“Where were you when our planet was being bombed, our loved ones slaughtered? What have YOU suffered?”

G’kar can well understand the anger his people are still feeling, can even understand their thirst for revenge, even though he no longer shares it. Once, just a few years ago, he would have willingly gone after the Centauri with his bare hands, with no thought other than to make them pay for what they had done to his planet and his people, but he knows better now.

His people have suffered greatly, and will continue to suffer, but seeking revenge against their former overlords will only prolong their suffering needlessly. The Narn, no matter what they wish to do, cannot harm the Centauri more than they have already harmed themselves by allying themselves with the Shadows. They have brought their own destruction down upon themselves. They are to be pitied.

As for what G’kar himself has personally suffered, the imprisonment, the beatings, the torture, the loss of an eye… Well, if his people cannot see that then they are blinder than he would be had he lost both of his eyes instead of just the one.

Nevertheless, he forgives them for their anger and their thoughtless words, forgives them their defiance, because while the Centauri were their masters, they did not dare speak out for fear of swift and brutal retribution. Every act of defiance resulted in the deaths of hundreds of innocent Narns. Their words can hurt no one now, except possibly themselves once their bloodlust settles and they come to their senses.

They are free at last, a freedom G’Kar bought for them through his own sacrifice, though he doubts they would understand that. He will let them rage for a while, but there will be no retaliation against the Centauri, not while breath remains in his body.

They are not victorious, they have not driven their conquerors away, the Centauri left of their own accord, and there is northing to be gained from revenge, not even the restoration of Narn pride. Now they must look to the needs of their own people, free those who are being held prisoner, tend the wounded, bury the dead, and start to rebuild their world. It is a daunting task, and it will require everyone working together, but it can be done. All it will take is time and effort. They will prevail.


The End