From: Daniel Collins Subject: Agents Of The Dark, In The Beginning 1.1 Date: Mon, 30 Mar 1998 06:12:20 +1000 ~ ~ ~ Agents of the Dark, 1.1 ~ ~ ~ Series One: In The Beginning Part One: Way Back When... By: Daniel Collins * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * It was a time when most of the worlds in the sole galaxy were just developing, a time even before we first reached out into space. In fact, it was hundreds of years before then. In an equivalent time to our 13th Century, things were happening out in the stars. Things were happening in the frontier that we still new nothing, or little about... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * When the younger races were in abundance, there were still races out there that were already venturing through the stars, some had moved on, some had stayed. One of these were well known to the first of the younger races, the other, would become known. The galaxy, ours is large, so large that there could be more life forms out there than people residing here. But on the edge of our galaxy, a life form existed, where no one would expect, and no one would forget... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * At this time there were three major races in the universe, they were all powerful, they were all explorers. Two of these were from an original race that were left behind to watch over the development of the younger races here. The remainders of these "who were first" went off to explore other galaxies, like Andromeda, or so it was called. The two races to look over this galaxy were powerful, and equal to each other, or it was supposed to be. They both had different ways of nurturing the younger races. One believed in strength, the other believed in will. Sooner, or later, there would be a clash, and the younger worlds would have to unite to come between them. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Apart from these two 'Caretakers', there were the younger worlds, one had already been capable of travel through space for quite some time. These were a highly spiritual people, and didn't know much of the two races left to care for the galaxy. These people were the Minbari. They were still young, but were the oldest of all the young. They had managed to become a powerful race, and the 'Caretakers' had to seize them before the other side could benefit. Those who followed the side of will, made contact with the Minbari, and immediately they fell to their side, the first race was grasped, and allied. With the Vorlon's, a mysterious race, but as all the First Ones were. The other race, known only as the 'Ancient Enemy' began to call their forces... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The Vorlon's could not interfere with the development of the other races, but would pass through certain systems to check up on them. There were four major groups, all located away from the Rim of the galaxy, where the dreaded Ancient Enemy lived. There were; The Centauri, in a system close to another developing race. The Centauri would prove a valuable asset to the Vorlon's as they believed in conquering. They were strong and were beginning to take to their skies. They resided on a beautiful planet, where everything was in abundance. The only downside to the Vorlon observations was that they were highly impatient, but they believed that time would wash those away. Close to the Centauri system, lived the Humans, in a large star system of nine planets, most of which were uninhabited but proved to be a worthy system if the Ancient Enemy ever wanted to hide their ships. The third planet, one like Centauri Prime, was inhabited by humanoid life that were still in the primitive stages of development. They had just barely began to explore their oceans, let alone no understanding of how to fly. It would be a while before they would become an ally, or an enemy. Further away, lay a humanoid race known as the Narn, they already had travelled the seas, but were far away from any space travel, as it appeared, they wouldn't be in space until after the humans... Then there was a small region of space where a few races lived, all on planets closely banded to each other. They formed the Brakiri, the Drazi and several others. They weren't as developed as the Centauri, Humans or the Narn, but would inevitably venture out into space, and the time for that would be the worst of times... As it appeared to the observers, the four were progressing at a steady stage, and it was predicted that the Centauri would be the first of them to take to the stars, a few years later the humans, then the Narn and then the cluster of the 'league'. It became a worrying thought that the Centauri, being as they are, may start to conquer worlds, and may be turned easily to the side of darkness. All was unclear at such early stages, but anything could happen in the development, and it was important to monitor. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * All the while, the 'Ancient Enemy' stayed out of the Vorlon's way. The Minbari knew nothing of them, and continued to explore the galaxy and listen to the prophecies of the Vorlon... ~ ~ ~ Continued in Part Two ~ ~ ~ -= My Apologies for making the story go so slowly, but as all stories do, it will pick up soon! - Daniel Collins =- -= If there are any mistakes, errors or concerns about any of these stories, please e-mail them to me, please also note that there may be some parts that happen differently here or are just based on speculation, that's part of the story. =- Standard Disclaimers apply to all stories in "Agents of the Dark" From: Daniel Collins Subject: Agents Of The Dark, In The Beginning 1.2 Date: Sat, 04 Apr 1998 10:30:54 +1000 ~ ~ ~ Agents of the Dark, 1.2 ~ ~ ~ Series One: In The Beginning Part Two: Way Back When By: Daniel Collins * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * This story continues from Agents of the Dark, 1.1 where we learnt about the developing races around Earth's 13th Century. The story will begin to pick up a bit more now... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Just as the Vorlon were monitoring the development of the younger races in the universe, so were the Ancient Enemy. They sent many scout ships to take a look every now and then, but the Vorlon did not notice their movements. The Ancient Enemy were perhaps, a little attracted to the humans and the Centauri, and this proved concerning to the Vorlon, and it would be just as they thought, the Centauri would now, more than likely be either forced or offered an alliance with the Enemy, and so would the Humans... In such times, seeing what the future held was hard, and if the Humans and Centauri ever joined the Ancient Enemy, then there would be certain chaos amidst the stars. It couldn't be aloud, so the Vorlon's decided to make more regular checks on the two races, knowing that the Ancient Enemy would only prowl for the strong, not the weak as the Narns and the League were... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * By now, whilst still settling in, the Vorlon's had claimed their territory, and guarded it against the Ancient Enemy, they taught the Minbari of what they represent, and what they do, which only made the Minbari stick more to the Vorlon. When the Ancient Enemy found out, they decided that it was now an unfair balance of power in the galaxy, something which had to change, but the way to change it wasn't the 'right' way of going about it. They didn't believe in negotiation in such times... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * On the Rim, several lifeless planets exist, and these planets are uninhabited as most life exists toward the Galactic Core. The Ancient Enemy decided to make their homeworld here, building a great empire and magnificently haunting cities, they christened the world 'Z'Ha'Dum'. Upon finding out where the Ancient Enemy now reside, the Vorlon realised that there would be one reason for them to stop exploring and build up a home, one reason alone to take over the galaxy with their vessels that had so rarely been seen, and always been so powerful and haunting, just as the Ancient Enemy were. Their ships were like spiders, crabs and dark in colour, if colour was the right word. They cast their shadow where ever they went, and were always unseen as they moved through the blackness of space... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The Minbari at this time had just made the ultimate breakthrough to venture outside their star system. They had found a way to get into another 'universe' by 'jumping' into it, it took them faster than normal travel did. Of course the Vorlon's knew it was inevitable that the phenomenon would be found sooner or later, because even the First Ones used it, in one way or another, but still as yet, the Minbari were primitive and could only use those that had been built on permanent platforms, of which, at this time only three existed. They hadn't yet grasped the technological understanding to use mobile jump points which could be launched from ships themselves and jump anywhere with it. As the Minbari began to advance through the galaxy, they came to the Rim, where they decided it would be a good place to explore and see if any other life existed, they hadn't bothered with the inner systems near the galactic core as they still proved too primitive for them. It was a mistake to explore the Rim, but the Vorlon's didn't intervene as sooner or later, the Ancient Enemy would be found, and it would better be sooner, than later... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * TO BE CONTINUED... In the continuation, there'll actually be some dialogue and we'll get into the thick of things as the Minbari get closer to the Rim, on their first fateful mission... Comments/Suggestions? Send Away to daniel_collins@geocities.com Standard Disclaimers Apply to All "Agents of the Dark" stories. From: Daniel Collins Subject: Agents Of The Dark, In The Beginning 1.3 Date: Sun, 05 Apr 1998 11:09:42 +1000 ~ ~ ~ Agents of the Dark, 1.3 ~ ~ ~ Series One: In The Beginning Part Three: Way Back When By: Daniel Collins * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * It was a time when the galaxy was free to be explored, a time when every race was young. No one knew what to expect, but we knew we would be able to face it. We are Minbari, we understand these things. As we venture further into unknown space, what we will find will undoubtedly astound us, and frighten us. But we are able to face it... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ::Minbari Cruiser 'Cora'tzi' of the Minbari Federation:: D'rakal, the ship's commander sat in his chair. He was fortunate to be one of the few people able to command a cruiser. It was only for the fact that the Minbari were new in space, and that there only existed a dozen vessels. All before venturing into space, the beautiful planet of Minbar was plain, and nothing. Now, space has proven that there is something greater out there. The first alien encounter with the Vorlon's was not all that they expected, but then, they didn't know the way things went out here. They became allied, although the Minbari didn't quite understand why they needed to Ally themselves with a race they knew almost nothing about. D'rakal stopped thinking and focused on the job at hand. They were three hours before jumping out of hyperspace into a region of space that is said to be without life, but could hold valuable minerals or materials for starship construction. Could. It rang through his head. ::Three Hours Later:: The 'Cora'tzi' still travelling through Hyperspace... D'rakal got up from his chair. "We should be there soon, yes?" The helm officer looked up at his CO and answered, "Yes, we're right on top of the beacon." "Very good, bring us into normal space." D'rakal ordered. "Yes. It is done." From the view on the bridge, the red glowing phenomenon slowly transformed into a funnel and a small black hole in the centre of their screen grew out until it surrounded the entire ship, white specks filled the night and the tinge of an orange nebula nearby was spotted to their left. Of course the 'Cora'tzi' had come out of Hyperspace through the permanent three pronged gate that was just recently built. "Take us to the nearest planet." D'rakal ordered. "Very well, there is a planet ahead." the helm said, "ETA, one point three eight hours." "Okay, notify me once in orbit." The 'Cora'tzi' moved further from the jump point and toward the darkened rock. The only thing giving it any light was the haunting orange nebula nearby. The star this planet orbited didn't seem to reach it's rays out far enough for this planet to get any other light. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * D'rakal was tired and prepared to file a report of what they had found in the system so far. There wasn't much, one planet that looked as though nothing could even live in orbit let alone on the surface. One orange nebula that looks somewhat menacing in the planet's presence, and nothing but a bumpy jump out of hyperspace. The bridge of these cruisers were always small, but so were the ships, when the Minbari compared themselves to the Vorlon, they were nothing. Everyone had their place though, and no one complained, because with all evolution, the Minbari improve on the last. It was in this so called serenity that the helm officer picked up something unusual, and startlingly frightening at the same time. It was a vessel, or so it was believed to have been. Leaving the planet surface. That very same planet that had been deemed a totally dead world. The ship was detected, moving at such a fast speed, and straight for the 'Cora'tzi', he thought "What do we do?" and then he alerted the Commander, "D'rakal, you better come see this! Now!" D'rakal heard the words of his helm officer and went to the bridge, and once there he looked at the readouts. "There's something there D'rakal, and I wish I knew what it was." "What have your scans found?" D'rakal asked. "Nothing, just that it's big, it's fast and it's headed our way!" "Hostile?" D'rakal asked. "It's intentions are unknown, we can't communicate with it!" "Set a course for the jump gate then, full power!" D'rakal didn't know what else to do, "Time to intercept?" "They'll intercept us in approximately three point two minutes." "Time to Jump point?" "Four point five minutes." "Oh my, let's hope they're friendly." D'rakal closed his eyes in an attempt to meditate. "This is odd, we should be able to see it!" the helm officer said confused. "It should be right there." He pointed to the viewscreen. "THERE!" It was the last word that was heard on the 'Cora'tzi', as a terrible scream filled the night and a purple glow emanated from it's darkness, a shape could be made out, but no description ever would be filed, the 'Cora'tzi' was struck by the deadly beam, and then it was gone, just vanished without a trace. The dark vessel continued to move on into the night, before returning to the dark planet where it came from. The dark planet that was it's home. The dark planet that was forbidden to all but those who live there, and those who are called. The dark planet called Z'Ha'Dum... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ::Two Weeks Later, Minbar:: It was two weeks after the 'Cora'tzi' was destroyed that the Minbari realised that something was wrong. It took so long because their speed was limited whilst in hyperspace, and since the 'Cora'tzi' was travelling such a vast distance, it would obviously take a long time. The leaders of the Minbari took their problem to the Vorlon, which as always gave the Minbari a cryptic answer. But the Minbari understood this, they realized what was happening. They were still only experiment with spacial weaponry, but armed three of their cruisers and prepared for an expedition to the Rim and to find out what happened to the 'Cora'tzi'. "The fleet is ready, weapon's test is complete. Standing by." reported the tactical officer of the Minbari cruiser 'Tir'pari'. "Good, set a course for the Jump point." N'atooi, the commanding officer replied. The three Minbari cruisers moved off toward the Minbar system jump gate, the fleet was small but consisted of the best ships in the Minbari fleet; the Tir'pari, the Cran'os and the G'iza'ri. They were commanded by the most worthy of commanders and had the best working crew of all ships. "Set jump point sequence and let's be on our way." The three vessels move toward the jump gate as the blue vortex opens out toward them and swallows them all into Hyperspace. The Minbari still hadn't advanced much with their hyperspace engines, so the journey would be a long one. One best spent clearing the mind for the task at hand. Pure investigation of the disappearance of the 'Cora'tzi' and to continue her mission with a more powerful display of the Minbari fleet. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * // Even before the Ancient Enemy aquired the humans as their messengers, they still had their resources. The agents moved through the shadows, unseen by all. But when the time comes, they will be there. \\ ::Jump Out of Hyperspace, The Rim:: Just as bumpy as the ride into Hyperspace, the crew awoke to the bumps of coming out of Hyperspace. Immediately N'atooi was on the bridge and ordered the ships to slow down on approach to the first planet. "Let's see where we are." he said to the operations officer. On the screen in front, a dark planet could be made out against the stars. To the left was an orange nebula, still menacingly haunting. The ships engines were heard as the ship slowed it's approach. "Any sign of ships?" N'atooi asked. "None detected. Wait a minute. I'm detecting something." confusion filled the tactical officers face, "What? Sir, take a look at this." N'atooi moved quickly to the tactical officer's panel. "What the?" he looked up to the screen in front as a dark black 'thing' blacked out the planet behind it. "What is that?" The object continued toward the Tir'pari and the other two ships. "Do we fire?" asked the commanders of the others. "Prepare a message for Minbar, quickly!" N'atooi ordered. He said a few words to it and sent the message hoping the jump point was still active, and he looked at the shadow that covered the three ships. "Prepare evasive action." he said quietly. A bright purple glow emanated from the centre of the spidery looking shadow as it's shape was made clearer when it fired. "Now!" The Tir'pari moved aside and the other ships followed, the energy beam just missing the hull. "Now's a good time to see if the weapons work." N'atooi said, "Fire!" The Tir'pari fired at the shadow, but it did nothing, only continued it's course as it fired again. "Take us to the jump gate!" N'atooi said as another scream filled the bridge and they were fired on again. The three ships moved off at their best speed, but it wasn't enough. Another beam lashed out to the Cran'o and she was destroyed. The remaining continued for the gate. "N'atooi, look at this!" N'atooi returned to the tactical station. "Jump point forming, who can do..." Before he could finish a blue vortex filled the space in front of the Tir'pari and a Vorlon cruiser thundered into being above her. Two beams of energy crossed at the four 'arms' that extended out the front of the vessel and a powerful green burst of energy blasted into the shadow which exploded from the impact. Before anything was said, the Vorlon ship retreated quickly, but left a message in the Tir'pari and G'iza'ri commander's heads. ## Now we must prepare ourselves. Fire is upon us ## The two ships returned to Minbar, with news of the Ancient Enemy, and obviously, a race that was only equal in power to the Vorlons... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * To Be Continued... -= -= -= Now that we know what the Ancient Enemy are like, the Minbari will have to make a decision... =- =- =- From: Daniel Collins Subject: Agents Of The Dark, In The Beginning 1.4 Date: Tue, 07 Apr 1998 18:37:48 +1000 ~ ~ ~ Agents of the Dark, 1.4 ~ ~ ~ Series One: In the Beginning Part Four: When the Spark is Lit By: Daniel Collins * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * It was the time when we had to strike back. Obviously there would be forces out there that would be hostile, and perhaps, for no apparent reason they were like this. But we were attacked, and more than likely in an unprovoked attack aswell. Two expeditions have been sent to the Rim, and only one barely came back. Even though we're consulting with the Vorlon's, we still have to act, we cannot stand by and let who ever they are out there, wipe us out... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * It had been two days since the Tir'pari and the G'iza'ri had returned from the Rim, and their reports were strange at best. Although everyone knew that Minbari do not lie, there were some suspicions of the aliens that attacked the convoy. The Vorlon's hadn't been in touch for a while, and the Minbari Religious caste was awaiting their response, for an indefinate time. The Warrior caste had different plans, they decided to send a more heavily armed fleet out to the Rim, and see if their weapons would do anything against the enemy vessels. The problem being that the Minbari fleet only consisted of several exploration vessels. Even the Tir'pari was an Explorer, not a Destroyer. So it was decided among the Minbari government, to build a new fleet of ships. A fleet that would avenge the deaths of the innocent aboard the Cora'tzi and the Cran'o. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ::Z'Ha'Dum, Ancient Enemy Homeworld, The Rim:: The dark figure sat in the middle of the room. A voice just called to them "They are preparing." The figure's only reply was "Then it is done." and two other strange, 'spider-like' creatures joined it in the darkness, and they could only just be made out. Their scratching and almost 'whistling' voices spoke to him, and his reply was "yes." * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ::Two Months Later, Minbari Ship Construction Station, Low Minbar Orbit:: By now the Minbari Warrior caste had completed nine Battlecruisers, and seven of them had been tested and proven space and battle ready. The ships were sleek, yet still representing the Minbari as a people. They were a great achievement, and things were running faster for the Warrior caste, than the work of the Religious caste, who were still awaiting *any* reply from the Vorlon Government. To save time and effort, the fleet would only comprise of ten ships, which would be adequate if the situation became a 'no win' one. It would be simple. Jump into their space, blast them, return. But then if it didn't work, they'd still get back with the minimal loss of life. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Even though the Minbari had managed to venture into space, their exploration vessels lacked in the area of gravity. Even with a rotating section of the ship to create artificial gravity, there were limits. And time had limits too. The new fleet was going to be better than the rest of the ships, but this was proving a timely venture. So the idea was scrapped for now, and the fleet would be 'old style'. :: 8 Days Later :: While the Religious Caste still awaited a reply from the Vorlon's, the Warrior caste finished up the fleet that had been built. With crews ready, all that remained was to test the ships, and no time was better than the present. Just a few more checks, and the fleet would be on their way. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * :: Z'Ha'Dum :: "They are coming." "And we will be ready." * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * :: Hyperspace Jump Point, Minbari Sector :: The blue vortex opened and the ten Minbari ships entered it, hoping to return with some evidence of any attack on the two missing ships, and with a victory against the mysterious enemy... :: Six hours later :: "Sir, we're at the co-ordinates." the Helm officer called. "Very well then, if we're ready, take us in." the Commanding Officer replied. A droning sound was heard as the weapons were charged, and then the red, haunting phenomenon known as Hyperspace disappeared... to be replaced by dark, pitch black space, and a dark, dead planet ahead. "Sensors don't pick up anything like a ship in the area, but they could be behind the planet, which would shield them from our sensors." "Are the other ships picking up anything?" "No, they have the same as we do. Nothing." The ships continued toward the planet. "Are you sure this is the right planet?" "Of course, the logs specified a planet straight after jumping into normal space." "I've got something!" alerted the tactical officer. "It's huge!" "What is it?" "I am uncertain. But there is only one, and it's moving in fast." The ten Minbari vessels turn in response to the alien presence, but even though they outnumber it, they are far outsized. The ship was black, against the darkness of space, it was almost invisible, but as it flew past the hideous orange nebula nearby, the shape was made out. At least eighteen 'legs' protruded from the sides of the vessel, which made it appear as an eighteen legged arachnid, but that wasn't the most haunting part. It was the sound that was heard, a sound that shreaked through the ears of all those on the Minbari vessels. It was a sound that pierced the ears so suddenly, even though it only lasted a second. "Attack, fire at will!" the Commanding officer hesitantly ordered. The black ship took the hits of the Minbari weapons, but did not turn or shudder. More and more shots flew out to the ship, but nothing happened. "We can't win, retreat." But then, several smaller ships left the larger one, and sped off after the evacuating vessels. The ships looked more like crabs, those that infested the waters of Minbar, but in their hot pursuit of the Minbari vessels, they contracted, grew smaller, then almost spewed out their energy weapons. The weapons were far too powerful, and the Minbari ships weren't maneuverable enough to dodge them. The last ship was struck, and it spun in distress, and then, in less than a second, another weapon flew out and destroyed the ship. The remaining nine continued to the jump point, the sequence activated and the vortex appeared, more weapons lashed out to them, and two more ships were taken with them. The larger ship had managed to close in, and fired a long strand of destructive purple energy. The beam pulverised the spearhead of the fleet. Two ships remained and thought they had made it safely to the Jump point, but the vessel loomed over them, engulfing them in a dark shadow, whatever it fired was unknown, but as the first ship made it into hyperspace, the second was destroyed in the wake of a Jump Point collapse. The black vessel quickly moved away as the orange vortex began to phase in and out, the Minbari ship, marooned at the point of entry to Hyperspace. Then the vortex just vanished with a loud clap of thunder, and so too, the Minbari vessel was gone... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * :: Hyperspace, three minutes out of Normal Space :: The last remaining Minbari vessel limped through Hyperspace. Now believing it was safe, for now at least. The crew were still stunned from the events of what happened, but still worked fast to repair their ship and get home quickly. In time to warn those on homeworld of a new threat. One far superior to the Minbari... One that may even be superior to the Vorlons... One that would cast it's darkness across the galaxy, and engulf the younger races... One that were like shadows in the night... ...and the ones who would strike sooner or later, everyone had to prepare... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * :: Minbari Government, Two Days Later :: It was shortly after the surviving crew had recovered that they faced the governors of Minbar, they told of their encounter, and told of what they represent, not only to Minbari, but to all of the new races forming in the Orion arm. This would be the time when the Minbari would have to stand stronger than ever. For they are not fighting themselves, they are fighting the unknown. The darkness... And that was when the Ancient Enemy got their name. They were Shadows of the Darkness. They would engulf the galaxy in their darkness, they were truly darker than all evil... They Were The Shadows... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * TO BE CONTINUED... -= -= -= Whether this is how it really happened, we don't know yet. But I do hope this story is turning out in an 'okay' way. Any comments, suggestions, querys, just ask! =- =- =- From: Daniel Collins Subject: Agents Of The Dark, In The Beginning 1.5 Date: Thu, 09 Apr 1998 07:12:07 +1000 ~ ~ ~ Agents of the Dark, 1.5 ~ ~ ~ Series One: In The Beginning Part Five: When Spark Becomes Flame By: Daniel Collins * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * It had been some time since the Shadow attack against the Minbari warfleet, and it was more than obvious that the Minbari needed to become more advanced with their technology if they intended to fight the Shadow's. But as the Minbari built it's forces, the darkness at Z'Ha'Dum was already preparing to attack... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * With no word from the Vorlon since the Cora'tzi travelled to the Rim, the Minbari took matters into their own hands. They had a new fleet now, where their ships no longer needed rotating parts to obtain artificial gravity. This proved large, and bulky to have on a vessel prepped for battle. It would impede the vessels performance and maneuverability, which would be a problem against the Shadows, who were quite maneuverable already. Even as the fleet was being built, the facilities were coming from Minbar's resources, so it was decided to build a station in space that would provide for the ship's needs. And construction had already begun in a remote region of space near "Grid Epsilon". // But every time the Minbari fleet grew larger, so too did that of the Shadows \\ ::Two Months Later :: Two months of hard labour had appeared to pay off when the last of fifty Minbari warships had been completed. On the outside, the vessels portrayed the Minbari people. The ships were long and sleek, and capable of entering hyperspace, but still only through stationary jump gates. By now, several more had been installed throughout space, but were only used by the Minbari. The fleet had it's crews, and was ready as it would ever be, although construction wouldn't stop with fifty ships, the fleet would get larger, and hopefully large enough to stop the Shadow's, and whatever their plans are... The space station near the Epsilon grid was coming along quickly aswell, but still was in operable to the Minbari, the Religous Caste had grown tired of waiting for the Vorlon to respond, and joined the efforts of the Warrior Caste to build up the fleet. It wouldn't be long before the Minbari would be ready to strike... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * :: Hyperspace, Two Hours from the outmost Minbari Colony :: ** We must be prepared for any action that will be taken against us. The planet is fortified, and we are ready, fight for the cause, and be prepared, always** Several black, menacing vessels continue through the red glow of Hyperspace, onward toward their destination... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * :: Minbari Colony, Zt'ash'iri :: A well fortified Minbari dwelling, this was the furthest colony from Minbar and was protected by twelve old cruisers. They were awaiting the arrival of several newer cruisers to give back up support when, and if needed, and with the events on the Rim, the chances were that it would be needed soon. "Nothing to report as always." "Never mind, don't lose heart, we're on the frontier, you should be glad to be here." "Why?" asked the young officer. "Because we all have a destiny in life, and ours is to serve our people here, at the edge of the universe." the Commanding Officer replied. "Wait a minute, there's a disturbance," "Where?" "All around us!" "Inform Minbar!" the commanding officer looked out into space, "In the name of our gods..." The sight before them was several dark shadows emerging throughout the stars around them. The only way of seeing them was slight disturbances in the stars. Dark objects moving through the night. Then a scream, one so loud and piercing it would have surely shattered the windows in the station, but they held, and then, as if the ear piercing wasn't enough, the crew were blinded by a bright pink light, from one of the enemy vessels, in no time a beam lashed out to one of the support cruisers, and it was gone. The remaining cruisers came around and concentrated their fire on one of the enemy vessels, but if fired in multiple directions, wiping out most of them. Three remained and continued attacking the large ship, another one went. The remaining two took it upon themselves to take atleast one of the enemy ships out, so they hit afterburn and attempted to ram the enemy ship. One was destroyed by the enemy beams, and the other impacted on the black *skin* of the enemy ship. No effect, the station was now defenceless, and so were the colonists on the planet they orbited, several beams lashed out from the enemy ships in orbit of Zt'ash'iri, and the crew of the station looked on and saw the colonies destruction. The station was next, the last thing anyone saw was a bright pink flash, and then... ...nothing... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The report of Zt'ash'iri came to Minbari twelve hours after the station and colony were destroyed. It was obvious that the Ancient Enemy, or so they were now known as the 'Shadows', were on the move, and Minbar would be one of the few on the list of colonies to attack. They were alone, with no help from the Vorlons, and the other races too young to even try to help, the Minbari had to make a stand, otherwise, the Minbari would fall, and perhaps, so would the others... War is nigh, war is the future... TO BE CONTINUED... From: Daniel Collins Subject: Agents Of The Dark, In The Beginning 1.6 Date: Sat, 11 Apr 1998 08:04:58 +1000 ~ ~ ~ Agents of the Dark, 1.6 ~ ~ ~ Series One: In The Beginning Part Six: Battles and Introductions By: Daniel Collins * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * It had been two months since the Minbari had decided that war was the only way to carry on the species, and in that two months, the Minbari had engaged the Shadows fifteen times, and lost all of them. The fortunate part was that in every engagement, the Minbari were learning more, even if they were losing more ships, and good people. Their new station in the Epsilon Grid had proven itself for resupplying vessels after long battles and struggles, and the Shadows had kept clear of both, the Epsilon Grid, and the Minbar system. The war was taking a bad turn, and an unexpected one at that, all because the Minbari are overpowered at every engagement, their ultimate weapon against the Shadows hasn't yet been found... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Three Minbari cruisers ran for their lives as the Shadow vessels continued to close in on their positions. The three remaining had been lucky enough to make it this far without taking critical damage. Only a few more moments to the jump gate and they'd be safe, or so they hoped... Two black Shadow vessels continued pursuit, they screamed into the night, before one fired at a cruiser. The purple beam lashed out to the Minbari ship, which swung out of it's path. Another beam came by soon after. The red tinge of the jump point vortex appeared and the two Minbari ships attempted finally to jump. The first cruiser cleared into Hyperspace, but the second exploded when it was struck by the third destructive beam from the Shadow vessel. One of the pursuing vessels turned and entered Hyperspace, the other pursued the remaining Minbari vessel... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * :: Sector 3, Nerashi System, Minbari Colony :: The small, lonely colony that sat on a jump point that was all that kept visitors to this region of space. The jump point was rarely used by anyone else other than the Minbari, but every now and then, it came in handy. This was one of those times... "Jump Gate active, confirmed, incoming object..." "An object?" The operations officer queried. "Confirmed." The vortex opened and several pieces of debris flew through the jump gate, one was a Minbari escape pod. "Scan for life." "None detected." "Bring it into the cargo bay, we need to know what's happening out there." The Cargo bay was cluttered with all the debris from a Minbari cruiser, more than likely one that was sent to intercept the Shadows and stop their advance, which would ultimately, one day come to Minbar, let alone Nerashi. Besides the point, the crew were looking over the remains of the ship, and the escape pod to find any data records that may have been left behind, unless the Shadows were thorough enough to pulverise everything, but that was ruled out as soon as this debris made it through the jump point. Which pointed to another question, how did this debris come through the jump point if no one activated it in the first place. The pilot, may have died on the entry to hyperspace, or some other possibility, which didn't really matter now, there was a war, and it was against the Shadows. The Minbari needed to know every weakness they had... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Even though the Shadows had been keeping an eye on the Centauri, Narn and the Humans, it didn't mean that they were the only races in the galaxy. The Vorlon, the Minbari were the main two 'opposers', even though the Vorlon hadn't made a stand against the Shadows yet, but it would not take long for the Minbari to move out and contact other species to help in their fight. That was why it was imperative to eliminate the Minbari now, or at least disable them beyond the point of space travel, where they could not interfere. Since the war began, the Shadows had lashed out quickly, and this was proving a mistake, their ships were not ready, and the hosts weren't either, there had been a few close shaves when several ships were almost detected by the Narn and Centauri on a routine survey. It was too close, but the war wasn't going as anticipated, the Shadows were falling, but the Minbari didn't realise it. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * As the Minbari felt they were on the edge of defeat, they decided to try to contact other races in the galaxy, they found it hard to believe that they were the only space travelling aliens apart from the Vorlon at this stage. So the Religous Caste made an agreement to the Warriors, to borrow two ships to find support against the Shadows. The report from Nerashi had confirmed the Shadows knew about several key locations in Minbari space, so help was needed as the Minbari fleet had been compromised. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * :: Nerashi System :: Just for the reason that Nerashi was a minor place on the Minbari star charts, so was the reason for it not having a military presence in case of attack. It was, after all a total civilian population, and it wasn't until the war was declared that all this began to happen. All this Shadow business had made the population worried, and so the jump gate was being used more widely as people left for Minbar. Only some loyal crew remained at the station, or perhaps it was because they had no where else to go. "Picking up a disturbance." "Where?" "One light year away, a ship closing, it matches the Shadow configuration..." "Defenses ready." The black spider was seen even in the darkness of space. It closed in toward the station, and screamed. The familiar bright purple beam leapt outward and tore the station in two, it then moved toward the planet and destroyed the civilian population on the surface. In ten seconds, it was all gone, the Minbari hold on Nerashi, and seven million of their civilian population. Blown to oblivion... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * TO BE CONTINUED... >>Of course, contacting other races won't be too hard for the Minbari, but getting their support will be another thing... From: Daniel Collins Subject: Agents Of The Dark, In The Beginning 1.7 Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 11:50:28 +1000 ~ ~ ~ Agents of the Dark, 1.7 ~ ~ ~ Series One: In The Beginning Part Seven: Rallying Support By: Daniel Collins * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Even though the Minbari thought they were losing the war against the Shadows, the Shadows knew that they had been too quick to attack. However, they remained consistent with their engagements against the Minbari, three months had passed, and the Shadows were closing in toward Sector 14 and Minbar, but the Minbari were closer to finding help against the Shadows, it was after all, about time... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * :: Minbari Cruiser, 'Cor'onack' :: Since the Minbari had begun their quest to find more allies against the Shadows, there had been several replies, and so, the Minbari spared a few ships to contact them. One of these was the Cor'onack, and it's first mission was going well so far. "We've arrived at the designated co-ordinates." the helm officer reported. "I don't see any ships, san for jump points in the area." the Commander said. "None detected." "Sir," the operations officer called. "A disturbance, bearing one-eight-one mark two-five-five." "Let's see it." A jump point opens out of nowhere and a small ship appears which travels toward the Cor'onack. "Hail the vessel." "Channel established." "Minbari vessel. We are the Dre'mokra, we are pleased to see you made the rendezvous, but there is some distressing news we have to convey to you. The enemy, of which you speak attacked the original ship you were to contact. We had been sent to investigate the incident. We were twelve parsecs out of base when the enemy came upon it and destroyed it, we have to act quickly, we will ally ourselves with you." "Wow, that was quick, we thank you for your wise decision, we do have some negotiating to do, you are obviously more technologically advacned than we are, and we possess knowledge of the enemy, we could trade?" "It is agreed." * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * :: Minbar, Minbari Homeworld :: "Our fleet is looking good. Soon we will be able to attack the Shadows. With the Dre'mokra, the Ginzati and countless other aliens joining us in our fight, we will become stronger, and a better people." "It is agreed that our alliances are growing, but remember that the Shadows never, NEVER miss their targets. What makes you think that we can beat them, even when they're outnumbered?" "We have our sources, several of our new alliances have helped us with technological advances in weapons and mobile jump point formation, but the key is from those races who told us that telepaths can hold off the Shadow vessels, and all we need is a little time, one small victory to rally support from other worlds that are bound to come under attack." * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * :: Sector 15 :: Only one sector from Sector 14 where the Minbari base was, there was a small, un-noticed colony of the D'rekarn, they were pacifists and had no idea of what was happening in the universe. They were a small people, with colonies of only a few hundred scattered throughout the Orion arm, and near the Narn system. In high orbit, the familiar disturbance of the Shadows appears and one ship was all it would take, the beams of it's fury lashing out, destroying the colony, and then, the defenceless ships in orbit. Then more of it's kind dropped out of Hyperspace, and a base would soon form, in preparation to take Sector 14... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * During the events of the growing Minbari Alliance against the Shadow's, the Vorlon had kept an eye open to the other worlds who had not yet ventured to space. The Centauri, the Narn, the Earther's and several other races in the League. It was a horrific surprise to the Vorlon when a small colony was detected on the Narn homeworld, and it's purpose was unclear... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * :: Z'ha'dum :: "Our colonies are spreading, bases forming everywhere." "Good." "A large fleet of vessels has been detected near Minbar." "What of it?" "It could be a strike against our forces." "Fool, of course it is, but you forget that our forces are far better than any of their vessels, we will eliminate the threat at Sector 14, and then their puny fleet." * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The fleet grew larger, and more telepaths were recruited among the Minbari people, many were reluctant and sceptacle of the war and their chances, but were persuaded because they'd be serving for the greater good of the Minbari people. The situation on Narn didn't appear to change, the Shadow forces continued to get larger, and the civilian population on the planet didn't appear to notice their movements. Sector 15 was soon fortified, and the Shadow forces were preparing to strike Sector 14, but no one knew of this, the D'rekarn were destroyed before even knowing what was happening in the universe, only a few of their colonies remained near the Narn homeworld. In the meantime, the Minbari continued to venture outward to see if there were any other races to form alliances with. Their hunting was going well, but soon they'd have to strike the Shadows, it was just a matter of who would make the opening move... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * TO BE CONTINUED... >> Soon things will heat up. We will see what happens in Sector 15, the Orion Arm, Alliances will form and all Hell will break loose as the Shadows sign their deathwish... From: Daniel Collins Subject: Agents Of The Dark, In The Beginning 1.8 Date: Tue, 05 May 1998 20:19:04 +1000 ~ ~ ~ Agents of the Dark ~ ~ ~ Series One: In The Beginning Part Eight: The Fall and Rise of Sector Fourteen By: Daniel Collins * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The Minbari had finally gathered all their forces around homeworld, but they still knew nothing about the Shadows plans to attack anywhere. It had been a few weeks since the last Shadow attack on a Minbari colony. There had been several attacks rumoured to have been occuring near the League systems and the Orion Arm, but the Minbari had concentrated too much on 'their' war to worry about the affairs of others... "There are things in the universe, billions of years older than either of our races, they are vast, timeless..." -G'Kar, Narn Regime. "A thousand years ago, the Shadows waged their first war, the Minbari and several Allies fought them off, but the Shadows were only defeated. Not Destroyed..." -Delenn, Minbari Federation. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * :: D'rekarn Colonies, Near Narn :: Just as they destroyed the small colony in Sector 15, the Shadow's continued to arrive at the D'rekarn planets and the Narn system. Their movements had been undetected by the people of those planets, which was why the Shadows were not yet going to destroy the colonies, taking their populations with them. But the D'rekarn were a young race, and inferior next to even the races who had not ventured into space, they were just wasting their resources, and had broken the rule of "The Strong Shall Survive, The Weak Shall Perish." it was either up to evolution or the Shadows to determine their fate. The bases that were on these colonies, were all for making their fleet's, and to keep the Minbari fleet away from Z'Ha'Dum, soon it would be time for the strike to occur, and then, finally get the support they deserve. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * :: Narn Homeworld, Southern Hemisphere :: The sun was hard against his face as he walked through the deserted regions of the equator. He had seen the darkness, and had to make sure that what he saw was real. G'Quan was never one to give up, he was one of those people who wrote scriptures on the events of the present, to pass on, hopefully to those in the future. He had seen a strange object, fly through the sky at night, an object so dark that it was almost unseen. And there it was, as he came over the hill, the valley of T'ureln was filled with dark ships, and moving figures. With pen in hand, G'Quan quickly drew what he had seen, and what he was seeing now, pure evil, total darkness, their motives, unknown, and why they were on Narn, unknown... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * :: Minbar, Higher Orbit :: "That's it, we have all the races signed up, and their fleet's are standing by." "All is done, everything is in place, notify the fleet to prepare for transport to Sector 14." "Yes, I will do as you ask..." * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * :: D'rekarn System :: It was time, the Shadows had to move, they already knew of the Minbari plans to fortify Sector 14, it proves that a communique had slipped into the wrong hands, and now the Shadows were off guard, the fleets moved quickly, leaving the colonies. In waves they jumped into Hyperspace, the last few turned toward the Narn and D'rakarn systems, several targetted the D'rekarn and obliterated every last trace of the people who were there. Their chance at life, destroyed through the decisions of evil. The vessels who targetted Narn, turned away and jumped into Hyperspace. As everything in the universe has a destiny, good or bad. The D'rekarn destiny was to be destroyed by the unknown, the Narn's destiny, is still pending decision... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * :: Sector 15 :: "Our movements have been detected, our fleet is in hyperspace, and will be here soon, we must act fast if we are to eliminate Sector 15 and the enemy fleet." "It will be done." "And when it is, we will then destroy the un armed homeworld's who have joined with this enemy, and once and for all, we will be rulers of this galaxy." "You forget...there are still the Vorlon..." * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * :: Sector 14, Minbari Starbase :: As wars go, this one now appeared to be going well for the Minbari. Their fleet was now in hyperspace and headed for Sector 14 to fortify the system against a Shadow attack. The allied worlds were making the right decision in joining the Minbari for mutual benefit for all of them. There had been a number of unprovoked attacks detected just recently near the Orion Arm, where no advanced culture's existed, it was believed that the attacks were caused by the Shadows, and that obviously, they had completed their work in those areas, and erased all traces. Sector 14 remained unaware as to the existence of a large Shadow base, in Sector 15, where the Shadows were all meeting, and preparing for the final strike. "How long before our forces reach us?" "Three hours at most, they left Minbar earlier today." "Good, the sooner they're here, the more safer we'll feel." "I'm picking up something, on viewer, now." "What in the? No, it can't be. It is not time..." That starbase at Sector 14, may have been large, but it was no match, even with it's defenses against a fully armed fleet of Shadow vessels. Although the cruisers nearby fired at the Shadows, no damage was taken. The Shadow vessels ignored the cruisers, and tore Sector 14 apart, from the inside. Out. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * TO BE CONTINUED... >>In the continuing part, the Minbari-Allied fleet will arrive, too late of course. The book of G'Quan will be taken more seriously, an attack on an allied colony alerts the fleet that the Shadows may win the war yet, and a new hope, and figure appears... From: Daniel Collins Subject: Agents Of The Dark, In The Beginning 1.9 Date: Tue, 05 May 1998 05:45:44 +1000 ~ ~ ~ Agents of the Dark ~ ~ ~ Series One: In The Beginning Part Nine: The Fall and Rise of Sector Fourteen By: Daniel Collins * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The starbase at Sector 14 was one of the Minbari's greatest achievements, and stongpoints throughout the Shadow War. When the Shadow's obliterated it, it almost seemed as though all hope had been destroyed as well. With the exception of their large allied fleet, for Minbar and the Allied Worlds, there was nothing they had that would bring them to victory... "There are things in the universe, billions of years older than either of our races, they are vast, timeless..." -G'Kar, Narn Regime. "A thousand years ago, the Shadows waged their first war, the Minbari and several Allies fought them off, but the Shadows were only defeated. Not Destroyed..." -Delenn, Minbari Federation. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * :: Sector 14 :: A hyperspace jump point opens, the Minbari fleet drop into normal space and head toward the starbase. Aboard the lead cruiser Ha'ken, the crew are scanning the area... "No sign is detected of the base. It should be here." exclaimed the Operations officer. "Confirmed, nothing detected apart from the fleet," Navigation added. "Wait, I'm picking up something." The forward viewer shows several flicker's in the space ahead. "The Shadows." their commander says. "Yes, they are on an attack vector." "Prepare all weapons, get the telepaths ready as well." the commander ordered. "It is done." "FIRE!" The Minbari fleet closes in toward the Shadow cruisers. The Shadows fire their beams toward the front of the fleet, the Ha'ken dodges the fire. Minbari and Allied weaponry blaze outward to the Shadow vessels. The Shadows sustain negligable damage, and send out their fighters which disperse and attack the rear ships. "Telepaths are now jamming their forces." The Shadows prepare for another attack, but several are held back, and strain to move forward. The Minbari fleet fires on the helpless ships, which lurch under the power, and then disintergrate. Several Allied vessels are destroyed by the smaller fighters, as the larger cruisers prepare to attack again. The Shadows are still being held off, but the telepaths are weakening, allowing the Shadows closer every now and then. Still firing, the Ha'ken pulls back to protect some allied vessels from the Shadows fighters. The large Shadow cruisers are kept at bay, and then destroyed, the smaller fighters are left to fend for themselves as they can't jump into Hyperspace, the Allied fleet manage to destroy them with ease, but not without taking casualties themselves. It was over. The first victory against the Shadows at Sector 14. Although they lost the base, they kept the Sector. But the Minbari were low on resources and couldn't last another attack. So, even though they won this battle, there were many more battles that would defeat them, and eventually, destroy them. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Whilst the ships that still had power returned to Minbar, those that didn't chose to stay behind and help by trying to keep the Sector under their jurisdiction. The Ha'ken had power, but still chose to remain with those who couldn't jump out of the area. It was late in a Minbari day, and everyone was tiring down. It had been a long day, but one that was meaningful for the Minbari people. They had managed to save the Minbari people from dying away because of Shadows that haunted the night. Although it was late, a large disturbance was detected near the fleet. As the commander of the Ha'ken got up to see, a large flash appeared at the point where the Minbari Base of Sector 14 once existed. But, instead of the base re appearing, something larger, and completely 'non-Minbari' appeared. It was shaped like a flower on homeworld, and appeared to be primitive by Minbari standards compared to the Base which used to occupy the area. "What in the name of the Prophets?" "What do we do?" "Prepare a boarding team, we have to investigate." The crew left the Ha'ken aboard a small shuttle, and docked with the large sturcture, it appeared to be rotating, which caused some trouble when docking, but nonetheless, they made it. The Minbari had only just got out of the stage when rotating sections were required on ships. The Ha'ken team disembarked their shuttle, where a small, unknown alien appeared. "Come!" he called out to them, gesturing them to follow him. The Ha'ken crew looked at each other in confusion. The little alien had walked off down a small corridor, looking back, said to them again, "Come on! You must see!" The Ha'ken crew decided to check it out and followed the alien. They came to a large opening inside, and two angelic figures appeared, floating above what was - Vorlon. The little alien pointed toward a figure standing between the Vorlon. "Welcome my friends. I am Valen." * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Reports of the new station and the Minbari called Valen spread throughout the Alliance, Minbar sent more ships to fortify the area, because they knew that soon enough, the Shadows would learn of what had taken place, and attempt to destroy the base again. Valen remained with the station, which was known as Babylon 4. It was told to have been brought from the future, from an alien race unknown to the Minbari at this point. Valen became known as a prophet of the Minbari people, he was respected, and so was the station. It was well protected this time... The turning point of the Shadow War was almost complete... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The Shadows remained strong, but as soon as word of the new station appearing in Sector 14 reached them. They knew they would not win. Instead, they began to divise a way to protect themselves without destroying themselves in the process, and then, when the time is right, they will strike, and take back what was their's... Even through the greatest times of the Shadow War, the Minbari kept their ties to the Vorlon Government open, in the hope that they would contact the Minbari and lend any advice on how to fight the Shadows. It wasn't until after the appearance of Babylon 4 that the Vorlon finally opened a channel to Minbar. It was a nonetheless cryptic message, but meaningful... ## The first circle is almost complete...We are nearly ready. One small moment of destructive force...and not for another millenium, will it arise again.## * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The Minbari had new plans to end the Shadow War. They had realised that with telepaths, they could beat the Shadows. They prepared their allied forces for a final strike on Z'Ha'Dum, the Shadow Homeworld, then and only then will the Shadows be destroyed. ##No.## Was the only response the Minbari gained from the Vorlon, "NO!" was the response from Valen. He told the Minbari of the future, and what would occur, another war, a thousand years to come. He told those only who he believed had great potential. There was himself, and eight others, and together, they formed The Grey Council. They stood between the Darkness and the Light... The Minbari people relented, and decided to abide by Valen's order. Their fleet would remain near Babylon 4, and continued to strengthen with the new supplies it was offering. Soon enough, the Shadows would strike. It was just a matter of where. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * In their final observations of the first Shadow War, the Vorlon had kept quiet, but still observing the activities of the races. The Minbari - against the Shadows, the Centauri - conquering and warring among themselves, the Narn - telling each other of the darkness that existed on their world, even if only for a short time, and the Humans, strong and developing... The fleet at Babylon 4 was alot larger, and in better shape than previous, and everyone wanted to test it's strength against the Shadows. Their chance arose when an attack was reported on a Dre'mork'ra colony. The fleet jumped into Hyperspace and went straight for the colony. By the time they jumped out, they were too late again. The colony had been destroyed, but that wasn't all. Several Shadow vessels had been detected - buried below the surface. The fleet opened a full scale assault on the planet surface, which awoke the vessel, it flew upward, and fired. The telepaths held it away, and the fleet attacked, the ship was destroyed, just as the remaining warships jumped into normal space. This was the final attack, the Allied fleet struck with all it's might, but the telepaths were losing quickly. The Shadows were outnumbering the Minbari fleet, and wiping them out quickly. The Dre'morkra attempted to protect each other, as did the other races, each race protecting their own, but it was all futile. The Shadows were winning. It almost seemed hopeless for the Minbari to continue fighting until a vortex opened between the two fleets. The Minbari fleet drew back, as did the Shadows as hundreds of Vorlon Cruisers jumped into normal space and fired at the Shadow cruisers. ##LEAVE...NOW!!!## Was the message the Vorlon left behind as they destroyed the Shadow ships on the front lines. The fleet abided by this, turned away and jumped back for Babylon 4. The Vorlon completed their task as the Shadows retreated from the area. The Vorlon re entered Hyperspace, and the system was left with no trace of the battle left behind... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The Minbari fleet was no longer needed as over the next few months, and eventually, years the Shadows didn't emerge. One thing was left that made them wonder. If a ship was buried on the Dre'mork'ra colony, how many others could still be waiting, waiting for the next thousand years until the time is right, and wreak havoc again. Will the Vorlon still be there for the last moment, and drive the Shadows away? Time would tell. And so Valen, and The Grey Council began to prepare the Minbari people, for the upcoming Fire... THE END. This announces the end of IN THE BEGINNING. Be on the watch for the second part of Agents Of The Dark, coming soon.