Babylon 5 A Fighting Chance --- A Babylon 5 AU
- Thread starter Harlock
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SuperHeavy
Well-known member
If they could spin letting the Dilgar remain around then the Minbari should be rather easy. Hell they have not even obliterated a few planets worth of innocent people.
BF110C4
Well-known member
In space is easier to keep a military base completely segregated from the population at large. The mimbari can give Earth Force a space station for orbital operations and an island or other isolated geographic region for a land base for R&R.
The interesting thing would be if part of the peace demands are about opening economic barriers, and how would they do that with a economy that is completely divorced from the galactic markets. What can be sold to an advanced race like them, what would they be willing to sell and how it would be paid since Q40 is too limited a resource to be used to buy human trinkets or mimbari holographic TVs.
Chapter 20
Harlock
I should have expected that really
20
Above Minbar
Nobody was quite sure what was supposed to happen next. For each Minbari, whether those at the highest levels of their society or those toiling at the base there was a sense of entering unknown territory. Yesterday they had thought the war was under control, not the resounding success it had been but none the less progressing in their favour. This morning they had learned the truth, the Shai Alyt speaking to them over the various news services for the first time and laying out the hard reality.
Their borders had been breached, their navy crippled, foreign invaders had landed on Minbari territory and now had struck the homeworld itself. On top of all that the Grey Council had been caught in the battle and was almost completely destroyed. Only its newest member Satai Delenn had survived.
These facts were a shock to say the least, the information entirely unexpected by most. The Minbari were so used to their leaders handling everything, so used to not having any information they were deemed not to need by their superiors, so used to living in what was blissful ignorance that they were not prepared for any of this. Instead of simply doing what the caste elders decided was best for them the people of Minbar were now being asked to make a decision of their own.
The Shai Alyt wanted to hear their voices, wanted their thoughts. More specifically with all the facts now in their hands he wanted to know their opinions on the war and the future. Unsurprisingly they were largely fearful and shaken, especially after spending the day watching smashed pieces of Minbari infrastructure falling out of the sky and burning up above them.
There was a movement among the population growing, one of anger at being lied to about the war, a helplessness as their situation became obvious and a strong drive to resolve the situation fast. All exactly as Branmer had predicted.
“Most of the anger is focused at the Council.” Neroon stood under the holographic shroud gazing at Minbar from the darkness. “They put their faith and trust in them, they consider themselves betrayed.”
“They are not entirely wrong.” Branmer considered. “If they blame the Council that is understandable, but the Council also sacrificed itself to save many lives which should preserve its reputation in the long term. They sinned, but gave their lives to erase said sins. People will accept it.”
“I will resign, leave to a quiet role.” Delenn offered.
“Not needed, you were new to the Council and spoke out against this. Your reputation if anything will flourish.” Branmer assured. “We will create a new Council, you will be part of it.”
“I don't know if I deserve to be, I hold so much responsibility for this...”
“Have you learned from it? Grown stronger?” Branmer interrupted.
“Well, yes.”
“Will you ever allow something like this again?”
“No, even if it results in my death.”
“Then you need to be on that Council. More than anything it needs someone like that.”
“I do not envy you.” Neroon exhaled. “It will be a difficult task rebuilding faith in the Council.”
“A very difficult one.” Branmer agreed. “That is why you will be on it too.”
Neroon just stared at his leader.
“For a second it sounded like you were suggesting I should be Satai.”
“Coplann was a man of honour, if not one of vision. His replacement should be a Star Rider, one of great reputation but still young enough to be free of mind and untouched by rotten traditions.”
“My place is beside you Shai Alyt.”
“And it will be, the new Council will not be as potent as before, I want some of its power shared with the other elders. Too much power in too few hands is part of why we are in this crisis.”
“I do not fully agree, but I will not disobey.”
“I want a Ranger in their too, Rathenn perhaps, or Turval himself?” Branmer considered.
“Both would likely accept if called.” Delenn nodded. “It will be a radical departure.”
“Rathenn was Religious caste, Turval a Worker?” Branmer tried to remember. “Durhan was obviously a Warrior. Perhaps they can all three fulfil the roles of their caste but also stand for the Rangers. In this new era I sense we will need their insight often.”
“So if we appoint them we just need to find two from each caste, not three.” Neroon nodded. “But that will still take time.”
“Yes, and we must act immediately.” Branmer agreed. “Until the Council is rebuilt I am going to act as the temorary leader of our people. Is there any objection?”
“A crisis allows for power to be given to one man.” Delenn confirmed. “Though the last to invoke that law was Valen.”
“I shall surrender it as soon as possible, I swear it.” Branmer promised. “I'm also appointed three advisers with the power to overrule me if all three agree. You two of course and Vizier Muruk.”
“Giving the Protectorate such a prominent role will raise eyebrows.” Neroon mused, then smiled. “Good. They fought well, they have earned a place with us.”
“I don't think I can get one on the Council but it is my intention to grant them independence.” Branmer resolved. “But there is time for that later,, first we must end this war. Any objections?”
“None.”
“Public opinion strongly favours it.” Delenn confirmed. “If you did not we face the real possibility of being overthrown.”
“Then my first and probably only task as Leader of the Federation will be to request a cease fire and armistice.” Branmer exhaled. “At long last.”
“I'll send word through the Narn.” Neroon offered. “Durhan has contacts there, we will probably have an answer by the end of the day.”
“Very well, speak to your old teacher.” Branmer approved. “We should waste no time.”
*
“Do you think the humans will agree?” Delenn walked beside him. “They wanted peace before, but now they are winning, now after all the loss and death...”
“I do not know.” Branmer shook his head. “In all these battles I have studied humans, their history, their recent wars. But I still do not think I know the heart of them. I do not truly understand them.”
“We have a human aboard, a prisoner.” Delenn mentioned. “He was taken alongside a Dilgar, their fighters were disabled when the Shadow weapon exploded.”
“I was not told of this?”
“The Dilgar is the son of their Emperor, possibly a very useful asset in negotiations. The human is just a pilot.” She delivered. “It was in the report.”
“I haven't read it yet.” Branmer grunted.
“You have had a busy day old friend.” Delenn smiled.
“We will go speak to him. How is your human language?”
“Passable, yours?”
“Good enough. Let's go try and get some impressions of them. We should at least meet one and see what they are really like.”
The pair headed to one of the detention room, several dozen gravity field emitters surrounding several prisoners in an otherwise dark expanse. Most were dilgar but there were also a pair of humans unlucky enough to not be picked up by their fleet on its way out.
Branmer paused beside one of them separated only by a thin gravitic wall, the human meeting his gaze steadily.
“Do you have a name?” The Minbari began, his grasp of English reasonable enough.
“Sinclair, Jeffrey, Lieutenant Commander, Earth Force.”
“Sinclair Jeffrey, the rest is your rank and organisation?”
He did not reply.
“You do not wish to speak?”
“Our rules only allow us to give enough information to identify us.”
“I see. I can understand you have little desire for conversation.”
“Not with a Minbari.”
“You have hatred for us?”
“Wouldn't you hate someone who wanted to kill every member of your race?”
“I would.” Branmer nodded. “We do not all seek your destruction.”
“You could have fooled me.”
“Many of us want peace.”
“You're not doing a great job of it.”
“That is true.” Branmer nodded. “But things have changed. I have just ordered all Minbari ships to pull back and cease fire.”
Sinclair frowned, examining this older but still strong looking warrior.
“You ordered it?”
“Yes. I am Shai Alyt of the Federation.”
“Branmer?”
“Yes. Forgive me, I should have offered my name when you gave yours.”
Sinclair was sceptical, but he did have a uniform heavy with badges of rank and merit, if the Minbari were trying to trick him it was an elaborate one.
“I have nothing else to say.”
“I'm not interested in your secrets Sinclair Jeffrey.” Branmer said. “I only want to know if you think my attempt at peace will be matched.”
“I don't know, that's for the President to decide.”
“Elizabeth Levy, correct?”
Sinclair nodded.
“She wanted peace before.” Branmer recalled. “Does she still seek it? Or has her heart hardened?”
“I honestly don't know.”
“What about your people? Is there a desire to end this war? Or does rage now consume you?”
“You're asking me to speak for ten billion people. Can you sum up the thoughts of every Minbari?”
“No.” Branmer admitted. “But perhaps I could make a very educated guess. Our people have only just learned the truth of this war, they are outraged, they want a resolution.”
“I hope you get it.”
“I could watch Human news broadcasts, your stellar net channels and so on to get my answer. But it takes time and I need an answer before then. I have already sent the request, but even if your President agrees what happens if your military demands to fight on?”
“They won't, if the President orders it they'll stop.”
“If only our warriors were so obedient.” Delenn snarked beside him.
“Delenn.” Branmer gently chastised. “We have resolved on peace, but we will fight if we must. We are far from broken Sinclair, but I seek no more bloodshed.”
“You commanded the Minbari fleet. You destroyed thousands of our ships.”
“I did, and I ordered it not to kill civilians. I had orders from my leaders but now they are dead. I am in command of the Minbari and I seek peace. Things have changed.”
“I honestly don't know, I can't answer.” Sinclair spoke honestly. “But I hope so. Some of us want to burn your worlds to ash, some are open to peace. I can't tell you which group has more influence.”
“I understand.” Branmer accepted. “You and your allies here will be released to the Narn as a sign of good faith. By the end of this week you will be home. I pray we do not find ourselves exchanging gunfire again.”
“For what it's worth I hope so too.” Sinclair nodded. “Its not too late to seek a better world.”
Branmer nodded and stepped back, his mind catching something, dragging something from his deep memory.
“What was that Sinclair? Your last words?”
“Its not too late to seek a better world.”
He turned to Delenn.
“Do you recognise the phrase?” he spoke Minbari.
“No, I...” She thought hard. “Valen. Valen spoke those words.”
“Yes, to the old clan elders while trying to convince them to build the first Council.”
“It isn't an unusual phrase, and the translation isn't perfect.”
“Still, to express a similar sentiment to Valen...” Branmer mused. “Perhaps Dukhat was right about them.”
Delenn approached the Earth Force pilot.
“Sinclair Jeffrey, do you agree with those words?”
“Of course.”
“Do you believe that a pure heart grants you the strength to do great things?”
Sinclair frowned, it was an odd question but not apparently malicious.
“I think so, someone once wrote 'My strength is the strength of ten...'”
“...because my heart is pure.” Delenn finished.
“Valen at the founding of the Anla'shok.” Branmer recognised. “How does he know this?”
Delenn focused on Sinclair, their tests had shown he wasn't telepathic, there was no reason he would know the teachings of Valen.
“Sinclair.” Branmer approached again. “if I were to say 'There's is not to reason why...'”
“...There's is but to do and die.” He answered. “You know Tennyson?”
“I have not met any other humans.” Branmer shook his head. “Did he give you these words?”
“Yes. Hundreds of years ago, he was a human poet.”
“What else did he write?” Delenn asked.
“Into the jaws of death, into the mouth of hell.” Sinclair offered.
“Valen's final words before the assault on Za'Ha'Dum.”
“It is better to have loved and lost...”
“Written in his personal journal in one of his earliest entires. Only the most senior scholars know of it.” Delenn identified.
“Some work of noble note may yet be done not unbecoming men that strove with gods.”
“Said when Valen resigned from the Council and set it on its own path. Incredible.” Branmer exhaled. “To strive, to seek, to find...”
“...and not to yield.” Sinclair ended. “What is this?”
“It is what Valen spoke when he rallied our people. A thousand years ago. How can a Minbari from so long ago and a human poet know the exact same words. Translation aside it is far too close.”
“I don't know Valen, we have nothing on your culture, just some basics from the Centauri.” Sinclair shook his head. “No history books or speeches.”
“Are the words of Tennyson free for all to read?” Delenn asked.
“You can find them on the net if you wanted.”
Branmer nodded to Delenn who took the task upon herself.
“A final comment then.” Branmer spoke. “My purpose holds to sail beyond the sunset...”
“... and the baths of all the western stars until I die.” Sinclair finished.
“That was the last comment Valen ever wrote in his last journal, I can count on one hand the people who have read it. It was lost for centuries until my friend found it a few years ago.” Branmer concluded. “It is impossible anyone else could recite those words. How could a human poet write that centuries ago? How could Valen know the words of a human from after his death?”
“It is impossible.” Delenn agreed. “Even if the humans found the words of Valen somehow all that time ago, how could they read them? They do not know our languages.”
“This is truly a great mystery.” Branmer smiled. “I spent much of my younger years seeking answers for mysteries left by Valen, this is by far the greatest. Your father Delenn would be beside himself in glee.”
“He surely would have. In his place I will solve this puzzle. But first we must attend to more pressing needs.”
“So we should.” Branmer nodded. “Thank you Sinclair, I think I perhaps have a better grasp of where you come from. Any culture that could echo the words of Valen is a culture we should try to learn more from, not destroy. I do not understand it, but I don't have to. Do these words matter to you?”
“Yes, a great deal.”
“They gave me great courage and direction too when I was a younger man.” Branmer related with a slight smile. “Perhaps then we have something in common beside this war. That simple fact might be worth more than you can imagine.”
*
Narn Space
Not for the first time this region of space found itself hosting a variety of ships from across known space. The relatively simple space station again was surrounded by warships of various types though in this case far more than previous occasions. In addition to the hefty Narn fleet under War Leader G'sten tasked with providing security there were vessels from across the League holding station at a respectful distance. Dilgar ships were also present in small numbers along with remarkably a small Centauri squadron, something virtually unthinkable under other circumstances.
The most prominent arrivals however were settled on either side of the station. On one side the tall blue curves of a Minbari command group, on the other the grey blocks of the Earth Alliance. There was tension despite the circumstances, the last two times human and Minbari representatives had attempted diplomatic contact the results had been catastrophic which was not lost on representatives from either side.
Minbar had sent its full leadership, Branmer would be conducting the meeting in person with Neroon and Delenn. On the Earth side the President had sent David Sheridan, her first and foremost diplomat to make the initial contact and set the terms of negotiations. Alongside him Admiral Hamato had decided to take personal command of the expedition, and with him was his new protege John Sheridan.
“The Narn sent the entire Green Fleet.” Captain Sheridan noted as he stood beside his superior officer in an ante room. The main conference hall was being set up next door, Representative G'kar deeply enjoying his role in organising it. The various League representatives were already settled along with the older Sheridan. Centauri Ambassador Londo Mollari was also present keeping very close to a team of Earth Force bodyguards and never taking his eyes off the Narn personnel in the room.
“With so many factions here I don't expect trouble.” Hamato reasoned. “But this is a huge diplomatic coup for the Narn, hosting the initial talks will boost their reputation and I'm sure they are keen to make sure it goes well.”
“I met their man G'kar, their Ambassador. Very ambitious but also very smart.” Sheridan assessed. “Fifty credits says that between his success on Earth and now this he'll be running the show on Narn next decade.”
“Very probably. This will likely see a lot of promotions and opportunities. Perhaps your father might use it to make a bid for the Presidency next term?”
Sheridan laughed suddenly.
“I can imagine his face hearing that! No, he's ready to retire, if it wasn't for this he'd probably already be buying flowers for his garden.”
“A real loss.” Hamato said sincerely. “Earth could need leadership like that. Arrogance in success can be as dangerous as melancholy in defeat. A man like your father would be ideal.”
“I think he'd be great in the job.” Sheridan agreed. “But I also think he's tired of it all. He'll do his job here and then that's it.”
“It will be quite a test.” Hamato reasoned. He was also looking a little older but it hadn't made him any less sharp, his eyes catching approaching movement. “On your guard Captain, something wicked this way comes.”
Precisely on time arrived the Dilgar delegation consisting only of Warmaster Jha'dur and her chief of staff Shai'jhur. Their ship had been prominent among the gathered units and her presence among the League was a major factor in the level of security.
“Admiral, Captain, I am delighted to meet you both again.” The Warmaster beamed. “I am glad both of you survived the conflict unharmed.”
“What exactly did you think you were doing at Minbar?” Hamato skipped the formalities. “What was that weapon you tried to use?”
“Just a new class of missile, we brought it along to destroy the battlestation if Captain MacDougan failed. Fortunately he did not, so we fired it at the debris as a test. Very successful.”
“You are an extremely accomplished liar Warmaster.”
“Thank you Admiral.” She took it as a compliment. “Now I am sure there are some who might wish to make a diplomatic incident over this, but I doubt many humans would support haranguing your new friends over the potential death of some Minbari. Correct?”
“My superiors have declined any actions against you for lying to us and attemptimg to nuke millions of Minbari civilians.” Hamato gritted his death. “In opposition of my express recommendations.”
“Such is the way of things. You could resign again but I think it has less impact the second time around.” She maintained a friendly smile. “And it would have been billions of lives, not millions. Better luck next time.”
She shrugged and set it aside.
“I did finally confront Branmer though in person, that was worth it all. He has great potential, you were right to respect him as an enemy. We will see how strong he is now as a diplomat.”
“The human position in these talks is strong but not unreasonable.” Shai'jhur spoke up folding away some sheets of notes. “They will pull back and respect the pre-war border and return all prisoners. In return though they are demanding massive reparations in the form of Quantium 40 caches, a halt to any rimward expansion of Minbari space which the Alliance Explorer division will instead have access to, and detailed access to Minbari technology.”
“That last one is the real goal.” Jha'dur recognised. “Earth wants to continue its expansion beyond Minbari space, and the reparations will pay for a full rebuild and modernisation of the Navy. But the technology, that is what you really want.”
“Their mastery of gravitic technology far exceeds that of the Centauri.” Sheridan admitted. “And their materials sciences are unbelievable. Earth wants to be able to match them, and then exceed them. There are already plans for the next generation warship to use crystal and ceramic laminate armour, if we can also arm them with Neutron weapons and give them enhanced gravitic propulsion nothing in the galaxy could touch it.”
“The fabled Warlock Class? A worthy enough goal.” Jha'dur accepted. “Minbari technology mixed with human ingenuity could catapult you right to the top and save you a thousand years of research.”
“It will also keep your Navy competitive with the Centauri, and ensure any rebuilt Minbari fleet will always be numerically and technologically inferior.” Shai'jhur reasoned.
“The people back home consider it the most effective way to increase our power without wasting anything.” Hamato nodded. “We don't need their existing territory, but we do want space within their sphere of influence that is as yet unclaimed. IPX is very interested in an entire region of dead worlds between Minbar and the rim beyond the Protectorate.”
“Remnants of a war from a thousand years ago.” Jha'dur recognised. “Be careful they do not delve too greedily or too deep.”
The small gathering halted their conversation as another set of doors opened at the back of the room. From this point finally arrived the Minbari delegation, the trio of Neroon, Delenn and Branmer taking a few steps into the ante room and halting as they spied their opposites. They stood for a moment as they judged the situation, then followed Branmer as he stepped forward.
“I am Branmer, Shai Alyt of the Minbari Federation. This is Delenn who will assist me in the talks, and Neroon who is my future successor.”
“I'm Admiral Akira Hamato, Earth Force.” He offered a salute as formality demanded. “I am to escort you to the meeting.”
“A full Admiral, and commander of all human forces?” Branmer bowed his head in answer to the salute.
“I am commander of Naval Forces, but not the overall commander of our military. I requested this duty personally.”
“Why Admiral?”
“Because I wanted to get a measure of the man I had met in battle.” Hamato answered truthfully. “To see if my assessment of you was correct.”
“Time will tell.” The Minbari responded. “Though I do not much approve of the company you keep.” He looked to Jha;dur who just grinned back. “Though I understand you personally oppose the Dilgar?”
“Just some of them.” Hamato tightened his expression. “I will admit their new leader appears to be good to his word, I might one day be able to shake the hand of the Supreme Warmaster, but never some of his subordinates.”
“So you are a man who can forgive your enemies?” Branmer asked pointedly.
“If they are worthy of it, if they are people of good character and honour.” Hamato nodded. “I understand that when you were ordered to massacre human civilians you refused and forbade your forces to kill civilians?”
“I did, but I regret I could not do more to end the war until now.”
“Many humans cannot forgive the Minbari. Some of you will need to stand trial for warcrimes.”
“You will find most of those who gave the order to show no mercy are dead.” Branmer said, very subtly noticing Delenn shrink back a little. “But I am open to providing individuals to meet human justice. Alyt Shakiri for instance was in favour of genocide. Perhaps he and his closest commanders would be a suitable offering?”
“I'll leave that for the negotiators to decide.”
“Also conveniently removes them from your opposition too does it not?” Jha'dur chipped in happily. “Even now you strengthen your position at home while making gestures to improve your chances in the talks. Masterful.”
“I have little to say to you Warmaster.” Branmer shot a glance her way. “I have not and will not forget your attack on my homeworld.”
“As I have explained to the Admiral, that missile was simply insurance that we didn't want to waste.”
“Your lies are transparent.”
“I don't think we really want to be talking about lies do we Shai Alyt?” Jha'dur lowered her voice but maintained her smile. “A topic for another time don't you think?”
Neroon looked about ready to throw the Warmaster through a wall but Branmer gently shook his head.
“We are are here to speak with Earth, the Dilgar can wait.”
“Well we're not going anywhere.”
“We should probably make a start.” Hamato judged. “If you will follow me Shai Alyt.”
“I will.” The older Minbari raised his head. “Do you think there will be peace Admiral?”
“Yes, but at a price.”
“So be it.”
As Hamato headed for the meeting room Neroon paused a second beside Sheridan.
“I know you Starkiller.” The tall Minbari grunted. “We met above your homeworld, our contest was not finished.”
“If you want a rematch I'm ready any time.” Sheridan replied coldly.
“Enough.” Delen stepped between them. “If there is to be peace we must all be prepared to move forward. Do not embarrass your leaders here today. Remember your duties.”
Neroon huffed and looked away, Sheridan following suit slightly bemused at being lectured by a Minbari half his size.
“Our task is to build the future, and for everyone's sake we must make it worthy of the sacrifices made to bring us here.”
The human and Minbari group left to join the conference, branmer's arrival signalling its official start. Alone in the room now Jha'dur and Shai'jhur watched through the doorway as both sides officially greeted each other, David Sheridan shaking hands with Branmer in front of spontaneous applause led by a very enthusiastic G'kar.
“My old Narn friend is milking this for all it's worth.” Jha'dur chuckled. “it'll either make him or get him assassinated by a rival. Word is he has a lot of enemies.”
“Who doesn't these days?” Shai'jhur exhaled. “Should we join them?”
“In a few moments. Let them have their smiles first, I expect there will be fewer once the real negotiations begin.”
“Do you think it will work?”
“In the end.” Jha'dur nodded. “Neither side gains more than they lose if the war goes on. The core Minbari worlds are massively defended, and their ship producing planets were built to resist the Ancient Enemy. They will fully mobilise soon and while slow to build ships once they get going their capabilities are formidable. Earth will still probably win but it will take years and cost countless lives. If the humans can score a favourable peace quickly they will take it.”
“Our intercepts suggest a lot of discontent on Minbar, the population did not appreciate the old Council lying to them.” Shai'jhur noted.
“I expect not. They have lost faith not just in their leaders but increasingly in their system of leadership. Should be interesting to see how Branmer handles that.”
“The negotiations will cost them a lot.”
“Yes, and slow down their own rebuilding efforts. Branmer won't like that. But he doesn't have much choice, he's just lucky Earth is looking to get back to expanding quickly and wants to use its resources in unclaimed space.”
“Will they limit the Minbari fleet?”
“Probably, some sort of cap on tonnage I expect.” Jha'dur guessed. “But as we both guessed it is the tech edge Earth wants. Minbari technology mixed with human mass production and professional crews? They'd be untouchable, the Minbari wouldn't be a threat even with no restrictions.”
“Will Branmer give them what they want?”
“He has no choice, he must. But I like how he's still using any opportunity to get rid of his own rivals. Nothing if not consistent.”
“it seems he is as skilled as you expected Warmaster.”
“He does not disappoint.” Jha'dur gave her approval. “He won't be our friend but that doesn't matter, he's practical enough so that when the time comes we can rely on him.”
“Rely on him to do what?”
“Long story, I'll debrief you when things relax a little. Fascinating story involving Valen, you always appreciated history if I recall?”
“I have an interest.”
“Good, because we are making it.” The Warmaster exhaled. “The Emperor will not live past the end of this month.”
Shai'jhur blinked for a moment at the sudden change of topic.
“Warmaster?”
“Damn stubborn old fool sometimes.” She spoke with unusual honesty. “I have the means to grant Gar'shan youth and good health forever. I offered him the first few samples even before I took one myself. But he refuses. He doesn't want to live beyond his alloted time. What a foolish concept.”
“You are talking about your serum? The one that provides virtual immortality?”
“My life's work.” Jha'dur nodded. “I am still working on how to efficiently mass produce it, I only have a few samples so far but of course the Emperor would have first choice. He refused.”
“I see.” Shai'jhur looked down. She had met Gar'shan a few times, he was rightly considered the Father of the new Imperium and it was by his instruction and example the Dilgar had worked to set aside their cruel nature. It was a work in progress but gradually bearing fruit.
“When he passes his son will become Emperor.” Jha'dur continued. “Dar'sen will remain Supreme Warmaster and our true day to day ruler, but when Dal'shan ascends it will create a vacancy in our ranks. I have been asked to take his place as Warmaster of the First Strike Fleet.”
“Congratulations.” Shai'jhur smiled widely. “You will be back where you belong, leading our finest fleet.”
“Perhaps.” Jha'dur nodded. “But I would gladly step aside if the Emperor would remain. I never took him for much of a religious man but he seems intent on passing on. He promised to give our regards to those who had gone before.”
“If I may speak freely, your family were mostly priests weren't they? Before conscription?”
“Yes, for generations we maintained the church of the Moon Goddess, that is where our family name comes from, the Clan of the Frozen Moon. But I have no belief.”
“There are many who claim it is truth, the Soul Hunters are adamant about it.”
“I remain very keen to meet one, there is much I want to learn about these Soul Hunters.” Jha'dur felt a moment of relish. “But another time, I'm not mentioning this to wallow in pity or share my feelings like a whiny Abbai, there is a practical point.”
“Yes Warmaster?”
“If I transfer to the First Strike Fleet, it leaves Third Strike Fleet without a commander. A new Warmaster needs to be promoted to fill the ranks.”
“I agree, I can think of...”
“It's you.” Jha'dur cut her off. “Obviously it was going to be you.”
“With respect my place is wherever you go.”
“Your place is where the Supreme Warmaster decides it will be.” Jha'dur corrected. “I was also very wary at first, I didn't want command, I thought I was best used doing nothing but research. I was wrong, embrace it.”
Jha'dur reached in her pocket and took out a small box, within it a gold badge of rank bearing the symbol of a Warmaster.
“Dar'sen will hold a formal ceremony when we get back, but he gave me permission to give you the actual promotion here and now. Do you want it?”
“I...” She set aside her surprise and summoned up her will. “Yes Warmaster.”
“Good. You will be the junior of we three Warmasters but you'll outrank anyone who comes next. That's partially why I pressed for it sooner rather than later.” She took the badge from the box. “Ready?”
“Ready.”
“This is the symbol of your rank and responsibility. The nine warmasters were appointed by the first Emperor as his most valued advisers. The greatest warriors, the sharpest minds, the wisest hearts. As they served so we serve, once a Warmaster, always a Warmaster. This rank can never be taken from you, only in death does your duty end. Do you accept?”
“I do.”
She took the magnetic bar from the back of the rank badge exposing two pins designed to pierce clothing, a very old design. She set it on Shai'jhur's chest and pinned it to her uniform in place of her old rank.
“Swear on your blood.” Jha'dur continued.
“I swear to obey the Emperor, Supreme Warmaster and all those above me in the chain of command. I swear not to bring shame or dishonour on the Imperium and to do my duty to the very best of my ability.”
“If you break this oath may death be your only reward. By blood and iron.”
Jha'dur slammed her fist on the badge driving the pins into Shai'jhur's flesh. It wasn't a deep wound but it did draw blood sealing the ritual.
“If only your predecessors had taken that oath as seriously as I am sure you will.” Jha'dur exhaled. “Congratulations Shai'jhur. Here stands a Warmaster.”
“Thank you, I'm not sure what to say.”
“Anything you want, you're a Warmaster.” Jha'dur chuckled. “You can take the badge off now, I'm not sure how valuable these old rituals are but I suppose it is tradition. Gar'shan pinned my badge on me during my promotion, he hit it hard enough to chip a rib.” She laughed. “I suppose it is designed so you remember it.”
“So there will be other Warmasters?”
“As we expand yes, but I wanted to make sure you'd have seniority. With An'jash as the other Warmaster I am stacking the deck a little. I want people I know personally at the top to avoid this Warmaster Council failing like the last one.”
“I won't disappoint you.”
“Good, it's not good for your health. We do not agree on everything, frankly I find some of your opinions highly questionable. But we must evolve and I am too settled in the past. As we grow closer to Earth someone like you is essential, someone who can see things from their perspective.”
“You know humans at least as well as I do.”
“I know their history, culture, military doctrine. But I don't know them, I don't know any actual humans, and I never will. You do though, and that is a doorway we need. Make no mistake Shai'jhur your appointment is heavily determined by our relations with Earth and you will be expected to bring our nations closer together.”
“That is not a small task.”
“No it isn't. Welcome to being a Warmaster, your basic job description is to achieve the impossible.” Jha'dur grinned. “We all did it once, now it is your turn.”
There were more cheers and applause as Branmer shook hands with Hamato, several news cameras catching the moment.
“About time we joined them I think.” Jha'dur mused. “We should make sure that while not prominent we are represented. I don't want our contributions to be ignored but no need to crow about it. The people who matter know what we have done.”
“So we're going to use this to advance our nation, become closer to Earth?”
“Beating us in the last war made them a super power, beating the Minbari will make them something greater. Everyone will want closer relations but we have the advantage. We gambled on Earth and we won. Those winnings will set us up for the next war where we can start restoring our true Imperium.”
“Understood.” Shai'jhur nodded firmly. “At the very least this is going to boost our standing and reputation, we already have dozens of trade offers on the table along with non aggression pacts in the League.”
“Exactly what Gar'shan desired, a final end to hostilities.” Jha'dur contemplated. “Perhaps that was his life's work? To give us our home and ensure it was secure. Achieving that he can go to his ancestors.”
“If you believe in that sort of thing?”
“I'm open to persuasion.” Jha'dur admitted. “Cracking open the head of a Soul Hunter may give a clearer answer.”
“That was the answer I was expecting.” Shai'jhur nodded. “It's not going to be an easy future is it?”
“No. Branmer is predicting a war in about a decade according to prophecy, he believes it enough to do all this in order to prepare for it. Even if he's wrong the Narn will be emboldened by this which makes the chance of war with the Centauri grow. Emperor Turhan his old and his son is not strong, we cannot guarantee the Centauri will remain silent. No old friend, it isn't going to be easy.”
“And we are going to be in the middle of it.”
“Very likely, we have too much history to be ignored..” Jha'dur confirmed. “Whatever happens we will have a part in it, but I think it is the humans we're going to need to watch. It's why all this has happened, all these efforts and risks and lives lost. The future is going to be written by humans, all we need to do is stay close and give them a little help now and again.”
“Will it be enough?”
“Ask me again next time you see me.”
Above Minbar
Nobody was quite sure what was supposed to happen next. For each Minbari, whether those at the highest levels of their society or those toiling at the base there was a sense of entering unknown territory. Yesterday they had thought the war was under control, not the resounding success it had been but none the less progressing in their favour. This morning they had learned the truth, the Shai Alyt speaking to them over the various news services for the first time and laying out the hard reality.
Their borders had been breached, their navy crippled, foreign invaders had landed on Minbari territory and now had struck the homeworld itself. On top of all that the Grey Council had been caught in the battle and was almost completely destroyed. Only its newest member Satai Delenn had survived.
These facts were a shock to say the least, the information entirely unexpected by most. The Minbari were so used to their leaders handling everything, so used to not having any information they were deemed not to need by their superiors, so used to living in what was blissful ignorance that they were not prepared for any of this. Instead of simply doing what the caste elders decided was best for them the people of Minbar were now being asked to make a decision of their own.
The Shai Alyt wanted to hear their voices, wanted their thoughts. More specifically with all the facts now in their hands he wanted to know their opinions on the war and the future. Unsurprisingly they were largely fearful and shaken, especially after spending the day watching smashed pieces of Minbari infrastructure falling out of the sky and burning up above them.
There was a movement among the population growing, one of anger at being lied to about the war, a helplessness as their situation became obvious and a strong drive to resolve the situation fast. All exactly as Branmer had predicted.
“Most of the anger is focused at the Council.” Neroon stood under the holographic shroud gazing at Minbar from the darkness. “They put their faith and trust in them, they consider themselves betrayed.”
“They are not entirely wrong.” Branmer considered. “If they blame the Council that is understandable, but the Council also sacrificed itself to save many lives which should preserve its reputation in the long term. They sinned, but gave their lives to erase said sins. People will accept it.”
“I will resign, leave to a quiet role.” Delenn offered.
“Not needed, you were new to the Council and spoke out against this. Your reputation if anything will flourish.” Branmer assured. “We will create a new Council, you will be part of it.”
“I don't know if I deserve to be, I hold so much responsibility for this...”
“Have you learned from it? Grown stronger?” Branmer interrupted.
“Well, yes.”
“Will you ever allow something like this again?”
“No, even if it results in my death.”
“Then you need to be on that Council. More than anything it needs someone like that.”
“I do not envy you.” Neroon exhaled. “It will be a difficult task rebuilding faith in the Council.”
“A very difficult one.” Branmer agreed. “That is why you will be on it too.”
Neroon just stared at his leader.
“For a second it sounded like you were suggesting I should be Satai.”
“Coplann was a man of honour, if not one of vision. His replacement should be a Star Rider, one of great reputation but still young enough to be free of mind and untouched by rotten traditions.”
“My place is beside you Shai Alyt.”
“And it will be, the new Council will not be as potent as before, I want some of its power shared with the other elders. Too much power in too few hands is part of why we are in this crisis.”
“I do not fully agree, but I will not disobey.”
“I want a Ranger in their too, Rathenn perhaps, or Turval himself?” Branmer considered.
“Both would likely accept if called.” Delenn nodded. “It will be a radical departure.”
“Rathenn was Religious caste, Turval a Worker?” Branmer tried to remember. “Durhan was obviously a Warrior. Perhaps they can all three fulfil the roles of their caste but also stand for the Rangers. In this new era I sense we will need their insight often.”
“So if we appoint them we just need to find two from each caste, not three.” Neroon nodded. “But that will still take time.”
“Yes, and we must act immediately.” Branmer agreed. “Until the Council is rebuilt I am going to act as the temorary leader of our people. Is there any objection?”
“A crisis allows for power to be given to one man.” Delenn confirmed. “Though the last to invoke that law was Valen.”
“I shall surrender it as soon as possible, I swear it.” Branmer promised. “I'm also appointed three advisers with the power to overrule me if all three agree. You two of course and Vizier Muruk.”
“Giving the Protectorate such a prominent role will raise eyebrows.” Neroon mused, then smiled. “Good. They fought well, they have earned a place with us.”
“I don't think I can get one on the Council but it is my intention to grant them independence.” Branmer resolved. “But there is time for that later,, first we must end this war. Any objections?”
“None.”
“Public opinion strongly favours it.” Delenn confirmed. “If you did not we face the real possibility of being overthrown.”
“Then my first and probably only task as Leader of the Federation will be to request a cease fire and armistice.” Branmer exhaled. “At long last.”
“I'll send word through the Narn.” Neroon offered. “Durhan has contacts there, we will probably have an answer by the end of the day.”
“Very well, speak to your old teacher.” Branmer approved. “We should waste no time.”
*
“Do you think the humans will agree?” Delenn walked beside him. “They wanted peace before, but now they are winning, now after all the loss and death...”
“I do not know.” Branmer shook his head. “In all these battles I have studied humans, their history, their recent wars. But I still do not think I know the heart of them. I do not truly understand them.”
“We have a human aboard, a prisoner.” Delenn mentioned. “He was taken alongside a Dilgar, their fighters were disabled when the Shadow weapon exploded.”
“I was not told of this?”
“The Dilgar is the son of their Emperor, possibly a very useful asset in negotiations. The human is just a pilot.” She delivered. “It was in the report.”
“I haven't read it yet.” Branmer grunted.
“You have had a busy day old friend.” Delenn smiled.
“We will go speak to him. How is your human language?”
“Passable, yours?”
“Good enough. Let's go try and get some impressions of them. We should at least meet one and see what they are really like.”
The pair headed to one of the detention room, several dozen gravity field emitters surrounding several prisoners in an otherwise dark expanse. Most were dilgar but there were also a pair of humans unlucky enough to not be picked up by their fleet on its way out.
Branmer paused beside one of them separated only by a thin gravitic wall, the human meeting his gaze steadily.
“Do you have a name?” The Minbari began, his grasp of English reasonable enough.
“Sinclair, Jeffrey, Lieutenant Commander, Earth Force.”
“Sinclair Jeffrey, the rest is your rank and organisation?”
He did not reply.
“You do not wish to speak?”
“Our rules only allow us to give enough information to identify us.”
“I see. I can understand you have little desire for conversation.”
“Not with a Minbari.”
“You have hatred for us?”
“Wouldn't you hate someone who wanted to kill every member of your race?”
“I would.” Branmer nodded. “We do not all seek your destruction.”
“You could have fooled me.”
“Many of us want peace.”
“You're not doing a great job of it.”
“That is true.” Branmer nodded. “But things have changed. I have just ordered all Minbari ships to pull back and cease fire.”
Sinclair frowned, examining this older but still strong looking warrior.
“You ordered it?”
“Yes. I am Shai Alyt of the Federation.”
“Branmer?”
“Yes. Forgive me, I should have offered my name when you gave yours.”
Sinclair was sceptical, but he did have a uniform heavy with badges of rank and merit, if the Minbari were trying to trick him it was an elaborate one.
“I have nothing else to say.”
“I'm not interested in your secrets Sinclair Jeffrey.” Branmer said. “I only want to know if you think my attempt at peace will be matched.”
“I don't know, that's for the President to decide.”
“Elizabeth Levy, correct?”
Sinclair nodded.
“She wanted peace before.” Branmer recalled. “Does she still seek it? Or has her heart hardened?”
“I honestly don't know.”
“What about your people? Is there a desire to end this war? Or does rage now consume you?”
“You're asking me to speak for ten billion people. Can you sum up the thoughts of every Minbari?”
“No.” Branmer admitted. “But perhaps I could make a very educated guess. Our people have only just learned the truth of this war, they are outraged, they want a resolution.”
“I hope you get it.”
“I could watch Human news broadcasts, your stellar net channels and so on to get my answer. But it takes time and I need an answer before then. I have already sent the request, but even if your President agrees what happens if your military demands to fight on?”
“They won't, if the President orders it they'll stop.”
“If only our warriors were so obedient.” Delenn snarked beside him.
“Delenn.” Branmer gently chastised. “We have resolved on peace, but we will fight if we must. We are far from broken Sinclair, but I seek no more bloodshed.”
“You commanded the Minbari fleet. You destroyed thousands of our ships.”
“I did, and I ordered it not to kill civilians. I had orders from my leaders but now they are dead. I am in command of the Minbari and I seek peace. Things have changed.”
“I honestly don't know, I can't answer.” Sinclair spoke honestly. “But I hope so. Some of us want to burn your worlds to ash, some are open to peace. I can't tell you which group has more influence.”
“I understand.” Branmer accepted. “You and your allies here will be released to the Narn as a sign of good faith. By the end of this week you will be home. I pray we do not find ourselves exchanging gunfire again.”
“For what it's worth I hope so too.” Sinclair nodded. “Its not too late to seek a better world.”
Branmer nodded and stepped back, his mind catching something, dragging something from his deep memory.
“What was that Sinclair? Your last words?”
“Its not too late to seek a better world.”
He turned to Delenn.
“Do you recognise the phrase?” he spoke Minbari.
“No, I...” She thought hard. “Valen. Valen spoke those words.”
“Yes, to the old clan elders while trying to convince them to build the first Council.”
“It isn't an unusual phrase, and the translation isn't perfect.”
“Still, to express a similar sentiment to Valen...” Branmer mused. “Perhaps Dukhat was right about them.”
Delenn approached the Earth Force pilot.
“Sinclair Jeffrey, do you agree with those words?”
“Of course.”
“Do you believe that a pure heart grants you the strength to do great things?”
Sinclair frowned, it was an odd question but not apparently malicious.
“I think so, someone once wrote 'My strength is the strength of ten...'”
“...because my heart is pure.” Delenn finished.
“Valen at the founding of the Anla'shok.” Branmer recognised. “How does he know this?”
Delenn focused on Sinclair, their tests had shown he wasn't telepathic, there was no reason he would know the teachings of Valen.
“Sinclair.” Branmer approached again. “if I were to say 'There's is not to reason why...'”
“...There's is but to do and die.” He answered. “You know Tennyson?”
“I have not met any other humans.” Branmer shook his head. “Did he give you these words?”
“Yes. Hundreds of years ago, he was a human poet.”
“What else did he write?” Delenn asked.
“Into the jaws of death, into the mouth of hell.” Sinclair offered.
“Valen's final words before the assault on Za'Ha'Dum.”
“It is better to have loved and lost...”
“Written in his personal journal in one of his earliest entires. Only the most senior scholars know of it.” Delenn identified.
“Some work of noble note may yet be done not unbecoming men that strove with gods.”
“Said when Valen resigned from the Council and set it on its own path. Incredible.” Branmer exhaled. “To strive, to seek, to find...”
“...and not to yield.” Sinclair ended. “What is this?”
“It is what Valen spoke when he rallied our people. A thousand years ago. How can a Minbari from so long ago and a human poet know the exact same words. Translation aside it is far too close.”
“I don't know Valen, we have nothing on your culture, just some basics from the Centauri.” Sinclair shook his head. “No history books or speeches.”
“Are the words of Tennyson free for all to read?” Delenn asked.
“You can find them on the net if you wanted.”
Branmer nodded to Delenn who took the task upon herself.
“A final comment then.” Branmer spoke. “My purpose holds to sail beyond the sunset...”
“... and the baths of all the western stars until I die.” Sinclair finished.
“That was the last comment Valen ever wrote in his last journal, I can count on one hand the people who have read it. It was lost for centuries until my friend found it a few years ago.” Branmer concluded. “It is impossible anyone else could recite those words. How could a human poet write that centuries ago? How could Valen know the words of a human from after his death?”
“It is impossible.” Delenn agreed. “Even if the humans found the words of Valen somehow all that time ago, how could they read them? They do not know our languages.”
“This is truly a great mystery.” Branmer smiled. “I spent much of my younger years seeking answers for mysteries left by Valen, this is by far the greatest. Your father Delenn would be beside himself in glee.”
“He surely would have. In his place I will solve this puzzle. But first we must attend to more pressing needs.”
“So we should.” Branmer nodded. “Thank you Sinclair, I think I perhaps have a better grasp of where you come from. Any culture that could echo the words of Valen is a culture we should try to learn more from, not destroy. I do not understand it, but I don't have to. Do these words matter to you?”
“Yes, a great deal.”
“They gave me great courage and direction too when I was a younger man.” Branmer related with a slight smile. “Perhaps then we have something in common beside this war. That simple fact might be worth more than you can imagine.”
*
Narn Space
Not for the first time this region of space found itself hosting a variety of ships from across known space. The relatively simple space station again was surrounded by warships of various types though in this case far more than previous occasions. In addition to the hefty Narn fleet under War Leader G'sten tasked with providing security there were vessels from across the League holding station at a respectful distance. Dilgar ships were also present in small numbers along with remarkably a small Centauri squadron, something virtually unthinkable under other circumstances.
The most prominent arrivals however were settled on either side of the station. On one side the tall blue curves of a Minbari command group, on the other the grey blocks of the Earth Alliance. There was tension despite the circumstances, the last two times human and Minbari representatives had attempted diplomatic contact the results had been catastrophic which was not lost on representatives from either side.
Minbar had sent its full leadership, Branmer would be conducting the meeting in person with Neroon and Delenn. On the Earth side the President had sent David Sheridan, her first and foremost diplomat to make the initial contact and set the terms of negotiations. Alongside him Admiral Hamato had decided to take personal command of the expedition, and with him was his new protege John Sheridan.
“The Narn sent the entire Green Fleet.” Captain Sheridan noted as he stood beside his superior officer in an ante room. The main conference hall was being set up next door, Representative G'kar deeply enjoying his role in organising it. The various League representatives were already settled along with the older Sheridan. Centauri Ambassador Londo Mollari was also present keeping very close to a team of Earth Force bodyguards and never taking his eyes off the Narn personnel in the room.
“With so many factions here I don't expect trouble.” Hamato reasoned. “But this is a huge diplomatic coup for the Narn, hosting the initial talks will boost their reputation and I'm sure they are keen to make sure it goes well.”
“I met their man G'kar, their Ambassador. Very ambitious but also very smart.” Sheridan assessed. “Fifty credits says that between his success on Earth and now this he'll be running the show on Narn next decade.”
“Very probably. This will likely see a lot of promotions and opportunities. Perhaps your father might use it to make a bid for the Presidency next term?”
Sheridan laughed suddenly.
“I can imagine his face hearing that! No, he's ready to retire, if it wasn't for this he'd probably already be buying flowers for his garden.”
“A real loss.” Hamato said sincerely. “Earth could need leadership like that. Arrogance in success can be as dangerous as melancholy in defeat. A man like your father would be ideal.”
“I think he'd be great in the job.” Sheridan agreed. “But I also think he's tired of it all. He'll do his job here and then that's it.”
“It will be quite a test.” Hamato reasoned. He was also looking a little older but it hadn't made him any less sharp, his eyes catching approaching movement. “On your guard Captain, something wicked this way comes.”
Precisely on time arrived the Dilgar delegation consisting only of Warmaster Jha'dur and her chief of staff Shai'jhur. Their ship had been prominent among the gathered units and her presence among the League was a major factor in the level of security.
“Admiral, Captain, I am delighted to meet you both again.” The Warmaster beamed. “I am glad both of you survived the conflict unharmed.”
“What exactly did you think you were doing at Minbar?” Hamato skipped the formalities. “What was that weapon you tried to use?”
“Just a new class of missile, we brought it along to destroy the battlestation if Captain MacDougan failed. Fortunately he did not, so we fired it at the debris as a test. Very successful.”
“You are an extremely accomplished liar Warmaster.”
“Thank you Admiral.” She took it as a compliment. “Now I am sure there are some who might wish to make a diplomatic incident over this, but I doubt many humans would support haranguing your new friends over the potential death of some Minbari. Correct?”
“My superiors have declined any actions against you for lying to us and attemptimg to nuke millions of Minbari civilians.” Hamato gritted his death. “In opposition of my express recommendations.”
“Such is the way of things. You could resign again but I think it has less impact the second time around.” She maintained a friendly smile. “And it would have been billions of lives, not millions. Better luck next time.”
She shrugged and set it aside.
“I did finally confront Branmer though in person, that was worth it all. He has great potential, you were right to respect him as an enemy. We will see how strong he is now as a diplomat.”
“The human position in these talks is strong but not unreasonable.” Shai'jhur spoke up folding away some sheets of notes. “They will pull back and respect the pre-war border and return all prisoners. In return though they are demanding massive reparations in the form of Quantium 40 caches, a halt to any rimward expansion of Minbari space which the Alliance Explorer division will instead have access to, and detailed access to Minbari technology.”
“That last one is the real goal.” Jha'dur recognised. “Earth wants to continue its expansion beyond Minbari space, and the reparations will pay for a full rebuild and modernisation of the Navy. But the technology, that is what you really want.”
“Their mastery of gravitic technology far exceeds that of the Centauri.” Sheridan admitted. “And their materials sciences are unbelievable. Earth wants to be able to match them, and then exceed them. There are already plans for the next generation warship to use crystal and ceramic laminate armour, if we can also arm them with Neutron weapons and give them enhanced gravitic propulsion nothing in the galaxy could touch it.”
“The fabled Warlock Class? A worthy enough goal.” Jha'dur accepted. “Minbari technology mixed with human ingenuity could catapult you right to the top and save you a thousand years of research.”
“It will also keep your Navy competitive with the Centauri, and ensure any rebuilt Minbari fleet will always be numerically and technologically inferior.” Shai'jhur reasoned.
“The people back home consider it the most effective way to increase our power without wasting anything.” Hamato nodded. “We don't need their existing territory, but we do want space within their sphere of influence that is as yet unclaimed. IPX is very interested in an entire region of dead worlds between Minbar and the rim beyond the Protectorate.”
“Remnants of a war from a thousand years ago.” Jha'dur recognised. “Be careful they do not delve too greedily or too deep.”
The small gathering halted their conversation as another set of doors opened at the back of the room. From this point finally arrived the Minbari delegation, the trio of Neroon, Delenn and Branmer taking a few steps into the ante room and halting as they spied their opposites. They stood for a moment as they judged the situation, then followed Branmer as he stepped forward.
“I am Branmer, Shai Alyt of the Minbari Federation. This is Delenn who will assist me in the talks, and Neroon who is my future successor.”
“I'm Admiral Akira Hamato, Earth Force.” He offered a salute as formality demanded. “I am to escort you to the meeting.”
“A full Admiral, and commander of all human forces?” Branmer bowed his head in answer to the salute.
“I am commander of Naval Forces, but not the overall commander of our military. I requested this duty personally.”
“Why Admiral?”
“Because I wanted to get a measure of the man I had met in battle.” Hamato answered truthfully. “To see if my assessment of you was correct.”
“Time will tell.” The Minbari responded. “Though I do not much approve of the company you keep.” He looked to Jha;dur who just grinned back. “Though I understand you personally oppose the Dilgar?”
“Just some of them.” Hamato tightened his expression. “I will admit their new leader appears to be good to his word, I might one day be able to shake the hand of the Supreme Warmaster, but never some of his subordinates.”
“So you are a man who can forgive your enemies?” Branmer asked pointedly.
“If they are worthy of it, if they are people of good character and honour.” Hamato nodded. “I understand that when you were ordered to massacre human civilians you refused and forbade your forces to kill civilians?”
“I did, but I regret I could not do more to end the war until now.”
“Many humans cannot forgive the Minbari. Some of you will need to stand trial for warcrimes.”
“You will find most of those who gave the order to show no mercy are dead.” Branmer said, very subtly noticing Delenn shrink back a little. “But I am open to providing individuals to meet human justice. Alyt Shakiri for instance was in favour of genocide. Perhaps he and his closest commanders would be a suitable offering?”
“I'll leave that for the negotiators to decide.”
“Also conveniently removes them from your opposition too does it not?” Jha'dur chipped in happily. “Even now you strengthen your position at home while making gestures to improve your chances in the talks. Masterful.”
“I have little to say to you Warmaster.” Branmer shot a glance her way. “I have not and will not forget your attack on my homeworld.”
“As I have explained to the Admiral, that missile was simply insurance that we didn't want to waste.”
“Your lies are transparent.”
“I don't think we really want to be talking about lies do we Shai Alyt?” Jha'dur lowered her voice but maintained her smile. “A topic for another time don't you think?”
Neroon looked about ready to throw the Warmaster through a wall but Branmer gently shook his head.
“We are are here to speak with Earth, the Dilgar can wait.”
“Well we're not going anywhere.”
“We should probably make a start.” Hamato judged. “If you will follow me Shai Alyt.”
“I will.” The older Minbari raised his head. “Do you think there will be peace Admiral?”
“Yes, but at a price.”
“So be it.”
As Hamato headed for the meeting room Neroon paused a second beside Sheridan.
“I know you Starkiller.” The tall Minbari grunted. “We met above your homeworld, our contest was not finished.”
“If you want a rematch I'm ready any time.” Sheridan replied coldly.
“Enough.” Delen stepped between them. “If there is to be peace we must all be prepared to move forward. Do not embarrass your leaders here today. Remember your duties.”
Neroon huffed and looked away, Sheridan following suit slightly bemused at being lectured by a Minbari half his size.
“Our task is to build the future, and for everyone's sake we must make it worthy of the sacrifices made to bring us here.”
The human and Minbari group left to join the conference, branmer's arrival signalling its official start. Alone in the room now Jha'dur and Shai'jhur watched through the doorway as both sides officially greeted each other, David Sheridan shaking hands with Branmer in front of spontaneous applause led by a very enthusiastic G'kar.
“My old Narn friend is milking this for all it's worth.” Jha'dur chuckled. “it'll either make him or get him assassinated by a rival. Word is he has a lot of enemies.”
“Who doesn't these days?” Shai'jhur exhaled. “Should we join them?”
“In a few moments. Let them have their smiles first, I expect there will be fewer once the real negotiations begin.”
“Do you think it will work?”
“In the end.” Jha'dur nodded. “Neither side gains more than they lose if the war goes on. The core Minbari worlds are massively defended, and their ship producing planets were built to resist the Ancient Enemy. They will fully mobilise soon and while slow to build ships once they get going their capabilities are formidable. Earth will still probably win but it will take years and cost countless lives. If the humans can score a favourable peace quickly they will take it.”
“Our intercepts suggest a lot of discontent on Minbar, the population did not appreciate the old Council lying to them.” Shai'jhur noted.
“I expect not. They have lost faith not just in their leaders but increasingly in their system of leadership. Should be interesting to see how Branmer handles that.”
“The negotiations will cost them a lot.”
“Yes, and slow down their own rebuilding efforts. Branmer won't like that. But he doesn't have much choice, he's just lucky Earth is looking to get back to expanding quickly and wants to use its resources in unclaimed space.”
“Will they limit the Minbari fleet?”
“Probably, some sort of cap on tonnage I expect.” Jha'dur guessed. “But as we both guessed it is the tech edge Earth wants. Minbari technology mixed with human mass production and professional crews? They'd be untouchable, the Minbari wouldn't be a threat even with no restrictions.”
“Will Branmer give them what they want?”
“He has no choice, he must. But I like how he's still using any opportunity to get rid of his own rivals. Nothing if not consistent.”
“it seems he is as skilled as you expected Warmaster.”
“He does not disappoint.” Jha'dur gave her approval. “He won't be our friend but that doesn't matter, he's practical enough so that when the time comes we can rely on him.”
“Rely on him to do what?”
“Long story, I'll debrief you when things relax a little. Fascinating story involving Valen, you always appreciated history if I recall?”
“I have an interest.”
“Good, because we are making it.” The Warmaster exhaled. “The Emperor will not live past the end of this month.”
Shai'jhur blinked for a moment at the sudden change of topic.
“Warmaster?”
“Damn stubborn old fool sometimes.” She spoke with unusual honesty. “I have the means to grant Gar'shan youth and good health forever. I offered him the first few samples even before I took one myself. But he refuses. He doesn't want to live beyond his alloted time. What a foolish concept.”
“You are talking about your serum? The one that provides virtual immortality?”
“My life's work.” Jha'dur nodded. “I am still working on how to efficiently mass produce it, I only have a few samples so far but of course the Emperor would have first choice. He refused.”
“I see.” Shai'jhur looked down. She had met Gar'shan a few times, he was rightly considered the Father of the new Imperium and it was by his instruction and example the Dilgar had worked to set aside their cruel nature. It was a work in progress but gradually bearing fruit.
“When he passes his son will become Emperor.” Jha'dur continued. “Dar'sen will remain Supreme Warmaster and our true day to day ruler, but when Dal'shan ascends it will create a vacancy in our ranks. I have been asked to take his place as Warmaster of the First Strike Fleet.”
“Congratulations.” Shai'jhur smiled widely. “You will be back where you belong, leading our finest fleet.”
“Perhaps.” Jha'dur nodded. “But I would gladly step aside if the Emperor would remain. I never took him for much of a religious man but he seems intent on passing on. He promised to give our regards to those who had gone before.”
“If I may speak freely, your family were mostly priests weren't they? Before conscription?”
“Yes, for generations we maintained the church of the Moon Goddess, that is where our family name comes from, the Clan of the Frozen Moon. But I have no belief.”
“There are many who claim it is truth, the Soul Hunters are adamant about it.”
“I remain very keen to meet one, there is much I want to learn about these Soul Hunters.” Jha'dur felt a moment of relish. “But another time, I'm not mentioning this to wallow in pity or share my feelings like a whiny Abbai, there is a practical point.”
“Yes Warmaster?”
“If I transfer to the First Strike Fleet, it leaves Third Strike Fleet without a commander. A new Warmaster needs to be promoted to fill the ranks.”
“I agree, I can think of...”
“It's you.” Jha'dur cut her off. “Obviously it was going to be you.”
“With respect my place is wherever you go.”
“Your place is where the Supreme Warmaster decides it will be.” Jha'dur corrected. “I was also very wary at first, I didn't want command, I thought I was best used doing nothing but research. I was wrong, embrace it.”
Jha'dur reached in her pocket and took out a small box, within it a gold badge of rank bearing the symbol of a Warmaster.
“Dar'sen will hold a formal ceremony when we get back, but he gave me permission to give you the actual promotion here and now. Do you want it?”
“I...” She set aside her surprise and summoned up her will. “Yes Warmaster.”
“Good. You will be the junior of we three Warmasters but you'll outrank anyone who comes next. That's partially why I pressed for it sooner rather than later.” She took the badge from the box. “Ready?”
“Ready.”
“This is the symbol of your rank and responsibility. The nine warmasters were appointed by the first Emperor as his most valued advisers. The greatest warriors, the sharpest minds, the wisest hearts. As they served so we serve, once a Warmaster, always a Warmaster. This rank can never be taken from you, only in death does your duty end. Do you accept?”
“I do.”
She took the magnetic bar from the back of the rank badge exposing two pins designed to pierce clothing, a very old design. She set it on Shai'jhur's chest and pinned it to her uniform in place of her old rank.
“Swear on your blood.” Jha'dur continued.
“I swear to obey the Emperor, Supreme Warmaster and all those above me in the chain of command. I swear not to bring shame or dishonour on the Imperium and to do my duty to the very best of my ability.”
“If you break this oath may death be your only reward. By blood and iron.”
Jha'dur slammed her fist on the badge driving the pins into Shai'jhur's flesh. It wasn't a deep wound but it did draw blood sealing the ritual.
“If only your predecessors had taken that oath as seriously as I am sure you will.” Jha'dur exhaled. “Congratulations Shai'jhur. Here stands a Warmaster.”
“Thank you, I'm not sure what to say.”
“Anything you want, you're a Warmaster.” Jha'dur chuckled. “You can take the badge off now, I'm not sure how valuable these old rituals are but I suppose it is tradition. Gar'shan pinned my badge on me during my promotion, he hit it hard enough to chip a rib.” She laughed. “I suppose it is designed so you remember it.”
“So there will be other Warmasters?”
“As we expand yes, but I wanted to make sure you'd have seniority. With An'jash as the other Warmaster I am stacking the deck a little. I want people I know personally at the top to avoid this Warmaster Council failing like the last one.”
“I won't disappoint you.”
“Good, it's not good for your health. We do not agree on everything, frankly I find some of your opinions highly questionable. But we must evolve and I am too settled in the past. As we grow closer to Earth someone like you is essential, someone who can see things from their perspective.”
“You know humans at least as well as I do.”
“I know their history, culture, military doctrine. But I don't know them, I don't know any actual humans, and I never will. You do though, and that is a doorway we need. Make no mistake Shai'jhur your appointment is heavily determined by our relations with Earth and you will be expected to bring our nations closer together.”
“That is not a small task.”
“No it isn't. Welcome to being a Warmaster, your basic job description is to achieve the impossible.” Jha'dur grinned. “We all did it once, now it is your turn.”
There were more cheers and applause as Branmer shook hands with Hamato, several news cameras catching the moment.
“About time we joined them I think.” Jha'dur mused. “We should make sure that while not prominent we are represented. I don't want our contributions to be ignored but no need to crow about it. The people who matter know what we have done.”
“So we're going to use this to advance our nation, become closer to Earth?”
“Beating us in the last war made them a super power, beating the Minbari will make them something greater. Everyone will want closer relations but we have the advantage. We gambled on Earth and we won. Those winnings will set us up for the next war where we can start restoring our true Imperium.”
“Understood.” Shai'jhur nodded firmly. “At the very least this is going to boost our standing and reputation, we already have dozens of trade offers on the table along with non aggression pacts in the League.”
“Exactly what Gar'shan desired, a final end to hostilities.” Jha'dur contemplated. “Perhaps that was his life's work? To give us our home and ensure it was secure. Achieving that he can go to his ancestors.”
“If you believe in that sort of thing?”
“I'm open to persuasion.” Jha'dur admitted. “Cracking open the head of a Soul Hunter may give a clearer answer.”
“That was the answer I was expecting.” Shai'jhur nodded. “It's not going to be an easy future is it?”
“No. Branmer is predicting a war in about a decade according to prophecy, he believes it enough to do all this in order to prepare for it. Even if he's wrong the Narn will be emboldened by this which makes the chance of war with the Centauri grow. Emperor Turhan his old and his son is not strong, we cannot guarantee the Centauri will remain silent. No old friend, it isn't going to be easy.”
“And we are going to be in the middle of it.”
“Very likely, we have too much history to be ignored..” Jha'dur confirmed. “Whatever happens we will have a part in it, but I think it is the humans we're going to need to watch. It's why all this has happened, all these efforts and risks and lives lost. The future is going to be written by humans, all we need to do is stay close and give them a little help now and again.”
“Will it be enough?”
“Ask me again next time you see me.”
D
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Bravo! A Fighting Chance is finally done and done! Bravo!
All we need is Jha'durs face Photoshopped on this.
kclcmdr
Well-known member
Yup. Still just looking for Jha'dur to get hers. Painfully.
That's, probably, the main reason I'm reading this.
That's, probably, the main reason I'm reading this.
The Minbari are going to be nursing some hurt over this, Branmer and Delenn should sleep lightly. I am sure the Minbari aren't immune to the idea of a palace coup.
BF110C4
Well-known member
As a culture mimbari has forgotten the political/social concept of a Palace Coup, much less the steps needed for having one. The risks of generations of a stable, prosperous government is that once it falls no one knows what is going to happen or how the people is going to react. The might try to do a peaceful walk to the seat of goverment in search of answers, they might riot and with the local law enforcement lacking training and gear for non-lethal crowd control it might get uglier than the worst riots we have seen in Real Life, or there might be random assasination attempts by servants and other menials inside Brammer's house simply out of a combination of frustration and opportunity.
But give them time and someone to act as a leader and sooner than later there will be more organized attempts to change the current leadership, especially since there are no official outlets for the concerns of the little mimbari out there.
mwkillkenny84
Well-known member
Plus any coup that wants to exist form more than a day needs military support, or it will find itself bombed into oblivion.
And, as I said before, as of now the ones with the biggest stick around (read: space fleets' crews) are Brammer-only supporters.
And He Who Controls the Orbitals is God.
Harlock
I should have expected that really
I appreciate the commentary and support offered to this story, it was a funny situation that led to this story being finished but I am glad it was and I personally thank you all for supporting it.
Only took what, eight or nine years?
The original didn't take that long
The story will stay here for six months or so before I put it up on AO3 so it can be archived. Maybe FF.net but I really hate their formatting so maybe just AO3
My next B5 fic will be exclusive to here as a thanks to the site owner for hosting my work. It'll be about the 'hot war' phase of the Drakh War happening alongside Crusade but focusing on a Warlock Fleet. Many, many explosions.
The sequel to this story is planned for the future but not anytime soon, it will be months of planning at least and research so I'll do some smaller projects in between. Likely something in Star Wars and maybe, maybe a very old Star Trek and B5 cross I never finished.
Again though, my thanks for the support. Took a while but I am glad to have had a chance to finish this.
Only took what, eight or nine years?
The original didn't take that long The story will stay here for six months or so before I put it up on AO3 so it can be archived. Maybe FF.net but I really hate their formatting so maybe just AO3
My next B5 fic will be exclusive to here as a thanks to the site owner for hosting my work. It'll be about the 'hot war' phase of the Drakh War happening alongside Crusade but focusing on a Warlock Fleet. Many, many explosions.
The sequel to this story is planned for the future but not anytime soon, it will be months of planning at least and research so I'll do some smaller projects in between. Likely something in Star Wars and maybe, maybe a very old Star Trek and B5 cross I never finished.
Again though, my thanks for the support. Took a while but I am glad to have had a chance to finish this.
Harlock
I should have expected that really
Also I think I forgot to actually mention what the point of departure actually was
It was Dal'shan surviving. Originally he is killed by Earth Force but in this case he spots the ambush and retreats instead of duelling the Temeraire battle group.
His survival has two main results. First it means Jha'dur still has a trusted ally so does not go quite so far over the edge as she does in canon. Less mass murder, less genocide, less likely to ruin things out of anger and spite.
Secondly it means that when Jha'dur is taken out at Balos in canon there was no one else to rally the fleets and the Allies were able to drive the Dilgar out. In this case Dal'shan is alive and skilled enough to take over and just barely force a draw.
This also means Shai'jhur instead of using her ships to form a rearguard was instead able to intercept the Minbari expedition and drive them back, preventing Jha'dur from being taken to Minbar by the WIndswords.
This has the net result of making Jha'dur less terrible, though that is a very relative term Character wise she is similar to how she was before Earth joined the war, one might suggest at the peak of her powers.
Though her next challenge is going to be Mr Morden and friends so she may meet her match with that one
It was Dal'shan surviving. Originally he is killed by Earth Force but in this case he spots the ambush and retreats instead of duelling the Temeraire battle group.
His survival has two main results. First it means Jha'dur still has a trusted ally so does not go quite so far over the edge as she does in canon. Less mass murder, less genocide, less likely to ruin things out of anger and spite.
Secondly it means that when Jha'dur is taken out at Balos in canon there was no one else to rally the fleets and the Allies were able to drive the Dilgar out. In this case Dal'shan is alive and skilled enough to take over and just barely force a draw.
This also means Shai'jhur instead of using her ships to form a rearguard was instead able to intercept the Minbari expedition and drive them back, preventing Jha'dur from being taken to Minbar by the WIndswords.
This has the net result of making Jha'dur less terrible, though that is a very relative term
Character wise she is similar to how she was before Earth joined the war, one might suggest at the peak of her powers.Though her next challenge is going to be Mr Morden and friends so she may meet her match with that one
D
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walkir
Member
A pleasure to read your stuff as always, and a bittersweet note to see one of your works end.
Jha'dur