Original subtitles

[instrumental music]

[whooshing]

(Sheridan) Ambassador.

I've been looking for you.

Uh..

Last week after you saved my life

I didn't really get a chance to thank you properly.

I've tried to reach you since then

but, uh, you haven't answered my calls.

Is everything alright?

Being seen by so many at once

was a great strain.

I returned to my ship to rest.

You have a question?

Nobody knows it was you.

Everyone saw something different.

Something from the, the legends of their own world.

But it was still a terrible risk.

After taking such, such care to hide what you really are

why take that chance?

It was necessary.

Well, as answers go

short, to the point, utterly useless

and totally consistent

with what I've come to expect from a Vorlon.

Good.

You know, I just had a thought.

'You've been back and forth to your homeworld'

so many times since you got here.

How do I know you're the same Vorlon?

Inside that encounter suit, you could be anyone.

I have always been here.

Oh, yeah? You said that about me too.

Yes.

I really hate it when you do that.

Good.

[gunfire]

Approaching the barrier. Are you ready?

- 'Standing by.' - Here it comes.

[gunfire continues]

- Almost there. - 'Eject me.'

- 'Don't take the chance.' - Not yet.

Get you all the way outside the barrier.

(male #1) 'Now.'

'Now.'

- 'Damn it, now.' - Now.

[zapping]

Good luck.

[explosion]

[intense music]

Goodbye, Drasak.

Computer, damage report.

Can we still jump?

[automated message] 'Confirmed.'

'Destination?'

Babylon 5.

[intense music]

(Ivanova) The Babylon project was our last, best hope for peace.

It failed.

But in the year of the Shadow War

it became something greater.

Our last best hope for victory.

The year is 2260.

The place, Babylon 5.

[theme music]

[music continues]

[dramatic music]

Computer, how much longer till we reach Babylon 5?

[automated message] 'Seven standard hours at present speed.'

Redirect as much power as you can

from life support to the engines.

[automated message] 'Confirmed.'

[music continues]

(Sheridan) You know, I'm getting a little tired of these

unannounced visits by VIPs

who will not tell us why they're coming

or what they're gonna do when they get here.

Well, leave it to you to try and take all the fun out of life.

I mean, come on, where's your sense of mystery, of adventure?

- Are you trying to cheer me up? - No, sir. Wouldn't dream of it.

Good. I hate being cheered up. It's depressing.

Well, in that case, we're all gonna die

horrible, painful, lingering deaths.

Thank you. I feel so much better now.

Captain Sheridan.

Commander Ivanova.

David Endawi, Earthforce Special Intelligence Division.

Sorry to jump in on you at the last moment

but I only got my orders a few days ago.

Can we go someplace private?

What I have to say is for your ears only.

Of course, uh, this way.

I'd appreciate it if you could have

Ambassador Delenn present as well?

Not a problem. I'll have her meet us there.

- I got a new one for you, doc. - Yeah, what is it?

(Garibaldi) Uh, he just got off the ship when he collapsed.

The ship was shot up pretty bad. I checked the cockpit.

He practically turned off his life-support systems.

My guess is he was saving energy to make sure he got here.

- Any idea why? - Uh, negative.

He must have erased the ship's log before he docked.

Like the new digs. Just move in?

Yeah, this morning.

Still trying to sort the place out though.

Definite improvement.

Alright, we'll have Dr. Sanchez do a full workup.

We'll let you know when he comes to.

Okay.

[dramatic music]

- Franklin to, uh, Sanchez. - 'Sanchez.'

Got a patient here. Medlab 1. Can you get up here stat?

- 'Is it serious?' - I don't think so.

Looks like, uh, exhaustion

dehydration, oxygen deprivation.

Believe me, he's not going anywhere.

(Sanchez on speaker) 'I'm on my way.'

Good morning, ambassador.

I hear you've been looking for me.

Yes. Please.

I have been doing a great deal of thinking lately.

With the Narn War over

I think it is time that we..

...reconsidered our relationship.

How?

My people have a manifest destiny.

They can achieve it just as well

without the help of your associates, perhaps better.

- So we're no longer necessary? - That's right.

And now that we've done everything

that you have asked, you'd like us to just disappear?

I do believe you have got it surrounded, Mr. Morden.

Aren't you being a little premature?

After all, your people are still moving in

on several other worlds.

You might still need us.

No, I don't think so.

We have danced our last little dance, Mr. Morden.

Now it is time for you to go away.

Okay.

There is one small detail, ambassador.

A little bookkeeping to close out.

I have to meet with my associates

but let's say, we reconvene in your quarters

later this afternoon to discuss it.

And then you'll go away?

For as long as you want.

(Endawi) I am here on a matter of the utmost urgency, ambassador.

'Before I leave, I will be speaking'

with most of the other ambassadors

but I wanted to see you first

because of our current good relations with Minbar

and because as one of the older races

you might have some knowledge of the subject at hand.

I will, of course, do anything I can.

Some of you may already have seen this on ISN.

We yanked it off the air as soon as we heard about it.

This is gun-camera footage

from one of your starfuries, is it not?

Yes. Lieutenant Keffer.

He was conducting a series of unauthorized investigations

into an unknown ship he'd seen in hyperspace.

It cost him his life.

Then you had no knowledge of his investigation?

He didn't talk about it much.

We heard about it and tried to discourage him

from continuing, but he disobeyed.

Yeah.

Was he authorized for a first contact protocol?

No.

Ambassador, our research division has been studying

'this record for the last ten days.'

It's hard to gauge size in hyperspace

but it's big and it's powerful

and it is totally unknown to us.

'It attacked and killed one of our pilots.'

'It's clearly from a highly advanced civilization.'

We're downplaying this at home trying to convince the public

that we know what it is, where it's from

and that we're not worried, but we don't have a clue.

My job is to find out what you or any of the other races

'know about this ship.'

I'm sorry, Mr. Endawi.

I wish I could be of some help to you

but, uh, this is the first time I've seen a ship like this.

You're sure?

Take a good look.

[instrumental music]

Yes, I'm quite sure.

I assume nothing like this has entered Babylon 5 space lately?

No. If there was something like that, I'd recognize it.

Alright.

Well, I shouldn't have expected to hit it right off the bat.

I'll need to speak with all the other ambassadors

about this, captain, strictly on the QT.

'This may take a while'

'so if you could find me a place to stay.'

That's already been taken care of.

If you'll just follow me.

Thank you.

(Endawi) Ambassador.

A few months ago, you told me about an ancient race.

The Shadows.

This is one of theirs, isn't it?

I'm sorry I could not tell him the truth.

But our only chance is in allowing the Shadows

to think that we are unaware of their return

while we prepare our own forces.

But you said you'd never seen one before?

That part was true.

Descriptions of these ships

have come down to us from the last great war.

I have never actually seen one until this moment.

'These ships..'

'...once they target you..'

...they never stop, never slow down, never give up

until they have destroyed you.

They are nearly invincible.

I don't believe that.

Every ship has a weakness.

Believe what you will

till experience changes your mind.

Take a good look, John, and remember it well.

That is the face of our enemy.

[dramatic music]

Delenn. Good. There you are.

I was just informed that someone is looking for you.

Oh, this is not a good time, Lenny.

Uh..

He sent this.

I appreciate your seeing me

on such short notice, Ambassador Mollari.

Nonsense, even before our new treaty

there's nothing I would not do

for my dear friends from Earth.

Now, you are sure you will not have a drink?

Not while I'm on duty.

Well, you see, we, Centauri

are always on duty.

Duty to the Republic, to our houses

to one another.

And so we have made the practice of joy..

...another duty, one which must be pursued

as vigorously as the others.

[laughs] You should try it sometime.

Now, what can I do to be of service?

I was wondering what you might know about this ship.

We salvaged this record from a destroyed Earth fighter.

We've never seen anything like it.

Given its strength, its size

'and its apparent hostility'

'until we know otherwise, we are considering it'

a threat to planetary security.

Can you tell me if you've seen this before?

Yes.

In a dream.

A dream?

I..

I'm standing..

...somewhere on Centauri Prime, I think.

And I'm..

...looking up.

And there are ships..

...just like this..

...passing overhead.

First, a few..

...and then more.

A thousand, two thousand.

So many that they blot out the sun.

A terrible sight.

Terrible.

That's all?

It is enough.

Now that is all I know.

I'm sorry I could not be of more assistance.

Perhaps one of the others.

Yes, of course.

Thank you for your time, Ambassador Mollari.

Are you sure this is the place?

Reasonably.

A most unreasonable place for reasonable assumptions.

[glass clinking]

[indistinct chatter]

- Drink. - Uh, thank you, no.

Now if you please, we are waiting for someone.

People come here to drink. Do you want to draw attention?

No alcohol. It is safe.

- Mister? - Just Marcus.

Of course, it's safe.

I know the effect it has on Minbari.

But since most don't

I figured it would help prove I was waiting for you.

Can I have it back now, please?

Do you know, I've heard that when these are made

they're forged in white-hot flame

then cooled in three bowls.

The first is some kind of ancient holy water.

The second, Minbari blood.

The third, human blood.

They say that when a ranger dies

the figures on either side shed three tears.

One of water and two of blood.

And you? Do you believe this?

I stopped believing in miracles a long time ago, ambassador.

Part of the heart goes dead. It's best to leave it that way.

I need your help, Delenn.

'But I suggest we go someplace'

a little more private to discuss it.

This way.

[dramatic music]

- We're being followed. - Yes, I know.

This is my party Downbelow.

You wanna do business here, you gotta pay.

- I don't like extortion. - And I don't like insults.

Funny, with a face like yours

I thought you would be used to it by now.

It's a bad move.

All you had to do was give us everything you got.

Now, you're still gonna give us everything you got

only it's gonna hurt a hell of a lot worse.

[grunts]

[dramatic music]

- You alright? - Yes.

Yes. Lennier? Lennier?

I'm fine. Thank you, Delenn.

A Minbari fighting pike. An old one.

A gift from a friend.

We must hurry. This way.

- Captain, you wanted to see me? - Yes, commander, um..

It's gonna be difficult.

Um, I haven't had a chance to fill you in

on everything until now and I apologize for that.

But from what I've just heard

we don't have a lot of time.

This is Marcus. He's a--

A ranger, they've been trained to fight the Shadows

and keep an eye on what's happening outside Babylon 5.

'The rangers in this area are under the direct control'

'of you, Ambassador Delenn'

'and Garibaldi is functioning as your liaison.'

Did I leave anything out?

Ah, when did you, how did you--

Captain, the day something happens around here

and I don't know about it, worry.

'So what's up?'

Marcus?

I came here from Zagros 7.

It's a Drazi colony on the edge of their territory.

It's also the base for one of our biggest training camps.

I thought the rangers were being trained on Minbar?

(Lennier) 'Many of them are, yes.'

But there is a wisdom in, as you say

not putting all of your eggs in one basket.

Besides, not all of our people

are comfortable with the idea of the rangers.

So with the cooperation of other governments

we've created additional training camps elsewhere.

Two weeks ago, we were surrounded

by Centauri blockade mines.

Any ship trying to leave the blockade is shot down.

It's a small colony with very little a value

so our guess is that we're the target.

Why hasn't the Drazi government done anything about this?

The Centauri have captured much larger targets

on the other side of their territory.

They do not have resources to protect a colony

with so few people and of such limited strategic value.

We're boxed in on all sides.

We need your help now

before anyone else is killed or the camp is invaded.

All you have to do is break the blockade long enough

for the other rangers to escape.

Look, to lead an expedition into Drazi space

and take out a planetary blockade

you'd need a warship, major ordinance, a crew.

'We don't have those kind of resources.'

'And we're already in hot water with the Centauri'

'over the last firefight.'

We have the means if you have the will.

'There'll be nothing left behind that can be linked back to you.'

We have no one else to turn to.

(Ivanova) And, captain, there's one more thing.

We still have a VIP onboard.

You leave now, it's gonna raise ten kinds of hell.

When I agreed to share command of the rangers with Delenn

I became responsible for their well-being.

And I'm not going to abandon them now.

Michael, I'm leaving you in charge of Mr. Endawi.

'Tell him anything. Just buy me as much time as you can.'

Will do.

Now we've spent too much time reacting

when we should've been acting.

Let's take the offensive for a change.

'Fire up the shuttle, commander.'

We've got work to do.

[dramatic music]

I just sent a fake destination to the station files.

We can proceed to Zagros 7 anytime.

Shuttle One to Minbari flyer.

Stay close. Initiating jumpgate sequence.

[whooshing]

(Morden) Since you feel strongly about going our separate ways

I wanted to be sure we understood

the terms of our separation.

Ah, here we are.

This area over here is for the Centauri.

Conquer all the worlds you like, we won't bother you

as long as it's understood that this area is ours.

'You can take anything you want over here'

and we'll take everything we want over there.

Yes, and what guarantee do we have

that your forces will not decide to turn around and attack us?

None.

Ambassador, we both know

what promises in treaties mean.

All I can tell you is we have what we want.

The rest is of no concern to us.

Done.

We go our separate ways

and we owe each other nothing.

Of course.

Oh, uh, one small exception hardly worth mentioning.

Uh, this world.

'It's on the border of your space'

'but we have a vested interest in it.'

I've taken the liberty of asking Lord Refa to secure it for us.

Refa?

Well, you said you wanted nothing more to do with us

and he was quite open to my request.

He secured the planet for us and now my associates

'will take custody of it.'

The rest is yours. Good day, ambassador.

Mr. Morden.

I was thinking..

...I have never really seen the ships

that you and your associates have used in, in helping us.

- Perhaps one of these days-- - Perhaps.

Meanwhile, as I said

tell your forces to leave the blockade mines

but to move their ships out of that area.

You don't want them or anyone else hanging around

when my associates come for Zagros 7.

(Delenn) 'We're approaching the rendezvous point.'

'Prepare for return to normal space.'

Confirmed, ambassador.

Would you like to tell us

what's waiting for us on the other side?

A beginning.

[dramatic music]

(Ivanova) Scanning area.

I'm not seeing anything, but..

Wait, I've got a..

What the hell is that?

(Sheridan) 'My God.'

'It's beautiful.'

Her name is The White Star.

And she's yours, captain.

(Endawi) 'This is quite irregular, Mr. Garibaldi.'

I was assured that Captain Sheridan

or Commander Ivanova would be available.

They got called away on urgent business.

What kind of business?

I'm not authorized for that kind of information.

But you're the head of security.

And what kind of head of security would I be

if I let people like me know things

that I'm not supposed to know?

I mean, I know what I know because I have to know it

and if I don't have to know it, I don't tell me

and I don't let anyone else tell me either.

Now look, we've tried most of the other ambassadors.

Why don't you speak to G'Kar?

Maybe he knows something about the ship.

Under the terms of our recent treaty

I am not authorized to have any official conversation

with the Narn without Centauri approval.

So you'll ask unofficially.

And I can give you reasonable assurances that

the head of security will not report you for doing so.

Because you won't tell yourself about it?

I try never to get involved in my own life.

Too much trouble.

This is a very strange place you have here, Mr. Garibaldi.

Thank you.

(Delenn) 'The White Star is a new breed of Minbari warship.'

Smaller than our other fleet ships

and faster than anything else her size.

It uses both Minbari and Vorlon technology.

Most important, unlike other vessels her size

this one can make its own jump point into hyperspace.

Very nice, and it looks just different enough

so that it won't be recognized as a Minbari ship.

- Yes, exactly. - I'll take two.

I've noticed you have artificial gravity.

Our ships have to use rotating sections.

Her drive systems are based partly

on magnetic and gravitational principles.

Uh, we've had artificial gravity for some time now.

- This way. - Hmm.

Because we've had some problems recently with the warrior caste

we've chosen a crew from the religious caste.

Many of them helped design this ship working in secret.

Even some in the Grey Council do not know about this.

It's amazing, Delenn.

I could spend the next couple of days taking this thing apart

to learn how it works.

But we don't have time for that right now. Who do I, um..

The others are not yet familiar with your language

but I'll be happy to relay your orders to the crew, captain.

(Sheridan) 'Thank you, Mr. Lennier.'

Put us on course for Zagros 7.

[speaking in foreign language]

[whooshing]

So I know it is a long shot, Mr. G'Kar

but if there is anything

you could tell us about this ship.

Finally.

'They came to our world'

'over a thousand of your years ago.'

Long before we went to the stars ourselves.

They set up a base on one of our southern continents.

They took little interest in us.

G'Quan believed they were engaged in a war

far outside our own world.

G'Quan?

One of our greatest spiritual leaders.

"The Book Of G'Quan" is copied by hand

from the original with every note and line precisely drawn.

This ship and your ship are the same.

I tried to warn the others

that the ancient enemy was returning.

But no one listened.

Perhaps now they will.

But if this is correct

why would they just disappear for a thousand years?

To all things, there is a time, Mr. Endawi.

Perhaps this is theirs.

[intense music]

[devices chiming]

You haven't said much since we came aboard.

I don't usually speak unless I have something to say.

Then we have something in common.

So how did you get involved with the rangers?

My brother joined six months before I did.

I said he was being a fool

'chasing legends, playing hero.'

He came back to warn me about a Shadow attack

on the mining colony I was working at.

I didn't listen.

I got back just in time to see him die.

I'm sorry.

Before he died, he asked me to finish what he'd started.

I keep my promises.

(Lennier) 'Approaching Zagros 7.'

'Coming out of hyperspace.'

[intense music]

Are the other rangers ready?

I sent them a message as soon as we came aboard.

Good. Ivanova, you finished studying the weapon system?

- Ready when you are. - Keep scanning.

There's bound to be a Centauri warship

hanging around to keep an eye on things

and I do not wanna get caught in a crossfire.

Let's go.

[speaking in foreign language]

Fire.

[zapping]

[explosion]

They're getting our range.

Still no sign of a Centauri warship?

None.

I don't like it.

They wouldn't just abandon a blockade like this.

Unless they recalled it.

And just leave all of this behind unprotected?

That doesn't make sense.

Are you sure all your scanners are working properly?

Would you like to see for yourself?

Yes.

[dramatic music]

Oh, this is..

This is wo..

Delenn, what else can this ship do?

All in good time, captain. All in good time.

We're picking up a disturbance. One ship.

Unknown configuration.

Show me.

(Delenn) 'Shadows.'

In Valen's name.

[music continues]

They've got to be here for the same reasons we are.

The rangers.

You can't abandon them down there.

I have no intention of abandoning anyone.

How many more of these mines do we have to take out

before the rangers can escape?

The next three should give them

a big enough a window to get out.

We're not ready for this yet.

Then we'd better get ready and fast.

We came this far. We're gonna finish what we started.

- Continue attack. - 'Aye, sir.'

[speaking in foreign language]

Enemy vessel's targeting us.

Evasive action, but keep firing.

[zapping]

They missed.

They never miss.

Wait, they don't recognize our ship.

They wanna find out who we are before they destroy us.

They'll either cripple us, so they can board us

or drive us off so they can follow us.

That should give us just enough room to maneuver.

We've got the last mine in this area cleared.

Marcus, there's your window. Tell the rangers to clear out.

[explosion]

Alright, head for the jumpgate.

Would it not be faster to open a jump point?

I don't want them to know we have that potential.

Now hit it.

We cannot lose them in hyperspace.

They will follow us wherever we go.

I'm counting on it.

[whooshing]

- 'It's still there, captain.' - Good.

Listen to me, captain.

You don't know what you're dealing with.

This weapons in this ship aren't strong enough

to hurt a Shadow vessel of that size.

We must find help.

We cannot hope to destroy a ship like that alone.

With all due respect, ambassador..

...I've heard that before.

Enemy vessel's closing.

Captain, why didn't you want the enemy to know

we could make our own jump point into hyperspace?

'Cause most ships this size can't do it.

They have to rely on a jumpgate.

As long as it thinks we're in that class

we've got one extra weapon in our arsenal.

Tell me, commander.

Have you ever wondered what would happen

if you opened a jump point while inside a jumpgate?

No, and neither should you.

Earthforce experimented with the idea

during the Minbari War.

They called it the Bonehead Maneuver.

- No offense. - None taken.

Because it's suicide.

Forming a jump point inside a jumpgate

releases a staggering amount of energy.

None of our ships could clear the blast range

before being blown to bits.

But this isn't one of our ships.

Mr. Lennier, what do you think?

Is this ship fast enough to get out

before the gate blows?

I have no idea.

Well, it'll do.

We should just about be to Sector 45 by now.

Tell them to head to the local jumpgate, best speed.

Uh, captain, why this jumpgate?

It's expendable.

Used to be the Markab system.

But since they died off, other races have been using

the abandoned gate to strip the place bare.

I do not like grave robbers.

This should take care of two problems at once.

Approaching jumpgate.

Alright. Stand by jumpgate sequence.

Ivanova, you ride the jump engines.

Be ready on my signal.

You ready?

No, but you may proceed anyway.

Activate jumpgate sequence..

...now.

Half jump engines on line now.

[engines revving]

Punch it!

[crackling]

Hang on. Oh.

[Ivanova yells]

[rumbling]

- Everybody alright? - Yeah, fine, I-I think.

Lennier. Lennier.

Are you alright?

I was just thinking

that, uh, in all my years in temple

nothing ever prepared me

for this sort of experience.

Perhaps that when this is all over

that I will submit a proposal to revise the program.

I think that would be a very good idea.

[both sigh]

[instrumental music]

[indistinct chatter]

Captain Sheridan. Commander Ivanova.

So good of you to join us.

Could you please explain to me where you have been

what you have been doing and why there is a fraudulent entry

in the station logs about your destination?

Oh, I'd be happy to, Mr. Endawi.

Uh, I'm sorry we left you

in the lurch like this, but we've been--

Assisting my government by towing a disabled

Minbari shuttle to a nearby jump point.

Yes, it took quite a while. We just got back.

And why is there no mention of this in the station logs?

It seems straightforward enough.

It was a diplomatic shuttle

carrying important government documents.

Uh, we were asked, as a courtesy

to keep this confidential

to avoid embarrassing the Minbari government.

Now that we've taken care of that..

...is there anything else we can do for you, Mr. Endawi?

No. As a matter of fact, I was just leaving.

I have everything I came for.

I'll turn this over to SID for analysis.

See what they can make of it.

I'll make sure you get a copy of my report.

(Endawi) 'You'll find the report quite complete, senator.'

And no one knows what this ship is

or where it came from.

Not that I could determine.

I came across some interesting stories here and there.

Most of it from a thousand years ago.

I don't know if it has any relevance or not.

Well, we'll leave that for the experts to tell us.

Good work on this, Endawi. I'll let you know what we find.

[sighs]

I told you to wait outside. You could've been seen.

(Morden) 'No harm. No one knows who I am.'

(female #1) 'It's all here. They don't have much to go on.'

'A little from the Narns.'

Yes, well, that's to be expected.

But I think we've neutralized that problem.

- Nothing else then? - Not that I can see.

The ship's a complete mystery to all of them.

Good. My associates will be very happy to hear that.

There's no need to rush things.

Your government can dismiss this as an isolated incident.

I don't know.

There's something about this idea of a threat

to planetary security I find very appealing.

As long as we keep the real truth to ourselves

there's no reason we can't use this situation

to speed up the program here at home.

Interesting.

What exactly did you have in mind?

(Sheridan) Although some of us, like Susan here

make it a point to watch everything

that happens on Babylon 5

most of the rest don't have that option.

Now up until now

Delenn and I and..

...maybe Garibaldi here have had all the pieces

to what's going on out there.

The return of The Shadows, the rangers.

The loss of my wife on Zahadoom.

The first thing I learned at the academy

was that a lack of information can kill you.

We can't afford that.

So I'm creating a war council.

We'll meet every two weeks for now

unless something urgent comes up.

'The war council will consist of each of us'

'whichever ranger is stationed here at the time'

'and a few others I hope to add later.'

'Now whatever knowledge or information we have'

will be shared among the rest.

There are no ground rules.

Anyone can say anything he or she wants to say.

Well, then I have a question.

Granted, I'm stuck in Medlab most of the time

and granted, I'm usually the last

to know anything around here

and granted, we've all been pretty busy lately

but could someone please tell me what the hell these Shadows are?

There are beings in the universe

billions of years older than any of our races.

They walked among the stars like giants.

Vast, timeless.

They created great empires

taught the new races

explored beyond the Rim.

The oldest of the ancients are The Shadows.

We have no other name for them.

[theme music]