Space: 1999 s02e24 Episode Script

'Moonbase Alpha Status Report.
2,409 days after leaving Earth's orbit.
'Dr Helena Russell recording.
'Scanners have detected a mysterious object in our West Quadrant.
'Our sensors indicate an active power source inside, 'but register no life forms.
' It's radiating some kind of energy field.
How powerful? It's too weak to have any offensive potential.
Radiation factor insignificant.
- It's highly sensitive to matter.
- Let's have a look at it.
It could be some kind of robot survey device.
Commander, something's triggered an energy build-up inside it.
Red alert! Defence teams into position! - Raise defence shields! - Medical units - stand by.
Surface Eagles to underground hangars.
'All other personnel into protective areas, and stand by.
' It's through the shields! (Continuous low humming) (Humming grows more intense) Helena! The pain - it's tearing out my mind! HELP ME! Maya! Let me see that.
- What's the matter with her? - I can't tell.
- Alibe, contact that thing.
- Yes, sir.
What happened to her? I'm not sure.
Some kind of shock effect.
(Alibe) .
.
this is Moonbase Alpha.
Come in.
Can you read me? Come in, please.
Welcome back.
- Are you all right? - Yes, I think so.
- Easy now.
Here we go.
- That's it.
- What was that? - A mind probe.
- A mind probe? - Yeah, it probed all of us.
All of us? When it found me it changed intensity.
- It almost tore my brain apart.
- Here, come on.
Helena, why did it single her out? Her physiology IS different.
It could be that.
Yeah.
- Alibe! Can't you raise that thing? - I'm trying, Commander.
Tony, Maya, I want a sensor reading on that thing.
(Alibe) Do you read me? Come in, please.
- That probe could have killed her.
- Yeah.
No sign of brain damage? None that registers.
No response.
That probe has burned out the data bank.
- Anything, Maya? - No more than before.
A highly sensitive force field with no sign of life.
Why don't we just blast it out of space? - Maybe.
Yeah, maybe.
Alibe? - Still no response, Commander.
It's converted to raw matter.
Also solidifying and expanding fast.
(Maya) It's a spaceship! - Dorcons! Dorcons! - Maya, what is it? - What is it? - It's a Dorcon spaceship.
Take it easy! It's after me! Alan, scan that ship.
Find out what you can.
Check.
That light It was a Dorcon probe.
- Take it easy! - You don't understand! None of you! It's a Dorcon spaceship.
Easy, Maya, easy.
What are Dorcons? Enemies - Enemies Psychons fear most of all.
- Maya, you're with us.
- There's nothing to fear.
- You can't help me! Not against them.
John, that ship's got a meson converter on board.
- Meson converter? - What is that? It's a means of transforming matter into energy and reshaping it in whatever form they like.
And shift it through space almost simultaneously.
- So they can transport matter? - You saw how the spaceship arrived.
Commander, those are Dorcons the most powerful race in the galaxy.
I think I'm getting through.
A signal from the alien base, Archon.
Ignore it, Uncle.
- Give the order to invade.
- And if they resist? They resist? They die.
And the Psychon, Malic? It is consul Varda's duty to take her alive.
But it would please you more to see her dead? - No, Uncle.
- I know what is in your mind, Malic.
Your advice is rejected.
The scanner report on these Alphans show they are an intelligent race.
Consul Varda, arrange it how you must.
But I want that Psychon.
- I shall contact them immediately.
- And we shall observe.
For centuries they've pursued my people, hunting us like animals.
Why, Maya? The Dorcons control all the forces of nature except onedeath.
They know that through us they can achieve immortality.
Commander, promise me you won't let them take me alive.
(Alibe) Commander, I'm getting a signal.
'Greetings, Commander.
I am Consul Varda of the planet Dorca.
'We've journeyed far to meet your people.
' Yes.
And attacked one of my crew.
'We regret the necessity of our action.
'We needed confirmation.
' A question would have been simple and harmless.
You are right.
Forgive us.
'I'll withhold forgiveness until I'm sure of your intentions.
' Our intentions are peaceful.
I represent the Imperial Archon, supreme leader of the Federated Worlds of Dorcon.
All right.
Now we know who you are.
What do you want? 'Your cooperation.
' We're always ready to cooperate for the common good.
'But your actions so far make me doubt your intentions.
' You have a Psychon among your people.
Yes, we have.
'Arrange to transport her up to our ship immediately.
' Negative.
- Invade, Uncle.
We waste time.
- There is no need.
Commander, the Psychon will tell you how futile it is to resist us.
Resistance IS futile.
Maya, we are not going to let them take you.
Varda, thank you for demonstrating yourPEACEFUL intentions.
Do as I ask, or I will demonstrate my power.
- Tony, lasers! - Yes, sir.
Arm surface lasers.
'Resistance is futile.
Surrender the Psychon.
' - Prepare to launch combat Eagles.
- All Eagle crews to combat stations.
'Commander, you are bringing death to your people.
' They'll kill everyone! You can't stop them! Maya! 'Heed the Psychon, Koenig.
' - Tony! Secure the base! - No! Let me go before it's too late.
- You're not going with them.
- Tony! 'I admire your readiness to die for your principles, Commander.
'Are the rest of you prepared to die, too?' 'Combat Eagle Group ready for launch.
' Maintain full alert.
Seal every exit throughout the base.
- Security units.
- In position, Commander.
- Keep exits covered at all times.
- Yes, sir.
- Damage crews.
- Standing by.
- Medical has been evacuated.
- Good.
Maya, any movement? Not yet.
Commander, sealed doors won't stop the Dorcons.
Maya.
Before, you said something about immortality.
"The Psychons gave them immortality.
" How? - Our brain stems.
- What? They want your brain stem? They don't die as our races do.
Their brain stems cease to function at a certain age.
They discovered that Psychon brain stems last forever.
A surgical transfer to a Dorcon brainis all it takes? Yes.
They want us to give you up for that? - It's obscene! - Tony, I'm the last living Psychon.
They won't leave without me.
I don't want to hear.
She failed you, Uncle! I assumed they were reasonable, Malic.
We've lost the element of surprise.
We should have invaded! Silence! - Uncle, I wish to serve you.
- I know what you wish! You wish my death.
I know.
I know.
But I won't die.
Will I, Consul? You have earned your immortality, Archon.
Then get me that Psychon! Get her, Varda! Get her.
- He's such a difficult man to serve.
- He is the Archon.
He's an old man, Varda.
And you want to make him immortal? Yes, Malic.
It seems you are fated to remain heir to the throne and nothing more.
And you approve? Yes, Malic.
You are not fit to lead our people.
We shall see, Consul.
We shall see.
Action stations! Select target! John! Energy build up.
Target selected.
Fire! Fire, target two.
Laser batteries knocked out.
Perimeter areas 4, 6 and 9 destroyed.
Launch Eagles! 'That craft is shielded, we can't touch it.
' Get away from it, Alan! 'We've lost Eagle Four.
' Back off, Alan! Back off! Get back! This way.
Here we go, let me see.
Commander! We've got to give in! Commander, we can't take any more! Commander, let them have Maya - Why should we all die for her? - He's right, Commander.
- No, Maya.
- Give her to the Dorcons! - Put that laser down, Stewart! - Let them have her, Commander.
- I've got it! - Helena! Kill me.
- I can't, Maya.
- Maya! If I'm dead, they'll leave.
Use the laser, Helena, please.
Helena! Do you want to see me like a living husk? Do you? I will be if they take me alive! Kill me! Please! Helena! - Alibe, contact them.
- Yes, sir.
Varda! Call off the attack! 'You know our terms, Commander.
' Here she is, Varda! The last living Psychon.
Call off the attack or she dies! 'And you lose!' Cease bombardment.
OK.
We've stalled them for now.
Activate the meson converter.
Pinpoint the area where they hold the Psychon.
- Located.
- Lock in the converter.
Locked.
Alert Group One for immediate action.
Eight perimeter stations gone.
One ship, one pilot lost.
Thompson, Eagle Four.
That's two dead, eleven injured, two missing.
People injuredkilled It's all my fault.
No, Maya.
The Dorcons are to blame, not you.
They won't go away.
It's a waste.
- They won't go away.
- I know.
John! Maya, transform! No! Commander, tell your people that you have capitulated and that we are not here to harm them.
Please.
This is Commander John Koenig.
'Alpha has been invaded by superior military force.
'We have no choice but surrender.
' You'll be safe, providing you stay at your posts.
'Remain calm.
' Await further instructions.
Thank you.
The Psychonwhere is she? We have the means to find her.
Painful means.
So, please, if you wish to spare her.
Spare us your concern, Consul! As you wish.
Stop it! You've found her.
Just stop the beam! I'm sorry it had to happen this way.
But I did warn you.
- You have what you want.
- Yes, Commander.
And your people have suffered enough.
We shall leave you in peace.
- Varda.
- Goodbye, Commander.
Switch off the transporter beam.
Koenig! - Commander! - Psychon! - You cannot escape, Psychon.
- Consul Varda! - The Psychon? - Yes, Archon.
Speak, child.
What are you called? Maya.
Daughter of Mentor.
Well, Maya, daughter of Mentor, your struggles are over.
Prepare her for transfer surgery.
The alien Commander.
Kill him! - I gave my word he would live.
- Then send him back.
Immediately! I will be rid of these creatures.
I shall, Archon, the moment the converter has recharged.
Yes, yes.
And Consul Varda Congratulations.
Secure him.
- So you got the Psychon? - Yes, Malic.
Wait! You will carry out the brain stem transfer? No, Malic.
We went to that trouble for no reason(!) He's an old man, Varda.
Let him die.
So you can be the Archon in his place? I am his HEIR.
It is my right.
He gives us peace and stability.
What do you offer, Malic? To you, Varda, whatever you ask IF you let him die.
And bring war and misery and disaster upon our people? No, Malic.
The Archon may not be perfect, but unlike you, the interests of our people are his chief concern.
You will regret this, Consul.
Deny Excellency Malic access to the Archon until further notice.
'Yes, Consul.
' A brief moment of pain and it will be over.
- Are you sure she can't transform? - Not while the beam is active.
- Inform me when you are ready.
- Yes, Consul.
Consul.
Release him.
- Where is she? - Forget the Psychon, Commander.
- What have you done to her? - Transfer requires preparation.
- Then she's still alive? - Yes.
If it's any comfort, she won't suffer.
No, she'd need a mind for that, and she won't have one, right? - I understand your bitterness.
- Sure you do! The security of an empire is at stake.
One that controls thousands of inhabited worlds.
What is the life of one Psychon compared to that? Are you justifying your actions to me or yourself? Meson beam ready to transport, Consul.
Stand by.
It's time to go back to your own people, Commander.
- I'm sorry, Excellency.
- You refuse ME entry to the Archon? Consul Varda's orders, Excellency.
Meson convertera machine that transmits matter.
I'm impressed, Consul.
Anti-matter coils recharged.
- Anti-matter? - Its energy source, Commander.
Nature's own demon, caged.
Unleashed it could tear space itself apart.
Ready for transfer surgery, Consul.
Excellent.
As soon as the beam is functional, send him back.
If he resists, kill him.
Goodbye, Commander.
Ready to transport.
Kill him, Excellency! I am Malic, Commander.
It seems you must die.
And we've yet to become acquainted.
Sad, isn't it? You're free, alien.
You want the Psychon, don't you? You're being too kindMalic.
Why? And you know what they'll do to her there.
Gobefore it's too late.
Go! Before I change my mind.
The alien has escaped.
Alert the ship.
(Door opens) Archon.
It is time.
Varda.
I dream an old man's dream of death and find you here to arrange my immortality.
'Archon, the alien Commander has escaped.
' I shall deal with this, Archon.
No, I want you here.
Have your men find him.
The alien is to be killed on sight.
Is that clear? 'Yes, Consul.
' To reduce such a beautiful creature to a living husk - Not a pleasant thought, Consul? - We have no choice, Archon.
You must go on living.
Our continuing security demands it.
True.
In a sense, we are both victims.
The Psychon condemned to living death and I to life eternal.
Well, let us proceed.
Whatever would you do without me, alien? Which way is the trap door, Malic? Ah, you do not trust me.
Of course I do.
I do like an honest answer.
(Door opens) You'd better go! The surgical area is at the end of the corridor.
They'll be removing her brain stem about now.
The alien has gone berserk, Consul.
He is armed and dangerous.
- My men have orders to kill him.
- They have failed.
He is looking for you.
Find him, Consul Varda.
Keep him from this area.
My medical officer will do what is necessary here.
I am ready.
(Bleep) (Guard) 'We've searched the forward sector.
There's no sign of him.
' - Regroup at Sector D.
- 'Yes, Consul.
' - Has the transfer taken place? - In a moment it will be complete.
Thank you.
Malic? It is I, Uncle.
Is it over? All over, Unclefor you! But for methe beginning! What are you doing? - Where's Consul Varda? - I had to arrange her absence.
- Malic! Stop it! - It's your own fault, Uncle.
You wouldn't trust me, would you? Tried to cheat me out of what was mine by right.
Stop! I beg you, stop! Malic, release me! Too late, Uncle.
You'll never know what a good Archon I'll make.
Of course, I shall keep the Psychon for myself.
Wellimmortality is wasted on the old, isn't it? Malic! Sleep, Uncle.
Sleep.
Sleep.
Maya! - Maya, all right? - Yeah.
Can you make the transporter beam? - Yeah, I'm fine.
- Let's go.
Dorcons, attention! Attention! 'The Archon is dead.
Killed by the alien.
'As heir to the throne, I, Malic, now assume command.
' Not so crazy after all.
'Dorcon soldiers, as Archon I order you to find 'this alien murderer and kill him on sight.
'But the Psychon must be taken alive.
' Those about to livesalute you! (Whispers) Archon.
Archon! (Varda) Take his weapon! - Do you know what you've done? - Prevented a crime.
You are a destructive man, Koenig.
You must die.
As will she and all on your base for the crime you've committed.
- You said you'd spare my base.
- A Dorcon's word.
- You killed the Archon.
- I did not! (Malic) Consul You may kill him but the Psychon lives.
My late uncle had a most excellent plan for her.
- Varda, Malic killed him.
- Finish him! I command it.
I saw him do it.
He used ME as a decoy.
Malic! Soldiers, arrest Consul Varda! No! He killed your leader.
- Of course.
- Disarm her! Murdering imbecile! You are unfit to live! The shield! The anti-matter shield's gone! Let's go! - Helena! - Maya! Maya, are you all right? Obey! Obey! I am the Archon! I AM THE ARCHON! She was quite a womanafter all.
Oh! Who was quite a woman, after all? Consul Varda.
- What shape are we in, Tony? - Repairs are well in hand, John.
Compliments of the computer two genuine, Thanks, Alan.
You know, Maya, I was just wondering something.
What? Is there anything else in your Psychon past we need to know about? That's a highly improper question to ask ANY lady, Tony.
I beg your pardon.
You'd better let us take care of your hands.
My place or yours? - How about Medical Center? - Whatever you say, Doctor.