From: David Goldingay Subject: STAR AND CIRCLE: "The Seeker's Fire", Episode 13, Overture Date: Sat, 22 Apr 2000 00:21:52 -0600 Previously, in STAR AND CIRCLE... On the world the younger races name Neilgeitha Prime, the woman responsible for opening the gate to Thirdspace is about to make another mistake. Dr. Elizabeth Trent, no longer a servant of Interplanetary Expeditions, along with her colleague Renly Moreau and their team, is in the midst of exploring an ancient spire on that world when she unleashes a force imprisoned there by the Shadows many thousands of years before -- an intelligent nanotech collective that calls itself the Craneori. These creatures subsequently decide to set a trap for Trent and her team -- their goal, to draw a ship to Neilgeitha Prime so that they may escape to begin a search for their 'creators'. Meanwhile, on Babylon 5, Julia has been summoned to take part in a Ranger commander's conference, a meeting at which Lanniel, the new commander of the Fleet-on-search, reveals that the Worker Caste is about to begin construction on a new generation of White Star vessels. Veyshahk has also come to the station -- and thus it is he encounters Kirash, a Warrior Caste member of the family he once served -- one who seeks revenge. Kirash will eventually force Veyshahk into a duel -- an encounter that the Ranger physician must win if he is to continue his duties aboard the *Shard of Night*. But even as Veyshahk is trapped on Babylon 5 by this duty of honour, the remainder of the *Shard*'s crew travels to Neilgeitha to help free Trent's team as well as the White Star that has answered their call. And it is there that the Craneori take possession of Julia's command, and propel it through a mysterious 'explorer' portal to a position beyond the Galactic Rim... a location from which they will allow no return, until their ancient creators come for them. Other forces, however, are lurking beyond the Rim. And the first to reach the *Shard of Night* is the ancient being that calls himself... Lorien. * * * And now, the conclusion... * * * There'd been some days of late, Julia Tikopai wearily considered as she reclined in the captain's chair of the Interstellar Alliance battlecruiser 'Shard of Night', when she'd considered what would have happened if William and Brianna hadn't rescued her on Proxima III back in 2260 -- the time that she and the High Councillor's father had been running from the Nightwatch in a borrowed transjet. William, of course, had brought the White Star 2 out of hyperspace right on top of them *within* Proxima III's atmosphere -- a rescue ordered by Ambassador Kosh, and guided by the hand of Brianna Tolmanes. Ever since then, destiny had held her firmly in its grasp -- but another road had been abandoned, that day. A road that would have, in all likelihood, lead to a more... normal life -- a life untroubled by Shadows, and Drakh... by wars, and prophecies. Would that life have been a simpler one? Undeniably, the answer was yes. But as for interesting... that was a much harder question to answer. In any case... in the here and now, there was no use in wasting time musing on what might have been -- *this* was her life now. For better or worse, this was what she was -- captain of the most powerful Ranger warship ever built -- focus of a destiny both known and unknowable. And now, there was another problem to be solved -- their most difficult one, yet. But aid, as she and the rest of her crew had found out only a moment before, had arrived from a *most* unexpected quarter. Aid from the long-robed being standing before her, his expression calm... his eyes full of the wisdom gained from his billions of years of existence. "Our search, you say." Larieken carefully began. "Forgive us, First One -- but this region of space appears to be lifeless... and aside from the nearby cluster of stars my captain would call a 'globular cluster'... one must travel for many months if not *years* before coming to another such object." "The words he speaks are true ones." Dasouri darkly added. "Our entire lives, we may waste, travelling in this dark place, and come across no living thing other than yourself. And even in the days before your departure, First One... the ancients were difficult to find, and even more difficult to communicate with. Even if we were to encounter ancients in our search, what guarantee is there that they will even be willing to speak to us?" "Nothing in life is guaranteed." Lorien replied, "But do not be so quick to assume that this darkness is only that, Drazi. I assure you that your arrival in this place has not gone unnoticed. For many millions of your years, those who followed me into life have travelled beyond the Rim, leaving the galaxy to those who would walk in their place -- but even they are not content to dwell in the darkness for all eternity. Like moths to a flame, many of us have gathered in the clusters -- they are, in many respects, afraid of the darkness. Afraid of being *alone*." "So if we go to that star cluster," Julia asked, "Will we find the race they're looking for?" "Or those who know of their location... but you must be careful." Lorien warned. "Many there are, even now, who hold emnity against the others in the places beyond." "And now there are no Younger Races to move as pawns on the board..." Elizabeth Trent managed, her voice hollow, "Have they actually gone back to fighting with one another?" "On occasion...yes." Lorien finally admitted. "Some there are who would seek to return to the old ways -- to upset the balance. You are, I am afraid, if I may use your word, a 'pawn' to be fought over -- and even to be lied to. For these reasons, and others, we must move on this matter, and quickly. While you," the First One commanded, as he turned his piercing gaze upon the Craneori possessing Jordan Pieke, "*Will* cooperate with us on this matter." Pieke inclined his head, his expression seemingly... humble. "{Honored we are by your presence and assistance, First One -- it shall be as you say."} Several resonant chimes sounded, then -- and Klairika managed a small smile, as she turned to face her captain. "The Craneori appear to have retreated out of all major ship's systems..." "Including the jump engines?" Julia critically inquired. "Yes. She is, once again, yours to command. Your orders?" "We go to the cluster -- best possible speed." Julia's eyes hardened. "Because until we find the race the Craneori are looking for, none of us can go home." Which was when another unexpected thing occured -- as Lorien... Began to laugh. Julia frowned... was it something she'd said? * * * Interstellar Alliance Space Station Babylon 5. The Ranger Compound. August 5th, 2267 -- 2115 hrs, EST. In the darkness, the crystals chimed -- and in front of him, a single candle burned upon the dark-tiled surface. Veyshahk knew this to be true, even though he could not see it -- his eyes closed as he continued his meditation. This... was supposed to bring peace to oneself, but in the hours since the Sha'vei had told him what had happened to *Anshaka-Dal*... that peace had been denied him. He had been, for want of a better description... 'cast adrift'. And until the High Council or one of the Anla'shok Sha'vei'e informed him of his new post... here he would remain. To wait... and hope -- to keep the candle burning, in the memory of those he served. And in echo of his youthful captain's ways... "Anla'shok Veyshahk -- our fearless leader told me I'd find you here." Veyshahk's eyes snapped open, and he rose to his feet, and turned towards the entrance to the meditation chamber. Another Ranger stood there, short-bearded and haired, his expression severe. "I've got a proposal for you -- if you're interested in making a difference, that is." "I will listen to your words -- but first..." The human bowed respectfully in his direction. "Of course. Nathan Gardinier, recently promoted to the exalted rank of Val'na, at your service." "At... my service?" Veyshahk frowned. "Forgive me, Val'na... but should it not be the other way around?" "Well," Gardinier admitted, "In some respects, you're right -- that's a figure of speech. But specifically? -- let me be frank, Veyshahk... as it stands right now, you're the only member of the *Shard of Night*'s crew that didn't get dragged through that portal, out there... and a member of Val'na Tikopai's command staff, to boot. We need you, Veyshahk... no, *I* need your help." "Then you have..." "Your orders?" Gardinier nodded, and passed over a crystal. "Absolutely. The High Council finally made up its mind -- and now, Doctor, you're a member of my crew." "I... see. And which White Star do you command, if you do not mind me asking?" "Well, for the answer to that question..." Gardinier cryptically replied, "I'm afraid you're going to have to come with me." And just like that, Veyshahk found he had a purpose again -- the wait was over, and as this was so, and since the majority of his possessions had been aboard the *Shard* when it had vanished, hardly any time at all was required to prepare himself for departure. And soon enough, Gardinier and he were making their way to one of Babylon 5's transit lounges -- and a few minutes later, they passed thorugh the jump gate and into hyperspace. A few *more* minutes passed, then -- but finally, the moment came when Veyshahk could restrain his curiousity no longer. "Ah, Val'na -- if you do *not* mind me asking..." "Why wasn't my ship parked outside Babylon 5?" Gardinier began to grin. "Well, Veyshahk, it's like this... Na'lai Anderson!" the young Ranger captain suddenly barked, as he activated a comm control. "Val'na." A solemn, equally youthful voice replied. "Arien'sha na!" Veyshahk's eyes widened, then -- as he watched a graceful, deep-blue warship materialize out of the hyperspace murk in front of them. "In Valen's Name!" Larger than the White Stars, this ship was -- but not quite so large as the *Shard*. Even so... "So, Veyshahk." Gardinier inquired, as the transport arced below and up behind the new warship to enter its hangar bay. "What do you think?" "It was rumored," he carefully replied, "That the Worker Caste was about to begin work on the production run for a new generation of White Stars -- but I was not aware that one of these ships had already been built!" "Officially," Gardinier noted, "It hasn't. This is the prototype of the new cruiser-class White Stars -- and as such, there's... a few bugs in her systems that haven't *quite* been worked out just yet. But since the disappearance of your previous command in the Neilgeithan incident, the High Council's decided that someone still has to protect the crew of the *Excalibur*, in all the places they must walk." "And that someone... is you and your crew." "It is indeed." Gardinier finally grinned, then, as the hangar doors of his command opened, and he smoothly piloted the transport to its final resting place within. "So, then -- this White Star would be numbered..." "She isn't numbered, Veyshahk" Gardinier replied. "She's *named*." "Named?" Veyshahk exclaimed, as he and Gardinier left the transport. "He speaks the truth, Veyshahk." Abruptly, another Ranger strode into view -- a blonde-haired human female, as youthful as this ship's captain. "When we found out what our mission was going to be, the designers and the captain sat down together, and came up with a name that the High Council subsequently approved." "Her name, in your tongue..." Gardinier drawled, "Is... 'Shaka'ta'rei'." The Night's Dagger. Veyshahk drew a long breath -- now what was the phrase the humans used to describe his situation... ah, yes. Out of the frying pan... Into the fire? * * * [Cue Dramatic Music] KLAIRIKA ALIDIAE We are the Watchers... [Klairika standing on the bridge of the SHARD OF NIGHT, an image of the EXCALIBUR hanging in the air in front of her.] SHEYNELL KEYNES We are the Warriors. [Images: Sheynell at the tactical station, the battlecruiser firing its main gun and destroying a Drakh capital ship] LARIEKEN We are the Guardians... [Image: Larieken defending his Captain against Z'shailyl attackers, warrior pike in hand] VEYSHAHK We are the Healers. [Image: Veyshahk at his desk in MedSection, an image of the Drakh virus on his computer screen.] DASOURI and NICHOLAS DAWSON We are the exiles... [Image: Nicholas in Engineering, Dasouri at the helm of the SHARD] JULIA TIKOPAI And I am the Seeker. [Image: Julia's face, lit by candles, the stars of the Galaxy beyond] KLAIRIKA ALIDIAE We are the Rangers of the SHARD OF NIGHT, in this, the Earth Year 2267. [Image: The SHARD OF NIGHT enters, from the left...] JULIA TIKOPAI This is our story. [... before engaging darklight mode, and going into hyperspace.] * * * STAR AND CIRCLE: “THE SEEKER’S FIRE” * * * ‘STAR AND CIRCLE’ created by David Goldingay Legal Disclaimer: BABYLON 5, CRUSADE and all characters and situations thereof are the creations and copyrighted property of J. Michael Straczynski and Babylonian Productions. This series is a non-profit creation for the purposes of private entertainment only. Original characters and situations are copyright of the author, 1997-2000. * * * Coming soon: Act I of Episode 13: "The Flame in the Crystal" http://www.connect.ab.ca/~dgolding/star_circle.html From: David Goldingay Subject: STAR AND CIRCLE: "The Seeker's Fire", Episode 13, Act I Date: Mon, 01 May 2000 21:29:11 -0600 More delays, mostly to do with the fact that the snow has now vanished, and the garden almost *always* needs working on. (RL - sigh) Anyways, here's the first act of eps 13. Enjoy, all! "STAR AND CIRCLE: THE SEEKER'S FIRE" EPISODE THIRTEEN: "THE FLAME IN THE CRYSTAL" 'Starring' ETHAN HAWKE as Renly Moreau SHARI BELAFONTE as Dr. Elizabeth Trent JASON PRIESTLEY as Nathan Gardinier MEGAN WARD as Rebecca Anderson JOHN CORBETT as Raiphin ED WASSER as Aazhvar With, WAYNE ALEXANDER as Lorien *and* GARY OLDMAN 'as' Zhe'chal * * * (disclaimers and associated descriptions in overture) * * * < The 'Shard of Night' -- Captain's Ready Room -- enroute to star cluster Messier 2. Aug 5th, 2267 -- 2217 hrs, EST. "And now, of course, will come your inevitable question --" Lorien dryly allowed, as he and Julia retired into her 'inner sanctum' to discuss matters. "What does the oldest intelligence in this region of space find to laugh about, after witnessing as much as he has?" "I had wondered that, actually --" Julia replied, her voice just a *bit* tart. "But because I respect what you've already done for us --" Lorien's eyes twinkled with something *resembling* amusement. "You decided you should preserve my pride... my dignity? An admirable intent, young Observer -- if unnecessary. What I find so... amusing is your concept of home -- where, exactly, is your home?" She opened her mouth to reply -- and then froze. This was unbelievable -- but it *was* happening, all the same. He'd done a similar thing to William at one point -- she remembered her friend and commander telling her about it one night during a particularly memorable dinner in Tuzanor. Lorien seemed capable of asking the *truly* important questions -- of laying bare secrets and concepts that needed to be explored. "It is a more difficult question to answer then you expected, isn't it?" the First One commented, his expression contemplative. "This has always been your way, though -- from your years as an innocent under the sun of your lost homeworld -- through the pain you endured under the tutelege of she who was at one time your mentor... and the warrior your kind names Rimstalker -- to now. Commander of this vessel named *Shard of Night* -- a ship of destiny, lost upon an ocean of fate. You seek to return to your home -- but I ask again, where is that place? Lost Earth, laid low by the Drakh and their revenge? The Minbari homeworld, perhaps -- the Valley of Sorrows, where so many of your teachers and friends reside? Or is this your home, now? Where you are needed most -- as guardian to the vessel of search, as it travels between one place and the next. If this is who you are -- you must embrace the only home you have, and the only home you may ever have, in this life." She laughed, the sound bitter in the stillness of the room. "You may be right -- but if so... will this be my lot in life from now until the grave, to command one ship after another... or many? Will the end of the line never come? Will the mission never be over?" "Difficult questions to answer, those are --" Lorien gravely replied, "But there is something I *can* tell you at this time. Before the end, there will come a moment when you will be given a choice between the only home you will ever have and an exile more final then any you have ever known. And when that moment comes... only you can make the decision that will make all the difference." "And what... what does that mean?" "I cannot tell you -- you will understand my words, however, when the moment arrives. For now... we have other matters to attend to, however. Soon enough, you and your crew will emerge into the congregation of stars where the ancients reside -- and you must be ready to deal with what you will find there." * * * ISAS 'Night's Dagger' -- enroute to begin patrol pattern near the *Excalibur*. 0435 hrs, EST... Aug 6th, 2267. His eyes narrow with exhaustion, Veyshahk gazed out upon the shimmery veils of hyperspace -- and while exhausted he was, he could not sleep -- would not, he suspected, sleep deeply again until those he counted as comrades and yes, as friends as well, returned to his side. And if they did not? Veyshahk briefly glanced over at the candle burning at his bedside -- the Sech'sha, no doubt, would tell him that 'this too would pass in time' -- although he quite honestly believed that there was in all likelihood one of them who was also holding vigil as he was -- waiting for word of *An'shaka-Dal*'s fate. That 'member' of course, was Sech Westcastle. In time, if the worst came to pass, perhaps there would be time for them to exchange words -- but that time was not yet. For he did not, in his heart, believe that the 'portal' his captain and her crew had traveled into had destroyed them -- for every portal, there *was* an other side... and thus, the possibility of return. And until then... there was a still a purpose to fulfill. With a deep sigh, he crossed to the other side of the room, activated the holographic display housed there -- and a moment later, an image of the Drakh nanovirus hung in the air in front of him. This valuable piece of data had been acquired only short weeks before, during the same time frame his captain and her crew had been battling the Drakh. It was to stop this... abomination that he had left Minbar to walk at her side -- and it was, perhaps, only this that kept him on this path for now. And then it was that the door-chime sounded. "Open." he commanded -- and turned to see who else could not find sleep... and was surprised to find the slim figure of Rebecca Anderson standing there. "Ah... Na'lai. How can I help you?" "Actually, Veyshahk -- shouldn't that be the other way around? You've just lost your entire crew -- and there's no way in Hell we're going to replace those you've lost... not this quickly. That may change in time, of course -- if they don't return -- but damn it, I didn't come here to talk about that... anything but that." "Agreed -- but they will return." Veyshahk assured her. "However, I do appreciate your intent. To begin with, if you do not mind me asking..." "Why I can't sleep?" Anderson's expression sobered. "The rest of the crew, and even Nathan, don't like to talk about it -- but I guess I can tell you. It's that *thing*... that virus -- I can't help but get the feeling it's watching our every move. And every once in a while... I find myself worrying that no matter what we do, no matter what the crew of the *Excalibur does... nothing any of us do is going to make a difference. How many humans has it killed already? And how... how many more are going to die before we find the cure... if we find the cure?" "And so you worry -- and cannot find rest. An understandable malady." "And what would your prognosis be... Doctor?" "That we do, indeed... have a great deal to talk about. And that, for a time, we should find a way to set our problems aside. This, I fear, is the only way we will find rest." Anderson smiled. "Sounds like good advice to me." Veyshahk gestured her to a nearby seat. "Then let us begin our discourse." * * * Beyond the Rim, an ancient vessel hung nearly motionless in hyperspace, its hull flickering in tune with the dischordant flashes of the realm around it... thus making the entire vessel more or less invisible to *normal* sensors. This ability had kept the vessel's pilots alive during the war with Darkness -- and even now, in this new age of peace, the pilots were loath to change their ways. But then, to their surprise, they observed the passage of another vessel through the place-between that sustained them, and their interest grew as they briefly sampled the taste of the livings minds within... for a great many of the entities appeared to be... Human. Accompanied by those called Minbari, of course... and also -- the First One? The one-who-was-first reached out his will, and after a moment, those-who-served agreed with his assessment of the situation, as their craft silently turned on its long axis and moved off in pursuit. This vessel was a vessel of the Younger Races... but what were they doing here, beyond the Rim? More specifically, of course, they recognized this craft as a Ranger vessel -- more advanced, of course, than the warships they had known, the craft their ally Westcastle had named 'White Stars' -- but they remembered the promises... they remembered the alliance that had been made, before their departure beyond the Rim with the Others. That the First One was involved implied that the Rangers might have arrived here by accident. And if that were the case... Another moment passed, and then the one-who-was-first made another decision... and in due course, he willed himself to be heard. And when the reply came, he explained what he had learned, and asked... What shall we do about this matter? The elders communed for a time -- but then, an consensus was agreed upon -- and the answer he had been hoping for came to him. We are coming, he was told -- we are coming, and shall give aid to those who are in need. We remember the promise, and the alliance. And with those assurances did he order his crew to follow the Ranger vessel -- for one never knew who *else* might be lurking out here -- watching and waiting. * * * The *Shard*'s dining hall -- 07:40 hrs. "Okay, Renly," Elizabeth Trent muttered, as she sat down next to her colleague to eat breakfast, "I know you're not happy -- what I want to know is..." "What are you going to do about it?" Renly Moreau shot back. "Gimme a break, Doc -- things may be status quo for the time being, but don't forget those Craneori things are still living in the walls of this ship. The presence of that ancient whass-his-name notwithstanding, they can take over the ship again any time they want to, especially if they don't get what they want! What happens if we don't find their damn creators? What are they going to do, trap us out here beyond the Rim until we're old and grey?" "So that's your problem -- you've always hated not being in charge of things, haven't you?" "Not quite." Moreau disagreed. "What I hate is not being able to do something, anything, to help solve this situation. We let the genie out of the bottle... now we have to find a way to get those damn things off of this ship... or something like that, anyways." "Oh, I *see*. Tell you what, Renly, why don't we wait to try the impossible things until after we're done with breakfast, okay?" Moreau winced. "Ouch -- suppose I deserved that -- but I'm glad you see where I'm coming from on this. And you know what's worse? -- because we're not Rangers, and they see us being the ones responsible for starting this whole mess in the first place..." "They're not going to want to give us anything to do, for fear we'll screw up again." He nodded. "Well, then..." Trent replied, a crafty smile coming onto her face, "I guess we'll just have to prove them wrong... won't we?" * * * Z'shailyl scout-vessel *Ln`trac* -- on patrol. 08:20 hrs. "What is this you are telling me?" Aazhvar the Z'shailyl exclaimed, as his most trusted servant Viknahz waited patiently beside his Que'zhail's chair-of-command. "A rumour, you have heard, that the vessel our master names 'adversary' has vanished... presumed destroyed." Aazhvar bared his teeth in pleasure... if this was true, Palakz would be most pleased -- and in turn, perhaps his Vekh'shivalht might yet conduct a successful strike against the daggership the humans named *Excalibur*. And yet... "How did this... rumour come to your ears?" "As you no doubt know," Viknahz carefully replied, "Our masters have, from time to time, worked to place *spies* within the Interstellar Alliance who will report back on those matters the Vekh'shivalhtai and Sha'drakh find interesting." Aazhvar, of course, did not need to have this explained to him -- he had witnessed, first hand, Palakz's capture of the Centauri spy named Islane Refa -- and as a result, nodded irritably and gestured his Favored Claw to continue. "What many among our people do not realize, however, is that the Drakh appear to have placed spies within the Anla'shok as well." Aazhvar's eyes widened -- *most* interesting news, this was. "I have, in recent days, acquired leads into this network -- and one such report seems to indicate that the vessel named *Shard of Night*, the vessel our master previously named Adversary -- was... possessed in some way, and vanished through a unknown, ancient-portal -- the Anla'shok appear most concerned about this, and their movements in the past few days indicate this concern continues unabated. This, as you no doubt realize, Que'zhail, leaves the daggership undefended." "Yesss..." he muttered, his eyes beginning to glint craftily, "That does appear to be the case, does it not? Very well, Viknahz -- send out the call to reunite our hand of daggers. We will conduct a probe to test the defences surrounding the daggership. If the Rangers commanding the *Shard of Night* come to do battle with us, as they have in the past... we will know that the rumour was false. But if not..." If not, then a call he would send to Palakz. A call that would, no doubt, set certain... other plans in motion. * * * The system was very old -- its primary, a dying red giant star more than a hundred million kilometres across -- among the greatest stars in the globular cluster. In due course, the star would, no doubt, cast off its outer layers and contract into a brilliant white dwarf -- but that time was not yet. For now, worlds still swung around the red star, illuminated by its glare... and also a mighty belt of asteroids, orbiting less than ten million kilometres above the tenuous photosphere -- a belt now teeming with life. Of a sort. Those who held mastery over the other life forms in the belt had only just finished work on something which, while it was only an echo of the place they had once resided in -- a place where so many of them had died -- was now almost all this part of their race had, here in the places beyond. It was a lonely existence -- but they had come to accept it. The Ancient One would not have it any other way. And then it was that something... interesting happened -- a thing which had not occured often of late. Those who ruled the rest from the greatest spires of their new city of darkness and light raised their talons high and cried out their welcome as one of their living ships-of-night shimmered into being in the uppermost reaches of the dwelling cavern before beginning its descent... almost in silence. Those who ruled found this remarkable... and desired answers from those-who-patrolled -- answers which arrived shortly thereafter as a travelling bubble broke away from the ship-of-patrol and descended to meet them. A bubble which shortly thereafter disgorged two more of their kind. [[You return most swiftly]], the eldest-of-council, one of their race who named himself Zhe'chal, observed. [[Explain to us your need for swiftness, you will, in this age of change and atonement]]. Swiftness, of course, was something Zhe'chal had learned the importance of first hand, when the human nexus named... Sheridan had destroyed what-had-been before the time of changes had come upon them all. Zhe'chal had been one of few elders to escape from that place as it had been destroyed. [[It shall be as you say, Great One]], the bonded-pilot replied after a moment. [[A disturbance in the fabric of things, we have detected -- a ship of the younger races has passed through the portal of Khazakh and now comes this way -- a vessel powered by the technology of the ancient opponents. The vessel resembles that which destroyed our ancient home.]] the bonded one darkly added, a moment later. [[Crewed it is, by humans, Minbari... and others.]] [[Anla'shok]] the bonded one's colleague suggested. Zhe'chal reared back on his hind limbs, his eyes flaring red with displeasure. [[What is this they have done?]] the elder cried out, as all around him, the lesser circles screamed their own comments and thoughts of anger. [[There shall be a *reckoning* if they have broken the covenant of the ancient one in coming to this place]] [[So it was agreed, yes]] a lesser elder replied, as the strident sounds of anger faded away. [[Perhaps we should send an emissary to confront this vessel]] [[An emissary, you say?]] were Zhe'chal's next words. [[No.]] Silence fell. [[I will go *myself*]] * * * The *Shard of Night* -- main bridge. 09:37 hrs, EST. "Would you like to try and run that by me again?" Julia managed, "More slowly, this time?" Klairika took a deep breath, and turned fully to face her captain -- the short rest her Val'na had... indulged in after her discussion with the First One some hours before did not appear to have helped much. "You heard correctly -- a short time ago, Larieken and Sheynell detected something coming our way in hyperspace. Something... sizable." "And how do you define..." "Almost certainly larger then Babylon 5." Larieken interjected, his expression grim as his fingers danced over the controls on his station board. "I am attempting to gain some sense of the object's appearance -- ah... there we are. Two members of our sensor network now appear to be within range -- stand by..." And then, even Larieken fell silent as an image shimmered into being in front of them -- an image that showed... another shadow of the past -- an enormous, fragile seeming construct resembling nothing more than a three dimensional snowflake -- although the largest 'branches' of that snowflake were many thousands of feet in diameter. Julia drew in a sharp breath -- she recognized this object from the stories that William had told her, late one night on Babylon 5 just after the Shadow War had finished -- but she'd never expected to see one of these things first hand. "A place of power..." she managed, "A stronghold of the hidden." "You understand, then." Lorien said, as he glided forth to stand at her side. "They remember the promise that was made to your kind, so long ago -- and now, they come to see why you are here... and if they can give aid." "Val'na..." Klairika carefully asked, "This object... you recognize it. How?" "Because," Julia finally replied, "Our High Councillor made an Alliance with the masters of that place even as the Shadow War was kicking into high gear. These creatures live in hyperspace -- may, in fact, have even come through from *Thirdspace* at some point in the distant past. They helped us where and when they could -- and now, they've joined the rest of the First Ones, here beyond the Rim." "These... allies," Sheynell inquired, "Do they have a name?" "They do indeed." Julia allowed. "They call themselves... The Cha'hal'zhamon." * * * To be continued... http://www.connect.ab.ca/~dgolding/star_circle.html From: David Goldingay Subject: STAR AND CIRCLE: "The Seeker's Fire", Episode 13, Act II Date: Sun, 07 May 2000 01:07:48 -0600 "STAR AND CIRCLE: THE SEEKER'S FIRE" EPISODE THIRTEEN: "THE FLAME IN THE CRYSTAL" (disclaimers and associated descriptions in overture) * * * <> The 'Shard of Night' -- in hyperspace near cluster Messier 2. 09:43 hrs, EST -- Aug 6, 2267. "So..." Julia asked, as Dasouri brought the 'Shard' to a relative stop less than a mile above one slender tip of the massive Cha'hal'zhamon habitat, "What now?" "You must prepare yourself for the discussion to come, as you have no doubt already surmised." Lorien replied, his expression maddeningly calm. "Understand that this will not be easy for you -- but that it is necessary. They wish to aid you, Observer... but the Cha'hal'zhamon are, as your leader has no doubt already told you, not like any other species in this galaxy, or beyond -- even the ancient ones you name 'Shadows' are understandable compared to them." Julia closed her eyes and nodded as William's words returned to her, fresh as the day he had spoken them, almost five years before. "I remember. What the High Councillor told me, just after he arrived on Minbar to take on his new position, was this... the Cha'hal'zhamon spoke to him in his dreams." "And while that is true... we do not have the time to spare to wait for you to enter the world of the Dream." The First One sighed. "I fear a more *direct* approach may be called for." "Val'na!" Sheynell warned a moment later, "An energy impulse has left the side of the Cha'hal'zhamon construct, coming this way -- impact in forty seconds... thirty..." "Let it come." Julia took a deep breath, and rose to her feet -- and was surprised indeed when Lorien extended his hand to meet hers. "You will help me?" The First One nodded. "As I have helped those in need before, so now will I shield you from the worst of what must be." And then it was that the energy impulse launched from the Cha'hal'zhamon place of power entered the bridge... And encased her in reddish-green fire. For the briefest moment, there was pain -- and then she *felt* Lorien intervene -- and the pain faded away, even as something passed in front of her eyes... * * * To be replaced by darkness -- and a voice... pleasant and even. "You do not belong in this place. Why are you here?" "A mistake was made." she whispered. "A race of weapons was created -- a race imprisoned by the Shadows for the crime of existence. And then, another mistake followed that one... our mistake. We let them out... and now, they've brought us here..." "Beyond the Rim." All of a sudden, there was light -- and Julia found herself standing in a room that seemed to be made completely of rainbow-hued crystal. What appeared to be a man was standing in front of her, his bearded face compassionate, his hair gathered into a short pony-tail at his neck. "We understand the meaning of mistakes, Miss Tikopai -- we've made so many ourselves since we came into this place from our original home. But as the First One implied, we remember the bargain that was made, and the alliance we forged with the human you serve, before we came to this place." "How..." "Do we know this?" The man smiled. "We tasted the currents of your minds shortly after you arrived in this place -- and we quickly learned that you were Rangers... and we know who you serve, and who you trust -- and why. Westcastle and his chosen are bright and vivid in your mind, Miss Tikopai... they trained you, while you serve them... in your own way, and for your own reasons. And so we honour the promise that was made -- even if this fulfillment comes sooner than any of us believed it would." "Thank you...?" "You may call me... Raiphin. I can't translate my name any better than that in your limited language -- many apologies for the term! -- but my name is not as important as the other matter we must discuss at this time. The rest of the Ancients have noticed your arrival here, as the First One has already told you -- and they *are* coming. We will attempt to protect you when they do arrive -- and perhaps you will talk quickly enough to convince them *not* to start a small... war out here, between those who would protect you... and those who would punish you simply because you have come to this place, beyond the Rim." Julia remembered the expression that Lorien had worn upon his appearance, and his words -- 'this is not your place -- not yet'. They'd been very lucky to encounter him when they had, and now the Cha'hal'zhamon, as well... the next encounter, as Raiphin had just suggested, might not go *quite* so well. "Do you know how long we have until the first groups of First Ones arrive?" "Not long." Raiphin replied, his expression now grim. "Shortly after your arrival, we detected ship launches from many of the enclaves in the stellar cluster that exists nearby... in the other universe, the place that you call home. Many expeditions have been launched -- the first will arrive in perhaps... three of your hours -- and that one is by far the most dangerous." Julia's eyes widened, as she caught the meaning of his words. "Are you trying to say that... *they're* going to be the first ones here?" Raiphin inclined his head. "The ones we know as the Dark Ones... yes. We have fought them in the past -- and many a time, we have lost those battles. We must -- pray, I believe your word is? -- that the Dark Ones have changed their ways since coming to this place -- that they and their minions may be willing to talk, rather then simply attempting to destroy us. And you." A long moment passed, but then Julia finally nodded -- firmly, but with a tinge of regret. "That's a long shot, Raiphin... but I guess it's our only hope." "And if they attack us... what will you do?" Her eyes hardened. "We are Rangers, Raiphin... and will defend ourselves -- as we have before, so we will again... if this should prove necessary." "Then we stand with you." Raiphin replied, his face now calm again. "And let us hope we are both..." * * * "Wrong!" she exclaimed as the flaming energy faded from around her. "Oh damn!" "What have you learned?" Klairika asked. "That Lorien was right -- the Cha'hal'zhamon have offered to protect us against the First Ones expeditions coming this way -- and that the first such group is now no more than two or three hours away from reaching us." "And they would be?" Larieken asked. Julia settled back into her chair, and cast a caustic glance in her operations officer's direction -- and his face paled. "Guess." "Not..." "The Shadows." Sheynell wearily finished for him. "The Shadows are going to get here first. And here we are, in a warship full of Vorlon technology." "Who were, of course..." Nicholas noted, "Their sworn enemies for what, millions of our years?" "A battle is coming." Dasouri predicted. "A battle we must prepare for." The question was, Julia mused, even as her Rangers readied themselves for the trials ahead, would that battle be one of words... Or weapons? "Lorien?" "You will learn the answer to your question." the First One replied. "Soon enough." * * * System GC 9741 -- 10:41 hrs, EST. "They are near." the Z'shailyl named Ves`aili allowed, even as his guiding-claw turned his small command away from their latest and *closest* approach to the daggership the humans named 'Excalibur'. "And yet our master's 'adversary' does not attack... has not made an appearance. Interesting, this isss..." "Yes." Vesaili's First acknowledged, his eyes bright. "It would appear that our Que'zhail's guess was accurate -- and that the rumours we hear of may even be true." What both Z'shailyl were about to learn, however... was that rumours should not always be believed. And that several someones, were watching their movement from nearby. These individuals were *not* among the crew of the vessel their Vekh'shivalht named 'Adversary', of course... but the end result would be the same. * * * ISAS 'Night's Dagger' -- main bridge. 10:44 hrs, EST. "All right," Nathan Gardinier ground out , as he settled into the captain's chair of the Ranger cruiser, "'Becca, have you matched the silouette of that ship with anything in our database, yet?" "Yes, sir," Anderson replied, her expression thoughtful. "As a matter of fact, I have. It's just like you thought -- they're Z'shailyl. And they've just turned away from the 'Excalibur' again... just like last time." "Except," Gardinier reminded her, "Ever since we jumped into this system to guard Gideon's back two hours ago, they've been pulling this stunt -- approaching the 'Excalibur', and then turning away. And *each* time, they're getting a little closer. If I didn't know any better, I'd have to say they're probing Gideon's defenses, to try and find out if the 'Shard's' still guarding his back." "Which, of course" Anderson replied, somewhat fatalistically,"We both know they're not." "But the Drakh and their servants don't know that yet..." "Oh Hell!" Gardinier stopped in mid-sentence and turned towards his first officer. "Sir -- whatever Captain Gideon and his crew were doing, they've just finished doing it. The 'Excalibur' is moving away from the target world, preparing to jump... they've jumped, sir." "And what about our Z'shailyl 'friends'?" "They've come to a full stop -- coming about to match the *Excalibur*'s jump course." "All right, that's it!" Gardinier rose to his feet, his expression now severe. "This has gone on long enough -- power us up, and bring us to full combat readiness. It's pretty damn obvious what the Z'shailyl are up to -- and it's job to make sure the Drakh don't find out the 'Shard's' not around." "*Yes*, sir!" * * * Ves`aili and his First received little warning of their end -- but enough to matter, as their sensors abruptly warned them of a warship powering up its systems nearby -- and then of that ship locking its weapons systems onto his. "Is it them?" Ves'aili asked, even as the new enemy bore down on him, and his ship's guiding-claw began to throw his command into a wild, and probably futile, series of evasive maneuvers, as blasts of plasma began to fill the void around them. The First checked the sensor readings, and bared his teeth. "It is not -- the vessel attacking us is of a new design, never before encountered... but it *does* appear to be an Anla'shok vessel." "So -- we have learned what we came here to learn. Activate jump engines -- and prepare to launch a homing beacon containing a log of what we have learned here. The destination -- Que'zhail Aazhvar's command vessel." "It is done." the First acknowledged, even as space crackled in front of the Z'shailyl vessel, and began to tear open into a jump point. Ves`aili rose to his feet. "Then the Dark Ones have mercy on us all. Launch!" * * * "We've got a confirmed lock with the main guns." Anderson informed Gardinier. "Firing!" Gardinier watched on with no small satisfaction, then, as two dazzingly bright beams of yellow fire reached through space to the Z'shailyl ship, and tore it asunder... watched the tiny jump point wither and die. "We did it." He laughed, and rose to his feet. "I'll be *damned* -- we actually did it!" "Uh, sir... we *may* have a small problem." Gardinier turned towards his First with a frown. "Explain." "That Z'shailyl ship launched a homing beacon into hyperspace just before we destroyed it. And I'm fairly certain they captured a scan of our profile and power output just before that... sir." Gardinier closed his eyes, and sank back into the *Night's Dagger*'s command chair. "And if they've found out we're here, and the *Shard* isn't..." "Things could get a little ugly." Anderson commented, her expression now grim. "What do we do now, sir?" "What we have to, of course. Helm, get us on the *Excalibur*'s tail -- not close enough that they can see us, of course... *but* close enough that we'll be able to see the enemy coming before they do." "And that's what you think's going to happen?" Gardinier nodded. "If I was the Z'shailyl commander, and I'd just received evidence that the ship that was supposed to be protecting the *Excalibur* wasn't doing its job... or was missing... I wouldn't wait to ask headquarters, in this case the Drakh, for orders. I'd attack, immediately, with every ship I had." "And if they should choose to do that." a voice announced, "Then we will almost certainly die. We are one ship, Val'na -- more powerful then the White Stars, yes... but untested in combat with a numerically superior enemy. At best, we will destroy some of them, and be severely damaged. At worst... they will destroy us, and kill every Ranger aboard." "I know that, Veyshahk." Gardinier replied after a long, long moment. Even though he didn't like to think about it, the Minbari was right -- had said something neither he nor Anderson had been willing to say -- had probably done the very same thing for Val'na Tikopai on occasion. However... "But our orders stand. If the Z'shailyl should choose to attack, we are the *only* thing standing between them and the *Excalibur* with the rest of the White Star Fleet returned to searching for a cure to the Plague. President Sheridan asked your former captain to draw a line in space around Captain Gideon's ship, a line that no one, not Z'shailyl and especially not Drakh, can be allowed to cross. This ship may not be the *Shard of Night*, Veyshahk... but we can make a difference." "And if the secret should come out?" Veyshahk quietly replied. "If Gideon notices the battle, and comes to investigate?" "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it, Veyshahk." "Let us hope, then... that the bridge does not collapse beneath us as we do so." * * * Beyond the Rim -- hyperspace. 12:35 hrs, EST. Only three warships he had brought with him -- but Zhe'chal considered this more then sufficient for the task at hand. There were... other forces out here, of course... forces more than willing to attack because of what he and the others had done in the past. It would, he knew, take a *very* long time for his kind to escape from under that dark cloud -- and some there were who would not believe his ships were present only for protection's sake. Such as the Cha'hal'zhamon, for instance. He knew, of course, that that the greatest habitat of their kind had managed a rendezvous with the Anla'shok vessel. By now, one of their dreamspeakers had, no doubt, managed to speak with the human or Minbari who captained that ship -- this would, of course, complicate an already difficult situation. Additionally, after some investigation while enroute, Zhe'chal had also learned two other, very interesting things. The first was this -- even at this distance, Zhe'chal and his companions could detect the aura of the *First One* present on the Anla'shok ship. That he had involved himself in this matter implied that he would have to move very carefully indeed once rendezvous had been achieved. And the second? Now this was a thing that would have to be answered for, and soon. The Anla'shok vessel, while *similar* to those he and his armies had encountered during the Last war of Chaos and Order, contained much more of the Great Opponent's technology -- enough to make the vessel *almost* sentient, as a matter of fact. To say that Zhe'chal found this... greatly disturbing, was one of the greatest understatements of his life to date. And his life had been a *very* long one, indeed. [[How long until we reach the Cha'hal'zhamon place of power?]] he asked his underling, the bonded-one who commanded the vessel that carried him on this mission. [[Not long.]] the bonded one replied. [[We will arrive... very soon now, Great One.]] [[Very soon now.]] * * * 'The Shard of Night' -- main bridge. 13:07 hrs, EST. "How long until they enter firing range?" "Five minutes." She'd never believed she would live to see this moment, of course -- that she would be commanding a Ranger ship of the line in combat against the warships of the Shadow armada. This whole situation felt like a nightmare -- except it wasn't. This was *real* -- as real as it got. And the ships that still, even now, showed up in her dreams from time were about to enter firing range in... "Three minutes." "Do we have a visual, yet?" Klairika nodded, her face expressionless. The Brakiri waved her hand across one of the crystals on her board, and a moment later, the viewscreen shimmered down, and she shivered, as the familiar, spidery forms of Shadow ships-of-the-line came into view, surrounded by a cloud of fighters. And in the middle, what appeared to be... a scout-vessel? Except... "That Shadow scout vessel..." "Appears to be somewhat larger than any encountered by our forces during the Shadow War." Larieken agreed. "Somewhat?" Dawson barked off a laugh. "I've read the specs on these things -- that ship may look like a scout vessel, but it's almost *ten* times larger." "A command ship of some kind, then?" "The Shadow vessels," Sheynell predicted, "Will enter firing range in two minutes at their present rate of closure... hold on -- what the Hell?" Julia turned, and frowned at the telepath. "What's going on?" "I don't believe it." Sheynell managed, her voice so low as to barely be heard... except the bridge was still enough to make her whisper quite audible. "The warships and fighters -- they're slowing down, and... beginning to peel away to form what appears to be a defensive perimeter of some sort." "And what of Larieken's 'command' ship?" Julia asked. "Now within firing range -- it's coming to a relative halt." "And their weapons systems?" Sheynell shook her head disbelievingly. "They're all powered down, as far I can tell. With all due respect, Val'na, Larieken... you've fought these things... this isn't exactly normal behavior for them, is it?" "No..." Julia replied, as she cast a suspicious glance in Lorien's direction. "It isn't." Lorien laughed. "The journey we have embarked upon has changed us all -- even them. And now, it is my belief that one of their elders has come to this place to learn what it is that has brought you beyond the Rim. I would choose my words carefully, if I were you." And even as the words were spoken, a piece of air at the front of the bridge shimmered, and the familiar figure of a Shadow appeared. "A suggestion or two would be nice at this point." Lorien shook his head. "You must conduct this negotiation yourself, young Observer. I cannot help." Julia sighed, and turned back to face the waiting Shadow. It was, as the saying went... Time to face the music. * * * To be continued... http://www.connect.ab.ca/~dgolding/star_circle.html From: David Goldingay Subject: STAR AND CIRCLE: "The Seeker's Fire", Episode 13, Act III Date: Tue, 09 May 2000 21:44:55 -0600 And now (drum roll) it's time for... 'Interview with the Shadow'. * * * "STAR AND CIRCLE: THE SEEKER'S FIRE" EPISODE THIRTEEN: "THE FLAME IN THE CRYSTAL" (disclaimers and associated descriptions in overture) * * * <> The 'Shard of Night' -- main bridge. 13:13 hrs, EST -- Aug 6th, 2267 They moved towards one another in silence -- while Julia found herself hesitating with each and every step she took towards... *it*. The creature... the entity in front of her had threatened the worlds of the younger Races with annihilation, before it and its fellows had been banished beyond the Rim by President Sheridan and her Entil'zha. And now? That was the question, wasn't it? But not the most most important -- there were far deadlier ones to consider, such as the question the Shadows had asked the Younger Races for thousands if not millions of years... but with a twist... What did *it* want? What had brought the Shadow to this place, accompanied by its screaming, living weapons -- ships she'd honestly hoped she would never have to see again in this life? It hadn't attacked and destroyed her Rangers and her ship... yet -- and now, it stood before her, multi-legged, terrifyingly real... near enough to touch. Near enough to... A part of her wanted to say 'too near' -- that was, of course, if it was here at all. After all, how could the Shadow have simply *appeared* on the *Shard of Night*, unless... unless it walked into hyperspace from its ship, and then out again, here. Which was, of course... impossible? That, of course, was when its eyes began to glow -- and Julia swayed in mid-step as a low, whispering voice filled her ears. {Servant of the one-who-hunts -- Zhe'chal remembers you.} "The... one who hunts?" she managed, as she fought against the trembling that threatened to consume her. "Who..." {The one-who-hunts, the one who leads, the one who stands closest to the light, and yet farthest away.} The Shadow that named itself Zhe'chal raised one long taloned claw, as if reprovingly. {An opportunity to serve, the Hunter was given... the same offer we made to the one-who-watches, after our servants struck you down on the world of the threefold lost. One of the greatest mistakes we and *they* have ever made.} Julia jumped, then, as a warm hand came down on her shoulder, and she turned, to find that Larieken had come to her side. "Perhaps it is refering to the High Councillor and his chosen, your former instructor and mistress." Of course -- that had to be it. Yet again, Julia forced herself to turn again to face those eyes. It was *so* hard, but she had to -- Lorien had made that very clear. "It... appears you speak the truth. Even now I serve the Watcher -- the man we name Rimstalker... and I am a friend to she who watches." {As you have been called upon to watch, as well.} And then the Shadow became a blur, as it moved to stand between her and Lorien... and closer than before. Again she asked herself... *was* it really here? {You wonder why you still live -- the answer you seek is a simple one, even as other answers are required, for the greater angers to be set aside. The Eldest is here, and the ones-who-hide, as well -- you have strong allies, Watcher.) "Yes... we do." {Has the Eldest told you that we have changed since coming to this place?} "He has." {Believe the Eldest, do you?} "I want to." A pause. {It is... a beginning. The Eldest insists upon balance -- and thus we have done what is necessary. *Now* you will tell us what has brought you to this place -- and also how it is that you surround yourself with Order's workings.} "You mean the Vorlons..." Zhe'chal shrieked, then -- and everyone on the bridge flinched... while Julia found herself almost turning to run, as one of the Shadow's midnight-black limbs whipped down, the long talons of its hand skittering along the line of her jaw... which answered her prior question, in an almost heart-stopping fashion. {Even now, those-who-opposed are *not* to be named. Careful you must be, Watcher... for if you anger us overmuch, or if the answers we seek are not forthcoming, even the Eldest will not prevent our wrath from descending upon you and those-who-serve.} Julia bowed her head and took a long, shaky breath. "I understand." she managed, her voice the barest whisper in the silence of the bridge, as the Shadow finally withdrew its claws from her skin. "We desire to *live* -- you must believe us when we say that our coming here was not intentional!" {We are listening.} "The... the Eldest has told us that we do not belong in this place, and he speaks the truth, as well. Our kind... our kind is evolving, but we are not yet ready to become what you have become -- to walk where you have walked... if we ever will. We are destined to walk on other paths for now -- for even though you are gone from the galaxy, other enemies there are for us to fight. For this reason and others, our allies from the world of the threefold chose to build this ship using the gifts given to us by your... opponents of old, as others have used *your* gifts to build their own. We are Rangers -- and while we have fought you in our time, our greatest goal has always been to maintain the balance we have created since you left us to come to this place -- the same balance the Eldest speaks of, even if under different circumstances." Zhe'chal turned towards Lorien, then -- and everyone on the *Shard*'s bridge sensed but could not hear the brief, but blindingly complex conversation that passed between them. Finally, however, the Shadow turned back to face her. {The Eldest tells us you speak the truth -- and while we will not say we are *pleased* that this vessel cries out to us of enemies past and Order's hated song -- we accept your arguments, Watcher... even though others of our kind would not. For this reason we came to this place, to maintain... as you say, the *balance*. But now you must answer the more important question that plagues us... If not intentionally come, what has brought you into the darkness, away from the warmth of your worlds?} It was then that Lorien gestured sharply, and the archeologist Jordan Pieke strode forth, his face dark with barely repressed rage -- his eyes glowing almost as bright as Zhe'chal's as his possessors let their ancient hate for the Shadows be known. "They have. We found them on a dead world, a world deserted for millenia. They call themselves the Craneori -- and they're searching for their creators." There was silence for a moment -- and then a bitter cry filled the bridge, and Julia's eyes widened -- was this the sound of irony -- of amusement? {We remember the weapons -- intelligent weapons, created by Order to be used against our kind.} "They're not the first, and certainly not the last." Sheynell suddenly said, as she came to stand beside Julia... and then the *Shard*'s tactical officer forced herself to gaze into the blazing orange eyes of the Shadow, as her captain had before her. "Those who created my kind made many mistakes in their time, Zhe'chal... and so did your fellow Shadows. And now, it looks to me as if one of those mistakes has come back to haunt you." Nearly, Julia thought that Zhe'chal's thoughts would turn to anger again, then -- but finally the glow of the Shadow's eyes dimmed -- even as it moved to loom over the deathly pale, but still defiant, telepath. {Perhaps this younger weapon speaks the truth. It could hurt us, if it tried -- that you have not given it such a command leads us to believe that perhaps we *can* trust you... Watcher-who-leads in this place of lies. So -- the weapons-that-were, weapons we imprisoned for the crime of their existence, long before your race rose into the darkness -- were released, and learned the great conflict was finished. And now..." "And now," Lorien suddenly interrupted, as Sheynell wisely retreated back towards her station, "It is time for you to help these Rangers close another unhealed wound, Zhe'chal. The Craneori have brought them to this place in their need to find their creators. It is... perhaps your duty to aid them in finding those they seek." {You would have us bring order out of chaos?} "Hardly." the First One replied for the benefit of the Rangers, even as his faint and complicated background discussion with Zhe'chal continued unabated. "We seek balance, so that these short-lived creatures may return to where they are most needed -- is this so difficult a concept for you to understand?" A long moment passed, but finally... {Your judgment, we accept.} Zhe'chal acknowleged. {As we accepted it before -- so it seems we must again. Those who follow this Watcher must depart for the balance to be restored. The banished-weapons will be reunited with those they seek.} And with that, and a final cry of closure, the Shadow faded from sight. "Is that it?" Julia managed, as she wobbled her way over to her chair, a concerned Larieken at her side. "The interview... it's over?" "Indeed it is." Lorien replied, a twinkle of amusement now visible in his eyes. "You have come far since last we saw you, young Observer -- and while you still have far to go before your destination is reached... what you have done in this place is a remarkable thing, indeed." "Remarkable, you say?" Larieken verbally sparred. "Rather, I would say..." "Don't say it, any of you!" Julia exclaimed, even as the Shadow command ship finally whirled away and vanished into the murk, followed by its deadlier cousins. "Naah, probably wouldn't be a good idea." Dawson observed. "Although don't you think it's a *damn* good thing we managed to run into a member of the 'can't we all just get along' Shadow faction?" "As opposed to his 'shoot to kill' comrades, you mean?" Klairika replied, her voice deadpan. The engineer shrugged. "I calls 'em the way I sees 'em, Na'lai." Julia cleared her throat... pointedly. "Oops. Getting back to work now, yes I *am*." "So..." the Brakiri inquired, as she came to Julia's side, "*Do* we follow them?" Julia shook her head in amazement -- that it should come to this, Rangers following a Shadow elder of sorts to find the race the Craneori were looking for. Even in her wildest dreams or nightmares, she would *never* have predicted this... even if it did involve a bit of good old fashioned blackmail on Lorien's part. "We follow them, yes -- don't look so worried. I'm sure the Cha'hal'zhamon will tag along to make sure the Shadows don't try to pull a fast one on us." "They wonder what it is their ancient enemies are up to -- and they are worried about you, as well." Lorien allowed. "And so, yes, they will follow you and stay at your side, until this is finished." "In that case..." Julia nodded in the direction of her helm-draz, and Dasouri's hands, while as shaky as the rest of her crew, worked their usual tricks. And a moment later, the *Shard of Night* sprang off in the direction of the just vanished Shadow squadron, as the monolithic Cha'hal'zhamon habitat fell in behind. * * * ISAS 'Night's Dagger' -- medical section. 15:17 hrs, EST. "Is he right, do you think?" Rebecca Anderson asked Veyshahk, as the Minbari grimly reviewed the store of medical supplies that had been brought aboard the prototype Ranger cruiser before its departure from Minbar. "The Z'shaiyl, do you really think they'll come gunning for Gideon and his crew without asking the Drakh for orders?" Veyshahk turned away from his review, and for a moment considered telling the other Ranger of Moreil, the rebellious member of that race who had from time to time aligned himself with his former commander... but then thought better of it. Anderson would not, he considered, understand what it was to work with Julia Tikopai -- the almost... magical, he supposed Anderson would call it... effect she could have on those whose loyalty she had earned, including himself. "It is the worst of many possible outcomes to consider -- but likely, yes, given what we know of their thinking. Even though the Shadows may be gone, those of that race who serve the Drakh often appear unaffected by that departure -- they are true servants of chaos, Na'lai -- in short, I believe they will come, yes." "And we are sworn to fight them." Anderson replied, as she glanced away from him. "And if we die, far from home... who will remember us?" "That fate," he replied, "Is not, as yet, 'set in stone' as you and our Val'na might say. This movement is not yet finished -- and perhaps..." "Don't say it, mister." Anderson sharply interrupted, her tone suddenly gone cold. "You know there isn't another Ranger ship within light years of us -- and if the Z'shailyl are coming... If they're coming, it'll take a miracle to save us." And with that, she whirled away, and fled out of medlab. Veyshahk nodded slowly, his mind now on other matters then his supplies. A miracle -- her assessment of the situation was probably accurate. And yet... And yet... he had not given up hope completely, and quickly glanced over at the candle burning on the stand nearby -- the latest in a series he'd burned since coming aboard. So many times she and those who'd made her what she was had brought light when all appeared to be as darkness. And until those candles were extuinguished... He would pray for their return. And hope that Anderson was wrong. * * * Z'shailyl scout-vessel 'Ln`trac' -- 16:47 hrs, EST. "What does it say?" Aazhvar inquired, as Viknahz viewed the message sent by Ves`aili before he and his crew were... obliterated by the ship that had attacked them during their probe of the daggership's defences. "Dare we hope...?" "It seems... clear," the younger Z'shailyl carefully replied a moment later, "That Ves'aili and his crew were attacked by an Anla'shok vessel of a type we have never before encountered -- but it's form is understandable -- observe." With that, Viknahz called up a frame from the message log displaying an image of the ship in question... and Aazhvar let out a long, hissing breath as he found his hypothesis confirmed. "Yesss! -- this vessel appears to be closely based upon known Minbari technologies -- and while larger and more heavily armed then those cursed ships named 'White Stars', it possesses no organic hull, no cloak of invisibility... none of the characteristics of that *ship( which has caused us so much... difficulty in the recent past. And if this ship is all Sheridan's Alliance can spare to protect the daggership *Excalibur*... if our master's adversary is missing -- yesss..." "Que'zhail?" "Enough!... my decision is made. We go to clear a path for our master Palakz, so that he and his order may attack the daggership with impunity, and thus regain what was lost." "We must be very careful." Viknahz warned his Que'zhail. "Many before us have thought this about the Anla'shok, and have been taught the error of their ways... often in a *terminal* fashion." "Your warning is heeded," Aazhvar acknowledged, even as he barked out another order, and a jump point opened before his small squadron. "But we are many, and they are one, my Favored Claw. Victory may *yet* be ours in this game we play with the humans. Now -- how long will it take us to overtake the daggership and its... latest guardian?" "Gideon moves swiftly towards his next target, and our own no doubt accompanies him closely." Viknahz observed. "It will be difficult to overtake them, but perhaps we shall..." * * * 'The Shard of Night' -- main bridge. 17:21 hrs, EST. This was it -- the moment they'd all been waiting for... no, *hoping* for, ever since this had all begun. "You're sure they're gone?" Sheynell nodded, her expression almost... worried. "This ship could find Shadow vessels *for* us, Val'na, without any difficulty at all -- and the sensors, in no uncertain terms, are telling me that Zhe'chal and his spidery friends have just phased their way over into normal space." "You must follow them." Lorien declared, as he strode to the front of the bridge. "The destiny of those who have brought you here awaits." "In that case -- Klairika, take us into normal space." The Brakiri's hands moved over the controls -- and a moment later, hyperspace twisted away in front of them to form the familiar funnel of a jump point... and Julia rose to her feet and moved forward to join Lorien as the *Shard* passed through translation, accompanied by a pair of Cha'hal'zhamon stealthships, to reveal... "In Valen's Name!" On one side of the sky there was darkness, and on the other -- the million burning beacons of the globular cluster named Messier 2. And there, nearer than all the rest, was a fiery orange star -- and against that glare were silouetted the familiar forms of the Shadow vessels, moving inwards towards a shimmery crescent perhaps thirty degrees off of their present course. "That would *appear* to be their destination." "{Yes!} the Craneori suddenly said, and all the Rangers whirled as Jordan Pieke began to laugh... and also to cry. {So long it has been since we have seen them... too long. The exile..."} "Unbearable?" Lorien observed. "If you believe that, then you do not understand the meaning of pain -- and never will." "{We are here, as was intended!} the Craneori insisted, as the *Shard* fell towards the waiting planet. "{The reunion is close at hand.}" And that, as it turned out, was when Larieken cleared his throat. "Ah, Val'na..." "Larieken -- what's wrong?" "The planet -- I am afraid that it is not what it seems." "{You lie, Minbari!}" the Craneori responded, their tone now venomous. "{Their world, this is -- nothing can stop our reunion now! NOTHING!}" "Nothing except... the truth, perhaps." Larieken gravely replied. "Observe." And with that pronouncement, a holographic image of the 'planet' came into being in front of them... sharp and sun-lit from the perspective of one of the *Shard*'s sensor drones. "{No...}" the now horrified Craneori exclaimed, "{It cannot be! We sense them in this place -- this cannot be!}" "What is, is." Lorien proclaimed, his expression stern... and sad. "It is their home -- and what they have become." What they had become -- Julia cast a glance in Pieke's direction, and shuddered to see the stricken expression visible on the man's face -- an expression that reflected the thoughts of the nanonic intelligences within him. And the reason they were so upset, of course, was this: The world of the Craneori's creators, a place the Shadow named Zhe'chal had brought them to in order to fulfill his debt to the First One... Was a single, spherical *crystal*-- more then thirty thousand miles across. * * * To be continued! http://www.connect.ab.ca/~dgolding/star_circle.html From: David Goldingay Subject: STAR AND CIRCLE: "The Seeker's Fire", Episode 13, Act IV Date: Wed, 10 May 2000 22:54:36 -0600 "STAR AND CIRCLE: THE SEEKER'S FIRE" EPISODE THIRTEEN: "THE FLAME IN THE CRYSTAL" (disclaimers and associated descriptions in overture) * * * <> The fringes of star cluster Messier 2. 17:28 hrs, EST -- August 6th, 2267. What the Craneori were feeling at that moment could not be easily described, but it could be easily defined. The collective, to put it plainly, was *horrified*. They could not believe that this was happening to them -- but it was, just the same. The Ancient Enemy, apparently seeking to work off the debt incurred when they had imprisoned the collective, long ago and far away from here, had brought them to this place -- and the First One had since confirmed the truth of the matter. Their creators... the Craneori sensed them all around, but most strongly in the heart of the silver-white planetary-sized crystal that this ship of Rangers had arrived in orbit around only moments before. It seemed that their creators had come to this place to hide away from a universe they no longer needed, to live within the confines of this crystal world. That they had built it seemed certain, for such things were not formed naturally. And then it was, the Craneori opened the mouth of their host body, and Jordan Pieke began to laugh... bitterly -- ironically, before they told their tale of woe. "{For more of your years than we dared to believe, our enemies trapped us in our crystal prisons, and now our quest to find our creators brings us here... to another crystal -- a crystal we must enter in order for our reunion with our masters to be complete." "Ah, but there lies the difference between what was and what *is*." the First One replied, his tone gentle. "This crystal is not a prison. Your masters, they are sleeping... but they know that we are here. And with the ones these Rangers name Shadows nearby, as well as the ships sent by the Cha'hal'zhamon, it will only be a matter of time until they awaken to deal with this matter." "So how long do we have to wait?" Julia asked. Now that they were so close to the end of this quest, she found herself impatient for it all to be over -- for the nightmare to be finished and done with, so that they might return to the galaxy and let everyone know that yes!... they really *weren't* dead after all. Lorien sighed. "By your standards, young Observer, not long at all. They suspect that I am here -- now, I will confirm to them what they already know." Lorien closed his eyes... and then, all of a sudden, the nightside of the 'planet' below began to glow a deep, fiery orange. "All that has come before leads to this moment of reunion. They come." Lorien stepped aside, and then the hull of the 'Shard of Night' suddenly *rang* with the coming of... another ancient visitor. The floor of the bridge glowed for a moment, and then something that almost appeared to be, for want of a better description, a *flame* moved into view -- a flame that hovered in the air in front of them, with no visible support *or* source. Leaving Julia yet again with the unenviable task of being the spokesperson to explain the whole mess. "May I... assume I address one of the entities who used to live on the world we name Neilgeitha Prime?" The air shuddered with their answer. {Yes} "We come to this place seeking closure." she informed the living flame. "A species you created to fight against the Darkness during the Wars of Chaos and Order, a collective later imprisoned by that same Darkness, took control of my ship and brought us to this place beyond the Rim... where we do not belong. We wish to return to the galaxy -- but before we do, we give into your care those who have caused this to be. Will you have them?" There was silence -- but then Lorien laughed, before striding forth to stand before the Neilgeithan Ancient. "A shock this is to you, yes?... to realize that something you thought dealt with and forgotten has returned to knock upon the door of the place you have retreated to, to sleep away the ages. Your vengeful children have come looking for you, I am afraid -- and like all good parents, now is the time for you to teach them the error of their ways. To welcome them to the home they have never known." {We had... forgotten} the Neilgeithan finally... ruefully?... admited. {It has been too long -- we must do this?} "Yes. And there is one other thing you must do, as well." {We must apologize to these youngsters who have been... abused by our creations} Julia's eyes widened -- First Ones, apologize to *them*? Ho boy, was Jennifer going to get a kick out of this one! "Apology is not enough." the First One corrected. "They require your help." {Name your price.} the Neilgeithan stated. {We will pay it, as is just.} "Very well. These younger intelligences, these Rangers -- you must help them to return to where they belong -- to where they are most needed." {It shall be as you say, Ancient One.} And with that, the Neilgeithan faded from sight -- and Klarika gasped, as the planet below them... suddenly began to change. "The wonders we have seen on this journey, and the terrors we have known..." the *Shard*'s first officer finally muttered, "And one more surprise there is, to astonish us before the end." "Show us." Julia commanded. The Brakiri nodded, and a moment later, the viewscreen rippled down, to reveal numerous great shards of crystal, some of them easily two or three miles long, ripping away from the planet below and rising into orbit. "What are they doing?" "I asked them to aid you." Lorien explained. "They agreed that this was necessary -- for balance to be restored." "Yes, I understood *that* part, but what are they..." "Watch, and you will understand." And so they did, as the hundreds of crystal fragments rose to a point where they were level with the orbit of the *Shard* and its companion Cha'hal'zhamon and Shadow vessels, and then... the 'fragments' suddenly proved that they were something else entirely, as they began to re-arrange themselves to form... A sphere. Julia nodded, as she finally understood what it was that was going on. "They're building an 'explorer portal' to send us home, aren't they?" "Yes -- though calling it a 'portal' is a somewhat inaccurate term in this instance, I am afraid." Lorien replied. "I have explained the situation to them in full, and the Neilgeithans, as you would name them, have agreed that a path should be opened that will allow you to return to the area of the galaxy where you are most needed, in the least possible time." "Close to the *Excalibur*, you mean?" Lorien inclined his head. "Others of your kind have moved to replace you in guarding that vessel of search -- and their enemies draw close around them, even now. They need your help, Observer -- let us finish this, so that you might go to aid them." "What do we have to do?" "The Craneori, though they are strong, have nearly exhausted their stores of energy attempting what they have -- they are weak now, and cannot make the trip down to the surface unaided. I regret to inform you that they will require a number of 'hosts' as well as one of your small vessels, to make the trip. Those hosts must descend to the surface of the Neilgeithan's crystal-world, and then once they have returned, you will be allowed to depart... as you have come, in peace." "{Sorry we are that this must be.}" the Craneori inside Jordan Pieke said, "{But the Eldest One speaks the truth. We need your help now, more than ever before.}" "In that case," a decisive voice announced from the back of the bridge, "Let us be the first to volunteer." Julia and the rest of the Rangers whirled, to find Elizabeth Trent standing behind them, Renly Moreau at his side. "This is, I think, something we can't *possibly* screw up." "Thank you, Doctor." an astonished Julia finally managed. "Thank us when this is all over, and we're finally home." was Trent's reply, as she and Moreau walked over to Pieke. "Okay, let's get this over with, shall we?" "{It shall be as you say, Doctor}" the apparently equally surprised Craneori said. "{If you will please reach out and touch the wall of this place, there...}" And after that, Julia sent out a call for volunteers... and Rangers being what Rangers were, it wasn't too long before several dozen volunteers, each with several billion Craneori piggybacking for all they were worth, were on their way to the crystal planet below. * * * ISAS 'Night's Dagger' -- near the *Excalibur*. 17:51 hrs, EST. Bad news, when it came, tended to come in threes, Rebecca Anderson wearily remembered. The first piece of bad news, of course, had come when they'd found the Z'shailyl ship making sneak-runs almost on top of Captain Gideon's ship. The second, after they'd destroyed it, and had found about the message it's captain had sent. And now... "They're coming, aren't they?" "Yes, sir." she quietly replied. "They are. The hyperspace probes are telling me there's at least one complete squadron moving towards us on an intercept course -- at their present rate of closure, they'll be right on top of the *Excalibur* in about three and a half hours time." "We can't let that happen, of course." Gardinier said, his tone decisive. "All right -- I guess it's time for us to draw our line in the sand, Rebecca -- we can't let them get to the *Excalibur*. I won't let President Sheridan down!" "No, sir. Your orders?" "All right... let's intercept them about an hour's flight time from Gideon and his ship... and there, we'll show them exactly how hard we Rangers can fight when we have to." "Yes, sir." Anderson emphatically replied, as the helmsman of the 'Night's Dagger' activated her jump engines, and the cruiser jumped into hyperspace. "I guess we *will* at that." * * * Elsewhere on the Ranger cruiser, Veyshahk carefully lit another candle, and then stood back to gravely consider the matter at hand. As he had feared, the enemy was coming -- an enemy perhaps numerous enough to destroy the 'Night's Dagger' and then move on to attack Captain Gideon and his crew. An enemy that now, quite obviously, *knew* that the 'Shard of Night' had been lost, and was moving to take advantage of that weakness. If only he had not been left behind! If only he had not encountered Kirash on Babylon 5... for if he had not, he too would have faced the same fate as the rest of her crew -- instead of this fate. If only... No. Veyshahk straightened, and turned away from his fears. What had he been thinking? He was Anla'shok, and it was foolish of him to give in to fear, when so many of his kind had died in service to the One, knowing that it was the right thing to do. His duty was to preserve life, but like all the others, he had sworn that strong oath that bound them all to the path. And now? Veyshahk's hand briefly strayed to the pike at his side -- now it was time to dance. A different dance then the one he had joined in with Kirash... and yet the same. And oh, so very necessary. "We stand on the bridge, and no one shall pass." as he gathered himself, and headed for the bridge. "We live for the One. We fight for the One. We would die for the One." * * * Z'shailyl scout vessel 'Ln`trac' -- 18:11 hrs, EST. "So," Aazhvar mused, as his small warship rushed through hyperspace towards its target, followed by all the others, "Are they taking the bait, Viknahz?" The other Z'shailyl paused to examine his own sensor readouts for a moment, and then he nodded. "They are, Que'zhail -- the ship-that-guards, the one that killed Ves`aili, the Dark Ones watch over him and all those who followed... comes to meet us, as you had intended." "This is well." Aazhvar proclaimed. Well indeed -- for now, it appeared as if the battle was to happen at a time and place of his choosing, instead of the other way around, which had been the case so often of late when dealing with these... Anla'shok. * * * The surface of the Neilgeithan 'crystal-world'. 18:25 hrs, EST. All around them, they could hear their creators, and sense their great voices -- but for the Craneori, this was still a very difficult step to take. But at the same time, their wait and their search had been so very long. They were *so* tired... {Then perhaps it is time for you to rest.} the Voice of their creators suggested. {Time for you to come to where you are most welcome -- where the darkness cannot touch you, and you can forget what was -- all the hates and all the sorrows that were.} {We are afraid.} the Craneori whispered. {We do not know what it is that awaits us, in your crystal-home} {Peace.} the Creators replied. {Balance.} {Closure.} The Craneori made their decision, then -- and it *was* a good one. With a shudder, the many billion parts of their collective shook themselves free of their hosts, and then, after a last look at the darkness above, they turned... And plunged into the light below. And what they found inside the world-crystal their Creators had built... Was astonishing indeed. * * * The 'Shard of Night' -- main bridge. 19:05 hrs, EST. And just like that, it was over -- all except for the tidying up afterwards, that was. "They're at peace now, right?" Julia asked Lorien, even as Dasouri moved the battlecruiser to the heart of what might be the last explorer-portal the Neilgeithans would ever build. "Peace? Yes..." Lorien mused, "They have found that, and more. And now that we have dealt with this matter to everyone's satisfaction, there are... a few individuals who would like a word with you before you depart." Everyone jumped, then, as Zhe'chal abruptly phased back into view in front of them, accompanied by a shimmery image of the Cha'hal'zhamon dreamspeaker that had named itself Raiphin. Julia's eyes widened -- apparently, they *could* talk to other species in person, at least once in a while. And then, she took a deep breath, before walking forth to meet the two ancients who'd chosen to deal with their... little problem, and she bowed to both of them... deeply, and with the greatest respect. "Thank you for your aid... both of you. You've gone a long way towards showing us that maybe, just *maybe* we can move past what was, and embrace a better tomorrow." {You would be wise to leave now, and never return} Zhe'chal warned the watching Rangers. {This we tell you in our parting} Julia cringed... whoops. Looks like *some* things would never change. "I, on the other hand," Raiphin wryly added, "Will be a bit more polite than that. We remembered the bargain, and that bargain still stands. If another... crisis besets you, and you return to this place in times hence, call us, and we will come to aid you. This is our promise to you -- this we tell you in our parting." "And now, it appears that I must say those most dreadful words, as well." Lorien concluded. "This is farewell for now, young Observer -- but I suspect we will meet one another again before you pass beyond the Veil. Until that day, we will be waiting here... Beyond the Rim." And then it was that the Neilgeithan explorer-portal flashed to life around them -- and Julia found her world once more consumed by light, even as she sensed the departure of the three ancients from her bridge. Only this time, there was *no* pain... * * * An indeterminate amount of time later, consciousness returned -- and with it, a word. "Report." she managed, her voice hoarse. "Where are we?" "Stand... by." Larieken replied, as the rest of the bridge returned from wherever it was the ancient's portal had sent them. "Stand by -- we are re-establishing communication with the sensor drones that were left here when we passed through the first explorer portal... in Valen's Name!" "What is it?" she exclaimed. "What's happened?" "The First One did not lie, Val'na." Larieken solemnly replied. "The sensor logs tell a tale I will reveal in its entirety -- but not now. For now, all we need to know is that a single... unconventional Anla'shok warship appears to be all that is standing between the *Exclaibur* and a much larger group of what appears to be Z'shailyl warships. And if we do not move to aid them..." "They'll be destroyed. Klairika!" "We go!" The Brakiri barked a command, and after a moment, the *Shard of Night* whirled through all three axes, and rushed off into the murk, the purpose of its Rangers... Now clear. * * * To be concluded... http://www.connect.ab.ca/~dgolding/star_circle.html From: David Goldingay Subject: STAR AND CIRCLE: "The Seeker's Fire", Episode 13, Envoi Date: Wed, 10 May 2000 23:03:32 -0600 "STAR AND CIRCLE: "THE SEEKER'S FIRE" EPISODE THIRTEEN: "THE FLAME IN THE CRYSTAL" (disclaimers and associated descriptions in overture) * * * <> Hyperspace -- 21:31 hrs, EST, Aug 6th, 2267. For once, everything appeared to be going according to plan. Aazhvar bared his teeth in a death's-head grin as his hand-of-daggers emerged from hyperspace to find, as he had hoped they would, the Ranger warship they had come here to destroy -- waiting for them, standing in between them and the daggership beyond. It had been a worthwhile chase since this ship had intercepted them in hyperspace some time before... but now it was time for battle to begin. This would be the moment when everything changed - when the balance of power would begin to swing in their favor. He whirled towards his First, and gave the order that one had been waiting for. "Advance our lighter units, then, my Favored Claw! - we engage the foe... here, and now!" * * * The jump points reared open, and Anderson said the only thing that seemed to matter. "Here they come." "How many ships are they throwing against us?" Gardinier asked, his face grim, as the crew of 'The Night's Dagger' prepared themselves for the battle ahead -- and the death that might follow soon thereafter. "The larger Z'shailyl warships are holding back for now." Anderson reported -- "Nine of their smaller units, however, are approaching on attack vectors." Her captain nodded, and rose to his feet. "Stand by to..." Gardinier never got a chance to finish his sentence, however. Because that was when the night around them spoke. Literally. * * * One word it took -- but as always with Julia, one word was often *more* than enough. "FIRE." Sheynell's hands moved upon the controls -- and a moment later, five sets of pulse cannon and two neutron batteries spoke across the emptiness of space, followed quickly thereafter by the battlecruiser's rear batteries as Dasouri swept the *Shard* past the suddenly outgunned Z'shailyl line-of-battle -- and two of the smaller enemy vessels quickly expanded into balls of flame. "All right -- bring us about to face their battleline - and stand by on the main gun." "Stand by?" Klairika inquired. Julia nodded. "Let's see what they do first." * * * "A trap!" Viknahz wailed, while in the command chair, Aazhvar grimaced, as he heard the panicked cries and damage reports coming from his lesser captains... even as the black ship that had attacked them whirled back towards his commands, greenish-white fire beginning to gather at its prow. "The Adversary has come!" As much as he hated to admit it, Aazhvar realized that his First was correct -- the rumours... had apparently been wrong. And he had brought a valuable group of his race's ships... straight into a trap. It was a failure of the worst possible kind -- Palakz... would not be pleased. But for now... "Jump!" he cried out, as the ships of his squadron began to scatter. "We jump at once!" * * * Could it be? Gardinier, more at peace in this moment then he had been in days -- watched and waited as a barely-seen dark form moved against the stars -- and then Anderson began to grin, as that form shimmered from darkness into light and a multitude of running lights sprang into existence -- as the captain of the *Shard of Night* ordered her officers to disengage the warship's stealth mode and move them into plain view. Gardinier turned towards Veyshahk, and smiled as well to see the expression on the doctor's face. "You never gave up hope, did you?" "Never." Veyshahk replied, his voice full of pride as the great prow of the... just returned?... battlecruiser came to rest facing Gardinier's command. "She found a way to return, as I told you she would." "From the start." Gardinier laughed. "Yeah, I guess you did at that." "Signal coming in from the *Shard of Night* on primary comm, sir." Anderson reported, somewhat unnecessarily. "Val'na Tikopai -- would like to have a word with you." "On screen!" And then it was that the familiar face of a friend he had thought lost forever appeared on the screen, and Gardinier's smile widened, at the first words she said. "Hi, Nathan." the captain of the *Shard of Night* began. "We're baaack!" * * * Captain's Log - supplemental. And so the word went out, as it usually does... that a miracle had occurred, as Rebecca Anderson had put it. In their greatest time of need, the Rangers of the 'Night's Dagger' had found themselves an ally when least expected - and in due course, old friends came together, and two of the more... unique ships in our arsenal flew together for a time. It was the first time, but it probably won't be the last... if I know Nathan, he'll find a way for us to go on a mission together, eventually. For now, however - the High Councillor and the President have summoned us to Minbar to be debriefed on our experiences beyond the Rim - and perhaps there will be time for us to partake in a little bit of shore leave, as well. In addition, of course, to seeing some old friends without having to worry about our mission for a time... * * * Near Tuzanor, Minbar - August 7th, 2267. In a windswept clearing some miles to the west of the City of Sorrows, two humans came together to discuss recent events, and also a few revelations. "You've heard the news, I suppose?" the man asked. His younger, dark clad female partner nodded her head, as a faint and decidedly vicious smile began to appear on her face. "Yes - as a matter of fact, I have. Looks like you were right, after all - Tikopai actually found a way to return from beyond the Rim. Is there anything the woman can't do?" "Hmm - they've made quite a few enemies in the past few months, you know. Eventually, you just might get an answer to that question." "Perhaps. In any case, they're coming here to be debriefed - and her entire command crew will be coming down to the surface, won't they?" "Yes." Including, of course, the target the man and woman had come here to find. "That's what I've heard. You're ready to do what you have to, of course?" The smile on the face of Viyana Metois, telepath rating P12, and agent of the Bureau of Telepathic Integration, that organization that now governed the telepaths of the Earth Alliance, began to blossom... but grew no more pleasant. "As a matter of fact," she allowed, "I am, actually. This is a reunion I've been looking forward to... For a very, *very* long time." Sheynell Keynes had a lot to answer for from Viyana's point of view - and in her opinion, the sooner Keynes' atonement started... The better. * * * Next time: An episode starring Viyana Metois, Sheynell Keynes, Brianna Tolmanes, Colin Ferris... And Alfred Bester. And you just *know* that when 5 P12's get together, there's *going* to be trouble... * * * "Crimes of Association" the 14th episode of 'Star and Circle', coming soon to this list! http://www.connect.ab.ca/~dgolding/star_circle.html