From: "NEIL COLLINS" Subject: First Contact Date: Thu, 2 Oct 97 05:46:13 UT Story: First Contact By: Daniel Collins Start: 1st October 1997 * * * * * * * * * * I have written this story in response to a persons comment about my 5 parter entitled "The Final Stand". In response to their concern, I have decided to write a prequel to that particular story. So hold on as we go back in time just a little bit! * * * * * * * * * * The unknown universe was what everyone wanted to explore... The unknown universe was where the answers were awaiting... Out there would be aliens we understood, and then, some that we didn't... The unknown is always full of surprises... The unknown is out there. The year is 2245, The name of the place, is EAS Prometheus... * * * * * * * * * * * Chronicle Log April 14th 2245, The Prometheus has left Amaltha 3, and has now set a course for unexplored territory beyond the region of space known as the 'Falcon's Reach'. What lies beyond this region of space is unknown to us. But the crew is ever ready to do so. * * * * * * * * * * "Nothing to report Sir." "Good, well maintain course, notify me as soon as we enter unexplored territory" Captain Skirami said as he left the bridge. "Sir!" Lieutenant Commander Hobson called "Wait!" "Lieutenant Commander? How are we today?" "Fine Sir, just eager to get into the unknown!" "Well, it's out there and not going anywhere fast." "Yes Sir, I'll see you later?" "Of course." The ever excited First Officer entered the bridge, and Skirami looked on in amazement. * * * * * * * * * * "So Earthforce wants US to stay out here on the Rim to look for some other intelligence?" Then there were those who didn't like the idea of exploring the unknown. One of those was Security Chief Graham Terris. "I think it's great!" Hobbson said. "Think for yourself, what if we bump into hostiles?" "We've encountered the Centauri and the Narn, they might be annoying, but not hostile, with the exception of to each other!" "Well, Earthforce orders Stand, we're staying on the Rim." Skirami said as he joined the officers at the table. "Sir? Well, of course. But we don't get good ISN coverage here." "I'll agree, but there's nothing much going on at Earth anyway." "You sure?" Terris asked "We don't get coverage, so you wouldn't know." "And neither would you." Skirami said getting up from the table and leaving the security officer to his brooding. * * * * * * * * * * "Skirami to the bridge." The comm system called. "Skirami here, what is it?" he asked through his communicator. "We've entered un explored space..." The doors opened and Skirami and Hobbson entered the bridge. All officers continue working at their posts. "Well?" asked Skirami. "Sensors indicate nothing unusual in the vacinity." Hobbson replied. "Continue on course." Skirami ordered "Any sign of life?" "None as yet, Sir." The Operations officer said. "Not yet." * * * * * * * * * * Following Day: Time 06:29 * * * * * * * * * * "Ensign?" "I can't, I can't, I don't know anymore!!!" "Warning, Hull Breach!" "Get to the emergency evacuation pods!" "It's too late" "Can't help it, it's not working" "We need help down here!" "Captain, Orders???" "Who fired those shots?" "You gave the order Sir." "IT"S ALL YOUR FAULT!" "The Time is 06:30, time to wake up. There is nothing to report today." The Computer woke Skirami up. "Hobbson to Skirami." The communicator sounded. "Hobbson, what is it at 6:30 in the morning?" "Good Morning Captain, just like to tell you we've found three un identified ships on an intercept course. Intelligent life sure does exist out here!" "Thank you Lieutenant Commander, keep me posted." * * * * * * * * * * Chronicle Log April 15th 2245. As the Prometheus continues further into unknown territory, we have found, or 'they' have found us. But, three unidentified ships are on an intercept course, a rendezvous is expected within two hours... "Report." "Attempting to open communication channels." "Sensors are sketchy, but those ships do look quite large compared to ours." Hobbson reported. "Mikat, can you confirm that?" Skirami asked. "Confirmed, long range tracking sensors tell us they are roughly twice our height, same width and length as the Prometheus." Mikat said. "Advanced too." Skirami said. "Not really," Hobbson started "there are many other ships from other alien races that are much larger than Hyperion class starships." "Still, we've yet to find out their intentions." Skirami said. "Keep me posted." * * * * * * * * * * "So now we've found some aliens, are they friendly?" Terris asked. "We're finding that out." Skirami reassured. "Well, I'm still sceptacle about this." "You be as sceptacle as you want, but I want this first contact to run smoothly." Skirami said. "And?" "That means I want you to stop complaining or I'll relieve you." "Why?" "The morale on this ship is falling and I suspect you're to blame!" "Yes, Sir." Terris answered "I'll try." "That's good." * * * * * * * * * * "Communications established, Sir!" Mikat reported. "Let's be the ones to start." Skirami said. "To unidentified vessels, I am Captain Haru Skirami of the planet Earth. We come in peace for our two races." "Nicely done." Hobbson said. "Earth vessel. We are glad that you offer us peace. We are the Minbari and look forward to meeting with you." the comm channel closed. "Minbari, sounds friendly enough!" Mikat said. "Here's to the future!" Hobbson called. * * * * * * * * * * Chronicle Log, April 15th 2245, The Prometheus is minutes away from a rendezvous with a new species that have never been encountered before by Earthforce. The Minbari. They appear to be a peaceful race that are highly advanced and welcoming. Their appearances may be misleading, but then, we haven't met them yet. Our scheduled rendezvous is in 10 minutes. * * * * * * * * * * "Sir, Minbari cruisers are in range." Mikat said. "Okay, let's see them." the viewer activates to show three 'fish' like starships moving in toward the Earthforce starship. "This is odd." Tactical officer Rowen said. "What?" Skirami asked. "If this is right..." "What?" "Their gun ports are open. That means they're powering up weapons!" "My God, we're outnumbered Sir." Hobbson said. "I know, load weapon bays, prepare all fighters for immediate launch. We're going on the offensive. RED ALERT!" Skirami ordered. "Aye sir." Hobbson replied. "Weapons bay, lock target and prepare to fire." Skirami called down the communications array. * * * * * * * * * * "Didn't they say they were peaceful?" asked Hobbson. "That they did, but we've dealed with deception many times." Skirami answered. "What's going on?" Terris asked as he entered the bridge. "The aliens weapon bays are open. They're going to attack." "Surely they would've attacked already?" Terris asked. "They're getting us into a false sense of security" Hobbson replied "That's all." "Weapon bays here, ready to fire." * * * * * * * * * * The Minbari cruisers got closer to the Prometheus. "FIRE!" Skirami ordered... TO BE CONTINUED... By Daniel Collins Completion: 2nd October 1997 In the next part: Earthforce must decide what to do as the Minbari aren't happy...