A Universe of Change

By Candlelight-Defiance

Chapter 8

FORMERLY: United Planets Cruiser C-57D

Crewmen, dressed in the same gray uniform that Adams wore, milled around doing their various jobs, preparing the ship for flight. Most of them wore the cap sporting the ringed comet symbol. That spoke of a different mindset than that of Earth and its military force, as most people didn't wear hats indoors. Of course, Earthforce ships barely had artificial gravity installed on their ships. Khali fumed. Earth had to steal technology to get it, whereas the Federation people and this ship developed it on their own.

The dominant color in this ship was gun-metal gray. How human. They were so similar to real Earth humans, but were they really? Khali wondered whether this particular crew, or should he say the original crew and those of the Federation, should be categorized under xenobiology, considering their extra-dimensional origins. Or were they simply humans from somewhere else? Again, that was something he'd have to think about when he wrote his thesis. He'd pondered that idea later because at this moment he had to admit that he was too interested in looking at the interior of the ship.

Located in the center of the deck was the command center. There was a round console around a large transparent globe containing a model of the saucer ship. Lines and dashes were marked on the globe, likely as aides for the vessel's navigation. The professor couldn't help but think that the ship's interior had a slightly retro look to it. Nevertheless, he knew that was just a veneer. Just one saucer like this one, although comparatively tiny, could match two Omega-class destroyers, possibly even defeat them.

It was so small!

Past the astrogation station, Khali noticed small alcoves set into a wall behind a long table that had chairs around it. The alcoves appeared incongruous among everything here. The tiny alcove's frame was a dark metal and contained what appeared to be a touch screen with colored squares in it. A soft red glow diffused the interior of the alcove. Khali pointed at it.

"What's that?" he asked the captain.

"A replicator. The Klingons installed it for us." Adams smirked as he added a little detail. "It's a benefit of independence and being part of the United Planets Union, or Alliance, depending on what we finally call ourselves," he added.

Amir wasn't interested in what they called themselves at the moment. The alien and human wouldn't continue as a viable entity anyway, according to his calculations. However, he was interested in the replicator, "I was under the impression you had replicators like the Federation people." Khali said, somewhat confused.

"We have synthesizers which work just as well, if a bit slower. But as I said, this was a gift. Our synths can create everything the replicators can, but the replicators are faster since they use their matter transporter technology to create materials. It takes just a moment. Ours can take up to a half hour to make a seven-course meal. Terribly slow, but we're getting faster," he mocked.

Khali had enough presence of mind to repress a sneer. "How long will the journey last?" Khali asked, changing the subject. He'd get back to the replicators later.

"Once we're in hyperspace, it'll take about nine hours to reach Babylon Five," Adams answered. In less than three minutes, Khali had made another enemy. "My crewman will show you to your cabin. Please take your seat in there and make sure your seatbelt is on. You'll be free to move around once we enter hyperspace. Now, if you will excuse me, I'm needed at the control area."

"Yes, Captain. See to your duties."

Adams paused as Khali walked away, catching the professor's last comment. He shook his head and turned to his duties. Civilian know-it-alls...

The compartment was remarkably small, understandable, since this was a small vessel. But it felt more like a closet and strangely, that thought was one of the few things that made him smile. The cabin on the other ship wasn't much larger, so this wasn't as bad as he'd imagined, and he didn't have to share with two other passengers. He still had nightmares about being stuffed with dirty, smelly people while fleeing B5. He secured his seat harness and double checked it, making sure he wouldn't bounce around during the acceleration into hyperspace. He did expect that the transition would be similar to Earth Alliance ships transitioning into jump space…

… Unpleasant.

Ten minutes later, the captain announced departure, and the ship accelerated away from its port. There was a video screen showing both the space station and the planet quickly receding, becoming a small dot that disappeared from view. Again, the captain was on, stating that they were about to enter hyperspace at the end of the warning bells. Within seconds, he heard a bell chiming coming from one of the speakers inside the room. There were ten beeps and a moment later, he experienced the acceleration pushing him into his seat, but it was not as much as he expected. The entire ship vibrated as the acceleration increased. The ship seemed to groan as the speed reached the transition point. The crew appeared indifferent, as they were used to it.

There was a slight disorientation, and that's when he felt it, a timeless lack of time and space, as if his body was being destroyed and reborn. He would have panicked except that the feeling had lasted only the merest instant, although at the same time it felt as long as the universe was old. It was stunning because it made him feel as if he was one with everything and then it vanished, leaving him to wonder if he had really felt anything at all.

Amazing!

He wanted to experience that again! His awakening to everything and nothing sparked so many possibilities. How could it be?

This was nothing like entering hyperspace through jump gates as far as he knew. The groaning and vibration in the ship's structure had immediately vanished at the transition point, and that was a big relief for Khali. There was no doubt they were in hyperspace now, a belief that was confirmed a few moments later as a crewman announced that they were free to remove their seatbelts. He sat there a moment, contemplating his experience, before he willed himself to exit his room.

There were no windows, so he couldn't see outside, which was just as well. He had no wish to look at the red swirl right now. Three people exited from their own cabins. One was a severe–looking blond woman in her forties and another man, approximately the same age, dressed in elegant attire. Both had that same look of wonder on their faces as he knew he had a few moments earlier.

The third passenger, a dark-skinned, Hispanic-looking woman, saw Khali and smiled, or it was what Khali believed passed for a smile with this woman. She introduced herself as Councilor Evita Wilson of OriGov. Gregory Janoslov, a tall man with classic Norwegian features, was also a representative of the Orion government. Both of them were to join others already on Babylon Five, discussing the situation on Earth about the expanding threat of the Sinhindrea, and what could be done to stop it. Khali listened politely as they were his equals, at least in status, and would be likely to understand his arguments about the future of Babylon Five, as well as humanity in the foreseeable future. Things were changing quickly, and Humans had better get a handle on what was coming before it overtook everyone. But first he needed to tend to his duties and observe these 'other Humans' which would help formulate his plans for the future of B5.

Unlike other vessels, this small ship had an open bridge viewable to everyone. The crew walked around and performed their duties like a well-oiled machine. Most were the original crew that came from that other universe; however, some were new recruits, formerly Earthforce from Proxima. He was only moderately surprised that they got along relatively well with one another.

He's intended to observe everything around him, but overhearing Vita's conversation with the captain broke his concentration.

"I can't describe that feeling," she was saying.

"It is a unique feeling," Adams admitted. "It started happening when we made upgrades to the ship. There was a time that a trip to Babylon Five would have taken almost a year in hyperspace. In order to transition safely into hyperspace, we had stasis tubes that we entered to survive acceleration and deceleration to avoid being crushed. But our journeys take a fraction of the time and there is no need for the AC-DC stations, although we still have the warning chimes when we enter and leave hyperspace."

"But that sensation…!"

Adams smiled. "Our version of hyperspace isn't jump space. If we had windows on the ship and if you could look out at them, you wouldn't see the red swirl of jump space, but what you'd see is more of a black nothingness. However, observers have noted that there is some type of soft diffuse glow that one could just barely see in our peripheral vision. We believe that the 'light' is fourth dimensional imaging that Human brains are unequipped to define. In other words, our brains can't properly conceptualize what our eyes are seeing. That effect is visible through our viewers. We've been struggling to identify and quantify it for a while now, but we don't have the math to do that yet. We think it's because the ship is interacting with the quantum foam strata of the universe. Hyperspace and jump space are two separate entities and the properties are completely different although still connected, but we've been using the names interchangeably and that has been causing confusion. Jump space is a dimension unto itself. Our faster-than-light method allows us to travel the layer that lays in-between hyperspace and normal space."

"Is it similar to the Federation's warp drive?"

"No, it's completely different from subspace travel. They're, in essence, surfing on the borders of subspace, and I used the word surf, because it's the best way to describe it. In layman's terms, the Federation warp drive creates a 'bubble' of normal space-time that surrounds the spacecraft as it partially submerges into subspace." He waved his hands, anticipating the next question. "No, subspace is not hyperspace or jump space. Let's see if we can think of it this way. Jump space places you in an entirely different dimension. It's more compact and allows you to get to your destination quicker than in normal space. Once you arrive at your coordinates, you tear your way into normal space. Warp allows you to surround yourself in a subspace bubble while in normal space, which allows you to travel faster-than-light in normal space. We went in with another and developed a higher-dimensional space. We use the quanto-gravitic drive to achieve faster than light. We use a fusion reactor to power the coils. Our spin drive allows us to phase into a higher realm or hyperspace. Our navigational computers allow us to calculate entry and exit points as well as duration and speed vectors, which are based on our hyperspace star-charts, something that we have been working on since we arrived at Proxima."

"So, you depend completely on the computers for navigation entering and exiting hyperspace?" asked Vita.

"That's right. But then, all ships do. Stellar navig6ation isn't an eyeball science."

"And you Humans from this other universe developed this on your own with no help?" Khali asked. "How did your world overcome the light barrier? I know the Starfleeters claim they invented the warp drive, and it bypassed the Einstein limit on FTL. We bought our jump-drive technology from the Centauri shortly after First Contact. What about your own world?"

Adams wondered whether he should tell this man, but mentally shrugged as it wouldn't do any harm. "Dr. Burkhard Heim in the 1950s attempted to reconcile quantum mechanics with general relativity, using the math of that time. That didn't work out. At the end of the 22nd century, Dr. Devi Parvati used some of Dr. Heim's mathematics to come up with a theory that negated the Einsteinian belief that, at or past, the speed of light, mass must become infinite. The revolutionary Parvati Theory was as big a step from the Laws of Relativity as they were beyond Isaac Newton's Law of Gravity. Scientists like Gundarsen, Holli, and Mussovski, transmuted the theory into fact, creating the Quanto-Gravitic drive, or the Hyperdrive as we also call it." Adams spread his arms, indicating the ship's interior, not without pride. "And now, we have starships going FTL with the Q-G Drive."

"All that on your own?" Khali couldn't quite keep the sound of being impressed and envious out of his voice.

"Yes, Dr Khali. We received some help from Robby and both commander Datas since we've been here. Their refinements allow us to increase our speed and overall capabilities, such as speed and power efficiency and regulation. Our weapons are more effective and less energy intensive, and we can accelerate and decelerate into and from hyperspace without entering deceleration modules, which kept us from being turned into organic paste. Our improved integrity fields allow less stress to be placed on the ship because of the intense speeds and decelerations we are able to achieve. Physically, we are faster in normal space than the Federation because of our drive system's propulsion. You'd be surprised at how slow the Enterprise is without its subspace emitters."

Khali knew who Robby the robot was. Everyone did. "Interesting, so your robot servant does your thinking for you?"

"He helped in the redesigning of some of our equipment," Adams said as his eyes narrowed at what he assumed was a poorly veiled insult.

"Forgive me, Captain Adams," Khali said graciously. "I didn't mean to suggest that you and Proxima III were unable to develop such advances on your own. I merely meant to say that it is wonderful that you, as another group of Humanity, could develop such advances without help from alien influence. It gives me hope for our people."

Gregory rubbed his eyes, and Khali knew that look. The man was misinterpreting his compliment. It happened more often than not. So, he ignored the subconscious slightly. "I was merely trying to say that we Humans need to work together if we are to survive against this new enemy that is trying to destroy us. It's good that we have the help of aliens, however we need to depend on ourselves as well. But it also begs a question that I've had some difficulty in answering."

"Such as?"

"What you've just told me indicates that there is yet another form of faster-than-light that has either been discovered, invented, or developed by humankind. The Federation has at least two methods. The universe you come from has developed one and we have jump space. The question I ponder is why is it we Humans of my universe have not developed or even theorized the possibility of these new forms? Oh, we have our own Dr. Burkhard Heim with his hyperspace theories and Dr. Miguel Alcubierre and his warp theories, but nothing came out of these. Jump space is practical and a good, if not a somewhat hazardous way of faster-than-light travel, but we would benefit from other forms as well. Your people and the Starfleet Human never discovered jump space if indeed it even exists in your realities, but you pushed and invented what you required. Why haven't we, and by that I refer to the Humans of this universe, not developed or even conceived of anything like hyperspace or warp drive?"

"Ambassador Guinan explained," Gregory answered. At Khali's blank look, he decided to elaborate. "Didn't you see the interview she did just after the Vorlons and Shadows made their rather infamous appearance at Babylon Five?"

Babylon Five

'Such a ringing endorsement,' Peterman thought sourly.

"The Earth Alliance is sympathetic to the plight of your world," Senator Peterman began. "But there are concerns that any forces sent will weaken Earth, perhaps critically. The Sinhindrea will certainly return and try to finish what they started. Having said that, using our ground forces to aid the Minbari will make little difference in a space-based battle. Those aliens want Earth destroyed, not subjugated, as it appears to be the case with Minbar. The aliens consider Earth a plague world. The Shadows knew what they were doing," he snarled. "We are targeted for destruction. Minbar, and Centauri Prime, as horrific as it is to suggest, are not. As horrific as it sounds, this gives us an advantage not afforded to Minbar and Centauri Prime. We can aid you by supplying ground units. However, I see several problems arising that we have to confront."

"First, for the foreseeable future, the President has declared martial law. Our troops are helping the hundreds of millions survive the next few months. Equipment from Proxima III has already begun making a positive impact, but there's so much that needs to be done."

Two small Lamda-class synthesizing units, the size of small buses developed and built by the Proxima Synthtec Corporation, had been set up and running. The first van-sized unit ran twenty-four hours a day, producing food, and fresh water and medicines. The fusion generator produced enough energy for the unit to create over seven tons of essential foods per hour while producing water and certain basic medicines. The second unit was programmed to create the first of twenty-six factory-sized units. The Lambda produced prefab sections of the larger units which were quickly put together. The newly built unit was up and running in less than a day after its arrival. It was just a trickle of what was needed, but soon that trickle would turn into a flood. If a deal was reached between Proxima and Earth Alliance. Then Earth and its colonies would no longer fear hunger ever again. Weapons could be made easily now using the larger units. Earth Alliance security was especially tight. Protecting the units was a priority. The industrial cartels were extremely unhappy since their profits were being drained almost hourly. Of course, those new technologies would cause a short-term economic nightmare, but Luchenko wasn't concerned about the future other than survival. The industrial conglomerate's priorities were skewed, and they were suing everyone. Luchenko and Earthforce didn't care. As for the senator and Ambassador levy, they had faith at Humanity would adjust quickly in light of the current situation. There was nothing like having the threat of being eaten alive to focus one's attention.

"Our space defenses are crippled. We've instituted a draft for all able-bodied personal to help rebuild our forces, but that will take months to just really get up and running. The space docks are undamaged. however, we need to train thousands of people and that brings us to the second problem. Earth Alliance agrees to the petition set forth by Satai Neroon and the members of the Grey Council, but in retrospect, there is another problem to consider." He stared at the Minbari now. "If Humans arrive on Minbar, the Sinhindrea will consider your world contaminated and designated it not for colonization, but for destruction as they did with Earth. This is what Ambassador Kosh told us and I see no reason not to believe his assessment. The Federation cured the Shadow plague, but the Sins will considerate your world contaminated."

"In more ways than one," Shaka muttered. Humans and those monsters, both on Minbar? Oh, the headache he was having right now. But he couldn't see any other way to save his world.

Captain Garrett lifted a finger and was recognized. "That's a very valid point and we'll address that concern in a couple moments. But before we do, we, as representatives of the Federation, have agreed to allow some of our more advanced technology to be used to protect Earth from another direct attack," she said. Her formality wasn't missed by any of the people in attendance. "For those who don't have a full understanding of who we are, this is the time for explanations." Now she was addressing the members of Earth Alliance present. Some of them were aware of Federation policy but a few of them didn't, including the Proxima and Narn representatives. All of them were aware of the generalities, but not the specifics. "Those policies are under review and being modified by the transplanted Starfleet representatives. Understand that where we've come from, the Prime Directive was one of our greatest laws. The Prime Directive has evolved as the Federation progressed. For Captain Picard and Admiral Janeway, it meant, or should I say, it is interpreted differently when compared to what it was into my generation, as it differed from the original crew of the Bozeman's, and different from Captain Archer's. I will explain those differences before I inform you of our intentions."

Now, the captain went into her lecture mode. "The Prime Directive or, Starfleet Order Number One, prohibits all Starfleet, wherever they may be, personnel and spacecraft, from interfering in the normal development of any alien society, and mandates that any Starfleet vessel or crew member are expendable to prevent violations of this rule."

She smiled ruefully. "Some have interpreted this to mean that we, as Starfleet members, should willingly destroy ourselves, or allow a society or race to die rather than interfere with the normal development of species or cultures less advanced than we. In Captain Archer's time, our past and his present/future, what would be called the Prime Directive was being considered as the effects and dangers, interactions and interference by more advanced species were brought to Starfleet's and the Federation's notice."

"So, the Prime Directive was a response to problems interfering with other race's development?" Levey asked over the vid-com. "It sounds nice in theory; however, I can see a multitude of problems implementing that without serious consequences."

"It's true," Archer confirmed. "My ship was one of the first true deep space explorers and my experiences made the dangers of interfering, or pushing our values and culture into species, intentionally or not, who were technologically behind us, was clear. The dangers could very well be catastrophic. So, in my reports, I recommended a series of suggestions of what to do, and not do, when encountering different, less advanced cultures. We didn't want to contaminate and possibly damage those cultures. We had several instances in our travels that could have been handled better by myself and my crew if we had had a set of First Contact and non-interference guidelines to follow. We were focused on exploration, not ruining other cultures. The PD was envisioned as a series of guidelines for exploration and to prevent inadvertent damage to other cultures and species."

"From his suggestions," Garrett continued, "the Prime Directive was created and defined. However, during the time of the USS Bozeman's commission, someone hundred years later, General Order One was transformed. Instead of a guideline designed to protect less advanced cultures, to a rigid law. Interference with a technologically less developed culture or species could easily result in the highest of punishments. There were exceptions, of course. However, Starfleet captains and personnel were strongly encouraged to follow the rules and there was very little leeway. Admiral Janeway's interpretation is so rigid that I am surprised that she helped us." Rachael looked a bit exasperated. "And we're in Starfleet! An entire species was allowed to die rather than have us interfere with their cultural development. I won't discuss the Temporal Time Directive, a rule we're violating just by existing here, according to our old universal rules. However, that, more than anything else, made us realize that the direction we were headed was not applicable to us here without serious revisions. It was something we have not considered lightly. What we have realized is that General Order One isn't set in stone."

"Forgive me for being crass but that's crazy," Peterman pronounced and from the glances from around the room, most people agreed with that assessment. "You have a law that would allow a species to die just because it might alter the course of its natural history?" Shaking his head, he growled out his next words. "I can understand guidelines are necessary, but when those guidelines became inflexible rules, then changes are necessary for the benefit of everyone."

"From a certain perspective, I have to agree," a sour Captain Garrett acknowledged. "But understand that the dynamics of Federation culture and experiences pushed Starfleet in that direction. We're not perfect and our system, as imperfect as it is, worked." She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts while remembering the long conversations she had with Picard, Sisko, and Janeway about this very subject. "There were other forces both internally and externally influencing Starfleet and the Federation. Powerful political forces and movements were forcing Starfleet to become primarily a defensive organization only." Garrett looked distraught and retrospective as she continued. "I believed those tenets because I understood the intent behind them and agreed with them. There were those, however, who believed that the Starfleet armadas were an unnecessary evil. Those same people believed that violence of any type was unacceptable for an enlightened civilization."

"I am sorry burst your bubble," General Denisov started. "There are so many pitfalls to that way of thinking that I can't see how your society could have even survived, no matter the state of your advanced technology." He glared at the Starfleeters as if they'd grown a second, defective head.

"I have to agree with you," Garrett responded. "And we learned that the hard way. Other governments and forces out there would have eventually overrun the Federation if we hadn't changed. The forces within the political organization 'Peace at Any Price', or the PAAP movement, were working specifically to weaken Starfleet because of their own convictions. One of their greatest convictions was that the older a race is, the more mature and non-violent it became. That very flawed conviction was fast becoming an accepted belief throughout the Federation. The belief increased during Picard's time, and Admiral Janeway's Starfleet was almost crippled by it. I think, however, that things have changed. We've come to suspect that the Federation was being pushed in that direction by something. There was something called the Temporal Cold War that aggravated the situation and wand wanted the Federation destroyed."

"A time war," grumbled Worf.

"I hate temporal dynamics. But to continue. A few more years of that thinking, and Starfleet wouldn't have been equipped to protect the Federation against the threats that came. New weapons development had been focused on defensive armaments only and that nearly crippled the Federation. Fortunately, events forced changes in Captain Picard's and Admiral Janeway's parent timeline, according to her records. Her people had major run-ins with a species called the Borg, which almost cost them Earth and the very heart of the Federation. That supposition about maturity was quickly thrown out the proverbial window. There was the Klingon war in Picard's timeline in which his people had to play catchup costing the lives of billions, and the Cylon war which Admiral Janeway's forces they are fighting at this point. Unlike Picard's timeline, her Federation is strong and growing. They have resisted incursions so far. Knowledge is half the battle."

Denisov and Peterman looked aghast. Neither one of them could imagine such a war with the weaponry these people possessed being thrown around. To have an enemy that could stand up and even defeat the Federation was something they didn't want to contemplate. Yet this was precisely the situation they were in with the Sinhindrea.

But Peterman had to know. "I am aware that this is going off-tangent somewhat, but who are the Borg and the Cylons?"

Many people in the room winced, having already been exposed to those aliens via holodeck and computer recordings. Susan and Michael had been in holographic simulations against both adversaries nearly a year earlier, and both still experienced nightmares.

"The Borg are a cybernetically enhanced entity made up of many individuals and species forced to become a Collective. This hive mind forcibly assimilates biological and technological species of interest. Entire worlds, entire cultures have fallen to them. They take technology and incorporate it into their own. Billions upon billions have had their individuality stripped from them and in only a few cases have they've ever been stopped. There's a phrase the Borg use: 'resistance is futile'."

She shivered. "They are a major threat to the Federation of that timeline. Then there are the Cylons in Admiral Janeway's timeline, a robotic race for the most part, we believe, that intends to exterminate the life form known as man and all related life forms. Initially they attempted to exterminate the Human species, but that now includes all organic life forms. Cylons are massively enhanced robots that are at war with the Federation, Klingons, and the Romulans to name just a few."

"But, why?"

"We disagreed with their plans for organic life-forms, and they felt that the only way to solve the disagreement was complete and utter extermination."

"They're a robotic entity. Who created the Cylons?" asked General Franklin. "The Federation?" He thought that was entirely possible since both Commander Data and that Robbie robot had been created by Humans in both societies.

"Not us," Garret said, shaking her head emphatically. "We know better. There are laws concerning artificial life forms and their rights when they do exist. Commander Data is an example of this, and those laws are still developing. No, it was a reptilian species that created them to fight their battles for them. The AIs decided not to remain slaves and rebelled, turning on their masters and wiped them out, and began a thousand-year war with Colonial humans who didn't agree with their methods of controlling organic life forms.

"Like Earth Alliance and the Dilgar War," Levy stated.

"Close," Garrett answered. "The Cylon Empire wasn't a threat to the Federation. But there were other forces that used very advanced technology to change them into the threat they are now. But I am telling you all of this because I want you to get a better understanding of us." Garrett shook her head. "We are getting off topic. We will continue this discussion in detail at a later time."

"Yes, we need to return to the subject at hand. The Prime Directive is an important part of who and what we are," Picard said as he took over the conversation. "It was a good idea and still is. However, we cannot allow it to become an obsession. It has been acknowledged and confirmed that we cannot return to our own home universes and timelines. We are stuck here. According to General Order One, Earth and even Minbar would not qualify to join the Federation. But we are not the Federation, only representatives from a wide range of slightly different viewpoints. We are small in numbers and like it or not, this is our now our home. The Prime Directive as we have known it is no longer valid by current definitions." He glanced through the huge window, staring at the small dot that was Babylon Five floating in the distance. "There has been much discussion among us of late about how this universe affects us and our core beliefs. We will still place our value on the Prime Directive; however, it will be more 'flexible'. To this extent and because of the seriousness of the situation we all find ourselves in, we have this proposal for Earth Alliance.

"First, we will provide the schematics and detailed plans for the second-generation phased energy weapons and power generation/reactor systems. The power generation systems may be a moot point if you come to an agreement with the Proxima government. We will also provide schematics for artificial gravity generation, which differs from the gravity plating system you have already acquired," he said, never cracking a smile at the subtle dig. Denisov merely went blank to keep from showing any emotion. We will provide schematic to the upgraded Starbury IIs, both version IIs. This will include a database to make first generation tritanium alloys. We wish for you to work out the dynamics for yourselves as you are doing with the transparent aluminum. It will make the science classes available to Earth Alliance personnel for the standard applicable fees. The union members of Babylon Five and their families are exempt from those fees, as they have a separate agreement with us.

"For the duration of the war, we will provide your newer vessels with second generation photonic missiles. We will provide these weapons for the duration of this conflict. We will begin instructing you on the safe use of handling antimatter weaponry. We have no wish for you to damage your facilities, or you moon like the Klingons did, approximately one hundred-twenty years ago in my timeline. It would not recommend you opening and examining these weapons. They are secured and the results would be unpleasant for all concerned. If we survive, we will begin classes on the subject for a modest fee to be determined later," he said, smiling. "If Earth Alliance is to survive, then we will not simply give you technology, but we will instruct you on the basics and use of that technology given you. The Minbari and Narn, Brakiri, Drazi are following the same path." Now Picard pinned them all with his glare. "This technology comes with a responsibility. Use it well. Because of the war, we will provide you with the schematics of third generation polarized plating. At this point, we hesitate to give you shielding. However, the polarized plating will offer you directions to developing your own versions of the shields."

"This will include upgraded sensor and avionics technology equal to the current state of the at Minbari ships." He looked grim. "This is not a competition," he stressed. "This is about survival. The weapons and avionics platform are a generation above Captain Archer's original starship and well within your technological capabilities to understand and reproduce quickly and easily designed to integrate with your Aurora and Thunderbolt fighter systems, giving them a more effective punch than your standard Furies. They will complement your upgraded Furies and enable you to strike back effectively against both Sinhindrea fighters and their gunboat analogs. The second item is one that we've started implementing around Babylon Five is something that we've found the Sinhindrea are less than enthused about," Picard said, putting it mildly. "We've begun mining the Epsilon Eridani system."

"You've what?!" Christov snapped. "Isn't that irresponsible, with the amount of traffic in and around the station, and this one for that fact? We have alien refugee ships arriving every day!"

A wheel-chaired Draal cut him off. "That isn't true, not anymore," he announced. His voice softened as he continued. "Refugee ships are arriving at a trickle now. I believe that there will not be any more refugees coming here for the forgeable future. Those who have escaped are already here."

Christov nodded briskly. He didn't want aliens coming and overwhelming both stations and those who were already helping. However, losing so many species he would never know was horrifying considering what happened to Earth. Humanity could well be one of those races fleeing the Sinhindrea slaughter. But those facts didn't deter him from his very valid point. "Half of the sips alr4eady here are so damaged, they'd blow up by themselves if you look at them the wrong way. And having them follow the standard rules of navigation around here? Forget it." He took several breaths to calm himself. "Yes, yes, I understand the need for such an action, but the overall danger to anyone traveling here could well offset the protection such a system would offer. Not to mention a bottleneck would be created. If those creatures made it through the safe corridor, everyone else would be trapped."

"Yes," agreed Franklin. "He's right. If something were to happen to B5 or this station, no one would be able to get out without suffering damage. Civilian shipping is endangered.

"Your concerns have merit, gentlemen," acknowledged Picard. "Without proper precautions, that is indeed a real possibility."

"You've said that you've already started mining this area," Denisov said, staring at Sheridan, who had to have signed off on this venture. "Where and how many, exactly? We didn't see any on our way here."

"And you wouldn't," Picard replied. "The mines are cloaked, effectively invisible to the naked eye and most sensors. Not even the Sinhindrea can detect them unless they hit one. Mr. Data, if you please?"

Commander Data nodded. Computer, display an image of the Epsilon Eridani system as of two hours ago.

"Working."

To the shock of many in the room, the entire room disappeared and in its place was a perfect view of the Epsilon star system. From their vantage point, they saw everything in the immediate star system. Babylon Five floated in the far distance surrounded by thousands of small lights representing starships, including the refugee vessels and the remains of those ships which were destroyed and the remains still in being cleaned up and removed, all seen in real time. In fact, they were in a holographic room, and he had forgotten. The memories of Voyage came back to haunt him.

"This is a holographic representation of the Epsilon Eridani system. The smaller moving points you observe…"

"This is a hologram?" interrupted a shocked Christov. For a moment, he had panicked. He knew of the technological magic of Federation holography. He experienced it, along with now-deceased ex-President Morgan Williams Clark, but it still surprised him. He'd forgotten Voyager's little stunt. That for a moment made him believe he'd been spaced. "I thought we were in space! For a moment had forgotten…"

"I apologize to those unused to our holographic technology," Picard intoned. His tenor was neutral, but his voice carried a coldness to it. Peterman was shocked and close to panic until he also remembered. He assumed this little demonstration was a form of intimidation. The Earth Alliance military members present were startled, but most had been exposed too much of this before, but still it would take time to get used to how cavalier they were about using it.

. Archer immediately understood Picard was making a point. If everyone here was going to start sharing technology, then they'd better get used to it. But this is the best way to give them a unique idea of what was in the system. 'And' he thought silently, 'exactly what we can do'. Frankly, he was amazed himself. The original holographic science he had first encountered had developed to an imagined degree.

"Data, continue please."

"Yes, sir. Computer display mines in the area."

To Be Continued