A Dream Given Form: A Babylon 5 Self Insert

[DarkDestroyer]

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

Bester begrudgingly accepts our deal. He agrees to the terms and begins making plans to take out the current Psi-Corp administration. Once Psi-Corp is dealt with first, and that will be a HUGE socio-political shift on it's own---I will give Bester the means to stop Edgars Anti-Telepath plan, but not first without making sure Lise is safe. I could care less about Edgars himself or his staff. The man's a xenophobe, a racist, and has supported many campaigns to the detriment of humanity, and yeah I've made money off him, so I don't know if that makes me anything more than a hypocrite, but he's gotta go if all my plans are going to come to fruition. Lianna has go back to the Alexander as the Proxima ships have been recalled. Bester was partially correct on Clark's increased pogroms against Sheridan and the Alliance. There's rumors he intends on sending forces to attempt to finally take Proxima. It has...irked him...that it remains one of his few failures since the seizure of power last year. In fact I have put in a call through contacts to reach a certain someone to ask for their help a little earlier than usual. We could use her. I am sitting enjoying a cup of tea when my door chime goes off.

"Come."

In walks...G'Kar. I nearly drop the cup of tea but put it on the side table and stand to look at Citizen G'Kar.

"G'Kar...I..." I don't know what to say to the man. I should have stopped this too. I tried to keep Michael here, but he wouldn't listen....G'Kar silently with that deadly look from his single eye approaches me. I don't know what to expect but brace for the worst. I owe him at least that. Then to my surprise...he does to me what he does to Garibaldi. He hugs me.

"Mr. Youngggggg.....Mister....Younggggggg." He sing songs in that wonderful delivery Andreas had for the character and I have to do everything I can to not shit my pants.

"I-I d-don't understand." I manage to stammer

"That's the thing! Neither did I. I thought I did. I thought for the longest time that I knew what I wanted, but that was merely a lie. I have found a new purpose---the version of me when you first came aboard Babylon 5 has been transformed by the experiences that I have had, and I came here to thank you." G'Kar says

"I need to sit down." I mutter

"Please do."

I sit down and offer G'Kar some tea, he accepts and sits across from me. For the first time I look in his eye and indeed see...a changed man. There's no anger, no hatred in his eye...that I can see, instead...a great sense of contentment and---a passion.

"G'Kar...if I could have changed what was done to you I---" G'Kar waves me quiet with his hand

"That's just the thing, Adam...may I call you Adam?" he asks

"Nothing would make me more happier." I reply and he smiles

"I have been on a singular path this whole time and I never realized it until I was captured by the Centauri and forced to play---for Cartagia. I was angry of course at first, but---something changed. It could have been the lashes. The delirium that followed. I don't know...but I found my purpose. I know what I am supposed to do now in this universe, and I have you to thank for it. Through pain and sacrifice has come enlightenment."

"I don't know what to say G'Kar."

"You don't need to say anything Mr. Young. While on Centauri Prime, I also realized the great burden you have, the difficult choices you have had to make...such as with me. The decisions you yet have to make...if you need any one to talk to, I am at your service."


"Thank you G'Kar, coming from you, that means a lot. You mentioned that you have found your true purpose....I gather it is of a religious nature?" I ask

"My people would have me lead them, only three years ago there would not be anything more than I wanted than that, like Mollari among his people, but I realized that in order to avoid the mistakes of the past, we must...teach ourselves not to make them again. So yes, I have...chosen to...finish my book, and I will teach my people a better way, a new way."

"I wish you luck and I will help with whatever I can of course."

"There is a one subject that you could possibly help with." G'Kar says

"Anything."

"Na'Toth. My former assistant...I was given a false lead as you are probably aware, and haven't had the opportunity to--"

"She's currently incarcerated on Centauri Prime..." I reveal

"Right under my nose...or eye.." G'Kar mutters

I take a piece of paper and write down something and hand it to him.

"Absolutely not." he replies

"G'Kar, you need me to do this. Let me help."

"Sheridan and Delenn would kill me if anything were to happen to you. Centauri Prime--"

"Is a dangerous place right now, no one knows this more than I do. I--"

"I am aware of your Anla'Shok training Adam, it is most impressive of what you have accomplished thus far, but again I will not allow harm to befall you. I will handle this."

"You'll go to Londo?"

"He owes me yes."

"G'Kar one last thing...don't blame Mollari for this one. He was prohibited from ordering her release."

He just looks at me. Their new found friendship hasn't quite blossomed yet.

"Thank you for this. I will see you when I return."

"Wait...you're going now?"

"Na'Toth has waited long enough I think, don't you?" he says as he gets up and begins to leave...he then stops and comes back and hugs me. I hug him back now. This is a sincere hug. I watch as he leaves. Once he does my StellarCom channel beeps with an alert. I turn around and sit down at my now custom made desk, which is ten times better than the one provided me. I press a button and a very stern looking, blonde appears.

"Hello Number One." I greet

"I Know who you are, you've five minutes to make me not dismiss this call as a waste of my precious damn time."

"What I have to pitch you is going to take a little more than five minutes Number One." I HIGHLY restrain myself from using her real name, as this call is triple encrypted thanks to the computer program I now have running my little Bat Cave system here. She arches her eye brow.

"You've two minutes now smart ass. Make it quick."

I do.

 

[DarkDestroyer]

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

"So let me get this straight, Sheridan wants us to join the Resistance against Clark?" Number One says

"Yes. I know what you're thinking, what is in it for you guys? Well, you will have Captain Sheridan's personal assurances that Mars will be free, no longer under Earth Alliance control, if that what it's people wish. You'll also have the resources and support of our Resistance forces, including from Proxima. Number One...I know things are tough for you, and before you protest that I know nothing...I actually do know something of the struggle of the Mars Resistance. This is why I pitched Sheridan to get you on board earlier. We need each other."

"I don't know...there's an issue of trust..."


"I understand that. We can send liaisons to you from Babylon 5. You've already received aid from the Rangers, and that won't stop if you say no to this, but we're better with Mars in the fold than without. No one will step on your toes if that's an issue, and we can help you deal with a certain...ah...member of your group that has given you authority issues."

For the first time Tessa Holloran's face betrays her feelings. She knows I'm referring to Donovan. Who has been attempting to undermine her authority for months now in an attempt to cause a confidence crisis in her leadership and gain it for himself.

"So it's true about you...damn, I'd love to pick that brain of yours."

"Unfortunately that will have to wait until after we liberate the Alliance--including Mars---from President Clark's grip. I'd love to meet you in person as well, but I'm not allowed to go to Mars. Even in the accompaniment of my colleagues and with my Anla'Shok training."

"They trained you?" She asks getting even more curious

"Yes. Extensively without actually being official. So I'm not a Ranger but have enough training of a trainee."

"Impressive. I will need to talk this over with my people. Anything else? We're gonna have to cut this short..."

"I have a personal favor to ask you but it's time sensitive, you may refuse if you wish."

"What do you need?" she asks

"It's a...complicated issue, involving a person."

"You want us to get someone for you?"

"An extraction from what will shortly become a hostile situation. She doesn't deserve to be in that position in the first place."

"Ah a lady friend then..."

"It's not like that, I'm doing this on behalf a friend."

"Who, and it's gonna cost you big time."

"Price is not an issue...and um...it's Lise Hampton-Edgars." I offer finally

Tessa's eyes grow big and she kind of circles around irritated for a couple of minutes.

"William Edgars wife---that's uh---that's going to take some doing."

"I know, which is why you'll be given full Ranger support. This needs to be done as soon as I give the orders to do so."

Tessa's eyes flicker when she hears the word order.

"Oh, so you're giving us orders eh?"

"Sorry, force of habit now. You know what I mean."

"When can we expect to have to do this little...extraction?"

"Maybe in a month. I'm not sure yet."

"That's annoying as hell."

"Sorry, best I can do for notice. Like I said this will be time sensitive and that's all I can say about it for now. Will do you it? I will wire you funds. Half before, the other when the mission is completed and the subject is secured."

"You've got balls on you, I'll give you that. I will have to think about this. You said a month?"

"Give or take a few days yes."

"All right fine. Anything else?"

"That about covers it. Thank you Number One."

"Don't thank me yet, we've not agreed to anything. Mars out."

The screen goes blank and I sit back in my chair with a smile on my face. I just talked with Tessa Halloron. If Lianna never happened, I would have seriously considered attempting to---put that thought out of your head jackass and be content with what you have right now. I tap my link.

"Young to Sheridan."

"Sheridan, go."

"The hag on the dirty ball has been engaged. Will get back to us on our...request." I say in code


"Acknowledged. Good work Mr. Young."


"Aye sir."

I slump in my chair. I'm tired. I should actually go rest while I can.

 

[DarkDestroyer]

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


Sheridan and Ivanova are talking about John's father in the War Room when I enter. It is now the end of March 2261. Things have calmed down again after the conclusion of the Shadow War. But as I've learned during my time here, that won't last long.

"You wanted to see me sir?"

"Mr. Young. Timely as always. Sit down."

"What's up?"

"I was wondering if you had any leads on my dad?" John asks

Damn.

"I can assure you that he and your mom will be fine."

"That's it? Not how? These are my parents we're talking about Adam." John presses

"I understand that John. I can't give you any details because I don't have any, I would if I could, I only know that they are both okay."

That much is true. I truly don't know where they are. JMS doesn't reveal anything except that his mom stayed with friends in Minnesota, while David eventually gets caught due to his dependency---

"What aren't you telling me Adam?"


I exhale.

"What Bester told us about them ramping up their hit campaign on you is true as I mentioned when he was here. But John---they attempt to use your parents---especially your dad---to lure you back and capture you."

Sheridan and Susan exchange glances. It's weird being in an empty War Room as I briefly look around and notice no one is here. That's gonna change real soon.

"Well, we always knew that was a possibility, I gather this is one of your fixed plots, why you were so hesitant to tell me?" he asks and I look down in shame

"Yes sir---but I've butterflied most of it with Garibaldi. He was used as part of the plan. Now that he no longer is under the influence of the Loyalists---there's no one to betray you."

Sheridan chuckles.

"If only that were true." he replies as he grasps his hands behind his back

"Sir?"

"I've made plenty of enemies over the years, even before this war, Mr. Young. Clark has just given them an excuse to act now. I trust you have a contingency plan if this still happens to bail me out?"

"I do sir."

Susan looks at me

"Oh, I don't suppose you'd like to share it with me?" she asks

"Are you available for dinner tonight?" I ask with a grin

"I think I can make it..."

Susan and Marcus have been growing closer since Lianna and I hooked up. Marcus hasn't said anything to me about it, and I didn't expect he would. But if they end up together no one in the universe would be happier about it than me.

"Good. We'll talk then. I'd like to keep this close to the chest for now." I quickly change the subject

"Any word about that ISN crew yet?" and the two of them both shake their head

"Supposed to arrive sometime today." Susan replies and I groan

"I take it you disagree with our decision allowing them to film here?" Sheridan asks

"It's part of Clark's propaganda, now I've done my part to mitigate things that happen in the original broadcast, but they're still going to do their best to edit things to portray us in a bad light."

Sheridan nods his head.

"I know, but it's important that the people back home get at least some kind of picture of how things are here. What we're trying to do...I don't suppose you have a better alternative in mind?" he asks

I look give Susan that look and she starts to shake her head.

"Do you two remember when I requested the power boost for the comm systems from Epilison III last year?"

"Yeah. I take it that wasn't just to increase our communications power..." Susan replies


"In part yes, but no I did have an ulterior motive."

I hop on the table and spread my arms to indicate the empty room in a theatrical fashion and Susan puts her hand to her forehead. Sheridan manages a smirk.


"The Voice of the Resistance!!" I exclaim

"The what?" Susan asks

"Our very own news broadcast, to counter ISN, anchored by the lovely and talented Susan Ivanova herself!"

"I love it." Sheridan says

"Oh no." Susan replies

"What do you mean oh no?" I say with a shit eating grin

"I don't want to do it." she says and I laugh

"Sir? This is technically your idea that I've borrowed, but it will serve two purposes. The first is to give a voice to the people. To see what is REALLY going on out here. Our hopes, dreams, and desires, etc. Susan is the perfect person to anchor, she exudes trust. The people will like that. The second purpose will of course be to have the War Room useful again. Everything is already set up and prepared thanks to me...we just need to do this."

"I like it Mr. Young. Sounds like something I would think of---inspired by World War II?" He asks and I point to him

"The very war sir!"

He turns to Susan.

"You'll do this, and you'll do it well." he says gently

"Yeah...it's not like I have much choice anyway. You're the Captain." as she walks out of the room

"Remember, dinner, my quarters, 19:00 hours!" I call after her and she waves back


"Yeah, yeah, see you then."

Sheridan looks at me


"You're looser around her now, I've noticed. Not as tense." and I continue to smile and sit back down in a chair

"Lianna changed everything John. I didn't expect it to, one of those rare variables that just happened, and I'm glad I did. I still care for Susan, that will never change, but yes my feelings for her have...been refocused."

"I'm glad that things have worked out for you in that regard. You're positive about my folks?" he asks still concerned

"Yes sir. If the betrayal happens it's going to be difficult, and something that I can't predict. A total wild card involved."

He nods.

"All right, thank you Mr. Young. You're dismissed."

"Just one last thing I wanted to run by you Captain." I say

"You've got two minutes." he says

"I'd like permission to put Lyta on retainer." I say and his expression changes

"For what purpose?"

"Sir, I owe her a lot. I've betrayed her trust by asking her to do something I swore I never would. She has sacrificed a GREAT DEAL for us. She has been taking odd jobs, but a lot of folks won't hire her out of fear of Psi-Corp fines. Having her on retainer---means she can keep her quarters, have a life outside of the Corps, while working for us still, and STILL being able to do the odd job here and there for others if she wants."

Sheridan sighs.

"All right. I trust you to know what you're doing." he answers and I beam and thank him before leaving

Now to do my best and avoid the ISN reporter, Dan Randall...and I think I know the place to just do that...

 

[DarkDestroyer]

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

The ISN crew are here for a couple of days. I make myself scarce as I work out in the gym. Dinner with Susan went great, our relationship is much more comfortable now that I am not pursuing her romantically. We are developing a good friendship. I tell her what my plan is to deal with Sheridan if he is captured.

"They put John in Fort Walters?" Susan intones almost shivering

Fort Walters. On Mars. Specifically, Solis Planum. Earth Force's nearly impenetrable maximum security facility. Only the nasty of the most nasty are sent there. It also happens to have a guard population of the most corrupt Earth Force officers in the Clark regime. They restructured the place for political prisoners and other, undesirables after the Ministry of Peace was established. It is now under the purview of Nightwatch with cooperation from Psi-Corp. Unofficially.

"Yeah. For several days. Garibaldi, Stephen, and Lyta break him out with aide from the Mars Resistance."

"I see why you would attempt to butterfly that...are you sure you have?" she asks

"I don't know. The main key was getting that Psi-Corp programming out of Garibaldi. That is what THEY wanted him to do, isolate all his friends, argue with John to the point of discontinuing their friendship, then when the time was right, they'd activate the programming and Garibaldi would lure John to Earth with false information regarding his parents, and Clark's forces arrest him and take him to Walters."

"I have no idea who might attempt that now...John's correct when he says he has enemies, but if there was a plant on B5 we would know about it, wouldn't we?"

"Perhaps. My personal guess, and it's just a guess, if this still happens, it will be someone with a connection to Babylon 5, but on the outside. I've been wracking my brain attempting to come up with possible culprits but don't have any."

At least none that I'm willing to voice concerns about.

"So your plan is to inform Hague if this happens and request...orbital support? You want to crash Fort Walters? Won't that alert them?"

"I thought of that so I scratched that idea, but the General needs to be informed if Sheridan is captured. If they decide to take him anywhere else BUT Fort Walters we're fucked royally."

That would truly be a game changer. If this happens any differently than in the show--we could lose John forever before the war even begins.

"We'll deal with it when it happens, this is very good by the way." Susan says of the Meatball Soup and salad I've prepared

"Thanks. I thought something a little different tonight. May I ask you a question of a personal nature?" I ask and that makes her arch her eye

"Sure."

The answer would have been no just even at the beginning of the year. We've progressed in our friendship.

"I uh, don't know how to bring this up so I'll---"

"You want to ask me about Marcus and I?" she responds bluntly

"Yeah...you ah know...how he feels?" I ask

"I've known for a long time Adam, as well as how you felt about me before Lianna came into the picture." she replies. She's got mad skills.

"Oh." I blush

"My personal business is my business, and no one else's. I know you're asking out of genuine...encouragement...but I'm not comfortable talking about any romantic prospects right now." she answers

Or like ever.

Some things don't change.

"Okay. I respect that. Let's change the subject then, I thought we'd talk about the VOICE OF THE RESISTANCE!" I exclaim with my old school news anchor voice

"I'd rather talk about my love life." she groans and I laugh

"Susan, I know you're uncomfortable with this but we need this. We need something against them. If you want I can go through the news and come up with a script for you that's comfortable to read. We can make the broadcasts short at first, say a half a hour, until you get comfortable and then we can increase them."


She sighs and agrees. A few days after the news crew leaves. I am called into Sheridan's office where Marcus and Stephen are already there.

"Gentlemen." I say

"Mr. Young. I've decided to send Stephen and Marcus ahead to Mars. The Hag on the Dirty Rock has agreed to receive them as part of our ongoing cooperation." I nod and he turns to the two of them.

"Communications silence after you make contact with the Resistance. You'll be on your own. Anything they need to know before they leave, Mr. Young?"

"A few things. Number One is in charge, but she's dealing with internal forces that don't agree with her approach, things are stressful, and can change at any moment. Be patient with her, also give her this."

I toss over Stephen a velvet pouch.

"Centuari...Adam..."

"I don't want to hear about it Stephen, I had it exchanged to Earth Force credits. Number One will know what it is for, and no you two don't need to know. You're not involved in this."

The two of them say their goodbyes and I turn to John.

"Is there anything else?" I ask

"You're going ahead with the Edgars operations then?" he asks

"Yes. Almost everything is set in place. I've tried my best to mitigate the collateral damage. I can't count on the variable of Bester's team."

"How'd he take the news about the virus?" Sheridan asks

Not so great.

"Not good. He accused me of withholding invaluable intelligence pertaining to the well being of his people---which made me laugh."

"Adam..."

"Well...the irony of the statement coming from him of all people..."

"Even so...it's not a good idea to provoke him in anyway. I'm still not comfortable in sanctioning the loss of life...Edgars..."

"Edgars is a monster sir. He was involved in things---that no one should be involved in. We're talking about beyond heavy black ops stuff. No known public photos, no interviews, no public appearances, and sir...he's been manipulating the Alliance for decades, and no one knew about it." I explain

"Is he behind Clark?" Sheridan asks

"No. The Shadows and Psi-Corp are Clark's backers as I mentioned before. Edgars was neutral on the matter, at best he considered it a problem that would eventually be removed by the political process. Edgars is kind of a shadow power broker, pardon the analogy. Has his fingers in many pies. His biggest project though is the anti-telepath virus. He put a good chunk of his massive fortune towards it. If it was distributed, it would wipe out the entirety of all known human telepaths, and could potentially affect Minbari and others as well."

"Still doesn't sit right with me. Your plan is dangerous Adam."

That's an understatement. If any thing is off---it would be a disaster of epic proportions. I did say I suck a Risk. This is going to be a test of my logistical planning.

"I know. As long as Lise is safe though...that is all that matters to me. I don't care about the rest."

"I assume that Number One will contact you once Lise is secured?"

"That's the plan yes. No communication means we've fucked up royally and Michael will kick my ass."

Seriously, maybe more than that.

"He's not going to be happy you did this without him, you know." Sheridan states the obvious

"I know, but it's better than the alternative was."

Yes. That is what I am justifying this as. My family and friends would be horrified that I planned all this. Show or not.

"For your sake, I hope your right. Dismissed."

"Aye sir."

 

[DarkDestroyer]

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

I forgot to tell them about Captain Jack, and John doesn't want us to use Stellar Com with them unless it is an absolutely emergency, I would think that someone set up by the Drakh to assassinate Tessa would be a great excuse, but maybe not. Za'Ha'Dum is still intact since no one visited it. Rangers occasionally patrol it but have reported no activity so if the Entire are using it, they're hiding their fleet well. Perhaps this bodes well for my plan for the Centauri, if they're still mainly using Za'Ha'Dum as their base of operations, that means they are not on Centauri Prime, and Shiv'Kala is isolated with maybe a small fleet on standby in the system somewhere. I haven't fully completed my plan, it will take years to execute properly and I will start to have to talk to the key players about it--but---my door chime goes off.

"Come."

To my surprise Londo Mollari walks into my quarters and has a look around.

"Ambassador, this is a surprise, to what do I owe the honor of your visit?"

"I have come to thank you once again, Mr. Young. It recently came to my attention that you..." he struggles to control his emotions. He's found out about Adira

"That you were responsible for safe guarding Adira Tyree, from certain people who would have killed her to use me, that alone you have my thanks, but I was wondering where she is?" he asks

I sit down and offer Londo, Braviri. I keep a small selection of both human and alien liquor in case I entertain guests.

"Braviri...you have fine taste Mr. Young." he accepts a glass

"The Lady Tyree I can assure you is in a safe place, where no harm will come to her. She's guarded for her own protection, but last report I had she was happy and thankful. As for seeing her...Ambassador..."

"Call me Londo. My friends call me Londo..." he says almost sadly---as he has almost no friends. I'm touched.

"It's still too dangerous Londo. You have enemies out there that you don't even know about, I don't want anything to happen to Adira because of that."

"What of Timov, is she not in similar danger as my wife?" he asks

"Of course but we both know Timov can take care of herself, and has protection that Adira would not have on Centauri Prime."

"Yessss. May I ask you a question, Mr. Young?" he asks

"Of course Londo."

"Why have you done this for me? You have...looked out for me despite the things I have done. I do not deserve such...aid." Londo asks

"I think I'm here Londo, to try and make this a better place. Not just Babylon 5, but the greater galaxy. We all make mistakes, I've made some even, despite having good intentions, I'll make more in the future. But I know what your destiny is Londo, and I promised myself if I ever had the opportunity to do so, I would relieve that from you as best I could."

"I see. You know of my dream then. Of G'Kar and I at each other's throats..."

"Yes."

"Then it comes true..."

"I can neither confirm or deny that Ambassador. All I know is that everyone's lives are theirs to shape as they please."

"I thank you from the bottom of my hearts Mr. Young for Adira. You will alert me when she's...able to be free once again?" he asks
I smile getting up.

"I think you'll know when that time comes Londo, but yes." I bow slightly

Londo puts up the number three.

"This is three times now that I owe you, yess. I know you will not accept any money, but I won't forget this."

"Just live your best life for me Londo, and continue to look out for Vir." I say winking at him and he laughs

A little while later I get another surprise visitor.

"Come."

It is Delenn.

"You know why I'm here?" she asks

"You're leaving for Minbar, to address your relationship with Sheridan to your clan, the Tenth Fane of Elleya."

"Yes. I came because..."

"You want to know if you're coming back."

She nods her head.

"You'll be back, and you and John's relationship will continue to grow stronger. I wish I could come with you, I'd love to see Minbar."

"You would not be accepted there..."

"At least not during the grilling session no."

"Grilling session..." Delenn frowns as she ponders the words

"Your ordeal in the Dreaming."

"Ah...."

I do not tell her about being a descendant of Valen. That is part of her self-discovery. We can talk about it if we have time when she comes back

"If I do not come back, I wanted to---thank you for everything." she says

"Your welcome Ambassador. The honor has been mine. Your friendship and mentorship has meant a great deal to me. But you'll be back. We'll have some interesting things to talk about as well." that makes her arch her eyebrows

The two of us bow to each other as I watch her leave, the bottom of her robes sweeping gracefully against the deck. I then sit down at my desk and turn on all my monitors to await confirmation of Bester's mission...