BPP Novel 1: Voices by John Vornholt

The Babylon Project Podcast

As we dive into the first of the novels associated with the Babylon 5 universe, we read and discussed Voices. Written by John Vornholt (his first of two B5 novels), published by Dell in 1995, this story takes place sometime between the Season 2 episodes “Points of Departure” (Episode 1) and “A Race Through Dark Places” (Episode 8). This is the first of nine “stand-alone” novels, in addition to three trilogies we will read and review.

Since we’re turning the page and moving to written works rather than audio-visual, we opened the show with a quick discussion and agreement on the relevance we’d give to novels that are either considered canon or not. We agreed that while it’s interesting to note which are considered canon, our approach is driven primarily by whether or not we enjoy each novel. As we move through these books, you’ll see that it won’t matter much. For those who want to know: we noted that while JMS had a hand in all the novels, several are accepted as canon, while others aren’t. The only two from the stand-alone books accepted as canon are #7 and #9. If you stick with us though, the issue won’t be a distraction.

With Captain Sheridan recently assuming command of Babylon 5, the Psi Corps runs into issues trying to hold a convention on Mars due to terrorist bombings and threats. The fall-back plan is to ask Babylon 5 to host the event, on neutral turf, and arguably in an environment more easily secured from threats. Reluctantly, Captain Sheridan agrees, the event is scheduled, and as everyone gathers, a bomb goes off, killing a number of the attendees and almost killing Mr. Bester. The resident station telepath, Talia Winters, appears to be at fault, and flees to protect herself from what we can only hope is a frame job. In addition to being accused of the bombing, she’s now a fugitive telepath: a charge alone that breaks Psi Corps rules and presumes her guilty. While on the run, events unfold on both sides as Psi Corps (Bester) attempts to capture and kill her; and Mr. Garibaldi, working with the aid of folks on Earth and Mars to bring Talia secretly under their protection while they build the case to prove her innocence.

In the end, we learn she is innocent. We also see Bester and the Corps realize this is the case, but are too proud to admit they were wrong in declaring her responsible for the bombing. Things resolve well in the end, but not without an appropriate amount of suspense and drama.

We discussed a number of themes present in the novel, many of which span the original television show, including: terrorism; politics and the influence of corporate (specifically a commercial telepath company called “The Mix”) attempts to control politics; being a fugitive / running from the law; telepaths in general; and the emerging role and power of Psi Corps, and even a little bit of the tensions between Earth and Mars.

Overall, your hosts rated Voices with a 1.25, a 3 and a 3.5 (out of 5), for an overall Boom Scale rating of 2.6.

Next, we’re on to the novel Accusations, by Lois Tilton. Read up and join us for the conversation!

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Just remember… When there’s no boom today, there’s boom tomorrow. There’s always boom tomorrow!

https://babylonprojectpodcast.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/bpp-book-1-voices.mp3