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  Synopsis by Matthew Murray (mmurray@wsu.edu)
  
   Captain Sheridan is out helping to train Zeta Squadron against the
   Centauri, should the need to fight them ever arise. One of the other
   pilots is able to shoot Lt. Keffer quite easily, and is about ready to
   start again when Sheridan receives a call from Ivanova saying there's
   an emergency on Babylon 5. Sheridan orders Zeta Squadron to continue
   practicing the maneuvers and returns to the station.
   
   Lennier enters the Zocalo where he finds Vir sitting there, nursing a
   drink. Lennier sits down next to him and says to Vir, "Sometimes I get
   so close, and yet it seems I'm shut out of the important things."
   
   "It's a useless feeling," Vir replies. "The ambassador is definitely
   going through some changes. He even looks different."
   
   "Indeed, and now with the military starting to stampede over everyone
   and everything..."
   
   "The coming and going and secret meetings..."
   
   "You never know what it's all about, until later, when it's too late."
   
   "They never listen to us."
   
   "It makes me nervous," they both say at once.
   
   "Same time tomorrow?" Vir asks.
   
   "Sure," Lennier replies as he leaves.
   
   Sheridan meets up with Ivanova who tells him that the Drazi and
   Pak'ma'ra ambassadors are waiting for him in his office with an urgent
   matter to discuss. Sheridan orders that all the fighter squads be put
   through extensive training so they will be ready to fight if
   necessary.
   
   Ivanova asks the Pak'ma'ra ambassador if he is certain that he is
   correct, and he assures her that he is. The Drazi ambasador explains
   that the Centauri have invaded both of their territories, taken
   command of listening posts, and are preparing to attack other races
   and other worlds. "War is spreading," the Drazi says. "Perhaps soon
   they even attack you."
   
   Sheridan paces back and forth in his office as Ivanova arrives with
   Londo. The conversation is very tense as they discuss the movement of
   the Centauri forces. Sheridan asks why what the Centauri did to the
   Narn wasn't enough, but Londo insists that they are merely trying to
   stabalize the region, using the conquered worlds as a buffer zone,
   though the Drazi and Pak'ma'ra don't agree. Londo says his people
   merely want to establish a presence, and Sheridan demands to know
   where it will end. He tries to convince Londo that the Centauri are at
   the center of the trouble, but Londo refuses to listen. He warns
   Sheridan not to overstep his authority, which ends at Babylon 5.
   
   Garibaldi tells Sheridan that Londo has been acting very differently,
   and that he can no longer be talked to or reasoned with. Sheridan asks
   Garibaldi how to get through to Londo, but Garibaldi says it can't be
   done as long as Londo is afraid, and that he isn't able to keep up
   with the climactic changes occurring all around him. Sheridan says
   that he made a full report to Earthdome, and with the new races
   involved, Earth can no longer ignore the problem. Ivanova calls
   Sheridan and tells him that Frederick Lantz, from the Ministry of
   Peace, has just arrived on the station, and Sheridan leaves to see
   him.
   
   As Keffer and a fellow officer finish their training, they both admit
   that they are very tired and wish they knew what was going on with
   Sheridan. The officer suggests it might be the "ghost"--something
   several other officers say in hyperspace while returning from sector
   14. She explains that they said it looked like a cross between "a
   spider and your worst nightmare."
   
   Sheridan meets up with Lantz, who introduces him to Mr. Welles, the
   man in charge of the Nightwatch. Sheridan introduces them to Ivanova,
   and Lantz tells Sheridan that he wants to interview Londo and the
   ambassadors of the worlds affected by the Centauri expansion. Mr.
   Welles says that he wants to speak with the members of the Nightwatch
   aboard Babylon 5. Ivanova tells them that she can't believe they came
   to Babylon 5 -- she never thought they would. Lantz explains that
   Earth can't sit still forever, but it is good to know firsthand
   whether they're about to make the right choice.
   
   Keffer meets up with another pilot in the Zocalo and asks him about
   the ghost he saw. The officer, Mitch, tries to avoid the subject, but
   Keffer is able to provide a flawless description of the ship, telling
   him that he saw it as well, but that he wasn't able to record it or
   get any other information about it. Mitch tries to convince Keffer
   that he shouldn't try to search for it again.
   
   While discussing the situation with the Drazi and the Pak'ma'ra and
   other tidbits of information about Earth with Ivanova, Lantz explains
   that he wants to leave his grandchildren a good legacy, and that is
   what he hopes to accomplish by working for the Ministry of Peace.
   
   On C&C, a jump point is detected opening up on the other side of
   Epsilon 3, where it can only be detected by Babylon 5. It turns out to
   be a Narn war cruiser, which hails them. The captain tells Sheridan
   that, when the Centauri attacked the homeworld, his ship was on a
   deep-space assignment, but that he hopes that they can help liberate
   the homeworld again, and to do that, they need the help and sanctuary
   of Babylon 5.
   
   Ivanova is just about to eat when Mr. Welles enters and asks to speak
   with her. He asks her if she is happy, and she tells him that she
   supposes she is. He says he likes to know as much as possible about
   the people he works with, and that her record is exemplary, and asks
   what her plans for the future are. She says she's happy on Babylon 5
   for now, but isn't sure what the future holds for her; she may like to
   captain a starship. Welles tells her that, with the help of the
   Nightwatch, she can get her ship years earlier than she otherwise
   might, and he offers to pull some strings for her if she will help
   them discover disloyal people and potentially dangerous problems
   forming on Babylon 5. She tells him that she has learned all about the
   Nightwatch, and was worried about what she learned, and that she has
   no intention of violating her personal beliefs to advance her career.
   
   Sheridan informs G'Kar about the Narn war ship, and says that it is
   safe for the time being. G'Kar is happy about the news, and glad that
   Sheridan plans to give them sanctuary. Sheridan tells G'Kar about
   Lantz's visit; G'Kar is delighted to hear that Earth is prepared to
   take sides, and rushes off to try to meet with Lantz.
   
   Mr. Welles addresses the Nightwatch members aboard Babylon 5 and is
   pleased with their progress, except that of Zack Allan, who hasn't
   been reporting much, such as a shopkeeper's vocal complaints about new
   import regulations. Zack tries to defend himself saying that he didn't
   see anything wrong with such talk, but Welles disagrees, saying that
   this is precisely the kind of thing they should be informed of. He
   tells Zack to be extremely careful about anything suspicious, no
   matter how innocent it may seem. Zack is still very uncomfortable
   about the situation, but admits that the reports about the shopkeeper
   are true. Welles is pleased by this, and tells Zack that he shows
   great promise.
   
   Mitch goes to Keffer and gives him a data crystal containing
   information about sensor readings of the Shadow ship that may help
   Keffer locate it. Mitch warns him that he may be risking his own life
   by searching for the ship, and that he no longer wants any part of the
   mysterious vessel.
   
   Lantz finishes meeting with the last ambassador of the League of
   Non-Aligned worlds and prepares to meet with Londo when G'Kar arrives,
   asking for five minutes of his time. Lantz refuses, though G'Kar does
   his best to convince him otherwise.
   
   The captain of the Narn ship tells Sheridan that the repairs are going
   slowly due to lack of power. Sheridan suggests shutting down the jump
   engines so they can use the extra energy to assist in repairs, and
   Sheridan assures the captain that Babylon 5 will protect them. Lantz
   arrives at C&C and asks Sheridan about conducting fighter exercises
   against Centauri combat models. Sheridan tells him that it is true,
   and Lantz orders him to stop with the drills. Lantz also informs them
   that he has been authorized by Earth to sign a non-aggression treaty
   with the Centauri, forming an Earth-Centauri alliance to keep Earth
   safe. "We will, at last, know peace in our time," Lantz says.
   
   As Welles walks down the corridor, he is approached by a technician
   from C&C who was unable to attend the meeting. She does, however, have
   other information for him.
   
   Sheridan can't believe the idea of the non-aggression treaty, and
   Ivanova agrees; it protects Earth and leaves the Centauri free to
   attack other worlds. Sheridan tells Ivanova that he no longer feels as
   proud to be in Earth Force as he once did, and Ivanova tells him that,
   as 2260 is nearly upon them, it may be a year to make the uniform mean
   something again. She presents him with a small wrapped present, for
   Christmas or Hannukah. He opens it up and finds a piece of metal
   inside that he doesn't recognize. She tells him that she located a
   piece of the Black Star and wanted to give it to him as a reminder
   that sometimes it is possible to achieve something others believe
   can't be done. Londo calls Sheridan and tells him that he has learned
   that Babylon 5 is hiding a Narn warship and orders the ship and crew
   turned over to the Centauri. Sheridan ends the transmission and wants
   to know how Londo found out about it, and Ivanova suggests it was the
   Nightwatch that was responsible. The two of them rush back to C&C.
   
   Sheridan orders a channel opened up to the Narn ship and tells the
   captain that the Centauri know they are there. A jump point opens and
   a Centauri battle cruiser arrives, blocking the Narn ship from fleeing
   through Babylon 5's jump gate. Sheridan, who promised G'Kar he'd do
   whatever he could, sends out Zeta Squadron to escort the Narn ship.
   Lantz arrives at C&C and asks Sheridan to explain his actions.
   Sheridan tells him that he promised Sanctuary to the Narn ship and
   will do whatever he can to keep that promise. Lantz tries to protest
   Sheridan's actions, but Sheridan has him taken out of C&C as Zeta
   Squadron launches. He opens up a line with Londo and tells him that
   the Narn ship will be granted free passage. Sheridan tells Londo that,
   if the Centauri opens fire on the Starfuries, Babylon 5 will respond
   with deadly force. He sends a copy of the transmission to the Centauri
   cruiser and orders the defense grid activated.
   
   With the Starfuries in position, the Narn ship begins to move toward
   the jumpgate. The Centauri cruiser changes its position, opens its gun
   ports, and targets the Narn ship, Zeta Squadron, and Babylon 5 itself.
   Sheridan targets the Centauri warship and tells Keffer to fire if
   fired upon. The Centauri lock onto Babylon 5, but Sheridan refuses to
   fire until the Centauri do, which happens after only a few seconds.
   Sheridan fires interceptor shots and continues to defend Babylon 5 and
   the Narn ship as it is escorted toward the jump point. Babylon 5 is
   hit a couple of times, and Sheridan orders all weapons fired on the
   Centauri ship. The Narn ship makes it through the jump point; the
   Centauri ship, severely damaged by the station's attack, explodes.
   
   Lantz tells Sheridan that the Centauri are extremely upset over
   Sheridan's actions, and despite the fact that morally and legally
   Sheridan made the correct choice, Lantz refuses to accept Sheridan's
   actions. Lantz tells Sheridan that the Centauri have accused them of
   moving out of neutrality and into a pro-Narn position. Welles tells
   Lantz and Sheridan that the joint chiefs agreed with Sheridan's
   actions, which were in accordance with Earth Force regulations,
   though, had Sheridan informed them of the Narn warship earlier, things
   may have turned out differently. Lantz tells Sheridan that the
   Centauri are willing to drop the entire thing if Sheridan apologizes.
   Sheridan is outraged at this, though Welles tells him that he has been
   ordered by the president himself, and that, should Sheridan go against
   those orders, he would be removed from command of Babylon 5. Welles
   explains that a meeting among all the ambassadors has been set up in
   the Zen Garden.
   
   Zeta Squadron sticks with the Narn warship until Keffer's ship's
   computer informs him that there is an elevation in neutrino levels --
   one of the signals from Mitch's data crystal. Sending the rest of the
   squadron and the Narn ship on ahead, Keffer breaks off to investigate.
   
   Sheridan, in his dress uniform, practices his apology. "I apologize.
   I'm sorry. I'm sorry we had to defend ourselves against an unwarranted
   attack. I'm sorry that your crew was stupid enough to fire on a
   station filled with a quarter million civilians, including your own
   people. And I'm sorry I waited as long as I did before I blew them all
   straight to hell. As with everything else," he muses, "it's the
   thought that counts." He leaves to go make the speech.
   
   Keffer, following the computer signals, finally spies the Shadow ship
   and orders the computer to begin recording.
   
   All the ambassadors and their assistants have gathered in the Zen
   garden, waiting for Sheridan's speech as Sheridan makes his way there.
   As he approaches the transport tube, he is noticed by two young
   Centauri. In the garden, Ivanova notices that G'Kar has arrived. She
   tells him that he shouldn't be there, and he tells her that he has
   come to speak on Sheridan's behalf, and that the League of Non-Aligned
   Worlds may listen to him. Delenn and Kosh move off together to talk in
   private.
   
   Keffer is scanned by the Shadow ship. He orders the computer to attach
   a homing beacon and eject the system record. The beacon has barely had
   time to leave the ship when the Shadow vessel turns toward Keffer, and
   he is enveloped, screaming, in a blinding white light.
   
   Sheridan enters the transport tube and finds a place to sit down for
   the trip. When the car arrives at the second transport station,
   everyone except Sheridan leaves the car. When the car recommences its
   motion, Sheridan hears a strange noise and notices that an explosive
   device has been placed on a seat nearby and is nearly ready to
   explode. Sheridan orders the computer to override and open the shuttle
   doors. He springs out the door and the car explodes behind him.
   
   The explosion -- and the rapidly falling Sheridan -- capture the
   attention of those in the Garden below, but there is very little time.
   "In Valen's name!" Delenn says.
   
   "Oh my God!" Ivanova exclaims. "Emergency alert. We've got an
   explosion in the core shuttle. We need rescue jetpacks and we need 'em
   now."
   
   "What are you trying to do?" G'Kar asks.
   
   "He's more or less weightless," Ivanova explains. "But the ground is
   rotating at sixty miles an hour. If we can't catch him, he'll be
   killed by the impact."
   
   "You won't have time!" G'Kar offers.
   
   Delenn turns to Kosh, standing by her in a deserted section of the
   garden. "Kosh, you know what's at stake. If you are going to do
   anything, you must do it now!" The headpiece of Kosh's encounter suit
   opens up, a brilliant blue light shining from within.
   
   Sheridan continues to fall as Ivanova receives another communication,
   saying that the rescue team can't get there for two minutes. Ivanova
   tries to get them to hurry, since they have only thirty seconds.
   
   Delenn looks up at Kosh as he emerges from his encounter suit. As Kosh
   soars into the air, she recognizes him as a tall, winged Minbari, the
   bone on his head carved into the shape of a crown. He is glowing with
   white and yellow light as he flies toward Sheridan.
   
   Lennier also recognizes him instantly. "Valeria!" he exclaims.
   
   The Drazi ambassador sees Kosh as well, but sees him differently.
   "Droshalla," he shouts out as he sees a light ensconced Drazi rise
   into the air on her wings.
   
   "G'Lan," G'Kar says breathlessly, referring to the Narn clad in pure
   white who is flying up to Sheridan to rescue him.
   
   Londo looks up as well, puzzled.
   
   As Sheridan falls, he too sees something different. A human male, clad
   all in white, and outlined by a warm yellow glow against his wings,
   holds his hands out to Sheridan, who grasps them. The figure,
   appearing as an angel to Sheridan, helps him to the ground, again in
   the secluded part of the garden. When he arrives, Sheridan is
   astounded. "Kosh?" he asks. The figure nods.
   
   Delenn enters Sheridan's quarters. She was worried about him, but
   Sheridan says he is fine. "The whole station's talking about what
   happened. Every race that was in the garden saw something different...
   yet the same. A being of light."
   
   "Yes," Delenn affirms. "Each according to his or her type."
   
   "But it was Kosh, wasn't it?" Sheridan asks Delenn, and she nods.
   "That's what he meant when he said that if he left his encounter suit,
   he'd be recognized by... everybody," Sheridan concludes.
   
   "For millions of years, the Vorlons have visited other worlds, guided
   them and..."
   
   "Manipulated us? Programmed us so that... when we saw them, we would
   react the right way?"
   
   "It is, as you say, a matter of perspective," Delenn tells Sheridan
   solemnly. "What matters is that he has revealed himself to those who
   understand--you, me... and those who have been watching. The Shadows
   will know what Kosh has done. They will worry, afraid that he would
   not reveal himself unless the Vorlons were prepared to stand against
   them."
   
   "Are they?"
   
   "I do not think so. But as long as the Shadows believe the rest of us
   are unaware of their existence, we have time to prepare."
   
   "Well, let's just hope that nobody find out about them until..."
   Sheridan is interrupted by a call from Ivanova saying that Zeta
   Squadron has returned, but Keffer has not.
   
   In the Zocalo, a Narn and Drazi both describe what they saw in the
   garden. The Narn leaves, but the Drazi asks Londo, sitting nearby,
   what he saw. "Nothing," Londo replies. "I saw... nothing." He turns
   and leaves.
   
   Londo shouts angrily in the council chamber as Ivanova, in voiceover,
   explains. "It was the end of the Earth year 2259, and the war was upon
   us. As anticipated, a few days after the Earth-Centauri treaty was
   announced, the Centauri widened their war to include many of the
   Non-Aligned Worlds. And there was another war brewing closer to home,
   a personal one whose cost would be higher than any of us could
   imagine." The shopkeeper Zack informed on is forced out of his shop,
   closed by the Ministry of Peace "pending allegations of sedition."
   Ivanova, in her quarters, silently and solemnly lights her menorah.
   "We came to this place because Babylon 5 was our last, best hope for
   peace. By the end of 2259, we knew that it had failed. But in so
   doing, it became something greater. As the war expanded, it became our
   last best hope... for victory. Because sometimes, peace is another
   word for surrender. And because secrets have a way of getting out."
   
   The image of the Shadow ship, seen from the beacon Keffer sent out
   appears as an announcer explains. "When our ship encountered a
   distress beacon attached to an EarthForce recording device, these
   images, released exclusively to ISN, were found on that recording.
   Strategic analysts in EarthDome have indicated they don't know who
   this new race might be... but promised to find out." The Shadow vessel
   turns toward the camera and fires, reducing the image to static.

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      [15]Last update: March 18, 1996

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