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.

18. Chapter 16 Part 2

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 16 Part 2

The Valen'Tha

Minbari Federation Space

Minbar

The Grey Council was in the middle of the meeting as they discussed the planned offensive that was about to start with the destruction of the Sestun colony. The Wind Swords Clan Elders were adamant that this colony and all the humans that were defending it had to die first because they had the audacity to fight back and kill so many of their Clan's Minbari warriors.

Humanity would pay for killing Dukhat and for killing so many Minbari. The meeting had been going for more than an hour as War Leader Brammer briefed the Grey Council on the current plans. Suddenly there was a disturbance as Neroon approached to get War Leader Brammer's attention.

Satai Morann exclaimed, "What is the meaning of this disturbance!?"

Brammer whispered to Neroon to explain what brought him to disturb this meeting. Stepping forward Neroon said, "Apologies Satais of the Grey Council. The Humans are broadcasting a message to the entire Minbari Federation and we cannot shut the transmission down."

There were exclamations and curses from everyone. Delenn said, "Play this message now."

Coplann snarled, "We don't need…"

Delenn cut him off and said in a louder voice, "If this message is being broadcast to the entire Federation and our Workers cannot stop this message from being broadcast we have to know what the Humans are saying to our people. Play the message."

As this order was being carried out Coplann snarled, "Find out how they are doing this and shut it down!"

A holographic image appeared of a strange logo displayed with heraldic emblem with a stylized SA at the bottom next to the logo they recognized of the Earth Alliance with a countdown timer on display that was down to thirty seconds. Everyone watched as the clock reach zero then the two logos faded to black then changed to an alien that they'd never seen before standing at what looked like a podium with the same heraldic emblem at the front and the camera zoomed into the alien's face.

The alien demonstrated a male appearance but looked to be rock-like with almost a crystalline features throughout. It was wearing cloth like clothing and had a pin on the right left side of it's chest that was a combining of the EA and SA lettering. Once the camera zoomed into the alien's face the alien began to speak. The Interlac translator translating the words into Minbari so that the Minbari could understand.

"To the people and leadership of the Minbari Federation, I give greetings. I am Kol, and my species is called Spherisian. We are one of the sentient species that comprise the Sentinels Alliance. I am the Prime Minister of the Sentinels Alliance and while our Foreign Minister has no doubt spoken publicly on Earth Alliance broadcasts our declaration to the galaxy, I felt it was necessary for myself to speak to the Minbari people and its leadership directly."

The alien paused briefly then resumed. "More than a century ago, my people and those of the Garudan, Karbarran, Praxian, Perytonian and Haydonite lived in another galaxy and were united against common foes." During this moment, images of alien races that the Minbari had never seen before were displayed and every image had words that the Interlac translated. A bear like species called Karbarran, a human appearing species that was called Praxian. A vulpine appearing species with a breathing apparatus attached to their face that was called Garudan. A devil appearing species called Perytonian. Everyone flinched at the sight of the devil appearing aliens.

The rock like alien kept talking as the images were being displayed. "There was another race that we had allied with called the Haydonites. Their appearance is not necessary to be displayed for they are no more. At the time, we called our alliance of races, the Sentinels. We had all been conquered and subjugated by these foes and as we fought for our freedom we encountered and met with Humanity as they had come from another galaxy to face the Robotech Masters in an effort to hopefully stop a future war between them. Unfortunately, it was in vain as the Robotech Masters had journeyed from our galaxy to theirs which was your galaxy in fact and the Robotech Masters ended up attacking the Human homeworld. But, our meeting with Humanity in the galaxy known as Andromeda was promising and full of hope."

Many members of the Grey Council made scoffing noises. Delenn urged for quiet.

"Humanity came to our aid, we invited Humanity to join our alliance and united together, we were all Sentinels. Humanity provided ships and weapons we could use to fight our enemies with, the technology of the Robotech Masters that they had managed to reverse engineer and use to their own needs. Robotechnology they called it." During these words, images of warships and incredible machines, flying machines that were similar to that which appeared in the Sestun battle, machines that appeared to be walking weapons of destruction were displayed with human sized soldiers, a mix of the races that the Prime Minister had described were shown. "Together with Humanity and these Robotech ships and weapons,through the long struggle that this war was, they helped usfree our worlds from our common foes that were in truth Humanity's enemy as well. We had won.We had our freedom, we had peace." He paused then added, "Or so we thought."

The rock like alien paused and "Unknown to us all, one of our allies had been plotting the destruction and downfall of us all. Our ally, the Haydonites betrayed everyone and sought to eliminate us all from the galaxy we called home, then they would spread and do the same to other galaxies."

"Thanks to Humanity, which was now Human, Zentraedi, and Tirolians who'd been freed from the slavery of the Robotech Masters and joined with the United Earth Government, EarthGov as it was known at the time. We Sentinels were able to not only survive this betrayal but united with our allies of Humanity we defeated and destroyed the Haydonite threat using Humanity's technology. It was not an easy fight, the struggle was far more difficult and it cost many, many lives but that victory was hard fought and won."

Video images of incredible battles that no one had ever seen before, destruction not seen since the Last Great War against The Shadows was displayed, life sustaining worlds were destroyed completely in many of these battles that the video displayed. The carnage bringing some of the Grey Council to shake and tremble. Delenn tightly held onto her staff at the sight of such destruction, her throat drying up as some of that footage was from the historical archive copy she'd been given.

Looking at the camera the alien paused and then said, "But the cost of this victory was great, our galaxy and homes savaged. So many life sustaining worlds, even our homes were gone. Thanks to the United Earth Government, the predecessor to that of EarthGov, Humanity helped my race and the rest of the Sentinels races to migrate to a new galaxy we call Pegasus. We settled in new worlds, thankful to Humanity for their aid in our darkest hours."

Images of the aftermath of the war, shattered fleets, worlds broken were displayed that transitioned to images of new worlds, verdant life giving worlds where each of these species was building a new home. Time lapsed footage showed the beginnings, the growth and what appeared to be what each world looked like from those beginnings to what had to be what those worlds currently looked like with millions of sentient beings living their lives and going about their business as well as fleets of warships flying in formation.

"The cost of these wars in total destruction was great and Humanity and the Sentinel races had meetings and it was decided by Humanity that the technology they had used in these wars was so destructive that this technology was too dangerous and it had to be set aside and Humanity had many issues to deal with back in their own home galaxy."

"A decision was made by Humanity to store and lock away this technology, this Robotechnology that had saved them and saved us all multiple times with the hope and dream that after several centuries when Humanity had matured some, they would return when they were wiser and more ready to shoulder and carry the burden that Robotechnology costs its users. With a caveat that if the situation was dire, they would return to our new home galaxy, the Pegasus galaxy and reclaim the Robotechnology, the warships and weapons they had stored and locked away. We gave up on this technology as well because it was not ours, it was Humanity's."

"A large portion of Humanity, of Humans, Zentraedi, and Tirolians left the Pegasus Galaxy and returned to the Human homeworld but a sizable portion of Humanity stayed behind as well to start over, to begin again and they found new worlds to settle and live on and they of course stayed on as full members of the Sentinels Alliance."

Some Minbari of the Grey Council were shocked, this could not be possible! Humans in another galaxy!? If this was true, if Humans had the ability to travel to another galaxy this put them on a whole different level! But it couldn't be true! It had to be lies!

"Recently, Humanity returned to our home galaxy of Pegasus to do exactly that, to retrieve the Robotechnology they had locked away.Over one hundred years we kept an eye out for Humanity's return and watched over Humanity's storage facility and manufacturing center to ensure no one made an attempt to steal what was not theirs.A few weeks ago, we discovered that Humanity had returned to reclaim their old Robotechnology. Naturally we had to make contact our old friends and ally and find out the reason for the sudden unexpected return as we did not expect their return so soon."

"When we made contact, they told us their story, that they were at war with a race more advanced than they were and committing genocide against them, slaughtering children, the sick, the old, as well as their fighting forces. We were told that surrender was offered but rejected. Really? How can a race as advanced as the Minbari reject surrender? Is this the act of a civilized species? It is one thing to wage a war of conquest but entirely unconscionable to commit genocide over the death of one individual no matter how important this individual was."

Looking slightly saddened the alien continued. "With the news from our friends that they were being exterminated and that the friends and allies they had made here in this galaxy abandoned them, we owe Humanity a great debt. A debt that we now work on repaying. So, with Humanity taking possession of their Robotechnology once more and their promise to equip us with this technology again, we have answered Humanity's call for help. It was an easy decision for my government to make, we owe Humanity. They were and are our friend and ally. As such, they have been generous to provide us with the ships and weapons we once used side by side against our common foes of the past to use them now to fight the common foe of the present."

The alien's expression was solemn but serious as he said, "While our Foreign Minister has already given this declaration on Earth Alliance broadcasts, I am making this declaration directly to the Minbari leadership and to the Minbari people. As Prime Minister of the Sentinels Alliance, I inform the Minbari Federation that we declare war on the Minbari. It is my hope that the Minbari leadership now recognizes that Humanity is no longer alone, that Humanity is now in a stronger technological position than ever before as we use Robotech warships and weapons to fight with. My ally, the President of the Earth Alliance and I hope that you will now seek to do what you should have done to begin with, open negotiations and bring this war to an end with a peace agreement. Our Foreign Minister is present on Earth awaiting your call to open such talks and when such an agreement is reached, I shall journey from the Pegasus Galaxy and happily sign the peace accords. I hope that is soon. Farewell for now."

Before the Grey Council members, War Leader Brammer or Neroon could say anything they watched as the screen faded to black and the visual was now showing the Earth Alliance logo with a countdown clock as the clock counted down from ten seconds to zero, then the logo of the Earth Alliance changed to that of a room, an office where a woman was sitting at a desk. She had brown hair and was wearing a blue suit jacket with the same pin that the alien Prime Minster had been wearing on the lapel. The Minbari recognized the woman. They saw the flag of the Earth Alliance was on her right side and the flag of EarthForce was on her left. Next to the flag of EarthForce was a flag with the heraldic emblem that seemed to identify the Sentinels Alliance. The camera zoomed in to the woman and she looked into the camera for several seconds before finally speaking. The built in software was automatically translating the woman's words into Minbari.

"To the people of the Minbari Federation I am Elizabeth Levy, the President of the Earth Alliance. I am the elected leader of the Earth Alliance and I am sending this message directly to every Minbari world because quite frankly, any and all attempts to communicate with the leadership of the Minbari people have not been successful."

"All of our attempts to communicate have been rebuffed by the leadership of the Minbari. Written messages delivered by Centauri Ambassador on our behalf returned to us unopened. Video messages delivered by members of the League of Non-Aligned Worlds returned to us unseen."

"Since your leadership is unwilling to read or view our messages, I am forced to take this more direct approach. Your people and your leadership HAVE to see this message. You have to hear my words as this message is not just to the Minbari people but to the Minbari leadership as well. I hope that your leaders are watching this message right now."

She paused for a moment then resumed. "This war started over what I believe to be was a series of events and circumstances that resulted in a huge, tragic mistake. I admit that we sent the wrong man out there in command of our expedition and it resulted in the death of someone you consider very important."

The President glared at the camera and harshly said, "That the death of one person, no matter how important he was to your people was justification to declare a genocidal war tells me that the Minbari leadership and the people while having a reason to be angry, are not wise nor are they as civilized as they claim to be to the rest of the galaxy."

Again, several Grey Council members, Delenn included bristled and simmered in anger.

"My government has tried repeatedly to try and solve this crisis diplomatically. We have punished the man responsible for the death of your leader in our own justice system. We have offered this man to your government so that he may face Minbari justice, we offered payment in Quantum 40, precious metals, even cash reparations. But our offers were returned to us unseen and unread."

"As the war began, your warships slaughtering our military forces killing everyone even those in escape pods and bombarding our colonies and frontier worlds to the bedrock killing every person of Human, Zentraedi, Invid, and Tirolian ancestry which is a clear violation of the rules of war. I now accuse and declare that the Minbari military is guilty of war crimes. War crimes that line up right with the Dilgar."

At the moment the President said the words 'Your military forces slaughtering our military forces', the image of the President vanished and footage began to play of Minbari warships, Sharlins, Tinashis, even Nial fighters destroying various EarthForce warships with ease, slicing the warships into pieces, escape pods jettisoning from the stricken warships floating in space awaiting rescue were instead being destroyed just as easily. Then it transitioned to show footage of colonies being bombarded, worlds glowing red from the destruction then an overhead shot showing world after world after world completely destroyed, nothing living remaining, not even the plants and trees. Oceans having been boiled away on several planets. Satais of the Worker and Religious Caste hissed at the destruction, of life sustaining worlds rendered completely inhospitable to life.

The footage was continuing to show more destruction, then it switched to show footage from the invasion of Flinn, where they saw Warriors slaughtering unarmed civilians that had no weapons, the civilians were pleading for mercy, it was a complete mix of all ages from the elderly to infants. Hands were raised in surrender, a woman holding out a baby begging for mercy but the Minbari Warriors that everyone in the room recognized as being from the Blood Knives Clan brought out their fighting pikes and knives and slaughtered the group of men, women, and children. The President continued speaking while all of this footage was playing.

Many of the Grey Council bristled and there were angry whispers and mutterings from the others including Neroon while Morann roared, "War crimes?! That arrogant bitch-!"

Delenn urged Morann to be quiet. Brammer glared at Neroon and with that look Neroon became quiet.

The President's image returned on the screen and she took a sip water from a crystal glass. "The war progressed, your military slaughtering our forces, ignoring our warship personnel's calls of surrender and our colony's calls for mercy right before every single orbital bombardment. My government under my authority even transmitted our desire to surrender directly to the Minbari leadership in the clear open where there could be no mistaking our desire to end this war as your thralls." A video playing a clip of the President's surrender message was shown. Then it returned to the President's face. "But once again, your government has refused to accept even that. What kind of government is so barbaric, so bestial, so monstrous to refuse a surrender offer? This is what you project to the galaxy? This shows how wise you are? This shows how civilized you are?"

A couple of the Worker Caste Grey Council members as well as Delenn and Rathenn of the Religious Caste looked ashamed. The Warriors and other Worker Grey Council members that didn't share that viewpoint looked enraged. Brammer's expression was flat but Neroon was clearly just as angry as the other Warrior Grey Council members.

"Recently, my military leadership having received a directive from myself to find a way to fight back brought forward a proposal. This proposal called for us to return to using ships and weapons that we swore we would never use again until we had matured as a species or if there was a dire threat where no other alternative was available to us. This technology had saved us in the past. We had faced extinction multiple times and each time this technology had saved us."

Everyone in the chamber took notice of these words being spoken. They remembered what they had heard from the Spherisian Prime Minister had said. Something about Robotechnology.

President Levy continued her speech. "Having no other choice, I gave the approval to mount a retrieval expedition back to the Pegasus galaxy to retrieve and reactivate these weapons of the past and I'm pleased to say that our first engagement using such weapons that we had in local storage was the battle of Sestun. The weapons deployed were limited in scope but the results were exactly what we were expecting. This battle was our second military victory after destroying the Black Star."

There was angry mutterings from the Warrior Grey Council members and Neroon growled quietly. Brammer was completely silent, just watching the Human woman speak. Delenn's face froze as she remembered the archival footage she'd seen that Lenoon had given her.

The President said, "Since that time our mission to retrieve the ships, weapons, and technology behind it all has since returned successfully from the Pegasus galaxy and our military forces have been transitioning to use these ships and weapons again, preparing for this day."

With a defiant expression upon her face President Levy's voice rose. "Today is the day that we say no more. No more will the Minbari Federation slaughter us like helpless sheep. Today we fight back! Today we take the fight to the Minbari Federation itself! On my orders our Robotech equipped military have gone on the offensive and have attacked the Minbari worlds of Sh'Lekk'Tha, and Eshar."

The Grey Council members all looked at each other in shock. Morann snarled to Neroon, "Find out if that is true!" Neroon bowed and quickly left the chamber to find out.

The Grey Council couldn't believe this announcement. It had to be a lie! They would have been detected while traveling through hyperspace! We would have had ample warning! Impossible!

Meanwhile the President was still speaking, "This offensive is just the beginning and I am proud to announce that we are no longer alone in this fight. From the Pegasus Galaxy where we had stored our Robotech ships, weapons, and technology we also had allies that we fought with side by side in two great and horrible wars that threatened all of our survival.Our friends and allies of the past made contact with us and after hearing our plight have come to our assistance from the Pegasus galaxy. I am happy to announce that military forces of the Sentinels Alliance have joined with us in our attacks against these Minbari worlds."

The President snarked, "Our friends here in this galaxy may have forsaken us out of fear, but our friends of the past have not. Because they have come to our aid, we have loaned them the ships and weapons that we will be using to fight the Minbari Federation."

The looks of the Grey Council members was that of shock and rage. Again, the claim that these Allies are from another galaxy! The Humans claim to be able to travel to another galaxy!? Impossible, only the Vorlons could travel between galaxies! Whoever these allies were, this Sentinels Alliance...they would pay the price as well! This had to be lies. They would find this Sentinels Alliance's homeworlds here in this galaxy and burn them to ash.

"That's right. We have attacked two Minbari Federation worlds with our allies of the Sentinels Alliance and I am telling you that this is just the beginning. I have given direct orders that we will not bombard your worlds to the bedrock. We will not slaughter tens of millions of Minbari civilians as you have slaughtered ours. While there will be loss of civilian lives, we will do our best to mitigate those losses but this is war and in war there will be civilians caught in the line of fire."

Neroon returned and calmly said, "We cannot reach Sh'Lekk'Tha or Eshar, whatever it is the Humans are doing to spread this message is blocking any attempt at making contact with any of our worlds or ships. This message is broadcast on all channels and on all frequencies."

Coplann and Morann made angry faces and the expressions of the Workers and Religious looked worried and concerned.

Meanwhile the President was continuing to speak in a firm strong voice, "EarthForce will attack targets of military and industrial nature, we will hit economic targets such as your space ports along with infrastructure targets. Your orbital stations and orbital infrastructure such as your ship yards and orbital factories and satellites will also be destroyed. We will remove your capability to make war, to threaten anyone else ever again."

The President paused and looked directly at the camera before taking a softer expression. "This is not an easy decision. There are many within my government pushing me to direct our military to return upon the Minbari Federation everything they have done to our people tenfold. To order my military to bombard your worlds to the bedrock, to turn verdant life into barren worlds of rock as our own homeworld once suffered, to slaughter your military personnel as they float helplessly in their escape pods as they have done to us."

Images of destroyed Human colonies were shown once more, verdant planets with cities and people shown first, with the names of each world on display for each image then replaced with the aftermath of Minbari attack. Rubble strewn across the ground, the ground sparkling and reflecting the light as the ground had turned to glass. The skies had changed to red/orange or Grey and other colors depending on the world shown.

"But, I will not have my military forces stoop to thelevel of barbarism and savagery that the Minbari Federation has done. Our people will not fall into the darkness here and now as we almost had in the last Robotech war. We may have wanted to wait until we matured more before we returned to using these weapons and technology again but our desire and our right to live free and exist takes precedence. What we do here and now is prove to the galaxy and to ourselves that we are better than the Minbari."

The tension and anger among some of the Minbari increased at being insulted. Better than us!? How dare she!

"This war has cost millions of my citizen's lives taking both civilian and military personnel losses. How much blood is the death of one man worth? More than thirty four worlds that we had colonized have been bombed to the bedrock and glassed. Almost two hundred million lives across those worlds and our military forces have fallen to your sword. Isn't that enough? Obviously, it is not. But no more. Your offensive stops today. No more of our worlds will fall to your savage barbaric atrocities."

Looking calmly and with that softer expression on her face the woman spoke earnestly, "It is my fondest wish and desire that this war comes to an end quickly, over a bargaining table where both sides in this conflict can talk to each other civilly and reach a negotiated settlement that both sides can agree with and live with. But for that to happen the Minbari Federation must make the first move and make the diplomatic request to start peace talks. We've tried to initiate them multiple times and since the Minbari leadership has rebuffed our efforts it falls upon them to make the first move and come to us to start the peace talks."

With a determined look on her face again she finished off her speech. "This war will end in one of two ways, a negotiated peace settlement or failing that, we will fight on and if necessary we will fight all the way to Minbar itself and force the Minbari Federation to surrender unconditionally. Those are the options that face the Minbari Federation in the near future. The choice is yours. In the hope that this message brings reason and logic back to the Minbari leadership, I will stall continuing this offensive for forty eight hours after you have received this message to give them time to reach out to us through our contacts in the Centauri and League of Non-Aligned World governments. I am President Elizabeth Levy of the Earth Alliance, I urge the Minbari people to push their leaders to open peace talks."

The image faded to black, then the video message began to repeat, starting with the video message of the Prime Minister of the Sentinels Alliance.

Morann snarled and hissed, "Turn that off now!"

The video was turned off.

Morann, his eyes blazing with fury coldly said, "Find out how they did this...no that can wait. First, have the Workers get this filth out of our communication system so we can communicate with our worlds and ships once more, THEN find out how they did this!"

The entire Grey Council was in shock. If these messages had indeed been sent to every Minbari world, if it was true that Eshar and Sh'Lekk'Tha had been attacked and bombarded, the people would be in a panic. Many centuries ago, the race known as the Streib were the last race to attack the Minbari on their own worlds, kidnapping some of the Minbari and taking them to their world. Showing some restraint, the Minbari destroyed every space faring vessel the Streib possessed as well as destroying much of their industry and military structures before giving a warning to never cross the Minbari Federation ever again.

Now as they tried futilely to make contact with their worlds, especially the worlds that were named as having been attacked, the Grey Council were clearly extremely upset. Delenn seized the chance to speak, "We are clearly not in a good state of mind, we need to take a break. One hour. Hopefully our Workers will have restored communications with Sh'Lekk'Tha and Eshar by then." She looked around the room and her expression showed that it was not up for discussion. Then she added, "We shall return when our minds are clear."

It took a minute but then the Grey Council left the chamber.

---

Aboard the Fires of Minbar

In Hyperspace Transit To Sestun

Aboard the Shargoti Battlecruiser Fires of Minbar everything was normal. The warship was operating perfectly and the fleet of ninety nine other warships accompanying it was also operating perfectly. The fleet was well on their way back to Sestun and would be arriving in the next two days. In two days, the Humans would pay with their blood and their lives for their defiance, for having the audacity in defeating the Minbari in battle, and for having killed Dukhat.

Shai Alyt Sineval was on the command center, making his rounds and was about to leave when a notification chime indicated that a transmission was coming in from Minbar.

Sineval directed the Warrior that was at the communication station to bring up the transmission. He was not prepared for what he saw.

On the screen was an image with strange logos, one he recognized as the Earth Alliance logo but the other heraldic emblem he didn't. There was a countdown clock of thirty seconds displayed as well.

Sineval looked at the Warrior and asked, "What is this?"

The Warrior bowed slightly and replied, "My apologies Shai Alyt, but this is coming from Minbar." The warrior looked confused as he answered.

Sineval ordered, "Contact the Valen'Tha at once."

"Yes, Shai Alyt.", the warrior bowed and went to work. After several seconds, right as the countdown was at the five second mark the Warrior said, "Shai Alyt, I cannot raise the Valen'Tha, this transmission is on all frequencies and all channels."

Sineval was confused and angry but could only watch as the screen faded to black and an image of an alien that he or any of his Warriors had never seen before appeared.

Time passed, both video messages had played….

Sineval and the Warriors in the command center were furious. As the video was beginning to replay he snarled, "Turn that off and make contact with the Grey Council immediately!"

The Warrior working the communications attempted to do so and said, "My apologies Shai Alyt, but I still cannot make contact with the Valen'Tha or anyone else at this time."

Sineval snapped his fingers and said, "Get a Worker to assist you in finding a way to get through. We must be able to reach Minbar as well as the rest of the ships in our fleet!"

Just then several Warriors walked in and bowed to Sineval with one of them taking the lead saying, "My apologies Shai Alyt but I have come from the Sharlin War Cruiser Talsann. These other Warriors come from other ships in the fleet. All of us have seen the disturbing communication from Minbar and we are confused...and also concerned. It appears all of us were sent to find out what you know and given the communication systems are compromised what you wanted us to do."

Sineval asked, "You've all seen this...message from Minbar?"

The Warrior from the Talsann said, "Yes, our communication system automatically played the message and were unable to turn off the system. We were forced to see this...this...filth." The Warrior paused took a breath then said, "It is quite possible and most likely that the entire fleet has seen the...message."

Sineval nodded and was silent. He looked at his crew and could see the anger and some fear, fear for people in their clan as the colony of Sh'Lekk'Tha is a Wind Swords world. There could be many members of their fellow clan members killed.

Finally Sineval said, "I have ordered our Workers to find a way to reestablish communications back with Minbar so that I can contact the Grey Council. Return to your ships and continue on course to Sestun. I will contact the fleet when I have made contact and spoken to the Grey Council."

The Warriors bowed then left the control center. Sineval looked at the Workers that were attempting to fix the communication system and ordered, "Hurry it up, I must make contact with the Grey Council."

One of the Workers looked up from his task then bowed his head slightly, "Yes, Shai Alyt."

Sineval said to his helm and navigator, "Stay on course to Sestun." Then he looked to his Second and said, "Alert me at once when communications are restored. Any other shuttles from the fleet come aboard, tell them to return to their ships and await my instructions."

His Second bowed and said, "Yes, Shai Alyt."

Sineval left the control center to return to his chambers.

---

The Valen'Tha

Minbari Federation Space

Minbar

It was just over forty five minutes that had passed since the Grey Council had paused their meeting to calm down. The reason for gathering again at this time was that news had reached them that communications had been restored and the ship was being swamped with communication requests from throughout the Federation. Most importantly, contact had been reestablished with both of their worlds Sh'Lekk'Tha, and Eshar that were claimed to have been attacked by the Humans.

Everyone had been hoping that what had been said by the Human President was nothing but lies, but it was not the case. It was true. The two named worlds had indeed been attacked by this Sentinels Alliance and by EarthForce.

Shai Alyt Sineval had made contact but was told that the Grey Council would contact him as soon as they were done dealing with the more critical matters.

The Grey Council was able to make contact with Eshar first. They were trying to reach the ranking Warrior and after a couple of minutes a Warrior appeared on the vidscreen. He was dirty, his clothing torn and there were bandages on his face.

The Warrior bowed and said, "Satais, I am Hiai'sa Salnaan, I am the highest ranking Warrior of rank to survive the attack by the Humans. The Alyt was killed with all the Warriors that were with him in the planet's command center. There are very few Warriors that have survived on the planet, maybe a few hundred. More of my Warriors aboard the station survived than what was on the ground."

Coplann asked, "Tell the Grey Council your report Hiai'sa Salnaan."

The cloaked figures of the Grey Council waited anxiously and with growing concern as the Warrior composed himself before answering. "Our sensors detected strange graviton and gravitational disturbances more than a million kilometers away. Once the sensor readings stabilized, we immediately detected three hundred ship signatures. We could not identify them. A moment later a smaller group broke away from the large group and began heading for the jumpgate and the larger group heading for the planet. Then our sensors started experiencing jamming unlike we've ever gone up against before. The Humans sent a message...The voice speaking was recognized to be that of the voice of the 'Red Death'. I've heard her voice before and I have seen the videos of her that the Humans try to lie to their people with. The problem is...that Human is a true warrior, a killer and now the blood of tens of thousands of Minbari stain her hands."

Trying to get things back on track Morann said, "They did not come out of the jump gate? Your sensors did not detect the jump points? What was the message that the Humans sent?"

Salnaan shook his head and let out a large breath. "We did not detect any jump point emergence, just the strange gravitational and graviton readings. Once the sensor readings came back to normal we were able to see the warships on our sensors briefly and we knew a group was moving towards the gate while the larger group was heading towards the planet before our sensors and our communications were jammed by the Humans."

Salnaan paused, took a breath and resumed, "I have a copy of the message that was sent, listen." Another pause and then the Grey Council heard the words of Miriya Sterling, the 'Red Death' herself. "I am Admiral Miriya Sterling of EarthForce in fifteen minutes your orbital infrastructure will be within the range of my guns. You have that much time to evacuate your orbital stations and facilities. Fifteen minutes after that, I will be bombarding select military, industrial, and infrastructure targets on your planet. All civilians are encouraged to evacuate and take shelter. While there will be civilian deaths which is regrettable, I will do my best to minimize them. To ensure those civilian losses are indeed minimal, heed my warning, take action and evacuate to shelters. Admiral Sterling, out."

Everyone in the room recognized that voice. Miriya Sterling, the 'Red Death' now in command of a fleet of ships that Earth was now claiming that they'd gone to another galaxy to retrieve and use after locking them up. To hear her voice was extremely aggravating since that woman had been killing scores of Minbari pilots in battle. Then they learned that the woman had trained EarthForce's Starfury pilot cadres in tactics that she'd used against the Nials and even with their stealth, the Humans were killing Minbari Nial pilots and their fighters. This was the reason that a bounty was on her head.

Then the battle of Sestun happened. She'd been spotted flying in a new fighter along with a small group of others just like it and she'd killed more than fifty of their brothers and it was revealed that she had fired a set of missiles that had destroyed a Sharlin. This was a Human that had to be killed, especially now that she was in command of warships capable of not only destroying Minbari warships, but now she had bombarded a Minbari world from orbit. Now, more than ever the hunt for the head of the 'Red Death' would escalate.

Salnaan looked down briefly then back up at the screen and said, "Our defensive fleet was no match, they were destroyed by firepower and so far out of our range that there was nothing our defensive fleet could have done. Our sensors could not establish definitive target locks, they could not see the Human warships completely." He sighed then added, "They deployed some manner of electronic countermeasures that our systems could not defeat. Our Workers managed to get us some sensor readings, but the data we recorded will need to be cleaned up before it can be analyzed."

Coplann ordered, "Send us all the data you were able to record and send. We will see that the Workers find a way to defeat this new stealth of theirs as well as their jamming of our communications."

Salnaan bowed, "Right away Satai, it shall be done."

Coplann asked, "Your injuries, how did you come by them?"

Salnaan quickly answered, "I was injured while rescuing my fellow Minbari from the rubble of one of the power facilities that had been heavily damaged. Debris fell on me as I was pulling a survivor. I was...overzealous in my actions to save as many Minbari as possible."

Delenn cut in with a question of her own. "How bad is it? What have the Humans done to Eshar?"

The three Warrior Grey Council members silently brooded at Delenn's interruption.

Salnaan replied, "All our orbital assets are gone save for less than a handful of communication satellites. Communication systems are severely strained as our people attempt to communicate with families, establish links with survivors, not to mention the communications bandwidth needed by my Warriors...it is so bad that I had to impose an edict on communication system usage so that the system does not crash."

Salnaan took a breath and winced in pain then continued, "Damage to the colony is extensive from initial reports. They hit many Warrior facilities and Worker structures. The world's industries will take years to rebuild. I wish I had more details but I'm still gathering that data as we attempt to rescue anyone that might still be alive and trapped under rubble and wreckage worldwide."

Salnaan winced in pain again, this time waving off to someone off the screen. He continued his report. "Casualties will be serious, but thanks to the warning given by the 'Red Death' many of our people had evacuated to the emergency shelters. It is thanks to that, that our losses in life will not be as severe as the reports that we are hearing about on the attack against Sh'Lekk'Tha."

Taking a breath and a moment to drink some water that the Religious Elder provided he continued, "The orbital infrastructure is all gone. The defensive fleet of twenty five Tinashis and ten Sharlins was destroyed; destroyed by weapons and firepower I have never seen before. The planet's defensive batteries are all destroyed. Only six of our Warrior facilities still stand, we can repair and restore maybe two to four others. Many Worker structures are completely gone. Our production facilities for much of our fleet's fusion and neutron cannon parts are gone. The planet's space ports have been destroyed along with majority of the planet's local airports. Several power stations have been destroyed and heavily damaged. It will be more than a few days before we can determine if any are repairable. Casualty numbers are still being compiled across all three castes. There are fires still raging out of control across the planet. The Warriors of the Fire Wings and the Minbari people suffered greatly today. We demand vengeance.", Salnaan looked determined as he said those last words.

Delenn said, "We shall send ships with supplies to Eshar to assist our three castes in bringing the situation under control and to assist with recovery and rebuilding."

The Workers and Religious Grey Council members on the screen appeared pleased with this news and echoed Delenn's statement. The Warriors nodded and Morann added, "Yes, we shall see to it that Eshar shall have everything needed to rebuild."

Salnaan bowed and said, "Thank you Satai. Your words shall give our people hope."

Morann said, "We shall contact you again soon but you are to keep us informed as to your progress in recovery efforts."

Salnaan bowed again saying, "Of course, Satai."

The communication was closed.

Brammer bowed and said, "We have received visual data of the engagement between our forces and theirs at Eshar. I thought you would like to see what our forces were up against. I have not seen this footage for myself."

Morann nodded and said, "Yes, show us War Leader."

Bowing his head the War Leader of the Minbari Federation pressed a button on the remote in his hand and the room darkened to display an image appeared of the two fleets that was paused.

The Grey Council and Brammer watched as the paused image started to move and now they saw what happened to the defensive fleet as it approached the enemy Human fleet at Eshar.

Brammer commented, "The Hiai'sa was smart to have recorded this engagement so that we could watch this battle for ourselves. The sensor data still needs analysis and clean up from the Human's jamming."

The Grey Council members nodded their heads silently and watched. The footage was clear and they saw the two fleets moving towards each other, the Minbari fleet climbing while the new EarthForce warships streaking downward. Nial fighters were launched at the enemy and the Warrior members of the Grey Council took note that the Humans did not do the same.

Suddenly the Human fleet, even though the distance between the two fleets was great opened fire with powerful energy beams after a what appeared to be a very brief power up sequence. The energy beams struck the Minbari fleet with some Minbari ships being struck by two or even three of these powerful beams and the Grey Council's eyes widened, jaws opened in complete and total shock and disbelief as thirty five Minbari warships and one hundred fifty fighters were eradicated to the point that there was little to no debris.

Everyone was silent. There was no comment for about one minute when Brammer took it upon himself to rewind the footage and play it again, this time starting ten seconds from the Human fleet opening fire.

They watched as once again several Human warships mainly the larger sized warships powered up some kind of powerful energy weapon and fired simultaneously and powerful beams of energy streaked from the Human warships to the Minbar fleet and in the blink of an eye the Minbari fleet was completely destroyed leaving behind very little debris.

Coplann exclaimed in shock, "That's not possible!"

Rathenn exclaimed, "What in Valen's name was that!?"

Varenn exclaimed with fear in his voice, "They have the power of the First Ones!"

Morann snarled, "They do not!"

Varenn gestured to the screen, "What do you call that!?"

The Grey Council members looked at each other with stunned expressions. Before anyone could say anything in response a notification chimed in and a voice announced, "Satai, contact with Sh'Lekk'Tha has been reestablished, shall I put them through?"

Morann answered, "Do so at once."

The screen switched on, displaying three Minbari, one was a young Warrior, another was a Worker and the last was a Religious caste member. All three were male, their attire was dirty and it was clear that the three had some injuries, mainly scrapes and bruises. The Worker and Religious caste Minbari had an older appearance and then they noticed that these two were Elders.

Before any of the Grey Council said anything, the three Minbari on the screen bowed and introduced themselves. The Warrior was young and clearly not the Alyt that was assigned to the world. Introductions done, Morann was quick to ask, "Where is the Alyt or the Elder, young Warrior?"

The young Warrior, named Lenovar said with respect, "The Elder and the Alyt were both killed during the attack."

Coplann asked with some shock and surprise in his tone, "You are the most senior Warrior alive?"

With a shake of the head the young Minbari answered, "I am not, I was recently made Hiai'i. The Hiai'sa that I report to is in the healing center unconscious. I am simply the most senior Warrior that is able to communicate with the Grey Council at this time."

Morann asked, "Will the Hiai'sa live? What is his prognosis?"

The Religious Elder answered, "He is expected to recover, he has a skull fracture and has suffered several broken ribs as well as a broken leg and fractured left arm."

Coplann asked, "What sensor data or visual recordings do you have of these Sentinels Alliance forces?"

Again the young Warrior was quiet then he answered, "We do not have much. My facility was heavily damaged and all the data was collected at the Command Center which was completely destroyed. I do not have any data to send. My apologies Satai." The Warrior bowed his head.

Delenn asked, "The damage, how bad is it? What are the casualties?"

The Warrior Grey Council members bristled again at Delenn's cutting in of their questioning.

The Religious Caste Elder answered, "It is too early for casualty numbers...but...estimates are in the six figures for injuries and fatalities. For reasons unknown to us the Alyt and the Elder failed to give warning for the people to evacuate to shelters until it was too late. Many Minbari were caught out in the open or within the installations and buildings that were struck."

The Worker Caste Elder replied, "The damage is extensive. The Humans destroyed over ninety percent of the Warrior Caste installations. Many of our factories and infrastructure buildings have been destroyed or severely damage. There are power outages, communications are working but barely. There are fires raging out of control throughout the planet."

Delenn asked, "You were not told to take shelter?"

The Warrior answered, "The Alyt never gave the order...I am told that another senior Warrior sounded the alarm but we had less than five minutes before the bombardment started."

Delenn asked, "Did the Human attacker give warning about this bombardment?"

The young Warrior was silent at first then replied, "They did. A Human identifying as Grand Admiral Kazianna Hesh of the Sentinels Alliance announced that she would be attacking the planet and warned us to have our Workers and Religious Caste evacuate to the shelters but for some reason the Alyt never sounded the alarm for our people to take shelter."

Coplann growled, "And you said the Alyt and the Elder are dead, correct?"

Bowing, the young Warrior replied, "Yes, Satai. Both the Alyt and the Elder are dead."

Rathenn asked, "Why didn't the Alyt or the Elder warn the people to take shelter?"

The young Hiai'i was uncomfortable but he answered, "I do not know. The Alyt was in the Command Center which as you know was in the northern hemisphere of Sh'Lekk'Tha. The Elder had been touring the orbital stations. I am based in the southern hemisphere."

Delenn asked, "Is there anything of urgent need that you require? We shall be sending relief ships as soon as possible."

The Religious Elder said, "Medical supplies, especially blood."

The Worker Elder said, "Heavy equipment so that we can use to rescue more of our people that may be trapped in the rubble. We will also need more equipment to fight the fires that are burning. Much of what we have has been damaged or destroyed and in need of replacement."

The Grey Council members looked at each other then Varenn said, "We shall do everything we can to get the supplies that Sh'Lekk'Tha shall need."

The three Minbari on the screen each expressed their thanks to the Grey Council for their quick response. The video call was disconnected.

With the discussion between the Grey Council and the Worker, Warrior, and Religious caste members that were working together on Sh'Lekk'Tha finished, the group that led the Minbari people was taking stock of the news they had received and what was now a crisis that they had not expected or anticipated from the Humans.

Rathenn of the Religious Caste declared, "We must contact the Vorlons at once!"

Coplann of the Warrior Caste made a dismissive wave. "There is no need to contact the Vorlons at this time."

War Leader Brammer chimed in, "I could dispatch a ship to the Vorlon border and broadcast a message to them."

Rathenn nodded his head vigorously. "Yes, yes, do that. These Humans are clearly in league with the Shadows or their servants."

Delenn's head turned quickly to look at her fellow Religious Caste member. She said, "I do not agree with you in that the Humans are in league with the Shadows." Then she looked at Brammer and added, "But perhaps it would be wise to seek their counsel. I am in favor of sending a ship to their border."

Varenn, a Grey Council member of the Worker caste looked around then said, "This is a disaster. Our ships destroyed from well beyond our warships ability to attack and by a weapon only a First One could wield. Our worlds have been attacked for the first time since the Streib dared to do so and the damage done will take years maybe decades to recover from."

Rathenn of the Religious caste asked, "How did this happen? How did the Humans travel so far into our space without being detected!? Sh'Lekk'Tha, I can sort of understand, it's a world on our border but Eshar!? It is deep within our space, these ships should have been detected by our sensors and ships in hyperspace! What are we going to do?"

Morann snarled, "We fight, we kill them, we win. Our Workers shall find the answer as to how the Humans defeated our sensor detection network in hyperspace."

Varenn said, "Those new ships of theirs, those weapons they used at Eshar, they attacked from well outside our range." He looked at the War Leader and asked, "War Leader, at what range would you estimate they attacked our fleet from?"

Brammer was silent for a moment then replied, "Without using the computer for analysis purposes my best estimate would be somewhere over two hundred thousand kilometers."

Morann snarled, "It doesn't matter! We will find a way to destroy them!"

Delenn looked shocked. "We continue to fight? Why they-"

Delenn was cut off by Coplann who said in a serious tone, "We fight because that is what you voted for Delenn."

Delenn glared at Coplann her gaze boring right through him. "I know what I voted for, but right now they are giving us a chance to talk to them, they are giving us two days to reach out and talk to them! We can-"

Morann interrupted Delenn this time. His countenance very angry and dour. "We do not talk to animals, Delenn. That's what these Humans are, animals."

Delenn looked around to see if there was more support but no one was looking like they wanted to say anything on her behalf. There were too many angry faces and only a couple that showed the same concern that she had.

Rathenn chimed in and said, "Perhaps Delenn is right and that…"

Coplann interrupted the other Religious caste member and said, "She cast the deciding vote, she set us on this course we are on and we do not stop just because of this setback."

Morann added, "Our people are no doubt frightened of course, but we must assure them that we will defeat the Humans, to that end our attack against Sestun is not the right message we want to send not just to our people, but to the Humans as well. Therefore, the attack against Sestun must be canceled and a new target chosen."

Coplann looked at his compatriot and asked, "What did you have in mind?"

Morann gestured to War Leader Brammer to step forward. "War Leader," Morann began, "It is my understanding that the hyperspace route from Sestun leads deeper into Earth Alliance space. We must strike at a new target. Something bigger. What would you suggest?"

Brammer brought up the map of Earth Alliance space and focused around Sestun. Brammer said, "Shai Alyt Sineval is scheduled to attack Sestun in two days….less than two days. But the hyperspace route from Sestun leads to other colonies, one they call Frontier, another called Delta and third the Humans call Luminous Valley 427." Brammer focused on each colony name on the hologram as he named each one. Then pointed at Frontier colony. "It is reported that through Frontier that the route leads deeper into their space, possibly into their core worlds, or possibly into more colonies."

Morann asked, "How long to reach Frontier?"

After a brief moment to think Brammer answered, "From their current position, if Sineval bypassed Sestun and moved on to Frontier, his fleet would arrive a day later."

Morann asked, "So, three days then?"

Brammer nodded and answered, "Close enough, maybe two and half days if he increases speed. The problem would be that the Humans would know our fleet is on the move and they would know that Sestun is not the target."

Morann said, "We have Sineval make the Humans think he's going to attack Sestun but instead he uses our knowledge of traveling through hyperspace, he could evade their detection and move onward to Frontier could he not?"

Morann had gestured moved his hands through the hologram of the mapped hyperspace route to Sestun that would supposedly lead onward to Frontier and the other Human colonies as he talked.

Brammer said, "I would say yes, they've put probes and ships far out from their colonies to give them warning that we are coming and when we destroy those probes and ships, the Humans have that warning."

Morann said, "Then we shall have Sineval disregard Sestun and attack Frontier then he must dispatch probes so that they can find the hyperspace route to the Human homeworld. We must find it, when we can find it, we can launch a crushing final attack on their homeworld and bring this war to an end. We will have these new Humans ships and weapons and we will bring this quadrant to order and we will make the League of Non-Aligned Worlds and the Centauri regret for daring to tell us what to do."

Rathenn chose that moment to say, "Brave words, but now the Humans have stealth of their own where our ships cannot see what is there, and they can fire from ranges our ships cannot. They also seem to be able to jam our communications-"

Morann interrupted Rathenn, glaring at the Religious Grey Council member saying, "Our Workers will find a solution to defeat the Human's jamming of our sensors and our communications. I am confident that in our Worker's capabilities to solve this minor issue." Morann looked at the three Worker Grey Council members with an expression upon his face that silently said "or else."

Alnenn of the Workers gave a bow and said, "We will have our best Workers tasked to defeat the Human's technological advancements."

Coplann chimed in, "Good, we are confident in our Workers. They will be highly motivated to defeat the Humans more so than ever."

Delenn cut in again by asking, "The Humans seemed to have many ships, hundreds of them came to Eshar and Sh'Lekk'Tha. They could have thousands more waiting-"

Morann interrupted her, "Have faith Delenn, our Warriors will defeat these new ships of the Humans. We are Warriors, they are just simple animals that only recently gained the ability for space travel."

Delenn pointed out, "They were largely responsible for the defeat of the Dilgar. They clearly knew how to fight in space and if it is true that these ships and weapons of the past were theirs we are not taking this seriously."

Morann and the other Warrior Grey Council members made scoffing noises.

Varenn of the Workers caste asked, "Are we certain that this human is not lying about these ships coming from their history?"

Coplann asked, "What do you mean?"

Varenn was hesitant at first but then he said, "What if….what if these Humans are receiving aid from the Shadows or one of their thralls?"

Brammer stepped forward and spoke, "The Humans are not receiving aid from the Shadows. The Human President speaks the truth, those ships they used are from their past."

Delenn's heart was racing. She glanced at Brammer and looked at him. 'He knows!', Delenn thought.

Durlan of the Worker caste asked, "How would you know War Leader?"

Brammer looked calmly at Durlan and answered while gesturing at the screen that had a frozen image of President Elizabeth Levy. "Because she is not lying."

Durlan pressed, "How do you know War Leader?"

Brammer sighed then answered, "Because I have received intelligence from Lenonn of the Rangers. Historical archives of Humanity that the Rangers were able to obtain."

Morann made a scoffing noise and after a moment's pause said, "This intelligence...is it reliable?"

Brammer gestured to screens showing the images of the Human fleet. "What I have seen matches these images of ships that the Humans have attacked with. According to what Anla'Shok Na Lenonn has reported, these ship designs are over one hundred years old. It matches with their President saying that these ships were locked away."

The group was quiet for a moment then Delenn seized the moment to say, "We must send assistance to Eshar and to Sh'Lekk'Tha."

Morann, still looking angry said, "We shall, but right now we must finalize discussing our plans to deal with the Humans. Are we in agreement to send Shai Alyt Sineval onward to Frontier?"

The vote was taken and it was decided that the attack on Frontier would take place.

Morann smiled, "Good.", then he ordered a Worker to make contact with Shai Alyt Sineval. Seconds later the Minbari officer appeared on a screen.

Sineval bowed and said, "Greetings to the Grey Council, how may this one be of service?"

Morann's voice was loud and direct. "Shai Alyt, you've seen the so called message from the Humans?"

Sineval gave a disgusted snort and said, "We have. The entire fleet has seen it. We were unable to turn off the message as it was broadcast." Looking concerned now, Sineval asked, "Is it true? Have the Humans dared to attack Minbari worlds? That they dared to attack a world of the Wind Swords Clan?"

After a moment's pause Morann replied, "It is true."

Sineval cursed then offered apologies for his outburst.

Morann said, "Your anger is justified Shai Alyt. The entire Minbari Federation is enraged and saddened by this outrageous attack by the Humans and their so called 'allies'. Which is why we call upon you with new orders."

Sineval looked concerned. No doubt he was thinking that he was to be recalled homeward.

Morann silently let Sineval stew for several seconds then he ordered, "The Grey Council orders you to give the Humans every clue that you are going to attack Sestun but then you are to use everything you have to vanish in hyperspace and proceed onward to their Frontier colony without them realizing it. Once you arrive at Frontier, do not let any Humans escape, jam their communications so that you do not let them call for help. Destroy Frontier colony and every Human in that system."

Sineval bowed slightly. "It will be done."

Morann added, "Additionally, you are to dispatch probes to find the hyperspace route to the Human's homeworld. We must find it so we can launch a decapitating strike against them and bring this war to an end on our terms. Proceed onward from Frontier and move to the next colony that the probes find. Focus on moving deeper into their space, not outward."

Sineval saluted the Grey Council. "It will be done Satais. I will bring death and destruction upon the Humans and deliver another victory for the Minbari Federation."

The connection was closed and about half of the Grey Council members looked confident that the Humans would be going back to losing battles again.

With a satisfied expression on his face the Warrior Coplann said, "I believe that with the Blood Knives about to bring their forces online, we should send them to attack the Humans through here." Coplann zoomed out the holographic map and focused on the northern sphere of Earth Alliance space. "We should attack them here." Coplann was pointing at the colony of Eden.

Brammer nodded his head and the Grey Council members were silent but Durlan spoke out, "We do not have a direct hyperspace route to Eden, to reach it we would have to go through Centauri space and use the jump gate at Beta Three."

Coplann nodded his head and said, "Exactly. The Blood Knives will take the hyperspace route from Sh'Lekk'Tha and travel to Beta Three and proceed onward to Eden where they will destroy it and move deeper to Earth Alliance space."

Delenn, Rathenn, Varenn and Durlan appeared shocked.

"Are you mad?", Delenn asked. She looked at the Warriors and hissed "The Centauri will not stand for us to cross into their space to use their jumpgate so we can take the hyperspace route from Beta Three to attack the Humans at their Eden colony!"

Coplann gave Delenn a look as if he was talking to a child. "By the time the Centauri are aware, it will be too late. Besides, what is their Emperor going to do? He would be a fool to do anything but once this war is over we will show the Centauri our displeasure over this trade embargo."

Rathenn asked, "Is it your desire to have the entire galaxy angry at us? Several League governments are already angry at us, now you wish to provoke the Centauri?"

Coplann looked smug. "The League and the Centauri can do nothing to us except complain about it. None of their militaries are any match for ours."

Delenn pointed out, "You are forgetting the Yolu. They can certainly hurt us, what if the Yolu decide that they must take a stand and act against us?"

Coplann said, "The Yolu will do nothing. If they had not acted by now, they will not act at all. As long as we focus on those League members such as the Drazi, we have nothing to fear."

Delenn huffed and said, "This is too risky, this idea of yours could be disastrous for us all. The Humans could have thousands of warships ready to strike and now you want to provoke the Centauri? Quantity has it's own quality. Your idea could have us facing the entire galaxy."

Coplann made a dismissive sound accompanied by gesture. "There is nothing to fear except indecision. We must act decisively, especially now that these Humans have weapons that can hurt us, they have weapons that can kill us! We cannot allow this!" Coplann's tone rose in volume as he spoke the last few words. Then calmly he finished, "We are the ones that have been wronged. They killed the greatest of us, now they have killed tens of thousands, maybe more than one hundred thousand of us. For that, Humanity MUST be exterminated."

Morann nodded and said, "Well said." He looked around at the rest of the Grey Council. "Our people are mad with grief and rage, nothing can stop what is coming to Humanity now. But let us discuss Satai Coplann's idea further. We will call for a vote on this matter once we have discussed it some more."

Delenn was the first to speak and the discussion went on for hours as more Grey Council members were in favor of this more aggressive stance. The matter ended up being tabled after no vote was called for. There would be more discussion tomorrow and a vote would come later, after Delenn managed to put the idea of moving through Centauri space to be discussed and voted the next day so that everyone could think this matter over. Delenn instead said that actions to rescue and help the Minbari that had been attacked on Eshar and Sh'Lekk'Tha had to be taken as time was a factor in the rescue of survivors.

Durlan said, "We can have relief ships from Davala Than, Tavalan, and Denathan to assist Eshar at once. As for Sh'Lekk'Tha, the direct route is through Tr'Ess'Na. Our world of Drala Thoth could send assitance as well as they are near by but again, they would need to travel to Tr'Ess'Na first."

Jenimer of the Religious Caste spoke, "We can also dispatch aid from Minbar through Tr'Ess'Na to Sh'Lekk'Tha as well since Minbar is so close to Sh'Lekk'Tha."

Varenn of the Workers Caste said, "A fine idea."

The discussion finalized the aid that would be dispatched and moving to the two Minbari worlds that had been attacked immediately. Orders were issued to the Religious and Workers that would handle the relief efforts. Warriors would protect the relief ships from possible attack.

Then Morann brought up another issue, that of the status of their mobilization.

Morann asked, "What forces will be ready to deploy the quickest and how many?"

Brammer cleared his throat then said, "The Blood Knives Clan will have over eighty percent of their ships manned and ready within the next two days given that they were the first Clan that we approved to start our holy war against the Humans. When the Wind Swords took over, they began to put their ships back in storage but given that they were recently active, it didn't take much time to bring their ships back online. However, if the Grey Council were to authorize a move of Workers from other Clans to work exclusively on the Blood Knives Clan's ships then they could be fully operational sooner."

The Grey Council members took news took that as good. Morann asked, "What is the status on the other fleets?"

Brammer answered, "I received the latest update from the Elders of the various Clans. The Wind Swords will have their remaining warships online about the same time as the Blood Knives will. The Star Riders will have between twenty five to forty percent of their forces operational within a week. The remainder will take more time...two to four weeks. The Fire Wings," Brammer paused for a moment then continued, "have begun bringing their ships online but it will take about two weeks minimum to bring their first ships operational. The Night Walkers, Solar Flares, and Moon Shields have only just begun, it will take about two weeks for their first ships to be operational. That's just from the major Clans. The minor Clans are only just beginning to determine what ships they can reactivate the quickest and I am awaiting that report.

Coplann said, with these initial numbers, our fleet will be between two to three thousand five hundred ships, maybe more. Even if the Humans ships can hit us, it will not save them.

Morann said, "Some of those times are unacceptable, we will look into finding ways to get those Clans the assistance needed to speed up the process. But, I think the resources needed to bring the Blood Knives and Star Riders forces fully operational sooner will be found. Let us discuss with our Worker Elders the best means of making this happen."

The meeting went on for another thirty minutes before coming to an end and the Grey Council broke for the day.

Hours Later…

A secret location on Minbar

The gathering place was private and only a few Minbari knew of this meeting location. The group of six Minbari were Elders, specifically Elders of the Wind Swords Warrior Caste. Every one of the Elders was furious but they kept their emotions in check. After waiting for their last Elder to arrive and making sure that no one had followed any one of the group began to talk once they were confident everything was secure.

The first one to speak appeared to be one of the most senior Elders present. "Alright, what is it you wished to discuss?"

The Elder sitting next to the senior Elder answered, "You know what the topic of this meeting was to be about." The Minbari Elder paused and then said, "It's time we took advantage of the guest we've extended our hospitality and gave her a place to hide. Now it's time we put to use those skills and talents which she is so good and equally highly motivated at doing, to kill all the Humans as much as we are."

Another Elder sitting across from the senior Elder and the one next to him shook his head with disbelief and exclaimed, "You cannot be serious! Yes we've given...our guest a place to hide but what we should have done is turn that evil honorless murdering psychopathic war criminal to the League!" The Minbari's tone increased in volume as he spoke almost yelling but not quite. His disdainful expression as he said 'guest' was quite evident.

The senior Elder made a dismissive gesture. "She came to us, we gave her a place to hide. She may not live in a prison cell but she's in a gilded cage nonetheless. She cannot escape." Then with seriousness in his expression he said, "As for this idea to use her...talents...I'm not entirely opposed."

The other Minbari that had protested exclaimed, "Elder!" He looked around at the other Minbari. "Do any of you realize what you are thinking!? To use those weapons would be a war crime!"

The senior Elder cut him off. "As we would be victorious, it wouldn't matter as the Humans would be dead."

The Minbari continued to protest. "Your idea..this plan would mark us as pariahs across the galaxy! No race would listen to us let alone trade with us were we to use the weapons of Deathwalker! They may even unite and join forces to declare war against us! Do you think even with our technology we could fight the entire League of Non-Aligned Worlds as well as the Narn and Centauri!? We are supposed to be better than this! We cannot do this without informing the Grey Council! What about the Vorlons-"

Another Elder interrupted, "The Vorlons are not here. This is our decision to make as a matter of the Wind Swords Clan for the Minbari people. As for the Grey Council, it is our decision to use Deathwalker's weapons. It is better for them to be unaware and if it were necessary the Grey Council could offer us up as sacrifices to those that would seek punishment. We do this for Dukhat, and if our lives are the price then so be it."

The protesting Elder looked at his fellow Elders with an expression of disbelief. "It is one thing to kill your enemy with your hands, to stare into their eyes as their life fades. It is another to destroy them from afar with fusion cannon, neutron cannon, or particle beams. To bombard them from orbit. But to use such weapons...biological weapons, those are coward's weapons. We objected to Deathwalker using them, now we give her sanctuary and plan to use these coward's weapons once more?"

The senior elder growled, "Watch what you are saying."

There was a dismissive grunt. "Watch my language? You all sit her and plot to use weapons that galaxy wide have been banned by treaty!"

The second Elder said, "We have signed no such treaty."

The protesting Elder emphatically said, "We are better than this!"

The senior Elder glared and furiously said, "Our people have been killed, Dukhat has not been avenged! One of us, an Elder of the Wind Swords Clan was on Sh'Lekk'Tha and was killed by these animals. We have the means to kill them all quickly and very efficiently! He looked at the second Elder and asked, "You have a plan?"

Nodding his head the second Elder determinedly said, "We checked the weapon stockpile samples that Deathwalker supplied us. They've degraded over the past ten to twelve years so we would need Deathwalker to provide us with fresh stock."

He paused to take a drink that had been set in front of him then resumed. "But once we have a new batch, we send a ship to a major colony, I think Deneb should be chosen for this and have the ship exit far out of their detection range and simply launch the weapon on a ballistic course where it will hit the atmosphere and cause the weapon to disperse in the air and from there the humans would be infected, spread it by traveling across their space, increasing the spread exponentially. After that, the disease known as Humanity will be purged from the galaxy."

As this Minbari was speaking everyone was keeping their faces neutral except for the one Minbari who had been protesting and arguing against the idea. There were two other Minbari Elders sitting at the table who'd said nothing and kept their faces neutral the entire time. The protester looked at these two Minbari Elders. "You cannot be thinking of supporting such a plan!", he hissed. "It's wrong and you know it!"

The senior Elder announced, "Find out from Deathwalker what she needs to make a new supply. If she requires test subjects, tell her we have a few thousand for her to work on."

The second Elder nodded. "It will be done."

The senior Elder added, "See to it that our guest understands she is not being granted freedom...but she is getting to use those skills of hers to do what she is so good at...killing Humans. And double her guards."

The protesting Minbari stood up and said, "I will not support such a decision, I will not give you my vote." Looking at the silent Minbari he said, "You know that this is wrong, we have to be better!" Then he left the room.

The second Minbari Elder asked, "Will he be a problem?"

The senior Elder shook his head and said, "No. He will be silent, he is loyal to the Clan." Looking at the others he said, "It is agreed then, we proceed. I am to be informed when the weapon is ready."

"Yes, Elder." the second Minbari said.

Then the group stood up and left, taking care to ensure they were not followed. One of the Elders would be taking a ship to one of their worlds where they were holding the infamous Dilgar war criminal Jah'dur, otherwise known throughout the galaxy as Deathwalker.

---

The Valen'Tha

Minbar

Satai Delenn waited as the War Leader of the Minbari Federation approached her. With a bow Brammer greeted the Grey Council member which Delenn returned the greeting.

"You wished to speak to me Satai?", Brammer asked.

Delenn nodded, "I did. This intelligence you received from Lenonn, why did you not inform the Grey Council you had such intelligence earlier?"

After a moment of silence the War Leader replied, "I was not so sure that the Grey Council would take this intelligence seriously and give it the consideration it required at the time."

Delenn held up a data crystal. "This historical archive, you've seen all of it?"

Nodding once Brammer replied, "I have and it would appear you've seen it as well."

Delenn said, "Lenonn reached out to me and he said he'd given a copy of this to you which was news to me. You should have informed us."

Brammer stood his ground saying, "If I had done so when I had received the crystal, Satai Morann, Coplann and others would not have taken this finding seriously. Now, now that the Humans have struck and attacked our worlds, now that they have unleashed weapons of extreme destructive power they will watch the data crystal and take what's on it more seriously."

Delenn was silent as she contemplated Brammer's response. She quickly realized that he was right, the Warrior Grey Council members along with the Workers and maybe one of her own Religious Caste would not have been so inclined to listen or watch the historical archive.

Brammer said, "I have every confidence that we will find a way to defeat the Humans, even with these new warships and weapons, they just do not have the skills to defeat true Warriors."

Delenn said, "I hope you are right."

---

Earth

EarthForce HQ

The War Room – At the same time the Minbari were watching the message from President Levy and Prime Minister Kol

Reports from Grand Admiral Hesh and Admiral Sterling had come in and the news was extremely good. The cheers were deafening as this first strike on Minbari worlds was a resounding success.

The officers monitoring the sensors reported the graviton and gravitational distortions and the expected Fold Jump was incoming at the precise coordinates that had been all arranged.

Watching all this quietly was President Levy, Vice President Santiago, Sentinels Alliance Foreign Minister Roy Hunter as General Robert Lefcourt and other senior officers were conducting their regular war operations.

"Sir, Grand Admiral Hesh's and Admiral Sterling's fleets have arrived at the designated coordinates. All ships are present and accounted for.", a young Lieutenant with green hair, purple skin, and green eyes announced.

General Lefcourt said, "Very good, Lieutenant."

The whooping siren sounded and two screens appeared, floating in the air. One one screen was Admiral Miriya Sterling, on the other was Grand Admiral Kazianna Hesh.

Both women gave a salute which General Lefcourt responded with one of his own. "Admirals, welcome back."

Kazianna replied, "Thank you General."

Miriya replied, "Thank you, sir."

President Levy said, "Admirals, Foreign Minister Hunter and I along with everyone here welcome you and your crews back from your successful missions."

Kazianna nodded saying, "Thank you Madam President."

Miriya stoically said, "Thank you Madam President."

President Levy asked, "You've seen the messages that the Prime Minister and I sent?"

Both answered, "Yes."

President Levy said, "I had that speech from the Prime Minister and myself broadcast this morning after your departure to the entire Earth Alliance. We are hopeful that the Minbari will come to the negotiation table after this but, in two days time if they have not reached out to us, General Lefcourt will assign new targets for your fleets to attack and we will go on a non stop offensive. For now, get some rest and prepare for the next target."

General Lefcourt added, "I look forward to reading your After Action Reports, please get them to me as soon as possible."

Both women acknowledged that, gave their thanks and the call disconnected.

The civilian leadership were very happy. Handshakes and well wishes were exchanged between the civilian and military leadership. At that moment a communication came through that Secretary of State David Sheridan wished to speak to the President right away.

Standing by the large table, getting ready to leave and return to her office President Levy said, "Go ahead."

One of the monitor screens switched over from its current display to that of the Secretary of State David Sheridan. The older gentleman had the look of someone with good news to share. "Madam President, Mister Vice President, Foreign Minister Hunter and General Lefcourt I have some good news."

Elizabeth said, "Our attacks were successful David, but I cannot see the Minbari reaching out to us that quickly."

David shook his head. "It's not the Minbari ma'am. The State Department has received communications from both the Narn and Centauri governments that they are going to be reopening their embassies with us on Earth."

Everyone was surprised. Elizabeth's eyes widened and she said, "What?"

David was smiling as he said, "Yes ma'am, I have the messages in my hand." He lifted up two flimsy sheets to show them on the screen. "The Centauri are sending Londo Mollari back as their Ambassador and the Narn are also sending G'kar as their Ambassador. We can expect their arrival in about four days, five days at the most as they deal with issues back home, pack up their things and make the trip here."

Elizabeth smiled. "That is wonderful news David."

"I expect our victory at Sestun was a large reason for their sudden change of heart and this has me thinking that if the Centauri and Narn are willing to reopen their embassies, we may be able to convince some of the League to join up with us."

Elizabeth's eyes hardened. "I'm not so sure. I think our Drazi friends might do something along those lines before the League does."

David nodded, "Speaking of the Drazi I've received another message and it looks like a "Volunteer Force" is being put together. With news of this attack on the Minbari worlds, it could change from a Volunteer Force to an Official one."

Elizabeth gave a single nod and said, "I'm hopeful for that. Keep me informed David, I'm heading back to my office now."

David said, "Yes Madam President.", and the call disconnected.

With a look of happiness not seen in almost a year President Elizabeth Levy said, "This has been a historic day, a great day for us all I realize that the war is not over but this is a great turning point." Looking at her general she said, "General Lefcourt, well done. While I hope the Minbari reach out, please do not hesitate to send our forces against the Minbari when the deadline is over."

With a nod of his head the military leader of the Earth Alliance said, "I will, Madam President. We've got the next targets for attack already picked out."

"Good.", she said. With a smile she looked around the room and added, "Well, I must be off. Good work, all of you." She was walking out of the room as she was talking, the Vice President and Foreign Minister Hunter walking with her to return to the President's office. "Luis, we have to talk some more about the evacuation plan, but right now I'm feeling extremely hopeful that we won't be needing to evacuate. Roy, please join us for a late lunch?"

Roy, walking with his aide Marlene said, "Thank you Madam President we'd love to."

---

The Robotech Factory

Admiral Komira Parino's Office

Admiral Komira Parino walked into her office and flopped onto her office chair and let out an explosive sigh. She was tired, shredded, and worn out after the last sixteen hours. Today had been her first official day as Commander of the Seventh Fleet and it was a whirlwind of a day since she woke up.

Her flagship, the massive Macross Cannon class ship Thor's Hammer had it's crew assigned to the warship and they were all getting familiar with the massive warship's systems. The only position missing, the ship's Captain. She would be interviewing candidates starting tomorrow but as she was flopped on the chair of her office and thinking about interviewing so many people for the position, she realized very quickly she knew who she wanted to be in command and it wasn't herself nor did any of the names suggested give her any sense of confidence.

She'd already had enough personnel to crew over two thousand warships that were in the Factory. All of those people were aboard the ships now getting familiar with actual warship systems instead of on the simulators. The Bureau of Personnel were quickly assigning them to Robotech warships as soon as they were declared "ready" from their Robotech familiarization and simulator training. This job of putting the Seventh Fleet back together was very hard work.

With all the activity she had been up to, she'd barely taken notice that the two fleets that had Folded out to attack the Minbari worlds had returned successfully. She was just barely able to squeeze in a small window to send very brief congratulatory video messages to Grand Admiral Hesh and to her friend Admiral Miriya Sterling with the promise of getting together to have celebratory drinks later. Sadly she had been unable to make it to that celebration, there was too much to do but she'd sent a message again telling them she was sorry but couldn't make it.

Komira draped her right forearm across her eyes as she enjoyed the brief respite after flopping onto her office chair. She'd known this new position would be busy and taxing more so than getting people trained up in Robotech warship operations but now she was getting the idea of telling General Lefcourt "Thanks but no thanks" and running for the hills. She quickly dismissed that thought and turned her head to look at the door of her office with her left eye as her right was still covered by her arm as the door opened.

Her aide, a newly assigned female young Zentraedi Lieutenant entered the room with a cup of hot chocolate. The young woman anticipated that the Admiral did not want another cup of coffee. Placing the cup on the Admiral's desk the young Lieutenant said, "A cup of hot chocolate ma'am."

Komira perked up slightly, moving her arm back down, sitting up straight, and arching an eyebrow and asked with hopefulness, "With tiny marshmallows?"

Giving the Admiral a smile the Lieutenant nodded and said, "Yes ma'am."

Sitting up straight now and picking up the cup Komira said, "Thank you." She blew on the hot liquid to cool it down before taking a sip and sighing in contentment. "I needed that."

The young Lieutenant nodded and said, "Yes ma'am, you're welcome ma'am."

Arching an eyebrow at her new aide Komira said, "Alright that's enough with the "ma'ams". She paused then said, "That's too many of them and too quick so...um...take it easy with those."

"Yes ma'am.", the young Lieutenant said. Then she covered her mouth with one hand and let out an "Eep!" Then she took it away and said, "Sorry ma'am! Eep!" Then she backed out of the room saying, "I'll just leave you to it, ma'am." This was followed by another "Eep!" and the young woman quickly closed the door.

Komira stared at the door with both eyes wide in surprise. She took another sip of her hot chocolate as she looked at the door. Setting the cup down she quietly said to herself, "I'm so glad I was never that young and came out of the cloning chamber fully grown."

The Admiral pushed her intercom. "See to it I'm not disturbed unless it's urgent. I won't be here long as I'm going to go to my quarters and get some sleep soon."

The Lieutenant chirped, "Yes m—, er yes, Admiral."

Komira clicked the intercom off and chuckled. "Kids."

Taking another sip of her drink she powered on her computer and looked at the dozens of emails waiting for her. "Fuck.", she whispered. After another sip of her hot chocolate Komira got to work. The first thing she did send an email to have a specific officer report to her office aboard the Thor's Hammer in the morning. If all went well, she would have a Captain to command her flagship very soon. Satisfied and hopeful that her search for a Captain was over she started on the emails that had built up for the day.

There was a chime on her computer followed by a text on the screen. Chuckling, Komira said aloud, "Sure Rick, c'mon in."

A holographic projector activated and the familiar hologram of Rick Hunter now wearing an EarthForce Admiral's uniform just like hers appeared. The holographic man smiled at Komira and said, "Busy day huh?"

With another chuckle turning into a groan as she rolled her eyes Komira said, "Oh you don't know the half of it." Then she realized something and said, "Wait a second, of course you know."

With a chuckle and a grin of his own Rick said, "Well, I have been there before Admiral as you well know."

"Yeah, was it this hard?", she asked.

Rick nodded saying, "Very. I really wanted to be back in a Veritech cockpit so badly but the job had to be done. I have every confidence in you Komira. You'll do fine and if you need anything, you just have to ask."

"Thanks Rick."

"You made it Komira, just remember the only easy day was yesterday. I'll leave you to it, you'll be receiving a call from General Lefcourt shortly." Rick gave Komira a salute and vanished, the holographic projector turning off.

As Komira was pondering what the General would be calling about the intercom chirped with her aide's voice. "Admiral, General Lefcourt for you on Gold Channel One."

"Send it through please.", Komira said.

On the screen of her computer monitor General Robert Lefcourt appeared and greeted her. "Working late I see Admiral, you were missed at the gathering."

"It's been a very busy day sir.", Komira said with a small smile.

General Lefcourt grinned. "I have no doubt about that." Looking serious now he continued, "Listen I wanted to give you the heads up that we are narrowing down the target list for invasion to two possibilities and one of them is a world called Tarellan and most likely that world will be the one we hit. Intelligence has it that it's home to one of their major shipyards and the plan is not just to invade the world, but to seize and capture the shipyard and capture as many Minbari warships as possible."

Komira rubbed her chin in thought and chuckled. "Grand Theft Minbari Warships sir?"

With a nod of his head General Lefcourt said, "We need examples of their ships to study Admiral. While Robotechnology is giving us an edge, the Minbari are not stupid and just like we reverse engineered the original SDF-1, we would be stupid to not look at their warships and get good look at their technology. It kicked our ass for a long time, we need to know how they did it and quite frankly we want some of their technology for ourselves since they've been the eight hundred pound gorilla for so long."

Komira nodded, "That makes sense sir. I'll do my best to get the Seventh Fleet ready."

General Lefcourt said, "I know you will. General Franklin will be coming up to the Factory to work with Doctor Lang and Admiral Hunter on new Dropship designs for the invasion. I'm sure he'll pick your brain as well."

"I'll be happy to contribute whatever I can sir."

General Lefcourt said, "I'm sure you will. Well, I'll let you get back to it Admiral, we'll talk again soon."

The call disconnected.

With a huff at looking at her screen with dozens of emails that she hadn't really started yet, Komira got to work. An hour and a half later Komira stood up and stretched. Her hot chocolate had gone cold a long time ago and she lamented that she didn't finish her drink. But it was time to get some rest as she had another busy day ahead.

Walking out of her office she saw her aide diligently working. She looked up at her superior officer and stood up with a salute. "Ma—Admiral, heading out?"

"Yes, Karinna I am. We've got a busy day, I'll be waking up in…", she looked at her watch, sighed then said, "three hours at zero five hundred."

With a nod the young woman said, "Yes, Admiral. I'll see to it everything's ready."

With a smile Komira said, "Good night Lieutenant."

"Good night ma-...Admiral."

Komira walked out and headed to her quarters while her aide finished up in getting things ready for the morning then the young Lieutenant left to get a quick nap of her own.

---

Aboard the Fires of Minbar

In Hyperspace Transit to Frontier Colony

Aboard the Shargoti Class Battlecruiser Fires of Minbar, Shai Alyt Sineval was in his chambers silently seething in anger as he watched the speech from the Human President again. His rage was overwhelming.

It had been hours since he was given the new mission to make the Humans think that they were going to attack Sestun then disappear into Hyperspace and move quickly to attack the Frontier colony before the Humans realized that Sestun was being bypassed.

Turning off the Human President's aggravating voice Sineval was contemplating the plan and he just made a decision. A decision to kill even more Humans. He pushed a button and a Warrior answered.

"Yes Shai Alyt Sineval?"

"Connect me with Alyt Coran.", Sineval ordered.

"At once Shai Alyt, stand by." There was a brief pause and the Sineval was looking at another Warrior of the Wind Swords Clan, an Alyt that was acting as the fleet's co-commander but pretty much did everything that Sineval ordered him to do given Sineval's seniority.

"Alyt Coran, I have a task for you.", Sineval said.

"I live to serve Shai Alyt."

"You are to take these warships," and Sineval sent a list of warships, about thirty of them, fifteen Sharlins and Fifteen Tinashi War Frigates. "When we make the move past Sestun you will proceed to the Human's Delta colony and destroy it and everything that is there. Do not let any Humans escape into hyperspace, do not let them make any transmissions to call for aid."

The other Minbari nodded, "Yes Shai Alyt."

"After you are successful, rendezvous with my fleet as we move deeper into Earth Alliance space. We will find the route to their homeworld, we will find them and destroy them for what they have done."

Coran nodded and said, "Yes Shai Alyt, we will."

Sineval cut the connection then contacted the Command Center. "How long until we reach Sestun's area of space?"

"Approximately thirty hours Shai Alyt.", came the reply.

"Good, keep a very sharp eye for Human probes or ships in hyperspace hoping to warn them of our approach. The probes and ships are to be destroyed, do not allow any ships to escape. Then, we shall vanish as we get closer and proceed onward to Frontier. This will make them think our attack will happen sooner then when we do not show up it will cause them to wonder when we are coming."

"Yes Shai Alyt."

Sineval disconnected and loaded up a message that he'd received with regards to the damage done to Sh'Lekk'Tha. In short, it was catastrophic. According to the message he'd lost family. Younger Warriors just out of training were dead. As of the message, the fires were still burning out of control across various districts worldwide. Casualty counts were rising and it would be decades for the planet to regain its lost infrastructure to the point where it was back to before the attack.

Sineval seethed and stewed as he stared at an image of a burning district on the world of Sh'Lekk'Tha. The Humans would pay dearly for this.

Author's note: So, here it is the second half of chapter 16. The whole entire chapter both parts one and two was a battle with the muse. I mean the muse and I went fifteen rounds and just as I've finished with this chapter, the muse has kicked me out of the car and has stranded me in the desert. I still know where this story's going and I've got several ideas for the ending but some of the details on getting there are missing. So, this may be the last chapter for a bit unless the muse brings the car back around. We'll see.