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2092 lines
47 KiB
2092 lines
47 KiB
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<h3>Transcript by Matthew Murray (mmurray@wsu.edu)</h3>
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<p>
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Note: Due to the unusual format of this episode, a transcript is being
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used instead of a typical synopsis. The idea of a transcript has JMS'
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blessing.
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<p>
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<b>Bold</b> text appeared as subtitles onscreen. <em>Emphasized</em>
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text indicates a description of something. (If your browser doesn't show
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one or both of those styles, don't worry; it's usually obvious from the
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context.)
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<p>
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Horizontal lines separate
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major scenes; small shifts in location that might still be considered
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the same scene are noted by three asterisks (* * *).
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<p>
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(Brief technical note)
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The inline images use HTML 3.0 alignment attributes; their placement may look a little
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odd on HTML 2.0 browsers, but not obnoxiously so.
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<p>
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<hr size=5>
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<p align=center>
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ISN Network<br>
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"36 Hours"<br>
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September 16, 2259
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<p>
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<hr>
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<dl>
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<dt>
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Announcer
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<dd>
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We interrupt your evening schedule to bring you the following special program.
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September 16, 2259. The Interstellar Network News presents "36 Hours on
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Babylon 5" with your host, Cynthia Torqueman, reporting live from the ISN News
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Center, in Geneva.
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<p>
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<dt>
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Torqueman (at anchor desk)
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<dd>
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<img align=left width=128 height=96 src="/lurk/gif/037/isndesk.gif">
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Good evening, I'm Cynthia Torqueman. In the hundred or so years since
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humanity went to the stars, we've established outposts and colonies on over
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two dozen worlds in fourteen solar systems. Out of all those far-flung
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outposts, only the Mars Colony, plagued by scattered groups of separatists,
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who have used acts of terror to intimidate the Earth-loyal majority, has
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proven more controversial than the Earth Alliance station, Babylon 5. Located
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in a sector of space near Epsilon Iridani, designated neutral territory,
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Babylon 5 has defied the odds and continued to operate as a free port, a
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center for diplomacy, and a showpiece for the Earth Alliance Resources and
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Technologies division. From its highly publicized debut three years ago,
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recent polls indicate a growing dissatisfaction with the time, money, and
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effort consumed by this space-borne community. So, tonight, we take you to
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the center of the controversy. An ISN crew and I recently spent 36 hours
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aboard Babylon 5, asking hard questions and, on occasion, get in a little over
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our heads. In the process of putting this report together, it didn't take us
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long to learn the most important rule of survival aboard Babylon 5: expect the
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unexpected.
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<p>
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<dt>
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<em>Video Footage</em>
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<dd>
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<em>(The bridge of a ship. Babylon 5 is visible outside, with two much
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smaller ships in front of it)</em>
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<p>
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<dl>
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<dt>
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Torqueman (voiceover)
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<dd>
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This footage was shot from our position on the bridge
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of the Earth transport Heyerdahl, on the final approach to Babylon 5.
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The voices you are hearing are those of the ship's captain and B5
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Command and Control.
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<dt>
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Ivanova
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<dd>
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Confirmed Heyerdahl. We...Narn transport N'ton, return to your
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holding position at once. I repeat, return to your...
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<dt>
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<img align=right width=128 height=96 src="/lurk/gif/037/fire.gif">
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Narn ship
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<dd>
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Shadraka.
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<dt>
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Ivanova
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<dd>
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Centauri vessel Malios, break off.
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<dt>
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Narn
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<dd>
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N'tok! N'tok!
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</dl>
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<p>
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<em>(The Narn ship fires on the Centauri ship several times, destroying
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it.)</em><br clear=all>
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<p>
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<dt>
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Torqueman (at anchor desk)
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<dd>
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A terrible explosion, conspiracy involving several of these individuals
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<em>[pictures of Sheridan, Londo, and G'kar appear over her shoulder],</em>
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lies, deception, and the deaths of hundreds of people. All this and more on "36
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Hours Aboard Babylon 5," here on the Interstellar Network News. We'll be back
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with our story right after this break.
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<p>
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<dt>
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Announcer
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<dd>
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"36 hours...," sponsored by Interplanetary Expeditions. Exploring the past
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to create a better future.
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</dl>
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<p>
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<hr>
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<em>Commercial break</em>
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<hr>
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<p>
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<dl>
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<dt>
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Torqueman (from a chaotic docking bay)
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<dd>
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Thirty minutes ago, a Narn vessel opened fire on a Centauri transport without
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warning or explanation. The bodies of the dead and wounded are being brought
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to this central docking area for transfer to various MedLab facilities on
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Babylon 5, which are already working beyond maximum capacity. Behind me is
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Dr. Stephen Franklin, Chief of Staff. Doctor? Doctor Franklin?
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<p>
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<dt>
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Franklin (to medical assistants)
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<dd>
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...for immediate surgery and full CAT scan. I need more regent packs over
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here, people.
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<p>
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<dt>
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Torqueman
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<dd>
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Dr. Franklin, Cynthia Torqueman, ISN news. What happened here?
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<p>
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<dt>
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Franklin
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<dd>
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I don't know. Somebody said something about an ambush. (to assistants)
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All right, keep his head elevated thirty degrees minimum or he'll choke on his
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own blood.
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<p>
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<dt>
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Torqueman
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<dd>
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Can you say what the reason was...
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<p>
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<dt>
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Franklin
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<dd>
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I'm sorry...
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<p>
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<dt>
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Torqueman
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<dd>
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Captain Sheridan! Cynthia Torqueman, ISN news. Do you have any comment on
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what just happened here?
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<p>
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<dt>
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Sheridan
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<dd>
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No, no comment at this time. (to Franklin) Doctor...
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<p>
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<dt>
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Torqueman
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<dd>
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What about the Narn vessel that attacked the transport.
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<p>
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<dt>
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Sheridan
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<dd>
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We dispatched a fighter wing to apprehend them. We won't know anything more
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until they're in protective custody. If you will excuse me please.
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<p>
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<dt>
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<hr>
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<p>
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<p>
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<dt>
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<b>Ambassador Londo Mollari, Centauri Republic</b>
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<dd>
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This is exactly the kind of behavior that endangers the very purpose of
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Babylon 5. This place is dedicated to finding peaceful solutions to our
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problems. For the Narn to carry their vendetta against our people into
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neutral territory like this is reckless and irresponsible. And though we
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mourn our own losses, we have felt strongly about our friends from Earth, ever
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since we first encountered your world a hundred years ago. To endanger your
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people for no reason...
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<p>
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<dt>
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Torqueman
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<dd>
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Then the attack on your transport was completely unprovoked?
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<p>
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<dt>
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Ambassador Mollari
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<dd>
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Of course.
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<p>
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<dt>
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* * *
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<p>
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<dt>
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<b>Ambassador G'kar, Narn Regime</b>
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<dd>
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He's lying.
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<p>
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<dt>
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Torqueman
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<dd>
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Then can you tell us why your ship opened fire on the Centauri transport?
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<p>
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<dt>
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G'kar
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<dd>
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I'll issue a statement after I have consulted with my government.
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<p>
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<dt>
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Torqueman
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<dd>
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Are you saying your government sanctioned this attack?
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<p>
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<dt>
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G'kar
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<dd>
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No.
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<p>
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<dt>
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Torqueman
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<dd>
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Do you think attacks of this nature put everybody aboard Babylon 5 in
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unnecessary jeopardy?
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<p>
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<dt>
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G'kar
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<dd>
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We are already in far greater jeopardy than you can possibly imagine.
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<p>
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<dt>
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<hr>
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<p>
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<dt>
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Torqueman
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<dd>
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For all the apparent danger in this part of space, it seems to have had little
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effect on travel. Nearly a quarter of a million humans and aliens are here at
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any given moment. While most are in transit to distant worlds, many others
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actually live and work here. What does it take to call a place like this
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home?
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<p>
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<dt>
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* * *
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<p>
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<dt>
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<b>Eduardo Delvientos. Dock Supervisor. Guild dockworkers on B5: 1500.</b>
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<dd>
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Well, it's a...it's a job. I've been in a lot worse places, let me tell you.
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It gets crazy around here sometimes, you got fifty, sixty ships a day coming
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through here, loading and unloading, and every last one of them is a priority
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job, at least that's what they tell us. (to a worker) Hey, watch those
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crates over there. Get 'em over to the side. No, no, the other side. (to
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Torqueman) We had a couple of problems here last year, try to hit us with
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some budget cuts. You know, same old song. But that's the past. You gotta
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go along to get along, you know what I mean?
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<p>
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<dt>
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<hr>
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<p>
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<dt>
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<b>Second Lieutenant David Corwin. Earthforce personnel on B5: 6500.</b>
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<dd>
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Overall, I've found this to be a good working environment, and a valuable
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experience. I've learned a lot while I've been here.
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<p>
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<dt>
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Torqueman
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<dd>
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And you've never felt that your safety has been compromised?
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<p>
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<dt>
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Corwin
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<dd>
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No ma'am.
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<p>
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<dt>
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Torqueman
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<dd>
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So this has been a positive experience for you?
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<p>
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<dt>
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(Corwin smiles and nods)
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<p>
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<dt>
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Torqueman
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<dd>
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<img align=right width=128 height=96 src="/lurk/gif/037/corwin.gif">
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You enjoy working with everyone?
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<p>
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<dt>
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Corwin
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<dd>
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(Glancing at Ivanova over left shoulder) Yes. It's a calm, pleasant
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environment. I don't think I've ever seen anyone get upset here.<br clear=all>
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<p>
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<dt>
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<hr>
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<p>
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<dt>
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<b>Captain John J. Sheridan. Recipient, Earthforce Silver Star for Valor in
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Minbari War.</b>
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<dd>
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I guess it's the old joke, "You don't have to be crazy to work here, but it
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helps." I suppose there is a...certain attraction to being out here on the
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edge like this. A new frontier...
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<p>
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<dt>
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Torqueman
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<dd>
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New frontier is right. When Babylon 5 went online in 2257, oddsmakers from
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New Vegas to Lloyds of London were predicting it wouldn't last six months.
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<p>
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<dt>
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Sheridan
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<dd>
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Hmm. Well, I've never been very much on gambling. Never quite found the time
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for it.
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<p>
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<dt>
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Torqueman
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<dd>
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You were originally a starship captain, correct?
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<p>
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<dt>
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Sheridan
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<dd>
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Yeah. The Agamemnon. She was a real beauty. One of the first Omega class
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destroyers to come off the assembly line after the war. Our job was part
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military patrol, part diplomatic mission. We went around to most of the Non-
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Aligned Worlds, put in an appearance, kept the peace, that sort of thing.
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<p>
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<dt>
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Torqueman
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<dd>
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Babylon 5 has been through some dramatic changes in administration since it
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became operational. Would you attribute these changes to...bad management,
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or, to quote former Senator Hidoshi, "Is this horse just to big for anybody to
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ride?"
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<p>
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<dt>
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Sheridan
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<dd>
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Changes are part of the military life. Everybody goes into this knowing that
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tomorrow you could be someplace you hadn't even heard of 24 hours ago. I've
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been stationed so many places over the years I can't even remember most of
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them. But you're right. Some days this is one hell of a big horse.
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<p>
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<dt>
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<hr>
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<p>
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<dt>
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<b>Dr. Stephen Franklin. Chief of Staff. Medlab facility. Speciality:
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Xenobiology</b>
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<dd>
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<img align=left width=128 height=96 src="/lurk/gif/037/franklin.gif">
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You know what the folks back home don't understand, the ones who've never
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left Earth, is just how dangerous space can be. Aside from incidents like
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this, just the everyday reality of living your days and nights in a big tin
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can surrounded by a vacuum. I remember my first time on a transport, on the
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Moon-Mars run. I was just a kid, maybe seventeen. A buddy of mine was
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messing around, and zipping through the halls, and he hid in one of the
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airlocks. I don't know, I guess he was gonna try to scare us or something, I
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don't know...But just as I got close, he must have hit the wrong button
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because the air doors slammed shut, the space doors opened, and he just flew
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out into space. You know, the one thing they never tell you is that you don't
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die instantly in vacuum. Just hung there, against the black, like a puppet
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with his strings all tangled up. Or one of those old cartoons where you run
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off the edge of a cliff and your legs keep going. You could see that he was
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trying to breathe, but there was nothing. The one thing I remember, when they
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pulled in his body, his eyes were frozen. A lot of people make jokes about
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spacing somebody, about shoving somebody out an airlock. I don't think it's
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funny. Never will.
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<p clear=all>
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<dt>
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<hr>
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<p>
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<dt>
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Torqueman
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<dd>
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Although the airlocks on Babylon 5 are considerably safer, the last three
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years have shown that the station itself is anything but secure. In its
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first year of operation, there were half a dozen murders, three acts of
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sabotage including a bomb that blew out two levels, and a barely averted
|
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attack by the Vorlon Empire. Since then, there have been fifty deaths by
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violence. So the question remains, given its cost in lives and money, is
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Babylon 5 serving any useful purpose, or, as we're about to see, is the whole
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thing falling apart at the seams?
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<p>
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<dt>
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<hr>
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<p>
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<dt>
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G'kar
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<dd>
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I've just been briefed by my government, and I'm prepared to issue the
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following statement. The Centauri ship that was attacked by one of our
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vessels was not simply a commercial transport. It was secretly transferring
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weapons of mass destruction to ships bound for the front lines where they were
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to be used in the war against our people. They have turned Babylon 5 into a
|
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weapons supply post, and we cannot allow this to continue, even if it means
|
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shutting down Babylon 5 completely.
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</dl>
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|
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<p>
|
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<hr>
|
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<em>commercial break</em>
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<hr>
|
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|
|
<dl>
|
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<dt>
|
|
Announcer
|
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<dd>
|
|
"36 Hours on Babylon 5" continues with Cynthia Torqueman.
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|
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<p>
|
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<dt>
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Torqueman (at anchor desk)
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<dd>
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According to figures released by the newly-formed office of public morale,
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President William Clark has risen to dramatic new levels of popularity,
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because of his administration's emphasis on addressing the needs of Earth. As
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a result, recent hearings in Earthdome have openly questioned how much time
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and money should be invested in a project that seems perpetually bogged down
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in non-human conflict. So, we took that question to Senator Ronald Quantrell.
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<p>
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<dt>
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* * *
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<p>
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<dt>
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<b>Senator Ronald Quantrell. Chairman: Babylon 5 Senate Oversight
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Committee.</b> (in his office)
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<dd>
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Well, obviously, Babylon 5 is something President Santiago believed in very
|
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strongly and I think we owe it to his memory to try to make it work.
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<p>
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<dt>
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Torqueman
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<dd>
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That doesn't exactly sound like a ringing endorsement.
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<p>
|
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<dt>
|
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<img align=right width=128 height=96 src="/lurk/gif/037/quantrell.gif">
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Quantrell
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<dd>
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Well, clearly we've taken a lot of heat, and the cost overruns have been
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appropriately astronomical. But let's remember that the Babylon Project was
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conceived right after the Earth-Minbari war. At that time, the idea of a
|
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diplomatic station designed to keep anything like that from happening again
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was very appealing.<br clear=all>
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<p>
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<dt>
|
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Torqueman
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<dd>
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|
And now?
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<p>
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<dt>
|
|
Quantrell
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<dd>
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|
Now? Well...still too early to tell. Certainly we've rebuilt our military
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forces to a point far in advance of where they were fourteen years ago. If
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the Earth-Minbari war started today, I think things might have gone a little
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differently. So, while I'm not sure how much...concrete benefit we really
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derive from Babylon 5 any longer, I suppose it still does keep us in a highly
|
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visible position with other races, and of course it's very important to
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interstellar commerce and trade.
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<p>
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<dt>
|
|
* * *
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<p>
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<dt>
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|
Sheridan
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Well, with all due respect to Senator Quantrell, speaking as someone who did
|
|
his part in the front lines, I'd have to say we still haven't fully recovered
|
|
from the Minbari war. And we haven't anywhere near the level of technology
|
|
we would need in the event of another major conflict. And anybody who thinks
|
|
that we could hold our own with the Minbari, the Centauri, and, God forbid, the
|
|
Vorlons, is just plain kidding himself.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
You sound angry about it.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Sheridan
|
|
<dd>
|
|
No, I'm not. It just...it just sounds to me like...like jingoism and
|
|
self-deception and armchair quarterbacking. Any time you lose a war, you
|
|
just...you just wait a few years, and you'll hear from everyone who thought
|
|
that we could have won if they'd have done the fighting.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Except, of course, Captain, we didn't lose the war. The Minbari did
|
|
surrender.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Sheridan
|
|
<dd>
|
|
(Pause, then smile) Of course.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Who are the people who run Babylon 5, and what do they do here? What are
|
|
their hopes and dreams? I'm standing in what's called the Observation Dome,
|
|
or C&C, short for Command and Control. When the Captain is otherwise engaged
|
|
with diplomatic or business affairs, this place is under the watchful eye of
|
|
its perky and energetic commander, Susan Ivanova.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Commander Susan Ivanova (to a ship)
|
|
<dd>
|
|
All right, make one more sweep pulling in whatever you got, then head for the
|
|
barn.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Commander Ivanova, would you mind telling us what it is you're doing here?
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Ivanova (showing her a control panel displaying the HAZMAT team)
|
|
<dd>
|
|
We're investigating Ambassador G'kar's allegations that the Centauri transport
|
|
was carrying weapons, justifying his government's attack. The HAZMAT team
|
|
outside is checking the debris for any unusual levels of radiation or trace
|
|
elements that could indicate the presence of unauthorized weapons.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
While we wait for the analysis, would you mind telling us a little about
|
|
yourself, how you got here?
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Ivanova
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Well, there's really not much to tell. I was born in the Russian Consortium,
|
|
but spent most of my life at school abroad. Graduated from OTC ten years ago.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
How did you come to join Earthforce?
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Ivanova
|
|
<dd>
|
|
After my brother Ganya was killed in the war, I felt that I had to try and
|
|
finish what he started. Of course, as my luck runs, the war was over before I
|
|
saw any action.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Now, Commander, I'm sure there's more to your story than that.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Ivanova
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Yes.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<b>Security Chief Michael Garibaldi</b>
|
|
<dd>
|
|
What do I hope for? I hope to get through this interview without getting
|
|
myself fired. How's that for a start? Hmm. I don't know, it's one of those
|
|
questions I don't think about in words. Maybe because so many times it seems
|
|
like, if I say what I want, it never comes.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
There must be something.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Garibaldi
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Yeah. There are...little hopes I guess. Every day I get up and I hope nothing
|
|
will happen. I'd love to be just bored out of my skull for twenty-four hours.
|
|
And, uh, I guess I keep hoping that someday, somewhere I'll make a difference.
|
|
That at the end of the day, everything we've gone through for the past few
|
|
years will, uh, mean something.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Ivanova (over communicator)
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Garibaldi, we just got back the HASMAT report. We've got a problem.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Garibaldi (getting up)
|
|
<dd>
|
|
See what I mean? Always something.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
So far, we've spent most of our time here talking to the humans, but aliens
|
|
make up nearly forty-two percent of Babylon 5's population. Many of them live
|
|
here in the so-called "Alien Sector," which provides alternate atmospheres for
|
|
fourteen different species. Ironically, the "Alien Sector" is how the aliens
|
|
here refer to the human part of the station proving once again that beauty...
|
|
and the beast...are in the eye of the beholder. Probably the most elusive of
|
|
all the aliens is Ambassador Kosh Naranek, a representative of the Vorlon
|
|
Empire, sent here roughly two years ago. Nothing is known of the Vorlons, in
|
|
fact three expeditions sent into Vorlon space over the years have never
|
|
returned. The Vorlon government said they had met with accidents...and suggested
|
|
no further expeditions. Even their appearance is a mystery, compounded by the
|
|
fact that Ambassador Kosh can only leave his quarters in an encounter suit,
|
|
which contains his atmosphere and other life support equipment. A few moments
|
|
ago, while we were setting up this shot, we got our first glimpse of the
|
|
Vorlon as he was leaving his quarters just behind me. This is an ISN
|
|
exclusive, presented here for the first time.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<em>Video Footage</em>
|
|
<dd>
|
|
<em>(Cynthia Torqueman, wearing an oxygen mask, is speaking with someone
|
|
else also wearing a mask.)</em>
|
|
|
|
<dl>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Man's Voice
|
|
<dd>
|
|
It's Ambassador Kosh, over here!
|
|
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Maxie, quick, the camera!
|
|
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<em>(The camera pans to reveal Ambassador Kosh.)</em>
|
|
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Ambassador Kosh! Ambassador! Cynthia Torqueman, ISN news.
|
|
Can we ask you a few questions?
|
|
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<em>(The doors in front of Kosh close.)</em>
|
|
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Ambassador Kosh! (to camera) Did we get that? Tell me we
|
|
got that. Did we get it?
|
|
|
|
</dl>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
* * *
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Second in elusiveness to the Vorlon is Ambassador Delenn of the Minbari
|
|
Federation. After initially refusing several requests for an interview, she
|
|
finally agreed to talk to us.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Since very few humans have ever been allowed on Minbar, perhaps you could
|
|
start by telling us a little about your world.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<b>Ambassador Delenn. Minbari Federation.</b>
|
|
<dd>
|
|
We are the seventh planet from our sun
|
|
<em>[a graphic of Minbar appears over her
|
|
shoulder].</em>
|
|
Almost one quarter of Minbar is covered by our north polar icecap.
|
|
Because our world is rich with crystalline deposits, many of our cities are
|
|
cut directly out of crystal formations. During the spring, the patterns of
|
|
color caused by the light are breathtaking. Let's see, what else? We have
|
|
three basic languages, Len'au, Feek, and Audronado, which is the language of
|
|
the Religious Caste.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Can you give us an example of Audronado?
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Delenn
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Neech sach schnek, slem-ba. I am your friend, in peace.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Your appearance, though, isn't typical of your people, is it?
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Delenn
|
|
<dd>
|
|
No.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
According to station records, you looked quite different a year ago. <em>[An
|
|
image of Delenn's old appearance appears over Delenn's shoulder.]</em>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Delenn
|
|
<dd>
|
|
I volunteered for this change, in the hope that it would lead to a better
|
|
understanding between our peoples.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Over a quarter million humans were killed in the war with your people. How
|
|
do you think the families of those victims will feel about your...change?
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Delenn
|
|
<dd>
|
|
I, uh...I don't know. I uh...I would hope...
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
I think they would feel hurt, betrayed. That by assuming a human face, you're
|
|
taking a part of us you're not entitled to. What would you say to them? To
|
|
all the husbands and wives and children and brothers and sisters of the people
|
|
who were killed in the war with your people, and now see a Minbari...with a
|
|
human face?
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<img align=right width=160 height=120 src="/lurk/gif/037/delenn.gif">
|
|
Delenn
|
|
<dd>
|
|
I'm uh...I'm sorry, I can't...can we...can we stop this? Please?
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Ivanova (over communicator)
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Ambassador Delenn, you're needed in the council chambers. Ambassador?
|
|
Ambassador Delenn?<br clear=all>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
We've just been informed that there's been a new development in the Narn
|
|
attack. The Babylon 5 Advisory Council and the League of Non-Aligned Worlds
|
|
have been convened to hear this update. We've been given permission to record
|
|
these proceedings in the council chambers.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
G'kar
|
|
<dd>
|
|
And now, thanks to Commander Ivanova's investigation, we have proof of what
|
|
we've been saying all along. An inspection of the destroyed Centauri has
|
|
found conclusive proof that she was carrying fusion bombs and support
|
|
equipment for ion cannons, mass drivers, and heavy-energy weapons!
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Sheridan (banging gavel)
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Now we have already filed a complaint with the Centauri government on the
|
|
grounds that Babylon 5 is neutral territory, and is not to be used as a
|
|
staging ground or a munitions depot.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Londo
|
|
<dd>
|
|
If I may make an observation...
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Sheridan
|
|
<dd>
|
|
It is this kind of irresponsible activity, Ambassador, that endangers this
|
|
station and everyone here. It will not be tolerated!
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Londo
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Classified shipments and weapons are transferred outside the station, from ship
|
|
to ship. The risk to Babylon 5 is minimal.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Sheridan
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Oh, we've already seen your minimal risk, Ambassador.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Londo
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Caused by their attack on one of our vessels! Our ships have the right to carry any
|
|
cargo they choose. We will not surrender our sovereign rights.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Delenn
|
|
<dd>
|
|
The sovereign rights of any race end with the threat of innocents.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
G'kar
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Enough! They're doing what they always do--using details to distract us from
|
|
doing what must be done! There are seven more Centauri vessels berthed
|
|
outside, and I have reason to believe that they also carry weapons of mass
|
|
destruction to be used against our people. My government demands that these
|
|
ships be impounded and their weapons seized!
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Londo
|
|
<dd>
|
|
No, no, no! We will not allow this!
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Sheridan (banging gavel)
|
|
<dd>
|
|
This is Babylon 5's space. And here, we have sovereign rights.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Londo
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Our ships will defend themselves against any who try to seize them.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Delenn
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Perhaps, if the transports return to Centauri space...
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
G'kar
|
|
<dd>
|
|
We cannot allow those ships to leave here with their weapons. They'll just
|
|
turn right around and use them against us.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Sheridan
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Then how do you intend to...[there is a loud sound, and the lights in the
|
|
room dim suddenly] What the hell?
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Ivanova (over monitor)
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Captain, we need you in C&C. We've got a shooting war going on out here.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<em>Video Footage</em>
|
|
<dd>
|
|
<em>(Securecam 15 shows several shots being exchanged before one ship is
|
|
destroyed. The blast causes debris from the ship to strike the
|
|
camera, and the image fades to static.)</em>
|
|
|
|
</dl>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
<em>commercial break</em>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dl>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
The sounds you hear are heavy weapons on the Narn and Centauri vessels doing
|
|
battle just outside Babylon 5. The station is on a priority one alert, and
|
|
people are being evacuated to shelters. We're en route to C&C to try and
|
|
cover the battle. As we speak, our vidsystems are being plugged into the
|
|
station's external cameras and communications systems, and we should be
|
|
seeing...
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<em>Video Footage</em>
|
|
<dd>
|
|
<em>(Securecam 02 shows an image of several ships firing at each other.)
|
|
</em>
|
|
|
|
<dl>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Voice of starfury pilot
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Coming in. Reading five, repeat five
|
|
incoming hostiles. No reply. Got the beacon targeting systems
|
|
online.
|
|
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<img align=right width=128 height=96 src="/lurk/gif/037/cockpit.gif">
|
|
<em> (The image shifts to a camera inside a starfury cockpit.)</em>
|
|
|
|
<dt>Voice of pilot
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Delta leader to hostile vessels. You are ordered to
|
|
cease fire at once. Do you copy? You are ordered to surrender or we
|
|
will open fire.
|
|
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<em>
|
|
(Securecam 08 shows a Centauri vessel destroyed by a Narn ship. The
|
|
image shifts to Securecam 23, which captures more shooting before it
|
|
is disabled by fire from a Narn ship.)</em>
|
|
<br clear=all>
|
|
|
|
</dl>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Sheridan (in C&C)
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Damage report?
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Ivanova
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Levels brown ninety through ninety-two report damage. Hull breach in blue
|
|
seventy. Dropping pressure doors.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Sheridan
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Get a repair crew down there, stat.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
An Officer
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Aye, sir.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Sheridan
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Any reply yet?
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Ivanova
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Negative. Hostile forces continue to fire at each other. They've started
|
|
targeting our ships.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
An Officer
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Delta squadron requesting permission to fire.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Ivanova
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Ambassadors Londo and G'kar on the link. They're saying that if we open fire
|
|
on their vessels, they'll consider it an act of war.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Sheridan
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Screw 'em. We have a quarter million people here to defend. If they won't
|
|
stop this, we will. (to ships) All fighters, open fire. Fire at will.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Video Footage
|
|
<dd>
|
|
<em>(In the cockpit of the delta leader.)</em>
|
|
|
|
<dl>
|
|
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Pilot
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Roger, Babylon Control. Delta squad, open fire. Target
|
|
engines and navigation if possible, but if you have to take them out,
|
|
do it. (to himself) Come on. Come on. Heaters lit. Come to papa.
|
|
Got it. Bombs away.
|
|
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<img align=right width=128 height=96 src="/lurk/gif/037/flyby.gif">
|
|
<em>(He fires on a small Narn ship as he passes by the observation dome.)</em>
|
|
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Pilot
|
|
<dd>
|
|
This is seven. Target splashed.
|
|
|
|
</dl>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Ivanova
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Two Narn vessels destroyed, two damaged and out of the fight. Remaining
|
|
Centauri vessels are offering to surrender.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Sheridan
|
|
<dd>
|
|
All right. Pick 'em up, bring 'em in, and throw them in the brig. And I want
|
|
every one of those ships scanned for weapons. And tell Ambassadors G'kar and
|
|
Londo that I want to see them in chambers now.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Ivanova
|
|
<dd>
|
|
And what if they refuse?
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Sheridan
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Then you can throw them in the...
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Ivanova (motioning toward camera)
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Ahem.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Sheridan
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Then invite them again, as firmly and politely as you can. This nonsense has
|
|
gone far enough.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
The "nonsense" Captain Sheridan referred to is the Narn-Centauri war, which,
|
|
over the past several months, has grown into a conflict which threatens to spill
|
|
into other systems and lead to an escalation of hostilities. Prior to the
|
|
battle we just witnessed, ISN spoke with representatives from both sides, in
|
|
order to better understand the history of this conflict.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
G'kar
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Roughly one hundred and fifty of your years ago, the Centauri came to our
|
|
world. Narn was a green and fertile place then. We greeted them in peace,
|
|
and spent the next hundred years in chains. But we never gave up hope. We
|
|
formed a resistance, learned their secrets, turned their own machines against
|
|
them, and finally drove them from our world.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
How did you become involved with the resistance?
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
G'kar
|
|
<dd>
|
|
My family lived in G'kamizad, one of the larger cities on Narn. My father...
|
|
served in a Centauri household during the last years of the rebellion. I was
|
|
barely a pouchling at the time. My mother was ill, unable to escape through
|
|
the underground, so we all stayed. It was a difficult time--we were striking
|
|
deep into Centauri resources. Things were tense. One day, my father spilled
|
|
a cup of hot jala on the mistress of the house, and...and she had him killed.
|
|
They took him out, tied his hands together, and hung him from a Jalwa tree for
|
|
three days. I came to him the last night against my mother's orders, and he
|
|
looked down at me. He said he was proud and to go and fight and...be all the
|
|
things he never was. Then he died. The next morning I ran away and killed my
|
|
first Centauri.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Why do you think they invaded back then?
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
G'kar
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Why does any advanced civilization seek to destroy a less-advanced one?
|
|
Because the land is strategically valuable, because there are resources that
|
|
can be cultivated and exploited, but most of all, simply because they can.
|
|
You have experienced much the same on your own world. There are humans for
|
|
whom the words "never again" carry special meaning, as they do for us.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
How do you respond to reports that your military has lost six out of the last
|
|
seven engagements with the Centauri forces, and now the war consists mainly of
|
|
holding actions and forced retreats?
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
G'kar
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Centauri propaganda. We will never fall back. We will never surrender.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
* * *
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Londo
|
|
<dd>
|
|
When we first met the Narn they were, what, a primitive people. We gave them
|
|
technology centuries ahead of their own, took them with us to the stars,
|
|
taught them laws, civilized them. They repaid us with terror and death.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
So you're saying that the Centauri originally came to help the Narns?
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Londo
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Of course. And at considerable expense, I might add. Which is why we finally
|
|
left. We wished them well, but the cost, you've seen.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Then you weren't driven off the Narn homeworld?
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Londo
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Please. The Narn have rewritten history enough, don't you think? If they
|
|
wanted us gone, we were hardly going to force the issue. But ever since, they
|
|
have grown more and more irrational, have gone out of their way to harm us,
|
|
to seize Centauri territory. Finally, we had to take a stand. They were the
|
|
ones who declared war. Not us. We want only peace.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
"We want only peace." Both sides say the same thing. But as we've just seen,
|
|
the reality is anything but peaceful. With the skirmish outside concluded,
|
|
and the captured Centauri vessels about to undergo a complete search, things
|
|
seem to have calmed down a bit.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Ivanova
|
|
<dd>
|
|
What is it?
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Officer
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Jump point forming in sector seven.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Ivanova
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Are they crazy? That's practically on top of us.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Officer
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Reading one Centauri battle cruiser.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Maxie, do we still have a feed from the external monitors? Are they on-li...
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<em>Video Footage</em>
|
|
<dd>
|
|
<em>(Securecam 27 shows an enormous Centauri cruiser appear through a
|
|
jump point.)</em>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Officer
|
|
<dd>
|
|
We've got Ambassador Mollari on the link.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Ivanova
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Put him through. Ambassador Mollari, what the hell is going on here?
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Londo
|
|
<dd>
|
|
I'm sorry this has come as such of a surprise, Commander, but I warned you
|
|
not to interfere. You have no right to search or detain our ships. If we
|
|
don't act in our own defense, we invite the same from others.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Officer
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Centauri cruiser is arming weapons, opening her gun ports.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<img align=right width=128 height=96 src="/lurk/gif/037/force.gif">
|
|
Londo
|
|
<dd>
|
|
The cruiser will blockade Babylon 5 until our ships are returned to Centauri
|
|
custody intact and unopened. Any ship attempting to enter or leave Babylon 5
|
|
will be fired upon, boarded, and sent back. We will use the minimum possible
|
|
level of force, but if provoked, we are prepared to use deadly force. Even
|
|
against Babylon 5 itself.<br clear=all>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Announcer
|
|
<dd>
|
|
ISN. The galaxy's most important network.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<em>Commercial</em>
|
|
<dd>
|
|
<dl>
|
|
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<em>
|
|
(A young boy sits alone in a living room, dejected. His mother comes
|
|
in.)
|
|
</em>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Mother
|
|
<dd>
|
|
John, why aren't you outside playing with the other kids?
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
John
|
|
<dd>
|
|
They hate me.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Mother
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Now, John...
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
John
|
|
<dd>
|
|
It's true. I'm just...I'm different, Mom. I can feel what they
|
|
think about me, and they know I can. I called one of them a liar
|
|
because I knew he wasn't telling the truth somehow. And he just kept
|
|
hitting me until I said I was the liar. I just don't know what to do
|
|
anymore.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<em>(A Psi Cop appears in the far corner of the room.)</em>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Psi Cop
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Don't worry, Johnny. We'll take care of it from here.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
John
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Mom! Look! A Psi Cop!
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<img align=right width=128 height=96 src="/lurk/gif/037/psi-help.gif">
|
|
Psi Cop
|
|
<dd>
|
|
That's right, Johnny. You know, there a lot of other kids
|
|
who feel just the same way you do. They're confused and afraid, but
|
|
they don't have to be. The problem isn't that other kids don't like
|
|
you, it's that they don't understand you. But we do. You're special.
|
|
You're a latent telepath about to come into full bloom.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Mother
|
|
<dd>
|
|
My Johnny? A telepath?
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Psi Cop
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Probably. But to be sure, take him down to the Psi Corps
|
|
Testing Center first thing tomorrow.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Mother
|
|
<dd>
|
|
How do I find one?
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Psi Cop
|
|
<dd>
|
|
We're everywhere...for your convenience. We have offices
|
|
in schools and children's hospitals. We even have mobile testing
|
|
centers that travel the country. And if he qualifies, we'll give
|
|
him an education, a job, a purpose. And, we'll pay all his bills
|
|
for life.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<img align=right width=128 height=96 src="/lurk/gif/037/psi-before.gif">
|
|
Mother
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Oh my!
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<em>(A large Psi Corps symbol appears on the screen, with the words TWO
|
|
WEEKS LATER below it.)</em>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Mother
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Oh, John. I can't believe it. You've come so far. Just look
|
|
at you. We're all so proud.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
John
|
|
<dd>
|
|
<img align=right width=128 height=96 src="/lurk/gif/037/psi-after.gif">
|
|
And I'm proud to be part of the Psi Corps.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Psi Cop (to camera)
|
|
<dd>
|
|
So remember. If you know someone who might be a
|
|
telepath, or think you might be one yourself, help them get the help
|
|
they need. Call the Corps!<br clear=all>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<img align=right width=128 height=96 src="/lurk/gif/037/psi-msg.gif">
|
|
Announcer
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Call government information for more on a Psi Corps center
|
|
near you. This message has been brought to you by the Ministry for
|
|
Public Information and your local Psi Corps recruitment office.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<em>(While the announcer is speaking, the words "THE PSI CORPS IS YOUR
|
|
FRIEND. TRUST THE CORPS." flash across the screen for an instant.)</em>
|
|
<br clear=all>
|
|
|
|
</dl>
|
|
|
|
</dl>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
<em>Other commercials</em>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
|
|
<dl>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
As we enter our thirtieth hour aboard Babylon 5, the Centauri-Narn crisis has
|
|
not diminished. The various parties to the dispute have gathered in council
|
|
chambers behind me, in closed session, to discuss the crisis. Meanwhile, all
|
|
traffic, in or out of Babylon 5 has come to a halt, due to the Centauri
|
|
blockade. <em>[Sheridan appears from the council chambers.]</em>
|
|
Captain, any progress in the negotiations?
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Sheridan
|
|
<dd>
|
|
All sides are still talking. That's all I can say for now.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Well, is it true that some of the senate have suggested that you accomodate
|
|
the Centauri by releasing their vessels without further searches?
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Sheridan
|
|
<dd>
|
|
As the commander of record on Babylon 5, I doubt that the senate would attempt
|
|
to undermine my position in these negotiations by armchair quarterbacking.
|
|
<em>[He enters an elevator, and G'kar appears from the council chambers.]</em>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Ambassador G'kar, do you have anything to say?
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
G'kar
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Only that this should prove once and for all that the Centauri are a menace
|
|
to more than just our world. This kind of thing cannot be allowed, and we
|
|
will take whatever steps are necessary to make that perfectly clear to them.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Well, what does that mean? Ambassador G'kar!
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Senator Quantrell (in his office)
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Certainly the events on Babylon 5 which took place during your recent visit
|
|
are emblematic of what many of us at Earthdome have been worried about for some
|
|
time. By placing an Earth installation between warring factions, we risk being
|
|
drawn into a conflict which has nothing to do with us, or Earth interests. If
|
|
we had not been in that place at that time, the terrible loss of life might
|
|
have been avoided.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
On the other hand, senator, they are at war with one another. People die in
|
|
war.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Quantrell
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Yes, but it wouldn't have happened in our backyard. What happened next came
|
|
with the reluctant support of Earthdome, but hundreds of deaths...I don't see
|
|
how we can support that sort of thing. I'm only glad you made it out alive,
|
|
Cynthia. We need all the good reporters we can get.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Ten minutes ago, Captain Sheridan received a coded transmission from Earthdome
|
|
on the current crisis. After considerable negotiations, we've been allowed
|
|
back into C&C...
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Sheridan
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Captain John Sheridan, Babylon 5, to Centauri cruiser. My government has
|
|
rejected your demand that we release your ships. We will not consider any
|
|
demand made under terrorist threat. We have activated our defense grid, and
|
|
are prepared to defend all ships coming through here. Any hostile action
|
|
taken by you against ships entering or leaving this station will be considered
|
|
an attack on Babylon 5 itself, and we will respond accordingly. If they send
|
|
back a reply, don't acknowledge it.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
An Officer
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Aye, captain.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Sheridan
|
|
<dd>
|
|
We'll let 'em sweat for a while.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Ivanova
|
|
<dd>
|
|
I hope this works. I know that our defense grid can probably hold them off, but
|
|
the repurcussions...
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Sheridan
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Oh, they're bluffing. I can't believe they'd take on the whole station. That'd
|
|
bring Earth in on the side of the Narns, and the last thing the Centauri want
|
|
is a war on two fronts.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
An Officer
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Docking bay nine just linked in. The transport's ready to go.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Sheridan
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Bring her up. Activate autopilot. We'll run the transport from here, make
|
|
sure no one gets hurt. Just in case they're not bluffing.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Ivanova
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Bring the maintenance bots around for a closer look.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<em>Video Footage</em>
|
|
<dd>
|
|
<em>
|
|
(Securecam 23 shows the transport leaving Babylon 5.)
|
|
</em>
|
|
|
|
<dl>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Voice
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Move Securecam 23 to high overhead and Maintbot 9 through 14 at
|
|
twelve-click intervals...
|
|
</dl>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Ivanova
|
|
<dd>
|
|
You realize that if they do attack the transport, they'll turn right around
|
|
and fire on us next, figuring we'll have to retaliate.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Sheridan
|
|
<dd>
|
|
I know.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<em>Video Footage</em>
|
|
<dd>
|
|
<em>(Maintbot 12 shows the transport making its way toward the Centauri
|
|
cruiser.)</em>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Sheridan
|
|
<dd>
|
|
All tracking stations. If you see their weapons targeting us, open fire.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<em>Video Footage</em>
|
|
<dd>
|
|
<em>(Maintbot 17 shows the transport nearing the Centauri cruiser.)</em>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Sheridan
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Any reply from the cruiser?
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
An Officer
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Negative, sir. No response.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Ivanova
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Their weapon system is still armed. I don't like this.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<em>Video Footage</em>
|
|
<dd>
|
|
<em>(Maintbot 9 shows the transport begin to pass under the cruiser. The
|
|
image shifts to inside the transport, where it continues under the
|
|
cruiser with no problems. The image shifts back to Maintbot 9, where
|
|
the transport makes its way past the cruiser.)</em>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Ivanova (as the officers at C&C clap)
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Well, the transport's through. We called their bluff.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
An Officer
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Getting a signal from the Centauri cruiser. They want to talk.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Sheridan
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Open a channel. Let's be gracious about this.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Captain, any thoughts on the...
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
An Officer
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Second jump point forming in sector ten.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<em>Video Footage</em>
|
|
<dd>
|
|
<em>(Maintbot 06 shows a Narn cruiser arrive through a jump point.)</em>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Sheridan
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Oh, hell. Babylon Control to Narn cruiser. We do not, repeat we do not require
|
|
assistance. Do not interfere. We have the situation under control...
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
An Officer
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Narn cruiser powering up weapon systems.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Sheridan
|
|
<dd>
|
|
No! Listen to me, we do not need...
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<em>Video Footage</em>
|
|
<dd>
|
|
<em>(Maintbot 12 shows the Narn cruiser firing on the Centauri cruiser
|
|
several times, but hitting once. The image shifts to Securecam 23
|
|
where the Narn ship continues to fire, but is hit several times in
|
|
return by the Centauri creature. There are explosions on both ships.)</em>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Sheridan
|
|
<dd>
|
|
All civilians to the shelters. Get me that cruiser, and I don't care how you
|
|
do it.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
An Officer
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Aye, sir.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<em>Video Footage</em>
|
|
<dd>
|
|
<em>(Maintbot 02 shows the Narn ship attacking the Centauri ship, which
|
|
causes a piece of debris to fly directly toward the observation dome.)</em>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Ivanova
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Close blast doors, now! <em>[The doors close, and the Dome is rocked as the
|
|
debris strikes it.]</em>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<em>Video Footage</em>
|
|
<dd>
|
|
<em>(Maintbot 12 shows the two ships exchanging more fire before the
|
|
Centauri cruiser is blown apart.)</em>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
An Officer
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Narns have destroyed the Centauri cruiser. They're trying to open a jump
|
|
point.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Ivanova
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Can they make it?
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
An Officer
|
|
<dd>
|
|
<img align=right width=160 height=119 src="/lurk/gif/037/badjump.gif">
|
|
I don't think so. They're hit bad. Jump engines are malfunctioning.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<em>Video Footage</em>
|
|
<dd>
|
|
<em>(Maintbot 02 shows the Narn cruiser trying to generate a jump point
|
|
and enter hyperspace, but the jump point looks malformed.
|
|
The ship begins to explode. The view shifts to Securecam
|
|
15, which shows the remainder of the explosion of the ship.)</em>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
* * *
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman (at anchor desk)
|
|
<dd>
|
|
As journalists, we would be remiss in our responsibilities if we suggested
|
|
that events such as those you've just witnessed were typical of the situation
|
|
on Babylon 5. Like anyone else, they have good days and bad days. But there
|
|
can be no question that it is a flash point that can only grow hotter as time
|
|
passes. And yet, growth only comes through pain and struggle, so perhaps we
|
|
should allow Babylon 5 time to realize, or one day, even exceed the dreams we
|
|
have invested in it. We'll be back with some concluding thoughts right after
|
|
this message.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
<em>Commercial break</em>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
After the crisis was over, the debris cleared, and the bodies counted, we
|
|
asked each of the people involved in this story one question: Given the
|
|
danger, at the end of the day, as Mr. Garibaldi said, is it worth it?
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Garibaldi
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Absolutely. Sure, when things get tense out here, we have to be careful. Our
|
|
search of the Centauri vessels we captured proved that they were bringing in
|
|
weapons of mass destruction, offloading them outside the station, and sending
|
|
'em on to the front lines. Now that we know that, we can make sure it doesn't
|
|
happen anymore. We learn. That's what humans do.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
* * *
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Londo
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Misunderstandings aside...yes, I definitely think it's worth it. We must simply
|
|
work harder to make sure we communicate with each other to prevent this sort
|
|
of tragic situation from ever happening again. A violent attack by Narn forces
|
|
is an unacceptable response to a peaceful protest by my government. And with
|
|
the intervention of Earth, perhaps we can keep them from making a similar mistake
|
|
in the future.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
* * *
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
G'kar
|
|
<dd>
|
|
I don't know anymore. I used to think so, but now...
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
* * *
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Ivanova
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Yes.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
* * *
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Delenn
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Of course it is. For the simple reason that no one else will ever build a
|
|
place like this. Humans share one unique quality: they build communities. If
|
|
the Narns or the Centauri or any other race built a station like this, it
|
|
would be used only by their own people. But everywhere humans go, they create
|
|
communities out of diverse, and sometimes hostile, populations. It is a great
|
|
gift and a terrible responsibility--one that cannot be abandoned.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
* * *
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Quantrell
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Well...I guess we'll just have to see, won't we?
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
* * *
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Franklin (to medics)
|
|
<dd>
|
|
All right, med 2. Go. Go. (to Torqueman) Look, if we weren't here right
|
|
now, half the people in this room would be dead. That should be a good
|
|
enough answer for anyone.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
* * *
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Delvientos
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Sure. What, are you kidding? I have a retirement pension to make, you know?
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
* * *
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Sheridan
|
|
<dd>
|
|
Yes, but not for any of the reasons that you've probably been told. The job of
|
|
Babylon 5 is not to enforce the peace, it's to create the peace. And this place
|
|
was built on the assumption that we could work out our problems and build a
|
|
better future. And that, to me, is the key issue. See, in the last few years,
|
|
we've stumbled. We've stumbled at the death of the president, the war, and
|
|
on and on. And when you stumble a lot, you...you start looking at your feet.
|
|
You know, we have to make people lift their eyes back to the horizon and see
|
|
the line of ancestors behind us saying, "Make my life have meaning." And to
|
|
our inheritors before us saying, "Create the world we will live in." We're
|
|
not just...holding jobs and having dinner. We're in the process of building
|
|
the future. That's what Babylon 5 is all about. Only by making people understand that
|
|
can we hope to create a better world for ourselves, and our posterity.
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
|
|
<p>
|
|
<dt>
|
|
Torqueman
|
|
<dd>
|
|
I'm Cynthia Torqueman, ISN news. Good night.
|
|
|
|
</dl>
|