'Good morning.'
'The time is 0430 Earth Standard'
'Wednesday, August 3rd, 2258.'
'Personal log shows no outstanding appointments.'
'Shall I download station logs for past six hours?'
Sure. Grab it, store it, shove it.
'Clarification?'
Never mind.
Why does my mouth always taste like old carpet in the morning?
'Unknown. Checking medical logs.'
- Morning, Lt. commander. - Commander.
- Sleep well? - Sleeping is not the problem.
Waking up. That is a problem.
I've always a hard time getting up when it's dark outside.
- But in space it's always dark. - I know.
I know.
Picking up a distress signal.
Put it on-screen.
'Requesting assistance.'
'I repeat, Starfury Pilot'
to Earth vessels, requesting assistance.
'Babylon 5 to fighter, what is your situation?'
We were escorting transport, hit by Raiders. Surprise attack.
They're in pursuit. Power at 50 percent.
Launch Delta Wing. Tell them home in on his signal.
They're coming in!
Taking evasive action.
Now they're all over the place!
He's gone.
It was the dawn of the Third Age of mankind
10 years after the Earth-Minbari War.
The Babylon Project was a dream given form.
Its goal, to prevent another war by creating a place
where humans and aliens could
work out their differences peacefully.
It's a port of call, home away from home
for diplomats, hustlers, entrepreneurs and wanderers.
Humans and aliens, wrapped in 2,500,000 tons
of spinning metal, all alone in the night.
It can be a dangerous place.
But it's our last, best hope for peace.
This is the story of the last of the Babylon stations.
The year is 2258.
The name of the place is "Babylon 5."
'Earth Transport Benoza will be departed in..'
Identicard, please.
This hasn't been updated in a while.
I've been out of circulation.
Spent the last few years doing some exploration out on the rim.
Find anything interesting?
Yes.
By the time the search and rescue team got there
there wasn't much left.
'Security analysis?'
Even after we cut off their supply of heavy weapons
the Raiders have continued to escalate their attacks.
The last two have been in close proximity to Babylon 5.
We can't let this go on.
If we can't guarantee safe passage to the station--
I know. Just two problems.
One, by the time we hear about an attack and progress
it's too late to do anything about it.
Two, we can't figure out how they're getting out so fast.
Ships that small have to use jump-gates same as anybody else.
Getting from the point of the last attack to
the nearest gate takes four hours at maximum burn.
But they were gone in less than two.
Put Delta Wing on standby alert.
They should be ready to leave the second
we hear about any new attack.
Lt. commander, you'll take first tactical watch.
Will do, also recommend we put together
a profile of all incoming ships for the next few weeks.
See who's carrying any valuable cargo
if we can figure out who they're likely to hit next.
Agreed. See to it?
'It'll be tough.'
Not everyone files a complete manifest.
A lot of them just flat-out lie.
All we can do is try to help them.
If they won't cooperate
then they'll just have to accept the consequences.
That's all.
Mr. Garibaldi, a moment of your time?
Not long ago, something happened.
I've been keeping it to myself, but the truth is..
...I need some help.
Mostly, I need a friend.
You got both. What's the deal?
I told you about the Battle of the Line
the 24 hours of my life that I couldn't remember.
Lately, I've started to piece together a few things.
Not all of it, just enough
to know that something happened to me back there.
I've gone as far as I can with my own investigation
but...this is more your area of expertise.
I need your help
to try and find out what happened
and why.
This is strictly unofficial.
You don't have to take on the job if you don't want to.
Jeff, this is me, remember?
So, let's hear it.
Start at the beginning, and don't leave anything out.
- Ambassador. - Mr. Reno?
I was starting to worry if you were going to come.
I always keep my end of the bargain.
Just had to make sure your people did the same.
And?
I finally received confirmation that payment in full
has been deposited into my account back on Earth.
'Here's the merchandise.'
Great Maker.
Nice piece of jewelry, isn't it?
This is not a piece of jewelry.
This is not "The merchandise."
This is the Eye
the oldest symbol of Centauri nobility.
The property of the very first emperor.
It comes from the earliest days of the Republic
lost over a 100 years ago at the Battle of Nu'Shok.
I know the story, ambassador
and I'm glad it means something to you.
But to me, it's just another commission.
My job is to find things
objects, people, you name it.
Now I've got my payment.
- I'll be on my way. - Payment indeed.
My government paid enough to buy a small planet.
But I would very much like to know
how you got your hands on this.
No, you wouldn't.
- Ambassador. - Ambassador.
I have already pushed it.
I pushed it again.
Ah!
I hear there is a famine on your world Southern Frontier.
My condolences.
You should have thought of that
before you strip mined our resources.
Ah! So it is all our fault? Hmm?
Precisely.
Though I have noticed that your own people
have continued to exploit your world's resources
to build the mighty Narn war machine.
We have to protect ourselves!
By doing to yourselves what you say we did to you?
- Ah! That's evolution for you! - Now, see here--
Take the famine as a blessing, ambassador.
A weeding out of the excess population.
One more comment like that, Mollari
and you will become part of the excess population!
- Hah! Threats! - Yes, threats!
Now, you can go to hell!
And you can kiss my pouch, you..
- Now look what you made me do! - Now look what you made me do!
And I can only assume that once they were finished with me
the Minbari wiped my memory
being taken aboard their cruiser.
Put me back in my ship and let me go.
And you're sure that was Delenn you saw?
Positive.
Eleven years since the war, Jeff, it's a long time.
- Trail's pretty cold. - I know.
And I don't expect you to come up with anything today.
I've waited 11 years, I can wait a while longer.
- But if you get any ideas.. - Understood.
I'll keep my eyes open.
And, Jeff, thanks for trusting me enough
to bring me in on this.
Don't thank me until we figure out where this thing goes.
We may both end up regretting this conversation.
'I'm not sure I understand the question, uh, Mr..'
- Morden. - Morden, yes.
Who did you say authorized this little chat?
Counselor T'Bar, First Circle.
And does he know what this is about?
No.
But in order to, uh...see someone of your prominence
I had to get a recommendation.
He provided it.
You still haven't answered my question, ambassador.
What do you want?
Well, what do you mean what do I want ?
- What do you want? - W.. What do I want for supper?
What do I want do this evening? What do I--
What do you want?
This is pointless.
What I want is for you to go away and leave me in peace.
As you say.
W-wait.
What do I want?
The Centauri stripped my world.
I want justice.
But what do you want?
To suck the marrow from their bones
and grind their skulls to powder.
What do you want?
To tear down their cities, blacken their sky
sow their ground with salt.
To completely, utterly erase them.
And then what?
W..
I don't know.
As long as my Homeworld's safety is guaranteed
I don't know that it matters.
I see.
Well, thank you very much for your time, ambassador.
Good day.
Nonsense!
- Ambassador Mollari? - Yes, Lord Kiro.
I am honored.
This is Ladira, my aunt
also the seer and prophetess of our house.
- Ambassador. - My lady.
You are alright?
Yes, the trip was quite long.
'It can be quite a strain'
if you're not used to such voyages.
Little rest will help. I've made all the arrangements.
You have the Eye?
Yes. It's quite--
This place..
Great Maker, this place..
- 'No.' - Lady?
I see death. Destruction.
Fire. Babylon will fall. This place will be destroyed!
'Fire, death, pain.'
Fire, death, pain.
No.
No!
- You're sure you're alright? - I'm fine, Kiro.
It was a vision. Very powerful.
You said this place will be destroyed?
Yes. Yes, I did.
You'll excuse me.
I must go to my quarters and rest.
You'll forgive my aunt.
She sometimes takes the role of prophetess too seriously.
Then you don't believe her vision?
She's been wrong before.
On my first birthday
she said that someday I would be killed by shadows.
Shadows?
Doesn't exactly make sense, does it?
No.
- Where is the Eye? - Safe.
I would like to see it.
Well, actually I was told--
My family has been waiting for over a 100 years
for the Eye to be returned.
It is the symbol of our house
a house of nobility and honor.
And now I must play the messenger.
After searching for so long, I would like to spend
some time with it
before turning it over to the emperor.
Of course.
Six to One, have located target. Commencing surveillance.
What is the purpose of your question, Mr. Morden, is it?
The question is its own purpose, Ambassador Delenn.
What do you want?
I am informed that you have just seen Ambassador G'Kar.
Are you asking each of us this question?
Perhaps.
Does that invalidate the question?
No, but it makes me wonder..
Something wrong, ambassador?
No, just a moment of fatigue.
Ambassador?
Leave me.
Get out. Now!
They're here.
Yes.
No one else knows that it's here?
No one, except the man who brought it here.
I think we can rely on his discretion.
Good.
Good. We'll, uh..
We'll bring it back just as quietly.
It will be better for the government to declare
that they found it back home
rather than to admit they had to buy it from some outsider.
Ambassador..
..you must know that things are, uh...changing back home.
I hear a few things.
'Every day our people grow unhappier'
'with our so-called leaders.'
The emperor has not appeared in public for a nearly a year
leaving his prime minister to act for him
but w-without his leadership
the senate continues to lose credibility.
Ah! So that is why they were so desperate to find the Eye, yes?
'Yes.'
There is no greater symbol of authority.
Mollari..
...the Eye belongs to my family
my house.
Why should I give it to the emperor?
We must all make our sacrifices.
If I were to return with the Eye..
...and claim the throne for myself?
Lord Kiro, please. I understand your feelings.
You could do what you describe
but without support you would be dead within a day of trying.
These are no longer the good old days, Lord Kiro.
Yes.
More's the pity.
I'll leave this in your care tonight.
For it were in my possession, I might do something foolish.
- Goodnight. - 'Goodnight.'
'Where did it all go wrong, Mollari?'
Where did we lose it all?
I don't know.
- Send everyone to the shuttle. - Evacuate, evacuate!
- We've lost authority team-- - Team Alpha has cut off!
They're heading for the docking bays!
- Repeat, they're heading-- - Hit it!
Hit it with everything you've got!
- We've got to get out! - The shuttle's away--
Destruct! Destruct! Destruct!
'Captain, we're picking up Raider transmissions.'
Impossible. The screens are clear.
There's nothing out there.
'Hey, where are they coming from?'
- I don't know. - Time to target?
Twenty minutes.
Battle stations, thrusters to maximum.
We'll try to beat them to the jump-gate.
Earth Transport Vessel Achilles to all ships in Grid Epsilon.
This is Earth Transport Vessel Achilles
to all ships in Grid Epsilon.
This is a mayday.
'Repeat, this is a mayday. We are under attack.'
'We are surrounded by Raiders. This is a mayday.'
'We're moving in flight speed to the jump-gate.'
'Come on, guys, we could use your help out here!'
'This is a mayday, repeat, mayday!'
Standby, Achilles.
- Help's on the way. - 'Roger that.'
Lt. Commander, you're clear to launch.
Confirmed.
You heard the man, Delta Wing, hit it.
'Call Red-7, 3-5..'
Six to one. they've taken the bait.
Estimate two hours until they can reload the Cobra bays.
Keep them busy once they arrive.
We'll take care of Babylon 5 from this end.
'You are clear to dock in Bay 13.'
'Welcome back, Ambassador Kosh.'
Time to target's last known position, 20 minutes.
Any further transmissions from the Achilles?
Confirmed, still reading her, Delta Leader.
Alright, let's hope we're in time to do some good.
'Delta 7 and 8, stay behind and watch the gate.'
'If the Raiders manage to double back'
'and to get past us, link in.'
'I wanna know how the hell they're getting in'
'and outta here so fast.'
'Will do.'
Maximum burn. Weapons systems on standby.
Heat 'em up. We're gonna need 'em.
'Confirmed, Delta Leader.'
We're ready to proceed.
Bring the Eye, please, and we'll meet along on the way.
Good. I've notified Centauri Prime of your expected arrival.
There'll be a ship waiting to escort you home.
You'll have protection every step of the way
once you're through the gate.
Well, I should hope so.
See you in a few moments, ambassador.
Ah, ambassador, I was just on my way to see you.
- My name is-- - I'm sorry.
But I don't have time to chat right now.
I suggest you make an appointment.
- I did. - Then make another one.
Never a transport tube when you need one.
Ambassador, I was authorized to speak to you--
Yes, yes. Look, what do you want?
That's what I was going to ask you.
What do you want?
You are a lunatic. Go away.
Pester someone else.
'Destination?'
Bay 12.
You are a very persistent young man.
I have to be.
I'm not allowed to leave you until
you've answered my question.
- What do you want? - This is a silly conversation.
Yes, it is.
- What do you want? - To be left alone.
Is that it? Is that really all, ambassador?
Alright. Fine.
You really want to know what I want?
You really want to know the truth?
I want my people to reclaim
their rightful place in the galaxy.
I want to see the Centauri
stretch forth their hand again and command the stars.
I-I want a rebirth of glory
a renaissance of power.
I want to stop running through my life
like a man late for an appointment
afraid to, to look back, or to look forward.
I want us to be what we used to be.
I want..
I want it all back the way that it was.
Does that answer your question?
Yes. Yes, it does.
Commander, we just received confirmation from Delta Wing.
They're closing in on the Achilles' last known position.
Good.
Something wrong, commander?
Up until now, the Raiders have been hitting
closer to Babylon 5, but this new attack
is almost a full sector further away.
Call up a cargo manifest on the Achilles.
- Let's see what she's carrying. - On it.
That's far enough.
I want the Eye.
We don't know what you're talking about!
No more lies, ambassador.
And to make sure there are no further problems
you three have just become hostages.
Get this aboard the ship.
And hide these bodies.
We don't want them found until we're clear.
Now, move.
Commander, I have the cargo information you asked for.
Are you sure this manifest covers everything?
Yes, sir.
"Hydroponics supplies, tools
atmospheric-testing materials."
There's nothing here that would bring a high price
in the black market.
Nothing worth the effort of stealing it.
Then why the attack?
Babylon Control to Delta Wing. Do you copy, Delta Leader?
- Confirmed, Babylon Control. - 'What's your status?'
We just got word the Raiders have broken off the attack.
We're flying in pursuit.
'Negative, Delta Leader. Do not pursue.'
Repeat, do not pursue. Return to base.
- But, commander-- - 'It's a diversion, Lt. Cmdr.'
They want your forces as far from the station as possible.
- Return to base at once. - 'Confirmed, Babylon Control.'
What ships are due to arrive or depart in the next two hours?
Traffic's light.
Just a couple survey ships and a Centauri personal liner.
Registration?
A Lord Kiro and Lady Ladira.
Scheduled to depart Bay 12 in 10 minutes.
That might be it. Tell Garibaldi to stand by with Alpha wing.
I'm heading for Bay 12.
Ambassador , the ship of yours that's about to depart--
Commander, this is not a good time.
I have to warn you. We received information--
Commander, look out!
Alright, if anyone moves, Lord Kiro gets his
brain splattered all over the bulkhead.
'Now, I'm taking this ship, and we're leaving here.'
And if anybody tries to block the docking bay
I'll use the ship's thrusters
and burn my way through, understood?
Understood. We won't try to stop you.
I'd always heard you were a smart man, Sinclair.
Now, move!
Kiro! Kiro, no!
Commander, what are you doing? You can't just let him go!
Garibaldi, a Centauri liner will be
coming out of the docking bay in about five minutes.
Target engines only.
'I want it disabled, not destroyed.'
'Confirmed. Launching Alpha Wing.'
We'll program the jump-gate to reject the ship's ID code.
We'll let 'em get outside to keep 'em from damaging
the station, but once they're outside
believe me, they're not going anywhere.
Ladira, we should get away from here.
The Shadows.. the Shadows are coming for him.
- Status? - Centauri Liner's out.
And trying to activate jump-gate sequence.
Alright, Mr. Garibaldi, move in.
- Hit them and reel them in. - Will do.
Okay, people, let's move.
The ship's too small to make it's own jump point.
And with our jump-gate closed
the nearest one is six light-months away
and Garibaldi at his back
we got 'em boxed in on all sides.
We can wait him out, if we have to.
Commander, jump point forming in Sector 3.
What?
So that's how the Raiders get in and out so fast.
A vessel that size would have to be capable of solo jumps.
They're moving in attack formation.
Weapons systems locking on.
Close blast doors. Prepare for attack.
Level one alert! Activate defense grids.
Defense grids online.
Alpha Leader, whatever is on that ship, they want it bad.
Make sure it doesn't get away.
- What about the station? - We can take care of ourselves.
- Now, go. - 'Roger.'
Alright, Alpha Wing. Take them down hard.
Ladira.
Ladira, we have to find shelter.
Fire. Death and destruction.
You can't stay here.
- Come with me now. Please. - It doesn't matter.
The Shadows have come for Lord Kiro.
The Shadows have come for us all.
Leave this place. They are not for you.
Go.
Leave.
Now.
'Commander, Centauri transport heading for the mother ship.'
'Unable to pursue.'
Alpha Leader to Alpha Wing
these things are made for atmosphere and lower space.
'Go for the airfoils, that's where they're vulnerable.'
Recalibrate the defense grid along the cargo bay
for long-range firing pattern.
'Range, between two and five kilometers spread.'
I'll have to take it off-line for a minute.
'Do it.'
Babylon Control to Alpha leader
'drive them toward the back of the station.'
Confirmed.
Let me know when they're in position.
- One minute. - Defense grid reactivated.
3.9 kilometers.
Now we close the box.
Babylon Control to Delta Wing.
- Proceed. - 'Confirmed, Babylon Control.'
Surprise.
Tactical display.
- They're retreating. - Good.
Right down the middle of the gauntlet.
Delta Wing, fire!
Alpha Wing, fire!
'Fire defense grid, all sectors!'
That's got them.
Delta Wing, proceed to command and control vessel
while Alpha Wing works clean up.
Confirmed.
Damn.
Delta Leader to Babylon Control, they're opening a jump point.
Repeat, they're opening a jump point.
'Going to maximum thrust!'
Negative. Delta Leader. Abandon pursuit.
You might get caught in the backwash!
We've got their fighters, don't risk it!
Commander..
'That's an order, Delta Leader!'
Nuts.
Delta Leader to Delta Wing, Show's over.
Let's collect the stragglers and return to base.
We figure eleven Raider ships destroyed
four damaged and captured.
We're interrogating the prisoners now.
Station took some minor damage.
We've got maintenance bots working on it.
A few injuries here and there, nothing major.
Well, it seems Ambassador Kosh's encounter suit was damaged
but he's not telling how.
Just asked for some equipment to have it fixed.
What about our ships?
'Three Starfuries were disabled'
and had to be towed back for repair.
We lost two ships, Jeff.
'Alpha-6 managed to eject in time. He's down in Medlab.'
Doc thinks he'll be okay.
Delta-9 didn't make it.
You want me to notify the family?
No, I'll do it.
His father's back on Earth. His sister's in the Mars colony.
The information's all there.
If it helps, it looks like we hurt the Raiders bad.
Maybe bad enough so that we won't be seeing them again.
They still got their main vessel.
'Yeah, I know, but without fighters'
it's just one big target.
They'll take a long time before
they can gather enough fighters to be a problem, if ever.
Commander, you wanted to see us?
Yes.
The ship the Raiders captured
was registered in your name, Lady Ladira.
They were after something in your possession.
'I'd like to know what it was, what it was doing here'
'and why it wasn't declared on the cargo manifest?'
It's a very long story, commander.
Well, my time is your time.
Very convincing performance back there.
Now, if you don't mind please tell your captain--
Sorry, he's busy.
Stick him in holding until we need him.
What are you doing? We had an agreement.
Had. Past tense.
Look, we're big. We're organized.
But in no way are we big enough to help you knock over
the Centauri government and put you in charge.
'I don't care how much leverage you think the Eye gives you.'
You think they're gonna follow you just like that?
- Not a chance. - But I helped you.
I gave you the transport times --
And we're grateful.
This ship, big enough to make its own jump point
cost us nearly every credit
we've stolen over the last five years.
'With the ransom we can get for this'
we can buy one maybe even two more.
That made it worth taking the risk, not your plan.
And what about me?
You're gonna send a message to Centauri Prime.
They've met our demands for the Eye
but they won't consider paying your ransom
until they have proof that you're still alive.
So, look on the bright side, Lord Kiro.
You're not going home as the new emperor.
But you are going home alive.
And once back, you're gonna keep on paying us
because you wouldn't want anybody to find out about your..
What the hell?
You're sure you are well enough to travel, my lady?
I have responsibilities I must attend to.
And what of you, ambassador?
What of me? Huh!
It would seem my career is finished, good lady.
The Eye is gone.
Even if they want to buy it back
the price will be astronomical.
And I'm sorry.
I'll do anything I can to help.
Thank you.
But I'm afraid I'm beyond anything
short of a miracle.
Goodnight, Lady Ladira.
I'll see you to your ship in the morning.
I expect I'll be leaving myself, a few days later.
Whoever it is, go away.
Alright.
What's one more annoyance?
Enter.
- Good evening, ambassador. - You?
Go away. It's late.
I'm in no mood for your games.
I'm leaving shortly. I got what I came for.
But before I go..
A gift from friends you don't know you have.
The Eye.
How?
Where did you go, eh? Let me buy you a drink.
Let me buy you an entire fleet of drinks!
How can I ever find you to thank you?
'We will find you, ambassador. We will find you.'
So, I've assigned a couple of security guards
to escort Ladira back to her ship.
Needless to say, Londo and I had a little chat about
withholding cargo information.
If we'd known about the Eye
we could've anticipated the attack.
No kidding.
I was planning to stop by
and make sure they got off alright.
- You coming? - Na, I can't.
I've got an Earthforce transport due in about an hour
to take the prisoners back home for trial.
They plan to make a big deal outta this
to try and discourage others.
If it works, I'll take it. Something else?
On another matter you asked me to look into.
I dug around a little and..
Look, Jeff..
...you probably know you weren't first in line to run this place.
I suspected as much.
I was surprised when they called me.
- How far down the list was I? - Pretty far.
Despite the problems, this is still
a high-profile job, a real plum.
Admiral, generals, the whole brass was lined up
hoping to get it, but every name was rejected
until they got to you.
Rejected by whom?
The Minbari government.
They were the first to sign on to support Babylon 5
on the condition that they had approval
of who was assigned to run this place.
- They wanted you. - Why?
Unknown.
Commander, I'm glad you were able to come.
I wanted to see you before I left.
I don't know if Ambassador Mollari
mentioned it to you or not, but when I arrived here
I had a vision about this place.
He told me, but we came through the attack at one piece.
- The station is safe. - For now.
But the vision, commander..
The vision is still there.
It's not an easy thing
but I can let you see..
...if you will trust me.
This..
Is it a vision of what will be or what might be?
The future is always changing.
We create the future
with our words, our deeds
and with our beliefs.
This is a possible future, commander.
And it is my hope that you may yet avoid it.