Home | Introduction to Babylon 5 | Introduction to Corwin | Email
Although catering to the requirements of a variety of alien races, all of whom have permanent ambassadors stationed there, Babylon 5 falls under the administrative jurisdiction of EarthForce (the human military), which is in turn, accountable to Earth's global civilian government.
Lt J.G. David Corwin, who first appeared as a nameless "Tech " in the Series 1 episode "Signs and Portents," is an EarthForce officer - a low-ish ranking member of Babylon 5's command personnel. More accurately, he is a Dome Technician - one of the army of souls responsible for the day to day running of the station, and the routine tasks undertaken in B5's Command and Control centre. This workplace is usually abbreviated to C&C or alternatively referred to as the Observation Dome. Usually described as "shy but well intentioned," Corwin is finally awarded a name in the series 2 episode "And Now For A Word," and promotion to the rank of full Lieutenant in the early stages of series 3. According the Joe Michael Straczynski (JMS) - creator and producer of Babylon 5, Corwin would receive his next promotion in 2262 - after the series had concluded.
Those unfamiliar with Babylon 5 may find the following explanation of C&C operations, drawn from the "B5 Security Manual",by Jim Mortimore and based on the character of Michael "Space the Fraggin' Lurkers" Garibaldi, provides a useful insight into Corwin's duties:
"Command and Control is the centre of station operations and communications. All sytems can be accessed either directly or remotely from C&C. Gravity here is 0.3g
C&C consists of 5 areas of operation:
1) Environmental controls
2) Jumpgate/Navigational assistance
3) Security
4) Weaponry (defense grid)
5) Sector surveillance
Technicians rotate in and out of this area on a regular basis. You should find at least one member of the command staff here at all times.
Be aware that prolonged exposure to operations centre work can result in mid to high-level stress related illness. Medlab staff monitor the C&C staff constantly for signs of psychological stress, but with 2-3 transports docking every minute, if someone decides to go nuts, it's up to us [security] to stop them.
There is an automatic self maintainance system in operation, with an alternating back-up system (rotating every 30-60 minutes). Routine maintainance is fully logged with Earth Central.There is a back-up C&C to handle the slow period of docking, and overflow when the primary C&C is backed up.
Only authorized personnel are allowed in C&C. Public inspections are at the discretion of the captain only. Cameras and data recorders are strictly forbidden."
Home | Introduction to Babylon 5 | Introduction to Corwin | Email
Babylon 5 is the creation of J. Michael Straczynski (All hail the Great Maker!), and is a trademark of Warner Brothers, TNT, PTEN and Babylonian Productions. All copyrights and trademarks are implied and aknowledged. This site is operated on a strictly non-commercial basis and exists for the purpose of comment and review. It is neither endorsed by nor affiliated to any of the companies or individuals listed above and no infringement of copyright is intended.