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Changes to Sheridan and Lyta caused by the Shadow War

© David Ye

We all know what happened during the Shadow war and its outcome, but there were far-reaching conseqeunces during and after the war. This will examine and analyse some of those effects either directly or indirectly caused by that war on the main charactors.

The Shadow war affected two of the main charactors in many profoundly different ways - changing their lives and personalities in a permanent fashion. By far one of the most significant change that happened to Captain John Sheridan was that his wife Anna (whom he thought was killed in an accident) came back suddenly and was working for the Shadows. This brings Sheridan back to Z'Ha'dum. Sheridan, in his thirst for knowledge as to what were the real reasons behind the war, agreed to go with her. During his visit he discovers the truth behind the war, but in doing so he had sealed his fate - falling into a deep crevasse just before a thermonuclear detonation on the capital of Z'ha'Dum. He was found by Lorien who partially restored his life.

Sheridan learned from Lorien what were the real reasons behind the Shadow war and one important discovery - who and what Lorien was. Unfortunately, the experience on Z'Ha'Dum had two distinctively lasting effect on him: 1. His whole personality changed permanantly - he is now more darker, and more determined to get things done - through any means neccesary. The old Sheridan would have never go to such lengths for the sake of not hurting others; 2. His life span has been shortened and now only has 20 more years to live - that was all Lorien could save.

Lyta Alexander was also heavily involved in the Shadow war. She had gone to the Vorlon homeworld and was genetically modified to enhance her telepathic abilities. But the real questions are: what modifications were made and how much of an improvement was this over her previous abilities? Her abilities have been known to include telekinesis. The actual range of Lyta's abilities is yet unknown, but could be measured in hundreds of kilometres.

These are some of the more extensive changes to these two characters, but many more have yet to reveal themselves and may have even more far-reaching consequences.