Chapter 14 (Londo Mollari)
Londo stood with his face close to the window as he looked out into the depths of hyperspace. The swirling clouds and wave patterns could not dampen the anger that had built up after hearing the news about the hijacked Centauri transport.
"This is an outrage!" He spun in place and slammed his glass to the floor. "The wretched humans are at it again. Stealing our cargo ships! This must stop now! "
Vir seemed anxious, but Londo didn't care. He wanted results and someone to blame. "You know, that cargo shipment contained vital supplies for Centauri Prime. Those humans are going to pay. I want an assault force sent to the area."
"But Londo, our forces are spread thin along the Narn border. Pulling our forces away might open up a weak point in the defences. You know about the confrontation at Ragesh 3."
Londo poured himself another glass of his favourite wine. "Since when did you start sticking your nose into Centauri business? Just do what I say and get out!"
Londo knew Vir's judgement should not be ignored, but the skirmishes with the humans had taken their toll on him. Every week he received reports about human raiders taking what they wanted and then jumping into hyperspace.
Even the vague reports about hyperspace cities made him addicted to finding them. By now it had become an obsession, but he had his responsibilities as an ambassador to Centauri Prime.
But the most infuriating memory that stayed paramount in his mind was when the humans had taken his own battle cruiser right under his nose. He could not stand the thought, and he had sworn revenge on the human called Susan Ivanova.
Oh yes, she would pay the price all right, and it was only a matter of time until he found her.
"Before you go, get me another bottle of this." He held up a small bottle and then tossed it to Vir. Like a faithful servant, Vir scurried out of his room and out of sight.
Even though Londo should have been concentrating on the problem that threatened to start a war with the Narns, he could not get the hijacked transport out of his mind. He strolled over to his computer terminal and brought up the spatial projections of its last whereabouts. Perhaps he could find something that his analysts failed to detect.
Stories drifted around like solar winds. Stories about the immense power a single hyperspace city could hold and its technology. But at the end of the day, no one knew whether there was more to the stories than simple myth. If he could track the raiders to their base, or perhaps to a hyperspace city, then he could use that myth and power to put Centauri Prime back on the map.
His heart raced with thoughts about seizing an entire city and bringing that female to justice. He had a special place in his quarters for her head that was to be mounted on the end of a pole. Oh yes, he yearned for that moment. But every so often the Minbari would stick their nose in where is didn't belong. Yes, the Minbari, they are so small minded they don't believe in the cities. Such an arrogant race.
Londo rubbed his itchy eyes and immediately noticed something on the computer readout that was only readable in his peripheral vision. He entered a few commands and discovered some new information.
"Yes at last, I have finally found a trail!" He reacted with delight and stormed over to his communicator.
"This is Mollari, set course for these coordinates and get there as fast as you can."
After the confirmation from his bridge officer, Londo looked back out towards the window. His face reflected against the darkening glass and he could see his own smile develop on his face. At last, he was feeling better.