The Battle For Babylon 5: Civil War II Chapter Forty-Three

With the exact coordinates input into the computer, Daala put her plan into operation. She ordered the weapons armed before they went to warp.

The crew of the Alexander had no idea what was happening as the Gorgon suddenly appeared from out of nowhere before them.

"Raise shields," Ryan ordered.

"Too late," the tactical officer reported. "Their weapons were already armed! They're firing."

A single, solitary torpedo was launched from the Gorgon. At a speed too fast for the Alexander's sensors to pick up, the torpedo struck the engineering section. The ship buckled under the impact. Then, as fast as they had arrived, the Gorgon was gone.

"What the hell was that all about?" the first officer asked.

"Engineering!" Ryan called into his communicator. "Damage report! What shape are the engines in?"

There was a pause of a few moments before a reply came.

"The engines were not damaged, Major. Just a computer bank was destroyed. General Hague was standing by the bank when it exploded."

"Is he alright?" Ryan asked. "Is he hurt?"

There was another pause before the reply came.

"I'm afraid he's dead, sir."

 

Vir hurriedly walked through the Zokolo towards the bar, carrying news that would make someone very happy. He soon found who he was looking for. Londo sat at the bar, drinking his fifth glass of Terran wine. As Vir seated himself next to him, Londo smiled.

"Vir!" he smiled, slapping his aide on his back. "Can I get you a drink! This 'Chateau Safeway' is really quite good!"

"Nothing for me, thank you. I only came here to tell you something. I've just got word from Operations. The Flying Scotsman is only a few hours away now!"

"Magus will soon be here!" Londo smiled. "Good! I haven't seen him for ages! It will be good to share a drink with him again!"

"I would advise against such high spirits, Ambassador!"

Londo turned around to see Kor standing behind him.

"And what can I do for you, Ambassador Kor?" Londo asked. "Can I get you a prune juice?"

"I want to keep my senses clear for when Magus arrives. Before I leave, I just want to warn you of something. Do not take the wizard too lightly."

And with that Kor strode away, in the direction of his quarters.

 

A short time later, the Valkyrie arrived at the station, and Watt and his party beamed over. They were greeted warmly by Sheridan and Ivanova.

"It's good to see you again, Captain." said Sheridan. "You do realize that I'm meant to arrest you right now."

"But you won't." said Watt. "John, I must speak with you and your 'council,' as soon as possible. I have some grave news."

Sheridan could tell what Watt meant. He activated his communicator.

"Sheridan to Garibaldi. Code six."

A few moments later, Sheridan, Ivanova, Garibaldi, and Franklin were seated around the table in Sheridan's office. Watt chose to stand.

"About an hour before we arrived here, we got a call from the Alexander. They had just been attacked by the Imperial Star Destroyer Gorgon. They fired one shot, at engineering, just where General Hague was standing."

"Is he alright?" asked Ivanova.

"The computer bank he was standing near exploded." Watt continued. "He was killed instantly!"

"How did they know exactly where to hit?" asked Garibaldi. "And why not destroy the entire ship?"

"Hague had been acting as our commander-in-chief." said Watt. "When you look at it, it's quite a sound military tactic, leave the car intact, but take out the driver!"

"But there are others who can replace him, surely!" said Sheridan.

"Of course there is." said Watt. "But consider this. Hague meant a lot to a lot of people in the Free Federation. His death will demoralize many. Others, who may be considering coming over to our side, may have a change of mind."

Then, Sheridan's communicator sounded.

"Captain, the Saratoga and the Alexander have just arrived. Major Ryan is on his way here to see you now."

Ryan arrived a few minutes later.

"I've got some bad news." he said. "The so-called Federation council is about to impose martial law on all the worlds in the Alpha Quadrant under its control."

"How do you know this?" asked Sheridan.

"I still have some contacts at Starfleet Command." Ryan replied. "They also gave me this."

Ryan handed Sheridan a data pad. He read aloud from it.

"Four starships are on their way here. Their mission is to stop the talks and take control of the station."

"What sort of ships?" asked Watt. "Federation starships? Star Destroyers? Jem'Hadar warships?"

"My source couldn't get much more." said Ryan. "We know there's a Star Destroyer nearby."

"The Gorgon." said Watt. "We had a run-in with them on the way here. The crew of the Tiberius sacrificed themselves so we could get here."

"Then I'm putting the station on red alert." said Sheridan. "Michael, I want all of your men on standby. See if G'Kar can get his people on this as well."

"What about Kor's Klingons?" Garibaldi asked. "I know there's only about twenty of them, but they'll be useful in a fight."

"I agree." said Sheridan. "See what you can do. Okay, this meeting is adjourned."

 

Daala sat in her ready room, watching the viewscreen in front of her. From the screen, Grand Admiral Thrawn stared back at her.

"I do not understand the reasoning behind this, Admiral Thrawn." she said. "You're attacking Babylon 5, but not sending the Gorgon? I have one of the most powerful ships in this sector and you want me to go on standby? Why?"

"I am still not convinced of your command prowess, Daala." said Thrawn. "Even though you killed Hague, you failed to destroy the Valkyrie!"

"But the Tiberius..."

"I want no excuses, Daala. As of now, the Gorgon is on standby. You will only go to Babylon 5 if you are needed. Is that understood?"

Daala did not reply.

"Admiral Daala, are your orders clear?"

"Yes. Gorgon out."

The screen went blank, and Daala leaned back in her chair. She knew she had no choice but to follow her orders. She could go higher, and contact Grand Moff Tarkin, but she knew that to do this would be to admit defeat. It was hard enough for a woman to make Admiral in the Imperial fleet as it is.