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A Dream Given Form: A Babylon 5 Self Insert

Chapter 72: No Surrender, No Retreat New
Warner Brothers Discovery Own Babylon 5. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Non-Profit.

Author's Note: I realize the White Star Fleet are used in the episodes proper. I've chosen not to use them in this, not fully at least. We'll see if it works out or not.

September 1st, 2261. As Sheridan says in his Captain's Log...Enough is Enough.

The White Star Fleet arrives as Susan departs for Sector 300. I'm terrified of what is expected to happen and that I won't be able to save her. Marcus is still on Mars as the final campaign there has begun, since I butterflied Proxima III. This means I won't be present to hear Susan's iconic line facing the ADG Captain. Sheridan and Ivanova just finished holding a session of the B5 Advisory Council with the League of Non-Aligned Worlds. For the price of the continued protection of the White Stars, each member had to have pledged a destroyer class ship to the protection of Babylon 5, since there won't be anything left here when everyone is gone. The League agrees having already severed their mutual defense pact with the Earth Alliance. They understand what Sheridan is about to do. Delenn is worried, I have attempted to assure that everything will be fine...but that nagging feeling over what might still happen to John is there. I've done everything I know that I can to prevent it...but you never know. Bester and his loyalists are planning on assaulting Psi-Corp. If this goes well...we'll be able to start Phase Three of the Plan after the conclusion of the war.

General Hague and his advanced group have departed Proxima III, leaving behind a small defense force consisting of their own Omega Destroyers. Once again I am slightly surprised that President Clark didn't send a force to attempt to occupy Proxima, but the intelligence suggests that he's become overly obsessed with Sheridan and has concentrated all of Earth Force that isn't blockading Orion VII to face Sheridan when he arrives. Maybe I'm wrong about them attempting to distract and capture John, maybe Clark just wants to blow him out of the stars instead? Lianna has remained behind on Proxima III to coordinate efforts. She most likely will receive a promotion and possibly will be reassigned when this is over. I wonder what she wants to talk about? I certainly have ideas about what I want to talk about with her.

The EA Agamemnon arrives to Babylon 5 and Captain James relinquishes temporary command of the ship to Captain Sheridan, with James acting as XO. The plan is that after Susan successfully engages and destroys the ADG, she is to rendezvous with Sheridan's attack group at Mars. General Hague's forces as well if successful at taking Orion VII and Io Station are to convene with the main fleet. Then our combined fleet, will engage General Lefcourt's remaining forces at Mars before heading to Earth. Sheridan and Hague planned out this in extreme detail, with notes from myself. I stare at the main galactic map. Delenn puts a hand on my shoulder.

"They will be all right." She says

"I hope so Delenn. There's something that I haven't said...because I'm still hoping like hell it won't happen."

"What is it?"

"During the battle with the Advanced Destroyer Group---Susan's White Star is severely damaged, she's injured badly, Marcus is there, and he rushes to bring her back to Babylon 5 and uses the Alien Healing Device to sacrifice himself to save her."

"In Valen's Name..." Delenn replies

"Exactly. Being here...I feel...stuck, Delenn. But I Know if I was there, it'd be useless, she's pinned through debris...Marcus barely is able to get her out, just his force of will manages it. I'm not as strong as he is. Here though...I'm just waiting for things to happen."

We're interrupted with as a message comes in from General Hague's forces.

"I'm sorry, sir, Ma'am, but General Hague's group have engaged the blockade at Orion VII."

"Tactical map on screen please, and put all groups currently engaged or otherwise on screen, including the White Star group in transit." I order

"Yes sir."

The massive screen dissolves from the galactic map to a tactical overlay of several battles. I can see the White Stars still in hyperspace heading towards their location at Sector 300. John's group still is in transit to Mars, while I see the engagement at Orion VII. The forces that would have been at Proxima III have been relocated to this minor colony world. They have suffered greatly at the hands of Clark. I see Blue icons indicating Earth Force ships. The EAS Pollux, Heracles, and Vesta are all present. There are only a dozen or so ships part of the blockade. The fighting lasts for a few hours as the ship---composed of young officers, and Captain's who have been field promoted during the course of the war---are no match for General Hague's more experienced group. The Alexander herself takes out about half the blockade as Orion VII is liberated.

"Sir, you might want to watch ISN on right now." the tech says

"Put it on split screen."

"Breaking news this hour as rebel forces under the combined command of former Earth Alliance Chief of the Joint Chiefs-of-Staff, William Hague, and Babylon 5 commanding officer, Captain John J. Sheridan have launched an attack against Earth Alliance worlds. There are multiple reports of uprisings, and bombings on Mars, President Clark has dispatched a fleet to deal with these upbringings. More as it happens."

"Switch off ISN."

I wish I had a remote. I slump back in my chair again.

"It has most certainly begun. Now all we can do is wait."

Unexpectedly, Londo and G'Kar come in together. G'Kar of course sporting his new eye that Stephen installed before he left. G'Kar is initially cold towards Mollari still...what is this? I sit back up in my chair.

"Gentlemen, this is an unexpected surprise, what can we do for you?" I ask as even Delenn is surprised by the sight of them together. G'Kar responds

"The two of us have agreed upon an unprecedented historical agreement between our two peoples. We have chosen to declare mutual support between the Centauri Republic and Narn Regime for the Earth Resistance. I have already spoken the Ka'Rhi...they were less than enthused by this naturally, but have agreed at least tentatively to support this...initiative."

Londo amused picks up a few of my nuts sitting in a little dish I had brought at the table.

Delenn and I exchange shocked looks.

"You...you've done...what?" I can barely get the words out I'm so shocked, Londo starts laughing.

"To see the look on your face right now...has made this worth it. The Centaurum has also tentatively agreed to this as well. Both of us are ready to send ships if Sheridan needs them."

I sit back down. I need a drink. I'm going to become really emotional pretty soon. I need to calm down. Focus. This is...unbelievable. G'Kar refuses Londo's proposal in the show, he's still embittered and doesn't want anything to do him or the Centauri. Maybe sending him to get Na'Toth...changed all of that.

"I don't know what to say..." I say

"That much is evident." G'Kar replies

"I think what Adam is trying to say, is thank you. But...what...facilitated this...decision?" she asks

"Going to Centauri Prime to retrieve Na'Toth was an enlightening experience---but quite simply put, it is time to put the past behind us, if we are to truly heal, both of our peoples, are going to have to..."

"Have bygones be bygones?" I offer

"Perhaps not to that extent, but yes." Mollari says

"Hopefully this is the start of something new for both the Centauri and Narn."

"I hope so too..."

Will wonders never cease.

"Commander Ivanova's group have reached the Advanced Destroyers sir."

"If you'll two excuse me." I say as I return my attention to the viewer.

"We'd like to stay and watch with you."

"By all means."


I turn to the Tech...Ensign Molls or something like that.

"Ensign...can we patch in comms?"

"Yes sir stand by, there might be some slight lag though."

"Understood."

I should have thought of this sooner. The White Stars and the ADG are nearly about to engage, the Captain of the Destroyer Group has---

"This is Captain J. Thompson of the Advanced Destroyer Group to enemy vessels. We have you surrounded. You are ordered to surrender your vessels."

That is an insanely stupid thing to say when you have only six ships, don't care how advanced you think you are, against like 70 or so White Stars. The next voice I hear is Susan's.

"This is the White Star Fleet. Negative on surrender. We will not stand down." Claudia at her VERY best.

"Who is this?" he asks

Uh-oh. He's about to find out. Prepare to get TOSSED.

"Who am I? I am Susan Ivanova. Commander, Daughter of Sergei and Sophie Ivanova. I am the right hand of vengeance, and the boot that is going to kick your sorry ass all the way back to Earth sweetheart. I am Death Incarnate, and the last living thing you will ever see. God sent me." she says her iconic line

I'm not really God, but thanks Susan. I smirk inwardly. Adam stop.

The White Stars fully engage the Destroyers.
 
Chapter 73: Pushing Back Against Fate New
Warner Brothers Discovery Own Babylon 5. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Non-Profit.

The Battle of Sector 300 commences as I see Susan's formation. She has the White Stars vulnerable on purpose, in order to tease the ADG into attacking first, drawing them inwards. How they thought this was going to be a swift victory for them beyond me. No, that's unfair. They think themselves invisible because they've been conditioned, and because of the Shadow technology. I know they don't have proper intelligence on the White Star Fleet---Earth still doesn't even really know what the White Star Fleet IS, but they know a little of what she's capable of. I decide to to interject myself which surprises Delenn, G'Kar, and Londo. I press a button now given me by one of the Minbari techs.

"This is Babylon Control to White Star 2, do you read, Commander?"

"What the hell are you doing on this line, Mr. Young, we're up to our ears in war!" Susan exclaims angrily

"I have been monitoring all the battles, Susan. You need to break up the White Star Fleet's formation. You're too cramped." I say calmly, like Spock.

"I'm following Captain Sheridan's strategy!" she bellows

"I'm not suggesting you don't. I'm suggesting you spread out the fleet. Susan, please. It could mean your very life." I plea

The resulting debris that catches White Star 2 I believe is because both combatants are fighting too close together and there's no space. Ironically.

"Fine. I'll adjust our formation accordingly, but you're to stay off this line. Understood?" she orders

"Aye sir." I reply begrudgingly...can't promise I won't.

G'Kar with a mischievous grin looks at me.

"That took some balls as you humans like to say, Mr. Young. Inviting the wrath of Commander Ivanova is reserved for only the bravest of souls."

"You're telling me...I can take Susan yelling at me for a few minutes if it saves her life."

An ass reaming for 20 minutes is better than seeing her injured and leading to Marcus's sacrifice. No one dies if I can help it.

"The White Star Fleet is breaking formation sir. Commander Ivanova has ordered groups to split apart and engage various ADG's." a tech points out and I see it on the layout

The screen is now split with a live feed showing the actual battle (like if I was the watching the episode), and the tactical overlay. I see White Star 2's icon as she engages the main flagship. It is a fierce fight that lasts nearly a hour but eventually the monstrous vessel is destroyed. A cheer goes up in the War Room from the peanut gallery. Just then another two ADG's blink out of existence as explosions fill the screen, the blinding light making me shield my vision.

"So far so good..." I Mutter

"I will go aboard a ship and join them just in case we are needed...still." Delenn leaves. John won't be happy about that but if it saves Susan's life...White Star 2 suddenly engages engines and veers towards the remaining ship joining White Star's 4 and 9 who have engaged the final ship. This is it. This is what I've been dreading, pleading, and nearly praying to avoid---

"All weapons, all batteries, fire. Keep pouring it on!" Susan orders as the three vessels converge together on the ship---and then---it happens---a massive explosion!

"White Star 2 back away from the debris...now...Susan! Watch Your Twelve! Watch your fucking twelve for all that is holy!!!"

Tears start to stream down my cheeks, as I expect the worse.

"Babylon Control to White Star 2...please respond, e-even...even if it is to chew my ass off. Susan...." I hold my breath for what seems like an eternity...

"This is Commander Ivanova, Babylon 5 Control. We're all right. Mission Accomplished. We're setting course to the rendezvous point...and Adam...thank you."

She realizes that I just saved her life. I watch on the monitor as the remaining White Stars reform and jump out of the system. I sit back in my chair and put my head down on the table and start to cry...she's okay. She's okay.

After a good five minutes of crying and G'Kar comforting me, I gently push him aside. I wasn't just crying because I saved Susan, I've saved Marcus now as well.

"I'm okay. Just releasing mounted up emotion..."

The truth is that it's been weeks since I had my episode, I'm extremely stressed, and over tired...I need to sleep when this is all over. I'm powering through this.

"I trust that Commander Ivanova....was seriously injured during that battle?" he asks

"Yes. But it's more than that...in order to save Susan---Marcus sacrifices himself by using the Alien Healing Device."

"You have saved both of them." Londo chimes in

"Y-yeah. We should recall Delenn back." G'Kar does so for me, he is after all a member of the War Council still so has authority to command here

"What's the status of the fighting?"

"Orion VII has been liberated with minimal losses. The entirety of our forces are now heading to the rendezvous point."

"General Lefcourt's forces will be waiting for them there. He possess 36 ships. The homebound fleet is still around 80. We outnumber them still. How many White Stars did we end up loosing in that battle with the fucking ADG's?" I rub my eyes

"25 sir. We have 75 White Star's left. The total composition of the fleet currently is around 110 ships."

Almost two to one odds. In the episode the fighting takes weeks, because Sheridan's forces are largely on their own despite out numbering them in there too. We didn't posses General Hague's experienced forces. This could be over in a couple of days. I have Zack check on Lise, he reports back.

"Ms. Hampton is okay, she's a little restless, and still a bit scared...the whole thing has been pretty overwhelming for her still. You want me to increase security on her?"

"No, not unless she requests it. I think for the most part she'll be fine here. Michael and the others will return in a few weeks...then they will figure out the business of handling Edgars' Industries."

Zack chuckles.

"What's on your mind Zack?"

"The Chief. I'm guessing that Ms. Hampton is going to ask Michael to help her run the company---I'm laughing, because it's the least thing in the entire galaxy he'd want to do."

I nod chuckling as well.

"Yeah...but they'll be together. They'll handle the Board of Directors. I suspect that means you'll be promoted."

His face blanches for a second.

"Wait...what?"

"You're his second. You haven't noticed your responsibilities increasing the last year or so? He's been quietly grooming you to take over."

Zack's eyes go all buggy. Jeff Conaway was an exceptional actor. Unfortunate about his demons, but then we all have our demons.

"You think Sheridan will approve it?" he asks

"Of course he will. There's no one else more qualified for the spot. You've done incredibly well Zack. You should be proud."

"If only Lyta saw it that way..." he replies and I put my hand on his shoulder

"Lyta...has been through a lot in her life Zack. Relationships of any kind---platonic or otherwise---are extremely hard for her. Extremely hard for any one sometimes frankly, but...give her time, just be yourself."

"You know something I don't?" he asks

"Just be patient with her, and be content with the friendship you have. The rest will take care of itself."

"Sir, we have breaking news from ISN!"

I press my little remote.

"ISN has just learned that an unknown strike force has begun bombing Psi-Corp Headquarters, here in Geneva. You can hear the---the---bombing from our studios, which of course are---"

The broadcast ceases. I exchange looks with Zack.

"Looks like Bester's people have started their attack." Allan says and I nod

"Sir, you've got an incoming communique from Captain Sheridan."

"Put him on the big screen, Ensign." It is good to see John in his old command chair on the Agamemnon

"You just saw the ISN report?" he asks

"Yes sir. Not sure why the ISN signal cut out but given the proximity of the attack...maybe they hit a transmitter array or something."

"Maybe. I want to thank you for helping Susan out there...that took some balls. You saved her life."

"Yes sir."

"Have you heard anything from dad?" he asks me

"Not yet sir. I'm still monitoring that. My sources have been negative, however as I said---"

"I know...everything works out in the end. I'd just like to know now---"

"General Lefcourt's forces are currently awaiting yours."

"I know...the General is a good man, but---"

"He's wrong in this John. Blind loyalty to a military force being governed by a fascist dictator---isn't loyalty. Solider or not. There comes a point in time where it has to be more than just---following orders."

"I know that too. You're sure of the mistakes he will make?"

"Aye. He should know your command tactics by now, but the ground force diversions on Mars will be exactly that. It will force him to make a decision on what to focus on, you or what's going on Mars. A good commander would have focused on the ground force diversions...." I smirk.

"Don't get cocky Adam. You have the benefit of unique hind sight here...but things can change as you know."

"Yes, Captain."

"Delenn?" he asks

"Ambassador Delenn is currently returning after departing for Sector 300---she's been immediately recalled though after I--"

"Butterflied whatever happened to Susan. Adam---at some point Delenn is going to want to come to Earth---let her."

"Aye sir. IF we are victorious---are we still doing the thing, we've planned?"

Announcing the creation of the Interstellar Alliance.

"Yes..."

"Oh! Captain...G'Kar and---"

"I Know, they just released their joint statement. A remarkable turn of events. Hopefully the start of something new...this makes things a whole lot more easier if we can get the Narn and Centauri on the same page for the first time in centuries."

I nod.

"All right. I have to go. Next time we talk...hopefully it'll be from Earth! We'll send the signal for you to join us."

"Aye sir. I'll be ready."

The Fleet continues onwards to Sol System.
 

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