lurkers-guide/synops/059

<h3>Synopsis by Matthew Murray (mmurray@wsu.edu)</h3>

<p>
<img align=right width=128 height=96 src="/lurk/gif/059/brakiri.jpeg" alt="">
"August 3, 2260.  Personal diary.  Ten days ago, for the first time,
the Shadows began attacking openly."  As Ivanova records her diary
entry, the Shadows attack Brakiri space.
"So far, they've been hitting targets close
to the Rim--the minor powers, a few in the League of Non-Aligned
worlds.  The attacks seem totally random, almost senseless.  If we
thought it was nuts around here before, this has only made things
worse." Morden waits in line in the arrivals area.
"We've had to hire more security
personnel to keep things calm, make sure the wrong type of people don't
get on board.  But without our resources back home for background
checks, we have to assume there will be lapses."  Morden passes
effortlessly through security.  "Everyone's been handling the stress
pretty well, but sooner or later, something's got to give somewhere."
Dr. Franklin, alone in a room, injects himself with stims, knocking
over a lamp in the process.  "Nobody's seen Kosh in almost a week.
When the Vorlon goes to ground, I worry."  Kosh waits in
his quarters.  "What's going through his... its mind, I can't even
guess.  And Londo... Londo is Londo.  You never know which way he'll
jump next..." Londo is making preparations with Vir for the largest
suite on Babylon 5 to be filled with flowers and reserved for Adira,
who is returning to the station.  "So far, we've got everything more or
less under control, as long as nothing else goes wrong."  Morden enters
his quarters, and at his side appears a group of Shadows.

<p>
The Brakiri ambassador tells Sheridan and Ivanova that they cannot
fight the Shadows themselves, and asks for help.  Sheridan says that he
can't help, since they no longer have Earth's support.  Sheridan
explains that the Brakiri were wrong to have trusted the Shadows, but the
ambassador says he felt they were working for, instead of against, the
Brakiri.  Sheridan tells the Brakiri ambassador that he asked the Gaim
ambassador to help the Brakiri, since the worlds near Gaim space
would only help if they were involved.  The Gaim ambassador refuses,
saying that, if they join in the fight, the Shadows will notice them
and come after them.  Sheridan tries to convince the Gaim ambassador
that the Shadows will come after them soon, but the only way the Gaim
ambassador will be swayed is if Sheridan can prove that he has power
equal to that of the Shadows.

<br clear=all>
<p>
<img align=right width=128 height=96 src="/lurk/gif/059/medlab.jpeg" alt="">
It is another hectic time in MedLab where Dr. Franklin and another
doctor, Dr. Hobbs, argue about a patient's condition as he lies
in the isolab, victim of a respiratory failure.  As they are about to
help him, Garibaldi brings in another patient in desperate need of help
of his own.  The techs in the isolab report that Dr. Franklin's
treatment didn't work, yet Franklin insists that they didn't follow his
orders correctly.  Dr. Hobbs tries to convince him that he may be
endangering the patient's life, but her badgering and Garibaldi's
persistence get on his nerves, causing Franklin to shout at everyone.
The new treatment works on the respiratory patient, and Franklin
mumbles out apologies.

<p>
Londo is by himself, recalling the time he spent with Adira a couple of
years earlier, and the happiness that she brought him.  His memories
are interrupted by Vir, who has prepared the suite at Londo's behest.
Londo tells Vir he will be right there, and departs to inspect it.

<p>
As Londo is on his way, however, the corridor suddenly glows with a red
light, and his path is blocked by Morden, who tells Londo that they
have something to settle.  Morden tells Londo that he is disappointed
in him, that Lord Refa will no longer respond to Morden's calls,
and that the Centauri have pulled back their border campaigns.
Morden asks about the deal they made, and insists that the Centauri
government must continue their campaign.  Londo believes Morden has no
interest in the Centauri Republic, and only wants to use them as a
distraction.  Morden threatens Londo, saying that his associates may
turn their eye to the Centauri if Londo stands in the way.  "Then we
will pluck it out," says Londo.  He
pushes past Morden and makes his way down the
corridor.  A Shadow appears and speaks with Morden.  Morden insists
that they need Londo alive, and that he will find other ways to get what
they want.

<br clear=all>
<p>
<img align=right width=128 height=96 src="/lurk/gif/059/bothering.jpeg" alt="">
Garibaldi arrives at Franklin's quarters.  Franklin
is getting ready to put in more overtime in MedLab.  He says he
can handle it, but Garibaldi doesn't agree.  Franklin insists that his outburst
was a one-time thing, but Garibaldi knows it isn't.
He tells Franklin that, if he is
still having problems with the stims, he can help, but Franklin will
not even tolerate the suggestion that he might have a problem.  Though Garibaldi
tries to help further, Franklin will not listen.  Garibaldi tells Franklin
that he will leave him alone, but wants him to remember that he gave
him a chance, and went to him first.  Garibaldi leaves.

<p>
Delenn enters the war room to find Sheridan sitting at the table,
poring over reports of Shadow attacks.  Sheridan says he can't
understand the methods the Shadows are using.  Delenn tells him that
their tactics are the ones they used a thousand years previous to keep
the major powers at bay.  Sheridan says that their only hope is to
organize all the other races into one force, something that has never
been done before, and might not even be possible, since they all have
their rivalries and agendas, which seem incompatible.  Sheridan tells
Delenn that they can't score one victory against the Shadow ships, and that,
if they could, it might convince the others to join in the fight.
Delenn says that that is exactly what they should do, and Sheridan asks
how they do that.  "I'm sure you'll think of something," she says, and
leaves.

<p>
"Every day, people around here start talking more and more like Kosh,"
he says to himself, smiling.  Soon, the smile vanishes, and he begins
formulating an idea.

<br clear=all>
<p>
<img align=right width=128 height=96 src="/lurk/gif/059/info.jpeg" alt="">
Garibaldi searches through the Zocalo until he finds Dr. Hobbs sitting
by herself, filling out forms.  Garibaldi tells Hobbs that she was
right, and that Franklin gave the wrong information to the techs.
Garibaldi tells her that he knows everyone in MedLab needs to have
blood samples taken regularly and tested, but Dr. Hobbs tells him that
the only one with the access needed to see the results is Dr.
Franklin.  Garibaldi asks her to 
pull Franklin's files, but she refuses to do so, though she will tell him
where the information is.  She tells him that she doesn't want to see
Franklin hurt.  Garibaldi agrees, and hopes it isn't too late.  He gets up
and leaves, but Dr. Franklin has witnessed their transaction.

<p>
Vir is speaking with a vendor in the Zocalo about the various effects
needed to complete the welcome for Adira.  After he concludes the
business, he starts off, but sees that Morden is nearby.  Trying to
avoid him, he heads off in another direction, only to run into Morden
in a corridor outside.  Morden asks how he can help, but Vir refuses
the offer, hurrying away instead.  Morden returns to the Zocalo, and
speaks to the vendor, who he convinces to talk about what Vir ordered.

<br clear=all>
<p>
<img align=right width=128 height=96 src="/lurk/gif/059/numbers.jpeg" alt="">
Garibaldi makes his way into Franklin's office, and begins using the
computer, but refrains at the last moment from opening the file.
Franklin sees him, but Garibaldi aborts at the last minute.  Garibaldi
tells Franklin that if, on some level, Franklin doesn't know the truth,
Garibaldi can't help him.
Franklin admits that he ran a test on himself to prove that Garibaldi
was wrong, but found enough stims in his blood stream to prove that he
was, indeed, addicted to them.  He tells Garibaldi how easy it was for
him to lose track, but he knows the numbers don't lie.  Franklin
asks Garibaldi what he intends to do about it.  Garibaldi leaves it up to
Franklin, who then quietly leaves MedLab.

<p>
Sheridan and Kosh walk together down a corridor, with Sheridan
explaining his plan.  "Nobody wants to fight a war unless they know
there's at least a chance of winning.  You can give them that hope.  As
one of the older races, your technology has to be at least as good as
the Shadows'.  Now, if we can convince your government to send out an
expedition to engage one or two of their ships..."

<p>
"No," Kosh replies.

<p>
"All right, I know you can't take the entire Shadow fleet by
yourselves, but if you could beat them at just one fight, it could be
the break we'd need to get everyone organized.  Then we'd have a real
chance.  You could do it, couldn't you?"

<p>
"Perhaps, but there are still few of us.  It is not our time.  It is
yours.  We are not prepared yet."  Kosh then begins to move down the
corridor, away from Sheridan.

<br clear=all>
<p>
<img align=right width=128 height=96 src="/lurk/gif/059/cryptic.jpeg" alt="">
This incenses Sheridan.  "Don't turn your back on me!
Don't you even try to walk away from me!  Just who the hell do you
think you are?!  Oh wait, I know what you think you are, what you want
us to believe.  But I don't buy it.  For three years now, you've been
pulling everyone's strings, getting us to do all the work and you
haven't done a damn thing but stand there and look cryptic!  Well, it's
about time you started pulling your own weight around here!"  Kosh
turns around toward Sheridan, his eyepiece opening and closing slowly,
almost menacingly.

<p>
In C&amp;C, a tech reports to Ivanova that there is an energy surge showing
up on the sensors.  Ivanova asks where it is, but the tech can't
tell--it is a non-localized phenomenon.

<p>
"I hear you've got a saying," Sheridan continues, "'Understanding is a
three-edged sword.'  Well, we've got a saying, too, 'Put your money
where your mouth is!'"

<p>
"Impudent," Kosh says righteously, before turning away again.

<p>
"Yeah?  Well maybe that's the only way to get through to you.  You said
you wanted to teach me to fight legends.  Well you're a legend, too,
and I am not going away until you agree!"

<br clear=all>
<p>
<img align=right width=160 height=120 src="/lurk/gif/059/koshglow.jpeg" alt="">
"Incorrect," Kosh intones.  His eyepiece glows brightly, and a force
throws Sheridan against the wall.  "Leave now!" he orders.

<p>
"No!"

<p>
"Disobedient!"

<p>
"Up yours!"  Sheridan is thrown against the wall by another blast from
Kosh, which gives Sheridan a cut on his face.

<p>
"So, the real Kosh shows his colors at last, huh?  You angry now?
Angry enough to kill me?  Because that's the only way I'm leaving.
Unless your people get off their encounter-suited butts and do
something, I've got nothing to lose!  God, my own government wants to
kill me, and if we lose this war, I'm just as dead!  Our only chance is
to get the other races on board for this fight and right now you're the
key to doing that."

<p>
"It is not yet time," Kosh tells him.

<p>
Sheridan is even more upset now.  "And who decides that time?  You?
You put me in this position.  You asked me to fight this damn war!
Well, it's about time you let me fight it my way!"  Kosh tries to get
away again, but Sheridan won't let him go.  "How many people have
already died fighting this war of yours, huh?  How many more will die
before you come down off that mountain and get involved?  Ships,
colonies, whole worlds are being destroyed out there, and you do
nothing!  How many more?  How many more, Kosh?  How many more dead
before you're satisfied?  Huh?"

<p>
Kosh hits Sheridan with a very powerful force that throws Sheridan
against the wall, but this time he does not let go.  "Go ahead,"
Sheridan invites.  "Maybe one more death will help balance out the
books.  Go on.  Get it over with.  Save us both the trouble later."
Kosh does not agree, and instead lets Sheridan go.

<p>
"I will do as you ask," Kosh says, and begins walking away.  After a
few steps, he turns back to Sheridan.  "But there is a price to pay.  I
will not be there to help you when you go to Z'ha'dum."

<p>
"You already said if I go to Z'ha'dum, I'll die."

<p>
"Yes, now."

<p>
"All right.  If that's the trade-off.  If you want to withhold your
help when the time comes, that's fine.  I'll go it alone."

<p>
"You do not understand," Kosh tells him.  "But you will."  Kosh turns
away from Sheridan and silently heads down the corridor.

<br clear=all>
<p>
<img align=right width=128 height=96 src="/lurk/gif/059/vorlons.jpeg" alt="">
Ivanova reports to Sheridan that the Shadows have been attacking the
Brakiri again as Delenn leads the ambassadors from the group of
potential allies into the war room.  As the Shadows attack the Brakiri,
a new jump point opens, through which pass many Vorlon ships, which
begin attacking the Shadow vessels, destroying several.  Though the
Vorlons are not immune to the attacks of the Shadows, they emerge with
far fewer casualties as the battle rages on.

<br clear=all>
<p>
<img align=right width=128 height=96 src="/lurk/gif/059/adira.jpeg" alt="">
Londo and Vir are awaiting Adira's arrival in the cargo bay, yet after
the last passenger has left the ship, Adira still is nowhere to be
found.  A group of medical officers appear from the ship with a
body on a stretcher.  It's Adira.  Dr. Hobbs, leading
the team, doesn't know how she died, but Londo suspects he knows--he
remembers a recent conversation with Lord Refa, on the topic of poison.
Londo instructs Dr. Hobbs to inspect her for poison, and as the body is
carried away, Londo begins crying.

<p>
The battle concluded, the victorious Vorlon ships enter their jump
point and return from whence they came.  Meanwhile, Morden receives
word from one of his contacts, and seems troubled by what he hears.

<p>
Ivanova informs Sheridan that the news of the victory has spread and
that every ambassador aboard the station is ready to sign on.  Sheridan
wants to go to Kosh and thank him, but Ivanova convinces him to go to
bed instead, and thank him the next day.  However, someone does go to
visit Kosh without delay--Morden, who brings his Shadow associates with
him.

<p>
As Sheridan sleeps, he dreams of his father.  "John... Johnny..."

<p>
"Dad?"  Sheridan says, turning around.

<br clear=all>
<p>
<img align=right width=128 height=96 src="/lurk/gif/059/sheridad.jpeg" alt="">
"I don't have much time, son," his father tells him as a great struggle
begins in Kosh's quarters.  "I want you to know, you were right.  I
didn't want to admit that.  Just pride, I guess.  You get--at my age,
you get kind of set in your ways.  But it had to be done.  Don't blame
yourself for what happened later."  The struggle in Kosh's quarters
continues as Morden watches on emotionlessly.  Sheridan's father
stumbles, apparently very weak.

<p>
"Dad, are you... Are you all right?"

<p>
"It's too late for me.  I'm sorry for what I did before.  I knew what
was ahead.  I guess...  I guess I was afraid.  When you've lived as
long as I have, you... you kind of get used to it.  I wish I
could have done more for you.  There's so much I should have said...
And now it's too late.  You're right.  It's time you begin this war
your way."  He wrenches in pain again.  "I've got to go now, John."

<p>
"No, no... don't... Don't leave," Sheridan pleads.

<p>
"It's all right, son.  See... As long as you're here, I'll always
be here."

<br clear=all>
<p>
<img align=right width=128 height=96 src="/lurk/gif/059/suit.jpeg" alt="">
As the skirmish in Kosh's quarters ends, a pulse of white energy flashes
along the station's axis.  Sheridan awakes, screaming Kosh's
name.  Morden leaves the quarters of the Vorlon quietly, leaving
nothing behind but the charred, twisted remains of Ambassador Kosh's
encounter suit.

<p>
Garibaldi explains that, although he searched the quarters with great
care, they found no sign of forced entry, and no sign of a body.
Garibaldi suggests Kosh might not be dead, but Sheridan and Delenn know
better.  She says that the Vorlons asked that no one be told of Kosh's
death, since such news could destroy the newly-formed alliance.  Since
Kosh is often not seen for weeks, it will give them time to send a
replacement.  Sheridan says that Kosh knew what lay ahead, hence the
warning he gave.  Sheridan feels guilty, believing earlier that Kosh's
warning about Z'ha'dum was punishment, rather than what it was--fear.
Delenn says that Kosh's
encounter suit, and all his other personal effects should be placed in his
ship.

<p>
Londo tells Morden that Adira's death was caused by poison, and he
suspects Morden knows the cause.  Morden tells him that the last he
heard from Lord Refa, he was very upset with Londo, which would be
understandable given the fact that Londo poisoned him.  Morden says
that Refa said something about "evening the score," but couldn't find
out more because Refa stopped talking to him after that.  Morden offers
that he could have stopped him, had he known about it earlier, but he
expresses his most sincere apologies.  Londo picks up a piece of
jewelry, which he gave to Adira, and muses about it sentimentally.
Londo laments that all those die around him, except those who most
deserve it.  "That is about to change," Londo tells him.  "You said
that you would go away for as long as I wanted.  I no longer want
that.  All I want now... is revenge.  They took from me... the one
thing that I have ever truly loved.  And you will help me, Mr. Morden,
to strike them down.  Give me this...  and the safety of my people, and
let the rest of the galaxy burn.  I don't care any more.  Will you help
me, Mr. Morden?"

<p>
"Of course, Ambassador," Morden says, his face displaying concern.  "As
ever, I am always in your service."

<br clear=all>
<p>
<img align=right width=128 height=96 src="/lurk/gif/059/resign.jpeg" alt="">
Sheridan arrives in Medlab to meet with Franklin.  Franklin says
that he feels he hasn't been doing a good job lately, and that he
he can't see anything else in the mirror but his job.  He says he
hasn't lived very much in a long time.  He admits to Sheridan that
he has been taking too many stims, hiding from the truth
about himself.  He says that he no longer has the luxury to hide from his
own problems, and that he needs to stop lying to himself before someone
else pays the price.  He informs Sheridan that he is resigning as Chief
of Staff of the MedLab facility.  Sheridan tries to stop him, but
Franklin won't hear of it.  The two shake hands,
and Franklin leaves quietly, leaving Sheridan alone.

<p>
"And then what?" Garibaldi asks.

<p>
"And then," Delenn explains, "once Kosh's belongings are loaded into
his ship, it will activate itself.  The ship was made for him.  It was
a part of him.  In a curious way, it is alive.  It cannot live without
him."  Kosh's ship leaves the station and begins flying away.
The ship slowly makes its way toward a nearby star, which quickly
envelops it.  "So it will grieve, as we do, in its own way," Delenn
concludes.  "And perform its last duty, in memory of Kosh."