Welcome back!

What’s this? A Nova Dreadnought II? Yup… Well remember how Doctor Franklin’s father had a Nova in the same time period as Babylon 5? No exception here. She’s got enhanced cannons. And, used for Planetary or Station Bombardment duties. Stronger Firepower and full of Marines.

So how does this work in the alternate time line here? A good bill got passed through Congress, thats all. Ok, yes it wouldn’t be that simple would it? No, no it wouldn’t. At this point, there’s only 20 untouched Nova’s left from the scrap yard. 2 of which are deemed to be Museum Ships. ISN sent a reporter to Babylon 5 when Babylon 3’s former Commander who was visiting Babylon 5. The only survivor of the tragity. The interview is invasive and the brazen former commander flips the table on the reporter when pressed too far. The question was, was the E.A.S. Astraea to heavily armed for the Station and the former Weapon of war unsafe for Earth Force in those and present circumstances?

Although ISN does not show this story, it’s leaked and sparks public debate when the story of the 2 Museum Ships are delivered and that story is covered instead. As the lights around the Ship’s go out, the Centari brazenly engage a non hostile Earth Force Expeditionary Force Cruiser and Destroy it.

The Bill goes to Congress, the Congress approves it, the Narns turn over a smuggled in Cannon Array from a Narn R&D Base the Centari are likely to capture and use to destroy the Narn. With re-elected President Santiago entangled with the mistaken vessel BS from the Centari, VP Clark jumps on the occasion. The facts were determined early that Earth Forces newest Lasers are not as effective in long range combat. The Cannons are high power long range, and the Star Frame’s longevity is no body’s doubt. Earth Decides its best to use the would be soon to be Centari Weapon on the Centari instead.

Earth Force pulls the 18 out of the line and sends the Ships to Ioannis Station for development and construction. Without public knowledge the ships make it thru with the public being told the ships were finally gone. All 18 Nova II’s jump out of Hyperspace destroying Rageth 3, a heavily disputed Centari Agrocultural Colony and major food supplier for Centari Prime. The surprise attack is broadcast live on ISN and the Centari are left with cheers on Babylon 5. Now what? Earth Force begins lining up forces along the Centari boarder and capturing all supply vessels in the shipping lanes and threaten to open war with the Centari directly. Acknowledging the dethroning of the Emperor’s will Earth forces a 100 year non-aggression act with the Narn, Earth, and Narn Freedom in the duration of the pact ending hostilities between both worlds.

That’s when Mr. Morden shows up at both worlds within weeks after the IPX Icarus is lost on an unknown world on The Rim. In the Rageth 3 attack, President Santiago was briefly informed of the VP’s orders during a Peace conference with the Centari. It would seem the old Santiago was back, true reputation or not. Earth would now be sanctioning the Centari. Other races are shocked but the Minbari support Earths actions in the council meetings. This would be the first of many more heated meetings in the Council chambers echoing through B5 for a long time. But the Nova’s stay! The “Ground Pounder’s” finally get their own ships!
The other 2, have new modified agreements from Earth Force allowing for reactivation in event of a Crisis.

Enjoy!
-JH

Update: The MK2 is now posted. The 2nd refit, promoted Marine insight to heavier Armor and more sturdy Cannon Platforms. This also makes for better printing solutions.