A Dream Given Form: A Babylon 5 Self Insert

[DarkDestroyer]

Warner Brothers Discovery Owns Babylon 5. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Non-Profit.

On one of my days off it is just around the anniversary of my Arrival now. I spot Brother Theo sitting in the Zocalo enjoying a cup of Cappuccino. I exhale and decide to introduce myself.

"Brother Theo...I hope I'm not disturbing you?"

"Ah. Mr. Young, isn't it? No. Not at all. Please sit."

"Thank you. I'm sure you're wondering why I've come."

"I must admit that yours was a presence I wasn't expecting. What can I do for you?"

"I know you've come to Babylon 5 to study all the religions here. I can respect that. I---" I frown...I'm not sure how to express what i want to

Brother Theo grins though.

"You've come to ask me what seeing Kosh means for you? Haven't you?" he asks

"Yes. I have struggled with the notion of faith, and spirituality over the years. My brother and I when we were young, attended Sunday school, but it was never something we were raised in. I have---most times rejected the notion of God, and yet--"

"You have questions?" he offers

"Yes."

"Having questions about one's faith and what that means is as common as it is for me to be here sitting with my cup of Cap. What specifically did you have in mind, Mr. Young?"

"I know that Kosh was telepathically projecting himself--everyone saw---whatever spiritual avatar appeared to them. I was not expecting to see anything....because..."

"Because you felt like you didn't believe." Theo answers and I nod

"Yes. But now that I have seen him, I've struggled---"

"You are trying to determine if seeing Kosh means you HAVE been a believer all this time and just been denying it." he asks

"Yes."

"Well...I can not speak on that, but what I can say is that I think you believe in Kosh himself...having faith is not just about believing in doctrine, or in an all powerful, all seeing being...it is simply believing in others. You believe in Kosh. I don't think that makes you particularly religious."

"Thank you Brother Theo." I get up

"Leaving so soon? I was rather enjoying your company. Plus I wanted to discuss something else with you." he says

"Oh?"

"Commander Ivanova confided in me about your...abilities. I wanted to talk to you about---"

Ah.

"Brother Theo...I understand about Brother Edward..." but he puts his hand on my arm

"You understand the surface context about him yes...but not the depth. I'd like to talk about the man I know, and then you can decide what you will do afterwards about this."

I see the sincerity and the plea in his eyes. I sigh. A waiter comes by.

"I'll have a French Vanilla please. Light milk."

Plus I can't help but like Theo. There's something about him...

 

[DarkDestroyer]

Warner Brothers Discovery Own Babylon 5. For Entertainment Purposes Only.

Jan 28, 2260. It has been One Year since My Arrival in the Babylon 5 universe. A year since I was saved by possible death from hooligans, by Security Chief Michael Garibaldi. Before we enact the plan to capture Nightwatch, I invite the senior staff, Marcus, Delenn, Lennier, and Kat to a gathering in my quarters to mark the occasion. Normally I would have invited Doug, Tim, and the staff from Doug's but they don't know about me yet, and I'd rather keep it that way. Zack is not a friend...yet. I cook and entertain and we talk about not work . Sheridan and Delenn continue to become closer to each other.

"This is pretty good Lasagna, Adam." Garibaldi says through mouthfuls.

"Thanks. I learned to cook from my mom's partner, she wasn't a chef or anything but could cook like one. I eat a lot of pasta based foods."

"You must think about your family and friends a lot." Susan offers

"I think about them all the time. Wonder what is going on there, if things weren't like they are on Earth right now, I'd imagine a bunch of think tanks would have get together and work on why this has happened."

Stephen lights up at that.

"Oh yes. There would be symposiums on you! All the greatest minds in the galaxy would likely converge on Earth to study err you---and come up with theories as to why you're here, and how to return you. You'd likely spark a brand new scientific revolution."

"Instead we have a despot, who wants to isolate Earth, and oppress the people." Garibaldi comments

"How'd Clark happen, Adam? Surely you can tell us that without violating any kind of fixed destiny." Susan asks

I look at Delenn and Lennier and turn back to Sheridan and the others, and exhale.

"The Shadows are largely responsible for the events transpiring on Earth. Mr. Morden approached Morgan Clark. Morden is largely responsible for planning the assassination attempt, all Clark had to do was let things happen...and they did."

I let them digest this. Susan will discover this while in the Great Machine in a few weeks time, so it can't hurt to give them this information now. We can't do anything with it.

"I wish you'd arrived two years ago. We could have stopped this from happening." Sheridan mutters

"I've wondered about that. The Shadows are involved right now with many of the younger races. They've been interested in us, obviously for quite a while. I could have helped stop Earth Force One from exploding, and I certainly could have stopped Jack from shooting Michael---" the Chief nods back

"They would have found another way to kill Santiago." Susan states

"But it would have given us time, the knowledge that someone else was manipulating events to their favor, we could have exposed that and had ALL of Earth on our side." Sheridan surmises.

"It's possible. The thing is that the Shadows, Clark, and Psi-Corp only inflamed issues that were bubbling under the surface. It is what that ideology does. Where I came from, we're experiencing it, not to the extent you guys are but close. This was all written as a warning, a lesson if you will, and of course as humans, we never learn from history. We just repeat it, over and over again."

An uncomfortable silence follows as they contemplate my words.

"But we win." Garibaldi says bringing everyone out of their funk, looking at me.

"We win. You'd be a whole lot more gloomier if we didn't win. I've come to know you pretty well in the last year Adam, I know you can't tell us everything for whatever ridiculous reasons you have, and I've come to begrudgingly respect that, but we end up winning. We beat the Shadows, and we win back Earth. I am not so sure you'd be here if neither of those things didn't occur." Sheridan states

"Yes, you do win, both wars, but at the cost of a lot of lives, and a lot of suffering. I've been trying to mitigate some of that, but it's not a given that will still happen just because I have seen it. A lot of hard work and sacrifice still needs to happen. A lot of pain. A lot of change. I will help where I can but nothing is ever guaranteed, especially in war, let alone two wars at the same time, but there's hope. Always is hope."

"Hope alone is sometimes not enough." Sheridan says putting down his glass.

"Sometimes, hope isn't enough. We need to start going on the offensive. Waiting around until something happens, isn't cutting it for me." Sheridan says annoyed

"Yeah. I get that sir. But Clark is too powerful at the moment. If we move NOW---he's strong enough to end any chance of us winning this. We need to build, and our focus for the time being, needs to be on the Shadows."

Getting Nightwatch off of Babylon 5 is a high priority. There could be Presidential backlash from Clark's forces, but I highly doubt that. Nightwatch are goons, and thugs that have infested Earth Alliance and need to be routed out as quickly as possible. Getting them off the station is especially important so we can get around to starting our greater work. Tip toing around them has been annoying to say the least

"Well, hasn't this turned out to be festive." Marcus laments

"It's all right. The Captain asked, and I replied. But it's time to celebrate...me." I say with some snark and everyone laughs except the Minbari.

Time enough to get around to what needs to be done still.

 

[G1 Convoy]

Great story so far.

Is the MC going to try to prevent Sheridan from dying when he goes to Z'ha'dum? From what I remember, if Sheridan didn't go there, any victory the alliance may have achieved would have approached, if not outright reached, pyrrhic levels, so I can't see the MC trying to dissuading him. Hopefully things go better this time.

 

[DarkDestroyer]

Great story so far.

Is the MC going to try to prevent Sheridan from dying when he goes to Z'ha'dum? From what I remember, if Sheridan didn't go there, any victory the alliance may have achieved would have approached, if not outright reached, pyrrhic levels, so I can't see the MC trying to dissuading him. Hopefully things go better this time.

Click to shrink...

That is going to happen still but Za'Ha'Dum is going to be dealt with a little bit differently. Once we get to the Shadow War itself we're gonna see the main butterflying. All of this is still kind of set up.

 

[DarkDestroyer]

Warner Brothers Discovery Own Babylon 5. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Non-Profit.

Sheridan, Garibaldi, Zack, and I begin the early stages of setting the trap for Nightwatch. The War Room's construction continues as I am now given security access to everywhere on Babylon 5. Both Sheridan and Garibaldi have realized now that I'm to be an important part of both wars, and included in the inner circle, then I ought to be able to be privy to everything going on. I'm given daily reports as my lap top device is now highly secure thanks to the Chief. I don't have "ultraviolet alpha" level but Garibaldi has assured me that I have something close to it. Training with Marcus continues when he is on the station. He comes and goes as his Ranger missions take him to many places. Susan arranges to get him an indenti-card. April rolls around as I monitor my increasing stock in Edgars Industries, almost ready to sell. Not quite yet.

ISN begins to report on Santiago's assassination and the Shadows. General Hague has been incommunicado for a while now which has concerned John, but I have assured the Captain that is usual. Hauge acts when Martial Law is declared and that doesn't happen until---

"Franklin to Young. Can you report to Medlab?"

Uh-oh. This can't be good.

"Sure thing. Doc. I'm on my way."

Wearing all black now as I usually do, along with a leather jacket I bought a few weeks ago, I head to Medlab, where my stomach drops. Marcus is there---because of course Marcus is there---along with someone else I was hoping NOT to expect.
Fuck.

"Dr. Kirkish I presume?" I ask and Marcus frowns

"You know who I am?" she asks

Nancy Stafford. Better known for her role on "Matlock" as Michelle Thomas.

"He knows who everyone is. This is one of the reasons why we needed to get to B5." Marcus answers

"You're here because you're going to tell us about the Shadow ship, Earth has."

"Y-yes." she says exasperated.

"I can vouch for her. We'll need to assemble the others."

"Already done."

About a half a hour later, Kirkish tells her story to the others. I sit in silence. Damn. This is the impetus that triggers Clark to enact Martial Law. I kind of forgot all about Kirkish to be honest. Michael tells his own story following hers, and reveals the charred Psi-Corp badge. They all turn to me.

"As I said a few weeks ago, Clark was approached by Morden who asked him what he wanted---he gave his answer, and the assassination was planned. The Shadows are behind almost everything that has gone on back home for a while now, and they're in league with Psi-Corp. I can only assume it is the very highest levels of it."

"We've made arrangements to get you into Minbari space." Sheridan turns to Kirkish

"Mr. Lennier please take care of Dr. Kirkish."

"Of course."

"We've put this off for too long now, if Earth and Psi-Corp are working with the Shadows---this is too big." Sheridan declares

"Captain---if we go do this---it will trigger exactly the events that I've been trying to butterfly. I can't guarantee General Hague's safety, or ours."

John puts his hand on my left shoulder.

"Mr. Young, you've done what you can for us, and I appreciate the hell out of it. But we've relied on you far too much and not taken any risks ourselves. The General is a big boy and can take care of himself and his crew. As for us...I need to think about what we are going to do."

He hasn't made his decision yet. He won't until after consulting Delenn. It has truly begun now. It is out of my hands. Meanwhile Zack should be sowing the seeds of our plan for Nightwatch right about now....I

"Credit for your thoughts." Susan asks out of the blue as we head out of the office

"I was just thinking the reality of the situation is---getting out of control. I hate not being in control of things." I Reply

"Tell me about it."

"You're not mad that I haven't...divulged all of this sooner?" I ask

"No. I think you're trying to do what you think is best for us, and I appreciate it. I also think you've been coddling us---again for the best of reasons, but we need to act on our own you know. I wanted you to know also---you're not alone in this. I know you think you are, that knowledge of yours is a burden none of us can truly understand, but you're not alone."

"Thank you."

We are gathered back in Sheridan's room---thing is I forgot where he and Delenn have their conversation. I think everyone leaves and comes back. Sheridan looks at me.

"We can't allow President Clark to get a hold of a Shadow ship. Whatever the cost is of making sure that happens, is. " I nod as he directs that towards me

"That kind of power, in his hands, could be the end of everything we've worked for. We have got to stop that ship before it leaves Ganymede."

"Swell."

"I Love it."

"How?"



"Delenn and I will take the "White Star" into Earth- controlled space. With luck, we'll find the ship...
...destroy it on the ground before they can activate it. If not--"

"You can't do this, as soon as you open a jump point---" Susan states

"I know, the early warning system will get us...I understand Mr. Young's---and yours--trepidation over this---but it has to be done."

They banter back and forth while Sheridan's decision is made.

"The rest of you will be needed here to cover my absence...Mr. Young that includes you."

I start to open my mouth--

"It's not open for debate."

--and close it.


"I'm leaving behind my Identicard, my uniform...command rank, anything that could lead
back here if something should go wrong. Susan, in our absence, I'm leaving you and Garibaldi in charge of the Rangers. I'd tell you to take good care of the station, but I know that's not necessary."

"I've left instructions in my desk for a cover story if we don't come back. You'll send out my Starfury "and use the auto"- "destruct sequence. Doctor, you'll provide the organic mass
to simulate a casualty. I wish none of this were necessary. But we all knew that, sooner or later, we'd have to deal with Earth. So I guess it's time we got down to business. If there's any way we can come back... ...we will. "

Sheridan and Delenn leave, and I let them. Susan puts her hand on my shoulder in a rare display of comfort. I can not stop this from happening. I need to let go. It is time to begin countermeasures. I turn to her.

"Now...all we can do is wait."

 

[Marlow3]

Things are coming to ahead. Looking forward to the resolution.
Thanks for the chapter.

 

[DarkDestroyer]

We're in it now!

 

[DarkDestroyer]

Warner Brothers Discovery Own Babylon 5. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Non-Profit.


Author's Note: I'm playing fast and loose with continuity here. Those familiar or hardcore fans of the show will pick on it. This is intentional. Just easier to write certain things out of sequence...but they'll be addressed or touched on.

Sheridan and Delenn return from their mission, successful. John and I have a private discussion before the events unfold in his quarters.

"I want to repeat what I said before we left, I appreciate what you've been trying to do for us. I've come to depend on you while also---perhaps incorrectly---keeping you at arm's length. We need to fight this thing on our own terms, though, and nothing what you might've done would have prevented Clark's actions. Only Clark can do that, and we know that is never going to happen."

"Yes sir."

"Call me John, when I'm not on duty, Adam. You've earned it."

"We will need you for the important things now over the coming weeks, and months, and hopefully not years. General Hague is perhaps the biggest thing you could have done for us, I know you tip toe around your decisions because you don't want to alter people's destinies, but those decisions are for us to make, and we'll make them---good or bad." He slaps me on the shoulder and hands me a drink. I take it.

"How's things with Zack?" he asks

"We're ready to execute the plan sir. They will be getting orders very soon."

"Good, and the Narns---they'll fill in what we lose?"

"Yes sir...and John...if I might make a suggestion about G'Kar?"

"Yeah?"

"G'Kar can be trusted. He has---been through---a change lately, as we all seem to be going through---he has information that can be useful to us, and will be able to keep his people in line for us. I know it will be difficult to trust him---but I vouch for him. He's a changed man."

"I'll consider it."

It is later on in the day and the ISN report on the White Star attack on the Shadow ship is shown. I watch from my quarters alone, while Sheridan and Ivanova are watching this together. Martial Law is about to be ordered in a few hours time now. Zack should be told by his superior in Nightwatch that they're going to act soon---my link goes off.

"Allan to Young...we're ready."

"Acknowledged. Execute." I say

About a hour goes by and it's an agonizing wait.

"Sheridan to Young."

"Young here."

"It's done. They're in custody now, you're free to roam again." he says, which means he wants me to report. I'd have liked to be present when the plan went off, but I can't afford to let anyone in Nightwatch know who I was which is why I was not around during Musante's visit a few days ago. Too about her being a fascist because---damn. Adam stop. Everything is going so fast that I nearly forgot about the alien probe, which I was able to butterfly nearly at the last minute telling C-In-C it was a trap.

While on my way to I accidently brush by Londo and Lady Morella...played exquisitely by Majel Barrett. I then briefly feel her mind in mind...and she reacts to it.

"Oh...my..." she states

"Ahhhh Mr. Young, I would like to introduce you to---"

"Sorry, Londo, can't stick around. My apologies though Lady Morella."

I shake off the weird flash I saw from Morella...I swear I saw Lwaxana Troi with her arm draped over me and the two of us were laughing about something.

I end up entering C-I-C and see Sheridan and Ivanova looking concerned.

"We received a message from General Hauge, we---"

"It's all gone to hell?" I ask and they both nod

Damn straight it has.

"This is it...this is what I've been warning you about. This is what I was trying to---limit---the damage of. Hopefully he's listened and away from where they track him. The orders from home are going out now to everywhere. Mars, Io, Proxima, the rest of the colonies. It's time Captain."

I can hear Susan's narration in my head as I watch Sheridan's expression change. This is the moment he becomes the Captain. When he addresses C-In-C.

"By now, you've all heard the news. In response to allegations of a conspiracy, against the government, President Clark has declared Martial Law."

I watch the officers in the Pit, their worried expressions. They look at me, for reassurance, some of them have seen me around now. I nod at them. Very soon, the Captain is going to have make a decision about me, and I need to prepare myself for it. Tingles wash over me. I fight off tears as I get emotional about experiencing historic moments in the show.

"Mars, and Io have been given similar orders. Now they haven't hit us yet, but you can be sure that order will come soon. Communications to Earth have been blacked out since 08:00 this morning. Only the gold channels are still functioning, but those are for military business only. I know many of you have family back on Earth. We're doing everything we can to find out what's going on. Meanwhile, I ask you to stay at your posts......and continue as if everything were status quo. We've got a lot of nervous people here and I need you to help calm things down. Some other governments may take this as an opportunity to move against us......so we must maintain combat readiness. Continue the flybys. I want at least one squadron on patrol outside the station at all times"

I raise my finger and show him the number two

"Make that two..."

"Any questions?

"Captain, how did this happen? What did we do wrong?" Corwin asks

"I don't know Lieutenant. I don't know." Sheridan looks directly at me

The three of us leave CIC and Michael catches up with as he reports Nightwatch is secured and they're preparing them for departure. I pipe up for the first time.

"Have you heard anything from General Hague?" I ask

"Nope. If he took your advice, and it's sounding more and more like he is---he's in deep hiding with his forces. Probably on the Rim or in Hyperspace. My guess is they're going to be jumping around a while before they need to resupply or if they find a place to settle. But so far no word of an attack."

"Continue to monitor as well as ISN. Update us on what you find out if anything." Sheridan replies and Garibaldi nods and runs off

We stop walking. Sheridan turns to me.

"It's time to stop hiding. We need to start reacting now, just like with the Shadows. I may have made a mistake by...restricting you as much as I did early on last year. I didn't know what to do with you---and was having trouble with your little reveal about us. That part we're going to have to keep a secret for as long as we can, but are you ready to step into the light? Are you ready to truly make an impact?"

"Captain?" Susan asks

"The kid gloves need to come off Susan. We've invited him into our inner circle, he's more than proven himself. Hell he saved my life at least twice. Saved all our lives with the probe incident a few days ago. He's shown he can take care of himself now, thanks to Marcus', and Garibaldi's training. The others need to know about him, so that we can do the work we need to."

She just nods and turns to me.

"I told you---you weren't alone."

"Susan, I'd like to go to talk with G'Kar. Mr. Young has suggested to me that he will be...invaluable to us in the next few weeks. We'll need the Narn as well."

She heads off to find G'Kar.

"You're going to the make the announcement...aren't you?"

"You've bought us some time with helping to get Nightwatch off the station and before they actually were able to do anything. Those Martial Law orders are going to come in any moment now. Where ever General Hague is right now---he's in no position to help us. So yeah. I've made my decision, the one you knew I was going to make this whole entire time...are you ready though?"

I exhale.

"I'm ready."

"It's time to introduce you to Draal."

 

[DarkDestroyer]

Warner Brothers Discovery. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Non-Profit.

G'Kar agrees to have his Narns act as Station Security replacing the multitude of security we lost to Nightwatch. It was some ridiculous number like 2 thirds of station security went over to the scumbags. Susan also offers him a conditional spot in the Army of Light, she mentions that I vouched for G'Kar to Captain Sheridan. She makes sure that he understands that. There are still Clark loyalists on the station. Not sure how many of them, not all of them were Nightwatch and exposed themselves. Meanwhile I've been busy attempting to use my contacts to figure out where Lise Hampton, and Lianna Bremmer are for Michael. So far not getting any response. Lise should still be on Mars, about to hook up with Old Man Edgars. I've been personally trying to find Lianna---but it could be she went dark or joined up with General Hauge's forces. JMS stated in one of his posts that she was not on Earth Force One when it exploded, but he felt she survived. My PPG is sitting on the desk, with a fresh charge and ready to be used if need be. Marcus has just begun teaching me how to engage multiple people at once. It has dawned on me that this is in fact "Batman Begins" shit---my body has been showing the damage of the training. I've reported to Stephen and Lillian multiple times now for treatment. The Regen Pack treatment for my foot has reached it's apex.

"We're going to have to do surgery. The good news is that we can go ahead with the cloning procedure. It will take a few months for the gestation process to happen. We'll schedule the surgery for near the end of next year---assuming we're all going to still be here---"

"We will be Doc."

I'm tempted to address his stim situation but I know that's a touchy subject for him, and it's just going to get me yelled at, and I'd much rather not have that happen. I hate being yelled at. He waves a dermal crystal wand over me and I feel instantly better.

"That just about does it for you now. I could tell you to be careful, but I'm starting to understand the extent of your---training has had on you."

"Thanks Stephen. I can take the pain, and the occasional dislocated shoulder...but I have to do this. In case I need to protect myself. That first day---kicking beaten like that---well---I don't want to experience that ever again."

Franklin nods.

"How are you doing for pain killers?" Don't bring up the stims. Don't bring up the stims.

"Fine I think. I've got the programming down for the pack. Fascinating little device. This would be...abused quite a bit back home." I Cringe inwardly hoping he doesn't pick up on the subtleness

"Yeah we have a lot of that here too...all right. I think that's it. You're discharged. I'll see you again soon." he jokes

"I hope not too soon."

My link goes off as I hop off the bed and give Stephen that knowing look about getting interrupted...

"Young here, go ahead."

" Ivanova. We're ready for the Code 7R." she says

"Acknowledged. I'm on my way."

I pick up my jacket off the bed and head out to the War Room. I step through the War Room doors and it is simply magnificent. Words can't do it justice. The round table in the center. The giant map of the galaxy on the right side (if you were watching from a tv). There are a few techs still hooking up cables and what not. It's not completely finished yet but nearly done. I nod at Susan.

"I was just finishing up with Doctor Franklin. What's up?"

"Not anything serious I hope?"

"No, he was just patching me up after the latest training session with Marcus and the Rangers. I'm all right."

"Marcus says you're doing very well."

"Really? It would be nice if for once he would tell me that."

Susan chuckles.

"We're ready with the connection---" and as if on cue---the great man himself---Draal appears before us in holographic avatar form. Or whatever it is the Machine projects as his avatar.

"Commander Ivanova."

"Draal. Thank you for taking time for our request. The Captain wanted to--"

"Mr. Young I presume?" he questions as he walks closer towards me and I feel goosebumps again as I am at awe again meeting another huge character----person.

"Yes sir. It is a honor to meet you Draal. I had hoped to come down to the planet in person, but---"

"There will be time enough for that. But now isn't it. You must be aware that the Great Machine has known of you, this whole time."

"I had a suspicion that was the case. Have you had a chance---"

"I have. Do you really want to know what happens? Spoilers." he says with a mischievous look on his face, he turns to Susan

"I am ready to serve, preparations are done. Captain Sheridan can send his message when he likes."

"Thank you Draal."

"I had a question actually." Susan arches her eyebrow

"Yes?" Draal answers theatrically

"This will be done next year anyways, but I was wondering if it would be possible to boost the War Room's communications systems using the Great Machine? Perhaps something Zathras can provide us with?"

"I don't see why not. I will consult with him on this and get back to you. I look forward to meeting, and talking with you under less pressing circumstances Mr. Young."

"You as well Draal. Give my regards to Zathras, and tell him---there are those that listen to him." I wink to Draal and he laughs

"I knew I'd like you." he bows to the both of us. Susan turns to me.

"What are you thinking?"

"We can use the technology of the machine to boost our comm systems range through tachyon's. I should have come down with you when that Mustante woman was aboard, I could have been..."

"You know the Captain wouldn't have allowed it. You know what I saw while in the Machine, Adam...what I saw---absolutely terrified me."

The Shadow equivalent of the Eye of Sauron. Yep. Pure 100 percent terror.

She shakes off the feeling and nods at me.

"It's time to go introduce you to the masses."

We then head to C-In-C where Sheridan is waiting for us.

"It's ready."

"ISN just went black." he tells us and Susan and I exchange looks.

"Let's do this." I say and both Sheridan and I are scanned by holo-imager. I nod at him.

"You're online. Go ahead." Susan reports

"May I have your attention please?" John Sheridan's holographic forms appears everywhere in the station. He can be seen everywhere, by everyone at once.

"In the last few hours, we have learned that warships are on their way to Earth. Their orders, are to seize Babylon 5 by force. As commanding officer and military governor of Babylon 5...I can not allow that to happen." He says letting the words sink in.

"President Clark has violated the Earth Alliance Constitution, by dissolving the Senate, declaring Martial Law, and personally ordering the bombing of civilian targets on Mars."

"He is personally responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of innocent people. Following these attacks, Orion 7 and Proxima 3 have broken away from the Earth Alliance, declaring independence. Babylon 5 now joins with them. As of this moment, Babylon 5 is seceding from the Earth Alliance."

I get goosebumps. Living history again. The score builds in my head as I continue to listen.

"We will remain an independent state until President Clark is removed from office. At the end of this current crisis, anyone who wishes to leave for Earth, may do so. Meanwhile, for your own safety, I urge everyone to stay in your quarters until this is over."

John then turns to look at me and my Avatar is Projected now.

"One last thing. The person standing next to me, only a few of you know, I deemed it neccessary to protect him, now though that isn't possible. His name is Adam, and he's here to help us. He's become a friend. He has the full protection of this station. If anything happens to him, for any reason, you will answer to me. That is all."

The message is over and I look at John.

"That was a little anti-climatic at the end there, sir. For a second I thought you were gonna make me do a speech too."

He laughs despite the situation.

"No time for that now. I just wanted the station to know you, now they do."

"Should we ask Draal to help with the defense?" Susan asks

"No, Draal's our ace in the hole. I want to keep him secret for as long as possible. Like with Mr. Young here. Well---we're in it now."

"It's also not Draal's fight." and Sheridan nods

"No it's not. It's ours, and we're gonna finish it."

He turns his attention to the Pit.

"All right. Anyone who wants to leave---do so now before you violate any regs."

Susan asks to leave for her Starfury and John rejects her but she says her speech and I just nod at him when he looks at me.

"What exactly are we looking at here, in the next few minutes, Mr. Young?"

"About a dozen or so Earth Alliance Destroyers, plus their full squadrons of Starfuries. They are coming anyways....General Hague's forces are still incommunicado, again if he listened to me, he'll stay away from the station no matter how overwhelmed we are."

"I trust we have some kind of aide?"

"Delenn sir, we need to hold them off long enough for her to get her with her fleet. It's...a long story, but that's who is coming."

He nods and Lt. Corwin reports that the Jumpgate is opening and the loyalist forces are coming through. Babylon 5 is on full battle alert. All Cobra Bays have launched their fighters now. One day I'm gonna have to get into a Starfury.


"Who's the lead ship, Mr. Young?" he asks me

"It's the Agrippa sir, Captain Dexter Smith."

"Here they come..." Corwin reports and they're hailing us.

"This is Captain Dexter Smith of the EAD Agrippa to Babylon 5. You are ordered to surrender your commands and prepare to be boarded. This is your only warning. If you do not surrender, we will be forced to initiate deadly force."

I watch the banter between Sheridan and Smith. Come on Delenn. We could use you any time now. We don't have the renegade ships this time. They could blow us up within a half hour or less...

It happens as it does on the episode and the blast doors close on the viewer and our full guns and cannons are brought online. I look on the main command console, I'm gonna have to ask to learn how to operate this thing eventually, and our Shields go up.

"Captain, they're going to dispatch a breaching pod to Brown 95."

"Don't tell me. Tell Garibaldi." he shouts.

"Young to Garibaldi."

"Go."

"Michael, they're going to launch a breaching pod to Brown 95."

"On it."

We start to take on damage as I rock back and forth. This is surreal. I should have gone to help Garibaldi and the others, but the Captain wouldn't allow that. Then...then...we hear HER voice as Corwin reports multiple jump points opening right after Captain Drake issues orders to surrender.

"This is Ambassador Delenn of the Minbari Federation. Babylon 5 is under our protection. Withdraw or be destroyed."

"Negative. We have authority here. Do not force us to engage your ship."

I Nearly laugh at that. Your punk ass is dead if you do that stupid move.

"Why not? Only one human Captain has ever survived battle with a Minbari fleet. He is behind me, you are in front of me. If you value your lives...be somewhere else."

"All ships...return to base."


"YESS!!" I Exclaim and Sheridan frowns

I turn to Sheridan.

"I'm going to Medlab..." and he nods

It's over. For now...

 

[DarkDestroyer]

Warner Brothers Discovery Owns Babylon 5. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Non-Profit.

It is now middle of April 2260. Martial Law was still declared on April 8th, 2260. The station's residents are still in a state of shock over Sheridan's declaration. It is part pandemonium and part---I'm not sure what you'd call it as people are dealing with coming and going. I visited Garibaldi, and some of the injured marines. I've debated about giving him this news, it could accelerate certain events early for him---but I've literally got his back.

"I thought you should know that I've been doing some digging."

"About?" he asks wincing---still only partially injured but not as bad as in the show proper as they were able to repel the pod early

"I found Lise and Lianna."

He looks up sharpy at me.

"I never asked you to do that."

"You never have to." he softens at that

"And?" he promps

"Lise is all right---on Marsdome...she asked my sources to tell you not to contact her. She's safe, and all right."

Michael digests this. Michael I need you level headed. Please don't make this gesture a colossal mistake.

"Lianna high tailed it once she uncovered the conspiracy to kill Santiago. She realized her life was in danger, and went on the run. Apparently she's with General Hague's people in hiding. So he's still alive as well. I attempted to make direct contact but my Ranger liaison wasn't able to establish one. Where ever they are right now, they're in deep hiding, no one, and I mean no one knows their location right now. I thought you'd want to know."

"Thank you..." he says awkwardly

"You saved my life Michael. I told you, I'll never forget that."

Then something weird happens as I pass by some of the marines and security. They salute me. I acknowledge their salute with a nod as I head out of Med Lab.

Sheridan's message did the trick. I am now known by every single person on Babylon 5. My previously enjoyed anonymity is over. I am not sure how I am going to deal with it...as I head back to my quarters. I sit down at my desk, punch up my monitor with is now actually several large monitors all hooked up together. With a custom printed keyboard. A mini Bat-Computer set up. I have several programs running, doing several different things at once for their own purposes. The Security feed from Security Central is streamed into one of the monitors on the far left of the desk. I'm doing this all with permission. The more I monitor, the more I can catch. I punch up the program I use to track the stocks---and look at the streaming text. Babylon 5's secession is going to make things tough for people. The senior staff as of the other day is no longer getting paid. Basic food stuffs are going to have a heck of a time getting in through customs now---let alone the actual mail. It's time to act part of my plan. I look at the stock prices for the day, and click SELL on the screen. This should get the Edgar's Board's attention. Or maybe it won't. I have no idea what I'm doing really. I just am concerned with the money part. It takes a few seconds and I get a confirmation on the screen that my sale of my stock was successful. Edgars stock has outperformed most of the rest of the major corporations in the known galaxy, thanks to their various nefarious dealings the last few years. The last fiscal year in particular has been a huge one for them. I see the amount that is blinking on the screen that has also been confirmed deposited into my credit chit----$100,000 C's. I'm not sure if that is totally enough to do all that I want to do---but it is a start to help. This may not seem like a lot in terms of back home, but here---this is considered a nice chunk of change. I could for instance buy a decent home on Earth if I wanted to---or an entire duplex in MarsDome. But for now this will do for what I intend for it. I have a nagging feeling that won't go away either. It's been bugging me since we rounded up and shipped out Nightwatch. I need peace of mind at the very least, if not I need to act quickly.

"Young to Allan."

"I'm kind of busy here Adam, but what can I do for you?" Allan asks, who has been filling in for Michael while he recovers from his wounds

"We may have a serious problem that I forgot about. I'm gonna conduct a scan and get back to you."

"You do that." Zack replies a little terse---he's probably at customs or something. They're also been busy integrating the Narn into security.

I type in Bogg's name into the Security database. I was hoping that he was rounded up but I have a bad feeling about this. It takes a few seconds and then I see his ugly mug shot and file appear.

"Fuck. FUCK!"

Sheridan's projection of me was potentially ill-timed...Boggs and his gang now know that I know about them.

"Young to Allan."

"Yep..."

"Zack, I know you're overwhelmed right now, but we have a MAJOR problem, and it could be monitoring this channel. We need to get the Captain asap. It's important, we might have made a mistake."

"Acknowledged. Meet us at Security Central in fifteen minutes."

I re-load my PPG and grab my jacket and rush out of my quarters. I can't believe I forgot about fucking Boggs!!!

 

[DarkDestroyer]

Warner Brothers Discovery Owns Babylon 5. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Non-Profit.

Sheridan joins us in Security Central with Zack, and his arm in a sling Michael Garibaldi. They're all viewing Boggs' profile now.

"How'd he slip by us? I thought everyone was accounted for..." Sheridan states angrily

"We double and triple checked everyone, but apparently he and his followers had already moved out of sight." Michael replies

"I'm sorry. This is my fault. I completely forgot about--'

"No. It's all our faults. You are relying mostly on your memory, you can't be held accountable for things that slip from it, even important things. Place has been crazy the last few weeks anyways." Sheridan reassures me still angry

"Where are they?" Garibaldi asks me

"I don't know where they are based right now...but when they go after Delenn, and Lennan...he takes them to Grey 14A."

"We can pigeon hole them in there." Zack states.

"Yeah...but not until he makes his move. Where's Delenn now?" I ask

"Let me check..." Zack says and looks

"Oh no. She's just about to meet with Lennan in receiving..."

"That's where they're taking from!" I exclaim

"Sheridan to security---"

Before he can get out his order we can hear discharges from PPG's. Damn it. Garibaldi brings up the monitor showing this. So he's made his move now. But he wants Sheridan as well....if I remember correctly. Tries to assassinate him.

"Sir---"

"All right. They've made their move. I assume he communicate with us?"

"Yes sir. You directly. They try to assassinate you as well...or they were just trying to track your movements so they could take Delenn hostage. As the security file suggests, he fought in the war, is anti-Minbari, and wants them off the station. He won't stop until they're off. They also have all kinds of surveillance and are monitoring most---if not all channels right now. We need to proceed with caution." I warn

"Got it. Michael...go." he orders

"Sir. I request permission to go with Garid---"

"Denied." Sheridan says growly---he's not angry with me---he's PISSED because Delenn is a prisoner and is realizing his feelings.

"Sir, I'm not exactly the same person I was when we first met last year. Being here has started to change me. I have several months of Ranger, training, and I know the station pretty well now---not as well as Michael does---but I can get around pretty well. He'll need my help. Like you said to Susan the other day, time for the kid gloves to come off. I'm under no illusions that I can drop this bigot, but I know that I can help catch him." I plead

He frowns and sighs. His uniform is still off.


"All right. Fine. But---"

"I will be careful. I've no intention of being killed---not by these fucks."

"Language Mr. Young."

"Yes sir."

"Come on, we're wasting time." Garibaldi says as he motions for Zack to accompany us.

 

[DarkDestroyer]

Warner Brothers Discovery Own Babylon 5. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Non-Profit.

The three of us head down into Grey Sector. Even with my knowledge of the episode---it takes a bit to get into the crawl spaces.

"You sure this reactor leak trick is going to lure them out?" Garibaldi asks

"Yeah it should. I forgot something else."

"Not your finest moment, but go ahead."

"In the episode Sheridan gets you and Ivanova to reset the computer---but it backfires as the stations' previous AI takes over, and you just end up restarting the system again to get rid of it."

"Does that pertain to anything we're dealing with right now?"

"Actually---no--that happens before this does."

"Ah okay so then comedic plot point before all this shit goes down?" He asks

"It would appear to be so."

"Good job we have you around to filter out the filler..." Garibaldi's sense of humor is razor sharp at times

Everyone's been on edge lately. Garibaldi communicates back to Sheridan and tells them to get ready to implement the plan, they're not going to have that much time. Sheridan says that Security has converged near the suite and are ready to cut the power. We turn down another series of crawlways and kick down a panel and jump out---that was not pleasant.

"Garibaldi to Security---do it now."

They initiate the plan and in a few minutes we all here a bunch of noise as Boggs and his goons emerge filing out of their room---I prime my PPG as it makes that sound effect. Delenn and Lennan are there....she glances at me and I just nod at her as I point my weapon at Boggs' head. It takes about a nano second as all hell breaks loose---Delenn is released as Sheridan arrives---I shoot the downed Nightwatchman that attempts to toss his knife at Delenn's back and the phased plasma tears his hand right off with the knife in it. My hands burn from the kickback. Every time someone pulls a trigger from a PPG---the coils in the grip burn your hand. Some folks wear gloves when firing theirs. It's a chaotic few minutes as Marcus and Lennier help take down the rest of them, but it's finally over. I somehow manage not to get hit. I turn around and see Delenn in Sheridan's arms. I managed to save her from being knifed this. I lower my gun, satisfied. Sheridan has already taken out Boggs. It's over.

The next day, we have the abbreviated Rebirth ceremony in Delenn's quarters. Everyone comes one by one admitting their darkest secret. Everyone admits their secret from the episode. Finally, I enter, with my clothes from home neatly folded. I nod to Lennier as I enter and place the pile of clothing on top of everyone's uniform. She knows that I already know what the others told her.

"Hi. I'll keep this short. I'm afraid. All the time. I'm afraid." she nods but before I go...

"Adam...before you go." says starts

I turn around.

"Yes..."

"Thank you for saving my life. It takes courage to acknowledge that you are afraid. Lennier..." she says and he nods bringing over something and I Start to get chills. I wasn't expecting this. For the others yes, but not for me.

"You know what we have made for the others...we felt it was only right that you received the same gift. You've earned it."

Lennier bows and hands me what I think it is---

"Delenn....I"m not an officer..."

"No. You are family now. You Are just as equal member of the Army of Light as they are..." she says something in Minbari I don't understand.


I take the uniform and bow to both of them and say thank you in Minbari to them.

Later on we all enter C-I-C decked out in Army of Light Uniforms. The Pit looks up in awe at us. I'm feeling incredibly out of place in mine. I wasn't expecting this at all.

"What's the matter? Haven't you seen someone whose been reborn?" Sheridan jokes and we chuckle

That's foreshadowing John.

"The crisis, for now, is over. Tell the ships...we're open for business."

I find it hard to ignore the goosebumps.

 

[DarkDestroyer]

Warner Brothers Discovery Owns Babylon 5. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Non-Profit.

Author's Note: A brief note on SI Adam's Army of Light uniform to provide some clarity. SI Adam has not suddenly been promoted to an officer. He is also not a Ranger. But he's something in between. Something none of them expected. Delenn was serious when she mentioned he has become family. All of the patches and insignia are the same as on the others uniforms. He has a "special" civilian bar (if you've all seen the pictures of the uniforms you know where this is located, I suck at embedding pics in sites). It's blue denoting civilian status.

The Ranger command structure is as follows. Jeffery Sinclair is Entil'Zha on Minbar and commander of all Ranger forces. Rathenn is his dutiful second. Sheridan and Delenn have joint command on Babylon 5. Ivanova has command when the two of them are off station. Garibaldi and I are Liaisons, with Garibaldi my senior. I'm privy to all Ranger activity reports on request and nothing is denied me if I ask. This is a long chapter, so back to business.

Life on the station again is a bit chaotic following the secession as it's population---including myself adjusts to being cut off from Earth Alliance. The War Council begins to meet weekly now, and G'Kar has been as good as his word so far as the Narns have been incorporated into Security nicely. The Centauri begin their attacks on the Drazi Freehold as Delenn attempts to act as mediator between the two sides, but it is a fruitless endeavor.

"Do we have any further business?" Sheridan asks as we wrap up this session

"I have something I wanted to bring up." I say

"Go ahead Mr. Young." Sheridan says as the others smile. I frown. I still am not comfortable wearing this uniform. I feel like I haven't earned it at all.

"I have been doing a lot of thinking, and recently sold my shares---


"You did what now?" Garibaldi asks

"So I have quite a bit of money. I understand that none of the command staff--frankly none of the EA officers---"

Mostly Londo's gift from a few months ago combined with what I saved and sold in the Edgar's stock.

Sheridan stops me .

"Mr. Young, that is incredibly generous of you. The Minbari Religious Caste have agreed to aide us in that regards, should we need it. We also have some access to funds. We're just not going to be getting any more further funding from Earth. As for us, we'll be fine."

"Anything else?"

"Yeah, where's G'Kar? This is the second meeting he's missed since we made him a member, and after he hounded us...I don't like it." Garibaldi says

"He is still the leader of the Narns on the station, and has been a great help to us in incorporating them in Security, not to mention the war..." Susan suggestions

"Yeah. I don't buy it. He has changed...I'll give him that, but he's up to something. Adam..."
Before I can answer that question, Sheridan's link goes off.

"Sheridan here. Go."

"Sir, sorry to bother you but we have a potential problem."

"What kind of a problem, Mr. Corwin?"

"Bester sir. He's requesting permission to dock."

Everyone looks at me. Bester. Shit---the Dust. Diabolical sci-fi gimmick drug.

"Hold for a moment, Lieutenant."

"You have any idea what this is about Adam?" Sheridan asks

"He's here to investigate the Dust issue."

"Damn. What do we do about you? Not to mention the rest of us..."

"In the episode, Delenn, you provide us with Minbari Telepaths to protect us. Bester will want to meet me...I'm not a hundred percent sure if he is aware of my hand in protecting the Underground, but avoiding him completely isn't an option any more. Not after that message was sent out."

Draal's message wasn't just to be an internal message. EA and other races communications relays would have picked it up and relayed it back to their respective governments. So it is almost a certainty that President Clark is aware of me now.

Delenn agrees that the Telepaths are a good idea. Of course they are. You thought of it.

Sheridan taps his link.

"All right. Mr. Corwin grant Mr. Bester permission to dock, have security meet him and escort him to my office---but delay him a little. Say---twenty or so minutes."

"Aye sir."

Sheridan points to me as we all shuffle out of the War Room.

"You're going to start to make a list out of everything you know, and you don't have to tell me---but you need to start using it. Your memory is starting to be unreliable."

He's partly joking, but it's not a bad suggestion. Bester. This is gonna be a shit show...


Inside Sheridan's office you could cut the tension with a knife, or a PPG. The Minbari Telepaths surround us giving us much needed protection from our unwanted---but expected visitor. One, Alfred Bester. The hand of the Psi-Corp, Leader of the Bloodhound Gang (stop playing that music), and general pest and annoyance in general. I'm in a very small---VERY SMALL--way kind of excited to see him, especially now that we're protected and he can't in theory read our thoughts. If he could read that thought, he'd be bamboozled by it. Someone from the station actually kind of liking him? Surely not. Security escorts him into the office and I see him very quickly assess his surroundings in less than five seconds. He is sat down. I'm standing on the far side of Sheridan's office, staring at him. He's already noticed me but is doing his best to ignore my intense glaze. I feel bad for the Minbari Telepath's---they're also siphoning through all our negative emotions as well. Good thing there are no empaths in here...

"Captain Sheridan. Created quite a pickle for yourself here, all alone in the night...and I see you have picked yourself up a nice pet." Bester opens as he finally acknowledges my presence across the room.

"Shouldn't you be looking for nuclear wessels, Al?" I quip

"How quaint. A Chekov joke at my expense. I expected better from you Mr. Young." he says my name for the first time

"How?" I ask

"After my last visit ended...in disappointment...I sensed something I wasn't able to when I was on the station. For whatever reason. I'm not sure how you were protected at the time, nor do I particularly care, but...I got a brief...impression. I thought about revealing that I had detected you, but fought the urge against it. You know why I'm here. Tell them."

I sigh. So that confirms my panic if he had been aware of me at all last year. I turn to Sheridan. Michael is staring a hole into Bester now. Like I said---like a knife in here.

"Sir, he's actually here on legitimate business. His assignment is to investigate illegal sales of the drug called Dust to alien clients. This has been popping up on other worlds, it's found it's way to Babylon 5." Bester nods.

"For the past year, we've been after the biggest manufactures of Dust in Earth territory. Dust is a major problem for telepaths, because it can be used by the user to commit a kind of telepath rape."

Like Shinzon with Deanna...

"The drug enhances the telepathic gene in most humans, and gives them destructive power for hours."

Like I Said a diabolical sounding drug.

"Yeah, we've heard about it."

"It lets you invade someone's mind, experience everything they have, every touch, every sensation. You live their life in a matter of minutes."

A corrupted fucked up version of The Inner Light. Maybe the Darker Light.

"The experience is intense, and highly addictive. Usually the victim recovers in a few days, but when a telepath is violated, he almost never recovers."

Bester's kind of sexist.

"So we have a vested interest in finding the people responsible for this, and believe one of the main distributors has come to Babylon 5." He says as he finishes standing in front of me.

"You're looking for a man named Lindstrom...he's their contact on the station. Part time dealer. Not sure where he operates from on the station." I continue

Bester nods at the gesture I just made him.

"I don't understand what this has to do with planetary security?"

Bester gives his answer about the dealers attempting to deal to government officials to attempt to weaponize them, etc. Sheridan responds.

"Babylon 5 is an independent state Mr. Bester, no longer under Earth jurisdiction, which means you can't operate here without my blessing." He folds his hands behind his back as Bester begins to protest.

"Luckily for you though, Mr. Young is here, because if he wasn't...I'd be seriously inclined to just have security here toss you out an airlock, but I want this person off this station. So you'll work with Mr. Garibaldi to make sure that happens, and you'll do so under our discretion, is that clear?"

"If I must."

Michael now approaches him. The two of them have their banter from the episode---and Sheridan stops Garibaldi.

"You have two choices. Either the Minbari Telepaths shadow you wherever you go---or you take suppressants here Doctor Franklin has developed."

"It comes down to this Mr. Bester, do you more about us, or do we know more about what you've been up to lately?" Sheridan motions to me as I step up and cross my arms attempting to look imposing in my new uniform. Bester sighs.

"Fine...a child playing at soldiering, and a paranoid bunch of--"

"Careful, Mr. Bester, my patience isn't infinite." Sheridan says.

"Far be it from me to try and talk you out of your paranoia Captain. You choose not to trust me, despite your little lap dog there's wealth of information, well that's sad and unfortunate. But unlike you I won't allow it to interfere in my work. I do have one---small request."

"What?"

"That Mr. Young here accompany, my pal Garibaldi here and I on our little task--"

"Denied. Mr. Young is not an officer."

"Mr. Young...knows the name of the person we're investigating. He may not remember now, but it's possible over the course of our investigation he may recall where Mr. Lindstrom is hiding and make things---so much more---easier for Garibaldi and I." Bester is logical unfortunately for me

"Sir I..."

"Absolutely not. You and Mr. Garibaldi are both more than capable of conducting this investigation yourselves. Mr. Young does not have the training you have, and I am not going to put him in a position where he will get hurt---or worse."

Captain. I've had extensive Ranger, and weapons training. My body has the bruises and the scars---to prove it now. He's really trying to protect me from exposure to Bester. Any kind of continued close proximity to him will certain potentially penetrate me...and not to mention the fact I do have my emotions on a sleeve, even in the best of controlled conditions...

"Very well. I thought I'd take a shot--I agree to take the drug."

"It takes effect in three hours." Franklin says as he goes to inject Bester.

"I'll see you in four. Perhaps you'll all be less hysterical then." he winks at me.

"After all...I'm here to save your butts, have a little gratitude next time."

I nearly laugh at the iconic line. I wait until Bester is escorted out and the Telepaths leave with him.

"Captain, we have another problem. Bester indirectly reminded me about it...and yeah I'll start that List."

"What, Mr. Young, as if he isn't enough."

"G'Kar sir. I just realized this is the reason why he's missed Council meetings. He's been trying to make contact with Linstrom to buy a hit of Dust."

"G'Kar? Why would G'Kar?" Susan asks

"Londo..." I reply

"Delenn..." Sheridan breaths---she's been in talks with the Drazi and Centurai this week.

"Sheridan to security, send a squad to Ambassador Mollari...where ever he is right now, and if he protests---explain to him he may have a raging, out of control Narn after his ass and we're trying to make sure nothing happens to him."

"Acknowledged sir."

"After all this is over, you and I are going to have a little talk, Mr. Young."

 

[DarkDestroyer]

Warner Brothers Discovery Owns Babylon 5. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Non-Profit.

Garibaldi and Bester have begun looking for Lindstrom. Also remember Londo's wise words---intelligence has nothing to do with politics. Something we know well back home right now. As Sheridan and I head to rendezvous with security---it's already too late. We find poor Vir layed out in Londo's quarters. Security was too slow. Damn it. Sheridan calls for medical attention for Vir.

"Where are they?" Sheridan asks me

"Captain...you are not going to like this but G'Kar has to go through this."

"What? Why...he'll tear Londo apart?" he exclaims

"No. He doesn't. Londo will be fine, battered severely, but fine. This furthers G'Kar's spiritual evolution, into becoming something greater than he was when he first got here. He needs to do this, and unknown to him, he won't be alone."

"Kosh?" Sheridan asks bewildered

"Yes." I answer nearly with Kosh's voice with surprises me too

"I-I don't think that was me replying..." I say startled...am I an instrument of Order now?

"Vorlons act in mysterious ways." Sheridan says

"Sheridan to Security. We don't have a location on either G'Kar or Londo...they could be in Brown Sector somewhere though...Ambassador Mollari will have severe wounds."

He turns back to me as Medical personnel arrive to attend to Vir.

"What happens?"

"G'Kar is put on trial for assaulting the Ambassador to the Centuari Republic, you advocate on his behalf, but the Ombudsman upholds the sentence---60 days of confinement. He begins to write----something special there. That's all I will say."

Sheridan nods.


"Remember, we're gonna have that conversation."

"Yes sir."

Later on I visit Londo in the Medlab. Vir, is standing beside him. It is, crazily enough the first time Vir and I have met each other. I reach out my hand and introduce myself, but of course Vir knows who I am.

"It's a honor to meet you Vir. I'm sorry it's under these conditions." I say

"Franklin says he will make a full recovery." Vir replies

Before Vir continues...Londo opens his eyes and sees me.

"Ahhhh, Mr. Young. I was told you attempted to send security to help protect me..." he coughs

"Yes Mr. Ambassador. but G'Kar acted too quickly this time."

I've noted lately how events have taken place out of sequence or differently than in the show, and it's not just because I'm butterflying things. I'm frankly not sure why this is happening.

"Well...that's two I owe you now isn't it? Yessss."

He turns slowly to Vir.

"Vir...hand him over--" He starts coughing again hard

"I don't want anything---"

"I insist. You would be insulting the entirety of the C-Centauri Republic if you did not accept this token of my gratitude."
Vir hands me over a velvet looking pouch and drops it in my hand. The coins clank against each other.

"Centuari...Ducats?" I question resisting the temptation to open the bag

"Yes. 200 Ducats, and it is a gift. I would normally give more but unlike last time, you will accept it, to do so would insult t-the-great---" he coughs."

"You're right. I'm hesitant to accept this Ambassador, but under the circumstances I will accept this in the spirit it is given." I reply

Ducats have actually spiked in the market since the war with the Narns. Imagine that. I pocket the pouch and thank both Londo and Vir, before I leave...

"Vir...if you should ever need anything---you have a friend in me." I nod at him. It's practical to befriend the future Emperor.

I leave medbay and head to Security Central to visit G'Kar in jail. He's already started writing. Looking exactly as I expected to see him, and slowly coming off the effects of the Dust.

"Ah Mr. Young. I was wondering if I could expect your visit or not. Come in, don't mind the papers. I suspect you know what I've begun to write."

"I do. I came G'Kar to apologize to you."

"Whatever for?" he asks

"Not stopping Londo." I reply and he chuckles softly

He waves me away. The G'Kar from a few days ago would not have done that.

"I see...I see so many things clearly now, Mr. Young. For the first time in my life. I now know the burden on your shoulders unlike the others. The things I saw in his mind...are things that can not be stopped, not even by you."

I sit down on the deck and cross my legs. It is still hard for me to do even with the weight loss and training I've been doing.

"You want to know something?"

He nods to encourage me to continue.

"Out of everyone here...you were always one of my favourite characters, but also scared me. I knew I couldn't approach you before. To help you before despite the fact I wanted to because of who you used to be. You would have used me to harm, as Londo would have. I can't allow that."

"I understand now. It's a shame, the others speak highly of you. Your reputation proceeds yourself, you know."

"I'm starting to get that."

G'Kar and I talk for a long time until Zack comes and tells me visiting hours are over. As I sit in my quarters relaxing for the first time in a few days I hear something I never want to hear again in my head.

"Be seeing you, Mr. Young."

I jolt upright in my arm chair as I shake off Bester's laughter. Fucker.