With Starfleet One in orbit around Venus the President’s party walked through the caverns underneath the planet’s surface. To most of the party the air seemed very thin, and some of them had difficulty breathing and had to be helped by oxygen masks. Watt was not one of those people. Many times he had flown through space, the cold vacuum having no effect on him.
Shortly afterwards the party was greeted by Federation Director Banks, who had been on Venus on a fact-finding mission. Banks was your usual politician-type person, with a public face for his voters and a private face for everyone else. Watt had seen both faces.
“It’s good to see you again Mister President.” said Banks.
“Likewise, Mister Banks.” You know Senators Servalan and Santiago, of course.”
Banks shook both of them by the hand. He then showed them to the office that he had been given.
“Your reports haven’t been too good Mister Banks.” said Watt.
“You’re damn right they haven’t been.” Banks replied, now with his private face. “The trouble here has been getting worse during the past few weeks. They’ve heard about the recent troubles on Mars and think they can do the same thing. It’s going to get very ugly here if we don’t do something soon. Conditions here are getting worse by the minute!”
“With all due respect Mister President.” said Servalan. “Perhaps a show of some force is required here.”
“I don’t think so Senator.” said Watt. “There is always a peaceful solution to all problems.”
`”That sounds like Sarek of Vulcan talking.” said Banks. “But I have to admit I have a tendency to agree with the Senator. Force may be our only option.”
“When will your report be completed?” asked Santiago.
“Not for another month.” replied Banks.
“Then it may be best to wait until then.” said Santiago. “Things may get better within the next month.”
“I agree.” said Watt. “A lot can happen in four weeks.”
The debate in the chamber on Babylon 5 was getting very heated. Ivanova began to wonder what she had let herself in for. In front of her Ambassadors Mollari and G’Kar continued to argue.
“Your outpost in Quadrant Thirty-Seven is there illegally!” said Mollari. “That area of space belongs to the Centauri Republic. Your representative signed the agreement years ago!”
“An agreement signed under duress is hardly an agreement at all!” said G’Kar. “Besides, out outpost is not a military outpost. It coordinates manoeuvres!”
“Nevertheless.” said Mollari. “It is still in Centauri space! The outpost must be moved!”
“Quadrant Thirty-Seven was in Narn territory before you annexed it!” responded G’Kar.
Ivanova had had enough. She banged her gavel on the table, almost breaking it in two.
“Gentlemen, that’s enough!” she said, almost shouting. “It is obvious we are not getting anywhere here! Perhaps it would be best if we adjourned for the day and came back tomorrow with new ideas!”
“My ideas remain the same!” said Mollari. “The Narns must remove themselves from Quadrant Thirty-Seven!”
Once again Ivanova banged her gavel. This time it did break.
“That’s enough!” she shouted. “Now return to your corners! This meeting is adjourned!”
G’Kar and Mollari gave each other distasteful looks and left the chamber, returning to their quarters, leaving Ivanova wishing for the return of Jeffrey Sinclair.
The corridors of the station were very crowded as usual, and Garibaldi was making his usual rounds when he suddenly heard something amiss nearby. The sounds he heard were of people being shocked by something. One of his men drew attention to this, and Garibaldi quickly rushed over to the commotion. The commotion itself was being caused by a wounded man staggering through the area clutching his stomach. Blood was dripping from a wound on his stomach, and the man stopped when he saw Garibaldi. The Security Chief rushed over to him. He recognised him.
“Petrov! What is it?”
Petrov fell to the ground onto his back. Garibaldi now leaned over him, and Petrov grabbed his lapels.
“They’re…going to kill him!”
“Who? Who are they going to kill?”
Petrov did not answer. He breathed his last breath. He died seconds later.
After the short trip from Venus to Mars, and the extensive tour of the facilities there, President Watt and his party boarded Starfleet One again and began their journey to Jupiter station. Watt sat in his quarters reading an old book when the door buzzer sounded. A few seconds later Santiago entered. Watt quickly put down his book.
“Lou! What are you doing here?”
“May I take a seat?” Santiago asked.
“Certainly. Would you like a drink?”
“Tea would be fine.”
Watt went over to the replicator, and a few seconds later two cups of Earl Grey tea were in his hands. He handed one to Santiago.
“What was it you wanted to see me about?”
Santiago took a sip out of his cup.
“I’m worried about our travelling companion Jim.”
“Servalan? Why?”
“She seems to be trying to push her views upon us and everyone else on this trip. You saw her with Banks. If she was President she’d send in the troops and Venus would be ruled like a military junta! I don’t trust here!”
“Neither do I. It might have something to do with the election. She was only narrowly beaten for the nominations.”
“Yeah, they wanted the election to be contested by a young-looking old warhorse and an old-looking old warhorse, namely me and thee!”
Watt let out a slight laugh. Although he had different political views to Santiago he had come to respect him after their election contest.
“I can see your point though Lou. But I don’t think it’s anything to worry about. We’ll just have to keep an eye on her!”
Then Watt reached out for his remote control and switched on his view screen.
“The news should be on now.” he said. “I hope they have some good things to say about me!”
The image of the I.S.N. newscaster appeared on the screen.
“…and the President is due to end his goodwill tour with a policy speech on Io. At this time there have been no details released as to the contents of the speech.”
“Looks like we missed it.” said Santiago. “I just hop Servalan isn’t given much air time!”
“You and me both!”
Garibaldi stood in MedLab watching Doctor Franklin trying to revive Petrov. As he watched Sheridan entered. Just as he entered Franklin emerged, taking off his gloves.
“I’m sorry, but I couldn’t do anything.” said Franklin. “He’d already lost too much blood!”
“Damn!” said Garibaldi.
“I’m on the station five minutes and someone is already dead!” said Sheridan. “Who was he?”
“His name was Stephen Petrov.” replied Garibaldi. “He was a lurker from Down Below. I used him a few times as an informant.”
“Did he say anything to you before he died?” Sheridan asked.
“He said ‘they’re going to kill him.’”
“Who?”
“I don’t know. He died a few seconds later. I’ll tell you this though. He must have been hurting really bad for him to come all this way!”
“Well Mister Garibaldi, you know this station better than me, so I’ll let you handle this.” said Sheridan. “From what I understand I have a problem with Ambassadors Mollari and G’Kar!”
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