Original subtitles

Mr. President, your ship is here.

Be right there.

Ten years.

Ten years since the world changed.

Ten years since I changed.

Ten years of press conferences, bureaucracy, politics and arm-twisting.

Every day, somebody points me to the big picture.

Every day, I wonder if I'm missing the small picture, the details.

Yes.

Mr. President...

...the ISN reporter is asking to see you again.

Tell her I'm dead and throw her down the stairs.

Sir?

All right, all right. let her in.

Because sometimes it's the details, the small picture...

...that can change the future.

Mr. President?

Is there a problem, Miss Chambers?

No, sir. It's just rather stark in here.

Oh.

The Minbari are minimalists.

For the last 400 years...

...their viewing rooms didn't even have chairs.

They stood the whole time.

Yeah, a group of nine standing out in the void.

When I suggested we put in some chairs, I almost triggered a full-scale revolution.

I'd go for some throw pillows next, but I'm afraid of being assassinated.

"Well, speaking of chairs, please, sit. Thank you, sir.

So gearing up for the big party at Babylon 5?

Just meditating on the familiar.

I spent four years of my life in that place.

The best years of my life.

And also the hardest years of my life.

- It's a place of beginnings. - And endings?

Some day.

This might not be the best time for an interview.

- Maybe later. - I've seen your schedule, sir.

You don't have a later.

Life's full of disappointments.

You don't like reporters, do you?

Of course I do, properly cooked.

It's pak'ma'ra humor.

I just got back from a state visit to their homeworld.

Now, if I'd have said that there, they would be laughing for days.

Mr. President--

Actually, all their jokes end with "properly cooked."

They just scream. Even their cat jokes.

I don't understand it, but it seems to make them happy. Who am I to..?

So how does it feel coming back to Babylon 5...

...after all this time, Mr. President?

- I didn't realize the interview had started. - Mm-hm.

And where's your camera?

Right here.

My director said it would help make sure that people look at the camera a lot.

So Babylon 5...

Point of demarcation from starship captain...

...fo station commander, renegade...

...and now here you are returning in triumph...

...as president of the Interstellar Alliance.

How does that feel?

Well, speaking on behalf of the Alliance...

...we appreciate Babylon 5 making itself available...

...fo celebrate the 1 Oth anniversary of the founding of the I.A.

Its position in neutral space makes it ideal for everyone involved.

I understand there will be ambassadors and diplomats...

...from a hundred different worlds.

And there's also a rumor...

...that Emperor Mollari from the Centauri Republic...

- ...might show up. - No.

No, he won't be coming.

Londo's been in a very strange, dark place for the last few years.

When people laugh, sometimes they laugh...

...from a little back in the mouth, you know, that kind of fake laugh?

Well, Londo...

...he would laugh from the bottom of his shoes up.

Yeah, I hear he doesn't laugh much anymore.

So, no, he won't be attending.

We will be picking up Prince Vintari on the way.

He's third in line for the throne, so there will be a Centauri presence.

And Citizen G'Kar?

He's out there somewhere.

Beyond the Rim.

Also, um...

...Delenn won't be attending. She has responsibilities of her own.

Which brings us back to my question.

- I already answered your question. - Mm-mm.

You gave me the press release as to why you're going and where.

The question...

...was how does it feel coming back to Babylon 5 after 1 0 years?

You only give two interviews a year, Mr. President.

I'm not letting you off the hook that easily.

It feels good.

I'll confess, I've missed the place.

It'll be strange but good.

Well, that is the signal to let everyone know...

...we're about to jump into quantumspace.

Quantumspace, sir?

Yeah, it's a new technology we acquired from what the Vorlons left behind.

It's a step up from hyperspace, twice as fast...

...twice as, um, disorienting, shall we say?

Makes you feel like you're being turned inside out.

It messes with your inner ear, your balance, your sense of reality.

It takes some getting used to.

Wouldn't normal hyperspace be good enough to--?

No, no, no. We'd never make it in time.

And as I was saying, the first time some folks make the jump to quantumspace...

...they just puke their guts out...

...fouling themselves in the most awful ways you can imagine.

Mr. President, I...

Here we go.

The problem isn't that I only give...

...two interviews a year, Miss Chambers.

The problem is that so few reporters ever seem to come back for seconds.

Was that a new dress?

Look familiar?

No?

Of course, my mistake.

The black dust, you see.

It hides stars and the moon, clouds and sky...

...hope and pity, despair and....

Here, I'll fix it.

As the saying goes, let there be light.

New York.

The city that never weeps.

Get out of the road!

What do you think you are doing? Learn to fly.

Up yours.

This is what was...

...and for this one moment out of time...

...still is.

And this is what will be.

Up there somewhere...

...far above us, above the clouds...

...a thousand vast war machines are warping into normal space.

Each of them armed with terrible engines of destruction...

...capable of devastation on a scale never seen before...

..until right now.

No.

This was not a dream.

Do you understand me?

- Do you hear me? This was not... - I hear you.

I hear you.

You're not the only techno-mage I've dealt with over the years, Galen.

I've had enough experience to know the difference...

...between dream-real, magic-real...

...and real-real.

You're wiser than I thought.

Yeah, wiser...

...older...

...and I'm tired of you guys crawling inside my head...

...and showing me this kind of crap...

...every time I think that my life might be going good for a change.

What is wrong with you people? Don't you have any other hobbies?

Well, that's hardly what I'd call a warm welcome.

Not a "good to see you again, old friend."

Maybe a hug or a peck on the cheek, in a manly sort of way.

Why show me this kind of stuff, huh?

Why me?

Because for those of us who dwell...

...in the infinite space between science and magic...

...between illusion and ultimate truth...

...who are sworn by our order not to interfere...

...you are known to us all as a nexus.

Where others doubt...

...you believe what you see when we speak to you.

That belief has saved lives.

It may yet again.

Or I can simply go, if that's what you prefer.

What I just saw, is that what is going to happen...

...or what may happen?

There are ways to prevent this.

There is hope...

...butit is at best a slim hope.

Yeah, well, I've never known hope when it wasn't on a diet.

All right, go on.

In one day...

...you will pick up Prince Vintari to convey him to Babylon 5.

In two days, you will arrive for the celebrations.

In 20 years...

...he will ascend to the throne of emperor of the Centauri Republic.

In 30 years...

...he will decide that his plan to bring the republic back to its former glory...

...requires the elimination...

...of the one power that could stop him.

The one power that has stopped the Centauri in the past.

Earth.

It is he who will cause the horrors that you have seen.

But this can be stopped.

No, I came all this way to show you this because nothing can be done.

Because I like the way your pupils dilate...

...in the presence of total planetary Armageddon.

Yes, it can be stopped.

How?

Oh, President Sheridan...

...I would have thought that that would be eminently obvious.

All you have to do...

Lis Kill...

...Prince Vintari.

They call it spoo. Now, it's supposed to be their favorite food.

I've only tasted it, but I call it the other gray meat.

President Sheridan?

Prince Dius Vintari.

It is an honor to meet you.

And you.

This is the new Valen-class cruiser, isn't it?

Yeah. You know your ships.

A hobby of mine.

I take special interest in the technology of other races.

The starfuries used by Earth are a particular favorite of mine.

So simple, so elegant, and so deadly.

I was surprised when I got the request to transfer you aboard my cruiser.

The ship you were on could've easily taken you all the way to Babylon 5.

Emperor Mollari was concerned I might not be safe among my own people.

As third from the throne...

...I am something of a target in a small, confined space.

A target? For whom?

Numbers four, five, six and seven, I'd imagine.

The only one I don't have to worry about is that idiot Vir Cotto...

...who wouldn't be in line...

...except the Centarum wanted to punish me for what my father did.

I've known Vir for a very long time. He's a good man.

He murdered my father.

At least, that's the rumor.

So he got what he wanted...

...second in line.

No threat to me...

...but in time, maybe...

...I might just be a threat to him.

Anyway, Emperor Mollari thought I'd be safer with you.

He said, "I would trust Sheridan with my life."

Well, that's...

Then he corrected himself and said he would trust you with my life...

...because he had plans for next week.

Then he left the room, laughing.

Oh, he always did have a sense of humor.

My father made many enemies...

...and it seems I have inherited them.

There are many in the Royal Court who would see me dead...

...before they'd see me on the throne.

Now that I'm of age, I may have to leave Centauri Prime for some time...

...before it is safe for me to return and claim the throne.

But I give you my word...

...when that day comes, there will be a reckoning...

...the likes of which has not been seen since the early days of the republic.

And that will be just the beginning, I...

So I appreciate your gesture.

I'm sure my presence here must be an inconvenience for you...

...but it will be nice to sleep without a knife beside my bed for a change...

...to know that I am safe here with you.

So how are the preparations going at your end, colonel?

As well as can be expected.

Meaning not at all.

It's Babylon 5. Nothing's ever easy.

Speaking of which...

...I know how you hate publicity stunts...

- Elizabeth... - ...but ISN has asked...

...if you'd mind riding back to Babylon 5...

...in a starfury instead of a shuttle.

You know, the conquering hero coming home on the airborne stallion...

...on which he won the Shadow War.

Congratulations. I think I'm about to be ill.

Come on, it would really mean a lot to the people who've shown up.

And you know the power of symbolism.

All right, all right.

I haven't been in a starfury in ages.

Well, who knows, it might be fun.

So any of the old gang coming in for this shindig?

Some. Talked to Garibaldi. He's gonna try to come.

But he's dealing with some situation on Mars.

- And Stephen? Oh, I thought you heard.

Dr. Franklin went with G'Kar, exploring beyond the Rim.

You know how he is.

He'll take any chance to explore new territory before anyone can get there.

That's too bad. I'll miss him.

You're looking tired, Elizabeth.

Is everything okay?

It's been crazy.

I always knew Babylon 5 was neutral territory, but until today...

...I never knew it was on the crossroads between heaven and hell.

Hey, it's a long story. I'll tell you all about it when you get here.

Travel safe.

Interesting how the universe always provides, isn't it?

Now what?

Your return to Babylon 5 on a starfury...

...and Vintari's interest in these primitive vehicles...

Don't you see?

All you have to do is offer him the chance...

...fo ride alongside you in a second starfury.

And that accomplishes what exactly?

My agents aboard Babylon 5 will ensure a slight technical malfunction...

...in your ship's weapons systems.

The moment your ship achieves a speed of, say, 5000 kilometers an hour...

...the system will short-circuit and fire.

In the course of this terrible accident, his ship will be struck and...

Well, as I said, it will be a terrible accident, much to be regretted...

...followed by some posturing and harsh words from Centauri Prime.

But in the end...

...they'll be as glad to be rid of him as we are.

You mean as glad as you are.

Christ, he's only a kid.

Once upon a time, back on Earth...

...Adolf Hitler and Genghis Khan were just small boys...

...playing with toys and growing slowly...

...slowly into monsters.

If either of those candles had been extinguished at an early age...

...how many millions of lives might have been spared?

But no one took that opportunity...

...because no one knew.

But you do.

The fate of billions of lives...

...is in your hands.

In 30 years...

...he will decide that his plan to bring the republic back to its former glory...

...requires the elimination...

...of the one power that could stop him.

Yes? - The president's cruiser...

...has jumped out of quantumspace.

Well, fire up a starfury and get it out there ASAP.

And I want an honor guard at Docking Bay 6 as soon as he docks.

Confirmed. Uh, just one thing.

President Sheridan has asked for two starfuries.

- Two? Why two? - He didn't say.

Maybe he wants a backup.

We do have another starfury on standby...

Well, he is the president.

If he wants two starfuries, then give him two starfuries.

- Roger that. - I wonder if Custer had staff like this.

Vintari.

- Just the prince regent I was looking for. - Is it time to go?

Yes, and I've arranged a little treat for you.

How would you like to ride fire alongside me in a starfury?

- You're serious? - Always.

Unfortunately, we don't have a EVA suit that'll fit you...

...but I'm not wearing one, since we're not going into combat.

It'll just be a little drive around the block.

- Do you have a problem with that? - No, no, please.

To do even this would be....

You see, they keep me so controlled.

There's so little chance for...

Fun?

You must understand.

Where I am from, no one does anything except for to get something in exchange.

I know all about how to use people, to exploit and manipulate...

...but very little about real kindness.

Thank you.

I assume you're up-to-date on how to pilot one of these things.

I could fly it in my sleep.

Well, you wouldn't be the first.

Pull back on your thrusters.

Maintain your XYZ axis.

Now, ease off.

- How does she feel? -Magnificent.

So this is what it's like to ride a ship into battle.

Minus the part where they're shooting at you.

We'll increase our speed slowly...

...t0.5000 kph.

Slow but steady.

Right.

You have done your homework.

You handle that fighter like you've done it before.

I have.

In a dream.

For the last seven days, I have seen myself in this very ship...

...in front of a great fleet.

Dreams are very powerful to my people, you know.

Mm. They carry some weight with mine as well.

In the past, I have had similar dreams.

Commanding a fleet against our enemies...

...raining fire from the skies, whole cities burning.

A dream, nothing more.

But this dream was prophetic...

...for I have seen myself in this very ship just last night.

I getin...

...I ride before you in triumph, and then...

What happens? What?

Something wonderful.

That's all I remember.

Computer, cut outgoing transmissions.

Shutting down transmissions.

Assess weapons system.

Four Omega-grade torpedoes online.

System confirms pulse cannons at full power, ready to be armed.

Countdown velocity on approach.

Four thousand five hundred kilometers per hour.

Four-K-six.

Detecting power surge in primary weapons control system.

- Should I take weapons off-line? -Negative.

Keep weapons online.

Confirmed. Four-K-seven.

It was an accident.

I tell you, it was an accident.

I didn't know the weapons system was live.

I didn't know.

Four-K-eight.

I'm sure my presence here must be an inconvenience for you...

...but it will be nice to sleep without a knife beside my bed for a change...

...to know that I am safe here with you.

You must understand, where I am from...

...nobody does anything for any reason other than to get something in exchange.

I know all about how to use people, to exploit them and manipulate...

...but very little about real kindness.

What I just saw, was that what is going to happen...

...or what may happen?

There are ways to prevent this. "Ways.

He said "ways."

Four-K-nine.

Reduce speed.

You have fired your forward thrusters. Are you all right?

I'm fine.

Fine.

Just wanted to slow down a bit, enjoy the trip.

And besides, I'm not a kid anymore.

I don't need to be hot-dogging around the galaxy.

Do you mind ifI...?

By all means.

Indulge yourself.

That was amazing. We must do it again.

I haven't had that much fun since...

- Since I don't even remember. - Yeah, well, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Are you all right?

You seem rather thoughtful.

I was just thinking about what you said.

About having to leave Centauri Prime to avoid being killed.

You've had a very difficult life.

One that can harden a person.

Make them into something even they wouldn't like.

Your point being, you do not desire or appreciate my company.

Is that it?

Not exactly.

When we're finished with this party, I'm inviting you to come back to Minbar.

You can stay at the Royal Palace with Delenn and myself.

I just checked in with her on the way...

...and, well, she said she thought it was a great idea.

I guarantee you, you'll be safe from your enemies there.

"Why? "Why not?

I mean, there's plenty of room. We have a son, David.

He's 9.

He could use an older brother to learn from.

Or at least someone who could be that for him.

You would have me come to live with your family on Minbar?

That pretty much covers it, yeah.

If I were a cynic...

...I might believe you were doing this for your own reasons.

To try and gain a foothold in the Centauri Royal Court.

I'd think the same thing.

You're not going to try to convince me otherwise?

I'll let life do that for me.

Trust doesn't come overnight.

I'll teach you, if you'll let me.

President Sheridan...

...welcome to Babylon 5.

Colonel, it is good to see you again.

So after all this time, this by you is a hello?

Come here.

- You look great. - You too.

Colonel Lochley, Prince Regent Vintari of the Centauri Republic.

- An honor. Thank you.

So everyone's waiting for you. You ready to go over to the party?

Absolutely.

But, um...

Why don't you go ahead? I'll be right there.

I just want to, you know, savor the moment.

Of course.

Please.

You violated our agreement.

Yes, I did.

Why?

You said there were ways to avoid that future.

Ways, plural.

They are harder. This was simpler.

- But just as valid. - Possibly, but we can't be sure.

Only with his death can we be sure.

Then I will take my chances.

Delenn and I will show him another way of looking at things.

Maybe we can help him, change him...

...and avoid that future that you showed me.

And if you can't?

Then I'll take care of it.

When and if I decide there's no other way.

One other thing, Vintari said that he had a dream that he was in that starfury...

...and that something wonderful was going to happen.

That was your work, wasn't it?

I get around.

Because, see, I was thinking.

Maybe....

Maybe you wanted me to kill him all along, just like you say.

And maybe you were hoping that things would turn out the way they did...

...and I'd take him under my wing.

And maybe you boxed me in precisely so I'd make this decision.

And that was the something wonderful that he saw in his dream.

What do you say to that?

I say...

...that we are surrounded on all sides by mysteries, President Sheridan.

And mysteries, once solved, are never quite as interesting...

...are they?

Good evening, everyone, and welcome.

We are honored to have President Sheridan with us tonight.

He will be up here shortly to say a few words.

And among our other distinguished guests...

...we are fortunate enough to have Prince Vintari joining us.

Well...

...here we go again.

Ten years.

Ten years since the world changed.

Ten years since I changed.

But it feels like I never left the place.

Babylon 5 is a place of beginnings and endings.

I wonder which this will be.