Chapter 3 – Part One - Invasion

Deep in the Beta Quadrant a ship drops out of FTL near a planet orbited by a dozen vessels, two crescent moons intersect near the rear creating a cross like appearance but the front is definitely an arrowhead shape. The captain of the Centauri vessel, Kurla looked at the alien ship which according to their scans measured over three kilometres in length with awe and deep, deep trepidation. "Send them a message; stand down or we will open fire," waiting a few moments that seemed to last a lifetime. "Send it again!" he shouted worriedly hoping they did not have to start a battle they could never win.
The Centauri behind shook his head causing his hair crest to wobble, "No response first or second time"
"Order all ships to open fire!"
Particle beams erupted from their wings tips impacting with the unknown vessels shields, being absorbed harmlessly away. In many ways Centauri and Minbari were very much alike, although not so much physically, it was more mental than anything else, though neither would ever admit it – neither were team players, too self absorbed. Unlike the humans who had formed the Federation in Alpha Quadrant that had then seeped across to the Beta Quadrant as numerous races like the Klingon and Romulans were absorbed.

The benefit of this gestalt thinking had been tremendous as it had resulted in many of their technological breakthroughs leaving races like the Centauri and Minbari to figure things out for themselves. One critical bit of knowledge they both lacked was shield technology. The alien vessel never bothered with its main beam weapon, as plasma torpedoes sped across the field of battle – one that was concluded in less than two minutes, by the time it moved on there were only atomised remains.

Down on the Narn home world Centauri armed guards were able to discern a phantasm as the air rippled and shimmered like a mirage, from which nine foot organic armour materialised.
"Stop!"
Another guard raised his PPG, firing automatically. Each shot impacted uselessly. Realising its inefficacy he shouted to another, "Get something bigger or a slug thrower to see if that will penetrate."
A great clawed hand reaches out grabbing his legs, another, his torso and with one great heave it tore the hapless being in two, internal organs and gore exploding all over the floor. The scream reverberated through the camp like an alarm call waking everyone from their stupor. They didn't run, they stampeded. In any and every direction, many were sent flying as clawed appendages impacted with soft meaty bodies and crimson energy beams burnt others to ashes. Attacking Narn and Centauri alike, there was no distinction, killing both with equal ease. Ashes, blood, internal organs flew in all directions coating their armour in life's blood. In amidst all the panic and carnage no one noticed the weakness in the alien shield as one lone Centauri guardsman's slug thrower penetrated the alien shields.

A telepath sensed the death outside but his curiosity knew no ends, taking a quick look out of a nearby window to ascertain how bad it really was, hoping to reach a nearby transport and escape to safety. Not ten feet away a behemoth walked. Preparing to flee made a last ditch attempt to fight back from within the confines of his room – mental probe bounced off psychic shields as impenetrable as the armour they wore. His government had measured his ability as a P10. Instead he felt the alien being bore into his mind like a metapsychic drill, turning neurons and synapses to jelly. Falling to the floor his body continued twitching as blood poured from his eyes, nose and mouth.

The same events were happening all over the planet, on every continent. Once the fighting was over, not that it was anything but a slaughter - any that remained were surrounded by force field fences fifty feet high, the aliens uncaring to the pain or suffering those left endured. As more were gathered, and the prisoner quota increased extra cages were made. After four days there were thousands of such camps spread across the open areas of the planet, most that survived lay there too tired from the fighting – denied food and water.

Far above the planet space began to ripple and fold as another ship, much larger than the other, came through. It quickly began scanning the surface for the encampments they knew were there, it was then mass transmat began as thousands of camps were emptied, those within found themselves aboard the main ship. Narn and Centauri looked up in wonder and fear at the huge open space they found themselves in as flying around them, without wings, were creatures that resembled locusts, common to Earth, Narn and Centauri home worlds. These were bigger though, about the height of a child.
One swooped down picking up a Narn, psychically overpowering the reptilian quickly and easily, despite feeble attempts to thrash and squirm loose, none were successful. Weaving through tunnels and passages eventually returning to the huge open space again, dropping its prey from near the ceiling, hovering as it impacted the floor with a dull wet meaty thud. Blood began to flow. It was then the feeding frenzy began.

Six months ago a Centauri scientist had found an odd ring shaped object, it was another four before experiments had begun on it. Scientists were moving excitedly around the object, it had nothing in the middle yet it seem to be composed of a familiar metal. Chief Scientist of the project was Beyel Morkel, a small weasel of a Centauri who sat rubbing his hands together in glee. His hair crest was small, greasy and unkempt, most days it stuck up at odd angles, in short a poor choice as a mate for any female – what he lacked in looks he had more than enough in brains. It was those same brains that had helped him to survive Emperor Cartaga, until now at least.

He could hear royal footsteps approaching, it was the rhythm and number of them that gave the game away but nonetheless it helped to be prepared. Quickly he cast a glance down the corridor. He looked annoyed, best to play more subservient than usual. He bowed deeply. "Aaaah your majesty what brings you here today?"

Surrounded by courtiers and two guards who were both armed with rifled PPG's, all emotionless waiting for a cue, verbal or otherwise on how to respond to their Emperor. All knew that to behave improperly was certain death, there were no second chances. He was merciless.
"It would seem you have been holding back on me," his tones accusing. He turned with flurry his long jacket twirling in self created winds. "Now what do you think I mean eh?"
No matter how many times various phrases were rehearsed, or smart retorts practised, fear always got the best of him. "I don't know what you mean Majesty," he answered trying to cover his gaff.
"Now, now Morkel you really shouldn't lie to me. I am to be a god you know"
He really was a complete looney he thought hoping there were no nearby telepaths. Then he remembered that Cartagia had had all the ones in palace killed. "I did not wish to alarm you unnecessarily"
"Do you not think that I cannot decide for my self? Mmm….what to do with you?" He mused rubbing his chin theatrically, "Have him killed, now." The Royal Guard aimed their weapons in his direction.
Under such scrutiny he could feel something tighten and worm its way through his gut. "I am sorry!" He squealed.
White teeth showed through his smile, as he reached an arm around the scientist. "I was joking," the Emperor reassured. "Well….maybe."
"I had to be sure of the results"
"And?"
Knowing that he was being prompted for answers had no choice, "Alright, alright!" Still terrified could not be sure if he was still being toyed with or not. "It's Quantium-40." His statement caused Cartagia's eyes to open wide in shock obviously he knew something was being held back but not what. Now to reveal what it actually is. "We've run a few tests on the object and…"
"Tell me!" He roared.
"The Federation have their warp drives but we have something far, far better" he said excitedly, "Wormholes to other galaxies"
His face was so full of awe and wonder it was like looking at a child's. "Seriously?" Pausing for a second to gather his godly thoughts, laughed louder than anyone had ever heard, "Even the Federation and the Minbari will bow down before us when we take our place among the stars and transcend what we once were!"
All saw the madness and insanity that glinted in their emperor's eyes.