Buck Rogers in the 25th Century s01e18 Episode Script
Twiki is Missing
Captain Rogers: It's nice seeing you again: [Narrator.]
Three beautiful space angels kidnap Twiki: And Buck finds the key to saving Earth from fiery destruction by a runaway spaceberg: - What do you want, Belzak? - Your Buck Rogers for his drone: Prepare the ambu-quad for disassembly: My planet is in danger of being destroyed: I've got a chance of saving it, but I can't without your help: I want Rogers in that acid now! [Man Narrating.]
The year is 1987, and NASA launches the last of America's deep space probes: In a freak mishap, Ranger 3 and its pilot, Captain William "Buck'"Rogers, are blown out of their trajectory into an orbit which freezes his life-support systems: : : And returns Buck Rogers to Earth: : : Colonel Deering reporting from spaceberg escort: [Dr: Huer, Over Radio.]
Yes, Colonel: We're approaching the entrance to Stargate 9: Requesting clearance: [Beeping.]
Clearance granted, Colonel: Proceed on established flight vector: What is that, Dr: Huer? That is 10 billion tons of frozen oxygen: Once it's located on the North Pole, it'll begin to melt: : : And help to replenish the oxygen-depleted atmosphere of the entire planet: This is the third time that we've handled a transport of this kind, and the procedure still makes me nervous: Why is that? Because the spaceberg is on a precise path towards a window in our atmosphere, and it has to hit that window and pass through it exactly as planned: Exactly: And if it doesn't? Friction from the atmosphere would ignite the oxygen: Our calculations have indicated that the resulting explosion: : : Would literally scorch a third of the Earth's surface, possibly half: [Man.]
Look at what the Terrans are doing at this very moment, Pinchas: They have a problem, and they do something about it, whatever the difficulties: But you, you simply come to me with talk, no action: I've been working on a solution to our current problem, sir: I've been in contact with several agents on Earth, and More talk:! Meanwhile, I have 5,000 miners malingering and threatening to leave their posts: Do you know what that means? Yes, sir, I do: It means we're not producing enough blazium: I've got orders backed up to Xynon, and I can't fill them! Then I shall find myself unable to support my chief operations officer: : : Just as I can no longer tolerate his incompetence: Do I make myself clear? Ah: Anad, you've come: I grew tired of waiting for your call: You've read the list of grievances? Shocking: Long hours, low pay, unhealthy working conditions: Low morale, unrest: The miners have elected me to represent them: Yes: And under your leadership, they have united for the first time: And united we stand until something is done: Oh, something is going to be done: [Beep.]
- Why have you summoned them? - The Omni Guard? They are the key to our security, Anad: They've kept the mines open and working: Through cruelty and force! How untrue: I fear you may have hurt their feelings: [Groans.]
Take the meddling fool away: Silencing him is only a temporary measure: [Groaning.]
The miners will soon have another leader: A solution I mentioned earlier, sir this is it: A drone? They've been miserable failures in the mines: We need something more than artificial intelligence down there: This is a Terran drone, sir: Serial number 22-23-T: Manufactured at the ambu-quad facility in New Chicago: - So? - What makes 22-23-T so unique, sir, is that its basic programming has been augmented by its present owner, a Captain Buck Rogers: Rogers is a Terran from the 20th century, and he's endowed the drone with extraordinary features resourcefulness, courage, loyalty: : : And even though we know such is impossible some say imagination: And you're thinking to buy it, break it down, analyze its binary patterning: Yes, sir: And mass produce it to serve in the mines: Each unit as an adjunct to a miner: : : To take over some of the more uncomfortable and dangerous procedures: And where is this one-of-a-kind ambu-quad to be found right now? On Earth in New Chicago: And my thought was our morale problem would be Ladies, I have a mission for you: [Wilma.]
Dr: Huer, my instrumentation indicates that the oxygen mass: : : Is maintaining a perfect trajectory: Temperature is holding steady at minus 250 degrees Celsius: Thank you, Colonel: Please keep me posted of even the slightest change in conditions: [Doorbell Beeps.]
Captain Rogers? That's correct: I'm Stella Breet: I'm a contract administrator for Kurt Belzak: : : On the asteroid Toros in Third Quadrant: You'll have to excuse me: I'm a little new around here: I don't know what any of that means: Oh, well, uh, can I come in and explain? Sure: Sure, come in: Come on: Looks just like I imagined it would: Like you "imagined it would"? Oh, we always compile biofiles of all our business associates before we meet them: I didn't know that we were associates: We're not, but we will be: Just exactly who is this, uh, Kurt Belzak? Hmm? Mr: Belzak owns an integrated mining, manufacturing and distribution operation: : : With its headquarters on Toros: He's the, uh, sole supplier of an explosive called blazium: That's very interesting, except I still don't see where I come into this picture: Ah: [Exhales.]
Uh-huh: A million, in round figures: It's yours: What have I done to deserve such generosity? You haven't done anything: It's, uh, payment for your ambu-quad serial number 22-23-T: "T" as in Twiki? Yes: Twiki: - I'm sorry, Stella: He's not for sale: - Oh, I see: You want to negotiate: No: I just don't want to sell Twiki: Well, it-it's just an ambu-quad: No: Twiki's a little more than that: He's, uh He's like a friend: A drone is a drone, Captain: Friends Friends are different: One feels affection for friends: One owns a drone, and anything that is owned can be sold: Except for Twiki: You see, it'd be like selling family: Besides, why does Belzak want my particular ambu-quad? - He's only one of thousands: - I'm not paid to know why, Captain: Uh, Captain Rogers, I need your help: Mr: Belzak will be very upset with me if I come back with nothing: Well, I'd say anything you want except Twiki and me: [Chuckles.]
I understand that: I have a friend who runs a biostereometrical facility: And, well, I thought - Oh, you mean a 3-D photographer: - Yes: Could I take pictures ofTwiki's internal circuitry? [Exhales.]
It-It's not much, but at least it would be something to bring back to Belzak: Yeah, I guess that'd be all right: I don't see any harm in taking pictures ofTwiki's internal circuitry: Besides, knowing the ham he is, he'd probably enjoy it: - "Ham"? - You'll find out what that means when you meet him: Oh: Thank you: Uh This is the address: See you there at 9:00? Fine: [Sighs.]
He wouldn't sell: But we've got a date with Captain Rogers: : : And Twiki: Let's go: Dr: Huer, I'm monitoring an increasing frequency of ionized particles rising rapidly: [Sighs.]
Doctor, I want a detailed radio scan of Quadrant 4 immediately: [Theo.]
Yes, Doctor: But, Doctor, an ion storm of large-enough magnitude could I'm aware of the ramifications, Doctor: Begin gathering data, please: [Chirping.]
Where is everybody, Buck? It's after hours, Twiki: Everyone's gone home: Yeah, here it is: Yeah: Hmm: Captain Rogers: Thank you for bringing the ambu-quad: Now, if you'll just leave it here for a while: [Scoffs.]
No way, Stella: As you wish, Captain: [Grunts.]
[Chirping.]
Hey! Hey! I'm private property: You're trespassing: Ambu-quad prepared: Autopilot set at coordinates 446: Remote facility activated: Excellent: I'll take control: Remain on Earth until the ambu-quad is securely on Toros: [Engines Powering Up.]
[Chirping.]
This "wild blue yonder" stuff is for the birds! Dr: Huer: Twiki's been taken: What? Three women psychokinetics: It's a long story, but I think he was taken to Captain Rogers: I have a report of a non-Terran starfighter being launched: Its digital reference was H270, indicating its port of origin is Toros in the Third Quadrant: An ambu-quad is in the cockpit: I'm going after him: This is Buck Rogers calling H270: Do you read? [Chirping.]
I thought you'd deserted me: The ambu-quad is being followed, Pinchas: Very closely: It appears the two ships may have rendezvoused: Yes: Well, we'll take care of that: - Are you a sight for sore circuits: - You too, pal: - What's the situation on board? - [Chirping.]
It's all remote control, Buck: [Over Monitor.]
I can't do a thing: Buck? Buck Rogers? The Terran owner? All right, Rogers, let's see how good you are: [Chirping.]
Buck, that wasn't me: I know, little buddy: Listen, you gotta pop that canopy and get out of that ship fast: - [Chirping.]
But it's a long walk home: - Don't worry: I'll track you in: - Here I go, Buck! - The drone is out of the ship! Where are you, Buck? Buck! [Chirping.]
Some may like hanging loose, but not this quad: Well, you're good, whoever you are, but you're not quite good enough: So long: This is Starfighter 1314 to Earth Control: Come in, please: [Woman Over Radio.]
You've got New Tulsa Tracking Station, Starfighter 1314: What can we do for you? I've lost an ambu-quad up here: I'm gonna need some help finding him: You've got it, 1314: Well, make it quick, will ya? There's a heavy-gravity body nearby: If I don't pick him up fast, he's gonna crash into it: [Chirping.]
Help! [Continues Chirping.]
[Chirping.]
Hurry, Buck! This is New Tulsa Tracking Station to Starfighter 1314: Go ahead, New Tulsa: We have a fix: Distance 33,000 mega-Ks from Alpha Centauri: Radius vector 33 degrees left off the elliptical plane: : : And elevation 40 degrees north: Roger, New Tulsa: I'm on my way: [Chirping.]
Hurry, Buck! [Continues Chirping.]
[Chirping.]
Thanks, Buck: [Chuckles.]
We're reporting as per schedule: Did the ambu-quad arrive yet? Hardly: The Terran owner intercepted him and brought him back to Earth: Buck Rogers: That would be consistent with the information in his biofile: What are your orders? If the ambu-quad is so important to Buck Rogers, let's see how important Buck Rogers is: : : To Earth: He heads an industrial complex: : : Which controls dozens of intergalactic corporations: The base of his power, though, is in the blazium mines on Toros: What's so important about blazium? Blazium? Well, gram for gram, it's the most powerful explosive ever developed: Mr: Belzak has made millions by selling blazium to any and all buyers: - What did he want with Twiki? - [Chirping.]
Whatever it is, he can't have it: Dr: Huer, this is Colonel Deering: Do you read? [Over Radio.]
Do you read? Yes, Colonel Deering: This is Dr: Huer: We seem to have a substantial amount of interference: We're encountering a rather violent storm, Doctor: The ion count is still alarmingly high: [Radio Static.]
Dr: Theopolis: The data reflects a mature ion storm: : : Sweeping directly across the path of the spaceberg: - Dr: Huer: - Yes, Colonel: The spaceberg has moved off its established flight path: [Switch Clicking.]
Yes, Colonel: That's confirmed by our observations here as well: Please stand by for further instructions: Dr: Huer, if that spaceberg misses the window - What can we do? - Frankly, Buck, I'm not sure: We've moved oxygen in this manner twice before: We've always known there was a risk, but it seemed to be outweighed by the urgent need: - I'm gonna give Wilma a hand: - But there's nothing you can do, Buck: [Sighs.]
Tell her I'm on my way: Captain Rogers: It's nice seeing you again: Where exactly am I? Three minutes out of Stargate 23: An hour from Toros: Hmm: Well, at least Belzak is consistent two kidnappings in a row: Doesn't he know how to say "Please"? - Belzak gets what he wants: - Everything? Why are you doing this? There are reasons, necessities: Hmm: In my apartment, you said something about friends and affection: You just forget about all of that and throw it out the window? - Just a lot of words? - Perhaps something from the nutrition center: Stella, what's Belzak got on you? I'm sorry: I don't want to talk about this right now: Is he threatening you? What's he holding over you? Come on, Stella: Tell me: It's not me: It's my son, Lucas: His father was a: : : Toros general, one of the chosen class: I was a paranormal with psychokinetic powers: Our marriage: : : And our child: : : Were never condoned by the ruling class: When my: : : Husband protested, he was executed as a traitor to his class: He was killed for loving me: The man who signed his death order was Belzak: And on Toros, the son of a traitor is also condemned to a traitor's death: Belzak spared him: As civilian head of the ruling body, he alone could do so: He allowed me to send Lucas to Remus 2, and then he forced me to use my psychokinetic powers for his purposes: If I ever tried to leave him, he'd have Lucas killed: It doesn't have to be that way: [Man Over Radio.]
This is Toros Approach Control to Shuttle 9281: [Man Continues, Indistinct.]
We'll be arriving soon: I hope your stay in Toros will be a pleasant one: Repeat: This is Toros Approach Control to Shuttle 9281: You're cleared for reentry over the outer marker: Welcome: : : To my little corner of the universe, Captain Rogers: Better put that to music: [Laughing.]
May I have the current data, Doctor, please? Current angular displacement of the spaceberg: : : Is approximately three degrees from center, Doctor: It will miss the atmospheric window: : : By nearly 633 kilometers: Might as well be six meters: Once the explosions begin, the entire spaceberg will disintegrate: [Belzak.]
Ah: Dr: Huer, I presume? Yes: And you are? Kurt Belzak, sir: It seems you have a bit of a problem on your hands: Yes, and very little time to talk to you: So, if you don't mind Oh, but I do: Indeed I do: - We need to speak: - About what? About your friend and mine: Buck! How did you How is not important, Doctor: It's what we do next that interests me: I see: What do you want, Belzak? Your Buck Rogers for his drone an even exchange: [Chirping.]
Hey! Belzak, you're already guilty of kidnapping and extortion: How do you expect me to deal with Doc, don't do anything: Belzak, listen to me: My hands are tied: The Directorate strictly forbids responding to such threats: All I can do is turn over the entire matter to the interstellar authorities immediately: Don't be a fool, Doctor: Send me the ambu-quad, or Buck Rogers will suffer the consequences: [Switch Clicks.]
[Exclaims.]
There's nothing I can do to help him: Nothing at all: Under the circumstances, I don't think it necessary to to give Colonel Deering the burden of: : : Knowing: Twiki, where are you going? Twiki? [Chirping.]
What about Buck? Come back here this instant: Twiki: [Chirping.]
Buck, here comes the cavalry: [Engines Powering Up.]
- Geronimo! - [Engines Blast.]
[Chirping.]
Hang on, Buck: I'm on my way: I think I've done you a great service, Captain Rogers: Oh, really? That oxygen-mass transport project was: : : Ingenious, daring: : : And will ultimately prove to be fatal to your Terran brethren: I think they'll find a way to get it back on course: It's possible but not probable: One doesn't just nudge Oh, I should like to convince you: : : That a man of your reputed talents has a place here on Toros: After all, your Terran brethren have abandoned you: Perhaps: I don't think you need those anymore: Unshackle Captain Rogers: Bring him on our morning rounds: [Handcuffs Buzz.]
Let's see if we can make him a convert to our cause: This is the very heart of our blazium operation: The raw ore is dissolved in hydrochloric acid, reducing it to a pure crystal form: As an explosive, it has unique properties: Aside from its power, it's the quickest-burning and the hottest, which makes it particularly useful in the cold of space: It must be difficult storing an explosive like this: Not at all: You're holding enough blazium to destroy a small moon with ease: Don't worry, Captain: Blazium needs a substantial amount of energy to ignite: Consequently, it's quite stable: I can see that you're genuinely interested, Captain: - Fascinated: - Good: Very good: I can see a glorious future for you here, Captain: Those mines are nearly a flawless operation, except they depend on men to work them: It should be obvious why I need your remarkable ambu-quad, with all the 20th-century talent you have imbued him with, combined, of course, with your own: Well, I really hate to tell you this, Belzak, but, uh, Twiki is chronically lazy: [Beeps.]
[Chirping.]
Oops: I guess I blew it, Buck: - Twiki, what are you doing here? Dr: Huer didn't - [Chirping.]
I came on my own: - Prepare the ambu-quad for disassembly: - [Chirps.]
Uh-oh! [Chirping.]
Help! Hang on, Buck: [Belzak.]
Stop him! He's only one man: Stop him! Keep your hands right where I can see 'em: All right, Twiki: Let's go: [Chirping.]
You got it, boss: [Beeps.]
Keep goin', Twiki: This is ridiculous: One drone and a Terran have me trapped in my own quarters? Deploy a squadron of guards in each of the main corridors: I want that ambu-quad back in one piece: And I want Rogers dead or alive! Pinchas! Hold it, Twiki: That blazium storage room must be around here somewhere: [Chirping.]
Blazium? Let's just get outta here: I think that blazium might just solve our spaceberg crisis: Something Belzak said about its properties: Come on: [High-pitched Tone.]
[Chirping.]
What's wrong? That noise! It's goin' right through my head! [Groans.]
[Tone Continues.]
[Chirping.]
Give me a boost, Buck: - Buck: - [Gasping.]
[Moans.]
[Man Over Radio.]
Interloper in Subsection 9, Corridor 3A, sonic chamber: Good: I'm sure Captain Rogers is getting an earful: Shall we join him? [Tone Continues.]
[Chirping.]
Higher, Buck: [Explosions.]
[Chirping.]
Let's move it, Buck! We've got a plane to catch: They've escaped: Impossible: The sonic chamber has Has absolutely no effect on a drone, idiot! Look: [Chirping.]
That's why I let you go first, Buck: Must be some kind of energy field: [Moans.]
Solid as a rock: [Chirping.]
Now what, Buck? Stella can deactivate that thing: All right, Twiki, you hide under that catwalk: Don't move, and hold on to that blazium: I'll be right back: Spread out: Search the bays: Dr: Huer, I don't think we're having the slightest effect on the spaceberg: I'm afraid your analysis is correct, Colonel, as I feared it would be: The window is our only hope: Without it [Beeps.]
Stella, I need your help: [People Chattering.]
[Chirping.]
What's keeping you, Buck? I can't do it: If Belzak finds out He won't, not for a while at least: And by that time, we'll be long gone: I told you, he has agents on Remus 2: He'll have Lucas killed: I know it: Remus 2 is under the Directorate's jurisdiction: We'll have Lucas brought to Earth where Belzak can't reach him: It's too late to start over: This is where I belong: Stella, give yourself a chance: Give Lucas a chance: I'm sorry: I can't: Stella, my planet is in danger of being very, very badly damaged, perhaps even destroyed: I've got a chance of saving it: In order to do that, I've gotta get out of here, but I can't without your help: [Takes Deep Breath, Exhales.]
All right, Buck, I'll deactivate the energy wall: [Beeps.]
Welcome, Captain: I see the lovely Stella has found you first: Very good work, my dear: Belzak, l She is very persuasive: Yes, well, all good things must come to an end, Captain: - Now, where's your ambu-quad? - I don't know: I think I left him down in one of the tunnels: I'm not sure: Such a transparently thin subterfuge, Captain: Never mind: We'll find him: Take him away: - Hold it! - Really, Captain: Don't you ever know when to cease? - Heads up, Buck! - [Grunts.]
Come on! Move! Hold on, Rogers! The ladies would like your attention just for a moment: Ladies: [Chirping.]
Buck! Terribly sorry to end our relationship this way, Captain: Stella, don't do this: Don't let Belzak win: Save your breath, Captain: She hears no one but me: Stella, listen to me! - Continue the mind meld: - [Buck Straining.]
- Stella: - I want Rogers in that acid: - [Straining.]
- Now! [Groaning.]
Stella! I can help you: Don't listen to him: Your son will die without my help: If I die, your last chance to leave this place dies with me: L: : : Command you! One move, and he dies: Come on, Buck: Let's get outta here: You fools:! The Earth is dying:! Don't you understand? Stella, you've condemned your son to death: [Man Over P: A:.]
Your approach to Toros cleared for landing: Dr: Huer, we're registering a change in surface temperature: It's reaching the outer layers of the atmosphere: It's beginning to heat: I show a reading minus 243 degrees Celsius and rising: If it reaches 217 degrees, the entire mass will become completely unstable: Beyond that point, ignition of the oxygen is: : : Inevitable: Buck Rogers calling Earth Defense Directorate: [Over Radio.]
Repeat: Buck Rogers calling Earth Defense Directorate: Buck! What's happened? How in galaxy did you I'll fill you in later, Doc: What's the status on the berg? Well, we haven't been able to alter its trajectory, and it is now approaching one minute and 23 seconds from entering the atmosphere: On the wrong trajectory: Wilma, Dr: Huer: - I think I have a way to get the berg back on trajectory: - I'm listening: Blazium is fast-burning and extremely hot: If we plant the right amount in the right place and detonate it, then we'll Shift it and let gravity take over: Ah! It sounds reckless, Buck: Captain Rogers's theory is sound, Doctor: But he has no apparatus on board to guarantee an accurate placement: I'm just gonna have to eyeball it, Doc: Give me the coordinates: Very well: We have no choice: Doctor, we need volume, mass, distance from Earth, angular differential: Please, Doctor, I have anticipated the requisites: Those figures are now coming through on the C6000: [People Chattering.]
Excellent: Buck, your angular differential is three degrees, four minutes and 22 seconds: Now we must reduce the berg's mass by 4:0923: How much blazium do you have aboard? It's a two-kilo brick: Doctor? Reduce it by half: Reduce it by half, Buck: Roger: Now, from your angle of approach, Buck, you're going to have to lay down the blazium on the following coordinates: M23: 11: [Punching Keyboard.]
And D 17:9: [Punching Keyboard.]
- Got it: - And good luck: Wilma, clear everybody from the vicinity of that berg: I want you to hang up there at about 20,000 kilometers: As soon as I lay the blazium down, hit it with a full-power pulsar and get out of there: I understand, Buck, but what are you gonna do about the primary explosion? I'm gonna try to get out of there myself: I'm getting a reading of minus 225 degrees, and we are within 22 seconds of the critical range: - You ready? - Yeah, I think so: [Chirping.]
Play it as it lays, Buck: - I'm on my way, Wilma: - Standing by: Pulsars ready: Here we go: Eight ball in the side pocket: [Power Burst.]
[Buck.]
It's all yours, Wilma: Got it, Buck: Doctor Huer, what's happening? Doc? By heavens, it's working: It's bringing this mass back into its proper trajectory: I record a satisfactory entrance through the atmospheric window, Doctor: You've done it, Buck! You've done it! [Chattering.]
I don't know exactly how, but you've done it, my friend: I don't know how you do it either, but I'm sure glad you do: [Chuckling.]
Terran ingenuity, I guess: [Chirping.]
And a little luck: [Laughing.]
Let's head for home: Well, it's official: Kurt Belzak has been overthrown by the miners on Toros: Oh, that's wonderful: Yes: They've exiled him to a planet in the Sixth Quadrant: You won't have to worry about him for a long time to come: And we've made contact with our people on Remus 2: Lucas will be arriving on the next shuttle: I'll never be able to thank you: Especially you, Buck: Mm: All of us owe Buck our thanks: Wait a minute: Let's not forget about Twiki here: [Chirping.]
No big deal, Buck: No big deal? You let yourself get kidnapped and almost got lost in space: Then you went A: W: O: L: And almost got yourself dissected by Belzak's goons, not to mention nearly getting me burned to a crisp: [Chirps.]
Give me a break, Buck: Give you a break? I'll give you a break: Two weeks hard labor, bread and water: : : And a suspended sentence: [Chuckles.]
- Thanks for your help, buddy: - [Chirping.]
You're worth it, Buck: - [Chuckling.]
- [Chuckling.]
I think:
Three beautiful space angels kidnap Twiki: And Buck finds the key to saving Earth from fiery destruction by a runaway spaceberg: - What do you want, Belzak? - Your Buck Rogers for his drone: Prepare the ambu-quad for disassembly: My planet is in danger of being destroyed: I've got a chance of saving it, but I can't without your help: I want Rogers in that acid now! [Man Narrating.]
The year is 1987, and NASA launches the last of America's deep space probes: In a freak mishap, Ranger 3 and its pilot, Captain William "Buck'"Rogers, are blown out of their trajectory into an orbit which freezes his life-support systems: : : And returns Buck Rogers to Earth: : : Colonel Deering reporting from spaceberg escort: [Dr: Huer, Over Radio.]
Yes, Colonel: We're approaching the entrance to Stargate 9: Requesting clearance: [Beeping.]
Clearance granted, Colonel: Proceed on established flight vector: What is that, Dr: Huer? That is 10 billion tons of frozen oxygen: Once it's located on the North Pole, it'll begin to melt: : : And help to replenish the oxygen-depleted atmosphere of the entire planet: This is the third time that we've handled a transport of this kind, and the procedure still makes me nervous: Why is that? Because the spaceberg is on a precise path towards a window in our atmosphere, and it has to hit that window and pass through it exactly as planned: Exactly: And if it doesn't? Friction from the atmosphere would ignite the oxygen: Our calculations have indicated that the resulting explosion: : : Would literally scorch a third of the Earth's surface, possibly half: [Man.]
Look at what the Terrans are doing at this very moment, Pinchas: They have a problem, and they do something about it, whatever the difficulties: But you, you simply come to me with talk, no action: I've been working on a solution to our current problem, sir: I've been in contact with several agents on Earth, and More talk:! Meanwhile, I have 5,000 miners malingering and threatening to leave their posts: Do you know what that means? Yes, sir, I do: It means we're not producing enough blazium: I've got orders backed up to Xynon, and I can't fill them! Then I shall find myself unable to support my chief operations officer: : : Just as I can no longer tolerate his incompetence: Do I make myself clear? Ah: Anad, you've come: I grew tired of waiting for your call: You've read the list of grievances? Shocking: Long hours, low pay, unhealthy working conditions: Low morale, unrest: The miners have elected me to represent them: Yes: And under your leadership, they have united for the first time: And united we stand until something is done: Oh, something is going to be done: [Beep.]
- Why have you summoned them? - The Omni Guard? They are the key to our security, Anad: They've kept the mines open and working: Through cruelty and force! How untrue: I fear you may have hurt their feelings: [Groans.]
Take the meddling fool away: Silencing him is only a temporary measure: [Groaning.]
The miners will soon have another leader: A solution I mentioned earlier, sir this is it: A drone? They've been miserable failures in the mines: We need something more than artificial intelligence down there: This is a Terran drone, sir: Serial number 22-23-T: Manufactured at the ambu-quad facility in New Chicago: - So? - What makes 22-23-T so unique, sir, is that its basic programming has been augmented by its present owner, a Captain Buck Rogers: Rogers is a Terran from the 20th century, and he's endowed the drone with extraordinary features resourcefulness, courage, loyalty: : : And even though we know such is impossible some say imagination: And you're thinking to buy it, break it down, analyze its binary patterning: Yes, sir: And mass produce it to serve in the mines: Each unit as an adjunct to a miner: : : To take over some of the more uncomfortable and dangerous procedures: And where is this one-of-a-kind ambu-quad to be found right now? On Earth in New Chicago: And my thought was our morale problem would be Ladies, I have a mission for you: [Wilma.]
Dr: Huer, my instrumentation indicates that the oxygen mass: : : Is maintaining a perfect trajectory: Temperature is holding steady at minus 250 degrees Celsius: Thank you, Colonel: Please keep me posted of even the slightest change in conditions: [Doorbell Beeps.]
Captain Rogers? That's correct: I'm Stella Breet: I'm a contract administrator for Kurt Belzak: : : On the asteroid Toros in Third Quadrant: You'll have to excuse me: I'm a little new around here: I don't know what any of that means: Oh, well, uh, can I come in and explain? Sure: Sure, come in: Come on: Looks just like I imagined it would: Like you "imagined it would"? Oh, we always compile biofiles of all our business associates before we meet them: I didn't know that we were associates: We're not, but we will be: Just exactly who is this, uh, Kurt Belzak? Hmm? Mr: Belzak owns an integrated mining, manufacturing and distribution operation: : : With its headquarters on Toros: He's the, uh, sole supplier of an explosive called blazium: That's very interesting, except I still don't see where I come into this picture: Ah: [Exhales.]
Uh-huh: A million, in round figures: It's yours: What have I done to deserve such generosity? You haven't done anything: It's, uh, payment for your ambu-quad serial number 22-23-T: "T" as in Twiki? Yes: Twiki: - I'm sorry, Stella: He's not for sale: - Oh, I see: You want to negotiate: No: I just don't want to sell Twiki: Well, it-it's just an ambu-quad: No: Twiki's a little more than that: He's, uh He's like a friend: A drone is a drone, Captain: Friends Friends are different: One feels affection for friends: One owns a drone, and anything that is owned can be sold: Except for Twiki: You see, it'd be like selling family: Besides, why does Belzak want my particular ambu-quad? - He's only one of thousands: - I'm not paid to know why, Captain: Uh, Captain Rogers, I need your help: Mr: Belzak will be very upset with me if I come back with nothing: Well, I'd say anything you want except Twiki and me: [Chuckles.]
I understand that: I have a friend who runs a biostereometrical facility: And, well, I thought - Oh, you mean a 3-D photographer: - Yes: Could I take pictures ofTwiki's internal circuitry? [Exhales.]
It-It's not much, but at least it would be something to bring back to Belzak: Yeah, I guess that'd be all right: I don't see any harm in taking pictures ofTwiki's internal circuitry: Besides, knowing the ham he is, he'd probably enjoy it: - "Ham"? - You'll find out what that means when you meet him: Oh: Thank you: Uh This is the address: See you there at 9:00? Fine: [Sighs.]
He wouldn't sell: But we've got a date with Captain Rogers: : : And Twiki: Let's go: Dr: Huer, I'm monitoring an increasing frequency of ionized particles rising rapidly: [Sighs.]
Doctor, I want a detailed radio scan of Quadrant 4 immediately: [Theo.]
Yes, Doctor: But, Doctor, an ion storm of large-enough magnitude could I'm aware of the ramifications, Doctor: Begin gathering data, please: [Chirping.]
Where is everybody, Buck? It's after hours, Twiki: Everyone's gone home: Yeah, here it is: Yeah: Hmm: Captain Rogers: Thank you for bringing the ambu-quad: Now, if you'll just leave it here for a while: [Scoffs.]
No way, Stella: As you wish, Captain: [Grunts.]
[Chirping.]
Hey! Hey! I'm private property: You're trespassing: Ambu-quad prepared: Autopilot set at coordinates 446: Remote facility activated: Excellent: I'll take control: Remain on Earth until the ambu-quad is securely on Toros: [Engines Powering Up.]
[Chirping.]
This "wild blue yonder" stuff is for the birds! Dr: Huer: Twiki's been taken: What? Three women psychokinetics: It's a long story, but I think he was taken to Captain Rogers: I have a report of a non-Terran starfighter being launched: Its digital reference was H270, indicating its port of origin is Toros in the Third Quadrant: An ambu-quad is in the cockpit: I'm going after him: This is Buck Rogers calling H270: Do you read? [Chirping.]
I thought you'd deserted me: The ambu-quad is being followed, Pinchas: Very closely: It appears the two ships may have rendezvoused: Yes: Well, we'll take care of that: - Are you a sight for sore circuits: - You too, pal: - What's the situation on board? - [Chirping.]
It's all remote control, Buck: [Over Monitor.]
I can't do a thing: Buck? Buck Rogers? The Terran owner? All right, Rogers, let's see how good you are: [Chirping.]
Buck, that wasn't me: I know, little buddy: Listen, you gotta pop that canopy and get out of that ship fast: - [Chirping.]
But it's a long walk home: - Don't worry: I'll track you in: - Here I go, Buck! - The drone is out of the ship! Where are you, Buck? Buck! [Chirping.]
Some may like hanging loose, but not this quad: Well, you're good, whoever you are, but you're not quite good enough: So long: This is Starfighter 1314 to Earth Control: Come in, please: [Woman Over Radio.]
You've got New Tulsa Tracking Station, Starfighter 1314: What can we do for you? I've lost an ambu-quad up here: I'm gonna need some help finding him: You've got it, 1314: Well, make it quick, will ya? There's a heavy-gravity body nearby: If I don't pick him up fast, he's gonna crash into it: [Chirping.]
Help! [Continues Chirping.]
[Chirping.]
Hurry, Buck! This is New Tulsa Tracking Station to Starfighter 1314: Go ahead, New Tulsa: We have a fix: Distance 33,000 mega-Ks from Alpha Centauri: Radius vector 33 degrees left off the elliptical plane: : : And elevation 40 degrees north: Roger, New Tulsa: I'm on my way: [Chirping.]
Hurry, Buck! [Continues Chirping.]
[Chirping.]
Thanks, Buck: [Chuckles.]
We're reporting as per schedule: Did the ambu-quad arrive yet? Hardly: The Terran owner intercepted him and brought him back to Earth: Buck Rogers: That would be consistent with the information in his biofile: What are your orders? If the ambu-quad is so important to Buck Rogers, let's see how important Buck Rogers is: : : To Earth: He heads an industrial complex: : : Which controls dozens of intergalactic corporations: The base of his power, though, is in the blazium mines on Toros: What's so important about blazium? Blazium? Well, gram for gram, it's the most powerful explosive ever developed: Mr: Belzak has made millions by selling blazium to any and all buyers: - What did he want with Twiki? - [Chirping.]
Whatever it is, he can't have it: Dr: Huer, this is Colonel Deering: Do you read? [Over Radio.]
Do you read? Yes, Colonel Deering: This is Dr: Huer: We seem to have a substantial amount of interference: We're encountering a rather violent storm, Doctor: The ion count is still alarmingly high: [Radio Static.]
Dr: Theopolis: The data reflects a mature ion storm: : : Sweeping directly across the path of the spaceberg: - Dr: Huer: - Yes, Colonel: The spaceberg has moved off its established flight path: [Switch Clicking.]
Yes, Colonel: That's confirmed by our observations here as well: Please stand by for further instructions: Dr: Huer, if that spaceberg misses the window - What can we do? - Frankly, Buck, I'm not sure: We've moved oxygen in this manner twice before: We've always known there was a risk, but it seemed to be outweighed by the urgent need: - I'm gonna give Wilma a hand: - But there's nothing you can do, Buck: [Sighs.]
Tell her I'm on my way: Captain Rogers: It's nice seeing you again: Where exactly am I? Three minutes out of Stargate 23: An hour from Toros: Hmm: Well, at least Belzak is consistent two kidnappings in a row: Doesn't he know how to say "Please"? - Belzak gets what he wants: - Everything? Why are you doing this? There are reasons, necessities: Hmm: In my apartment, you said something about friends and affection: You just forget about all of that and throw it out the window? - Just a lot of words? - Perhaps something from the nutrition center: Stella, what's Belzak got on you? I'm sorry: I don't want to talk about this right now: Is he threatening you? What's he holding over you? Come on, Stella: Tell me: It's not me: It's my son, Lucas: His father was a: : : Toros general, one of the chosen class: I was a paranormal with psychokinetic powers: Our marriage: : : And our child: : : Were never condoned by the ruling class: When my: : : Husband protested, he was executed as a traitor to his class: He was killed for loving me: The man who signed his death order was Belzak: And on Toros, the son of a traitor is also condemned to a traitor's death: Belzak spared him: As civilian head of the ruling body, he alone could do so: He allowed me to send Lucas to Remus 2, and then he forced me to use my psychokinetic powers for his purposes: If I ever tried to leave him, he'd have Lucas killed: It doesn't have to be that way: [Man Over Radio.]
This is Toros Approach Control to Shuttle 9281: [Man Continues, Indistinct.]
We'll be arriving soon: I hope your stay in Toros will be a pleasant one: Repeat: This is Toros Approach Control to Shuttle 9281: You're cleared for reentry over the outer marker: Welcome: : : To my little corner of the universe, Captain Rogers: Better put that to music: [Laughing.]
May I have the current data, Doctor, please? Current angular displacement of the spaceberg: : : Is approximately three degrees from center, Doctor: It will miss the atmospheric window: : : By nearly 633 kilometers: Might as well be six meters: Once the explosions begin, the entire spaceberg will disintegrate: [Belzak.]
Ah: Dr: Huer, I presume? Yes: And you are? Kurt Belzak, sir: It seems you have a bit of a problem on your hands: Yes, and very little time to talk to you: So, if you don't mind Oh, but I do: Indeed I do: - We need to speak: - About what? About your friend and mine: Buck! How did you How is not important, Doctor: It's what we do next that interests me: I see: What do you want, Belzak? Your Buck Rogers for his drone an even exchange: [Chirping.]
Hey! Belzak, you're already guilty of kidnapping and extortion: How do you expect me to deal with Doc, don't do anything: Belzak, listen to me: My hands are tied: The Directorate strictly forbids responding to such threats: All I can do is turn over the entire matter to the interstellar authorities immediately: Don't be a fool, Doctor: Send me the ambu-quad, or Buck Rogers will suffer the consequences: [Switch Clicks.]
[Exclaims.]
There's nothing I can do to help him: Nothing at all: Under the circumstances, I don't think it necessary to to give Colonel Deering the burden of: : : Knowing: Twiki, where are you going? Twiki? [Chirping.]
What about Buck? Come back here this instant: Twiki: [Chirping.]
Buck, here comes the cavalry: [Engines Powering Up.]
- Geronimo! - [Engines Blast.]
[Chirping.]
Hang on, Buck: I'm on my way: I think I've done you a great service, Captain Rogers: Oh, really? That oxygen-mass transport project was: : : Ingenious, daring: : : And will ultimately prove to be fatal to your Terran brethren: I think they'll find a way to get it back on course: It's possible but not probable: One doesn't just nudge Oh, I should like to convince you: : : That a man of your reputed talents has a place here on Toros: After all, your Terran brethren have abandoned you: Perhaps: I don't think you need those anymore: Unshackle Captain Rogers: Bring him on our morning rounds: [Handcuffs Buzz.]
Let's see if we can make him a convert to our cause: This is the very heart of our blazium operation: The raw ore is dissolved in hydrochloric acid, reducing it to a pure crystal form: As an explosive, it has unique properties: Aside from its power, it's the quickest-burning and the hottest, which makes it particularly useful in the cold of space: It must be difficult storing an explosive like this: Not at all: You're holding enough blazium to destroy a small moon with ease: Don't worry, Captain: Blazium needs a substantial amount of energy to ignite: Consequently, it's quite stable: I can see that you're genuinely interested, Captain: - Fascinated: - Good: Very good: I can see a glorious future for you here, Captain: Those mines are nearly a flawless operation, except they depend on men to work them: It should be obvious why I need your remarkable ambu-quad, with all the 20th-century talent you have imbued him with, combined, of course, with your own: Well, I really hate to tell you this, Belzak, but, uh, Twiki is chronically lazy: [Beeps.]
[Chirping.]
Oops: I guess I blew it, Buck: - Twiki, what are you doing here? Dr: Huer didn't - [Chirping.]
I came on my own: - Prepare the ambu-quad for disassembly: - [Chirps.]
Uh-oh! [Chirping.]
Help! Hang on, Buck: [Belzak.]
Stop him! He's only one man: Stop him! Keep your hands right where I can see 'em: All right, Twiki: Let's go: [Chirping.]
You got it, boss: [Beeps.]
Keep goin', Twiki: This is ridiculous: One drone and a Terran have me trapped in my own quarters? Deploy a squadron of guards in each of the main corridors: I want that ambu-quad back in one piece: And I want Rogers dead or alive! Pinchas! Hold it, Twiki: That blazium storage room must be around here somewhere: [Chirping.]
Blazium? Let's just get outta here: I think that blazium might just solve our spaceberg crisis: Something Belzak said about its properties: Come on: [High-pitched Tone.]
[Chirping.]
What's wrong? That noise! It's goin' right through my head! [Groans.]
[Tone Continues.]
[Chirping.]
Give me a boost, Buck: - Buck: - [Gasping.]
[Moans.]
[Man Over Radio.]
Interloper in Subsection 9, Corridor 3A, sonic chamber: Good: I'm sure Captain Rogers is getting an earful: Shall we join him? [Tone Continues.]
[Chirping.]
Higher, Buck: [Explosions.]
[Chirping.]
Let's move it, Buck! We've got a plane to catch: They've escaped: Impossible: The sonic chamber has Has absolutely no effect on a drone, idiot! Look: [Chirping.]
That's why I let you go first, Buck: Must be some kind of energy field: [Moans.]
Solid as a rock: [Chirping.]
Now what, Buck? Stella can deactivate that thing: All right, Twiki, you hide under that catwalk: Don't move, and hold on to that blazium: I'll be right back: Spread out: Search the bays: Dr: Huer, I don't think we're having the slightest effect on the spaceberg: I'm afraid your analysis is correct, Colonel, as I feared it would be: The window is our only hope: Without it [Beeps.]
Stella, I need your help: [People Chattering.]
[Chirping.]
What's keeping you, Buck? I can't do it: If Belzak finds out He won't, not for a while at least: And by that time, we'll be long gone: I told you, he has agents on Remus 2: He'll have Lucas killed: I know it: Remus 2 is under the Directorate's jurisdiction: We'll have Lucas brought to Earth where Belzak can't reach him: It's too late to start over: This is where I belong: Stella, give yourself a chance: Give Lucas a chance: I'm sorry: I can't: Stella, my planet is in danger of being very, very badly damaged, perhaps even destroyed: I've got a chance of saving it: In order to do that, I've gotta get out of here, but I can't without your help: [Takes Deep Breath, Exhales.]
All right, Buck, I'll deactivate the energy wall: [Beeps.]
Welcome, Captain: I see the lovely Stella has found you first: Very good work, my dear: Belzak, l She is very persuasive: Yes, well, all good things must come to an end, Captain: - Now, where's your ambu-quad? - I don't know: I think I left him down in one of the tunnels: I'm not sure: Such a transparently thin subterfuge, Captain: Never mind: We'll find him: Take him away: - Hold it! - Really, Captain: Don't you ever know when to cease? - Heads up, Buck! - [Grunts.]
Come on! Move! Hold on, Rogers! The ladies would like your attention just for a moment: Ladies: [Chirping.]
Buck! Terribly sorry to end our relationship this way, Captain: Stella, don't do this: Don't let Belzak win: Save your breath, Captain: She hears no one but me: Stella, listen to me! - Continue the mind meld: - [Buck Straining.]
- Stella: - I want Rogers in that acid: - [Straining.]
- Now! [Groaning.]
Stella! I can help you: Don't listen to him: Your son will die without my help: If I die, your last chance to leave this place dies with me: L: : : Command you! One move, and he dies: Come on, Buck: Let's get outta here: You fools:! The Earth is dying:! Don't you understand? Stella, you've condemned your son to death: [Man Over P: A:.]
Your approach to Toros cleared for landing: Dr: Huer, we're registering a change in surface temperature: It's reaching the outer layers of the atmosphere: It's beginning to heat: I show a reading minus 243 degrees Celsius and rising: If it reaches 217 degrees, the entire mass will become completely unstable: Beyond that point, ignition of the oxygen is: : : Inevitable: Buck Rogers calling Earth Defense Directorate: [Over Radio.]
Repeat: Buck Rogers calling Earth Defense Directorate: Buck! What's happened? How in galaxy did you I'll fill you in later, Doc: What's the status on the berg? Well, we haven't been able to alter its trajectory, and it is now approaching one minute and 23 seconds from entering the atmosphere: On the wrong trajectory: Wilma, Dr: Huer: - I think I have a way to get the berg back on trajectory: - I'm listening: Blazium is fast-burning and extremely hot: If we plant the right amount in the right place and detonate it, then we'll Shift it and let gravity take over: Ah! It sounds reckless, Buck: Captain Rogers's theory is sound, Doctor: But he has no apparatus on board to guarantee an accurate placement: I'm just gonna have to eyeball it, Doc: Give me the coordinates: Very well: We have no choice: Doctor, we need volume, mass, distance from Earth, angular differential: Please, Doctor, I have anticipated the requisites: Those figures are now coming through on the C6000: [People Chattering.]
Excellent: Buck, your angular differential is three degrees, four minutes and 22 seconds: Now we must reduce the berg's mass by 4:0923: How much blazium do you have aboard? It's a two-kilo brick: Doctor? Reduce it by half: Reduce it by half, Buck: Roger: Now, from your angle of approach, Buck, you're going to have to lay down the blazium on the following coordinates: M23: 11: [Punching Keyboard.]
And D 17:9: [Punching Keyboard.]
- Got it: - And good luck: Wilma, clear everybody from the vicinity of that berg: I want you to hang up there at about 20,000 kilometers: As soon as I lay the blazium down, hit it with a full-power pulsar and get out of there: I understand, Buck, but what are you gonna do about the primary explosion? I'm gonna try to get out of there myself: I'm getting a reading of minus 225 degrees, and we are within 22 seconds of the critical range: - You ready? - Yeah, I think so: [Chirping.]
Play it as it lays, Buck: - I'm on my way, Wilma: - Standing by: Pulsars ready: Here we go: Eight ball in the side pocket: [Power Burst.]
[Buck.]
It's all yours, Wilma: Got it, Buck: Doctor Huer, what's happening? Doc? By heavens, it's working: It's bringing this mass back into its proper trajectory: I record a satisfactory entrance through the atmospheric window, Doctor: You've done it, Buck! You've done it! [Chattering.]
I don't know exactly how, but you've done it, my friend: I don't know how you do it either, but I'm sure glad you do: [Chuckling.]
Terran ingenuity, I guess: [Chirping.]
And a little luck: [Laughing.]
Let's head for home: Well, it's official: Kurt Belzak has been overthrown by the miners on Toros: Oh, that's wonderful: Yes: They've exiled him to a planet in the Sixth Quadrant: You won't have to worry about him for a long time to come: And we've made contact with our people on Remus 2: Lucas will be arriving on the next shuttle: I'll never be able to thank you: Especially you, Buck: Mm: All of us owe Buck our thanks: Wait a minute: Let's not forget about Twiki here: [Chirping.]
No big deal, Buck: No big deal? You let yourself get kidnapped and almost got lost in space: Then you went A: W: O: L: And almost got yourself dissected by Belzak's goons, not to mention nearly getting me burned to a crisp: [Chirps.]
Give me a break, Buck: Give you a break? I'll give you a break: Two weeks hard labor, bread and water: : : And a suspended sentence: [Chuckles.]
- Thanks for your help, buddy: - [Chirping.]
You're worth it, Buck: - [Chuckling.]
- [Chuckling.]
I think: