Earthforce ship Omega,
you may proceed to jump gate.
Shuttle Copernicus,
you're clear for docking bay 4.
Tal'Quith, please hold.
Earthforce ship, continue to hold.
Minbari ship, hold.
Babylon 5,
this is the Captain of the Tal'Quith.
What is the delay?
Tal'Quith, there's a priority shipment ahead of you.
However, you'll be able to dock in 25 minutes.
Unacceptable.
We have a very perishable cargo for Ambassador G'Kar
and must deliver it immediately.
I'll do what I can.
Please stand by.
Hey! Move that over to the right!
Over to the right!
Delvientos. Make it quick.
This is C&C. Can you get that non-transport
in here any quicker?
Where the hell am I gonna get the crew?
We're already up to our butts out here.
I understand, but you know how the Narns can be.
Yeah, I know. You're really busting
my cojones today, c and c.
Slide her into bay 8,
and we'll see what we can do.
Thanks. Tal'Quith,
you may proceed immediately to docking bay 8
via beacon Alpha 6.
About time.
[Alarm]
We have a failure in the bay 6 computer.
It's raising the transport.
Platform 6 activated.
Departure sequence engaged.
Collision warning.
It's going to collide with our ship.
Override docking sequence 6 gamma 6-0.
Tal'Quith, I'm switching you to beacon zeta.
Stand by. Do not attempt to alter your course.
Narn transport, do not start your engines!
Emergency stations!
Bay 6, damage report.
Hydraulic and fuel lines
in the loading area are ruptured!
C-lock the entire section. Swift team is on its way.
Well, tell them to hurry up!
I've got 2 people trapped in there!
If we don't get them out fast, they're dead!
It was the dawn of the third age of mankind,
10 years after the Earth-Minbari war.
The Babylon project was a dream given form.
Its goal-- to prevent another war
by creating a place where humans and aliens
could work out their differences peacefully.
It's a port of call...
Home away from home
for diplomats,
hustlers, entrepreneurs,
and wanderers.
Humans and aliens
wrapped in 2,500,000 tons of spinning metal,
all alone in the night.
It can be a dangerous place.
But it's our last, best hope for peace.
This is the story
of the last of the Babylon stations.
The year is 2258.
The name of the place is...
Get up here quick! Look, there's still
a chance of a spontaneous
combustion in there, so we're opening
the air-locks just long enough
for you guys to get in and get out, ok?
All right. All right.
Open up.
Ok, let's go, let's go.
Right with you!
Hey, here's somebody over here.
We got vitals.
Let's get him out of here.
Who do we have trapped in there?
All I know is, it's 2 members of team 21.
21?
Delvientos, open it up.
We're coming out.
Ok, they're coming. Back off.
You ok?
Uh-huh.
He's dead.
Alberto!
My brother... My brother.
Bendito!
Hermanito, dios mio!
[Singing in Narnian]
To you, I give the grain,
the light, and the sky.
To you, a sacred heritage.
To you, the land and sea.
[Singing in Narnian]
[Door signal chimes]
Ambassador?
So spoke G'Quan at the dawn of all mornings.
Ambassador?
[Sighs]
Enter!
I'm sorry to disturb you
at this time, Ambassador,
but I bring unhappy news.
There's been an accident
on one of our cargo ships.
What?
The Tal'Quith.
Was there much damage?
The entire cargo bay was blown out.
I'm afraid the G'Quan eth was destroyed
in the accident.
No.
Oh, no.
Don't try to blame my people for this!
We have said all along
that the dockside equipment isn't up to handling
the amount of traffic we get.
The computer malfunction might have been caused
by operator error.
Even if that were true, what do you expect?
My people have been forced
to work triple shifts because we are
understaffed in every area.
Ms. Connally, we're not here to assign blame.
Maybe you aren't, Commander,
but my government will want to know
who is responsible for damaging our ship.
Then I suggest you start
with your ship's Captain, who panicked
and fired his engines inside the docking bay
against my direct orders.
Now, don't try to blame this on us,
Lieutenant Commander. We are the victims here.
You lost some cargo, Ambassador.
Alberto Delvientos lost his life.
Yes, a tragedy, to be sure,
but what was our Captain to do?
His ship was placed in jeopardy
through no fault of his own, and he reacted.
And by G'Quan, I mean to see
that we're compensated for the damage.
Now, if you'll excuse me,
I must attend to a pressing matter.
The accident was caused by equipment failure.
Cluster-defective microchips blew out.
How is that possible?
Looks like the contractors installed
substandard chips throughout the entire system.
That would explain how they managed
such a low bid on the installation.
We're checking it all now.
This is going to play havoc with our schedule.
Ivanova, how long before
we can get bay 6 on line?
Several hours, at least.
We're gonna have to reroute the control
to the other docking bays
until new chips can be installed.
The problems dockside run much deeper
than a few microchips, Commander.
I'm aware of that, Ms. Connally,
and I've done everything I can
to make the senate understand
we need an increase
in the station's budget.
I just hope they listen.
You mean before someone else gets killed?
[Beep beep]
Sinclair.
Commander,
senator Hidoshi is on gold channel for you.
It's about the new budget.
On our way.
And you don't know of anyone who has one?
I'd pay any price.
Mm. Mm-mmm.
Ah, G'Kar...
Doing a little shopping, are you?
Is that permitted
during the holy days of G'Quan?
It's no concern of yours, Mollari.
I heard about the mishap
involving your transport.
Shocking, truly shocking.
If there is anything I can do
to be of assistance,
you will let me know, yes?
No.
Well?
There's no one who can have
a G'Quan eth delivered
in time for the ceremony.
Swock!
However, according to import records,
there is one being on the station
who has the flower.
Well, who is it?
Ambassador Mollari. What?
Yoo-hoo! Ha ha ha ha!
Why does the universe hate me?
It's all in the budget report, Commander.
I know it's in the report, senator,
but we need those increases in station operations.
Promises were made.
Political realities
sometimes take precedence over good intentions.
If President Santiago can turn things around,
at that time, you may receive
some of the money you requested.
We have operational
and safety concerns that won't wait
for the government to turn things around.
There's already been an accident.
Accidents happen,
but our experts have assured us
that your new budget is more than sufficient
for safe and efficient running of Babylon 5.
Commander, I have every confidence
that you will make it work.
I assume the news about the budget
has leaked by now.
The station business channel
is running a detailed analysis.
Wonderful. We'll need to set up
meetings with the business council
and the guilds. I'll have to have
a separate meeting with Ms. Connally.
She'll be spitting neutrons. The dock workers got zip--
no pay raise, no money for new workers,
no funds for upgrading equipment.
As far as the senate's concerned,
they're bound by a government contract.
They can't quit and they can't go on strike.
Why give them anything?
Commander, we've got a problem.
Surprise, surprise.
We're up to our eyeballs in waiting transport,
and the dock workers are calling in sick.
How serious is it?
Well, as far as we can determine,
none of them are actually ill.
They're just calling in sick.
Sounds like the blue flu.
Excuse me?
My grandmother was a Boston cop.
I remember her telling me about the blue flu.
They use to use it to get around sanctions
on work stoppages.
In other words,
we have an illegal strike on our hands.
This is Babylon control.
Our docking schedule's being revised.
Please stand by.
How much more of this do they expect us to take?
We need a 10-hour turnaround
after we work a double shift!
Yeah! Yeah!
We're lucky if you get 4.
Yeah! Yeah!
You're lucky if you get any!
We're breaking safety rules every minute of the day
because of overscheduling!
Yeah! Yeah!
I say strike!
Strike!
Strike! Strike! Strike!
Strike! Strike!
Knock it off!
Strike! Strike! Strike!
Knock it off!
Stop it!
Hey, listen!
Now, first of all, I don't want to hear
the word "strike" anymore.
We will hear everyone out,
but let's take this one issue at a time, ok?
Now, let's remember,
let's try to keep a cool head
during management negotiations.
[Angry murmuring]
What do you want here?
Getting out of my way would be a start.
It's all right, Eduardo.
Let him through.
What do you got to say, huh?
I've been expecting you, Garibaldi.
I'm here to escort you to Commander Sinclair.
He's requested the honor of your presence twice.
Maybe you didn't get the message.
I've been tied up.
I got a lot of sick workers here.
Ha ha. Ha ha.
[Coughing]
You think this is funny?
Huh?
Well, I don't.
We're as serious as a rip in a space suit,
and we want the senate
and Commander Sinclair to know it.
By staging an illegal strike?
I thought you were smarter than that.
Sinclair and Ivanova are career military.
I don't expect them to understand,
but I figure you for blue collar
under all that Earthforce gray.
You must know
we're only doing what we have to do.
I know how you feel, but this isn't the way.
And what other options do we have, Mr. Garibaldi?
That's what the Commander wants to talk to you about.
The hell with your talk!
People are dying out here, Mr. Security man!
And Sinclair wants us to talk!
What do you think we are, fools?
All right.
Let me handle this, all right?
Ok? Ok.
Your Commander wants to talk, we'll talk.
Let's go.
[Crowd yells]
Your friend's looking for a fight.
That was Eduardo Delvientos.
His little brother Alberto was the one who was killed
in the accident. He's taking it hard.
I'm sorry. I know what it's like
to lose someone close,
and so does the Commander.
He wants to help, neeoma.
We'll see.
I'm asking your people to go back to work,
if they don't, I'll have to bring
the senate labor committee in on this,
and they could invoke the Rush Act.
They don't have the guts to do that.
It would inflame public opinion
here and at home.
Don't be so sure about that.
Things are changing on Earth, and not all for the best.
Look, you've made your point,
and Earth Central will be made aware of your grievances.
There's nothing else you can gain
by continuing your strike!
I can't send my people back
to work without some guarantees.
And I can't guarantee anything
while you're on strike. If you'd just trust--
it's the senate who controls the money,
Commander. Every time we trust them,
we get kicked in the teeth.
And what if your people start kicking back, huh?
If you force them into a confrontation--
we won't be the first to use violence!
I saw what went down in the docking bay.
They're angry and--
they've got a right to be angry!
They've also got a right to hear what I've just told you.
They will,
but I can't recommend they return to work.
I don't think you fully understand the consequences--
don't tell me about consequences!
My father was shot dead
during the 37 mining strikes on ganymede.
I have spent my entire life
defending workers' rights,
and I'm not about to stop now.
You get us decent pay and equipment
and hire enough workers
to do the job safely. Then we return to work,
not a minute before.
[Beep beep]
Sinclair.
Commander, you've got another transmission
from senator Hidoshi.
Patch it through.
[Humming]
You left your door unlocked, Ambassador.
Careless of you.
I thought it best to sit here
and guard your room until you returned.
And did you find anything of interest
in my humble quarters
while you were guarding it?
No.
Care for a drink?
Oh, I forgot.
The days of G'Quan forbid it,
but they come to a close very soon,
do they not?
You know why I'm here.
The G'Quan eth plant, yes?
Difficult to grow,
expensive to transport,
very expensive to own,
but...
So very important to you
at this festive time.
I understand you are in possession
of the G'Quan eth. If this is so,
I am here to...
Purchase it from you.
Ever since we left your beautiful planet,
G'Quan eth plants have been hard to find.
Mine, which is being cared for in a safe place,
I have been saving for a special occasion.
When you drop the seeds into a proper mixture of alcohol...
Ha ha ha! [Imitates explosion]
Whole new universes open up.
[Chuckles]
It's a shame you Narns waste them,
burning them as incense.
Name your price!
Oh, you're asking for quite a sacrifice from me,
but in the interest
of interstellar peace and friendship,
um...
50,000 commercial credits
in cash, in advance.
That's an outrage!
Of course it's an outrage.
The question is, how important
is your religious ceremony to you?
[Chuckling]
Commander, we have been hearing reports
of an illegal strike by your dockers' guild.
Those reports are exaggerated, senator.
We do have a problem,
but I've been going over the new budget and--
this action threatens the security
of our military base
and sets a bad precedent,
not only for Babylon 5,
but for all of our off-world interests.
We cannot allow that.
The dockers' guild has legitimate grievances.
I can't just ignore them.
You will not have to.
The labor committee has ordered Orin Zento
to Babylon 5.
He will be there within 12 hours.
Zento?
He is our best labor negotiator.
He has stopped this kind of thing before
in many of our stations.
I expect you to give him your full cooperation,
and that includes providing troops
if he decides the Rush Act is necessary.
You're not serious.
We have over 1,000 dock workers on this station.
If we start arresting them,
we could have a riot on our hands.
The more reason to end this thing decisively
before it spreads.
Understood, Commander?
Understood...
Senator.
Mr. Zento.
Commander Sinclair. This way.
I was told there was an accident
on the docks recently. Not serious, I hope.
One worker killed, several more injured.
The Narns are demanding reparation
for damage to their ship and cargo.
I hope, in spite of that,
we'll be able to expedite negotiations.
I'm on a tight schedule.
When can I meet with Ms. Connally?
It's being arranged.
I'll need to talk to your security chief.
If I have to invoke the Rush Act,
it's best to be ready.
Have Mr. Garibaldi report to briefing room 3.
[Humming]
[Ring ring]
Yes?
Ambassador Mollari, I have the money,
50,000 credits in cash.
Where is the G'Quan eth?
Actually, G'Kar, I have changed my mind.
The G'Quan eth plant is not for sale.
What?!
I have also changed my lock code,
so don't bother visiting me. Consider this a small,
a very tiny portion of revenge
for what you did to our colony on ragesh 3
and to my nephew.
Did you think that I had forgotten that?
Ambassador...
Enjoy the last few hours of your festive holiday.
I know I will.
I'll kill him with my bare hands!
Nothing will stop me!
Sinclair can only kick me off the station.
He might even thank me.
You're not a follower of G'Quan, are you, Na'Toth?
My father was a disciple of jelan.
My mother didn't believe in much of anything.
What do you believe in?
Myself, Ambassador.
Too easy an answer.
We all believe in something greater than ourselves,
even if it's just the blind forces of chance.
Chance favors the warrior.
Isn't there anything you can do
to get a G'Quan eth before the deadline?
Only one more thing, and I hate having to do it,
but if that should fail,
there's something I want you to do.
At your service, Ambassador.
I assure you
your guild is not being singled out.
Earth sympathizes with your situation.
Sure, Zento.
I personally understand your feelings,
but the government must cut costs.
We're in a recession.
Everyone's feeling the pinch,
at home as well as in our colonies.
The government found enough money
for increased military spending on Babylon 5.
Yeah! That's right.
Babylon 5 is a military installation
in the midst of hostile alien governments.
It is vital to the defense of Earth,
and your guild is a vital part of Babylon 5.
Now, the new budget
provides everyone with enough funds
to run their departments efficiently.
We've cut away the fat, yes,
but we've left the muscle and bone.
I think we know where the fat went.
[Laughter]
Ms. Connally.
Mr. Zento, you're right.
My people are a part of Babylon 5.
They unload the goods to keep it running.
A lot of them even helped build it.
What do they get for it?
They work double and triple shifts,
using equipment that is substandard
for pay that's a joke.
Yeah! Yeah!
You signed a contract, Ms. Connally, just like
every other government worker on this station.
Abide by it, and we'll look into these problems.
These problems killed a man, Mr. Zento,
a damn good man, and as the duly-elected
representative of this guild,
I don't intend to let that happen again.
We were promised an increase
by last year's negotiator.
I wish I could help,
but I see no written agreement to that effect.
Without that, my hands are tied.
There are simply no funds available.
Now, despite this unfortunate accident,
our experts assure us
you have enough people for this year
and that your equipment is quite sufficient--
how many of those experts
ever worked a space dock?
How many of them have ever tried to refuel a ship
while being pushed to move faster and faster
because of overscheduling,
felt the pain in their bones
from operating a zero-"g" cargo loader for 9 hours?
You have a point, mister...
Mr. Eduardo Delvientos, senior foreman.
And yeah, I got a point.
I've been working space docks for 40 years,
and this equipment we got won't last 2 months,
let alone 2 years.
Every piece needs to be overhauled,
but we don't have the money or the manpower to do it.
And if you won't do nothing about it,
you can damn well get your experts to run those docks.
Yeah! Yeah!
If that's your response,
you leave me no choice but to invoke the Rush Act.
Is that what you want?
[Yelling]
I suggest
we recess for the evening.
It's late, and we're all tired.
It's not a good time for big decisions.
You're right, Commander.
Ms. Connally, perhaps we'll have better luck
ironing this out at a private meeting tomorrow.
Shall we say 7:00?
He's bluffing.
The senate hasn't invoked the Rush Act
since the europa strike.
Don't count on that, Ms. Connally.
I told you, things are changing.
One thing hasn't changed--
workers always get shafted,
but this time, we're gonna fight back.
Eduardo, we have to keep cool.
If we don't, we're finished here
and back on Earth.
We have a right to defend ourselves, neeoma.
But not with violence.
I beg your pardon, Commander,
but if someone pushed you,
wouldn't you push back?
I hope we make more progress tomorrow, Ms. Connally.
You better tell that to Zento.
Cargo ship Seattle, please be patient.
You are next on the schedule.
Computer, what time is it?
05:36.
Yes. [Ring ring]
Commander, what the hell is going on?
Word's all over the station the dockers' guild
has dropped their blue flu story.
They've officially declared there's a strike.
Damn.
Mr. Zento, I'm sure this is just a rumor.
If you'll give me some time--
don't play games with me, Sinclair.
I know all about you.
You've let this situation escalate out of all proportion,
and you can bet the senate's going to get a full report.
We've got trade contracts to honor.
We're talking about people's lives.
Spare me the platitudes, Commander.
I'll meet with Ms. Connally at 7:00 as planned,
but if she persists in this illegal action,
the Rush Act will be put into force,
and your troops had better be ready to enforce it.
[Beep]
[Ring ring]
Now what?
Yes?
Commander Sinclair,
I must speak to you immediately on a matter
of the greatest importance.
Ambassador G'Kar,
I have an emergency situation on my hands.
It won't take long,
and I wouldn't want to burden you further
by taking this matter up before a full assembly.
All right.
I'll meet you in the council chambers.
Ivanova: All ships please stand by.
All docking bays are full.
Are you telling me this is about a flower?
Not just a flower, Commander.
The very symbol of my faith.
All followers of G'Quan must perform a ritual
once a year when our sun rises
precisely behind the G'Quan mountain.
Each year the celebrant must acquire
a new plant for the ceremony.
Well, I'd made all the arrangements.
It should have been here months ago,
but you know how bureaucracies are, and--
well, this must all sound ridiculous to you.
No, it doesn't, Ambassador,
but we'll have to talk about this some other time.
Commander,
there is no other time. You see,
those who are able, perform the ritual
in the first rays of sunlight
that shine past the mountain,
a magnificent sight.
Those of us who can't be there must still
perform the ritual at the same moment,
a moment which is almost upon us.
It is the most important observance
of my beliefs,
and it requires the G'Quan eth which,
as the highest-ranking member of my faith
on this station,
it is my responsibility to provide.
I truly sympathize with you, G'Kar,
but it's Londo's flower to do with as he likes.
It's sacrilege for him to possess it.
It was stolen from our planet.
I'll make a major incident
out of this, Commander.
I don't like threats, Ambassador,
but I'll do what I can.
Look, I can't force you to do this,
but in the name of interstellar goodwill,
not to mention peace and quiet on this station,
I'm asking.
You know I would do anything for you,
my good friend Commander Sinclair,
but not this.
You don't have to give him the G'Quan eth as a gift.
He's agreed to pay a rather steep price for it.
This isn't about money, Commander,
or spiritual beliefs.
G'Kar is only worried about losing face.
The Narns.
Ugh.
They're a barbaric people.
They're all pagans,
still worshipping their sun.
No, I would rather burn the plant
than give it to him.
Would you at least consider it?
No.
Well?
I'm sorry.
But, Commander...
[Beep beep]
Sinclair.
Commander, you're wanted
in the briefing room immediately.
On my way.
Na'toth,
proceed.
When are you going to start being reasonable?
When you stop being unreasonable.
I honestly don't understand
why you're being so difficult, Ms. Connally.
Every other guild on this station
has signed their agreement.
They understand that our government
is not a bottomless pool of money.
I don't care if they've agreed
to wear bunny suits
and sing the hallelujah chorus.
We're not putting up
with this kind of treatment
from Earth Central any longer.
If you refuse to negotiate in good faith,
you leave us no choice.
Commander, this is obviously a waste of time.
Mr. Zento, Ms. Connally.
Surely there's some kind of an accommodation we can make
to end this peacefully.
Now, I've been going over the budget--
Commander, the labor committee
does not accommodate illegal strikers.
Damn it!
If you're having problems with your budget,
I suggest you take it up with the senate.
As for you, Ms. Connally, I strongly recommend
you send your people back to work now.
Stuff it.
Commander, I refuse to pander to these people any more.
I'm invoking the Rush Act as of now.
You can't do that without senate confirmation.
I'll have it within the hour!
And I'll expect Mr. Garibaldi's people
to be ready to arrest Ms. Connally
and any other worker who persists
in this illegal activity.
I have to warn my people.
Damn it, Connally.
Can't you stop this now?
It's too late for that, Commander.
My workers are tired and fed up.
They've been pushed as far as they're willing to go.
This is not just a matter
of disrupting shipping schedules.
You know what could happen
if I have to order Garibaldi in.
The same thing that happened on europa
and in new California and at natalog.
The same thing that happens every time labor
stood up for themselves and said, "no more."
You try to break us, we'll fight back,
someone will get hurt, maybe killed.
For what it's worth,
I'm sorry this has to happen here.
All docking bays are full, transport merona.
We cannot accommodate you at this time.
We've already been holding for 3 hours.
We're making the strike our lead news item
in tonight's program.
Is it true that Mr. Zento has declared
the dockers slow down an illegal strike
and is seeking the senate approval for the Rush Act?
No comment.
Commander, we've got 2 transport holding
and a Minbari convoy on their way in.
They'll have to wait.
[Arguing]
Commander,
this creature is a thief.
I demand you arrest him at once.
Call me that again, Mollari,
and I'll tear your pale throat out.
This barbarian has stolen
the statue of our god ruterian
from the Centauri--
I have been in the presence
of many witnesses for several hours.
I have not stolen anything!
All right. Then it was your attack dog Na'Toth,
but on your orders.
I'm fed up with your fabrications, Mollari!
Commander, do you have a comment on this?
I demand you arrest him!
That's enough!
Get the hell out of here,
all of you. Now.
Lieutenant Commander Ivanova,
in 10 seconds you will escort
any unauthorized persons still present to the brig
and leave them there.
Yes, sir.
10...
9...
8...
7...
I'm filing official protest.
I'm filing 2 official protests.
5... You are impeding
the public's right to know, Commander.
3!
2...
1.
So, what'd I miss?
Commander, call from senator Hidoshi.
I'll take it here.
Senator.
Orin Zento has created an uproar in the senate.
He has a knack for that.
Commander, I believe you should be allowed
to handle this situation as you think best.
Unfortunately, Mr. Zento has convinced
the majority of the senate otherwise.
They have invoked the Rush Act,
officially declaring the situation on Babylon 5
an illegal strike.
You are ordered to move in with your security troops
and end it now.
No negotiations. No delay.
What you're asking could only end in violence.
I know that, and I fear
that's exactly what some people are hoping for.
Sorry, Commander.
Chief, get your people ready.
Full tactical alert.
Lieutenant Commander.
I need to see the full text of the senate order.
Yes, sir.
Reporter: It is now official.
The senate has invoked the Rush Act
in the dispute with the Babylon 5 dockers.
Replacement workers are already reporting
to launch centers on Earth,
and Babylon 5 security forces
are expected to begin mass arrests.
Shut that thing off! It's going down.
Everybody remember,
we just gotta keep cool.
They're coming!
[Yelling]
Come to do your master's bidding, Garibaldi?
Come on, neeoma, you know why I'm here.
Yeah. Maybe you're looking for an honest job.
[Laughter]
I'm gonna ignore that.
I have to place you and your people under arrest.
Don't make me do it the hard way.
There is no other way,
so get to it or get out of here.
What's the situation, chief?
We've cordoned off the docking bay.
Give the word, we'll pump in morph gas
and arrest 'em while they're asleep.
I wanted to avoid this.
So did I, Commander.
Hey, if memory serves me correctly,
it was your guy Delvientos
who threw the first punch.
Eduardo's an old war horse,
but he is not a violent man.
Alberto was the last of his family,
and every one of them was a dock rat.
You have got to let me talk to him.
You've got to let me talk to all of them.
Commander, why haven't your men
finished clearing those docks yet?
I was just going to do that.
Mr. Garibaldi, instruct your men
to pull back to blue sector.
Mr. Zento, if you and Ms. Connally will please join me.
What do you need me there for?
You'll see.
Pull back to blue sector!
Yeah! Chalk one up for the dock workers.
Yeah.
We did it, all right.
Here they come again.
I hope you know what you're doing, Jeff.
Quiet down!
Hear them out.
Listen up.
Under the Rush Act,
the senate has empowered me to end this strike.
I'm authorized to use any means necessary,
correct, Mr. Zento?
Yes. Any means necessary.
Am I assured of your full support on this?
Absolutely.
Then under that authority,
I choose the following means
to end this strike.
1--
I am reallocating 1.3 million credits
from Babylon 5's military budget
to begin necessary upgrades of all dockside equipment
and to start hiring additional workers.
Yeah! All right!
2--
I am declaring a complete amnesty
for any striking worker or guild representative
who has committed no other crimes
during this period.
That's you, kid.
You can't do this.
You're right. I couldn't,
until you convinced the senate
to invoke the Rush Act.
You should never hand someone a gun
unless you're sure where they'll point it.
Your mistake.
[Laughter]
One minute.
As for the unfortunate incident earlier,
with Mr. Garibaldi's approval,
no charges will be pressed.
I figure my people are willing to
call it a fair fight if yours are.
That's my offer, Ms. Connally,
but it's dependent upon your people
returning to work immediately.
Babylon 5 has cargo to move.
You heard the man.
Ok, you dock rats!
Let's get back to work!
You know damn well
you twisted the intent of that order,
and you won't get away with it.
I think Ms. Connally said it best the other day.
Stuff it.
I underestimated you, Commander.
I'm sorry, but thank you.
Save it. We're both gonna catch 7 different
kinds of hell over this down the road.
My dad used to say
there are no happily ever afters, just new battles.
Garibaldi. Ms. Connally.
I'll see you around.
My pleasure.
[Yawns]
Uh, no offense, Commander,
but you look like week-old bread.
Why don't you get some sleep?
That's exactly what I had in mind
now that we've calmed things down.
[Beep beep]
Sinclair.
Commander, you better get up here.
What is it this time?
G'Kar and Londo are apProximately half an inch
from killing each other.
Gentlemen, I've been up for almost 2 days straight
with no sleep.
This makes me a very cranky man.
Yes, we've noticed.
Have you considered meditation?
Ambassador G'Kar, you will return
Ambassador Mollari's statue.
Commander, I really must protest!
G'Kar will return the statue.
And that is all I ask.
That, and his head on a platter.
Ambassador Mollari,
I ran a check on the G'Quan eth
and discovered it had a chemical composition
which makes it a controlled botanical substance,
illegal to possess except for
legitimate medical or religious purposes.
Ridiculous. It is no more harmful
than a bottle of your whiskey.
File a protest if you wish,
but you'll have to turn the plant over to me.
You'll be fully compensated.
All right, Commander.
You may have the G'Quan eth.
Thank you, Ambassador.
I have already gotten
my enjoyment from it, anyway.
Ambassador G'Kar,
when you have returned Londo's statue,
I'll turn the G'Quan eth over to you,
and you'll compensate Londo for it full price.
Why should I turn the statue over--
assuming that I knew where it was--
when it's already too late for the ceremony?
Mollari knows that.
That's why he gave in so easily.
This ritual is supposed to be performed
in the sunlight that has touched the G'Quan mountain
on a particular day at a particular time, right?
Yes.
But as your people went into space,
it wasn't always possible
to be at the foot of that mountain
and pray in that sunlight.
Yes, yes. If we can't be there,
we must still make our prayers
at the same moment as those on our planet.
What you forgot to take into account
is that sunlight also travels through space.
Think about it. This station
is 12.2 light-years from Narn.
That's just a little over 10 of your light-years.
The sunlight that touched G'Quan mountain
10 of your years ago
will reach this station in 12 hours.
It's been on a long journey,
but it's still the same sunlight,
good enough for you to conduct your ceremony,
wouldn't you agree?
Yes.
It might be.
Commander,
you are a far more spiritual man
than I gave you credit for.
There are a couple of jesuit teachers I know
who might disagree with you.
I want that statue returned.
I'm sure a careful search will turn it up.
I'll see to it immediately.
Commander...
Thank you.
Computer, hold all transmissions.
I'm going to bed.
You have one transmission holding.
Put it through.
Senator Hidoshi.
I've been expecting your call.
Remind me never to play poker with you.
Sinclair, you are a hell of a gambler.
This time you won.
The senators decided to let your decision
on the strike stand without comment.
I'm glad they see it my way.
They do not,
but public opinion is on your side.
I see.
Commander,
I admire what you've done there.
My great-grandfather worked the new Kobe space docks
until the day he died.
I will admit, the discomfort
you've given some of my colleagues
pleases me.
This is why I'm telling you this.
Orin Zento has powerful friends.
By embarrassing him, you embarrass them.
Today
you have made new enemies.
If I were you, Commander,
I would watch things very carefully.
You are not the most popular person
in government circles right now.
So what else is new?
The gift of time.
The gift of life.
The gift of wisdom.
The gift of light.
For these things, we are thankful.
For these things, we pray.
For these things, we are thankful.
For these things, we pray.
[Chanting]