A/N: I am not willing to provide a transcript of the Earth Senate meeting. It would involve too much protocol (which I don't know enough about), jibber jabber and would take too long. What was learned will be here – but that's about it. Also, yes, it might seem a bit rushed. But I was mostly trying to map out a path until this point: The point that Babylon 5 was destroyed and Babylon 4 became Babylon Prime. This was the original vision of Joe Strazynski, who created Babylon 5 - with some alterations of course. In his original vision, Babylon 5 was destroyed by the warrior caste and Babylon 4 was retrieved to replace it. The Babylon Five series would end at it's destruction, and a follow up series (Babylon Prime) would tell the story of the Earth Civil War and the unification of Minbar. This is where my universe went.

Pt19:

The four were meeting in a secret bunker. They had just watched the press conference that Luchenko had given.

As soon as it was finished, one of them turned it off. He then talked to his fellows. "How the hell did they hide that?"

The most senior Military officer that was a part of their organization said, "I don't know. There was no hint. Nothing."

"Luchenko didn't look very surprised – she was waiting for this," another commented. "She shared nothing of that with the cabinet."

"And Hague was too organized. He had to have known as well," the military officer said. "The report we intercepted listed Sinclair's actions. And they were too organized as well. His private comment to Luchenko mentioned certain files needing to be brought to the Senate meeting."

"What files?"

The fourth sighed as he was the one looking. "We don't know. All we know is that they seemed to be recent files that Luchenko and Hague filed and put under ultra-violet protocols – their authorization only. They are scheduled to be unsealed at the time of the Senate hearing – that's all we can tell."

"And there's no way to get around that?" the first one asked.

"No. Some of the vulnerabilities we used to exploit were removed during the sweep. New ones haven't been implemented yet – the war means that such things are watched too closely."

"Fucking Clark," the third man said. "He had to speak on a comm that was official."

"He was the President," the first said. "And we helped put him there. It's not like he could just go to a public comm system. There should have been no way that such a comm as he had would be so vulnerable. Something massive interfered. But we don't know what."

The third one asked, "Have any of our agents reported in?"

The fourth reported, "According to the messages received, every one of our agents either was evacuated before the actual invasion or were killed. Some of those were civilians who were killed by the Goblins. A few military – some of which are listed as Shadow agents according to what is supposed but not proven. We no longer have anyone on the station who can tell us what is going on."

They were all angry with that.

"We're going to have to regroup after we learn what happened," the third said. "Luchenko is going to come out of this looking stronger than ever. And Luchenko's beliefs … don't marry up well with our own. Something will need to be done."

The first one said, "I'll start working on it. My colleagues are always nervous when the President gets too strong." He was smirking. "It's time to start introducing questions." With that, the Earth Alliance senator walked out toward the meeting that was coming.

The President of the Earth Senate gavelld the meeting to order as he was chairing it. "This emergency hearing of the full Senate is called to order. Senate President presiding as Chairman. The purpose of this hearing is to receive a report regarding the Shadow War, officially declared August 17, 2260, on this very floor. Just yesterday, October 23, 2260, Earth Alliance Station Babylon 5 was invaded and destroyed. Though there was minimal loss of life, it remains that this is a major event and we have asked the Executive to provide testimony to learn of the effect of this on the war effort. Are there any objections?"

There were none.

"As a point of order, it should be mentioned now that the Senate has not demanded the President answer – it has invited her to answer. According to the Earth Alliance Constitution, the Commander-in-Chief of Earthforce is the President and she has full authority to do so at her discretion. Our role is oversight and budgetary. Therefore, while we will ask for testimony from military officers and other witnesses, the President's remarks will be strictly voluntary and any questions she is willing to answer will be on a voluntary basis only. Now that this has been entered into the record, I now invite Susanna Luchenko, President of Earth Alliance under the Earth Alliance Constitution, to speak on this matter. Sergeant-at-Arms. Please invite the President to address us and announce her."

The Senate Sergeant-at-Arms went to the door and opened it. He then turned and called loudly, "Mister Chairman! The President of the Earth Alliance!"

Susanna Luchenko, a former member of the Senate herself, was very well liked and that had not changed since she had been named President. The Senate's applause was actually rather sincere rather than pro forma. President Luchenko nodded to several senators as she made her way to the podium. Once she arrived, the President of the Senate shook her hand, bowed briefly to her and stepped back while motioning to the podium. She gave a respectful nod and stepped up to the podium. The chamber settled into silence.

The President gave much the same information to the Senate as she had to the galaxy, with a bit more detail. She cited operational security as the reason why this information had not been disseminated. She named General Hague as the person who would deliver the legal documents necessary regarding the matter. And although it was quite detailed, the Senate didn't really learn anything more from her. They were a bit disappointed. This would make the questioning of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs a bit more pointed when he testified.

The testimony from General Hague was very thorough. And while no testimony was given as to how the communications were kept confidential, the substance of his communications with Sinclair were discussed fully.

One of the senators brought up the idea that crimes were committed in retrieving the station.

General Hague produced the Writs of Pardons, which the executive had the authority to provide. Originally it was supposed to be immunity but a legal opinion given by a district judge whom they had consulted pointed out that immunity could be granted by the courts or, with proper procedure done, by the legislative branch but not the executive.

Another senator brought up the concept of possible financial liabilities that Earthgov may become responsible for given that insurance claims had been paid when it was lost.

Hague produced the contracts and the legal opinions that he had been given by the same district judge. On the basis of the legal decision when the crew had been retrieved after four years, it was the opinion of the judge that any contract executed in good faith and declared completed could not be used as a basis for later penalties unless it was proven that a party of the contract provided false testimony to fulfill any term.

Hague then went through the proofs that, at the time the contracts were executed and declared complete, no one in Earthgov – or anywhere in the galaxy at that – knew that the station was recoverable. The only person that might have known was Varn who was dead, and there was no proof that could be obtained that even the former Guardian of the Great Machine knew.

Another senator questioned the method that the Goblins used to evacuate the station. She asked how the Goblins could justify killing the civilians that couldn't be transported.

General Hague provided the agreement that had been signed by Admiral Sinclair in his role as the War Leader to use the devices that their allies would install. It said quite clearly that there the agreement stipulated not all of those who attempted to use it could be guaranteed passage. Anyone that could not use it was to be treated as a threat. And, as the Goblins were a recognized military force in the alliance, they had the authority to kill them.

Another senator brought up the military members left behind under Sinclair's authorization. Hague pointed out that all reasonable efforts had been made to bring them but that according to the agreement with their allies they had no control of that. As Earthforce Command, Sinclair did have the authority to do as he had done. And there was quite a lot of precedence for doing so.

Rules regarding military justice in war as regards traitors were very stringent. Sinclair, according to law, had almost unlimited latitude on such matters.

Another senator brought up the various technologies that were in Earth hands that were not brought back to Earth for proper registration and ownership. This included the portal cabinets and the White Star which currently carried the flag.

Once again, Hague brought out the agreements. While such things were in Earth hands, they were loans. And while they could be destroyed if circumstances in the War required it (thus avoiding any liability to Earth in such a case) there were strictly forbidden from taking them apart or trying to replicate them directly.

Hague pointed out that much of what would be of value on the White Star, for example, had already been provided to Earth Alliance. This included gravity generators, gravity drives, and the holographic tactical display. The cabinets had already been discussed. The only item not discussed were any non-Earth created defenses that were put on Babylon 4. These were labeled as military secrets of the Goblins and, once again, Earthforce could refuse to use them or destroy them but not study them. The treaties with the Centauri and Narn during the Earth Minbari war were brought up as a precedent. And with that the Senate was thwarted on the matter.

Hague did finally mention that the Goblins had provided one useless cabinet that no longer operated and gave permission for Earth Alliance to study it fully. Unreported were the Goblin snickers because they knew Earth Alliance had no knowledge or ability in magic – and it they could access it or recreate it, more power to them. The Goblins, under the agreement, would receive any successful results for themselves. The senators who had felt excitement about Earth receiving it would be heavily disappointed.

Another senator brought up the possible legal ramifications regarding the contracts that various people had with Babylon 5. He pointed out that those contracts could be negated as Babylon 5 no longer existed.

General Hague pointed out that every contract that was signed between Earth Alliance and any other entity had always included specific wording. "Hereinafter STATION shall refer to the Babylon Station, as designated under the Babylon Treaties. At the time of this contract, Babylon 5 is recognized as such. This contract shall apply to any future station under these treaties."

Hague then provided the signed statements from the majority of the signatories to the Babylon treaties that they accepted that Babylon Prime was taking the place of Babylon 5 under the Babylon treaties.

The wording had been very specific because of the history of the Babylon project.

In the end, Hague and Luchenko had been far too prepared for there to be any question of scandal or sabotage. The Goblins had taken the opportunity to study Earth Alliance law thoroughly and they were experts with contracts.

They would have a successful run as not only bankers but lawyers in the new universe that they began to colonize.

Emperor Cartagia sat upon his throne listening to the report from one of his ministers. He had become more interested after Refa's death – some foolishness on Narn. But with Refa gone, he felt he had to get more personally involved.

"The destruction of the station was completed by the Earthers themselves and not the enemies they faced. They used the destruction to kill as many as possible. They were successful at evacuating and saving the vast majority of its residents."

"I see. And where are they now?"

"According to the report from Ambassador Mollari, the Earthers pulled out the station known as Babylon 4 to replace it. According to Mollari, they claim that it was retrieved from the past for just this situation."

"And how was that done?" Cartagia asked with exasperation.

"It was done by the Great Machine located under the surface of Epsilon 3."

Cartagia was very excited. "Such power! This power should not be under the control of anyone other than the Centauri. I want that planet to be annexed."

The minister was terrified inside but he reported, "I am unhappy to report that this is impossible."

"Impossible? For our fleets? For ME? I am the Emperor of the Centauri Republic! There should be nothing that I cannot reach out and claim!" Cartagia's madness had been growing.

"It's defenses are beyond any race – including the Earthers, the Minbari, the Vorlons and the Shadows. We already tried asking Mr. Morden to assist with this."

That set Cartagia back. After Lord Refa's death, Mr. Morden had contacted the Emperor through the Royal Court and provided much support for their efforts against the other races. Though such support had to be hidden due to the Earthers it was still formidable. That it was out of reach for those who would raise him to Godhood was mightily disappointing.

"Very well. If Mr. Morden and his associates cannot assist, it is a matter that shall be designated for the future. What steps are we taking currently regarding this Babylon situation?"

The minister was relieved. Cartagia had listened and he thought he was safe. He continued to report every part of the current campaigns the Centauri were involved with. At the end, Emperor Cartagia complimented him for providing such a complete report.

His advisor bowed respectfully. "My thanks, your Majesty. Your approval is all I live for."

Cartagia smiled a cruel smile at that and said, "Yes. That's true." He motioned to one of his guards and suddenly his advisor was shot in the back of his head.

Cartagia spoke to the dead man. "I'm sorry about that. But, you see, you have attempted to tell me that something is beyond me – that my Godhood would be denied because of some limitation I cannot accept. I couldn't just that get out – it might undermine the belief in me. I am certain you understand. But be happy – you shall become a part of my Shadow Cabinet." He smiled an insane smile and motioned for the Centauri's head to be cut off and placed where he had designated his Shadow Cabinet would reside.

Sinclair, from Babylon Prime, and Sheridan, from the Head of the Fleet, would continue to prosecute the war. Delenn provided the heart of their efforts.

Eventually, Lorien would be contacted after Zha'ha'dum itself was attacked. The Shadows had lost more than they had ever anticipated. And so they got refuge under the Centauri Republic.

Lorien, with Kosh's assistance, would assist Sinclair and Sheridan and Delenn, would manipulate the Shadows and Vorlons to meet and, though Sinclair was injured and not available, Sheridan and Delenn would provide the argument that the long argument between the two was pointless and that the younger races no longer needed their guidance.

Londo Mollari, with the assistance of other members of the Royal Court, staged a coup which killed Cartagia. This was deemed necessary as they had lost much due to their involvement with the Shadows. Londo had G'Kar's assistance, with the price being the Centauri withdrawal from Narn. It was close – but it was accomplished.

The end of the Shadow War was quite the victory for the Alliance between Earth, Minbar, and the League of Non-Aligned Worlds (which, by that time, included the Goblins).

The alliance celebrated wildly and informed Earth Central that the war was won. The result was not as anyone expected.

Earth Alliance had become more and more militant, with more and more restrictions being put in place in the name of security.

Luchenko and Hague had tried to keep it from getting away from sanity, but there was wide support.

Homegaurd had been working to increase paranoia. And the Senate had responded.

When the Shadow War was declared won, Luchenko had the message delivered to the Senate.

The Vice President, however, immediately had activated his allies and caused a mutiny against Luchenko and Hague.

General Hague was in his office when the shit hit the fan. Luchenko rushed in. "General. We have a major problem."

"What is it Madam President? I thought we had won?"

"Earth has won. We, however, have lost." She turned on the monitor.

On the closed circuit they watched as the Senate, despite the declaration that the war was over, ran roughshod over the Earth Alliance Constitution.

"Holy Mother of God. What do we do?"

Luchenko gave Hague a stern look. "We withdraw – now. If we stay here we will be killed in accidents. We need to get out of Earthdome. Now!"

Hague was considering who he could trust when a light appeared in the shape of a man.

Marek Illumian had not been hanging around in that particular universe the whole time. While he had gotten much done, he knew that he was not done. And so he had spent his time between ensuring things were moving along and manually moving to different universes to help its various inhabitants.

While this particular assignment was going on, Rythar and Mythar (his personal favorite names for the Gods of Order and Chaos) would not move him on to his next assignment. And he was fine with that. That did not negate the fact that he was a god and could go where and when he liked.

As a result, he have gone and messed with various Dumbledores and others of an evil, manipulative, or annoying nature in quite a number of universes. He knew that he wasn't necessarily saving the dimensions he visited but that didn't mean he couldn't have fun.

This particular universe was almost as long an assignment as the time he spent as a Defense Professor. And, unlike then, he didn't have a particular duty which he had to fulfill while working on the dimension. And so he left and returned at will.

It had been kind of like a vacation.

However, he knew that the cusp of this was coming. And, according to his "godphone" it had finally arrived. And so he concentrated and moved off.

He looked at the two who were attempting to escape. "I'm going to help get you out of here."

Hague recognized the figure who they were confronted with. "Can you get us to the Alexander?"

"Yes. Grab a hand each." Hague and Luchenko came over and Marek concentrated. They arrived in Hague's ready room. "Okay. I'm sorry for what you people are about to experience – but it's necessary. As to why – you may eventually find out. But be assured that the inconvenience, pain, sorrow, and the very struggle that you will experience will result in a far better future than you can imagine. Tell Sheridan that it will be on him to lead the rest into the future."

And with that, he turned and disappeared.

Hague didn't know what to make of that, but he decided it was unimportant. He told the President, "Stay here. I'm going to get us out of here and to Babylon Prime."

Luchenko nodded and sat down.

Hague immediately called for backup from two of the nearby Omegas he could trust. Several other Omegas, however, immediately tried to stop them.

During the course of the fight, Hague was killed. Major Ryan, whom the President gave the immediate rank of Captain, led the retreat.

Back on Earth, the Senate was used to tighten the noose, and when they finally protested, the Senate was disbanded under the "new president."

Sinclair declared Babylon 5 independent due to the new President's violation of the Earth Alliance Constitution.

Sinclair was immediately named a traitor and a huge reward was declared for his death. Already injured, he was smuggled out by the Goblins.

And, although he was a War Hero, he knew he had to disappear. With the war over, the Admiral ranks had expired and the two men were now Captains again. Sinclair called in a favor.

Drall proposed a radical solution – which he had the means to provide. He would turn Sinclair and the Ranger Sakai (whom he had reconnected with) into Minbari. Sinclair had been offered a place within the warrior caste. And the elders approved the plan.

A very small number of people would know anytime soon the origin of the Minbari who would lead that race into a better future. Valen, as he would be known, would transform them.

Delenn, whom had fallen in love with Sheridan, would undergo her own transformation. And though she would not by fully human, she did become biologically compatible.

The conflict was actually much less bloody than in other universes. Luchenko announced that she was on Babylon Prime and was acting as the President of the Earth Alliance in Exile.

Many military groups were loyal to Sheridan and Luchenko and had been particularly angry about Sinclair and Hague having died (or disappeared). It resulted in a civil war.

The Goblins provided much support to the Earth Government in Exile. Because they had been properly incorporated as a bank, the assets of those who had sided with Sheridan were actually under their control. And the "Government" of Earth, though they controlled the populace, was not in a position to control every financial avenue.

Another plus was that, due to Sinclair's support, the rules for telepaths had been changed. They were far more integrated than before the war and they did not want to go back to the former status quo – which is what the usurpers had tried to do.

It didn't work. The Goblins had actually methodically cleansed telepaths from false memories that were implanted to force them to support Psi Corp. Alfred Bester had learned the truth of his birth. He had learned that he was born to two "blips" named Matthew and Fiona Dexter. He had learned that he had been brainwashed to become the tool that the Psi Corp needed. It took much work, but he was eventually healed. And he became a force against the restrictive forces that ran Psi Corp. In this universe, there would be no Telepath War – though much work remained when Earth was reunified.

It took much longer than in other universes, but eventually Sheridan, with assistance from loyal elements within Earthforce itself, eventually led a fleet to arrest the usurpers and ensure the proper government was reinstalled.

Sheridan and Delenn had also organized a new Interstellar Alliance. Although it started out as a practical alliance, it was officially constituted once the Earth Alliance had been saved.

Luchenko had refused to take the president's full power back, asking that the Senate appoint a Vice-President, until a new election was held. Instead she worked on cleaning up the government directly.

Luchenko, Sheridan, Sinclair, and Hague were recorded as being officially heroes when the false histories that the usurpers had been promoting was removed from the record.

There were still tragedies and defeats. Earth would still go through a period of self destruction hundreds of years later before eventually recovering. But a successful path into the future had been forged.