A Dream Given Form: A Babylon 5 Self Insert

[DarkDestroyer]

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

On one of my days off it is just around the anniversary of my Arrival now. I spot Brother Theo sitting in the Zocalo enjoying a cup of Cappuccino. I exhale and decide to introduce myself.

"Brother Theo...I hope I'm not disturbing you?"

"Ah. Mr. Young, isn't it? No. Not at all. Please sit."

"Thank you. I'm sure you're wondering why I've come."

"I must admit that yours was a presence I wasn't expecting. What can I do for you?"

"I know you've come to Babylon 5 to study all the religions here. I can respect that. I---" I frown...I'm not sure how to express what i want to

Brother Theo grins though.

"You've come to ask me what seeing Kosh means for you? Haven't you?" he asks

"Yes. I have struggled with the notion of faith, and spirituality over the years. My brother and I when we were young, attended Sunday school, but it was never something we were raised in. I have---most times rejected the notion of God, and yet--"

"You have questions?" he offers

"Yes."

"Having questions about one's faith and what that means is as common as it is for me to be here sitting with my cup of Cap. What specifically did you have in mind, Mr. Young?"

"I know that Kosh was telepathically projecting himself--everyone saw---whatever spiritual avatar appeared to them. I was not expecting to see anything....because..."

"Because you felt like you didn't believe." Theo answers and I nod

"Yes. But now that I have seen him, I've struggled---"

"You are trying to determine if seeing Kosh means you HAVE been a believer all this time and just been denying it." he asks

"Yes."

"Well...I can not speak on that, but what I can say is that I think you believe in Kosh himself...having faith is not just about believing in doctrine, or in an all powerful, all seeing being...it is simply believing in others. You believe in Kosh. I don't think that makes you particularly religious."

"Thank you Brother Theo." I get up

"Leaving so soon? I was rather enjoying your company. Plus I wanted to discuss something else with you." he says

"Oh?"

"Commander Ivanova confided in me about your...abilities. I wanted to talk to you about---"

Ah.

"Brother Theo...I understand about Brother Edward..." but he puts his hand on my arm

"You understand the surface context about him yes...but not the depth. I'd like to talk about the man I know, and then you can decide what you will do afterwards about this."

I see the sincerity and the plea in his eyes. I sigh. A waiter comes by.

"I'll have a French Vanilla please. Light milk."

Plus I can't help but like Theo. There's something about him...

 

[DarkDestroyer]

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

Jan 28, 2260. It has been One Year since My Arrival in the Babylon 5 universe. A year since I was saved by possible death from hooligans, by Security Chief Michael Garibaldi. Before we enact the plan to capture Nightwatch, I invite the senior staff, Marcus, Delenn, Lennier, and Kat to a gathering in my quarters to mark the occasion. Normally I would have invited Doug, Tim, and the staff from Doug's but they don't know about me yet, and I'd rather keep it that way. Zack is not a friend...yet. I cook and entertain and we talk about not work . Sheridan and Delenn continue to become closer to each other.

"This is pretty good Lasagna, Adam." Garibaldi says through mouthfuls.

"Thanks. I learned to cook from my mom's partner, she wasn't a chef or anything but could cook like one. I eat a lot of pasta based foods."

"You must think about your family and friends a lot." Susan offers

"I think about them all the time. Wonder what is going on there, if things weren't like they are on Earth right now, I'd imagine a bunch of think tanks would have get together and work on why this has happened."

Stephen lights up at that.

"Oh yes. There would be symposiums on you! All the greatest minds in the galaxy would likely converge on Earth to study err you---and come up with theories as to why you're here, and how to return you. You'd likely spark a brand new scientific revolution."

"Instead we have a despot, who wants to isolate Earth, and oppress the people." Garibaldi comments

"How'd Clark happen, Adam? Surely you can tell us that without violating any kind of fixed destiny." Susan asks

I look at Delenn and Lennier and turn back to Sheridan and the others, and exhale.

"The Shadows are largely responsible for the events transpiring on Earth. Mr. Morden approached Morgan Clark. Morden is largely responsible for planning the assassination attempt, all Clark had to do was let things happen...and they did."

I let them digest this. Susan will discover this while in the Great Machine in a few weeks time, so it can't hurt to give them this information now. We can't do anything with it.

"I wish you'd arrived two years ago. We could have stopped this from happening." Sheridan mutters

"I've wondered about that. The Shadows are involved right now with many of the younger races. They've been interested in us, obviously for quite a while. I could have helped stop Earth Force One from exploding, and I certainly could have stopped Jack from shooting Michael---" the Chief nods back

"They would have found another way to kill Santiago." Susan states

"But it would have given us time, the knowledge that someone else was manipulating events to their favor, we could have exposed that and had ALL of Earth on our side." Sheridan surmises.

"It's possible. The thing is that the Shadows, Clark, and Psi-Corp only inflamed issues that were bubbling under the surface. It is what that ideology does. Where I came from, we're experiencing it, not to the extent you guys are but close. This was all written as a warning, a lesson if you will, and of course as humans, we never learn from history. We just repeat it, over and over again."

An uncomfortable silence follows as they contemplate my words.

"But we win." Garibaldi says bringing everyone out of their funk, looking at me.

"We win. You'd be a whole lot more gloomier if we didn't win. I've come to know you pretty well in the last year Adam, I know you can't tell us everything for whatever ridiculous reasons you have, and I've come to begrudgingly respect that, but we end up winning. We beat the Shadows, and we win back Earth. I am not so sure you'd be here if neither of those things didn't occur." Sheridan states

"Yes, you do win, both wars, but at the cost of a lot of lives, and a lot of suffering. I've been trying to mitigate some of that, but it's not a given that will still happen just because I have seen it. A lot of hard work and sacrifice still needs to happen. A lot of pain. A lot of change. I will help where I can but nothing is ever guaranteed, especially in war, let alone two wars at the same time, but there's hope. Always is hope."

"Hope alone is sometimes not enough." Sheridan says putting down his glass.

"Sometimes, hope isn't enough. We need to start going on the offensive. Waiting around until something happens, isn't cutting it for me." Sheridan says annoyed

"Yeah. I get that sir. But Clark is too powerful at the moment. If we move NOW---he's strong enough to end any chance of us winning this. We need to build, and our focus for the time being, needs to be on the Shadows."

Getting Nightwatch off of Babylon 5 is a high priority. There could be Presidential backlash from Clark's forces, but I highly doubt that. Nightwatch are goons, and thugs that have infested Earth Alliance and need to be routed out as quickly as possible. Getting them off the station is especially important so we can get around to starting our greater work. Tip toing around them has been annoying to say the least

"Well, hasn't this turned out to be festive." Marcus laments

"It's all right. The Captain asked, and I replied. But it's time to celebrate...me." I say with some snark and everyone laughs except the Minbari.

Time enough to get around to what needs to be done still.

 

[G1 Convoy]

Great story so far.

Is the MC going to try to prevent Sheridan from dying when he goes to Z'ha'dum? From what I remember, if Sheridan didn't go there, any victory the alliance may have achieved would have approached, if not outright reached, pyrrhic levels, so I can't see the MC trying to dissuading him. Hopefully things go better this time.

 

[DarkDestroyer]

Great story so far.

Is the MC going to try to prevent Sheridan from dying when he goes to Z'ha'dum? From what I remember, if Sheridan didn't go there, any victory the alliance may have achieved would have approached, if not outright reached, pyrrhic levels, so I can't see the MC trying to dissuading him. Hopefully things go better this time.

Click to shrink...

That is going to happen still but Za'Ha'Dum is going to be dealt with a little bit differently. Once we get to the Shadow War itself we're gonna see the main butterflying. All of this is still kind of set up.

 

[DarkDestroyer]

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

Sheridan, Garibaldi, Zack, and I begin the early stages of setting the trap for Nightwatch. The War Room's construction continues as I am now given security access to everywhere on Babylon 5. Both Sheridan and Garibaldi have realized now that I'm to be an important part of both wars, and included in the inner circle, then I ought to be able to be privy to everything going on. I'm given daily reports as my lap top device is now highly secure thanks to the Chief. I don't have "ultraviolet alpha" level but Garibaldi has assured me that I have something close to it. Training with Marcus continues when he is on the station. He comes and goes as his Ranger missions take him to many places. Susan arranges to get him an indenti-card. April rolls around as I monitor my increasing stock in Edgars Industries, almost ready to sell. Not quite yet.

ISN begins to report on Santiago's assassination and the Shadows. General Hague has been incommunicado for a while now which has concerned John, but I have assured the Captain that is usual. Hauge acts when Martial Law is declared and that doesn't happen until---

"Franklin to Young. Can you report to Medlab?"

Uh-oh. This can't be good.

"Sure thing. Doc. I'm on my way."

Wearing all black now as I usually do, along with a leather jacket I bought a few weeks ago, I head to Medlab, where my stomach drops. Marcus is there---because of course Marcus is there---along with someone else I was hoping NOT to expect.
Fuck.

"Dr. Kirkish I presume?" I ask and Marcus frowns

"You know who I am?" she asks

Nancy Stafford. Better known for her role on "Matlock" as Michelle Thomas.

"He knows who everyone is. This is one of the reasons why we needed to get to B5." Marcus answers

"You're here because you're going to tell us about the Shadow ship, Earth has."

"Y-yes." she says exasperated.

"I can vouch for her. We'll need to assemble the others."

"Already done."

About a half a hour later, Kirkish tells her story to the others. I sit in silence. Damn. This is the impetus that triggers Clark to enact Martial Law. I kind of forgot all about Kirkish to be honest. Michael tells his own story following hers, and reveals the charred Psi-Corp badge. They all turn to me.

"As I said a few weeks ago, Clark was approached by Morden who asked him what he wanted---he gave his answer, and the assassination was planned. The Shadows are behind almost everything that has gone on back home for a while now, and they're in league with Psi-Corp. I can only assume it is the very highest levels of it."

"We've made arrangements to get you into Minbari space." Sheridan turns to Kirkish

"Mr. Lennier please take care of Dr. Kirkish."

"Of course."

"We've put this off for too long now, if Earth and Psi-Corp are working with the Shadows---this is too big." Sheridan declares

"Captain---if we go do this---it will trigger exactly the events that I've been trying to butterfly. I can't guarantee General Hague's safety, or ours."

John puts his hand on my left shoulder.

"Mr. Young, you've done what you can for us, and I appreciate the hell out of it. But we've relied on you far too much and not taken any risks ourselves. The General is a big boy and can take care of himself and his crew. As for us...I need to think about what we are going to do."

He hasn't made his decision yet. He won't until after consulting Delenn. It has truly begun now. It is out of my hands. Meanwhile Zack should be sowing the seeds of our plan for Nightwatch right about now....I

"Credit for your thoughts." Susan asks out of the blue as we head out of the office

"I was just thinking the reality of the situation is---getting out of control. I hate not being in control of things." I Reply

"Tell me about it."

"You're not mad that I haven't...divulged all of this sooner?" I ask

"No. I think you're trying to do what you think is best for us, and I appreciate it. I also think you've been coddling us---again for the best of reasons, but we need to act on our own you know. I wanted you to know also---you're not alone in this. I know you think you are, that knowledge of yours is a burden none of us can truly understand, but you're not alone."

"Thank you."

We are gathered back in Sheridan's room---thing is I forgot where he and Delenn have their conversation. I think everyone leaves and comes back. Sheridan looks at me.

"We can't allow President Clark to get a hold of a Shadow ship. Whatever the cost is of making sure that happens, is. " I nod as he directs that towards me

"That kind of power, in his hands, could be the end of everything we've worked for. We have got to stop that ship before it leaves Ganymede."

"Swell."

"I Love it."

"How?"



"Delenn and I will take the "White Star" into Earth- controlled space. With luck, we'll find the ship...
...destroy it on the ground before they can activate it. If not--"

"You can't do this, as soon as you open a jump point---" Susan states

"I know, the early warning system will get us...I understand Mr. Young's---and yours--trepidation over this---but it has to be done."

They banter back and forth while Sheridan's decision is made.

"The rest of you will be needed here to cover my absence...Mr. Young that includes you."

I start to open my mouth--

"It's not open for debate."

--and close it.


"I'm leaving behind my Identicard, my uniform...command rank, anything that could lead
back here if something should go wrong. Susan, in our absence, I'm leaving you and Garibaldi in charge of the Rangers. I'd tell you to take good care of the station, but I know that's not necessary."

"I've left instructions in my desk for a cover story if we don't come back. You'll send out my Starfury "and use the auto"- "destruct sequence. Doctor, you'll provide the organic mass
to simulate a casualty. I wish none of this were necessary. But we all knew that, sooner or later, we'd have to deal with Earth. So I guess it's time we got down to business. If there's any way we can come back... ...we will. "

Sheridan and Delenn leave, and I let them. Susan puts her hand on my shoulder in a rare display of comfort. I can not stop this from happening. I need to let go. It is time to begin countermeasures. I turn to her.

"Now...all we can do is wait."

 

[Marlow3]

Things are coming to ahead. Looking forward to the resolution.
Thanks for the chapter.

 

[DarkDestroyer]

We're in it now!

 

[DarkDestroyer]

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


Author's Note: I'm playing fast and loose with continuity here. Those familiar or hardcore fans of the show will pick on it. This is intentional. Just easier to write certain things out of sequence...but they'll be addressed or touched on.

Sheridan and Delenn return from their mission, successful. John and I have a private discussion before the events unfold in his quarters.

"I want to repeat what I said before we left, I appreciate what you've been trying to do for us. I've come to depend on you while also---perhaps incorrectly---keeping you at arm's length. We need to fight this thing on our own terms, though, and nothing what you might've done would have prevented Clark's actions. Only Clark can do that, and we know that is never going to happen."

"Yes sir."

"Call me John, when I'm not on duty, Adam. You've earned it."

"We will need you for the important things now over the coming weeks, and months, and hopefully not years. General Hague is perhaps the biggest thing you could have done for us, I know you tip toe around your decisions because you don't want to alter people's destinies, but those decisions are for us to make, and we'll make them---good or bad." He slaps me on the shoulder and hands me a drink. I take it.

"How's things with Zack?" he asks

"We're ready to execute the plan sir. They will be getting orders very soon."

"Good, and the Narns---they'll fill in what we lose?"

"Yes sir...and John...if I might make a suggestion about G'Kar?"

"Yeah?"

"G'Kar can be trusted. He has---been through---a change lately, as we all seem to be going through---he has information that can be useful to us, and will be able to keep his people in line for us. I know it will be difficult to trust him---but I vouch for him. He's a changed man."

"I'll consider it."

It is later on in the day and the ISN report on the White Star attack on the Shadow ship is shown. I watch from my quarters alone, while Sheridan and Ivanova are watching this together. Martial Law is about to be ordered in a few hours time now. Zack should be told by his superior in Nightwatch that they're going to act soon---my link goes off.

"Allan to Young...we're ready."

"Acknowledged. Execute." I say

About a hour goes by and it's an agonizing wait.

"Sheridan to Young."

"Young here."

"It's done. They're in custody now, you're free to roam again." he says, which means he wants me to report. I'd have liked to be present when the plan went off, but I can't afford to let anyone in Nightwatch know who I was which is why I was not around during Musante's visit a few days ago. Too about her being a fascist because---damn. Adam stop. Everything is going so fast that I nearly forgot about the alien probe, which I was able to butterfly nearly at the last minute telling C-In-C it was a trap.

While on my way to I accidently brush by Londo and Lady Morella...played exquisitely by Majel Barrett. I then briefly feel her mind in mind...and she reacts to it.

"Oh...my..." she states

"Ahhhh Mr. Young, I would like to introduce you to---"

"Sorry, Londo, can't stick around. My apologies though Lady Morella."

I shake off the weird flash I saw from Morella...I swear I saw Lwaxana Troi with her arm draped over me and the two of us were laughing about something.

I end up entering C-I-C and see Sheridan and Ivanova looking concerned.

"We received a message from General Hauge, we---"

"It's all gone to hell?" I ask and they both nod

Damn straight it has.

"This is it...this is what I've been warning you about. This is what I was trying to---limit---the damage of. Hopefully he's listened and away from where they track him. The orders from home are going out now to everywhere. Mars, Io, Proxima, the rest of the colonies. It's time Captain."

I can hear Susan's narration in my head as I watch Sheridan's expression change. This is the moment he becomes the Captain. When he addresses C-In-C.

"By now, you've all heard the news. In response to allegations of a conspiracy, against the government, President Clark has declared Martial Law."

I watch the officers in the Pit, their worried expressions. They look at me, for reassurance, some of them have seen me around now. I nod at them. Very soon, the Captain is going to have make a decision about me, and I need to prepare myself for it. Tingles wash over me. I fight off tears as I get emotional about experiencing historic moments in the show.

"Mars, and Io have been given similar orders. Now they haven't hit us yet, but you can be sure that order will come soon. Communications to Earth have been blacked out since 08:00 this morning. Only the gold channels are still functioning, but those are for military business only. I know many of you have family back on Earth. We're doing everything we can to find out what's going on. Meanwhile, I ask you to stay at your posts......and continue as if everything were status quo. We've got a lot of nervous people here and I need you to help calm things down. Some other governments may take this as an opportunity to move against us......so we must maintain combat readiness. Continue the flybys. I want at least one squadron on patrol outside the station at all times"

I raise my finger and show him the number two

"Make that two..."

"Any questions?

"Captain, how did this happen? What did we do wrong?" Corwin asks

"I don't know Lieutenant. I don't know." Sheridan looks directly at me

The three of us leave CIC and Michael catches up with as he reports Nightwatch is secured and they're preparing them for departure. I pipe up for the first time.

"Have you heard anything from General Hague?" I ask

"Nope. If he took your advice, and it's sounding more and more like he is---he's in deep hiding with his forces. Probably on the Rim or in Hyperspace. My guess is they're going to be jumping around a while before they need to resupply or if they find a place to settle. But so far no word of an attack."

"Continue to monitor as well as ISN. Update us on what you find out if anything." Sheridan replies and Garibaldi nods and runs off

We stop walking. Sheridan turns to me.

"It's time to stop hiding. We need to start reacting now, just like with the Shadows. I may have made a mistake by...restricting you as much as I did early on last year. I didn't know what to do with you---and was having trouble with your little reveal about us. That part we're going to have to keep a secret for as long as we can, but are you ready to step into the light? Are you ready to truly make an impact?"

"Captain?" Susan asks

"The kid gloves need to come off Susan. We've invited him into our inner circle, he's more than proven himself. Hell he saved my life at least twice. Saved all our lives with the probe incident a few days ago. He's shown he can take care of himself now, thanks to Marcus', and Garibaldi's training. The others need to know about him, so that we can do the work we need to."

She just nods and turns to me.

"I told you---you weren't alone."

"Susan, I'd like to go to talk with G'Kar. Mr. Young has suggested to me that he will be...invaluable to us in the next few weeks. We'll need the Narn as well."

She heads off to find G'Kar.

"You're going to the make the announcement...aren't you?"

"You've bought us some time with helping to get Nightwatch off the station and before they actually were able to do anything. Those Martial Law orders are going to come in any moment now. Where ever General Hague is right now---he's in no position to help us. So yeah. I've made my decision, the one you knew I was going to make this whole entire time...are you ready though?"

I exhale.

"I'm ready."

"It's time to introduce you to Draal."