Renegades - Civil War Chapter Thirty

    It had been a long day for Lieutenant-Commander Ivanova. She was having a pretty easy time ‘breaking in’ Captain Sheridan, but the worries about Garibaldi’s condition were still in her mind, especially as she made her way to MedLab.
    It was 14:45 hours, and each day since the shooting Ivanova visited Garibaldi to check on his condition. There had been some hope in the past week however when a stranger had ‘visited’ Garibaldi’s bedside and had somehow improved his condition. But his condition had remained the same after that dramatic improvement - he hadn’t gotten worse, or better.
    Ivanova soon entered MedLab to find it surprisingly empty. MedLab was normally a hive of activity, but not today. Slowly Ivanova walked over to the main isolation chamber where Garibaldi had been for weeks. This time, however, something was different. There was someone in the chamber with him.
    From the description of the report she had read the man in the chamber matched the description of the intrude. This time the strange energy, the strange glow, surrounded both Garibaldi and the stranger.
    Ivanova banged on the transparent screen.
    “Stop! What are you doing?”
    Her Federation training took over. She activated her communicator.
    “Ivanova to Security! We have an intruder in MedLab!”
    The stranger looked around and stared at Ivanova. There was a look of complete concentration in his eyes. Then, dismissing her with a single look, he turned and continued with his business.
    The security team came racing in, Doctor Franklin not far behind them. Franklin released the seal on the chamber, and he followed two of the guards into the chamber.
    But it was too late. The glow subsided, and just as they came through the door the man vanished, to where they did not know.
    Again Ivanova activated her communicator.
    “Ivanova to Ops! I want a full internal sensor scan, and a log of that energy reading!”
    A second later Sheridan came racing into MedLab. He had heard Ivanova’s communication.
    “I already checked the energy reading.” he said. “It was mystical!”
    “Mystical?” Ivanova queried. “You mean he was a wizard?”
    Sheridan did not answer. He was about to when he heard a groan from inside the chamber. Franklin came charging out.
    “What’s wrong?” Sheridan asked.
    “I don’t know what that guy did!” Franklin replied. “But he cured him! Garibaldi’s coming to!”

Renegades - Civil War Chapter Twenty-Nine

    Lohengrin shuttlecraft Clarke moved towards the Cardassian side of the de-militarized zone. Aboard were Sinclair, Riker, Tarses and Hudson. The former Starfleet commander had wanted Chakotay along for the ride but Sinclair had decided against it.
    “We are approaching Cardassian territory now.” Riker reported.
    “I’m surprised we haven’t encountered any sort of resistance yet.” said Sinclair.
    Suddenly Tarses’ sensor panel came to life.
    “Cardassian cruiser one million kilometres off the port bow.” he reported.
    “On my screen Lieutenant.” Sinclair ordered.
    The imposing image of the alien warship appeared before Sinclair.
    “We are being hailed.” said Tarses.
    The image of Gul Dukat appeared on Sinclair’s monitor.
    “Commander Sinclair! I am surprised to see you here in the zone.”
    “It’s Captain Sinclair now, Gul Dukat. Commanding officer of the Lohengrin.”
    A look of annoyance appeared on Dukat’s face when he saw Hudson sitting next to him.
    “Are Starfleet taking in criminals now?” he asked sarcastically. “I had heard you just got rid of one at Command itself!”
    “This isn’t a time for games, Dukat.” said Sinclair. “Commander Hudson has launched some very disturbing allegations against the Cardassian colonies here in the zone.”
    “I wasn’t aware of any allegations, Captain!”
    “They are not allegations!” Hudson snapped. “You’re colonies are making mutagenic weapons for use on our colonies!”
    Dukat huffed.
    “I know of no such thing!”
    “Then you wouldn’t mind if we went to one of your colonies, in case we find something!” said Sinclair.
    “You’re not on Babylon 5 anymore Captain. You can’t just demand to search something now!”
    “If you have nothing to hide then you have nothing to fear Gul Dukat!” Sinclair replied.
    Sinclair could see that Dukat knew he was getting the better of him.
    “Very well Captain. Follow my ship, and then beam down to the co-ordinates I will give you.”

Renegades - Civil War Chapter Twenty-Eight

    The Liberator moved to within sensor range of Saurian Major. Blake had asked Zen to take them there, but he had not given any reason to the others. This annoyed them, but annoyed Avon more.
    “We have achieved a standard orbit around Saurian Major.” Zen announced.
    “Well perhaps now you will tell us why we are here.” said Avon.
    “I said I intended to fight back against the Federation.” Blake said. “This will be out first target.”
    Blake pointed to the planet on the view-screen.
    “Saurian Major was formerly a Federation colony which gained independence over a hundred years ago. It was subsequently annexed forty years ago. On the surface is one of their main relay stations. Nearly all of their transmissions from their rim ships are beamed into this station, boosted, and sent on to Starfleet Command. Destroy this station and it will be like cutting off one of their limbs.”
    “If it is as important as you say then surely it will be heavily guarded.” said Jenna. “If we teleport in we’ll be detected, and the guards will stop us from entering.”
    “We can get help from the surface.” said Blake. “Ever since the Federation annexed them they have had a problem with the Resistance here. They’ve tried everything to get rid of them but have had only marginal success.”
    “So your job is simple then.” said Vila. “Get in, plant the bombs, and get out. I don’t fancy your chances!”
    “Our chances Vila.” Blake said. “You and Avon are coming with me.”
    Vila sighed.
    “I’m going to need someone who can help us get past their security systems.” Blake continued. “You’re the perfect man for the job. Avon, you’re also coming.”
    “I would just like to go on record saying that I am against this ‘mission’ of yours.” Avon announced. “I believe it is futile.”
    “Your view is noted.” said Blake. “Now let’s get ready.”
    Ten minutes later Blake, Avon and Vila stood in the Teleport Room, kitted out for their mission. Gan and Jenna sat at the teleport controls.
    “I’ll put you down three miles from the station.” Jenna said. “You should arouse suspicion that far away.”
    “But we’ll get blisters walking to the station.” complained Vila.
    Blake pushed Vila onto the teleport pad. Avon joined a few seconds later.
    “Okay, put us down.”
    Jenna energized the teleport beam. Seconds later they were gone from the Liberator.

Renegades - Civil War Chapter Twenty-Seven

    After a brief stop at Deep Space Nine the Lohengrin neared the planet Onara in the de-militarized zone along the Federation/Cardassian border. Just the thought of being this close to Cardassian territory kept most of the crew on edge, so much so that Sinclair placed the ship on yellow alert.
    “We have achieved a standard orbit.” Riker reported from the Ops position.
    “Captain, we are being hailed.” Tarses reported.
    “On screen.” Shelby ordered.
    The image of a slightly-greying man appeared on the screen. Sinclair could tell he was of the Native American race on Earth.
    “Greetings Captain. My name is Chakotay. I am the liaison officer here. I was not informed of any Federation starships entering the zone.”
    “I am Captain Jeffrey Sinclair, commanding officer of the Lohengrin. Our mission is rather a delicate one Mister Chakotay. I’m trying to get in touch with a former Starfleet commander, Calvin Hudson. His last known whereabouts where in this system.”
    “I know of Calvin Hudson, but  I’ve never met him. I heard he was working with the Maquis.”
    “That is why I want to talk to him. I want to get to the bottom of this situation.”
    “Perhaps we had better talk in person Captain. I know someone who may be able to put you in touch with Hudson. I’ll give you the transporter co-ordinates.”
    Tarses looked at his panel as the signal came in.
    “Thank you Mister Chakotay. I’ll be seeing you shortly. Lohengrin out.”
    The transmission was ended. Sinclair stood up and walked towards the turbo-lift.
    “Riker, Tarses, Counsellor, you’re with me.”
    “With all due respect.” said Shelby. “I don not think you should lead the away team. Regulations state…”
    “This situation requires some diplomacy Commander.” said Sinclair. “And working on Babylon 5 has given me quite a bit of experience. I’m sure nothing can go wrong down there.”

Renegades - Civil War Chapter Twenty-Six

    The day of Ro Laren’s preliminary hearing had arrived. As she sat in her cell, dressed in her Starfleet U uniform, the force field lowered and Commander Sleer entered.
    “To what do I owe this pleasure?” Ro said sarcastically. “I suppose Servalan wants to make sure I get a fair hearing!”
    “You will soon pay for your insolence!” Sleer sneered. “Plotting the death of the Federation President is a very serious offence. You could be sentenced to death.”
    “We both know I had nothing to do with the explosion.”
    “Enough of this. Get to your feet.”
    Sleer motioned to the two guards that were standing outside the door. They came inside and put restraints on Ro’s wrists. Then they lead her out of the building, with Sleet following behind them.
    They were soon in the open air, and once they were outside Ro put her plan into action, a plan she had been formulating for the past four days. Raising her arms slight she elbowed one of the guards in the stomach, and while he was doubled over brought her knee up so it connected with his nose. The guard fell to the ground, and Ro rolled over and picked up the phaser the guard had dropped. She then fired at the other guard, rendering him unconscious. Sleer, meanwhile, had drawn his phaser, but he could not aim at Ro. She was too quick for him. Ro, however, managed to fire at Sleer, catching him with a blast to his shoulder. She then ran away as fast as she could before ducking into an alcove not far away. She then managed to aim the phaser at her restraints, breaking them so she could move her arms more freely. She then continued on her journey.
    Sleet did not want his wound treated. He insisted on supervising the search for Ro himself. Twenty security teams scoured the surrounding streets of London, but not one of them could find her. Before finally giving in to the pain from his wound Sleer silently cursed Starfleet’s advanced tactical training program, because it was Ro’s knowledge of those methods which gave her an edge in evading her captors.

Renegades - Civil War Chapter Twenty-Five

    It was the proudest moment of Jeffery Sinclair’s life. Ever since he was a young boy he dreamed of commanding a starship, he knew that would be his destiny, and after a long and distinguished career in Starfleet, most notably as the first commanding officer of Babylon 5, his dream was about to be fulfilled.
    In the shuttle craft designated ‘Turandot’ Captain Sinclair sat in the main control section next to the man who was to be his science officer, the twenty-one year old Vulcan, Lieutenant Xon. Xon was considered a bright young man, even by Vulcan standards. Indeed, the Vulcan Science Academy would have been upset when Xon declared his intent to enter Starfleet Academy, had Vulcans shown that emotion.
    The shuttle was heading towards the Utopia Planitia Yards in orbit around Mars, and towards the U.S.S. Lohengrin-B, the third starship to carry that name.
    “Turandot to Lohengrin.” said Xon. “Request permission to land.”
    A woman’s voice gave the reply.
    “Turandot, you are cleared for landing in Shuttle Bay Three.”
    The tractor beam was soon operated, guiding the shuttle into the bay. Upon landing Sinclair turned to Xon.
    “That was a pleasant journey Lieutenant. I hope it is the first of many.”
    “As do I, Captain.”
    The two men then got to their feet and left the shuttle. Upon entering the bay area they saw that many officers had gathered to greet them.
    “Stand to attention!” Xon boomed. “Captain on deck.”
    Sinclair walked forward and took his place at a podium that had been erected.
    “Under the authority of Starfleet Command, I, Jeffrey Sinclair, take command of the U.SS. Lohengrin. Orders signed, Admiral Duncan McCloud, Commander-In-Chief, Starfleet.”
    Sinclair then stepped down from the podium.
    “Ladies and gentlemen, some of you I know, some I do not, but I would like to say I hope it is a pleasure serving with you.”

Renegades - Civil War Chapter Twenty-Four

    The Liberator moved through space at the equivalent of warp five. There was still some time before they would arrive at Cygnus Alpha so they decided to explore the ship even further.
    Avon led them down a corridor to a discovery he had made. He led them into an alcove room. On one side of the room there appeared to be some sort of transporter pad, with an operating panel facing it on the opposite side of the room.
    “What is this?” asked Jenna.
    “This is a teleport system.” Avon replied.
    “You mean a transporter?” said Blake.
    “No, a teleporter. From what I can tell it works on the same principles of the sub-space transporter, dubbed the teleporter.
    “You mean we could teleport across great distances?”
    “No. It works like this. If we were to orbit a planet on one side we could teleport to the far distant side of that planet.”
    “That will come in useful.”
    Then a call came through from the Bridge. It was from Zen.
    “We have arrived in a stationary orbit around Cygnus Alpha.”
    Blake turned to Avon.
    “How does this teleporter work?”
    “You have to wear one of these bracelets.”
    Avon handed Blake one of the bracelets, which he put on.
    “The bracelet also contains a communicator.” Avon continued. “You can only be brought back up while you wear the bracelet. Lose it and we lose you.”
    Blake then took hold of two of the other bracelets. He then picked up the weapon he had taken from the Bridge.
    “Set co-ordinates for half a mile from the main camp.” he said, stepping onto the teleporter pad. “I will contact you once every hour.”
    “I’m not entirely sure how these controls work.” said Avon.
    “You’ve spent the last hour studying them.” said Blake. “So I’ll just have to trust you.”
    Blake took the weapon out of it’s holster.
    “Okay. Put me down.”
    With a flick of a switch Blake began to shimmer, his molecules being converted into energy. Seconds later he was gone. Jenna then checked the scanner.
    “He’s down, and he’s safe.”
    “Let’s just hope he’s not a fool.”

Renegades - Civil War Chapter Twenty-Three

    The squadron had no idea what hit them.
    The patrol of Narn fighters had travelled along the rim of unexplored space at regular intervals for a few days now, hoping that they would see something, something that could tell them what or who had attacked their outpost in Quadrant Thirty-Seven. The reports had been of a strange ship that was there and was then not there.
    This patrol, however, carried a ‘special’ pilot. Ever since he had left Babylon 5 G’Kar had hardly been seen. The attack on the outpost had upset him greatly. He had learned upon arrival on the Narn Homeworld that his nephew had been killed in the attack. Now he wanted to find out who or what had killed his nephew.
    He did not have much longer to wait.

Renegades - Civil War Chapter Twenty-Two

    O’Rourke stood in front of the sensor panel, waiting to give her report to Watt.
    “They’ve arrived, Captain.” she reported. “They are thirty metres away from the main bridge area.”
    On board the alien vessel Blake, Avon and Jenna looked around at the unfamiliar alien surroundings. Blake took out the tri-corder he had been given and began to scan the area.
    “The bridge is thirty metres in front of us.” he said. “The life signs of the away team are getting weaker and weaker.”
    “Then let’s get this over with.” said Avon. “I have no desire to remain Watt’s pawn for long.”
    Avon pushed past Blake and took the lead. With Jenna in the middle Blake brought up the rear.
    They soon found the entrance to the Bridge. Wanting to get it over with as soon as possible Avon marched onto the Bridge. He was closely followed by Jenna.
    “Wait!” Blake called. “The energy reading is coming from in there! It may be…”
    Before he finished speaking Blake could hear Avon and Jenna cry out in pain. Rushing in Blake saw what was causing the energy reading. There was a massive energy cloud hovering some ten feet above the floor, and it seemed to have some sort of mental grip on Avon and Jenna, causing them great pain. Then Blake dropped his tri-corder as he grabbed his head in pain. Before his eyes he could see images, images of his past, images he did not want to remember. But then he started to talk to himself.
    “It’s not real!” he said. “The image is not real! It was planted into my mind!”

Renegades - Civil War Chapter Twenty-One

    Captain Picard sat in his Ready Room aboard the Enterprise. He was not best pleased that Servalan had imposed Travis upon him. The man was nothing more than a thug. As he sat brooding a message came through from the Bridge. It was Data.
    “We have received a rather strange transmission Captain.”
    Picard stood and entered the Bridge. Data was seated at the science station.
    “What does the transmission say Mr. Data?” asked Picard.
    A quizzical look passed over the android’s face.
    “It merely says ‘Speak, friend, and read on.’”
    Picard looked at the strange script on the screen.
    “What language is that?” he asked.
    “The computer has identified it was Dwarfish Captain.” replied Data. “A language spoken by the Dwarf races on the Time of Legends. I believe that Ambassador Magus is fluent in the language.”
    Picard smiled thinly.
    “Data, Magus is fluent in every language. Are you trying to tell me the transmission is from him?”
    “It is a possibility sir.” replied Data.
    Picard looked pensive.
    “Very well. I want no word of this to get to Commander Travis. Data, use the computer to analyse the message. If it is from Magus it must mean something, but what?”

Renegades - Civil War Chapter Twenty

    The next few days were spent planning how they should take over the Valkyrie’s computer. They were planning their attempt so well that the guards had no idea they were hatching any kind of plot.
    It was during one night, when security was at it’s minimum, that Avon set to work. Moving over to the replicator he looked around to see that no one was watching. He was lucky because no one was. He then began to slowly moved the wall panel, revealing the circuits underneath. To an expert like Avon the system looked relatively easy. He then began to study the circuits, imprinting the circuit layouts to his memory.

Renegades - Civil War Chapter Nineteen

    In Transporter Room Three aboard the U.S.S. Valkyrie a call was received from the transporter station in Cromer, telling them to energise the beam. A minute later Captain James Watt arrived back from his leave of absence, having been granted that leave after the death of the man he was named after.
    With bag draped over his shoulder Watt left the transporter room and started to make his way to his quarters when he bumped into Doctor Gourlak Singh. The Indian was pleased to see him.
    “Jim! It’s good to see you again! How’s your boy?”
    “Simon? He gave me some good news. He’s about to take the Academy entrance exam. Hopefully he’ll be there at the next intake.”
    “And what about Diane?”
    A smile appeared on Watt’s face.
    “We talked a lot. We managed to get a few things straightened out, and….”
    Once again Watt smiled.
    “And?” urged Singh.
    “And we agreed to meet on Rycea next time I get shore leave.”
    Singh slapped Watt on the back.
    “You old devil! I told you before your divorce you should try to patch things up!”
    “Maybe now I’ll always follow my doctor’s advice!”
    They then entered the turbo-lift.
    “Deck eight.” Watt said.
    There was then a silence in the turbo-lift, a silence that was broken by the sound of Watt’s communicator.
    “Watt here.”
    “Commander Sutek here sir. We are receiving a transmission from Admiral McCloud at Starfleet Command, priority one.”
    Watt let out a slight sigh.
    “Understood Commander. I’ll take it in my quarters.”

Renegades - Civil War Chapter Eighteen

    Blake sat in a darkened room, the only light in the room being the one trained on him. There was someone else in the room with him but he could not see him. The man called himself Ven Glynd and said he was from the Justice Department.
    “What were you doing in that underground cavern with a known criminal group?” boomed Glynd.
    “I told you, I was drugged and taken there!”
    “I don’t believe you! What did Foster tell you?”
    “Just that he had uncovered some information about Servalan.”
    Then Blake heard a sound. It was the sound normally made by a communicator. He then heard Glynd mumble something, possibly into the communicator. That noise was followed by the sound of a door. A few seconds later Blake could tell he was alone.
    Outside in the corridor Glynd was greeted by Doctor Havant. Havant did not look happy.
    “Servalan has been told about what has happened.” he said. “She is not happy. Do we know if Foster gave Blake all the information?”
    “If he did he’s not saying. This could be a problem.”
    “I think you’d better discuss it with Servalan.”
    A short time later Servalan arrived at the facility, with Commander Sleer as always. She was led into Glynd’s office.
    “What does this Commander Blake know?” she asked.
    “From what we can tell, everything.” said Glynd. “Somehow he managed to get his hands on all the information that could discredit you.”
    “There is one course of action we could take.” said Havant. “I could erase his sort-term memory again.”
    “You did that before, and look where it had got us. Commander Blake is well respected in the Attorney General’s office. If he were to disclose the information then people would listen to him, and wiping his memory would not work. We need to find another way. Perhaps we could…discredit him in some way.”
    “I have an idea that may work Madame President.” said Glynd.
    “Then I will leave it in your capable hands Mister Glynd.” said Servalan.
    S short time later Glynd went to Blake’s cell. As the door opened Blake sat up. When Glynd entered it was the first time Blake had seen his face.
    “Lieutenant Commander Roj Blake, I am placing you under arrest. You are charged with corrupting minors.”
    “Corrupting minors!” Blake protested. “I’ve done no such thing!”
    “You are being committed for trial. Your hearing will take place at nine a.m. tomorrow morning.”
    Having carried out his task Glynd left Blake alone in his cell, with no or little chance of a defence.

Renegades - Civil War Chapter Seventeen

    Servalan sat rather smugly in the office which had formerly been occupied by James Watt the Elder. She surveyed the décor with some distaste. Old pictures of aircraft and spacecraft which Watt had flown lined the walls. The office was dominated by an oil painting of Babylon 5. Against the opposite wall in a glass case was Watt’s old Anglo-Force costume. A sneer passed across Servalan’s face…Anglo-Force, a concept, in her view, outdated even in the barbaric times which were the Twenty-First century.
    Sleer entered. Servalan whirled around to greet him.
    “It’s no good Sleer.” she said. “This entire office will have to be redecorated. I have seen space precincts decorated with more taste.”
    Sleer smiled at the joke.
    “Madame President, I have serious news for you. The U.S.S. Flying Scotsman has been detected heading for Sector 001.”
    Once more Servalan smiled.
    “Magus is even more old fashioned than Watt was. Have Commander Travis intercept him. Do we have any starships in the area?”
    “Only the Enterprise at present.” replied Sleer.
    “Then contact Captain Picard and have him rendezvous with Travis. I would like someone there in case there is an ‘accident’ involving our esteemed Ambassador Magus.”
    Sleer bowed low and went to make the arrangements.

Renegades - Civil War Chapter Sixteen

    Thomas Leacock sat in his cell below the Old Bailey in London. It had been seen as fitting years ago when the Federation was found that it’s seat of justice should be in the capital city of Great Britain, a land which had been the model for many justice systems. Leo Rumpole was also there. He had taken it as a good omen that the trial was to be held here, for it was at the Old Bailey that his famous ancestor had had many of his greatest triumphs. Beaming an encouraging smile at his client Rumpole ascended to the court room above.
    His heart sank when he saw who the presiding judge was to be. It had originally been planned that Admiral St. Germain, famous as being the only vampire to hold the rank of Admiral in Starfleet would conduct the trial. He had been replaced at Servalan’s express orders by Norah Satie, previously discredited after her investigations aboard the Enterprise. The prosecution lawyer nodded in a condescending manner to Rumpole, who diplomatically ignored him.
    Leacock was brought up into the dock. Once more Rumpole smiled a smile of encouragement to him. Rumpole noted that they had taken great pains to take Leacock’s cane, the main vessel of his powers, away from him. The man looked tired and haggard, hardly surprising, he was almost five hundred years old. It must be the long years of living with Magus which were now preventing his great age from catching up with him, but it would only be a matter of time before they did.
    Norah Satie greeted the court. The prosecuting attorney began his case against Leacock. It seemed the evidence against the Vice-President was overwhelming. It seemed to indicate a larger plot by Leacock and others but went no further than that. Several times Rumpole arose to challenge evidence as hearsay but every time he was overruled.
    At last came Rumpole’s turn to present the defence case. The younger James Watt was called to the stand.
    “Tell me Captain Watt.” said Rumpole after the oath had been taken. “I believe that you had an interview with a being of the race known as Soul Hunters after the incident.
    Watt nodded his assent.
    “He told me that there was no soul to be collected.”
    The prosecuting lawyer leapt to his feet.
    “Objection on two counts. What the Soul Hunter said to Captain Watt is inadmissible as hearsay. Also the existence of a soul has not bee scientifically proven.”
    Judge Satie upheld the objection. And so it went on. What was perhaps the most important trial in Federation history was over in under three hours. Leacock had even been denied the ancient right of trial by jury. Norah Satie sat barely able to conceal her glee at being once more in a position of power as she passed sentence.
    “Thomas Leacock, you have been found guilty of conspiring to murder President Watt, conspiring against the Federation and high treason. I therefore sentence you to life imprisonment on the penal colony of Cygnus Alpha!”
    Leacock was led away, his face ashen.

Renegades - Civil War Chapter Fifteen

    Leo Rumpole marched into the Attorney General’s office, several books and files under his arms, in rather an unhappy mood. He stood near the entrance, trying to find the man he was looking for. He didn’t find him, but he found someone else who could help him.
    “Commander Blake!” he called out, trying to run over to him. “Commander Blake, where is that insufferable Admiral Quinn?”
    Blake, somewhat startled at being shouted at, almost dropped his papers.
    “I’m afraid the Admiral is in a meeting. I can’t disturb him.”
    “Damn that man! I’ve just got the news that I’ve got three days to prepare Thomas Leacock’s defence! How the hell am I supposed to do that?”
    “To tell you the truth I was very surprised when President Servalan called asking for the trial to be brought forward. We were flat out preparing for the Queeg trial so that’s now had to be put on hold!”
    “But how am I meant to prepare a defence for the man? He’s alleged to have done what hasn’t been done since 1963! Leacock’s meant to have killed the President! He’s been charged with committing the crime of the millennium, and I’ve got three days before I go to trial! I just can’t do it!”
    “I’m afraid you’re going to have to, Mister Rumpole. There’s nothing I, or Admiral Quinn can do. The orders came from the President herself!”
    Blake could tell Rumpole was a very unhappy man.
    “Look.” he said. “This is strictly off the record, but you’re not the only one unhappy with this. There are many who believe Leacock is innocent. The only man who could have possibly cleared him was killed on Babylon 5 by a guard. I’ll provide all the help I can Mister Rumpole, but I can’t do anymore!”
    Rumpole patted Blake on the shoulder.
    “I know dear boy. I apologise for the way I spoke to you. I know you’re only following orders. Ah well, I suppose I’d better get back to she who must be obeyed. Farewell Commander!”
    Blake watched as Rumpole left the office, failing to notice that an old man was watching him.

The Passing of a Great Man - Civil War Chapter Fourteen

    “Approaching Sector 001 now sir.” said O’Rourke briskly.
    Watt sat in his command chair, the cares of the past few days etched upon his face. It was hard for him to believe that his oldest surviving relative was no more. It had been said back in the old days when he was leading Anglo-Force that he was invulnerable. There had been the time where he and Magus had single-handedly stopped the Empire from taking over DS9. He had forced an Imperial battle station back through the Bajoran wormhole. It was hard to believe that a man capable of such actions could be killed by a mere explosion.
    The fact that Leacock had been arrested for the crime also disturbed him deeply. Watt had grown up with Leacock as a sort of uncle, just as Magus had been like an extra grandfather to him. Now Leacock was in custody, Magus was halfway across the galaxy, and Pops was dead.
    “Message coming in from Earth, Captain.” said Amarus gently, sensing his captain’s distress.
    Watt gazed round at him.
    “Put it through to my Ready Room.”
    Watt rose and left the bridge. Soon he was seated at his desk. The face of his ex-wife, Diane, appeared on the screen before him.
    “Jim, I’m so very worry. I thought he would live forever!”
    “So did I Diane.” replied Watt with a warm smile. “Are you and Simon ready to beam aboard?”
    “In a few minutes. He has some news he wants you to hear. He also asked if Grandpa Phineas was with you.”
    “I’m afraid not. I’ll meet you in the Gresley. Watt out.”
    Watt left his Ready Room and made his way to the Gresley bar. It had always been his ex-wife’s favourite part of the ship. It was mostly deserted. As he gazed behind the bat the bottle of whisky which Magus had cast a spell on caught his eye. Ah, Magus, if only he could be here now!
    His reverie was interrupted by the sound of his ex-wife and son entering. Simon had just turned sixteen, and if ever a father was proud of his son then James Watt was proud of Simon. The boy was a true child of Starfleet, his mother had at one time been a serving Starfleet officer herself. One of his godfathers was none other than Captain Jean-Luc Picard, the other was Admiral Duncan McCloud. To cap everything he had been brought into this world by Dr. Phineas Magus. Now the boy was grown, standing a good two inches taller than his father.
    “So tell me, what is this news you have for me?” Watt asked.
    Diane broke into a broad smile.
    “I want to join Starfleet Dad!” announced the younger Watt.
    All at once his father’s face visibly brightened. For the first time since the grim news had reached him he smiled his first smile.
    “I am so proud of you.” he cried, grabbing his son and embracing him.

The Passing of a Great Man - Civil War Chapter Thirteen

    The Starfleet Attorney General’s office did not usually receive a call from the President, but today it did. It was a good job that Admiral Gregory Quinn was there today. The call came in whilst he was in a meeting with one of the office’s brightest prospects, Lieutenant Commander Roj Blake.
    “What do you mean President Servalan is calling me?” said Quinn. “Okay, put it on the viewer.”
    The small terminal on Quinn’s desk came to life with the smiling face of President Servalan.
    “Madame President!” Quinn smiled. “What a pleasure! What can I do for you?”
    “I want to discuss Thomas Leacock’s case. Has defending counsel been appointed yet?”
    “No. The prosecuting counsel has. Commander Thomas Mulaney is working on his case now.”
    “I want Leacock’s case brought forward.” said Servalan. “I want him prosecuted within the next week.”
    “With all due respect that isn’t possible.” Blake interjected. “We are currently working on the Tarak Queeg case. We’ve been working on it for months, ever since the Babylon 5 incident.”
    “I am giving you the order to put every other case on hold.” said Servalan. “Leacock’s case takes top priority. I want him made an example of. Well, you have your orders, so I’ll leave you to it. Servalan out.”
    The screen went blank. Quinn looked very bemused.
    “I don’t understand this.” he said. “Commander, what counsels are free at the moment?”
    “I think Leo Rumpole could be free.” Blake replied.
    “Good. Contact him as soon as possible, and then clear the decks! Orders are orders! Leacock’s case is our top priority!”

The Passing of a Great Man - Civil War Chapter Twelve

    Federation starship U.S.S. Valkyrie slowly moved towards Jupiter, where it rendezvoused with the U.S.S. Pinafore. The mood on both ships was one of sadness, especially for the C.O. of the Valkyrie, Captain James Watt, descendant of the now-dead President Watt.
    As soon as the two ships met up Captain Spalding of the Pinafore beamed over to the Valkyrie. He was greeted by Commander Sutek.
    “Hello Commander.” said Spalding. “Under normal circumstances I’d say it was good to see you, but I know why you’re here. How is Jim?”
    “As well as can be expected.” Sutek replied, showing Spalding out of the transporter room. “At the moment he is putting a brave face on things. He’s trying to be strong for the crew.”
    A short time later they arrived on the bridge where Lieutenant Commander Tompkins had taken command. Sutek and Spalding approached the Ready Room, and the Vulcan pressed the door buzzer. A voice from within beckoned them inside. When they entered they saw a rather solemn-looking Watt seated on the sofa. As soon as he saw who it was he got to his feet.
    “Spalding, good to see you.” he said.
    The two captains shook hands.
    “If you have no more need for me, Captain…” said Sutek.
    “Certainly.” said Watt. “You can return to the bridge.”
    Sutek bowed his head and then relieved Tompkins of command. Spalding and Watt then sat down on the sofa.
    “How are you Jim?” asked Spalding. “I know this can’t be an easy time for you. Heck, everyone thought the guy was immortal!”
    Watt paused for a few moments before he replied.
    “I just can’t believe it happened! After all the times he’s faced death and come out fighting I can’t believe he was killed in an explosion, an explosion caused by Leacock of all people!”
    “I know. I didn’t believe it when I first heard it. There are rumours going around that it’s some kind of Istarian plot!”
    “You can’t be serious! That’s utter crap! Pops and the Istari go back hundreds of years! They wouldn’t want to kill him!”
    “As I said it’s just a rumour. Anyway, you probably want to know the results of the scans we’ve been carrying out of the area.
    Watt nodded.
    “It definitely was not an engine malfunction, as Hidoshi said. Someone had attached an explosive to the main warp core, and if they tried to send any distress signal they would have been jammed!”
    “But who could have done this?”
    “He was around for a long time. He’d made plenty of enemies. I have a feeling this investigation could take months!”
    “When will you complete your scans?”
    “It’ll take another day to take a full scan.”
    “We could speed up the process if our ships worked together.”
    “I agree, but only on one condition. You need rest Jim, and plenty of it. You look like you haven’t slept in days!”
    “You sound just like Counsellor Trospheo. Alright then. I’ll inform Commander Sutek, and you can begin work in the next hour or so.”

Death of a President - Civil War Chapter Eleven

    The Operations room was a hive of activity as they tried to contact Starfleet One. They were having no luck.
    “It’s no use Captain.” said Ivanova. “I can’t get through! All the channels are being jammed!”
    “What about the Gold channels?” said Sheridan.
    “No luck there either.”
    Sheridan thought quickly. He had to do something.
    “Do we still have the I.S.N. feed?” he asked.
    “Yes.” replied Ivanova. “But what use will that do?”
    “Put it on the screen.”
    The image of the newscaster appeared on the screen.
    “And we are still awaiting the start of the President’s speech from Io. There has been no indication as to the reason for the delay.”
    The image changed to an outside shot of Starfleet One nearing the moon of Io. The newscaster continued to speak as these pictures were relayed all over the Federation. Then there was a feeling of shock and a feeling of horror as millions of people watched as Starfleet One exploded. I.S.N. quickly cut back to the newscaster.
    “There appears to have been an accident aboard Starfleet One.” she said, holding her ear-piece. “I’m being told that hospital ships are being despatched from the Jupiter station…..but there are reports of no survivors. We will….”
    “Shut it off.” Sheridan ordered. “Shut it off!”
    “I don’t understand!” said Ivanova, a tear in her eye. “How can he be dead?”

Death of a President - Civil War Chapter Ten

    The search for Deveraux had proved fruitless. He could be found nowhere aboard the station. So Garibaldi decided to try another lead. He stood on the cargo bay searching through some packing crates when Burton entered.
    “You wanted to see me Chief?”
    “Yeah, any word about our missing person?”
    “We can’t find him anywhere. It’s like he just vanished!”
    Burton looked down at Garibaldi as he searched through the crates.
    “What are you doing Chief?”
    “This cargo belongs to Deveraux. It was meant to go out on a freighter yesterday but it had engine trouble. I was hoping I’d be able to get some lead from here. They say you can always tell what a man is like by his luggage.”
    Garibaldi continued to search through the crates, taking out several small packages.
    “What does the manifest say these things are?”
    Burton looked down at the records.
    “Medical supplies.” he replied.
    Garibaldi took one of the small packages and opened it. He took out a small box covered in something that looked like clear plastic. Inside circuits could be seen.
    “Medical supplies huh?” he said, examining the object. “Looks like some sort of jamming device.”
    He began to take a closer look at the object.
    “There’s some numbers on the side here. I can just make them out. One-oh-one-oh-one-oh-five. That’s the gold channel for Starfleet One. Who would want to jam their transmissions?”
    Meanwhile, Burton opened another of the packages. This one was slightly larger than the one Garibaldi had opened. Opening the box he took out a circular device which seemed to have some sort of aerial in it.
    “What’s this?” he said.
    “Looks like some sort of triangulation system.”
    “There’s some numbers on the side here. Can’t make them out though.”
    Garibaldi took the device and examined it.
    “It’s set to detonate from a distance. These numbers are the coordinates.”
    He began to look more closely.
    “Oh-oh-one-five-nine. That would put it just off the jump-point near Io.”
    His mind began to work overtime. Then it suddenly hit him like a ton of bricks.
    “Oh my god! It can’t be!”
    He quickly activated his communicator.
    “Garibaldi to Sheridan! We’ve got a problem!”
    “What is it Chief?”
    “Not over the line Captain. Meet me in my quarters, ultraviolet priority!”
    “Understood. Sheridan out.”
    Garibaldi then turned to Burton.
    “Stay here. Keep an eye on this cargo!”
    He then raced off into the distance. Once he was out of sight Burton activated his communicator.
    “This is Burton. He has found out.”
    Garibaldi had only gone down two corridors before someone stopped him - Deveraux.
    “I tried to warn you Mister Garibaldi.” he said. “You don’t know what you’re getting into. You’re in too deep!”
    Suddenly Deveraux’s men appeared behind him. Each were carrying phasers. Garibaldi went for his phaser but it was too late. Suddenly a blast ripped into him - from behind. There was nothing he could do. He slumped to the ground and rolled over to his back. It was then he saw the man who had shot him. It was Burton. The next thing he felt was dizziness. He looked down at the gaping wound caused by the phaser blast. He then lost consciousness.

Death of a President - Civil War Chapter Nine

    Garibaldi walked into one of the many restaurants on the station looking for the man named Devereux. He soon found him. The man in question was sitting at a table eating a meal with two of his companions. When Garibaldi walked over to the table they put down their napkins.
    “Which one if you is Deveraux?”
    The bearded man responded.
    “I am. So what is it to you?”
    “I’m investigating the murder of Stephen Petrov, a lurker from Down Below. During my investigations your name has come up. I’d like to talk to you in Security.”
    “That will not be necessary. I have not killed anyone.”
    “I didn’t say you did, and if that’s the case you wouldn’t mind coming down to Security then, would you?”
    Deveraux put down his napkin, and he and his two friends were escorted to Security.

Death of a President - Civil War Chapter Eight

    Ambassador Mollari sat in his quarters rather an unhappy man. At a nearby table his attaché, Vir, sat looking at a computer terminal screen, doing what he does most of the time - eating. Even though he seemed intent in his work he still found time to speak to his master.
    “Tell me, Vir.” said Mollari. “How may Centauri gods are there now? Ever since the last emperor was elevated to god-hood I’ve lost count!”
    “Err…forty-seven…no, forty-eight…wait…forty-nine, but there are some I don’t count as gods!”
    “How many, Vir?”
    “Fifty, give or take a few!”
    “And how many of them do you think I have offended to warrant G’Kar’s teeth so close to my throat?”
    Vir raised his finger as if he were counting. He then gave his answer.
    “Err..all of them?”
    “Exactly!”
    Mollari then got to his feet and went to pour himself a drink. As he did the terminal sounded. There was an incoming communication.
    “Ambassador Mollari please.”
    “I’m afraid Ambassador Mollari isn’t taking any calls at the moment.” said Vir.
    Mollari, glass of alcohol in hand, walked over to Vir.
    “Wait! Let me see who it is!”
    Mollari pushed Vir to one side so he could get a good look at the screen. He smiled when he saw who was calling him. It was a smartly-dressed young man.
    “Ah, it is you! My friend!”
    “How are you Ambassador? I trust the Eye is alright?”
    “If not for you I would have lost it! So tell me, to what do I owe this pleasure?”
    “My sources tell me you’re having problems with the Narns over Quadrant Thirty-Seven. I can help you with that problem.”
    “Help me? How?”
    “Not over the channels. I will speak to you personally. What saw we meet in the gardens, in one hour perhaps?”
    “Certainly. One hour it is.”
    “Good. I’ll see you soon Ambassador.”
    “Oh, before you go, what is your name? I never did catch it.”
    “My name? You can call me Morgan Ambassador. Again, in one hour!”
    The screen went blank. Mollari then sat down in his comfortable chair again. He then took a sup from his drink.
    “Who was that, Ambassador?” asked Vir.
    “No one to concern you, Vir.” Mollari replied. “Take the rest of the day off!”
    Vir could not believe his ears. Mollari hadn’t given him a day off in months! Still, he knew that he should not look a gift horse in the mouth. He took his chance for the time off. He didn’t want to wait for the Ambassador to change his mind.

Death of a President - Civil War Chapter Seven

    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.”

Death of a President - Civil War Chapter Six

    In San Francisco Senator Servalan hurriedly walked around the quarters that had been assigned to her. She was busy packing her case as she prepared to join President Watt on his five planet goodwill tour aboard Starfleet One, a tour that would encompass the colonies on Mars and Venus as well as the station near Jupiter’s moon Io. She was annoyed when her communications console was activated. She did not want to receive any call at the moment, but then she thought the call could be from the President himself. Walking over to the table she sat herself down in front of the terminal and activated the view-screen. It was not the President calling. Instead it was a smartly-dressed young man with black hair and wearing a smart grey suit. Although this man was smiling Servalan was not happy to see him.
    “Morgan, I told you not to contact me here.”
    “Do not worry Senator. I am on a secure channel. We are not being monitored. We can both speak freely.”
    “Good. I trust no recordings are being made of this conversation.”
    “Of course.”
    “Then give your report if you must. And be quick, I’m due on Starfleet One in a few moments. Are you on Babylon 5 yet?”
    “I just arrived, and everything is as you said. Captain Sheridan is due to arrive any time now, and he’s going to gave trouble on his hands as soon as he arrives. Mollari and G’Kar are at each other’s throats over the Quadrant Thirty-Seven problem. It seems that there is no solution to this problem. Neither side can agree to anything!”
    “Then perhaps you can provide a solution, Morgan. You have the device?”
    “I’ve been able to make a few copies of the prototype. If we are needed the Narn won’t know what hit them!”
    “And Londo Mollari will seem like a hero to his government.”
    “Or a fool, depending on how you look at it.”
    “When is the council due to meet?”
    “Commander Ivanova will chair a meeting this afternoon so Captain Sheridan can settle in. With luck I will speak to Ambassador Mollari this evening about his ‘problem’.”
    Servalan smiled.
    “I wish you luck Morgan.”
    “And the same to you, Senator. Morgan out.”

The Frankenstein Factor - Civil War Chapter Five

    Frankenstein’s power draining  device was soon removed, and power levels all around the station were back to normal in under an hour. Soon afterwards Lieutenant Keffer took out a fighter and flew into the atmosphere of Epsilon 3. He was in constant contact with Sinclair in Ops.
    “Have you found anything yet Warren?”
    “I’ve flown around this rock three times already Commander. I can’t find a thing!”
    “Maybe it went inside.” said Ivanova.
    “No.” said Sinclair. “I saw it crash on the surface, it has to be there. We’ll have to send down more fighters.”
    “You can send down fifty fighters, but I think you’ll get the same result! It’s just gone, Frankenstein, creature, and all!”
    Sinclair knew that any further search would probably be like flogging a dead horse. He pressed a button on the communication panel.
    “Okay Warren, come on home.”

The Frankenstein Factor - Civil War Chapter Four

    The creature stood motionless for a few minutes, as if it were trying to take in it’s surroundings.
    “What’s it doing?” asked Franklin.
    Frankenstein did not reply. All he could do was look at his creation. Then the creature lurched forward, not towards either of the doctors but towards Frankenstein’s assistant. The small man could not move fast enough. The creature managed to grab hold of him, a huge hand gripping him around his neck. Then, with just one clench, he squeezed the life out of his body. He then dropped him like he was a piece of rubbish. He then looked at Franklin and Frankenstein, but instead of attacking them he went to the door he had scrapped earlier and moved into the corridor.

The Frankenstein Factor - Civil War Chapter Three

    Doctor Franklin sat in his office. The last two days or so had been pretty hectic, what with one thing after another. Then, just as he was about to take a sip of his coffee someone entered. Franklin did not recognise the tall man that was visiting him.
    “Good morning. How can I help you?”
    “Good morning Doctor Franklin. My name is Doctor Hector Frankenstein.”
    “Doctor Frankenstein. I heard you were on B5. I heard you had a bit of trouble in the cargo bay.”
    “It was nothing. Just a misunderstanding. I came here to talk to you about a most urgent matter. As a fellow scientist I felt that you were the only one on the station who I would be able to talk to about my work.”
    “Your work? I understand you’re a geneticist. Genetics isn’t really my field Doctor Frankenstein.”
    “Please, call me Hector.”
    “Well, Hector, I’m not really sure I can help you.”
    “Oh, I believe you can Doctor Franklin. You see, the word around the station is that I am here on a stopover, whilst on my way to the Deneb sector. The truth of the matter is that I am here on Babylon 5 to carry out research. I have worked for years on this project, and I came to Babylon 5 because I knew that this was the only place I could carry out my work.”
    “What is your work exactly?”
    “If you come with me I will show you.”
    Franklin took another sip out of his cup.
    “I am rather busy at the moment Doctor.”
    “Come now. You can spare thirty minutes for me. I would be very grateful if you could.”
    Franklin paused for a moment.
    “Alright then Doctor. I’ll have a look at your files.”
    “Files? I don’t have any files here Doctor Franklin! My work is here, on the station!”
    “Your work? Is that why you were against letting your cargo go through customs?”
    “In a manner of speaking…yes! Now come, Doctor. We don’t have much time. I want you to witness the end of my experiment!”
    Reluctantly Franklin left the office with Frankenstein.

The Frankenstein Factor - Civil War Chapter Two

    MedLab and the morgue were soon full of security teams, scanning and investigating the area, looking for any clue, anything that could have told them where the body had gone. Sinclair had arrived to see Garibaldi and Franklin look very puzzled.
    “Anything yet?” Sinclair asked.
    “Nothing.” replied Franklin. “In all my time as a doctor I’ve never had a body stolen from my morgue before!”
    Then one of the team approached them.
    “I think I’ve found something.”
    They followed him to the morgue entrance.
    “It looks like someone tampered with the lock.”
    Garibaldi kneeled down and examined the lock. His keen eye could tell that there was something wrong.
    “Well Doctor, looks like someone used something to break into the morgue. Whatever it was he used gave the proper access code.”
    “Who could do that?” asked Sinclair. “And who would want the body of a stabbing victim?”
    “Beats the hell out of me!” said Garibaldi. “Unless we have any medical student son board and they can’t afford to buy a body.”
    Sinclair began to rub his chin. He had hoped his last few hours as commanding officer of B5 would be uneventful.
    “I want a full sensor sweep of this area. Try to find some traces of his DNA. If you can find that you may get a trail of some kind.”
    Sinclair then left them to their work. He hoped they could handle it without him. He still had a lot of business to take of before he left.

The Frankenstein Factor - Civil War Chapter One

    Jeffrey Sinclair was a very busy man. Two days previously he had been notified by Starfleet Command of something he had been told about by James Watt. In one month’s time he would take command of the U.S.S. Lohengrin, the third ship to bare that name and the sister ship of the Valkyrie. The past forty-eight hours had been spent planning his move, and a few hours earlier he had just received his new uniform, coloured red and black and with four rank insignia, showing that he was the commanding officer of his own ship.
    As he packed his personal belongings the door buzzer sounded. A few seconds later Lieutenant Michael Garibaldi, the security chief of Babylon 5, entered. He looked around at the mess that once was Sinclair’s quarters.
    “So you’ve decided to take the Lohengrin.” said Garibaldi.
    “It’s a chance I can’t refuse. I’d be a fool to turn this down.”
    “Any word on who is going to replace you?”
    “They say Captain John Sheridan. I’ve heard he’s a more than capable officer.”
    Garibaldi looked around at the quarters, as if he was trying to find the right thing to say in a tense moment.”
    “What does Miss Sakai have to say about this?”
    “She’s away on a survey, but once she’s finished I’m hoping she’ll join me on the Lohengrin. I’m hoping to pull a few strings to get her into the geology department.”
    “You may have a problem because she hasn’t been to the Academy.”
    Garibaldi, fed up with this politeness, suddenly lost his rag.
    “Damn it Jeff, why do you have to do this? You made this station!”
    “This station will exist long after I’m gone. Babylon 5 is the sum of it’s parts, it’s not just one man. I need to get out of here Michael before I go mad!”
    “Well I hope you know what you’re doing. This place won’t seem the same without you. I just hope Captain Sheridan is up to the job.”
    Sinclair smiled at his old friend.
    “Well, if he isn’t, you and Ivanova will just have to house train him!”
    Laughter filled the air, but the sound was interrupted with Sinclair’s communicator sounded. The call came from the cargo bay area.
    “Sinclair here.”
    “Commander, we’ve got a problem down here. A shipment just came in from Earth, and it’s owner won’t let it go through!”
    Sinclair let out a huge sigh.
    “Do you want me to see to this?” asked Garibaldi.
    “No.” said Sinclair. “I’m still commanding officer of this station, for a few days anyway. Oh well! Let’s get this over with!”

What is "Civil War"? (Originally written January 25th, 1996)

 

    You are holding in your hand Book One of the saga that is known as “Civil War”, although the war doesn’t actually start until Book Two. However, that is not the point. The reason for the war starting is chronicled in this volume.

    But first, something else - the reason for writing this story. A couple of years ago I began to think that the Star Trek universe seemed a little too perfect, because everyone seemed to get on famously. This was, of course, Gene Roddenberry’s dream, of man living in harmony with each other. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not knocking The Great Bird of the Galaxy in any way, because if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be writing this piece now, but things always seemed too perfect.

    Shortly afterwards the satellite station U.K. Gold began showing Blake’s 7, a series I had heard a great deal about but had never seen. The premise was simple, a band of freedom fighters fighting against a tyrannical power, the Federation. After watching a few episodes I began to think of how I could integrate these characters into this universe I had created.

    My first idea was the perennial favourite, the mirror universe, used in Classic Star Trek and later revived for Deep Space Nine. The story would have been one of the U.S.S. Valkyrie entering a mirror universe and encountering Blake and the Liberator crew. After seeing the second DS9 instalment of this saga I began to think that Blake et al would have fitted perfectly with the Terran Rebellion against the Alliance.

    But that wouldn’t have solved a problem. The Babylon 5 universe was far from perfect, and since I had moved Babylon 5 a hundred years into the future I began to think “why should my universe be so perfect?”

    Then it hit me. I came up with the idea. Using the main villain of the Blake’s 7 universe I could turn my universe upside down, on it’s head, by having the Federation become a tyrannical power, forming alliances with other evil powers in the galaxy and having characters like Picard, Sisko, Sheridan and Blake fight for what they believed was right.

    But one thing stood in the way - President James Watt, the nearly immortal hero of this universe. Because of the way I had written him I couldn’t have him turn evil overnight as it were. Instead I had to get rid of him somehow. I had to find a way of getting rid of Watt and installing Servalan as Federation President, where she could slowly undermine everything the Federation stood for, form alliances with evil, mighty powers such as the Sontarrans, the Dominion and the Galactic Empire, and become virtual ruler of the universe, forcing the likes of Picard, Sisko, Sheridan and Blake to fight for what they believed in - freedom.

    And so it began. Taking a Babylon 5 story which would have been Commander Jeffrey Sinclair’s swansong on the station, and taking another Babylon 5 story, the “Civil War” sage began. Because of very welcome work commitments the first part of the saga has taken over a year to write. Before I found work the first part would have probably been completed in about six months. However, beggars can’t be choosers, and I’m grateful for the work I have now. 

    This saga will probably span many more volumes, as more and more characters, places and situations come into this universe. In fact it may not even be finished when the next millennium starts!

Julian Radbourne
25th January, 1996.