Words of Wisdom from Susan Ivanova, Season 1 Quiz

Answer: "I'm a Russian, Commander. We understand these things."

The corrected version of the quote is "I'm a Russian, Doctor. We understand these things." This a reply to Dr. Franklin's quote, "You're a pessimist," from the episode "Soul Hunter." The other quotes are (1) from "Eyes": Garibaldi: "I don't know what this guy's after, but he's pulling out all the stops to get it." Ivanova: "I won't submit to a scan." Garibaldi: "He'll charge you with insubordination." Ivanova: "And I'll be replaced and dishonorably discharged.

It's a very Russian ending." (2) "A Voice in the Wilderness, Part I": "It's a Russian thing.

When we're about to do something stupid, we like to catalog the full extent of out stupidity. For future reference." (3) "A Voice in the Wilderness, Part II": "So, if we go down there, it blows. If we don't, it blows anyway, just a little later.

It's a good thing I'm Russian. We're used to hopeless situations."

Answer: "Not without dinner and flowers."

"The Quality of Mercy" -- Ivanova goes to down below to investigate reports that someone is operating an illegal clinic. When Ivanova arrives, Franklin is just finishing up with a patient, calling for the next patient to get ready. He says the quote above, not knowing it is Ivanova.

Answer: "Grail"

At the end of the episode, Ivanova, Sinclair and Garibaldi are gathered in C&C. Garibaldi asks: "No boom?" Sinclair: "No boom." Ivanova: "No boom today. Boom tomorrow. There's always a boom tomorrow. [Sinclair and Garibaldi look at her oddly] What? Look, somebody's got to have some damn perspective around here. Boom, sooner or later...Boom!"

Answer: getting drunk

After Nelson (a.k.a. Ikarran war machine) is taken care of, Ivanova and Franklin are talking about the newly formed anti-alien groups forming on Earth and the possibility that what happened on Ikarra could happen to Earth. Ivanova replies that she doesn't think that Earth would fall into the same trap.

Then some Earth officials arrive to claim the Ikarran artifacts. Ivanova says the above quote.

Answer: Talia Winters

Talia has just arrived on the station, goes to C&C to report to the commanding officer. Ivanova, in her hate of Psi Corps, brusquely brushes her off with the above quote.

Answer: "Signs and Portents"

Ivanova is woken up by the computer, and has the following conversation. Computer: "Good morning. The time is ou-four-thirty, Earth-standard, Wednesday, August third, 2258. Personal log shows no outstanding appointments. Shall I download station-logs for past six hours?" Ivanova: "Sure, grab it, store it, shove it." Computer: "Clarification?" Ivanova: "Never mind. Why does my mouth always taste like old carpet in the morning?" Computer: "Unknown. Checking medical logs."

Answer: 7

Londo: "You did find something down there, didn't you? Something valuable perhaps. I wish to remind you that my government has contributed substantial amounts of money to this station. We are entitled to an equal share of anything you find down there." ... Ivanova: "Ambassador. Do you really want to know what's going on down there right now?" Londo: "Yes, absolutely." Ivanova: "Boom. Boom, boom, boom. Boom, boom. BOOM! Have a nice day."

Answer: clear and present danger

The damaged Soul Hunter vessel is heading straight for Babylon 5. Ivanova wants to blow it up, but Sinclair wants to go out and capture it because it might be a first contact situation. Sinclair: "If I can't make it, you'll have to blow up that ship before it hits." Ivanova: "Why not destroy it now?" Sinclair: "First contact protocol, Lieutenant Commander. Only when conditions present a clear and present danger. If this is a new technology, a new race, I want that ship intact." Ivanova: "This isn't a clear and present danger? I must read the rule book again."

Answer: "Deathwalker"

A ship from a member of the League of Non-Aligned Worlds arrive to force the extradition of Jha'dur to their home world to try her for war crimes. They threaten that they will fire on Babylon 5 if this does not occur. Ivanova responds with the above quote.

Answer: snap wrist

Garibaldi is using Ivanova's station in C&C for researching the ships that the raiders have been targeting to try and find a pattern that will allow them to prevent further attacks. Ivanova arrives and threatens Garibaldi: "Mr. Garibaldi, you are sitting at my station, using my equipment. Is there a reason for this, or to save time should I just go ahead and snap your hands off at the wrist."

Answer: Psi Cop Kelsey

In the episode, "Mind War," Psi Cops Bester and Kelsey have arrived on the station to capture Jason Ironheart. They request the help of station personnel, and in one conversation, after Ivanova makes a particularly scathing remark, Kelsey says, "You're not helping the situation." and Ivanova replies with "Lady, you are the problem."

Answer: juggle babies calculated

Also, from "Mind War," Bester explains that they have kept certain information concerning the abilities and condition of Jason Ironheart secret. He says that it was a calculated risk. Ivanova, even more upset with Psi Corps than usual says, "Good ol' Psi Corps. You guys never cease to amaze me! All the moral fiber of Jack the Ripper. What do you do in your spare time? Juggle babies over a fire pit? Oops, there goes another calculated risk!"

Answer: "The War Prayer"

In this episode, Garibaldi uses a little bit of blackmail to get himself out of an unwanted and tedious duty. Garibaldi: "Just one quick stop to make on the way. I found an illegal planter in the garden last week. Someone was actually using our hydroponics system to grow coffee, and as everyone knows, the garden is to be used only for fruits, vegetables, grains,..." Ivanova: "Mr. Garibaldi." Garibaldi: "So I figured I'd just stop by and rip it right out of that planter.

It's too bad. The beans looked just about ripe, and coffee is so expensive to import." Ivanova: "Mr. Garibaldi....you're a vicious man." Garibaldi: "I'm Head of Security.

It's in the job description."

Answer: "I hope that isn't the sign of some frailty in her."

"Legacies" -- The young telepath, Alisa Beldon, is given the option of joining Psi Corps or make an arrangement with one of the other governments. Na'Toth, acting on behalf of the Narns who have no telepaths of their own, tries to strike a bargain with Alisa.

After, looking into Na'Toth's mind, she claims that she is tired and goes to lie down. Na'Toth says, "I hope that isn't the sign of some frailty in her." Ivanova sarcastically replies, "Why don't you check her teeth while you're at it." Na'Toth: "Do you think that is a good idea?"

Answer: testosterone poisoning

In "A Voice in the Wilderness," Captain Pierce arrives with his ship and tries to take control of Epsilon 3 situation. Ivanova, not impressed with his show of force, mutters the above line.

Answer: Sinclair

In the episode, "Legacies," after Branmer's body has been stolen and Neroon is threatening retribution, Sinclair comments: "Garibaldi was right. He said this was going to be trouble." Ivanova: "There's nothing more annoying than Mr. Garibaldi when he's right."

Answer: sleeping dark outside

In "Signs and Portents," after having been so rudely awakened by the computer, Ivanova reports in to C&C. Sinclair: "Sleep well?" Ivanova: "Sleeping is not the problem. Waking up...that is a problem. I've always had hard time getting up when it's dark outside." Sinclair: "But in space it's always dark." Ivanova: "I know, I know."

Answer: Major Lianna Kemmer

"Survivors" -- Major Kemmer, believing Garibaldi to be culprit responsible for a bomb that went off in the beginning of the episode, puts out an alert for Garibaldi while in C&C. Sinclair orders the alert cancelled. Major Kemmer objects and warns Sinclair that she has a duty to perform as the President's security adviser. Sinclair tells Ivanova to escort Major Kemmer from C&C. Ivanova says the above line to Major Kemmer.

Answer: "Believers"

Ivanova is going stir crazy and takes the long way around trying to get Sinclair to assign her on a flight mission. Sinclair: "Is Garibaldi available?" Ivanova: "I suppose..." Sinclair: "What?" Ivanova: "Nothing. I certainly have plenty of things to occupy myself here. Yes, sir. I think I'll just walk to and fro for awhile. Maybe over to my console.

After that, maybe I'll try pacing fro and to, just for the kick of it. Oh, then there's the view, of course. Granted, it's not quite the same as if you're outside...for someone that's got over a hundred hours of combat flying experience." Sinclair: "If you'd rather..." Ivanova: "No no no, that's okay. That's fine. Don't worry about me. I'm just going to sit here and knit something. Maybe a nice sweater...some socks...Does the term 'stir crazy' ring a bell, Commander?" Siclair: "I have an idea, Lieutenant Commander. Why don't *you* take out the fighter wing and escort the Asimov back to base?" Ivanova: "Well, if you insist, sir."

Answer: right god rip lungs

The Babylon 5 Mantra is the epitome of Ivanova sayings. Ivanova dresses down Dr. Tasaki for disobeying her orders regarding Epsilon 3: "And just one more thing. On your trip back I'd like you to take the time to learn the Babylon 5 Mantra: 'Ivanova is always right. I will listen to Ivanova. I will not ignore Ivanova's recommendations. Ivanova is God. And if this ever happens again, Ivanova will personally rip your lungs out.' Babylon Control out...Civilians! [Looks up] I was just kidding about the God part...no offense."