Babylon 5 S2E7 - English Transcript

It is a pleasure to meet you. It is a pleasure to meet you. It is a pleasure to meet you. Going to introduce me, Vir? -I know I must look a little odd right now. -Well, I guess it's all relative. Actually, it's relatives. I'm here to pick up some women. -You'll have better luck at bars. -No, no. I mean-- Just kidding. -So who are these women? Diplomats? -Ambassador Mollari's three wives. A harem? The lucky dog. -You are Vir? -Yes. I am Timov, daughter of Algul. You will take me to my husband. -I was told there would be three of you. -Who is this? No, never mind. I said, you will bring me to my husband. Is your hearing deficient? -No, but I do have-- -Then let's be off. It is a pleasure to meet you. Should have put the emphasis on "pleasure." She'd love you. -"Pleasure"? -Vir? Yes, madam. Look, I told you back on the transport, watch where the hell you're going! I'm tired of you constantly-- Jeez, I'm sorry. What was I saying? -Absolutely nothing. -Right. Right. -His name was Stoner? -Yeah. It doesn't ring a bell. The official who passed him through recognized him from my description so I ran a check on him. Nothing extraordinary. Freelance navigator, part-time trader. There's hundreds, thousands of guys like him. So, what's the problem? I don't know. That's the problem. See, so much of what I do, it's gut instinct. I see things, don't even notice they're there, but they put me on guard. I just hate not knowing why. -You wanted to see me, captain? -Oh, yes, Ms. Winters. By the way, captain, I've been meaning to mention that you've settled nicely into your new duties. Well, thank you, Ms. Winters. Only a few bumps along the way so far. Then again, the day is young. So how can I be of service? There are rumors from the Psi Corps net I was hoping you could confirm or deny. Garibaldi, we'll discuss this Stoner fellow later, all right? Stoner? Matt Stoner? Yeah, that was his name. Matthew. -He's not here on Babylon 5? -Is that a problem? You know him? Only in the most unpleasant sense. I was married to him. The Babylon Project was our last, best hope for peace. "A self"-"contained world, five miles long," located in neutral territory. A place of commerce and diplomacy for a quarter of a million humans and aliens. A shining beacon in space, all alone in the night. It was the dawn of the Third Age of mankind. The year the Great War came upon us all. This is the story of the last of the Babylon stations. The year is 2259. The name of the place is Babylon 5. And then he says, "That's not my leg, that's my air hose!" Barkeep, another round for all my friends! He'll be here shortly, I swear. He's probably at a meeting or something. He drags me out here, gives no reason why he wants to see me. What's he hiding, Vir? Tell me. I won't bite, Vir. With all due respect, madam, that's not what I've heard. All right. That one time. It was twice. What has he told you about me? Anything good? What is there to tell? Daggair. My, what a surprise! -A pleasant one? -I wouldn't go that far. Madame Daggair, my pardons. This is unconscionable. I was at customs. I don't know how I could have missed you. Believe me, Vir, if you knew her as I do, you wouldn't miss her a bit. Oh, Timov, Timov. Why do you always try to draw me into your little verbal fencing matches? Because I don't have a real sword handy. Attention: The Earth History exhibition will be closing at 1700 hours. You left my office in quite a hurry. We didn't have much of a chance to talk. -I was not in the mood. -I gathered that. Are you now? Look, captain, I know you're in charge of this station but to be blunt, this isn't your concern. No, you're right, Ms. Winters. As station commander, this isn't my concern. But as one person who sees another in pain someone whom he considers a friend, or at the very least an ally I just want you to know that I'm willing to listen. Yes, what? Ambassador Delenn, you asked to see me? Are you alone? -Yes. -"Come in, quickly." Commander, I want you to understand, I acquired human characteristics to bring your people and mine closer together. To symbolize our mutuality. It is supposed to be a dignified, inspiring transition for both humans and Minbari. So will you please explain to me why this. -Hair. -Refuses to cooperate? I had no problems with it at first, but as time passed, it-- It's pretty brittle. What are you washing it with? Washing? Yes, you know, when you bathe? We use a chemical compound that strips away the outer layer of epidermal tissue. -It is symbolic of being reborn each day. -And you've been using this on your hair? Yes. Have you considered immersing your body in water to remove the sweat and--? We do not perspire in the same way you do. While we sleep, we secrete a fluid-- Maybe I should get somebody else to deal with this. Do you know what to do? Well, yes, I mean, my mother used to do my hair, but I'm sure-- This is most embarrassing. If you could just-- -I have duties. -Please? I trust you. -C & C, this is lvanova. -"Online." Please inform the captain, barring an emergency, I may be a while. Oh, boy. In your first year of training in Psi Corps Academy you're assigned to an advanced trainee who oversees your development. Matt was mine. He was charming, sympathetic. Understand, the things I learned to do for Psi Corps were, and are, difficult. Matt made the transition easier, at first. Then the Corps decided that we were genetically compatible. The odds of us producing a child of great telepathic abilities were substantial. It all happened so fast. How long were you married? Just long enough to realize it was a mistake. Psi Corps isn't exactly forthcoming with its membership but what information I did turn up indicated that Stoner wasn't Corps. He left. Shortly afterward, Psi Corps had the marriage annulled. I thought the only way anyone left Psi Corps was feet first. Matt had connections. He had. I don't know what he had. No one in authority wanted to talk about it. So now that you've been here for a while, do you feel you've settled in, captain? -Why does everyone keep asking me that? -Oh, merely polite interest. I'm sorry. I guess I'm reading too much into it but people seem to be implying that I shouldn't get too comfortable. Oh, nonsense. It's not as if anyone expects you to vanish overnight under mysterious circumstances to a strange Minbari post. Why, that would be unprecedented in this station's history. I get the message, ambassador. Do you? I still don't understand what that was all about. Something's going on, if you ask me. Whenever these bizarre and odd things occur, it gives me pain. Right here. My good Capt. Sheridan. All settled in? All settled, ambassador. And my dear G'Kar, how are you this glorious day? We're in a space station, ambassador, one day is much like another. That, my friend, is very much subject to point of view. And from my point of view, this is a most glorious day. G'Kar, you are looking in particularly excellent health today. Whatever it is you're doing, keep it up. Excuse me. -Can I get you anything? -Yes. You can get me out of here. Who does Londo think he is to keep us sitting about? He probably thinks he's our husband and that we, as dutiful wives will wait with breathless anticipation for his arrival. Is that not right, Vir? -Well, actually it's-- -You are joking, Daggair. Your problem, Timov, is that you've never known your place. My place? You once threatened to break a vase over his head. Well, that was the impetuousness of youth. That was last month. Daggair, what are you playing at? Well, well, well. And here you are! And here you are, finally. Where have you been? Affairs of state, my dear. -State of inebriation, I'd wager. -Londo. You're looking fit. More handsome than I would have remembered. Oh, well. What's going on here? Londo, what's all this about? You have no idea why I've summoned you all here? -No, and I think it's about time-- -Wait. Where's Mariel? Vir? I don't know. I was expecting her, and she didn't show up at customs. We should wait for Mariel to arrive-- No. I will not tolerate this any longer. The secret of our marriage's success, Londo, is our lack of communication. You have jeopardized that success and I would know why. Very well. I wanted to save the surprise. But, clearly, you have forgotten that tomorrow is the 30th anniversary of my ascension day. -It is? -It is? Yes, the emperor has not forgotten. I personally received a congratulatory note from the Royal Court. My star is rising, in case you were unaware. I was unaware, yes. I have little patience for the vagaries of politics and social climbing. That's always been more Daggair's field of endeavor. Hasn't it, Daggair? Now, the emperor is a busy fellow, of course. No time to shop, unlike my beloved wives who always find the time to run up my credit accounts. In any event, he wished to give me a gift in honor of my service to our people. And the gift he gave me was any one wish within his power to grant. And what was your wish, my sweet? A divorce. An easement from the arranged marriages to my three wives. However the emperor requested that I keep one of you to be by my side for future state affairs. So by tomorrow, I will choose one of the three of you to remain my wife. The other two will be gone. Gone! You'll receive no further money beyond the vast amounts of my savings you've already diverted to other accounts. You'll have no title, and you'll have to do without the privileges to which you have become accustomed. A small repayment for the many years of joy you have given me. You knew about this. You knew! Oh, my dear, I've been caught completely unawares, I assure you. Petulant, isn't she? Oh, well, breeding will tell. A *** like you would know about breeding. Oh, ladies, ladies, please. Continue. Vir, if you wouldn't mind. Yes. Enter. Hello, Londo. Miss me? So tell me what you think it's worth. Opening offer or final bid? Are you here for trade, or simply to waste my time? I've seen a number of Centauri artifacts but nothing like this. Care to tell me how you got it? After all, I wouldn't want to think someone on Babylon 5 was dealing in stolen goods. -And you are? -Garibaldi. Head of Security. So if I'm feeling insecure, hugging you will make me feel better? Certification of my participation in an authorized archaeological dig. Lists of contents are there. You'll find this little item among them. It's all quite legitimate, officer. I can help you with the big words, if you're having trouble. While he's assessing its value why don't you and I have a little chat? In private. Ambassador, we've received an invitation to. Yes, Lennier? An invitation to? A celebration for Ambassador Mollari. The 30th anniversary of his ascension. -That's significant? -For a Centauri, oh, yes. Lennier, we will accept, of course. I will convey that message. Anything else? Is that painful? Actually, it's oddly relaxing. You've been fairly busy, haven't you, Mr. Stoner? The records have you all over the place. Wouldn't be trying to stay one step ahead of someone? Or perhaps involved in some shady dealings? Do you treat all new arrivals to Babylon 5 this way? Or is this personal? Talia Winters is a friend of mine. Is she here? Small galaxy, isn't it? -You gonna pretend you didn't know? -Did she tell you all about me? No. Would you like me to tell you all about her? Is that it? What she likes to hear where she likes to be touched. Don't push it. The little noises she makes. Does she cry out or sigh softly? Shut up. I thought you wanted us to talk. Make up your mind, officer. Any more questions, officer? Or am I free to go? If Talia Winters so much as breathes a word that you've been harassing her you'll be spaced so fast you'll think you were born in a vacuum. I'll be keeping an eye on you. Use both eyes. You'll need them. I seem to have gotten separated during a tour my husband was giving. You must be one of Ambassador Mollari's wives. I'd heard you were here. I'm Capt. John Sheridan. -And I am-- -Mariel. There you are. Making new friends? Again? Captain, a moment of your time, please. Still the iron claw in the velvet glove, Mariel? Getting your claws into someone else? Timov, I love you. Even if you do not. Be careful. I should have warned you. On Earth you have these creatures. Insects attracted to flames? Yes, moths. They're drawn to flames and bright lights and get burned. Mariel is drawn to men of power in that same way. But trust me, she burns them. We'll talk later. Hello, puddin' . Glad to see me? Not a word for your ex? Not one syllable? Why have you come here? You never were a big believer in coincidence. We had something once, Talia. You had something, not we. And it's nothing I want any part of. Not anymore. I'll add it to the list of things you don't want any part of. Like Psi Corps. But then I forget anyone who's telepathic doesn't have that option. Except you. You'd love to find out how I did it, wouldn't you? How I got out. Yes. Anyone can. All you have to do is lose your telepathic abilities. Oh, that's all. I did it. What? They have no hold on me. I could arrange for them to have no hold on you, either. You'd be out of Psi Corps, Talia. You'd be free and we could be together. Talia. I spoke to your ex-husband. I warned him off you. If he bothers you at all-- Please. Keep out of this. It's not your concern. -I feel it is. -Feel differently. Enter. Londo, I'm not like the others. You know that. I've always been giving, passionate. Goodness knows I've been passionate. No one can compare to you. And how many opportunities have you taken for comparison? There's been no one but you, I swear. And I think you'll find out there's no one for you but me. Let's let Londo decide that for himself. Both of us? Together? If it pleases Londo, it pleases me. No. No, this isn't right. Timov should be here too. Do you seriously expect me to become involved in your *** Olympics? They're merely expressing their feelings for me. I can do that. -You haven't changed. -You have. You've devolved. Ms. Winters. Can I help you? I was rude to you yesterday, and I thought that. Well, I'm sorry. It's okay. No problem. I wanted everything settled between us since it's likely I'll be leaving Babylon 5. Reassignment? Actually, I'll be leaving with Matt, most likely. Why? The Corps began experimenting on telepaths when we were at the Academy. Matt volunteered, but instead of strengthening his abilities the drug scrambled his neural pathways and almost killed him. When he woke up, he found he could no longer read minds. He says he can replicate the treatment. If he could do that for me-- -Are you crazy? Talia-- -No, Michael. I'm tired. I'm tired of learning things about people I don't wanna know. I'm tired of having them shrink away from me because of what I might find out. I'm tired of being a part of an organization that scares the hell out of me. How can I help you? Also be aware that the Markabs have their day of high fasting today. Unfortunately they sneak food when the other Markabs aren't looking which can lead to a scuffle if a priest catches them. Well, be sure to alert Security to keep a weather eye out. Already done, sir. And lastly, the party honoring Ambassador Mollari's day of ascension is tonight. -All attendees must be barefoot. -Barefoot? Barefoot. G'Kar! Ambassador G'Kar. Wearing shoes, Ambassador G'Kar? You are aware of the level of insult that represents? Indeed? Do you take offense, ambassador? Oh, no. Not at all. Nothing is too good for my esteemed Narn colleague. Oh, I love doing that to him. Ambassador, you look lovely. Thank you, Mr. Garibaldi. And you look distressed, actually. In our language, "seh'lick sakar." Soul sick. You know, it's funny, I met this woman and I took to her immediately. Then I met this guy who had hurt her and instantly, I hated him. We Minbari believe, as do some humans, that souls travel together. Some groups of souls are drawn, one to the other, in life to relive good relationships from the past and if possible, to make right the bad ones. So these other people and I run into each other lifetime after lifetime because our souls have some sort of cosmic sewing circle going? Commander, I don't know, but thank you, commander. Now what is this? A deck of cards from my dear friend Lennier. And I marked them exactly as you requested. Later. And. -Now, what is this? -It's from me. In a way, it's from all of us. Medlab, this is Sheridan. I need an emergency team, fast. Right away, captain. His metabolism is accelerating exponentially. -Brain waves are all over the place. -Can you create an antitoxin? Well, not before he literally burns himself out. A transfusion might do it, but we don't have enough of his type and we've never been any good synthesizing Centauri blood. I'll check in with Garibaldi, see if he's learned anything else about that artifact. -If his condition changes, let me know. -Of course. -I didn't know, I swear I didn't-- -Be quiet. I'm sick of your whining. You do realize that he's not made his divorce decree official yet. If he dies our futures are secure. You can face him in his bed or his deathbed with equal calm. I am what I was made. By my father. By Londo. By society. "Breeding will tell." I didn't know it was dangerous. I've handled it a hundred times. Centauri metabolism must set it off. -You can explain it to the magistrate. -I'll explain it in hell. What's up, captain? I just came from Medlab. His condition's tearing him apart. You must know something about this artifact. I just helped dig it up. I don't plan on forming a long-term relationship with it. You dug it up where? An abandoned Centauri Colony in Sector 127. Did it occur to you to ask why the Centauri abandoned that sector? It's because they were driven out by the Narns. Narns fight dirty. They rigged traps and this was probably one of them. Could be. Which means I didn't ask nearly enough money for it. Oh, well. Easy come, easy go. -Can I go now? -No. I'll see if G'Kar knows anything. If by any chance Londo doesn't survive, I'll find something to charge you with: Negligence, transporting dangerous material. Sure, why not? Go for broke. Hey, how about I call you an idiot in public and you can convict me for revealing state secrets? Remarkably unconcerned, wouldn't you say? Yeah. Nobody's that cool under pressure, unless they got an ace up their sleeve. Find out what it is, Michael. And see what you can do about Londo. -Dr. Franklin? -Yes. About Londo. I'm afraid there's been no change in his condition. I know. It may interest you to know that Londo and I do have one thing in common: -The same blood type. -Why didn't you tell me this before? -I was deciding what to do about it. -Well, he's dying. We all die, doctor, sooner or later. As for Londo after everything he's done, I would take some small pleasure in letting him die. But whatever you may think of me, I have some principles that even 20 years with Londo can't erase. I do not like to win my battles this way. I find it vaguely unsatisfying. So you may have your transfusion, doctor, on one condition: He must never know I did this. I don't think either of us could stand the awkwardness of false gratitude. I can live with that. This way. Chief, got the information you wanted on Stoner. -Good news? -Bad. It corroborates everything he told us. Archaeological dig, getting booted out of Psi Corps-- No, no, no, no, I don't buy it. Nobody leaves Psi Corps. I wanna talk to him again. Okay, I'll tell him. As soon as he finishes eating. Eating? Prisoners don't get dinner for another hour. -Yeah, that's right. -So how did he get a meal now? Well, he just asked for it. I don't know. You know, there's something about this guy that just makes you want to like him. You okay? Londo, do you know where you are? Either in Medlab or in hell. Either way, the d�cor needs work. Oh, Dr. Franklin, thank you for saving our husband. You've done the Centauri a great service. I agree. It's so good to see you with us again, Londo. Well, that settles it, doctor. I am in hell. And what, not a word from you, Timov? Not an insincere word of relief? Not a blink of false concern for my well-being? No. If you'll excuse me, I'll be in my quarters. I'm suddenly feeling quite fatigued. Yes, I think I will do the same. Nightmares. All of them. And Timov, the worst of the lot. Ambassador, do you mind if I make one personal observation? No, not at all. Stick it. How odd. And I didn't even know we were married. I can't believe you're throwing away your chance to leave Psi Corps. I am what I am, Matt. I don't want to carve out a piece of myself. I just wanted you to come with me. I didn't want to pressure you. I want it to be different this time. I was certain that if I told you about the cure you'd come of your own freewill. I can't walk away from who I am or what I am. If you take away my talents, I don't know what would be left. You can understand that, can't you? I suppose so. -But you're still coming with me, Talia. -Matt, I don't want-- You're coming with me. Of course. You'll arrange for immediate transport? It'll be waiting for you in Docking Bay 9. Hey! Thanks, Talia, for your help. Damn, I love being right. The problem with mysteries is that in order to get rid of the headaches I have to figure them out. Here we're faced with a staggering set of coincidences. A Centauri artifact, an ancient *** trap, it seems happens to show up just in time to be purchased as a gift for Londo. And rather than hide or deny responsibility the gift-giver makes a point of saying she gave it to him. Which neatly avoids any accusation of malicious intent because usually when you're trying to kill someone, you hide the attempt. And there you see, my head no longer throbs. That's a very interesting theory, G'Kar. To whom will you tell it? Oh, do I look like a rumormonger? Do not underestimate him. If I could figure it out, so could he. G'Kar, a pleasure as always. I warn you, Mariel, do not be overconfident. If I were married to Londo Mollari, I'd be concerned. G'Kar, if you were married to Londo Mollari, we'd all be concerned. You're quite a piece of work, Mr. Stoner. Our initial inquiries said that you and Psi Corps are quits. Yet we slap you in a cell, prepare to charge you with transporting a dangerous object not to mention your escape attempt. Suddenly, Psi Corps rides to the rescue ordering that you be turned over to them on the next shuttle. I left their employ under cordial circumstances. I don't think you left their employ at all. You told Talia that the experiments performed on you by the Corps erased your telepathic ability. I think they transformed it. Turned you into something new. An empath. Your effect on Garibaldi and Talia and Officer Welch all point to it. Psi Corps couldn't keep you on the rolls because the rest would find out about you. The last thing the Corps wants is for folks to find out they've been experimenting on telepaths to increase their abilities. So they let you go, officially, but kept you on, unofficially. -This is nonsense. -Is it? Before you changed, the Corps decided you and Talia were genetically a perfect couple. So it makes sense they'd send you here in the hope of breeding more empaths. Even if it meant controlling her to do it. I think you should just forget about all this. Oh, I wouldn't try that little trick again if I were you. I've got five armed guards outside watching the monitors and if we start acting like best buddies their orders are to come in shooting. Tough guy. You've surrounded yourself with tough guys. Talia, I was only trying to act in your best interests not repeat the mistakes of the past. I wasn't lying to you. I do know the cure. Look into my mind no shields, no tricks. No chance. See you in some other lifetime. "The Centauri liner" Vellurian "is now" in its final boarding. This is the ambassador's upcoming itinerary. I've marked those events which you might wish to attend and those where he will actually be accompanying you. Ladies, it's been a pleasure meeting you. -Londo, you're making a big mistake. -A huge mistake. Well, it won't be my first. Actually, it will be my fourth. Look, be satisfied I decided to give you a reasonable allowance as settlement. -We're supposed to be grateful for that? -Yes, you are. That's the joy of it. Goodbye, ladies. All right, Londo, why'd you choose to keep me as your wife and not them? I've made no pretense of affection for you. I find your recent actions contemptible. I'll never love you. At best, I'll tolerate you and I'll never be what you want me to be. Why me? Because with you, I will always know where I stand. "Centauri liner" Vellurian, you are cleared for jump. Commander. Susan. I wish to thank you again for your patience and understanding. Oh, not a problem. Taking on human characteristics has been something of an education for both of us. Well, if you have any other problems, any other questions at all, just ask. Well, now that you mention it do you have any idea why I suddenly started getting these odd cramps? Babylon 5 "produced by" Babylonian Productions, Inc