he will be. The war between them and the Centauri has been pretty intense," Sheridan said.

"Inform him that our presence there might save their fleet. That should be incentive enough."

"Yes, Sir."

"Captain Maxwell, begin developing a battle plan with the squadron commanders. Captain Sheridan, who is the squadron commander for the new White Stars?" Picard asked.

"I'll command the squadron, Admiral."

"Very well. In the meantime, I'll be meeting with the ship captains. I'll be back in two hours for an update."

U.S.S. Enterprise – Holodeck 1

-Three Hours Later -

"What is your assessment, Commander?"

Garrett hated having to come to the Enterprise to utilize the holodeck. She wanted her ship upgraded to match the current Ambassador refit configuration; however, with the war heating up, that would be impossible. Her crew would enjoy having access to a holodeck, which would help maintain their readiness tremendously.

"Your reaction times have improved after each scenario. However, your ability to adjust tactically in dynamic combat situations is still poor."

Sisko was initially reluctant to offer tactical training to his captain as he didn't want to embarrass her. To his surprise, she readily agreed, and they had been working daily to improve her tactical and strategic planning and execution, with mixed results. He had become concerned as he knew, from first-hand experience, that a commander who hesitated in combat got people killed, and he wanted to avoid that possibility.

"You've confirmed my thoughts. The simple fact is that I lack the experience necessary to command Destiny in large fleet engagements. Your training has been invaluable, but training only goes so far. We don't have enough time for me to become proficient before we begin combat operations."

"None of us are born soldiers, Captain. We all had to learn the hard way."

"I know, but this is different. We don't have Starfleet supporting us here."

"Dead is dead, regardless of whose fleet we are fighting with."

Garrett paused as she reviewed the heavily damaged simulated bridge to reinforce her point. "My point exactly. Every life is too valuable to waste, even in the best of times. Our position is far too precarious for us to lose people. We need to be our best in every situation.

Commander, a good leader knows their limitations and recognizes the strength of others. I'm not a combat officer. I wasn't trained to be one, and I, frankly, lack the aptitude to become one. I'm capable of defending my ship from a hostile force. However, this is different. We are about to embark on an offensive war. As one of the most capable combat ships in the fleet, we'll be called upon to have a significant role in each battle. We both know this." She paused again to make sure that her message was clear. "For the remainder of the war, whenever we're about to enter a combat situation, I want you to assume temporary command, and I'll serve as your first officer."

Sisko was surprised by the captain's offer; his face made it obvious. "Captain, are you sure this won't undermine your command?"

Garrett shook her head before she answered. "I think the crew would rather have the best chance for victory and survival. Having you in command during combat engagements gives us the best chance for both. I'm not concerned with you trying to usurp my command. I trust you, and I will do whatever it takes to ensure the safety of my ship and crew. I know you will do the same."

Sisko gave her a stern look that she had come to know that he was in combat mode. "You can count on it."

"Ok then. Let's try another scenario with you in command and me as the first officer."

The two officers ran additional combat scenarios for another hour or so. The results confirmed what Garrett suspected. They were far more combat effective with Sisko in command than with Garrett. His experience and instincts were much better than hers, and they needed him if they were going to survive the war. Another point became apparent when they finished; Sisko was ready for command. She would mention this to Picard during their upcoming personnel review.

Babylon 5 – War Room Annex

Picard entered the room where G'Kar and two Narn ship captains were already waiting. Based on their body language, He assumed that they had been arguing. 'This should be interesting,' he thought.

"Captains, I assume that Captain Sheridan has briefed you. Do you understand the plan?"

"Yes, Admiral. But you are asking us to sacrifice our ships! We'll be left defenseless! The Centauri will attack us with impunity!"

"Consider this. If we hadn't informed you of the Shadow's intent to defend the outpost, you would've lost your fleet and crews with nothing to show for it. This plan will significantly reduce the number of lost ships and crews. I will try to avoid any losses, but I cannot guarantee that."

"You're right. Still, I wouldn't say I like it, but we understand. We'll follow your plan," the captain closest to G'Kar answered.

"Very well. Prepare your forces. We'll rendezvous in the Gorash system in eight hours," Picard said, then turned and walked out of the room.

"Not the nicest fellow, is he?" G'Kar said to one of the captains.

The captain stared angrily as his eyes remained on the door where Picard walked out. G'Kar had his answer.