The Battle for Babylon 5: Civil War II Chapter Thirty-Eight

John Sheridan was a busy man. He was almost pulling his hair out as the preparations for the conference continued.

As he stood in the main chamber, his mind began to think of other things. It was in this chamber that President James Watt and Vice-President Thomas Leacock had been sworn in as the new leaders of the United Federation of Planets.

With their rise to power, a new wave of optimism had swept through the entire Federation. Watt had promised peace talks with the Romulan Empire, the end of the hard line Psi-Corp, and had spoken of peace, after centuries of fighting. All that had been taken away by one woman, backed by a tyrannical government from the other side of the galaxy.

Within the next few days, Sheridan would be turning his back on Earth, on his homeworld. Everything that the United Federation of Planets had stood for, everything President Watt had stood for, everything he stood for, had been wiped away. The Free Federation was the only way left for him now, and he would begin to walk down that path in a few days.

As he stood, deep in thought, watching the preparations continue, he failed to notice that he himself was being watched from afar.

With her arms folded, Talia Winters observed Sheridan, not just out of curiosity. She was watching him for another reason, one that she could not tell him.

 

A day had passed, and once again, the riots on Mars began. Somehow, they had re-grouped, and had armed themselves so they could combat the threat of the storm troopers and the Jem'Hadar. This time, they drove them back. This time, they gained a victory.

Then came the announcement all the colonists wanted to hear. The order had come through from Earth for the Mars government to implement martial law. The reply: go to hell.

This wasn't the last the Mars government would hear of this. Then, more news reached Earth. The Federation colony on Orion VII had had enough, enough of the new rulers. They, too, declared independence from the Federation, and would soon be taking the next logical step.

 

It was the news Sheridan was not expecting to hear from Delenn.

"What do you mean, you have to leave?"

"I have to return home," Delenn replied. "I've just received a transmission from Doctor Magus on the Enterprise. He wants to see me on Minbar. He says it's important."

"What did he say it was about?"

"He didn't want to say anything on an open channel. But I believe it could be important."

Sheridan got up from his desk and walked over to Delenn.

"Will you be here when the conference starts?"

"I don't know. It depends on what this is all about."

"Very well," Sheridan smiled. "You go. If it's from Magus, then it must be important."

 

Two days out from the Time of Legends, the Valkyrie picked up a signal from another Federation starship.

"Are you sure it's from another starship?" Watt asked, getting to his feet.

"Positive," said Amarus. "It's from Major Ryan aboard the Alexander, on a secure channel."

"Very well. Put him through."

The larger-than-life image of Major Ryan was soon before them.

"Jim! It's good to see you again!"

"Likewise, Ed," said Watt. "So why are you contacting us? Servalan sent you after us?"

"No. What I want to talk to you about I cannot say. Can I beam aboard?"

"Certainly."

"Good. I've got someone else with me. Tell me, Jim, are any of your bigwigs aboard?"

"General Hague is."

"Good. I want him to hear this as well."

"I'll expect you in a few minutes then. Valkyrie out."

The screen went blank. Watt turned to Amarus.

"Signal the Saratoga that we'll be delayed for a short while."

A few minutes later, Ryan was seated in the observation lounge along with Watt and Hague. Morgan Martin was there also.

"The situation is simple," said Ryan. "Several top Starfleet officers are unhappy, plain and simple."

"What about the people on Earth?" Watt asked.

"It seems that most of them are happy with martial law," Ryan replied. "It's cut crime to zero, nothing! To some of them, Earth was a good place to live, and under the Imperial rule, it's become even better!"

"I can't believe some of the Starfleet admirals and generals haven't spoken out more." Watt observed.

"As you know, Captain, Servalan has spent the last year putting sympathizers in key roles, such as Commander Travis on Deep Space Nine and the like," Ryan explained. "But believe me, there are other starship commanders who are unhappy and are considering defecting, but what with the heavy Imperial presence, some of them are scared to do so!"

"I have an idea," said Hague. "Captain, we have a few days before the conference on Babylon 5 starts, and I'm not really needed on Traxxor. I think I should go on the Alexander. I may be able to rally more support with the colonies en-route to Babylon 5."

"A good idea," said Martin. "I have a few contacts on Orion and Vesta. At the moment we need all the support we can get."

"I agree," said Watt. "We'll see you at Babylon 5 then. Good luck."

 

Picard stood, staring at the screen, the planet Vulcan staring back at him.

"I wish I could have gone with him," he said.

"This was something Magus had to do alone," said Troi. "If the Free Federation is to stand any sort of a chance, we need Spock."

 

Spock stood alone atop Mount Selaya, gazing to the heavens. He did not look around when he heard the approaching footsteps. He did not bat an eyelid when Magus arrived next to him.

"It's a beautiful view," said Magus. "I've only ever seen a view like this on one other world."

"Agreed, Doctor," Spock replied. "But you did not come here to discuss the view."

"Correct, Ambassador, or should I say, Mr. President?"

"I am a President in name only. The Federation I was elected to lead no longer exists."

"In name only, Spock, but in the hearts and minds of several, it still exists, among those of the Free Federation."

"The Free Federation is only a name."

"At the moment, yes, but with your help, your leadership, we can change all that."

Spock turned and gazed down at the wizard.

"I had been led to believe that you had taken that role."

"I had assumed that role, but it is a role I will have to vacate. I have other duties, other tasks to perform."

"Which are?"

"I cannot say. But that is the reason I have come here. Your government has pledged support to the Free Federation, as has the governments of many other worlds. With you as our President, many more would join us in the struggle against the Imperials."

"I would only feel comfortable if I were elected to such a role."

"But you already have been, Spock. We have voted to adopt the constitution of the United Federation of Planets, and under that constitution, you are the legal president!"

"In the eyes of many, James Watt the elder is the legal president."

Magus sighed. He could see why Bones always had such trouble with Vulcan logic.

"And what of Thomas Leacock? Surely he would be the first choice for your president."

"Thomas is a fine man, but you are a better leader. Damn it, Spock, we need you! I need you!"

Once again Spock gazed down at Magus. If the wizard didn't know better, he would have sworn that he saw a smile.

"Doctor, you can be most... emotional at times! Rather like another Doctor I once served with."

Spock began to walk away, to a nearby cavern.

"I need your decision, Spock, one way or the other."

Spock entered the cavern, and came out a few moments later, carrying a bag.

"What is our first destination, Doctor?"

Magus smiled. "The Vorlonn homeworld. We are to pick up a piece of 'hardware'."

"Very well. I am ready to leave."

Magus activated his communicator.

"Magus to Enterprise. Two to beam up."