Moments of Transition

Synopsis written by Richard Heider.
*Alternate synopsis written by Rosa L. Smothers can be read here.

"The future is all around us, waiting in moments of transition to be born in moments of revelation. No one knows the shape of that future or where it will take us. We know only that it is always born in pain." ------ Citizen G'Kar, Z'ha'dum

TEASER
Restless nights.

BABYLON 5 --- NIGHT

Mr. Garibaldi's sleep is disturbed by the insistent beeping of his Babcom unit. Groggy, he works himself into a sitting position, a complaint on his lips.

Garibaldi: Oh, what the hell is it with this place? I can't get just one solid night's sleep!

He rises, slipping into his robe and calling for lights. He addresses the Babcom computer.

Garibaldi: Yeah, what is it?
Computer: Incoming message from Mars, sent by William Edgars. Do you wish to receive?
Garibaldi [reluctantly]: Yeah, put it through. [The screen goes black.]
Edgars (voice): Good morning, Mr. Garibaldi.
Garibaldi: Mr. Edgars, have I ever mentioned to you that there is a seven-hour time difference between Babylon 5 and Mars?
Edgars [cheerful]: Yes, you have. But I am on call 24 hours a day, and I expect the same from everyone who works for me. I should think the weekly retainer I'm currently paying you entitles me to some small eccentricities.
Garibaldi: Yeah, yeah, so what's the job?
Edgars: Another package will be arriving on Babylon 5 later today. You are to ensure that it goes through customs without incident and send it on to my people on Io.
Garibaldi: What's inside?
Edgars: Nothing dangerous, explosive, or illegal. That was our agreement.
Garibaldi: So why all the secrecy?
Edgars: The packages contain advanced compounds for my pharmaceutical department. I don't want the raw materials to fall into the wrong hands before I can patent them. I don't trust the government, and I don't trust the couriers. And I definitely don't trust my competitors.
Garibaldi: But you trust me.
Edgars: For now.
Garibaldi: All right. Upload the data and I'll, uh, get on it. By the way, uh, you mentioned earlier that I'd be coming to Mars for a personal meeting so we could get to know one another. Uh, any idea when that's gonna happen?
Edgars: In the fullness of time, Mr. Garibaldi. Goodbye!

Shaking his head, Garibaldi heads back to his bed.

SHERIDAN'S QUARTERS

The Captain is finding it impossible to sleep. He sits up and grabs his link.

Sheridan: Sheridan to C&C.
Tech (voice): This is C&C, go.
Sheridan: Yeah, any luck on my transmission to Minbar?
Tech: Negative. We're still unable to get through. We've heard there's still fighting going on in the capital, but, uh, so far no details.
Sheridan: Have you received anything new from Ambassador Delenn since she landed?
Tech: Negative, Captain.
Sheridan: All right, keep trying. Let me know when you get through.
Tech: I'm sure she's okay, sir.
Sheridan: I hope so.

Sheridan signs off, puts down the link, and slips back under the covers. He lies on his back, staring at the ceiling.

MINBAR

The street we saw last time is now dark under a night sky stained with smoke. Buildings in the distance are burning. In the foreground, the temple is damaged.

Inside the temple, Delenn walks among wounded being tended by other religious caste Minbari. Seeing her, one of the wounded attempts to rise in order to bow to Delenn. The sounds of distant artillery reverberate through the hall. Lennier enters.

Delenn: How is it outside?
Lennier: Much the same as it is in here. [A near miss from artillery shakes the building and sends small bits of material raining down on them.] I should tell you, we received word from the leader of the warrior caste. His forces have surrounded the city. He says if we don't surrender by tomorrow, for the good of our people he will end the war by destroying the city and everyone in it.

Delenn receives this news with sorrow.

ACT 1
Decision: surrender.

BABYLON 5 --- THE ECLIPSE CAFÉ

Lyta Alexander sits across the table from a woman representing a large corporation, being interviewed for a job.

Lyta: And from 2247 to 2257, I was the commercial telepath for Xenocorp. I monitored their negotiations with representatives from Centauri Prime, Narn, and Pak'ma.
Woman: So scanning alien minds doesn't bother you?
Lyta: Well, it's not comfortable. I don't think any of us enjoys it, but you get used to it. My employer needs to know if their client is lying, and that client just happens to be an alien and agrees to the scan, you just do it.
Woman: I see you interned with the Psi Cops. One year?
Lyta [nods]: I was a field assistant.
Woman: Why'd you change to commercial work?
Lyta: It just wasn't --- right for me. [Lyta's backstory is in the episode The Face of the Enemy and in the book Deadly Relations: Bester Ascendant.] And there was no room for advancement. As a P-5, the best I could hope for was doing background interviews and authorized witness scans. I like working corporate.
Woman: Good! Well, everything seems to be in order. We've been looking for a freelance telepath to work with our Interstellar Contracts Division, and you seem to have the right experience. Of course, we'll have to run the usual background checks, get authorization from Psi Corps, but...
Lyta: Well, that might be a problem. I'm not with the Corps anymore.
Woman [surprised]: How can you operate on Babylon 5...
Lyta: Well, I'm operating here under a --- a special kind of dispensation from Captain Sheridan. He could vouch for me.
Woman [shakes her head]: Well, I'm sure he can. But his word doesn't exactly carry a lot of weight back home right now. This is very disappointing.

The woman abruptly gets up and walks away. Lyta chases after her.

Lyta: But --- you said I had the right background!
Woman: You do, but our insurance policy requires that all telepaths engaged by our firm be current licensed members of Psi Corps. That indemnifies us against any lawsuits on the grounds of mental distress or invasion of privacy.
Lyta [pleading]: I'm sure there's some way we can work this out!
Woman: No! If it were up to me, Ms. Alexander, I'd give you the job! But I'm answerable to our attorneys and the board of directors. They can't afford the liability!
Lyta: But...
Woman: I'm sorry! Perhaps in the future, when you rejoin Psi Corps, we can discuss this again. Until then, I'm afraid there's nothing I can do! Good day!

The woman leaves Lyta feeling lost, abandoned, and a little desperate.

MINBAR

A number of battle cruisers hang in orbit over the planet. Aboard the flagship, Alyt Neroon is ushered into the presence of his commander, Shai Alyt Shakiri, a leader who fairly radiates a disagreeable slickness. Shakiri, warrior that he is, sits comfortably ensconced behind a large desk.

Shakiri: Neroon. Good! I'm pleased to see you made it here alive. I understand the religious caste is most upset with you.
Neroon: That is to be expected. They were hoping I would organize our caste against you. But I could no sooner move against the leader of my caste than I could grow wings and fly across the moon!
Shakiri: They were always naïve! That has been their failing from the beginning. Our people need leadership, not dogma! Action, not meditation! They assumed they were our equal in all things. They have now learned otherwise.
Neroon: Yes. I do wonder, though, about the cost.
Shakiri: The cities can be rebuilt. [He stands and walks around the desk.] As far as those who died, I feel for them as much as you do. [But he does a fine job of not showing any such thing.] But we all die, Neroon! Only the timing varies. They will be reborn into the next generation of Minbari, perhaps even as warrior caste! [Does Neroon look just the least bit uncomfortable with all this?] There was no other way. The loss of a few lives now will save us many more lives in the future! Remember, it was the religious caste who got us into the war with the humans! Then, after many of our caste died fighting it, it was they who just stopped! If we go to war, it should be for practical gains, not holy wars or wars of principle! It's a hard lesson, but they have to learn it! [Pours himself a drink and swallows it.] Delenn speaks for the religious caste now. She values life above all things. As she sees her caste dying around her, she will have no choice but to surrender! [Sits again behind his desk.]
Neroon: Is it wrong to value life? I thought that is why we fought.
Shakiri: We fight because it is our nature! It is the calling of our heart! Life and death are simply two possible consequences, both equal, neither valued nor feared above the other! For a warrior, death is simply the release from our obligation! You should rest. You've done well, Neroon!

Neroon salutes, bows, and takes his leave.

B5 --- CUSTOMS

Zack Allan is shepherding a line of arriving passengers toward the inspection area when he notices Garibaldi pulling a man out of line to hand off a package. Zack starts to walk over to investigate, but he's stopped by one of his own men who has another problem.

Guard: I thought you should see this!

"This" is a man in a black uniform, escorted by two more guards.

Zack: Well! Back so soon, Mr. Bester?
Bester [trades his cocky grin for a sad expression]: Seemed like forever.
Zack: Mm, and to what do we owe the honor of this visit? [Catches another glimpse of Garibaldi and his contact.]
Bester: Nothing. My business isn't with you or the command staff. I'm here strictly as a representative of the Psi Corps.
Zack: Doing what?
Bester: Personnel matters that are none of your concern. I'm not taking anyone with me or causing you the slightest difficulty. As hard as it might be for you to grasp this, I do have a life that doesn't involve Babylon 5, Sheridan, Ivanova, or anyone else on the command staff! I can promise you, I won't go near them!
Zack: Well, I don't think that...
Bester: Mr. Allan, I'd remind you that this is a free port! At least, that's what Ivanova keeps saying on this so-called "Voice of Resistance"! "Everyone is welcome here!" [Zack looks for Garibaldi again, but he and the other man are now gone.] Now, is that true, or is it a lie? If it's true, as long as I keep to myself, you've got no reason to hold me! I have legitimate business here! Either let me get on with it or stop pretending that this anything other than a military dictatorship!
Zack: Yeah, well, I can't make that decision on my own. I'll have to check with the Captain.
Bester: Please do. I'll be waiting right here!

Zack walks off toward where Garibaldi was having his little meeting. Bester decides to chat up his three escorts.

Bester: Mr. Allan seems to be under a great deal of stress! I don't think he's eating right! Make sure he gets enough fiber! That's always important!
Guard: Mind your own business!
Bester [grandiosely]: "Humanity is my business!" [The guard doesn't react.] Marley to Scrooge. ------ Dickens. ------ A Christmas Carol. [Still no reaction.] Well, it's good to see they're continuing the fine tradition of hiring from the shallow end of the gene pool.

THE ZOCALO

Zack finds Garibaldi passing through and hails him, but he just waves and keeps on going. Zack has to run after him. He asks about the package, and Garibaldi denies knowing anything about a package. Zack gets angry.

Zack: Now that's enough! There's a rumor going around that you're working for William Edgars, helping him get stuff through here without any questions being asked!
Garibaldi: My client list is confidential. My policy: I don't confirm or deny.
Zack: Michael, listen to me! I checked this Edgars out. He's one of the ten richest guys in the Alliance, but there's not one single picture of him anywhere!
Garibaldi: So a guy like him, you gotta worry about getting hit by, um, terrorists, kidnappers. So what?
Zack: So what does a guy like him want with you?
Garibaldi: What's that supposed to mean? [Well, it did sound insulting.]
Zack: I'm just saying...
Garibaldi: No, no, I know exactly what you're saying! You're saying that I'm not good enough to work with the big guys! Now look, I'm not saying that I am, and I'm not saying that I ain't, but pal, you know what? You oughta start giving me a little credit around here! You know, I work hard, I'm honest! Maybe you don't appreciate it, but others do! [Starts to continue on his way.]
Zack: And getting packages past customs? Is that honest, Michael?
Garibaldi: Yeah, it's about as honest and lawful as breaking away from Earth Alliance, taking over military equipment, starting our own little empire out here! You know what, Zack? If you've got a problem, why don't you take a peek in the mirror? Don't bother me, okay?

Garibaldi goes on his way. Zack, stung, lets him go.

MINBAR --- THE TEMPLE

Lennier comes to Delenn. He finds her in a somber mood.

Lennier: You sent for me, Delenn?
Delenn: Yes. I have spoken with the others. We have reached a decision. Tell the warrior caste that we are prepared to surrender at a time and place of their choosing.
Lennier [not prepared for this]: But...
Delenn: Tell them, Lennier. Just tell them.

ACT 2
An offer.

THE ZOCALO

Lyta sits alone, eating a meal while watching the Voice of the Resistance.

Ivanova (on monitor): And news has reached us that a squadron of Starfury pilots sent to conduct raids against Proxima 3 in hopes of forcing them to accept President Clark's martial law decree have defected, joining the Proxima Resistance. This makes the fourth major defection in the last two weeks.

Bester has entered across the way, behind Lyta. She feels his presence.

Ivanova (on monitor): Refugees from Sectors 400 through 600 are being taken in by the medical colonies at Beta Durani and the MacArthur Midrange Colony.

Lyta shakes her head emphatically, anger rising on her face. Bester smirks as he approaches her.

Ivanova (on monitor): Ships wishing to defect should broadcast their intentions on a 9,000...
Lyta: I said, I don't want to talk to you!
Bester [takes a seat at the table]: I heard you! Came through loud and clear! Extremely loud and clear, actually! [Watches the monitor.] Amazing! All those channels, and nothing worth watching.
Lyta: If you've got something to say, say it and get out!
Bester: That's a very poor way to treat someone who's come all this way just to do you a favor.
Lyta: Oh, please!
Bester [serious]: I know you've been looking for work. A couple of the corporations you approached called us about a reference. Naturally, we couldn't provide one since you've gone rogue, and the Corps frowns on that sort of thing. I imagine you must be getting desperate for money by now, or you wouldn't be doing this.
Lyta [forces a smile and a chipper tone]: I'm fine!
Bester: Of course you are! It's just a little one-sided, isn't it? I mean, Sheridan and the others, they have this whole support mechanism. They draw their salary from the docking fees paid by alien ships. Their meals and clothing are all free! But what about poor Lyta Alexander? How does she earn a living? I mean, being a freedom fighter, a force for good, it's --- it's a wonderful thing! You get to make your own hours, looks good on your resume, but the pay ------ sucks! So ------ I'm prepared to make a deal with you.
Lyta: I won't go back.
Bester: I'm not asking you to! This is what I was thinking. I can slide your name off the rogue list. We have a category for deep-cover agents. Only a few of us have access to it. I can add your name without too much trouble. You'd be Corps in name only! You can do as you want! You'd be able to work again, make a living!
Lyta [very suspicious]: In exchange for what?
Bester: Well --- you'd have to wear the symbol, of course, and the gloves. They're more than just part of the uniform. They're part of the discipline, it's who we are. And the usual ten percent of your fees would go back to the Corps.
Lyta: And?
Bester: And --- Well, there is just no delicate way to say this. I want your body.
Lyta [revolted, to say the least]: What? Are you out of your mind?
Bester [tries to shush her, then breaks out laughing]: That's a very funny question to ask a telepath, since we spend so much of our time in other people's minds! I don't want it now, Lyta. Just when you're not using it anymore. After --- your passing. [Pulls a paper from his jacket.] This is a power of attorney. It gives me the right to your body after your death. Now, in case you're worried that I might do something to speed that process up, clause 14 stipulates that this contract shall be null and void if you die from anything other than natural causes. So you see, I'm certainly taking a risk. This isn't exactly a safe neighborhood!
Lyta: Why?
Bester: Because, without your permission, Sheridan would never give me custody. Lyta, we both know you've been altered. I don't know how, but I think I know by whom. The Vorlons found some way to enhance your abilities, didn't they? That's something we can't deal with. A P-5 is a P-5 forever. We can train them to make the most of their talent, but that's all. The Vorlons gave you more than just enhanced abilities. They've given every telepath a chance to be more than what they are. If that secret dies with you, it's a waste! Surely even you can see that! [Lyta wrestles with her mind and her emotions.] I'm offering you a chance to put your life back together on your own terms! It's not a bad deal!
Lyta [flips through the contract, folds it back up]: I'd sooner put a bullet in my brain!

Lyta stuffs the contract back into Bester's hand and walks away. Bester doesn't look disappointed. He calls out after her.

Bester: I'll be here a few more days, just in case you change your mind.

Lyta keeps on going. And we see that Garibaldi has been watching from a table across the room.

MINBAR

Aboard their cruiser orbiting the planet, Neroon and Shakiri walk together through a passageway. Shakiri's two attendants follow close behind.

Neroon: The religious caste has agreed to surrender. I thought we would meet down on the planet.
Shakiri: Oh?
Neroon: The Grey Council floated among the stars, cut off from our people. We need to show that we intend to do things differently! I chose the Temple of Varenni for their surrender.
Shakiri: Why there?
Neroon: That is where disputes between the castes were settled in the years before Valen and the Council, where new leaders were selected during times of war. It will show that we are returning to our traditions. Also, it is equipped to send a record of their surrender throughout Minbar. That will help to discourage any dissension.
Shakiri: I agree! It will make for a powerful symbol! When does the surrender take place?
Neroon: As soon as we arrive. [Leans in to speak more confidentially.] There is one last thing. [They walk a few paces off from the attendants.] Once we've accepted their surrender, what shall we do about Delenn?
Shakiri: I know how she thinks. She'll go along with this for now, but in time she will start working against us. She is a threat to our authority! Once we have restored peace, she will return to Babylon 5. I believe we can guarantee that her ship will never reach its destination!

ACT 3
Starfire.

LYTA'S QUARTERS

Lyta is dishing something up from what looks like a crock-pot. The door chime rings, and she calls out to open the door. Zack steps in.

Zack [smiling]: Hi!
Lyta [obviously very happy to see him]: Zack, hi! Come on in! I was just having some dinner, if you'd care to join me!
Zack: I can't! I gotta be in five places at the same time! Smells great, though! Besides, I got business here. [And his smile fades away.] I figured, better I should do it than some stranger. [Lyta senses the other shoe's going to drop.] Station Resources wants you to move to smaller quarters.
Lyta [gut-punched]: What? Why? I --- I - I just got this place fixed up!
Zack: Until last month, this place was paid for by the Vorlon government. Now they're gone, and you don't have any regular income. Now, the station needs every credit we can get our hands on, to bring in supplies by alternate routes.
Lyta: After everything I've done, you're just gonna kick me out?
Zack: Nooo! They're not kicking you out, it's just a move to F-size quarters. I know the ones they're talking about. They're nice, intimate.
Lyta [hurting]: Small! --------- All right. I guess I can work this out ------ somehow. I'm sorry I bit your head off. You're right, I'd rather hear it from you than somebody else.
Zack [embarrassed]: Good. Good, I'm glad. [Walks halfway to the door.] Because, uh ------ I've got a favor to ask you. It might even help you out a little in return. [She's interested.] I'd like to hire you for a job. I want you to scan Mr. Garibaldi for me.
Lyta: I assume this is with his permission.
Zack: Well, not exactly.
Lyta: Zack! [We know how she feels about that.]
Zack [earnest]: Look, ever since he got back, he has not been acting the same, and I need to know if he's all right upstairs!
Lyta: I can't do that! It goes against everything I've been taught! It's a complete invasion of privacy!
Zack: Can't you at least poke around a little bit by accident?
Lyta: Nooo! I wish I could help, but I can't! Maybe it were somebody else, I don't know, I'd at least think about it! But Garibaldi --- he's the first person I met when I got here five years ago! Oh, I need the money, but I can't do this! Please don't ask me!
Zack [after an awkward pause]: Okay. I guess I understand. [Puts his hand on her shoulder.] Look, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. I had to at least try.

Lyta watches Zack go with sadness and mounting despair.

GARIBALDI'S "OFFICE"

Garibaldi is meeting with a client, a Mr. Adams, who is accompanied by a Minbari female.

Garibaldi: Let me get this straight. You want to hire me to find your dog?
Adams: That's right. And my cat, too.
Garibaldi: Uh-huh. I, hey, yeah, well! Mr. Adams, isn't the kind of thing that I usually...
Adams: I'll pay time and a half.
Garibaldi: ...turn down. Doggies, kitties, hey, they all kinda make the world go round, don't they? Anything else I, uh, should know about them?
Adams [leans in close]: They're planning to take over the galaxy.

Adams gets up and walks off. His companion bows and follows.

Garibaldi: Yeah. [Whistles.] Man, they always find me!

[This has been a cameo --- and an "in" joke. "Mr. Adams" is played by Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert, and his companion is played by his girlfriend. If you don't get the joke, you probably need to Google Dilbert.]

Garibaldi looks up and finds Lyta Alexander standing across the table.

Garibaldi: Hey. I was wondering when you were gonna be getting around to coming to see me. What can I do for you?
Lyta [sighs]: I need a job.
Garibaldi: Short, sweet, to the point. I wish more of my clients were like you. Please, sit down.
Lyta [taking the seat]: I'm almost out of money, and they're about to kick me out of my quarters. I can't keep taking handouts from the others, but without the Psi Corps to back me up, people I want to work for won't hire me, and the only people who might hire me, I...
Garibaldi: You don't trust.
Lyta: Exactly. I don't have anywhere else left to turn.
Garibaldi [sighs]: Lyta, the way I work, I don't use telepaths. I --- I don't trust them. I never have.
Lyta: I know. I just hoped that by now, I'd proven myself enough...
Garibaldi: However, however ------ if I hire you, I annoy Bester. I like the thought of that! [Thinks a moment.] What's your empathic range?
Lyta: Well, officially --- 20, 25 meters.
Garibaldi: Unofficially.
Lyta: Further. Much!
Garibaldi: Interesting. See, I just started working for this client who has me bringing him stuff in on the sly. Now, he doesn't want to get noticed, and neither do I. But the problem is, when you don't have a lookout or someone to watch your back, you get noticed. What I need is someone to look around the corners and, well, you're the next best thing. Now, it's going to have to be a small retainer until we see how things work out, and it's coming out of what I get, so it's not gonna be much.

Another person steps up to the table, instantly changing the mood.

Bester: Well, well, Mr. Garibaldi! I heard you retired, but I didn't believe it!
Garibaldi [much annoyed]: Not retired, just went independent, that's all. Why? You looking to hire someone to find out what happened to your personality?
Bester [grins like the Cheshire Cat]: Always quick with the mot juste, Mr. Garibaldi! Sadly, you're no longer worth my attention. [Drains the drink he's carrying and sets the glass in front of Garibaldi.] Good day. Ms. Alexander.

Bester walks a few paces off, then turns back, looking at Garibaldi. Lyta reacts suddenly.

Lyta: Hey! What are you ... [Turns around to face Bester, but he's walking off again.]
Garibaldi: What?
Lyta: He scanned you!
Garibaldi: Are you sure?
Lyta: I'm positive!

Garibaldi jumps up and runs after Bester, Lyta following behind. He grabs Bester and spins him around to accuse him.

Garibaldi: Hey! I told you to stay out of my head!
Bester [all innocence]: I don't know what you're talking about.
Garibaldi [losing it]: What are you after? Why are you doing this to me? Talk to me!

Security arrives to separate Garibaldi from Bester. They have to wrestle him off.

Garibaldi: Talk to me! Come on, let me go! He scanned me! [Punches one of the guards.] Come on!

The guards drag Garibaldi away. Lyta follows, giving Bester a dirty look as she passes him. Bester watches, a big, self-satisfied grin on his face. Then he turns to go and runs right into another big grin --- this one on the face of Zack Allan, who just wants the Psi Cop to know he's being watched.

Zack: Hi!

MINBAR --- THE TEMPLE OF VARENNI

The temple, situated on the outskirts of a city, sits nestled in rocky crags on the brow of a Grand Canyon. It's completely unlike what we've seen before of Minbari architecture. Although the entry is triangular --- an A-frame --- the structure itself consists of two circular parts, a smaller and a larger part, each surmounted by a low dome. And instead of being made of crystal, it appears to be made of ordinary stone, or perhaps a form of concrete. The larger part could pass for a domed sports arena on Earth.

Inside, Delenn and Lennier lead a party of two more religious through a dark corridor.

Lennier: This is a dark day, Delenn! I never thought I'd see it come.
Delenn: The day is not yet over, Lennier.
Lennier [wondering]: But we've already agreed to the surrender.
Delenn: I know.

She hands him an ornate cylinder, about an inch in diameter and a foot long. It's probably a scroll.

Delenn: I want you to have this, Lennier. Keep this with you until we are done. All the instructions are inside.
Lennier: Instructions?
Delenn: It's time.

They step into the heart of the temple, a more or less flat space surrounded by natural rocky formations. Above and surrounding them, the temple looks even more like a stadium, one consisting entirely of skyboxes, with Minbari witnesses silhouetted behind the glass fronts of the boxes. The floor is natural, with a circle of basketball-sized stones surrounding the center. The place is only dimly lit. Awaiting them on the floor are Shakiri, Neroon, and three additional warriors. They speak loudly to be heard by the whole assembly.

Shakiri: Delenn, of the family Mir, I greet you in the name of the warrior caste!
Delenn: Shakiri, of the family Kort, I greet you in the name of the religious caste!
Shakiri: I regret that we have been brought together here, in this sacred place, by such unfortunate events! But this day will mark a new beginning for our people! The struggle between us was terrible, was hard, was inevitable! But now it is over! Do you speak for the whole of the religious caste, Delenn?
Delenn: I do!
Shakiri: And what message do you bring for us today?
Delenn: The religious caste surrenders!

A low murmuring fills the place as the audience reacts. Shakiri savors the moment before speaking again. He is now playing directly to the crowd, ignoring Delenn and her party.

Shakiri: The religious caste surrenders! You have all heard it! The struggle between us is over! Now we can begin to rebuild our great cities until they are even greater than before! Now we step out into the light of a new day! Now we rebuild the Grey Council into a Warriors' Council!
Delenn: Excuse me!
Shakiri [surprised and annoyed]: Yes?
Delenn: I said that we surrendered! I did not say that we gave up our sovereign rights to form a new government! Dukhat said that in every battle, one side or the other must surrender eventually. It is the natural order of things. There is no dishonor in that, no shame. We recognize the superior forces of the warrior caste! We have, after all, spent centuries arming you, helping you learn the art of combat! What threat are we against that?
Shakiri [playing to the crowd again]: Then you acknowledge --- we are stronger!
Delenn: Stronger, yes! But wiser? For a thousand years, we have guided our people through wisdom, not arms! Will we set that aside so quickly? [Now she is playing to the crowd!] You, who are watching here and across Minbar, you know this place! You know its history! This is where we chose our leaders before Valen! This is where many of us served and many of us died! The ancients understood that in war, it is always the young and the powerless who are sent off to fight! Sent by leaders and warriors and generals who are not themselves engaged in the battle, who do not bleed on the front lines, who do not die alone in the cold and friendless night! But here, in this place, that changed!

Delenn looks up, and as if on cue, with a great noise overhead, a large iris in the center of the dome opens just slightly, and an intense beam of light just a foot or so in diameter stabs straight down into the center of the floor, sending sparks flying from the point of impact.

Shakiri [outraged]: What are you playing at?
Delenn [loudly, to be heard over the noise]: If the warrior caste has set aside the wisdom of Valen --- if they wish to return to the old ways --- then they must honor the laws set down by the ancients! [Turns directly to Shakiri, staring him down.] The leaders of each warring caste would step into the circle! The Starfire Wheel would open, and its fire would begin to consume them. Those who did not deserve to rule, who would not sacrifice themselves as they asked others to do on their behalf, would escape the fire! The sacrifice of the one who remained, who believed so much in his caste that he would lay down his life for them, that would determine which caste would be dominant among us!
Shakiri: This is a violation of...
Delenn: It is the tradition of our people! The warrior caste began the war! The religious caste has ended it! And now we say, we are willing to endure the Starfire Wheel for the good of our people! If the warrior caste will not do the same, then you are not fit to lead!

The Starfire Wheel opens again, now a yard in diameter. Delenn steps into the flame and speaks directly to Shakiri.

Delenn: Valen said, "Will you follow me into fire?" [Holds out her hand.] Will you?

Shakiri's eyes dart quickly all around. He'd love to find a way out of this.

ACT 4
Sacrifice.

THE TEMPLE OF VARENNI

Dismayed, Lennier runs up to the fire.

Lennier: Delenn, don't do this!
Delenn: What's done is done. I cannot leave the circle now. You have my instructions. Carry them out! [She raises her hand as if to touch his breast; he echoes the gesture. Then she turns to Shakiri.] Shakiri! You do not follow! Does the warrior caste concede leadership?
Shakiri [looking for an out]: This proves nothing!
Delenn: Our entire world is watching, Shakiri! If you believe so much in your caste, step into the circle and die for them! Or is it easier for you to kill my caste? Easier for you to send others out to die for you?

Loudly, the Starfire Wheel opens still more.

Shakiri: This is madness! I refuse...
Neroon: You said that a warrior does not fear death, Shakiri!
Shakiri [caught unawares]: Neroon, what are you...
Neroon: You said death was only one of two consequences, neither valued nor feared above the other! Death is merely a release from our obligations! Why, then, are you afraid, Shakiri? Have you put your own importance above our people?
Shakiri [furious]: Do you take their side?
Neroon [ditto]: I speak for my people! Who do you speak for? And what are you willing to do? [Looks around at the audience above.] They are waiting for your answer!

Shakiri is caught, trapped. He looks around for the longest moment, and then he finally puffs himself up and swaggers into the fire. But once in, he writhes in agony --- unlike Delenn, who has thus far borne the fire with complete calm and grace. And now the Wheel opens yet again.

Shakiri: Delenn! We can walk out together --- share the power! No one will speak against us!
Delenn: No!
Shakiri [folding up like a cheap tent]: There are other ways!
Delenn: Then you should have explored them before you tore our people apart!

The Wheel opens once more, now almost to the full. Shakiri can no longer bear it. Shrieking in pain, he throws himself out of the fire and lands on the floor, cowering, smoking. His seconds rush to his side and throw a cloak over him to beat out the fire.

Delenn raises her face and her hands skyward, waiting for the Wheel to do its work. Neroon rushes to Lennier's side.

Neroon: I do not understand! When we were aboard your ship, when she proposed this, [Lennier suddenly realizes what Delenn's plan was] Delenn told me she would leave the circle after he did! Why does she not come out?
Lennier: She is making her point, for all our people! For the world!

The Starfire Wheel opens yet farther. Delenn is finally overcome and sinks to the floor, unconscious. Neroon, seeing this, screams "No!" and jumps into the fire himself. He struggles against the fire to pick Delenn up. He passes her out into Lennier's waiting arms. Standing in the center of the fire, arms upraised, he calls out to the assembly.

Neroon: I was born --- warrior caste! But I see now --- the calling of my heart --- is religious! The war is over! Listen to her! Listen!

The Wheel opens to the full, and the intensity of the fire suddenly spikes. Neroon is totally consumed in the blink of an eye and the fire disappears.

Delenn, now conscious, lies watching. Her face shows second or third degree burns. Shakiri also lies watching. His face shows scarcely any effects from the fire.

BABYLON 5 --- NIGHT

Once again, Garibaldi's sleep is cut short by the beeping of his Babcom unit. He awakens, furious.

Garibaldi: That's enough! Oh, what the frig? I am so tired of this damn --- [jumps out of bed] --- Lights! What?
Computer: Message for you from William Edgars. [The computer's cheery tone isn't exactly helping at the moment.]
Garibaldi: Put him through! [The Edgars Industries "EI" logo comes up on the screen.]
Edgars (voice): Good morning, Mr. Garibaldi! [His cheery tone doesn't help, either.]
Garibaldi: Mr. Edgars, you gotta stop...
Edgars: I understand you just hired a telepath.
Garibaldi: Yeah?
Edgars: And you're paying her out of the retainer I pay you?
Garibaldi: Yeah, th - that's right. How...
Edgars: How is not important. You're to fire her, effective immediately! [But we can guess how.]
Garibaldi: What? Why?
Edgars: I do not trust telepaths. I will not have them near me or anyone who works for me at this level.
Garibaldi: B- But this --- this serum you've been working on, it's supposed to help telepaths! It --- If you don't want to help them, then why the hell...
Edgars: I may develop a serum to help lab rats. That does not mean I want to employ them, even secondhand! Mr. Garibaldi, I am paying you a lot of money. If you cannot meet the terms of our employment, I can always find someone else. I have nothing against her personally, but as long as you are working for me, she cannot work for you. Tell me which way you want it.

GARIBALDI'S "OFFICE"

Later, we watch from a distance as Garibaldi talks to Lyta. He's given her the bad news, and she's taking it hard. She leaves in tears, and we see that someone else has been watching --- Mr. Bester. He lifts his wine glass to his lips and drinks, knowing all is well in his universe.

Bester (voiceover): Personal log, Bester, Al. August 3rd, 2261.

LYTA'S QUARTERS

The power of attorney document lies upon her table, crumpled, then smoothed out and signed.

Bester (voiceover): By provoking Mr. Garibaldi, I've put him even further at odds with his former associates and further on the path I need him to follow. What I came here to get, I got. Even her.

Lyta stands at her mirror, pulling on her gloves. She has already pinned on her badge. She is in tears.

Bester (voiceover): Guess you could call it a bank shot! Yes, I've had a nice day!

Lyta breaks down, sobbing.

TAG
A new Grey Council.

SPACE --- THE GREY COUNCIL CRUISER

Delenn and Lennier walk together through a corridor. She's still a bit wobbly. She staggers and stops, clinging to the wall for support.

Lennier [concerned]: I still think you should wait a while longer before doing this. You're not yet fully healed.
Delenn [moves on, with Lennier supporting her by the arm]: The other castes are waiting to see what I do. The longer we wait, the more questioning may turn to fear. Is everything ready? [As we see her more clearly, we realize her face is still red from her burns.]
Lennier: Yes. As soon as you enter, the record of this will be relayed all across Minbar.
Delenn [stops to gather herself together]: Then let us get this over with.

Delenn takes some deep breaths and enters the chamber. It appears empty save for the circle of nine lights on the floor and the one light in the center. From this moment on, Delenn must hold herself together and show no sign of her weakness. She walks slowly, steadily, into the center light. Its blue color disguises the redness of her skin. She speaks.

Delenn: Today, we rebuild what was broken. Today, we restore the Grey Council. I summon the Nine, as Valen called them together long ago. Dhaliri, of the religious caste. [A male steps into one of the circles.] Mazetsch, of the warrior caste. [Another male comes forth.] Bhurlee, of the religious caste. [Another takes his place in the circle.] Shakat, of the warrior caste. [The fourth member stands forth.]

Now Delenn pauses in her roll call to introduce something new.

Delenn: In the past, it has been our tradition to seek balance. We have called three from each caste: worker, warrior, religious. But now, that changes! I call forth: Durlan, Katz, Zakat, Nur, and Varenn --- the worker caste! You had forgotten the worker caste, hadn't you? When our two sides fight, they are the ones caught in the middle, forgotten, until it is their time to serve, to build and to die. They build the temples we pray in, the ships you fight in! They look to us to guide their hands! But prayers are fleeting, and wars forgotten. What is built, endures! They do not wish to conquer or convert, only to build the future! And now, they will have that chance! The religious caste and the warrior caste will advise and counsel. We will serve, as is proper. Religion and war must act in the service of the people, not the other way around. And this place --- [steps out of the light] --- this place is reserved in memory of Neroon, until the day it is taken by The One who is to come. You are the heart, the hands, and the voice of our people! Judge wisely and well!

Delenn bows and leaves the chamber.

BABYLON 5 --- NIGHT

Sheridan is just stepping out of his bedroom, in uniform, when the door chime rings.

Sheridan: Just a second. Come! [The door opens on Ivanova, also in uniform.] Sorry, I was just...
Ivanova [entering]: Bastards! Those cold-hearted, rat bastards!
Sheridan: Susan?
Ivanova [paces round and round in a fury]: When I heard, I thought it was just a rumor! I mean, we get so many of them! Oh, God, John, I just wanna grab them and just [slams her fist into her other hand] ------ This is it! This is it!
Sheridan [alarmed]: What? What is it? What?
Ivanova [goes to the Babcom and inserts a data crystal]: Here, this was recorded by a transport bringing relief supplies to Proxima 3! As soon as this destroyer came through the gate, the other ships identified themselves as commercial liners! They - they were carrying the sick and the wounded from where President Clark's been hitting them! Women, children, the sick, the infirm, two thousand civilians per ship, crammed in like sardines!

On the monitor, an Earth Alliance destroyer, the Pollux, flies out of a jumpgate, firing as it comes. It tears into two Asimov-class liners, obliterating them. The record ends abruptly. [Presumably, the destruction of three more ships is not shown, nor is shown how the ship that made the record survived.]

Sheridan: My God!
Ivanova: Ten thousand civilians whose only crime was trying to get out of the damn killing zone! [Pounds the countertop.] I am putting this on VOR as soon as I calm down!
Sheridan [with a cold fury]: This madness has gone on long enough! I don't care if we're ready yet, I don't care if we're outnumbered or outgunned! I don't care what ISN says about us! This stops, and it stops now! Now, if Earth wants to declare war on us, then it is time we took the war to Clark! You tell the others! Starting right now, we fight back, and we fight back hard!
Ivanova: I thought you were looking for some other way than firing at our own ships. They were following orders!
Sheridan: Any crew that executes an order like that is guilty of war crimes! And they deserve whatever they get! Now, we're riding in, Susan! Anybody who wants to defect and join us, fine! If they get in our way, we'll knock them down! If they kill one of our ships, we'll kill three of theirs, and we keep going! We never slow down, and we won't stop! Now we're going after the colonies, then Mars, then Earth! And God help anybody who gets in our way!

The End.