"Doctor, we've reached Cygnus Alpha and achieved a standard orbit."
"Any sign of life from the surface?"
"None yet."
"Keep an eye on the sensors for any strange readings. In a few moments the sensors' abilities should jump tenfold."
Magus soon entered Engineering to find Scotty and Gomez busy at work.
"How goes the adjustments, Mister Scott?" Magus asked, joining Scotty at his station.
"Not bad, Doctor. As you know, we picked up your energy trace at Wolf 359, but that's because you were right in front of us. With a few adjustments, we should be able to find the boy for you."
"The 'boy' is over three hundred years older than you, Mister Scott!" Magus smiled.
"Aye, I know, but when he stands next to me he looks like my blasted son!"
Magus patted Scotty on the back.
"Let me know as soon as you're done. I'll be on the Bridge."
As Magus arrived on the Bridge, he was surprised to find that Scotty had completed his work. He began to wonder if perhaps he really was a miracle worker, as Jim Kirk had told him before he retired.
"Mister Drathro, I'd like you to begin a scan of the surface," Magus said. "I believe you know what mystical energy looks like."
"Tardis scanners don't need to be adjusted to find it, Doctor," Drathro replied. "They told us that at the Academy."
"Very well. Begin your scan."
Doing as he was told, the young Gallifreyan began to conduct a detailed scan of the surface. Magus watched as a map of Cygnus Alpha began to appear on the screen before them.
"There's one major structure," Drathro reported. "Appears to be some sort of castle. There are hundreds of tunnels and caverns underground which...wait! I think I've got something!"
Drathro adjusted the map so it showed the underground caverns. "There's a strong reading from directly under the castle. I think I've found V.P. Leacock."
He continued to scan the area, and soon found something that was odd to him.
"This can't be! I'm picking up another reading of mystical energy...in the castle itself."
"How can that be?" asked Magus. "Unless my brother got here before us."
"I don't think so, Doctor. Your brother's reading would be far stronger than that of Mister Leacock. This reading is weaker, and it fluctuates rapidly. Sometimes it's strong, other times it weakens."
"Then they found a way."
Drathro was confused. "Who found a way?"
Magus placed his hand on Drathro's shoulder. "I will explain later, young man."
Turning around, Magus faced Pendragon. "Captain, we must begin our plan now, but with a slight alteration. I will beam to the caverns beneath the castle. I'd still like you and your team to beam some distance away from the castle, to check for any possible defenses."
"Understood, Doctor."
In the Ward Room on Babylon 5, Captain Sheridan sat at the head of the table looking at those around him. All his senior officers were there: Commander Ivanova, Chief Garibaldi, Doctor Franklin. At the other end of the table sat Ambassador Delenn, while the mysterious Kosh stood nearby, his encounter suit not allowing him to be seated. The meeting had been called by Delenn, and it was the Minbari who was the first to speak.
"You may be wondering why I called you here. The reason is simple. With the Imperial forces now controlling most of the Alpha Quadrant, I believe that Babylon 5 will soon become a focal point in the forthcoming struggle."
"What struggle?" said Franklin. "There's nothing we can do against the Imperials! They're too powerful!"
"There are always ways," said Kosh. "There have been many instances on your world, Doctor, where the oppressed have risen up to take their freedom."
"As it stands, this station is now officially under the control of the Galactic Federation," said Delenn.
"The Empire in other words," said Sheridan. "But there's nothing we can do!"
"We could resign," said Garibaldi. "And then head for the Time of Legends."
"That is one possibility," said Delenn. "As you know, unofficially, the Religious Caste on the Grey Council have given their support for the Free Federation, as has the Vorlon government, but because of the recent developments we may make it official."
"That could leave us in the cold," said Ivanova.
"No," said Kosh. "There is one way."
"Which is?" asked Sheridan.
"Give Babylon 5 to the Free Federation," said Kosh. "Declare independence from the Galactic Federation."
"You mean defect?" said Garibaldi.
"Why not?" said Ivanova. "Altor has done it. Why can't we?"
"And what about the rest of the council?" asked Sheridan. "I know you two would support me if I did this, but what about Londo, and the League?"
"It is obvious that Ambassador Mollari would ally himself with the Galactic Federation," said Delenn. "As for the League, time will tell."
"It's a big decision to make," said Sheridan. "And one we shouldn't take lightly."
"I agree," said Franklin. "I think we should consider this for a while. It's not only us we're talking about here but the hundreds of other officers who would be affected."
"Captain Picard told me that he asked his crew if they should defect to the Free Federation," said Delenn. "Perhaps you should do the same."
"Maybe," said Sheridan. "But I'd like more time to consider this, we all would."
"I understand," said Kosh. "But know this: you may not have much more time. You have been warned."
And with that, Kosh turned around and left the room. Delenn was not far behind, leaving the officers of the former United Federation of Planets to consider their future.
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