Original subtitles

[instrumental music]

Delenn, are you alright?

You should sleep. It'll be morning soon.

You'll need all your strength for what's ahead.

[music continues]

[sighs]

[music continues]

It's, uh..

It's all yours.

[sighs]

(Sheridan) There comes a moment in everyone's life

when you have to do something you'd rather not do.

When you know something you'd rather not know.

This is one such moment.

I understand there is a council meeting in progress.

That's correct, but I can't let you in, ambassador.

It's a closed session.

I would remind you that I am on the advisory board

for the Alliance.

I have every right to be in there.

Well, that's not my decision to make.

When they're ready to see you, they'll send for you.

Every right in the world to be in there!

- 'Londo.' - Are they selling me out, hmm?

Selling out my people, Mr. Allan, without giving me

a chance to defend myself to rebut the evidence?

This is wrong. This is unfair.

And I should be in there.

Londo, don't do this. You'll only make things worse.

Worse, Mr. Allan?

Worse than what?

(Delenn) So it is with great difficulty and tremendous personal pain

that we stand before you now.

For the last six months, all of you have suffered

devastating attacks on your shipping lines.

Lives have been lost, ships and cargo destroyed

at a cost of hundreds of millions of credits.

The cost in pain to those who lost family and friends

in those attacks can never be measured.

Shortly after these attacks started

we began an investigation to find out who was responsible.

Now in exchange for your patience and cooperation

we gave you our word

that as soon as we found conclusive evidence

we would bring it before you and pursue it fully

no matter where it led.

In a moment, we will show you proof

that the Centauri Republic is responsible for these attacks.

[indistinct murmuring]

We promised that the Alliance would support any action

that you, the member worlds, decided

should be taken against those responsible.

Now that we know that it is the Centauri..

...that promise..

...weighs heavily on us.

But we have an obligation to honor that promise.

And we will..

...no matter the cost.

- There is a hole in your mind. - What do you want?

(G'Kar) No one here is exactly what he appears.

(Sinclair) Nothing's the same anymore.

(Hague) Commander Sinclair is being reassigned.

(Londo) Why don't you eliminate the entire Narn homeworld?

(Elric) I see a great hand reaching out of a star.

(Sebastian) Who are you?

(female #1) President Clark has signed

a decree today declaring..

(Sheridan) These orders have forced us to declare independence.

I've seen people get off their encounter

suited butts and do something.

(Zathras) You're the one who was.

(Kosh) If you go to Z'Ha'Dum, you will die.

(Lorein) Why are you here?

Do you have anything worth living for?

(Delenn) I think of my beautiful city in flames.

(Sheridan) Giants in the playground.

Now get the hell out of our galaxy.

We are here to place

President Clark under arrest.

[theme music]

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

(Delenn) We will begin our testimonies with Dr. Stephen Franklin.

All of the high-energy weapons used by the members

of the Alliance share certain characteristics

due to the physics involved.

But they also have certain differences as well.

For instance, uh, most of your fleets

are built at shipyards based on your homeworlds

for reasons of security.

Now these shipyards use locally produced material

to build a focusing lens

the central part of any energy weapon.

The unique characteristics of this material

can subtly alter the spectrum of light used in the beams

making them individual to each world.

Can you tell us a little bit about how you identify

these unique differences?

These energy fingerprints?

Well, we arranged to have one or two random bodies

sent to us after each attack.

'A complete autopsy was conducted on those bodies'

'in order to determine what kind of weapons were used.'

Can you explain the process?

Excessive light bleaches out the skin

where it comes in contact with it.

It does the same to the rods and cones

in the back of the eyes

used to sense light, dark, colors.

It takes a moment for these rods and cones to recover

from these bright colors.

That's why you'll see a, uh, green dot

when you blink after looking at a red light

or a, uh, yellow dot after looking at a bright blue object.

It's always the exact opposite of the original spectrum

and it is surprisingly precise.

Because the subject dies within seconds

of being hit by a high-energy weapon

the rods and cones never recover.

By analyzing their condition and the state of the bleached skin

we're able to determine the frequency of the spectrum

used in the weapons.

And is that spectrum

consistent with Centauri weaponry?

It is.

In addition, the Centauri use their weapons

almost like projectiles.

Exploding rather than slicing or disrupting their targets.

All the bodies had explosive tissue burns

consistent to Centauri high-energy weapons.

(Delenn) Our next segment is from Mr. Michael Garibaldi

head of intelligence for the Alliance.

(Garibaldi) As Dr. Franklin mentioned earlier

Centauri weapons are designed to be used

in an explosive rather than a slicing mode.

Analysis of the debris confirms

that the energy weapons were used in that way.

In addition, the tactics used to ambush the cargo ships

are consistent with Centauri training maneuvers.

That last part can be considered subjective.

Do you have anything more objective

that points to the Centauri?

I do.

This came from one of several individuals

on the Drazi homeworld who ambushed me

and killed the only surviving witness to one of these attacks.

It has been identified as belonging to the uniform

of the Centauri palace guards.

I must also mention that my ambush was a direct result

of a leak of information about my mission

to the Drazi homeworld.

This came shortly after Ambassador Mollari

was informed of our plans at a regular briefing session.

After my return, we decided to keep Mollari out of the loop

and since then, there have been no further leaks.

Is it true that in the last three months

only one Centauri vessel has been attacked?

That's correct.

It was an aging cargo ship

that was due to be scrapped and sold for parts.

We found no cargo of any significance

and we did not find any bodies.

We can only conclude from that

that it was put there to throw us off the track

and to make us think that there was an attack

against the Centauri shipping lines.

[doorbell chimes]

Open.

- Hello, G'Kar. - Mollari.

Have you come here to drop off your evidence as well?

On your way to tell them all the things you saw and heard

while you were pretending to be my bodyguard on Centauri Prime?

I was not pretending.

I went to Centauri Prime as your guest

your protector, perhaps even your conscience

but not as anyone's eyes and ears.

So no, I will not be testifying before the council.

But I was there, Mollari.

I saw you concerned about the increase

in preparations for war.

Concerned that the information about the location

and activities of your warships

once freely available to you and other ministers

was suddenly classified.

You knew something was going on.

But I believe you never knew the shape of it until now.

Don't tell me what you think I know.

Still, uh

I suppose I should thank you for respecting my privacy.

So if you're not here to drop off your evidence

why are you here?

To tell you..

...that they are ready to see you now.

I have had the opportunity to review the evidence

that has been brought before you.

At first, I was offended, angry.

And then, I did the only thing that I could do.

[indistinct murmuring]

This is a joke.

'Cruel, yes.'

Insulting and destructive, of course

but a joke nonetheless.

Circumstantial evidence.

Half truths. Distortions.

And enough unfounded assumptions

to-to wrap around the station three times

and still leave room for a knot.

You cannot deny that the weapons are of Centauri design.

Yes, there are similarities, but for years

we have supplied weapons to other worlds

including some of you.

Not only that.

After we left Narn

many of our weapons and ships were left behind.

The Narn government could use these resources

to throw blame on my government.

You could take this information and twist it

to indict any one of you.

There is not one shred

of conclusive proof anywhere here.

Then you refute the charges made against your government.

As far as I am concerned, there is nothing to refute.

And I have nothing more to say to any of you.

Ambassador, there's one last piece of evidence to consider.

We wanted you to see it at the same time we showed it

to the rest of the council.

Lennier.

As part of the continuing investigation

I was assigned to a White Star

patrolling the border of Centauri space.

During my assignment, I intercepted

several coded signals of Centauri origin.

I took out a fighter

and I tracked the signal to its location.

This is what I found.

The identification marks on those warships

do not correspond with any of our records

currently on file.

My fighter was attached to one of those warships

when it jumped.

This is what I encountered

when we jumped back into normal space.

[gasps]

[instrumental music]

(man on radio) 'We surrender! Please, we've done nothing!'

'Take whatever you want, but please'

'we've got children on board.'

'Don't you understand?'

'We've got children on board! We--'

Any reactions, ambassador?

No.

Not until I speak with my government.

Well, when you do..

...relay the following message to them.

The Centauri government

has lashed out at its fellow members of the Alliance

in acts of unjustified aggression.

No, not aggression, terrorism.

And there's only one proper response.

Effective immediately

we will isolate the Centauri Republic

from the Company of Alliance Worlds.

(Delenn) 'Goods and supplies heading to or from Centauri Prime'

will be blocked at every jumpgate and transfer point

in the Alliance.

Any Centauri vessel entering or leaving

will be stopped, boarded and turned back.

If they resist, they will be fired upon and seized.

A blockade?

Which will continue until such time as your government

acknowledges and apologizes for these attacks..

...and provides reparations.

As of right now

the Centauri Republic stands alone.

What is taking them so long?

They said they would get back to me hours ago.

Did you get them copies of the evidence?

Yes.

And they understood there was another council meeting

in less than an hour, hmm?

Yes.

Then what is taking them so long?

I don't know.

Maybe they didn't say anything

because they know the allegations are true.

What are you talking about?

If something like this were going on

I would know about it.

Besides in 500 years

the Centauri Republic has never attacked

a civilian target.

Yes, but there were the Narns.

(Londo) 'Those were wars of aggression and occupation.'

In war, these things happen.

We are not at war.

We do not strike first

and we do not blow up cargo transports

like-like pirates or barbarians.

How do you explain the records then?

Prime Minister Mollari.

Ah, minister, good. Did you see the regent?

I did.

He has finished going over

the material you sent along.

He pronounced it the most clever fraud he'd ever seen.

'I must concur.'

We believe there are two possible explanations.

One, the material is a deliberate forgery.

No, no, no. I can't accept that.

I know Lennier.

If he says he was there

that he saw these things, then he saw them.

Which leaves option number two.

That the entire incident was staged for his benefit

'using materials and ships'

'we left behind on the Narn homeworld.'

We checked the inventory of resources and--

But there are so many ships in the records.

The-the Narns couldn't have that many of our ships.

It's a very simple matter to take a cast off hulls

of ships damaged during the war

and retrofit them onto Narn vessels.

Minister, the attack we saw could not have been faked.

We agree, it was a genuine attack

on a civilian transport

but the Narns have always been willing

to sacrifice innocent lives..

...as long as we get the blame for it.

'Clearly, they sent a signal'

'they knew would lure Ranger Lennier'

to a predetermined location

then picked him up and simply ferried him from place to place

showing him what they wanted him to see

knowing he would bring it back to Babylon 5.

Because his character's above reproach

he is the perfect vessel for their misinformation.

Assuming you are correct, what do we tell the council?

They are waiting for a reply.

The regent has drafted a response.

Item one.

The Centauri Republic categorically denies

any involvement with these attacks.

We are the victims.

Victims of an elaborate hoax.

And we will identify those responsible

when more information is at hand.

Item two.

The Centauri Republic will not be threatened

or intimidated by anyone..

...including those we might once have considered friends.

As a result, effective immediately..

...we are withdrawing from the Alliance.

[indistinct chatter]

And finally, item three.

The Republic does not recognize the legality of this blockade

and thus will not be limited by it.

From now on

all Centauri transports entering into Alliance space

will be accompanied by one of our finest warships.

Anyone firing on one of our ships..

...will be considered committing an act of war..

...and we will respond appropriately.

- Ambassador-- - That is all I came to say.

As for myself, I will be taking the first transport

back to Centauri Prime for further consultations

with my government concerning the situation here.

Londo.

The council is satisfied

that your government is behind these attacks.

You cannot just walk away from this one.

Strange. I thought I was doing just that.

If you leave Babylon 5, you won't be allowed back on again

until this crisis is resolved.

Perhaps not even then.

Well, then if that is what you want..

...I guess I won't be coming back.

'Meanwhile, remember what I said.'

Any attack on our ships, any attack..

...will be considered an act of war.

Vir.

[indistinct chatter]

Book me on the first ship out of here.

I have to get back home as soon as possible.

Londo, maybe you shouldn't.

You heard what he said. They're serious.

Of course, they're serious and so are we.

And when we show them we are not responsible

they will back down, even apologize

but I can't do that here. I have to go home.

Alright, but I'm gonna go with you.

No. Vir, it is important that you stay here.

We need someone close at hand

to, to show them the truth when it comes along.

To represent the Centauri while I am locked out.

Don't worry. I won't be gone long.

Just get me on that ship.

[doorbell chimes]

Enter.

G'Kar, Lennier told me you wanted to speak with me.

Please.

I wanted you to know that when Mollari leaves Babylon 5

I will be going with him to the Centauri homeworld.

What? Why?

You said he needed a bodyguard

the last time he went home and you were right.

If our assumption is correct

and he truly does not know

that his government is behind these attacks

if they have deliberately kept him out of it--

They have. They must have.

Londo would never approve of random attacks

on civilian targets.

Which is why he may be in even greater danger

once he returns home.

Say what you want about him and I can say quite a bit.

He is relentless.

Sooner or later, he will find out what's going on

and I believe he will try to stop it.

In the long run, he may be our only hope of ending this.

He must be protected at all costs.

- Have you told him this yet? - No.

I was thinking of making it a surprise.

I even booked the seat right next to his.

It will give me someone to talk to during the flight.

Londo once told me he hates it

when people talk to him on long flights.

He prefers to sleep.

[chuckles] I know.

Well, I should pack.

Thank you for coming, Delenn.

G'Kar, you realize that if this does come to war

you will be alone on the Centauri homeworld.

There is nothing we can do to help you if things go badly.

I know.

These are the latest chapters of my book.

I tried to set right a few of the things

at the beginning of the book

written when I was a much angrier person

than I am now.

If things should, as you say, go badly..

...will you see to it that these reach Narn?

- I will. - Thank you.

Goodbye, Delenn.

G'Kar...have I ever told you

that you are one of the finest writers I have ever met

and that it has been an honor

to work beside you in the Alliance?

Not in words.

But the thing about losing one eye..

...is that it makes you look deeply into the eyes of another.

I found in yours

all of the thanks I will ever require

in this life or in any other.

- Zack. - Yes, sir?

Have you been able to get a hold of Garibaldi yet?

No, I've been trying for the last hour.

He isn't even answering his link.

Well, find him. Get him to my quarters ASAP.

- This is important. - Yes, sir.

[doorbell chimes]

Yeah, yeah. Who is it?

(Zack) 'Michael, it's me. Come on, open up the door.'

Just, uh..

Just a second. Just, just one second.

Open.

Michael, where the hell you been?

Sheridan's been trying to get a hold of you for over an hour.

I, uh, fell asleep.

I was tired. I work hard. I'm entitled.

Yeah, well, he said it's important.

[laughs] Yeah, yeah..

Tell me when it is ever not important.

Alright, please, just tell me. When is it ever not important?

'Go ahead, go ahead, take your time. I-I can wait.'

Oh, no, that's right, I can't wait

because it's important.

You're, uh, being awfully cranky, Michael.

You've been taking your vitamins?

Ah, will you give it a rest, huh?

Oh, I just figured maybe you could use

a little more Vitamin C in your diet.

Here, catch.

Oh, sorry. Uh, that was my fastball.

Try this one.

Hand-eye coordination sucks.

- I told you I was asleep. - You're drunk.

- Ah, bull. - Oh, yeah?

Come over here where I can smell your breath and say that.

[scoffs] I don't have to prove anything to you, alright?

You picked a great time for this, Michael.

Don't. Don't you dare get self-righteous on me.

You are the last person on this station

to get self-righteous with anybody.

You had a lot of problems before you came here

and I know, I know you had some problems

after you got here too.

But did I say anything to you about it? No.

You wanna know why?

Because I knew, I knew you would work it out

and you always did.

'You have no idea what I go through here every day.'

The hassles, the, the problems

the pressures, the, the things that people do to me.

And why the hell am I justifying myself to you?

To you?

No, as far as I'm concerned, Zack

you got no basis for taking the moral high ground with me.

No basis at all.

[sighs]

Oh, what the hell is that?

If you wanna hurt me

there's a cleaner and faster way of doing it.

Hell, you might even think about it for yourself.

It's a hell of a lot more efficient

than the road you're on and you'll take fewer people

with you when you go.

Being a little melodramatic, aren't you?

You're an alcoholic, Michael.

'You can't just have a few drinks and get over it.'

You can't justify it or explain it.

You can't play the feel-sorry-for-me game

or you're-no-better game

and if I'm pissed at you

it's because I'm your friend.

And I know what you've been through to get here.

I've been through the same thing myself

and I don't wanna see you throw it all away.

You gonna turn me in?

I don't know.

If you don't know, then, uh, just, just..

...just give me a little bit more time, Zack.

If you turn me in, they're gonna drop-kick my butt

and I can kiss my career goodbye

before I have a chance to fix anything.

I just need a little bit more time, that's all.

Just to work some things out.

Alright.

Get your stuff, we'll stop by security

and pick up some oxy-pills and get you into shape.

Go on.

(Sheridan) We're in a critical situation here, Michael.

Virtually all the Centauri deep-range transports

are accompanied by warships.

On our side, the Alliance Worlds

have stationed cruisers at their local jump points

ready to open fire the second the Centauri come through.

'I mean, it-it's a powder keg just waiting to go off.'

I know. This is bad, John. What are we gonna do about it?

The Centauri have an ego

about as big as the galactic core

but they're not stupid.

Now if they come out of hyperspace

and see, uh, several Drazi

or Brakiri warships waiting for them

they're gonna open fire because they think they can handle it.

And they're probably right, they got some pretty

solid armaments on their side.

Exactly, but even the Centauri will hesitate

with a half a dozen White Stars waiting for them

and that is where you come in.

See, I've got the Rangers keeping tabs on the Centauri.

They will relay that information to you

you will coordinate it

so that we know where they are at all times.

It's not a problem. Then what?

Well, as soon as you know when they're going to jump

into Alliance space, you let me know and we'll get

as many White Stars as we can into the area.

We'll create a buffer zone between the two sides

enforcing the blockade and turning the Centauri around

while making sure that our guys don't open fire first.

It sounds unbelievably ugly.

I know.

Hey, I'm just trying to pull

this situation back from the brink.

I mean, Delenn is on the line to the Grey Council right now

to see if the Minbari government can talk some sense into them

but I'm not holding out any hope.

No.

Michael, this may be our only chance

to avoid a shooting war.

So that's why it is so important that you get that information

to us as fast as you can, so that we have time

to get the White Stars in position.

You can rely on me.

I'll get it done.

[instrumental music]

I don't like the looks of this at all, G'Kar.

Now you know what it feels like.

I have seen this view of your warships many times.

I didn't like it then and I like it even less now.

Ah, prime minister, welcome back.

I was hoping you'd return home, get out of the line of fire.

Well, thank you, but I'd rather there wasn't a line of fire.

Is that why you brought it along to hear our terms?

No, he is still here as my bodyguard, that's all.

- Where I go, he goes. - My condolences.

Thank you. It's a burden, but I've come to accept it.

Minister, I would like to see the regent as soon as possible.

I'm afraid the regent is otherwise engaged

and will be for some time.

Minister, you cannot deny me access to--

(Cholini) 'No one is denying you anything, prime minister'

but there is a time and a place and a way of doing things.

When the time is right, you will see the regent.

Meanwhile, I suggest you retire to your quarters.

It's late. I'm sure you'd like to freshen up.

Both of you.

It's a natural musk. I rather enjoy it.

I was noticing there are a few more guards

around here than normal.

Yes, we've increased security

throughout the palace for obvious reasons.

So while we are willing to tolerate the presence

of your companion for your sake, understand that if he's seen

walking anywhere in the palace by himself

he will be shot on sight.

Be careful, minister.

We don't want my companion to get the wrong idea.

We don't normally treat our guests so badly.

- Yes, you do. - Shut up.

- Just trying to help. - Come.

[beeps]

(man on radio) 'This is White Star 43 to Michael Garibaldi.'

'We have an urgent message on Centauri movements.'

'Please respond.'

'I repeat. This is White Star 43.'

'We have an urgent message concerning the movements'

'of Centauri warships.'

'Please respond.'

'Alright, we're going in after them'

'alone if we have to.'

'Uploading data to your system.'

'When you get this message, please inform'

'President Sheridan as fast as you can.'

'White Star 43 out.'

(man on radio) 'Drazi blockade squadron'

'to Centauri transports and warships.'

'You are ordered to turn back or prepare to be boarded.'

'This is your last warning.'

'You will surrender your ships and prepare to be boarded.'

(man on radio) 'This is White Star 43 to Drazi and Centauri vessels.'

'Hold your fire. I repeat, hold your fire!'

[gunfire]

[explosion]

[doorbell chimes]

Hmm?

[doorbell chimes]

[sighs]

Yes?

[indistinct chatter]

It was Zack. He..

You should get dressed.

It's started.

What do you mean, you can't put me

in touch with the prime minister?

I'm sorry, but he's unavailable.

You'll have to try back later.

Wait a second. This is important.

I think he would want to know about this.

We are aware of the situation.

There is no need for overreaction.

We will inform Prime Minister Mollari

of all the details when he is available.

- Good day. - Yes, but do..

Oh!

Oh.

[doorbell chimes]

Yes? Who is it?

- 'Dr. Franklin.' - Oh, open.

See, there you are and I've been looking all over for you.

- You weren't in your quarters. - No.

The pass codes for the royal com system are here--

It doesn't matter. Alright, look.

The president sent me, he wants you out of here

and into new quarters ASAP.

Why?

Look, the council is

up in arms over the fighting.

Centauri cruisers have taken out

several of their ships.

They're gonna take it out on you

if we don't get out of here quietly.

That's why he didn't send security.

Now the less we draw attention

the more we can avoid trouble.

- Now come on. - Wait a second.

Londo, he may call. I need to be here.

Look, we will route all your calls to the new quarters.

Now come on.

- Walk away, doctor. - I'm afraid I can't do that.

Walk away and we will not hurt you

but this one.

'His kind killed over 100 of our people'

'and ran like the cowards they are.'

If we can't take our revenge on them

we will take it out on him.

But this man speaks for the Centauri.

He has diplomatic immunity.

[chuckles] We're not diplomats.

[laughing]

Alright, fine.

You want him, you gotta go through me.

A fair deal.

Unless, of course, you want Mollari.

I mean, you know, he's, uh..

...far more responsible, after all and..

[grunts]

Come on. Let's go. Come on.

- 'What the hell went wrong?' - I don't know.

What do you mean, you don't know?

Look, we did everything we could to keep track of the Centauri.

Apparently, one of them got past us

hit the blockade, opened fire on the Drazi.

Are we sure they fired first?

There's so many rumors floating around.

I can't be sure of anything, but from what we can tell

yeah, they fired first.

Perhaps we can speak with 'em. We--

I think they're tired of listening, Lennier.

[indistinct chatter]

Did you hear? Did you hear what they did to us?

Yes, we heard.

Then where is the White Star fleet?

You said you would support our actions.

You said you would aid in fighting the Centauri

but the White Star fleet is just sitting there

refusing to engage.

We have not yet ordered them to do so.

- What? Then give the order. - Back away, ambassador.

Get out of my way.

He's right. Where's the fleet?

Alright. Everybody, just back off.

- Back off? - Back off!

[indistinct chatter]

That's enough.

I said that's enough!

Now we gave you a promise

and we are bound by that promise

and damn you for asking for it.

And damn me for agreeing to it.

And damn all of us to hell

because that is exactly where we're going!

We talked about peace.

You didn't want peace.

We talked about cooperation.

You didn't want cooperation.

You want war.

Is that it?

You want a war? Well, you've got a war.

[instrumental music]

[knock on door]

No, no, wait. Who is it?

(Cholini) 'Open the door, prime minister.'

Just a minute.

Yes? What is this?

The regent sent me to tell you that fighting has broken out

between our forces and the Interstellar Alliance.

I'm also told that they have followed

our declaration of hostilities with one of their own.

We are now officially at war with the Alliance.

No, no. This can still be stopped. I will call them.

(Cholini) 'All communication with Babylon 5 has been cut off'

'for reasons of security.'

For similar reasons

I'm afraid we must place your companion under arrest.

'You may have resigned'

but he is still on the advisory board of the Alliance.

His very presence represents a threat

to our ability to conduct the war freely

without having our plans compromised.

No, this is most inappropriate.

He will be placed in one of our better cells

until the war is over, however long that may take.

- Guards. - I said no.

He is here as my guest.

These orders come directly from the regent.

To refuse a direct order

carries with it the penalty of death.

It's alright, Mollari.

I have already seen the inside of your cells.

I doubt that I will see anything now that I haven't seen before.

You are not going anywhere.

I told you before, where I go, he goes.

And where he goes, I go.

- Mollari. - Don't worry.

Even one as arrogant as this

would not take it upon himself

to imprison his own prime minister.

[door closes]

- Shut up. - I didn't say anything.

(Londo) Great Maker.

Sometimes I feel I..

'...I don't understand anything anymore.'

Praying?

Not in the sense you mean it, but..

...yes.

You mind if I join you?

What does the candle represent?

Life.

Whose life?

All life. Every life.

We are all born as molecules

in the hearts of a billion stars.

Molecules that do not understand politics

or policies or differences.

Over a billion years we foolish molecules

forget who we are and where we came from.

In desperate acts of ego

we give ourselves names

fight over lines on maps

and pretend that our light

is better than everyone else's.

The flame reminds us

of the piece of those stars

that lives on inside us.

The spark that tells us..

'...you should know better.'

'The flame also reminds us'

'that life is precious'

as each flame is unique.

When it goes out

it's gone forever.

And there will never be another quite like it.

So many candles will go out tonight.

I wonder some days..

...if we can see anything at all.

[instrumental music]

[theme music]