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The War Prayer is an episode from the first season of Babylon 5, which is collectively entitled Signs and Portents.

Production information

Cast

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Also starring

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Guest starring

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Cast notes

Summary

Intro

Delenn enjoys a drink and some conversation with Shaal Mayan, a Minbari poet and childhood friend of hers, in her quarters late in the evening. Shaal Mayan had come aboard as part of a poetry tour (leading to Earth) and read some of her work earlier that day. The two reminisce about old times and where their lives have brought them. Mayan soon decides she needs to retire for some rest and leaves.

As she walks through the corridor, Mayan hears a strange noise nearby. A shadow passes over her and then a knife is plunged into her stomach. After she falls to the ground, a gloved hand presses a device to her forehead, branding a symbol there. A voice warns her to stay away from Earth.

Act I

Delenn angrily confronts Cmdr. Sinclair and Michael Garibaldi over the attack. Sinclair promises to apprehend the attacker, though Delenn is too outraged to be easily satisfied.

Afterwards, Garibaldi discusses the attack with Sinclair, commenting on how it is the sixth attack on an alien in the last two weeks, all with the same M.O. The brand left on Shaal Mayan is the hallmark of Homeguard, a radical, xenophobic "pro-Earth" group that had recently emerged. Sinclair declares he will not tolerate such groups on Babylon 5. Ambassador G'Kar then confronts Sinclair over the incident, warning Sinclair that should any Narn be attacked in such a way there will be "bloody retribution." Sinclair coldly replies he will not tolerate any disruptions on his station.

Garibaldi goes to Medlab to interview Mayan, but she is unable to recall any details about her assailant. Dr. Stephen Franklin offers to remove the brand on her forehead, but she elects to keep it.

Lt. Cmdr. Ivanova calls Garibaldi to C&C, informing him that a Centauri liner about to dock has a pair of detainees they wish to hand over to a member of the command staff. She asks him to pick them up, but he replies he is too busy with his investigation. When she insists, he suggests he will remove a certain coffee plant he noticed growing in hydroponics, prompting Ivanova to pick up the detainees herself.

In customs, Ivanova oversees as a pair of Centauri citizens are brought aboard in handcuffs. They demand to see "Ambassador Cotto." Ivanova orders them taken to a holding area. Arriving at the same time is Malcolm Biggs, who notices Ivanova, the two having known each other years earlier. Ivanova curtly acknowledges him before returning to duty.

The two Centauri, Kiron Maray and Aria Tensus, meet with Vir Cotto, who is Kiron's cousin. They are disappointed to learn he "exaggerated" his position. Sinclair is present and explains to Londo Mollari when he arrives that the two were caught using stolen credit chips. Sinclair agrees to release them into Mollari's custody, though he is hardly thrilled with the prospect.

Malcolm tracks down Susan at the end of her shift. They talk about old time, how they used to be lovers. Susan quickly excuses herself, however, insisting they take things slowly.

Once in his quarters, Londo questions Aria and Kiron over why they have left Centauri Prime. They explain they have both been arranged to marry other people ("ugly and old"), but wish to marry each other out of love. Londo explains they are attempting to go against 1000 years of tradition that keeps the Republic together. He points to a picture of his three arranged wives as an example of the "great sacrifice" this often requires. He insists they will have to be sent home and back to their families.

Garibaldi questions a suspect named Roberts, who was found with an illegal knife that had blood on it. Roberts denies attacking Mayan or anyone else, but does admit he thinks Homeguard "has the right idea." Garibaldi decides to book him over the illegal possession, warning him of the consequences should the blood match Mayan.

Act II

Cmdr. Sinclair visits Ambassador Kosh in his quarters. He explains the recent attacks, though Kosh is not very interested.

Afterwards, Sinclair goes to C&C and talks with Ivanova. He mentions how he was recently thinking about the attempted assassination of Kosh when he first arrived. The assassin administered poison through a patch he placed on Kosh's hand. Sinclair asks how that was really possible since Kosh's hand should have been completely covered by his encounter suit. Ivanova wonders just how much of the suit is necessary and how much is camouflage. Sinclair comments on how the only two people to see inside the suit, Dr. Benjamin Kyle and Lyta Alexander were both recalled to Earth shortly after the incident.

Act III

Act IV

Act V

Memorable quotes

Image Category

Category:Images by episode (The War Prayer)

DVD release

This episode, along with the other episodes from season one, has been released on DVD with extensive special features.

External links

Episode chronology

The War Prayer is episode 7 of 110.


Preceded by: Babylon 5 episodes Followed by:
"Mind War" "And the Sky Full of Stars"
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