"STAR AND CIRCLE: THE SEEKER'S FIRE"
EPISODE EIGHTEEN: "SOUL SEARCHERS"

* * *

        (disclaimers and associated descriptions in overture)

* * *

        <<Act Two>>

        "Life consists of moments of transition... and moments of revelation..."

        - paraphrased from the 'Book of G'Kar'

* * *

        Mars, Main Dome - temporary offices of the Earthforce Joint Chiefs of Staff. 14:19 hrs, EST, Dec 4th, 2267.

        "Congratulations, *General* - and welcome to the team."

        For one of the first times in her life, Bethany actually found herself at a loss for words. Of all the things she'd been expecting would happen here, *this* hadn't been one of them. "Believe it or not, there were actually some of us who didn't think you'd make it this far..." the General continued, "I'm just glad to see you've proved them wrong."

        "When... is the promotion effective, if you don't mind me asking?"

        Shakotu frowned. As much as she hadn't wanted to make a bad impression, it was pretty clear that the General had been expecting a more exuberant response then the one he'd received. "Well, I suppose I *did* jump the gun in letting you know about this today, but the official ceremony and press conference are slated for 13:00 hrs Earth Standard Time tomorrow afternoon. And just so you know, your XO's promotion to Captain will be going through at the same time. The 'De'Molay' will be in good hands after your departure - Paul Telluride's got his head screwed on straight, he's a damn fine officer and a capable leader."

        "I taught him everything I know about the job..." Bethany conceded, her tone shaky, "On two different destroyer commands, even! He'll... I'm sure he'll do fine, he and all the rest, for as long as her missions continue."

        Shakotu snorted. "Now one thing I'm sure you don't have to worry about is that ship of yours... ah, his, that is. For all that it's one of a kind and a damn complicated piece of hardware, the 'De'Molay's got a good few light years left in it yet. Now!... if you're up to it, a goodly chunk of the staff here on Mars, General ranks included, are getting together at 'Barsoom's' for dinner at 19:00 hrs this evening. You're welcome to join us, if you like?"

        Bethany winced. "Actually, if you wouldn't mind, I'd actually like to spend one more night on Comm... ah, *Captain* Telluride's ship - for old times sake, you know? I've... got a lot to think about."

        "That's not a problem..." a visibly disappointed Shakotu allowed. "Suppose you need time to say your farewells, and all that. Tomorrow, then?"

        Bethany nodded briskly in his direction, and then, with a thousand thoughts whirling through her mind, all but ran for the door.

* * *

        Narn Regime Dreadnought *Tu'Fahr* - in hyperspace, approaching rendezvous point Gamma-Delta-Niner. 17:31 hrs, EST.

        The discussion, Julia had to admit, had gone well once she and Nicholas had finally allowed themselves to unwind - had, in fact, continued over dinner, such as it had been. G'Kael had done his best to provide a meal palatable to human tastes, and for the most part, he *had* succeeded. All the same, she mentally added, as her stomach and the food she'd eaten earlier threatened to wage a full frontal war, she'd be glad to get back to her own vessel's mess hall!

        And speaking of which...

        Julia grinned as the now-familiar warning of an incoming message sounded. "I see that your Rangers are fast on their legs..." G'Kael observed, as he leant forward to accept the message. "And no doubt your First will berate you yet again for another of your lapses of common sense?" Julia nodded, a guilty expression appearing on her face. "Ah... thank you *so* much for confirming another piece of accurate intelligence - my operatives *will* be pleased. Ah, here we are..." the Narn added, as an image appeared before him, "And good afternoon to you, Anla'shok Alidiae - you're well, I trust?"

        "I am better now that I know that my Val'na has once again been rescued from a universe that seems to be out to get her on a daily basis." the *Shard of Night*'s first officer replied, her expression stern yet thankful. "The rest of my senior crew sends their compliments, Councillor... and their thanks."

        G'Kael inclined his head. "And now that we are done with the initial pleasantries... to business. To start with, your captain and I would appreciate it if you could tell us what your current location is."

        Klairika smiled. "As it turns out, Councillor - we are presently, what, two hundred meters off their port quarter would you say, Sheynell?"

        "We could give them a more precise measurement if they really *wanted*..." the telepath replied, "But yes, that's about right."

        The room went silent for a moment - and then G'Kael laughed. "Well now! - I don't suppose Na'Zan will be terribly amused to hear that a shipload of Rangers has crept up on him in such a fashion. Well done."

        "Yeah, our first officer creeps with the best of them..." Dawson wisecracked, "Just don't get me started on her mother the Brakiri Ice Queen..."

        "Mr. Dawson... that *will* do."

        "Hmm... like mother like daughter, would you say?" Klairika's glare spread to include the Narn, at which point G'Kael threw up his hands in surrender. "Peace! Now, where were we?"

* * *

        "What is this you are saying?" Na'Zan barked, as he rose out of his command chair in consternation. "That there is a Ranger *battlecruiser* almost on top of us? Do not think to waste my time, Councillor - there are no Ranger... battlecruisers..." The Narn Warleader faltered as he saw the amusement in Julia's eyes. "Are there?"

        "An open channel if you please, Warleader?" Na'Zan nodded curtly at his communications officer, who complied with the request. "Klairika - disengage stealth mode."

        "By your command, Val'na." the reply came - and then many of the Narns on the bridge stiffened or cried out in alarm as the *Shard* abruptly appeared out of the hyperspace mists nearby.

        "Which just goes to prove that even *I* can be wrong, once in a while." Na'Zan managed after a moment. "Then the rumours we have heard about Drakh warfleets being ripped to shreds by an unknown enemy..."

        "The rumours refer to prior engagements we've had with their forces, yes."

        "A White Star battlecruiser." Na'Zan replied, almost admiringly. "So - how long have you known about this ship, G'Kael?"

        "For some time now, I'm afraid." the Councillor replied. "You must understand that 'those in the know', including myself and the Ranger leaders, have been reluctant to expand their circle. But each and every time they involve themselves in a crisis, that circle expands a little more. Eventually, if this continues, that secret will come out and become public knowledge."

        "But that time is not yet, yes?" Na'Zan inquired. G'Kael and Julia nodded "Be assured, therefore, that no one on this ship would *dare* to betray you, Captain. One thing I must know, however... is your vessel as far ahead of the White Stars technology-wise as they are ahead of the capital ships of the various Alliance races?"

        "Not quite!" Julia freely admitted, "But the designers did improve on a *few* things..."

        Nicholas coughed loudly, which apparently served to hide a choice swearword. "...including, of course, her firepower." Julia belatedly added. "And if this rumour of the Gaim finding an unknown Shadow base is accurate, we're probably going to need all the firepower we can get when the time comes."

        "Which, thankfully enough, even with our considerable speed, will be a few more hours yet. It is my assessment, Captain, that you have not had significant rest since we rescued you. And as long as there are no other world-shaking secrets to reveal, perhaps it would be best for you to retire to your own vessel at this time?"

        "Gladly!" Julia fervently agreed, as she and Nicholas turned to leave. "And thank you again, Warleader, for all your help."

        "Thanks are unnecessary - we did what we did because it was *right*. And now," Na'Zan concluded, as he turned a level stare in G'Kael's direction, "You will excuse the Councillor and I - we have certain matters to discuss."

* * *

        White Star 101 - near star system GC 9117-C - 19:47 hrs, EST.

        "Okay, Merell - are we there yet?"

        "We are approaching the location of the energy surge described in the Gaim Transmission..." Feist's first officer confirmed, as the spunky blonde haired Ranger took her seat at the heart of the bridge. "Standing by on your order..."

        "You've got it - take us into the system." The other Ranger nodded curtly as he waved his hand across the translation crystals - and a moment later a jump point yawned open before the three Alliance warships, a tunnel through which the White Stars sped to reveal... "Oh boy." Miranda breathed, "*Please* tell me the energy source isn't down there..."

        'Down there' was the jovian supergiant planet filling most of the field of view in front of them, a gas giant circled by, the rest of the crew quickly determined, more then three dozen moons, two of which was larger than Mars and possessing significant atmospheres of their own. "That is... confirmed." Merell regretfully informed his captain several minutes later. "There appears to be an energy beacon in the gas giant's atmosphere - the beacon is modulated, clearly artificial in nature... and very powerful, radiating in many wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum."

        "Including audio?"

        Merell nodded again. "Well - let's hear it, then..."

        The sounds emanating from the beacon filled the White Star's bridge a moment later, and Feist winced at the shrieks and moans and zithers in the signal before Merell moderated the volume output to something less than headache-inducing. "Well... that just about nails down the reason the Gaim figured that beacon was on a Shadow base, doesn't it?"

        "Indeed - the sounds do resemble those made by the Shadow vessels - and also those supposedly made by the Shadow beings themselves." Merell said. "As such, we must determine what is powering that beacon as soon as possible."

        "Have you managed to nail down the location of the beacon yet? Where in the atmosphere it is?"

        A moment passed, and then... "Yes."

        "Show me."

        An image rippled down in front of Feist, showing a rather large chunk of the Jovian's atmosphere, including a curdled red and maroon storm system several times larger than Earth. "The beacon source is located on the fringes of that storm system, perhaps two thirds of the way around to the far side from our perspective... and more than fifty kilometers below the cloud tops."

        "Damn it!" Feist swore, "The White Stars aren't designed to take that kind of pressure. Do you think the *Shard* can go that far down without suffering damage?"

         "Perhaps. Their hull is more advanced then our own, to be sure - but until we can speak to the *Shard*'s chief engineer, it is perhaps best not to make any concrete plans."

        "Like Hell! Merell, we can't afford the luxury of taking this one slowly - because if we know about this, our enemies almost certainly do as well. And knowing our luck, they're probably already on their way. Stand by to launch unmanned probes - the sooner we get a look at that orbiting base, the better."

* * *

        Hyperspace - 20:17 hrs, EST.

        "Oh, good - it's about time you lot reported in. I *trust* you are making some progress?"

        "Yes, *sir*," Mordechai replied, as the imposing visage of the General glared down at them, "As a matter of fact, we have. Approximately seven hours ago the Narn dreadnought that rescued Tikopai changed its course onto a heading taking it out towards the Rim... and a short time ago they rendezvoused with the *Shard of Night*."

        "Excellent! They've taken the bait, then... while at the same time they lead us towards our goal."

        Mordechai's eyes narrowed. "Of course. All the same, sir... I still don't understand why we simply cannot take the information from them by force and proceed directly to the base."

        "It doesn't work that way, boy!..." the General barked, "As well you know. We... believed that *he* was still alive, guarding the prize they gave into his care... but until now, we didn't know for sure. And now the CHOICE must be made - the guardian will ask to hear both sides speak before making his decision."

        "Even though he once served the Shadows?"

        "Yes..." the General confirmed, "Some of their servants had a misplaced sense of loyalty while also possessing manipulative streaks from Hell. It is simply a matter of telling him what he wants to hear - I'm sure you'll do just fine."

        Mordechai cast a glance in the direction of the warship's commander, that member of the Project assigned to guard him, and then he smiled and nodded - a smile that was anything but friendly. "I'll try to keep that in mind."

        "See that you do, boy." the General warned. "I will expect nothing less than total success this time - everything depends on this. And be careful... we do *not* want to lose our prize, gentlemen. Headquarters, out!"

        "He just never changes, does he?" Mordechai observed, as the General faded from sight.

        "And it is good that he hasn't," the commander replied, his expression haughty, "For where would we be if the General hadn't grasped the reins of power in his hands?"

        Mordechai laughed. "Oh, most likely we'd be dead, just like everyone else who's come before us in this godforsaken project. But we're not... and since that's the case, why don't we go kick some Ranger ass?"

* * *

        System GC-9117-C. 20:47 hrs, EST.

        "How are the probes holding up?"

        "Some of them have been crushed by the atmosphere or torn apart by jet stream currents," Merell reported, "But enough have survived to make a difference. Several of them are even now approaching the source of the beacon."

        "Let's take a look, then." Feist replied, and a moment later, an image of the gas giant's atmosphere rippled down in front of her. A minute passed, and then the clouds fell away behind the probe as it entered a clear eddy on the edge of the gargantuan storm system - revealing... "Well I'll be damned!" Feist whispered, "There it is."

        'It' was a spiky black lens shape floating in the clouds - a lens more than a mile across - and quite obviously of Shadow design. "It is as I feared..." Merell darkly proclaimed, "A Shadow base, to be sure."

        "Yep." Feist agreed, "If they built space stations, that's probably what one would look like."

        "Your orders, Val'na?"

        She didn't want to do it, but now the truth was out, what choice was there? "We wait." she replied. "We wait for the others to arrive."

* * *

        Far below the orbiting White Stars, a pair of eyes glinted in the darkness, and a hand reached out to touch a control, a control that brought into being an image of one of the invaders who had come to this place. "*There* you are, my pretty." the servant whispered. "All-seeing, but not all knowing. And where you are, your Masters cannot be too far behind, eh?

        Soon they will be here - and when they arrive, well... then the choice will be made, won't it?" Soon now.

        *Very* soon. And afterwards, everything would change.

* * *

        EAS 'De'Molay' - in orbit above Mars. Captain's quarters... 21:45 hrs, EST.

        "Damnit, Bethany, why won't you tell me what you're going to do?"

        "You *know* why, Paul..." she replied, her tone half despairing as her former first officer glowered at her from the corner. "I can't tell you what I'm going to do because I still don't know which way to go."

        "I just don't get it - the Joint Chiefs of Staff are offering you a promotion to *General*, for Crissake - a chance to walk in the corridors of power, a chance to make a difference. And you're thinking of *refusing* that opportunity, of what, resigning?"

        "And didn't we make a difference out here, Paul?" she replied, diverting him away from that discussion point, at least for the time being.

        "Damnit, that's different! You can only do so much with one crew and one ship, no matter *how* powerful that ship is. And you know what?.. we got lucky, too. If Captain Ivanova hadn't..."

        "Don't you go bringing her into this, Paul! - she didn't do anything wrong, and neither did I - but at the same time, neither of us changed the world enough to escape the toss that fate threw in our direction..."

        "Okay... fine. If you won't talk to me, why don't you talk to her, then? You've got enough friends scattered 'round the galaxy... I'm sure *one* of them will hear you out."

        "Friends?" Bethany's eyes widened as she suddenly remembered something she'd forgotten, something that fallen through the cracks in the past few months. "Of course!... damnit, I've been such an idiot - the answer was staring me right in the face all the time!"

        "What the..."

        "Paul, can we get a message through to Minbar from here?"

        "Yeah, sure - with our power plants, you could probably send a message beyond the Rim..." Telluride suddenly stopped in mid-sentence then, however, as he suddenly figured out what was on her mind. "Oh, *no*, wait just a minute here - you're not going to call HIM, are you?"

        "I am, indeed!" Bethany declared, as she sat down at the nearby comm terminal. "Bridge, this is the Captain."

        "This is the bridge, go ahead." Will McClelland's voice came back to her."

        "Lieutenant, I need you to get a channel open for me."

        "Yes, ma'am - what destination, please?"

        "Interstellar Alliance Headquarters." Bethany replied, her tone firm and decisive. "I think it's time the President and I had a *little* chat."

* * *

        To be continued!

* * *

        Return to "The Seeker's Fire" Episode Index