A Dream Given Form: A Babylon 5 Self Insert

[DarkDestroyer]

Warner Brothers Discovery Owns Babylon 5. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Non-Profit.

I am on Mars. The Red Planet. Ares. Partially terraformed over the last two hundred or so years since the original colonists along with IPX drilling crews began reshaping the land scape to make it...suitable for human life. I say partially because at some point funding stopped and so did any kind of further land mass development on the planet. This Mars actually reminds me of "Total Recall" than anything. It is dirty, gritty, and dismal. Michael wasn't kidding when he joked that he hoped it didn't disappoint me. This is after decades of neglect, violence, and destruction. Repairs are underway from the bombings during the Battle of Mars. We purposefully only hit military bases to distract from what we were attempting to do with the main fleet, and also to give the Resistance an opportunity to fully seize control of Mars Dome One---which is where I am now.

The Translink tube stops at the main Mars station and I get off and present my ID card to the security at customs. They do a double take as they recognize me.

"Mr. Young. Sir...Mr. Garibaldi is waiting for you at Edgars. There's a car waiting to take you."

I nod as he gives me back my card and waves over another security guard and gives her instructions to take me directly to the Edgar's building. I have heard that most planetary security was provided by private Edgar's people. Now I'm sure most of them are former resistance now, hand picked by Tess and Michael to attempt to enforce what little law they have currently. Still signs of celebration around the place as banners, and ribbons are scattered across various streets. Walking has become somewhat normal again, I'm still astonished that I can feel muscle and bone in my foot. There's little pain, still just recovery pain. Stephen said that would last for another few weeks before it goes away for good. The security escort takes us to another building that I immediately recognize as Edgar's Industries because it has the huge logo slapped on it. It is strange being here physically, can't describe it properly.

"People in the building have been informed of your arrival sir, there'll be someone waiting for you in the lobby."

"Thank you." i reply as the car pulls up right to the entrance and I get out and head into the main doors. I pass through them and am greeted by someone from Edgars who offers to take me to the main floor, and I accept. It is weird being inside here---again I can't put it to words. I am escorted to the main office floor and shown in where I see Michael Garibaldi with a stogie sitting in an oversized leather chair, looking happier than I can ever remember seeing him.

"Adam! You made it. Thank you Travis." he acknowledges the escort who nods. Michael gets up and we exchange a hug as I put my bag down. I'm feeling jet lag now. I sit in the other big oversized leather chair.

"I have indeed made it...Michael...I'm exhausted...this had better be good." I say

"Oh, it will be. You'll like the new board members. You were of course right about the old ones. Had myself a time blackmailing them....and you weren't kidding about Tessa having dirt, she was the perfect choice to head Covert Intelligence."

"Why does the Board want to see me?" I ask

"They're mostly curious. They also want to know why we appointed you in the first place, someone who has no prior business experience, or degree--they also probably want to know if they can manipulate you at all." Michael is positively gleeful

"I see."

"So how are things?! How's the foot?" he looks down and I Can't help but smile

"For the first time in my entire life, I'm not in constant pain. At first in the immediate aftermath of the surgery and recovery, sure....tons of it...but it's subsided now that I've actually learned how to use it. It's also been incredibly emotional." I reply

"I can imagine...Lianna?"

"Is busy in her new job...but doing great. We've discussed somethings. Nothing major---Michael I need a favor."

"Shoot...just not in the back." Michael jokes and my eyes go wide---he really is happy. I couldn't be more happy for him.

"Lianna inquired about Elizabeth Lochley the other day, in a most unusual way---out of the blue---which for her is extremely rare, as she's blunt with everything she says."

"What are you concerned about?" he asks

"Nothing really, I'm just curious what they're connection is. If any."

"You could just ask your fiancée you know." He says and I sigh

"I know...okay. Sure. I don't know what I was thinking. So are the Board---here?"

"They are. We can recall them and introduce you in a few minutes if you'd like."

"I would." I nod

Michael presses a button on his desk.

"Madeline, can you gather the Board members please, tell them if any complain, that Mr. Young is here."

"Yes sir."


Together we head out of the office and down the hallway to the end where a huge room is. It is the room from the episode where Michael deals with the Board of Directors. I stand beside Garibaldi while the members of the Board shuffle into the room, one by one. They're all the replacement members Michael selected from "Objects At Rest".

"Ladies and Gentlemen, as you requested, straight from Babylon 5, and with a short fuse due to exhaustion and jet lag---our newest appointee to your illustrious group, I present Adam Christopher Young." I nod

"Greetings. It has come to my attention that you requested this meeting, I'm flattered. First of all I will allay any concerns you may have. I have no designs on anyone's job, or to step on toes. I agreed to this as a favor to Mr. Garibaldi. Depending on the vote---I will vote with whatever the Board's consensus is on any given matter. I share Michael and Lise's new vision for this company, and I am not here to babysit anyone. I expect you to all do your jobs, whatever those maybe entail , and I promise you---if you've concerns about lack of experience, which I'm sure most of us have anyways given how we were all hired---I will do the work to familiarize myself what needs to be done. I am not a threat, I am ally. Harm me or mine, and I WILL become a threat to you. You don't want that. Trust me."

"So with that out of the way...does Mr. Young's appointment to the Board, agree with all of you?" They all reply positively

"You're all dismissed. Thank you for coming." they all nod at me as they shuffle past

"Was that really necessary? I could have done this from Babylon 5."

"From the Bat Cave? Uh-uh. They needed to see you assert your authority from the beginning, and more importantly, clarify what your relationship with them will be. You did both. So---dinner? You must be starving. Lise is cooking a roast."

"I'd actually love that...and then sleep."

"Of course. The guest room's been made up."

"It's good to see you Michael. I mean that."

"It's good to see you too, Adam."

 

[DarkDestroyer]

Warner Brothers Discovery Own Babylon 5. For Entertainment Purposes Only.

Authors' Note: SUPER SHORT chapter. Plot heavy stuff coming up next.

Mars. The Red Planet. I still can't believe that I'm here. The Edgars Building naturally possesses the finest of everything---especially after Garibaldi has begun to upgrade it. I was warned not to go out exploring on the streets yet. Mars is still infested with crime, so much so that the reason for the extra security IS to protect the population. I can only imagine what it was like while the fighting was going on. This is something that the various governments, local and federal will have to deal with once they settle everything from being declared independent. This means my plan to explore is tossed out the window. I'm trapped at Edgars. The humor of it is not lost on me, trapped on B5, first time I go out anywhere---it's too dangerous. Trapped on Mars.

Lise is a charming woman. Has formed a quiet strength due to all of her experiences. I can see why Michael loves her so much. She's also incredibly funny, but Michael is the better cook out of the two of them, but not by a long shot. Her daughter---not Mary---she is yet to arrive--but her daughter with Franz---Francesca...is also staying with them now and is a delightful little girl. We watch Bugs Bunny and play Minecraft on Michael's supercomputer. Which reminds me, now that I'm a Edgars Board Member. I can afford to have a Cray sent to Babylon 5. Really create the Bat Cave now. I also can afford and have for some time now---upgraded quarters. I've been overpaying rent to compensate for having my quarters basically be free for the first year or so. I may have to consider this and annoy Elizabeth.

The Mars Senate is busy finalizing the legal part of being Independent. There will be elections held to elect the first President of Mars later in the year. The three names finalized for the planet are Dune, Ares, and Krakoa---the latter a nod to the X-Men comics of my time. I am hearing they are also considering calling themselves the Mars Confederation---but that will be decided much later, there's no rush for any of this to happen. We're off season for baseball right now, which is a shame, because I'd love to have gone to Mars Stadium over in New Vegas for a baseball game. It's Feb still so catchers and pitchers don't report for another couple of weeks yet.

Eventually though I am getting restless not being able to do anything here. I already came to do what I was requested for, it's so surreal that I am now a Board member of the biggest corporation in the galaxy---which is only going to get bigger under Michael's vision and my ideas! After I accepted their offer back in December, I sold the shares I had in the other corporations and made a pretty penny again. Having gone most of my life without having much money, and now having a CONSIDERABLE amount of it---enough to buy my own personal fleet if I so desired I'm told by my accountant---it's incredibly strange. I wish this happened back home! I head to Michael's office and tell him I'm leaving.

"This has been fun, but I'm bored, frustrated that I can't go anywhere, so I'm going back to B5."

"I'm surprised you didn't tell me this sooner. I understand. Thank you for coming. Lise packed you up some of her bread pudding you love so much, she and Francesca will be upset you're leaving."

"I'll be around I'm sure. Just so much to do and so much to see potentially, oh and that favor I asked about? Don't bother. I'll just ask Elizabeth or Lianna themselves."

"Good. Snooping around your significant other's personal business isn't a good idea. Trust me. I know."

Garibaldi comes around from behind his desk and gives me a great bear hug.

"You be careful you here? As Marcus would say---"

"Mind my surroundings!" we both say as Lise pops into the office

"What's going on?" she asks carrying a big Tupperware container

"Adam is leaving us." Michael says

"I have to get back to the station. Work needs to be done, and I can't do it here cooped up. Thank you for everything." she and I hug

"You'll be missed, Franny will be upset." Lise said handing me the container , Michael maybe the better cook, but not in deserts.

"I'll be back. I'm glad that I was able to get to know her. You have a good kid there, Lise, and a good partner." I look over at Michael

"Be safe, and your welcome at any time." I nod and give my thanks

I pack my belongings and a car takes me to the TransLink station and I nod to the escort. Mars. Desert Planet. The future is now yours to control. I hope you do great things.

 

[DarkDestroyer]

Warner Brothers Discovery own Babylon 5. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Non-Profit.

It is now June 2262 as we enter the summer months. The Raider project has gone mostly according to plan. It is amazing what you can accomplish when everyone is on the same page. Cooperation is a hell of a thing. Six months into this initiative and we've managed to already take out three of their major operating centers, and completely dismantle their operations involving the Drazi---of which the Freehold have been immensely grateful for and begun sharing their intelligence with us for the first time. Bester and the Telepath Expedition have begun their quest. There are a small fleet of ten IPX explorer class ships, with two Earth Alliance escort ships, and a White Star---on lone from the Alliance as a gesture of good will from us. The White Star has orders to shadow the group---and only intervene if there are any issues that should arise.

I've since relocated to VIP Quarters in Red 3. The most spacious quarters on the station---approximately double the size of senior officers quarters. I arrange with the Quartermaster for all new custom furniture which he bitches and complains about having to move.

"You know how much work all of this is going to cost...let alone the time? I mean there was perfectly great furniture already in THERE!"

"I'll compensate your employees for their time and effort. I'm already paying the techs for the installation of the Cray, this is no matter."

"I still can't believe you managed to convince Captain Lochley to allow you to have a freakin' Cray in your quarters!"

"Why not? I already had four state of the art monitors slaved together to an over worked drive. This was the next logical step, and it's not like I'm draining station power or anything."

"At least you don't think you are..."

"Look Phil...can I call you Phil? I feel like we've dealt with one another long enough to be on a first name basis."

"Sure..."

"I know this is going to be a lot of work, and take a lot of time---not to mention the fact that I am going to have to wait for all this stuff to arrive in the first place. So tell you what..."

I punch in a series of numbers in my little credit device and hand it over to him. His eyes bulge.

"Will this cover your hardship?"

"A thousand credits!! Are you serious?" he claims

"Deadly. That should take care of your entire department...and then some."

"It will. I'll take care of this personally for you." he exclaims

"Thanks Phil. I appreciate that."

My link beeps. I tap it.

"Young here go."

"Adam...you might want to come to MedLab. Asap." Lillian says

"What's happened?" I ask

"It's Ambassador Mollari..."

"I'm on my way."

The Very Long Night...

I make haste for MedLab which is actually not that far from my quarters now that I'm in Red Sector, but since I'm in Blue Sector right now it takes me about ten minutes to get there and Lochey, Allen, and Vir are all there outside the surgical theatre watching Franklin try to save Londo's life.

"How long has he been in there?" I ask

"Shortly after Dr. Hobbs called you..." Lochley

"He's been poisoned!!" Vir exclaims and I try not to grin

"We've been going over the shipment to see if there is---" Zack starts

"You need to tell us who did this to him!" Vir shouts hysterically

I wave them all off and fight from outright laughing. Lochley notices my expression.

"All right, calm down everyone."

"Calm down! Londo is in there fighting for his life, someone may have attempted to assassinate him and you want me to calm down!" Vir is hysterical

"Vir...it's not an assassination attempt. Zack, call off your investigation, there's no need for it." I reply trying to get some control of the situation

"What are you talking about? The Bravari's clearly been poisoned!" Vir insists

"Vir...he's had a heart attack. A massive one." I say very gently as if almost talking to a child.

"He's...what..." Vir reacts stunned

"Londo's had a massive cardiac arrest, specifically, his left. Because of how well it is protected in the Centauri chest cavity it is hard to operate on." I explain

Elizabeth looks slightly impressed

"I didn't know you knew Centauri physiology?" she asks

"I don't really...but I know the episode, and that's Stephen's diagnoses. Look...Vir...there's nothing you can do right now. Stephen will do everything he can for him, this is up to Londo now."

"It's mental?" Lochley asks

"Yeah. It's a crisis of character sort to speak. Londo has to want to come back to us."

"He does right? In the episode?" Vir asks

"Yes, he does." I reply

"Sheridan and Delenn have been informed. They'll be here shortly. They've been knee deep in Raider reports. Thank you Mr. Young." Lochley excuses herself and so does Zack as he goes to call off his investigation. I stand with Vir.

"It's strange. This happens in Jan in the show...what's Londo been dealing with lately?" I ask Vir

"Everything. He's been dealing with e-e-everything. Finalizing the treaty with the Narns, taking on the Prime Minister's responsibilities now that Vrini is sick. He's also been worried about Adira..." he turns to me and I frown

"I know. I promise that She is safe...but they can't be reunited until after the war with the Drakh is over."

"Why?" presses Vir and I exhale...as I pull up a nearby stool and offer one to Vir---he shakes his head

"Vir...can I trust you?" I ask with already knowing that I can

"What do you mean?" he asks as I stare at Stephen and his team working away at Londo. Oh Londo. You silly bastard.

"Vir...Londo is in incredible danger, and I don't mean from this."

"He has many enemies as you know, Mr. Young."

I make a decision.

"Vir...I've come to a decision and I need your absolute word that you won't tell or warn Londo of this. I give you my word though when the time is right---we will help Londo."

I see Vir's hesitation---I understand it. He's insanely loyal to Londo despite everything he has done. Why wouldn't he? Londo plucked him out of obscurity and elevated him.

"I don't know..." he replies

"Vir. I don't take this lightly. I wish it didn't have to be this way, I've racked my brain to come with alternatives---but there are none."

"What are you going to do?"

"Londo is going to be possessed by something called a Drakh Keeper. The Drakh want revenge for the role Londo played in destroying the Shadows. They're behind what has happened to the Prime Minister, and are waiting to do the same for Londo." I reveal and wait Vir's reaction

"You're using him as bait?" he finally asks getting angry again...this time at me.

"It's the only way. I need to be absolutely clear with you on this, nothing of what we talk about can get back to Londo---otherwise they will find out, and we're all cooked. Do you understand this Vir? This might be the single biggest secret you've ever been told in your career, and I know that's saying a lot."

"Yes."

"There is a plan that will be executed when the time is right, that's unfortunately in the future---but I hope it won't be too long. I know that you can do this Vir. It will be hard. Londo will push you away when this happens, you must allow him to do this...he's protecting you, as I was by not telling you anything---but we're going to need you to pull this off so I might as well tell you now. I'm gambling here Vir, with literally everything."

"The burden you have---I never really realized." Vir stammers

"It's okay. No one does, until stuff like this happens." I stand up and turn to face him

"I promise you...I give you my word that he will survive this, and that he will survive what is yet to come. He is after all LONDO FUCKING MOLLARI" I do a big exaggerated gesture and it gets Vir to laugh

"NOTHING must get to him." I repeat again

"I understand. You have my word now."

I put my hand on Vir's shoulder and the two of us watch as Stephen fights to save Londo's life.