Airdate: February 25, 1998 Written by J. Michael Straczynski Directed by John C. Flinn III Episode #: 94 Production #: 507
Guest stars: Robin Atkin Downes as Byron. Walter Koenig as Bester.
Bester arrives on station to try to arrest Byron and his rogue telepaths. Mr. Garibaldi and Lochley clash, and Delenn chooses a bodyguard for Londo.
Babylon 5
Captain Lochley and Delenn meet at a transport tube in blue sector. Delenn talked with Sheridan about the reasons he picked Lochley to be the new station commander. She agrees with his motives and supports his decision. Captain Lochley thanks Delenn, but asks her to keep the information between the three of them. The tube opens and Lochley goes on her way. Delenn goes a separate route. As Delenn leaves, Mr. Garibaldi steps out from behind a corner.
Observation Deck
Londo watches as a shuttle from a Centauri liner docks with Babylon 5. Zack enters to find Londo already knows the ship has docked. It will take Londo to Centauri Prime. The Regent is ill, and will die soon. Londo will be at his side as much as possible, but after the Regent dies, the Centaurum will turn to Londo to lead them, and he will become the new emperor.
Zack: "That's got to be a great feeling, though. Emperor Mollari the 1st."
Londo: "The second."
Zack: "There was one before you?"
Londo: "Yes, long ago. He too, ended badly."
Zack asks why Londo thinks he will end badly; Londo says that his people always know the circumstances of their final moments.
Londo: "I have a bad feeling about this, Mr. Allen. This is when it starts to go badly for all of us."
Docking platform
An Earth ship is preparing to leave the station. Before it is outside the station, it turns off autopilot and assumes manual control. Lt. Corwin orders them to return control to C & C, but it is too late. The ship runs into the docking doors and explodes.
Captain Lochley takes a starfury to the explosion site to inspect the damage. There are hazmat teams everywhere picking up debris and inspecting the hull. The repair team leader estimates that it will take 13 hours to completely repair the damage and pick up all of the debris.
Lochley: "Come on, you guys are on time and a half as it is. Tell you what, get it done in 11 hours, and I'll pretend I didn't see that extremely non-regulation picture hanging in your locker. You know, the one from your batchelor party, you know, the one. . ."
Repairman: "You've got a deal."
The captain is satisfied. She contacts C & C and re-enters the docking bays. Lt. Corwin says he'll keep the other official transports out until she is back in. After she re-enters the station, the "official" transport begins the docking sequence: a Psi-Corps transport.
Medlab
Lyta is going through various bins and containers, taking medicines and drugs and putting them into her bag. Dr. Franklin enters.
Franklin: "Finding everything you need?"
Dr. Franklin knows Lyta is taking the medicine for the telepaths living in Downbelow. He wondered where a lot of the stuff was going. Lyta says she hasn't stolen anything, she is simply taking medicine that was already set aside for the indigent cases in Downbelow anyway.
Franklin: "You really believe in what they're doing, don't you?"
Lyta says Byron has a dream for all telepaths, and she wants to help it come true. Delenn links in and asks to meet with Dr. Franklin in an hour. He agrees to meet her. Lyta finishes taking what is needed. Franklin asks if she needs any help, but Lyta says she can take care of it.
Franklin: "All right. But the next time you need anything, just ask."
Lyta rushes off with her bounty. When she arrives in Downbelow, she gives it to Byron. He is very appreciative. She set aside some extra vitamins for him, but he doesn't want to take them. He wants everything to go to the sick or the children. However, Lyta, looking out for him, says that he will be sick if he doesn't slow down and rest soon. Byron tells her a story about a previous lifetime when he senses Psi-Cop bloodhounds boarding the station.
Byron: "He's here."
Leading the Psi-Cop bloodhounds is Mr. Bester. After passing through customs, Bester stops for a moment, as if feeling the presence of Byron and the other rogue telepaths, and smiles.
Garibaldi is waiting for Zack in the security office when another officer enters. He's looking for Zack, but gives the message to Garibaldi. He knows Bester is on board. Garibaldi takes off and sprints down the corridor.
Captain Lochley and Bester are having a pleasant, friendly conversation in her office when Garibaldi enters.
Garibaldi: "Bester! You son of a bitch!"
Lochley gets up and blocks Garibaldi. He tries to push past her without knocking her down, but Lochley stands her ground. He shouts about how Bester messed up his mind and tried again to push past Lochley, who slugs him in the face and calls security. She orders Garibaldi to the brig. The security officers hesitate.
Lochley: "Just for the record, gentlemen, you're now exactly five seconds away from a court martial. Make the best of it."
The security officers escort Mr. Garibaldi to the brig.
Lochley: "My apologies for the interruption, Mr. Bester."
Bester: "That's quite alright, Captain. I'm used to it. Now, where were we?"
Medlab
Franklin: "You want me to quit Medlab?!"
Delenn: "Not quit. Just delegate some of your responsibilities to your staff. To make room for other things."
Delenn and G'kar discuss the knowledge of inter-species disease and other diseases, or lack thereof. Dr. Franklin admits that there has not been very much research in that field. With the creation of the Interstellar Alliance, there will be much interaction between races. G'kar and Delenn, representing the Alliance, ask Dr. Franklin to put together a catalogue of cross-species infection, among other things, to help find treatments and diagnose new diseases and find cures for them. They will send him to other race's homeworlds so he can research them.
Delenn: "It is a condition of membership that medical information be made available to you."
G'kar: "We'd love to have you take on the job, if you're willing."
Franklin: "Hell yeah. Where do I sign up?"
Delenn and G'kar leave Medlab, commenting that Dr. Franklin will be a fine addition to their alliance. G'kar, however, is somewhat troubled..
G'kar: "I do not feel as if I'm doing enough for the Alliance, Delenn."
Delenn: "Be careful, G'kar. When the universe hears you say things like that, it tends to answer in the most surprising ways."
Sheridan's Office
President Sheridan is looking at some paperwork when Captain Lochley enters.
Sheridan: "I understand you got in a bit of a dustup with Mr. Garibaldi."
Lochley: "That's right, Mr. President. He burst into my office during a meeting and attempted to assault my guest."
Sheridan: "Captain, your guest got inside Mr. Garibaldi's head, reprogrammed him, almost got both of us killed."
Lochley knows all of this, but she can't do anything until Bester breaks the rules during her watch. He hasn't done anything to her yet, so there is nothing she can do.
Lochley: "You gave the telepaths shelter here, against my objections. You did not, however, give them immunity. They're wanted on a variety of charges from the Psi-Corps."
Sheridan: "Also known as Fascists R Us."
Lochley: "Granted. Nevertheless, they are still a part of the government. Since Earthgov is part of the government, you have to respect their policies."
Lochley doesn't like Psi-Corps any more than Sheridan, but they haven't done anything to her, and since it is a part of the Earth Alliance, and the Earth Alliance is a member of the Interstellar Alliance, the Earth laws must be respected by Sheridan and Lochley. Sheridan still refuses to allow Bester to have the telepaths. Lochley is reluctant, but she agrees to try to find a way to save the telepaths from Bester and the Psi-Corps.
C & C
The Centauri liner contacts Babylon Control and reports that their schedule prevents them from waiting any further. They have to leave, and since the docking platforms are still under repair, they must leave without Londo.
Lt. Corwin: "Understood. Ambassador Mollari will just have to catch the next liner. Turning orbital control over to you."
Centauri: "Confirmed. Setting navigation controls to locate Centauri Prime main beacon 44369. . ."
As the Centauri ship locks on to Centauri Prime's main hyperspace beacon, several charges throughout the ship detonate, and the ship explodes violently.
Security Office
Captain Lochley and Zack discuss the destruction of the Centauri liner. The hazmat teams found traces of a Centauri-made chemical explosive, and a detonator set to activate once the ship set course for Centauri Prime.
Lochley: "Any VIP's leaving?"
Zack: "Just Londo."
Lochley is troubled by the facts. She'll talk to the ambassadors and attempt to narrow the suspects down to the few thousand enemies Londo has made over the past few years. She also wants copies of the computer reports, so she can back check everything that has happened. Zack hands her a few reports he's been going over to start with. Lochley briefly glances at them and finds out that her personnel file has been accessed. She asks Zack whose security access was used. Zack looks at it and says it was Garibaldi's access number. Captain Lochley turns to leave. Zack asks where she is going.
Lochley: "I've decided to try it your way. If you can't join 'em, beat 'em."
Downbelow
Bester and his bloodhound telepaths methodically search the Downbelow section. When they find the place where Byron and his telepaths had been, Lyta comes out from behind them and tells Bester that he won't find them here.
Bester "Yes. I've heard you've been spending time with them. Compassion is a wonderful thing, taken in moderation. Tell me you haven't gone over to their side."
Lyta: "I though telepaths were all on the same side."
Bester: "Don't play games with me."
Bester tries to convince Lyta that the blips are dangerous, on no one's side but their own. He asks her where they are.
Lyta: "No. You've got the bloodhounds. Go find them yourself."
Bester asks his bloodhounds if they sense anything, but they do not. In fact, they can't sense anything. They are in a crowded area, but even without the presence of the rogue telepaths, they should be able to pick up something.
Bester: "Unless you were being jammed. For a moment, I forgot how strong you are. I won't make that mistake again. "
Lyta: "I suggest you leave, now."
One of the bloodhounds tries to get past Lyta, but she telepathically slaps him in the face and pushes him back. She again tells Bester to leave. Another of the bloodhounds tries to get past her, but she slaps him and pushes him back as well. Bester wants to know how she did that.
Bester: "Not bad. Tell me, is that really telekinesis or are you just pushing the nerve endings, making them feel as if they're being slapped? Either way, it's taken alot out of you, Lyta. You're sweating, you're flushed. How many times can you do that, Lyta? Can you do just one at a time? Maybe two? How about 3? How about a half dozen of us?"
Lyta: I don't know. Like you said, I'm new at this. I don't know, I could even make a mistake. I could pop a blood vessel in someone's head by accident, by pushing too hard. Feel like playing the odds, Mr. Bester?"
Bester: "Unnecessary, Ms. Alexander. Things have changed around here. This time, I have allies in the chain of command. I'll be back with several dozen security troops. I doubt you'll be very effective against so many. If they stay here, they'll be arrested. If they scatter, you can't protect them all. Either way, we're taking them back with us. Be seeing you, Lyta."
Bester and his bloodhounds leave. Lyta rests against a wall, and Byron quickly comes to her. He wants to know how he kept them out. Lyta says she can't talk about it now. She tells Byron to tell his telepaths to spread out all over the station. She knows a few spots they can hide in. Before they leave, Byron kisses her.
Lyta: "What was that for?"
Byron: "For believing."
Brig
Captain Lochley comes in to have a chat with Mr. Garibaldi. Either they thrash it all out now, or one of them has to leave. And it will not be her.
Lochley: "What the hell is your problem?"
Garibaldi: "For starters, I don't know you. Therefore, I don't trust you."
Garibaldi wants to know why she was so friendly to Bester. Lochley tells her that when she was stationed at an Earthforce base near a mining company, a rogue telepath was harassing her people. First, he cheated people at the casino. Next, he killed two officers after they found out what he was doing. Bester found out about it and came to pursure the blip. He caught the blip before the rogue had a chance to kill anyone else. Bester was directly responsible for saving the lives of two of her people.
Lochley: "Now I don't actually like him and I sure as hell don't trust him, but so far, he hasn't done anything unpleasant to me. I'm sure he will; this place has a way of bringing that out in people. But until then, I have an obligation to be courteous."
Garibaldi: "And I have an obligation to shove his face through a bulkhead."
Lochley: "Your hobbies are your business, Mr. Garibaldi. Just do it where I can't see it, and do it quietly."
Garibaldi: "Thanks. And now for the big one. Why did Sheridan pick you to run this place. There's something going on between you two. What is it?"
Lochley asks if that is why he went through her personnel file.
Lochley: "Are you really that dead inside?"
Lochley concedes that they didn't get off on a good start. It was the fault of both of them, though it is Garibaldi's fault more than hers. She says that Sheridan wanted a symbol, someone who was on the other side of the war. However, he also wanted someone he could trust. Someone who would argue with him when necessary, but would back him up all the way when he was right.
Garibaldi: "And that is you."
Lochley: "That's me."
Garibaldi now knows the characteristics that Sheridan wanted in a new commanding officer for the station, but he wants to know why Sheridan picked Lochley. She says she will tell him the answer if he doesn't ever tell anyone else.
Garibaldi: "I'm the soul of discretion."
Lochley: "A very long time ago, Sheridan and I were married for all of about 3 months."
Garibaldi: "Wow. How many wives has he got?"
Lochley: "Just three. We met fresh out of officer training school. We hit it off, fell crazy in love, got married, realized we made a terrible mistake, fell crazy out of love and split up. In a marriage, you have to take turns being in charge. We both wanted to be in charge all the time. We had arguments that could peel paint off the wall. But that was all a long time ago. He's not carring a torch for me; I'm not carrying a torch for him. But the bottom line is, he knows he can trust me, and I know I can trust him. And that's why I'm here."
At this point, Garibaldi starts laughing hysterically. The captain wants to know what he finds so amusing.
Garibaldi: "You? Me? All of this? If I had a hundred years I couldn't come up with that one. So, I guess I can go now?"
Lochley: "Not as long as Bester's still here. It's not that I don't trust you, but I don't trust you."
Zack links in and tells the captain that Earthdome has ordered her to provide security forces to help round up the rogue telepaths. Captain Lochley tells Zack to give Bester what he needs, and no more. She gets up to go co-ordinate the search.
Lochley: "Now the fun really starts."
Red Sector
Security forces and some of the bloodhound telepaths chase down and tackle one of the rogue telepaths. Lyta watches from behind a corner and rushes off.
Blue Sector
Lyta watches as Zack and Bester process some of the rogue telepaths. Bester notices her and flashes a very large grin. When Zack sees her, he looks down in shame. As she walks away, Byron contacts her telepathically.
Lyta finds Byron in a dark corner. Byron asked her there so he could say goodbye to her. Most of his telepaths have been captured, and the rest will be found soon.
Byron: "My place is with them."
Lyta says that they know he was in charge, and they will kill him. Byron knows this. He believes he failed his people, and he must join them. He only wants his legacy to continue and for him, that will be enough. He goes off to allow the bloodhounds to find him.
Lochley's office
At a command staff meeting, Lt. Corwin briefs the captain about the completion of repairs to the docking platforms. They are now back up to full capacity. Zack informs her that about a half dozen rogue telepaths are still on the loose, plus the leader. Lochley asks if Earth has replied to her request to delay the imprisonment of the blips.
Corwin: "Negative. And I wouldn't expect any reply until after they've already left."
Lochley asks if Bester has broken any rules that would allow her to kick him off station. Zack tells her he's been clean. Lochley asks if there is anything else, and ends the meeting. After everyone else leaves, Dr. Franklin speaks to her. He tells her that Delenn and G'kar have asked him to do research on the homeworlds of other races, and he said yes. Franklin just wants to make sure it's alright with her if he delegates some of his responsibility to his staff. Lochley, knowing this to be an excellent opportunity for Dr. Franklin, readily says its alright with her.
Lochley: "Wait. Did you say cross-species infection rates?"
Franklin: "Yes."
Lochley: "Has this happened to humans?"
Franklin: "On occasion. . ."
Lochley: "Could you put this in writing? Have it on my desk in half an hour. I've got to go ruin somebody's day."
Downbelow
Two of the bloodhound telepaths find Byron. He stands still, waiting for them to attack. They run toward him and attack him mercilessly.
Delenn's Quarters
Delenn and G'kar discuss G'kar's concerns about his not doing enough for the Alliance. Delenn says that Londo has made many enemies. If he is killed or attacked, the Centauri may leave the Alliance. It is very important to keep them in the Alliance. G'kar says he should have a bodyguard assigned to him. Someone who is strong, loyal. . .Delenn has a very satisfied look on her face.G'kar: "You can't be serious."
Delenn: "Just think what a symbol it would make. A Narn guarding a Centauri."
G'kar is concerned that his guarding Londo will only give his people two targets to shoot at instead of one.
Delenn: "But can you think of a better symbol it would represent?"
G'kar: "No, and believe me, I'm trying."
G'kar is very amused by Delenn's proposal. He relishes the thought of a Narn in the Centauri Royal Court. He is satisfied by the image, and accepts.
Security Office
Byron sits, bound to a chair. Bester and his bloodhounds and Zack are present. Captain Lochley enters. Bester greets Lochley in a friendly manner. She says she is looking forward to getting the telepaths off station, but there has been a complication.
Bester: "What kind of a complication."
Captain Lochley tells him that under Earth Alliance law, no traveller who has been to unknown space may enter Earth controlled space without a 60 day quarantine period. Since Babylon 5 is known space, but it does not belong to Earth, the telepaths may be quarantined on station for the 2 month period. Bester is upset about this.
Lochley: "I'm on your side. I worked with you before, and now I'm asking you to work with me, just for a little while."
Bester: "I want your personal guarantee that you won't let them go, that you'll keep them in custody. Especially this one."
Lochley agrees and says they will not be allowed to leave Babylon 5. She offers to put her guarantee in writing.
Bester: "Alright. As a down payment on what I hope will be a long and rewarding relationship, I'll wait the 60 days. I've waited this long, I can wait a little longer. Just keep an eye on them, Captain. Sooner or later, they will turn on you. You know all about that, don't you, Byron?"
Bester leaves with his bloodhounds. Byron looks quizically at the captain. She tells Zack to let the telepaths go after Bester has left.
Lochley: "I have just stuck my neck out for you, Byron. I don't like doing it."
Lochley has gotten him a 60 day reprieve, and that's all she had to do. Byron thanks her for the help. She gave Bester a promise saying they won't leave the station. Byron agrees to uphold her promise. Byron leaves to see his people.
Lochley: "He's an interesting man."
Zack: "He's a martyr. We had a guy on Io just like him."
Lochley: "There's nothing more appealing than knowing there's someone who's willing to lay down their life for you."
Zack: "And nothing more dangerous."
Docking Bay
Londo talks to Delenn about G'kar being his bodyguard. He is also amused by the assignment. G'kar approaches them, and G'kar and Londo leave to board the liner.
G'kar: "I want the aisle seat."
Londo: "Oh no. You sit on the inside."
G'kar: "If you sit on the aisle, I cannot protect you."
As they walk off, Lt. Corwin sits down at a table with Captain Lochley. She's about to go off duty, and she's having a quick snack. Corwin just wants to tell her that she handled the telepath problem very well. Lochley says she solved the immediate problem, but it's not over. It will take a while to solve the entire problem.
Lochley: "I have this nagging feeling that I'm forgetting something."
Corwin says he's sure she'll remember, and then leaves. Lochley suddenly remembers what it is. She calls security so she can let Garibaldi loose.
Garibaldi: "I said let me the hell out of here."
Lochley: "You can let Mr. Garibaldi out now."
Downbelow
Byron and his telepaths sing a song to keep their spirits up. Lyta watches them for a few moments, and then enters. Byron sees her and goes to take her arm. Lyta removes her Psi-Corps pin and joins with the rest of the telepaths. They all surround her, and continue singing.
