Atlantis is ready for her first mission, on the captain's birthday no less! The newest Earth Alliance Omega Class Destroyer and crew have performed beyond expectation. We will soon relieve our sister ship, the Agamemnon, now on patrol on the rim. As the former command of Captain John Sheridan, the Agamemnon has established a tradition of excellence which we will strive to uphold.
Soon after entering hyperspace I opened my sealed, secret orders from General Hague. The events he spoke of were not totally unexpected but were surprising none the less.
Agamemnon has been guarding a previously unknown planet on the rim. During investigation of an unusual surface feature, the crew uncovered an artifact of the utmost importance to our efforts. An archive of Technomage origin, it contains data which certain factions of Earth Dome would possibly use against us in the brewing power struggle. The Agamemnon will deliver the original to me, you will keep a copy in reserve, out of reach of Clark and his cronies. Use the planet link above to access the data. Erase all traces of our presence on the planet and continue on your "official" mission. I will update you on our situation as soon as possible.
After much study of the archive, many of my questions are now answered. Have I done the right thing aligning myself with Hague and Sheridan? I think so, because something is lurking out there in the shadows, and the government isn't telling!
Life imitates art. I just received a coded transmission from Babylon 5 regarding infringement of personal rights by the Nightwatch organization. Some of their propaganda: * it is no longer appropriate for Earth Force personnel to publicly criticize the government or its decisions, * investigations have been expanded to include past associations, * certain individuals in the government will be expelled under charges of sedition, spying for alien governments, and immoral conduct, and get this, * the "abridgements" of traditional rights are only temporary and that everyone will have to do their part to keep Earth "safe and ideologically pure." Yeah, right. Once you lose something it's real hard to get it back. I was hoping this was an isolated incident but ISN Network is now trumpeting a recently signed law that may signal the beginning of similar activities back home on Earth. The "communications decency" section of the bill is being protested by 1000's of web sites by using black backgrounds and/or displaying the above Blue Ribbon.
Due to this recent news I am making a command decision. I will continue to patrol my assigned sector but will slowly position the Atlantis for an optimal jumpsequence to Babylon 5. Sheridan may need backup soon, the situation is very tense.
Hyperspace can grow on you. The skewed colors and perception hints at things just out of sight. I could just stare into the void for hours trying to pierce the veil of shadows. Time is pressing though, tests are being run, results are being processed and new theories developed. A modified "bonehead maneuver" using experimental, jump capable drones and points formed by the Atlantis should be possible, and survivable. The procedure is horrendously expensive and dangerous, but will give us a tremendous weapon when perfected. We are now in optimal position for a minimum time jump sequence to Babylon 5 should the need arise.
Clark declares martial law on Earth. Nightwatch is flexing its muscles, but who watches the watchers? On the Atlantis, I do. With means they do not have at their disposal, nor any defense.
I've received my own message from Earth. It reinforces my questions about the recent "alien attack" on the research station on Ganymede. I'll be initiating a jump sequence to bring us within striking distance of Babylon 5 within the week.
Things are coming to a head here, they're trying for Babylon 5.
Be prepared to assist in whatever is way is necessary. I'm doing
all I can on this end but most of us are already on the list. Use
your own judgment on how far you go with this. Clark is playing
the ISN news feed for all it's worth, I haven't found out what really
happened yet, when I do either Sheridan or I will try to inform you.
Hague out.
I don't think the term "civil war" is too far off the mark now. Martial law, dissolution of the senate and Earth Alliance ships blasting each other to pieces in the void. Divided loyalities for us all, a time to stand or a time to fall. Sheridan has the situation on Babylon 5 in hand for now, at least until Clark hears about it. Hopefully his hands are full right now, giving me a window of opportunity to act. I will attempt to locate General Hague and the Alexander, if he is heading toward Babylon 5 perhaps I can smooth his way a bit. At least I don't have to worry about this crew.
As the situation on Earth continues to worsen, the name of this ship becomes ever more appropriate. Atlantis, a mythical, fabled land, with its truth shrouded in the mists of time. A highly advanced civilization, become decadent, following corrupted leaders, destined to be destroyed by the Gods in a single day. Atlantis, the name borne by one of 20th century America's space shuttles. A great technological triumph, the first fleet of reusable space vehicles. And a greater tragedy, when her sister ship Challenger died, and shadows fell on the heart of a nation. Atlantis, reborn as the newest of the Earth Alliance Omega class destroyers. Atlantis the legend, even in this day of reason, fascinating and influencing us with its secrets, still hidden deep below the surface. We too may be destroyed in our fight against Clark and the others who would enslave Earth. But we also have deep hidden secrets, the legend may yet be rewritten.
We will go with the contingency plan to be implemented in case of my death.
Sheridan to Babylon 5, and our sleeper to the Atlantis. Thank God we found
him before PSI Corp, and he agreed to our proposition. After the treatment,
he'll be safe from them at least. Not even a deep scan will detect his abilities,
even he won't remember what was hidden. Whatever filters through to consciousness
will be cloaked by his hunches and intuition. When the trigger conditions
develop, everything will come back to him, or you may trigger if you deem
necessary. When PSI Corp makes their move, we'll need those abilities to
keep us on an even footing, and in the meantime he may just turn up something
useful. This might be an opportune time to test the modified bonehead maneuver.
We've done all we could, if our fears are realized, this may be our last
communication. The future is now in the hands, and hearts, of our men and
women among the stars.
Goodbye, Santaigo
Still no word from General Hague. Nor have I been able to locate any trace of him and the Alexander, their survival at this point seems doubtful. Sheridan and Babylon 5 will have to become the focal point of the resistance. And in doing so, most likely become the focal point of an all out battle also. The balloon is going up soon, we'll have to do what we can, with what we have to work with. Maybe it'll be enough. I've also been having strange dreams lately, must be the pressure of the situation getting to me.
"Sooner or later, everyone comes to Babylon 5. " They are coming, and soon. Here we will make our stand, along with Babylon 5, against a corrupted government. Will history remember us as patriots or traitors? The victors always write the histories, I guess that's an incentive for us to prevail. If we don't, I fear that soon no one will be left to read any history. Powers are stirring, this conflict is only one manifestation. I'm taking Atlantis into hyperspace, where we can strike from a position of concealment, if the situation deteriorates that far.
They came, they followed orders and they died, as did we. A dark day by all accounts. The guns of the Atlantis have spoken in anger for the first time, and against our own people. We opened a jump point behind the planet, caught one of the old cruisers attempting to place the station in a cross fire, and blasted it out of the sky. They never knew what hit them. A thing like this should never have happened. Clark will pay, one way or another.
The fighting is over, for now at least. Time enough to rest, make repairs, and grieve for the fallen. The same Minbari ships that once struck fear in us, now cruise about like eagles guarding their nest. Under their wings we have found a refuge, but soon the eaglet must leave its nest and venture into the unknown. I spoke with Ambassador Delenn, thanking her for standing with us, and informing her of her new status. Our people have made her an honorary Atlantis crewperson. She seemed genuinely moved by this, more human than many who bear the designation from birth. On the command deck has been placed a token of her appreciation, a small crystal, from which glow in Human and Minbari script, the words: You Are Starstuff.
An incident has disturbed me greatly. While shaving this morning, I noticed something moving on the floor. It was a small black spider. Normally I look upon little pests that turn up onship as reminders of Earth, and her infinite diversity of life. This time was different, I stood there paralyzed, as if in the presence of evil incarnate. Into my mind came a vision of the spider growing, until the entire universe was caught in its web, waiting for life and light to be sucked from it. I KNEW I had to kill it! When I came to myself, the spider was gone, crawled off into some shadowy recess of the Atlantis. If I close my eyes it's still there, lurking on the edge of consciousness, waiting for its prey.
I have formally offered the services of the Atlantis in the ongoing defense of Babylon 5. I think our presence here will lend much needed support to our cause. Not so much in the military sense, but in the moral sense. The other races must see that not all of Earth Alliance sides with fear, oppression, and death. If we stand here, more may see, and join us. Even now Ryan is searching for the patriots left among our forces. I must confess a more selfish reason also, I'm eager to see more of that new ship, the Whitestar. Ah, to captain a ship such as that! I'm just glad she's on our side.
A private meeting with Sheridan on Babylon 5. With three words, a door opens, I become myself again, whoever that might be. I watch the memories of deeds done, choices made, paths taken, as if by someone else. Imagine giving up your sight, then forgetting you could ever see at all, until a sunrise burns the scales from your eyes. I *know* I was a potential Level 10 Telepath, I *know* Hague staged my death to escape the PSI Cops, I *know* renegade telepaths trained and prepared me for my underground mission, I *know* I captained a special ship and crew, insurance against what might come to pass. I *know* the future isn't what it used to be, it's much worse than we planned for. The Shadows are coming.
I would have liked more time to explore the new areas of my mind, but the universe doesn't wait for anyone. As my telepathic abilities give the Atlantis some protection from the Shadow cruisers, the observation mission fell to us. I am glad our participation in the battle was limited to that role, for we would have stood no chance at all against the energies unleashed there. The Vorlons have finally acted. At last a victory, and hope! Babylon 5 must be celebrating from end to end, we're heading back at top speed. In this case, I feel the need for speed is justified! For a change things went our way. When we get back I'm going wrangle a meeting with Ambassador Kosh somehow, if only to tell him thanks, before the next crisis overtakes us. They're a strange people, but they don't run, and they know how to fight.
Victory was in the air at Babylon 5 when we returned. That was before I was told the rest of the story. The Shadows struck back, and quickly. Not so much a military strike, but a strike to our hearts, our hopes, and our dreams. A great force in the army of light is gone, and will be missed in the coming struggles. I could easily find the one responsible, but it was decided to forgo that option. Better the devil we know for the time being. But I will remember, and plan for the future. Rest in peace.
Things are quieter now, quiet enough for some much needed shore leave on Babylon 5 for my crew. Atlantis is also long overdue for some rest, repairs, and maintenance. The modifications that give this ship its increased capabilities also make her more temperamental, more demanding, than a standard Omega. All in all though, the ship and crew have been all I could ask for and more. We will rest, integrate what we've learned, and train for what is ahead. This is the calm before the storm, we must use this time wisely.
Ship maintenance is preceding well. In spite of the many new, mostly untested systems, Atlantis is in fine shape. Many advances have been made since the original Omega lifted from her space dock, soon after the Earth Minbari war. Our two fusion reactors take up more space than the single unit of the older vessels, but provide vastly increased power output. In fact, we can open a jump point with one reactor off line, although just barely, and with no power to spare for the weapons. This higher output is put to good use by the upgraded laser and particle beam arrays. They have an increased "burn" time and longer range. We are faster, stronger, and better protected than any previous Omega, but have given up some cruise duration and crew living space. We need more frequent "tune ups" also, but I don't think anyone would transfer off this ship. Leave the only former EA ship able to pull a "bonehead" and survive? I don't think so!
You might not think technology from the Star Wars Initiative of the 1980's would offer much to us today. How to cram a power hungry jump engine into something shuttle size? 20th Century tech gave us an answer. One proposed space based X-Ray laser was to use a tiny, contained nuclear explosion to power the device. We have adapted this quick and dirty technique to develop a one shot, jump capable drone. It doesn't last long until the reaction consumes the drone, but it doesn't need to, just long enough to open a jumpoint. With it we can blow a gate by remote triggering, or we can open a jump point of our own and send the drone through. With our new, high output reactors, we can open the point far enough away to make the "bonehead maneuver" survivable. We have 2 drones left, a nice little surprise for some unsuspecting foe.
I've been testing my abilities to locate vessels beyond normal detection range by telepathy. I wonder if there might be another weapon here. The hyperspace environment greatly enhances the ability, would a fleet of ships with telepathic crewpersons be able to maintain contact, and more importantly maintain "radio" silence during an operation? If so, this could be a major tactical advantage. Unfortunately what's left of the underground railroad are mostly untrained, and I am in need of advanced teaching myself.
Once again the strange colors and textures of hyperspace rage outside the hull of the Atlantis. As we jump to Orion 7, I open my mind, and cast it upon the void. A bridge, built by the power of human thought, spans the distance between us. I feel her, as if we were in the same room, breathing the same air. I reach for her as our thoughts swirl together, becoming reality for a brief moment. Immaterial fingers brush my lips, I sense her smile, then we pull apart, separate again. We communicate, mind to mind, over vast expanses of hyperspace. In fact, the distances involved seems less important than the depth of communion shared by us. Even now, we are closer than when I waved good bye to her at Babylon 5. And it becomes stronger, deeper, with each new contact. And so it begins.
She was the product of the PSI Corps breeding program. Two adults who didn't want each other, saddled with a child neither desired. She couldn't understand the lack of love and blamed herself. When PSI ability manifested itself, the Corp quickly stepped in and became the parents she had always lacked. Finally she was wanted, needed, even held up as superior. Testing revealed P12, possibly P13 potential. Quickly though, the fist within the PSI Corps glove became apparent and she fled. An independent Babylon 5 was a logical destination. The transport was intercepted by raiders and she called out the only way she could.
Atlantis was in hyperspace when I heard her cry. As surprising as the power of the call itself was how I seemed to recognize it. Nothing I could put into words but there was a link there never the less. It was like I already knew her, knew the flavor of her mind. She was an enigma on the edge of awareness I had always been reaching for, but never quite able to grasp. I vowed this time would be different. Driving our hyperspace engines far beyond safety limits we prepared for battle. I sent ahead that help was on the way, and prayed I would arrive in time.
It was a passenger/supply ship, the Far Star, bound for Babylon 5. In the confusion of war, the raiders thought to escape with a rich prize. Locating her by our mind link, I opened the jumpoint right on top of them. Our beams carved the life from the raider mothership while our starfuries dealt with the fighters. Scant minutes later I led a boarding team to the Far Star to deal with the remaining raiders. Too late though, they had already herded the crew and passengers into a cargo area. It was a stand off, and the killing would begin if we didn't supply a shuttle and a hostage. In each other's mind, she and I made our plans.
Too many for us to directly control, even linked as we were, we resorted to other means. It only took a little mental prodding to convince the raiders to keep her, and ask for me, in return for the prisoners' freedom. The exchange took place, and I, securely blindfolded, was led into the cargo hold. Because of the 0-G environment, my hands were bound loosely enough to allow some limited freedom of movement. After all, I needed to control my drifting, and besides, what could a blind man do to 3 armed men? Their mistake, my "eyes" were waiting just beyond the pressure door.
Like passing through a mirror, I watched with her eyes as I floated into the cargo hold. The raider leader decided retribution was in order, and after guiding me to the 0-G footholds, aimed a blow from the but of his PPG rifle to my midsection. The surprise was only beginning to take hold in his eyes as I twisted aside, caught the rifle, and erased this blight from the soul of humanity. Quickly calculating the firing angle from a viewpoint not my own, I did the same favor for raider #2. The finger of raider #3 was tightening on the firing stud as our combined mental onslaught blasted his consciousness into oblivion. Safe now, she removed my bonds and cut away the blindfold. Opening my eyes I looked, for the first time, upon,,,,, Allison.
My link chimes, bringing me back from recent memories. It will soon be time to leave this planet, to wing Atlantis though the void, back to the one who awaits me on Babylon 5. My mission to Orion 7 has been a success on many fronts. At a summit consisting of Earth's break away colonies, I told what had not been heard before now, the truth. The Shadows have returned after a 1000 years of sleep. They too are now pledged to stand with us against the coming darkness, bringing to bear resources only planetary economies can afford. I've also been able to rotate the entire crew for some extended shore leave onplanet, a definite morale booster, especially when it becomes available to the rest of our people on B5.
Our hyperspace/telepathy experiments have not been as successful as the diplomatic mission though. My link with Allison continues to expand and strengthen, to the point we can, across the distance between B5 and Orion 7, vaguely touch each other's mind . With one in hyperspace, direct communication is possible. Both there, we can become virtually one mind. We have not been able to duplicate this merging with any other combination of individuals, and I am secretly pleased with this. I don't wish to share our communion, or her, with anyone else. In my mind she sees, smiles, and says, I'll always be here.
Babylon 5 shines, like a beacon in the starlight, as Atlantis resumes station. Our mission, for now, complete. It is home, until we stand upon a free Earth again. In my years with the EA I have walked many worlds, watched strange suns set on far horizons, and drank the majesty of stars like diamonds in void. Still Earth reigns supreme, the one mother who bore and nurtured us, until we, her children, sprang forth into the universe. Dark times lie ahead, but we will not forget, you will be free again, when light drives the shadows away. Then, as the stars slowly fade from sight, we will sit, my Allison, by the sea and watch as a new age dawns.
The Shadows, just what are they? Possibly a better question is *why* are they? Legend has it they are the most ancient of all races, old before Earth itself was born. A question arises, why haven't they gone the way of the other Old Ones, who also according to legend, have passed beyond the veil? We see them as evil, but is that their true nature, or merely a mirror of our own hidden darkness? Is it the only characteristic our limited perceptions can apply to them, or is that how they *choose* to appear to us? If the Shadows are to be defeated once again, we must learn more. Why are they still here concerning themselves with the younger races. What do they want?
Knowledge strikes from the strangest places. Picking a song at random from my music database, I was chilled by this chorus. "I'll sleep in this place with the lonely crowd. Lie in the dark where the shadows run from themselves." It seemed strangely prophetic to me. Must we enter the darkness, become like the Shadows themselves, to defeat them? If so, what will be the price of our victory? Our selves? Our souls? Eric Clapton, as you sang "White Room" so many years ago, somehow I think you knew what we face today. From the past you may have given us a key.
Minbari techs swarm through and around my ship. Installing, testing, modifying and retesting. During the Earth/Minbari War, it was not lack of raw power that caused our near downfall, it was our inability to achieve a weapons lock on. During the ill-fated first contact that began the war, technologically inferior EA ships wreaked havoc among the Minbari, causing even the death of Dukat, before they engaged their stealth devices. Atlantis no longer has that weakness. In preparation for our next mission, Delenn has given us the knowledge and equipment necessary to penetrate their stealth tech. A mission to Minbar itself!
Again the strange vistas of hyperspace taunt me with images of something half seen, half imagined, just beyond the shadows of night. It knows we are here, and knows we will meet soon, as the forces of Light take the battle to the enemy. These Rangers know it too, even a non telepath could feel the anticipation, that something in the air, that bespeaks history in the making. But first they must arrive on Minbar safely. In rotation, Allison and I keep up a constant telepathic vigil, and our new Minbari sensors scan for more physical threats. The jumpgate is the choke point, if there is to be treachery, there will it occur. If Minbari kill Minbari, we must survive long enough to get word back to Delenn.
MINBARI WARSHIP, I HAVE YOU IN MY SIGHTS! DON'T MAKE ME FIRE! They were waiting for us. Stealth measures engaged, positioned to destroy the transport, laying the deed to us. No doubt to demonstrate just how dishonorable we humans are, before blasting us in retaliation. As they maneuvered on an attack vector, Atlantis very precisely sliced off one of the Minbari ship's beam projectors. YOU CAN TAKE US, BUT NOT BEFORE WE OPEN A JUMPOINT AND COVER THE TRANSPORT'S ESCAPE. ESCAPE WITH A FULL RECORDING OF WHAT HAPPENED HERE. I AM READY TO STAND WITH YOU AND FIGHT AT YOUR SIDE IN THE DARK TIMES AHEAD, OR FIGHT AGAINST YOU HERE AND NOW. IT'S UP TO YOU. What may be my final minutes tick away as I await a response.
In neutral space between our ships, he faced me across the confines of my shuttle. "Why didn't you destroy us when you had the chance? You would have died soon after, but my clan would be disgraced when word came out. A perfect opportunity for Delenn to consolidate her control on Minbar. Honor must be accorded you now, and I myself have to admit a grudging respect. Go now, send the rangers to their destination, they will be needed soon. I will trouble you no more. And perhaps one day, we will stand side by side to fight, and possibly die, for a common cause." I stood and offered my hand. " I could ask for no finer compatriot, Jothenn." Much later, I watched his flyer disengage, and fade from sight. I stared into the starscape for a long time before I laid in a course back to the Atlantis.