Earth Vs Minbari - Robotech To The Rescue

by TheVampireStrahd

The war between Earth and the Minbari has been going on, Earth is losing the war. A desperate plan is launched to retrieve ships and weapons that Earth had locked away and swore to never use again. Will Robotech save Earth as it had so many times before? The galaxy will never be the same.

13. Chapter 12

Disclaimer: I do not own Babylon 5 or its characters, those belong to Warner Brothers. I do not own Robotech or its characters, those belong to Harmony Gold. I do not own Macross or its characters, those belong to Big West and Studio Nue.

Author Note: I had to break this up. I had a lot of stuff planned to put into this chapter and much of what was supposed to be in this chapter has to be moved to chapter 13 and 14 because if I put everything into this chapter it would be like 30,000 to 40,000 words or more. But here's 15,000+ words instead. I do hope you enjoy this though.

Chapter 12

Earth Space

The Robotech Factory

It was a few hours after their return from the Pegasus galaxy, when a shuttle had launched from EarthDome and flew towards the giant facility that had returned from its long slumber in another galaxy. The shuttle was escorted by a sizable amount of Starfurys as it flew towards the massive orbital structure.

Inside the shuttle was President Elizabeth Levy, Vice President Luis Santiago, and many members of the Cabinet, General Lefcourt and other ranking members of the military, along with a couple of Senate leaders. The anticipation among everyone in the cabin of the shuttle was seen and felt by everyone. The Factory was back home.

The shuttle pilot announced, "We're making our final approach to the Factory. I've been advised to inform you all that there is artificial gravity aboard the Robotech Factory. So, please do not think you're going to be floating once you unbuckle yourselves."

Most of the people aboard were already aware that Robotech ships and the Factory itself possessed that technology but there were a few that had an expression of surprise. Many of the people in the passenger cabin looked out the small windows to get a look at the massive orbital complex and they could see some of it as they moved towards the massive hangar bay that had been opened for the shuttle.

As the shuttle crossed the barrier that blocked out the vacuum of space, the zero-g gravity that they were feeling instantly vanished and they could feel standard earth gravity as the shuttle was flying to its landing pad.

There was some chatter over this and about thirty seconds later they felt the shuttle touch down on its assigned landing pad and the engines powered down.

The pilot announced, "We're clear and we are secure."

The security detail was first to unbuckle themselves and opened the hatch. Two security officers left and made sure everything was alright while the passengers unbuckled themselves and got ready for departure.

Once security was satisfied with everything they announced that it was clear for everyone's departure, the group began to disembark.

Once it was the President's turn, she checked herself to ensure she was presentable and walked out. Once she was at the top of the stairs music began to play. The anthem of the Earth Alliance started and someone called out "At-ten-tion!" There was the sound of a lot of people standing at attention. Then the same voice loudly announced, "President of the Earth Alliance arriving!"

The President walked down the steps and saw a sea of people assembled. It was the entire crews of the Achilles, Aegis, and the Maxwell along with marine detachments and Starfury pilots were assembled in their dress uniforms. Additionally, the President saw a contingent of Sentinels Alliance officers as well as their Foreign Minister.

President Levy walked across the hangar to the podium that was already set up for her. The people that came with her were sitting on chairs behind the podium. The military leadership was on chairs to her left. Also present were cameras and reporters of the media. This was being broadcast on ISN live. The music came to a stop once she reached the podium. She gave thanks and everyone moved to an "at ease" stance.

Looking around, President Elizabeth Levy began to speak, "To all of you members of the Earth Alliance military, on behalf of everyone in the Earth Alliance I thank you all for doing your duty and successfully bringing back this Robotech Factory as well as the warships and the mecha within it. You've brought us hope, you've brought us the means with which to see the enemy and the weapons to defeat them." Looking at the Sentinels Alliance group she added, "You brought friends."

She paused briefly then continued, "While you were away, we used a limited amount of Robotech mecha and Robotech weapons to give the Minbari their second military defeat in this war. It has been a tremendous boost for morale across the Earth Alliance and EarthForce. Soon, I will have to send all of you that are here aboard this Factory back out into space to fight the Minbari again. But this time, you will show the Minbari that we are no longer ducks in a shooting gallery! Not only that, we will show the Minbari and the entire galaxy that we are no longer alone in this fight against an alien race committing genocide."

She gestured to the members of the Sentinels Alliance. "You've brought our old friends, our friends in the Sentinels Alliance back with you and soon as you go off to fight, they will be fighting with you side by side just as they did so long ago."

"To have our friends with us once more is another boost of morale to the entire Earth Alliance and we are grateful that you are here with us." President Levy looked at Foreign Minister Hunter and said, "Thank you Foreign Minister and thank you to all of your military forces for coming."

Foreign Minister Hunter replied loud enough to be heard by the cameras as he wasn't wearing a microphone. "You're welcome Madam President."

"To the galaxy hear this message. The war is about to change. We will win this war. Thank you."

With that she stepped off the podium and began working the crowd. She shook hands with military personnel, the officers and enlisted for several minutes then she was guided out of the large hanger to board a vehicle with her security and staff and the vehicle left.

Then a voice announced over the address system, "All personnel please resume your regular duties within the next thirty minutes."

The civilian government people and the high ranking military leaders were ushered to vehicles as well and they were taken to their destination.

The civilian and military leadership were taken to the main conference room where there was some finger foods and drink set up for them. They were joined several minutes later by Captain John Sheridan and his Executive Officer Delinda Lamiz as well as the Captains and Executive Officers of the Aegis and the Daedalus as well as Doctor Robert Lang.

Once everyone was seated around the conference room President Levy said, "Doctor Lang, Captains Sheridan, Jiina, and Thar, thank you and thank you to your executive officers and all of your crew who made this possible."

Everyone responded with respectful 'Thank yous'.

President Levy cleared her throat and said, "Right, now that the Factory is here with the warships inside, we need to begin planning the next phase of the war, our counterattack. First of all, let me be clear. Right here, right now I am issuing a Presidential Directive. We will not do to the Minbari what they have done to us. We will not glass their worlds, we will not shoot at their escape pods, and we will do our best to keep their civilian casualties to a minimum."

There were outbursts and protests from some of the people in the room. The Senators, some of the military leadership, and some of her Cabinet.

President Levy held up her hand for quiet and order was quickly restored. She resumed, "Listen, I hear you. Believe me I want to issue an order to our military to scorch their planets and kill them all, just like the Minbari are doing to us. However! I want to show the galaxy that we can be better, that we ARE better. This will deliver a strong message to the League, to the Narn, the Centauri, even the Vorlons themselves that we can be merciful."

She swept the room with her gaze for a brief moment before continuing. "Additionally, I remember our history. The last thing I want for us to happen is to become that which we swore we would not become. Hence, this Presidential Directive."

The men and women that had protested took in the President's words. Some nodded in acceptance, others scowled, clearly not happy. Satisfied that there were no other arguments, President Levy moved on.

Looking at General Lefcourt she asked, "Am I correct that we are looking at more than twenty six thousand total warships within the Factory? Given the state of our current fleet, do we have enough people to crew them all?"

General Lefcourt replied, "Madam President, we do. Your call to arms has brought many Zentraedi and Tirolians that had retired back to active duty. All of them have experience with operating Robotech warships, mecha, or both. We have the people."

General Richard Franklin said, "We've seen a large return of Zentraedi that are familiar with Destroid and Cyclone operation. They've been a huge asset in reforming the Destroid corps and getting our people familiar with them."

She nodded and tapped the table with her finger for a few seconds then asked, "What do you think, how much time do we have before the Minbari resume their attacks?"

General Lefcourt replied, "Worst case scenario, two weeks. Best case scenario, six to eight weeks. We're estimating that small operations could begin in about five weeks, probing actions, reconnaissance, that sort of thing. Most likely they are going to put together a huge fleet to try and destroy Sestun and Deneb to try and send a message. Director Alexas has forwarded some information that Sestun would most likely be targeted first given that we 'humiliated' them there."

Knocking the table with her fist President Levy said, "Then, I want you to do everything you can to begin offensive operations against the Minbari in four weeks. We need to strike first and strike hard."

The General looked at his tablet and made some notes. "I believe that we can meet that goal Madam President. What kind of offensive operation did you have in mind?"

She replied, "Initially, I'd like multiple task forces Folding in to their territory, hitting their worlds by destroying any and all orbital infrastructure and hitting their planet's military and industrial targets. Get them on the back foot for a change." She paused then she slammed the table with her palm. "Then, I want a full planetary invasion on one of their worlds. Not a colony, not a minor planet. One of their primary core worlds that they would fight to the death to keep us from conquering it. We will invade them and I have no doubt that will screw with their offensive plans and we can blow their warships out of the stars at a distance as they try and retake the planet."

Everyone was surprised at that last statement from the President.

Vice President Santiago asked, "Invade one of their worlds? Why?"

She turned her head to look at her Vice President. "To show them and the entire galaxy that we can invade them and conquer their world. To take it away from them." Then she looked at her military leadership that were the leaders of the GroPos. "Ladies, gentlemen...get your men and women fully trained up and ready in those Destroids and Cyclones to support those tanks and infantry."

She swept the room with her gaze again. "Everyone, I want the Minbari to come to the negotiation table. I want an end to this war where both we and the Minbari can talk things over and bring this war to a conclusion. But, if the Minbari refuse to come to the table then so be it. We will force them to surrender unconditionally and we will take the Minbari Federation as a Protectorate."

There was stunned expressions among many people in the room.

Not missing a beat, she continued, "General, I understand that our raiding fleets have been a great success. I want that plan of attack to continue, just transition from using our current ships to Robotech warships as soon as possible. In fact, I want an escalation of attacks on Minbari shipping. Any Minbari merchant shipping going to the League or to Centauri Republic is fair game. Last I heard they are not trading with the Narn but if they do, feel free to target their merchant traffic to the Narn as well. If the Minbari start using merchant shipping from the other races to move those goods, let me know. If necessary, we will take another page out of our history and expand the order against merchant shipping."

General Lefcourt nodded and made notes on his tablet. "Will do, Madam President."

Looking at her Secretary of State, President Levy said, "David, well done on securing the aid of the Sentinels Alliance. As I said yesterday when you brought the deal to you had worked out with Foreign Minister Hunter you accomplished the task and goal that I had set you to do. So, well done and thank you." She looked at Captain John Sheridan asking, "Captain Sheridan, can their ships engage the Minbari?"

John cleared his throat and replied, "We haven't been able to find out. The Grand Admiral and Foreign Minister have promised the one thousand ships that they came over here with to use as raw materials for the Robotech Factory and they will use one thousand ships from the Factory. General Lefcourt has the list that Grand Admiral Hesh proposed for her forces."

Pursing her lips in thought for a moment the President said, "I see. I don't see a problem with it. If they're giving us ships to use as raw materials for more warship and mecha construction, that's fine by me."

A Senator asked, "So, we're giving away our ships to the Sentinels?"

David, the Secretary of State answered, "It's a lend/lease Senator. But, they're giving us one thousand ships of theirs that we get to use to build modern Robotech ships and mecha that WE will be using."

President Levy said, "More to the point, these people came from another galaxy to help us. Has anyone from the League come to our aid? What about the Centauri? The Narn have sold us weapons. The Drazi have promised to allow our people to flee through their territory. We may not have been in contact with the Sentinels Alliance for more than one hundred years, but they have come to help us. That is worth something."

She looked at her Vice President and said, "Luis, while we are encouraged and hopeful that this strategy will work and we can and will defeat the Minbari, I would be remiss if I did not bring up our contingency plan. Can you give us a progress report on what you've been working on for the planned evacuation of Earth if things turn for the worse?"

Luis Santiago adjusted some papers and began, "Yes, Madam President. My team has been working with General Lefcourt's people as well as Director Alexas. The Director has been helpful in assisting us with vetting those that we hope and plan on bringing to the Pegasus galaxy if it becomes necessary for us to evacuate and flee the Milky Way galaxy. We have vetted more than forty percent of the planned evacuees and we are working on getting it complete very soon. The General's given us everything we need and now that the Factory is here, we can finish the Evacuation Arks design and determine how long it would take to build one, and of course how long it would take to build many of them. We are confident that should the need to evacuate be necessary, we can evacuate between twenty to fifty million people, hopefully more than that but that would depend on how many Arks we can build and how quickly we can load them up along with all the logistics necessary."

President Levy nodded, "Good. Keep working on it, and we'll talk more about the Evacuation Arks later this week."

Vice President Santiago said, "Yes, Madame President."

She saw Doctor Lang at the end of the table and so she asked him, "Doctor Lang, according to your report you mentioned that our Protoculture needs are covered for the immediate and long term."

Doctor Lang adjusted his glasses back to the top of his nose and replied, "Madam President, the Protoculture Matrix is aboard the Factory and it is in operation. Our Protoculture needs are covered for the immediate future as well as for more than a few years depending on how many warships and mecha we build for this war. The warships are fully stocked, including the mecha within them. The Factory's Protoculture tanks are full..well mostly full as we did use five percent for the Fold jump here. But, it will be back to full by the end of the day. Additionally we have more Protoculture that's being stored aboard the Factory. We have more than enough to go through the war and beyond."

President Levy was satisfied. She looked around and said, "Well then, my colleagues and I would like a tour of the Factory and we would definitely like a tour of the SDF-3. Afterwards, we should meet with Foreign Minister Hunter and their Grand Admiral to discuss things."

There were chuckles from a few people. Captain Sheridan stood up and said, "Well then, let's get started. The Factory is an amazing sight and the SDF-3 is a part of history. Everyone, this way."

Everyone got up, groups were organized and Captain Sheridan and Doctor Lang took the group of politicians and military leadership on a tour of the Robotech Factory and the SDF-3. They saw the Protoculture Matrix and the tour included showing the visitors a few of the new Veritechs like the VF-25, VF-27, VF-2SS, as well as a few of the new Destroids such as the Gladiator Mk. III, Excalibur Mk. VII, Raidar X, Tomahawk II, Cheyenne II, and others. General Richard Franklin was excited at seeing two different Monster Destroids, one designated the M.A.C. III and another called the Destroid Giant Monster. The group was also shown some of the new Robotech warships such as the Macross Cannon Thor's Hammer and the Macross class vessels that looked like the SDF-1 but they didn't have time to go aboard these warships.

The group took a brief break for lunch within the Factory's cafeteria and were joined by Foreign Minister Hunter and Grand Admiral Hesh. President Levy declared the meal break to be a strict 'no business meal' so conversation was kept light and general small talk.

Once the break was over, everyone returned to the large conference room and it became time to return to talk of the next phase of the war. This time, the telepath Alfred Bester had joined the group since Marlene, the Foreign Minister's aide was a telepath.

President Levy got the meeting started. "On behalf of all of Earth Alliance, thank you for coming to our aid. We are grateful for your willingness to join us in our fight for survival."

Foreign Minister Roy Hunter smiled and said, "It is our honor to come to your aid. We all owe you a debt that we thought we would never be able to repay. This is us, doing everything we can to repay that debt."

President Levy said, "Well, it is greatly appreciated. I've spoken to General Lefcourt and my Cabinet with regards to the terms of the deal that Secretary Sheridan negotiated and I am prepared to sign the agreement for the terms as had been discussed."

Foreign Minister Hunter smiled back at the President and said, "That's wonderful. We are greatly pleased to hear this news. General Lefcourt,", Roy looked at the General and continued, "Once the deal is signed, please feel free to work out everything with Grand Admiral Hesh with regards on our forces switching over to the Robotech warships and mecha."

The General nodded and looked at the female Zentraedi Grand Admiral. "We can talk later today Grand Admiral Hesh."

Kazianna Hesh, Grand Admiral of the Sentinels Alliance smiled and said, "That's fine."

The meeting continued for a little while longer until the President was satisfied. A break was called for and everyone left, taken to private rooms where they could rest and relax for a short while or they went back to the cafeteria to refill coffee cups and have a snack.

Before the meeting was reconvened, a secret meeting was put together and was being held in the conference room. In this room was President Levy, Vice President Santiago, Secretary of State Sheridan, Director Alexas, Generals Lefcourt and Fontaine, Doctor Lang, and Captains Sheridan, Jiina, and Thar.

The President looked at her watch and said, "Captain Sheridan, we don't have a lot of time before we have to return back to Geneva so go ahead and get started. What is it that is so important that you called for this meeting?"

John was sitting across from the President with Captain Kania Jiina on his left and Captain Thar on his right. John quickly began, "Madam President, everyone, as you know in order to take possession of the Robotech Factory we had protocols that we had to follow in order for the Factory to revert back to our control. Security measures were followed and verified. What we didn't know was that our predecessors left behind a failsafe."

John looked around the room and continued before anyone could ask questions. "Our predecessors came to realize that in the event we did return because of a dire need or threat, that we would need help with regards to Robotech warship and mecha operation. So, they took action. Everyone, allow me to introduce you to the guardian of the Robotech Factory and quite frankly a man that knows how to wage war with Robotech warships and mecha." John paused then looked up at the ceiling and called out, Admiral, please join us and introduce yourself."

A holographic projector activated and almost everyone's jaws dropped and eyes widened at the sight of a man from Earth's past appeared in the room.

Admiral Rick Hunter of the Robotech Expeditionary Force.

The hologram of Rick looked around the room, taking in the sight of the civilian and military leadership of EarthGov then he quickly said, "Hello there, I'm very honored and pleased to meet you all."

Before anyone could respond John cut in and gestured to the hologram. "After the decision to lock up Robotechnology was made, our predecessors realized that we might need some help, so as Admiral Hunter here says it, they drew straws and he drew the short one."

The hologram of Rick chuckled in amusement.

John kept going. "So, all the memories of Admiral Hunter, everything that Admiral Hunter was and knew at the time was uploaded into an AI. He's been here ever since. He's who we've been communicating and interacting with. I've kept this information secret, only Secretary Sheridan, Doctor Lang, and myself knew because we were the first to meet him when we assumed control. While we were in Pegasus, I utilized Admiral Hunter as a very robust VI for the crew. He would act as opposing forces in the simulators, mecha and warship in an effort to teach operations and tactics. I will admit I spent a lot of my free time speaking with him, picking his brain about warship operations and tactics. Before returning home, I made the decision to inform my co-Captains as well as our Executive Officers. I felt they needed to know."

John cleared his throat, took a sip of water and continued. "I'm sure some of you are wondering why we didn't turn him off. As it turns out, Admiral Hunter is fully integrated into the Factory, if we turned him off it would negatively impact Factory operations. Second, as we recently found out, the Admiral is exempt from the law against AI as apparently he checked the law himself and found that he's 'grandfathered' in."

John looked at Admiral Hunter who was giving a pleasant smile at everyone. "Admiral, why don't you go ahead and introduce yourself?"

Smiling, Rick said, "Well, I've already said 'hello' but let me just say that what Captain Sheridan has said is true. I am an AI and I have all the memories and personality of Admiral Rick Hunter from the time of the upload. Let me assure you, I am loyal to Earth and to her government. I am not Samaritan and I am not going to go Skynet. Perhaps I could speak with Janice?"

Director Alexas spoke before anyone, saying, "Janice is dead. She took out Samaritan at the end of the AI War, but she died doing it."

Rick looked at the Tirolian man that was the Director of Intelligence, With a look of sadness Rick said, "I see. Truly, a tragic loss. At any rate, as I said that I am loyal to Earth and her government. I've been teaching the people aboard how to operate the various Veritechs and Destroids as well as the warships within the Factory. I've had access to the records of your battles against these Minbari and I believe I can help you with strategies and tactics. Our ships will now be able to fire at the Minbari at ranges they cannot hope to match for one thing. Another is our mecha. Let me add, that our ships and mecha will not make us invincible, our ships and technology will even thing out I think but they will be able to kill us still. That's why we must plan accordingly,"

General Lefcourt commented, "We know about the mecha advantage, Admiral Miriya Sterling's started training people in Veritech flight and operations."

Rick looked at the General. With a smile he asked, "Miriya? I'm glad to hear she's still around. Very wise to put her in charge of that. I can help with that too, I'll send her some stuff." He tilted his head and then said, "There, done. She does check her email, yes?"

General Lefcourt said, "Not as often as I want her to sometimes."

There were some chuckles and chortles in the room.

Rick asked, "Who do you have leading the warship familiarization?"

General Lefcourt replied, "Admiral Komira Parino has been in charge of that."

Rick nodded and smiled, "Ah, she's a good choice as well. I still have a lot to offer at any rate. Besides, if there's one thing I'm very good at now is multitasking."

President Levy knocked the table with her fist. She looked at Admiral Hunter and said, "You're loyal to Earth and her government?"

Rick answered, "Completely loyal Madam President. I have the same upgraded protocols that Janice had been upgraded to by Doctor Emil Lang before her return to the Milky Way."

With a nod of her head President Levy said, "I'm satisfied. Generals, I'm sure you will want to speak with the Admiral after my departure. But, we have a meeting coming up, I don't want a late start."

With that she stood up and walked over to the hologram of Admiral Hunter and studied him. She walked around him and finally came to stop in front of him again. "Hard light hologram technology?", she asked.

With a nod of his head he replied, "Yes ma'am."

She extended her hand for a handshake. "Welcome home Admiral Hunter, I look forward to your assistance."

Rick shook her hand and the President looked down at her hand shaking the hologram's. She could feel the hand, it was slightly warm, and there was that sense of resistance as sh squeezed and shook the hologram of Rick Hunter's hand.

Smiling she said, "Remarkable. This technology will be a great boon to Earth Alliance in the future. Do keep me posted as to the progress you make."

"Of course, Madam President.", Rick said.

With that the group left the room, leaving John and Rick in the room for last. Rick asked, "Making it look like there was no meeting here before reconvening with the rest of the government and Foreign Minister Hunter?"

John said, "Yes." He was about to leave when he turned back to ask, "Admiral, would you like to meet with your great great grandson?"

Rick opened his mouth to say something then closed it, then after a few seconds pause he said, "A part of me would like it very much, but I really don't want to cause him any pain. I may have Rick's memories, I am Rick Hunter. But I'm Rick from a very long time ago. I will need to give it some thought."

John nodded his head and said, "Well, let someone know if that's what you want Admiral."

"I will."

Immediately after, the hologram of Rick Hunter faded away. John left the room, making sure it looked as if no one had been there since the last official meeting.

A short time later…

The meeting with everyone from the President, her Cabinet, the Generals, along with Alfred Bester the telepath as well as Foreign Minister Hunter and his aide Marlene had resumed.

After some brief pleasantries the President looked around the room, stopping to look at Foreign Minister Hunter and asked,, "Well, I am not one for wasting time, shall we sign the agreement?"

Roy Hunter said, "Certainly, I just thought you would want to hold a ceremony."

Elizabeth said, "We'll have a separate signing ceremony media event later when we return to Geneva. This way, we can move forward, and Grand Admiral Hesh can get to work with General Lefcourt and our military leadership."

Roy nodded in understanding and said, "Ah, very well put. That's fine."

With that, aides produced two folders which contained the agreement that David Sheridan and Roy Hunter had worked out. One was placed in front of President Levy and the other in front of the Foreign Minister. The pages were identical but still both the President and Foreign Minister reviewed the document before taking a pen that was handed to them and signing the document. Once the President and Foreign Minister had signed the agreement in front of them, they traded folders and signed the agreement again. For posterity, pictures were taken at the moment of each signing as well as video. This was to record that the agreement was now signed and for all intents and purposes in effect. Once done, President Levy and Foreign Minister Hunter shook hands and pictures and video captured that moment. As this signing was completed there was polite applause from everyone in the room.

Once the room had settled down the President said, "Everyone there will be no leaks to the media that the agreement has been signed. We will have another signing ceremony for the press that we will broadcast live tomorrow." She turned to her Chief of Staff who was nearby. "Please, make all the arrangements?"

Her Chief of Staff nodded and said, "I'll take care of it."

After this, everyone stood up and exchanged handshakes with Foreign Minister Hunter and there was a bottle of champagne that was brought out and opened. A celebratory toast was offered by Foreign Minister Hunter.

Roy held up his glass and declared, "Let this be the beginning of the end of the war, bringing victory to the Earth Alliance and Sentinels Alliance forces. May the cost in lives be low on our side and hope that the Minbari will finally come to the negotiation table."

President Levy said, "Here, here. Let this be a new beginning between our two governments as well. Once, we united together to bring freedom to the Sentinels Alliance. Today, we unite to help us stave off extinction. As once before we were victorious, I have no doubt that we will win and be victorious again."

Everyone took a drink from their glass. There was a brief period of relaxation and general small talk and then it was announced that it was time to return to Geneva and EarthDome. There would be a welcome ceremony for Foreign Minister Hunter after landing, and later a State Dinner.

Roy smiled at the busy schedule ahead. "I do enjoy a nice medium rare steak."

General Lefcourt said, "So do I Minister Hunter."

There were some chuckles as the group began leaving the room to board the transports that would take them back to the hangar bay where they would take a Robotech shuttle back down. So, with that, the President and the Cabinet returned back to Geneva with Foreign Minister Roy Hunter and his aide Marlene by the mid afternoon. Alfred Bester was with the group as well and returned to Geneva as well.

General Lefcourt and the military leadership stayed aboard the Factory to continue discussions with Captain Sheridan and the senior officers. As it turned out, by the time the President and the Cabinet had left, the Eisenhower class battleship Agamemnon had returned from the mission that Admiral Miriya Sterling had gone on.

General Lefcourt made the decision to have her come to the Robotech Factory and so, the Agamemnon was hailed and Admiral Sterling was contacted to come to the Factory.

---

A Dead Planet Somewhere Out There

Unclaimed Space

A group of scientists were gathered around their main table that they used for eating and holding meetings. Right now, a meeting was happening and many people were either confused or angry, or a mix of both.

One of them, a man with brown hair and blue eyes who was human held out his hands for quiet and looked at the person that had just told them some shattering news.

"So let me get this straight, you're the daughter of Miriya Sterling...THE Miriya Sterling?! You've been keeping this secret from us since the beginning and now you're telling us that after we all volunteer to stay here and do the job of what is going to turn out to be one of the biggest discoveries in history that she's coming to pick us all up and take us away from here?!"

Aurora calmly stated, "Yes."

There were more angry shouts and a Tirolian man with short purple hair held up his hand and called for quiet. When order was restored, the brown haired man glared at the Tirolian man with short purple hair and accused, "You knew who she was?"

The Tirolian man replied, "I knew. She wanted to be judged on her merits, not on who her mother is. You have to admit, she's done some amazing work for us."

The Tirolian looked around the room and said, "We do not have much time so...everyone, pack up everything we can and get it ready for transport."

The brown haired man screamed, "We can't just pack up everything and leave!"

Aurora said, "Jason, we have no choice, if my mother is coming on a Robotech ship, that ship can get here at any time. We need to start packing at once."

The brown haired man, called Jason by Aurora asked, "She cannot possibly get a ship and get here that fast! It's a two week journey through hyperspace-"

Aurora cut him off saying, "Robotech ships do not use jump gates and travel through hyperspace as we currently do. They Fold, Jason. It's instantaneous FTL travel."

The brown haired man named Jason's eyes widened as well as the eyes of several other scientists around the table. Someone in the back uttered, "Bloody hell."

The man called Jason protested, "So what!? We are making discoveries here! We can't just leave just because her mommy the Admiral is coming to get her! I say we just send her home back with mama and we just continue working!"

The Tirolian man, clearly the leader of the group nodded his head saying, "Jason, I'm sorry you feel that way but, we do not have much time. Knowing Miriya like I do, it will be fairly easy for her to get approval for taking a ship out here. So, stop dawdling and start packing the most important artifacts first, if we have time, move to the secondaries. Chop chop."

Everyone started moving and rushing to complete the task at hand.

Jason scowled and moved out, but he started quietly talking to others, trying to persuade them that they should tell the Admiral to just go back and leave them alone.

It was more than an hour that had passed when out in space there was a flash of light and a ball that looked like frosted glass appeared outside the dead planet's gravity well. The frosted glass ball faded away to reveal what looked like an outline of a warship that solidified and once it was solid there was another brilliant flash of multicolored light to reveal a warship of advanced technology.

EAS Agamemnon

Aboard the Eisenhower class battleship Agamemnon's Bridge there was a flurry of activity.

The ship's navigation officer called out, "Sir, we've arrived precisely where we plotted."

Another officer called out, "Sir, sensor sweep is complete, no sign of any Minbari. There is a communication satellite orbiting the planet."

Captain Richards said, "Reach out to them and inform them that we're here to rescue them." He pushed a button on his command chair and ordered, "Hangar bay, launch the rescue shuttle and Veritech escort." Then he looked to his helm officer and said, "Helm, ahead full and bring is into orbit of the planet."

As the orders were carried out, the communication officer said, "Captain, I have the leader of the scientists on the line."

On a panel that magically seemed to appear in mid air was a Tirolian male with short purple hair. Ben greeted, "Hello, I am Captain Ben Richards of the Earth Alliance battleship Agamemnon. My ship has been dispatched on the orders of Admiral Miriya Sterling to pick up your team of scientists, a shuttle has been launched and will be on the ground to pick you up in less than ten minutes."

The Tirolian responded, "I'm Augustus Cabel, I am in charge of this exploratory mission on behalf of IPX. Your presence is not necessary, I don't suppose I could ask you to recall your shuttle and leave us to do our work?"

Ben shook his head saying, "I'm afraid not sir, I'm under direct orders of Admiral Miriya Sterling who incidentally is flying escort for the shuttle along with a squadron of Veritechs. So, all I can say is I hope your bags are packed as she gave advance notice to her daughter Aurora Sterling."

Augustus sighed, "She did, and we have packed up many of our archaeological artifacts so we're mostly ready to go. We'll speak with Admiral Sterling when she lands. Augustus out."

The panel magically disappeared, folding in half first before it just vanished in a tiny flash.

Captain Richards inquired, "Status on shuttle and Veritech escort?"

"They're well on the way sir, due to hit atmosphere in about five minutes."

"I need to speak with Admiral Sterling please."

"Stand by sir.", the communication officer said.

Admiral Sterling appeared on another screen that magically appeared as the first. "What is it Captain?"

"Just wanted to let you know we've made contact with the scientists down there, spoke to a man named Augustus and he wasn't very happy to see us. Just thought you should know."

Miriya said, "Noted. Keep your eyes out there for any surprises. I will let you know when we're on our way back."

"Yes ma'am. We'll have your back."

The transmission ended.

Captain Ben Richards watched as his crew performed their duties to bring the warship into orbit around the dead planet. The sensor officer was scanning the planet and found the location of the IPX base camp and put it on a display with an overlap of the course of Veritechs and shuttle as they made their way towards the base camp of the scientists.

Ben ordered, "Eyes, keep some eyes on the sky, we might have uninvited guests if you know what I mean."

The sensor officer said, "Aye sir, I'm keeping an eye out for any incoming jumps. Let me say sir that the sensors on this ship are way the hell better than what we have on a Nova let alone a Hyperion."

Ben gave a small smile. "Duly noted. Alright, I want a smooth orbital insertion Jenkins."

"Aye sir!"

Meanwhile the Veritechs streaked through the thin atmosphere of the planet just ahead of the SC-32 Gossamer Transport shuttle. Everything was proceeding normally and both Miriya and the Commanding Officer of Lightning Squadron Frank Thompson were pleased with how the pilots were handling the Alphas.

Atmosphere entry complete, the Alpha Veritechs streaked across the sky as they flew to the base camp. Communications restored after entry, Commander Thompson checked in with the Agamemnon to report that everything was fine.

"Roger Lightning One, sensors confirm no unusual activity. Proceed as planned.", came the reply from the warship.

Three Veritechs took point led by Admiral Sterling herself as they did a flyby over the base camp and checked for a place for the shuttle to land. There was a stretch of land nearby that could act as a runway. Once located, Miriya gave the shuttle pilot his landing spot.

The shuttle pilot said, "Roger Admiral, I have the landing marker."

The Veritechs began to make their landing, switching to Guardian mode, a hybrid of the Fighter/Battloid configuration as the engines of the Veritech swept downward as if they were legs, and arms swung out from underneath the frame, one arm holding the Veritech's gunpod. The first three Veritechs landed in this mode at the side of the runway while the shuttle came in for a standard landing on a long stretch of ground that was suitable as a runway.

A couple minutes later, the shuttle landed and moved to the back edge of the ground it used as a runway so it could use it again for launch. The doors of the shuttle opened and a squad of GroPos wearing armor and holding weapons that they'd never seen before.

There was a small group of civilians, four to be precise that were closest to the landing site. Miriya opened her cockpit and climbed out of her Veritech. The remaining Alpha Veritechs began their own landings in Guardian mode and landed spread out across the runway.

The pilots stayed by their Veritechs while the GroPos left the shuttle and approached the civilians with the exception of Miriya and Commander Thompson who joined with the GroPos and the entire group met the civilians along the side of the runway.

Miriya looked at the group and did not see her daughter there. She was quick to start the introductions, "I'm Admiral Miriya Sterling, this is Commander Frank Thompson of Lightning Squadron, Lieutenant Kanna and her squad of men and women of the EarthForce Marines. We are here to bring you and your fellow scientists home. Please board the shuttle so we can return to Earth as soon as possible. If you have any artifacts you want to bring with you, start loading those right away."

One of the people that was waiting for them was a man with brown hair. He folded his arms and said, "We're not going anywhere 'Admiral'.", the man sneered the last word and had a very sarcastic tone as well. "We're doing important research and we aren't just going to pack up our things and leave just because you tell us to."

Miriya scowled under her helmet as she noticed a pin on the man's lapel. A Humans First supporter pin. The atmosphere was breathable as the scans had already shown and the civilian were talking to her without any PPE equipment on. She took off her helmet and gave the man a glare that would have disintegrated the man to ash before she said, "You don't have a choice in the matter, the Minbari could arrive at any time and if they do show up and we were not here to rescue you, you and all your associates and friends would be dead. So, once again I'm ordering you to board the shuttle."

The man shook his head and crossed his arms saying, "We'll take our chances."

Miriya said, "We'll see. Stay here. Lieutenant Kanna, have a squad of men watch them. By the way, if you want any of these artifacts to get back to IPX, start loading them." Miriya gestured with hand towards the group of civilians. "Lieutenant Kanna, you and the rest of your people with me. Commander, stay with the Veritechs and make sure no one does anything foolish."

With cries of "Aye ma'am and "Yes ma'am" the Marines and the Commander moved. Miriya climbed into a jeep while a Private rushed and took the driver's seat and the other marines including the Lieutenant entered the vehicle. With a rough start the vehicle began moving and the Private was driving the transport to the base camp which was less than a couple of minutes at the speed the Private was pushing the vehicle very fast. Once they reached the camp the Private brought the vehicle to a screeching stop and everyone got out.

The Lieutenant said, "Excellent driving Private."

"Thank you ma'am!", the Private said.

The squad proceeded ahead of Miriya and the Lieutenant to make sure that everything was safe. Once the Lieutenant received word that things were fine she signaled Miriya that it was clear.

The group moved into the center of the base camp which had what looked like a fire pit dug into the ground. There were domes set in a circle around the fire pit with a large dome at the top of the "circle".

Watching the area, there were some people moving about, some carrying various boxes or storage cases. Clearly someone was packing things. From the large dome a larger group of people started walking out, at the front was a Tirolian with short purple hair that matched the description that Captain Richards had told Miriya about. Walking next to the man on his right side was her daughter, Aurora.

Everyone was wearing the Interplanetary Expeditions uniform shirt and black pants. The two groups met at the fire pit and Admiral Sterling said, "Hello, I'm Admiral Miriya Sterling of EarthForce and this is Lieutenant Kanna and Sergeant Murtaugh of the EarthForce Marines, you all need to grab your things and get on your jeeps and get to our shuttle. It's time to go home."

The Tirolian with the short purple hair reached out for a hand shake. "I'm Augustus Cabel, head of this expedition for Interplanetary Expeditions. Why don't you join us inside so we can talk?"

Miriya said, "There's not much to talk, we're here to bring you all home. You all had the chance to take the last ship home a few weeks ago and for stupid reasons you decided to stay."

Aurora was quick to say, "We're making discoveries Admiral Sterling, discoveries that are going to change history! We can't just leave!"

Miriya wasn't having any of it. "We are at war. Let me repeat that. We are at war. Do you understand that? I know you've been away from civilization for a long time but I know you are all aware or should be aware that the enemy is exterminating us all and it doesn't matter to them if there is one Human or Zentraedi or Tirolian or a group of twenty. They will come here and bomb this area to the bedrock from space and move right along. So, again I'm telling all of you to grab your things and begin evacuating."

---

Aboard the Agamemnon, everyone was working. The warship was now orbiting the planet and was coming out of the far side of the planet when the sensor officer reacted to his instruments detecting something.

The sensor officer called out, "Detecting an incoming jump point at the edge of the system!"

The officer brought his display to the over to a screen that the Captain could see and he saw that it was located "east" at the edge of the system. He looked at the young Tirolian and asked, "Is it Minbari?"

"Stand by sir."

The tension increased as the seconds passed by. Then the sensor officer said, "Contact! It's definitely Minbari sir, a single one. One of the big ones."

Ben cursed. Helm, full reverse! Keep us behind the planet for now!"

"Full reverse, aye sir!"

"Any sign they've seen us?", inquired Captain Richards.

"Negative, sir. Looks like our sensors have a greater range than theirs. Hold, sir…Captain, detecting smaller craft launching from the Minbari. Yeah, he's launched three fighters."

The Captain asked, "Are they headed here?"

"Not yet...looks like they're flying to one of the planets at the edge of the system near them."

Ben ordered, "Keep an eye out, Comms...raise Admiral Sterling at once." After a moment's pause he ordered, "Sound general quarters, bring us to battle stations."

"Aye sir!"

---

The two groups, one from EarthForce the other from IPX were in the large dome that was the main building of the archaeological group that functioned as their dining room, kitchen, administrative functions and multipurpose room. Currently everyone was in the multipurpose room except for the group still at the runway and a few marines posted outside acting as guards.

The IPX group was stalling, trying to get Miriya to leave and Aurora was trying to influence her mother to just go away. There was now a moment of silence as the Augustus and the IPX scientists took in what Miriya had just told them. Before Augustus or Aurora could say something to counter, Miriya's comm unit sounded.

Knowing that she wouldn't be bothered unless it was important Miriya answered the communicator. "Go for Sterling."

Everyone around the table could hear the voice of Captain Richards. "Admiral, we just detected an incoming jump point and it's the Minbari. One of their big ones and it launched fighters. They appear to be doing a grid search."

There were a few gasps from the scientists. One voice quietly said, 'Holy shit.", and it was clear he spoke louder than intended when he brought a hand to his mouth to cover it.

Miriya calmly said, "I see. Have you been spotted?"

Captain Richards said, "Not yet, but it's a matter of time."

"Very well, keep your ship safe. Much as I'd like for them to never spot us...they are not going to miss the satellite in orbit. If you haven't done so already, go to general quarters. We will be launching within ten to fifteen minutes. Sterling out."

With that, she closed the communicator and looked at everyone. "Fun time is over. Get into the jeeps and get to the shuttle now."

Everyone stared while the marines started moving out of the room. Miriya glared and said, "Did I stutter? Move your asses if you want to live!"

Everyone got up and ran out of the room. Miriya was right behind them. The civilians ran out of the main building and grabbed cases and jumped onto a pickup truck. Miriya saw that the truck was loaded with boxes and cases. "What are those?", she pointed and asked.

Augustus said, "Artifacts we've found. They're packed and ready for loading on the shuttle."

Miriya shook her head, "If you hadn't been so foolish to stall and try and talk me out of moving you out of here, those artifacts could have been loaded by now! Get to that jeep! Move it!", Miriya clapped her hands, yelling, "Move! Move! Move!"

Miriya saw her daughter and rushed over and grabbed her and pushed her to the vehicle that she came on. Aurora cried out, "I'm not a kid! I can there on my own!"

"Shut up and get in there!", Miriya snarled.

Quickly the group of civilian scientists piled onto the trucks or jeeps and they quickly moved out of the base camp. As the different vehicles were speeding out, Miriya contacted Commander Thompson.

"Lightning One, this is Admiral Sterling, prep for immediate launch, we have Minbari in the system. I say again, prep for immediate launch, have the shuttle prep for take off. We are inbound to you, ETA one minute."

"Roger that Admiral, Minbari in the system, prepping for immediate launch, and getting shuttle ready for take off."

---

Sharlin War Cruiser Rashal

Alyt Valenon, Warrior of the Star Riders Clan came to the control center of the mighty warship after the jump into normal space was complete. He let his subordinates handle the mundane duties. Now he was here to see if there were any humans in this dead system thinking that they could escape from righteous vengeance for the death of Dukhat.

Like the other Warriors aboard the mighty warship, there was great anger over the defeat at the Sestun colony. Many were of the thought that the Humans had help from someone which is what allowed them to defeat their stealth. While many of the warriors thought that this mission of searching for Humans in dead systems was a waste, they were in the minority aboard this warship as Alyt Valenon had led them to finding pockets of humans to kill in the past.

The Alyt had indulged his fellow Warriors thirst for blood by actually landing on some of those worlds where Humans had thought that they were safe and could hide but to their error, these Humans learned that there was no place to hide from Minbari justice and his fellow Warriors got to indulge themselves.

His second saw him approach and after bowing respectfully the Second reported, "Alyt, our jump was successful, we are at the outer edge of the system."

Grunting in approval the Alyt said, "Anything on sensors?"

The Second replied, "Not as of yet, Alyt."

"Launch three fighters and have them begin scouting one end while we scout the other."

Bowing respectfully the Second said, "At once Alyt."

Soon, three Nials had launched out of the Sharlin War Cruiser. The fighters went to inspect the planet that was nearby while the Rashal began its sweep by flying into the system.

There were four other planets, one habitable to Humans one that was in the middle of the habitable zone. He would check there later as the Humans had a new habit of hiding on worlds that were less than habitable or very hostile just in the vain hope that the Minbari would not think to look there, but he did. He checked everywhere and it had paid off multiple times in the past.

As the warship moved further into the system, the second outer planet would be in range of the scanners soon. The fighters were moving on to the third planet inward. It was on the edge of the habitable zone and could hide some humans. Alyt Valenon watched the view of the stars and surrounding area on the map, waiting for news.

About five minutes later the warrior operating the sensors called out, "Alyt! Sensors have detected a communication satellite in orbit of the fourth planet. It would have been our last planet to search. All signs indicate it to be Human in origin."

With a feral smile on his face Valenon asked, "No ships in orbit?"

"Negative, although it could be hiding on the other side of the planet."

"Order the Nials to disengage from their current target and head there at once. Launch the remaining fighters, and bring us to the planet at maximum speed. Depending on what we find, we may get to drench our knives in their blood."

---

Aboard the Agamemnon the sensor officer called out, "Sir! Status change on Minbari warship, she's increased speed, changed heading, and launching more fighters. She's heading this way sir."

Captain Richards calmly said, "Noted. Keep me posted. Helm, break us out of orbit, launch Skull Squadron and have them intercept the incoming Minbari fighters." Looking at the Electronic Warfare officer he ordered, "Engage full ECM, bring the Shadow cloaking tech online. Let's put that to the test."

Acknowledgments were heard. Seconds later Skull squadron had launched out of the Eisenhower class battleship and were streaking towards the incoming Minbari fighters, flying high over the north pole of the planet at full burn.

Commander Jeffrey Sinclair, the CO of Skull Squadron ordered, "Engage your shadow cloaking devices, it's time to give the Minbari a taste of their own medicine. Pick your targets everyone, we're gonna hit them with a missile salvo they've never seen before."

The pilots of Skull Squadron reported in and acknowledged the order.

---

The warrior operating the sensors exclaimed, "Alyt! We detected a warship but our sensors have lost the track! The sensors are reporting anomalous signals that it cannot identify!"

"What?", Valenon asked in an icy tone.

"Trying to analyze the data...computer is having problems.", was the report.

Valenon snarled, "Figure it out if it's a computer problem or if we're dealing with some new trick of the Humans."

"Yes Alyt."

The communication warrior said, "Alyt, our Nials are reporting that they cannot target whatever it is that is on an intercept course with them."

Snarling in anger Valenon moved to the sensor operator's station and said, "Put more power into the system if they are jamming us! It should burn through whatever they're using to jam our sensors!"

Nodding his head, the warrior began to make adjustments to the sensors, trying to burn through whatever it was that was jamming them. He scowled as it was not very successful but he kept working with the system, trying to defeat the Human's electronic countermeasures.

---

Down on the planet the vehicles carrying the EarthForce personnel and the IPX employees just pulled into the side of the runway. The pilots of Lightning Squadron were already in their Veritechs, powering up. Three of them lifted up into the sky, configuring back into Fighter mode and streaking high into the air.

Miriya jumped out of the jeep and pulled Aurora out who was protesting loudly at Miriya's physical manhandling, pulling the blue haired woman and dragging her to the shuttle.

The brown haired man that had greeted them screamed and protested, "What is going on?! What are you doing!? You can't do this!" He turned to look at Augustus as he was getting out of his vehicle. "Augustus! What's going on!?"

Miriya turned at the bottom of the shuttle's ramp and looked at the brown haired man. "The Minbari are in the system, they're on their way here. So, the time for talk is done, get on that shuttle and strap in."

The man went white, then he stammered, "It-it-it's not-not-not possible! You're lying!"

As Miriya pushed Aurora onto the shuttle's boarding ramp and ordering her to get inside the shuttle and strap in she said, "You're free to stay here and find out if I'm lying or not." She looked around and said, "Alright, hurry up and get aboard that shuttle now! Take only what you can carry with you, we don't have much time!"

As all this was happening, the remaining Veritechs had launched into the sky and were providing air cover. With Miriya's orders the marines were rushing to get the civilians to board the shuttle. Some of them pulled them out of the vehicles they were in and rushed them towards the shuttle.

The brown haired man was screaming, "Stop! Stop! Stop! We can't just let them push us around! We've got rights!"

Miriya was hurrying to her Veritech after making sure Aurora was on the shuttle. She stopped halfway to walk over to the brown haired man and she said, "Listen here, we need to leave this planet now. You want to stay? Fine that's your decision but I won't have you trying to intimidate or prevent anyone else trying to evacuate. So, either get on the shuttle or get out of the way."

The man took a couple steps forward and got into Miriya's personal space. He screamed at Miriya while pointing an index finger in her face, "This is bullshit! Do you know who my father is?! Get the fuck out of here! You brought them here!"

Miriya was unfazed. "Fine. You can stay here. We are LEAVING! Everyone else, move it!"

There was a crackle on Miriya's communicator. "Admiral, Skull squadron is intercepting the inbound Minbari fighters but two managed to get by. They are inbound to your position. ETA two minutes."

Miriya was composed as she said into her communicator, "Lightning One, Inbound Minbari fighters to our position, intercept them."

Commander Thompson replied, "We've got em, they're entering the atmosphere. Moving to intercept."

The scientists were running up the shuttle ramp now, every one of them was holding a case or a box that were artifacts they had discovered. Some came back down the ramp and grabbed another case or two and ran back up the ramp. When they tried again they were stopped by marines that were running up the ramp and the sergeant at the top of the ramp shook his head and pointed at the seats.

Then word came in from Lightning Four, one of the Veritech pilots saying, "One of them got through! Get out of there!"

"Get your asses strapped in!", Sergeant Murtaugh yelled.

Miriya was aboard her Alpha, powering it up quickly. In seconds the Robotech mecha was ready.

The last of the scientists, Augustus Cabel ran up the ramp. "I'm the last one! Jason doesn't believe this is real! He doesn't want to leave!"

Lieutenant Kanna had replaced Sergeant Murtaugh at the top of the ramp. She pointed at the seats and yelled, "Strap in! It's his loss!"

As the lead scientist rushed to take an open seat he cried out, "Don't you know who his father is?"

Kanna said, "Don't care, he had his chance. If he wants to die here, he can die here."

The hatch closed and the Lieutenant moved to the cockpit door poked her head in. Hatch is closed! Go!"

The pilot yelled loudly, "Make sure you are all strapped in! Launching in ten!"

The shuttle engines began to power up for launch. The shuttle pilot moved the craft to the far end of the runway.

The Lieutenant did a sweep to make sure everyone mi the shuttle were strapped in then ran to a seat and strapped in. She yelled, "All secure Sergeant?"

Sergeant Murtaugh replied, "All secure LT! Have I told you that I'm too old for this shit?!"

There were laughs from the squad of marines. Now, the shuttle engines were brought to full power and it began rolling down the runway.

Lieutenant Kanna chuckled and replied, "Every day, Sergeant Murtaugh, every day!"

The shuttle screamed down the runway and it leaped into the sky at full power. Immediately behind it was Miriya's Alpha as she provided cover in Guardian mode. Once high enough in altitude the Robotech mecha switched to Fighter mode and quickly caught up to the shuttle.

Down on the ground looking amazed, confused, angry at being left behind was the scientist Jason. He tried to persuade his friends to stay, that the Minbari attack was a hoax but the fear in their faces at the thought of the Minbari coming caused them to grab whatever artifact box they could and run to the shuttle.

He looked up, watching the shuttle streak high into the sky with that Zentraedi bitch of an Admiral fly close to it. Cursing that Zentraedi's name and swearing up a storm, he rushed to take the jeep to base camp now and make contact with his father back on Earth. His father would fix things. Then...then he'd get to take the lion's share of the academic credit for the discoveries they'd been making.

Driving to the base camp is when he heard it. He parked the jeep in the center of the base camp as the sound was louder. Looking up and turning in a circle to see what the noise was, he saw it.

A Minbari fighter.

He staggered backwards and fell on his ass. All he could say was, "Oh shit."

The last thing he saw was the Minbari fighter firing its weapons in his direction.

The base camp exploded.

The Minbari fighter did another strafing run as it attacked the dig site and the runway site that had Earth vehicles. The pilot making every effort to wipe out any trace that Humans had been on the planet. Then it streaked up into the sky to return to the stars and kill the Humans that were trying to get away.

---

Aboard the Sharlin War Cruiser Rashal Alyt Valenon was furious. More than two thirds of his fighter complement had been destroyed by the new fighters that the Humans had first unleashed at Sestun. He raged at seeing ten Nials being easily destroyed by these strange new fighters. He'd received news that one of the pilots evaded destruction and had managed to destroy the site that the Humans were using to hide and was now pursuing the escaping group.

Then he heard the news that one of the Human fighters leaving the planet matched the red color of the fighter from Sestun. Was it possible? Was the "Red Death" here? If it was her she'd slaughter his remaining fighter forces single handedly.

"Order the remaining Nials not to pursue that red one. They are to do what they can to destroy that shuttle."

Then he looked at the warship that they were approaching. It was an entirely new design, as they locked onto the warship visually and sent the data to their war book database to identify the warship. The war book returned a finding of 'Unknown'.

"Sensors, report.", Valenon ordered.

The warrior said, "Systems are still trying to burn through their jamming. Visually, we can see them but the sensors are switching between detecting the enemy and reporting that there is nothing there."

Valenon glared at the warrior and snarled "Unacceptable! We have the best technology in the galaxy with respect to the Vorlons. Fix this problem before we get into firing range."

Nodding his head the warrior said, "Yes Alyt."

---

On the Agamemnon, the warship was out of orbit, holding position as it awaited the return of the shuttle and Lightning Squadron.

Skull Squadron had torn through the Minbari fighters and destroyed nine fighters on the first pass but two managed to enter the atmosphere. One of the enemy fighters was destroyed by Lightning Five while one managed to evade and escape from Lightning Four and the fighter destroyed the base camp, dig site, and landing site and was now trying pursue the escaping shuttle and escort fighters.

The four Minbari fighters that survived Skull's first pass were now trying to make an intercept of the shuttle while the last Minbari fighter was trying to catch up to the shuttle from behind.

Miriya saw the Minbari fighter getting closer as it tried to catch up from behind. Miriya said, "I'll get this one. Lightning squadron, stay and protect the shuttle."

She banked and turned to face the Minbari fighter and in a second she'd locked on to it with her Robotech weapon systems and fired a spread of missiles at the Minbari. As they streaked towards the target she switched to an open channel and said, "Now you die."

The Minbari fighter exploded as four of her five missiles hit. Miriya brought her Veritech around again and hit the maximum burn so she could catch up to the shuttle and rest of Lightning squadron.

Skull maneuvered to an intercept on an angle while Lightning squadron positioned themselves to make their own intercept. Communications between Skull and Lightning squadron were crisp and clear as they plotted to coordinate this intercept.

The Minbari fighters couldn't track the Veritechs on their scopes. It was a reversal of fortune for the Minbari as their sensors told them that there was nothing there then the sensors would ping that there was something there but it was unidentifiable and target locks were impossible due to being out of range for one thing and the other the sensors couldn't achieve a target lock for another.

As the Minbari fighters were making attempts to reset their sensors, they chose the wrong time to do so as their threat receivers missed the target lock warning. Then the Nials came under another wave of missile fire from both Skull and Lightning squadrons.

The remaining four Minbari Nials exploded after being hit by the missiles from the two squadrons. With the way clear the shuttle reached the Agamemnon and landed in the hangar bay. The Veritechs remained out in space and took positions to the port, starboard, and above the warship. With the shuttle aboard, the Agamemnon began moving towards the Minbari warship at full speed.

On the bridge of the Agamemnon it was tense but everyone was performing their duties admirably. Captain Richards called out, "Range to target?"

"One point three million kilometers sir.", was the reply.

Captain Richards looked at the Electronic Warfare Officer. "You jamming his transmissions? Last thing we want is him calling for help."

"Aye sir, using all the tools here. I'm pretty sure he's eating static if he tries to call for help.", the EWO officer knocked the console for good luck.

The acting Executive Officer, a tall thin Tirolian woman with shoulder length white hair pulled into a regulation pony tail named Jaina chirped, "Well, he could run. He might just open a jump point and escape."

Captain Richards said, "He's too arrogant. He's coming at us slow now instead of a charging bull like he was earlier. That tells me he's cautious now. Our Veritechs just blew his fighters out of the stars so that's got to have him a little worried."

The sensor operator reported, "Sir! Minbari warship has increased speed! Course unchanged! He's coming right for us."

Captain Richards said, "There it is. Looks like he thinks us coming at him at full speed is making him think we can kick his ass and it has pissed him off. Status of weapons and pin point barriers?"

The gunnery officer replied, "All weapons are ready sir!"

"Pin point barriers at full power! We've got six pin point barriers up and the computer has complete control over them."

He nodded his approval saying "Very well. Call the range out."

"Range eight hundred thousand kilometers and closing fast!"

Captain Richards said, "Get me Sterling, Sinclair and Thompson."

A screen appeared showing the Admiral and two Commanders.

Ben asked, "What's your missile payload status?"

"Stand by.", was the response and the two Commanders found out from their squadrons how many missiles their Veritechs still had. Then the response came in. "We're all green."

Nodding his head he said, "I know you're not carrying Reflex missiles but you do have standard missiles. You feeling up to giving them a full missile barrage before I get into firing range?"

Miriya gave a feral smile. "I think we can give them a scare."

Jeff and Frank echoed Miriya's remark.

The signal closed and on their displays they could see the Veritechs streaking forward. Skull and Lightning squadron were on an attack run at full burn.

Quietly Ben prayed and wished them good luck.

"Range is five hundred thousand kilometers sir. Veritechs will be in firing range in one minute at present speed."

Time passed, the range was getting closer and then the sensor officer called out, "Veritechs have launched their missiles! Tracking four hundred twenty missiles heading for the enemy ship!" There was a pause for several seconds then he said, "Veritechs are launching another salvo! Four hundred twenty more missiles inbound! They are turning hard for home sir!"

"What's our range?", Captain Richards asked.

"Three hundred fifty thousand kilometers, we're almost in firing range."

"Get me a damage assessment of those missiles.", Captain Richards ordered.

With their advanced optics they got a view of the Minbari cruiser being forced to use its weapons for point defense and it was clear that the warship crew was not expecting so many incoming missiles targeting their ship. While many missiles were shot down, the warship took hits from the Veritech missiles and just when that first salvo had arrived, the warship had to deal with the follow up salvo.

The gunnery officer said, "Looks like they took some damage to the hull, the armor looks heavily pockmarked."

Ben hummed in though then said, "No hull breaches though.

Another officer said, "Wait...look there." The officer pointed at something on the image of what appeared to be leaking oxygen or some form of gas at the bottom of the hull. "That looks like a hull breach."

The gunnery officer said, "Too small to be of import."

"Range is three hundred thousand, they're in Synchro Cannon and Heavy Tri Barrel Particle Beam Turret range!"

Captain Richards ordered, "Hold fire."

"Holding fire, aye sir."

The two warships continued to approach. The range was about to reach two hundred thousand kilometers soon and the Veritechs had returned to land on the Agamemnon.

Captain Richards looked at the gunnery officer and said, "At two hundred thousand kilometers, lock on and let him have a full salvo of the Heavy Particle beams cannons. Keep firing until he's destroyed, understood?"

"Aye sir.", was the response.

At the moment that the sensor officer called out the range of two hundred thousand kilometers the gunnery officer already had the Minbari warship targeted but had not locked on to it. As soon as the range was called, he engaged the target lock for the forward firing tri barrel heavy particle beam cannons and then the Agamemnon's weapons fired in anger for the first time in more than one hundred years.

Eight turrets of three barrels opened fire sending their particle beams towards the Minbari warship and every three seconds more beams were fired at the alien warship.

The first salvo hammered the warship directly forward. The advanced polycrystal armor of the warship initially absorbed the incoming fire, but never before had the Minbari faced an enemy that was capable of such a fast rate of fire for one thing and for another the enemy had broken through their stealth and was basically hitting the Minbari warship repeatedly in the same spots.

The fin at the top of the warship was sheared off at the base of the fin while the two drive fins on the bottom were also blown off. The bow of the warship took multiple hits in rapid succession causing a massive explosion, resulting in a hull breach and this time the crew of the Agamemnon saw bodies of Minbari falling out of the stricken ship.

The warship turned hard to the left, allowing more incoming fire from the Agamemnon to hit the entire right side of the warship. Again, the armor of the Minbari cruiser absorbed the initial incoming heavy particle beams but the gunnery officer of the Agamemnon kept the tri barrel heavy particle beam cannons firing at the Minbari warship and after hit after hit after hit, the armor finally collapsed and the powerful Robotech weapons breached the armor and pierced the side of the warship multiple times, turning the entire right side of the warship into Swiss cheese.

Again the crew saw bodies of Minbari falling out of the warship into the void of space. It was a reversal of fortune. So many times Humanity suffered this fate at the Minbari's hands ever since the war started. For the second time in the war, it was the Minbari that faced this fate. There were some cries of joy and cheers among the bridge crew.

"As you were! There's no celebrating to be done yet!", Captain Richards yelled. Quickly everyone focused on their duties.

Admiral Miriya Sterling had made it to the Bridge and watched as the Agamemnon opened fire for the first time. She was pleased at Captain Richard's comment about not celebrating. She walked over to stand next to Captain Ben Richards and quietly said, "Their armor can sustain multiple hits from our cannons."

Ben nodded and hummed in thought then said, "Guns, bring up our secondary batteries and hit 'em."

With the range between one hundred seventy five thousand and one hundred fifty thousand kilometers now the gunnery officer acknowledged the order with a crisp, "Aye sir." Then he brought ten of the dual barrel particle beam cannon turrets to bear, locked on to the Minbari warship and those began firing at a rapid fire pace as well.

With the two types of particle beams firing at the Minbari cruiser, the ship suffered more hits and this time after a combined assault from heavy and standard particle beams the Minbari warship exploded violently.

Everyone cheered at the sight of the Minbari warship's destruction but Captain Richards brought the bridge to order. "Alright everyone that's enough. I want a sensor sweep of the camp, see if by some miracle that idiot down there is alive. If he is, we'll rescue him and if not, we'll head back to Earth."

The ship turned back towards the planet and the sensor officer did a sweep, looking for signs of human life. He found none.

The sensor officer reported, "No human life signs detected sir."

Nodding his head and looking at Admiral Sterling he ordered, "Let's get back home. Plot us a fold jump back to Earth and I want us to execute that Fold jump asap."

Cries of "Aye sir." were heard.

Satisfied with seeing the Minbari warship destroyed, Miriya told Ben that she was leaving the Bridge and thanked him for a job well done.

Within two minutes the announcement was made, "Attention all hands, prepare for Fold jump. All personnel report to your Fold stations. T minus sixty seconds till Fold jump."

Sixty seconds later, the Agamemnon performed another Fold jump. This time, it was making the return journey back to Earth.

Once the warship appeared back near Earth it waited for several minutes before Traffic Control gave the warship maneuvering instructions back to its original position near the moon.

While this was happening Admiral Miriya Sterling walked into one of the conference rooms that had been set aside for the scientists to wait after they'd been checked by the ship's doctor to ensure they weren't carrying any diseases.

Miriya went and sat in front of her daughter Aurora and the leader of the expedition Augustus. She looked at her daughter and the Tirolian man silently before she finally asked, "Alright, what happened? I gave you a warning that I was coming Aurora. You had time to pack things up, you could have loaded a lot more of those artifacts on the shuttle had your people not sat around and done nothing. What happened?"

Aurora was about to reply but Augustus grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze while looking at her as if to say 'I got this'. Then he looked at Miriya and said, "Jason." He paused then continued, "He managed to convince a majority of the group that there was no real threat to us and he wanted to argue with you and try and force you to leave."

Miriya made a scoffing noise. "As if I'd let Aurora or any of you stay there." She looked somber as she said, "I'm sorry Doctor Augustus, if you and your people had not been swayed by this Jason fellow you would have been able to return with more artifacts."

Aurora tried to sound hopeful. "Doctor, maybe there artifacts are still there waiting for us."

Doctor Augustus sighed. He appeared crushed over the loss of so much archaeological history. "Do you know if he managed to escape from being killed?"

Miriya shook her head, still looking somber. "I'm sorry but that Minbari fighter managed to strafe the camp site as well as your dig site and the runway area. He had to have been caught in the attack. Sadly, this also means that whatever you were digging for has been destroyed."

One of the other scientists, a person that had been with this Jason fellow when Miriya had landed stood up from where he was sitting at the opposite end of the table and accused, "You left him there to die!"

Miriya looked at the scientist, saw the Humans First pin on his lapel and instead of explaining that she'd given this Jason every chance to live she stood up herself and said, "That pin. You are a member of Humans First?"

Confused he looked down at the pin and then said, "Yeah, I am! What of it?"

Miriya looked around the room. "Who else is a member of Humans First? Stand up or raise your hand."

Two other scientists raised their hand, looking confused. One of them was the other scientist that had been at the runway with Jason. Miriya asked, "That's it? No other members of Humans First here?"

The first man that was still standing and looking confused still but with some defiance said, "That's it..Jason was a member but he's dead because you left him there to die."

Miriya replied, "He was given every opportunity and chance to leave with all of you. He made his own choice to stay. Probably to steal all the academic credit for himself. At any rate…" As she was talking Miriya went to the panel on the wall by the door and pushed a button. "I need a security detail at Conference room one immediately."

Everyone looked at Miriya. Both Augustus and Aurora asked, "Admiral?" and "Mother?" at the same time.

Within a minute the door to the conference room and five marines entered the room. One of them was a sergeant and he asked, "What's the situation here?"

Miriya pointed at the three scientists wearing the Humans First pins. "These three men are members of Humans First. Given the current situation with regards to that organization, please take them into custody."

The three scientists squawked and sputtered in outrage. "What's the meaning of this!? This is an outrage! You can't do this!"

Sergeant Murtaugh nodded saying, "Right. You heard the Admiral, take them into custody."

The four marines moved, two grabbed the one that was close to Admiral Sterling while the other two moved further into the room and grabbed the other man. The second man tried to struggle but he was brought down to the floor and handcuffed quickly. The first man didn't offer any resistance, just verbal outbursts as he was handcuffed. The sergeant handled the last one by himself with no issue as the man was just too shocked to put up any resistance.

The marines took the three men and led them out of the conference room and the scientists were left stunned over what just happened.

With a smirk Miriya said, "While you've been out in the wild as it were, members of Humans First engaged in treasonous activity. The organization and its members are now under investigation under suspicion of treason during wartime." She looked at her daughter and said, "Before I go back to work, please come see me."

Miriya turned and left the room. As she was walking down the hallway the address system announced, "Admiral Sterling to the Bridge please. Admiral Sterling please report to the Bridge."

Miriya sighed and made her way to the Bridge, arriving within a minute of her being paged. "Yes, Captain what is it?", she asked.

Captain Richards gestured to the main viewscreen. He said, "Look Admiral, look what showed up while we were gone."

Miriya looked over to see what the Captain was pointing at and she saw it. The Robotech Factory was floating in space surrounded by alien warships. She recognized some of them and she knew right away that the Sentinels Alliance had come with the Pegasus Expedition.

With a smirk on her face and hand on her hip she Miriya said, "Well, well, well...it's back and I see that Captain Sheridan and company brought friends."

The communication officer announced, "Admiral, we're receiving a message from the Factory per General Lefcourt. They're requesting your presence aboard the Factory as soon as it is convenient."

Miriya clapped her hands once. "Well, that settles that. Inform them that I will fly over as soon as possible."

"Aye ma'am."

Miriya looked at the Captain and said, "Please see to our guests, make sure they make it down to Earth."

The Captain replied, "Aye ma'am, it won't be a problem."

Miriya said, "You all performed excellently, don't forget to fill out your reports." With that she left the bridge.

Miriya made here way back to the conference room where her daughter and the scientists were at. She entered the room and the scientists inside looked at her then returned to doing whatever it was they had been doing.

Miriya said, "Aurora, I need a word with you please."

Aurora was hesitant at first but she stood up and walked out with her mother.

Miriya said, "I wish I could stay with you but I've been summoned to the Robotech Factory. We will need to talk later once I'm done."

Aurora rolled her eyes and said, "Mother, that's not…"

Miriya shook her head. "It is necessary, we haven't talked in a long time."

With a sigh Aurora nodded her head in agreement. "Very well, I shall await your call."

Miriya said, "I'll do my best to make this a face to face meeting."

Miriya reached out with her arms wide open for a hug. Aurora hugged her mother and Miriya returned the hug. Once they separated Miriya said, "We'll see each other soon."

Then Miriya squeezed her daughter's hand and left. Aurora returned to the conference room to return to cataloging the artifacts that they had managed to bring back with them.

Miriya made her way down to pilot's country and found them relaxing in the ready room. Everyone from Skull and Lightning squadron had taken the fact that the EAS Agamemnon had artificial gravity very easily. When she walked into the room Lieutenant Mylene Sterling cried out, "Admiral on deck!" and stood at attention. Everyone stood up to attention as she walked into the center of the room.

Miriya said, "At ease."

Miriya looked at everyone and declared, "All of you did well. Some of you did extremely well. Consider this to have been your final test and all of you have passed. I will be submitting my report to General Lefcourt that Lightning and Skull squadron are combat ready and ready to be deployed. So, for now you will remain aboard the Agamemnon until and unless you receive new orders. Well done and congratulations."

Miriya gave them all a salute and everyone returned the salute to her.

"I have to go, I've been summoned to report to the Robotech Factory. So wherever you go just remember this, do not disappoint me."

Miriya turned and left the room to suit up and fly to the Robotech Factory.

---

Earth

Earthdome Senate Building

Senate Committee Room

The Committee was having its regular meeting to discuss the current legislation that they had in front of them. This committee would take new legislation and determine whether or not that legislation would move forward to the full Senate where it would be discussed, finalized, and eventually voted on. Just as the meeting was getting under way Senator Morgan Clark asked to be recognized.

The Chairman of the Committee said, "Yes, Senator Clark?"

Senator Clark said, "Mister Chairman, I would like to bring forward this very important piece of legislation to the Committee's attention so that it can be voted on and brought to the full Senate's attention where it can be voted on and passed into law. I speak of the Psi Corp Act."

The Chairman responded, "I'm sorry Senator Clark but this committee will not be looking at bringing any more new legislation to the Senate until after the elections. We have enough legislation that needs to be dealt with. After the new year, if you feel it is still necessary you can bring this Psi Corp act up for another vote."

Senator Clark looked completely flummoxed. This was not supposed to be happening! The bill was supposed to be voted on by the full committee then lose so that his associates could expose "telepath interference" in the Senate. The Chairman was extremely well connected, extremely powerful and out of his associate's reach.

Senator Clark cleared his throat and started to protest. "Excuse me Mister Chairman, I was not aware that this committee was no longer taking new legislation. I think an exception should be made as we cannot afford to wait. I still think that this bill needs to be brought forward."

The Chairman used his gavel and said, "Your protest is noted Senator Clark but my decision is final. We have enough bills that require our attention. So moving right along ladies and gentlemen…."

The committee returned to the work at hand while Senator Morgan Clark fumed silently and thought that this news was not going to please his associates.

---

The Dead Planet

Unclaimed Space

On the dead planet that was once the site of an archaeological expedition by IPX was quiet once more. The fires that had ignited from the Minbari fighter's attack had long since burned out.

At the dig site, the hole that had been dug had been filled with collapsed soil that had fallen in but there was a new open hole that had been blown open.

The Minbari fighter's attack had apparently struck something that had been buried and that attack struck something critical, causing the unknown object that had been buried there to suffer a catastrophic cascade failure resulting in an explosion which prompted much of the dig site to fall in on itself but left an opening that now revealed part of something that the IPX archaeologists had not found yet.

Now whatever had been buried was no longer intact, but it was clear that the part of the object that was buried was black and it seemed to look like a spiny crab.