No record-keeping for this chapter. Questions and comments will be discussed in Chapter Three. Meanwhile, please enjoy. AlbertG

A Universe of Change: By Candlelight-Defiance

Chapter Two

Epsilon Eridani Star system

Starbase LaBerre

It was a week since the USS Bozeman at star base LaBerre, and the crew were still feeling the effects of being thrown into the thick of things. Although the crew of the temporally displaced, crippled starship were in surprisingly good shape, five years of isolation and being lost in an alternative universe took its toll. Two separate crews came together, learned from each other, together made plans, and plotted a course to an Earth and Federation territory they weren't sure even existed. It took a long time, getting from where they were to here at LaBerre, but now they were finally here among friends. They weren't alone anymore.

Naturally, the crew as somewhat overwhelm by everything they'd seen and they were caught up in the middle of a genocidal war, something strangely familiar to the NX portion of the crew, but frightening and disturbing to the rest. Despite being overwhelmed, they continued to make the best of it, and being at LaBerre, experiencing the stunning station packed with technology they barely understood, and interacting with this version of Starfleet helped significantly.

The technology was far beyond the knowledge of Bozeman's crew. Not surprisingly, much of the crew was eager to jump into the challenge. Some weren't. Hoshi never intended to stay on the Enterprise. In fact, she hated it at first. Eventually she got comfortable, but it was never her intention to make starship exploration a career. Then the communications specialist was stuck on the Bozeman for five years. Archer had little expectations that she would volunteer for another tour under any circumstances and would prefer to stay on the station or on some world. however, he was sure that she would stay with him if he became the commander of LaBerre, an offer he'd accept. He was an explorer at heart, but for now, he could accept this new challenge.

Archer was grateful for the offering his people several counselling sessions. There were no counselors onboard his ship, and the concept of having such options wasn't considered, of or implemented. medical doctors usually performed that duty. Doctor Phlox did what he could, but it wasn't his specialty.

Another part of their acclimation were the memorial services. They weren't in time for the private memorial for the crew of the Yeager. But they took part in the Public memorial for the crew of the Yeager, Earth Alliance defenders, the loss of life on Alliance Earth, their citizens, and all those lost during the Babylon Five and Earth attack by the Sinhindrea. In a surprising and much-appreciated gesture, another private memorial was held for the Federation family, which included the Bozeman's crew, acknowledging those who were lost. They were remembered, and it was greatly appreciated by the newfound people of the Bozeman.

Bozeman and the crew. With the way things were going, it might be a long time before they held another. War was almost on top of them. They would find time to grieve properly later if there was a later.

Being the captain he was, Jonathan Archer advised caution to his crew against immediately joining LaBerre Starfleet organization. He was concerned for them. they needed to decompress and have so time to relax. He considered this paramount. Officially joining their expanded family wasn't bad, but all of them needed some time to think about the decision and not make hasty ones. Unfortunately, time was a commodity they didn't have and there was so much to understand. Archer was still wrapping his head around the concept of the Federation and what it had grown into. Yes, the Bozeman crew was instrumental in help him understand his barely conceived dream of a united alliance come to fruition. But the Federation, as he saw it now, had grown so much. The station they wanted him to command was mind-blowing. The holo-suites alone…

A small part of him was almost glad he hadn't seen Voyager. Probably would have had a stroke, he mused. But he was pleased that everyone had come together to create something, although not perfect, was still magnificent. In his time. Everyone distrusted or outright hated each other. The Andorians hated the Vulcans; The Vulcans distracted the Andorians. Everyone hated the Tellerites, and the Tellerites had contempt for everybody else.

Humanity was the new kid on the block and no one, including the Vulcans, had a handle on them. That turned out to be an advantage. The Andorians didn't hate them enough to keep from interacting with them. Eventually, small favors improved the relationships between humanity and everyone. There were a few bumps along the way, but that was to be expected. The three governments were still uneasy with humanity however, things changed when the Romulan Empires attacked everybody.

The four races came together, with Humanity being the glue holding things together, and stopped the Romulans in their first major open offensive against the fledgling alliance. Together, they held off the Romulans and those actions initiated the beginnings of a real alliance. The Vulcans, Andorians, and Tellerites still had contempt for each other, but at least they were working with one another for mutual defense and economic security. Jonathan was excited and looking forward to the (to him) distant future when the dimension-spanning incident with the Bozeman occurred and forever changed his life.

Interesting enough, Archer and T'Pol poured over the data of the Romulan war and discovered major inconsistencies between the data and what they experienced. Further study revealed two different accounts of the war. The timelines were fractured, and this was direct evidence. The time war had and was till altering events far more than they were aware of. And the captain prayed that those fighting it could put an end to that mess.

In this place, history was repeating itself. Everyone was distrustful, if not outright hostile towards everyone else, just like home in the good old days. And just like home, people were coming together because they were forced to, and he couldn't help but feel he was being given a second chance to see what the future brought in these next few months.

Then there was the technology gap. The Bozeman and the surviving crew had supplied him and his people from his Enterprise with so much data he believed that everyone was caught up with the technology and the politics. And they were. But now everyone from the Bozeman was back at square one.

Well, maybe square two.

The technology of this station and of the ships was beyond much of his base understanding and everybody, even the original crew of the Bozeman, were eager to understand the advances in current Federation technology and knowledge. He laughed to himself. What could one do in a week?

Apparently, a lot. The crew was on shore leave, but the war was literally in their collective faces and the consequences so dire, that much of the crew had already decided to join these people despite his cautioning advice. He understood their reasoning perfectly.

Everyone was doing their hardest to catch up and it was going to be a challenge. To see and experience the advances that his Earth had made filled him with an excitement and wonderful that the peek into the 31st century could never compare to. This here and now felt more real than anything he experienced in Daniel's.

Like so many others, he disliked all things temporal. But then, he reasoned that most people disliked temporal mechanics, especially when they were the ones personally. The irony of the situation hadn't escaped him in the least.

This Earth suffered a devastating attack resulting in the deaths of a billion people, by an enemy ruthless enemy so dangerous they sent shivers down everyone's spine. The NX portion of his crew had experienced the Xindi atrocity up close and personal, and that struck an unwelcomed chord in everyone. Judging from the different conversations with Captain Picard and the others, it was apparent that they experienced similar responses when they were pulled into this universe.

Three different versions of Starfleet were in evidence here, Captain Picard's, Captain Garrett's, and Admiral Janeway's, whom he hadn't met. Now his crew represented the fourth iteration, the NX portion of the crew. The Bozeman part of the crew were right under Garret, so he lumped them in with the Ambassador group. The United planets crew made up a fifth iteration, Sort of not so distant cousin.

From extrapolated data and quantum resonance signatures, the Bozeman matched with Garrett's universe, but his Enterprise was from an entirely different universe. That meant that there were four different universes represented here, five if the United Planets humans were counted. And that, Archer thought, were the reasons why dimensional temporal displacement was a worse headache than temporal mechanics. At least Archer had some frames of references to adhere to. The crew of the UP, which he had yet to meet, had none.

The possibility this was a coincidence was laughable. From what was told and with what he possessed; the conclusion was obvious. Something had carefully planned this Federation family reunion. Something very powerful had changed everyone's quantum signature to match this universe. Being honest with himself, that frightened him on a multitude of levels.

Hyperspace:

Earth Alliance long-range passenger transport- On Angel's Fifteen

A swarthy man woke in his bed, bathed in a cold sweat, trying his best not to scream.

If anyone saw the cultured Harvard professor now, glancing around his small room terrified of the darkness, they would have hardly recognized him for the man of stature that he was. Nightmares reduced Dr. Amir Rajiv Khali into someone who was merely mortal. The very concept, being seen as average, terrified him. It went against everything that he'd fought all his life.

This was the third of a series of nightmares that interfered with his much-needed rest, and if he were to admit it to himself, they were more than simple dreams spawned from half remembered memories. They were the stuff or terror.

In his nightmares, he was running, always running. He never fully knew what he ran from, couldn't and didn't want to see what was behind him, but he knew that whatever it was, was too horrible to be allowed to catch him. The thing's screaming and the sounds of multitudes of thick, powerful appendages scrambling to catch him still haunted him in his wakefulness. The things of nightmares were truly nightmares–and he had been touched by them. The telepathic aliens had very briefly touched his mind before his transportation was able to escape from Babylon Five into the relative safety of hyperspace and away from those creatures' influences.

If he were capable of admitting it to anyone, he would have whispered to that person he was frightened. No, it was more than just frightened; he was gripped by a fear that encompassed his very soul. That was the reason why he ran from the only place that offered any real safety, even if he, to his shame, hadn't realized it at the time. When the Minbari ships came through the jump gate and Earthforce, and the Federation vessels started moving in, he suspected the truth. When a couple of Centauri warships began re-orienting themselves, he saw the handwriting on the walls. The view screen was packed with those vagrant ships starting to move away from Babylon Five. That was all the confirmation he required. He considered himself to be an intelligent man, but he was slower on the uptake than others watching with him. They were already running to the spaceport, trying to book passage to anywhere as fast as possible. Babylon Five was just a station whose original life expectancy was once measured in months.

He needed to be anywhere but there.

Dr. Rajiv Khali, as well as hundreds of others, had jumped on the first transports back to Earth, only to find that Earth was being attacked and its military being decimated while they were just halfway into their five-day journey. The transports were redirected towards some other perceived safe harbor–one of the Earth colonies. To his mind, he was now little better than a refugee.

Now fully awaken, he again justified the overwhelming fear pulling at him by applying logic. He reasoned that it was the height of foolishness to remain on the station that seemed to be nothing more than a big, fat target for the aliens. In retrospect, returning to B5 would have been the best course of action instead of running to the nearest colony, a colony that offered almost no protection other than its distance from Earth. Although it wasn't his choice, there was really no other place to go. The fear of helplessness had shamed him, and he hated being ashamed. It spoke of a weakness that he refused to acknowledge, even to his closest friends, if he truly had any.

The scholar sat up and reached blindingly for a button on a side table. Finding it, he turned on the lights in his cabin. Now that he was easily visible to the naked eye, a knowledgeable Federation historian might have suggested that he bore a certain resemblance to Khan Noonien Singh, a smaller, skinny, underdeveloped version of the superman. Naturally, Khali wouldn't have known what the historian was talking about and might have been offended. He was a native of Earth, to be precise, the home world of the Earth Alliance, not some alien from an alien world somewhere in another dimension.

He groaned as he got up to go to the tiny bathroom and pressed the base of his hands into his eyes, trying to rub the thoughts of Earth out of his mind. Failing that, he sighed. Yesterday, he heard about the confirmations from ISN about the devastation.

Most of the North American continent was burned to cinder with a single blast of weapons fire by the alien destroyers known as the Yonji Sinhindrea. The first reports indicated that the only parts of the North American continent not burned to ashes were the cold northern wastes of Canada, Alaska, and the east coast of the once United States. A very small section of Mexico survived the attack, but what was left was little more than wasteland. The final tally of the dead wasn't confirmed yet. Emergency interim federal governments were set up in Honolulu and Costa Rica. But everything that mattered to him no longer existed. His home in Cambridge, Massachusetts, was gone. His job at Harvard University, gone.

All gone in an instant.

As he stared into the mirror, a fire burned in his eyes.

No!

As long as Dr. Amir Rajiv Khali lived, Harvard University wasn't lost. It was his duty to carry on the best traditions of Harvard until it could be re-established on an Earth rebuilt from the Great Burn. Khali nodded at his reflection. The only bright thing that happened since he fled was that ISN had tracked him down and asked a few pertinent questions concerning his opinions on the so-called grand alliance that happened on Babylon five in his absence. He answered those questions as stoically as he could, given the circumstances. He was in agreement with the idea of humans and aliens coming together to fight a genocidal force, his own opinions aside concerning the mongrelism practiced by the Federation of Planets. Everyone needed to come together if they were to survive and prove his theories correct. It felt good to be appreciated by the unenlightened, even in the midst of a war. It was solace against that darkness reaching out to devour him. His fears of death would not change his opinions and as long as he lived, he would continue to expose them and refine his theories-and try to keep Earth Alliance from proceeding down the same path.

"Veritas," he whispered.

Truth.

Harvard's motto.

As far as he knew, he was all that remained of Harvard's core campus. There was a strong possibility that he might be the only surviving Ivy League professor of xenopsychology and xenopolitics, and if true, he swore that he was going to re-establish that study in the traditional Ivy League. It was a conceit, he reluctantly, but he knew he could help rebuild its prestige by expanding the satellite campuses at the Villa I Tatti Research Center of Harvard University in Florence, Italy, and the Harvard Shanghai Center in China. However, the only way to doing that successfully was to voyage back to the space station, the bane of his existence–and confront that infernal woman again and win his argument!–to prove to the world that he wasn't a coward.

The Babylon Five space station, a place of commerce and diplomacy for a quarter million Humans and aliens, was a dream, an acceptable one. Its goal was to prevent another war by creating a place where Humans and aliens could work out their differences peacefully. It was a port of call for diplomats, hustlers, entrepreneurs, and wanderers. It was planned to be Humanity's last best hope for peace.

It failed.

Dr. Khali was determined to return and help fix the error that was Babylon Five. But first he had to get off of this transport at the Orion colony and find passage back to that infernal station. That was easier said than done. Everybody was trying to get to the station and passage there was difficulty and very expensive, but he would find a way.

Taking a sip of water, he blanched at the chlorinated, recycled taste. That was one thing that he was grateful for on B5. The food and water were more than palatable and for the doctor, that was one of the few things that made life on that station bearable.

Babylon Five

Diplomatic Suite

Senator Peterman's suite

"Sir, your four o'clock appointment is here," Frank Nelson, Senator James Peterman's aide announced.

It was so much easier using standard time instead of military, he thought. Somehow, Frank managed not to roll his eyes while pronouncing what was effectively his political fight of the week for his boss. Neither Senator Peterson nor his aide were looking forward to this meeting. By using the excuse of the ever-developing situation on B5 and Earth, he had managed to postpone it. However, the meeting could be delayed for only so long. The upcoming Babylon Five was a huge affair that would determine one of the major courses in this now officially declared war, and he needed to be there, prepared. Ambassador Elizabeth Levy was elsewhere, also preparing for said meeting, and couldn't be disturbed. So, like any talented leader, she passed it onto him, trusting him to take care of the corporations having a hissy fit.

The President of Proxima III, the new and officially acknowledged, independent world Charles Vincent and his adjutant were in the suite with him, enjoying their drinks before the upcoming confrontation. The senator and the president of Proxima III were not friends, but they weren't enemies as much as political opponents, each looking out for their own nation's interests. Proxima III breakaway from Earth Alliance was a bitter blow to Earth Alliance. The EA squandered what was to be their greatest, richest colony because of ignorance, disrespect, and Clark's machinations.

For two years, Earth Alliance effectively mistreated and abandoned the colony. The colonists were abandoned, left to fend for themselves. Starvation, disease, and most of all neglect, forced the colony in the direction it ultimately went. Through a series of agreements and alliances. The former colony was becoming a true jewel in its own right, and the EA had taken notice big time.

Senator Peterman was charged with the dubious responsibility of forcing the colony to return to Earth Alliance by any means necessary. President Susan Luchenko kept the more conservative political animals and military officials from forcing a military response. If they had tried, it would have been a nightmare. Proxima III had aliens and a small but powerful navy of its own.

That was a nightmare scenario considering that Proxima III was a power in its own right, and they had allies. It would also have crippled their reputation and used valuable resources the EA couldn't spare. It would also guarantee a war with the Klingon, Brakiri, Narn coalition.

Earth Alliance couldn't afford that.

Many of the old guard chaffed at the idea of aliens determining the fate of a Human colony. In their minds, aliens no right influencing Proxima, the fastest-growing, most prosperous human controlled colony of Earth Alliance. Their new technology made many of the politicians drool. It came down to simple greed. Proxima had it and many in EarthGov wanted it. Easier said than done, as events proved.

Senator Peterman now believed things turned out for the best. Earth Alliance officially acknowledged Proxima's independence less than a week earlier, but not everyone was thrilled by this event, hence this upcoming meeting.

When Proxima began declaring their intentions of going independent, several corporations, fearing the loss of their companies and profits, packed up and left after failing to quietly quell the coming rebellion. The big three corporations failed to halt the calls for independence, and they left as well. The breakup was bitter.

The companies were confident that the Proximans upstarts would come crawling back to them, begging for the corporations to come back as their colony, saving them from the inevitable economic collapse that was sure to follow. And when, not if, that happened, those corporations would make them pay for the travesty of forcing them to leave in the first place. Those predictions' didn't happen, and the corporations were not only shocked, but they quietly acknowledged their companies and profits were threatened by the colony they all but once owned.

Both Peterman and Vincent looked knowingly at one another other as the grim-faced CEOs and executives of Pro Zeta, SynthaCorp Unlimited, and Pharasol Incorporated filed into the suite. They wore the same suits that they had on the last time they visited his office. With them were two other people, representatives of the United Interstellar Unions, Central Earth chapter.

None of them looked happy.

"Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen," Peterman said, greeting them warmly in the way that only a seasoned politician could.

"Hello Senator Peterman, President Vincent," Alecia Phillips responded without genuine emotion. Her every movement screamed her displeasure. "Thank you for finally meeting with us." Again, the CEO of Pro Zeta spoke for the group. "You're a hard man to get an appointment with," she said without emotion. "I understand you schedule is tight. I'm happy your allowed us some time to speak to you."

Oh, yes, Peterman thought. They were very unhappy.

These were not people used to waiting. To them, he was just an inconvenience interfering with their agenda. The Corporations were powerful and many of the politicians were in their pockets.

Were, he corrected that thought. Many of those politicians died during the attack on Earth. New senators just installed would take time for the corporations to establish relations with them. As of now, their power was crippled, but their influence was still formidable.

"I'm sorry for the delay, Mrs. Phillips, and to all of you," he politely responded. "As you've probably seen on ISN and around the station, EarthGov is very busy finalizing agreements, and treaties with the other alien and human nations," he added, twisting the knife ever so subtly. "We're preparing for war and helping make sure we're not all killed," he somewhat viciously told them.

The senator was still angry at the attempted extortion by the three corporations. Their proposal, supplying Earth with food, medical, and vital supplies would have crippled Earth's economy and its recovery for years. The corporations' influence and power would be stronger than they already were. He also understood the hidden motives behind said contracts, which proved they had no clue about the war was on the horizon. They were blinded by greed.

Their political and legal subterfuge failed, and the fact that Proxima could and would supply emergency support and supplies on a level the corporations couldn't hope to match, frightening them and their stockholders on a visceral level. And judging by the looks on their faces, they were furious. These were people that you did not want to cross unless you had a big stick and the senator had a huge one, namely the Federation and the Proxima pact. "We want to ensure EarthDome does its part in the survival and prosperity of our home world and colonies."

"Your concern for the safety of Earth is very laudable," she muttered. "That's exactly the reason why we're here," Alecia announced. "Mr. President, Senator Peterman, in our own way, we are looking out for Earth's best interests just like you are." She folded her hands and stared directly at the two men. "There's no polite way to begin this, so I'll be blunt. Our corporation legal teams have initiated several additional lawsuits against Earth Alliance, Earthforce, Babylon five, the United Federation of Planets represented by the LaBerre station, Proxima III, and the persons of the United planets and their uncertified companies established on Proxima III."

"So, you're suing everyone," President Vincent commented as the woman practically smirked.

"Yes, including you, Mister President," she added. "Your selling and providing of unaccredited, uncertified produce, pharmaceuticals, and mechanical and electronic equipment including non-certified and non-NRC approved nuclear reactors is a clear and present danger to the citizens of Earth and humanity in general. This includes unapproved surgical procedures and equipment from the Federation, and their weapons systems," she said. "We have no idea what long-term effects will be. They are an unsupervised mercenary organization that requires reining in and supervision by the proper authorities. Additionally, the robot of Proxima III designated Robby is deemed not personal property, but property of the State by a judiciary panel of Earth Alliance. That technology is too dangerous to be personal property. Our legal teams have found no evidence or documents confirming that it is the legal property of Mrs. Alteria Morbius Adams or John Adams of the United Planets, an organization we didn't find any evidence of its exists. We contest their alleged ownership and have placed several leans on the technology. She and her husband must turn that piece of equipment within seventy-two hours or face full ligation under Earth Alliance law. If they do not release said piece of equipment, we will make sure all UP personnel and their properties are banned from any and all Earth Alliance territory. If they violate Earth Alliance territory, they will be subject to immediate arrest and prosecution by the proper authorities."

"Meaning you." The president laughed at the serious-looking group. "So, you're doing this for the benefit of humanity, eh?" The CEO smirked. "Going for broke, aren't you?" President Vincent asked. "How many judges did you bribe setting this up?"

Starbase LaBerre

The United Planets cruiser and its technology, the Starfleet ships represented by multiple versions of the Federation, the Bozeman, and their 'gift'…the coincidence of this happening at this exact time and place was nothing short of astronomical. None of this was missed by Archer, T'Pol, Malcolm, and Trip. The other members of the Bozeman noticed the same signs, which was all but confirmed their suspicion when the Federation groups talked and compared notes.

Some powerful, outside force had manipulated events to bring them here, specifically to this time and this place. It was only later that Jonathan learned most of the truth. However, what he found comforting was that none of their current events was recorded in the temporal database secured on the Bozeman. Daniels temporal community didn't stretch to this universe. Daniel's temporal computer, a definition to describe a device that was so advanced that the word 'computer' barely defined what the mechanism was, had in its memory Garrett's timeline, and Picard's unaltered timeline. Those histories were stored, and the data proven to be accurate right up until they were lost. Their timeline had recorded their deaths in every bit of history since. It recorded the loss of the Bozeman. That was expected, but it also recorded Archer's, or should he say his template's life, and had continued to do so until that Archer's death and well beyond. The computer recorded the collapse of his own timeline and Picard's. What he and the others could not find was what they were experiencing right now in this universe–as far as he could tell.

But the computer was still active, and Archer suspected that the device was recording events in this universe, but he didn't know how to properly access the device, yet. The computer was so advanced that he wasn't sure if he was using it correctly. After three years of study, he and T'Pol barely understood the basics. The full potential eluded them. Archer didn't know its limitations or true capabilities. But that wasn't as important as the question that plagued his dreams. He worried if he could use it safely, or if he should use it at all. Knowledge was a dangerous power, and the potential for the abuse of this technology from the 31st century was daunting. Some of that information could alter the course of this galaxy if used.

That went without saying. However, the knowledge would be needed if the threat were as horrific as everyone believed, and frankly, he believed it, too. He read up on the Sinhindrea using Daniel's device and it scared him. The Sinhindrea were far too dangerous a foe not to use every resource available. His mind to swirled with possibilities. The powers that sent them to this universe, their home now, left that device with Archer. The detailed schematics of ship designs alone were unbelievable. The question that he kept asking himself was if the technology could be used wisely, if at all, or would the consequences outweigh short term survival?

He, T'Pol and Tripp discussed the ramifications of revealing the existence of the temporal computer or keep it secret from the others started the moment they were contacted by Starfleet. Were any of them responsible enough to use the knowledge contained within the device it wisely? T'Pol, being a conservative and Vulcan, believed that it should remain secret and used only as a weapon of last resort. Tripp's opinion was just the opposite. He wanted to use it as soon as possible. He argued that everyone would need time to study the technology. The knowledge of starship schematics and weapons technology alone was invaluable but would take time to understand. Time, he argued, was something that they didn't have, so wanted to start as soon as possible and get a jump on things.

Jonathan Archer wasn't sure yet. Both sides of the arguments had merit. One thing though was not in dispute. There was no such thing as a 'defined course' in a way that a universe should go. There were some crew members from the Bozeman that believed that they shouldn't interfere with the events in this universe. It was an interpretation of the Prime Directive that was slowly gaining traction during their time.

Jonathan did not adhere to as tightly as they did.

The crew of the Bozeman engaged in lively conversations with the current Federation people here, and one thing was apparent. Every variation of Starfleet had its own specific interpretation, and like the Bozeman crew, this discussion was held many times before, and his crew were still in a slight state of shock. The interpretation of the Prime Directive was reinterpreted as a set of guidelines redefined for this universe. All of them were now part of this universe now, their quantum signatures forever altered. They were not interacting with this universe as outsiders. They were part of this universe.

Whatever interactions they had here were now part of the whole, not simply visitors looking through a window. It was that argument that convinced Jonathan more than anything else, although he was already leaning towards that direction as his discussions with his two crewmates continued. Starfleet's and by extension the Federation, or the idea of this fledgling Federation here, was what they would make of it. Daniel's computer was theirs now to do so as they chose. The real challenge now was to understand the knowledge given them and to use that knowledge wisely.

Senator Peterman's suite

President Vincent wasn't typical politicians. He hadn't grown up in politics and didn't have many of the so-called refinements as most in Earth Alliance. His current position was thrust on him by the expediency of survival of the colony. He was one of the very few in leadership that survived those perilous times between the civil war and Centauri attack. Starvation and desolation for close to a million survivors took its toll, and the colony was at the edge of breakdown. It was he who kept the people from collapse. Earth Alliance didn't help, couldn't help really, and the people were sick of it. When Adams and his saucer arrived at B5. it was Vincent who envisioned the possibilities of creating true independence. The far majority agreed with the plans, and the rest was history. However, being president hadn't altered his rough and tumble bare knuckles attitude. He was ready for this fight while Senator Peterman looked furious.

The CEO ignored the looks being directed at her. She was used to people glaring at her.

"Furthermore," the chief spokesman for the United Interstellar Union Alvin Sykes added, "Babylon Five, Earth Alliance and Proxima III have violated union labor laws. The Federation is using union workers in the building and maintenance of their station and is therefore in violation of our union laws. As there is no union representing the Federation, there is no protecting their workers. UIU members are being given incentives meant to undermine these laws and the unions. Our statues specifically state that if one chapter or group of individuals are treated in a manner that differs from and provides unfair benefits superior to established UIU currently active contracts, then the union benefits across the board must reflect that change. The union will not allow one chapter to receive a significant increase of benefits and pay without the other chapters receiving equal compensation accordingly.

"The Federation's compensation for union and non-union workers being used to build their station, and maintaining it is illegal according to the law. Not only that, it is dangerous. We don't know what the working conditions are and how they affect the workers. It is illegal to use non-union workers for their projects. Their compensation forces the union to negate other contracts and renegotiate new ones to match the outlying one, specifically the one at Babylon Five.

This is const ineffective for both entities using and the union. These actions damage the reputations of the unions and causes division between Unions and companies who use union workers." Sykes growled.

"Because of the Federation and B5 union-busting tactics perpetrated on this station, and because of the loss of workers and loss of so many corporate entities on Earth, these actions jeopardize the unions and our policies recognized by Earth for the last three hundred years. Local members refuse to rotate with their fellow members on Earth. The Federation and B5 are sowing division and trying to break the union! The Unions demand the benefits must reflect all workers equally, irrespective of the original contract. Earth Alliance is not in violation of this law. Babylon Five is. You people are violating the law and are trying to break our union! We demand compensation and restitution!"

Alecia smoothly took over the conversation. "Specifically, we have ceased and desist orders on the food processors, or synthesizers, or synthesized products produced by Synthadyne. Those products are not certified for human usage or consumption by Earth Alliance scientists and researchers. There is a genuine possibility that people eating those consumables could develop cancer later on. Drugs and pharmaceuticals produced by those unknown, uncertified devices are illegal for use under Earth Alliance law. Earth Alliance has spent decades producing drugs that are certified safe for humans, and we are well aware of the dangers of using those approved and certified pharmaceuticals, and the benefits that those drugs have in humans and agricultural products. The drugs being produced by Synthadyne are not validated by scientists, researchers, and government agencies and as such must be removed from the market immediately."

"Excuse me," interrupted President Vincent. "We haven't even finished counting the numbers of the dead and wounded on Earth yet, and you're worried about your profit margins. Your proposal was nothing less than extortion," he snarled as he struggled to keep his temper in check. "I find your arguments hypocritical. But for the sake of clarification, the drugs approved and manufacture by Synthadyne are certified and accredited by the Federation who have over three hundred fifty years of experience, experimentation, research, documentation, and follow-up on their products and services. On Proxima, my government is working hard certifying all of our products in conjunction with Earth government and scientific circles. Their cooperation was initiated the second we signed our treaty granting us independence. We are doing this independently without your help in case you didn't notice."

"Documentation?" Rupee Shinga, the CEO of Pharasol huffed, speaking for the first time. "There's only their word about any of that," he snapped. "Mercenaries who came from nowhere and is accountable to no one but themselves. And we're supposed to take their world for it? Their research could be fabrication. Our studies have years of accredited research to support them. I refuse to accept the word of unknowns who have been present in this sector of space for a little less than three years. They are getting rich stealing our pharmaceutical products."

Peterman glared at the man. Now we come to it.

"Let me be clear on this point of fact. Earth Alliance does not condone corporate espionage or theft of corporate and private property, Mister Sykes. EarthDome no longer has jurisdiction over Babylon Five, or its territories. It does not have jurisdiction over the Federation or Star base LaBerre. You will have to address your grievance to them."

"You can influence-"

Vincent cut the man off before he could continue his rant. "The new Krell micro-furnaces power our new generation of ships we are building at this very second. We have a new jump engine design given us by the soul hunter aliens." His smile widened. "You think we're rich now? Wait until we start improving on those engines. Plus, the Feds are just waiting to back us up with their own innovations. As they told me, they don't need the money, but they will use it. I hear their gold-pressed latinim is very extremely desirable by everyone. A little of that goes a long way." It took everything he had not to smirk at the sour looks he received.

Peterman jumped back in before Alecia could retort. "UP science has certified the cold-fusion reactors, and the EA is hard at work at certifying the Krell micro and larger fusion furnaces. The cold-fusion units will not be available for general use until Earth recovers from our immediate crisis, the same crisis that you tried to exploit just a few days ago when you offered us that farce of a contract you tried to push on us. It we had accepted your proposal. Earth's economy would have suffered while making your companies rich, and everyone knows it."

Vincent took his glasses off and rubbed his eyes. "What you really want is to get your claws on Proxima III, our technology and rest secured in our world' safety. You made a mistake leaving and now you're trying to get back. You couldn't care less about the people you left, and that's why we have no intentions of allowing your corporations to return any time soon. We also know why you want so many Earthforce ships to 'protect' your transports. You wanted your own military force to protect you. Did you think we wouldn't notice?"

There it was the elephant in the room rearing its head once more.

Now it was Mrs. Phillips' turn to smile. "Gentlemen, we understand that these are difficult times," she said. "This litigation is not in the best interests of any of us. if we continue to pursue it, it could last for decades before the matter is resolved. Earth needs help and we;re all interested in its safety and prosperity. therefore, we have another proposal that can to alleviate any difficulties between us. give us complete access to the designate construct known as Robby, we want all rights and future patennts and we will withdraw our lawsuits. it's a win-win situation for all concerned."

"Is that all?" senator Peterman asked.

"Yes, Mr. Senator."

The senator and the President began laughing.

TBC