And the Tully Royal Commission into the use of Babylon 5 Videos has entered its 2nd year, making it one of the longest royal commissions in Australia's history. Today, another well known figure in the Australian senate has taken the stand, bringing to 15 the number of senators who have testified that they secretly watched Babylon 5. Earlier today, Senator Brunswood, an independent, came forward, declaring that he had watched Babylon 5 all his life, and defended his right to watch Babylon 5.

<Picture a news conference, with Senator Brunswood sitting down, surrounded by microphones>...

Sen. B. "Look, I can watch quality television if I like. I don't have to watch Voyager or Space Precinct just because I'm in the senate. I just didn't think that everybody else needed to know about it"

Q. "A lot of people that once supported you are saying that you have deserted their cause, and that they'll vote for somebody else in the next election'

Sen. B. "That's their view, and I don't believe it's right. I think you'll find that most, if not all, of these people watch Voyager, and think that the stories are new, and exciting. These are the same people that watch Space Precinct, and refused to watch S:AAB. They just can't tolerate a TV show that has character, continuity, and a plot that is new and believable"

Q. "The Federal Police have not ruled out charging you, along with 17 others, with misappropriating public funds to buy the advance screening rights for the senate. How do you reply to these allegations"

Sen. B. "I think you'll find that most of the Federal Police support the Senate and the Babylon 5 Viewing Rights Bill. It is only a few politically motivated, and some say, supported by shadowy figures currently not living in Australia, that are against what I and my fellow senators have done. As well, I think you will find that most of the media, especially the Television stations, are against the idea of quality Science Fiction TV shows."

Q. "Some say that Babylon 5 has influenced the way you have voted on several important bills, including the one to continue funding into the enigmatic messages beamed from stars lightyears away"

Sen. B. "I think that the question "Who are you" is a very important issue, since it seems that it is one question aliens want the answer to." <fade back to the newsdesk>

That's all on the B5 story at present, but be sure to catch Lateline for a deeper look at this most divisive story....

<Later that night, on Lateline>

With me tonight are three experts on the Babylon 5 Issue. Dr Yarwood is a professor of psychology at the university of Sydney. He has published two best seller books on Babylon 5, 'Who are You' and 'Do you really want it'.

Dr Yarwood is also part way through a study that looks at the applications of Babylon 5 to today's problems.<nod from Dr Yarwood> Senator Morden is a senator from the Conservative party. He is campaigning for the banning of Babylon5 from display anywhere in Australia, on the basis that it corrupts moral and ethical values. <Nod from Sen. Morden> Mr Lennier is the head of the support group entitled 'Voyager Sux'. The support group caters for people who have developed mental problems watching Voyager, and claims that large doses of Babylon 5 bring people back to health.

But first, a look at the story.

<voiceover>

Mrs Possum Bits is what you would call a normal person.

<image of Mrs P doing normal things>

But, Mrs Possum Bits also does what some people call the work of the devil, others call the work of angels.

Mrs Possum Bits is a self confessed Babylon5 dealer.

Mrs P. "I admit that I sell Babylon5 tapes. I often sell over 350 hours worth of Babylon 5 a day, and around 600 hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when people are often feeling withdrawal symptoms."

<image of Mrs P selling a bag full of Babylon 5 merchandise and tapes to someone with their face blacked out>

Mrs P. "But I see nothing wrong with it. It's not illegal, and people have a right to see quality TV. I know of quite a few people who wouldn't be able to start their day without 5 minutes of say, Z'ha'dum, or stare at a full sized picture of Captain Sheridan or Commander Ivanova"

<voiceover continues>

The problem does not seem to be limited to any particular age group, although it seems more prevalent in people who have tertiary education. A recent anonymous Gallop Poll indicated....

All names are either made up or swiped without permission. Any reference to anybody alive or dead, is merely meant to be flattering to the ego!