Delenn,
are you all right?
You should sleep.
It'll be morning soon.
You'll need all your strength for what's ahead.
It's, uh...
It's all yours.
[Sighs]
[Gavel pounding]
Sheridan: There comes a moment in everyone's life
when you have to do something you'd rather not do...
When you know something you'd rather not know.
This is one such moment.
I understand there is
a council meeting in progress.
That's correct,
but I can't let you in, Ambassador.
It's a closed session.
I would remind you that I am
on the advisory board for the alliance.
I have every right to be in there.
Well, that's not my decision to make.
When they're ready to see you,
they'll send for you.
Every right in the world to be in there!
Vir: Londo--
are they selling me out, hmm?
Selling out my people, Mr. Allan,
without giving me a chance to defend myself,
to rebut the evidence?
This is wrong.
This is unfair.
And I should be in there.
Londo, don't do this.
You'll only make things worse.
Worse, Mr. Allan?
Worse than what?
Delenn: So it is with great difficulty
and tremendous personal pain
that we stand before you now.
For the last 6 months,
all of you have suffered devastating attacks
on your shipping lines.
Lives have been lost,
ships and cargo destroyed,
at a cost of hundreds of millions of credits.
The cost in pain
to those who lost family and friends
in those attacks can never be measured.
Shortly after these attacks started,
we began an investigation to find out who was responsible.
Now, in exchange for your Patience and cooperation,
we gave you our word
that as soon as we found conclusive evidence,
we would bring it before you
and pursue it fully,
no matter where it led.
In a moment, we will show you proof
that the Centauri Republic
is responsible for these attacks.
[Murmuring]
We promised...
That the alliance would support any action
that you, the member worlds,
decided should be taken against those responsible.
Now that we know that it is the Centauri...
That promise...
Weighs heavily...
On us.
But we have an obligation to honor that promise.
And we will...
No matter the cost.
And so it begins...
There is a hole in your mind.
What do you want?
No one here is exactly what he appears.
Nothing's the same anymore.
Commander Sinclair is being reassigned.
Why don't you eliminate
the entire Narn homeworld?
I see a great hand reaching out of a star.
President Clark has signed a decree today declaring...
These orders have forced us to declare independence.
Weapons, surprise...
...get off their encounter-suited butts
and do something.
You're the one who was.
Why are you here?
I think of my beautiful city in flames.
Like giants in the playground...
Now, get the hell out of our galaxy!
We are here to place President Clark under arrest.
[Beeps]
Delenn: We will begin our testimonies
with Dr. Stephen Franklin.
All of the high-energy weapons
used by the members of the alliance
share certain characteristics,
due to the physics involved.
But they also have certain differences as well.
For instance, uh, most of your fleets
are built at shipyards based on your homeworlds,
for reasons of security.
Now, these shipyards use locally produced material
to build a focusing lens,
the central part of any energy weapon.
The unique characteristics of this material
can subtly alter
the spectrum of light used in the beams,
making them individual to each world.
Can you tell us a little bit
about how you identify
these unique differences--
these energy... Fingerprints?
Well, we arranged to have one or 2 random bodies
sent to us after each attack.
A complete autopsy
was conducted on those bodies
in order to determine
what kind of weapons were used.
Can you explain the process?
Excessive light bleaches out the skin
where it comes in contact with it.
It does the same to the rods and cones
in the back of the eyes
used to sense light, dark, colors.
It takes a moment for these rods and cones
to recover from these bright colors.
That's why you'll see
a, uh, green dot when you blink
after looking at a red light,
or a, uh, yellow dot
after looking at a bright blue object.
It's always the exact opposite of the original spectrum,
and it is surprisingly precise.
Because the subject dies within seconds
of being hit by a high-energy weapon,
the rods and cones never recover.
By analyzing their condition
and the state of the bleached skin,
we're able to determine the frequency of the spectrum
used in the weapons.
And is that spectrum
consistent with Centauri weaponry?
It is.
[Murmuring]
In addition, the Centauri
use their weapons almost like projectiles,
exploding rather than slicing
or disrupting their targets.
All the bodies had explosive tissue burns
consistent to Centauri high-energy weapons.
Delenn: Our next segment is from Mr. Michael Garibaldi,
head of intelligence for the alliance.
Garibaldi: As Dr. Franklin mentioned earlier,
Centauri weapons are designed to be used
in an explosive, rather than a slicing mode.
Analysis of the debris
confirms that the energy weapons
were used in that way.
In addition, the tactics used
to ambush the cargo ships
are consistent with Centauri training maneuvers.
That last part can be considered subjective.
Do you have anything more objective
that points to the Centauri?
I do.
This came from one of several individuals
on the Drazi homeworld
who ambushed me and killed the only surviving witness
to one of these attacks.
It has been identified as belonging to the uniform
of the Centauri palace guards.
I must also mention
that my ambush was a direct result
of a leak of information
about my mission to the Drazi homeworld.
This came shortly after Ambassador Mollari
was informed of our plans at a regular briefing session.
After my return,
we decided to keep Mollari out of the loop,
and since then,
there have been no further leaks.
Is it true that in the last 3 months,
only one Centauri vessel has been attacked?
That's correct.
It was an aging cargo ship
that was due to be scrapped and sold for parts.
We found no cargo of any significance,
and we did not find any bodies.
We can only conclude from that
that it was put there to throw us off the track
and to make us think that there was an attack
against the Centauri shipping lines.
[Beeps]
Open.
Hello, G'Kar.
Mollari.
Have you come here
to drop off your evidence as well?
On your way to tell them
all the things you saw and heard
while you were pretending to be my bodyguard
on Centauri Prime?
I was not pretending.
I went to Centauri Prime as your guest...
Your protector,
perhaps even your conscience,
but not as anyone's eyes and ears.
So no, I will not be testifying before the council.
But I was there, Mollari.
I saw you concerned about the increase
in preparations for war.
Concerned that the information
about the location
and activities of your warships,
once freely available to you and other ministers,
was suddenly classified.
You knew something was going on.
But I believe...
You never knew the shape of it...
Until now.
Don't tell me what you think I know.
Still, uh...
I suppose I should thank you
for respecting my privacy.
So if you're not here to drop off your evidence,
why are you here?
To tell you...
That they are ready to see you now.
I have had the opportunity
to review the evidence
that has been brought before you.
At first, I was offended, angry.
And then, I did the only thing
that I could do.
[Murmuring]
This is a joke!
Cruel, yes.
Insulting and destructive, of course,
but a joke nonetheless.
Circumstantial evidence!
Half truths! Distortions!
And enough unfounded assumptions
to wrap around the station 3 times
and still leave room for a knot.
You cannot deny
that the weapons are of Centauri design.
Yes, there are similarities,
but for years,
we have supplied weapons to other worlds,
including some of you!
Not only that.
After we left Narn,
many of our weapons and ships were left behind.
The Narn government could use these resources
to throw blame on my government.
You could take this information
and twist it to indict any one of you.
There is not one shred
of conclusive proof anywhere here.
Then you refute the charges
made against your government.
As far as I am concerned, there is nothing to refute.
And I have nothing more to say to any of you.
Ambassador, there's one last piece
of evidence to consider.
We wanted you to see it at the same time
we showed it to the rest of the council.
Lennier.
As part of
the continuing investigation,
I was assigned to a White Star,
patrolling the border
of Centauri space.
During my assignment,
I intercepted several coded signals
of Centauri origin.
I took out a fighter,
and I tracked the signal
to its location.
This is what I found.
The identification marks
on those warships do not correspond
with any of our records
currently on file.
My fighter was attached
to one of those warships
when it jumped.
This is what I encountered
when we jumped back into normal space.
Male voice over radio: We surrender!
Please, we've done nothing!
Take whatever you want,
but please, we've got children on board!
Don't you understand?
We've got children on board! We--
Any...reactions, Ambassador?
No.
Not until I speak with my government.
Well, when you do...
Relay the following message to them.
The Centauri government has lashed out
at its fellow members of the alliance
in acts of unjustified aggression.
No, not aggression-- terrorism--
and there's only one proper response.
Effective immediately,
we will isolate the Centauri Republic
from the company of alliance worlds.
Goods and supplies heading to or from Centauri Prime
will be blocked at every jumpgate and transfer point
in the alliance.
Any Centauri vessel entering or leaving
will be stopped, boarded, and turned back.
If they resist, they will be fired upon and seized.
A blockade?
Which will continue
until such time as your government
acknowledges and apologizes
for these attacks...
And provides reparations.
As of right now,
the Centauri Republic stands alone.
What is taking them so long?
They said they would get back to me hours ago.
Did you give them copies of the evidence?
Yes.
And they understood
there was another council meeting
in less than an hour, hmm?
Yes.
Then what is taking them so long?
I don't know.
Maybe they didn't say anything
because they know
the allegations are true.
What are you talking about?
If something like this were going on,
I would know about it.
Besides, in 500 years, the Centauri Republic
has never attacked a civilian target.
Yes, but there were the Narns.
Those were wars of aggression and occupation.
In war, these things happen.
We are not at war.
We do not strike first,
and we do not blow up cargo transports
like pirates or barbarians.
How do you explain the records, then?
Prime Minister Mollari.
Ah, minister, good.
Did you see the regent?
I did. He has finished
going over the material you sent along.
He pronounced it
the most clever fraud he'd ever seen.
I must concur.
We believe there are 2 possible explanations.
One--the material is a deliberate forgery--
no, no, no.
I can't accept that. I know Lennier.
If he says he was there,
that he saw these things, then he saw them.
Which leaves option number 2--
that the entire incident was staged for his benefit,
using materials and ships
we left behind on the Narn homeworld.
We checked the inventory of resources, and--
but there are so many ships
in the records.
The Narns couldn't have
that many of our ships.
It's a very simple matter to take a cast off hulls
of ships damaged during the war
and retrofit them onto Narn vessels.
Minister, the attack we saw could not have been faked.
We agree. It was a genuine attack
on a civilian transport,
but the Narns have always been willing
to sacrifice innocent lives...
As long as we get the blame for it.
Clearly, they sent a signal
they knew would lure Ranger Lennier
to a predetermined location,
then picked him up
and simply ferried him from place to place,
showing him what they wanted him to see,
knowing he would bring it back to Babylon 5.
Because his character's above reproach,
he is the perfect vessel for their misinformation.
Assuming you are correct,
what do we tell the council?
They are waiting for a reply.
The regent has drafted a response.
[Gavel pounding]
Item one: The Centauri Republic
categorically denies
any involvement with these attacks.
We are the victims-- victims of an elaborate hoax.
We will identify those responsible
when more information is at hand.
Item 2: The Centauri Republic
will not be threatened or intimidated by anyone,
including those
we might once have considered friends.
As a result, effective immediately,
we are withdrawing from the alliance.
[Council murmuring]
And finally, item 3:
The Republic does not recognize
the legality of this blockade,
and thus will not be limited by it.
From now on,
all Centauri transports entering into alliance space
will be accompanied by one of our finest warships.
Anyone firing on one of our ships
will be considered committing an act of war...
And we will respond appropriately.
Ambassador--
that is all I came to say.
As for myself,
I will be taking the first transport
back to Centauri Prime
for further consultations with my government
concerning the situation here.
Londo...
The council is satisfied
that your government
is behind these attacks.
You cannot just walk away from this one.
Strange. I thought I was doing just that.
If you leave Babylon 5,
you won't be allowed back on again
until this crisis is resolved.
Perhaps... Not even then.
Well, then, if that is what you want...
I guess I won't be coming back.
Meanwhile, remember what I said.
Any attack on our ships-- any attack--
will be considered an act of war.
Vir.
[Murmuring]
Book me on the first ship out of here.
I have to get back home as soon as possible.
Londo, maybe you shouldn't.
You heard what he said.
They're serious.
Of course they're serious, and so are we.
And when we show them we are not responsible,
they will back down, even apologize,
but I can't do that here. I have to go home.
All right, but I'm going to go with you.
No. Vir, it is important that you stay here.
We need someone close at hand
to show them the truth when it comes along,
to represent the Centauri while I am locked out.
Don't worry. I won't be gone long.
Just get me on that ship.
[Door dings]
Enter.
G'Kar, Lennier told me
you wanted to speak with me.
Please.
I wanted you to know
that when Mollari leaves Babylon 5,
I will be going with him to the Centauri homeworld.
What? Why?
You said he needed a bodyguard
the last time he went home,
and you were right.
If our assumption is correct,
and he truly does not know
that his government is behind these attacks,
if they have deliberately kept him out of it--
they have. They must have.
Londo would never approve
of random attacks on civilian targets.
Which is why he may be in even greater danger
once he returns home.
Say what you want about him-- and I can say quite a bit--
he is relentless. Sooner or later,
he will find out what's going on,
and I believe he will try to stop it.
In the long run,
he may be our only hope of ending this.
He must be protected at all costs.
Have you told him this yet?
No. I was thinking of making it a surprise.
I even booked the seat right next to his.
It will give me someone to talk to during the flight.
Londo once told me he hates it
when people talk to him
on long flights. He prefers to sleep.
I know.
[Chuckling]
Well, I should pack. Thank you for coming, Delenn.
G'Kar, realize that if this does come to war,
you will be alone on the Centauri homeworld.
There is nothing we can do to help you
if things go badly.
I know.
These are the latest chapters of my book.
I tried to set right a few of the things
at the beginning of the book,
written when I was a much angrier person
than I am now.
If things should, as you say, go...Badly...
Will you see to it that these reach Narn?
I will.
Thank you.
Good-bye, Delenn.
G'Kar, have I ever told you
that you are one of the finest writers
I have ever met,
and that it has been an honor
to work beside you in the alliance?
Not in words...
But the thing about losing one eye
is that it makes you
look deeply into the eyes of another.
I found in yours
all of the thanks I will ever require
in this life or in any other.
Zack. Yes, sir?
Have you been able
to get a hold of Garibaldi yet?
No. I've been trying for the last hour.
He isn't even answering his link.
Find him. Get him to my quarters asap.
This is important. Yes, sir.
[Door dings]
[Ding]
Yeah, yeah. Who is it?
Zack: Michael, it's me. Come on, open up the door.
Just, uh...
Just a second. Just one second.
Open.
Michael, where the hell you been?
Sheridan's been trying to get a hold of you
for over an hour.
I, uh... Fell asleep.
I was tired.
I work hard. I'm entitled.
Yeah, well, he said it's important.
[Chuckling]
Tell me when it is ever not important.
Please, just tell me.
When is it ever not important?
Go ahead, take your time.
I can wait.
Oh, no, that's right,
I can't wait, because it's important.
You're being awfully cranky, Michael.
You been taking your vitamins?
Will you give it a rest, huh?
I just figured maybe you could use
a little more vitamin c in your diet.
Here, catch.
Oh, sorry. That was my fastball.
Try this one.
Your hand-eye coordination sucks.
I told you, I was asleep.
You're drunk.
Ah, bull.
Oh, yeah?
Come over here where I can smell your breath
and say that.
I don't have to prove anything
to you, all right?
You picked a great time for this, Michael.
Don't. Don't you dare
get self-righteous on me.
You are the last person on this station
to get self-righteous with anybody.
You had a lot of problems
before you came here,
and I know you had some problems
after you got here, too,
but did I say anything to you about it? No.
You want to know why?
Because I knew you would work it out,
and you always did.
You have no idea
what I go through here every day.
The hassles, the problems,
the pressures,
the things that people do to me.
And why the hell am I justifying myself
to you? To you?
No. As far as I'm concerned, Zack,
you got no basis
for taking the moral high ground with me.
No basis at all.
Oh, what the hell is that?
If you want to hurt me,
there's a cleaner and faster way of doing it.
Hell, you might even
think about it for yourself.
It's a hell of a lot more efficient
than the road you're on,
and you'll take fewer people with you
when you go.
Being a little melodramatic,
aren't you?
You're an alcoholic, Michael.
You can't just have a few drinks
and get over it.
You can't justify it or explain it.
You can't play the "feel sorry for me" game
or "you're no better" game,
and if I'm pissed at you,
it's because I'm your friend,
and I know what you've been through to get here.
I've been through the same thing myself,
and I don't want to see you throw it all away.
You gonna turn me in?
I don't know.
If you don't know, then just--
just...just give me
a little bit more time, Zack.
If you turn me in,
they're gonna drop-kick my butt,
and I can kiss my career good-bye
before I have a chance
to fix anything.
I just need a little bit more time,
that's all...
Just to work some things out.
All right.
Get your stuff.
We'll stop by security and pick up some oxy pills
and get you into shape.
Go on.
We're in a critical situation here, Michael.
Virtually all the Centauri deep-range transports
are accompanied by warships.
On our side, the alliance worlds
have stationed cruisers
at their local jump points,
ready to open fire
the second the Centauri come through.
It's a powder keg just waiting to go off.
I know. This is bad, John.
What are we gonna do about it?
The Centauri have an ego
about as big as the galactic core,
but they're not stupid.
Now, if they come out of hyperspace
and see several Drazi or Brakiri warships
waiting for them, they're gonna open fire
because they think they can handle it.
And they're probably right.
They got some pretty solid armaments on their side.
Exactly, but even the Centauri
will hesitate
with a half a dozen White Stars
waiting for them,
and that is where you come in.
I've got the Rangers
keeping tabs on the Centauri.
They will relay that information to you,
you will coordinate it
so that we know
where they are at all times.
It's not a problem. Then what?
As soon as you know
when they're going to jump
into alliance space, you let me know,
and we'll get as many White Stars
as we can into the area.
We'll create a buffer zone
between the 2 sides,
enforcing the blockade
and turning the Centauri around
while making sure
our guys don't open fire first.
It sounds... Unbelievably ugly.
I know.
Hey, I'm just trying to pull this situation
back from the brink.
Delenn is on the line
to the Grey Council right now,
to see if the Minbari government
can talk some sense into them,
but I'm not holding out any hope.
No. Michael, this may be our only chance
to avoid a shooting war.
That's why it is so important
that you get that information to us
as fast as you can, so that we have time
to get the White Stars in position.
You can rely on me.
I'll get it done.
I don't like the looks of this at all, G'Kar.
Now you know what it feels like.
I have seen this view of your warships many times.
I didn't like it then, and I like it even less now.
Ah, Prime Minister. Welcome back.
I was hoping you'd return home,
get out of the line of fire.
Thank you, but I'd rather there wasn't a line of fire.
Is that why you brought it along,
to hear our terms?
No. He is still here as my bodyguard, that's all.
Where I go, he goes.
My condolences.
Thank you. It's a burden, but I've come to accept it.
Minister, I would like to see the regent
as soon as possible.
I'm afraid the regent is otherwise engaged,
and will be for some time.
Minister, you cannot deny me access to--
no one is denying you anything,
Prime Minister,
but there is a time and a place
and a way of doing things.
When the time is right,
you will see the regent.
Meanwhile, I suggest
you retire to your quarters.
It's late.
I'm sure you'd like to freshen up...
Both of you.
It's a natural musk. I rather enjoy it.
I was noticing there are
a few more guards around here than normal.
Yes. We've increased security
throughout the palace
for obvious reasons.
So, while we are willing to tolerate
the presence of your companion
for your sake,
understand that if he's seen walking
anywhere in the palace by himself,
he will be shot on sight.
Be careful, minister.
We don't want my companion to get the wrong idea.
We don't normally treat our guests so badly.
Yes, you do.
Shut up.
Just trying to help.
Radio: This is White Star 43
to Michael Garibaldi.
We have an urgent message on Centauri movements.
Please respond.
I repeat. This is White Star 43.
We have an urgent message
concerning the movements of Centauri warships.
Please respond.
All right, we're going in after them,
alone if we have to.
Uploading data to your system.
When you get this message,
please inform President Sheridan
as fast as you can. White Star 43 out.
Drazi blockade squadron
to Centauri transports and warships.
You are ordered to turn back
or prepare to be boarded.
This is your last warning.
You will surrender your ships
and prepare to be boarded.
This is White Star 43
to Drazi and Centauri vessels.
Hold your fire!
I repeat, hold your fire!
[Door dings]
Hmm?
[Ding]
Yes?
It was Zack. He--
you should get dressed.
It's started.
What do you mean, you can't put me in touch
with the Prime Minister?
I'm sorry, but he's unavailable.
You'll have to try back later.
Wait a second! This is important.
I think he would want to know about this.
We are aware of the situation.
There is no need for overreaction.
We will inform Prime Minister Mollari
of all the details
when he is available. Good day.
Yes, but do-- do--ohh!
Ohh!
[Door dings]
Yes? Who is it?
Dr. Franklin.
Oh. Open.
There you are.
I've been looking all over for you.
You weren't in your quarters.
The pass codes for the royal com-system are here.
It doesn't matter. The President said
he wants you out of here
and into new quarters a.S.A.P.
Why?
The council is up in arms
over the fighting.
Centauri cruisers
have taken out several of their ships.
They're gonna take it out on you
if we don't get out of here quietly.
That's why he didn't send security.
The less we draw attention,
the more we can avoid trouble.
Now, come on.
Wait. Londo, he may call. I need to be here.
We will route all your calls
to the new quarters. Now come on.
Walk away, doctor.
I'm afraid I can't do that.
Walk away, and we will not hurt you,
but this one--
his kind killed over 100 of our people,
and then ran like the cowards they are.
If we can't take our revenge on them,
we will take it out on him.
This man speaks for the Centauri.
He has diplomatic immunity.
We're not diplomats. Ha ha!
All right, fine.
You want him, you gotta go through me.
A fair deal.
Unless, of course, you want Mollari.
I mean, you know,
he's far more responsible,
after all, and--
come on. Let's go. Come on.
Sheridan: What the hell went wrong?
I don't know.
What do you mean, you don't know?
We did everything we could
to keep track of the Centauri.
Apparently, one of them got past us,
hit the blockade,
opened fire on the Drazi.
Are we sure they fired first?
There's so many rumors floating around,
I can't be sure of anything,
but from what we can tell,
yeah, they fired first.
Perhaps we can speak with them.
I think they're tired of listening, Lennier.
Did you hear?
Did you hear what they did to us?
Yes, we heard.
Then where is the White Star fleet?
You said you would support our actions.
You said you would aid in fighting the Centauri,
but the White Star fleet
is just sitting there, refusing to engage!
We have not yet
ordered them to do so.
Then give the order.
Back away, Ambassador.
Get out of my way.
He's right. Where's the fleet?
All right! Everybody just back off!
Back off?!
[Everyone shouting]
That's enough.
I said that's enough!
Now, we gave you a promise,
and we are bound by that promise,
and damn you for asking for it!
And damn me for agreeing to it.
And damn all of us to hell,
because that is exactly where we're going!
We talked about peace. You didn't want peace.
We talked about cooperation.
You didn't want cooperation!
You want war.
Is that it?
You want a war? Well, you've got a war!
[Knock on door]
No, no, wait.
Who is it?
Minister: Open the door, Prime Minister!
Just a minute.
Londo: Yes?
What is this?
The regent sent me to tell you
that fighting has broken out between our forces
and the interstellar alliance.
I'm also told that they have
followed our declaration of hostilities
with one of their own.
We are now officially at war
with the alliance.
No, no. This can still be stopped.
I will call them.
All communication with Babylon 5
has been cut off, for reasons of security.
For similar reasons,
I'm afraid we must place
your...companion under arrest.
You may have resigned, but he is still
on the advisory board of the alliance.
His very presence represents a threat
to our ability to conduct the war freely
without having our plans compromised.
No. This is most inappropriate.
He will be placed in one of our better cells
until the war is over,
however long that may take.
Guards.
I said no.
He is here as my guest.
These orders come directly from the regent.
To refuse a direct order
carries with it the penalty of death.
It's all right, Mollari.
I have already seen
the inside of your cells.
I doubt that I will see anything now
that I haven't seen before.
You are not going anywhere.
I told you before, where I go, he goes.
And where he goes, I go.
Mollari...
Don't worry.
Even one as arrogant as this
would not take it upon himself
to imprison his own Prime Minister.
[Cell door clangs shut]
Shut up.
I didn't say anything.
Great maker...
Sometimes I feel...
I don't understand anything anymore.
Praying?
Not in the sense you mean it, but...
Yes.
You mind if I join you?
What does the candle represent?
Life.
Whose life?
All life.
Every life.
We are all born as... Molecules...
In the hearts of a billion stars.
Molecules that do not understand politics,
policies, or differences.
Over a billion years,
we foolish molecules forget who we are
and where we came from.
In desperate acts of ego...
We give ourselves names,
fight over lines on maps,
and pretend that our light
is better than everyone else's.
The flame reminds us...
Of the piece of those stars
that lives on inside us.
The spark that tells us...
"You should know better."
The flame also reminds us
that life is precious,
as each flame is unique.
When it goes out,
it's gone forever...
And there will never be another...
Quite like it.
So many candles will go out tonight.
I wonder some days...
If we can see anything at all.