Reports and Press Conferences
Everyone watching was riveted by the White Star 1, Admiral Sheridan's ship, moving to a docking clamp that was attached to the forward rotating section. The small warship actually looked like the clamp was made for it.
Captain MacDougan asked, "According to the specs on file, did Babylon 4 have docking clamps like that?"
His tech quickly perused the files and said, "According to what's on file – no, sir."
"Zoom in on that."
The forward screens did so and those looking noticed that the clamps looked different than the surrounding ship – meaning it was likely a new addition. It also looked like the large station could successfully dock 3 more of the White Stars. He shook his head. "Someone's been making plans."
Sinclair and Sheridan were on the bridge as the docking maneuver was completed. Marcus finally called out, "Maneuver is now complete; White Star 1 is docked."
Sinclair turned to Sheridan and asked, "What now?"
Sheridan shrugged. "Don't know, Admiral." He looked at Marcus.
"There is an access port near the back. According to the Commander, we have to go up – the docking was planned that way to keep gravity in a consistent direction. When the gravity is turned off here, we will be affected by the rotation."
Sinclair nodded. "Okay. Have the crew … do whatever the crew does. We're going in."
Sheridan nodded, "Yes, Sir."
They finished up. All felt the slight increase in gravity when the White Star powered down. Sinclair, Sheridan, the wizard with the shrunken cabinet, and a few others made their way to the access port. They got in and an automated lift moved them up into the station.
Finally, they stopped and the door opened. Commander Ivanova was there. Sinclair spoke. "Permission to come aboard, Commander."
"Permission granted, sir!" The group moved forward and Susan saluted. "At this time, I, Earthforce Commander Susan Ivanova, officially transfer command of Babylon Prime to Admiral Jeffrey Sinclair of Earthforce."
While the small ceremony might be considered superfluous, it was actually necessary. The computer logged the change in command and activated command protocols for the new station leader.
"Well, Commander, I believe I and the rest now need directions." Sinclair was somewhat amused.
"The layout is almost the same as Babylon 5. Some of the techs finished their installations early and helped out with a few other things. We recreated the War Room. Just use the computer access panels to find your way around if needed. The Tau'ri comm. stations are integrated so you won't need a special terminal; just specify Tau'ri comm when you want access. Permission to arrange for the moving in operation?"
"Permission granted."
"Thank you, Admiral." She turned to the waiting wizard. "I take it you're arranging for the extra portals?"
"Yes. As soon as you tell me where to put it, we'll bring more until we have twenty running. Garibaldi has already designated twenty teams to sign in the people as they come through and tell them where to go. We're starting with house elves and security – the house elves are using their abilities to bring up the stores they grabbed from Babylon 5."
Ivanova actually felt relief at that. There were mostly military rations on board right now and they were not the most tasty. "Good. Come with me."
The entire operation would take much longer than the almost three hours that the evacuation truly had taken (the last hour had been performing the rearguard action and setting up the trap for the Shadows).
Sinclair, however, had to immediately inform his Commanding Officer, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General William Hague.
"Tau'ri Comm. Get me General Hague."
The computer chimed back, "Stand by." After a long pause it chimed.
General Hague's face came through. He was on the bridge of the Alexander in case the Shadows made a play at invading the Sol system. "Report."
"General Hague. I am officially reporting that Babylon 5 has been lost."
The C&C on the Alexander were stunned. They had heard about the second invasion – but they had thought they could pull through.
"Understood. How many lost?" Hague was stoic.
"According to our records, we lost 174 of the marine contingent, 28 security officers, 15 Star Fury pilots, 7 Military telepaths, and 20 civilians. I haven't gotten the numbers from the Omegas that joined in the defense but there were some crew lost. No Earthforce war ships were lost. From our allies: The Minbari lost a number of Nial fighters and one Sharlin. The Tau'ri contingent didn't actually lose anyone – since the Bane left we have a much reduced number though they were vital in the operation. The Goblins lost seven helping to shore up our retreat."
The listening bridge crew were actually stunned that so few had been lost.
"Is there anything to add regarding losses?"
Sinclair actually smirked slightly. "According to the Goblins, the civilians lost all were unable to use the evacuation routes due to the protections they placed on them – which meant they were spies, or at least were operating against the survival of the station, our forces, and/or our allies." He paused. "There were three Earthforce members lost that way as well – two security guards and a technician."
"Were any captured?"
"No. They were all killed by the Goblins – save the Earthforce personnel who were knocked unconscious and left behind under my authorization. They couldn't use the evacuation routes, the transports that could be launched were already gone, and the Shadows were moving in. If they had been left conscious, they could have provided intelligence after we left. They were killed when the station was destroyed to keep it out of Shadow control."
Hague considered that. "That's going to be controversial."
"I understand, Sir. But the method used to evacuate belong to the Goblins – we had no control. Under these circumstances …"
Hague nodded. "I'm going to have to brief the President. We then have to brief the Senate. I'll need a list of those lost."
"Yes, Sir." Sinclair paused and then said, "I ask that we keep this event from becoming public knowledge for another ten hours."
"Why is that?" Hague asked curiously.
"We're still in the midst of moving them to their final destination – and we don't need anyone to know that we are in the midst of that operation until it's done."
Hague thought about that and replied, "Agreed. Word has gotten out about the attack already – we're going to have to tell the press that it's an ongoing circumstance. What's the security in the system?"
"We have kept anyone from broadcasting by jamming all comm except this system and we are refusing to let anyone jump out until the operation is complete. Keep your fingers crossed."
Hague chuckled. "I will keep you in my prayers. You have twelve hours until the communication blackout will be lifted – I can hold everyone off until then. You had best be ready for the explosion which will happen shortly thereafter."
Sinclair chuckled ruefully himself. "I have been planning and dreading it since this started."
"I'll let you get back to it. I expect a report in ten hours. Hague out."
The comm. system cut off. Hague spoke. "Get me the President's office on Gold Channel 1."
His comm. officer replied, "Yes, Sir."
The teams Garibaldi put together to direct all of those moving up to Babylon Prime were very efficient. They were assisted by the advance team of technicians who had been on station for the past month and dealing with the Roanoke for the two weeks before that. Being already experienced, they could direct people to their berths or their duty stations as needed.
Because the Earthforce personnel needed to be moved first, they were the first ones through. Each person had their identicard scanned and the security officer would call out several things such as, "Berth: Blue 15, Cabin 12B; Duty Station: Green 17. Watch: Gamma."
As it was currently the Beta watch, those who were scheduled to be on duty were directed to stow their gear and then report. The Alpha watch would stow their gear and then go to sleep. The Gamma watch would stow their gear and familiarize themselves with the new station/ship.
Considering they were military and that it was being run by Ivanova, the mass exodus from the surface of Epsilon 3 was remarkably efficient.
The long term residents were the next group that were moved. All of those who were employed by Gringotts were directed to the Goblins who had taken over a specific part of Brown Sector – a privilege which they paid for.
Even the lurkers who had been technically homeless as they didn't have the credits to pay for set quarters were given specific quarters, even if they lived without the normal comforts of a regular berthing. The Goblins and Tau'ri had helped to clean up Babylon 5's Brown Sector and Babylon Prime's Brown sector was remarkably organized.
Diplomatic personnel were moved in a separate queue. Each delegation was assigned to their Green Sector residence and given some assistance by the service crew which had been designated to ensure the smooth running of the diplomatic and business traffic.
Babylon 5, for all that it was the base from which the war was being prosecuted, was still a diplomatic and trade center.
Another factor which was of great assistance: Despite the reverence and respect that Babylo5 was treated with, there were certain truths about it that were not widely discussed – if they were discussed at all.
Babylon 5 had been a final desperation move to complete the vision that had been created after the Earth Minbari war. As each station was destroyed, each station following was designed to be stronger, bigger, more versatile, and more permanent. This was the case until Babylon 4 disappeared.
By the time that Babylon 5 had been conceived, support by the public had waned despite the sheer stubbornness of Human nature. As a result, several cost-cutting steps had been implemented to get Babylon 5 built and online – even if it wouldn't be what Babylon 4 would have been. Babylon 4, for example, was the only Babylon station with its own engines. Babylon 4 also had much better armour, much better security, a much better computer, and much more lavish amenities. One could almost say that station building had been perfected in Babylon 4. In all respects, Babylon 4 was far superior except that Babylon 5 had survived and been able to go online in the expected way.
Over the next several weeks and months and years, people who had lived on or visited Babylon 5 would find themselves thinking: "I wish they had had this on Babylon 5."
There was an exception: The Cobra bays on Babylon 5 had been superior and it would take a little while for the bays on Babylon Prime to be upgraded. Because of Military preparedness and record keeping, the methods used on Babylon 5 were easily adapted.
The last to arrive on Babylon Prime were the temporary residents that had been visiting Babylon 5 during the crisis. These included businessmen and casual visitors who had been dropped off by a liner or some other space transport and been left behind. Not all of them could fit in the available transports that had been sent before the Shadows arrived and therefore they were the most mobile in terms of what they were carrying.
The House Elves, Goblins, and Wizards who remained along with the very few Slayers who hadn't returned home with the Ha'tak, were invaluable. The newly unsealed visitor quarters were, very much, brand new, and the due diligence from the Magicals allowed much to be salvaged from Babylon 5. There was much that would have to come back with the transports that had been sent – but Babylon Prime had received everyone form the surface within 9 hours of the beginning of the exodus. It was almost immaterial that the last thousand were still waiting in line to be processed and directed. Babylon Prime no longer needed to stay in system and could retreat into hyperspace as needed.
The civilian ships that had arrived after the Shadow attack were then allowed to dock or send their passengers over. Now that the personnel had been put into place, normal business could resume.
Sinclair got on the line once more. Hague had been waiting for his call.
"General. As military governor for the Babylon station under the Babylon Treaties, I am hereby informing you that Babylon Prime, formerly known as Babylon 4, is now officially online and ready for business – in fact it is already doing business."
Once again, the C&C staff on the Alexander had been stunned when they heard that. Most off of them had wondered why General Hague (and President Luchenko from what they had overheard) had not been more upset by the destruction of Babylon 5. Now they knew.
"I am sending the visual records of the battle and what followed for your perusal and as needed for your Senate briefing. Included are all casualty figures for all Earthforce and allied forces. "
Hague looked at the indicator and saw that the transfer was complete. "We got it, Admiral. The communication blackout from the Epsilon system will be lifted in," he looked at his watch, "2 hours and 40 minutes. An emergency meeting of the Senate is scheduled for 8 hours from now. I will be leaving for Earthdome directly. Be standing by and prepared to be called as a witness. And you might want to include Draal in that – I'm certain they will have questions."
"I'm sure they will, Sir."
Hague's face transformed into a pleased smirk. They had succeeded. He had known Sinclair and Sheridan were good choices. He thanked God that he had been insistent on tapping them to command the war rather than allowing current generals to be called in. "Please convey to all members of your command and all supporting forces, Earthforce and allied, my personal congratulations on a job well done. I will be entering that into official records. You've all done Earthforce and Earth Alliance proud."
"Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir." Sinclair was visibly pleased by the acknowledgement.
"Hague Off."
Hague looked around at the stunned personnel and one of them, soon followed by the rest, broke into visible applause. Hague motioned them to be silent. "I'll mention this to Sinclair since he was the one who brought this to me." Hague looked around and, with a mischievous smile, said, "Now: Which one of you is volunteering to be our leak before the blackout is lifted?"
Within an hour of the time that Hague's transport had landed and with thirty minutes left to go before the official blackout was lifted, reports started surfacing on ISN about the loss of the Babylon 5 station and the completely unlooked for appearance of the another station to take its place.
The press, the public, and the politicians were all stunned. Numerous inquiries had started coming in. Communication lines were jammed. The leak that had occurred prior to the official lift had ensured that a shocking number of Earth citizens across the entire Earth Alliance, as well as the homeworlds of virtually every race were tuned in to ISN when President Susanna Luchenko made her way to the podium to give a press briefing.
"Hello. I would like to welcome the press, military observers, the citizens of the Earth Alliance, and all peoples across the galaxy to this press conference regarding the recent invasion by enemy forces into the Epsilon system where Earth Alliance station Babylon 5 resided." She paused to let watchers settle down. "I can confirm that an invasion of the Epsilon system began at 16:43 Earth Standard Time by forces comprised of the aliens that are known by all races as Shadows.
"Previous to this invasion, every ship that was present at Epsilon 3 had been dispatched during the course of normal duties and in answer to distress calls amongst the friends of Earth. It became obvious that the distress calls which pulled the last defenders away were intended for just that purpose. Through due diligence, the White Star which was a part of that mission ensured that the station was alerted to this deception before it was destroyed. For any who were not aware, the White Stars are ships that are attached to an organization of Humans and Minbari which have come together to help combat the Shadows in all areas, not just against Earth or Minbar. The captain, who happened to be Human, and the crew, which included both, ensured that the station was alerted as to what was coming."
There were several shouted questions but the President only waited until they settled down to continue.
"Through means that were provided by our allies, the aliens we call Goblins, the civilian population and the military personnel were evacuated from the station. Added to the transports that were sent off as soon as they were loaded, I can report that the casualties among all residents numbered less than 300 out of a population of 98,140. Most of those lost were lost defending the evacuation and ensuring that our enemies received no comfort or aid from their efforts.
"As became obvious, the enemy appeared to be attempting to claim the station for their own purposes and to ensure that Earthforce's justified war effort against them was crippled."
Her face took on a steely look. "I can report to you that the enemies of Humanity failed in their efforts."
The feeling amongst the majority of the audience was electric.
"Admiral Sinclair, Earth Alliance's designated War Leader, ensured that once he left the station, the very last living resident aboard before he left, a chain reaction occurred which destroyed the station and every enemy ship within range. Despite the destruction, Earthforce – as well as their civilian leaders including myself – have called this a victory."
She paused.
"If you all remember, our war against the Shadows was declared when this allegedly ancient enemy of sentients everywhere, in collusion with elements within Earthdome itself, attempted to invade and either destroy or take over Babylon 5 in August of this year. The day following the declaration of war, an ally of Earth, along with elements within Earthforce, began an operation which took into account the vulnerabilities that existed within the Babylon station in its role as Central Command for the war.
"The biggest vulnerabilities, of course, were that everyone knew where it was; and that its defenses were limited in terms of what it could do. It was, as a Human saying goes, a sitting duck – easily hunted and killed. Despite this, loyal members of Earthforce stayed. They ensured that the primary purposes that the station was commission to create continued. In the face of threat, they held to their duty as proud members of Earthforce.
"Our allies, the Minbari, the Tau'ri, and their sister-race the Goblins, stayed. Not only did they stay, they increased their efforts on behalf of the Babylon station to ensure that it continued its primary goal."
She sighed. "Alas, to all things there is an end. It is a tragic fact that, in war, there are always losses. And Babylon 5 still had vulnerabilities.
"And so, this ally – which we will not name due to security considerations – helped to pull off a mission of extreme strategic importance: To obtain a replacement for Babylon 5."
There was excited mutterings in the room. Viewers from across the worlds were awed.
"Through technology that Earth itself does not possess – nor any other race we know of and that includes even the oldest races – a plan was initiated to retrieve the largest and strongest of Babylon 5's predecessors: Babylon 4."
There were audible gasps of surprise – less so than there could have been because of leaks, but still: Audible surprise.
"Through our allies and our own efforts, Babylon 4 was retrieved. It was then taken to a secret location and upgraded to modern standards and upgraded in its defensive capabilities. When the evacuation was called, Sinclair ensured that the former Babylon 4 was alerted and prepared to take the burden of duty that we have given to some of our most loyal members of Earthforce. That burden is ensuring that, despite efforts to the contrary, the Human values of cooperation and plurality are supported and extended.
"And so, despite the loss of Babylon 5 to a vicious and unfeeling enemy, Earthforce, Earth Alliance, and the entire collective of free and forward thinking sentients are in a stronger position now than they were just one day ago. Members of the press. Guests. Friends – and enemies – in all places: I give you: Babylon Prime!"
With that, she pointed to a large screen which showed the arrival of Babylon Prime within the Epsilon system. Its entire arrival, including a flyby by a maintenance bot, was included.
The views transmitted showed the station coming to a halt and then taking over. Some – but not all – of the commands and statements by Sinclair were also added to the report. This included Sinclair's original message, the message that the station was lost, and then the message that Babylon Prime had now replaced it.
It was a riveting report.
When the visuals were done, President Luchenko returned to the podium.
"I called this press conference to inform you of what has taken place. I called this press conference to inform you what our enemy's actions against us were. And I called this press conference to tell all of you this one thing." She paused and looked directly into the center camera. "Earth will not bow down. Earthforce will not surrender. Earth Alliance will not buckle under pressure from external forces. Humans and our allies will stand fast. Our future – and the future of everyone listening – is at stake. We are not perfect. We have made mistakes. But our resolve is pure. Our hearts are strong. Our shoulders are wide."
She paused and then finished her address. She took on a more personable tone – one meant to teach.
"Humans, like any other race, have stories that come out of the deep past; stories of villains, of heroes, and of those which can be either depending on viewpoint. Over 400 years ago, a well respected author and poet, Alfred Lord Tennyson, told again of a historical figure whose name and story comes to us from the deep past. It was a retelling of a story first told three thousand years ago: The story of Ulysses.
"Tennyson attributed to that figure certain words which convey what Humans can be when we decide what we have to be. He captured the very essence of Human resolve. These are the words that he wrote – which still sing to our very soul:
"'Though much is taken, much abides … and though we are not now that strength which, in old days, moved earth and heaven … that which we are, we are…: One equal temper of heroic hearts … made weak by time and fate, but strong in will – to strive, to seek, to find … and not to yield.'"
And, with that, President Susanna Luchenko left the press conference so that she could prepare for what was coming.