You ever studied ancient history? 20th century, World War II?
Zack AllanWell...not really. [grins] I always used to fall asleep in history class.
The Germans had a secret code they used for all their important messages. It was called "Enigma". What they didn't know was that the British had cracked the code. One day, Churchill's people intercepted a message authorizing the bombing of a city named Coventry. Now, if they evacuated Coventry, the Germans would know their code had been broken, and switch to another system. If that happened, it could cost the Allies the entire war. If they didn't evacuate the city, hundreds of innocent men, women, and children would die. [N]
Zack
So, what happened?
They kept the secret. There was no evacuation. And on November 14, 1940, Coventry was destroyed. The dead were... piled up like cordwood! I--I've seen newsreels of Churchill visiting the ruins a few days later. And you can just see it in his eyes, the knowledge of what he'd done. Dark, haunted. All these years I've never been able to get that image out of my head.
Zack
Well, I'm glad it's a decision I don't have to make. I don't think I could live with myself. How many lives is a secret worth?
[Zack complains about his uniform to an exasperated Garibaldi.]
Zack Allan
I look like I'm wearing a circus tent! Any minute now, a little teeny car with 16 clowns in it is gonna come flying out my butt!
[Garibaldi's link beeps.]
Garibaldi's Fashion Express. Go.
[Opening credits voiceover.]
It was the year of fire...
Zack Allan
...the year of destruction...
...the year we took back what was ours.
It was the year of rebirth...
...the year of great sadness...
It was the end of history.
It was the year everything changed.
Our thoughts form the universe. They always matter.
. . .
[G'Kar observes a picture of Daffy Duck on Garibaldi's wall.]
I was studying this image. Is it one of his household gods?
Zack Allan
[chuckles] That's Daf--Yeah, well, in a way I suppose it is. It's sort of the Egyptian god of frustration.
[Zack is showing some new security guards the ropes at Customs.]
Zack Allan
When you come on duty always check this display. This is where you get your details on who to hold, and who to let through. Anything unusual gets flagged.
[Londo walks through the gate.]
And would I fall under the category of unusual, Mr. Allen?
Zack
Well! I didn't think we'd be seeing you again any time soon, ambassador.
Yes, I could tell, from the look of unvarnished joy on your face when I came aboard. Perhaps you would like to take a seat before you are overcome with ecstasy?
Zack
No thanks, I'm fine. So what happened, they get tired of you back home?
Tired? No, don't be absurd. Why, the Emperor himself said I would only be allowed to leave over his dead body. I thought, "Well, how strange. Mr. Allan said I would only be allowed back onto Babylon 5 over his dead body." With my busy schedule I'm afraid I can only accommodate so many requests. I'm sorry, Mr. Allan, but I'm afraid you'll simply have to wait your turn! [he leaves]
Zack
The only reason that guy is still alive is that half the time I don't know what the hell he's talking about. The other half, I wish I didn't. But that's why it's important to check in on customs on a regular basis. [Bester now appears behind him, surrounded by three security guards.] You never know who's gonna walk in that–
Just a guess, Mr. Allan, but I'd suggest the word you're looking for is "door". Now, please notify the Captain that I'm here. I need to meet with him and the rest of the Command staff ASAP. I assume my usual quarters in the brig are available? I've grown so attached to the place.
Zack
For you, Mr. Bester? Always.
[Bester and his security escort move on.]
Zack
[sighs] You ever have one of those days?
[An ISN crew arrives on the station and is stopped by security.]
DRDan Randall
Hey! That's private proprerty! We have rights here!
Zack Allan
What you're going to have is my foot sixteen inches up your butt if you don't get the hell out of my way!
[Zack is being fitted for his new Uniform as Chief of Security.]
Zack Allan
Oh yeah, I should listen to a Minbari about fashion. I mean, robes? Hoods? No offense, but I've seen Vorlons with more fashion sense.
[The Minbari tailor stabs Zack with the needle.]
Zack
She did that on purpose.
Yes, I believe she did. I will deal with this.
[in Minbari] Good work. Give me a moment with the Human, and next time...use a bigger needle.
Zack
Yeah, and don't you forget it!
[after realizing Garibaldi has accessed her personnel file, Lochley storms out of her office]
Zack Allan
Where you going?
To pound someone, Mr. Allan. You win. I just decided if you can't join 'em, beat 'em.
[Zack greets Bester in pretty much the same fashion as his predecessor.]
Zack Allan
Don't you ever go away? Haven't you caused enough trouble for one lifetime?
It's a pleasure to see you too, Mr. Allan. Where can I find Captain Lochley? I should check in with her.
Zack
She's busy, you can check in with me. Card. [Bester hands over his identicard.] So what is it this time, Mr. Bester? Hunting out freedom fighters? Pulling wings off flies? Annexing the Sudetenland?
[Zack implies Bester had something to do with a dead body being dead.]
He was dead before we got here.
Zack
[to Bester] Yeah, they told me. But I never let the facts get in the way of a good grudge.
[Zack relates the incident with Vir in the Zocalo to Sheridan, Franklin, and Delenn, all laughing]
Zack
Oh, he was just standing there, watching as Vir tore the place apart! [more laughter; Zack puts on self-important tone] "Today he is a man!"
[While Sheridan takes a last walk though the station.]
Zack Allan
So you hear 'em too, huh?
Zack. Ha ha! What the hell are you doing here? I thought you went back to Earth.
Allan
Yeah, I did. Got bored. Re-upped about six months ago. I figured I'd be here 'til they turn the lights out.[N]
Babylon 5 · 626 quotes
