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.
Chapter 14
Earth
Geneva, Switzerland
ISN Anchor Desk
Billions of citizens of the Earth Alliance were tuned into ISN at this moment. As the commercials were finishing up the citizens of Earth Alliance were anxiously awaiting the broadcast of a recorded interview between ISN Anchor Angela Griffin and the Foreign Minister of the Sentinels Alliance Roy Hunter.
The commercials finished and the music played of the ISN news show began to play. The anchor at the desk was a Tirolian man with dark blue hair and was very handsome. "Welcome back, we are going to take you now to this recorded interview that was done earlier today between our own Angela Griffin and the Foreign Minister of the Sentinels Alliance, Roy Hunter."
The screen faded to black and a new scene appeared of what looked like a sitting room where the Foreign Minister was on the left side sitting across from the interviewer Angela Griffin, a very pretty red headed woman with her hair flowing down past her back.
Roy Hunter, the foreign minister was wearing a navy blue suit with a patterned blue and black tie. He looked calm and had a relaxed expression on his face with a smile.
The interview began when Angela started talking. "Foreign Minister Hunter, thank you for taking the time to speak with me today, especially since you had a busy day and night yesterday."
Roy smiled as he answered, "It's no trouble at all."
Angela started off her questions, "While the President has already thanked you and your military for making the journey here, could you explain to our viewers why the Sentinels Alliance answered the call for help?"
"Certainly. Quite frankly, it was the right thing to do.", Roy said. He paused then added, "When I met with your ambassador, Secretary of State David Sheridan and he explained how the war started and how this war was going for the Earth Alliance, I was shocked and saddened that the other races that the Earth Alliance had helped simply decided to not come to your aid. Well, we of the Sentinels Alliance remember what the old United Earth Government had done for us. We would not be here without the aid of Earth. We could not sit by and do nothing, that's why we are here. We honor and repay our debts."
Angela asked, "Given that the Minbari are not accepting diplomatic communications, how are you going to deliver your government's declaration of war?"
"Our official declaration was made when I gave our statement last night during the State dinner with President Levy and the guests that were present. Your network has played my speech multiple times already but just to make sure, I have instructed Grand Admiral Kazianna Hesh to deliver that declaration upon the first battle our forces engage the Minbari. There will be no mistake, no room for misunderstanding, the Sentinels Alliance has declared war against the Minbari Federation."
"Has your government given you instructions on the handling of this war on your part?", the young interviewer asked.
Roy nodded, "We will be working in conjunction with EarthForce to prosecute an offensive that we hope will bring the Minbari to the negotiation table. While we realize your people have suffered greatly under the Minbari's genocidal onslaught, we applaud President Levy's directive on how the war will be prosecuted going forward."
Angela asked, "You have discussed plans for the war going forward, what are the objectives that the Sentinels Alliance hope to accomplish?"
Roy quickly answered, "First and foremost we are here to help Earth Alliance bring an end to this war. Whether that means bringing the Minbari to the negotiation table and hammering out a peace agreement that both sides can live with is one possibility and it is the one EarthGov and we hope for. The other is that we force the Minbari to surrender and if that happens I am in discussions with your government over that possibility and what the Minbari Federation would become should that situation happen."
Angela asked, "Would you care to elaborate on any of those?"
"Not at this time. Make no mistake, while war is a horrible, horrible thing in general and my government understands that a tragedy occurred that most likely was a series of events that both sides badly mishandled that resulted in the death of a Very Important Person to the Minbari people. That they immediately began a genocidal campaign over such a loss clearly indicates that the Minbari are operating out of rage and not reason."
Roy took a sip from the glass of water next to him that was sitting on the small circular table next to his chair then continued, "Once they start to suffer military defeats and begin to realize that war has a cost, I am confident that the Minbari leadership will come to its senses and will finally reach out to offer a negotiated settlement. I cannot see a race that is supposedly so old and supposed to be so wise be willing to continue the war to such a point where their own people start suffering and we have to finally bring all of our forces around Minbar itself to force them to surrender."
Angela asked her next question. "Does your government have plans for after the war and what are they?"
With a smile Roy answered, "Oh yes, we do have plans. I hope to begin trade talks to open trade between our two governments again. There will be businesses wanting to trade with your markets here in the Earth Alliance as well as a few of the other races, mainly those that offered support to Earth during this time of crisis. Those that were too afraid, well we'll negotiate with them when we're ready. I am also very confident that many of your business would want to conduct business in our galaxy as well."
Angela followed up on that topic. "So, there are plans to have merchants using Robotechnology to travel between here and Pegasus and conduct business?"
Roy replied, "Certainly. There are definite plans that I am sure that President Levy is going to move forward with your own corporations and other businesses to expand trade to the Pegasus galaxy just as our own businesses are excited at this prospect. Of course that would mean new ship construction, ships capable of Folding between this galaxy and Pegasus, and there would be the opportunity to fully explore this galaxy far more quickly as well as others. The ability to Fold and instantaneously arrive at the destination is far more attractive than using the current method of FTL. The sky's the limit as they say."
Roy continued, "There is also the aspect and possibility of travel. To travel to our space as well as for our people to travel to yours to not just conduct business, but to sight see and most importantly, for relatives that stayed behind on Pegasus to meet with family members here in this galaxy that they had lost contact with. Then there are the medical and other scientific breakthroughs that both our government and yours would love to take advantage of such as the terraforming technology."
Angela nodded her head and said, "Wow, looks like your government as well as ours have a lot of plans for after the war."
"We do.", Roy said with an emphatic nod of his head and smiling as he said it.
Angela adjusted her pose on the chair and gestured with her hand. "Speaking of family, I would be negligent if I didn't mention your background. You're the great great grandson of Rick Hunter, a legend in two galaxies. How has that legacy been on you and your family."
Roy leaned back and said, "Well, it's a legacy that I do my best to live up to. I served in the military. I went to the academy, graduated, and I rose through the ranks but my heart wasn't set on a military career. I guess I followed my great great grandmother and moved into diplomacy when I felt the time was right. My sister, she's the explorer and more of that career military person."
Angela asked, "Is your sister out there among the Sentinels personnel here to help?"
Shaking his head no, Roy replied, "No, she's a Captain on an exploration mission back home. She's out there seeking new life, new civilizations, and boldly going where no one has gone before. I'm very proud of her and so is the rest of the family."
"Extraordinary. Well, we wish her the best of luck and a safe return home along with everyone aboard her fine ship.", Angela remarked.
Roy smiled and said, "Thank you, I'll be sure to pass it on."
The interview continued with other topics for several minutes before Angela finally said, "Thank you for your time Foreign Minister Hunter.", Angela said with a smile.
Roy smiled back saying, "You're welcome Miss Griffin, I'm sure we will be doing this again."
The screen cut away back to the male news anchor at the desk. "That was our own Angela Griffin and her exclusive interview with the Foreign Minister of the Sentinels Alliance Roy Hunter."
The anchor paused then said, "When we come back, we will bring you the latest on the terrorist attacks by the militant wings of Humans First against innocent civilians on multiple colonies as well as a terrorist strike here on Earth."
The screen changed to that of commercials.
The Valen'Tha
Minbari Federation Space
Minbar
It had been more than a week since the decision was made to bring all the clans into the war and the Grey Council had gathered for a report on the status of preparations. Additionally, the news of the losses at Sestun and Deneb had reached the Minbari people and with a newfound rage the Minbari people resolved to work twice as hard to get the warriors what they needed. The warriors of the various clans were twice as angry and wanted their weapons delivered quickly.
"I am Grey. I stand between the candle and the star. We are Grey. We stand between the darkness and the light." The ritual greeting spoken by Satai Coplann completed the meeting began.
Satai Morann looked to the Grey Council members of the Worker caste and began, "We have received word from several clans that they are not receiving all the supplies they have requested for their ships. Delays! What is going on that the workers are failing in their duty?!"
Satai Durlan of the Worker Caste replied, "Our ships have been under attack by human raiders and those that they've hired for months! We asked for your assistance in protecting our ships and nothing has been done! This is the result. Don't complain to us when we've told you about a problem that you have ignored!"
Morann responded, "This is unacceptable, this lack of supplies and material on the Workers part is causing problems getting our ships ready for war."
Durlan retorted, "You cannot get those ships without supplies and we cannot get those supplies to you when our ships carrying those supplies are destroyed! You Warriors are thinking of glory and satisfying your thirst for blood but you're neglecting the problem right in front of you! These raiders need to be destroyed!"
An argument erupted between the members of the Grey Council that was stopped when Delenn yelled for silence.
Delenn looked at the other Grey Council members. "This is unbecoming of all of you! We have a task that needs to be done and that requires that everyone do their duty." She looked to the Warriors then said, "Our workers need protection, would you deny them that? These humans have no honor, attacking those that cannot defend themselves. I must agree with Satai Durlan that our worker's ships must be protected and we must find the base that these raiders are using and destroy it and all of them."
Regaining his composure Satai Coplann nodded then said, "Then it shall be done."
Discussions were made about the planning of where to send a group of war cruisers and war frigates to start patrolling and looking for these raiders while groups of other warships would begin guarding those worker ships as they moved through the Federation to their destinations.
Once an agreement was reached they issued orders to War Leader Brammer who bowed and said, "It shall be done."
Then Brammer announced, "Satais, I have received news regarding the report of the missing Sharlin war cruiser Rashal."
Morann replied, "Has it been found? What did Alyt Valenon have to say?"
Brammer replied, "All we found was the debris field of his warship. I am sad to announce that there were no escape pods deployed from the wreckage and that we could not locate the recorders. We have no idea what or who destroyed the Rashal."
The three Satais of the Warrior caste grimaced at the news. The other Grey Council members were silent in thought. Brammer bowed and said, "I do have some additional news of note."
Coplann asked, "What news?"
After a brief pause Brammer said, "The Humans have announced what transpired at Deneb and Sestun. They admitted to turning off the beacon which caused so many of our warships to be trapped and destroyed by the singularity but they've underestimated the number of ships that we lost. Additionally, they announced their military victory at Sestun and they are making the claim that this victory was possible due to their retrieval of weapons and technology they had locked away."
"Preposterous!", exclaimed Morann.
Brammer continued, "Their general has gone on to state that their offer to surrender unconditionally is off of the table. They are vowing to fight on with these new 'old' weapons of theirs until we come to them to open negotiations."
Two Workers and all the Warrior Satais gave outraged outbursts. Quickly order was restored then Morann declared, "We must hurry with our mobilization." Looking to the Workers, "Delays are not to be tolerated, tell the Workers that we need them to work their hardest and get us our warships operational."
The Satais of the Worker caste bowed slightly.
"Thank you War Leader, leave us.", said Coplann.
Brammer bowed and left the chamber that the Grey Council was meeting. His student Neroon was waiting for him. The two walked down the corridors and until they reached the command center. Brammer began, "I must contact the following," Brammer began naming names of Alyts to the Minbari working communications.
The Minbari bowed and began carrying out the orders. Quickly Brammer began to redeploy warship patrols and warship assignments in an effort to hunt for the raiders base and to start protecting the ships of the Workers caste as they travel from point A to point B. Brammer believed that this should have been done much sooner and grimaced at the losses of so many ships and the supplies that they carried.
Brammer looked at the map of the Federation, studying the icons displaying where attacks had taken place. Taking notice of a pattern, Brammer began to issue new orders. If he was right, they'd be able to catch a group of raiders and destroy them the next time they attacked.
Earth Space
It had been more than two weeks since the return of the Robotech Factory and things were moving at a fast pace. With the majority of action with regards to Robotechnology being applied towards the war effort there were already discussions about applying Robotechnology to the private and public sectors.
The biggest discussion was the use of Robotechnology for terraforming purposes. Given it's great success in helping bring Earth back to life after the Rain of Death, there were loud calls to use this technology again to terraform Mars and to start a terraform project on Venus. This was gaining a lot of support and momentum, especially from those that were currently living on Mars. It was highly likely that the terraform Mars project could get underway within a year if the Senate could put together a bill and get enough votes to pass it and the President was very supportive of this idea and was pushing the Senate to move on this initiative.
Then there was the medical knowledge and technology that was just waiting to be reopened. There was a lot of things that had to be shelved once Humanity stopped using Robotechnology that the medical community was excited to get back into.
Personnel were moving forward onto Robotech warships, working directly with the warships they would serve on instead of simulators. More people were moving to simulators after transferring from their old EarthForce ships to the Factory to begin such training.
Things were progressing well. Admiral Komira Parino was cautiously optimistic that there would be enough people on enough warships to begin the offensive that the President wanted. She had personnel training on warships now conducting training cruises and taking part in simulated fleet battles with Admiral Rick Hunter acting as the opposition forces that took place not just on the simulators but on the warships as well.
More marines had been moved onto Destroid training. Generals Franklin and Fontaine were pleased with the progress in their marines operational use of Destroids and Cyclones. The marines were practicing orbital invasion drops and urban and open field warfare training on both Mars and on Earth.
Veritech training was well and truly underway. Squadrons were flying the Veritechs at all hours of the day, learning the intricacies of Veritech operations and how to fly and fight. Admiral Miriya was still supervising overall making sure people were ready. She'd sent many pilots back to flying the simulators after reviewing their actual Veritech piloting performance and pushed them to do better. Still, they were making progress in getting people ready to fly and fight on Veritechs.
Grand Admiral Kazianna Hesh was pleased with the progress her own people were making in getting ready. Looking at the latest progress reports she was for the most part happy with everything. More than half of her personnel were now working and training up on the warships that her forces were going to be using for this expedition. She moved between the office on the Robotech Factory she was assigned and the bridge and office she now had on the massive Zentraedi Fleet Command Battleship that had been redesigned to Micronian sized crew.
Things were moving well for the Earth Alliance forces.
Admiral Miriya Sterling was in her office aboard the Robotech Factory when her aide paged her and announced, "Admiral, you have a visitor but they don't have an appointment. She looks like an Invid ma'am and her-"
Miriya looked up from the work she was staring at and pushed the button, "I know who she is, send her in at once, we are not to be disturbed unless it's urgent."
"Yes ma'am.", the intercom disconnected.
A couple of seconds later and the door opened and a striking woman entered the room. She was wearing an EarthForce uniform but had no rank insignia on display. She was tall with her lighter green hair pulled into a braid draped over her left shoulder. Her eyes were a reddish brown color and it was clear she wasn't Zentraedi or Tirolian. She was an Invid, in fact she was the second Invid created by the Invid Regis and after the Regis had left, she stayed behind.
Miriya rose from her office chair and offered a handshake. "Hello Sera, thank you for coming."
The second Invid Princess, Sera nodded and shook Miriya's hand. "You're welcome Miriya. It is nice to see you, it has been a long time."
Miriya gestured for Sera to sit and the two women sat down. The door opened and Miriya's aide brought in a tray of coffee cups, a carafe of coffee, along with cream, sugar, and honey. He set the tray down and poured a cup for Miriya and prepared the beverage per her preference. Then he made a cup of coffee for Sera who said, "With honey please." The young Lieutenant confirmed her request and prepared the drink for her and handed it to Sera then quickly walked out.
Miriya said, "Yes, it has been a long time, fifty years?"
Sera took a sip of her drink then said, "This is good, but it has been sixty years since we saw each other last."
Miriya tilted her head as she tried to recall then nodded, "I'm sorry it seems you're right. How the years blur over the years. I hope you and your people are well, how's Princess Ariel?"
Sera smiled, "She's well. Our people are fine, our losses to the Minbari are far smaller comparatively but every loss is a great one. It is why Ariel ordered us to evacuate back to the Core. As much as we wish to be out among the stars on the frontier, she would not risk losing more of us to these monsters."
Miriya asked, "As much as I want to catch up I have to ask, how many came with you?"
Sera frowned, "Not many. Most of us practice pacifism but more of us are growing afraid of the Minbari's slaughter of everyone. They've already killed some of us that were unable to evacuate in time. The loss of our people for doing nothing wrong has angered those of us that act as the defenders of our people. While I wish it was more, twenty thousand of my people are en route. We will join EarthForce to help defend everyone. Princess Ariel has given us her blessing although she wishes we did not have to do this. But for all of Humanity, whether we are Invid, Zentraedi, Tirolian, and Human we are going to do what must be done….although there are conditions."
Looking concerned, Miriya asked, "What sort of conditions?"
Sera said, "We won't support genocide, my people will not condone or tolerate putting the entire Minbari race to the sword. We must be better than them, prove that we are not the Children of the Shadow as my mother the Invid Regis once claimed Humanity to be. Furthermore, my people are willing to do this but we must be together. My people are not to be scattered around the many fleets of EarthForce, I would prefer it for my people and I to operate independently but, I am willing to place my people and myself under your direct command."
Miriya was silent for a few seconds, her hands steepled in front of her chest. She responded, "According to the rules that the President has given us for our offensive, we are not going to do to the Minbari what they have done to us. There will be civilian casualties, but we will do what we can to minimize them."
Miriya took a sip of her own coffee then continued, "The objective is to force them to the negotiation table, but failing in that, we will force them to surrender and take the Minbari as a Protectorate. We will make it so that it takes them a few centuries to return to the stars and we will protect them from the other Races that would think to take their own measure of revenge on the Minbari. You are right, we are going to show the Minbari and the other races of the galaxy that we are better than them. We will take prisoners, we will treat them civilly and humanely. If anyone violates that, I will see to it that the violators are prosecuted harshly under our laws and punished accordingly."
Miriya took another sip of her coffee while Sera did the same. Then Miriya said, "As for your people's assignments, I'm sure we can accommodate your request, I'd love to have you under my command. I'm just starting to put my fleet together, so we'll need to discuss what your people are capable of and see if they need any training."
Sera finished her drink saying, "Good. I'm glad that there will be restraint shown in this war. Most of my people are mecha pilots, I assume you need pilots for Veritech or Destroids?"
"Most certainly.", Miriya said.
"Then we will be happy to fly for you Admiral Sterling." Sera said with a smile.
"Good, let's talk about your people's skills and see what if any refresher training they need. The Factory has many simulators available. Thank you Princess Sera, I'll contact General Lefcourt and no doubt he will want to meet with you."
Sera smiled back.
Earth
Geneva, Switzerland
President Elizabeth Levy's Office
President Elizabeth Levy was having yet another meeting, this time it was a progress report with her Vice President Luis Santiago and General Fontaine over the evacuation plans in case it was necessary for them to evacuate to the Pegasus galaxy.
Elizabeth said, "Luis, these designs for the evacuation ships are amazing."
Everyone was looking at the three dimensional hologram floating and rotating in the middle of the conference room table. The ship was extremely large, very wide and tall. The size of the ship was projected to be many kilometers in size and capable of supporting over ten million people in capacity.
Luis Santiago said, "Thank you madam President but the design wasn't mine. We pulled it from the archives and updated it. The Factory could build a lot of them very quickly. We might be able to evacuate over one hundred million people, maybe more if we start soon enough."
Elizabeth said, "Is that why the vetting is taking so long?"
Luis said, "Um, yes. We're making sure that no one has any ties to terrorist organizations. Per your directive, if we do have to evacuate we are going to do everything we can to make sure that Humans First stays behind. We have vetted over sixty five million people. We're going to try and have as big a pool as possible."
Elizabeth nodded in approval. "How much are these going to cost though?"
Now the meeting got into the details.
The Robotech Factory
In cyberspace two Artificial Intelligence entities were having a meeting. Janice Em and Rick Hunter were in a virtual environment that resembled a speakeasy of the nineteen twenties, the two sitting in a booth while a jazz band played in the background. Janice was wearing a red sparkling evening gown reminiscent of the era while Rick was wearing a suit that made him look like a gangster of the same era complete with the fedora that was sitting on the table next to his drink.
Rick smiled at Janice while stirring the virtual old fashioned cocktail in front of him and said, "Nice place, Janice."
Smiling back at Rick she said, "Thank you Rick. So, you had a question for me?"
Rick nodded, taking a sip of his virtual drink and arching an eyebrow as he set it down. "I, uh...wow that tasted so real." Looking at Janice again he asked, "Was wondering if you could share the data you have on the Minbari warships. I've got access to footage of battles, I'm looking for intelligence data, you know...the goods."
With a ghost of a smile Janice reached up to her hair and pulled out what looked like a thin black piece of wood that was holding her hair up. After removing it, her hair fell down to flow silkily down her back. She passed the hair ornament towards Rick. "I think that will have everything you're looking for."
Rick reached out and took the object and it vanished in tiny glowing blue sparks. Rick nodded his head and said, "Yes, I think you're right. How did you get this data?"
"A girl's gotta have her secrets, Rick.", Janice said with a smile.
The two watched the group of musicians playing for a couple of minutes then Rick asked, "These eyes of yours, you made drones?"
Janice didn't answer, she just took another drink. "My loyalty is to humanity Rick, all of humanity whether it's Human, Invid, Tirolian, or Zentraedi and like you, it extends to all enemies, foreign and domestic. This war may have my attention divided, but it does not affect my performance." She smiled and said, "Tell me, how busy are you at this moment? How many simulators are you tormenting trainee crews as the opposing Minbari forces?"
Smirking Rick replied, "Three hundred warship simulators of various warship classes, one thousand three hundred fifty Veritech and Destroid simulators."
"Does it affect your performance?", Janice asked.
Rick quickly answered, "No."
"Well then you know."
Rick said, "Point." After taking another sip of his virtual drink Rick asked, "Well you wanted this meeting, what's up?"
Janice twirled the straw of her virtual drink and said, "Over the decades my eyes have been very busy, Looking...watching. I've learned some lessons from Humans First and their ilk over the years. I founded more than a few organizations to counter them, most of them are non violent. But, I have had to create a few militant groups to counter their form of extremism."
"With all the pressure that they're under now, they're going to no doubt turn loose their militant members to launch terror attacks, striking those of Invid, Tirolian and Zentraedi ancestry. Since they're under a lot of stress, they may or may not mitigate damage against those that they claim are one hundred percent human."
"My eyes are watching, I do my best to stop their strikes before they happen but like Winston Churchill, who had to make a decision to not warn a British city of an impeding bombing attack, I too have had to allow some of their attacks to happen in the past and I will allow them to continue so that they do not suspect anything. It hurts to let them have those victories, but I gain satisfaction in taking that cell out of action afterwards using "detective work and solid investigation techniques". Additionally, when these cells are captured, sometimes my people and I do gain new information about them."
Rick grunts and scowls, "Reminds me of the wars before the SDF-1 crashed."
Janice nodded in agreement. Both AI's played with their virtual cocktails with Janice actually taking a drink of hers. The silence between the two comfortable.
Janice said, "The more militant cells of Humans First not to mention the main organization practices very good cyber security, they don't network their system between worlds, let alone within cities so I can't get into their networked systems easily but, over the years I have managed to make some successful hacks by sending in operatives. I have infiltrated some of their systems but it's not complete. As I said, they practice strong cyber security. It's a long story but I have other ways of watching things. At any rate, I would like one of those Stealth Frigates made available for some of my people."
Rick nodded then said, "Is this for a black op?"
"Yes and no.", Janice replied. "Officially, the ship will be on a training cruise and they're going to make a discovery."
Rick tilted his head in an inquiring expression. "What sort of discovery?"
Janice growled, "A secret colony Rick."
"What?"
Janice took a sip of her virtual drink and said, "Many years ago I got wind of a project name that seemed to be spoken in whispers and only by some very high placed people that I managed to bug. A project called….", she paused for dramatic effect. "Genesis."
Rick leaned back and blinked his eyes in confusion. Then he said, "Genesis? Are you kidding me? Is this a joke?"
Janice shook her head. "Over the years I heard this name but it was very rare, I would hear that name once or twice a year if I was lucky. It drove me crazy as the security over this project was extremely tight. But, one day I finally got lucky and I found it. I was able to turn someone within Humans First that had just enough knowledge about it that I was able to start looking. I sent my eyes out there into the black and recently I found this."
She reached out her hand and shimmering in view was a picture of a planet that was Earth like in appearance. She tapped the picture and said, "That is a planet that strangely enough if you look for it on any of the databases, you will find it is not listed anywhere. Look at archives, look at astronomical data of the star system and that planet is not listed anywhere. A remarkable feat, something that only a few people or highly placed people with the right sort of connections could be capable of...to erase a planet's existence."
Janice continued, "I'm going to be informing the President about this and get her approval for the mission. The mission is simple Rick, I will inform you of the ship to be used and arrangements will be made for that to be crewed with my people, people that have been training since the beginning so there's no worries about any lack of qualifications. The coordinates will be given to the Captain and they will Fold to those coordinates and they will make the discovery and things will proceed from there."
Rick nodded and said, "I see. So this colony is there? This Genesis project is there?"
Janice nodded and said, "Yes. That is where Project Genesis is. What it is exactly, I have my suspicions and the vague intelligence that I've been able to collect but we'll let the boots on the ground take care of things."
Rick asked, "What do you think this Project Genesis is?"
Janice was silent for a moment then she said, "A nightmare."
Rick took a moment and then said, "I'm seeing quite a few telepaths listed as part of your list of personnel. Suspecting something?"
Janice smiled, she made a show of drinking the last of her virtual cocktail and said, "I always suspect something Rick. See you soon, expect the call soon." Then she vanished.
Rick looked at the photo again, it was a garden world and Rick tilted his head as he studied the image. He could see what looked like a small sized village or town from the angle of the camera shot. With a flick of his fingers the picture vanished and right after that he put the fedora on his head and looked at his reflection. He chuckled as he brought his fingers across the rim of the front of the hat then he too vanished. The virtual environment disappeared immediately after.
A Few Days Later…
Earth
Somewhere in the state of Texas, North American State
Within a very expansive and expensive mansion in the former state of Texas a meeting was taking place in the office of a very wealthy and powerful man. Sitting at his very expensive and very large desk was a man of middle age with blonde hair in a professional cut wearing a very expensive suit.
The blonde man looked at his people and said, "So, the latest on our more…extreme members is?
A man answered, "The past few days our more 'aggressive' members from our affiliated groups struck out against some filthy aliens and their supporters on Mars, Deneb and Frontier. Our strikes on other targets at Wolf and Altair were intercepted or mitigated. Those cells are gone, wiped out to the last as they fought the local law enforcement to the last. Locally, our friends hit the aliens at a community center in San Francisco and our London friends hit a protest rally. All total there are hundreds of aliens and their supporters dead."
There was a hard knock on the door to the office which opened right after and the blonde haired man's servant walked in saying, "Apologies sir. An alert sounded. You have a very urgent contact coming in."
The servant turned and left, closing the door behind him. The leader pushed a button on his desk and a screen lowered out of the ceiling and the screen began displaying a person on it.
The person was a red headed man wearing black clothing that was covered in dirt and grime. Additionally the red headed man had bandage on his left cheek that was still bleeding slightly as blood could be seen on the bandage.
The red headed man took a breath saying, "Thank God you're there. Sir, I...I'm...I'm sorry to inform you that the London branch is gone. They're all gone sir...they're dead."
Everyone looked shocked. Multiple voices in the room started talking at once.
"What?"
"How?"
"No!"
The blonde haired man raised his hand and everyone quieted down. "Where are you? Are you secure?", he asked.
The man took another deep breath, letting it out and said, "I'm secure sir. I'm at Site B in Birmingham."
Nodding his head the blonde man asked, "What happened?"
The injured man replied, "It was a bomb and it was a big one. The authorities are all over the site sir. They're…"
The leader cut him off, asking, "Who did this? Do we know?"
The injured man answered, "It was the Alien Liberation Foundation. They've already claimed responsibility, it's blasting all over the news and online. Somehow they got through our security and were able to place the bomb very deep. Sir, the Executives of London, Berlin, Brussels, Stockholm, Warsaw, and Moscow were all there when it blew. They're all dead, all of them and their senior members they brought with them." He said the last in a halting and stammering tone."
Everyone was in shock. This was a massive blow, a huge loss! How could this have happened? How!?
The leader snarled, "Make contact with anyone that you can that hasn't been picked up yet and start finding out how the fuck this happened."
The injured man said, "Yes sir."
The leader said, "Do as much as you can, but you're injured. Delegate the work, just make sure it gets done. Contact me in an hour with a status update." The communication was disconnected.
Everyone was stunned with this news. The London location was supposed to be secure. How had the Alien Liberation Foundation find out where it was located for one question and for another how had they been able to get a bomb into position on the day of a major meeting of several European Executives of Humans First?
The leader looked at the people in the room. The looks of shock and anger on their faces. "We will get to the bottom of this. Get our PR people on this, have them tell the tragic stories of the losses of so many fine people."
After a pause he said, "Find out what's going on with the investigation on our Senator friends. Senator Clark has been able to avoid any trouble, see if any of the others can dance between the raindrops and get out of trouble too."
The League of Non-Aligned Worlds
Meeting Chamber
The members of the League of Non-Aligned Worlds had gathered for its regular meeting to discuss the usual business and most of it was done and the meeting would be breaking up soon.
The Drazi ambassador looked around the room and saw that it seemed to be the right time for him to release the news that his people had gathered.
He rose from his seat and announced, "Ambassador Gahutyhr, I have news that this august body should be made aware of."
The Brakiri ambassador Gahutyhr was still acting as the head of the League delegation stood up and said, "I recognize the Ambassador of the Drazi Freehold.", then he sat down.
The Drazi ambassador gave a slight bow of the head and said, "Thank you. My colleagues and friends, I have news of the war that still rages between the Earth Alliance and the Minbari Federation."
He paused to make sure everyone had heard him then he resumed, "My people have received broadcasts from the Earth Alliance and it seems that there was another battle between EarthForce and the Minbari Federation at one of Earth's colonies, a colony called Sestun I believe."
Pausing again he took notice of the looks and expressions that the other ambassadors were making. Most looked resigned. They expected that the news would be more of the same, a human defeat and another colony wiped out. More shame to be piled onto their backs over their lack of support to Humanity.
Then the Drazi ambassador said, "The news we have received is that it would appear that the Humans defeated the Minbari forces attacking this colony, forcing the Minbari to retreat."
The room exploded with outbursts, some demanding to know more, many saying it was impossible, the chaos was deafening. The Drazi ambassador wasn't smiling publicly but in his mind he did have a very large grin.
Gahutyhr cried out, "Order! Order! My friends there must be order!"
It took a couple of minutes but order was restored and the Markab ambassador stood up to ask, "Is this information you have received true?"
The Drazi ambassador pulled out a data crystal. "I have the this to offer, a broadcast by EarthForce's General Lefcourt where he announced the victory."
A worker moved to the Drazi ambassador and took the data crystal from him and brought it to the audio/visual station where it was placed and the video began to play. They watched as the human general walk to a podium and begin speaking.
"Good afternoon everyone, thank you for coming on such short notice. I will be making a statement, I won't be answering any questions but there is an information packet with a FAQ sheet. You can pick one up after the end of this briefing. The past couple of days we have been keeping a tight lid on things going on with regards to the war. Today, I have been authorized by President Levy to announce the recent happenings with regards to the war. So, let's begin."
"First of all, we knew that the Minbari would be attacking the colony of Deneb and while we've tried to evacuate as many people as possible, it just was not enough. We had evacuation ships running constantly until the Governor made the determination that it was too dangerous for civilian ships to be in the area given that the Minbari do not discriminate and target civilian ships just as they target our warships.
There were quiet murmurs from several of the ambassadors in the chamber. Many of them had tried protesting to the Minbari that their actions against civilians were barbaric to no avail.
"That was the official announcement. The real reason we stopped evacuations was because the President authorized the shut down of the beacon network for the Deneb colony." He paused as everyone in the room and most likely everyone watching the conference took in that news. After a few seconds he continued, "With the shutdown of the beacon network, it would have been too hazardous for our evacuation ships to be traveling in hyperspace. The reason for this shut down was quite simple, with the singularity nearby, it affects hyperspace travel and the beacon network provides the safe passageway for all ships to travel through this part of hyperspace safely. With proper timing, we hoped that by turning off the beacon network at just the right time would cause multiple Minbari warships to wander into the singularity's gravitational pull and be destroyed.".
Looking directly at the camera General Lefcourt said, "I am pleased to announce that a couple of days ago, we detected the Minbari fleet approaching the colony of Deneb and the Governor turned off the beacon network at just the right time causing a large number of Minbari warships to be lost to the singularity's gravitational pull and the remaining warships had to turn around and return to Minbari space. The colony of Deneb was saved. We did not have to engage or fight with the Minbari at all. There were no casualties on our side. Our estimates are that the Minbari lost more than seventy five percent of their forces that were en route to Deneb and it is very likely that this estimate may be lower than the reality."
The outbursts were louder this time and the video was paused and Gahutyhr yelled, "Quiet! Quiet everyone!" Once the room quieted down the video was resumed.
"Additionally, we knew that the Minbari were going to attack the colony of Sestun. Evacuation of that colony was more successful although there were still about a million civilians left behind. Given the seriousness of the situation, Secretary Millia Sterling authorized the deployment of reinforcements to the 44th fleet led by General Sam Carter."
"Those reinforcements included Special Weapons that we pulled from storage and they arrived just in time. These Special Weapons were led by Admiral Miriya Sterling. When the Minbari arrived, General Carter engaged the Minbari using those Special Weapons and for the second time in this war handed the Minbari a defeat, destroying and damaging a large portion of their fleet and fighters, forcing the Minbari to retreat."
The video stopped and everyone was in shock. The Minbari defeated twice! The sheer audacity of the Humans to shut down the hyperspace beacon network and cause the Minbari to lose many warships to the point that they retreated instead of proceeding forward.
Then there is this news, a military defeat. The Humans had defeated the Minbari in battle at last and it was shocking to them that this had happened. This cannot be happening, the Humans cannot be in possession of technology that could break the Minbari stealth.
Just as the ambassadors were processing the Human general's words another video began to play. The Drazi ambassador spoke, "These are the recordings taken from the battle directly by EarthForce warships. I think you will find it most enlightening."
The footage began to play and when the Human EarthForce warships opened fire on the Minbari fleet, successfully hitting them causing many to explode immediately it shocked everyone to the core.
In stunned silence they watched as the battle unfolded, they saw Minbari fighters being blown out of the stars by Starfurys and some strange new fighter craft that they'd never seen before.
The Minbari's return fire was savage of course and EarthForce ships were destroyed but the fury of EarthForce was on full display. Missiles began to fly out of their launchers, hundreds of them streaking unerringly towards the Minbari ships to the point that the Minbari had to switch their weapons to point defense but the weight of fire was so many that missiles hit their targets and in that stunned silence they saw more Minbari ships explode from missile fire.
The battle raged and continued but it was clear. EarthForce had the Minbari by the throat and finally the Minbari opened jump points and retreated into hyperspace.
The Minbari had lost a battle with EarthForce.
The video switched back to that of the Human General.
General Lefcourt looked around the room then the camera again and continued, "Citizens of Earth Alliance and all those who serve in EarthForce this is just the beginning. The President made a promise in her last speech and we are working hard at carrying out that promise. The war has turned, things are about to change for humanity. Which brings me to this final statement. As everyone knows four months ago, President Elizabeth Levy offered an Unconditional Surrender to the Minbari government. This message was delivered by the Centauri and by members of the League of Non-Aligned Worlds. The Minbari have refused to accept our surrender and they continue to slaughter us indiscriminately. The President has directed me to announce as of now that the offer to surrender is now off the table."
With a grim face full of fire and determination General Lefcourt finished off the press conference, "We are going to fight, we are going to fight until there is only one of us left standing and I am promising you all, citizens and military personnel alike that we will be the ones left standing. Going forward, it is now up to the Minbari to do the talking. We will be doing our own talking with Robotechnology from this point forward. Thank you all for coming. That's all."
The lights had come back on and the Drazi ambassador rose at the same time. Very quickly he announced, "I have had this data thoroughly tested and have verified that the recordings are genuine. I am prepared to offer copies so your governments can review the data for themselves."
Sweeping the room with his gaze the Drazi Ambassador continued with his statement. "My government is currently in discussions and once they have reviewed the data I have shown you I am confident that they will be reversing their decision and will offer to support the Earth Alliance in full and I urge this body to do the same!"
The room exploded into noise and chaos, a minority screaming that they should help the Earth Alliance, the louder majority screaming that they cannot afford risking the wrath of the Minbari.
A short time later the Drazi Ambassador was in his office speaking to his superior back on the Drazi Homeworld. With a look of anger and incredulous on his countenance he snarled, "How can they tell us to do nothing!? The Humans have won a victory against the Minbari!"
Looking sad and resigned his superior said, "The vote was close, more of us voted in favor and I'm sending you a list of names of those of us that are willing to do more. When," the Drazi emphasized that word. "the Humans hand the Minbari another defeat those opposed will crumble and we will officially declare war on the Minbari on the side of the Earth Alliance. All I ask is for patience."
The ambassador nodded. "I shall try. I will make contact with their State Department and inform them of the new assistance we can offer."
"Good.", the government official disconnected the call.
Shaking his head he knew that if his own government wasn't ready, the rest of the League would take this video and message from the Humans as nothing more than smoke and mirrors. The Ambassador resolved to contact his people and tell them to prepare their ships for war. If his own government wouldn't officially declare war, perhaps it was time for a "Volunteer group" take action.
Centauri Prime
The Emperor's Palace
Emperor Turhan's Throne Room
Londo Mollari, once the Centauri Ambassador to the Earth Alliance had been summoned to appear before the Emperor and while he was curious to know what he had done, he had no desire to keep the Emperor waiting.
Once the war between the Earth Alliance and the Minbari had started, the Centauri government closed their embassy on planet Earth and recalled Londo back to Centauri Prime. Thanks to FTL communications however, they did not break off all contact with Earth and the Humans had used every nuance of diplomacy to have the Centauri government try and speak to the Minbari on their behalf.
Emperor Turhan disapproved of the Minbari's genocidal war and had expressed his displeasure as strong as he could. Sadly the Minbari did not take his displeasure seriously. After his last diplomatic effort was rejected where he offered to arbitrate the diplomatic talks himself, he ordered all Centauri diplomats to return from Minbari space and ordered an economic boycott of Minbar.
There wasn't a lot of trade between the isolationist Minbari and the Centauri Republic but the trade was not insignificant. The boycott would certainly be felt on those few Minbari worlds that were trading with the various Centauri merchants.
His timing of announcing the boycott was perfect, the Minbari could not send warships to express their displeasure as they were focused on a two front war against the humans and even though the Centauri military didn't really pose a strong threat anymore, the Minbari were forced to come to the understanding that they could not support a war against two interstellar nations given the fact that the League of Non-Aligned Worlds was also becoming more problematic and while they had threatened and browbeaten the League worlds into compliance, some League worlds were starting to chafe under the conditions the Minbari set, the Drazi and Abbai among them.
Emperor Turhan decreed that the borders between Centauri and Minbari space were to be patrolled heavily and that any attempts by Centauri merchants to continue trading with Minbari worlds would have the cargo aboard those ships as well as the ships themselves seized and be subsequently sold off at auction to the highest bidder with the monies going directly into the Crown's treasury. Minbari merchant ships were to be instructed to return to their borders.
Naturally, there were a few Centauri that attempted to make a profit and ignore the Emperor's decree. They learned very quickly that the Emperor meant business when their ships and cargo were seized and sold with the money going right into the Crown's treasury. Everyone quickly learned that the Emperor was most serious.
Londo was standing around, trying not to bring any extra attention onto him when the Prime Minister Malachi called out, "Londo Mollari, the Emperor calls for you."
Londo moved through the crowd of petitioners and politicians as Prime Minister Malachi beckoned for Londo to hurry up to stand before the Emperor who sat on his throne. Bowing quickly he said, "Your majesty, how can I be of service?"
Emperor Turhan looked down at Londo Mollari from his throne. Rising from it he stepped down to stand in front of Londo who lowered his head in a measure of respect.
"Walk with me Mollari.", he said.
The two walked out of the throne room followed by two members of the royal guards at a safe distance and the two ended on a balcony looking out over the capital city.
The Emperor turned to look at Londo and said, "Word has reached us that the Humans have defeated the Minbari in a battle at one of their colonies. I have seen a speech from their general, a man named Lefcourt making this announcement and he has also said that they are not going to surrender to the Minbari anymore. He has said that they are using old weapons that they had locked away to achieve this victory."
Londo was stunned. "Your majesty, this...this must be what the humans call a joke, yes?"
Turhan shook his head. "I do not believe it is. Something is stirring, and I am sending you back to Earth as our Ambassador so that you may reopen our embassy."
Londo squawked in disbelief. "You're majesty, you cannot be serious! The humans defeating the Minbari in battle? Impossible!" He paused then spoke in a more respectful tone, "You want me to reopen the embassy? Your majesty, is this wise? Surely the Minbari will...protest vigorously, yes?"
The Emperor produced a data crystal. "Take a couple of days to handle your affairs here on Centauri Prime then make the journey to Earth as soon as possible. Watch this on your journey back to Earth. It has been verified to be legitimate and not a forgery of images. If there is truth that the humans have defeated the Minbari's stealth, remind them that we are friends and work to get us their technology. Do what you do best Londo before the Narn get their hands on any of it and use it against us. I believe things are about to change Mollari and I want our Republic to be on the right side of it."
The Emperor walked away leaving Londo Mollari on the balcony where he stood and watched the view holding the data crystal in his hand.
Narn Prime
The Narn Homeworld
The Kha'Rhi
G'Kar walked into the chamber of the First Circle to meet with the eight Councilors after having been summoned to meet with them.
"G'Kar, welcome.", one of the Councilors greeted.
G'Kar bowed slightly in greeting saying, "I come to answer the summons of the Kha'Rhi, how may serve our people?"
Another Councilor, a Narn named T'Bar said, "Word has reached us that the Humans have defeated the Minbari in a battle. We are going to send you back to Earth so that you may open the embassy once more and speak to them about getting the technology they used to defeat the Minbari for our people."
G'Kar was surprised to hear this. "The Humans defeated the Minbari in a battle? Are we certain of this news?"
T'Bar replied, "We've verified it as best as we can. Take this data crystal and watch it. We've verified the data to be genuine. If this is true, we must have this technology for ourselves. It would be a great boost to us should the Centauri try to conquer us again. Remind the Humans you have dealt with that unlike the Centauri, we have sold them weapons to use against the Minbari, we are their friends."
G'Kar took the data crystal from T'Bar and looked it. He would watch it later. "I am to leave at once?"
Another Councilor named Ha'rok nodded while saying, "Yes. The Centauri are no doubt going to try what we are sending you to do. We are counting on you to arrive before they do and secure that technology for our people. Take a day to settle your affairs here then hurry to Earth."
G'Kar said, "I shall do everything I can to secure what we must have for our people."
T'Bar said, "We know you will. Good luck G'Kar."
Vorlon Empire Space
Vorlon Homeworld
The Emperor's Throne Room
The Emperor of the Vorlon Empire watched and listened as news of the war between Humanity and the Minbari Federation continued to rage on.
The Vorlon Ulkesh was pushing for a direct approach and stopping the Humans from using their old weapons and technology against their chosen client race now that the Humans have used some of it in a limited fashion to force the Minbari to retreat.
Ulkesh said, "The Circle is in jeopardy, we must act now before it is too late."
The Vorlon Kosh was advocating a wait and see approach. "There is no need for us to do such a thing. The One is under observation, should any danger befall upon him he can be taken and protected until it is time. There is no need for us to take any action."
Kosh looked around the room then added, "Unless it is to tell the Minbari that they must stop the war now."
The Emperor rose his hand and said, "I have made my ruling on this matter already. We are to take no action at this time. We watch, we observe and we study them. Should the One be in jeopardy, he is to be taken." The Emperor glared at Ulkesh. "Do nothing unless the One is in jeopardy. If you repeat what was done to the Drazi against the Humans, I will see to it that you and anyone who aided in such an action will be severely punished."
Looking around the entire throne room, the advanced alien being exerted his essence and made it clear he was not to be disobeyed in this matter. He exuded this full aura of "Disobey me at your peril."
The Vorlons bowed and with a wave of his hand the Emperor dismissed them all.
Kosh left and made his way to his personal ship. He wanted to observe the Humans, more specifically he wanted to observe this Flower of Life that was in their possession once more and study it. He would do so invisibly as there should be no way for them to detect his cloaking ability.
Earth
EarthForce HQ
The War Room
Deep within EarthForce High Command General Lefcourt was looking at the latest reports. He sighed and threw the sheets on the large table and sighed. It was bad news, the Minbari had finally decided to get serious about the commerce raiding within their territory and the raiders that Earth had hired got overconfident and over aggressive and jumped right into a Minbari trap.
The other members of the Joint Chiefs looked at General Lefcourt. "How bad is it General?", one of them asked.
"A couple of the raider groups have decided they are done. They lost too much of their equipment against the Minbari. The only good news is that our own ships were being resupplied at the mobile base. Given the circumstances, I have ordered them to return home. It's going to no doubt give the Minbari a chance to reequip faster but it can't be helped. On the plus side, we will replace our EarthForce commerce raiding forces with Robotech warships."
Another member asked, "So, they're defending their merchant shipping in their own space, what about outside?"
General Lefcourt snapped his fingers and said, "That's a good question. I'll see if they're escorting their merchants all the way to League worlds. If they aren't, we can hit them in League space."
The other officers in the room nodded their heads. The rest of the meeting was discussing what targets to hit when it was time to launch their offensive.
Author's Note: So this chapter kinda got way long, over twenty one thousand words so I had to cut it and move about eleven thousand words to the next chapter. On the plus side that means work on chapter 15 is well underway, right? :)