Visions of Peace

by Matthew Sprange

  ‘Senator, if you bring that proposal up, you can be sure I will veto it,’ Luchenko said after another pause. ‘I am not committing our forces to invasion. However, we need a show of strength against the Centauri before they get any more ideas or become emboldened by this attack. Move those fleets to their borders--I have already spoken to the Kha’ri on Narn. They have offered us free access to their space along the Centauri border. They are enthusiastic to commit forces, but I have forestalled them for now. However, it is good to know we have friends.’

  She listened again, taking a breath in an attempt to calm herself. ‘It is important to remember that we are by no means crippled,’ she said. ‘They have struck at the heart of our government, but we still have EarthForce and we still have an effective governing body. Tell your people to remain calm. Those responsible for this tragic situation will be brought to justice. That is a promise.’

  July 7th 2263, Mars Dome One, Sol

  The hours ticked by slowly as the Earth Alliance stumbled around for someone to accuse and for a definite target to strike. Shaw and Tilanna were granted cramped quarters attached to the Support Centre, but they were at least grateful for an unlocked communications link which had been transferred to them--as much to give EarthForce officers and the President privacy as them, Shaw presumed. The ISA Headquarters on Minbar promised instructions from Sheridan himself, but there was still no word. Shaw guessed the ISA had at least as many problems as Earth, and anyone walking into an EarthForce installation would have been able to sniff the possibility of war on the air. Humanity was looking for someone to blame, and he could not completely remove himself from the impulse, as he had been a de facto target. It had been a dreadful attack.

  Trying to avoid being swept up by the mania, Shaw contented himself with watching ISN broadcasts, but they focussed on the attack and little else. The time counter on the bottom of the screen showed it to be dawn in London, but Earth Standard Time meant little on the colony worlds, which each had their own rotational clock. Tilanna had tried to persuade him to get some sleep, but while he could relax physically, he remained too keyed up after yesterday’s events. Besides, he would soon be going into action again, either as warrior or peacemaker, depending on what the politicians decided next. He on a soft recliner and shuffled his feet back and forth to maintain circulation while he watched yet another summary of the attack, hoping for but not expecting any new information from the ISN correspondents.

  The dark-haired newscaster was typical of those chosen by ISN after the civil war. Shaw could not recall the name flashed a few minutes ago, but her educated accent and a guileless demeanour promised viewers the whole truth. Even so, a little of the shock now spreading around Earth, if not all the colony worlds, registered in her tone. A screen-within-screen held steady at her right shoulder, showing the scenes of devastation from the air above Geneva. The great lake had shrunk drastically, leaving a crisped brown bed stretching between the mountains. No vegetation remained in the area, and the camera lingered on the ruins of EarthDome, now a smashed and twisted pile of rubble and metal.

  ‘We have confirmed sightings from our correspondents across the colony worlds of EarthForce personnel on a heightened state of alert,’ the newscaster said in her calm and measured voice, ‘as well as fleets leaving ports for destinations unknown, though we have unconfirmed reports of EarthForce ships taking position along the Centauri Republic border. President Luchenko, currently on Mars, made just one public address since the attack on EarthDome, announcing she is working with the ISA to bring a measured response to the perpetrators of this terrorist action. So far, no evidence has been produced as to the identity of the attackers, but the assignment of fleets to Centauri space, if true, must point to information we have not yet received. In a statement received just two hours ago, Emperor Londo Mollari had this to say.’

  The screen-within-screen changed to show the stern but somehow tired looking face of the Centauri Emperor, which then grew to fill the entire screen. As the transition completed, the recording began to run, and he addressed the people of Earth.

  ‘The Centauri Republic condemns, by the strongest means possible, the cowardly attack on our friends of Earth. I, personally, weep at the unprecedented death toll and offer my sympathies to all who lost friends, colleagues and relatives. We Centauri, of all peoples in this galaxy, know the terrible cost an attack like this demands.’ Mollari’s face then turned harder. ‘However, despite scurrilous rumours emerging from certain governments within the Interstellar Alliance, I must state, categorically, that the Centauri Republic played no part in this dreadful tragedy. We have no interest in the affairs of other worlds and seek merely to pursue our own destiny within our own borders.’

  The screen flicked back to show the newscaster, continuing her summary.

  ‘President of the Interstellar Alliance and hero of the civil war, John Sheridan, broadcast this appeal for calm to all ISA worlds shortly after.’

  Once again, the screen-within-screen above the newscaster’s shoulder changed to picture President Sheridan before his image grew to fill the whole screen in ISN’s slick manner.

  ‘I strongly urge all members of the ISA to abide by the treaties they have signed,’ he said. ‘Unilateral action against a government outside of our alliance is forbidden and must be agreed upon first by a majority of members. At this time, we have no firm evidence as to the identity of those who committed this atrocity, but the Rangers are working hard to uncover new information. You can be sure they will succeed and, as we have done in the past, the ISA will stand behind the wishes of its members. Until then, I must insist that no government undertake military action or other acts that may later be construed as hostile.’

  Sheridan’s image disappeared and the newscaster was back.

  ‘In summary again, EarthDome was destroyed at 09:50 EST yesterday by what has been called by President Luchenko a terrorist action. The bomb, apparently of alien construction, devastated a huge area around Geneva. The death toll currently stands at over 68,000, but this is expected to rise drastically over the coming days as relief teams comb the region. Messages of support and pledges of assistance have been received from Mars colony, the Narn Regime, Minbar and many governments from the former League of Non-Aligned Worlds. Though many government staff were killed in the attack, EarthGov assures us it is still a functioning body. Coming up, an analysis of the Centauri Republic’s military and possible response scenarios from our EarthForce liaison, Ted Chang.’

  ‘Mr. Shaw, you have a call,’ Tilanna said to him, penetrating the lethargy that inactivity brought to his system. ‘From Tuzanor.’ She gestured to his screen, and he switched the console from ISN to the communications network.

  ‘Orders?’ he asked.

  ‘From Sheridan himself, I was told.’

  They watched the digits scroll past on the screen for a few seconds before a weary looking Sheridan appeared. Shaw guessed he had been without sleep for longer than they had, given the timing of the attack.

  ‘Michael, Tilanna, good,’ he started. ‘I apologise for not getting back to you earlier but I hoped to present you with some solid information. Unfortunately, we still have nothing we can conclusively use.’

  ‘We still don’t know it was the Centauri?’ asked Shaw.

  ‘Oh, we are pretty sure the attack was by Centauri,’ Sheridan answered candidly. ‘What we cannot prove is exactly which Centauri. I cannot imagine for a moment this was an official action by the Republic--say what you like about the Emperor, and I can say a lot, but Mollari is not a terrorist. I know him too well. We suspect a rogue element, perhaps not even within their Centaurum, but a conspiracy looking to achieve God knows what. I am uploading information from our investigation, including a resume of House Kaado which our intelligence has implicated.’

  The data crystal locked into the interface next to Shaw’s screen began to flash its white light as information flowed across the gulf of space between Minbar and Mars.

 
‘I am giving you both a critical mission, consisting of two parts. First, play diplomat to President Luchenko. She is a good woman but she is also a consummate politician. Earth is hurting right now and its people have a habit of demanding action, any action, when wounded. As a politician, her instincts may be to respond to their pressure. I am also certain some in EarthForce are pressing for a military response as well.’

  ‘We are to act as the ISA’s representative here?’ Shaw asked.

  ‘You are to stop a war at all costs,’ said Sheridan. ‘We already know Luchenko is receiving offers of military support from the Narn and other worlds. They all have vested interests in open warfare with the Centauri and may try to take advantage of this. I do not want a situation whereby I am forced to place White Stars between the Centauri and a combined fleet of ISA members. That battle would mean the end of the ISA and everything we have striven for over the past year. Do you understand?’

  ‘We do, Mr. President,’ said Shaw. ‘We’ll advise Luchenko. I just hope I can get her to listen to us. Was there something else?’

  ‘Yes. Take the information I have just transferred to you and begin your own investigation there in Earth space. We only have access to half of what we need here, and you may be able to uncover something at your end. Try to backtrack the bomb and see where the path leads. The Earth Alliance did their own check using information we gave them--that is how they discovered the device before it detonated. Try to find something, anything, that leads blame away from the Republic and toward the real terrorists.’

  And if the trail does lead to the Republic itself?’ Shaw queried.

  Sheridan sighed. ‘Then war may be inevitable. Report whatever you find to me. We’ll try to keep everything together here. Any questions?’

  ‘Mr. President,’ Tilanna said hesitantly. Sheridan acknowledged her . ‘I am not Anla’Shok and know of the Earth Alliance only as it relates to us. I believe I am not the right person to act as Mr. Shaw’s assistant in this.’

  Though it seemed obvious to hear her say it, Shaw was surprised to discover Tilanna had been harbouring reservations about her own abilities, just as he had. In the past, she was utterly serene, as though there was little that could not be achieved. In fact, he associated this trait with all Minbari. To hear one have doubts shook him a little, making them seem more, well, human.

  Sheridan smiled, a little sadly, at her. ‘You have just been promoted to a temporary position within the Rangers, Tilanna. Michael needs all the help you can give him over the next few days. And, knowing the Religious Caste, your temple training has given you all the tools you need to face anything in this galaxy. I have some experience in that. Is there anything else?’

  ‘No, Mr. President.’

  ‘Then I wish you both good luck. You have served the Rangers well so far, but we must ask you to continue striving. The peace of the galaxy rests on all of us now.’

  ‘You can count on us,’ Shaw promised before the link was broken. He and Tilanna looked at one another for a brief moment.

  ‘A chance to be heroes,’ said Tilanna with a half-smile.

  ‘Business as usual,’ said Shaw with a confidence he did not entirely feel. ‘Come on, we have a lot of work ahead of us.

  July 7th 2263, House Kaado, Centauri Prime

  The manor was still and silent, the night shrouding its magnificent gardens. Even the royal guardsmen on patrol kept out of sight, silently watching for intruders, however unlikely they might be. Tastefully positioned spotlights, their combined effect sculpted by one of the leading artists of Centauri Prime, highlighted the exquisite architecture of the main building, turning it into a bright display and a nocturnal landmark for miles in every direction. This far from Imperial City, it remained a solitary and unchallenged beacon in the darkness.

  Inside its long tiled corridors and plush chambers, few stirred. The servants and slaves still awake went about their duties like clockwork, ever mindful of the penalties of disappointing the master of the house. Some were on hand to respond to any whim or demand that Veneta Kaado or his guest might make, whatever the hour, but most were simply engaged in the normal running of a household of this size, a never-ending task.

  Veneta and his sole remaining conspirator, Territt, were beneath the manor, in a small complex Kaado had commissioned from a military expert in security. It could, in theory, be turned into a bunker, leaving any would-be attacker no choice but to literally dig the inhabitants out. Inside, Veneta had ensured all conveniences due a noble were on hand in copious quantities. He had also constructed a command centre of sorts, which he could use to monitor any aspect of House Kaado’s interests, usually in real-time. Here, the bunker diverged from its military ancestry, replete with expensive tapestries, priceless masters from a dozen worlds and soft furnishings that would not tax him should long hours be required here. Kaado did not expect to ever lock down the bunker and survive for any great length of time, isolated from his enemies. However, the look of envy on Territt’s face as he showed the conspirator this luxurious stronghold thrilled Kaado.

  He had absolutely no doubt that Territt’s own household would sport a similar, probably larger, bunker in the coming months, but the important thing was that he had been first. A trend would certainly start among the Great Houses and he would achieve a certain amount of respect as its instigator. Money meant a lot in Centauri politics, but it could gain a noble so much more when allied to a healthy imagination and a will to get things done.

  Their third conspirator, Verlime, was not present. He had scurried back to his own manor within Imperial City when Veneta and Territt had confronted him with scandalising records and images confirming his liaisons with a slave girl belonging to another House. All engineered by Veneta, of course, as he had ensured months ago that Verlime would meet a young Centauri woman who matched his subconscious ideal of a female. To within 96.4%, Veneta’s experts had assured him. This, combined with his overt complicity in the attack on Earth, would keep Verlime’s silence for now. There was always the possibility that Kaado and Territt would need a scapegoat if their plans went awry and if not, well, Verlime would not live to see the next year.

  Kaado and Territt watched broadcasts on the giant screen that took up most of the wall in front of them. They leapt from channel to channel, viewing the reports from a dozen worlds as news of the attack began to filter in, toasting each other with Veneta’s most prized stash of Brivari. If now was not the time to break open a bottle or two of his most expensive vintages, he did not know when it possibly could be. Right now, an ISN broadcast from the Earth Alliance was playing. The two nobles took a perverse pleasure in watching the people of Earth try to comes to terms with the disaster they had created, and though they monitored other channels from other races, time and again they came back to ISN.

  Together, they mocked their Emperor’s statement, jeered Sheridan’s plea for calm, and goaded the screen as Luchenko promised a measured response. For this brief time, both forgot about the politics of Centauri Prime and the probable future that would see them at odds as they played for the same political territory. They simply basked in the knowledge of a job well done. For those few short hours, they were true comrades. All good things had to come to an end though.

  ‘This is not going fast enough for my liking,’ said Territt. ‘I’m going to give the order for escalation.’

  Veneta’s head was spinning slightly from the amount of Brivari he had consumed. ‘Ah, back to business then,’ he lamented.

  Smiling, Territt reached for a commlink lying on the floor beside the large sofa where he sprawled. ‘It won’t take long. With any luck, we may see it live on ISN. Earth has a habit of sending reporters into battle.’ Activating a coded and scrambled channel, he placed a pre-arranged call to a close ally long ago manoeuvred into owing him a great favour. Time to collect.

  ‘Vocator?’ he asked. When he received the expected response, he simply said one word.

  ‘Proceed.’

  Chapter
Nine

  July 7th 2263, The Urza Jaddo, Beta III

  From the main viewport of the bridge of the Urza Jaddo, Vocator Barini could look down the entire length of his battlecruiser. Hands behind his back, he listened to the bridge crew behind him complete their status checks with the other sections of the Jaddo and its companion ships. Lights from a hundred smaller viewports glittered beneath him across the purple and grey armoured hull, the ship’s thick hide housing a veritable town floating in space. At its prow were two heavy lasers capable of slicing through enemy vessels and a dozen turrets studded the topside of the ship. In his mind’s eye he could see the two other identical battlecruisers just behind the Jaddo. Satisfied that he had been given the right tools for his mission, he paced slowly toward the rear of the bridge, mounting the three small steps that raised his command seat on a plinth above the crew.

  Easing his large frame into the comfortable sagid-hide chair, Barini waited until his first officer reported that his crew and ship were both ready for action.

  ‘Have the Protera and Voxa signalled us?’ he asked.

  ‘Yes, Vocator,’ came the reply. ‘Both report all systems green and ready for battle.’

  ‘Excellent. Are the Sentris still tracking the target?’

  ‘Yes, Vocator. The target is stationary at the same coordinates.’

  Barini could sense the anticipation in his crew. They did not know the reasons for the squadron of battlecruisers being here or why they were attacking the Earth fleet. In fact, he had not been told the full reasons himself. Still, Minister Territt had been most generous in the past, elevating him within the Centauri military and personally seeing him offered command not only of the Urza Jaddo but this entire squadron. However, the crew’s anticipation and the excitement on the bridge were palpable. For too long the Centauri had been pushed around by every other race, its people under ruinous taxes to pay for reparations they did not deserve to pay. A chance to strike back at their enemies now presented itself. The real whys and wherefores were unimportant. They were actually doing something about their situation and Barini was not entirely immune to this emotion.