14

Earth

"We're putting everything we can into the sky." General Robert Lefcourt informed the President stoically, his uniform wrinkled from two days on duty with neither rest nor respite. Like most of Earth Force command Lefcourt was acutely aware that time was against them.

"The local guard fleets are on alert and we've already activated any ships that were undergoing refit in the area." General Denisov added. "We're lucky in having several first rate units at Mars."

"Like who?" President Levy asked.

"Ninth Dreadnought Division." Denisov replied. "Ten dreadnoughts and ten battlecruisers under Joe Tennant."

"They'll be the core of the force, though we have other capital ships too." Lefcourt added. "They are the most experienced ships and crews in the area."

"Can they hold the Minbari?"

"Alone? no." Denisov stated. "Even with the defence grid backing them the Minbari fleet will be too powerful. We're calling in all our local forces but we have to be cautious too in case this is a giant bluff."

President Levy frowned.

"How can it be a bluff?"

"Our best theory is the Minbari want to cripple our industry and make a highly symbolic attack. Hitting Earth does both those things but our opponent is very clever and Earth isn't the only major target."

"Both Mars and Proxima are in his path and are extremely valuable assets, those two worlds represent over three quarters of our ship building industry." Lefcourt explained. "If we strip them of defences to protect Earth and Earth isn't his target..."

"Then Branmer can kill our shipyards and cripple our navy." Levy nodded.

"We simply can't predict what he'll do, he's keeping his cards very close." Denisov reluctantly informed. "Until he commits we can't afford to strip those fleets, but once he does we can have the Mars and Io fleets here in minutes."

"And Proxima?"

"They have orders to move as soon as the Minbari pass them by. They're slow but should arrive within an hour of the Minbari."

"We also have Admirals Hamato and Ferguson burning for home as fast as possible with a sizable fleet. They should link up with the Proxima ships and arrive in force."

"Bottom line then Generals, and I want the honest truth." Levy fixed the two officers with a firm stare. "Are we going to win this?"

"There's no certainties in a battle like this, especially facing this man Branmer." Denisov answered. "I can say that even in the worst case scenario he won't be able to wipe out all life on the planet, he won't have time and we don't think its his objective."

"However if he breaks through and moves into range of our major installations, we could be talking five hundred million casualties." Lefcourt stated grimly. "Assuming the Minbari use anti matter weapons the same way we would use nukes."

"this new commander may not be deliberately targeting civilians but these are weapons of mass destruction, we can't let him get close enough to use them." Denisov resolved. "We're going to draw a line in space between Earth and lunar orbit and make sure nothing passes it. We have to hold on until reinforcements arrive, it's that simple."

"No clever tactics or tactical subtlety, we just dig our heels in and throw everything we have at them." Lefcourt picked up. "The Minbari have left us very few options."

"Very well Generals, I won't keep you from your duties any longer." The President acknowledged. "Do what needs to be done."

Somewhere in Hyperspace.

"Long range scouts have confirmed the human fleets are massing." Neroon stood in the cascading red light of hyperspace, the projectors in the command deck surrounding him with the spectacular display. It still sometimes caught him by surprise, the raw magnificence of hyperspace, its cruelty and open violence jest a few miles away from the safe path they travelled. Not that he ever showed it of course.

"They've predicted our course of action." Branmer mused. "Not unexpected but it is going to make this task harder."

"We can expect heavy resistance Shai Alyt, the local forces are forming a barrier over their homeworld."

"Understandable, but they can't concentrate enough forces to stop us."

"Not with the ships in the system, but we know the main human fleets are heading for Earth at full speed."

"The weakened fleets, less than a third strength." Branmer corrected. "It won't be enough. We've successfully removed their numerical advantage and by forcing a battle at Earth they have to respond to us. We are dictating this battle, this is our fight to win."

"Do we take on the fleets then Shai Alyt?"

"Only in service of our main objective. Our goal is the human industrial sites, once they are destroyed we withdraw. Preservation of the fleet is paramount."

"Perhaps we should bypass them then? Jump directly into Earth orbit?"

"That would leave us sandwiched between the planetary defences and the guard fleets. I'd prefer not to have to fight on two fronts, at least not immediately." Branmer shook his head. "No, we'll jump out by their moon, break through their line, then engage the planet itself."

He watched the currents of hyperspace for a while lost in some thought or another rbefore speaking again.

"How are the new ships?"

"The ships are fine." Neroon replied. "A little roughly finished but the ships were never the question. The crews on the other hand..."

"Retrained Warriors. I can imagine that wasn't popular."

"Once it would have been unthinkable, but they are surprisingly supportive of their new task." Neroon related with a small glimmer of approval. "They understand what is asked of them and what Minbar requires. Every man and woman in this fleet is dedicated to their new duty and harbours no resentment, even the few Windswords have come to the realisation that there are more important things than tradition. Like survival."

"And I assume you had no small role in correcting that misconception?"

"I may have made a speech or two." Neroon smiled briefly. "I'm told I can be quite motivating."

Branmer barked a laugh. "I don't doubt it!"

"They have finally accepted how dangerous our position is and that this is the new reality. Things won't go back to normal when the war ends, there is no normal."

"It will take decades to recover and if Valen was right it is time we do not have."

"I do not give much credence to prophecy, but we do face very real threats and we must adopt a new way of war to meet them."

"You do me proud Neroon." Branmer said from nowhere.

"And you honour me Shai Alyt."

"No more than you deserve. Away from the influence of the so called elders you are developing into a fine leader, a clear thinker. That's good enough for me but the Warriors need more. They will follow you today, they will respect you, but in the times ahead they must do more than respect you. They must die for you."

"It is a warriors duty."

"Hell is waiting for us Neroon, and I'm not talking about Earth. Real, actual hell populated by nightmares and horrors we can only guess at. We will be sending our people to fight and die in that hell and duty alone is not enough to make them stand firm against such terror. They need more."

He turned from the maelstrom to look directly at Neroon, the black robed warrior standing a little straighter under the gaze.

"You have served me well as my second Neroon, but its time you left my shadow. I am assigning you a fleet command, you will lead the newly arrived Warrior caste ships."

"With respect..."

"They need a good leader, someone who can lead them properly, who knows how to fight. That is you Neroon, you are the only one I trust to do it." Branmer headed off any argument. "And you need to prove your talents, to stand alone and show you are not just a follower but a leader. I know you are quite able to do this."

"If that is your will Shai Alyt."

"It is." Branmer nodded. "Those ships are green but powerful, top of the line warcruisers. You will assist me in breaking through the Human line, then you will establish a defensive position while I take my forces to attack Earth directly."

"You don't need my help with the defence grid?"

"The humans have reinforcements on the way, I need you to stop them dead." Branmer explained. "Hold off the reinforcements until I can finish the mission, then we withdraw together."

"Understood Shai Alyt." Neroon nodded, understanding the wisdom in the order.

"Be aware Neroon that the human reinforcements are commanded by their best leaders and contain their best ships and crews. You will have to stand alone against men who have defeated every Minbari fleet that has faced them."

"I will make sure you have the time you need Shai Alyt."

"I do not doubt it." Branmer nodded. "You are the future Neroon, and that is a deeply reassuring thought. Now go, report to your command."

"Yes Shai Alyt, and thank you."

"Don't thank me yet, I just gave you an impossible task."

"Difficult yes, impossible..." Neroon grinned. "We will see."

"Then we have much work to do. Contact me when all is ready, we have little time to spare."

Somewhere in Narn Space

G'Kar paced the room with the acute awareness of a man on a strict timetable glancing periodically at the clock on the wall counting through the forty hours that made up a day on this blasted barely habitable lump of rock. It wasn't even a colony, it barely qualified as an outpost, in fact moon was pushing it. Gravity here was ten percent that of Narn and he was already unhappy about it, these were not suitable conditions to conduct extensive negotiations.

On the other hand this poor little sliver of Narn territory did have one advantage, a massive wall of warships floating overhead. It was a staging area for the Narn Regime's Blue Fleet, one of their main combat forces equipped with a wide range of powerful units including several of the brand new G'Quan class cruisers. In addition the outpost itself was heavily defended for its size with ground based guns and satellites to protect the fuel and munitions stored here.

It was the most secure site G'Kar could think of, it was in Narn space and isolated enough so he could control any access, but it was also massively well defended in case anyone tried to interfere in the coming meeting. After what had happened last time he was taking no chances.

The first arrivals were a Dilgar flotilla and a Drazi squadron, still a sight which gave him a brief upswell of pride. Warmaster Dar'sen and Warleader Stro'kath had forged a curious working relationship built on honour and respect for each other as warriors and G'Kar understood that, but it hadn't stopped him portraying himself as the man who got the Drazi and Dilgar to sit at a table together and talk. The amount of political capital he was making from recent events was staggering, and if all went well it was going to soar.

The second group of ships was even more remarkable, a battered Minbari warcruiser and a few green and bronze coloured patrol ships flying escort. The warcruiser had obviously seen better days and had chunks torn out of it but it was still an intimidating and powerful weapon of war.

This was why G'Kar was on edge, the last time he had arranged a meeting with the Minbari he had nearly ended up dead and a senior member of Minbari society had expire don his watch. Frankly given the sort of grudges Minbari could hold he was amazed to still be breathing. Yet here he was walking into that same lions den again.

Though this time he was of course very prepared.

The three groups of ships fell into orbit and launched their respective shuttles, all very cautious and closely monitored by the Narn fleet above. They were cleared through under guard, each delegation bringing plenty of their own security be it Imperial Guards, Chosen Warriors or Anla'shok. The timing was carefully arranged so all three arrived at the meeting room simultaneously, only two people per faction were allowed in with the room sealed and guarded upon their entry. G'Kar was content to stay there alone as a sign of trust and confidence, as of course was Stro'kath, the old soldier utterly disdaining the idea that he needed an escort.

Dar'sen brought his aide with him, a young officer who stood back and said nothing. Of more interest to all in the room were the two Minbari, the real reason this meeting was happening. Both wore the mottled brown robes of the Rangers, similar to that Lenonn had worn to the original fateful meeting. The lead Minbari was old, though not so old as Lenonn had been, and his escort stood with the broad presence of a seasoned warrior.

"Sech Turval is it?" G'Kar opened proceedings. "I'm glad you agreed to come after what happened to your predecessor."

"It is necessary." Turval said simply. "Lenonn believed in peace and so do I, so do many and I speak for them. Lenonn would wish for our voices to still be heard."

"You have courage following the path of a man who died doing the same thing." Stro'kath gave a curt nod of approval. "Who did that anyway?"

"We don't know, but we hope to find out." Turval replied simply. "Representative G'Kar has assured us security here is air tight."

"Unquestionably." G'Kar enthused. "There are hundreds of Narn ships shielding us, nothing can break through."

"Assuming those ships are loyal?" Stro'kath suggested. "How do you know it wasn't one of your rivals G'Kar trying to kill you? Word is you have a lot of enemies."

"True and true, but the Blue fleet is commanded by G'Sten, my uncle and a father to me since the death of my blood father. He would not permit such treachery."

"That's enough for me." Dar'sen nodded.

"And in the event of assassins or the like, Sech Durhan will defend us." Turval informed.

"Durhan, I know the name." Dar'sen regarded the warrior. "They say you are the finest duellist in the galaxy."

"I don't know who 'they' are, but I have yet to be defeated in single combat." Durhan nodded. "Take that as you will."

"Well now that introductions are over why don't we get down to business? We all know this war cannot go on for much longer, one way or another it needs to end."

"it will end." Stro'kath declared confidently. "We have raised a second fleet to assist Earth and I will lead them personally into battle."

"Wasn't your last fleet lost without trace?" G'Kar asked.

"Destroyed in an ambush in hyperspace." Stro'kath sneered. "A crime no Drazi will ever forget."

"We heard about that, but it was not a Minbari fleet." Turval said frankly. "But if you assist Earth my comrades will engage you."

"So be it." Stro'kath accepted. "We were willing to fight beside Earth when everything was against us and victory was impossible. Today we can fight back, and that should make your comrades afraid."

"He isn't the only one." Dar'sen added. "The Warcouncil is deploying a Strike Fleet to Earth space as part of a joint deployment with the Drazi."

"Dilgar and Drazi fighting side by side." Stro'kath grinned. "A powerful message wouldn't you say?"

"Powerful and practical, between my capital ships and you fast attack squadrons we are a flexible and dangerous force." Dar'sen agreed. "Old enemies united in common cause."

"And not just you." G'Kar suddenly spoke up. "The Narn will also send a fleet to help Earth!"

That raised some interest, not least with G'Kar himself. The Kha'ri of course had decreed no such thing but he was damned if he was going to let this moment slip. Dropping the regime into the middle of a war wasn't exactly within his authority no matter how much influence he had, but he wasn't about to let the Narn sit on the sidelines while others reaped all the gratitude.

"Impressive." Dar'sen allowed. "Narn, Drazi and Dilgar united with the humans. With all of us arrayed against you the Minbari must know they can't win."

"Even before this the Grey Council knew a true victory was impossible." Turval allowed. "Accepting it however is another matter. Many would die before giving up their pride, indeed many have."

"What about those who want peace?" Dar'sen asked.

"They are gaining more influence, an honourable peace is spoken of openly." Turval related. "But to do so means we must change our minds, abandon our goal of destroying humanity. I and many others wish this, it was a grave mistake born of grief and anger, something which would destroy the heart of our people as surely as it would have destroyed humanity."

"It's beyond your reach anyway now." Stro'kath shrugged. "I like a good fight, but it's not always the best option. I'm stood here with a Narn and a Dilgar and neither of them are spitting out teeth. How many people would believe that?"

"I'm still having a hard time working it out." Dar'sen grinned.

"It proves anyone can make peace if there is a good enough reason." Stro'kath spoke with passion. "There is no shame in an equal peace, an agreement between people of honour. Whatever your warriors may think I know the humans have honour, I have seen it, I have seen them fight and die for my world, a world most humans will never visit and few really even think about. What they did was more than most of our League allies did, and for that reason, that debt of honour, I send my bravest to fight and die for Earth. I am Warleader, those lives are the most precious resource my nation has, yet I have no hesitation in sending them to fight this war and earn glory in battle or in death. That is what it means to us."

"I stand with my colleague." Dar'sen nodded. "There is no shame in reaching agreement with Earth, it saved my people and we are ready to help save Earth."

"This is not something we dispute." Turval offered agreement. "if this war increases in scale it will drive home how serious our situation is, and your reasons for fighting are powerful arguments. But right now no one will listen, not while there is still hope of victory."

"You mean Branmer." Dar'sen reasoned.

"You must know by now he means to attack Earth itself?" Turval checked. "He will target military targets and industry."

"None of our fleets can reach Earth in time." The Supreme Warmaster informed. "It's up to the humans alone to stop Branmer, but whatever the outcome the arrival of our forces will tip the balance firmly against you."

"I know and I will take this information back. But you must understand that this represents a fundamental change in the way the Council works, and they do not easily accept that."

"Their inflexibility has cost a lot of lives." Stro'kath growled. "Human and Minbari alike."

"And it will no doubt cost more." Turval exhaled. "But we will find a way. A member of the Grey Council is prepared to attend negotiations with Earth if the humans are still open to talks."

"They were when I left Earth, but they might not be if the battle goes badly for them." G'Kar informed. "This attack on their home may, I believe the term is 'piss them off' or something."

"Then we must hope for reason on both sides." Turval voiced. "But even with talks we must find a way for the Council to end the war and reverse its decision without appearing to admit they were wrong. Some new information that cannot be ignored, something that lets us stand down without losing face."

"Is an equal peace not enough?" Stro'kath frowned. "Will your people not accept Earth has honour?"

"They want to I think, but it is difficult. If the war were so easy to stop we would have done so by now. We are trying but there is a thousand years of inertia to overcome, more."

"Ultimately everything we're discussing is going to hinge on what happens at Earth." Dar'sen concluded. "If Branmer succeeds Earth will be in no position to strike back and you can negotiate a peace through us. If Branmer fails and loses his fleet Earth can rebuild faster than you can. In six months they'll have a thousand brand new ships and be at Minbar."

"Whatever happens it'll start in a few hours." G'Kar observed quietly. "Perhaps we should meet again afterwards?"

They agreed and split up leaving G'Kar to make the video call of his life to the Kha'ri.

Earth Station 4

Death closes all; but something ere the end,
Some work of noble note, may yet be done,
Not unbecoming men that strove with gods.

"Still reading that old book?"

Jeffrey Sinclair glanced up from the elderly tome and its yellow pages with a look of feigned annoyance.

"Well I could kill braincells watching the Disney network like you do..."

"One time!" Mitchell defended. "One time that happened and I still haven't lived it down!"

"I'm sure Princess Poppet is perfectly good material for my Squadron XO to take lessons from."

"Well to be fair I did pick up a really good recipe for cookie sprinkles and fairy cakes, but that's a completely different argument."

Sinclair laughed gently, setting the book aside.

"How's the squadron doing?"

"Twirling their thumbs and waiting to get back into the fight." Mitchell answered with a shrug. "We had a month of leave, it's appreciated but it's time we were back in the action especially with things the way they are."

"Nemesis should be ready to go in the next two days or so, when she ships out so do we."

"You think they'll finally order us into the counter attack?" Mitchell wondered. "I mean we're ready to take the war to them now right? We can end this."

"Maybe." Sinclair allowed. "We'll see what Brass says."

"As usual." Mitchell exhaled. "So, you going to go see her?"

Sinclair didn't have to ask who 'she' referred to. Mitchell was a good friend, they'd trained together and ended up serving together when Sinclair transferred to the front lines. Even so there were still some things he kept private.

"Maybe."

"So that's a yes then?" Mitchell raised an eyebrow. "Come on! Just get over there, this calm cool act isn't fooling anyone."

"I didn't think I was that obvious."

"If you flew like you dated a guy with a mop could take you out. Just go, I'll handle things for a while."

"I dunno..."

"Jeff, go."

He accepted defeat with a graceful nod, stood up and headed for the door.

"Ready room two." Mitchell informed. "But I bet you already knew that right?"

Of course he did, he knew exactly when she was landing and where she was staying.

"Smartass." He grinned back and set off down the corridor.

The space station wasn't huge and was built around the familiar ring design Earth had come to favour, this particular example having being built not long after First Contact to guard Earth orbit. It was a bit outdated but still served its main function as a refuelling base for warships and a staging platform for fighters and personnel transports. A lot of people passed through every day but Sinclair had someone specific in mind.

He tapped on the door to the ready room and entered to find a trio of pilots draped over the worn chairs discussing something. They were young and confident, the image of fighter pilots a galaxy over, the three of them glancing over as he entered.

"How about we pick this up later." The nearest pilot stood. ""Hanji and I need to be somewhere else."

"We do... oh, right, yeah. Somewhere else."

The two departing pilots gave Sinclair a nod, clearly recognising him, and left the celebrated officer alone with their last squad mate.

"Hey Jeff." Catherine Sakai offered. "You're here too huh?"

"Heading out in a day or two, you?"

"Garrison duty on Proxima, then down to the Koulani border. Been some rumblings."

"My Brother is deployed down there guarding the border."

"I'll tell him hi."

They stood awkwardly for a long moment, each wanting to say something but not sure if it was a smart thing to do.

"You're looking good." Sinclair managed after a while. "Healthy."

"Healthy? Three years and you're complimenting my diet?"

"I...well, it's been three years?"

"Three years and a war. Puts a lot of water under the bridge." She observed trying not to meet his gaze.

"How's your Aunt?"

"She's good, still working for the firm. You should see her kids, they can already pilot a ship. Quick studies."

"Must be in the blood."

"So we're done with the small talk then? Because I need to pack my gear."

"I wanted to make sure you were alright." Sinclair admitted. "With the war... a lot of people didn't come back."

"Yeah." She exhaled. "Yeah, I know. We saw some action, lost a man. Could have been worse."

"Heard you made a kill."

"Three actually at Jericho." She corrected. "Caught them napping."

She finally looked up and met his gaze.

"I was worried too. I know you think you're the best man to ever ride a jet but you aren't invincible."

"I know, there's always somebody out there better or luckier."

"Maybe it'll be over soon, people are talking about a counter attack, that we have them against a wall."

"We held Durani but it wasn't pretty. This is when they are most dangerous, when they're backed into a corner."

"If we hit one of their worlds its going to be hell isn't it?" She asked.

"They're just about as stubborn as we are. They'll fight to the death. Best you're away from that."

"Is that you're way of saying I'm not good enough?" She raised a fierce eyebrow. "You know we Sakai folks have been flying fighters just as long as the Sinclair dynasty."

"I don't want to lose you, there, I said it. Happy?"

"Why are you always so damn defensive?"

"Because this is not easy, I never know what to do around you." Sinclair grunted.

"I dunno, you seemed to know exactly what you were doing in the past." She shrugged. "Until you left and we both ended up on opposite sides of the universe."

"Yeah."

"And like we're about to do again. Koulani on one side, Minbari on another. Both dangerous missions."

"I know."

She huffed loudly.

"I have terrible impulse control, I know a quiet place."

"I thought you'd never ask."

"We're both very, very dumb." She exhaled. "But what the hell, might be our last chance."

A few hours later Sinclair emerged from a secluded munitions room, Catherine not far behind adjusting her flight suit.

"We keep getting into these situations." She exhaled. "So that's it for another three years?"

"No, not this time, this time it's different." He promised.

"You always say that, but we just fall into this same pattern."

"Then lets change it. This time lets..."

He was interrupted by a general alarm going off, the universal order to report to combat stations.

"What the hell is that for?" Catherine frowned heavily. "We're over Earth."

"I don't know but we better find out." Sinclair fixed Catherine with a strong glance. "We'll talk later."

"Sure we will." She forced herself to believe it. "We'll fix it."

It took a little while for Sinclair to organise his mind and set aside the personal turmoil bombarding him. His relationship with Catherine Sakai was chaotic which wasn't helped by them meeting at incredibly inopportune moments. He prided himself on being calm to the point of Zen especially in stressful situations but all that evaporated when he got within ten feet of Catherine. They were wrong for each other, they clashed more than they agreed, but honestly he didn't care. They had a spark, a rare passion, and that was enough to overcome anything else.

"Mitchell." He made it to the Squadron ready room. "What happened?"

"I don't know, we just heard the alarm." He reported, the rest of the unit filtering in and gathering together to speculate. There were two squadrons gathered here, his own Ghost Riders and the Jolly Rogers who shared their assignment to the Nemesis. He was about to talk to the other squadron leader when the broad mass of Joe Tennant thundered into the room. Instantly the pilots found their seats, a briefing from their commanding officer a rare and usually ominous sign.

"At ease people." Tennant began notably skipping his usual humorous opening quip. "The alarm is no drill, we're on alert and expect to be in action within the next few hours."

The room was deathly silent.

"We have reports of a Minbari fleet heading this way, straight for Earth. We've been ordered to stop them, and we damn well will. Expect heavy enemy forces under competent leadership, this will not be a cake walk."

He paused for a second to let his next words hit hard.

"This is going to be the hardest fight of the war. They're coming for Earth and they caught us out of place and out of time. No jokes, no tall tales, it doesn't get any more serious than this. The President is ordering everything that can fly to form a line in orbit and hold the Minbari until reinforcements arrive no matter the cost."

He gritted his teeth.

"And the cost will be high, I don't know if we'll all be here to brag about our victory this time tomorrow. Hundreds of millions, perhaps billions of lives rest on our shoulders and if we lose not only do they die but we lose this war. We all know people, too many people, who sacrificed everything to stop the Minbari and I will not let that sacrifice be in vain. Make your peace, contact the people you need to contact, then suit up by sixteen hundred hours."

That was it. He turned and headed for the door pausing only to call over his shoulder.

"Commander Sinclair, with me please."

Sinclair did as instructed, slapping Mitchell on the shoulder.

"I'll get them ready." His wingman promised. "See you on the deck."

Sinclair sprinted briefly to catch up to the Maori officer and fall into a brisk step beside him.

"How are your people?" Tennant checked. "Ready for a fight?"

"Yes sir, its a surprise but they know what to do. They're the best pilots in the galaxy, no one is getting past us."

"Glad to hear it Commander, our task force is the most experienced unit in the area until Hamato can get his arse back here. We'll be the centre piece of the mobile defence."

"Do you know what happened sir?"

"The Minbari outmanoeuvred us, simple as that." Tennant answered. "Hamato and Ferguson are on their way but the Minbari will be here first in strength. Hundreds of ships, likely over a thousand, under the command of their new whizz."

"Branmer."

"You know the name? Good, because I'm going to be feeding that bony bastard to the Lady Nemesis." Tennant snarled. "This is going to be hell Commander, don't imagine otherwise. The Minbari have learned from and adapted to us and now they are ramming those lessons back down our throats." He grunted. "Well not today."

They took themselves down a flight of stairs and across into the nearest cobra bay, home to half a dozen squadrons arrayed on the outer curve of the rotating station including the Ghost Riders. It was swarming with deck crews and buzzed to the sound of voices, tools and fuelcells undergoing recharge. Waiting for them were two concerned officers in EA blues who broke off their conversation and saluted Tennant as he arrived.

"Captain Black, Captain Hague." Tennant greeted them. "Alright, you three are my senior staff on this. Captain Black commands Task Force Ninety One with five Rail gun armed Novas, Captain Hague commands our ten cruisers and Commander Sinclair is senior pilot. Now we've got ten Dreadnoughts, ten Cruisers and three hundred fighters to play with which is pretty damn good, General Lefcourt has also promised us some frigate and corvette escorts from the Mars flotilla some time in the next hour."

"How many Admiral?" Black asked.

"We'll find out when they arrive, the call is going out for every ship with a weapon to take up position between Earth and Luna and get ready for contact. Armed freighters, Belt Alliance, reservists, hell they even emptied the fleet museum."

"Is it that serious?" Hague frowned.

"Worse." Tennant answered honestly. "This is without a doubt the most desperate situation we've ever been in. They caught us with our pants down and we need to pull it together and create a working plan. I've been put in command of our mobile reserve, our job will be to plug breaches in the defence and reinforce weakened areas. If necessary we will counter attack any break through and hold a line over Earth."

"Which makes us the last line of defence." Sinclair reasoned.

"If all else fails, yes."

The officers took a moment to come to terms with this requirement, this simple yet crushing responsibility.

"Do we have enough forces?" Hague asked.

"We've pulled in the entire Proxima, Io and Mars defence fleets plus the Earth and Sol Garrison. It's a lot of ships but most are outdated and better used for patrols." Tennant relayed. "Our best front line warships were on the border, we only have a limited number of Dreadnoughts and cruisers."

"Of which we are the best trained." Black guessed.

"Which is why we hold the critical mission." Tennant confirmed. "In a situation like this static defence won't help us, we need to be aggressive. Sinclair, I want you to prioritise enemy capital ships, Hague likewise."

"Yes sir." Both officers agreed.

"We'll try and stay together, keep the fleet intact as a single hammer to beat the Minbari to death with, but we should expect to take losses."

"And the other forces?"

"Generals Lefcourt and Denisov will be coordinating the main line of defence. They'll do all they can to tie down and slow the Minbari. The goal isn't to defeat them, it's to delay them. Hell we probably can't kill them alone anyway, we just need to stop their advance."

"This isn't going to be pretty is it?" Black asked sombrely.

"No. No it isn't." Tennant said honestly. "But this is what we're here for, this is the moment all of us wondered about, asked if it would ever come, the moment where we have to look death in the face."

He was right. Each of them had seen battle but in every fight there had been a fair chance of survival. Even against the Dilgar they could take faith in their skills, their fighting prowess and tactical acumen and reasonably expect to still be alive the next day. But this was different, they were out of place, outgunned and facing a truly dangerous adversary.

"I don't expect you not to be afraid, I'm damn well terrified." Tennant grinned with honesty. "But we have to set an example to our officers and crew, we don't have the luxury of despair. We have to lead and they have to follow us even into certain death. I know each of you has the skill and the courage to be the first into this battle, to set the example. Never have we needed that before and never did I expect to ask you to do it. But here we are."

He stood straight, projecting confidence and pride.

"Earth needs us, so we're doing this. Do what you need to do in order to meet this challenge head on. Decide how you're going to face death,. Me, I plan to make bad jokes and show him the middle finger."

His officers broke nervous smiles.

"We are the best. We are the finest force in the Alliance and our world is expecting us to deliver on that confidence. I know we will never let them down. Much rests on our shoulders, but we have the strength to carry the whole planet on our backs. Sinclair, come with me, Helena, Bill, report to your commands. I'll see you out there."

The two Captains saluted crisply, Tennant responding in kind.

"Let's see how ashamed the Minbari are when they get their arses kicked by a man in a skirt."

"How long do we have?"

"Not long now Madame President. The Minbari have passed Io, they could be here any minute."

"Our forces?"

"Ships are still coming in but General Denisov believes we have every trained crew in the region. Earth Force and Belt Alliance ships form the main line of defence."

"And the civilians?"

"They are in position between the naval forces and the defence grid. If we're lucky the military will hold the Minbari back and the civilians won't need to engage."

"And if we're realistic?"

She didn't need to hear the answer.

"Thank you. By now everyone knows what is happening but I should still say something. They should hear it from me."

"Madame President..."

"If I'm the President that led Earth to ruin then I should at least take responsibility for it. Leave the camera with me, get down to the bunker. I'll stay here."

"I strongly advise..."

"That will be all Mike."

"The Minbari will almost certainly strike our centre of government and..."

"Mike, thank you for your loyalty. The Vice President is on Mars by now, I'll be fine."

The aide reluctantly left the room and the President by herself. As another President had once believed the buck stopped right here and Elizabeth Levy was ready to face her responsibility. If they won she'd celebrate with the rest of the planet. If they lost she would be among the first to die. Her fate like the fate of so many others now rested with the distant thin grey line in the sky above.

Sinclair took a calming breath as he zeroed in on Catherine, the petite woman tightening her gloves and checking the seals on her flightsuit.

"Catherine..."

"Whatever you're going to say it can wait." She cut him off. "Don't turn this into one of those soppy goodbyes you get in films. This isn't the first mission into almost certain death we've flown."

He couldn't stop a smile, he kept forgetting Sakai wasn't some helpless damsel in distress, she could kick ass with the best of them.

"Alright, we'll stick to business then. Your squadron will be flying a strike mission, mine will be providing escort for you."

"So you'll be watching my back? That actually makes me feel pretty good."

"We'll keep the Minbari off your case, that's a promise."

"I trust you." She nodded. "But we're ready to see the mission through no matter the cost."

She nodded over to where her squadron was gathering, several of them were tying on woven belts under their suits.

"The whole squadron is either Japanese or descended from Japanese ancestors. I told you about Saburo Sakai?"

"Many times."

"Some traditions die hard." She related. "We know what this battle is about, what is expected of us."

"I don't want to see you bringing back the Kamikaze..."

"We both know if it comes down to it that's exactly what we'd do. You and me."

She was right, Sinclair would have no hesitation ramming a Minbari ship if it would make a difference.

"Let's hope it doesn't come to it."

The lights In the room turned red accompanied by five sharp blasts on the alarm system.

"Time to go." Sinclair exhaled. "I'll never be more than a hundred metres from you."

"Worry about the mission, not about me."

"Escorting you is my mission, you'll be running with nukes."

"You know what I mean."

"I know."

"Look, if something does happen..."

"It won't."

"If it does." She pressed. "I cut a lock of hair and put it with my things. Its tradition, so that there'll be at least something to bury."

"Catherine..."

"Just make sure Jen gets it, okay?"

"Okay, I promise."

"Thank you." She smiled sombrely. "I'm still scared but this helps, and you being here helps too. Whatever happens Jeff, just try and find me. Don't let me be alone out there."

"I'll stay close."

"I don't mind dying for Earth, but I don't want to be alone when it happens."

"It won't come to it, I promise you."

"I guess we're going to find out."

Citizens of the Alliance. By now many of you have heard the rumours that a Minbari fleet is approaching Earth. I must tell you these rumours are true. Right now the men and women of Earth Force are gathering our strength to meet and destroy this threat, but our enemy is strong and their fleets are led by a dangerous and skilled Warrior.

Branmer whispered the same words he had all his life, a quiet prayer to Valen for the strength and courage to face the task ahead. Around him his senior staff kept their heads bowed and fingers steepled as he led their prayers too feeling their apprehension, their concern. They were not warriors, this was not the life they had chosen or wanted, yet not one had flinched or folded.

"And Valen said will you follow me into fire, into darkness, into death?"

"I will." His officers replied solemnly.

"Then follow."

I therefore make this plea to anyone who has a ship capable of fighting to join us. I ask you, I beg you, to lend your strength to the might we are gathering to defend Earth, our home and our origin, from a Minbari attack. As we speak the full strength of the Alliance is coming to crush this attack but while we have the steel and the fire to win this battle we do not have the time. The Minbari will arrive first.

Between Earth and Luna thousands of men and women waited on massive warships, grimy escorts, nimble fighters and cobbled together shuttles. From the precise formations of the naval vessels down to the unorganised mass of armed freighters the Line was drawn.

They knew what was coming, the terror of a full scale Minbari assault could chill even the finest veterans and heroes but no one backed out or tried to hide. The Line was drawn.

We must ensure that when our reinforcements arrive they see the blue Earth waiting for them, not a burning world ringed by Minbari warships. We must stand firm and unshakeable in the face of our enemies, we must keep them from our doorstep until help arrives. We must do all that we can, sacrifice all we must, to preserve our home until the fleets come to save us.

Deep in hyperspace the Agamemnon pushed its engines as hard as she could, the system already far in the red and complaining. Sheridan sat in the centre of the bridge with his hand gripping the rests, his eyes crushed under a scowl. On the main display were two count downs, one for the Minbari arrival and one for their own. The difference was only a few minutes but in that time the entire planet could change forever.

Around him followed the rest of the fleet and against his own good judgement was Deathwalkers battleship. Nobody liked it but Hamato could not refuse the help of such a powerful vessel in this time of utmost need.

He watched the clock, the diminishing numbers his entire existence.

This will be our decisive battle, a turning point for all of us. Never before had humanity faced such a threat, never have we stood so close to the abyss. We must not fall, we must not allow ourselves to be pushed into destruction. This battle is not just for us but for our children and their children, it is for our parents and our ancestors back to the beginning. This day, this hour, we must earn our right to exist and to go on as a species.

Sinclair gave the thumbs up to the deck hand, the suited man scurrying away as the boarding gangway retracted and with a jolt the Fury was lowered through the inner airlock doors to the cobra bay. He made his final checks, the Starfury humming eagerly as power built in its frame. Both pilot and aircraft were straining like hunting dog on the leash, the elixir of battle fighting against the terror and apprehension in his heart.

Everything was in order, his squadron checked in, his systems were synched up to command and control. They were ready, do or die.

I ask you then here and now to gather with the ships above Earth, to draw a line in the sky and let no one who means us harm pass. I will not lie to you, the odds are against us and we believe that many who join this battle will never return, but if we do not fight, if we do not stand on this line, then we lose everything.

The Starfury fell like a stone through the opening doors, the rush of motion and exhiliration of the engines kicking in still an incredible rush. He swung the fighter up and around the station skimming its hull, engines pulsing bright blue flame, the entire scene lit by the reflected light of Earth sitting pristine and glorious beside him. If there was ever any doubt in his mission, ever any lack of conviction the breathtaking sight of Earth banished it instantly.

He swung around, taking a last look at the cradle of humanity over his shoulder before putting it behind him and moving toward the glittering mass of ships ahead. Beside him his squadron tucked into combat formation, each one an expert an an ace in their own right. They were the best, they were going to have to be.

No President has ever made this plea to a people, no nation has ever faced such a threat of destruction, no one should ever have this choice to make, but we have no more time left. Every minute we hold the line brings victory closer and postpones the deaths of countless people. We must not flinch, we must not fail, for if we do then everything we have fought and sacrificed for has been for nothing.

Catherine Sakai stood beside Yumi Hanji and downed the shot of Saki, her wingman then following suit. The squadron stood in a line in the hangar and as one each tied on their headscarfs emblazoned with the rising sun and messages of hope and fortune from home. They gave their salute toward their distant home, recited their death poem, then scrambled to their Starfuries for what was almost certainly the last time to the strains and words of Sakura.

Wherever you were born, wherever you live we are all children of our blue Earth and as sons and daughters of this world I ask you to fight. Fight for our home, fight for the billions of souls upon it, fight to your last breath and your last strength. Fight so that the human race may live, so that we will never be forgotten, so that the blood shed and tears wept were not in vain. Fight for yourselves, your families, for the long dead and the yet to be born. Fight now and take your stand before the coming darkness, defy the onrushing storm and show all who look this way the courage and the spirit of Earth and her children. Stand now, together, and fight for all you have ever known and all you have ever cared about.

Closest to Earth the EAS Nemesis held station, its hull bearing the scars of a dozen major battles with pride, each impact a trophy and a warning. Many vessels had challenged the Nemesis and found themselves under her guns, and none had lived to tell the tale.

Along with her equally gnarled taskforce they were the grim faced and hardened heart of Earth Force. Their ships were ugly and without grace, their technology primitive and inefficient. Yet time and again they ad done the impossible, defeated the unbeatable, dragged victory from defeat. They were unlovely to look at but by all the gods they were terrifying to face in war.

Behind the bristling guns the best officers and enlisted humanity had to offer made ready for battle, quiet but confident that they would not fail. Despite the situation none of them could resist a blood thirsty grin as the commnet blared out the most belligerent war haka yet from their Admiral and commander. From the heart of the Lady Nemesis embraced the carnage soon to unfold and dared his enemies to face him in the ancient tongue of his people, roaring and thumping his chest and arms with barely restrained fury filling all who heard it with the same desire for battle.

They banished their fear and armed their weapons as the Line came together.

Whatever fire and lightning the Minbari bring to our homes show them that we are not afraid and that they will not make us cower and hide. Show them that even with our hearts and bodies broken they cannot break our spirit. Fight this battle, hold this line, make this one great sacrifice and tomorrow know that the sun will rise over Earth, and that every man, woman and child who sees it will know what price was paid for that moment.

Below the fleets the mass of humanity sought shelter where it could, underground, out of cities, far from any likely targets. Those that could not flee gave themselves instead to hope, they gathered those they held dear as the air raid sirens mourned and aerospace jets howled overhead leaving white cuts in the sky.

In mountain ranges, open plains and the ocean missile silos popped open in readiness for the first time in decades. Long barrelled railguns raised themselves up like petrified silver trees and ancient ocean going warships prepared their missile batteries to intercept falling debris and warheads from orbit.

This is our greatest challenge, our defining moment. This is where we nobly rise or meanly fall toward our fate. It is in our hands to decide the destiny of the human race, and I ask you to stand and to fight so that this moment will not be an end, but a beginning. One great battle to hold the line against the night so our children may see another dawn. The hope of the human race stands behind you and its ruin in front of you. Hold this line for each and every one of you represents our last, best hope for life.