Sheridan is targeted by an assassin in the lead up to his inauguration as President of the Interstellar Alliance. At the behest of Sheridan, Elizabeth Lochley arrives from Earth to take command of Babylon 5, just as a group of rogue telepaths come to the station seeking sanctuary.

Sheridan clashes with the various member worlds of the Alliance over the Declaration of Principles, and an isolated world asks for the Alliance's help in defending themselves against Raiders. Meanwhile, Garibaldi tries forming an intelligence unit of telepaths.