LONDO'S QUARTERS
Vir is once more visiting the station from Minbar, and once again Londo is "helping" him with his reports to the Royal Court.
Londo [paces while reading]: No! No, this report is totally inadequate! You have to do it again!
Vir: But Londo, why? I've spent weeks working on this report! I didn't even sleep on the flight back from Minbar so I could go over it again! I've checked every single detail myself! It's absolutely accurate!
Londo [as if lecturing a slow student]: Yes, Vir, I'm sure it is! And that is the problem! Here --- you say, "The Minbari have carefully preserved their cities over the course of centuries."
Vir: That's right. Absolutely!
Londo [scratches out the offending sentence]: No. What you should say instead is, "Their cities are very old, indicating a decaying culture."
Vir: What?!
Londo: And here: "The Minbari put great emphasis on art, literature, and music." Yes, well, but say instead, "They are a decadent people, interested only in the pursuit of dubious pleasures." The "dubious" part is very important. It doesn't mean anything, but it scares people every time! All right?
Vir [outraged]: Londo! Every time I make a report, you do this to me!
Londo: Yes, Vir, I'm trying to help you! A report that will be circulated at the Royal Court needs to be phrased carefully to make sure they appear less civilized than we are! It keeps the Emperor happy!
Vir: I thought the purpose of filing these reports was to provide accurate intelligence!
Londo: Vir, intelligence has nothing to do with politics! Here: "They are tolerant of differences among other cultures." [Scratches it out.] No. Make that, "They have no well-defined sense of morality." They'll love that back home!
Vir [reaches his limit]: Londo! That's it! I've been up for a day and a half working on this report! You wanna make notes? Fine! You make notes! But you have me locked up in here ever since I got back! Now I'm gonna go, and I'm gonna get some sleep! And then I'll come back and we'll try to work this out!
Vir stomps toward the door. But the Babcom chirps in, and he stops to see what it is.
Voice (on Babcom): Ambassador Mollari, call for you from Centauri Prime.
Londo: Send it through! [To Vir:] I've been waiting for this all day.
Vir [still apoplectic, mocking under his breath]: "Waiting for this all day!" [A Centauri nobleman appears on the screen.]
Nobleman: Ambassador Mollari, I am to tell you that Lady Morella has agreed to your request and will be arriving shortly. She and her entourage are willing to stop by [Londo high-fives himself] en route from a goodwill visit to Brakesh 9.
Londo [delirious with joy]: Excellent, just excellent! Thank you, Lord Trego! [The call ends.]
Vir: Lady Morella, the Emperor Turhan's third wife, is coming here?
Londo: Yes, and it will be a most important visit, in more ways than you can imagine!
Vir: But how did you ------
Londo: I told her that I wished to give her a tour of Babylon 5, to show her how our new treaty with Earth will advance the cause of all Centauri! Things are going very well. Why not take advantage of it? Now --- hurry! We must prepare for her visit! From now on, things must go smoothly!
Londo steps to the door and opens it. Outside, the normally quiet hallway is filled with people, humans and aliens, rushing in either direction. People are talking excitedly.
Londo: Great Maker, now what? [Steps out, blocking a Minbari.] You! What is going on?
Minbari: Haven't you heard? The Earth Alliance just declared martial law!
The Minbari hurries off. Londo's expression says, "Oh, hell!" --- or something stronger.
SHERIDAN'S OFFICE
Captain Sheridan and Lieutenant Commander Ivanova are taking a call from a Lieutenant General O'Reilly in Geneva. The General is in a hurry, with good reason.
General O'Reilly: Things are out of control down here, Captain. We don't know what the hell's going on!
Sheridan: What about the Senate? Can't they do something?
O'Reilly: Clark just issued an Executive Order dissolving the Senate! Half of them are on the run now! A bunch more have been arrested! The rest are holed up in their offices, refusing to leave! They're calling in every favor they can, John, trying to get support from the military under the Constitution. But it doesn't look good.
Ivanova: Oh, my God!
Sheridan: Where's General Hague?
O'Reilly: He was on his way back from Io when all hell broke loose! Nobody's heard from him since Monday. He... [The flash and noise of explosions come through O'Reilly's window.] Oh, no! [Pushes a button on his desk, and the monitors behind him show soldiers in an urban firefight.] The Elite Guard just opened fire on the Senate Building! I have to go! I just wanted you to know --- General Hague's last communiqué had a message for you. He said, "Everything's gone to hell, John. God help us all! You're on your own!"
O'Reilly jumps from his chair and runs. Sheridan and Ivanova look at one another in shock.
ACT 1
(In)security.
COMMAND & CONTROL
Sheridan and Ivanova stride hurriedly into the dome. The Captain begins speaking to the crew even as he walks through the door. The crew listens gloomily.
Sheridan: By now you've all heard the news. In response to allegations of a conspiracy against the government, President Clark has declared martial law back home, and ordered Mars and Io to enact similar restrictions. Now, they haven't hit us yet, but you can be sure that order will come soon.
Ivanova: All communications to Earth have been blacked out since 0800 this morning. Only the Gold Channels are still functioning, but those are to be used for official military business only.
Sheridan: I know many of you have family back on Earth. We're doing everything we can to find out what's going on. Meanwhile, I ask you to stay at your posts and continue as if everything were status quo. We've got a lot of nervous people here, and I need every one of you to help calm things down.
Ivanova: It's possible that some of the other governments may take this as an opportunity to move against us, so we must maintain combat readiness. Continue the fly-bys. I want at least one squadron on patrol outside the station at all times.
Sheridan: Any questions?
Corwin [shaken]: Captain, how did this happen? What did we do wrong? [The Captain and the Commander share a long look.]
Sheridan: I don't know, Lieutenant. [He turns to leave, Ivanova following.] I don't know.
BLUE SECTOR
Sheridan and Ivanova walk away from C&C.
Sheridan: Did you see their faces?
Ivanova: I did. God, John, what are we gonna do about this?
Garibaldi [coming the other way]: Hey, there you are. Did you hear the latest?
Sheridan: No, what? [The Chief looks all around before answering.]
Garibaldi: They just put out a nine-system alert for General Hague. Now, the word is he's trying to organize a counterstrike. If he can get enough big ships to sign on, he can go toe to toe with President Clark.
Ivanova: They'll never allow that! They'll throw everything they've got at him!
Sheridan: He's been our contact from the start! They get him, they get us!
A nearby tube opens and a maintenance worker steps out.
Garibaldi: Hey! Private meeting going on over here! Take a hike!
The worker steps back into the tube.
Ivanova: Do you think Hague will try and make it here?
Sheridan: Ah, it's possible. Keep monitoring ISN! If he does come this way, I want as much notice as possible!
Garibaldi: This is bad.
Sheridan: I've never seen it any worse!
SECURITY CENTRAL
As Zack enters, a number of guards are monitoring activities on the station and an ISN newscast is playing.
Anchor: ...with continued reports of heavy fighting outside the occupied Senate building. Meanwhile, President Clark has offered amnesty to anyone willing to surrender. Senator Borishevsky of the Russian Consortium is urging citizens to surround the Senate in a living barrier.
Horst: Off! [The newscast is replaced by feed from a surveillance camera. Zack is startled.]
Zack: What are you doing? I was watching that!
Horst [confidentially]: I've got something more important for you! [Looks around the room furtively.] There's a Night Watch meeting at 1100 hours. Be there!
Zack [annoyed]: Excuse me, haven't you been paying attention? We don't have time for meetings!
Horst: Make time! This one's important! If you see anybody else in the Watch, you tell them! But don't put it on the link, and don't tell anybody outside, especially the Chief! Oh, and one other thing. [A small sly grin.] Make sure you bring some extra caps for your PPG. I hope we don't need 'em, but you never know! [Starts to leave.]
Zack: And what the hell is that supposed to mean?
Horst [still grinning]: Come to the meeting and find out!
On the wall behind Zack, a Night Watch propaganda poster features a man in the grip of a giant hand, with Earth in the background. It says, "TRAITORS CAN'T HIDE."
SECURITY
Garibaldi lets himself into G'Kar's cell, where the Narn is bellowing a song. [No wonder the other inmates think he's being tortured!] The Chief brings G'Kar's belongings and an announcement --- he's cutting the Narn loose three weeks early, on account of the situation with Earthgov. G'Kar has heard about it and has an announcement of his own.
G'Kar: I might have something for you in a little while, Mr. Garibaldi --- when the time is right!
SPACE
A shuttle comes in through the local jumpgate.
CUSTOMS
Meanwhile, Londo and Vir are waiting with mixed emotions.
Londo: Ah, madness! I have been working on this meeting for months, Vir! Months! I had to make ten thousand assurances about her safety! I had to call in every last favor I have to arrange for this visit! And now, this happens!
Vir: I still don't understand why, Londo. What makes this visit so important? Why Lady Morella?
Londo: Ah, I suppose you wouldn't know. It wasn't widely circulated. Emperor Turhan's third wife was a prophetess, a seer. I need that right now, Vir! I need to know if the grand destiny I see before me is what is or what might be!
Vir: So you want her to tell you it's all going to happen the way you see it?
Londo: No. I want her to tell me it won't.
The Lady [played by Majel Barrett Roddenberry, it's worth noting] walks into the room, accompanied by two Imperial Guardsmen.
Lady Morella: Ambassador Mollari! [Londo kisses her hand.] We are pleased to meet you.
Londo: No, great Lady, the honor is mine! My assistant, Vir Cotto.
Vir [big smile]: Lady.
Morella [seems to be looking for something around the room]: We've heard much about the, ah --- the good work you have been doing here. We are looking forward to the tour you have promised.
Londo: Yes, well...
Morella: But --- we are surprised that there is no one else here to meet us. Where are the Earth officials?
Londo: There has --- been a problem with the Earth Alliance. A local thing, nothing to do with us, but it has them rather, uh ------
Vir: Distracted!
Londo: Yes, distracted! They have asked me to convey their regrets, and to say they look forward to meeting you at your earliest convenience.
Vir: Would you like to visit your quarters? I'm sure the trip here must be very tiring.
Londo: This way, please.
Morella looks rather worried as she enters the station. The guardsmen follow, and Londo and Vir bring up the rear.
Vir [aside to Londo]: Why does she speak in plural?
Londo: When the Emperor dies, it is custom for the royal consort to assume the spirit of her husband. Though the power has been passed on to Emperor Cartagia, it is presumed that she speaks for Turhan from the other side.
Morella: Ambassador!
Londo: Coming, Lady!
CONFERENCE ROOM
The four command officers are receiving a communication from a General Smits on Earth. [He comes off as more than a bit heavy-handed, perhaps, but I think we'll later find a reason for that.]
General Smits: Captain. I'm sure you've been following the news.
Sheridan: Yes, sir. If I may ask, what's your opinion?
Smits: My opinion has nothing to do with this, Captain, and neither does yours! Our job is to follow orders from the Commander in Chief and respect the chain of command! If you have different opinions, I suggest you file them in a deep dark place where nobody'll ever find them! Am I clear?
Sheridan: Yes, sir!
Smits: Captain, I have your marching orders, and although I'm quite positive you're not going to like them, I've been given assurances that this is a temporary measure only! Is your head of security there?
Garibaldi [standing]: Yes, sir, right here!
Smits: Good! What I'm about to say is for your benefit as well. The Political Office has assigned responsibility for off-world security to Night Watch personnel exclusively!
Sheridan: What?
SECURITY CENTRAL
The Night Watch meeting has begun.
Horst: Insofar as can be determined, every branch of the government has been infected by people working against the best interests of Earth. In time, we'll be able to figure out who can and can't be trusted. Until then, the Night Watch will be in charge of security!
Zack: Who's gonna tell the Captain?
Horst [there's that grin again!]: It's already been taken care of.
CONFERENCE ROOM
Smits: According to the mandate issued by the Security Office, your security teams should consist of those already in Night Watch, and those who wish to join after certain background checks have been concluded!
Sheridan: General, I object to this in the strongest...
Smits: Captain, didn't you hear me a moment ago? I told you where this comes from. Now, if you've got a problem, I suggest you look upon this as an opportunity, not a burden!
SECURITY CENTRAL
Horst [eyes aglow]: This is the opportunity that we've been working toward since the beginning! To serve Earth to the best of our ability! It's the chance to set things right! They've handed us the power, the authority and the responsibility, and we've got to take it for all it's worth! Our job now is to find the traitors among us, using whatever means we think are appropriate, whoever they are and wherever they are! As of this moment, Babylon 5 belongs to the Night Watch!
ACT 2
Armbands.
RED SECTOR
G'Kar comes to the door of his quarters. [We note that sometime in the past few months, he has moved out of diplomatic quarters in Green Sector and is now living in the commercial zone.] He is surprised to find a friend waiting for him.
G'Kar: Ta'Lon!
Ta'Lon: Citizen G'Kar.
G'Kar: Have you been waiting to see me? [He nods.] Well, I hope you have not been waiting long!
Ta'Lon: Three, four days. I sleep on the fifth day, return on the sixth. ["No big deal," his demeanor says.]
G'Kar [impressed]: And you have been doing this since my incarceration?
Ta'Lon: I have sensed an opportunity to repay my debt. I didn't want to miss it. [Presumably, he means his debt to Sheridan (A Day in the Strife).]
G'Kar [smiles]: Then you shall not. [Opens the door.] We stand at a moment of transition. And I may need your help before this is over! [They enter.]
SECURITY CENTRAL
Horst and Zack sit at a table. They are processing the guards who aren't members of Night Watch.
Horst: Connor, Jefferson T! [A guard steps forward sullenly and takes an armband from Zack.] Remember to check in with Rishi on the way out so he can finish background checks. Cupertino, Malcolm! [This man steps forward and, instead of taking the proffered armband, sets down his weapon and link.]
Zack [pleading]: Malcolm, come on!
Horst [unconcerned]: Suit yourself! Next! [A woman steps up.]
SHERIDAN'S OFFICE
Garibaldi has had all he can handle and doesn't care who knows it.
Garibaldi: Damn it Captain, I'm going down there, and I'm gonna stop this!
Sheridan: Now, Michael, you can't do that!
Garibaldi: Yeah? Watch me! [Walking to the door:] It took me three years to put this team together the way I wanted it! Three years! And now these guys come in from the outside and start throwing my people off because they're not Night Watch? Like hell, I'll quit first!
Sheridan: You don't mean that!
Garibaldi: No?
Sheridan: No! I need you right where you are! If you go in there guns blazing, you're just gonna give them the reason they need to push you out! Now, without that, I can fight to keep you in!
Garibaldi: I won't put on that armband!
Sheridan: You won't have to! There are other ways of dealing with this! I --- I don't know what they are, but we'll find them!
Garibaldi: Fine. You look for them. Me, I'm going down there! Maybe I'll bust some heads and maybe they'll bust mine. But nobody sells out my people like this --- nobody!
LADY MORELLA'S GUEST QUARTERS
The Lady is adjusting her hat at the mirror while Londo looks on with eager anticipation.
Londo: Are you ready to start your tour of the station? Our people here are looking forward to meeting you!
Morella: Almost. Another moment. [Looks at him in the mirror. She is suspicious of something.] Why have you asked us here, Mollari?
Londo: W... --- As I said, to show you how our agreement with the Earth is...
Morella: The Earthers have problems of their own. The alliance was never my husband's plan for our people! He came to try to prevent the insanity he knew was coming. Instead --- his death became the door through which all this pain has entered!
Londo: I was there when he left us. He was a great man.
Morella: Yes. Yes, he was. But greatness is never appreciated in youth, called pride in mid-life, dismissed in old age and reconsidered in death. Because we cannot tolerate greatness in our midst, we do all we can to destroy it. This place has become a memorial to his unfinished work. [Rises and turns to face Londo.] I ask you again, why have you brought us here?
Londo [earnestly]: I need you to see for me. [She looks surprised.] I believe I have been touched, that I am meant for something greater. A greater darkness or a greater good, I can no longer say. All I have ever wanted is to serve our people! I need to see what is before me, if I should escape it or embrace it, if there is any longer a choice.
Morella: There is always choice. We say there is no choice only to comfort ourselves with a decision we have already made. Now, if you understand that, there is hope! If not ------ [Comes to a decision of her own.] I will honor your request, Mollari. Before I leave here, you will have your reading.
SECURITY CENTRAL
Zack and Horst are still going down the list when a Night Watch member enters and whispers in Zack's ear. Zack excuses himself.
BLUE SECTOR
Zack encounters Garibaldi as he steps out of a tube. The Chief is in no mood to mess around.
Zack [wanting to head him off]: Chief ---
Garibaldi: Get out of my way, Zack! [Blows right past him. Zack follows.]
Zack: Look. I know you're upset. I'm as upset about this as you are.
Garibaldi: Yeah, you wanna bet?
Zack: But you can't go in there like that! [Holds out an armband.] Now just put this on, just play along with it!
Garibaldi: Like hell!
Zack: If you come in flying the colors, no one will question it! The other guys won't let 'em!
Garibaldi: I said no!
Zack: Chief, will you listen?
Garibaldi [blowing up]: No, you listen to me, Zack! This isn't a game! You better get your priorities straight and you better do it fast, because hell is coming five steps behind me! And you don't want to be on the wrong side when it gets here!
SECURITY CENTRAL
Garibaldi steps through the door and stops. His voice drips sarcasm.
Garibaldi: Excuse me! I'm not interrupting anything, am I?
Horst: This is the way it's gotta be, Chief. Don't make a scene.
Garibaldi: Who, me? [Walks up to the table.] Make a scene? What are you, nuts? [Tosses the table aside.] Now, you listen to me, all of you! [Zack walks in the door.] Three years you worked for me! I took care of you! I looked after you! Pastorelli, I fixed you up with your wife, right? [The man turns away, unable to meet Michael's eyes.] Connor! Connor, how about you? When nobody else would give you a break, I took you in I gave you a job, right? [Ditto.] Damn it, for three years we worked together as a team! Now all of a sudden anybody who's not Night Watch gets fired? Think, for crying out loud!
Horst: We have thought about it, Chief! And we need to know where everybody stands! Are you with us, or against us?
In anger and disgust, the Chief tosses over another piece of equipment. He gets in Horst's face.
Garibaldi: Who's this "us"? [Plays to the crowd.] I thought "us" was what we've got right here! Now, "us" is suddenly anybody who says the right things or wears a rag around their arm! And everybody else is the bad guy, right? Says who? A bunch of clowns back home who don't give a damn about anything but their own political agendas? Come on, you don't work for Night Watch! You work for the Captain! You work for the station and you work for me! And I'm asking you, all of you, to drop this! Come on, rip these things off your arms [and he rips the band off the nearest guard] and stop tearing each other apart! If anything I've ever said or done has meant a damn to you, then stop this! Stop this now!
Nobody moves. The realization sinks in, and Garibaldi disgustedly throws the armband to the floor.
Horst: Chief! As acting representative of the Night Watch --- you are relieved! [And there's that creepy grin again. Horst really loves his power trip.] Zack! As second in command, you're now in charge of security! Mr. Garibaldi is no longer authorized to be in this area! Please escort him elsewhere.
One of the guards tries to take Garibaldi by the arm. He pushes the man away violently.
Garibaldi: I know the way! [Stops at the door for a parting shot at Zack.] Is this the way you wanted it, Zack? Is it?
ACT 3
Riot.
G'KAR'S QUARTERS
G'Kar explains himself to Ta'Lon.
G'Kar: You must understand, Ta'Lon. I have had a revelation!
Ta'Lon: What kind of revelation?
G'Kar: A most profound and substantial one, Ta'Lon. The kind of revelation that transforms your mind --- your soul --- your heart ---even your flesh --- so that you are a new creature, reborn in the instant of understanding.
Ta'Lon: That was a stirring reply, Citizen G'Kar! Unfortunately, while all answers are replies, not all replies are answers. You did not answer the question that I asked. What do you understand now that you did not understand before?
G'Kar [pauses, smiles, picks up his book]: It's all here in these pages. I have tried to write down what I have seen. It may take the rest of my life to explain what I saw in that one singular instant! To save our people, we must sacrifice our people! We must sacrifice ourselves, our pride, our vengeance --- be willing to by the thousands, by the millions --- for one another! The more we fight for ourselves, the more we will lose ourselves! We are linked, Ta'Lon. Our fate is like an image caught in a mirror! If we deny the other, we deny ourselves and we will cease to exist!
Ta'Lon [impatient]: And who or what is this "other"?
G'Kar: The universe itself, Ta'Lon. But the humans --- they are the key! And together, you and I and the rest, we will turn that key, because on the other side is salvation for all of us!
SHERIDAN'S OFFICE
Ivanova walks in to find the Captain standing in dark thought, brooding over a paper in his hands.
Ivanova: Captain, are you all right?
Sheridan [hands her the paper]: Order came in! Tell the others --- martial law, effective immediately! I'll give the announcement in a little while, just as soon as I can stomach it!
Ivanova: Do you want me to be there?
Sheridan: No, no --- I'd better do this on my own, keep you out of it as much as I can.
Ivanova: Captain, I...
Sheridan: I'm all right! [Wistfully] It's funny, I --- I wish Delenn were here. [Pause.] Any word from or about General Hague?
Ivanova: No, sir. Not yet.
THE ZOCALO
Guards sweep through, rousting a group of people watching the ISN newscast, telling them to keep moving. (One of the watchers is a Ranger.) Londo leads Lady Morella, Vir, and the Imperial guards in, shouting to be heard over the noise.
Londo: This is the Zocalo! Zocalo is a human word. It's from one of their southern continents.
Vir: I think it means "great marketplace"!
Morella [worried]: There seems to be a good deal of commotion here.
Londo: Yes, it is a very busy place, lots of trading going on...
Man [excited]: Hey, over here! They've started shooting! [People start moving in on the news monitors, including Morella. Londo grabs her arm.]
Londo: Lady Morella, the tour is this way! [Staring at the offending hand, she answers icily.]
Morella: Yes, it is. [She moves close to the monitor. Her party has to follow.]
ISN reporter: Repeating this special bulletin. We have just received raw footage of a firefight between Earthforce ships taking place even now at the transfer point on Io. [And the footage plays on the screen.] The main vessel has been positively identified as the Alexander, under the command of General William Hague. The Alexander and her two companion vessels have been surrounded by Earthforce cruisers and ordered to surrender. The Alexander has refused to surrender and is calling for other Earthforce divisions to join in opposing President Clark. [The Night Watch security patrol reappears and starts working into the crowd.] For the first time since the early days of the Mars rebellion, Earth vessels are fighting one another.
Guard: Hey, let's break it up! Break it up! Let's go! [Action on the screen prompts a cheer from the audience.]
ISN reporter: The Excalibur and the Schwartzkopf have been hit, allowing Hague and his companion vessels to escape!
The cheering gets louder, and the Night Watch wades in, trying to disperse the crowd by force.
Londo: Lady Morella, we should really go now!
Morella: Perhaps we should.
As they start to move away, a civilian takes exception to being pushed by the Night Watch. Unarmed, he takes on the guard and quickly gets the upper hand. In no time at all, there's a general riot. All the Night Watch have their hands full with fighting civilians --- and a fair number of aliens for good measure --- as Captain Sheridan comes on the monitor. He speaks calmly, in counterpoint to the melee spreading through the public areas of the station.
Sheridan: This is Captain John Sheridan, commander of Babylon 5. [A liquor bottle sails at a Night Watch guard but misses. Vir sees it coming and covers Morella, taking it full force off his skull. He drops unconscious. Morella calls for one of her guardsmen to help him.] I have received orders this day, April 9th, 2260, from the President of the Earth Alliance declaring a state of emergency. As of this moment, Babylon 5 is under martial law. [The fighting intensifies and reinforcements pour in from security.] A curfew of 1900 hours will be maintained until further notice. Station personnel reserve the right to intercept and monitor communications in and out of Babylon 5. There'll be stiff penalties against anyone caught inciting to riot, or taking any action against the security of this station, Earth, or any of its holdings. Copies of the notice will be posted in all public places. Inquiries should be directed to command staff or myself. Thank you for your attention.
A chair flies over Zack's head and smashes one of the monitors on which Sheridan is speaking.
SHERIDAN'S OFFICE
Sheridan finishes reading. He glares angrily at the paper he has been reading from. He crumples it and throws it across the room just as Dr. Franklin saunters in.
Sheridan [disgusted]: I feel like I need a shower!
Franklin: Look, I'm sorry. I know that wasn't easy, but it had to be done.
Sheridan: I can't let this go on.
Franklin: Look, they say that this is going to blow over. All right now, if Hague can pull together enough of the military, and if the Senate can get it together, we can beat this thing. I know we can! We just need to help buy some time, that's all!
Sheridan: Unfortunately, we can't do anything as long as night Watch is running security. We are penned in! They're monitoring every channel! If we try to get through to Hague or anyone else, they will turn us in!
Franklin: I know, I know! How do you stop them, though, you can't fight the chain of command!
Sheridan [has a revelation of his own]: That's what he meant! That's what he wanted to tell me, but he couldn't say anything because he knew it wasn't a secure channel!
Franklin: Who?
Sheridan: General Smits! Find Garibaldi! Don't use the links, they're not secure anymore! But get him here as fast as you can! [Franklin runs.] Yes!
Sheridan goes to his monitor and replays Smits' message. Fast-forwarding and rewinding, he plays snippets of it.
Smits (replay): ... Our job is to follow the orders of the Commander in Chief and respect the chain of command! ... The Political Office has assigned responsibility for off-world security to Night Watch personnel ex--- ... I told you where this comes from! Now if you've got a problem, I suggest you look upon this as an opportunity, not a burden. ... The Political Office has assigned res--- ... respect the chain of command!
Sheridan stops the replay and lights up. He has a plan.
COMMAND & CONTROL
Someone unexpected steps into the dome: Citizen G'Kar. He walks toward Ivanova's station. Seeing him, she hurries to meet him.
Ivanova [quietly but urgently]: G'Kar, what are you doing here?
G'Kar [whispering]: Saving all of us! I've had --- [stops while a tech walks past them] --- an idea!
BLUE SECTOR
Zack walks up to his quarters and opens the door. He stops short. Inside are Ivanova, G'Kar, and Garibaldi. Sheridan steps up behind him. "Get in!" he barks.
LADY MORELLA'S QUARTERS
Morella is personally tending Vir's wound, despite his protests.
Vir: Lady, you shouldn't be doing this!
Londo: He's right. Next thing he'll be expecting sympathy, a raise!
Morella: The medical bays are full. He was injured while saving us from harm. We will attend him! Another cloth, please! [Hands the used cloth to Londo.]
Vir: Yes, another cloth, please!
Londo bites his tongue and gets a fresh cloth. While he hands it to Morella, they come into skin-to-skin contact. The effect on the lady is galvanizing. She sees Londo, much older, dressed in Imperial white, with the Imperial Seal around his neck. He is sick, coughing. The vision ends as quickly as it began. Her expression piques Londo's curiosity, but he knows better than to say anything.
SECURITY CENTRAL
A self-satisfied Horst greets Zack as he comes in.
Horst: Where you been, Zack? You missed all the fun!
Zack [very uncomfortable]: I was in a meeting with the Captain, the Chief, and G'Kar. [Horst is suddenly all ears --- this is disturbing news.] At 0300, a ship's gonna dock in Bay 9. It'll be carrying a couple hundred Narns from one of their colonies. They're being brought in to replace us. They wanted me to help them, but I can't! I just can't do it!
Horst [excited]: We'll be there when the ship comes in and we'll catch them in the act of sedition before they can organize! [Puts a friendly hand on Zack's shoulder and smiles broadly.] You did the right thing, Zack! You did the right thing!
Funny, though, Zack doesn't look like he thinks he did the right thing.
ACT 4
Lockdown.
ELSEWHERE ON THE STATION
G'Kar speaks to a large crowd of Narns. He appears to be standing on the landing of a staircase between floors, the crowd surrounding him and extending up and down the stairs.
G'Kar: In the time I have been here, I have asked little of you for myself. I have tried to give you the guidance and support that is my responsibility as one of the Kha'Ri. But I come to you now in a moment of great need. In a few hours, I will need your help as I have never needed it before! I know it is much to ask, but it is well past time to ask!
SHERIDAN'S OFFICE
Sheridan sits in the dark, fully dressed in his duty uniform. The computer chirps.
Computer: The time is 0230. This is your requested wake-up time.
He gets up, zips his jacket and adjusts his collar. He picks up a holstered PPG and draws it out to check it. He then re-holsters it and puts it on his belt. He walks out.
SECURITY CENTRAL
The Night Watch is drawing weapons and armor.
Horst (VO): We don't know how many Narns will be getting off that ship, so we'll need everyone we've got! We'll meet in Bay 8 and go in as soon as the ship docks!
BLUE SECTOR
Sheridan walks away from his office.
Horst (VO): As soon as we have them and the proof, we'll arrest Sheridan and anyone else involved.
Elsewhere in Blue Sector, the Night Watch marches toward its showdown.
Horst (VO): Let 'em come. We're ready for them!
And back with Sheridan, the other three officers have joined him. They march toward their fate.
BAY 8
Horst marshals his troops as he prepares to spring his trap. Zack joins him.
Zack: Everybody here?
Horst: Yeah, everybody who'd come! [Hmm, there's some chickens in this henhouse!] We've still got some who won't play ball, but we can take care of them later, now that we know who they are!
Zack [grins]: That we can! It's almost time.
Horst moves into the midst of his troops, while Zack hangs back.
Horst: Okay people! Heat 'em up! [They charge their weapons.] Stand by! We've got some work to do!
The troops advance toward Bay 9. At the rear of the pack, Zack speaks into his link.
Zack: Now!
The pressure door in front of the Night Watch suddenly drops shut. They turn and run for the only other exit, the way they came in. But Zack is way ahead of them, and he makes a flying headfirst slide safely through just as it slams shut. The rest are trapped inside.
CUSTOMS --- GATE 8
Sheridan and his officers walk in just in time to see Zack hit the floor. Garibaldi helps him up.
Garibaldi: Hey! You all right?
Zack: Yeah, yeah!
Garibaldi: Okay. You did the right thing, Zack!
Zack: You know, everybody always says that! I don't know who means it anymore. But yeah, this time, maybe I did! [Steps up to Sheridan, ripping off his armband. He throws at his feet.] They're all yours, Captain!
Sheridan: Thanks, Zack! [To Garibaldi:] Bring 'em in!
Garibaldi [into his link]: Okay, people!
Sheridan [into his link, as all the non-Night Watch troops file in]: Activate PA!
BAY 8
Horst's troops mill around in panic, looking for a way out.
Sheridan (on PA): This is the Captain! If I can have your attention! As of this time, 0315 Earth Standard Time, I am placing you under arrest for conspiracy to mutiny and failure to obey the chain of command! The order for Night Watch to take over Babylon 5 security came from the Political Office! The Political Office, despite its connection to the President, is a civilian agency outside the direct chain of command! Orders affecting military personnel must come from within the military hierarchy, starting from the President, through the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to your immediate superior officers. A Senator cannot give you a direct order! A governor cannot give you a direct order! And neither can the Political Office! Make no mistake, this is an illegal order! Now, we've contacted Earthdome and requested confirmation of this order through proper channels. But, since we seem to be having trouble with communications, this may take several days! Until then, you have two choices. You can stay where you are, or you can leave, one at a time. On your way out, you'll turn in your link, identicard, and weapons. You'll be restricted to quarters until the revised orders come in. When that happens, anyone who wants to file a complaint against me can do so. Otherwise --- have a pleasant stay! Oh, and one other thing! If I were you, I wouldn't use my weapons on the airlocks! They're a solid beryllium alloy. The ricochet is a killer!
The trapped troops slowly deflate as they listen to the Captain's ultimatum.
CUSTOMS --- BAY 8
Sheridan [with a big smile]: PA off! Doc, I'm gonna need you to stay around for a while in case anybody ignores my warning and tries to burn his way through.
Franklin: You got it!
Ivanova: You do realize this is a temporary solution at best! I mean, as soon as Clark finds out about this, he'll reissue the order personally! We'll be right back where we started!
Sheridan: Well, not if they straighten things out at home --- or Hague pulls off a coup. We just need to buy enough time for that to happen!
Franklin: One thing I'm not clear on. Keeping everybody in there is gonna cut our security patrols in half. Doesn't that worry anybody?
Garibaldi: Not really. [Hollering down the hallway:] We've got some help for a change!
G'Kar strides in at the head of a phalanx of armed Narns. Franklin is dumbfounded.
Franklin: You're kidding! ------ You're not kidding!
Sheridan [grinning]: Always plant a lie inside a truth! Makes it easier to swallow!
Franklin [relishing it]: Ohhh, boy, Londo is gonna love this!
Sheridan: Hell, yeah!
LONDO'S QUARTERS
The Lady is ready to give her reading. Londo sits on his couch, Vir is standing at the bar, and Morella stands between them.
Lady Morella: What we are about to say is for your ears only, Ambassador Mollari. We will not repeat it to others in the Royal Court, and suggest you do the same. If it comes out, we will deny this conversation ever took place.
Londo: Of course. [She sits down, facing him.]
Morella: You have a chance few others will ever have, Mollari. You still have three opportunities to avoid the fire that waits for you at the end of your journey. You have already wasted two others. You must save the eye that does not see. You must not kill the one who is already dead. And at the last, you must surrender yourself to your greatest fear, knowing that it will destroy you. Now if you have failed all the others, that is your final chance for redemption.
Londo: I ------ don't understand!
Morella: The future reveals itself only reluctantly, Ambassador. Take the sign for what it is. Look for it when it appears!
Londo [nodding]: I will. Thank you!
Morella [stands and crosses toward Vir]: One more thing. [Turns back to Londo sadly.] You will be Emperor! That part of your destiny cannot be avoided.
Londo [looks haunted]: I see. [He's not happy about it.]
Morella [turns to Vir]: You will also be Emperor.
At first, Vir is shocked at such an absurd comment. Then he bursts out laughing.
Morella [severely]: Why are you laughing?
Vir [suddenly horrified]: I --- I thought you were joking!
Morella [maternally]: We do not joke in the face of prophecy, Vir.
Londo [rises, puzzled]: Lady Morella, please! We cannot both be Emperor!
Morella: Correct. One of you will become Emperor after the other is dead. [The two men look at one another.] That is all we see and all we wish to see.
Morella smiles sadly at Londo and leaves the quarters. Londo and Vir are left to look warily at each other.
TAG
Conspirator G'Kar.
CUSTOMS --- BAY 8
Horst is the first of the Night Watch to file out under the guns of the loyal troops. He and his men (and women) drop off their gear and head for confinement.
GREEN SECTOR
Lady Morella and one of her guardsmen step into a tube. It happens that Ta'Lon is already inside. She glances over and sees the B5 Security patch on his clothing. He looks back at her with a little smile. She looks away, apparently pretending he's not there.
BLUE SECTOR
Sheridan walks with Citizen G'Kar. He thanks the Narn for his help, noting that crime has actually gone down since the Narns joined Security, and have even managed to deal with the Centauri without a problem.
Sheridan: If there's anything that I can do...
G'Kar: There is! [They stop at the door of Sheridan's office.] I want in!
Sheridan [pauses]: In on what?
G'Kar: You have been assembling a new alliance. Don't try to deny it. I've been here too long not to notice. I wish to join.
Sheridan: I'll, uh --- have to talk it over with the others.
G'Kar: Please do so. I have time. All the time in the world. Do you? [Walks off.]
LONDO'S QUARTERS
Londo and Vir sit at opposite ends of a long couch, doing nothing, and mostly trying to avoid acknowledging each other's presence. Finally Londo breaks the silence.
Londo: Don't you have somewhere to go?
Vir: Me? No, not really. No.
Londo: I thought your ship was leaving soon for Minbar.
Vir: Oh, no, that's tomorrow it --- Tomorrow it's ---
Londo: Oh, tomorrow! Tomorrow. [Long pause.] "One of you will become Emperor after the other dies." [Chuckles.] Nonsense!
Vir: Of course! [They both laugh nervously. Another long pause.] I've made some dinner!
Londo: I'm not hungry. [Another long pause.]
Vir: You're not saying that you don't trust me anymore, are you, Londo? I --- I made your favorite, spoo!
Londo: I'll order in!
They continue sitting silently.
SHERIDAN'S OFFICE
The Captain is looking out over the Garden when Ivanova walks in.
Ivanova: Ambassador Delenn just got back. She's looking forward to talking to you about everything that's happened.
Sheridan: Good. [Ivanova's face says there's more.] Is there anything else?
Ivanova [sighs]: I just saw a report on ISN. Four of the five cruisers that defected with General Hague have been shot down. They say he's on the run and they expect to capture him next time he comes out of hyperspace.
Sheridan: Well, he won't go down without a fight!
Ivanova: No, sir. No, he won't.
Sheridan: They'll be coming for us next, you know.
Ivanova: I know. [Sighs. Looks out the window onto the Garden.] Never thought it would end like this.
Sheridan: Me either.
The End.
BABYLON 5 names, characters and all related indicia are the property of J. Michael Straczynski and Warner Brothers, a division of Time Warner Entertainment Company. All rights reserved.
"POINT OF NO RETURN" synopsis © 2005 Richard Heider. Do not reproduce without author's express permission.