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Londo´s Partnership with the Shadows, Part II

© Losthiriel

In the first article, we saw how Londo went from being the one who was down on his luck, and part of a fading Republic, to one in the second season who had power and status. In the second season the Centauri were now important. And the other races were starting to notice this, especially the Narn.

Londo entered into a partnership with Mr. Morden, one which was dangerous and ominous, and I think even Londo realized this to some degree. He did ask at the beginning, what do you want from me. He is not a stupid creature.

But at this point, when Londo asks Mr. Morden to eliminate the entire Narn home world, he has descended into his own private hell, his own depths of depravity, and there is no telling whether he can be pulled out.

I believe that it is at this particular moment that Londo crosses over from wanting the glory and power solely for the Centauri Republic into wanting the glory and power for himself as well. He has seen what this means for him. People are lining up at his door for appointments. His house has moved up so much higher in status on Centauri Prime. Everybody wants him. He is popular. Think of the rush that must feel like. Once he was ignored, unpopular, now he is popular and he has the power to control thousands of lives....

In the Coming of Shadows in Season Two, once again, Londo uses Mr. Morden and the Shadows to destroy another Narn outpost. He is cocky; he is out to prove to the Emperor that the Republic is strong again. But he completely missed the point of the Emperor's visit to the station. The Emperor came to apologize in person to a Narn, for everything that had been done to them - the opposite of Londo´s intentions. And once again more Narn died - for what? To prove that Londo was powerful for the Emperor, who did not care one bit. And what were the Emperor's last words to Londo, for him and Lord Refa: "He said," Londo answers, with great difficulty, "that we are both damned." (Lurkers Guide)

Londo has really changed, and everyone has noticed this. He is ruthless, can be cruel, arrogant, and difficult. He is also responsible for killing thousands of innocent Narn civilians. In Acts of Sacrifice in the second season, he goes into one of the gambling casinos, then comes out, and sees Mr. Garibaldi, who used to be his friend. He asks to speak to Garibaldi, and reluctantly, Garibaldi agrees. They go to get a drink together, and Londo tries to give Garibaldi some money to repay him for gambling debts. Londo says he wishes to still be Garibaldi's friend, and tells him the money is not a way to bribe him for friendship.