From: "NEIL COLLINS" Subject: The Brink of War Date: Sat, 25 Oct 97 00:55:55 UT Story Title: The Brink of War (continuing from Fateful Mistakes of Apprehension) Story By: Daniel Collins Commences: 2nd October 1997 >*< Chapter Title * * * * * * * * * * Previously, (Fateful Mistakes of Apprehension) The Prometheus has opened fire on the Minbari cruisers, two of the three were destroyed, and now the Minbari Federation has declared war upon the Earth Alliance... * * * * * * * * * * >And So It Begins< The Prometheus continued toward the Earthforce fleet of vessels that were now blockading Earth Alliance territory. A large fleet consisting of about twenty Hyperion class vessels, and fifteen Nova class. By now the Prometheus had been fully repaired and was prepared for battle. Or was it? Skirami walked across the bridge and asked for a report on the situation. "Not good, Sir" Hobbson said. "Why?" "The Minbari have a very large fleet on it's way, that's according to latest readings from Parogas 5 outpost." Hobbson replied. "Sir, incoming message from the EAS Wellington." the communications officer called. "Let's hear it." Skirami said. The communique came over the speakers. "All units stay alert, we've picked up some Hyperspace activity in the area." "Red Alert, Ready all Weapons and Cobra bays for immediate launch!" Skirami called out to the bridge crew. "Aye, Sir." Ensign Farrason said. "Scramble, Scramble, all squadrons to the Cobra bays for launch!" "Sir!" Hobbson called. "What is it?" Skirami asked. "Disturbance bearing 110 mark 325, it's a jump point!" The crew gazed out into the starfield in front of them, and a large blue tinge filled the sky, a funnel that revealed several Minbari cruisers. "My God," Hobbson said as he looked on. "We're doomed." The Jump point didn't close for quite some time as more and more Minbari cruisers, each escorted by small but menacing looking fighters came pouring through. "Report!" "We're outnumbered. Approximately 150 Minbari ships in total and rising! 200 ships!" The Jump point closed. "Total of 225 ships!" "Oh Hell..." * * * * * * * * * * > Firestorm < The Minbari fleet turned toward the Earth Alliance with a sudden aggressiveness. The vessels looked like vicious Piranha awaiting to attack their prey. Their fleets were grouped in threes, making a total of 75 groups. The Flagship of the Earthforce fleet, the Wellington opened a channel to the fleet. "Don't fire until fired upon." Hobbson reported to Skirami, "Sir, their gunports are open." "Hold fire." Skirami said. "Aye Sir." Farrason said. The Minbari fleet continued moving in toward the Earth Alliance fleet at extreme slow speed. Then the first cruiser opened fire on the Wellington... The remaining Minbari fleet opened fire on the Earth Alliance vessels. The Earth Alliance returned fire, but to no avail. The Wellington was taking heavy fire, and opened a comm link to the fleet in a plea of help. "All units continue firing! Starships Newark and Uganda give cover fire, Los Angeles and Prometheus move to position Gamma! Vessels Beaumont and zzzzzzzzz....................." The message faded into nothing. The Prometheus followed orders and gave cover fire for the Los Angeles. From their point of view, the Wellington was taking too much fire, and couldn't hold out. Several small specks emerged from her hull as the Starfury's were launched. A few other ships did the same. Skirami ordered to follow suit. "Launch all fighters!" The Prometheus' beams of fire pounded out into the night. Several Minbari cruisers took heavy damage. The Cobra bays opened, and the Starfury's flew out. As they passed the Wellington, several were intercepted by Minbari fire, and consequently destroyed. "Sir, the Wellington is taking too much damage!" Hobbson said. "Move to intercept." Skirami ordered. "It's too late." the crew looked out into the night where the Wellington sat. Many green beams impacted against her hull before a bright red glow emerged from her forward hull and multiple fires erupted toward her reactor core. The fires spread and although defused by the vacuum of space, the Wellington erupted in a ball of flame... "My God," Skirami said, "Is that our only loss?" "No Sir, starships Asimov, Belrose, Beaumont and Tener have also been destroyed. The bridge rocked and a massive scream was heard as though metal were being twisted. "Any casualties on the Minbari side?" Skirami asked in desperation. "One or two fighters, no cruisers." Hobbson said. "There's no way we can win." "Are you suggesting we withdraw?" "No, I'm saying, be logical." "I will not surrender!" The Minbari fleet was now closing in toward the Prometheus. The remaining Earthforce vessels continued to fire all they had, but the Minbari just kept swarming in. Three Earthforce ships exploded, now leaving the fleet with ten ships. Several small explosions informed everyone of how many Starfury's were out there. Even they were losing rapidly. The remaining few ships regrouped around the Prometheus, two more cruisers were destroyed in the process. "Prometheus to Earthforce fleet." Skirami said. "Continue firing." "Sir, this is the Newark, you must realise we can't win!" "You will follow orders! CONTINUE FIRING!!!" Skirami yelled as the bridge was covered in smoke and a loud 'bang' was heard from below. "We must abandon ship, Sir!" Hobbson called. "NO!!!" Skirami yelled. "We will fight to the last!" The Prometheus fired everything it had at the Minbari fleet, and another two ships were destroyed in their attempt to protect it. The Minbari closed in on the Prometheus with full weapons blazing into it's hull, there was no way she would be able to survive the punishment she was recieving. "Newark to Prometheus, we MUST withdraw!" There was no response, except for a few seconds later, the Prometheus exploded. "Newark to fleet, withdraw from this sector, there's nothing we can do." With six vessels left, the fleet turned as the Newark opened a Jump point buoy, and entered it. One ship was destroyed as it entered it, and the Jump point closed. Leaving the Minbari as the victors... * * * * * * * * * * > No End in Sight < "...and in further developments of the war raging out on the rim, it's not looking too good for Earth. A fleet of ships was positioned along the border to stop a possible invasion, unfortunately the fleet of thirty five, only managed to retreat with five ships remaining. Latest reports show that the Minbari are now advancing further into Earth Alliance territory, and that they have attacked Parogas 5 outpost. Our deepest hopes go to those people residing on the colonies out there. And hopes are with Earthforce as they attempt to fend off the imminent invasion..." TO BE CONTINUED... By: Daniel Collins Finish: 25th October 1997