"STAR AND CIRCLE: THE SEEKER'S FIRE"
EPISODE TEN: "AND NO ONE SHALL PASS"

(disclaimers and associated descriptions in overture)


        <<ACT TWO>>

        Having reported that his... order had been fulfilled, the other hunters in Berane's party had retired to their own quarters for a short period of rest. The raen-shahn had also made it quite clear that they would be glad to take their leave of this place where there was no sun to calm one's thoughts, and little night-of-awareness save the endless dark of the void outside... but that time could not be yet. They had so much to do before they could return home.

        Meshik zum Berane grimaced at the screen in front of him before leaning back and reaching for the chilled glass of pechain that sat nearby -- the data the now-expired V'larris had given him was useful... yet frustrating at the same time. Fascinating, and also dangerous -- the Alliance advisory council, and especially their President, Sheridan, could never learn this secret had escaped... for if it did, Berane knew his death would follow soon afterwards.

        A summary: before the Drakh had attacked the human homeworld, the Minbari warrior caste had ordered a new-generation warship built -- 'vi'dalae an'shaka' they had named it. Shortly after the assault that had launched the 'Excalibur' on its quest, Sheridan had given the warship into the care of the Rangers -- the youngest, best and brightest amongst them... including his target, Klairika zai`lei Alidiae, first daughter of her house.

        Klairika's birth-mother, Sionayia, who was at present acting in the role of *Nei Leidrei* in the Krona'chaal, had been especially displeased when her daughter had left to join the Anla'shok -- and that anger had not faded over time... instead it had grown, until he and his hunters had finally been sent off world to find her.

        Berane shook his head wearily as he drained the glass -- the facts were at hand, but that did not alter the circumstances. The report told him how this vessel the first-daughter served upon could hide itself at the command of its warleader, this 'Tikopai' that the report had warned him about... and how the exact location of the warship could not be easily predicted. How, then, was he to intercept and return his target to Brakir?

        In was at that point, interestingly enough, that the door-signal chimed -- Berane rose to his feet, his face darkening -- who would *dare* to disturb him during his time of contemplation? "Identify yourself!"

        "A friend I am to you." the reply came, the tone high and modulated. "You seek the vessel commanded by the fallen one... I can help you find it."

        With a curse, Berane ordered the door to open... revealing a dark-cloaked figure standing just beyond. "A friend, you say?" he sarcastically replied. "You must be mistaken -- Mezhik zum Berane has no friends."

        "An ally, then." the other corrected, as it moved to step inside. "My master has sent me to this place in response to that he-has-seen. The fall cannot now be avoided, but those who *caused* the fall must be made to pay. I come to this place guided by my gifts, to even the balance, you might say. You seek the one named Alidiae, yes?"

        "Even if I was, this matter would be none of your concern... whatever you are."

        "The servants of the fallen one must pay for their crimes!" the figure snarled, as it reached up to draw back its hood. "You wish to learn what I am, do you? What I show you now is not what the guardian-watchers of this place saw when I arrived -- when you see my true-face, perhaps you will understand." And as a now-intrigued Berane watched, the half-seen features inside that hood shimmered as the figure drew back the cloth... and then that veil ripped aside, to show what was beneath.

        "What are you?" a now-shocked Berane managed.

        "Now that I have your attention, Brakiri-hunter," the other replied, "This is the first thing we must discuss."

* * *

        "Val'na," Larieken solemnly reported, "A report from the sensors has just been relayed to our position... we now have a tenative location for the Drakh assault force preparing to attack the 'Excalibur.'"

        "Three questions, Larieken," Julia replied as she moved over to stand beside her operations officer. "Where are they, how many of them are there... and why tentative?"

        "One of our sensor drones encountered a small Drakh patrol vessel in hyperspace and subsequently followed that vessel into orbit around the single planet of the binary star GC 18388." the Minbari replied. "That is where they *were*, but that is not where they are now -- for upon arriving in orbit, the drone was able to observe a sizable Drakh battlegroup jumping into hyperspace -- this group was followed into that realm shortly thereafter by the two other orders of battle present in the system."

        It was at that point that Larieken passed his hands over a set of crystals at his station, and all on the bridge beheld the image in question, as the drone relayed its saved memory of the six Drakh capital ships and their escorts making the jump into hyperspace... and shortly thereafter, the rest. "Although the probe was unable to pursue the Drakh into hypersapce, we must conclude from the evidence at hand that our prior hypothesis regarding the 'Excalibur' is a correct one."

        "Klairika, Sheynell, your thoughts on this matter?"

        "The pattern they are following is a classic military tactic." the telepath replied, her expression thoughtful. "Send in an initial force to weaken the defences of the enemy, and then before that enemy has chance to regain its strength, send in another wave of attackers to finish the job."

        "An accurate assessment, as always, Sheynell," Klairika observed, "But perhaps we still have time to act. That the Drakh are not waiting at the test zone for the 'Excalibur' to emerge from hyperspace tells us that while they may be aware of the operation, they are not yet sure of the exact location of the testing area. That, however, may soon change... I have come to the conclusion that the operation has a weak link the Drakh may soon exploit."

        "You refer, of course, to *civilian* on Gideon's ship." Dasouri observed, his tone derisive. "This is one Drazi who chooses not to argue with your suggestion, Na'lai. Hypothesis -- human has agreed to be infected with Drakh plague because life-partner is on human homeworld, also infected. Conclusion -- human may attempt to contact life-partner, to tell female he is coming home."

        "And the Drakh, wouldn't you know it, are waiting for Mr. Idiot to phone home." Dawson muttered sarcastically from his post in engineering. "The guy's practically stenciling a target on the side of Gideon's ship, for Crissake!"

        "I believe," Larieken carefully observed, "The time has come for less talking and more action. The sensor drone assigned to chase the 'Excalbiur' has just left Earth in the destroyer's jumpwake -- we may now surmise that Gideon's crew rendezvoused with Dr. Franklin. We are, how shall I say it?... running short on time."

        Julia grimly nodded as she settled deeper into her seat. One day in the none too distant future, she would devote a great deal of energy to tracking down the spy who had told the Drakh about this operation in the first place... but that time was not now. "Agreed -- Dasouri, set us a course towards your best-guess approach vector for the enemy forces."

        "And our target?" Klairika inquired.

        "Group two." she replied, "And if that assault goes well, Group three after that."

        "This, making the assumption that Captain Gideon and his crew are capable of handling Group One." Sheynell observed, as the 'Shard' twisted around in hyperspace at Dasouri's command and headed off towards the approaching enemy.

        "Even we're only one ship, Sheynell..." Julia quietly replied. "We can't work miracles."

        "One ship we may be," Klairika noted, "But remember the blades we cast in the face of the enemy upon occasion. I would speak to you of this matter, Val'na -- alone, if possible."

        Now what was *this* about? Julia nodded in Larieken's direction, and even as the Minbari moved to assume the conn, she retired to her ready room, her first officer close behind. "You're referring to our fighter squadron, of course."

        "Indeed." Klairika acknowledged, her face nearly expressionless. "And as for what this is about, you must understand, Julia, that there are times I still regret the loss of command I endured when I agreed to come aboard this vessel -- this battle offers an opportunity to regain what was lost, as least temporarily."

        "You want to command the fighter squadron during our battle with the Drakh." A statement, not a question.

        "During this engagement, I feel the need to take the battle to the enemy in a more... personal fashion then I have of late." Klairika explained. "I will not ask you to understand the reasons I am doing this, only that it should be done."

        She nodded... but then suddenly froze as the room seemed to crystalize around her -- oh Hell, here we go again with the visions. And as she observed... a wave of terror passed through her even as darkness seemed to descend over her first officer... a darkness that was subsequently replaced by light.

        The meaning was... reasonably obvious. If she did this thing, Klairika would be going into terrible danger -- but in the end, she would emerge from that crisis, unscathed. This, of course, was something she couldn't tell her -- one thing Nirisha *had* told her was that it was theoretically possible for Observers to change the pattern of the future.

        Usually for the worse.

        "Valen will watch over you during this battle." she whispered.

        "As he watches over us all." Klarika replied, on her way out the door.

        The question was, this time, would that be enough?

* * *

        Elsewhere in hyperspace.

        His expression cold and forbidding, Vaarliht Ka'rath listened to the signal coming in from the human daggership as it was slowly translated into a form he could understand, and silently congratulated his Zau Vekh'shivalht on the choice he had made. La'skaa had sent the faster carriers out ahead of his command ship -- had even given Ka'rath command of one of those carriers for the duration of the operation... and now the mistake had been made, it was time to act. Time at *last* to end this useless search the human named Gideon and his followers were conducting.

        "Set an intercept course." he ordered. "And notify the fleet."

* * *

        Babylon 5.

        "So..." Berane observed, his thoughts more ordered now then they had been in some time, "You were sent to this region of the galaxy by your master, then."

        "I, and several others." his 'guest' admitted. "He has commanded that those who have caused him harm shall suffer for their crimes."

        "An understandable request." the Brakiri coolly replied.

        "You respond to this matter more calmly then we had expected you would, Berane."

        "I am na raen-shahn," Berane reminded the other. "It is our nature to take shifts in the pattern in stride -- *especially* if those shifts are in our favour. Now," he added, "You will explain to me how, exactly, your gifts will aid us in the capture of our target."

        "As you wish."

* * *

        "Now that we have secluded ourselves," Tirivail coldly informed Islane, "It is time for you to start talking, Centauri... time for you to explain to us why we should go on listening to you."

        "Of course." Islane replied, her tone level and face calm... a calmness imposed by the now *quite* attentive Keeper. "My master is aware of many things going on in the galaxy around him -- including, incidentally, the launch of a certain vessel from Minbar."

        "We should kill her now!" Illithan interrupted. "She knows too much, Tirivail!"

        "This remains to be seen." the Storm Dancer informed her companion, before turning back to face Islane. "Explain your comments."

        "Those I serve know your commander was humbled by President John Sheridan... but they do not know the details. They know that *you*, Tirivail, were humbled by your Anla'shok sibling in a duel some time ago, and that your need to revenge yourself upon that order is now a pressing issue. And finally... that your commander has been set a task by Shai Alyt Kozorr, a task that few if any Minbari are aware of."

        At that point, she leant forward. "It is my master's belief that this purpose is a dark one -- if this is true, he may be willing to aid you -- and while there will be a price to pay, I have observed that the more allies one has these days, the better off one is."

        "'They', you continue to say... or 'my master'." Tirivail replied, her eyes narrow. "I must assume that you are still intent on keeping his identity a secret?"

        She nodded. "You will learn of his identity soon enough... but only if I am taken to meet with your Alyt."

        Islane nearly gasped, then, as Tirivail's hand moved quickly down to her side and the warrior's pike suddenly flashed out and paused within a hair's-breadth of her neck. "If it was my decision to make," she was informed, "I would kill you here and now, and spit upon your master's 'offer' of alliance -- but enough. You have fulfilled the expectations of my Alyt -- as such, you will follow us to our transport -- we leave this place to rendezvous with him.

        At once."

* * *

        A short time later.

        "So," Rahkeel inquired, his expression speculative, "I was right about the Centauri, wasn't I?"

        "The sensor you gave me suggests that you were, Alyt," Tirivail replied, "But I could not be *sure*."

        Rahkeel laughed. "Do not overly concern yourself with the matter, Tirivail... you have done well. You will bring Islane Refa to me at once -- the instant she steps aboard the 'Stormwind', we will have the answer we seek."

* * *

        Drakh fleet carrier NELAZIZ -- enroute in hyperspace.

        "Palakz," Raeznon reported, her expression suspicious, "We are receiving an incoming transmission -- the code is not, however, one that I recognize."

        "Ah..." the Vekh'shivalht allowed, "In that case, my Vaarliht, how is it you know the message is for us?"

        "Not for *us*." the other Drakh clarified. "For YOU."

        "You are certain this message is not from one of the others?"

        "Reasonably certain, yes. As I have already told you," she reminded him, her tone now irritable, "This signal does not appear to be a military transmission."

        Palakz's expression grew dark... what in the name of the Dark Memory was this who was trying to contact him... someone who knew where he was, and knew what ship he was on? If not La'skaa or A'aveilz, then who? "Translate and display." he snapped... but that anger quickly became puzzlement as a dark-cloaked figure appeared on the viewscreen, its features hidden deep inside a cowled hood.

        "Identify yourself." Palakz hissed.

        "That will be impossible for the time being." the figure on the screen replied. "Although you may learn our identity in time... Vekh'shivalht Palakz."

        "What is your intent? How did you know we were here? And most importantly, how did you know *I* would be on this ship?"

        "It makes demands," the figure observed, a trace of sarcastic humour creeping into its voice. "I reach out my claws in alliance to you, Drakh... for I would not see you warriors fall to the weapons of the Fallen one. But do not *presume* to think you can command me as you would your warrior underlings!"

        "I grow tired of this nonsense!" Palakz managed, his voice now full of anger. "Make your meaning clear or trouble us no more!"

        "So be it, then -- know that the force you name 'Adversary' is waiting for you, Vekh'shivalht Palakz. Understand that if you continue on your present course, you will share the fate of the warriors commanded by your fellow Drakh, the ones named La'skaa and A'aveilz."

        "This is the truth?" he demanded. "Tell us this *now*, or not at all."

        "The truth it is." the figure replied. "Would you walk so easily into their traps, Palakz?"

        "Who are you?" Palakz demanded again. "*What* are you?"

        "Enemy to your Adversary." the other finally admitted. "Servant of one who has been shamed by the hidden. My master chooses to aid those who hunt the Fallen One... and all elements will be tied together soon enough. In time, you will understand -- but for now, this warning you must obey. Those of your race who serve La'skaa and A'aveilz will die, nothing there is you can do to alter this outcome. Only yourself and those who serve *you* can be saved -- this we have seen."

        "We will remember this." Palakz replied. "As one servant of the darkness to another, we thank you."

        "You believe we serve the darkness, do you?" the figure whispered. "You do not begin to understand the pattern of what is and what will be... but you will, Palakz. Be assured of *that*."

        And with that, the message ended.

        A moment passed, and then... "You do not actually believe this creature, do you?" Raeznon exclaimed. "He is not Drakh, he is not a known ally -- he is not one of *us*."

        "And yet, some part of his warning rings true." Palakz replied, his voice as hard as steel. "For now, however, we shall continue onwards -- we shall follow La'skaa's orders."

        "And if it speaks the truth, what then?"

        If it speaks the truth. Palakz shifted irritably in his chair-of-command... hard choices were coming. Harder, perhaps, then any faced by a member of his species since the Dark Ones had abandoned them.

        But necessary, all the same.

* * *

        "They are coming." Three simple words, but full of deadly promise just the same. And yet again, the Rangers of the 'Shard of Night' prepared to join in battle with their foe. A whispered command, and the semi-organic launch ports for the battlecruiser's fighter squadron shivered and pulled aside -- and a moment later, the six violet warcraft sprang from those points to vanish into the murk of hyperspace.

        They were coming -- and it was time to give the order. "Larieken..." Julia ordered, her fingers steepled beneath her narrow chin, "Take us into darklight mode."

        And only just in time, as a few moments later a formation of five Drakh carriers appeared in front of them, trailed by a much larger command ship and two tiny escorts. Her Rangers had their orders -- and Dasouri expertly rotated the 'Shard' through two axes as the Drakh battlegroup passed them by, less then fifty kilometres below, keeping the enemy force in plain view. Another moment, and another order -- and as her command engaged its main drive and raced away into the reddish gloom, she hoped she was doing the right thing. Hoped that Captain Gideon and his crew could take care of the menace bearing down on them.

        And in conclusion, as the Drakh warships faded from sight behind them, wished she had the option to warn Gideon of what was about to happen -- but that was not an option open to her.

        Not yet, and perhaps not ever.

* * *

        A thousand light years above the plane of the Milky Way, the watcher gazed down upon the proceedings with amused interest. He had made his promises, and would abide by them -- but even *he* was still curious about certain things... and this was one such.

        How this matter would be resolved was no longer in doubt -- Matthew and his crew would survive their encounter, while young Tikopai and hers would also no doubt succeed, as well... but the enemies were gathering. He could see the pattern forming, even if they couldn't.

        And would they survive the trial that still lay ahead? The watcher sighed -- well, that was the question of the hour, wasn't it?

* * *

        To be continued...

* * *

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