The Triangle: Eternity War: Cloistered Shadows
Revealed by Tony Gallichan
Chapter Two: Dark Chords
There is an old Earth saying, Big Brother is watching you. It's from a very well known book. Well, its well known on Earth, maybe not so much in other more fashionable places in the cosmos. It implies that those in authority always know what you are doing and generally keep tabs on their populace.
That's what's happening in the Triangle. Big Brother is most definitely watching. The thing is, Big Brother isn't really that bothered by the war or its forthcoming escalation. Oh true, there were 2 or 3 of the old enemy in the Triangle but they would be no trouble. No trouble at all. What could the old enemy do against the power that those who watched now had? Nothing, of course. They would be helpless. Powerless. And weren't they in for a surprise? Oh yes.
The Doctor hated surprises. Well, those surprises that he hadn't organised himself for his companions. So when he had reached the upper levels of Babylon 5 and, after wandering around the Zoccolo slightly bemused, found a public computer access panel and spoken to it, the computer stated that it recognised his voice print and stated that he had a message, the scowl on his face would have sent lesser species running for cover.
That scowl deepened when he saw who the message was from.
The Empire's standard weapon of mass terror is the star destroyer. They are huge, wedge shaped ships designed to scare the hell out of anyone who ran across them. A step up from that, and fewer in number are the super star destroyers. But the ship currently in orbit around a small, unremarkable planet in the Cassius system made those large weapons of mass destruction look like Dinky toys.
It didn't have a name. It didn't need one. It's size and sheer power spoke for themselves. The ships that had run across it in the path would have given it a name if they had had the chance. That name would have been, quite simply, "Death". And the owner of the ship, it's reason for being, so to speak? Well, he was safely ensconced in his chamber, buried deep within the hull of the behemoth.
The red clad Imperial Guards parted to allow the tall, dark figure into the chamber. Moving gracefully for one so large and encumbered, Lord Vader strode swiftly across the expansive floor towards his master. Kneeling, he awaited Palpatine's pleasure.
"What is thy bidding, my master?"
"I await your report, Lord Vader." came the reply from the shadowed figure.
"The attacks across the Klingon front continue apace. They cannot withstand us much longer."
"That is conditional upon they're not receiving aid from other quarters, Lord Vader. What are your contingencies?"
"Our associates have reported that all proceeds as you envisioned. The Federation will be far too absorbed with their own problems to even consider the idea of sending help to the Klingons. Soon, my master, the Federation will be dealt a crippling blow. All details are in the data slip I have prepared for you."
"And the Freeloader colony?"
"The captain in charge reported that there were no survivors. Our secret there is safe. The new cloning technology that we are developing with our...allies" he paused in distaste at the word, " is nearly ready. "
"This is satisfactory, my pupil. I would like your thoughts on those groups who have approached us with a view to alliances. The other federation, the Sontarans, all the others..."
"They might be useful as cannon fodder, my master."
"That is true. They need to be persuaded. Set up a conference. Tell them all to send delegates."
And the conversation carried on for 2 hours.
List of contacts follows.
Sheridan, John
Delenn.
Ranger Cole, Marcus.
Skywalker, Luke.
Belgarath.
Sisko, Benjamin.
Martok.
Worf, son of Mogh.
I'll let you decide on any others. Oh yes, on no account contact the Time Lord, Lord Macfadyan. The Judder Man has his own path to follow, as you now know. Oh and one more thing, you might want to contact the Doctor once all this is over.
"Oh very good. Very clever. Off!"
John Sheridan, Captain and commander of Babylon 5, had had it. True, the Great War was over and the Vorlons and Shadows had passed beyond, but the cost had been high. Especially to him. The phrase "seventeen years" haunted his mind. Most nights he woke up in a cold sweat.
Then there were the troubles at home on Earth. The forces of President Clark were tightening their hold on the planet and would soon turn their eyes outwards to the rebellious colonies like Mars and Proxima Three. And, of course, Babylon 5 herself. But that could all wait. He was wacked and needed some downtime.
He got just over an hour of it before something made him stir. Opening bleary eyes he was shocked to see a familiar figure in his room. For a second he thought he was dreaming, that person was dead.
"What the Hell? How can you be here?" he stuttered.
"I have always been here."
And that made him smile.
A small, saucer-like ship moved closer to the massive super, super star destroyer, angling itself to slowly proceed into the docking bay. The Emperor's latest allies had arrived.
Inside the ship, in a huge chamber, various delegates stood in groups, eying each other suspiciously. A signal was given and they took their seats as Palpatine, flanked as ever by the tall, dark shape of Lord Vader, walked into the chamber.
Palpatine waved a hand and a large holo screen appeared over the middle of the table. Just as a large planet appeared on the screen, a door to the chamber opened and a very fat, flustered Imperial officer appeared.
"Forgive me, my lord, but there are more delegates arrived." He spoke in a curious staccato way that could easily get very annoying.
"Show them in, Captain Shnerr."
Three robot-like creatures glided into the room. Several of the delegations gasped and looked shocked. Surely they wouldn't be forced to ally themselves with these creatures? The lead creature spoke, the lens on its dome contracting and opening as it focussed on each delegate in turn.
"We bring greetings from our Emperor. The Daleks will stand beside you. All power will be ours. We are yours to command!" it barked.
"Excellent, my friends," said Palpatine and he gestured to the Daleks to take their place at the table.
"Please direct your attention to the planet on the screen. This planet is now a target. This is what I wish" and he continued his briefing.
One of the Daleks studied the screen. The planet didn't look important. A normal M class planet. Under the peaceful image, the planet's name flashed quietly.
Betazed.
To be continued...