Authors notes: In answer to a question, the Mastiff is a Jutland, renamed the Mastiff by her commanding officer Admiral Douglas. In memory of his previous ship, which was a Bengal class carrier. The original TCS Mastiff was then renamed the TCS Manila, and temporarily assigned as a light carrier to the Admiral's Battle group. The other ships are two Waterloo Cruiser's, eight Gilgamesh Destroyers, four Paradigm Frigates,(yes I know Joan's book lists them as destroyers, but the game listed them as frigates.) and two modified Drayman II's as ship tenders.

Chapter 13

Bridge of EAS Ticonderoga: The ensign at the scanner station almost jumped, when his warning alarm began to go off. As he looked at his readouts, he saw at least 33 jump points opening up before their ship.

The captain saw them as well, "Comm., send to space dock, we're under attack, 30 plus jump points."

To his credit, the young man on comm. managed to get the message out before the first blasts from the two Tanashi frigates hit the ship. In less than a minute, the ten EA ships were destroyed. The first part of the battle was over, but the rest of the EA fleet had been warned.

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Bridge of Minbari War Cruiser Blood of Dukhat: Shai Alyt Branmer watched as the first of many earther ships were destroyed. He turned to his Alyt, Neroon.

"See Neroon, even though they know they can't defeat us, they still try to fight us. What bravery they show us."

"If they know they can't win, is it bravery or foolishness."

"It is because they know they can't win, and still try. That is bravery."

Branmer looked to the helmsman. "Set the course for the earther space docks."

Now he looked at the Comm. tech, "Connect to all ships." the tech just nodded. "My clan brothers and sisters, today we will exact a small part of our revenge on the earthers. For their taking of Dukhat from us. We will take nothing less than all of their lives."

Branmer nodded his head and soon all 33 Minbari ships were headed for the Beta Durani space docks.

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Bridge off TCS Huan-Ti: While on patrol, Commander Donna Ebert was just about to turn over the bridge to her XO, Lt Commander John Wesley, when the scan tech called her.

"Captain, I'm showing a large number of energy spikes at long range. From the tech data we got from the EA people, I think they're jump points ma'am."

"How many?"

"I'd say thirty or more Captain."

"Anything else?"

"Yes ma'am. Now showing Energy signatures, they may be Minbari Captain. Now showing weapons fire. I'm registering several explosions Captain."

Commander Ebert hit the ship wide comm. button on her chair.

"Red alert, all hands to battle stations. This ain't a drill people."

The claxon's began to sound all over the ship. "Take the ship to station one, full EMCOM. Helm set course for intercept, Flank speed. Comm., get me the Admiral. Move it people."

The crew of the Huan-Ti began moving with practiced precision. They didn't question the Boss ladies orders.

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Admiral Douglas was just getting ready to turn in, when Captain Tate buzzed him. "Yes Leroy, what is it?"

"Admiral, we just received a flash from the Huan-Ti. Energy spikes consistent with possibly 30 plus jump points. Energy signature may be Minbari. Weapons fire detected, and several collateral explosions. They're making for the area at Flank speed."

"I want a fleet wide alert, all ships to station one, and I want a full scramble. All fighters and bombers. I'm on my way to the bridge."

He didn't hear Captain Tate's reply, as he was already out the door and headed to the bridge. When he arrived on the bridge, his crew already had the ship at station one, and they were halfway through the scramble launch.

Captain Tate looked at him, "Sir, all ships report station one, Full EMCOM, and all ships scrambling from the Mastiff, Manila, and Normandy. Long-range scans are showing the leading edge of Minbari ships approaching the space dock. ETA, 6 minutes."

The Admiral took in the information calmly. "Thank you Captain."

Now the Admiral thought for a moment. "Have all ships come into formation Beta 3. Have the tenders stay at the space dock, and tie in their scanners with the space docks defensive systems. Then get me General Hague." the comm. tech just nodded, and passed on the admiral's orders to all ships.

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General Hague's office: The monitor on his desk snapped on, "General, we just got a flash message from the Ticonderoga. At least 30 Minbari ships are in system, then we lost the signal."

General Hague just nodded, "Get me Admiral Douglas on the Mastiff."

"Uh, sir. The Admiral is calling you sir."

The monitor now showed Admiral Douglas. "Well general, it looks like we have company, our scans are showing a large group of Minbari ships headed for the space docks. We are going to intercept them, but I'm ordering the ship tenders to stay at the docks, and tie in their scanners to your defensive grid. Wish us luck general."

"Good luck Admiral, I'll have the Beaumont group and the Nautilus group following you in, at two minute intervals."

"Thank you General." The monitor cut off, and the general was headed for Ops.

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Bridge of Blood of Dukhat: The Scan tech was reading something unusual. There were unusual areas of blank returns on his scans. He signaled other scanner techs in the fleet to confirm this. Now he turned and signaled for Alyt Neroon to come to his station.

"What's wrong?"

"Alyt, there must be something wrong with the scanners throughout the fleet. It seems that we're getting unusual areas of blankness in our scans."

"Show me." the two of them looked at the scans.

"When did this start?"

"Just a few minutes ago Alyt."

Neroon went to Shai Alyt Branmer. "Sir, we seem to be having a problem with the scanners of the fleet."

Branmer looked at him, "What sort of problem?"

Neroon activated the Holodisplay, and showed him. "It seems to be affecting all of the ships of the fleet. It may be some new form of jamming, but I doubt the earthers could have developed something like this."

Branmer was starting to become cautious, "Helm, signal all ships to half speed."

"Yes Shai Alyt."

"Neroon, work on the scanners, see if you can get around this problem."

"Yes Shai Alyt."

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Bridge of TCS Mastiff: The scan tech watched as the Minbari fleet slowed. "Captain, they're slowing down."

Admiral Douglas just nodded. "Show me a tactical."

The display showed him three groups of ships; the first group was 3 Sharlin Class Cruisers and 8 Tanashi Class Frigates. The second group was the same, but was a minute behind them. The third group was similar, but had an even larger ship.

Captain Tate looked at the third group. "That's probably their flag ship sir."

The Admiral picked up a comm. unit and had a fleet trans sent. "All medium and light fighters will provide fighter cover for the fleet, you are to only engage enemy fighters. All heavy fighters and broadswords will engage the frigates. All destroyers and paradigms will engage the cruisers. But you will only attack on my order."

Now the admiral said a silent prayer, "Comm., send this message to the Minbari. Audio only, and use the same four languages we used earlier. Minbari ships, you are intruding in our new allies space, leave now."

"Aye sir."

Captain Tate stood next to the Admiral, "Think the bluff will work?"

"I don't know Leroy, but we're going to find out."

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Bridge of Blood of Dukhat: The comm. tech was receiving the message, and immediately ran it through their translator programs. When he heard the message, he shook his head in disbelief.

"Shai Alyt, we have been hailed."

"From where?"

"I believe from the area of blankness Shai Alyt."

"Let me hear it."

Branmer listened to the message, "Can we respond to them?"

"Yes Shai Alyt, but in which language?"

"Since they claim to be allies of the earthers, send it in earther language. We are the Minbari. The earthers are our sworn enemy. If you choose to stand with them, then you will die with them."

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Bridge of TCS Mastiff: Admiral Douglas just shook his head and turned to Captain Tate.

"Well Leroy, I tried. All ships proceed with attack. And watch your Asses out there."

The fighters increased to attack speeds, and started to choose targets. The heavy fighters and bombers began to line up on the frigates. The destroyersand paradigms lined up on the cruisers. In less than a minute, the Minbari fighters found themselves facing fighters that their scanners couldn't get a clear lock signal on. But their computers were showing that these fighters were locking unto them. The Shai Alyt's of the frigates were astounded when their computers were showing that their ships were being locked onto. The Destroyers and Paradigms were increasing their speeds, and locking onto the cruisers with torpedoes and Cap missiles. The Minbari fighters were soon exploding into brilliant bursts of fire, no matter what maneuvers they pulled, it was virtually useless. If they managed to lose a missile, some ship was firing at them. Several Minbari pilots panicked and crashed into other Minbari ships.

. Three Minbari frigates were destroyed in less than ten seconds, and the other five were badly damaged. The Shai Alyt's of the cruisers couldn't believe that their gun crews had to manually target these attacking ships. And even when they hit them, the blasts seemed to do no damage to these new enemies. The central Cruiser exploded in a brilliant flash, as a cap ship missile hit its engines. The second and third cruisers were hit by the blast wave from the first. And both were sent tumbling through space. One of them collided with a frigate, and both ships exploded violently. Now the Confed destroyers all targeted the remaining frigates. Their antimatter blasts tore through the ships.The paradigms targeted the last cruiser. After one pass, the ship was adrift in space, and was venting atmosphere from more than a dozen wounds. The Confed ships pulled back to await the next wave of Minbari ships.

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Bridge of TCS Human-Ti: Commander Ebert wasn't watching the battle-taking place on her scanners; she was looking at the largest friggin ship she had ever seen.

"Take us in easy helm."

"Yes ma'am."

"Weapons, on my signal fire antimatter cannons, and hit'em in the ass. Then target all three with 4 torpedoes each."

"Aye Captain."

"Nice and easy people."

The tension on the bridge was palpable, but you wouldn't have guessed it by looking at the Captain.

"Call out max range time XO."

"Ten seconds."

"Hold her steady on course."

"Yes ma'am."

"Five seconds."

"Easy does it people."

"NOW."

"Weapons fire. Helm emergency speed."

The destroyer fired two antimatter blasts into the rear of the ship, and the blasts ripped deep into the war cruiser. Then 12 torpedoes fired, and 4 struck each of the cruisers. The destroyer peeled away from the cruisers and seemed to increase its speed. Three frigates turned and were starting to chase it.

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Bridge of Blood of Dukhat: Everyone on the bridge watched in shock and horror as their ships were being torn from the skies. In almost a thousand years, the Minbari had been the most powerful of the space faring races. Now these unknown ships were destroying their ships as if they were nothing more than a child's toy. Branmer was just looking at the unbelievable destruction he was witnessing.

"Order all ships to fall back and regroup."

But before the comm. tech could send the message, the entire ship was rocked, and Branmer found himself on the deck of the bridge. Most of their systems were down, and as he tried to stand, he found that his left arm would not respond. Then the pain hit him. As he looked around, he knew two things, one his arm was definitely broken, and two, his ship was badly damaged.

He made his way to the damage control station, "How bad is it?"

"Shai Alyt, primary systems are down, secondary systems are just now starting to come on line. We're at 40 percent power, 30 percent maneuvering, and our main engines are off line."

"Can we jump?"

"No Shai Alyt."

"Begin repairs immediately, and get my scanners and Comm. systems up right away."

"Yes Shai Alyt."

. Beta Durani system: When Captain Grove heard what was happening, he immediately checked his monitor. While towing that ship, the Bull Run wouldn't be able to make it to the battle area, but his fighters could. He scrambled his fighters, and then picked up a comm. unit.

"PC One, care to join our fighters?"

Sam Laqua had seen what the Minbari had done, and he thought about his answer for about a second.

"Sure Captain, I haven't been in a good dogfight for a while, and I don't want to get rusty."

"Roger that PC One. Sending you the coordinates now."

Sam quickly hooked up with the fighters from the Bull Run, and then headed for the fight. Their vector was bringing them in on the enemies rear flank, and they saw a destroyer launch a devastating attack on the enemies rear. Now it was running from three Minbari frigates.

Ok people, this is Razor leader. Epee's and Rapier's 1 to 6 harass the lead ship. The rest of us will hit the second ship, care to join us PC one."

Sam smiled to himself. "Actually Razor leader. I think I want the last one for myself."

Razor leader just shook his head, "Ok PC one, it's your funeral. Alright people, lets buy the destroyer some breathing room."

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The fighters began their attack runs, and the gun crews on the frigates couldn't believe that they couldn't target these ships or their missiles. They switched to manual controls of their anti fighter defenses. But even those were not that effective. But everyone was amazed when a lone fighter attacked the last frigate. As he closed into weapons range, he opened fire on what he thought was the bridge. Green bolts of energy struck the Frigate, and gouged deeply into the ship. There was a massive explosive decompression from the front of the ship. He banked around for another pass, and this time aimed at the fancy fins on the backs of their ship. As he fired, several more green blasts hit the ship, and one of the fins was torn completely off. The frigate was now dead in space.

Razor one saw what he had done, and got an idea. "All fighters, concentrate your fire on the rear fins of the ships."

Now missiles, laser and particle cannon blasts were hitting the fins on the frigates. Soon the other two ships were dead in space as well. The Destroyer had turned around, and was now heading back into the fight as well. When it came into range, it opened fire on a frigate that was still firing at the fighters. After its first pass, the frigate's guns were silent. The scan tech on the Huan-Ti read energy spikes in the engines of both remaining frigates.

"Captain, their engines are going critical."

Commander Ebert hit her comm. button, "All ships break off, NOW."

The two frigates blew themselves apart, and left nothing behind for the enemy to use. The fighters and the destroyer regrouped, and proceeded back into the fight.

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Minbari Cruiser Frozen Star: The Shai Alyt had watched as the first battle group had been virtually destroyed, and then heard that the rear battle group had been attacked as well. His scans showed that the Blood of Dukhat was badly damaged, and the cruisers as well. Now his scanners showed that Earther ships were joining in the attack as well. He looked at his comm. tech, who activated a switch and nodded.

"Second battle group, concentrate all fire on the larger ships, they must be the ones directing this attack. Ignore all other ships and proceed with the attack."

The second battle group increased their speeds to attack speed. Their course was obvious, and the Confed ships saw where they were headed. But to the Minbari's surprise, these larger ships didn't turn to run as they had expected. These ships moved into a new formation, and now were closing with them, and were locking weapons on the Minbari ships. Then he saw what these ships did, and he could only stare at the sight and whisper, "In Valen's name."

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Bridge of the TCS Mastiff: Admiral Douglas saw the second battle group begin moving toward them. He could tell by their course, that they were headed for his ship. He picked up a comm. unit.

"Battle formation Alpha Zeta 4. The Destroyers and Paradigm's took their positions around the Cruiser and the two carriers. Now the Confed Ships began to close the distance to the Minbari ships. The Admiral looked Captain Tate.

"Lock missile and torpedoes on targets. Fire when ready."

"Aye sir."

The Minbari ships were coming into range, and all of the Confed ships fired a volley of torpedoes and Cap-ship missiles at them. 144 torpedoes and 10 Cap-ship missiles were soon speeding toward the Minbari ships. The Minbari gunners opened fire on them, and managed to hit almost half of the torpedoes. But the rest began to strike their targets. The whole area of space lit up with a light that made the star of the system seem to pale in comparison.

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Bridge of Blood of Dukhat: Shai Alyt Branmer's crew had just gotten their scanners on line, when they all witnessed the attack on the second group. He watched as the unknown ships opened fire on them with more torpedoes than he had ever seen fired at one time. Most of the crew had to cover their eyes, when the detonations happened. All eleven ships were totally destroyed. Branmer looked at the readout of his forces. He was down to 5 Tanashi frigates, the 2 Sharlin cruisers and his own were badly damaged, but could still maneuver. He knew it was time to withdraw. He looked at the comm. tech, who opened a channel to the remaining ships.

"All ships jump to hyperspace and make for base. Nova Fire, Valen's blessing and My ship will need jump points made for us."

The Minbari ships opened 5 jump points, and the first two frigates jumped, and the last three waited while the cruisers went first, and then followed them in. Once in Hyperspace, he had the helm set a course to their base. It would take them time to make it back, as damaged as they were.

He watched as Neroon limped over to him, "It seems Neroon, that the war has taken a new turn."

"Yes Shai Alyt, but is it a turn we will survive?"

Branmer looked at him for a moment and shook his head, "I don't know, I just don't know."