04x13 - Rumors, Bargains and Lies

[bunniefuu]

Good morning, captain.

Top of the morning, captain.

Captain.

Morning.

So, captain, lvanova tells me you convinced
Londo and G'Kar to go along...

...with your idea about putting
White Star ships along their borders...

...as a peacekeeping force.

- Maybe we shouldn't.
- I agree.

Anyway, it's good news.

Though it's gonna be tough to get the other
Aligned Worlds to go along with it.

- Got any salt over there?
- Yeah, here.

Every time you try to get them
to do something for their own good...

...they figure you've got
some sort of hidden agenda.

And getting legal authority
from each of them to make arrests?

- Not a chance.
- Such a pain in the ass.

It's like every four months,
we've got to start all over again.

Oh, sorry. Nothing.

No, you're right, Zack.
Getting them all onboard is gonna be hard.

For most of them, the Raiders and Drakh
are just potential problems.

They really haven't hit that many
places so far.

They don't see the trouble until it's
on top of them.

Then they run around like they're crazy.

Is there something you'd like to share
with the rest of the group?

No. No, no, no.

Anyway, I hate to have to go through this
again, but I think we're stuck with it.

That's it! I got it!

Lt'll work.

If we try to talk the other races into letting
our ships operate along their borders...

...it'll be nothing but grief.

It took months
to pull them together last time...

...and that was with the Shadows
on them.

I don't want to go through that again
any more than you.

I am tired of doing things the hard way.
There's an easier way to convince them.

- And how do we do that?
- By not convincing them!

Listen, Marcus, after you've finished
your breakfast...

...I want you to take three White Stars
out to Sector 87 and wait for orders.

What do you want me to do?

I don't know yet.

But trust me, this is gonna be great!

Just checking.

If this is the way he is after
Delenn's been gone for three days...

...I don't even wanna know what he's
gonna be like after another week.

Lennier, have you been able
to get through to home yet?

It's been difficult.

It seems the primary beacon
is no longer transmitting.

I've had to use the orbital relay station
to pick up on local broadcasts.

Delenn, fighting has broken out
in the capital.

They fear it may spread
to the outer cities.

Civil w*r.

Yes.

It's started.

It was the year of fire.

The year of destruction.

The year we took back
what was ours.

It was the year of rebirth.

The year of great sadness.

The year of pain.

- And the year of joy.
- It was a new age.

It was the end of history.

It was the year everything changed.

The year is 2261.
The place, Babylon 5.

When I was a child...

...my father used to carry me
through the city on his shoulders.

I'd never seen such beauty.

The city was eternal.

Its beauty is eternal.

We heard of the Grey Council...

...the name was always spoken
with awe and reverence.

They held our world together.

They were the peace promised by Valen.

Thousand years of peace...

...among the three castes.

I think of my beautiful city
in flames, Lennier.

The streets where I walked...

...the temples.

The great crystal spires...

...that sighed music
whenever the wind touched them.

I think of it...

...and I cry, Lennier.

And I wonder...

...did I do this...

...when I broke the Grey Council?

Valen always said the council
would be broken in the great Shadow w*r.

Lennier...

...you know the truth as well as I do.

Valen only knew what Sinclair knew.

He couldn't see beyond that.

Once he left us, the future became fluid.

I had assumed that things would
continue on...

...like some great
clockwork mechanism.

As long as the w*r was won...

...we would be all right.

I was wrong.

Delenn...

...it was inevitable.

The council imposed balance
between the castes...

...by suppressing the old resentments,
the fears, the imagined slights.

But it could not erase them.

Take that away, and all the old problems
come right back to the surface again.

Perhaps.

We have to stop this, Lennier.

If the fighting spreads
beyond the capital...

...1000 years of peace
will become 1000 years of w*r.

I came here to tell you the Takari
has received our signal.

They're waiting for us at the rendezvous
point. We'll be there within the hour.

Did you contact Neroon?

Yes, I did.

Whether or not he will be there
when we arrive, I do not know.

It was a beautiful city...

...wasn't it?

Captain, I'm not entirely sure
I understand.

When you asked me
to allow your ships...

...to operate on the border of Centauri
space, you said you were going to use it...

...to inspire the rest of the League
to do the same.

- That's right.
- And now you don't want me...

...to even talk about it?

That's right. And if anyone
brings it up, I want you to deny it.

- Deny it?
- That's right.

But you want to keep the patrols
in place, yes?

Absolutely. And I've told G'Kar
the same thing.

Well, captain, you will forgive me
if I appear a bit slow.

I have studied your race quite a bit,
and there are still aspects...

...of your psychology I don't understand.

A place called Winchester Mansion
with stairs that go nowhere?

Something called
"country and western"?

And the less said about the comedy team
of Rebo and Zooty the better. However...

You don't like Rebo and Zooty?

- They're hysterical.
- Are they?

I'm sorry. I apparently mistook you
for a human with some taste and sensibility.

After their last broadcast, everywhere I
went on the station someone was going:

- "Zooty, Zoot, Zoot."
- That was a great routine.

- I didn't get it.
- Not my problem.

My point, if you will allow me
to make it...

...is that there's much about the
human mind that I don't understand.

So perhaps you will explain to me how
allowing your ships to patrol the border...

...of Centauri space will inspire the rest
of the League to do the same...

...if I can't even tell them
that we are doing it?

Londo!

Trust me.

"Zooty, Zoot, Zoot."

I loved that.

- Hello, Neroon.
- Delenn.

I was surprised to receive your message.

I considered not responding, but then
I enjoy a mystery as much as anyone.

I am, however, very disappointed
in the welcome...

...I received from your
fellow religious caste.

For a moment, I thought they
might actually fire on our ship.

You are under my protection.

They will not harm you,
except in their own defense.

I need to speak with you.

Alone.

Given the fighting
that's going on back home...

...I should think you would be very worried
to be alone with one of the warrior caste.

I would if it were
anyone else but you.

And why is that?

Come with me and find out.

Treating them like honored guests
after all they've done to us.

What are they doing here?
Why were they invited?

- It is not for me to say.
- There are rumors all over Homeworld...

...that the religious caste will give in
to the demands of the warriors...

...that they will rule, and we will follow.

- Delenn...
- Will speak for herself...

...when she feels it is correct to speak.

All right, Delenn.

What is it?

- I need your help, Neroon.
- My help?

I remind you that not long ago
I fought to keep you...

...from taking control of the Rangers.
We have not exactly been friends.

No. But your actions have always been
motivated by one desire:

To do what is right for our people.

The warrior caste cannot be allowed
to win this w*r.

The religious caste
cannot be allowed to win.

You know as well as I that if either side
achieves dominance...

...the delicate balance of our civilization
will be destroyed.

You should have thought of that
before you broke the Grey Council.

What is done is done, Neroon.

What matters now is the future.

Yes, we've disagreed, even fought,
but I would rather have someone...

...who opposed me out of an honest belief
in the rightness of his cause...

...than someone who was always on my
side because it was expected, required.

I've questioned your judgment,
your wisdom, your temperament...

...but never your loyalty.

Was that a compliment?

After a fashion.

Then you trust me?

After a fashion.

Well...

...it's a beginning.

I only wish it could have
happened months ago.

We might have avoided all this grief.
Now it's too late.

- No, it's not.
- This has been building ever since the w*r.

The fire cannot be stopped.
It will have to burn itself out...

...before the two sides will listen to reason.

And how many cities will be b*rned
to the ground by then?

- How many lives will be lost?
- Delenn, I am as horrified...

...by what is happening
back home as you are.

But we are two against a world
gone mad.

- What can we do against that?
- Nothing...

...until we get their attention.

For that I need your help.
Will you give it?

If I do, I risk alienating my entire caste.
They may turn against me.

That is true. And I risk the same
by working with you.

Well...

...it's a challenge,
and I have always liked challenges.

You have my support for now.

- Captain, I must speak to you.
- I'm in kind of a hurry, ambassador.

Some of our ships returning from
a training expedition to Centauri Prime...

...have reported seeing several
of your White Star ships...

...patrolling the borders of Centauri space.
- Have they?

Did you put them there
or did the Centauri ask for them?

- I don't think it's my place to comment.
- Captain!

All I can say is, we certainly
wouldn't be there if we weren't wanted.

Then they asked for the ships?

- I can't confirm that.
- But you're not denying it either.

But not denying it doesn't make it true any
more than not confirming it makes it false.

- Are you with me so far?
- I'm not sure.

Ambassador, there are so many things
in the universe...

...that are and so many things
that aren't.

If I were to take the time to deny
all the things that aren't...

...we'd be here for centuries,
wouldn't we?

Well, I gotta go.

Captain, the Centauri are a prideful people.
They wouldn't ask for help...

...unless they were afraid of something. If
that's true, we deserve to know what it is.

I'm sorry. I can't say any more.
Now if you would please excuse me.

Captain, Marcus is standing by
on Channel 4.

Put it through.

Marcus, you're in position.

Got here a little while ago.

We scanned the area, but there's nothing
here. Just a bunch of asteroids.

Good. I want you to target
several of the asteroids and destroy them.

- I see. And then?
- Then come back.

- That's it?
- Yes.

- sh**t a bunch of rocks and then leave.
- Correct.

- Captain, may I ask...?
- You may not. You have your orders.

I have neither the desire nor
the inclination to explain them to you.

Now if you're incapable of carrying
them out, let me know.

Otherwise, I'll see you
when you've completed your mission.

Understood.

Captain, is everything all right?

Fine. Excellent. Couldn't be finer. Why?

Well, that was just
kind of an unusual order.

Yes. Yes, it is, isn't it?

Which reminds me, when does the Voice
of Resistance make her next broadcast?

8:00. Why?

Oh, nothing. Nothing.

I was just planning on coming by
to see how things were going.

- Everything else here all right?
- Fine. Fine.

Good. Well, I'll leave you to it.
I have to stop by Medlab, talk to Stephen.

There's something I have for him
to do as well.

- Good day, commander.
- Captain.

I told you, I have no idea
what you are talking about.

These White Star ships were seen
on your borders, ambassador.

- Our pilots...
- Your pilots.

Your pilots should have
their eyes examined.

I don't know how they see
out of them anyway.

Tiny, beady, squinty little things,
aren't they?

- Ambassador!
- No, the Maker has not been kind to you.

Must be terrible trying to fly at night
without running into entire planets.

Are you saying the Centauri do not know
what ships are patrolling their borders?

Of course we know. The Maker
has gifted us with great big eyes...

...and great big scanners and great big...

Well, that is no concern of yours.
Look, isn't there someone else...

...you can go and harass?
My life is already so full of joy as it is.

Then you flatly deny that you asked
Sheridan to use the White Star fleet...

...to support your government
and protect Centauri space?

Absolutely.

Anything else?

No.

That will do.

- Thank you.
- Open!

This may be more serious
than we thought.

There's no question they're hiding
something from us.

Oh, there you are.
I was gonna track you down one at a time...

...but since you're all in one place...
- I'm sorry, doctor.

We're in the middle of something.

I can see that.
This will just take a moment.

I was wondering if your governments...

...can send us some additional
blood supplies for each of your races.

- Blood supplies?
- Yes.

How much?

- As much as you can spare.
- Why?

Oh, no particular reason.
I just thought it would be a good idea...

...in case we needed it for...

Well, in the event of a crisis...

...or an att*ck.

What kind of att*ck?

I'm in a hurry.
I'm in the middle of something.

I will send your governments
a formal request later on today.

I just wanted to let you
know that it was coming.

I'll see you later.

Probably.

This is very bad.

Come!

I cannot believe that Delenn
would allow this.

It confirms everything
we have been hearing.

Why else would Delenn come this far
and want Neroon to be here?

Why else would she return to Minbar
with a warrior at her side?

You saw how she deferred to him,
spoke gently to him.

So many of our caste have suffered
at the hands of the warrior caste.

Why else would she behave this way
unless she intended for us to surrender?

I saw Delenn when Dukhat was alive.

I know her heart.

She would never do
what you describe.

That was a long time ago.
Many things have changed since then.

I heard her say it
as I passed by her quarters.

"The religious caste
cannot be allowed to win this w*r."

We must do something.

Ever since the w*r, the warrior caste
have had nothing but disdain for us.

"If you need to surrender something,
ask the religious caste to do it for you.

That's their area of expertise."

And now this.

Only Delenn can authorize
a surrender.

She's the only one whom all the clans
will honor.

But we cannot move
against her.

To fight against the warrior caste is one
thing. But to strike down one of our own...

...one who led the Grey Council,
the chosen of Dukhat...

...it would tear our caste apart
and guarantee our loss to the warriors.

There is another way.

But it will mean sacrificing all we have
and all we will ever be.

We will lay down our lives for our caste.

History won't remember us. They'll
only wonder what happened to this ship...

...and why it never reached home.

But it must be done.

For the good of everyone, this ship
cannot be allowed to reach home.

- Did you get it?
- Yes.

- Is this enough?
- Enough for two ships of this size.

I siphoned it directly from
the fuel system.

Once released into
the air-processing system...

...it will poison the atmosphere
within minutes.

After we are no more...

...the ship will continue to drift further
into hyperspace until we cannot be found.

The ship will become a monument
to our caste...

...and to our willingness to do
all that we can to protect our people.

I will put this into position
and await your signal.

To think that one of our own
should turn against us.

I think I will welcome the great sleep that
I might never again have such thoughts.

Roger that. Accepting two. Locking
into number-three band for signal lock.

Checked on three band.
All batteries except number...

Captain.

- I see you're about to go on.
- I'm just checking over some reports.

- We go live in two minutes.
- What's that about?

Ever since we started broadcasting
we've gotten reports back...

...from half of the outer colonies
still aligned with Earth.

We've got great stuff
on President Clark.

Did you know that three-quarters
of his cabinet resigned in protest...

...over his martial-law decree?
You don't hear that on ISN.

- That's great.
- One minute, 30 seconds, commander.

Sir, are you going to stay or...?

No, no, no, no. I just stopped by
to ask you to plant a story for me.

Excuse me?

Plant a story for me.

Something I just want you
to drop into the broadcast.

Captain, with all due respect,
we just can't start planting stories now.

We've made a big deal out of the fact
that, unlike ISN, we put out the truth.

- Lf we become a propaganda machine...
- That's the last thing I want.

I just want you to mention that nothing
happened today in Sector 83 by 9 by 12.

- 8-3-9-1-2?
- That's the one.

30 seconds.

But, sir, I just got a status report
from C & C a little while ago...

...and that sector's been absolutely quiet.
- Exactly.

So just relax, because what you're saying
is absolutely true.

- That nothing happened there today?
- Yes.

Just casually mention
that nothing's going on.

That's right. Make a big deal out of it...

...as much as you can,
given nothing happened.

- Sir, I...
- 10 seconds.

I better get out of the way.
You're about to go on. I'll talk to you later.

- But...
- Go!

This is Commander Susan lvanova
of Babylon 5...

...bringing you
the Voice of the Resistance.

In the next 20 minutes, we'll have
updates about President Clark's...

...continued illegal att*cks
against civilian targets on Mars...

...and more information
about the struggle for Proxima 3.

Our best wishes to our brothers and
sisters who are fighting...

...for their freedom
against overwhelming odds.

We'll also have news about the mass
resignations of cabinet-level advisers...

...and the joint chiefs
over his campaign of terror.

Our regards to those onboard Earth Alliance
Starships who risk being arrested...

...and court-martialed
for watching these telecasts.

Your loyalty to Earth
and to freedom is appreciated...

...and we hope to have
some news for you soon.

First, one brief announcement.

I just wanted to mention,
for those who have asked...

...that absolutely nothing
whatsoever happened today...

...in Sector 83 by 9 by 12.

I repeat, nothing happened.
Please remain calm.

- Did you hear?
- Yes.

And I just learned of an att*ck
by three White Star ships.

- What did they att*ck?
- We do not know.

Our scanners could not pick up anything
in the area, only asteroids and debris.

- White Stars do not att*ck asteroids.
- I know.

But we saw nothing.

Then the enemy must be invisible.

- Some new cloaking system.
- Yes.

No wonder the Centauri asked for help.

The White Star fleet is partly based
on Vorlon technology.

Perhaps they are advanced enough
to see this invisible enemy.

They're keeping this technology
to themselves. With the Vorlon gone...

...they're the only ones who have it.
- To leave us unprotected...

...left to fend for ourselves. But we have a
right to the same protection as the Centauri.

We cannot tolerate this kind of
discrimination in the face of grave danger.

Invisible enemies.
Strange things happening in Sector 83.

They could be anywhere.

They could be all around us.

Good, there you are.

We're almost home.

Just a little longer and we will see
if Delenn knows what she is doing.

End.

Bring her to me.

I have questions which require answers.

- The alarm. Do they know?
- No. Is everything in place?

I set the timer as soon as the alarm
sounded. In moments, it will all be over.

Neroon.

- You sure you're all right?
- I'm fine, Delenn.

It was a glancing blow.

Take him below
and have his wounds treated.

Then he should rest.
If he doesn't choose to rest, make him.

- Delenn.
- Go.

This one will go into the cells.

Leave him a copy
of the Sacred Scrolls to read.

Perhaps he will understand there are other
ways to solve disagreements than v*olence.

I'm glad you're here.

I need you to keep an eye
on the other warriors that are aboard.

Neroon was att*cked because some of them
believe the warrior caste will surrender to us.

They would do anything
necessary to prevent that.

Then we're...?
They're not going to surrender?

No. Don't be foolish.

If either side surrenders, there will be
chaos. Our entire culture would fall apart.

There are other ways,
more reasonable ways.

But the extremists among us
never see that.

They would rather be martyrs
to misinformation and old ways.

- But we thought...
- Thought what?

Nothing. Nothing.

Well, again, keep an eye on them.

If you suspect anything,
do not act directly.

Tell me and I'll tell Neroon.

Incredible.

Only the warrior caste could actually
turn on one of their own.

They have always been erratic.

But you...

You are the steady rock beneath my feet.

Thank you.

- The poison.
- It's too late.

It's starting right now.

Have we fallen so far...

...that we cannot even trust...

...ourselves?

- How is he?
- Not well.

I've asked my personal physician
to tend to Lennier.

They are both in isolation
to protect Lennier from contamination...

...until the doctor is finished.
- Do you know what happened?

He appears to have been exposed to some
residue from the fuel system.

How he came upon it, I do not know.
Only he can tell us, should he survive.

He means a great deal to you,
doesn't he?

I have been training him...

...as Dukhat trained me.

He's been...

...a light for my footsteps...

...never asking, only giving.

Without him...

...I would stumble and fall and...

...never get up again.

Thank you for looking after him, Neroon.

I fear we may be healing him...

...only to see him and the rest of us
k*lled before we are finished.

But it was the least I could do in return
for your gracious hospitality.

I know the others are not happy
with my presence here.

They will understand eventually.

But only because you will teach them.

In the time that we have known each other,
I have not always spoken well of you.

I assumed your behavior was prompted by
a sense of your own superiority, your ego.

The usual fanaticism we have come
to expect from the religious caste.

In the last year,
I've begun to realize that I was wrong.

Dukhat chose you above all
to follow him.

Slowly, dimly,
I begin to understand why.

I do not know what lies
ahead of us, Delenn.

But I do know it is right
that we are here together.

Was that a compliment, Neroon?

After a fashion.

Where is Sheridan?

- He's late.
- He will be here soon.

Then we will confront
him with what we know.

No.

There is wisdom in silence.

Wisdom in knowing more
than they believe we know.

The Gaim is right.
By showing them what we know...

...we may put ourselves
at a disadvantage.

If we reveal our sources of information,
he may shut them down.

Prevent us from finding out
what is really going on.

Let Sheridan think we do not know
about this invisible enemy.

Let him continue to underestimate us
as long as we get what we want.

What pretext do we use
to get these ships?

- How...?
- Sorry to be late, gentlemen.

It's been a hectic day.

Anything in particular, captain?

- No, just the usual.
- Of course.

Now, what is it you
wanted to see me about?

Lately we've been hearing
about att*cks by...

- Raiding parties.
- And Drakh.

Yes, raiding parties against
some of the smaller League worlds.

We feel it is only a matter of time before
they turn their attention to our civilizations.

Well, I wouldn't put
too much stock in rumors.

I'm sure you can handle
whatever comes your way.

We lost many of our ships
fighting the Shadows.

You have an obligation to help us protect
our borders until we can rebuild our fleets.

- You're talking about the White Star fleet?
- We are.

There's nothing I can do.
They're busy.

Doing what?

I can't tell you.

If you cannot tell us,
then it must not be very important.

Captain, we insist.

You must put as many of the White Star
fleet as you can around our borders.

- Just hold on a minute.
- We speak for the entire League.

Doesn't matter. I can't put them on your
borders without the proper authorization...

...to intercept Raiders and other ships
entering or leaving the area.

And since you're not likely
to give me the authorization...

...that, as they say,
gentlemen, is that.

Incorrect.

We will provide them with full authority.

You cannot hide behind that, captain.

I see.

But what if I need them for a...

...larger mission?

Then we will accompany them...

...so that we may show our own support
for whatever it is you choose to do.

You have no choice in this, Sheridan.

The League has spoken.

You will bring the White Star fleet
into the League of Non-Aligned Worlds.

In return, the League will support
any action taken by the fleet.

I can't possibly talk you out of this?

We're afraid not.

All right.

I guess you're right.
I don't have a whole lot of choice in this.

I'll have the diplomatic papers and treaties
drawn up this afternoon and delivered...

...to each of you by the end of the day.

Good. Thank you, captain.

You may go now.

Yes!

Lennier.

This is the second time
I have seen you near death.

You're starting to acquire bad habits.

It was much safer in temple.

Also far less interesting.

The doctor tells me that they
had to remove part of your lung.

I'm sorry.

Can you tell me what happened?

I was passing a maintenance tube
on my way to see you...

...when I smelled a discharge
from the fuel system.

There was no time to call for help...

...so I crawled into the tube
and I shut the valve.

There was no other choice.

If I waited, it would have been drawn
into the air recycling system.

You sure it wasn't sabotage?

I've been wondering if some of the
warrior caste might have been involved.

No, I think we can be fairly certain
the warrior caste was not involved.

Well...

...there is at least that much good news.

You did a very brave thing, Lennier.
Everyone here is in your debt.

Now rest.

We'll be at Minbar
by this time tomorrow.

See to it that he is made comfortable.

His actions have honored all of us.

Why?

I should sleep now.

- I'm very tired.
- Please, we need to know.

You could've told her the whole truth.
No one here would have blamed you.

But you didn't.

Why?

If I had told her the whole truth...

...it would have destroyed her belief in the
strength and the wisdom of our caste.

Delenn does not walk in the same world
that you and I walk in.

She does not see the same world
that you and I see.

In her world,
we are better than we are.

We care more than we care.

We act towards each other
with compassion.

I much prefer her world
to that of my own...

...and I will not allow anything
to thr*aten that.

I understand.

Thank you, Lennier.

Do not thank me. I did it for her.
I did not do it for you.

In future, I would suggest you try to see
the world through her eyes sometime.

It might lead you to make
fewer fatal mistakes.

Now go away.

We'll be home soon, and I'll need all my
strength to deal with the new problems...

...without dwelling on the old ones.

This is Commander Susan lvanova
of Babylon 5...

...bringing you
the Voice of the Resistance.

In a show of solidarity, the League of
Non-Aligned Worlds announced...

...the formation of an authorized patrol
force to curb the activities of Raiders...

...and others who have preyed
on civilian transports.

Later, we'll have news from the resistance
at Proxima 3 and other safe havens.

Rumors have reached us
concerning...

...fighting going on
in the capital of Minbar.

We ask that anyone with news
of events going on there...

...please contact us
with that information.

On the chance that anyone on Minbar
might be monitoring this Stellarcast...

...we send them our best wishes
and hope they come through this safely.

Delenn?

- Lennier. What is it?
- Neroon.

He's gone.

Message from Alit Neroon to Shakiri,
Shai Alit of the warrior caste.

The mission has been successful.

I have access to their plans to counterattack
our forces in the capital city.

They can be stopped and stopped easily.

The religious caste is divided,
and their support is weak.

It is as you said, Shakiri. They do not have
the stomach for a prolonged conflict.

Tell our ships to stand by.

Victory will be ours within the week.