Airdate: October 27, 1997
Episode # : 88
Production # : 422 (originally 501, 422 on credits)
Guest stars: Roy Brocksmith as Brother Alwyn Macomber. Alasteir Duncan as Latimere. Eric Pierpoint as Daniel. Neil Roberts as Brother Michael.
A shuttle with "Just Married" written on it approaces the station. A C&C officer informs the crew that "the package is on its way" as the shuttle docks with Babylon 5.
Sheridan and Delenn board the station, which has been decorated with balloons, confetti and streamers.
Garibaldi: "Welcome home!"
Sheridan: "This was your idea, wasn't it?"
Dr. Franklin: "Well, we figured that you would want to come back with as little fanfare as possible; your usual, low key approach."
Garibaldi: "But, there is a time and a place for everything. And this is the time and definitely the place for one hell of a party!!!"
As the crowd erupts, Sheridan says to Garibaldi "If I can find some way to pay you back, I will."
Londo and G'kar approach Garibaldi and Franklin as the newlywed couple leave the party.
Londo: "So Doctor, who died?"
Londo explains that among the Centauri, only state funerals are recognized with parties and celebrations, while marriages are solemn and quiet.
Londo: "Once you know that it cannot get any worse, you can relax and enjoy the marriage."
Franklin and Garibaldi roll their eyes and walk off together.
Londo: "Perhaps it is something I said."
G'kar: "Perhaps it is everything you say."
Sheridan and Delenn are hastily walking down a corridor and run into an honor guard.
Delenn: "I knew we should have gone to Minbar first."
Sheridan: "I suppose we can't blame them. Clark's gone; Earth AND Mars are free. They want to celebrate; I guess they see us as a symbol of that."
Delenn: "They should be applauding themselves, not us. We did it together. There's something immodest about all this."
Sheridan: "I wouldn't worry about it. What matters is what we did here, together. In a hundred years, it won't matter who were were. They probably won't even remember."
Delenn: "That's true."
Sheridan and Delenn walk off, with Garibaldi, Franklin, G'kar and Londo following after them. As they proceed down blue sector, an ISN anchor VO's the scene. While the anchor is speaking, the reception begins to break up.
A blue display appears. A computer voice reports an error due to high energy has corrupted the data. The computer shows a new display, with the dates 2262, 2362, 2762 and 3262 shown. The computer asks the operator to choose "current" or "auto play." The operator chooses auto play. The computer loads the first record and asks the operator to stand by.
The computer autoplay feature begins. The computer loads the information from the year 2262.
ISN reportThe date is January 2, 2262. An ISN program called Night Side airs, and the host takes the viewers through the order of recent events. He reports that tonight's show is based on the Old Testament word "selah," which means to "pause and consider." The anchor says that the show will attempt to do just that. He announces that a correspondent on Babylon 5 will give a report, followed by a panel of experts who will comment on the events.
ISN reporter on B5: "Greatness is a quality that is often sought by those who want it most, but who are the least worthy. Correspondingly, greatness is sometimes thrust upon those who want it least, but are the most deserving. These words would best seem to describe Captain John J. Sheridan."
The reporter briefly goes through Sheridan's biography as several pictures of the Captain, from his early years through his military career to the current time.
ISN reporter on B5: "Now an even greater challenge stands before him: can he hold together th newborn alliance of competing, even mutually hostile races?"
The ISN reporter turns the show back to the anchor, who introduces the panel of experts: Senator Elizabeth Materie of Earthdome; Martian author/journalist Leif Tanner; and Henry Ellis, former speechwriter during the Clark administration.
Ellis jumps into the debate first: he is immediately hostile toward Sheridan. He believes that Sheridan resigned under "dubious" circumstances. Ellis is pessimistic about the new Interstellar Alliance; believes it will fail. He also attacks Sheridan's character.
Leif Tanner enters the debate and says that Sheridan deserves at least a chance to try to make the alliance succeed. Tanner isn't sure that the alliance will work, but he believes that Sheridan should be given the benefit of the doubt.
The Senator points out that Henry Ellis was a speechwriter for Clark, and that Ellis considers Sheridan a threat to his own political policies. Ellis explodes at that, but the Senator has him nailed.
The ISN anchor asks for their predictions for the alliance; if they'll make any difference whatsoever, and what the biggest problem awaiting them will be. Tanner says they've already made a difference, because the Senate never did anything about Mars, and Sheridan got the planet freed. The Senator says that the next year will be critical, but she believes that the alliance will succeed. Ellis claims that for the alliance to work, Sheridan will have to apply military force. He believes Sheridan is power hungry and unprepared. Everyone wants to continue, but the ISN anchor informs them that a commercial is coming up and cuts them off.
The computer reports that the 2262 record ends, and it begins to load the next record, +100 years from the target date and asks the operator to stand by.
The computer reports the date is January 2, 2362.
An educational stellarcast begins, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Interstellar Alliance.
The host is EarthDome historian Dr. James Latimere of the University of York; political scientist Dr. Barbars Tashaki of the University of Japan at Tokyo; and psychiatrist Dr. William Exeter of NYU.
The host reports that more than 500,000 students and teachers are online for the presentation. The first student-produced question is read: What role did the Babylon station play in the creation of the 100 year peace?
Dr. Exeter begins. She says that the station itself did nothing to help create the peace. It was merely a meeting place for people. Dr. Tashaki agrees; the station served more as a symbol than as an actual participant.
Both Ph.D's are critical of the alliance; they criticize Sheridan and Delenn, saying that the two were only two people in which people put their hopes and dreams. Both believe Sheridan's reputation is overblown. Dr. Exeter goes so far as to say that in many respects, Sheridan "blew it." Dr. Tashaki says that in the first year alone, there were many deaths and incidents, including one with their son. . .
The host doesn't want to get off track, so he proceeds to the next question.
Host: "If your assumption is correct, where did Sheridan and Delenn and those involved go wrong?"
Dr. Tashaki: "Where do you start?"
Dr. Tashaki criticizes Sheridan from every possible angle. Exeter and Tashaki echo each other again, stating the deaths of many people in the 1st year, the telepath colony on Babylon 5, the telepath war.
The host shows a record of Garibaldi. Garibaldi is badly beaten and is trying to persuade several armed terrorists to give up. President Sheridan appears on the screen and orders them to surrender. He reports that it is not the policy of the Alliance or of Babylon 5 to bargain with terrorists with the lives of hostages. He threatens to de-pressurize the room. Garibaldi asks them to give up; one of the terrorists heats his PPG and fires.
The host of the program asks Dr. Exeter and Dr. Tashaki for their comments. Again, the echo each other like broken records. They believe Sheridan was pathological, out of control and power hungry.
The host moves on to discuss Sheridan's death 80 years prior to the show (2282) It's believed he died on Minbar, and his death was handled such that the "story" the alliance put out about his death was designed to perpetuate the "myth" of his character.
The host asks for their comments about Delenn. They say that Minbari live a long time, but not that long. Minbari do not live 140 years. It's believed that Delenn is living in seclusion, so no one can see her. Exeter calls it "convenient," to help perpetuate the fiction of the alliance to keep the people in line.
The host asks if the alliance has been a force for good. Both say yes, but that Sheridan was a megalomaniac. Dr. Tashaki says that Sheridan was not as important as everyone says. Suddenly, an alarm sounds and the host reports there is a security breach. Before anyone can do anything, Delenn and two other Minbari enter the room. She addresses the panel.
Delenn: "John Sheridan was a good, kind and decent man."
As she turns to leave, the host blurts in
Host: "Delenn, you came all this way, just to say that?!"
Delenn: "You came just as far to say less."
Dr. Tashaki: "This is extraordinary! There's so much we'd like to ask you, so much more we'd like to know. . . "
Delenn: "You do not wish to know anything. You wish only to speak. That which you know, you ignore because it is inconvenient. That which you do not know, you invent. But none of that matters, except that he was a good man, a kind man, who cared about the world when the world cared nothing for him."
Dr. Exeter: "Of course, we would expect you to say that. We. . . "
Delenn stares at him; Exeter turns away from her gaze in shame. Delenn looks at the rest and says goodbye. As she leaves, the remaining two "experts" look down in shame as well.
The computer record ends. The computer resets the presentation and reports that the next time period is 2762. The computer asks the operator to stand by.
The date is January 2, 2762.
A computer technician named Daniel prepares a holographic simulation of Babylon 5. He creates the conference room on the station. He then tells the computer to bring up the holographic representations of Sheridan, Garibaldi, Delenn and Dr. Franklin. He begins recording information.
Daniel: "This recording is to provide reverse correct infospeak in support for current changes in Earth policy."
He asks the holographic simulations if they know where they are. Sheridan says that are in the conference room on Babylon 5. Daniel explains to the holograms what is happening as he downloads their "updated" profiles into the computer. Once the download is complete, the B5 gang "remembers" events they never saw. They know that Earth is breaking away from the alliance, but some of the colony worlds are resisting Earth policy. Another Earth civil war is about to break out.
Daniel changes the holographic simulation to a B5 docking bay. He then orders the computer to "update" Sheridan's profile. Sheridan changes and then addresses a group of B5 officers and Alliance members.
Sheridan: "Welcome to Babylon 5. I understand that you surrendered to our forces in the hopes of finding mervy. The Interstellar Alliance is not here to be merciful to the weak. In all the universe, there are only two kinds: the conquerers, and the conquered. Through your blood and the blood of your children, we will blaze a path across the galazy. What we cannot take by force, we will win by subversion, and in the end we will bury you. Your lives are not the first and they will not be the last. If a billion must die to insure the continuance of our empire then so be it!! You are only the down payment. Stand ready!! Aim! Fire!"
The B5 security officers fire PPG rifles at the prisoners.
Delenn cannot believe what is happening. Garibaldi says that they can do nothing: they're really dead, only their thoughts exist now. Delenn isn't buying it.
Daniel shifts the scene to B5 medlab and puts Delenn and Sheridan into a standby mode. He orders the computer to update Franklin's profile. Franklin changes and starts a medical log recording.
Franklin: "May 3rd 2262. We have secured several test subjects for the next series of experiments. We can now experiment with placing alien organs in human bodies to to create a genetic crossbreed that will be compliant to the needs of the alliance. Later today we will continue our experiments on children. The problem with vivisection is that the younger children is that they live only a short time. We hope that with increased use of drugs, they will survive longer while we work."
Franklin is then put into standby. Garibaldi is the only subject left. Garibaldi begins talking to Daniel. He suggests that since he was the tactical planner for Sheridan's strategies, he may be able to help Daniel. He persuades Daniel into telling him the plans. Daniel reports that his faction will launch a pre-emptive strike against the enemy. They will target civilian population centers to demoralize the enemy. He estimates enemy casualties between 50 and 60 million. Daniel asks Garibaldi for his suggestions.
Garibaldi: "What I suggest, Danny boy, is that you put your head between your legs and you kiss your ass goodbye."
Daniel: "Thank you."
Daniel attempts to shut down Garibaldi's simulation, but Garibaldi brags about his computer skills; claims that while Daniel was downloading the new profiles into him, he had a chance to figure out the system's procedures. Garibaldi broadcasted the entire conversation everywhere, and has made the system "preoccupied" so that Daniel can't shut down the program. An alarm sounds and Daniel flees the room. Garibaldi walks over to his former shipmates.
Garibaldi: "Rest easy, friends. Rest easy."
The computer ends the record and begins to load the next time frame, +1000 years form 2262.
The date is January 2, 3262.
A monk hurries around his room when someone knocks at his door. Brother Michael enters, carrying a large book. Michael reports that he's having a crisis of faith. It appears that he's had several of those previously. Brother Alwin tells him that the Lord moves in mysterious ways, as does Rome. It seems that the mission of Alwin's order is to restore the knowledge of the past, which was lost after the "Great Burn" 500 years prior (2762)
Michael doubts that the information about the "blessed Sheridan," "Ivanova the strong," and "Delenn the Wise" is true. Michael doubts taht they ever existed, although Brother Alwin believes the stories are true. He states the prophecies of "Delenn the 3rd" who said that the Rangers would return to Earth to help them in their greatest time of need. Brother Michael wonders why the Rangers haven't come, but Brother Alwin says that the Rangers may already be on Earth, working in secret.
Brother Michael seems to be reassured by Alwin, and leaves. Brother Alwin returns to his computer monitor and reports that he is ready to begin experiments on a gasoline engine, and requests that an appropriate amount of fuel be delivered to him. He goes over to a closet and pulls out a robe: Alwin himself is a Ranger! He concludes by saying that Brother Michael will make a good recruit, in about 20 years.
The computer reports that the presentation is complete.
The computer has finished its compiling of records from one million years following the initial scan. It requests instructions. A lifeform who appears to be human instructs the computer to send the records.
Human: "Our job is finished. Convey records to New Earth. Use enhanced tachyon sequence to ensure arrival in time for the celebrations."
The computer reports that atypical solar emissions are present; Sol will nova in 5 hours. The computer suggests immediate evacuation of Earth.
Human: "Tell the others not to worry. I wouldn't miss this for anything."
Human: "This is how the world ends. Swallowed in fire, but not in darkness. You will live on. The voice of all our ancestors, the voice of our fathers and mothers to the last generation. We created the world we think you would have wanted for us. And now, we leave the cradle for the last time. "
He turns to walk away. He assumes a non-corporeal state and enters a suit similar to a Vorlon encounter suit. He enters his ship, which is similar to Vorlon appearance. His ship jumps into hyperspace as our sun explodes.
Babylon 5Delenn and Sheridan are in his quarters in bed. Delenn looks over to Sheridan. She touches his face and he turns to her.
Delenn: "You should sleep. We both have early meetings."
Sheridan: "Yeah, I know. I was just thinking about it all. Everything we've done, and what I said earlier, and I was wondering if they will remember us a hundred years from now, or a thousand. I figure, probably not."
Delenn: "But it doesn't matter. We did what we did because it was right, not to be remembered. History will attend to itself. It always does."
They kiss and Delenn gets close to him. Sheridan smiles and pulls her closer to him.
The scene fades out and a dedication appears on the screen.
DEDICATED TO ALL THE PEOPLE WHO PREDICTED THAT THE BABYLON PROJECT WOULD FAIL IN ITS MISSION. FAITH MANAGES.
