Plans, Moves, Countermoves
The meeting included several people that would need to know about the situation.
"Please, Ambassador, explain the history of this situation."
Jeffrey Sinclair, John Sheridan, Kosh, Delenn, Neroon, Harry Potter, Buffy Summers, and Michael Garibaldi were meeting with Londo Mollari regarding the information they had with him.
"It started almost two years ago. Do you remember the incident where Lord Kiro was taken by raiders?"
Sinclair thought back. "I remember something about that."
Mollari nodded. "Right before that time, a man – a human – approached me and asked 'What do you want?' He came to me during a particular crisis. When I was approached, my answer, given in the heat of the moment, was that I wished to return the glory of the Centauri people. He offered to be a friend. Just previously, an ancient Centauri relic had been delivered to me. The Centauri Republic had paid a man to locate and retrieve it, it having been lost 50 years earlier in a battle. When the Eye was taken along with Lord Kiro, in desperation I went to this man. He said that his associates would handle it. The Eye was shortly thereafter returned to me – which saved my career and possibly my life. Thereafter I accepted assistance from him in dealing with that incident regarding Quadrant 37 – the Narn outpost there was an embarrassment to the Republic which did not have the will to do anything. He began to deliver more favors, but thereafter the favors came with a price – any word of strange happenings that I might hear. When G'Kar starting talking about an ancient enemy, I mentioned this to Mr. Morden. The Narn scout which was sent disappeared. Eventually, I decided that the favors were too expensive – Mr. Morden's associates were leading us toward war. I broke off contact – but Mr. Morden had already contacted Lord Refa, and Refa has no conscience. He will do anything for power. Refa eventually organized the bombing of the Narn homeworld – while Mr. Morden's associates took care of the Narn fleet. It has gotten worse since then."
Mollari explained everything he knew about the Shadows and their part in the Centauri becoming militant and warlike again. He explained how G'Kar had been captured and where he currently thought he was – he was not aware that G'Kar was only a few hours away from Babylon 5. And when he was done, he told Admiral Sinclair that the situation was becoming even more unstable.
Sinclair was surprised by some of it, unsurprised by other parts, and astounded by some of it. However, it did give him an opening. "So, as you are being honest, would you say that the Centauri government is currently allied with the Shadows?"
Mollari considered that for a long moment. "You did not have this conversation with me, but I would look at the Centauri political structure currently in place as suspect in colluding with them."
Sinclair nodded. "Due to heightened security, I will have to ask that you allow your movement in this station to be limited and monitored. Your quarters, like any other, are considered diplomatic and legally your soil. What you do in them is not my business. But I cannot allow you to be involved in the meetings which involve prosecuting this war. On a personal level, if we can … provide unofficial support … for any steps you might take to free Centauri from the influence of our enemy, then I will do it."
Mollari considered that. In truth, he cared little in that moment about other races insofar as being involved with dealing with them. Being "under suspicion" would allow him to give good reason why more information would not be sent back to the Royal Court. He would have to walk a very tight line.
"I will need just enough information to trickle back to the Royal Court to justify my being here. But it will have to seem like I am using my position to undermine yours and others. Any advice you can give me to help foster that image would be appreciated."
Sinclair nodded. "Tomorrow morning I will send an alert to Security that the Centauri government is under suspicion of colluding with the Shadows and that no Centauri will be allowed in sensitive areas or be allowed to acquire sensitive information. That will give you enough time to plan on what to say to Centauri Prime."
Mollari nodded. "And does the shadowing start now? I will need an escort back to my quarters."
"We'll keep it low key – but just enough so that any watchers will report that it is taking place. We wouldn't want to alert them as to the real circumstances."
Mollari nodded. Sinclair then called for Mollari to be escorted back to his quarters.
The newly-created and currently-being-constructed Gringotts Bank was far different than any other Gringotts anywhere. Unlike other Gringotts, this one included much technology in addition to other things. The goblins also had to be careful to ensure that the whole complex could be given a breathable atmosphere. Unlike Earth, this world did not have an oxygen layer already present. The gases present on Epsilon 3 were limited in type. Luckily, it was thick enough to provide some resistance to bombardment. Things that fell toward the surface did burn up in the atmosphere such as it was..
The goblins starting working with the Tau'ri and the Ha'tak they brought with them to locate any sizable stellar matter which contained water. The goblins wanted to drop such thins toward the far side of Epsilon 3 thus building up the needed materials to make the surface liveable.
With no moon, there would be no tides. And so, without intervention, this was not a world which would develop life. Epsilon 4 could have been used. It had a more advanced atmosphere and, before a comet hit, the Drazi had even attempted to build a colony there. Later, the Earth Alliance had built a listening post during the Minbari War. The goblins might later attempt to work it. But Epsilon 3 had the Great Machine, closer access to the system's jumgate and more immediate access to the greater galactic community.
The goblins started making plans which would take centuries to fully develop.
Ragnok had decided that they could reliably negotiate with Draal for their place on Epsilon 3 because Draal was Varn's chosen heir and Varn could claim previous ownership. But Earth Alliance would have to be negotiated with if they wanted to attempt to settle Epsilon 4 because they were currently the last claimants of the system. Ragnok decided that he needed to be able to negotiate with Earth Alliance effectively.
Included in the plans were caverns to build parts which could be placed on starships. One of the first things the goblins would start building, with a license from the Tau'ri, was gravimetric drives and shield generators.
They planned on selling the drives to the Earth Alliance and other species. The generators, for the moment, would be for their own (eventual) fleet as well as selling to the Tau'ri. 1st Intergalactic, with their increasing number of dimensional addresses and connections, would be selling them wherever there was a market. And so one of the first things that the goblins would concentrate on was creating or purchasing mining resources for the raw material needed to build starships and their parts.
The goblins also would advantage of the Tau'ri's knowledge of building submarines. The largest submarines could be very long – but not that wide. The width of even the largest submarines was less than the largest trunk openings that were available. Therefore, they began planning on building the parts of a spacecraft that would, upon delivery to the dimension, universe, or planet, be ready to be assembled. The modular design would allow customization due to any client being able to decide what options they would like included.
Due to the goblins ability to create trunks and other things which contained much larger interiors than openings, emergency air supplies could be included. Rather than storing oxygen/nitrogen mixes in liquid form, they could store up to four square miles of Earth-normal atmosphere. That was over 500 billion square feet of atmosphere – stored in a trunk that could be 4 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 2 feet deep.
They had plans to salvage air from worlds where there was no life because even Earth could not afford to that much atmosphere on a regular basis. That being said, it also opened the door to "moving" a whole lot of air to Epsilon 3 as needed. Liquefying air created too much heat and unliquefying took too much heat from the surrounding area. One plan they started considering was creating a trunk with uncompressed air and then charming it to reduce in size gradually until liquid air was created and using the heat generated to increase the temperature in an environment. This would produce liquid atmosphere that could be sold for use on starships and also be used in the terraforming process. Starships used excess heat generated by the engines to bring the atmosphere to a gaseous state.
They did plan on studying how creating a greenhouse gas layer first might increase the available heat. They also studied how the local Earth had begun creating a workable atmosphere on Mars – which was a long way off but a good start had begun: There was enough of an atmosphere to walk around if one had proper gas masks – unlike their own Mars.
Needless to say – these plans were for the long term.
Draal, once placed within the machine, had started searching through the records and histories. One item really took his attention. After a long search (done quickly at machine speeds) he hit upon the historical record which might provide the key.
Varn had begun this work but it had been put on low priority. It was time to move the plan forward. It was far too late for one use of it – but the future could use such a thing. He sent his thoughts out to the dimensional entity that had placed him there.
Marek appeared in the place that Draal had requested. "You needed to see me?"
"Yes. What can you tell me from the different dimensions that you have traveled about … Babylon 4?"
G'Kar had finally hit the jumpgate at Babylon 5. It was with some relief that he transitioned to normal space. He noticed almost immediately that several Omegas were opening their own jump points and dropping through them, apparently on a mission, as there was nothing happening in local space which seemed to necessitate it and another Earth destroyer was still present in the area.
He opened a channel.
"This is the transport Refa 747 requesting permission to dock within Babylon 5."
There was a long pause. "Did you say 'Refa'? Are you a representative of House Refa?"
G'Kar smirked as he replied. "No. This is Amba … Citizen G'Kar of the Narn. This transport was given for my use in arriving here. I will be presenting myself to Babylon 5 security requesting … sanctuary."
There was another pause. "Please hold," the radio finally squawked. G'Kar waited patiently for whatever was going on. A few minutes later the radio sounded, "This is Babylon control to Refa 747."
"Refa 747 Go."
"You have been cleared for docking bay 4. Please follow the navigation signals." He was then given a local navigation frequency. "Admiral Sinclair has requested that you be brought directly to him once you dock." "That will be acceptable. I will start my approach. Refa 747 changing over to assigned frequency."
It took a few minutes and a bit of maneuvering but he was finally docked at the proper location. He disembarked to find EarthForce security waiting for him. He noted that they seemed more concerned about external attack than whatever he might be doing. He was looking forward to this meeting.
Vir Cotto, who had come in with Londo, was a bit leery of the limitations that were placed on his movements, but he understood them. The Earthers were at war with the Shadows and there had been much interaction between the Shadows and the Centauri. But just because he understood them didn't mean he liked them. He was stopped to verify where he was going and there were security personnel who kept watch on what he did.
It wasn't as bad as it could be – at least they were more open than what had been happening on Centauri Prime.
He had finished retrieving the food and other items needed to prepare meals for Londo and himself and he was making his way back towards the Centauri Ambassador's quarters. He was looking down the very long main corridor when he saw something which shocked him: A Narn which appeared to look like G'Kar was traveling with guards. Knowing what he knew that should be impossible. He took a long moment to debate with himself as to if he should mention this to Londo – but his loyalty to his boss won out over the sympathies he felt toward G'Kar and the other Narn. Vir moved quickly back to Londo's quarters.
"Ah, Vir! You obtained the spoo? The last batch was so fresh it was almost still alive. I hope this is properly aged."
Vir set down his purchases. "Ambassador. There might be a problem." The complete seriousness with which he spoke cut through Londo's humor.
"Yes? Tell me."
Vir paused for a moment and then said, "On my way back, I was in the main passage – the one that allows you to see for up to half a mile. I was looking down toward the front of the station when I saw someone I didn't expect. I was too far away to actually verify it – but it looked like G'Kar."
Londo looked at his aide in shock and then dropped heavily in a chair. "Tell me everything." Once Vir had given every detail he nodded and moved to his Babcom unit. "Please place a call to Centauri Prime, Diplomatic protocols."
The computer replied, "Recipient?"
Londo paused and then gave the name of his House member who was in charge of watching after G'Kar.
"Lord Mollari. Thank the Great Maker you called. The prisoner has escaped."
Londo really tried to be angry about it – but he never wanted the damn Narn anyway so he wasn't too upset. "What happened?"
"Immediately after you left for Babylon 5, a transfer order came to the cells. The guards thought it from you, but the majority of those involved were House Refa – even the transport. The Emperor was feeling bored and sent for the Narn shortly thereafter. There were many records and witnesses who confirmed that it was House Refa that arranged the transport. However, the destination was bogus. The Emperor wants answers and House Refa is scrambling to find him. Refa must report to the Emperor by tonight – or there will be consequences."
Londo, rather than being upset, started smiling. "When will the Emperor be meeting with Refa?"
"In six hours."
"I see. Perhaps I will be making an Urgent Call in six hours – I might have some relevant information but I will have to verify it. Tell no one of my call. If anyone comes asking because they notice, tell them that I am investigating a rumour but you were not told what I am investigating. It is, as the humans would say, above your paygrade. Yes?"
"Understood, Lord Mollari. Is there anything else?"
"No. Assist the inquiries as asked. We do not want to appear uncooperative."
"Understood. I shall do as you direct."
"Good. Mollari out."
Londo turned to an anxiety-strewn Vir and smirked. "This is better than expected."
Vir was astonished. "How?" he asked plaintively.
Instead of answering, Londo turned to the Babcom unit. "Get me Admiral Sinclair. Urgent."
"Please Hold."
It took a few minutes but Sinclair face came up on the unit. "Admiral. I have heard rumour that you have a new guest – or a returned guest I should say. We need to coordinate messages."
"Oh? Coordinate how?" Sinclair asked, trying to look innocent. Londo almost snorted.
"I believe the person you are most likely meeting with has … interesting information. I will have to report this to the Royal Court. But … I wish to work with you as to how to most advantageously word our … I meant my report. It seems I have just got word from back home that Lord Refa is under suspicion. Although it might cause some embarrassment to him and much of the Royal favor he currently enjoys, I am a loyal Centauri and must report to my Emperor what I have learned. Do you understand?"
G'Kar, who was talking to Sinclair about the situation listened in. His eyes narrowed. He looked to Sinclair who glanced at him. "And when will you need to report?"
"I have heard that Refa must report in 6 hours as to the location of a particular person of interest – or his position might be threatened. If I have relevant information then I must report by then. Also as to the changed circumstances under which I am serving here."
Sinclair nodded. "We will speak in a few hours – five. I believe I will have something for you by then."
"Good. Mollari off."
Sinclair looked at G'Kar, whose mind was racing. "What did he mean by the 'changed circumstance'?"
Sinclair looked at G'Kar with compassion and said, "I had a long meeting with Londo when he arrived. We discussed the rumours that the Shadows assisted the Centauri in their subjugation of Narn. He gave me a lot of details that never had been officially reported. And while there is no official confirmation, due to the nature of the declaration of War against the Shadows, officially – or it will be official in a few hours – the Centauri's seat on the Advisory Council has been suspended due to suspicion of them working with the Shadows. Lord Refa is suspected of being in collusion." He saw G'Kar become more stony momentarily with the mention of Refa. "Is it going to be a problem for you if my actions and official messages to the Centauri implicate Refa and tend to ignore Mollari's involvement?"
G'Kar still at that. "Since I was a pouchling, I have hated the Centauri. None more than two: The Centauri who ordered my father's execution and Londo Mollari. However, recent experience has muted my dislike for Mollari – I hadn't gotten to explaining why. Let us say that Mollari played a dangerous game to ensure I was not harmed further during the time I was a … guest … a guest of the Centauri recently. And so while I still have no love for Mollari, my dislike for him is not as it was. And information that came to me during my escape has replaced my directed hatred toward Mollari to Lord Refa. And so I won't be too upset."
Sinclair nodded. "Can I ask what information came to you?"
"The human-looking man who assisted in my escape could tell you. I hear he also assisted you in your recent encounter with the Shadows."
Sinclair gave a half-grin. "He doesn't tell me everything – and is actually quite careful to not give information that doesn't directly apply to me. So only you can tell me."
G'Kar considered that. "Well, as the Shadow's involvement in the subjugation of Narn might be of interest to you, perhaps you should know. I was given this holo-record." G'kar, who kept wearing the record as a reminder of who his true enemy was, played it. The record of Refa's rant against Londo and his admission of his guilt in what happened to Narn caused Sinclair to become more stoic.
When it was done, Sinclair nodded. "Would you mind if we got the others here? While Sheridan, the new guy I have leading the Earth Force ships at my disposal, is out doing some scouting and helping to relieve some pressure from the Shadows of a couple of smaller worlds, the others involved will be interest in hearing your report. Also, I was told that you have information about these Shadows that no one else has."
G'Kar reached down and put his hand on the Book of G'Quan. "The Book of G'Quan has a record of these Shadows and how they were pushed off of Narn a thousand years ago."
Sinclair looked very interested. "Please review your book. Tomorrow I would like to have a full gathering of our allies to help plan how to further prosecute this war. We need to figure out how they have been beat in the past."
G;Kar nodded. He was given his quarters back and once settled he diligently opened the Book of G'Quan. While he had perused the passages when he first suspected who had attacked their base, he had not re-read those portions in detail since just after he had decided to follow G'Quan and taken his name.
He took a break to conference with Sinclair and (he almost shuddered to do it) Londo Mollari regarding what to tell the Royal Court. He did give permission to tell them that his escape was facilitated by House Refa to embarrass others that he felt were inconvenient.
The Emperor would not be impressed by the report when he received it.
In Earth Dome, the Earth President was meeting with several cabinet members regarding a report that Sinclair had sent.
One of the members of the State Department said, "This report says that in addition to vast technology down there, there is a Minbari who took over for the previous caretaker; this Varn alien. They are claiming that due to their previous residence – apparently over 500 years, even before the Drazi tried to settle – that the planet belongs to itself and not to anyone else."
The representative from EarthForce's research division said, "We have to get access. There might be things that we can use in this conflict – and to further strengthen Earth. I don't see why we can't just go there and get it. It doesn't matter if they say it is previously owned. You can't really claim to own it if you can't defend it. We could say we were laying claim in order to protect it."
William Hague, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, interjected. "According to the report there are adequate defenses."
"With no proof!" another cabinet-level advisor said. "If we don't see it, I don't buy it."
President Luchenko, originally from the Russian Consortium, internally scoffed at the lack of subtlety from those were demanding they go and claim it. "I plan to send a negotiator to talk to this Draal character. I believe he will be able to shed light."
Hague asked, "Who do you plan on sending?"
She gave a smirk. "Someone who already has experience operating within that area: Orin Zento." The cabinet knew the name. That particular "diplomat" was not known for delicate negotiations. He was perfectly willing to apply the big stick of necessary.
Hague didn't like it, but he was outvoted. He could just imagine the headache this was going to cause. He accepted the order to transport the man on the fastest ship available.