No Surrender, No Retreat
C&C:At the command console before the main viewport, Corwin is seen standing with his hands clasped tightly behind his back. Although surrounded by fellow officers, he looks curiously detached from those around him,his posture radiating the well contained nervous energy of someone thrust into a position of major responsibility for the first time. The camera moves towards him rapidly, before circling around to bring his profile into view. In the bluish glow of the console lights, Corwin's face looks agonizingly youthful, and bears an expression both eager and apprehensive.
Corwin: Alpha Squadron - status report.
Pilot: Alpha Squadron ready to launch.
Corwin: Launch! (Despite the more than usually commanding edge to his tone, Corwin somehow manages to make the go order sound like an urgent but polite request)
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C&C: Essentially a continuation of the previous scene. The camera rests first on a wall-mounted monitor bearing an image of the docking bay entrance, then reverts to Corwin's face.
Corwin: (In the same tone as before) Delta Squadron - launch!
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Babylon 5 Space: As two Starfuries perform combat maneuvers outside the station, Corwin can be seen observing them through the main viewport. The scene then shifts to the interior of C&C, and Ivanova standing at the rear of the Dome as her subordinate approaches along the gallery.
Corwin: (Standing respectfully to attention and fixing his CO with a look of intense concentration) How much longer do you want them to continue running the drills, Commander?
Ivanova: (With her usual brevity and crispness) Another hour -then we'll bring half of them in for refuelling. After that, we'll alternate squadrons. I don't want anyone outside with less than half a tank of fuel.
Corwin: (Acknowledges her orders with a brief nod)
Ivanova: (Making her way towards the Captain's station) We'll rotate the pilots in for rest periods, but other than that I want every ship we have out there.
Corwin: Will they be going on the missions?
Ivanova: (Seating herself before a console) Some, yes. The rest we'll keep for fly-by. I don't intend to get caught flat-footed in case Clark comes after us. (Activating a communications panel) Ivanova to all flight squadrons - adjust friend of foe systems to new frequencies every 24 hours. You'll check in with Lt Corwin or myself for the code of the day. Once we're in combat situations you will not accept any order that does not use the proper codes, even if it seems to come from Captain Sheridan or myself. Earthforce has our voice records on file, and could simulate false or misleading orders. C&C out.
Corwin: (As Ivanova descends the steps from the Captain's station) So I suppose from now on the operational phrase is trust no-one.
Ivanova: (Striding past him on her way out of the Dome) Nope - trust Ivanova, trust yourself. Anybody else - shoot 'em! (Exits the Dome, leaving a highly unnerved Corwin exchanging significant glances with another suitably disturbed looking Tech)
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B5 Space: External shot of C&C, with Corwin standing framed in the main viewport. The camera pulls back slowly, eventually revealing a Whitestar hanging motionless before the main docking bay entrance. It's fuselage bears an eye-catching B5 logo. The shot does not change, with the following dialogue being spoken over the same image.
Corwin: (Gravely) They're clear to leave.
Ivanova: (Sighing more than speaking) I know.
Corwin: (After a momentary hesitation) I was noticing the new paint-job on the Whitestar 2. (A note of apprehension steals into his voice) Won't they.......I mean - won't they know it's him?
Ivanova: I think that's the general idea, Lieutenant.
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