The Battle For Babylon 5: Civil War II Chapter Forty-Four

Londo stood on the observation deck, staring out at the stars. He watched as the beat-up looking Oberth-class vessel neared the station. He smiled when he saw the name of the ship: U.S.S. Flying Scotsman. He would soon be reunited with his old friend.

 

Once again Sheridan stood near the customs area, waiting for a V.I.P. to arrive. Soon, Magus and Spock strode through. Sheridan noticed the contrast between the two of them. The tall, proud Vulcan, and the short, squat Istarian, matching the Vulcan pace for pace.

Soon, Sheridan was joined by Watt.

"The news just came in." he said. "Martial law has just been officially declared on all Imperial worlds in the quadrant."

"Which means Babylon 5 could be next." Sheridan said.

Soon, Magus and Spock joined them. They had also heard the news.

"Speed is of the essence, Captains." Spock said. "Have all the delegates arrived yet?"

"No." said Sheridan. "They're due anytime now. Now that martial law has been declared all over the place, they'll be interested in what you have to say."

Magus looked behind Sheridan to see Vir approaching. Tentatively, Vir raised a finger.

"I wonder if I might have a word with you, Ambass... I mean Doctor Magus. Ambassador Mollari would like to see you."

Magus let out a sigh. "I knew I would have to do this eventually." he said. "Very well. After you, Mister Cotto."

Vir led Magus away. Sheridan turned to Watt.

"What was that all about?" he asked.

"Magus and Mollari have a long history, going back decades. Since I left prison, whenever Mollari's name has been mentioned, Magus has always changed the subject."

 

Londo stood, adjusting his coat. Then he adjusted it again... and again... and again. No matter how it looked, to Londo, it didn't look right.

Londo stopped adjusting when the door slid open. An anxious-looking Vir entered, and a few seconds later, Magus arrived.

Londo broke out into a broad smile, and was about to warmly welcome his old friend when he saw the stern look on the wizard's face. Londo could also see something else in Magus's eyes. It was something he hadn't seen before. It was pain.

Vir could also see this, and took it as his cue to leave.

Londo walked over to the table, and picked up a bottle, and began to pour a drink.

"It's a favorite Earth wine of yours, Phineas." he said.

Londo handed the drink to Magus. Magus refused to take it. Finally, Londo had had enough.

"Damn it, Phineas! Will you at least say something to me?"

"Londo, you are an old friend, but you are also a fool!"

Londo was shocked. Magus had never said a bad word to him in the years he had known him.

"You have unleashed a power you have no hope of understanding, a force so powerful it could devour the entire universe."

"But I acted in the best interests of the Centauri Republic. I..."

"No! You acted in the best interests of the House of Mollari, and for your own personal gains! You are nothing more than a greedy fool, seeking to cover you and your house in glory, the glory of the Galactic Empire!"

Magus turned to leave, but Londo didn't want that.

"Phineas! Wait!"

Magus stared at Londo.

"You will have just one chance to redeem yourself, Londo. Take it, and you may be saved. Ignore it, and you will be lost to the dark sides forever. Until that time comes, our friendship is at an end."

And with that Magus turned, and left. As the door closed behind the wizard, Londo stared, so caught up in the moment, in the words of his old friend, now former friend, that he failed to notice that the grip on the glass he was holding was loose. He failed to notice it slip from his grasp, and smash on the floor.