Chapter Nine:

"Differences and Opinions-Part Two"

Le Bistro des Epicuriens du Marais restaurant:

The small group had been seated quickly at a small booth on the outside of the quaint café. The weather was gorgeous with hundreds of people both Human and alien moving back and forth, ignoring the visitors to their country greedily consuming their dinners.

"One thing is certain," Professor Amir Khali mused. "The France here on Terra is the same as on Earth," he said to his two students, "the 'real' Earth I am referring to of course." The thought of home made him smile wispily. Every university, every talk show would demand to have his as a quest speaker. God! What a glorious time that would be! His Sony-vocorder was filled with his notes and observations on parallel worlds and universal theories and their comparative sociological and their cultural relationships gleaned from his quick reviews of the conversations with the other unknown ships over three weeks earlier. He was already counting the money from the future book revenues at home. There was absolute certainty that the scholars throughout Earth Alliance and beyond would eat it up and he'd be set for life and the prestige he would glean from this visit would seal his mark in the annals of history. But there was one thought that troubled him and not just him but every individual that was intelligent enough to contemplate the question. "I cannot help but wonder what powers did this? Is Humanity that special to have so much attention drawn to it? Is this their idea of an obscene joke or is something else going on?"

None of those sitting had an answer to that, nor did he expect them to. Personally he suspected that they would never find out the reasons why in their lifetime. But for now it didn't matter. It was glorious and he wouldn't have missed this for the world – either world. He was enjoying himself at this wonderful recreation of the old, old restaurant at home. He marveled at it, being almost the same in every detail other than the fact that it was less exclusive than its counterpart. Unlike the one at home, this could serve up to one hundred at a time. However, like the one at home, the cuisine nouveau here was just as good, even if it had a bit more exotic menu. "How do you like your food, Mister Condari?"

"I find it acceptable," the Centauri answered as he shoved another spoonful of vegetables into his mouth. The mild breeze whipped around, forcing the Centauri to push his hair back into its original fan-like position. For a Centauri, his hair took utmost importance and he sculpted with an intensity that other Centauri would approve of.

"I am surprised that you didn't order it with the traditional wine sauce," Theresa stated and she mimicked his actions. She was enjoying herself as well. The looks she received from several patrons staring at her legs made the dinner worthwhile.

"I've had enough alcohol for one day," he answered somewhat indignantly. "Despite what you've been lead to believe, not all Centauri love to drink all of the time."

Theresa stopped, noticing the slight edge in his voice. Looking somewhat embarrassed, she realized her error. "I apologized if I've offended you," she quickly responded. The apology was heartfelt. She had no intention of hurting the Centauri's feelings.

Turo waved it off. "You have not offended me. Most of my people drink so I understand your confusion."

Khali allowed a small smirk to escape. His grad student deserved to be taken down a notch by someone besides himself. Besides he liked this particular Centauri. He was very respectable and some of his comments about this world were very insightful taken from an alien point of view. His moment of joy passed almost immediately as that – that woman came in and sat down two tables away from his own just as bold as you please.

It was her – Guinan, that evil witch who insulted his reputation on this world. Did she know he was here? She must have followed him here.

The way she smiled….of course she knew. All of a sudden the food didn't taste as good as it had a moment ago.

Now it was Theresa's turn to smirk which she did so, openly. "I've done a bit of research on her. Seems she is quite the 'acknowledged'," and the young grad student emphasized the word, "'philosopher' in these parts. Some of her admirers have nicknamed her 'the listener'."

"Such a humble title," he muttered slowly. Her open-faced smile served only to infuriate the professor. Oh, how he hated her and if it wasn't for her family's financial support he would have shoved a PPG up her…

His other grad assistant, Samuel Vernon simply tried to shrink into his chair and remain as invisible as possible. He hated being around the two of them when they went at it. It was like a love-hate relationship for sadists and when this trip was over he swore that he'd find some other professor to get an assistantship with because anything was better than this.

Meanwhile Rajiv decided that the best thing he could do for the moment was to ignore that no-taste dressing, Humanoid-looking woman and hope she didn't want to continue trying to prove that she was more intelligent than he was. "Mister Condari, I am aware that you know of my opinion concerning the problems facing this world, but I would like to hear your opinion about the conditions as you see them."

The Centauri impostor thought for a moment trying to form an answer that would satisfy the professor and the Humans around him. "If I may speak honestly," he began slowly, "it is my belief that this world has lost its direction. They are not like your people. These people are arrogant in their power. I think too arrogant, in my opinion. They have technology that surpasses even the Centauri and Minbari, but they have no soul to guide them in the direction they should go. It is that loss of direction that will destroy them, that and their arrogance in believing that they can destroy the Minbari and not face consequences."

That was a very religiously-based response and it surprised Khali. "What consequences do you mean," he asked. "Can you be more specific?"

"The people of this world, these Humans believe that the Minbari can't touch them," he said carefully. "But what if they can?"

"Condari," Theresa said. "You sound as if you're hoping that the Minbari can attack this world." The woman's gaze was intent, almost hostile."

"I am saying that the moment people feel secure in their power it is then that something unexpected happens," he carefully answered. "I believe you are right, professor," he whispered. "Even if Humanity wins the war against the Minbari, they will ultimately lose themselves. Even now, they are destroying themselves."

"On that I agree," Khali responded, pleased that someone understood where his own thoughts were traveling.

"I don't see it," Theresa said. "You've seen what they can do. These people haven't even hit their stride yet."

"Leave it to you my close-minded student, to miss the obvious. Humanity here is on the verge of destroying itself."

"I don't understand what you mean, Sir." As per usual, the word 'Sir' was spoken like a half curse. She was rewarded with her professor's grimace as she delayed the honorific just long enough for it to sound disrespectful. But it was the Centauri answered.

"These people have lost who and what they are. They are slowly becoming perversions of Humanity."

Khali nodded. "You've made a concise analysis of the situation with these people on this Earth."

"I have to disagree with that…"

Professor Khali cut his young student off before she could continue. "Miss Anderson, if you could contain yourself for a moment, and I realize that that is a difficult thing, I will explain it to you. Turo is correct," he continued. "The people on this planet are facing a challenge unknown to any of the races in our part of the galaxy. They are about to answer questions that has plagued mankind since he first looked upon the stars and wandered what they were. The first question has always been, 'is there a God'? The next is 'are we alone'? And the final question is 'can we come together with them? The second and third questions have been answered, if not the first. However this third question, the most interesting one at this place and this time, is what we are being witnessed to at this very moment. It defines what man or any other race is for that matter. Can we define Man as a biological distinctive entity? On the real Earth we know the answer to this and that is a qualified yes. Here on this Terran copy, these people are unsure. And this is the source of their impending disaster."

My first concern is what is it that defines mankind? In this area of space there are so many aliens that look similar to Humanity it seems there was some kind of divine plan set in motion. But it's been made clear that these other Humanoids have originated from their own planets. Therefore the likelihood that the different species that have evolved in completely separate ecospheres could possibly produce viable hybrids seems astronomically small. But here on this planet we see evidence that Humanity has ignored the obvious warnings of nature and have cross-bred freely with alien species. These actions should, by the providence of nature, be impossible. But science has circumvented the defense mechanisms of nature, a system I might add has been in place for uncounted millions of years separating species from one another, on every planet I might add, and thus ensuring their survival. The question arises, is this science and advancement or perverted abomination?"

The Centauri would never want a Human hybrid child," Condari announced with unqualified certainty. "Such a child would be immediately destroyed. Or," he added, "it would be the subject of intense scientific investigation."

"That is true of Earth Alliance as well. However here not only are they allowing this practice to continue but they are actively encouraging it. Witness the hybrid Captain Spock, half-Human, half-Vulcan. I can barely imagine the hardships he had when he was young or how alone he must feel now trapped between two worlds. And he is an adult now. What about the children coming up under such conditions? How would a Klingon –Human hybrid be treated? How would it act? Would it be allowed to breed? And what does that say to both Humans and Klingons, or Vulcans? Is not Humanity the summation of his genes over millions of years? If this branch of mankind pollutes their gene-pool should he still be considered Human?"

"Humanity would be considered something else," Turo Condari announced slowly, "a bastard blend of things that should have never been created in the first place."

"I think Humanity will be the summation of who he is and becomes, not what he is or will be," Theresa countered. "Who are we to say that these people are wrong?"

"Even the Minbari would never consider such bizarre actions as these people have performed," Khali responded. "Even though they are enemies, I am sure that we would be able to agree on this one point."

"I don't know much of the history or culture of the Minbari," lied Condari, "but I believe that they could consider these Humans with even more hatred and disgust than with you regular Humans," he finished. "No offense."

"None taken. And I agree with your assessment. The Minbari would never pollute their blood with another species. And we shouldn't either." He stopped for a moment. "I hope that we will be able to speak to a few of them after this war is over. I would love to get their opinion."

"You're speaking as if the war had already been won," Turo said coolly. There was just the merest hint of venom in his speech but none of the others noticed it for what it was….

"The moment the Federation entered the war, they were doomed," Khali said matter-of-factly. "How doomed remains to be seen. If they are as stubborn as I believe them to be, then they will happily go to their deaths biting at the throats of the Federation and Earth Alliance. But they will fall, have no doubt about that."

"Please forgive my impertinence, however the Minbari have survived the Shadow wars a thousand years ago. Their ships are considered the most powerful of the younger races and they have stridden the stars like giants. To dismiss them so easily is perhaps premature?"

"They are a powerful race, I admit. But they are doomed nevertheless." Khali took a sip of wine and continued. "They've lost just about every major battle since the Federation entered the conflict and their only response was to commit even more heinous crimes against Humanity. And still they've lost ground. There is nothing they can do short of coming 60,000 light-years to attack every planet in the Federation and its colonies and allies with super or perhaps biological weapons, something they do not have. Even if they did the logistics would make the whole endeavor impossible. Their ships could never stop the smallest fleet of Federation capital ships, or the Andorian home fleet, or the Vulcan home fleet, or God forbid those insane Klingon alien armadas. The conclusion is clear and inevitable. If they do not surrender then they will face extinction. At the very least they will lose everything. Their planets and protectorates will be gone and every race in the area will pick the bones of that once powerful Federation. No, my friend, their defeat and complete subjugation is assured," he finished. "And the Minbari should be grateful that it's Humanity and this Federation conquering them. Any other race would exterminate them because of what they've done. They are barbarians unworthy of the mercy they are receiving from their enemies. The Federation will not underestimate them. So I imagine that the survivors will be placed on some sort of reservation away from Minbar to make sure that they are able to survive without predations from the other races. It's been done before and in such a controlled environment they can be trained to become useful citizens in the galaxy once more without the attitudes that started this conflict in the first place."

"Dr. Khali," Samuel interjected. "The Native Americans of the old American west suffered that same fate you're proposing for the Minbari. It took over two hundred years before they could solidify their position in the society that took them over."

"The Minbari are not Human. As such I am sure that there are multiple techniques that Earth Alliance can employ to allow the Minbari survivors to comply. Time is not important and I can see several branches of science waiting excitedly for the opportunity to reshape a damaged society."

"But, Sir, who are we to decide how to destroy and reshape a culture older than we are?" his young student asked.

"We are the society that they tried to exterminate, Samuel," Khali snapped. "They attempted to destroy every Human being in Earth Alliance, and beyond I might add, because one of their leaders was killed by misconstruction caused by both sides. Despite them, we have survived and the victors are the ones who will determine what happens to the losers. How many Humans died because of their actions?" He didn't expect an answer because everyone knew how many had died. He got one anyway.

"The Final tally is twenty eight million. Nine hundred and sixty three thousand, eight hundred and seventy two lives lost," Samuel announced. "This includes the people on the planet, the two small colonies and one outpost in the star system, the space station, the ships that were destroyed in orbit or trying to flee the area, the destroyed Federation defense force, and the Klingon ships attacked by the Minbari at the same time in Klingon territory." He looked at the others. "I memorized it," he said. "I wanted to make sure I never forget what started this war and the changes that it brought to Humanity in the Earth Alliance."

"Anyway," Khali continued, "they are maddened animals that need to be heeled and carefully monitored. However the Minbari aren't the greatest problem that we face." He turned to gaze at a very somber-looking Turo. "We and I mean all of us, face greater threats from the Federation ideals. Getting back to our original subject I fear that mankind here will soon no longer be able to make the claim that they represent Humanity. Genetic impurities will pollute the gene pool and this must not happen to our Earth – the real one," he stated emphatically. "We will have to work hard to keep the Human race from following in the footsteps of these people here. If we are to preserve ourselves from genetic contamination, then we must begin to act now before the dangers slap us in our collective faces."

"Doctor, I agree with you," Theresa said. "That's' one of the few things that I find objectionable with this Earth. I barely like my next door neighbor," she said pointedly looking at him. "I can't imagine myself married to one of the Betazoids, no matter how Human-looking they appear, but you can't force people not to marry or be involved with whom they choose."

"Theresa, if the Human race is to survive, then we will have to. The more I observe the more I see this as the greatest challenge Earth Alliance will have, will be avoiding the Federation's almost seductive qualities in this area."

"I find myself in agreement with Doctor Khali," Condari commented. "A Humanity polluted is not Humanity. It would be a bastardization of everything that you know to be true. It would be wise if Earth Alliance avoids contact with the Federation as much as they can. If you cannot, then Humanity as you know it will cease to exist. The Centauri and the Minbari would never lower themselves to such debauchery."

"I think this entire subject is a lot more complicated than we're giving it credit for," Stephen added. "I'm sure that the Fed anthropologists and xeno-social biologists have discussed this in detail for decades now."

"They're too close to the core of the problem," Khali answered. "They can't be objective about this."

"And you can?" Theresa asked.

"Yes, I can," he huffed. "I am an objective observer. It's what I do. Few things can get past me since I am uncontaminated by living in these conditions."

"You are very observant," Condari confirmed.

Minbar:

On the shore at the foot of the bridge leading to the cloister's island, there was a virtual army.

"In Valen's name. I see, yet I still do not believe," said Kodell, standing on the cloister wall above the gate. "An army sent for me."

"Meaning the demonstration at the Ranger Temple was more effective than we thought," put in Draal. He smiled in delight. "We must have hit a nerve."

Mayan pointed at the bridge. "Look there. Someone under a flag of truce." Indeed, a person dressed as a warrior general was walking up to the bridge's apex, carrying a staff with a white banner tied to it. The white banner of truce was a legacy of Valen and Kodell hoped that it was a sign that the leader would be nearer to the ideals of Valen than to the Grey Council.

Later, Kodell walked up to the bridge summit. He recognized the warrior awaiting him. He had been at the Ranger Temple . "Shai-Alyt Mazetch."

"Kodell ra'Mir."

With that, they bowed to each other. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" said Kodell bitterly.

"Please do not make this more difficult than it has to be, Kodell. Will you sit?"

Once seated, the Warrior began. "You know why I am here. The Council has sent me to put you and your colleagues under arrest. You must surrender."

Kodell made a small wry and bitter smile. "Easier to catch smoke set adrift on the air," he quoted.

"Must you make light, Kodell? This is serious. In Valen's name, a priest burned himself to death at the Ranger Temple! It has caused people to question, to wonder about their role in Minbari society." Mazetch's face darkened at the thought. "That cannot be tolerated. We must be totally focused and win the war."

"We are losing the war," Kodell said quietly.

The warrior sighed heavily and shook his head at Kodell's stubbornness. He ignored the blunt statement. "Surrender and the Council will be lenient."

"I cannot. To do so would give the madness more force and stand aside while our world is destroyed."

"Why must you be this way?!" shouted Mazetch. He took a breath as he calmed down. "Does honor mean nothing to you? Loyalty?"

"I must do as my heart wills and my conscience dictates. I must do what I believe is best for Minbar."

"Then you leave me with no choice. Do you see the army at my back, Kodell? You bring doom upon yourself and all within the cloister. You force me to give the order to march upon Nath'Kan Cloister."

Kodell stared at the shai-alyt. The madness had spread far. Normally, no one would dare attack and defile a holy place, especially one used and inhabited by the venerated Sisters of Valeria. "Minbari do not kill Minbari. That has been our mantra for a thousand years. Would you really assault us, thereby possibly violating that part of Valen's Covenant? Do you not see the Ashen's hand in this?"

Mazetch rolled his eyes. "I am duty-bound to the Grey Council, not the Ashen. I will do my best to restrain myself. But it will be you who force the choice upon us. Surrender and we need not test Valen's Covenant."

He remembered Callenn's advice. Make a stand for his lost daughter. He wondered if Delenn would approve of him defying the Grey Council. "You will do what you must. As will I." Kodell stood up. "Farewell, Shai-Alyt Mazetch. I am pained that it must be so." With that, he bowed and turned back down the bridge to the monastery.

"Fool," said the warrior under his breath. "He's made his choice." He stood and walked down the bridge to the army waiting at the shore. "Ready the troops!" he shouted.

Once he was off the bridge, a small missile flew from among the troops and struck the place where Kodell and Mazetch once sat. The bridge exploded and collapsed into the sea, thereby physically cutting the monastic island off from the continent of Nocalo, and by extension, from the rest of Minbar.

Paris:

Condari should have been enraged by the self-centered ravings of this Human garbage, but try as he might, he had found himself agreeing with some of the doctor's observations. Interspecies children would never be tolerated in Minbari society. Such creatures would be immediately be expunged, not allowed to survive to propagate. This was the reason the Alien Prohibition was put on the books ever since Minbar's first interstellar voyages.TheSum Nee'Verkaffwas what kept the people pure for the past one thousand and one hundred fifty years. Here however, these creatures were more alien than anything on record. And their attitudes spoke of an arrogance that belied their station in the universe. They were less than children playing with the essence of the universe.

Then there were the callously spoken words from the Human professor. Doctor Khali's remarks about Minbari being placed on reservations chilled him. No Minbari could stand to be placed on plots of land at the convenience of their enemies. They'd rather die rather than submit to such abomination. The Minbari were a proud people and would never accept such a fate.

The Minbari might lose, Nur conceded and it broke his heart to acknowledge it. But when – if they did, then they would have their teeth at the throats of their enemies. They would not submit. The Blood Knives clan would fight to the deaths and the Federation carrion would discover this when he killed as many of them as he could in two days. The molecular explosive would guarantee a most glorious victory for the Minbari against these creatures. With Valen's blessings he'd decapitate the head of the Federation and all would remember with reverence and fear the name –

– Minbari.