Original Airdate: February 1, 1995 Written by J. Michael Straczynski Directed by Janet Greek Episode #: 31 Production #: 209
Guest stars: Turhan Bey as the Centauri Emperor. Malachi Throne as the Centauri Prime Minister. William Forward as Refa.
The Emperor of the Centauri Republic visits Babylon 5. Londo has Mr. Morden and the Shadows resolve an "embarrassment."
The elderly Centauri Emperor (TURHAN BEY) makes a rare visit away from home and comes to Babylon 5. Ambassador G'Kar is angry at Sheridan for welcoming a Centauri, whom he considers an enemy to his people, the Narns. Sheridan tries to convince G'Kar to have a peaceful discussion with the Emperor. However, G'Kar secretly makes plans to assassinate the Emperor during a speech, but the Emperor collapses before he can use his dagger. The Emperor later apologizes for the destruction the Centauri have wrought on the Narn. G'Kar is relieved that he didn't murder the Emperor.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to the Emperor, Centauri Ambassador Londo Mollari plots to gain power in his home world with the help of Refa. He uses the mysterious Shadows to capture another Narn outpost. The Centauri receive the credit. When the Emperor dies of natural causes before he can disavow any knowledge of the attack, G'Kar assumes that he was lying about wanting peace between the two races. After the Centauri prime minister is murdered by Londo's colleagues, the Emperor's nephew becomes the new rules. His views are similar to those of Londo, who prefers to remain behind the scenes to manipulate the situation. The Centauri and the Narn declare war on each other.
Finally, Garibaldi receives a strange message from Babylon 5's former commander, Sinclair, who warns him vaguely about unsettling future events. Sinclair is now working with the Minbari to bring them and humans together to forestall a bleak future.
