History Recap / BabylonFiveS02E16InTheShadowOfZHaDum

** After being told the Shadows killed the ''Icarus'' crew, a desperate Sheridan wonders if it'possible ''some'' of them (Anna included) might still be alive as prisoners. Pay careful attention to how Delenn never actually addresses the question and immediately changes the subject once Sheridan mentions Morden knows Anna's ultimate fate.

** After being told the Shadows killed the ''Icarus'' crew, a desperate Sheridan wonders if it'possible ''some'' of them (Anna included) might might still be alive as prisoners. Pay careful attention to how Delenn never actually addresses the question and immediately changes the subject once Sheridan mentions Morden knows Anna's ultimate fate.

When they do, she sees Morden's face darken and suddenly starts screaming. Then she sees two vague outlines next to him. Zack tells the security escort to get him out of there, as he helps Talia. Later in Medlab, she describes the terrible sensation she felt near him. Sheridan comes in and tries to apologize, but Talia cuts him off with a [[ArmorPiercingSlap sharp slap]]. He watches as she walks off then admits he probably deserved that. Franklin then offers some advice that he has to face the fact that he can't really do anything about losing a loved one, but that he doesn't have to do it alone.

* ArmorPiercingSlap: Talia delivers one to Sheridan right after he arranges for her to pass Morden in the corridor. He admits he deserved it.

** After being told the Shadows killed the ''Icarus'' crew, Sheridan wonders if it's possible ''some'' (Anna included) might might still be alive as prisoners. Pay close attention to how Delenn never actually answers the question and immediately changes the subject once Sheridan mentions Morden knows Anna's ultimate fate.

*** After being told the Shadows killed the ''Icarus'' crew to preserve their secret, Sheridan wonders if ''all'' of them were killed and if Anna might still be alive. Notice in particular that Delenn never actually answers his question and immediately changes the subject.

* ExpositoryHairstyleChange: From this episode on, Delenn sports the hairdo she uses for the rest of the series, abandoning the EarlyInstallmentWeirdness hairdo she used from her "humanoid reveal" in episode two.

* HollywoodHistory: WordOfGod is that Sheridan's version of the Coventry bombing was intentionally "enhanced" to improve the story, albeit with a common legend surrounding said bombing.
** FridgeBrilliance: Sheridan DOES collect conspiracy theories, remember?

* IcarusAllusion: The fact that the ship is named the ''[[MeaningfulName Icarus]]'' makes it blatant. They went to far and got burned.

* ShoutOut: The Nightwatch is a branch of the newly created "Ministry of Peace", or [[NineteenEightyfour Minipax, as they prefer to call it]]...

* SadisticChoice: Sheridan is forced to either abandon his pursuit of the truth about the ''Icarus'' and let Morden go (preserving the Shadows' secret), or get the truth out of Morden and bring the Shadows out into the open before the younger races can counter them. He discusses this sort of thing with Zack, using a popular story about the Coventry bombing[[note]]That WinstonChurchill had deliberately allowed the bombing to preserve the secret of the Enigma code machines--generally discredited by most historians, but still a popular conjecture in some circles[[/note]] as a comparison.

* WhatTheHellHero: Sheridan get these from just about everyone for holding Morden without cause.

When he asks Talia for her help, she refuses on the grounds that she can't scan anyone without their consent, rightly calling out Sheridan for his attempts to use the letter of the law. She leaves, but Sheridan asks Zack have Morden transferred to another cell and arrange him and Talia to cross paths.

When they do, she sees his face darken and suddenly starts screaming. Then she sees two vague outlines next to Morden. Zack tells the security escort to get him out of there, as he helps Talia. Later in Medlab, she describes the terrible sensation she felt near him. Sheridan comes in and tries to apologize, but Talia cuts him off with a sharp slap. He watches as she walks off then admits he probably deserved that. Franklin then offers some advice that he has to face the fact that he can't really do anything about losing a loved one, but that he doesn't have to do it alone.

Outside Medlab, Delenn and Kosh find him and ask that Morden be released. Perplexed, Sheridan demands to know who this guy is that everyone seems to have such an interest in. Delenn is reluctant to say, but when she realizes Sheridan won't give in, she looks at Kosh who nods. She agrees to give him the answers he's looking for, but warns him that that afterwards, he will never sleep well again.

Incredulous, Sheridan asks how she can ask that. Delenn explains that the Shadows do not know how much they know. They are moving slowly, trying to build their forces before they attack, but if Sheridan presses him, sooner or later Morden will confess, and the Shadows will attack before they are ready. She explains that Morden is never alone and then tells Sheridan that he must now make the most important decision of his life.

Later Sheridan is in the security station staring at Morden on the monitor. Zack comes in and they have a discussion about choosing to keep secrets, even knowing what the cost might be. They then hear strange sounds coming from Morden's cell. Remembering what Delenn said about him never being alone, Sheridan asks Zack if the monitors can see in other wavelengths. As Zack adjusts them, Sheridan suddenly sees two creatures by Morden and calls for Zack to stop. Zack asks what he saw.

Sheridan goes to Kosh's quarters and makes a request. He wants to know how to fight them and defeat them, because someday he is going to Z'Ha'Dum.

-->'''Morden:''' What do ''you'' want?\\
'''Vir''': I'd like to live ''just'' long enough to be there when they [[OffWithHisHead cut off your head]] and [[DecapitationPresentation stick it on a pike]] as a warning to the next ''ten generations'' that [[DealWithTheDevil some favors come with too high a price]]. I would [[SpeakIllOfTheDead look up into your lifeless eyes and wave]], like ''this''. (Vir holds up his right hand and waggles his fingers at Morden) Can you and your associates arrange that for me, Mr. Morden?

* TurnInYourBadge: Garibaldi refuses to have a part in holding Morden without any proof of him having done anything wrong, and [[InvertedTrope threatens to resign]] as Chief of Security if Sheridan won't see reason.

* ThrowItIn: The ArmorPiercingSlap above? It actually connected. [[EnforcedMethodActing Boxleitner's surprised reaction is genuine]].

-->'''Vir''': I'd like to live ''just'' long enough to be there when they cut off your head and stick it on a pike as a warning to the next ten generations that some favors come with too high a price. I would look up into your lifeless eyes and wave, like ''this''. (''gives Morden a little wave with his fingers'') Can you and your associates arrange this for me, Mr. Morden?

-->'''Vir''': I'd like to live ''just'' long enough to be there when they cut off your head and stick it on a pike as a warning to the next ten generations that some favors come with too high a price. I would look up into your lifeless eyes and wave, like ''this''.

He gives Morden a little wave with his fingers, then asks, "Can you and your associates arrange this for me, Mr. Morden?" Morden, seemingly unaffected by this desire for his death, hands Vir a data crystal with information Londo is expecting. Before leaving, Vir turns and waves his fingers at Morden.

this. (Vir holds up his right hand and waggles his fingers at Morden) Can you and your associates arrange that for me, Mr. Morden?

-->'''Vir''': I'd like to live just long enough to be there when they put your head on a pike as a warning to the next ten generations that some deals come with too high a price. I want to look into your lifeless eyes and wave like ''this''.

'''Vir''': I'd like to live just long enough to be there when [[OffWithHisHead they put your head on a pike]] as a warning to the next ten generations that [[DealWithTheDevil some favours come at too high a price]]. I would look up at your lifeless eyes and wave like ''this''. ''[mocking finger wave]'' Can you and your associates arrange this for me, Mr. Morden?

-->-'''Delenn'''

As the war drags on, more and more Narn refugees are arriving on the station, so many that they are beginning to tax their resources, and Garibaldi goes to ask Sheridan what to do about them. While the Centauri are having better luck, one in particular is not in good spirits as he goes to meet with his least favorite person. Vir finds Mr. Morden who, noting that Vir doesn’t seem to like him that much, asks the Centauri what he wants.

-->'''Vir''': I’d like to live just long enough to be there when they put your head on a pike as a warning to the next ten generations that some deals come with too high a price. I want to look into your lifeless eyes and wave like this.

He gives Morden a little wave with his fingers, then asks, “Can you and your associates arrange this for me, Mr. Morden?” Morden, seemingly unaffected by this desire for his death, hands Vir a data crystal with information Londo is expecting. Before leaving, Vir turns and waves his fingers at Morden.

Garibaldi finds Sheridan in his office going through some of his wife’s things. After getting instructions on the Narn situation, he notices something…a picture of Morden. He was on a ship called the Icarus, along with Anna Sheridan. Everyone on that ship died, but Garibaldi insists Morden has been to the station. In fact he’s there right now. Confused and upset, Sheridan orders Morden brought in.

Morden is heading off the station, but when Zack Allen checks his identicard security escorts him off. Later he sits in a holding cell as Sheridan glowers at him. Sheridan doesn’t say anything, but shows a picture of Anna, then a clip of a news story about the Icarus. Morden explains that he was outside in an EVA suit when it happened and lost his memory because of it. Sheridan doesn’t buy it, and when Morden tries to leave, he’s met with, “You’re not going anywhere.” Morden reminds the captain that he hasn't been charged with anything, but Sheridan reminds him, that he’s technically dead, and won’t be leaving until he tells the truth.

In the mess hall, Ivanova listens to Franklin describe how things have been lately. He’s seen a lot of patients die, and is beginning to have a bit of a crisis of faith because of it. He’s also stating to use stims to keep himself going.

At the Ministry of Peace meeting, Maccabee is speaking to a group of Security personnel about something called Night Watch, a volunteer organization to keep watch for things and attitudes that could destabilize the peace that they are trying to build.

Sheridan’s interrogation has gone on for hours, but Garibaldi has had enough. There have been no charges filed and Garibaldi won’t watch this continue as Chief of Security. When Sheridan doesn’t answer, Garibaldi hands him his security credentials and PPG and walks out of the office. Even with the resignation, Sheridan is determined to continue and pulls Zack to fill in for Garibaldi. He is notified that Vir wants to see him and asks Zack to get Talia.

In his office he’s stunned when Vir requests Morden’s release. Demanding to know why, Vir will only say that Morden’s a guest of the Centauri Republic and thus falls under diplomatic immunity. Sheridan still refuses saying Morden’s in protective custody. When asked why, he simply says, “I haven’t decided yet.”

Ivanova confronts him next; Garibaldi told her about his resignation, and though Sheridan admits he may be in the wrong, he’s becoming more determined to find out what happened.

When he asks Talia for her help, she refuses on the grounds that she can’t scan anyone without their consent, rightly calling out Sheridan for his attempts to use the letter of the law. She leaves, but Sheridan asks Zack have Morden transferred to another cell and arrange him and Talia to cross paths.

When they do, she sees his face darken and suddenly starts screaming. Then she sees two vague outlines next to Morden. Zack tells the security escort to get him out of there, as he helps Talia. Later in Medlab, she describes the terrible sensation she felt near him. Sheridan comes in and tries to apologize, but Talia cuts him off with a sharp slap. He watches as she walks off then admits he probably deserved that. Franklin then offers some advice that he has to face the fact that he can’t really do anything about losing a loved one, but that he doesn’t have to do it alone.

Outside Medlab, Delenn and Kosh find him and ask the Morden be released. Perplexed, Sheridan demands to know who this guy is that everyone seems to have such an interest in. Delenn is reluctant to say, but when she realizes Sheridan won’t give in, she looks at Kosh who nods. She agrees to give him the answers he’s looking for, but warns him that that afterwards, he will never sleep well again.

This piques Sheridan’s curiosity, and Delenn explains that is the only name they have for them. The Shadows are one of the most ancient of races and have reappeared many times over the ages, causing wars and destruction each time. Since the last time the Shadows and First Ones fought, all have left, except one…the Vorlons.

-->'''Delenn''': That is why Kosh cannot leave his encounter suit. He would be recognized.

Delenn then tells how last year she sent a message to Kosh, to which the answer was “Yes.” The question: “Have the Shadows returned to Z’Ha’Dum?” Sheridan remembers this name. It’s the place G’Kar had been warning them about.

Kosh’s eyepiece opens and begins to show recording of the Icarus arriving to explore a newly-discovered world, Z’Ha’Dum. The crew land and begin their explorations, eventually encountering the Shadows.

Delenn explains that once the Shadows were awoken, they could not allow anyone to leave and spread word of what they’d found. Sheridan protests that they don’t know that Anna was killed and that Morden…

Later Sheridan is in the security station staring at Morden on the monitor. Zack comes in and they have a discussion about choosing to keep secrets, even knowing what the cost might be. They then hear strange sounds coming from Morden’s cell. Remembering what Delenn said about him never being alone, Sheridan asks Zack if the monitors can see in other wavelengths. As Zack adjusts them, Sheridan suddenly sees two creatures by Morden and calls for Zack to stop. Zack asks what he saw.

-->'''Sheridan''': Nothing…Shadows.

Later he finds Garibaldi, tells him he was right and invites him to come back. He doesn’t tell him why, though, but assures him it will not happen again. Sheridan leaves and Zack comes up, sporting the black armband of the Night Watch. He figured it was extra credits to do what he does anyway, so why not?

Sheridan goes to Kosh’s quarters and makes a request. He wants to know how to fight them and defeat them, because someday he is going to Z’Ha’Dum.

-->'''Kosh''': If you go to Z’Ha’Dum you will die.

* BackFromTheDead: Morden supposedly died on the same ship as Sheridan's wife, and he wants to know what happened.
* CallBack:

** Talia sees a [[Recap/BabylonFiveS01E13SignsAndPortents shadow darken Morden's face]] as she passes him.

'''Vir''': I’d like to live just long enough to be there when [[OffWithHisHead they put your head on a pike]] as a warning to the next ten generations that [[DealWithTheDevil some favours come at too high a price]]. I would look up at your lifeless eyes and wave like this. ''[mocking finger wave]'' Can you and your associates arrange this for me, Mr. Morden?

* LoopholeAbuse: Sheridan uses a lot of these to justify holding Morden. Talia and Garibaldi both call him on it.