lurkers-guide/synops/025

<p>
Garibaldi is in MedLab, having the wounds incurred from his former
aide's attack on him examined.  Garibaldi tries lying to Franklin about
his condition, claiming that he is suffering less pain than he actually
is.  Franklin doesn't like this, but tells Garibaldi that he is
improving and should be able to return to work soon.  Garibaldi isn't
sure he wants to return to work, though, since he doesn't seem very
sure about Sheridan's appointment and isn't sure Sheridan can be trusted.

<p>
As Garibaldi
leaves, Franklin offers to talk to him about his problems, but
Garibaldi is less than eager.  "I got shot in the back by my own guy,
my own second-in-command.  He was right there all the time, a snake in
the garden, and I didn't even see it.  What the hell kind of a security
chief am I supposed to be if I can't see something like that?"  He says
that he should have known about Jack's deception, and that he may not
be qualified to be in charge.  "I keep asking myself what qualifies me
to take back my job, and I haven't got an answer.  I wish to hell I
did."  He leaves.

<p>
Londo and Vir are in Londo's quarters, talking to an acquaintance of
Londo's, a noble named Refa.  Refa tells Londo that monitoring stations had
been set up in quadrant 37 to watch the Narn buildup, and when they
heard that Londo would take care of the problem, they thought he was
crazy.  But they were very surprised when the stations reported that
the outpost had been destroyed.  Refa asks how it happened, but Londo
won't tell him.  Refa accepts this and says that Londo has saved
the Centauri from another one of their emperor's mistakes.

<p>
<img align=middle src="/lurk/gif/025/haircut.gif"> Londo and Vir listen to Refa.

<p>
Refa says
that Londo was very clever in the way he took care of the outpost, and
that the Centauri need more people like Londo.  Refa says that, with
the recent death of the emperor's son, there is no clear line of
succession, but that he and his associates plan to take over the job of
ruling when the emperor dies.  Refa says that there will be resistance
to this, and that force will be required.  He asks Londo if he will be
willing to help when the time comes.  Londo has reservations, but
eventually agrees to do so.

<p>
Elsewhere on the station, two groups of Drazi, one wearing purple
sashes, and the other wearing green sashes meet.  As they walk past
each other, one Drazi "accidentally" bumps into another one wearing a
different color, and a brawl between the two groups begins.

<p>
As Refa prepares to leave Babylon 5, Londo says goodbye to him.  Refa
thanks Londo for his help, and tells him that he will attempt to
convince his associates and followers that Londo is the sign that his
group of the Centauri may rise to great power again.  As Refa leaves,
Londo notices someone else standing nearby, a tall human in a long black
cloak.  "Great Maker!" Londo says to Vir.  "A
Technomage!"  Vir doesn't know what a Technomage is, so Londo tells him
that "they use science to achieve the affect of magic."  Londo says
that he hasn't seen one in a long time, and it is unusual to see them
outside of their places of power.  It is even more unusual, and a bad
omen, to see more than one at a time.  The Technomage, followed by two
others, walks by Londo and leaves the area.

<p>
Sheridan and Ivanova are in Sheridan's office, talking about the
incident between the two groups of Drazi.  Sheridan asks about the
conflict, so Ivanova explains what she knows to him.  "It's a cultural
thing.  Once every five years, all the Drazi, here and at home, divide
up into two camps, and fight it out."  But it isn't a fight to the
death-- the battles are used to determine what the dominant group for
the next five years will be.  Sheridan says that he believes this
conflict came at a good time, because he thinks that Ivanova should
learn more about diplomacy, so that she can settle the more minor
conflicts, while Sheridan deals with the station's major problems.
"Besides, added responsibility comes with any promotion.  Don't you
agree... Commander?"

<p>
<img align=middle src="/lurk/gif/025/commander.gif"> Ivanova is promoted.

<p>
As they share a toast of
orange juice, Sheridan tells her that he arranged her promotion after his first
day on the station.  He tells her that her first responsibility is to
solve the Drazi problem.  As he leaves, Commander Ivanova watches the
Drazi over the monitor, in their detention cell, fighting, and sighs as
she realizes the job before her will not be easy.

<p>
Vir finds Londo drinking at a bar.  He informs Londo that the Abai
delegation have an appointment and are waiting to see him.  Ignoring
this, Londo asks Vir if he believes in fate, to which Vir responds that
he sees fate as a series of currents, eddies and tides, that pull one
in certain directions.
Londo tells Vir that, before their first emperor took the throne,
he met with three Technomages.  Londo says that this is a powerful
image to those that follow the old ways.  Londo explains that, if he
had the endorsement of the Technomages, it would have considerable
influence on those back on the Centauri homeworld.  He tells Vir
to arrange it with the Technomages, a task which Vir doesn't want to
perform.  Vir tries some of Londo's drink, hoping it will prepare him
for the task, but it only makes him faint.

<p>
Garibaldi is in his quarters, utterly dejected, playing with his PPG
while staring at the floor.
Sheridan enters, and asks why Garibaldi hadn't been around
to talk to him.  He says that Dr. Franklin diagnosed him fit to return
to work, and wants to know what Garibaldi thinks.  Garibaldi says it
might be easier for everyone if he moved on.  Sheridan puts Garibaldi's
weapon in its holster and replies, "The universe doesn't give
you any points for doing things that are easy." Sheridan tries to
convince Garibaldi to stay, saying that he is a valuable resource he
would like to have at his disposal.  Sheridan wants Garibaldi in the
position, but leaves the decision up to Garibaldi.  Sheridan leaves.

<p>
Ivanova is in the council chamber, addressing the green and purple
Drazi.  She tells them that, although most of the species on Babylon 5
don't care about the conflict, they would prefer it were settled quietly.
She wants to help them find a peaceful solution to their problem.  She
asks them what the nature of the conflict is, and they respond by
saying that it is the colors of the sashes they wear.  She doesn't
understand, and they again respond by saying it is the colors of the
sashes.  She still doesn't understand the situation, especially
regarding the distribution of the sashes, so the leader of the green
Drazi explains further.  "We put green and purple in great barrel,
equal to numbers of Drazi.  Then we reach in, we take.  Where there was
one Drazi people, now there are two.  The two fight until there are
one."

<p>
<img align=middle src="/lurk/gif/025/leaders.gif"> The Drazi leaders.

<p>
They further explain that leadership is determined by who takes
the leader's cloth.  Ivanova finds it outrageous that so much fighting
could come from something so arbitrary, so she removes the purple sash
from one of the Drazi wanting to be certain it is only the color of the
cloth, and nothing else, that determines alignment.  She places it on
another Drazi, who is already wearing a green sash.  Upon doing this,
the Drazi suddenly erupt into violent conflict, with Ivanova trapped in
the middle.  During the battle, several Drazi fall on her, and she
screams in pain.

<p>
Vir arrives at the area on Babylon 5 where the Technomages are
staying.  He introduces himself, but there is no response.  He says
that he needs to speak with someone in charge.  As if in reply, a large
beast with fiery eyes and long fangs appears before him, growling
menacingly.  Vir stands his ground, though, and after a moment, a voice
rings out, "Stop program," and the beast disappears.

<p>
<img align=middle src="/lurk/gif/025/monster.gif"> The beast threatens Vir.

<p>
A Technomage
appears from the shadows and comments on how difficult it was to
frighten him, but Vir says that's a requirement if you work with Londo.
The Technomage asks why Vir is there, and Vir responds that Londo wants
an audience.  The Technomage declines, saying that the Technomages
don't do that sort of thing.  Vir tells the Technomage that Londo is
willing to pay, but the Technomage is not swayed.  Vir tries to appeal
to the Technomage by saying that if he returns without completing the
task, his personal situation will become unfortunate, but the
Technomage counters, saying that if he does not leave, Vir's situation
will become even more unfortunate.  Not wishing to return empty-handed,
Vir asks the Technomage his name.  "Elric," the Technomage answers, and
warns Vir not to return.

<p>
Dr. Franklin examines Ivanova, telling her that her foot is broken in
three places.  He also tells her that, though he can help her, it will
take three weeks to heal, if he speeds up the process, in addition to
her having to wear a cast.  He offers her something for the pain, but
she declines.  Sheridan enters and asks to speak with Ivanova
privately.  He asks her what her next move is, but she isn't sure.  He
offers to postpone the assignment, but she again refuses.  She says
that this is particularly difficult because the Drazi have no differences
that must be resolved.  She believes she needs to come at the problem
from another angle, possibly finding a less-violent way to structure
the conflicts.  Sheridan says he thinks that's a good idea, and
leaves.  Ivanova calls security, telling the Drazi to meet in chambers, so
they can try the resolution again.

<p>
Vir reports to Londo the experience he had with the Technomage, but
Londo finds the situation unacceptable, telling Vir he must return.
Vir tells him that it won't work, and that the Technomages aren't
interested in money or power.  Londo tells Vir that it is very
important that he be seen with them, as it would act as a powerful
symbol.  Londo surmises that if he, as an ambassador, has failed, he
needs to find someone more powerful, someone to whom they will listen.
Londo leaves abruptly.

<p>
Garibaldi is walking around outside the Zocalo when he meets up with Lou
Welch, the security officer.  After some small talk,
Lou asks how Garibaldi is.  Garibaldi says he's all right, and Lou asks
when he will be returning to duty.  Garibaldi doesn't say anything, but
Lou asks again.  Garibaldi still isn't sure, but does say that he will
be returning soon.  Lou receives a call from security, saying that
there are more difficulties with the Drazi.  He has to leave, but tells
Garibaldi he will see him later.

<p>
<img align=middle src="/lurk/gif/025/welch.gif"> Garibaldi and Lou Welch.

<p>
Londo is talking to Sheridan about the Technomages.  Sheridan tells
Londo that he was doubtful about their existence.  Londo says that the
Centauri have had many experiences with them, and that they can be
troublemakers unless one knows how to deal with them.  Londo says that
he does know how to deal with them, and he offers his assistance to
Sheridan with the Technomages.  Sheridan explains to Londo that the
Technomages are emigrating, and that Earth wants information about
their situation.  Sheridan asks for Londo's help, and Londo eagerly
agrees.

<p>
Meanwhile, Ivanova receives news from security that, on the Drazi
homeworld, the violence has escalated from beating to killing.  She
asks if the local Drazi know about it, and asks for a full
tactical squad to back her up.  When she arrives at the council
chambers, she finds the room littered with the bodies of purple Drazi.

<p>
Elric is upset that Sheridan doesn't believe that the Technomages are
there peacefully.  Sheridan tries to explain that, because of the great
numbers of Technomages present -- over a hundred -- and the secrecy behind their
activities, he needs some information to ensure the safety of the
station.  Elric says the Technomages have the right to do whatever they
want.  Sheridan says he just wants answers.  Londo enters,
claiming he was detained.  He sets down the glass he was holding, and
sets something else down behind it.  Elric is upset that Londo is
involved, and tells Sheridan that Londo had been asking for an audience
ever since he arrived.  Londo denies this, but Elric responds by
showing Londo and Sheridan a recording he made of Vir, requesting an
audience.  Londo comments that recording a conversation is a very low
thing to do, but offers forgiveness to Elric.  Elric says he doesn't
want Londo to misrepresent the gesture of friendship as some sort of
endorsement.  When Londo answers negatively, Elric glances at the small
recording device Londo had placed behind the glass; it explodes.
Elric tells Londo he wants respect.  Sheridan threatens Londo with expulsion
from the station for this action.  Londo apologizes, and leaves
quickly.

<p>
<img align=middle src="/lurk/gif/025/playback.gif"> Elric plays back Vir's
message.

<p>
Sheridan accompanies Elric back to his quarters, but says that there
are still questions he needs answered.  Elric asks Sheridan if he
believes in magic.  "When I was twelve, I used to sit in my dad's
garden, the air full of the smell of orange blossoms, watching the sky,
dreaming of far away places...  Back then, I think I believed in just
about everything."  Sheridan says that he thinks there are some things
people don't understand, and that things which
people do not understand might be considered magic; for example, Babylon 5
would be considered magic by humans of a thousand years earlier.

<p>
Elric says that,
in a way, it is magic.  "Magic of the human heart, focused
and made manifest by technology.  Every day you here create greater
miracles than the burning bush."

<p>
"But God was there first," says Sheridan, "and He didn't need plasma
coils or solar collectors."

<p>
"Perhaps.  Perhaps not.  It is within that ambiguity that we exist.  We
are dreamers, shapers, singers, and makers.  We study the mysteries of
laser and circuit, crystal and scanner, holographic demons and
invocations of equations.  These are the tools we employ, and we know
many things."  Sheridan asks what, and Elric answers that they know the
important things -- the answers to some questions that people have asked
since time began.  "Fourteen words to make someone fall in love with
you forever, seven words to make them go without pain, how to say
goodbye to a friend who is dying, how to be poor, how to be rich, how
to rediscover dreams when the world has stolen them from you.  That is
why we are going away -- to preserve that knowledge."  Sheridan asks what
the knowledge must be preserved from, and Elric answers.  "There is a
storm coming, a black and terrible storm.  We would not have our
knowledge lost, or used to ill purpose.  From this place, we will
launch ourselves into the stars.  With luck, you will never see our
kind again in your lifetime.  I know you have your orders, Captain.
Detain us if you wish, but I cannot tell you where we're going.  I can
only ask you to trust us."  Elric takes Sheridan's hand, and closes
it.  He walks away, leaving Sheridan holding an orange blossom.

<p>
Ivanova, on crutches, goes to the quarters of the green Drazi, asking
to see their leader regarding the death of the purples.  At first, the
Drazi outside is reluctant to let her in, but, after some further
coaxing from Ivanova, he relents and lets her inside.  She goes to the
leader, who asks for her help.  He tells her that he has a way to solve
the problem without any fighting, but it will require her help.

<p>
<img align=middle src="/lurk/gif/025/drazi.gif"> Ivanova listens to the plan.

<p>
He asks her to tell the purple Drazi
to gather at brown 29, an isolated section of the station where they
won't disturb anyone else.  Once the purple
Drazi are all there, they will be ejected into space, thereby
causing the greens to win.  Ivanova tries to get him to reconsider,
claiming that they are still Drazi, but the green leader will not
listen, saying only that they are purple, and therefore not important.
She refuses to go along, but he tells her that they already sent a message, in
her name, to the purples, to move the plan forward.  She tries to use her
link to call for help, but she is prevented from this when it
is taken from her.

<p>
Garibaldi is wandering through the corridors of Babylon 5, when he runs
into Lou, who tells him that they received an uplink from Ivanova,
saying that all the purple Drazi should meet in brown 29.  Garibaldi
accepts this for a moment, but quickly
changes his mind.  He asks Lou if it was really an uplink, and not a
personal message.  Lou answers affirmatively, saying that the message
said she would be offline for a while.  Garibaldi asks the source of
the uplink, and runs off.

<p>
Ivanova tries to get the greens to relent, but they are admant in their
refusal to listen to her attempts at helping them.  There is a pounding
outside, and the Drazi at the door opens it, admitting Garibaldi, who
is holding a small black box.  Garibaldi claims he is a salesman, who
wants to sell the Drazi an Acme Handy-Dandy Micro Helper.  He offers to
demonstrate, but is met with resistance.  He says that it is just his
way of helping, but the Drazi continue to refuse.  "If there's anybody
in here who needs a little help," he announces to the room, "just say
the word, and I'm here."  Ivanova elbows a nearby Drazi and shouts out,
"Garibaldi!"  The two of them begin to fight the green Drazi.

<p>
Londo is in his quarters, having considerable difficulty, when Vir
enters.  Londo explains that a holodemon has possessed his data
system.  It is eating up files, records, and buying stocks he would
never purchase for himself, in addition to playing painful Narn
opera continually.

<p>
<img align=middle src="/lurk/gif/025/opera.gif"> Narn opera.

<p>
Vir suggests that Londo apologize.  Londo refuses at first, but
when his computer suddenly reports that he is the new owner of 500,000
shares of Fireflies Incorporated, then blacks out the entire room,
Londo agrees.

<p>
Garibaldi meets up with a large delegation of green Drazi, who have
been marching through the halls, going to brown 29.  Garibaldi says
that the purple drazi accepted their story, and are waiting in there,
but he refuses to let them go in.  Garibaldi says that he plans to
leave the purples in there until the end of the Drazi week.  The green
leader laughs, saying that the Drazi cycle, the length of the conflict,
is not a week, but a year.  A Drazi year is equal to 1.2 Earth years.

<p>
Ivanova and Garibaldi realize they can't keep them in there that long.
She again tries to convince them that their conflict is absurd, as they
are fighting over nothing more than pieces of cloth.  The green Drazi
leader asks why it is different than fighting over a flag.  She says it
is different because flags represent the country of origin, and stand
for something important about the countries over which they fly.

<p>
Ivanova
rips the green sash from the leader of the green Drazi, who, with
the rest of his troops, immediately stands at attention.  He says that
whoever takes the cloth of the green leader becomes the green leader,
and the greens must follow whoever that is.  She doesn't believe that
could possibly to her, but the former green leader explains that the rules of
battle go back long before contact with other races, and the proposed
rule change was lost in bureaucracy.

<p>
Using her new position, Ivanova
orders the green Drazi to follow her to the quartermaster's office,
where she will either lock them in the brig for assaulting her, or
change the colors of their sashes from green to purple.

<p>
Londo cautiously approaches the section of the station where the
Technomages are residing.  He tries to avoid apologizing for as long as
he can, but the strange lights and gutteral noises, as though coming
from a large animal, prompt him to continue.  When the noise reaches
its climax, he finally apologizes for any way in which he might have
offended them.  He offers to help them, should they ever return.
He walks steadily out of the area without noticing the three small
gremlins hanging onto the back of his coat.

<p>
At a party celebrating Garibaldi's return to duty, Ivanova asks what
made Garibaldi return.  He explains that, as Sheridan pointed out, he
does know the station and the people on it better than anyone else.  He
explains that it was because of this he knew Ivanova was in danger--he
knew she would never communicate via an uplink, but would always use
her own link.  He also says that he is perfect for the job
because he doesn't trust anyone, or anything.  Sheridan receives a
message saying that the Technomages are leaving.  Before he leaves,
however, he tells Garibaldi that he is glad he is remaining on the
station.

<p>
Londo approaches Elric, thanking him sarcastically for the gift, which
caused considerable damage to his quarters.  Londo asks Elric if the
torment ends after he leaves, or if he will have to pay for it for the
rest of his life.  "I'm afraid you're going to have to spend the rest
of your life paying for your mistakes.  Not this one, of course.  It's
trivial -- I have withdrawn the spell.  But there will be others."

<p>
<img align=middle src="/lurk/gif/025/farewell.gif"> Londo catches up with Elric.

<p>
Londo asks Elric to explain, which he does.  "You are touched by darkness,
Ambassador.  I see it as a blemish that will grow with time.  I could
warn you, of course, but you would not listen.  I could kill you, but
someone would take your place.  So, I do the only thing I can.  I go.
Oh, I believe it was an endorsement you wanted.  A word or two, a
picture, to send to the folks back home, confirming that you have a
destiny before you."  Elric provides this.  "Well, take this, for
what little it will profit you.  As I look at you, Ambassador Mollari,
I see a great hand reaching out of the stars.  The hand is your hand.
And I hear sounds--the sounds of billions of people calling your
name."

<p>
"My followers?"

<p>
"Your victims."  With that, Elric leaves.

<p>
When told that the Technomage ship is ready to leave, Sheridan
authorizes it to do so.  Looking at the orange blossom given him by
Elric, he ponders its meaning, and the destinies of the Technomages who just
left through the jumpgate to begin their journey.  "What was it he
said?  'Dreamers, shapers, singers, makers...'  Part of me says we'll
not see their like again.  But the part of me that still believes in
magic says, 'Don't be so sure.'"


<h3>Synopsis by Matthew Murray (i9717029@unicorn.it.wsu.edu)</h3>