Chess Game in the B5-Universe , anyone ?

White Queen D5-E4

<font color="blue">Roleplay</font color>: Delenn decided not to take any chances and so ordered Whitestar 10 to pull back from the area where they had destroyed the enemy-ship. They opened a jumpgate and entered hyperspace. A message was sent to Sheridan at B5 detailing what had happened.

It was a trap , but then again we had to chance it.

They did not head straight back for the babylon station , however , but remained in hyperspace watching. Could there be enemy support-vessels nearby ? Delenn stared out into the "ocean of inbetween" that was hyperspace.

Are you out there ?

<font color="red">Chess-move</font color>: White Queen D5-E4

Black Short Castling

<font color="yellow">Story:</font color>

So it begins. Vorlon minions are now actively moving to undermine the Change. To balance that, we have instructed our allies to use their influence against them. We have also reconnected the Eye, notified sleeping vessels that the time has arrived. Ready or not, move they must. X'ha'dam is now capable of receiving and finishing 152 vessels per day, although the current arrival rate 3 vessels per day. Since it has finally developed capability for independent movement, we have instructed it to position itself closer to Epsilon. Should the Guardian of the Rift disagree, we will soon have means to address that... concern.

<font color="yellow">Chess move:</font color>

Black Short Castling
Black King E8-G8
Black Rook H8-F8

White Right Bishop B5-D3

<font color="blue">Roleplay</font color>: Security Chief Michael Garibaldi listened to the reports from his men , but his mind was only partially on what they were saying.

There must be spies of the enemy aboard. But who are they ? Where do we look ?

They had acted upon rumours before and sometimes there was something in them. Often not. It was important that the shadows - that was the name of the enemy , they had learnt that in the past weeks - or their agents and minions did not learn of their secret plans.

If all goes according to plan we might surprise them indeed.

A small glint in Garibaldi`s eyes did not betray his thoughts.

<font color="red">Chess-move</font color>: White Right Bishop B5-D3

Black Right Bishop D7-F5

<font color="yellow">Story:</font color>

Vsyl observed the security chief from distance, relying more on microscopic Shadow probes than eyes. He knew that the devices which for him, acted as probes, could serve the dark masters as weapons. However, rules of engagement recommended that the dark masters not throw around their excessive power.

He had his own weapons, but did not currently need them. They were still undecided. However, the probes were useful enough. All he needed was cameras of various wavelengths, microphones, chemical and energy detectors, telepathic activity sensors.

Michael Garibaldi had chosen poorly, but Vsyl understood his choice. Sometimes, he too had been forced to choose basing on incomplete information. People always chose poorly. However, this man had exhibited suspicion about mister Morden, asking questions in places where he shouldn't have asked them.

Doing that, Garibaldi had alerted the dark masters, whose attention reached everywhere where their probes resided. They had conveyed their recommendation to Morden, who had assigned the duty to Vsyl. He was to track, observe, listen when possible. He was to infiltrate the command centre of the so-called Army of Light.

Should he manage to verify the persons directing this sabotage, should he encounter their leaders, he should immediately contact the dark masters, who would presumably authorize their removal.

<font color="yellow">Chess move:</font color>

Black Right Bishop D7-F5

White Queen E4-F3

<font color="blue">Roleplay</font color>: They could not see anything out there but Delenn felt a threath nonetheless.

A premonition.

It is not worth to chance it whoever is out there. Not yet.

She contacted Sheridan and agreed that they were to pull back. As they headed in the direction of Babylon 5 , flying through hyperspace , Delenn`s mind was on what was to come.

What next ?

<font color="red">Chess-move</font color>: White Queen E4-F3

Black Right Knight C6xE5

<font color="yellow">Story:</font color>

"Yes. Let them try. Perhaps this time, they find the right target." Morden casually mentioned to something at his side. The signal went. White Star 4 continued is voyage in hyperpsace, unaware that this time, instructions allowed Shadow battle vessels to move.

With a graceful and silent manouver the battlecrab, no longer an intelligence-gathering toy but spanning a full mile, emerged from nothing, ejected its cloud of fighters, which quickly surrounded the enemy. By the time the Human navigator suspected something, it was already too late. The battlecrab fired, hitting and disabling engines.

It swiftly moved in, shot several needle-like probes which punctured the hull and attached. At points of attachment, the White Star's skin gathered, insticts telling it to eat through the spikes. But soon enough, its motion became slower, bright violet fading into dark grey.

"Alyt Senhiar, sensors report hull breach. Engines lost. Communications down. Automatic repair failing. Organic armor failing. Breaching element: spike of organic nature. Chemical and nanotech contamination. It seems that they want us alive."

"Reactor to critical." -- "Not responding."
"Internal communications?" -- "Down."

The captain rushed towards reactor section as fast as he could. He could imagine what precautions the enemy might take to prevent him from reaching there. His only hope: they might underestimate his speed.

Moments before power circuits would have come under Shadow control, the singularity reactor exceeded all safety margins. With a blinding explosion, White Star 4 shattered into pieces. The Shadow vessel beside it shook violently, lost several spikes, then regained coordination and stated gathering debris. Enemy technology could be analyzed even after explosion.

Meanwhile on Babylon 5, Vsyl was still trailing Michael Garibaldi. This time however, there was clear hope of achieving something. Morden had promised to arrange a provocation.

<font color="yellow">Chess move</font color>

Black Right Knight C6xE5

White Queen F3-D1

<font color="blue">Roleplay</font color>: The Whitestar-ship docked at Babylon 5 and Delenn hurriedly disembarked and headed toward Command Centre. Soon she was conferring with Sheridan.

She was glad to be at his side again , but at the same time wondered what lay ahead. "I have spoken to the other races" , Sheridan said at the end , referring to their allies in what now by many was called "The Army of Light" ,"and they agree with our plans. But we must bide our time before we strike." Delenn nodded , knowing well the truth of that.

But we must not wait too long ...

<font color="red">Chess-move</font color>: White Queen F3-D1

Black Right Knight E5xD3

<font color="yellow">Story:</font color>

/ Remove their support mechanism? Easier said than done. /

Their support mechanism was the Vorlon ambassador Kosh. Morden rarely moved without his associates, and this time he regretted it. This time, they could not assist. Direct conflict was not acceptable. He would have to face the enemy unassisted, which was not a comfortable prospect.

He had asked if Vsyl could support. No. Anyone whose eqipment or biology contained anything enhanced by the Shadows... would shine out to the Vorlon like a fluorescent target. It was only a matter of very clever disguise... that the weapon in his pocket, and the vials therein, would go unnoticed at first glance.

The holographic net would serve its deceptive purpose only if Kosh would not scan his thoughts. Hence, it was essential to look familiar, non-threatening and trustable. It was also essential to look like John Sheridan, who had an appointment with Kosh. If anything would go wrong, suspicion directed at Sheridan would cause maximum disarray.

Approaching the Vorlon's quarters, he adjusted his thought patterns to calm, peaceful and businesslike. Ringing the doorbell, he reached for the gun, still doing his best to imagine it was his notebook. The door opened, too slowly, far too slow did it seem. He cursed the breather and methane atmosphere, knowing he must notice the Vorlon immediately, and finish before the real Sheridan arrives. Seeing the silhouette of a turning encounter suit, he pulled the trigger.

The poison was too slow. The next thing Morden saw was bright flash of light and falling. He awoke lying on the floor, luckily with the breather mask intact. All of his body hurt, but there was no other option. He struggled back to his feet, looked at the Vorlon. Lying on the floor besides him, encounter suit cracked, cracks covered with brittle dark fibers, light flooding out from cracks... Kosh was clearly alive. Shadows had assured it would never fully recover.

/ Is this the diplomacy they promised? /

Still dizzy, he staggered out of the door, realizing he was late... only after immediately running into Garibaldi, the real Sheridan and an unknown Ranger. After a quick exchange of surprised looks, it was clear what would come. Seeing Garibaldi reach for his PPG and the Ranger step before Sheridan, Morden decided quickly.

He might deal with Sheridan, who was unarmed, and the Ranger, wielding a pike, if he could remove the security chief. He fired at Garibaldi while hearing the PPG power up.

<font color="yellow">Chess move:</font color>

Black Right Knight E5xD3

White Pawn C2xD3

<font color="blue">Roleplay</font color>: They were on their way to see the Vorlon Ambassador Kosh when it happened.

As the figure stumbled into Garibaldi , in that second of mutual surprise as Garibaldi stared at the other with genuine surprise in his eyes , time stood still.

In the next second Garibaldi acted without thought , an automatic response to a situation of immediate danger.

Bloody Hell!

Reaching for his gun , a standard issue PPG , he screamed a warning to Sheridan and Ranger Saldahti , and brought his weapon around to fire at the figure. He felt more than saw the Ranger move to protect Sheridan , pike in hand , as he shot at the other.

He was too late.

The enemy-figure fired at him a tenth of a second earlier and Garibaldi felt the bullet pierce his mid-region. In pain he fell to the floor cursing his luck and his lack of ability. Blood flowed from his stomach and he knew he was mortally wounded. Twisting his head to the side he saw quick motion and the pike wielded expertly by the Ranger , the staff-like weapon hitting the other figure several times. The other fought back resiliently though. Garibaldi thought he heard more gunshots but could not be certain as his focus worsened. He tried to speak but was only able to whisper , words that noone heard.

"Failed. I failed you."

I failed you John. Darn , I did my best but it was not good enough.

Those were his last lucid thoughts as all strength left him.

His lifeblood ran out before he was able to see the Ranger dispose of the other with a cracking pike-swing at the other`s neck.

It was only afterward that they saw what had happened in the Ambassador`s quarters.

<font color="red">Chess-move</font color>: White Pawn C2xD3

Black Right Bishop F5xD3

<font color="yellow">Story:</font color>

"We have sustained losses, but the path is clear. Move and find out."

More was not needed. Vsyl knew which path, what information was needed, which actions might be needed. The dark masters would back him... but his fate was in his own hands. Now that the security chief was gone, and the Vorlon ambassador disabled, he could move more freely. Only one detail...

The Ranger who had striken down Morden... would have to disappear. Before he could deliver the vials he had found from Morden's gun to the wrong place. His identity also provided good access. Vsyl would borrow his identity.

Impersonating someone was difficult, but assassins were naturally adept at this task. The only remaining threats were telepathic talent, or someone who personally knew this Ranger. As far as Vsyl knew, none of the command staff or high-ranking security personnel should see through his disguise.

<font color="yellow">Chess move:</font color>

Black Right Bishop F5xD3

White Pawn A2-A3

<font color="blue">Roleplay</font color>: After the incident with Ambassador Kosh and Michael Garibaldi the station was put on full alert. When the Ranger who had disposed of the enemy-agent was found killed soon after Sheridan called a Security Council.

It was time to act!

It was decided to send out several Whitestar-patrol ships to look for enemy scout-vessels. At the same time Zack , the new Security Chief , decided on several measures to tighten security on the station. Enemy-agents had to be tracked down - and soon!

Several earth-hours later Whitestar 1 stopped some way from the unidentified ship and waited for orders from Command Centre. Whitestar 2 was nearby and ready to offer support should the need arise.

"Hail the ship" , the Captain of Whitestar 1 said to his second in command and the other did as asked. There was no reply. "What are the orders from Babylon 5 ?" he said then , watching the foreign vessel in the distance , his eyes narrowing.

"Orders are to destroy the enemy vessel!" came the reply.

And so they fired up their guns and waited for the Captain`s signal.

<font color="red">Chess-move</font color>: White Pawn A2-A3

Black Left Bishop B4xC3

<font color="yellow">Story:</font color>

Impatiently, he demanded an answer. The two enemy vessels before them... were nothing to play with. "They are speaking to us. You have their transmission. What shall we do?"

"You should attack. Take care. They are well prepared against ships of your class. See that you lauch all your raiders, all your transports during approach. The carrier... may not survive. If it should, proceed to the station and board. If you manage, support will be there in time."

Shiv'kala thanked the Shadow, currently known as the Monitor of Epsilon, and relayed the commands. For a couple of more seconds, the Drakh carrier stood still. Then, dozens of Drakh raiders darted out from its lauching bays, as the carrier itself undertook a remarkably sharp spin, for a ship of such size. It fired its main guns at the second White Star.

Anla'shok Marcus Cole fired back, but never received a chance to see if the Drakh command deck was intact... or blasted into component particles like the one where he stood in his last battle.

<font color="yellow">Chess move:</font color>

Black Left Bishop B4xC3

White Pawn B2xC3

<font color="blue">Roleplay</font color>: Whitestar 1 fired but missed and soon Whitestar 2 joined battle with the enemy-ship. Marcus Cole of the Anla`shok gave the command to fire back but even as the words left his lips they were hit by a blast from the other vessel.

The whole Whitestar-ship shook badly and Marcus was thrown back against the consoles as parts of the ship started to break apart. Blood flowed into his eyes and a piece of metal stood out from his side. He tried to get his bearings but it was hard , he felt all disorientated. There was fire and shouting and a loud noise as from far off , but he was unable to see the enemy-ship badly hit by their counter-strike. Louder though was the sound of his own ship falling apart.

He understood he was not going to make it.

In Valens Name , we shall win this war. Sheridan , Delenn do not let me down!

His final lucid thoughts.

Then he entered the final darkness as the Whitestar-ship exploded into smithereens.

Soon after a major explosion blasted the other ship apart.

<font color="red">Chess-move</font color>: White Pawn B2xC3

Black Queen D8-D5

<font color="yellow">Story:</font color>

"Your help was priceless. We have successfully decrypted the datacrystals you managed to retreive. Their contents, however, is troubling. Opposition to our change... is not limited to Babylon 5. Hostile forces are gathering elsewhere too.

One of their main coordinators, an individual residing on Minbar named Jeffrey Sinclair, will most probably play a crucial role. There are suspicions. This one will not clarify. Rest assured, we will not bother you with overly diffucult tasks. One of our own, with great experience in such situations, is already evaluating the matter."

<font color="yellow">Chess move:</font color>

Black Queen D8-D5

White Pawn F2-F3

<font color="blue">Roleplay</font color>: Whitestar 6 patrolled the area around Babylon 5 , security having been heightened after the recent events.

Then the order came that they were to head toward the Minbari Homeworld to bring back Ambassador Sinclair. They entered hyperspace and set course for their destination.

We need Sinclair`s council in these troubled times , Sheridan thought not for the first time that day at the Babylon 5 Command Centre. Therefore he had contacted Sinclair and asked him to return to the station for the time being. Sinclair had agreed , having spoken to the Minbari authorities already of such a possible eventuality , and now awaited the arrival of Whitestar 6.

<font color="red">Chess-move</font color>: White Pawn F2-F3

Black Pawn F7-F5

<font color="yellow">Story:</font color>

The battlecrab flying its path to retreive another ship, still not fully prepared for independent flight, suddenly stopped. Then it flipped around, headed for its new target. Shadow reconnaisance vessels had picked up data which warranted better deployement -- in the sectors around Minbar.

<font color="yellow">Chess move:</font color>

Black Pawn F7-F5

White Right Knight G1-H3

<font color="blue">Roleplay</font color>: Zack stared long and hard at the security-report in his hand but his thoughts were on Garibaldi.

Light Michael , how did it come to this ...

Security on and around the station was tight but still there were many unanswered questions. Enemy-spies were still on the station , Zack was sure of that , and the question remained how to catch them.

These shadows are well named. They are seldom seen and only whispered about in very dark corners ...

Filing the report , Zack spoke to one of his assistants and then headed toward the other side of the station. He had work to do and would carry out his duties well , however difficult it was to fill Michael Garibaldi`s shoes ...

<font color="red">Chess-move</font color>: White Right Knight G1-H3

Black Right Castle A8-D8

<font color="yellow">Story</font color>

"X'ha'dam has prepared the first disinfector", the Monitor of Epsilon wrote. "We are finally ready to negotiate on our own terms for the position of Epsilon 3, and anything nearby. The Guardian of the Rift will bend to our influence, cooperate or be removed. The station provides plentiful opportunities, no matter the state of its planet. If we can fire properly from hyperspace, it might even pass for an internal accident in the Machine."

:: Shadow planetkiller prepares for approaching Epsilon 3.

<font color="yellow">Chess move</font color>

Black Right Castle A8-D8

White Right Knight H3-F4

<font color="blue">Roleplay</font color>: Intelligence-reports suggested that an agressive move by the enemy was imminent and Zack felt it prudent to act upon this threath. He had conferred with Sheridan who had agreed.

Now as he spoke to his assistants and sent them off to carry out the tasks at hand Sheridan`s words kept ringing in his head. Surprise them , Zack. Give us the edge. He would do his very best.

A little later , heading toward docking-bay 3 and the Whitestar-ship situated there , he considered the mission at hand. Much could go wrong but it was worth the risk. He reached his destination and soon they were flying toward the jumpgate close by , leaving Babylon 5 in their wake.

A strategic move which will hopefully pay off , he thought as they entered hyperspace. Hopefully this will give us an advantage.

<font color="red">Chess-move</font color>: White Right Knight H3-F4

Black Queen D5-C4

<font color="yellow">Story</font color>

"If they wish to play games", Ziirq noted upon seeing the distant but approaching White Star, "then let us play games. Removing some enemy vessels while better studying their behaviour cannot hurt. While their games do slow my mission, I might just as well learn something."

The Shadow personal transport quickly accelerated, disappearing from the sensor range of one White Star, appearing in hyperspace directly behind another. As the White Star tried to dodge, Ziirq programmed its ship to follow enemy movements.

No matter how much they manouvered, dropping a Shadow personal transport from their tail was simply impossible. What one vessel performed in seconds, the other could accomplish in microseconds.

<font color="yellow">Chess move</font color>

Black Queen D5-C4