A Distant Star

From The Great Machine

Episode Title: A Distant Star
Episode Number: S2E04
Original Air Date: November 23, 1994
DVD Release Date: April 29, 2003
Writer: D.C. Fontana
Director: Jim Johnston
Guest Stars: Russ Tamblyn, Miguel A. Nuñez, Jr

1 Preview
2 Synopsis
- 2.1 Main Plot
3 See Also
4 Characters
- 4.1 Season 2 Cast

[edit] Preview

An Earthforce Explorer class ship comes to Babylon 5 for re-supply. Meanwhile, Dr. Franklin gets on the command staff's nerves when he starts handing out "food plans."

[edit] Synopsis

Spoiler warning: Plot, character development, or ending details follow.

The Earthforce Explorer Class ship EAS Cortez puts in at Babylon 5, giving Sheridan the chance to reminisce with old friend Captain Jack Maynard.

The Cortez crew, having spent more time in hyperspace than just about anyone else, fields questions from Ivanova and Keffer about rumors that an unknown lifeform has taken up residence in the uninhabitable realm of hyperspace. Maynard and his crew admit to having seen something out there, though they don't know exactly what. The Cortez departs en route to the rim, but something goes disastrously wrong and the ship loses her lock on the hyper-space beacon needed to locate their destination jumppoint, and re-emerge from hyperspace. (Attrib: B5 LogBook [1])

[edit] Main Plot

An Earthforce Explorer Class ship, the EAS Cortez, under the command of Captain Jack Maynard, an old friend of Captain Sheridan's, pays a visit to Babylon 5.

During their visit, Sheridan gives Maynard the once-over on station life and his part in it, Maynard shares with Sheridan the mysteries of deep space (including a passing glance at a Shadow vessel), and they both share anecdotes with the B5 Command staff over drinks.

After the visit, the Cortez leaves through the jump gate, almost immediately has an accident that blunts their navigation abilities, and is rescued by Zeta Squadron Starfuries at the cost of their squadron commander.