A plague wipes out the entire Markab population. Dr. Franklin develops a cure, but he is too late to save them. Delenn and Lennier offer comfort; they also share a meal with Sheridan.

Written by J. Michael Straczynski

Directed by Kevin Cremin

GUEST STARS

Jim Norton - Dr. Lazarenn

WATCH FOR

* A warning. Ivanova tells Lieutenant Keffer to stop his visits to hyperspace. This is groundwork continuing to be laid. Look for the pay-off in "The Fall of Night".

* A story of childhood. To comfort the Markab child, Delenn shares a private vision -- the figure is Valen himself, offering a young Delenn comfort.

As Dr. Lazarenn tells Dr. Franklin, not every situation is a test. Sometimes a situation allows an individual to simply reveal his or her character.

Always the driven doctor, Franklin assumes responsibility for the disease. He dedicates himself to finding a cure, not sleeping or eating. Lazarenn catches Franklin using stims to keep himself going, but Franklin refuses to rest. He does what he believe that he must.

In the end, Franklin does discover a cure for the plague -- too late for the Markab population, but enough to save the Pak'ma'ra.

Unfortunately, under the influence of stims, Franklin is irritable. He lashes out at those in Medlab. He pushes himself further and further.

Over time, stims will become the symptom of a larger flaw in Franklin's character. Much as he insists, he cannot accept responsibility for all medical problems. He will crash.

A different path

Meanwhile, Delenn offers the Markab what help she can. She and Lennier go to comfort the dying, despite Sheridan's concern. It is what she must do, no matter the cost.

She does not delude herself that she could take on their suffering, but she tries to soothe the pain.

What's more, when Sheridan does come in with Franklin, Delenn leaves off her labors to go to him, hug him and call him "John," just as he requested at their dinner together.

This is more than a much-needed break. Delenn and Sheridan's relationship is growing and intensifying. They are drawing closer, recognizing their common concerns.

It is a moment of light in an otherwise dark episode.

COMING UP NEXT

"Divided Loyalties"

Trigger message sent.
Friend gone, only Corps remains.
So long, Ms. Winters.