• A notice about Rule 3 regarding sites hosting pirated/unauthorized content has been made. Please see here for details.
  • Staff is working to deal with the problem of synonymous tags. See here for more information and to suggest tag mergers.
  • QQ will have forum downtime on October 21, starting at 10:00 AM Eastern time, for software updates.
  • Due to issues with external spam filters, QQ is currently unable to send any mail to Microsoft E-mail addresses. This includes any account at live.com, hotmail.com or msn.com. Signing up to the forum with one of these addresses will result in your verification E-mail never arriving. For best results, please use a different E-mail provider for your QQ address.
  • For prospective new members, a word of warning: don't use common names like Dennis, Simon, or Kenny if you decide to create an account. Spammers have used them all before you and gotten those names flagged in the anti-spam databases. Your account registration will be rejected because of it.
  • Since it has happened MULTIPLE times now, I want to be very clear about this. You do not get to abandon an account and create a new one. You do not get to pass an account to someone else and create a new one. If you do so anyway, you will be banned for creating sockpuppets.
  • Due to the actions of particularly persistent spammers and trolls, we will be banning disposable email addresses from today onward.

With This Ring (Young Justice SI) (Thread Fourteen)

Nothing in the entire story suggests that any Yellow Lantern, Sinestro included, is a meaningful threat to Paul.
Nothing in the entire story suggests that the entire Yellow Lantern Corps is a threat to Paulphidion.

The worst probably outcome is the yellows taking exception and Paul having to actually treat them as enemies rather than adamantly ignoring them.
Isn't The Hal Jordan equivalent from --Earth-16 Also a part of the Yellow Lantern corps? He fused with Parallax and has yellow light enlightenment so he might be a major threat if he shows up. We even saw him easily kill Ultraman.
 
Isn't The Hal Jordan equivalent from --Earth-16 Also a part of the Yellow Lantern corps? He fused with Parallax and has yellow light enlightenment so he might be a major threat if he shows up. We even saw him easily kill Ultraman.
I dont remember fully, but wasn't that a version of Allan Scott, who was a yellow lantern.
 
I was curious what was going on with Mongul, but him getting overthrown by another tyrant is apparently canon to the original story and I just forgot about it.
Isn't The Hal Jordan equivalent from --Earth-16 Also a part of the Yellow Lantern corps? He fused with Parallax and has yellow light enlightenment so he might be a major threat if he shows up. We even saw him easily kill Ultraman.
He works with the Yellow Lanterns Corps in some unknown capacity, but as far as we know he still uses a green ring, so Yellow enlightenment isn't as helpful. He's also already working against Paul, because it was implied he was working with Vandal Savage too. Killing Ultraman didn't seem that impressive to me. He considers himself as owing Paul a favor for whatever that's worth.

Sinestro already has a different enlightened Yellow lantern who actually has a yellow ring working for him, so that's all somewhat of a moot point. Honestly, the Sinestro plotline is something that comes up only every 10 episodes or so, which makes it easy to lose track of what's going on there.

I dont remember fully, but wasn't that a version of Allan Scott, who was a yellow lantern.
You're thinking of Earth -14, and he wasn't enlightened.
 
Nothing in the entire story suggests that any Yellow Lantern, Sinestro included, is a meaningful threat to Paul.
Nothing in the entire story suggests that the entire Yellow Lantern Corps is a threat to Paulphidion.

The worst probably outcome is the yellows taking exception and Paul having to actually treat them as enemies rather than adamantly ignoring them.
Neither was Mannheim, but he still wrecked human civilisation. You don't see Superman saying 'yes, I know that man with a gun killed seven people, but since a gun isn't a threat to me I didn't think it was worth worrying about', do you?
 
Neither was Mannheim, but he still wrecked human civilisation. You don't see Superman saying 'yes, I know that man with a gun killed seven people, but since a gun isn't a threat to me I didn't think it was worth worrying about', do you?

Mannheim was a threat because anti-life was a threat, and they knew that when they confronted him.

Superman deliberately shows up and lets people shoot him. This is canon to pretty much every damn version of him.

Paul taking it slow is dumb when he's deliberately fought worse things with less prep and less time pressure
 
I turns to the full Darkstar
"turn"

The running gag of Orange Lantern being outplayed by Sinestro will never get old.

Except Paul didn't know that about this guy existing and would have very little reason to know, so he wasn't exactly outplayed.

Isn't The Hal Jordan equivalent from --Earth-16 Also a part of the Yellow Lantern corps? He fused with Parallax and has yellow light enlightenment so he might be a major threat if he shows up. We even saw him easily kill Ultraman.

I don't think he's working with them.

Killing Ultraman didn't seem that impressive to me. He

It wasn't.

Ultraman wasn't killed by being overpowered.

He was killed using a sonic weapon and was taken by surprise.
 
Especially if Brother Eye can detect their active system links while they're conscious. Admittedly, detecting them halfway across the solar system might be tricky, but who knows what technology Eye has built into it?

Venus is fairly close to earth even at their most distant point for 'half way across the solar system' to be in anyway accurate. At most its 1.7 AU at its most distant and much closer than mars on average.

If the OMACS are broadcasting their position with a signal that approaches light speed then the signal has already hit earth.

Anyways Batman getting influence by other Yellow Lanterns, does Paul think the Orange Lanterns aren't on board with the current yellow lantern levels of activity? Because the phol pot the second is bad, but his yellow people ran a predatory and evil civilization that attacked and enslaved others and build the warworld a planetary siege engine made for genocide.
 
Isn't The Hal Jordan equivalent from --Earth-16 Also a part of the Yellow Lantern corps? He fused with Parallax and has yellow light enlightenment so he might be a major threat if he shows up. We even saw him easily kill Ultraman.
Killing an Ultraman is not an impressive feat. Paul has kicked the arse of an entire JL roster, non-lethally and in a matter of seconds.
As to fusing with Parallax? At best that makes them equal to Paul in raw power. Thing is, Paul has spent a great deal of time training against other lanterns and almost universally is better than them even when at a power disadvantage. I seem to recall that before he could call upon the Ophidian safely the GLs that train with him thought they would need at least four honour guard to bring him down, more if they wanted to avoid casualties. He has gotten more skilled and better armed since then.

Neither was Mannheim, but he still wrecked human civilisation. You don't see Superman saying 'yes, I know that man with a gun killed seven people, but since a gun isn't a threat to me I didn't think it was worth worrying about', do you?
That is even more reason for Paul to stop pretending Sinestro is something perfectly safe for him to ignore. They are not a threat to him. They are a threat to people Paul has at least some care for. Such as a planet of broadly innocent people being tyrannically oppressed back to pre-industrial tech in direct opposition to Paul's desired universe.

Sinestro and co are already doing the things Paul would worry about them doing if he provokes them.
 
Killing an Ultraman is not an impressive feat. Paul has kicked the arse of an entire JL roster, non-lethally and in a matter of seconds.
As to fusing with Parallax? At best that makes them equal to Paul in raw power. Thing is, Paul has spent a great deal of time training against other lanterns and almost universally is better than them even when at a power disadvantage. I seem to recall that before he could call upon the Ophidian safely the GLs that train with him thought they would need at least four honour guard to bring him down, more if they wanted to avoid casualties. He has gotten more skilled and better armed since then.

That is even more reason for Paul to stop pretending Sinestro is something perfectly safe for him to ignore. They are not a threat to him. They are a threat to people Paul has at least some care for. Such as a planet of broadly innocent people being tyrannically oppressed back to pre-industrial tech in direct opposition to Paul's desired universe.

Sinestro and co are already doing the things Paul would worry about them doing if he provokes them.

Hell, Sinestro/his corps are causing more harm than the actual evil eyeball god that Paul casually killed offscreen without thinking twice about it, and he knows more about how to fight yellow lanterns to boot!
 
Mannheim was a threat because anti-life was a threat, and they knew that when they confronted him.

Superman deliberately shows up and lets people shoot him. This is canon to pretty much every damn version of him.

Paul taking it slow is dumb when he's deliberately fought worse things with less prep and less time pressure
The SI shrugged off the Anti-Life, and could easily have dropped anti-matter on Washington at a time when he knew that Mannheim was in residence. That would have dealt with the problem immediately, wouldn't it?

The SI does not know what resources Sinestro has at his disposal, or who he could retaliate against. He does know that despite having an ongoing feud with Jordan he isn't attacking Earth, and he'd very much like it to stay that way. Human civilisation is effectively a hostage to anyone with faster than light travel, because it can't defend itself at the moment.
Thank you, corrected.
Ultraman wasn't killed by being overpowered.

He was killed using a sonic weapon and was taken by surprise.
Yes, but it didn't help that Ultraman was arrogant enough to assume that Harrolds wouldn't be a problem. If he'd actually treated it as a fight from the start rather than an opportunity for mockery, it would have gone very differently.
That is even more reason for Paul to stop pretending Sinestro is something perfectly safe for him to ignore. They are not a threat to him. They are a threat to people Paul has at least some care for. Such as a planet of broadly innocent people being tyrannically oppressed back to pre-industrial tech in direct opposition to Paul's desired universe.

Sinestro and co are already doing the things Paul would worry about them doing if he provokes them.
They're a potential threat. One has a personal grudge against him, but last time the met he didn't do anything about it. Earth needs a functioning economy as soon as possible.
Hell, Sinestro/his corps are causing more harm than the actual evil eyeball god that Paul casually killed offscreen without thinking twice about it, and he knows more about how to fight yellow lanterns to boot!
Yes, because the eyeball god had no way to become a threat to Earth. Even if he made a mess of things, the potential for fallout was almost zero.
 
Oh, posting is unbroken again.
I appreciated the repeated "By '<pronoun>', <pronoun> meant" etc. gag.
And idk, I appreciate seeing moments of Paul and Jade being together, possibly because it is an exception to their daily status quo.

Jade raises he eyebrows.
her

----

they

---

Where do you come by that usage?
While not in the internet discussions I think I am fairly well read (or, at least, I used to be), and the only place I've come across that is Joan D. Vinge's Cat trilogy (of which I really only liked the second, which -fortunately or unfortunately- happened to be the one I read first, but that's neither here nor there).
 
Last edited:
Sinistro would love to have an example of a yellow landern saving s such important world and ruling it effectively

If old "Lefty" cares about the image of his yellow lantern corps, maybe he should have a word with this Arkymandryte fellow. Because going global Pol Pot is not a great look. When you make Mongul look like a better ruler by comparison, well....
 
If old "Lefty" cares about the image of his yellow lantern corps, maybe he should have a word with this Arkymandryte fellow. Because going global Pol Pot is not a great look. When you make Mongul look like a better ruler by comparison, well....
The recruitment pool is not great.

Turns out it's not easy to find people that can inspire fear and not be evil lunatics at the same time.
 
Funny thing is in an all out fight all the yellow landers together should not win against Paulphidion. Parallax would never in million years help them.
Paul has to know that Sinestro is aware of him or knows about him.
They can't coexist in a fundamental, philosophical level. They both want to empose an order to a universe desperatefor it and they both have the power and means to do it in the long run. But their world view is different.
Ignoring the yellow lander problem only gives Sinestro time to find a way (magic, super science or something) to win against OL even if he goes all out. He should be the the target paul chose. Not the reach. They are an empire. Sinestro can be a god king of a universe drown on fear
 
Last edited:
The SI shrugged off the Anti-Life, and could easily have dropped anti-matter on Washington at a time when he knew that Mannheim was in residence. That would have dealt with the problem immediately, wouldn't it?

The SI does not know what resources Sinestro has at his disposal, or who he could retaliate against. He does know that despite having an ongoing feud with Jordan he isn't attacking Earth, and he'd very much like it to stay that way. Human civilisation is effectively a hostage to anyone with faster than light travel, because it can't defend itself at the moment.

Thank you, corrected.

Yes, but it didn't help that Ultraman was arrogant enough to assume that Harrolds wouldn't be a problem. If he'd actually treated it as a fight from the start rather than an opportunity for mockery, it would have gone very differently.

They're a potential threat. One has a personal grudge against him, but last time the met he didn't do anything about it. Earth needs a functioning economy as soon as possible.

Yes, because the eyeball god had no way to become a threat to Earth. Even if he made a mess of things, the potential for fallout was almost zero.


Yes but why? WHY is "Human civilisation effectively a hostage to anyone with faster than light travel, because it can't defend itself at the moment."
Earth has magicians who can split the universe in adult and underage people but the Justice League cant ask the Earths magical powerhouses if they can create a shield or illusion around the planet? If the answer has to do with the altitude and "no magic in outer space" try technology.
All the tech in the multiverse in a ring database but paul cant find a civilization that made a planet shield powered by the tears of nerds or something? Zius from the f4 could make planets invisible to galactus. There should be something localy like that.
If everyone is so afraid of alien attacks why nobody does some preparation now. Real one. Not like Luthor and his space ships. That's years away.
P.s. sorry I m grumpy. Just lost my house keys. Need to vent
 
Last edited:
Where do you come by that usage?
While not in the internet discussions I think I am fairly well read (or, at least, I used to be), and the only place I've come across that is Joan D. Vinge's Cat trilogy (of which I really only liked the second, which -fortunately or unfortunately- happened to be the one I read first, but that's neither here nor there).
I've never read that series. It's been so long that I forget where I first saw it, but it's a logical extension of 'telepath = teep', so 'telekine...teek'.
 
Thank you, corrected.
All the tech in the multiverse in a ring database but paul cant find a civilization that made a planet shield powered by the tears of nerds or something? Zius from the f4 could make planets invisible to galactus. There should be something localy like that.
If everyone is so afraid of alien attacks why nobody does some preparation now. Real one. Not like Luthor and his space ships. That's years away.
P.s. sorry I m grumpy. Just lost my house keys. Need to vent
Planetary shields do indeed exist, but they require a lot of infrastructure that Earth doesn't have, and... It would be like building a force field which blocked ultraviolet light in a country that was undergoing a famine. It's not that it's not useful, it's that you've got more urgent things to deal with.
 
Psychoprompt (part 23) New
21st April 2258
19:23 G.M.T.

"NNNNO."

I smile at Ambassador Kosh's very narrow face sphincter. "I'm not sure that I understand the difference between Lyta's case and Mister Ironheart's."

The sphincter relaxes slightly. "You do not understand what he is becoming."

I nod. "That is entirely true. And you do, which makes you the subject matter expert, which is why I came to you. If you choose not to help, that is of course your right, but the impression I got from one of my passengers-."

"NNO."

I raise my hands, still smiling. "Very well, I'm sorry to have bothered you." I reach out-.

"You do not understand the power which you wield."

"True, again, but not particularly helpful. Humans do things we don't understand for reasons we don't understand all the time. I gave you the opportunity to provide guidance, and you didn't take it. Have you changed your-?"

"NO."

"Well then. Good day."

I transition out of his quarters in a fairly isolated part of the station, and then-.

The ring blinks.

Answer.

"Mister Underwood, thank you for replying."

"Mister Lennier. I apologise for the delay. I was speaking to Ambassador Kosh."

"I understand. Ambassador Delenn has an opening in her schedule, and is willing to speak with you now. If your discussions with Ambassador Kosh are concluded."

"Yes, he sent me away with a metaphorical flea in my ear. Where is convenient for Ambassador Delenn to meet me?"

"The Ambassador is currently in her quarters."

"Then I will be there momentarily. Thank you for your assistance."

Alright… Scan… Yes, there's enough ductwork and gaps in the superstructure for me to accelerate my journey without risking detection. Push through there and move, repair and move, poke and hole, scan to check, and then move and repair.

And press the Ambassador's doorbell.

"Yes?"

"Matthew Underwood, Madam Ambassador. Mister Lennier said that you had a moment?"

There's a brief delay, and then the door opens to reveal the Ambassador. She looks puzzled for a moment, then steps back to allow me inside. I follow her as she heads towards the seating area. "I trust that your visit to Minbar was productive."

"Yes. I was actually the last person to see the Unfinished Basilica in its unfinished state. Well, me and Mayan."

"Yes, that was.. strange. Minbari buildings do not usually complete themselves."

"I think it looks better now, but I wouldn't claim to be an expert on minbari architecture."

"There is some debate about whether the changes should be left in place, or if it should be returned to the state the original architect intended."

And there's no scream of rage from inside my head. Zeen Matan was certainly a memorable character while she remained, but her soul has now passed on to wherever the souls of opinionated minbar architects go.

"How is Mayan finding Earth?"

"I think she'd like it better without the assassination attempts. I don't think she really-."

She jerks her head around to stare at me. "Assassination attempts?"

"Um." Hm. "I'm sorry, Ambassador, but I think this part of the conversation is going to go a good deal easier if I share certain information with you."

"If you have information regarding a plot to assassinate my friend, then I would be grateful."

"Oh, no. It's…" I wave my right hand dismissively. "A target of opportunity thing. As I'm sure you can understand, minbari aren't particularly popular or common on Earth, and people with more courage than sense have decided to do something about her. I've been stopping them, and she's currently in a secure location. Uh…" I look aside for a moment, catching sight of Lennier in the kitchen area preparing tea. I wave when he glances my way, and receive a nod in return. "Oh, it's easier to show you."

I raise my left fist and float into the air.

Delenn leans back, blinking, her hand-. She's touching her ring-. Some sort of gravity manipulation device.

I lower my hand and myself as Lennier stalks out of the kitchen, hands in a martial pose.

I raise my palms. "That was not intended as a threat. I wished to demonstrate that I have unusual abilities. I know that Mayan is safe because I left her on Earth less than half an hour ago. I left Ambassador Kosh and appeared outside of your quarters because I can move very fast. I completed the Basilica under the instructions of the soul of the architect, and I've been intercepting various would-be murderers because I can see the malice in their souls. And I know you're a member of the Grey Council because whatever you've-."

Her eyes harden and her presses her ring-. And suddenly I weigh a good deal more.

I adopt a meditative pose and float into the air. And then I wait patiently.

Delenn deactivates her ring with a slightly defeated air, and I return to my chair.

"Whatever you've done to disguise your forehead tattoo, I can still see it. Mayan seems to think that some previously unknown elder species has granted me their favour. I make no claims, but have no better explanation. The reason why I'm saying any of this is that I've got a bit of a problem, I'm hoping that you'll be willing to help, and Ambassador Kosh just said 'NO' a lot."

"What is your problem?"

"Psi Corps is experimenting with chirurgy and drugs to increase the power of human telepaths, with the aim of creating telekinetic assassins. I'm getting the impression that there's something deeply wrong with the organisation. One of their surviving test subjects would like to request asylum. I can get him anywhere in the Minbari Federation without drawing attention, and he's happy to work for his keep. Ah… But it might be a good idea if a minbari telepath took a look at him? He's doing this blue… Shimmery thing, and I don't think that's healthy. And in return I'm happy to do whatever favour you want."

I shrug, smiling.

"What did you do to the human telepath Lyta Alexander?"

"Dropped her off in the Vorlon Empire, at her request. They were willing to grant her asylum, or something like it. Not sure what Kosh has against Mister Ironheart, and he didn't deign to explain himself."

I fabricate a data crystal containing his stolen records -translated- and lay it on the table.

She picks it up cautiously. "I will need to consult with other parts of the minbari government. And I will need to speak with Mister Ironheart myself."

I nod. "I can make that happen."
 
Last edited:
Last edited:
Her eyes harden and her presses her ring-. And suddenly I weight a good deal more.

I adopt a meditative pose and float into their air. And then I wait patiently.

Delenn deactivates her ring with a slightly defeater air, and I return to my chair.
I love seeing Paul do stuff like this. Also, those should say 'weigh' and 'defeated'.
 
Ahhh, I just commited the big faux pas without even noticing. At least the delete button is quick.

I do like these Babylon 5 chapters, they're so... whimsical? Compared to the mainline ones.
 
or if it should be returns to the
"returned"


experimenting with chirurgy and

Again with archaic word for surgery.

Well, at least she doesn't think he's a brainwashed criminal. I was expecting her to be looped in after the other psi-guys and their nonsense… though I suppose EarthGov doesn't share info, does it?

I don't think she knew that they nindwipe criminals until the monk episode.
 
So, this makes me wonder - will Ascended Ironheart stick around this time? He left Beyond the Rim in canon, watsonially probably due to quick talk with vorlons on the station or some kind of enlightenment or whatever. But with Timothy sticking around there is seemingly more leeway for ascended activity as long as a figleaf of "they are actually a younger race" is present. Psi corps is a problem, and I see no reason Ironheart wouldn't want to affect change there.
 
Also, those should say 'weigh' and 'defeated'.
Thank you, corrected.
Ahhh, I just commited the big faux pas without even noticing. At least the delete button is quick.
If a poster posts in a forum, and no one reads it, did they really post at all?
Thank you, corrected.
Again with archaic word for surgery.
Sulphur. Inquiry. Trousers.
into the air. (presumably?)
Thank you, corrected.
So, this makes me wonder - will Ascended Ironheart stick around this time? He left Beyond the Rim in canon, watsonially probably due to quick talk with vorlons on the station or some kind of enlightenment or whatever. But with Timothy sticking around there is seemingly more leeway for ascended activity as long as a figleaf of "they are actually a younger race" is present. Psi corps is a problem, and I see no reason Ironheart wouldn't want to affect change there.
I remember that when I first saw it, I saw him as a failed ascension who genuinely died because Psi Corps' reach exceeded its grasp.
 
Okay, we're on Babylon 5 now, so what's happening now...

"NNNNO."

I smile at Ambassador Kosh's very narrow face sphincter. "I'm not sure that I understand the difference between Lyta's case and Mister Ironheart's."

Honestly, there's a difference, but in this case, that difference is actually rather minimal, if the Vorlons wanted to head this off.

The sphincter relaxes slightly. "You do not understand what he is becoming."

I nod. "That is entirely true. And you do, which makes you the subject matter expert, which is why I came to you. If you choose not to help, that is of course your right, but the impression I got from one of my passengers-."

That's the effing point, squid. The fact that you're howling "NO!" at Babylon!Paul for asking for help isn't doing you any favors.

"You do not understand the power which you wield."

"True, again, but not particularly helpful. Humans do things we don't understand for reasons we don't understand all the time. I gave you the opportunity to provide guidance, and you didn't take it. Have you change your-?"

...he's got a better idea than you do, jackass.

"NO."

"Well then. Good day."

F you, too, Kosh. Sheesh, and you're the reasonable one...

The ring blinks.

Answer.

"Mister Underwood, thank you for replying."

"Mister Lennier. I apologise for the delay. I was speaking to Ambassador Kosh."

Oh. So we're going to Delenn?

"I understand. Ambassador Delenn has an opening in her schedule, and is willing to speak with you now. If your discussions with Ambassador Kosh are concluded."

"Yes, he sent me away with a metaphorical flea in my ear. Where is convenient for Ambassador Delenn to meet me?"

"The Ambassador is currently in her quarters."

"Then I will be there momentarily. Thank you for your assistance."

Says how useful Kosh was being. Let's hope this meeting is more productive.

"Yes?"

"Matthew Underwood, Madam Ambassador. Mister Lennier said that you had a moment?"

Heh. A bit faster than expected, I take it.

There's a brief delay, and then the door opens to reveal the Ambassador. She looks puzzled for a moment, then steps back to allow me inside. I follow her as she heads towards the seating area. "I trust that your visit to Minbar was productive."

"Yes. I was actually the last person to see the Unfinished Basilica in its unfinished state. Well, me and Mayan."

"Yes, that was.. strange. Minbari buildings do not usually complete themselves."

*grins* Bet that was an interesting report.

"There is some debate about whether the changes should be left in place, or if it should be returns to the state the original architect intended."

And there's no scream of rage from inside my head. Zeen Matan was certainly a memorable character while she remained, but her soul has now passed on to wherever the souls of opinionated minbar architects go.

...you know, it's actually a pity that Zeen Matan moved on, because she would have words if she was here to hear that.

"How is Mayan finding Earth?"

"I think she'd like it better without the assassination attempts. I don't think she really-."

She jerks her head around to stare at me. "Assassination attempts?"

Oh, that got your attention? OTL Mayan didn't seem to suffer that attention. Either Earth Alliance ensured that security was taken seriously, or people actually suffered a case of sane to not try.

"Um." Hm. "I'm sorry, Ambassador, but I think this part of the conversation is going to go a good deal easier if I share certain information with you."

"If you have information regarding a plot to assassination my friend, then I would be grateful."

"Oh, no. It's…" I wave my right hand dismissively. "A target of opportunity thing. As I'm sure you can understand, minbari aren't particularly popular or common on Earth, and people with more courage than sense have decided to do something about her. I've been stopping them, and she's currently in a secure location. Uh…" I look aside for a moment, catching sight of Lennier in the kitchen area preparing tea. I wave when he glances my way, and receive a nod in return. "Oh, it's easier to show you."

Please, go on. Show Ambassador Delenn how bullshit you really are. And a plot to assassinate her? Girl, any minbari who showed up on Earth would get the same result. People with an axe to grind to take their shot.

Delenn leans back, blinking, her hand-. She's touching her ring-. Some sort of gravity manipulation device.

I lower my hand and myself as Lennier stalks out of the kitchen, hands in a martial pose.

Ah, we saw that in The Gathering. I don't remember seeing it again after, more's the pity. And really, this isn't a threat, Ambassador. Just a demonstration.

Her eyes harden and her presses her ring-. And suddenly I weight a good deal more.

I adopt a meditative pose and float into their air. And then I wait patiently.

Delenn deactivates her ring with a slightly defeater air, and I return to my chair.

Not used to being just...ignored. That's got to sting.

"Whatever you've done to disguise your forehead tattoo, I can still see it. Mayan seems to think that some previously unknown elder species has granted me their favour. I make no claims, but have no better explanation. The reason why I'm saying any of this is that I've got a bit of a problem, I'm hoping that you'll be willing to help, and Ambassador Kosh just said 'NO' a lot."

"What is your problem?"

Yeah, he wasn't being helpful at all. I'm hoping a more rational response from you, and so far, you have delivered, Delenn. Don't disappoint me now.

"Psi Corps is experimenting with chirurgy and drugs to increase the power of human telepaths, with the aim of creating telekinetic assassins. I'm getting the impression that there's something deeply wrong with the organisation. One of their surviving test subjects would like to request asylum. I can get him anywhere in the Minbari Federation without drawing attention, and he's happy to work for his keep. Ah… But it might be a good idea if a minbari telepath took a look at him? He's doing this blue… Shimmery thing, and I don't think that's healthy. And in return I'm happy to do whatever favour you want."

I shrug, smiling.

Yeah, the summary of that says a lot. Psi Corps is playing FAFO games, and is willing to pay the price in lives.

"What did you do to the human telepath Lyta Alexander?"

"Dropped her off in the Vorlon Empire, at her request. They were willing to grant her asylum, or something like it. Not sure what Kosh has against Mister Ironheart, and he didn't deign to explain himself."

I'm betting that rattled her a bit. The idea that someone could just go to Vorlon space as you please, and then come back. Minbari may be closer to Vorlons than pretty much everyone else, but even they are not that close to them.

I fabricate a data crystal containing his stolen records -translated- and lay it on the table.

She picks it up cautiously. "I will need to consult with other parts of the minbari government. And I will need to speak with Mister Ironheart myself."

I nod. "I can make that happen."

Yes, do that. Quickly, because if Ironheart is showing those flashes, his time is running out.

Hmmm...hopefully he'll wrap things up with Ironheart fast, and goes back to Earth. He left Shaal Mayan alone pretty abruptly.
 
21st April 2258
19:23 G.M.T.


"NNNNO."

I smile at Ambassador Kosh's very narrow face sphincter. "I'm not sure that I understand the difference between Lyta's case and Mister Ironheart's."
Ah, Kosh reacting quite sensibly to the wild butterfly storming though his nice, calm playpen for the younger races. I'm sure he wants what Ironheart is becoming to go down as far from him as possible.

The sphincter relaxes slightly. "You do not understand what he is becoming."

I nod. "That is entirely true. And you do, which makes you the subject matter expert, which is why I came to you. If you choose not to help, that is of course your right, but the impression I got from one of my passengers-."
...Is that Kosh very much does not want any part of all this.

"NNO."

I raise my hands, still smiling. "Very well, I'm sorry to have bothered you." I reach out-.
So off to the Minbari. Have fun, angel-boy.

"You do not understand the power which you wield."

"True, again, but not particularly helpful. Humans do things we don't understand for reasons we don't understand all the time. I gave you the opportunity to provide guidance, and you didn't take it. Have you change your-?"

"NO."
I'm not sure Kosh really understands what the Ring is and can do, either. But it's the way of the Elder races to play mysterious...

"Well then. Good day."

I transition out of his quarters in a fairly isolated part of the station, and then-.

The ring blinks.
Ah, moving on to the next possible contact.

Answer.

"Mister Underwood, thank you for replying."

"Mister Lennier. I apologise for the delay. I was speaking to Ambassador Kosh."
And from context, Lennier understands that Kosh has refused.

"I understand. Ambassador Delenn has an opening in her schedule, and is willing to speak with you now. If your discussions with Ambassador Kosh are concluded."

"Yes, he sent me away with a metaphorical flea in my ear. Where is convenient for Ambassador Delenn to meet me?"
Quite emphatically refused, really.

"The Ambassador is currently in her quarters."

"Then I will be there momentarily. Thank you for your assistance."
Heh, they have no idea how quickly he can move...

Alright… Scan… Yes, there's enough ductwork and gaps in the superstructure for me to accelerate my journey without risking detection. Push through there and move, repair and move, poke and hole, scan to check, and then move and repair.

And press the Ambassador's doorbell.
Lennier: "I literally just hung up. He was not joking about 'momentarily'."

"Yes?"

"Matthew Underwood, Madam Ambassador. Mister Lennier said that you had a moment?"

There's a brief delay, and then the door opens to reveal the Ambassador. She looks puzzled for a moment, then steps back to allow me inside. I follow her as she heads towards the seating area. "I trust that your visit to Minbar was productive."
Oh, indeed it was...

"Yes. I was actually the last person to see the Unfinished Basilica in its unfinished state. Well, me and Mayan."

"Yes, that was.. strange. Minbari buildings do not usually complete themselves."

"I think it looks better now, but I wouldn't claim to be an expert on minbari architecture."
More or less admitting he was there. Not that Delenn will say anything about it to anyone else..

"There is some debate about whether the changes should be left in place, or if it should be returns to the state the original architect intended."

And there's no scream of rage from inside my head. Zeen Matan was certainly a memorable character while she remained, but her soul has now passed on to wherever the souls of opinionated minbar architects go.
...Which means sooner or later, he will run out of passengers. Will he have to go looking for more at some point, or acquire a more stable recharging source before then? 🤔

"How is Mayan finding Earth?"

"I think she'd like it better without the assassination attempts. I don't think she really-."
Oh, yes. Just throw that out there, give Delenn a heart attack...

She jerks her head around to stare at me. "Assassination attempts?"

"Um." Hm. "I'm sorry, Ambassador, but I think this part of the conversation is going to go a good deal easier if I share certain information with you."

"If you have information regarding a plot to assassinate my friend, then I would be grateful."
Oh yes. At least her heart is in good shape.

"Oh, no. It's…" I wave my right hand dismissively. "A target of opportunity thing. As I'm sure you can understand, minbari aren't particularly popular or common on Earth, and people with more courage than sense have decided to do something about her. I've been stopping them, and she's currently in a secure location. Uh…" I look aside for a moment, catching sight of Lennier in the kitchen area preparing tea. I wave when he glances my way, and receive a nod in return. "Oh, it's easier to show you."
Since a call to Earth to check on her for herself would be monitored by multiple sets of ears, this is a good way to find out what's been happening.

I raise my left fist and float into the air.

Delenn leans back, blinking, her hand-. She's touching her ring-. Some sort of gravity manipulation device.

I lower my hand and myself as Lennier stalks out of the kitchen, hands in a martial pose.
So outclassed and they don't even know...

I raise my palms. "That was not intended as a threat. I wished to demonstrate that I have unusual abilities. I know that Mayan is safe because I left her on Earth less than half an hour ago. I left Ambassador Kosh and appeared outside of your quarters because I can move very fast. I completed the Basilica under the instructions of the soul of the architect, and I've been intercepting various would-be murderers because I can see the malice in their souls. And I know you're a member of the Grey Council because whatever you've-."
Oooh, would have been a little warier of revealing that tidbit, Matthew.

Her eyes harden and her presses her ring-. And suddenly I weigh a good deal more.

I adopt a meditative pose and float into their air. And then I wait patiently.

Delenn deactivates her ring with a slightly defeated air, and I return to my chair.
Oh, that's a clever trick. I wonder how high she can dial it up. Enough to merely pin someone under their own weight... Or turn them into a red smear on the decking?

"Whatever you've done to disguise your forehead tattoo, I can still see it. Mayan seems to think that some previously unknown elder species has granted me their favour. I make no claims, but have no better explanation. The reason why I'm saying any of this is that I've got a bit of a problem, I'm hoping that you'll be willing to help, and Ambassador Kosh just said 'NO' a lot."
And really, he could use the experienced assistance. Someone with political insights to offer advice...

"What is your problem?"

"Psi Corps is experimenting with chirurgy and drugs to increase the power of human telepaths, with the aim of creating telekinetic assassins. I'm getting the impression that there's something deeply wrong with the organisation. One of their surviving test subjects would like to request asylum. I can get him anywhere in the Minbari Federation without drawing attention, and he's happy to work for his keep. Ah… But it might be a good idea if a minbari telepath took a look at him? He's doing this blue… Shimmery thing, and I don't think that's healthy. And in return I'm happy to do whatever favour you want."
Oh, that's going to be setting off so many alarm bells in Delenn's head.

I shrug, smiling.

"What did you do to the human telepath Lyta Alexander?"
Ah, starting with the oldest outstanding concern, I see.

"Dropped her off in the Vorlon Empire, at her request. They were willing to grant her asylum, or something like it. Not sure what Kosh has against Mister Ironheart, and he didn't deign to explain himself."

I fabricate a data crystal containing his stolen records -translated- and lay it on the table.
Oooh, that's gonna be some nasty dirt for the Minbari to have over Psi Corps...

She picks it up cautiously. "I will need to consult with other parts of the minbari government. And I will need to speak with Mister Ironheart myself."

I nod. "I can make that happen."
Hopefully just the latter part. I really don't think she's going to need to talk to her government in person.

And the plot thickens on Babylon 5. With any luck, Ironheart will be able to get to a safe Minbari refuge before he goes critical, while Delenn just got some juicy intel on PSI Corps activities. Once again, Matthew Underwood makes a move and the overarching narrative gets buffered like a butterfly in a hurricane...
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top