12
Earthdome
Geneva
"Ambassador Mollari, I hope this isn't an inconvenience?"
"Of course not Madam President." The Ambassador to the Great Centauri Republic smiled what was no doubt a genuine expression of satisfaction but which looked forced, painfully so. With the narrowing of the eyes and the drawing back of thin lips over sharp looking teeth there was something just plain unsettling about the man. It probably wasn't intentional, maybe it was a common Centauri attribute, something subtle that reminded people that while they looked very similar these were aliens, not humans.
Londo took the offered seat in the Presidential office, the early sun streaming in through the windows.
"It is my duty to be on call for our friends here on Earth." Londo continued. "Especially in these difficult times."
"I'm glad to hear that." Elizabeth Levy settled behind her desk commanding the space with an authority born from confidence that had been waning in recent months. The good news from the battle fronts had done her much good, and while she was still leading a nation at war the hopelessness of the initial months had now gone.
"May I first offer the congratulations of the Republic on your recent battle field successes." Londo chipped in. "Many of our generals were quite surprised, you have encouraged us to rethink our position regarding the Minbari."
"A lot has changed, I'm sure you agree Ambassador." Levy acknowledged. "however our overall policy of finding a negotiated settlement has not. This is not a war the people of the Alliance sought and it is not one we wish to continue unless we must. The Minbari have been deaf to our continuing requests to open negotiations as equals, even after our recent demonstrations."
"By all accounts the Minbari are tremendously prideful, it is likely these defeats have stung them greatly." Londo related. "They are not used to losing."
"That may be but the Centauri as I understand it had some diplomatic contact with them?"
"Some, mainly border trade recently. We did used to have an Ambassador in their territory but... well, it is a long and awkward story."
"My reason for summoning you Ambassador is to ask if the Centauri could use their contacts too clearly tell the Minbari we wish to negotiate peace. By whatever means it takes Ambassador."
"I can speak to my government, something like this could well be in our abilities. Not easy of course, but certainly worth our efforts."
"That is most...generous of you Ambassador, you have my thanks."
"There was another matter, I was going to raise it later but as I am here now if you would permit me Madam President?"
Levy cocked an eyebrow. "Please Ambassador, what can do you wish to say?"
"You probably know as well as we do that the Minbari use some form of stealth technology, your ships had trouble with this at the start of the war." Londo began. "But you seem to have overcome this obstacle, something no other group can match."
"No even the Centauri as I understand it." Levy nodded. "Despite having a few centuries worth of head start."
"Yes, well, not for want of trying." Londo smiled that sharp grin again. "My government would be particularly interested in learning how this was done."
"Yes, I imagine they would."
"Naturally we would offer something in return, technology of equal value."
"Such as?"
"Artificial gravity, advanced weapons, rather large piles of money, the Centaurum was fairly flexible on the price. You can more or less name what you want."
"That is truly very generous, this technology must be very important to the Centauri."
"Our intentions are open here Madam President, this will allow our fleets to face the Minbari navy on reasonable terms. It is incredibly valuable."
"A shame you wer enot so generous earlier in the war."
"As you say Madam President, things change. Personally I deeply regret my governments decision not to be more helpful earlier, but my hands are tied by the Centaurum. Now however they are eager to make a deal."
"We will consider it, in the mean time can you forward our request to your diplomatic people. I am sure brokering a peace deal to end this war will be just as appealing to your Emperor."
"I believe so, the Emperor Turhan seems to be favouring diplomacy in his reign, this would certainly help him establish a reputation. I will keep you informed Madam President."
She shook hands and allowed Londo to leave. A few minutes later when the coast was clear her next two guests were ushered in, representatives of the Narn Regime and Dilgar Imperium.
"Ambassador G'Kar, Warmaster Dal'shan." she welcomed. "The Centauri Ambassador has agreed to pass on our request for negotiations. What are your thought son our chances?"
"Not favourable." G'Kar grunted with unrestrained disdain. "The Centauri are creatures of habit and their favourite habit is deception."
"You don't think they will pass on our offer?"
"Oh they will, but they will drag their feet, draw the process out." G'Kar explained, leaning forward for emphasis. "The Centauri are afraid Madam President, afraid of the Minbari yes but so was everyone. Now though they are also afraid of you. You have done what no one in a thousand years has done, you stopped a full invasion by the Minbari fleet. This is unheard of."
"The Centauri have direct experience of Minbari power." Dal'shan continued. "Centuries ago when the Centauri were new to space travel they became rivals of a larger empire called the Garmak. The Garmak made the mistake of challanging the Minbari, they didn't believe the legends of invincible blue warships and thought the Minbari were hiding behind a smokescreen of lies and tall tales. It took just a few weeks for the Minbari to crush them, and when the Minbari left the Garmak empire became the first real conquests of the Centauri Republic."
"The Centauri ar eobviously wary of the same thing happening to them, indeed I expect they probably planned to expand into your territory just like they did to the Garmak after the Minbari vacate it for them." G'Kar scoffed. "Hopefully that will not now happen."
"But the Centauri will remain wary, they will look at Earth as a direct rival, more so than in the past." Dal'shan warned. "And for that reason they would prefer to see the war drag on, for both you and the Minbari to exhaust themselves so you are no threat to the Centauri, at least not immediately."
"You cannot trust them to handle this Madam President, it is that simple."
"I assume you have a counter proposal?" Levy asked.
"I do." G'Kar confirmed. "I know a handful of Minbari, they are not part of any particular caste, they are some form of scouts or watchmen, I'm not entirely sure. I think that even after recent events I can contact them, and through them get word to someone within the Minbari hierarchy."
"It is less certain that the direct diplomatic contact the Centauri have, but more trustworthy." Dal'shan related. "And there are many in the Minbari government who also want to see a peaceful end to this and who disagree with the war."
"Why have these people not tried to end the war before?"
"They have difficulty being heard over the cries of the warriors." G'Kar stated. "But with less warriors around making noise..."
"I see. And I suppose our previous attempts at contact have not inspired confidence."
"No, but I am convinced they are still willing to try again, we just need to keep offering them a way to speak with us."
"The Earth would be grateful for any help either of you can offer." Levy nodded. "If this does work Earth will remember those who helped her in her hour of need."
"The Kha'ri respects the strength your people have shown, and of course we do not wish to see you harmed by Centauri treachery." G'Kar stated proudly. "We know all too well how the Centauri treat those they fear."
"Likewise the Dilgar will remain supportive of Earth." Dal'shan promised. "In the spirit of reconciliation we will have more sensor packs to ship over and several of our top soldiers have requested permission to join the struggle. We would like to attach them to your forces as volunteers."
"I can talk to the Joint Chiefs about it, but if they are willing we can certainly find a place for them."
"Then with permission we should start right away." G'Kar stood. "And I sincerly hope this cooperation between our nations will endure for a very long time."
President Levy poured herself a glass of water as the aliens left, savouring the cool drink as she relaxed, barely reacting as a final guest joined her on what was turning out to be a very busy morning.
"Go ahead Vic, what do you think?"
"That they all want something and aren't shy about it." The Director of the Earth Intelligence Agency spoke with customary plainness. "Technology from the Centauri, an alliance for the Narn, same for the Dilgar."
"Suddenly everyone wants to be our friend again." Levy sighed. "Will they help us?"
"G'Kar is our best bet, he came through for us before, he'll do it again if the Minbari are ready to listen."
"Think they are?"
"I think so, but the dynamic has changed. Londo is right when he says we gave the Minbari a good kick in their pride. Suddenly this war has more meaning for them, not just avenging Dukhat, this is a real fight now, a real challenge. They're going to react differently."
"But if they see us as an equal then a negotiated peace is no shame for them?"
"Depends how they define equal, they might still hate our guts and want to hurt us more than save themselves. This could send them on some sort of national kamikaze course, or maybe it knocked some sense into them. We don't know, my people still can't get much on the Minbari."
"Still nothing new?"
"With the border open we're going to try recon flights again, but we can't beat Minbari encryption, we haven't found much useful from prisoners as Minbari field officers have very little data given to them, and the chances of infiltrating a Minbari world is pretty much zero."
"So they could be at breaking point, or just catching their breath." Levy frowned. "We need to open a dialogue, so far we're keeping our forces stable but we still haven't made good on our initial losses. We're mobilised for war but our resources are not infinite and even if they were I won't send millions of our men and women to die over a war started over a mistake."
"I'll keep my people on it, but for now I suggest supporting G'Kar. Keep Londo happy but don't rely too much on the Centaurum. Both sides are only in it for themselves, but where the Centauri benefit from weakening us the Narn benefit by keeping us strong and friendly. That makes them easier to deal with in the future."
"And the Dilgar? What do they want from us?"
"That is a more difficult question, I'd suggest playing it straight for now, they have been very helpful and are obviously wooing the Narn's beside us. I'd say they were looking for strong allies for the future, and we're top of the list."
"If they keep delivering help to us they might just get their wish."
Hyperspace
Minbari Warcruiser Valen's Reckoning
Branmer valued quiet, he needed it, his days were so full of reports, orders, problems of every description it was essential to just stop for an hour and meditate. It cleared his mind, swept away the clutter and let him focus on the critical elements of his job. Save the Federation from conquest.
It was a fairly dramatic concept, the idea of Minbar falling to a foreign power was inconceivable to most, but then again so was the idea of the Minbari war fleets being wiped out in open war. Things had a nasty habit of changing and as a general rule Minbari society was entrenched and had difficulty dealing with rapid and destructive change. They were not well equipped for the pace of current events, the full details of recent defeats were being suppressed but even with the Council's control of information it wouldn't last forever. When people learned the Warrior caste were no longer invincible it could shake the very foundations of Minbari civilisation. The whole race could lose faith in itself and all it had been taught.
Right now Branmer couldn't afford to speculate too much on the seismic changes that were coming, he needed to keep his mind on the task at hand. While he did not believe the humans could take Minbar they could make the job easier for the Shadows when they inevitably appeared. Naval losses were already shocking and left the Federation vulnerable, if the war did not end soon those losses would only increase. Branmer was in no doubt that this war would decide the fate of Minbar, that if it went badly they could end up exterminated instead of humanity. While most Minbari saw the war with blinkered vision as just combat with humanity, Branmer looked further ahead, his mind five, ten, twenty years in the future and what events today would mean for then.
"Shai Alyt?" Neroon spoke with unusual quietness. "I hope I am not disturbing?"
"Never, sit down."
The warrior did as instructed, Branmer's eyes remained shut.
"My meditations were almost complete for today, you should try it, helps show you the important things."
"I was never one for remaining still and silent." Neroon shrugged slightly.
"No, perhaps not. But you are more insightful then most of your peers. You can see the fundamental truths that elude others." Branmer considered. "You cut straight to the heart of the matter, focus on the core truth without any of the distractions piled on top."
"I believe in being direct, and I do not believe in turning a blind eye to incompetence and vanity even when it comes from those I should admire."
"Like the Clan elders?"
"They demand respect simply because they hold a position. They confuse respect for their rank with respect for themselves as individuals." Neroon remarked with a tinge of hostility. "Most senior warriors are masters of the duel, and while it is honourable hitting people with pikes is no preparation for naval warfare."
"I agree, but with no recent wars there has been no way to earn glory and prestige in space, one can only make a name for oneself on the duelling field, is that not so?"
"It was, but no longer." Neroon replied. "Now we have many leaders who have tasted battle from the command room of a warship, it is they who should be our new clan elders, following you Shai Alyt."
"Why?"
"Because our future enemies cannot be defeated by blades and pikes alone. Those who specialise in such weapons cannot lead us against the humans and win, what chance do they have against the greater enemy?"
"You have learned well Neroon, you understand why we need change and how we must adapt. The ending of this war will not mark peace for us, our work will just be beginning."
"I understand. Though we should win this war first."
"Speaking of which, have we been detected?"
Neroon shook his head.
"We're far enough off beacon to avoid the human warning sensors, we're also deploying our own temporary beacons as we advance. If Earth does see us and shuts down their network we should be able to reach our target and return home."
"Good, we don't want to share the fate of the first fleet that made it this far." Branmer winced slightly, being lost in hyperspace was a fate no one relished. "How long until Beta Durani?"
"About two hours. The humans will pick us up as we close in, I'm afraid the area is too heavily developed and too well guarded to sneak past."
"By that point it won't matter, we are committed Neroon, it is important we win something back for our people and give them a victory. If we don't it could send cracks through the Federation that will never heal."
"I never thought it would come this far, our main fleets all but wiped out, our reserves not fully mobilised, the humans could fly direct to Minbar if they wished."
"Ironic that we now are in a position not dissimilar to humanity a few months ago." Branmer chuckled darkly. "Fate has a Narn sense of humour."
"Then our duty is clear, destroy the main human base in the area, weaken their fleets, and undercut any attempt at invasion." Neroon spoke firmly. "The fleet is untested but unwavering, I know they will fight well."
"They will." Branmer finally opened his eyes and pushed himself to his feet settling his mind and hardening his demeanour in preparation of battle. "Bring the ships up to alert, I want us engaging the second we arrive. We cannot rely on the lazy tactics of the past, to quote our opponents this is war to the knife."
Beta Durani System
Main EA Transit point for the theatre
EAS Agamemnon.
"Order Athena to stay tucked in on our flank, we have to wheel into formation together."
There was a slight tilt in the deck as the destroyer turned sharply, the heavy mechanisms that kept the habitat sections spinning meeting some resistance as external forces worked on the structure. The Agamemnon swung around in a manoeuvre that belied its size, a ninety degree turn that would have embarrassed a cruiser a quarter of her mass. As she did so the Athena, the second of six Omega class ships in service, mirrored the manoeuvre and dropped into formation beside the Agamemnon, both vessels making a few simulated shots against computerised targets.
"That did it." Sheridan beamed. "Nice work people, few more drills and we'll have these attack patterns adapted and ready for use across the fleet."
For the last few weeks Sheridan had been doing his part to bring Earth's reservists back up to fighting standards. Under Hamato's command the fleet had gone from recalled veterans and fresh volunteers to a respectable and talented unit. Like the crews their ships were a mix of recommissioned older units and brand new models fresh from the yards which made integrating them into a single cohesive force difficult to say the least. Fortunately Hamato had proven to be quite creative when it came to organising task forces and by this point he had the entire force working together expertly.
Sheridan's role had been particularly challenging, as commander of the Omega group Sheridan was responsible for six pre-production Omega class destroyers, revised and improved models of the prototypes lost during the first days of the war.
The new warships were formidable and employed a significant leap in capabilities over the main line units. They were tougher than Nova class dreadnoughts but faster and more agile than cruisers. Their laser and energy mine launchers gave them greater range than any other EA ship but the assorted pulse cannons still allowed them to deliver a crushing barrage at closer ranges, though not so much as the Nova.
Sheridan had spent his time taking the ships to their limits, seeing what the designs could do, and then developing tactics to take advantage of them. Mostly it was an update of frigate and corvette formations playing to the speed of the Omega and operating as a super sized wolf pack rather than matching the lumbering wall or iron used by the Nova class. Both he and the crews had been itching to get to grips with the enemy and had been more than a little disappointed to have to watch the victory at Cyrus on the news instead of participating but they put up with it. Fergusons fleet would need to rotate back for supplies and rest soon which meant they would be going forward. They would soon get a chance to prove themselves.
Very soon.
"Captain, I have a priority signal from the Soryu, Admiral Hamato sir."
"Better patch him through." Sheridan flicked the small communication panel on the bulky arms of his commanders chair. "Sheridan here."
"Captain, cancel all drills, we just picked up a Minbari fleet on approach." Hamato spoke quickly but measuredly, displaying no panic but definite concern. "We have less than ten minutes."
"Ten minutes? How the hell did they get that close?"
"It doesn't matter, take position beside my carrier group."
"Yes sir." Sheridan turned to his navigation officer. "Bring us into position, flank speed. Commander Carol, action stations, bring all fighters to alert one."
"Aye sir."
"Admiral, can I ask how many ships we're dealing with?"
"At least a thousand, this is a full scale attack." Hamato replied. "They've evaded Ferguson and it seems obvious their target will be the mid range base."
It made sense, Beta Prime and its associated repair docks and cargo clusters was the main supply and refit yard for the front, without it Earth's tempo of operations would decline sharply.
"I guess we didn't destroy all their ships after all."
"An oversight we're going to have an opportunity to correct. Assume position and await further orders, I don't like where this is going Captain, this is an unusual strategy for the Minbari. Be on your guard."
The Earth ships took position very quickly in a clear demonstration of their new found skills. Their basic formation was fairly standard, dreadnoughts at the core, cruisers and frigates on the flanks, carriers to the rear. It was a safe formation that Hamato could work from to confront whatever emerged from hyperspace.
Sheridan dropped in beside the Soryu, one of three Poseidon class carriers under Hamato's command. The vast warships carried nearly a hundred fighters and a vast selection of missiles to support the front line ships. While not really meant for direct combat they still mounted energy mines and a pair of long range lasers identical to those mounted on the Omega class. They were very tough and flexible units with the less obvious advantage of housing the most sophisticated combat information centre humanity had yet put into space. Hamato was already nestled in amongst the sea of data readouts, map projections and specialists waiting to see what the Minbari were going to do.
For his part Sheridan waited. The Omega group was Hamato's ace card to play at the critical moment and not before. They moved into position just in time, the fleet forming a barrier between the gate and the station, a steel net to catch the incoming Minbari.
Warcruiser Valen's Reckoning
"We have crossed the Beacon Shai Alyt." Neroon intoned. "All ships are prepared."
"Then our time has come. Initiate jump, fire as soon as you match bearings and achieve lock."
"Yes Shai Alyt."
"All ships will set flank speed and maintain it until contact, range will not save us, only fury. Take us into battle my friend."
On the word of their commander the Minbari fleet made the jump. These were not the proud battleships of the Warrior caste, uniform in formation and decoration, they were a mixture of units launched over the last several hundred years. Ships which hadn't seen battle since the Garmak incursion flew in formation with modern vessels crewed by an eclectic mix of acolytes, apprentices and former cargo ship crews. The fleet possessed some Sharlins which naturally formed the core of the force, but most capital ships were of the older Sharaal class, a vessel very similar in appearance but smaller and armed with older fusion cannons instead of the feared Neutron beams.
Most of the fleet were frigates and light cruisers, a much higher percentage than the stately warrior caste battle lines. With relatively few capital ships Branmer had no choice but to fight an entirely different type of battle, one better suited to his smaller ships. While these lighter units had far less protection than a Sharlin they still packed a formidable punch, enough to be a serious threat to any Earth ship.
Shakiri had made the mistake of letting Earth dictate the battle to him, Branmer wasn't going to follow suit. The Minbari could not afford another defeat, he had to win, he had to take risks, he had to be aggressive. He had to fight like no Minbari had fought since the time of Valen.
The Minbari fleet emerged well ahead of the gate, almost at point blank range with Hamato's forces. Branmer had guessed the EA position and he hadn't been far wrong, his ships found their gunsights immediately filled with grey human steel.
"All ships, launch torpedoes!" Branmer called across the void. "Engage by sector, advance!"
Before they finished exiting hyperspace the Minbari fleet opened fire, a rippling wave of antimatter torpedoes fired off simultaneously, thousands of weapons hurtling towards the EA lines in a tactic ripped straight from the Earth Force rule book.
If the human crews were surprised they overcame it quickly, interceptor batteries burning into life sweeping a lattice of pulses across the bulk of the Minbari weapons. For whatever failings Earth force had technologically point defences were not one of them, the interceptors working furiously despite the short range and high speed of the projectiles.
Inevitably no system was perfect and several Earth ships were annihilated by the antimatter warheads, armour peeling away and internal structures turned to molten metal and gas.
Most missiles were stopped, which was fine by Branmer, the missiles were just the prelude.
EAS Soryu
"Enemy ships right on top of us! They're closing fast!" Commander Patel bellowed. "Second wave of missiles!"
"Keep hitting them, I want fighters forward right now!" Hamato grimaced. "Flanking units move up, I want a kill box established immediately!"
he looked at the display with a grim nod of appreciation. He had been expecting a closing battle, the classic approach of two fleets from long range to point blank. Instead the Minbari had jumped out at virtual point blank range and it was clearly deliberate. Even more worryingly they were going all out as soon as they arrived, saturating the EA lines and advancing at speed. This Minbari officer had thrown away his range advantage and chosen instead to go for impact, it was completely unexpected and against a lesser commander it could have thrown the defenders into chaos.
But Hamato knew his business, the Minbari were using a variation of human tactics and Hamato had been the man to help create Earth Force doctrine. He knew the missiles were as much a distraction as an attack, designed to force an opponent onto the defensive, to unbalance them, to make sure they did not get the first strike in. While his ships were defending themselves from missiles they could not engage the fast incoming enemy fleet units. Damn good trick, Hamato was forced to give credit where due.
"Carrier groups, ripple fire all nukes. Show these people how a saturation strike is done."
"yes sir, plotting firing solution."
"I want fighters up front clearing away hostile craft, throw in corvette groups three and four too, blast a way through their fighter screens so we can get some strike birds in to hit their main ships."
Hamato narrowed his eyes, the Minbari had surprised him but he'd be damned if he let someone take control of his battlefield.
"All fleet units will open fire at will, all weapons free, hold nothing back. The Minbari want to go head to head with a dreadnought wall let them."
Earth Force struck back and did so with fury, the cruiser and dreadnought groups laying into the Minbari. At this range the Nova squadrons didn't bother with their lasers and switched straight to pulse cannons giving them much greater punch. Salvoes of blue and orange pulses lashed like a hurricane in the face of the Minbari attack, joined by missiles launched from the Earth side in direct response to the affront of a Minbari fleet trying to use a human tactic.
Branmer knew this was coming and had prepared for it, he had his best protected cruisers up front, the bulky Troligan class armoured cruisers to absorb as much damage as possible. They were ugly and ungainly vessels unloved by most warriors but they were also spectacularly tough having being designed to close the range with Shadow vessels and survive several hits from their weapons. Even so in the face of concentrated fire from the EA dreadnoughts they weren't going to last long.
As they advanced they were backed by an assortment of frigates and escorts that went to work on the EA missile barrage. Like Hamato Branmer knew the missiles were as much a distraction as a direct attack, to counter that he used his escorts to screen his major warships letting their superlative point defences slice the human missiles out of the sky with irritating ease.
Branmer had learned, he had observed his enemy and he had learned how humans fought. He knew he would face massed missile strikes, he knew he would face a dreadnought wall and he had planned accordingly. His armoured cruisers took the brunt of the gunfire, the EA ships ripping them to pieces but buying time for his main force to get into position. His escorts dealt with the missiles, finding themselves preyed upon by human cruisers and fighters but once again preserving his core units from the human strikes.
Earth had played its hand as Branmer knew they would, it had cost him good ships and good crews, but it had not stopped him. Now it was his turn.
"Cruiser squadrons, flank speed, do not stop, do not slow down. Break through the human fleet."
He unleashed his warships, and while mostly older models they still possessed a ferocious punch. The surviving Troligan cruisers peeled away as the cruisers took the lead blasting with every available weapon. At this range there was no question of missing, both sides were equally vulnerable with the older and smaller Minbari designs having no advantage in protection over the human warships.
The cruisers hit the dreadnought wall head on, the quickly narrowing space between the two sides witness to some of the most intense exchanges of energy in memory. Both sides were entirely on the offensive, every gun was blasting at the enemy with nothing reserved for self defence. The Novas were spitting fire at an almost automatic rate, an utterly ridiculous amount of charged particle pulses raining from each ship as gunnery officers overrode safety measures and kept pouring on salvoes.
The Minbari were just as fierce, the multiple beam cannons lancing and slicing, finding their targets and effortlessly parting Earth force armour. Crystal was shattered by the storm of pulse fire, massive warcruisers spun like toys as they were whittled away in orange and yellow infernos. They were too large and too close to take evasive action so didn't bother, in several cases ships were forced to plough through the glowing remnants of their sisters before meeting the same fate.
For all their losses the Minbari were not alone, dreadnoughts broke and fell apart as they were dissected by green beams. Those in the immediate path of the advance barely lasted a few seconds, pierced by dozens of beams simultaneously. Units further out kept hammering the Minbari and received fire themselves, ships losing half their weapons, their flanks turned to glowing metal, yet still fighting on with whatever systems remained.
It was absolute carnage, a close range brawl where the scale of the destruction meant no vessel could survive enemy attention for more than a few seconds no matter which side they were on. A few of Branmer's precious Sharlins were destroyed in the furnace, though most were screened by the Sharaal class ships which were unfamiliar to EA Captains and often mistaken for their more modern sisters.
Earth Force held firm but the energy and inertia of the Minbari fleet was simply irresistible. Where Shakiri had battered his fleet against the EA dreadnought wall and was destroyed Branmer carried through. He had done it on a carpet of dead bodies and burning ships but he had done it none the less and Beta Prime now lay ahead of him.
"Enemy fleet has broken through!"
"I see it Commander." Hamato said perfectly calmly, observing the wedge of red dots passing his line of blue ones. "Redirect fighters, dreadnoughts will maintain fire and form for attack. I want wolf packs to head off the enemy and defend Beta Station."
"Yes sir, on it."
"This is not over, understand this clearly, we are not done yet." Hamato resolved, flicking open a comms channel. "Captain Sheridan, your turn."
The dreadnought wall simply rotated their guns and kept firing as the Minbari passed by, scoring more kills and accepting more losses. The Troligan cruisers that had peeled away now fell in behind Branmer's main units to once again soak up the fire from the dreadnoughts, their crews expertly changing positions with no micromanagement from above. The EA dreadnoughts closed the gaps in their formation where units had been lost, turning away from the shattered ruins of their lost brethren to pursue the Minbari. Unfortunately the dreadnoughts were painfully slow, there was no way they could intercept the Minbari before they reached the station and most of their fire was spent on the lesser ships Branmer was screening his main force with.
As this ferocious exchange went on the fighters were having their own duel almost unnoticed by the struggling titans around them. The Minbari fighters were still piloted by the warrior caste though the nature of their role meant they were far more flexible and open to new ideas when compared to the more mainstream clans. They accepted Branmer without question and fought bravely for him, accepting the challenge of fighting Earth Force without stealth with dark glee.
The Nial and older Tishkat fighters were not as agile as Starfuries but an edge in speed and they had learned new tactics to exploit that. While the EA fighters gave good account of themselves it was a much harder fight than previous battles and the Furies were having a hard time clearing a path for the bomber wings.
"Omega group, engines to flank, form on me." Sheridan set to work, pushing back on his seat and setting his jaw. He'd watched the Minbari break through and knew this was not going well, however Earth still had a formidable presence on the battlefield and was far from out of the game.
"Minbari fleet is heading straight for Beta Prime." Carroll warned. "Estimate contact in ten minutes."
"They can outrun our dreadnoughts but not our other ships, and not us." Sheridan observed. "Bring us up on their right flank, we'll focus on their capital ships, try and thin them out and slow them down."
The destroyers began their counter attack, picking up speed as their powerful engines and reactors trained at their limits. Branmer's older ships had the disadvantage of less efficient drive systems than the latest warrior caste ships, and his eclectic mix of cruiser and frigate designs had frequently been constructed as escort and support ships without the need for high speed gravitic drives. While the Novas were being left behind Hamato's cruiser units were inching closer and in the distance the dark shapes of rail frigates and corvettes were looping around to cut off the enemy advance.
"Multiple human warships on our flanks." Neroon warned. "They're engaging."
"Maintain course." Branmer confirmed his orders. "We can fight a running battle with cruisers, fighter status?"
"Heavily engaged but staying close, they have a discipline I didn't expect."
"My faith in them was well placed. We need our escorts to provide a screen against missiles, we can't put them on anti fighter duty. Our pilots are the only thing keeping us from being bombarded by fusion bombs, we need ten more minutes."
A unit of Hyperion cruisers drew up alongside, the spindly design catching Branmer's interest for a while. There wasn't much beauty to it but he could see it's function. The design was primitive, even compared to other human ships it looked outdated, but they still had respectable firepower. Was it not a ship of this type that had sent Dukhat to the next life?
The human ships opened fire as they flew parallel to the Minbari fleet, Branmer's ships shooting back with deadly affect. One by one the Hyperions fell out of formation, some disabled, others torn to pieces by direct hits. He watched them float into the distances spewing flames to be passed by fresh ships taking their place in greater numbers. Minbari ships began to fall behind, the humans deliberately targeting the weakly protected drive fins. It was a good tactic, Earth didn't need to destroy his ships, just slow them down enough so the dreadnoughts chasing him could catch up and immolate any stragglers.
Branmer watched with pride as his fleet adjusted, reorientating to defend against a flank attack using the tactics he had shown them. They reacted smoothly and decisively, the mark of true soldiers validating everything he had worked for. Whatever the outcome he was honoured to be part of this fleet.
"We're coming up on target." Carrol called. "Cruiser units are taking a beating."
Sheridan winced at the sight, the Hyperions were dishing out plenty of damage but they simply couldn't take the sort of hits a dreadnought could. They were being shot to pieces at an alarming rate, their path littered with burning wrecks, disabled ships and escape pods.
"We need to take some of the heat off those ships, bring us down on a scything attack, set target plots accordingly and engage at will."
The six destroyers shifted like liquid metal, turning and flowing into their new vectors, main weapons twisting and tracking, missile bay doors popping open with brief gusts of cold air. While Earth had beaten the Minbari jammers the enemy ships were still capable of deploying conventional ECM to create a blanket of interference around them. While Sheridan could cut through it his ships had to get in close which was going to be a hair raising experience.
Ahead several Hyperion task groups were parallel with the Minbari broadside on exchanging salvoes of fire like some ancient battle in the age of sail. The cruisers were pushing themselves to their limits, engines roaring furiously, their escorting frigates and corvettes keeping pace a little more easily. Both sides were suffering but the Minbari seemed to have the upper hand.
"Target lock, forward guns engaging."
The Destroyer group cut across the battlefield at a sharp angle unleashing their heavy laser armament as the closed, the powerful beams spearing through the closest Minbari warships. The Agamemnon raced through first, cutting a Minbari frigate in two as she focused her laser cannons on a single point. After her the Athena, Ariadne, Churchill, Alexander and Apollo all followed suit, each ship claiming a victim with their initial strike.
The turned sharply away below the cruiser line avoiding their fields of fire unloading broadside missiles and a hail of shots from their secondary turrets into the Minbari ranks before moving away and letting the aft batteries score a few more hits.
"Bring us around for another run, change our speed and vector, keep them guessing." Sheridan ordered. He was relieved his ships had performed as expected, as a brand new design there was always uncertainty but in this instance the Omega class had just validated itself.
"Minbari fleet is shifting formation, I read heavy cruisers moving to block our path."
Sheridan checked the read outs, a cluster of intimidating warcruisers were moving back and taking up a position on the flank. The Minbari had cleared recognised the Omega group as a threat to take seriously and were ready for his next strike. The cruisers moved quickly and decisively, cutting a quartet of Hyperions to ribbons in an instant as they tried to contest the area.
"That's our new target." Sheridan gritted his teeth and accepted the challenge. "Hit them with lasers first, then switch to pulse cannons, maximum charge."
"Copy that, intercept course plotted."
"Reset formation for direct assault and execute."
The six Omegas shifted from line formation into a circle and accelerated towards the Minbari. The waiting warcruisers broke off to meet them, changing course and advancing head on. Even at range Sheridan could see they were not Sharlins but still represented a significant enemy.
The Omegas fired first, outranging the elderly warships, but where their main guns had easily pierced the lighter Minbari ships these cruisers were a tougher proposition. The red beams cut across the forward hulls leaving vicious burning scars, punching through the outer armour but failing to slice through the main belt. The EA ships shifted their targets, the beams dancing back and forth to strip away weapon emplacements and sensors, snapping off the exposed drive fins and boiling away the outer surfaces of the cruisers.
Moments later the Minbari fired back, a mix of fusion beams and antimatter streams that slammed into the EA ships with exceptional fury. The Agamemnon shuddered as several tons of armour was blasted away, deep scars forming on her gravity sections. The new armour held against the Minbari weapons, the older guns not having the armour piercing abilities of the newer neutron weapons, but they were still dangerous if they could score more hits.
"Switch to pulse cannons, barrage fire!"
The destroyers continued to hurtle for the Minbari ships, altering their attack profile and hitting them again. This time the effects were more dramatic, the orange pulses detonating on impact to crack and gouge the Minbari armour. The warcruisers had fared quite well against lasers but the shock and explosive effects of the pulse weapons were a different story. They continued to fight but quickly succumbed to the pummelling. First one, then another, and finally the entire group ceased fire as they were reduced to misshapen and gnarled hunks of metal and crystal. Glowing pieces of coral against the black.
"Enemy task force down." Carroll reported. "We have damage to habitat sections and secondary sensors, number three missile bay is out of action."
"We can live with that, set us up on another attack, keep up the pressure."
Branmer kept one eye on the distance readouts to Beta Prime, the large station had already launched a significant number of fighters and had been reinforced by several frigate units. Alone it wasn't much, but Branmer did not like the idea of being caught between the station and chasing human warships.
"I have readings from the station Shai Alyt, I'm detecting a minefield, defence platforms and numerous fighters." Neroon warned. "Even with the primitive weapons our enemy uses the station is exceptionally well defended."
"So I see." Branmer nodded. "This is close enough for us, detach fast attack squadrons, all other units hard about."
On his word the Minbari fleet once again completely altered its formation and mission, turning fully around and decelerating hard catching the pursuing cruisers by surprise. They reorganised themselves from an advancing enemy into a solid defensive line in about thirty seconds, a feat of skill and discipline even the EA would have trouble matching.
"Battle line drawn up Shai Alyt, we're facing the human dreadnought forces." Neroon reported. "Fast frigate squadrons are proceeding to attack the station."
"We'll delay the human fleet here, buy some time for the strike units." Branmer affirmed. "Be ready to jump on my order, we don't want to be here for a second longer than necessary."
"I don't see what happened." Commander Patel frowned angrily. "The Minbari main force just turned around, their forming dead ahead of us, standard barrier configuration."
"Not all of them." Hamato grimaced. "Several units are burning for the station, they're picking up speed, they'll easily outrun our cruiser and frigate packs."
"What do we do sir?"
"We have no choice but to engage the main Minbari fleet, we can't go around them." Hamato shook his head. "Cut engines, all dreadnoughts assume battle formation, open up the A-arcs and standby for broadside fire."
"Yes sir, forces responding."
The change in strategy had thrown the EA off for a few moments, the cruiser units flying past the Minbari core fleets and struggling to turn around, their elderly thrusters having nowhere near the agility and performance of the old Minbari ships. Branmer had been playing Earth, hiding his true capabilities. Now he had released his fastest ships and caught the EA pursuit out of position. It would take time for the cruisers and frigates to turn around and engage him and for those few vital minutes he could focus entirely on the EA dreadnoughts.
"All fighters will focus on the Minbari frigate groups, intercept them immediately." Hamato ordered. "Send in the bombers."
"We haven't cleared the fighter screens yet sir, casualties will be high."
"Send them in anyway, we need to stop those warships."
"Understood sir."
"And get Sheridan over there, see how fast these new ships really are."
The Earth fleet pressed on, the dreadnought groups unleashing their fury against the Minbari warcruisers which responded in kind, both forces determined to annihilate the other for the sake of their homeworlds. Neither side could afford a defeat here and the crews knew it, the need for victory pushing them to suicidal levels of bravery.
EA Badger class bombers now began their attack runs, wings and bays loaded with nuclear missiles. While similar to the regular furies the badgers were two seaters and significantly heavier with a longer fuselage packed with heavy weapons. They were formidable against light warships but too slow and lumbering to deal with most fighters, especially Minbari craft.
Reserve Starfury squadrons went in with the bombers as close escorts, the advanced units weary from constant battle doubling their efforts to tie down enemy warplanes and give the Badgers a chance. The Minbari of course knew what was happening and were prepared, the modern Nials continued to engage starfuries while the older generations of Minbari fighters broke off and intercepted the bombers, tangling with the escorting furies on the way.
Space around the Minbari fast frigates deteriorated into a vicious fast moving battle as squadrons pressed forward, regrouped, then attacked again. The bombers suffered grievously, their heavy armour all but useless against Minbari weapons, but never the less they pressed their attack runs and began to score hits knocking down a pair of frigates in the bright flash of a nuclear impact.
The Agamemnon cruised past the edges of the Minbari cruiser line spitting fire, ripping through a Torotha class light cruiser like paper, the surprised ship too focused on the EA dreadnoughts to notice the distant Omega. This was the role Sheridan had imagined playing when he had seen the abilities of his ship, picking off targets in the enemy fleet while the main battle raged.
"Captain, priority orders, we are to break off and intercept Minbari frigates heading for Beta Prime."
"Acknowledge orders." Sheridan nodded, switching his thoughts to the new challenge with practised efficiency. "Alright helm, take us about, we've got some catching up to do."
"Omega group responding, altering course."
The warships circled back around, firing a few more volleys as they reorientated and began to advance. The battle beside them was once again a cauldron of energy weapons, the Minbari fleet holding a curved front as hamato pushed forward from several directions, pinning them with his dreadnoughts and attempting to turn their flanks with his cruisers.
"Contact Starboard! Sharlin class!" Carroll yelled. "Two vessels, they are locking on!"
"Evasive port! Come about and engage!" Sheridan barked quickly, instantly recognising the threat for what it was. Two Sharlin cruisers had emerged from the cover of their sisters taking Sheridan by surprise, the two capital ships a serious challenge for his task force.
"Incoming!"
"Brace for contact!"
The lead Sharlin hit the Agamemnon as she turned, the green beam slicing down the forward quarter of the ship. The improved armour performed amazingly well, it saved the ship from being cut to pieces, but the impact still cored through the outer hull and triggered a series of internal explosions that puffed out flame and shining debris.
"Heavy damage to the forward decks! Major fire registered in the hangar bay!"
"Vent those decks before the fighter munitions cook off!" Sheridan shouted above the alarms, the entire ship shaking violently as the rotating sections fought to maintain gravity. "Load energy mines! I want a fleet strike!"
"Energy spike, she's firing again!"
This time both Sharlins aimed at the same target, the second ship in line. The green beams caught the Ariadne and worked back and forth across the hull, systematically stripping away the armour and piercing the heart of the vessel. The Ariadne disappeared in a sheet of flame, several chunks of debris pelting the Agamemnon with a deafening clang.
"Get us close! Energy mines?" Sheridan gripped his chair, fingers like claws.
"Ready!"
"Fire!"
The bow launchers opened up with the technology recently acquired from the Narn, the weapons replacing the massive plasma cannons of the Nova class. At this range the mines didn't have time to burst at a preset distance, instead they and four others fired from the Apollo and Churchill slammed into the lead Sharlin directly and consumed it in bright white light, the antimatter warheads eating the crystal hull.
From the glare of the dying warcruiser the Agamemnon emerged at full speed, trailing fire from its wounds with its hangar bay a tangled mess of torn metal. It did not pause or hesitate, its forward guns slamming pulses into the second Sharlin at point blank range, the weapons alternating modes to stutter between beam and pulse shots in a continuous barrage that hammered the mighty blue cruiser.
A Sharlin was a strong enemy but it wasn't invincible, at this distance the Agamemnon put every shot within a couple of metres of each other, drilling through the heavy armour and vaporising the unprotected internal decks until finally something critical exploded. The destroyer turned aside from the searing explosion and cloud of molten debris, satisfied with its vengeance.
"Resume course." Sheridan growled. "Put an end to this right now."
The Minbari frigates went through the minefield at full speed, guns firing in every direction with pin point accuracy destroying the mines in vast quantities. The sheer number of mines meant that many had a chance to act before they were destroyed, the small constructs launching their handful of missiles or firing their lone plasma cannons with some effect but not nearly enough to justify their existence. Superior Minbari fire control let even the relatively old task force pass through unscathed and focus on the station and its perimeter.
Beta Prime was well armed and built stronger than most civilian bases, but it certainly didn't have dreadnought grade armour and while it was a huge target it would not last long against Minbari weapons. Its fighter and frigate screens moved forward and began to attack, the station itself opening up with long range missiles in support.
The Minbari took casualties and move don, absorbing their losses without flinching. The EA Artemis frigates were good opponents for the Minbari Tinashi class ships, armed as they were with rail guns and equipped with surprisingly tough armour for their size. Unfortunately they remained generally outclassed and buckled under the enemy advance, losing ships at an alarming rate.
Once through the minefield the Minbari split their forces, the bulk headed for Beta Prime while smaller units focused on the supply clusters around the station, gatherings of cargo pods locked together in massive trees holding fuel, spare parts and other non-perishable items. By splitting their force they made life a little easier for Earth Force and opened themselves to more damage but also let themselves bypass some of the human wolf packs and hit less well defended targets.
Resistance stiffened as they approached the station, defence platforms adding missile and plasma fire to the maelstrom with Beta Prime itself finally weighing in with its own defence grid, a formidable barrage of energy fire that wiped five frigates out of the sky in one moment.
"Targeting enemy frigates, we have lock."
Sheridan nodded.
"Take them."
The Agamemnon and her remaining sisters leapt into the battle, chewing through the rear echelons of the Minbari frigate force and quickly dispatching their targets. The fast strike force did not break, even though they faced a vicious wall of fire ahead, EA frigates in their ranks, and now Sheridan cutting them off from support they pressed ahead determined to reach the station.
"Captain, we have several enemy ships destroying the supply clusters." His XO warned.
"Stay focused on the station, the clusters are unmanned but there are half a million people on Beta."
His fleet lanced into the Minbari, passing several ships and blasting them with their flank guns. The frigates fired back when they could and inflicted damage, but most were destroyed before they could take a toll, the destroyer group tolerating no resistance.
"We're catching up on the lead ships, they're locking on to Beta Prime!"
"Like hell." Sheridan snapped. "Engineering, redline the engines! I need everything there is right now!"
The Agamemnon jolted ahead as emergency power was dumped into the thrusters, the edge of the great cylinders beginning to melt in a ragged pattern. She scored another kill, then another, her pulse cannons finding no difficulty with the weak rear armour of the light enemy ships. It was almost over, just three ships remained and as Sheridan watched the lead one was obliterated by the station defence grid.
The last two frigates fired on the station cutting deep into its hull, but it was too little and too late. The Agamemnon tore through one of the ships while Beta Prime finished the last, the station wounded with a few deep glowing scars but still largely intact and operational.
"Main frigate force destroyed, we've just got a few stragglers left." Carroll reported. "Beta Prime reports damage is under control."
"Bring us around to target the stragglers." Sheridan ordered but he need not have bothered, the isolated Minbari ships among the supply clusters were rapidly falling to the surviving EA frigates and bombers. The few that remained made the jump to hyperspace after finishing off the nearest targets, deciding not to push their good luck.
"Our frigate groups have withdrawn or have been destroyed." Neroon reported solemnly. "The human station remains."
"It does, but we destroyed a lot of their supply depots in the process. With luck that will be sufficient." Branmer accepted turning aside from the main battle. "Withdraw the fleet, there's nothing more to gain today, mission complete."
Neroon set to work, the act of disengaging from a pitched battle far harder than it sounded. The Minbari ships loosed off a final ripple salvo of missiles to buy them a few moments of time, the EA fleet responding to the attack as it had to and lessening the pressure enough for the Minbari to loosen their battle line and initiate jump.
The vortexes opened between the two forces shielding the Minbari as they left, using their own temporary beacons to vanish into hyperspace and away from pursuit. Behind them they left more than half their strength and three hundred Earth Force wrecks.
"No pursuit Shai Alyt." Neroon confirmed.
"Let us hope we have given the Council what it needs, a little breathing room and something that can be shown as a victory."
"Is it a victory?" Neroon asked.
"We'll know in a week. Either Earth will halt its campaign or they'll invade us."
"I don't feel particularly reassured."
"Nor do I." Branmer exhaled. "But have faith my student, I am only just beginning."