Original Airdate: February 26, 1996 Written by J. Michael Straczynski Directed by Jim Johnston Episode #: 53 Production #: 309
Guest stars: Majel Barrett as Lady Morella. Marshall Teague as Ta'Lon.
Sheridan declares martial law on Babylon 5. Lady Morella, a Centauri prophetess, visits the station. Zack must decide whether or not to betray Sheridan.
At Londo's (PETER JURASIK) persistent urging, Lady Morella (MAJEL BARRETT), a prophetess and third wife of the deceased Emperor Turhan, agress to visit Babylon 5 with her entourage and tour the facilities. However, Londo's true motive for the visit is to have her reveal his future.
With martial law imposed on Earth, Sheridan (BRUCE BOXLEITNER) speaks to Lt. General O'Reilly (ED TROTTA) who informs him that President Clark has issued an executive order dissolving the Senate. Following this news, the Elite Guard opens fire on the Senate building, setting off a wave of riots and unrest on Earth.
General Hague, the captain's main contact on Earth, issues a communique on his way back from Io, telling Sheridan that he and the others on Babylon 5 are on their own. Sensing the threat that Earth or other governments will move against them, Sheridan orders combat readiness. Believing that General Hague is organizing a counter strike against President Clark, Garibaldi (JERRY DOYLE) suspects the General may be coming to Babylon 5.
General Smits (LEWIS ARQUETTE) brings news that the Political Office has assigned responsibility for all off-world security to Nightwatch personnel exclusively. Zack (JEFF CONAWAY) is ordered to a Nightwatch meeting and is informed of the change in policy. When an angry Garibaldi shows up and pleads with the group to reconsider their allegiance with Nightwatch, he gets escorted out by a reluctant Zack.
In light of the current crisis, Garibaldi lets G'Kar (ANDREAS KATSULAS) out of prison early. As he walks to his quarters, he is greeted by Ta'Lon (MARSHALL TEAGUE). G'Kar tells him that while incarcerated, he had a revelation - to save our people, we must sacrifice out people.
Meanwhile, Sheridan receives orders from Earth Alliance declaring martial law effective immediately on Babylon 5. When the captain announces this to the inhabitants on board, a riot breaks out. When an object is thrown in the crowd, Vir (STEPHEN FURST) steps in front of Lady Morella and absorbs the impact of the blow.
Later, Morella confronts Londo of his true intentions for her visit and he confesses. Eventually, Lady Morella looks into future and tells Londo that he will one day become emperor. She then turns to Vir and tells him he also will be emperor, much to his surprise. When asked what this means, Lady Morella explains that one will become emperor after the other dies.
Realizing they must get through Nightwatch in order to reach General Hague, Zack is approached by Franklin (RICHARD BIGGS), Ivanova (CLAUDIA CHRISTIAN), Garibaldi, G'Kar and Sheridan.
With Zack's help, false information is passed to Nightwatch of arrival of a ship containing several hundred Narns who are ordered by Sheridan to serve as replacements for Nightwatch personnel. With this information, the Security Guard for Nightwatch instructs his group to ambush the Narns upon arrival. With all Nightwatch standing inside a customs bay, the doors lock, capturing the entire group.
Sheridan places them under arrest for mutiny and failure to obey the chain of command. With all security personnel incarcerated, Sheridan places a group of Narns on security patrol. G'Kar later confronts Sheridan wanting to be part of the new alliance.
Finally, through an ISN telecast, news spreads that General Hague's vessel was surrounded by Earthforce cruisers and ordered to surrender, but he miraculously managed to escape.
