Record keeping time: A short biography of Pres. Morgan Clark: For those who do not know the history of President Morgan Clark, leader and then dictator of Earth Alliance for five years, this is his history and a quick summary.

During the five years of recorded history of the Babylon 5 project, Morgan Clark played a pivotal role in the lives of the people of Earth. The character of Clark was rarely seen on the Babylon 5 TV series and I believe he never actually had a single line said in the program. However, he played a pivotal role in most of the events that occurred both on the station as well as Earth Alliance. These are some of the things that history has recorded of him and his actions.

He ran for president of earth alliance and lost to President Santi Luis Santiago. By the laws and rules and regulations of the government he became the vice President.

He was known to have collaborated with outside governments (Shadows) in order to gain power. He was known to have collaborated with the Shadows to engineer the assassination of President Luis. Santiago by having Earthforce One blown up on his way to Babylon station. The explosives were Shadow based.

He was known for his staunch anti-alien stance, and his anti-immigration policies, forcing all aliens off the planet Earth. This included those who legally immigrated to Earth in violation of the EA constitution.

Clark instituted two organizations, the Ministry of Peace and the Ministry of Justice. Both of these organizations were designed to manipulate and control the people. Using these ministries and the powers, he manipulated and subverted many of the rules and regulations that would have kept him from his goals. Both ministries hat units that acted as secret police involved in surveillance as well as intimidation. He worked with elements of Bureau 13 and the PsiCorps aiding them in their agendas. The relationship between those two organizations was complex and will not be detailed here other than to say that 1) they used each other and 1) their agenda was to take control and power for themselves in their own ways. Both used intimidation, blackmail and murder among other things to advance their agendas.

People of the Earth Alliance who did not go along with the policies of Clark were either place in reeducation centers, or they 'disappeared'. When people actively began to revolt against his authority, he ordered the military to suppress their actions. Mars was bombed when they refuse to follow his rules. Thousands of people were killed, suffocated when the protective dome was destroyed by Earth Alliance star furies. Because of that action several smaller colonies and including the Babylon station refuse to comply with his demands as his actions violated the Constitution. He used Earthforce to bring colonies in line by with this authority by force of arms. The Babylon station at the furnace firefight survived and remained independent.

Morgan Clark continue to solidify his control over earth including all newsfeeds which became government sanctioned news networks. Complete loss of independence of news (example ISN) became the mouthpiece of the president. As his need for control increased, he openly collaborated with the shadows to produce new military ships and weapons specifically designed to defeat the rebel elements of the Babylon station. He instituted vast reeducation centers on Earth and forced the people to submit to his rule. It was little doubt that with his new Shadow enhanced ships once he defeated the rebel elements of the Earth Alliance, he would have gone on to attack his neighbors. Of interest to note although he had a strict anti-alien policy, this ban did not extend to his Shadow associates.

His dictatorship only lasted approximately five years before the anti-Clark forces arrived to liberate Earth. Clark did not surrender willingly. Instead he chose to follow a scorched Earth policy by turning the GOD satellite defense system at Earth's surface. If he couldn't have control of Earth, then he would destroy it. He was stopped before he could succeed in his action and of course committed suicide rather than surrender or be captured. It is assumed that the loss of Shadow support helped lead to his downfall.

Everything stated above is Canon and reflects the actual history of Morgan Clark on the TV series Babylon 5. There were some questions suggesting that this was a stereotyped character, typical of many one-dimensional characters often seen in sci-fi as well as fictional programming. Unfortunately, this character, although we didn't see any of his personal life, seem to imitate the actual Persona of Adolf Hitler. I suspect this is partially true. Morgan Clark's personality and lust for power can be compared to many of our recent and possibly current leaders in the world. In Clark's case, he had the support of a very powerful antagonistic government which he freely used the increases own power base.

Was he designed from the actual dictator Hitler? Not quite as much as a template. Was he a Hitler wannabe? Yes. There's little doubt, as stated above, that if he had had the opportunity then he would have gone on to attack other alien governments and societies with the help and support of the Shadows. He wanted to be a conquer, no doubt. Because the Shadows departed. He lost his strongest backers and was unable to continue with his plans.

In this story there are several factors that allowed Clark to continue as dictator of Earth Alliance. First, the defeat of the Minbari by the use of biological weapons changed the course of history. The destruction of the Vorlon Empire was another key factor that ultimately helped Clark in his domination of Earth Alliance. The rebellious factions of Earth Alliance did not have the support that they had in the original canon. There were other factors as well all of which contributed to Clark's supremacy.

In this story, to fully understand Clark's antagonism towards O'Neill and his planet Earth, it will be of interest for you to read the full history of the conflict. The history can be found in the story 'Consequences of Actions' Books I and II by Ash's Boomstick located on this site. Both parts provide detailed background in the history between a very young SG Earth and a very desperate Earth Alliance who were fighting for their very lives against the Minbari onslaught.

Stereotyped or not, this is the history of Morgan Clark in one universe, and his current actions as seen in another.

Enough history for now. Suffice to say that Clark hates O'Neill…and fears him.

Chapter XIV

Book II

'Tidal Wave Part III'

UCW 26th Emperor Jorpna

A little more than a minute had passed since two flashes of blinding distortion signaled the escape of the enemy battle ships his vessel had engaged. The remains of two destroyed battle ships were floating serenely. Huge portions of molten metal quickly cooled in the absolute zero of space.

Straha was almost as surprised by the devastation of his ship's weapons as he was about surviving nuclear detonations striking his ship. The initial effect of battle was fading but it was being replaced by anger and resolve. The UCW was out here trying to protect worlds from attacks by unknown enemies and these this Cyrannus Tosevite Cylon faction attacked his ship, effectively declaring war. The UCW did not have time for this distraction. He would track this nuisance down and eliminate it before it grew into even a worse nuisance. The UCW could not afford to waste time with this.

Less than a minute later, two more transitions tore through space as the UCW warships Hiu Xio and Norwich arrived fifty kilometers starboard to the two Race-crewed warships 213th Emperor Urram and Jorpna.

"Shiplord," said Senior communications officer Erelwo. "We receive hails from the Hiu Xio, Commander Ling Chen Lee."

Straha acknowledged and ordered the males to open comms. Again, he was disconcerted by the mixture of formality of the language of the Race and the less formal Terran style that was becoming pervasive in the Imperial military. Those thoughts had plagued him earlier, but supposed it was inevitable and it did allow for faster communication when the need arose. He always complained that Fleetlord Atvar was too stuck in his ways. Thinking about it, perhaps he was, too. His tail thumped in irritation of its own accord. He never wanted to be compared to the Fleetlord in such ways. He was the mental superior of Avtar. Such thoughts were distressing, and he immediately resolved to work to become more proficient in this new hybrid language, believing he was mature enough to adjust with this new reality.

On the main view screen, a short, middle aged Chinese woman, her gray streaked hair wrapped tightly in a bun, did a quick bow. "Shiplord Straha, I see that our quarry has escaped. My scanners are searching for them now. Using their form of FLT drive they can't be more than thirty light years distance from our current location."

"Agreed, Colonel Lee. It is good that you accompany us in our hunt. They cannot attack UCW property or territory and be allowed to escape retribution."

A moment later, the screen split into two images as the Captain of the Norwich appeared. "Greetings Shiplord," Colonel Jamison curtly said. "Shiplord Straha, you take the lead. We should back you up. What is your battle plan?"

"Our quarry has used their FLT twice to escape us," the Shiplord said. "They attempt to remove themselves from our territory as quickly as possible. If their sensors are similar to the Cyrannus Colonials that we are in negotiations with, then they may assume that they are now beyond sensor range and thus free of pursuit. I believe that they may think themselves safe for the moment, but I also believe they will be ready to continue to their flight. Once we determine where they are located, then we will immediately pursue, overtake, and render them incapable of continued flight. Our sensor indicate that their fleet has fifteen capital ships remaining of various configurations. Nine of them are dedicated warships of the same configuration that we fought. They have several supply ships and a large transport. Those will be our targets. My plan is to destroy the large transport and the freighters and damage as many of the capital warships as possible. If we destroy their supply ships, they will have little choice but to either flee without support, or surrender. The Jorpna and Urram will hit the warships and your ship and the Norwich will remain cloaked until we engage. You will attack the supply transports. Destroy as necessary. They will try to flee first. You must cripple or destroy them with haste. The larger transport will be the primary target.

"The troop transport may contain civilians," said Colonel Canton. "I would recommend we cripple the transport."

"This is a war fleet trailing the Cyrannus Fleet. They are not civilians and will be treated as such. Be advised that they have armor but no shields. They are also liberal with their use with nuclear ordinance and used them without provocation during peace talks. The enemy vessels attempted to use a cyber-attack on our computers via our communications network to gain entry. The program was primitive and failed in its purpose. You should expect this type of attack. I will transmit our fast debrief to you.

"Understood. If they offer unconditional surrender, we will accept it."

Superior sir, the sensor net has discovered their second exit point. Twenty-five light years from our current position. The net is transmitting to our ships and we have them. ETA, four minutes."

"Set coordinates to the target. I want all ships to arrive simultaneously. The Jorpna and Urram will draw their attention as we strike at the flanks of the enemy position and begin crippling or destroying the ships of war. The Hiu Xio will support the Norwich and strike at the transport and support ships. Our distraction will temporarily confuse them as you destroy their transports. The troop transport is your primary target then the mining vessel. Once you have completed their destruction, you will support us in our battle against the ships of war. we will use lower yield non-enhanced nuclear ordinance so they have an opportunity to surrender, if they choose to do so quickly enough."

For a moment, Colonel Jamison turned his head as he listened to a message from Command. "Shiplords, Colonel, first strike nuclear ordinance is authorized by UCW Command."

"I conform the orders," both shiplords responded at the same time.

"I acknowledge the orders," Chang Lee answered.

"I suggest a recon first, Colonel Jamison said. "I'll take the Norwich under cloak and see what we're up against and relate attack vectors for our incoming ships."

Two minutes later. The Norwich cloaked and transitioned into hyperspace.

EarthDome

Geneva Switzerland

"Mister President, the couriers have arrived," his fifty-year-old secretary said. Behind her were two Earthforce officials carrying a secured briefcase. The case was placed in front of the President. The biometrics sensors were activated, and Clark stared into the optical imager and at the same time touched the plastic screen.

"Identity confirmed," a computerized voice announced. The briefcase was unlocked, and a secured data crystal was handed to the President. "Receipt confirmed."

The President looked at the three people. "It's about time," he muttered as he snatched the data crystal from security officer's hand.

The woman closed the door to the Oval Office as Morgan Clark sat down all thoughts of his aides forgotten. Placing the secured crystal into the Presidential reader. After confirmation the Reader began decrypting the data crystal.

The image on the screen sharpened to reveal Thomas Lindsey, one of Clark's closest partners. He wasn't a friend but after thirty years he was shown to be a trusted associate whose goals were the same as his. He was in charge of Project Retribution. The wrinkles seemed to have increased and he looked somewhat tired, but his eyes were gleaming with intent and satisfaction.

Mister President. This report was recorded four days ago, your time if the transport has reached you without incident."

Clark found this acceptable given the distances involved. The newly developed high-speed transports were faster than anything Earth had developed, curtesy of Minbari tech and Earth Alliance knowhow. With the added speed.

Discovering the location of the rift wasn't difficult. It only took two weeks to get to the coordinates provided by Major Davis. If the deal for old ships and hulls in return for the technologies and help the Achilles and Prometheus gave them had not fallen through, that is where the exchange would have taken place. Clark and others thought it was an extremely unfair deal given what they were getting. Those other Humans should have offered more, a lot more. They had weapons, shields, hyperdrive systems that put to shame anything they had given Earth Alliance.

The Alliance provided them with supplies and food, sanctuary and ammunition to defend themselves and what did the Alliance get in return? They gave an artificial gravity system and sensors and killed a few Minbari ships. Those were trinkets, second-hand throwaways compared to the true treasures they hoarded for themselves like their FTL and weapons technology. If the deal hadn't fallen through. then EarthDome would have sent a number of old ships and hulls at the pickup point.

Getting there wasn't the problem, it was getting through the rift. It took more than a decade year and stolen Abbai energy shield technology to achieve success. When that problem was finally solved, it was only two weeks after the explorers were sent through that they literally tripped over those Kobollian Colony worlds. It was a fortuitous accident. It wasn't the other Earth, but the Colonials were a treasure trove to be exploited. Another year passed before the systems were quietly mapped and Earthforce was ready.

There was no way Clark would expend huge resources on the Colonial worlds. They were impressive but not his main target. He needed his fleets for the pacification of the O'Neill planet and its allies.

"Our initial recon evaluations were correct. They are Humans according to our examinations and they are related to the fake Earth. PsiCorps have definitively confirmed that the same interference, or mental static as they've termed it, the late Lieutenant Dennis Silverston exhibited. It isn't as prominent, but it is almost as effective in keeping telepaths from reading their minds. Of note is that not all of the Colonials have the resistance, only about twenty to twenty-five percent of the population. The PsiCorps scientists believe that this group has been separated from the other Earth for several thousand years and as such the gene pool was more limited, or so they believe at this time. Further research will confirm or disprove this hypothesis. However PsiCorps is very interested in discovering the root cause of their telepathic resistance. They're quite excited by their prospects. This weakness in their ability to resist scanning is very exciting and may help to lead to the genetic reasons why they cause telepaths such distress.

Clark was thoughtful about that. He couldn't stop them from their so-called research, and he would be foolish to interfere directly. PsiCorps was very much afraid of these other Human. Even the attempt to try reading them resulted in mental and physical damage to the telepath trying to do so. That made those Humans a major threat that the teeps would never tolerate, being from another universe or not.

Silverston, the pilot 'acquired' from roster of the USAF Achilleas. Clark remembered at least two conversations with the man. The lieutenant was long dead now and Clark still despised him. He was arrogant and refused to share their oh-so precious classified technology like his other crew people at a time when Earth needed it most. PsiCorps researchers worked on the man's mind and body for years and rarely got any valuable information, at least from a genetic standpoint. From the reports, it wasn't just the target gene, which was identified, but how that gene interacted with at least a few hundred others that protected the man from be scanned. PsiCorps required more specimens and the only way for them to get more was to find more of those other Humans. Apparently, the Colonials would do just as well–

–Until they could deal with the other Earth.

The pilot had been injured and 'accidently' fell into the hands of the right people, meaning the covert organization called Bureau 13 and PsiCorps. After 31 was finished wringing out as much info as they could, he was given over to PsiCorps. What was left of the man was quietly disposed of. No need for that to get out.

"The Colonials are resisting as expected. At the time of this report, we've crippled or destroyed twenty percent of their military forces. Three of their shipyards have been captured and our forces are preparing the ships for travel through the rift. The jump bridge is functioning properly and transiting through the rift can be done without incident. The gate itself is holding up despite the tremendous strain of the rift. Our experts do not believe that it will continue to survive the energies. Estimates that it will collapse in another week, but it has done better than expected.

Clark smiled in satisfaction. Everyone was convinced that the Quantium 40 super bridge gate couldn't survive the energies of the dimensional rift for more than a week. Apparently, they were wrong. But to be on the safe side, he had three more built with another two in construction. The shielded bridge gate was placed in the center of the dimensional rife interface between both universes allowing unshielded ships to safely transit from one universe to the other and back. Those ships couldn't afford to use the energy unless they were in battle. Earth Alliance shields were very power hungry. The rift was a dynamic energy conduit between universes which crippled or outright destroyed any unshielded vessel as well as killed the crews trying to get through to the other side.

The Achilles and those pyramid ships used shields to transition through. It took Earth Alliance three years and liberated Abbai shield designs for Earthforce to get the golden ticket. Without shields, the project would have failed. Earthforce was now stronger and more feared than ever. Maintain diplomatic relations with the Abbai was deemed unnecessary. The bridge gate solved a host of problems and made his dream a reality.

Once again, Clark's mind went back to the Vree. Once he had the Colonial jump drives and the other Earth's superior hyperspace systems, then he would deal with them. It irked him that somehow, the Vree had obtained that fantastic tech, very similar to the Achilles and no one knew how. The Vree certainly weren't talking about it. That tech was so valuable that those aliens were getting rich just exploring their own territories inaccessible to regular jump space travel. It was yet another reason why he wanted it so badly.

Did Earth give them that technology, or had they (more than likely) stolen somehow? HOW? Those traitors must have given it to them. Clark discounted rumors of another Vree-like race giving them that technology. Until the other Earth was taken the Vree were the ones with that FTL system. If his people or his associates didn't find O'Neill's location, then he was stuck getting it from the Vree before they became too strong.

Lefcourt had better find out if he wanted to remain useful.

Clark almost felt overwhelmed. The Vree, the Kobollians, the few rebels that had survived and were on the run. Then there was PsiCorps. Those mutants needed to be afraid of him and kept under his thumb. The President was just as interested in the secret of the mental static as they were, but for different reasons, of course. If he could just find a way to produce that effect in normal Humans… an anti-telepath drug or procedure would be invaluable against them when the time came for them to reveal their true objectives.

To be sure, both sides had enough Human-derived cell lines created from Silverston to examine for several lifetimes. That material was going to be very useful. It was just a matter of who would find the secret first.

"The conflict is intensifying. The Colonials have mobilized as many ships as they can to try to keep us contained. Their capital ships are well constructed, but with their limited weapon's capability they wouldn't survive a dedicated Narn fleet. When we acquire the hulls, with our weapons and updates and upgrades installed, we'll have the largest, most powerful well-equipped military force in the galaxy. I refer you to the update section Three part six of this file. The Colonials have a fear of networked computer systems because of their enemies called the Cylons. That fear has made them vulnerable. Their computer systems are primitive and will require replacing when they arrive in Earth Alliance territory. A lot of jobs will be created there.

General Harris has suggested, and I agree that any negotiations with the Kobollians are a waste of time. By the time this update reaches you, we will have rendered two of their worlds uninhabitable. This may force them to cooperate as any hope of them surrendering at this point is out of the question, but I doubt it. They are as stubborn as us real Humans, so a third world is being considered being used as an example if they don't surrender by the time you receive this data packet. The planet Aquaria's population will be extinguished. Maybe they'll listen and give us what we want without further bloodshed.

Clark huffed at that optimistic and naive view. They'd fight until they were crushed. Their complete destruction was his first suggestion when this mission was first conceived. He didn't need them coming through the rift one day in the future looking for revenge. Better to kill them all and be done with it, the same as he planned to do to that imitation Earth. He allowed his advisors to talk him out of it. Now he smirked to himself at being right in the first place. The man quickly dictated a reminder to issue the order as soon as he finished studying this report. They weren't his Humanity, so they didn't count, not like real Humans did.

The Cylon pacification is more complicated than we thought. Our associates' allies are pounding them into submission. Their assets are higher than we anticipated but the Drakh are crippling their ability to continue for much longer. The clones will make excellent work force and possibly an excellent source of disposable soldiers for our cause. Our spies were correct about their ability to create clones without genetic defects. Sir, they have a technology that could change the course of Mankind. Read section Four A in this data packet. We acquired samples of the technology and it is on its way to Earth Alliance now. This is classified Gold Ultra. I cannot stress how critical this discovery is and how it must be kept secret. Bureau 13 is aware of its importance. PsiCorps is unaware of our discovery as far as we know. The clones have the same mental static shields as many of the Kobollians, so information is being obtained by other methods. Our operation will be completed in five days. All assets will be sent through the rift including as many clones and the classified asset in eight days. A more detail debriefing is filed in file Section Two A.

Losses have been minimal among our larger capital ships. The four Warlocks are clearly superior to anything that the Colonials can counter. With the addition of the energy shielding the ships are practically invulnerable. When O'Neill's world's location is confirmed, with our superior resources and new capabilities we should break through with acceptable losses. If our associates have the Drakh aid us, we will have what we want from them.

Clark smiled at that. "When I get what I want? I will get it and I want everything. Then, I will nuke their world until I run out of missiles."

The Quantium 40 enhanced nukes, or Q nukes as they were affectionally called, as his personal choice of weapon to rain down upon that world. Using them would be a satisfying irony. The Q nukes were derived from studying the super nukes that the Achilles used. Whatever the ore that was used to enhance their nukes was very similar to Quantium 40, similar enough that Earthforce was able to modify their own nukes. They weren't as powerful but the weaponized Quantium 40 missiles packed a significant punch. They were just too expensive to make a large enough cache to protect the Alliance. Another problem he would deal with.

If he could find a source of that naquada mineral than there was no limit to what he could do. Clark had ordered several heavy survey ships to explore the area and find a source of that naquada. If found and there was a suggestion that none of the material was in the Kobollian sector, it was to be transferred back to Earthforce R&D. So far, the Colonials didn't have any according to the fleet's scans, but they were still searching…

Maybe he'd ask his associates.

Quickly, he dismissed that notion. He owed them too much already. Furthermore, he didn't trust them. As much as he wanted his dreams fulfilled, he couldn't trust those shadowy aliens who never showed themselves to him. No one did favors for free. The question was what was their price?

"So far, there is no sign of the naquada in this our surveys. There are also no signs of the so-called stargate; but we are continuing and expanding our search. Obviously, the Kobollians are unaware of this mineral as their vessels' armor is unlike the Achilles or the pyramid ships. We are still searching. I am confident we will find it as we seek this other Earth's location…

Basestar V108

"Six, you look terrible," Catherine Three told her sister. "I know we don't have a need for makeup but, in your case, it might be recommended."

"The Six looked at her fellow Three. "Thank you so much," she snarked back. "I'm fine, thank you."

"Seriously, you don't look that great," Catherine told her. "Aren't you feeling well?"

"I felt better after were away from those aliens," she nervously admitted more to herself than to Catherine. "It had to be the stress of the moment. But, I'm not sure. The headache is back."

"I was a little nervous myself. And I do feel a little off right now."

"As the meat bags would say, we dodged the bullet everybody," Randell One told the command crew. "We've put five systems between us and our new friends. Let's make the most of it. we need to top off our fuel reserves and prepared to go home. Somebody, take a

look at the sensor logs on the resurrection ship and help them find out what happened. Order an immediate CAP and until we finish refueling. I want all basestars in a full defensive posture until we leave."

A relieved Mercedes Eight snapped off a quick update. "We're twenty-five light years from out previous coordinates. Unless they have hidden probes out here, there isn't any way they can find us. They might be able to make an educated guess, but space is large. It's virtually impossible. No DRADIS system know could track us.""

Gregor Cavil looked up as he rushed to immerse his hands into the transmission fluid that connected him to all other Cylons and much of their technology. "We don't know what they're capable of! Better safe than sorry. If that ship does find us, I want enough firepower to kill it as quickly as we can."

TBC