Chapter 49 (G'Kar)
No one knew how long a Narn could live on minimal life support but for G'Kar and his crew this was the only option left open for them.
After being attacked by the unrelenting enemy, they fled into the depths of hyperspace in some vain attempt to warn the Narn home world and the rest of the galaxy. But they had to get home first. With engines damaged, food supplies almost exhausted and air filters clogged, it would be days before everyone succumbed to their doom.
G'Kar did not like the prospect of failing to a silent killer. He wanted to get up and fight, see the enemy, kill the enemy with his bare hands, just like the Centauri! He hated the idea that his final moments would be to suffocate on his own ship with an empty belly with no one around to commemorate his victories. Instead he would be a long forgotten warrior floating in the depths of hyperspace.
"Do we have any reading on hyperspace beacons yet?" G'Kar asked, voice barely a whisper as he fought every word in the thin atmosphere.
"Nothing. There's nothing out there!"
G'Kar could tell by the tone in his second in command's voice that he was barely holding on. Most of the command staff was in the same state and only a few had the strength to fight on, steering the ship away from the armada of dark shadows.
"Those things…the shadows…they're the very essence of death. I can feel it."
On his flight from Ragesh 3, he barely escaped the invading force by the skin of his teeth. Most of the army he had sent to the planet to liberate it from the Centauri had been wiped out completely. The survivors sacrificed themselves to ensure he and a number of his crew made it off world.
G'Kar saw them all as heroes and he would have loved to die with them on the battlefield. He had never seen a finer force. But the Shadows' relentless pursuit chased them into hyperspace and he was left with two choices: he could stay in orbit and fight them alone, but one blast from their cutting weapons would have vaporised them instantly; or he could run and fight another day…he chose the latter.
But it turned out to be a game of cat and mouse (as the humans called it.) While their vessel had gained distance, it did not stop the enemy from firing their weapons indiscriminately into the void of hyperspace. He had hoped the hyperspace streams and thick clouds of particles would block their sensors. But a stray energy beam had struck his vessel and caused serious damage. Now, several days later, G'kar and his crew glided helplessly through hyperspace on minimal power with food and air running out.
"We must find a beacon soon and land on a habitable world. We can't die like this." G'Kar stressed as he remained fixed to his command chair.
"G'Kar," a new voice broke out. It was energetic, as if the Narn spotted something.
"What is it? Don't tell me they've found us?"
"N-No, its of unknown configuration. It looks like a transport of some kind."
"A transport." G'Kar heaved himself up from his womb-like chair and ordered the image on the viewer. It fizzled to life and a small craft could be seen diving in and out of the hyperspace clouds, peeking at the Narn vessel.
"Do you have a reading on it?"
"No, G'Kar, it's unlike anything we've seen before."
G'Kar spotted the writing on the side of the hull and although the vessel appeared alien in appearance, he recognised the letters. But he had to be sure first.
"Can you zoom in on the writing at the stern of the vessel?"
As ordered, the viewer was magnified and the text was readable. It was rumoured that a team of humans had found a way to travel through hyperspace without the need for beacons. This was completely controversial of course and no one believed it, but once he saw the human text on the side of the hull, he immediately opened a channel to the Merry Celesta.
"This is the Narn vessel Col'dicar. We are in dire need of help and we would be eternally grateful for any assistance you could provide."
There was a silence as the small vessel stopped and appeared to consider the message. He knew humans controlled the ship and it was very rare for a human to refuse a distress call. That was what made them different than all the other species in the galaxy.
"This is the Vanguard vessel Merry Celesta. We've detected your distress signal and will be glad to help. Please send us your status; fuel readout and life support data immediately so we can plan the appropriate route. I guess you want to leave hyperspace without getting lost?"
"That would be most helpful. My crew greatly appreciates any assistance you can provide." G'Kar signalled his second to send the data, but the other Narn had second thoughts.
"G'Kar, are you sure you want to send them our data? It might be a trap."
The thin air must have been affecting his second. "Have the humans ever betrayed us? We helped them in their war, they can be trusted. The humans are honourable compared to other races in the galaxy. Besides, we have no choice."
With a wave of his hand, G'Kar's second in command sent the data and there was a silence for two minutes. Just when G'Kar was about to ask if everything was okay, the Vanguard spoke.
"Looks like you're in pretty bad shape. I've detected a small planet nearby in normal space that should provide you cover and the resources to repair your ship. Please set your navigation system to my vessel and follow closely behind. If you get lost, you won't have the resources to reach the planet alive."
G'Kar offered his sincere thanks and followed the small Vanguard vessel through the thick cloudbanks that swayed through hyperspace.
"G'Kar, are you sure you can trust these humans? We're using the last of our resources. It could be the enemy playing some game."
G'Kar remained in his chair and stared into the depths of space. It could have been a trap, but the attitude of the male human was too genuine. It was as if he'd just interrupted someone's nap. It could not be a trap. "You shouldn't question my judgement in front of others. It adds distrust to the whole crew. I know what I am doing so please follow orders."
His second apologised and the ship heaved forward as it jumped into normal space.
Apprehension was high. Did the Vanguard lead them into the heart of an invading fleet? Would their suffering finally end?
No!
G'Kar looked ahead at the marble of a planet before them. Its ocean-covered surface had several small continents of landmass and white clouds hovered above the surface. Its enchanting glow reflected the sun's light in a blinding display that forced G'Kar to turn ojf the screen. Never before had he seen such a wonderful sight. The days of near death experience had finally ended. He could finally feel some level of hope.
A call came through from the Vanguard. "No enemy ships have been detected and there's primitive life on the continents. But if you land your ship on the Southeast Grid 44 you should have no problem. We have to depart now, my comrade and I wish you luck."
G'Kar gazed at the small vessel as it jumped into hyperspace. Before he could thank them, the vortex closed and the blue shimmering world awaited them. G'Kar knew many questions would follow. Would this planet be safe to stay on? Did the Vanguard lead them into a trap? Was the enemy on its way now?
Only time would tell.