From: "Neil Collins" Subject: The First Victory Date: Mon, 29 Dec 1997 20:15:28 +1100 Earth-Minbari War (Ninth Part): The First Victory By: Daniel Collins * * * * * * * * * * Continuing From 'Fighting What Cannot Be Fought'... * * * * * * * * * * The party was well underway when the chronometers hit 31st December 2246, 23:59:59, and when the next second hit, the party grew even better. Everyone on Earth was either celebrating, partying, dancing or getting drunk. No one aware of the events near Jupiter... Sheridan looked on, waiting for the Minbari cruiser to reach the first mine. It didn't, the Minbari cruiser flew close to it. Sheridan couldn't help but feel disappointed in the fact it hadn't exploded in their faces. He remembered then, that if the ship was close enough, the mine would explode anyway, the first ship passed it, but there were dozens of others, filled with fusion bombs which carried enough destructive capabilities to blow the Minbari to hell. The first ship was well clear of the first mine, and Sheridan couldn't focus his eyes on another one, the rest of the fleet continued to follow it. Then it happened... The first Minbari vessel moved on, then, a black spot, small against the large ship's hull was seen. Before Sheridan realised what it was, a massive explosion broke out. The explosion was so large that the entire ship couldn't be seen for a while. When the explosion cleared, the entire forward section of the ship was destroyed, the rear spinning out of control. One of the escorting cruisers attempted to avoid the large debris of the 'Blackstar', but couldn't, the debris impacted along the cruiser's hull, and it was destroyed. Two other cruisers were in the same area, and tried to flea, several fighters which escorted the cruisers manuevered drastically to get out of the way of the two dead cruisers. Either through confusion, or disbelief, several impacted on the hulls of the other two cruisers. In their attempts to withdraw, two more mines exploded as the third ship collided with them. it was destroyed in seconds, the fourth had turned around, preparing to retreat, but the debris hit it, it span toward an asteroid, and exploded. Sheridan found he was holding his breathe the whole time, and took a deep breathe of success. There were two cruisers left with several damaged fighters. The Earth Alliance had had it's first victory, but with every action, there's a re action, but that didn't seem to matter now... "Sir, the remaining vessels are hailing us." Communications called. "Let's see what they have to say." Sheridan acknowledged. "I'm Captain John Sheri..." "Star Killer," was all the Minbari said, with total hate in his eyes, "Star Killer, you will regret this." The Minbari fleet turned away from Earth, a jump point formed, and the ships flew into it. They had won. "Congratulations, Sir, you did it." Sheridan didn't feel right when she said YOU did it, so he replied, "We all did, we all did, congratulations." * * * * * * * * * * The Agamemnon had won the Earth Alliance the best victory against the Minbari so far. It was the first time they were actually able to take the Minbari out, permanently. Atleast for now, Earth was safe again, but the Minbari would undoubtedly be back. "Sir." Communications called. "Yes?" Sheridan acknowledged. "We're being hailed by Earthdome, Sir, they wish to speak with you." "Okay, put it through to this terminal." Sheridan said. "Aye, Sir." Senator Yedeki's face appeared on the screen. "Senator, what can I do for you?" Sheridan asked. "Good work Captain, you did it well." Yedeki said. "Thank you Senator, it wasn't easy, but we did take out a large chunk of their fleet, I don't think they'll be back in a hurry." "No, neither do we, that's why we're holding a ceremony." "A, a ceremony?" Sheridan was confused. "Yes, for you, to remember the victory that occured today." Yedeki said. "Of course, but I..." "Oh come now Captain, it's the only victory we've had in this whole damned war, you do deserve some commendation." "Yes, Senator, I'll meet you there when the Agamemnon's in orbit." "Look forward to it." Yedeki said with a smile, "Earthdome out." "Ensign, take us into Earth Orbit." Sheridan ordered. "Aye, Sir." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Sector 13 * * * A jump point forms and the remaining Minbari fleet drop into normal space. They travel along until they come across one Minbari warship. The warship is that which carries the Minbari spiritual leaders, otherwise known as the Grey Council. This meeting between the Grey Council and the Minbari war fleet means that action will soon be taken, and that the Minbari will not stand for the destruction of their flagship, the Blackstar... * * * * * * * * * * Obviously, no one in the Minbari government would tolerate the mass destruction that had just occured. Especially when they were so close to the humans homeworld, Earth. Action will be taken against the humans, an action they won't be ready for. * * * * * * * * * * As the Agamemnon sat in Earth's orbit, with only a skeleton crew running her, Captain Sheridan and his main crew were on the surface, where he was to be presented with the Silver Star, a reward for his efforts in the Asteroid Belt. The whole planet was partying for the new year, 2247, and the victory near Jupiter, but soon it would turn into mass alarm. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Quadrant 12, Earth Alliance Outpost Sigma * * * Even so far from Earth, the parties stretched out to the furthest reaches of the Earth Alliance. Outpost Sigma was one of these points. The entire crew enjoyed the partying, and the company of the EAS Acura's crew which was docked for repairs. The only ship in the area was the Acura, all other's had been engaging Minbari forces, and now were all heading back to Earth Spacedock for refits and what nots. No one on the rim of Earth Alliance territory thought of an invasion, but then, anything can happen in space. Just off Outpost Sigma, a jump point forms... The party, now in full rage is interrupted by a call from Operations. "Commander Kyle, this is an emergency!!!" Kyle, too busy partying almost acted as though he didn't hear the message, but quickly bee lined across the room to the elevator doors. As soon as he stepped into Operations, he saw the problem. "Red Alert, All Hands Man Your Stations!" "Minbari warships are closing with gun ports open, Sir." "Open weapons bays, prepare to fire." Kyle ordered. "Sir, they may take that as a hostile act." "I know, but I'm not without teeth Ensign." "Weapons ready." "Fire a warning shot." A Red beam snaked out toward the Minbari fleet, and flew straight past. "This is the Acura, we're ready to lend assistance." The Acura's Captain called. "Roger Acura, clear for departure." * * * * * * * * * * As the Acura powered up her engines, Outpost Sigma opened the Starfury hangers. The squadrons flew out toward the Minbari fleet, and held a position just off the station's perimiter. The Acura launched her squadrons too and they held position near her. The Earth Alliance forces were still outnumbered, but yet still intended to fight. The Minbari closed in toward the scattered ships, and opened fire, the first shot destroyed several fighters, the station opened fire, but being a stationary target, it was easy prey for the Minbari... * * * * * * * * * * The Agamemnon was alerted to the attack on Outpost Sigma and quickly alerted Sheridan and the crew, who were still on Earth. The Agamemnon would probably be too late again, as it was at Centirss, but they had to try... * * * * * * * * * * The Minbari forces regrouped, and all the fighters moved toward the station. The Acura gave some cover fire to try to deter some of the trigger happy Minbari, but it only worsened the situation for the station. As interceptors were fired at the Minbari weapons, they all were overcome by more and more weaponry coming from all directions. The Acura was soon surrounded by enemy fighters, several Starfuries pursued and fired at the Minbari forces. To no avail, the Minbari weren't damaged by the attack. The station was taking visible damage, and the Acura was surrounded, and so was helpless. The station soon after, evacuated. But most of the escape pods were destroyed. The Acura manuevered away from the exploding station, and managed to lose some Minbari weapons fire too. The Acura spun round to take a shot at the Minbari cruisers, but was too late, Outpost Sigma exploded, and the Acura would be caught with it. Quickly as ever, it launched a jump point buoy and entered Hyperspace, destination: Earth... * * * * * * * * * * By the time Sheridan was aboard the Agamemnon, they already new of the station's destruction and that the Acura would soon drop into normal space just of Io's jump point. They were too late, again. * * * * * * * * * * To Be Continued, Stay Tuned For The Continuation: Complications * * * * * * * * * * Hopefully you've been keeping up to date with the Earth-Minbari War... here are the previous stories that all lead up to "The First Victory"... 1> First Contact 2> Fateful Mistakes of Apprehension 3> The Brink of War 4> Into The Fire 5> Thin Ice, Wild Fire 6> A Beginning With Hope 7> Consequences 8> Fighting What Cannot Be Fought 9> THE FIRST VICTORY and to come... 10>> Complications 11>> The Final Stand (Special Re Release) 12>> The Battle To End All Battles (Special Re Release/ Finale)