The Founding

U.S.S. Enterprise – Conference Room

Picard entered the conference room where Gam, Troi, and the others were already seated. It was standing room only, as many Betazoid crew members wanted to participate in the meeting. Gam did allow a few to join him and Troi, but he felt that it would be inappropriate for all of them to attend. They needed to present a solid and professional argument to Admiral Picard, which meant that only the most senior members could attend. Gam and Troi had led the diplomatic team in discussions with the planetary government, which left him no time to perform his first officer duties. Data had assumed most of those responsibilities in Gam's place.

Picard took his seat and made eye contact with Gam, and the meeting quickly came to order.

"We're here to discuss the proposal presented by the Betazed government. I'm reluctant to accept their offer as I believe that they deserve to chart their own destiny for the first time in 1,000 years. Despite our best efforts, I fear we may negatively influence their development. I want your thoughts," Picard told the group.

"Admiral, we've spoken at length among ourselves and with our people on the planet, and we are in complete agreement. The people of Betazed don't want to be isolated from the larger galactic community. They know what's out here now and want to be a part of it. Remaining isolated is not an option. Moreover, we want to be with our people here, and they want to be with us. We have much to learn from each other, and we believe that unification is the best path forward," Gam told Picard, the governor's voice echoed in his head as he spoke.

"I know the concern is that we wish to recreate our Betazed here, but that's not true. This Betazed will become a blend of the best both of us have to offer. My family insists that is how things must be," Troi added, her voice containing far more passion than she intended.

Picard noticed that Troi made no distinction between the people here and her native Betazed. DNA scans confirmed her genetic relationship to the Trois on the planet, which was more than enough for Deanna to be welcomed into the Troi family. Regardless of the universe, the Trois were a fiercely loyal and very close family.

Gam then continued the conversation. "I would like to add that the governor is right, Sir. There is plenty of space on the planet. If we establish our colony on the other side of the planet, any interactions must be deliberate. There will be no possibility of random interactions between the settlements."

Picard's face was unreadable as he considered the arguments from Gam and Troi. He recognized they were both emotionally compromised, and he didn't need to be a Betazoid to acknowledge that. "It's interesting. We wouldn't even be having this conversation if we were still in our home universe," Picard said more to himself than to the room. "I recognize that establishing our colony here represents the best option, despite the risks. Betazed meets virtually every criterion we've established for a potential colony, and it's the best candidate we've identified to date. Your respective arguments have been noted. Very well, inform the governor that I would like to meet to discuss the colony."

The Betazoids in the room didn't bother to hide their happiness.

"Thank you, Sir," Gam told Picard for all of them.

"This is our reality now, and we need to embrace it. I need to embrace it. Dismissed."

Betazed – Government Center

-20 minutes later-

Picard, Gam, and Troi were transported down into the governor's office. Gam had informed the governor that Picard was ready to notify the planet's leadership of his decision. The governor recalled the council because he wanted everyone to hear the decision simultaneously. He also wanted reinforcements if he needed to make a final plea to Picard to establish their colony on the planet.

"Admiral, Libbon, what news do you bring us?"

"Governor, I've decided to accept your offer. We will establish our colony here on Betazed," Picard told the governor.

"Splendid! Splendid! I'm sure this is the best possible outcome for all of us," the governor said enthusiastically.

"You have my word that I will do everything in my power not to impose on you and your people."

"To the contrary, Admiral. You have brought our people home to us. We don't care where or when they're from. They're home now. That's all that matters. With you here, our continued existence is assured."

"I've brought the agreement to make our treaty official. I assume you've drafted a similar agreement as well," Picard said as he showed the governor the PADD.

"Yes, I have, Admiral. Let's make it official."

U.S.S. Enterprise – Ready Room

-Two hours later-

Picard had completed his fleet-wide broadcast to all Starfleet ships that he'd signed the treaty with the Betazed government to allow the Federation colony to be established on the planet. Work would begin immediately to tear down the dome protecting the Betazed capital city while also constructing the Federation colony.

Picard was seated behind his desk, with the faces of both Maxwell and Garrett on his monitor. Now that the decision on the colony had been made, he was anxious to begin construction activities.

"Captains, now that we have a colony of our own, we'll need our personnel here to help with construction efforts. What are your current situations?"

"We have the alliance vote tomorrow, where I will present our position regarding technology sharing within the alliance. I've already spoken with the most outspoken federation supporters, and they're willing to join the alliance based on our terms for technology sharing," Garrett answered to start the conversation. Picard noted that she looked a little tired but assumed that was most likely due to the complex negotiations she'd endured during the past few weeks.

"Well done, Captain. Is Sheridan going to run for president?" Picard asked her.

"Yes, Sir. He's made it known that as soon as the alliance is official, he'll resign his commission in Earthforce and officially declare his candidacy for president."

"I'm glad that he heeded my advice. Make sure everyone knows that he has our complete support."

"Are there other candidates?" Maxwell asked Garrett.

"No one has publicly declared so far. I wouldn't be surprised if John is appointed interim president by the members as soon as the alliance becomes official."

"Well done, Rachel. I know the negotiations have been challenging; however, this alliance may not have been possible without your persistence and professionalism."

"Thank you, Sir, but I had a lot of help, especially Delenn. There's no way I could have navigated all of the politics alone."

"I'm sure. Ben, your status?"

"The Earth Alliance is still collecting evidence on Clark and the others. The rot goes very deep, Sir. If the early reports are accurate, every branch of government has been compromised. It doesn't even end there. The investigators followed the money trail, and several very powerful and influential business leaders were complicit in Clark's crimes. I've been told that they already have enough evidence to convict Clark and several members of his cabinet. However, they don't want to reveal that evidence yet in open court while the other investigations are still underway."

Picard sighed. He still had difficulty understanding that humanity in this universe was still motivated by money and power. "That's unfortunate but understandable. I had hoped to bring Phoenix here to help with construction activities. How is your crew?"

"They're doing well, Sir. EarthGov provided us with an isolated resort island that has allowed much of the crew to reside planet-side. It's improved morale dramatically, which I'm sure doesn't come as a surprise. Granted, this isn't our Earth, but it's close enough for the crew. I've also instituted a training regimen for all crew members on starship operations, allowing the marines to gain actual starship operations experience while giving my regular crew more time off. We're in the process of building a few planet-side holodecks to train our crews in science, exploration, and diplomacy. With the war now over, we must focus on developing the skills we've neglected for far too long. That brings me to another topic I would like to discuss, with your permission."

"What is it?"

"Several people, including those within Earthforce and the Earth Alliance government, have expressed concerns about my ship in orbit of Earth. As you know, many fear the unknown, and we are unknown to them. Therefore, I would like to address this problem by opening a Federation embassy here on Earth where people can come in and learn more about Starfleet, the Federation, and us. The more knowledge they have, the less they have to worry about us. Plus, the embassy would give my crew additional responsibilities and help them exercise their diplomatic skills."

"I think that's a great idea, Ben. If successful, I'd like to establish embassies on the home worlds of all alliance members. In the future, we will need more Starfleet personnel with diplomacy skills. A holodeck is an effective tool, but it's not as good as actual, in the field training," Garrett added, disappointed with herself for not making a similar suggestion.

"Very well. Make it so. We all have a great deal to do. Good luck to both of you. Picard out."

Babylon 5 – Sheridan's Office

Sheridan sat down at his desk to make the call. He wasn't sure how he felt, especially after what happened during his last visit to Earth. Sheridan had given additional thought to his conversation with Garrett and subsequent discussions with his father. So much had changed since Sheridan assumed command of Babylon 5 that this call almost felt routine. He hoped the president would make the right decision, but he wasn't as vested in the outcome as he expected. He was still loyal to Earth but no longer cared about the government or Earthforce's decisions.

"Madam President, there's going to be a vote held tomorrow that will establish a permanent, multi-race alliance, the first in known history. It's going to be called the Interstellar Alliance. We've worked hard to make this happen, and I expect over two dozen races to join during the initial vote. Since I am the Earth Alliance representative, how do you want me to vote?"

President Luchenko was seated at her desk in Earthdome. The last vestiges of Clark had been removed during the hasty redecoration she had commissioned that had been completed a week prior. The walls were now adorned with pictures from her native Russia, including her favorite from Mount Elbrus, taken during her last vacation. The stress of trying to restore the Earth Alliance had begun to wear on her. The problems caused by Clark and his people were worse than even she suspected. Investigators made discoveries daily, which both pleased and disturbed her greatly.

"Captain, you know the current situation here on Earth. I'm not comfortable with the Earth Alliance joining such an organization at this time. We're still trying to stabilize our government and our financial institutions. Clark's fall has caused instability in our government and financial institutions, and we must focus our efforts here. Once we've convicted Clark and his supporters, I'll be more inclined to discuss our membership."

"I understand, Ma'am. In that case, I think you should know that Starfleet has agreed to build ships on behalf of alliance members who request it, and they're planning to provide training on Federation sciences to alliance members. If the Earth Alliance doesn't join, Earth will be left behind everyone else."

"What!" Luchenko shouted, shocked by the news. "Captain Maxwell hasn't said a word about this to me. Why would they help the alien races and not us? I need to contact him right away!"

"With all due respect Ma'am, this isn't just about Earth. We all need this alliance to work to ensure the safety of the entire galaxy. Admiral Picard did what he had to do to make this happen. Without Starfleet, the alliance most likely wouldn't have happened," Sheridan told Luchenko to try to calm her down.

"Captain, I will contact you in a few hours. I must meet with my cabinet before I can give you a final decision."

"Understood, Ma'am. I'll be waiting for your call. Sheridan out."

Earth - Earthdome – President's Office

President Luchenko felt mixed emotions once she ended her call with Sheridan. Perhaps the most powerful feeling she felt was anger. She thought that since Picard and his people were human, their loyalty should be to Earth above all others. Luchenko believed that she had established a strong working relationship with Maxwell and couldn't understand why he hadn't shared this decision with her. She was sure this was a simple oversight that could be easily corrected.

"Captain, I just spoke with Captain Sheridan, and he informed me of a pending alliance vote on Babylon 5 tomorrow. Were you aware of this?" Luchenko asked Maxwell.

"Yes, I discussed this topic, among others, with Admiral Picard and Captain Garrett earlier today. Do you have questions about the vote or the alliance itself?" Maxwell asked Luchenko.

"Not exactly. I have questions about the technology you plan to share with the other races. I thought that you'd share your technology with us first."

"I'm sorry if I gave you that impression, but that was never our intention, even though many of us are human. Starfleet isn't a human organization, and we hold no allegiance to Earth. Besides, no government is ready for access to our entire library of technologies. We're offering limited access to some of our technologies to attract members to the Interstellar Alliance, something we strongly believe in. We've also agreed to build ships for alliance members as long as they adhere to stringent guidelines. Several governments expressed interest in forming a federation modeled on our home Federation; we naturally assume those governments want full access to our technology. Unfortunately, the current political climate won't allow that to occur, so we're introducing this option as a compromise."

"Where does this leave the Earth Alliance?" Luchenko asked Maxwell, still confused by his position.

"That's up to you. You don't have to join the alliance, and no member will be allowed to use any ship built for the alliance in an offensive capacity. You won't have to worry about being attacked by an alliance member unless you're the aggressor."

Luchenko wasn't happy with Maxwell's answers, so she changed her approach. "What about non-military technology? Are you open to establishing trade agreements allowing us access?"

"I plan to offer Earth limited access to our medical technology through planned medical clinics to be opened on Earth, with your permission. I've also received approval from Admiral Picard to open an embassy on Earth that will allow for effective cultural exchange. The medical clinics will be available to treat people on Earth who need help beyond your current medical capabilities."

"Then why not simply give us the technology?" Luchenko asked. She had become frustrated by Maxwell's lack of cooperation and willingness to help Earth.

"To be honest, Madam President, we can't risk our technology being used for destructive purposes. Alliance members must adhere to rigorous standards to gain even limited access to our technology. If the Earth Alliance is willing to accept these conditions, then you must join the alliance. We can't compromise our standards just because some of us are human. We could easily wind up with another Clark situation."

"So, Clark comes back to haunt us again," Luchenko said, disappointment evident in her voice.

"I'm afraid so. I wish this weren't the case. However, the fact that I still have the prisoners on my ship speaks volumes."

Luchenko sighed and rubbed her temples briefly. "I understand. I hoped that I had more time to convince you and your people to join us, that we would welcome you and not exploit you for your technology."

"Starfleet, and the Federation, aren't human organizations, though they may appear so. We must respect all of our member races, and joining the Earth Alliance would not benefit those of us who aren't human. We have no plans to ask to join you. Regarding our technology, we can't risk another Clark coming to power with access to technology capable of conquering the entire galaxy. Despite that, many of us may eventually want to live here. I want to live here one day. However, I believe that Starfleet must remain independent, but that doesn't mean we can't work together.

We're willing to help Earth get back to where it belongs. Once Earth is ready, I'll be your biggest advocate. Right now, your best bet is to join the galactic community as you work to clean up Clark's mess," Maxwell said with sincerity.

"It doesn't seem as though I have much of a choice. Your decision has put us in a difficult position, Captain."

"I promise you that I will do whatever I can, within reason, to help the Earth Alliance recover from Clark and to become a better place for everyone to live. This will be my home, too, one day, and it pains me not to be able to do more. When the time comes, I promise that Earth will be where it belongs."

"Thank you, Captain. You've already helped us tremendously, being here to free us from Clark. You don't owe us anything more, but we appreciate everything you do for us."

"You're welcome. Maxwell out."

Earth - Earthdome – Conference Room

-One hour later-

Luchenko called a last-minute meeting with her cabinet to discuss the situation concerning the alliance vote. She didn't have much time before contacting Sheridan to tell him how to vote. She'd prepared herself for the expected reactions from her cabinet based on her responses to Maxwell.

'This wasn't going to be an easy conversation,' Luchenko thought to herself as she sat down at the head of the table. She was pleased that everyone could make it to the meeting on short notice. Given the importance of this meeting, she wanted everyone in the room with her for this conversation.

"Thank you, everyone, for coming here on short notice. We have a situation that needs our immediate attention." Luchenko told everyone of her conversation with Sheridan regarding the pending alliance vote on Babylon 5. The response from the attendees in the room was intense if expected.

"Why would Starfleet give technology to everyone else before us, their people? Madam President, you must contact Admiral Picard immediately to address this!" General Fitzpatrick told Luchenko, terrified by the implications of other races in possession of Starfleet warships.

"I've already spoken with Captain Maxwell, and he explained their position. In summary, they don't trust us to use their technology responsibly, certainly not enough to have exclusive access. They're concerned that another Clark could rise to power, but with the technology necessary to conquer the entire galaxy."

"Madam President, that simply isn't true. Most of Clark's enablers have been arrested, and Clark himself will soon be convicted. What Clark did won't be allowed to happen again," Attorney General Bukoski said, then continued. "Trials will begin soon, and within six months, I believe that all of the remaining perpetrators will be brought to justice."

"I appreciate your optimism Mr. Bukoski; however, may I remind you that we haven't even started, much less completed, the investigations of all of his accomplices? Or, would you care to explain why Clark and the others are still detained outside of Earth Alliance custody? As you can all see, I don't have a leg to stand on when making the case that Earth should be the sole benefactor of their technology. Being human only goes so far. May I also remind you that Clark attacked or planned to attack Earth Alliance colonies? Clearly, being human meant very little to him or his supporters."

The number of angry faces around the table was notable, Luchenko thought. It proved to her that everyone was engaged and just as mad as she was.

"Clark may have set us back decades! This is an absolute disaster! Will we even be a galactic power after this alliance is formed? No one will respect our military, and, other than minerals and other raw materials, we'll have nothing to offer in trade. Our economy will take a massive hit!" Commerce Secretary Kim yelled, furious at Clark and his sycophants.

"Which is why I'm going to authorize Sheridan to vote for the Earth Alliance to join. In my opinion, we don't have a choice. Captain Maxwell told me he wants to help Earth recover from Clark, and I believe him. They are providing limited technology to the alliance, not everything they have. We still have a chance to prove ourselves. Once we do that, I can present a much stronger case."

"What about Earthforce?" Fitzpatrick asked her.

"We'll ask Starfleet to build our ships too. I'll speak to Captain Maxwell and ask him to retrofit our existing shipyards to build their ships. If he agrees, that would be a win for us. He's already offered to open an embassy and medical facilities here on Earth, so I'm confident that it's only a matter of time before they officially join us despite his claims to the contrary."

"You're right, Madam President. We don't have a choice. We need to remove the cancer of Clark as soon as possible." Fitzpatrick added.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Babylon 5 – Green Zone

-Next day-

Ambassadors from more than two dozen races were assembled in the Council Chambers, awaiting the most crucial vote in history. The only vote that came close was creating the military alliance used to defeat the Shadows.

There was excitement in the room that energized Sheridan. They were so close to something great, and everyone seemed to realize it. All of the hard work and sacrifice led them to this moment. Sheridan took a moment to marvel at the changes in the ambassadors in front of him. There was still some animosity and a bit of distrust. It would take time for those issues to subside, Sheridan realized. Thankfully, they were willing to set aside their differences to come together for now. This vote was nothing more than a formality if what Garrett and Delenn had told him was accurate. Well, he was about to find out.

Sheridan opened the proceedings with a simple statement. "If I can have your attention. We have a single agenda item today. We will vote on whether to establish the Interstellar Alliance or not. After that vote, each representative here will vote to join the alliance or not, if necessary. Let's begin."

Both votes took less than five minutes to complete. They were both unanimous. Sheridan had to work hard to keep his emotions in check, the magnitude of the moment threatening to overwhelm him. There would be time to reflect on this later, he thought. Now, there was one remaining task to complete.

"For the final order of business in this forum, who will lead the alliance until a president is elected?"

Neroon stood up and made eye contact with Delenn. She responded with a subtle nod, then he began. He'd spoken with Picard just before the meeting. Neroon told him that the Warrior Caste would support Picard for president of the Interstellar Alliance. Moreover, Neroon would use his considerable influence to ensure that all Minbari castes supported Picard's candidacy. Picard respectfully declined. He told Neroon that he was a soldier with aspirations of becoming an explorer. Politics was something that he had no interest in. Neroon laughed and agreed with Picard. Picard then told Neroon that he supported Sheridan for the position. Neroon hated Sheridan but respected Picard, as did the entire Warrior Caste. Therefore, he decided to put his support, very reluctantly, behind Sheridan as well.

"I nominate Captain Sheridan to be the interim president. I hate most humans and Starkiller in particular, but I believe he's the best choice at this time." Several others voiced their support for the nomination.

Sheridan hadn't expected the nomination, especially from Neroon. He looked around the room to see if anyone else was going to speak up. "We have a nomination for the interim president. Do we have any others?"

Silence.

"Ok. I humbly accept the position of Interim President until an election can be conducted. This concludes the final League and Babylon 5 Advisory meeting."