In the pivotal second season episode of the science fiction television series Babylon 5, titled "The Coming of Shadows", The crew find themselves embroiled in the complex political machinations of the Centauri Republic. The Centauri, a once-powerful empire now in decline, face an imminent regime change as their emperor lies on his deathbed. This precarious situation attracts various factions vying for power, each with their own agendas and motivations.

A mysterious stranger arrives on Babylon 5, adding an element of uncertainty to the already tense atmosphere. Meanwhile, the supporters of Lord Refa, a prominent Centauri noble with ambitions of his own, maneuver to secure their position in the impending power vacuum. G'Kar, the Narn ambassador and a long-time adversary of the Centauri, sees this moment of vulnerability as an opportunity to strike a final blow against the empire that has oppressed his people for generations.

As these various factions converge, the episode explores the complexities of diplomacy between societies with a history of conflict and animosity. The crew of Babylon 5, ostensibly a neutral party tasked with facilitating peace and understanding among the different races, find themselves grappling with the realization that their role may inadvertently support the oppressive actions of the Centauri.