Babylon 5: In the Beginning

Babylon 5: In the Beginning

Year: 1998

Runtime: 94 mins

Language: English

Director: Michael Vejar

AdventureActionScience FictionMonsters aliens sci-fi and the apocalypseAction-packed space and alien sagas

In the short, Londo Mollari, the Centauri Emperor, narrates the first meeting between Humans and Minbari—a fateful encounter that sparks a catastrophic incident and a full‑scale war. He tells the story at the request of two eager youngsters who hope to hear a saga of love and conflict.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Babylon 5: In the Beginning yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Babylon 5: In the Beginning (1998)

Trace every key event in Babylon 5: In the Beginning (1998) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Londo begins telling the Earth-Minbari War story

In 2278, Centauri Prime is in chaos as Londo Mollari tells two children about the Earth-Minbari War. He frames the tale by recalling the ancient feud and the choices that led to centuries of trauma, setting the stage for the memories to unfold.

2278 Centauri Prime
2

Humans push into space and reach the Minbari

In 2243, humanity expands rapidly as exploration and colonization push beyond Earth. The Prometheus expedition is launched to study the Minbari, bringing them into contact with the Grey Council and the shadow of a looming conflict.

2243 Outer space near Earth
3

The Minbari gun ports and Dukhat are killed; war begins

The Minbari open their gun ports as a sign of respect, but the Earth captain misreads it and fires. The Prometheus is crippled, Dukhat is killed, and the Grey Council declares a holy war against humanity.

2243 Outer space near Earth
4

Dukhat's death triggers the war; Delenn casts the deciding vote

The Minbari mourn Dukhat and shift toward war, with Delenn, his protégé, casting the deciding vote to fight. The declaration of war follows as Minbari forces mobilize and Earth tries to regroup after the initial onslaught.

2243 Minbari space
5

Sheridan assumes command and engineers a mine trap

Lieutenant Commander John Sheridan takes command of the Lexington after his captain is killed, devising a trap by scattering nuclear mines in nearby asteroids. The Minbari flagship Black Star closes in to finish off the Lexington but is destroyed by the mines, giving Earth its first major victory.

2243 Space near Earth
6

Delenn seeks peace as Minbari factions consider alliance

A Minbari faction led by Delenn believes peace may still be possible if humans survive. Dukhat’s belief in an alliance with humans against the Shadows informs this shift toward diplomacy, even as the war rages on.

2244 Minbari space
7

Centauri disrupt the peace talks with a bombing

In a costly misreading of the negotiation process, Centauri forces bomb the Earth-Minbari peace conference, violently sabotaging any chance of an immediate settlement. The attack blindsides both sides and hardens their resolve to fight.

2244-2245 Earth-Minbari peace conference venue
8

Two more years of war with mounting losses

With peace talks derailed, the war continues for two more years as casualties mount on both sides. Hope for a negotiated settlement fades while both sides absorb heavy losses.

2245-2247 Various fronts
9

Earth forms a defensive line to delay the Minbari

In a last desperate move, Earth's president orders ships to form a line around the planet to stall the Minbari and buy time for civilians to evacuate. The line holds under pressure, delaying the Minbari but not ending the war.

2245-2247 Earth orbit
10

Sinclair captured; Valen’s soul revealed; Minbari surrender

During the battle, Captain Jeffrey Sinclair is captured for interrogation, and the Grey Council discovers that he carries the soul of Valen within him. Delenn interprets this as a sign that humans should not be destroyed, prompting a surrender that the council keeps secret.

2247-2248 Space near Earth
11

Earth plans Babylon 5 to foster peace

In the war's wake, Earth plans to create a space station to facilitate peaceful collaboration and prevent future wars, a project that will become Babylon 5. The initiative marks a new diplomatic era for interstellar relations.

post-war era Earth
12

Londo witnesses captives and drinks

After the children leave him, Londo watches Delenn and Sheridan being held captive in the Centauri palace and toasts them as friends. He then drinks heavily, awaiting his next move as the story moves forward.

2278 Centauri Prime palace

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:17

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