Earth: Final Conflict s03e08 Episode Script
Pad'ar
Previously on Gene Roddenberry's Earth Final Conflict: Our bio-surrogate prototype has been confiscated by Zo'or.
It's now a military operation.
These bio-surrogates are the perfect conduit for the fighting spirit and military expertise of your men.
Once we transfer the consciousness of a trained combat soldier into the bio-surrogate, nothing will stand against it.
I'm not working at the Doors International for Taelon money.
Because you're already rich.
The issue is why this thing is killing people.
We tested in vivo and virtual.
It's so safe the FDA fast tracked it.
I've got 5 corpses who say differently.
You want kids? No, I'm just not sure if I wanna bring them into this world.
Pad'ar.
Where two warriors meet in combat, and victory is the only option.
In a culmination of the year of trials, combat and elimination rounds.
Tonight's match is Doors International's Puls-8 versus the Transamerica Electric's Torque.
As we all know, Pad'ar evolved from mortal combat into a meditative ritual for our friends, the Taelons.
All of their familiar elements of this great game, the rings, the staffs, the center sphere.
Each of these is an important symbol for the Companions.
So, forget about meditation, ladies and gentlemen.
We are here for the action.
And Pad'ar is action to the extreme.
We want to extend the special welcome to millions of fans jack patched into these noble Pad'ar warriors, fans, brave enough, to climb into the rings and literally share the adrenaline pumping Pad'ar experience with their favorite Pad'ar warrior.
I don't trust these jack patches.
Hey, I gotta compete, and as you can see, business is booming.
Let's get ready for Pad'ar.
The fighters have started with basic sparring maneuvers at the base of the ring.
Neither fighter wants to make a mistake of dropping prematurely off the sphere.
Puls-8 spins for better leverage.
Torque connects with the kick.
Puls-8 ducks and nails a counterattack.
Torque takes Puls-8 to the ground.
Torque plunges to the upper rings and blasts Puls-8 with a laser gun.
Puls-8 takes the hit, but just right after it goes after Torque.
- Yeah! Alright! Come on! - Torque's utility of the rings is pushing Puls-8 to choose the wall-run ruse there.
Fatigue is the benefactor in this match.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is incredible action! Looks like Torque's going for the center sphere.
A dangerous strategy, it backfires as often as it works.
Check it out.
Torque's using the ring's 360 gravity field.
It looks to me like Puls-8 might have been beaten out too fast this time.
Puls-8's on target, kicks to the thorax plexus.
Kick to the thorax plexus.
Puls-8 is going for the 360 reverse.
Torque doesn't know what's coming.
Perfect execution.
Torque goes flying into the energy net.
Puls-8 is the winner! goes on to the next round.
Is that great or what? You okay? - Yeah, I'm fine.
- It's reality.
Puls-8 takes round one of the Pad'ar tournament of champions.
It's a big night for Puls-8 and a big night for Doors International.
Well done.
We could be looking at Pad'ar's first female champion.
Puls-8 aka Arcadia Frost.
- You were great out there.
- Thanks.
For the best man won.
You watch your back, because I'll see you dead.
Axarion They have come to Earth with the promise of peace.
An alien race called the Taelons.
But, there are those who resist these Alien Companions.
For the Taelons' true mission, the secrets they hide will forever alter our world.
The fate of humanity now relies on those who dare challenge the future of Earth.
You know, I was just starting to get somewhere with that brunette back at the bar, thank you.
Was it really necessary to drag me out of the bar just for this? - Listen, how do patches work? - I'm telling you, they're fine.
What are these little discs for? You mean those? They're hypo-patches.
They're kinda like nicotine patches except that these are remotely linked to The neuro-synthetic grid on our armor, which is wired to our nervous systems.
Thanks.
Every time we take a hit, every time we connect with a blow, the wearer is hit with a galvanic impulse of response from the jack patch.
Kind of the next best thing of being there, huh? One way of looking at it.
The fans love the rash, and we love the fans.
Anything else you wish to know? I think that's it.
Didn't waste any time creating her holo, huh? A guy's gotta have a little fun.
You should try it sometime.
Besides, who better to answer any questions you've got? Happy now? Just thrilled.
Think you can handle being flavor of the month? I never mistake attention for affection.
- Well, good luck.
- Hi.
So, what do you think? About Pad'ar combat.
Fabulous.
A warrior from new millennia.
It's the jack patches I'm worried about.
Jack patches are like a thrill ride, they make a direct boost of adrenaline.
And my R&D staff assured me it's no more dangerous that the virtual reality booth.
Maybe so, but one of the fans had a seizure here last night.
Ah, yeah, but one fan does not a conspiracy make.
Meanwhile I'm diverting what we're doing from the jack patches to the Resistance.
Now Who do I have to kill to get a drink around here? - Hey, Liam, did you see the match? - You were incredible.
Thanks.
Hey, last night I saw you hanging with the guy who seemed to have a reaction to the jack patches.
- Oh, you mean Vernon? - Vernon? Vernon Getz.
Vernon Getz, right.
Hey, thanks a lot.
I want to know about Pad'ar, Da'an.
Are you referring to Taelon Pad'ar? Or do you mean this game your species plays? Is there a difference? In ancient times Pad'ar was used to decide disputes in lieu of devastating warfare amongst my species.
This was crafted before humans walked upright.
And over the ages handed down through my ancestral line.
The orb in the center is called Ka'thos, it symbolizes the home world.
The rings are Me'hib, the arks of life, while the staves, Vi'os, represent the link to the next plane of existence.
Was Pad'ar always this violent? Many Taelons died in the rings.
But Pad'ar evolved into a sacred ritual.
A ritual that has been trampled into a game for overgrown children.
Does Zo'or have anything to do with the jack patches? Not directly.
The jack patches are based on our technology, but are produced entirely under the auspices of Doors International.
One more.
- Good workout.
- Thanks.
You should see me when I'm in shape.
Just kidding.
So, you're still serious about getting in the Pad'ar rings? I don't say I wanna compete, but I've been practicing.
Let's see what you got.
You're on.
I'll lead.
Remember what I taught you, Renee? Focus.
It's always that move.
I can't get it.
- The Vu'tage.
- Yeah.
It's a particularly tough series of moves.
- And you get better every time.
- Not quickly enough.
I can assure you, I was not born knowing how to fight like this.
- Thanks for the reality check.
- Don't mention it.
- Ready to go again? - You bet.
My name is Liam Kincaid, Dr.
Catlet, and I'd like to ask you a few questions about Pad'ar jack patches.
I understand you're treating a patient named Vernon Getz.
Yes.
I witnessed him having a minor seizure last night.
I'm treating Vernon for a neurological disorder.
It's my understanding that the jack patches receive neuronic impulses from the warriors and then release adrenaline into the body.
Could that have anything to do with your patient's disorder? It's a possibility, yes, but I would rather err on the side of caution.
Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't violate my patient's privacy, but For the sake of public safety It could be you laughing.
I'm telling you, never realized one body could hurt so much in so many places.
Who could've guessed dancing with stick can be so painful.
Like I said, Renee, you're getting better every time.
If I could only learn to be a CEO the way you took the Pad'ar Well, I'd trade places with you a New York minute.
Oh, what? You're gonna tell me it's lonely in that spotlight? I can't remember the last time I had dinner with a nice guy.
I don't even remember what a nice guy is.
No offense.
Men often find me a little too powerful for their ego.
Oh, you think men find you too powerful? How do you think they feel about me? Maybe we have more in common than we thought.
Yeah.
Oh my God, can you believe we just blown the whole afternoon? We're gonna have to hustle if we gonna make it to the bout in time.
- Lots of time.
- Speaking for myself, I need at least an hour to pull myself together for the public.
That fame thing, remember? I remember.
Well, you go ahead.
I need another 5, maybe 10.
I had to sedate him after his last seizure.
Again, I don't know whether it's jack patch-related, but it certainly seems possible.
I'm compiling data and In the meanwhile, I keep hearing about similar cases every day.
Here and across the country.
Have you spoken to anyone at Doors International about this? No, until my findings are complete, I think it's a bit premature.
When you've completed your tests, please, give me a call.
I will, thank you.
All three insist they're interested, but neither is willing to commit to your conditions.
I can afford to be patient for just so long, Agent Sandoval.
This is a delicately balanced game we're playing, and it is imperative I have a commitment before the truth about Pad'ar is revealed.
Torque is done, lads, he takes blows from Sturm's hands.
Ladies and gentlemen, it looks like Torque's worth holding his own against Sturm.
Like hell he is.
Sturm is twice stronger than Torque is.
Sturm's relentless.
He's mashing Torque all over the rings.
Like that you mean? But Sturm's not ready to throw in the towel just yet and Torque's not going down without a fight.
Sturm smashes Torque in the back gaining the advantage.
Look at them, Augur, they can't be safe.
Yeah, well, you said it yourself.
This Dr.
Catlet's only done a preliminary studies, right? Yeah, she's got one person in the hospital.
But Strum's not ready to throw in the towel just yet.
After losing in the first round to Puls-8, it's got to be killing Torque to be avoided by his own mate.
Crashing blow to Torque's head and he slams to the ground! - Yes.
- Torque down for knockout! This is amazing.
Sturm raises his hands in the air, his classic victory pose.
Something wrong.
He's falling out of the ring.
Something has gone horribly wrong with Sturm und Drang.
Oh, my God.
I have determined that the death of Jeffrey Peak, who fought under the name Sturm und Drang, was the direct result of previously undiagnosed condition.
And that neither the International Pad'ar Association nor his opponent have any culpability in this tragedy.
That said, I'm recommending that all Pad'ar warriors be tested for this specific condition, just in case.
Direct any questions you might have to my office, please.
I've got to see to these tests.
So, how about dinner when you're done up here? - Okay, it's a deal.
- I'll see you later.
What happened here, Health Department finally shut you down? Thanks, Renee, you always have a ray of despair and a wave of sunshine.
With the bouts postponed, while the Pad'ar warriors get their physical, Augur's new customer base just evaporated.
Yes, and you don't have to sound so pleased about it.
So, what does the doctor say anyway? Well, Sturm, aka Jeff Peak, apparently died of an undiagnosed neurological ailment.
So, there's no problem then, right? I'm not so sure, Dr.
Kronkeit is in Sandoval's pocket, so, anything he says has to be taken with a grain of salt.
What are you getting at? Let me run this by you.
The neural impulses travel from the Pad'ar warriors to the jack patches, right? - So? - So, if a thousands of jack patches, wired into a warrior would to send those same impulses back to the warrior? That kind of mass emotional reaction could've caused Sturm's death.
None of our simulations showed any indication of feedback.
Do you have a copy of the autopsy report? Sure, but there's nothing here to support your theory.
Ah, you're right.
But there's something about this Kronkeit I don't trust.
- Zo'or.
- Doctor.
I wanted to congratulate you on your victory, Arcadia Frost.
I'd like to thank you for the opportunity of my life, Zo'or.
An opportunity is meaningless if nothing is done with it.
You have done much to carry on the noble tradition of Pad'ar.
Thank you.
This is an unqualified disaster.
The death of this Pad'ar warrior has dealt my plans a crippling blow, Sandoval Agent.
If you had chosen better subjects, we might not be having this discussion.
This incident will have a positive effect, Zo'or.
Both on the audience who will surely want to be on hand in the case such a tragedy should happen again, and on our clients who only care about results.
Dr.
Catlet.
Oh, Major.
It's a pleasure to see you again.
Anything further on your jack patch research? Still compiling data.
But the death of the Pad'ar warrior raises a whole new set of questions.
I take it this isn't a social call.
As a matter of fact, I came to ask you a favor.
I need access to the National Medical Records to narrow down a list of suspects in the Resistance attack.
What about the Taelons' databanks? Well, frankly, for what I need, the medical database is more direct.
Do you have a global with you? You can use it to download the information you need.
I have to take Vernon to the lab for some tests.
Well, thank you, doctor, I owe you one.
- It's encrypted.
- I'd need you to tell me that, why do you think I brought it here in the first place? Ooh, a little testy today, are we? Listen, I'm gonna need you to get me two shuttle passes - And VIP tickets to the Pad'ar arena.
- You don't even like Pad'ar.
Yeah, but it's a good way to get back on track with that brunette that you pulled me away from.
Here we go.
You heard my price, right? Fine, a shuttle pass and two VIP seats at the Pad'ar arena.
Sturm died Huntington's Chorea? It says here that Huntington's Chorea is a degenerative neurological disorder, only found in people over 60.
That Pad'ar warrior couldn't have been a day over 25.
Sturm, Jeff Peak was perfectly healthy and barely 25.
How does a guy like that suffer from a degenerative disorder that doesn't kick in until 60? My question exactly.
So, let's, at least, entertain the possibility that this was a freak accident caused by mass neural feedback form the jack patches.
Well, I can't argue with you something weird is going on here.
Doors International is the biggest sponsor Pad'ar's got.
So? I want you to use some of that VIP club of yours to dig into this Jeff Peak's medical background.
Alright.
And what are you going to do? I'm gonna drop in on Dr.
Catlet, see if she can tie some of these loose ends together for us.
The Pad'ar warriors are en route to Earth.
All tested negative for the condition that killed Sturm und Drang, of course.
Tonight's bout will be a memorial tribute to the fallen Pad'ar warrior.
Yes.
And as I predicted, jack patch receipts are 3 times the normal for such an event.
Fascinating.
The greater the risk of bodily harm, the keener the interest of your species.
Even death cannot stop the human thirst for Pad'ar.
What is the status of our negotiations? The Mossad's proposal is utterly unacceptable.
All that matters now is who comes up with the best offer.
So, this is what they pay you the big bucks for.
- Hanging around on the corner? - Let me guess, the test went well.
- I got clean bill health.
- Good.
Let's eat.
Something bothers you, Renee? No, nothing.
Actually, yeah.
When you are in the rings, are you wearing any kind of feedback? - Feedback? - Yeah, the jack patches.
I've never experienced anything like that.
Is that what you think might have happened to Jeff? No, it's just a theory.
Nothing to worry about.
- I thought I told you to stay in bed.
- I wanted to see you, sweetie.
You're taking big enough chance without traipsing around the hospital.
- Nobody saw me, Megan.
- This time.
Relax.
As soon as you publish the report that jack patches cause seizures, we hit Doors with a lawsuit.
And then we bolt this town permanently.
With millions.
Ah, nothing I love more than being a witness to a miracle cure.
Insurance frauds are felony or were you two sick to know that? It's time to pay a visit to the police.
Let's just say I was totally off base with my suspicions about the jack patches.
- Really? - Dr.
Catlet and this Vernon Getz were planning to defraud Doors.
We still have no idea how Jeff Peak contracted Huntington's Chorea.
I've got everybody I could trust digging into his background, but keeping a low profile means us taking time.
Let's just hope we have time.
May I take it from your attitude that we have an acceptable offer? The US Army has outbid the CIA.
They have agreed to all my conditions? There are still a few details to be ironed out, but nothing important.
They are particularly thrilled about Pad'ar's new approach to hand-to-hand combat.
Despite the fact that your country is at peace with all the nations of your world.
As I understand it, the Army feels that peace is greatly overrated.
And they are extremely excited about being the first to create the super soldier to fight the Jaridians.
I couldn't have put it better myself.
You find anything? According to this, Jeff Peak, real name Tom Page, died over six months ago at 87 years of age? So, did Peak take over this dead man's identity? That was my first thought, but take a look at this.
The brain scans are identical.
So, we are talking about a 87-year-old man here who dies once at his own age and then again at 25.
How? I can see Zo'or introducing a sport just to provide a senior citizen with a fountain of youth, and a game to play in it.
Give me a minute.
Do you want to bring it up with Arcadia? Not out-front.
For all we know she could be part of the problem.
I find that hard to believe.
We become good friends.
For all you know that could be by design.
Send her in.
Be careful.
I got mobbed just outside of Metro Station.
Oh, the press of fame.
I'll take fabulously wealthy and totally anonymous any day.
What's in the bag? Puls-8 action figure.
Nice view.
I got to go.
We'll talk later.
Oh, we better get a move on too.
Kids are waiting for you in the park.
Um, did you see my bottle? Nope.
I'll give you one of these.
Thank you for coming, sweetie.
Bye-bye.
It's wonderful to see them so happy.
I barely remember when life was so simple.
Yeah, I know exactly what you mean.
So, what was your life like before Pad'ar? - Can I have your autograph? - Can I have your autograph, too? - Uh-oh, it's special.
- Me first, me first! Here you go.
Here's one for you sweetie.
Just like I was with Cabbage Patch dolls.
Goodbye.
What's your favorite toy when you were their age? A Crash Baxter ray gun my dad won for me at world's fair.
See, it's just pap pieces and publicity about Arcadia.
Can you get any deeper? Ah, you know I'm not sure there's anything to find.
There's got to be something.
What about the DNA sequence from the saliva on Arcadia's bottle? Scanned it, just waiting for the results.
While we're waiting, can you get into the National Medical Database and cross index the Pad'ar warriors brain scan patterns? Sure.
Oh, and not to worry, Liam, this one's on me.
Those two ring-side seats got you covered.
Who would've guessed that Army would object to the ascendency of a single champion in Pad'ar? It is ridiculous.
What is the point of a championship tournament if not to create champions? I agree.
But the military mind operates in strange ways.
They want to completely control the release of any information.
And they are afraid that Arcadia Frost's popularity might reveal our secret prematurely.
Precisely.
Which is why they've demanded we solved the problem.
Or else the deal is off.
So, tell me, how does a woman my age become nostalgic for a toy manufactured before the Second World War? The keys into what I've learned.
I had Augur do a global cross index on all the Pad'ar warriors brain scan patterns.
- And? - And I discovered that all the Pad'ar warriors match Jeff Peak's profile.
They are all between They are all former military who ended up destitute in VA hospitals.
Just like we found Jeff Peak's death certificate, predated his death in the Pad'ar rings They all got death certificates.
Including Arcadia, whose real name is Sheila Howell, by the way.
So, what, they faked their deaths and started over? There's more.
When we analyzed Arcadia's saliva, we found out that one of her DNA strands is identical to that of Jeff Peak.
Records must've gotten crossed.
What are the odds of two people having the same DNA strands.
It's impossible.
We are not talking about people.
But androids.
Laboratory creations that are vessels for human consciousness.
They've improved the process dramatically, Renee, but we've been here before.
Bio-surrogates.
I'm telling you both, I have no idea what are you talking about.
Enough with the games, Arcadia, or do you prefer Sheila? We both know you're bio-surrogate.
The Taelons have used bio-substitutes before, but the earlier models were generic.
Sort of like rough sketches for humans, kinda like this.
But you and the Pad'ar warriors are incredibly advanced, state of the art in bio-mechanics.
Bodies all have an identical DNA sequence, but thanks to Doors nanotechnology the Taelons were able to duplicate the brains of the original.
I'm sure you both have some idea of what you're talking about, but you lost me.
Well, try this one for size.
That ray gun you played with as a child, hasn't been available since World War II, a toy your father won for you at world's fair.
The 1939 world's fair to be exact.
Time to come clean, Sheila.
Sheila Howell's dead.
My name is Arcadia Frost.
I was 73, lying in a VA hospital, looking at a slow death.
Who wouldn't grab the chance to start over in the kind of shape you only dreamed about, regardless of the consequences? Who recruited you? I was first approached by Agent Sandoval.
He conducted a search in VA hospitals with a specific check list.
Homeless, destitute, no family and on the verge of death.
I'm assuming Sandoval's doing Zo'or's bidding all to create perfect soldiers to fight the Jaridians.
So, bio-surrogates are the secret weapon.
The only secret here is that the Pad'ar warriors aren't quite human.
I trusted you.
And you repaid that trust with lies.
That's not true, Renee.
I never meant to deceive you.
Maybe it's time you accept the fact that you're judged by your actions, not your intentions.
Who are you to tell me how to live? At least I haven't lied every inch of the way.
To hell with you! That went well.
Now what? It's classic Taelon tactics, the whole point of making Pad'ar the craze it is, was to make bio-surrogacy acceptable.
Not acceptable We're talking desirable.
You asked to be notified when Ms.
Frost arrived for her workout? Thank you, Corporal.
Are you alright? I'm not sure what to do.
I consider Arcadia a friend.
So, what are you doing here? You say I should go find her? Well, that's what friends do, have fights, then forgive.
I have no idea where she is.
I know where she might be.
I told you I'd see you dead, Arcadia.
I just had no idea it would be so soon.
Sorry to hear about your accident.
What accident? The training accident you're about to have.
In which Pad'ar's shining hope dies tragically before she reaches her full potential.
Why? Seems you got a little too popular for your own good with too many people asking too many questions before they are supposed to.
Couldn't beat me one-on-one? So, you bring a friend to even the odds? Hey, it's not how you play the game, it's whether you win or lose.
Now, let's see how you play without that energy safety net.
Don't make threats you can't keep.
Let's get out of here.
The introduction of the same bio-surrogate technology used in Pad'ar will make our armies invincible in the coming war with the Jaridians.
As far as the world is concerned, Pad'ar wasn't a sidewinding way to shove bio-surrogacy down our throats.
It was patriotism in action.
Super soldiers who get to start all over again with a lifetime of experience in a perfect G.
I.
Joe or Barbie doll body.
They're gonna come after you, Arcadia, theyll try to kill you.
They won't risk being exposed as murders.
They want me, they'll find me.
I have a way out.
I appreciate the offer, Renee, but no amount of money's gonna buy my safety.
I'm not talking about money.
We've got ties to the Resistance.
So, that's what this place is all about.
We can get you to a place where they'll never find you.
But I don't get it.
You both work with the Taelons.
Are you telling me you're both undercover? It's a story better saved for when you're safe and sound.
I don't know about this.
We didn't save your life so your could go play a hero.
The discussion's over.
I've got arrangement to make.
You called me a liar? Insist that you've never lied to me? Now you pull this Resistance stuff out of the bag? Who's kidding who, Renee? I am sorry.
We're both been living in secrets.
I suppose congratulations are in order.
I still feel you have sacrificed a holy part of our species' traditions.
All to impose bio-surrogacy on humanity.
I pity you, Da'an.
Holding on to cultural anachronisms that are no longer relevant.
If by that you mean respect for the ancient traditions of our species, then I could not agree more.
It is that misplaced respect that will leave you forgotten by history.
Ready? As ready as I was five minutes ago.
The last time you asked.
Can't help it when I'm concerned.
You know, I've lived a wild life and I've had enough and lot of fun.
But in the long run, I've ended up alone, without a family or friends.
Until now.
I fought off a lot of alien invasions with this when I was little.
Hold on to it.
You never know when you're gonna have to take on a few aliens yourself.
Thanks.
Time to go.
Take care of her, Kincaid.
Or else.
You okay? I'm always okay.
Axarion
It's now a military operation.
These bio-surrogates are the perfect conduit for the fighting spirit and military expertise of your men.
Once we transfer the consciousness of a trained combat soldier into the bio-surrogate, nothing will stand against it.
I'm not working at the Doors International for Taelon money.
Because you're already rich.
The issue is why this thing is killing people.
We tested in vivo and virtual.
It's so safe the FDA fast tracked it.
I've got 5 corpses who say differently.
You want kids? No, I'm just not sure if I wanna bring them into this world.
Pad'ar.
Where two warriors meet in combat, and victory is the only option.
In a culmination of the year of trials, combat and elimination rounds.
Tonight's match is Doors International's Puls-8 versus the Transamerica Electric's Torque.
As we all know, Pad'ar evolved from mortal combat into a meditative ritual for our friends, the Taelons.
All of their familiar elements of this great game, the rings, the staffs, the center sphere.
Each of these is an important symbol for the Companions.
So, forget about meditation, ladies and gentlemen.
We are here for the action.
And Pad'ar is action to the extreme.
We want to extend the special welcome to millions of fans jack patched into these noble Pad'ar warriors, fans, brave enough, to climb into the rings and literally share the adrenaline pumping Pad'ar experience with their favorite Pad'ar warrior.
I don't trust these jack patches.
Hey, I gotta compete, and as you can see, business is booming.
Let's get ready for Pad'ar.
The fighters have started with basic sparring maneuvers at the base of the ring.
Neither fighter wants to make a mistake of dropping prematurely off the sphere.
Puls-8 spins for better leverage.
Torque connects with the kick.
Puls-8 ducks and nails a counterattack.
Torque takes Puls-8 to the ground.
Torque plunges to the upper rings and blasts Puls-8 with a laser gun.
Puls-8 takes the hit, but just right after it goes after Torque.
- Yeah! Alright! Come on! - Torque's utility of the rings is pushing Puls-8 to choose the wall-run ruse there.
Fatigue is the benefactor in this match.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is incredible action! Looks like Torque's going for the center sphere.
A dangerous strategy, it backfires as often as it works.
Check it out.
Torque's using the ring's 360 gravity field.
It looks to me like Puls-8 might have been beaten out too fast this time.
Puls-8's on target, kicks to the thorax plexus.
Kick to the thorax plexus.
Puls-8 is going for the 360 reverse.
Torque doesn't know what's coming.
Perfect execution.
Torque goes flying into the energy net.
Puls-8 is the winner! goes on to the next round.
Is that great or what? You okay? - Yeah, I'm fine.
- It's reality.
Puls-8 takes round one of the Pad'ar tournament of champions.
It's a big night for Puls-8 and a big night for Doors International.
Well done.
We could be looking at Pad'ar's first female champion.
Puls-8 aka Arcadia Frost.
- You were great out there.
- Thanks.
For the best man won.
You watch your back, because I'll see you dead.
Axarion They have come to Earth with the promise of peace.
An alien race called the Taelons.
But, there are those who resist these Alien Companions.
For the Taelons' true mission, the secrets they hide will forever alter our world.
The fate of humanity now relies on those who dare challenge the future of Earth.
You know, I was just starting to get somewhere with that brunette back at the bar, thank you.
Was it really necessary to drag me out of the bar just for this? - Listen, how do patches work? - I'm telling you, they're fine.
What are these little discs for? You mean those? They're hypo-patches.
They're kinda like nicotine patches except that these are remotely linked to The neuro-synthetic grid on our armor, which is wired to our nervous systems.
Thanks.
Every time we take a hit, every time we connect with a blow, the wearer is hit with a galvanic impulse of response from the jack patch.
Kind of the next best thing of being there, huh? One way of looking at it.
The fans love the rash, and we love the fans.
Anything else you wish to know? I think that's it.
Didn't waste any time creating her holo, huh? A guy's gotta have a little fun.
You should try it sometime.
Besides, who better to answer any questions you've got? Happy now? Just thrilled.
Think you can handle being flavor of the month? I never mistake attention for affection.
- Well, good luck.
- Hi.
So, what do you think? About Pad'ar combat.
Fabulous.
A warrior from new millennia.
It's the jack patches I'm worried about.
Jack patches are like a thrill ride, they make a direct boost of adrenaline.
And my R&D staff assured me it's no more dangerous that the virtual reality booth.
Maybe so, but one of the fans had a seizure here last night.
Ah, yeah, but one fan does not a conspiracy make.
Meanwhile I'm diverting what we're doing from the jack patches to the Resistance.
Now Who do I have to kill to get a drink around here? - Hey, Liam, did you see the match? - You were incredible.
Thanks.
Hey, last night I saw you hanging with the guy who seemed to have a reaction to the jack patches.
- Oh, you mean Vernon? - Vernon? Vernon Getz.
Vernon Getz, right.
Hey, thanks a lot.
I want to know about Pad'ar, Da'an.
Are you referring to Taelon Pad'ar? Or do you mean this game your species plays? Is there a difference? In ancient times Pad'ar was used to decide disputes in lieu of devastating warfare amongst my species.
This was crafted before humans walked upright.
And over the ages handed down through my ancestral line.
The orb in the center is called Ka'thos, it symbolizes the home world.
The rings are Me'hib, the arks of life, while the staves, Vi'os, represent the link to the next plane of existence.
Was Pad'ar always this violent? Many Taelons died in the rings.
But Pad'ar evolved into a sacred ritual.
A ritual that has been trampled into a game for overgrown children.
Does Zo'or have anything to do with the jack patches? Not directly.
The jack patches are based on our technology, but are produced entirely under the auspices of Doors International.
One more.
- Good workout.
- Thanks.
You should see me when I'm in shape.
Just kidding.
So, you're still serious about getting in the Pad'ar rings? I don't say I wanna compete, but I've been practicing.
Let's see what you got.
You're on.
I'll lead.
Remember what I taught you, Renee? Focus.
It's always that move.
I can't get it.
- The Vu'tage.
- Yeah.
It's a particularly tough series of moves.
- And you get better every time.
- Not quickly enough.
I can assure you, I was not born knowing how to fight like this.
- Thanks for the reality check.
- Don't mention it.
- Ready to go again? - You bet.
My name is Liam Kincaid, Dr.
Catlet, and I'd like to ask you a few questions about Pad'ar jack patches.
I understand you're treating a patient named Vernon Getz.
Yes.
I witnessed him having a minor seizure last night.
I'm treating Vernon for a neurological disorder.
It's my understanding that the jack patches receive neuronic impulses from the warriors and then release adrenaline into the body.
Could that have anything to do with your patient's disorder? It's a possibility, yes, but I would rather err on the side of caution.
Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't violate my patient's privacy, but For the sake of public safety It could be you laughing.
I'm telling you, never realized one body could hurt so much in so many places.
Who could've guessed dancing with stick can be so painful.
Like I said, Renee, you're getting better every time.
If I could only learn to be a CEO the way you took the Pad'ar Well, I'd trade places with you a New York minute.
Oh, what? You're gonna tell me it's lonely in that spotlight? I can't remember the last time I had dinner with a nice guy.
I don't even remember what a nice guy is.
No offense.
Men often find me a little too powerful for their ego.
Oh, you think men find you too powerful? How do you think they feel about me? Maybe we have more in common than we thought.
Yeah.
Oh my God, can you believe we just blown the whole afternoon? We're gonna have to hustle if we gonna make it to the bout in time.
- Lots of time.
- Speaking for myself, I need at least an hour to pull myself together for the public.
That fame thing, remember? I remember.
Well, you go ahead.
I need another 5, maybe 10.
I had to sedate him after his last seizure.
Again, I don't know whether it's jack patch-related, but it certainly seems possible.
I'm compiling data and In the meanwhile, I keep hearing about similar cases every day.
Here and across the country.
Have you spoken to anyone at Doors International about this? No, until my findings are complete, I think it's a bit premature.
When you've completed your tests, please, give me a call.
I will, thank you.
All three insist they're interested, but neither is willing to commit to your conditions.
I can afford to be patient for just so long, Agent Sandoval.
This is a delicately balanced game we're playing, and it is imperative I have a commitment before the truth about Pad'ar is revealed.
Torque is done, lads, he takes blows from Sturm's hands.
Ladies and gentlemen, it looks like Torque's worth holding his own against Sturm.
Like hell he is.
Sturm is twice stronger than Torque is.
Sturm's relentless.
He's mashing Torque all over the rings.
Like that you mean? But Sturm's not ready to throw in the towel just yet and Torque's not going down without a fight.
Sturm smashes Torque in the back gaining the advantage.
Look at them, Augur, they can't be safe.
Yeah, well, you said it yourself.
This Dr.
Catlet's only done a preliminary studies, right? Yeah, she's got one person in the hospital.
But Strum's not ready to throw in the towel just yet.
After losing in the first round to Puls-8, it's got to be killing Torque to be avoided by his own mate.
Crashing blow to Torque's head and he slams to the ground! - Yes.
- Torque down for knockout! This is amazing.
Sturm raises his hands in the air, his classic victory pose.
Something wrong.
He's falling out of the ring.
Something has gone horribly wrong with Sturm und Drang.
Oh, my God.
I have determined that the death of Jeffrey Peak, who fought under the name Sturm und Drang, was the direct result of previously undiagnosed condition.
And that neither the International Pad'ar Association nor his opponent have any culpability in this tragedy.
That said, I'm recommending that all Pad'ar warriors be tested for this specific condition, just in case.
Direct any questions you might have to my office, please.
I've got to see to these tests.
So, how about dinner when you're done up here? - Okay, it's a deal.
- I'll see you later.
What happened here, Health Department finally shut you down? Thanks, Renee, you always have a ray of despair and a wave of sunshine.
With the bouts postponed, while the Pad'ar warriors get their physical, Augur's new customer base just evaporated.
Yes, and you don't have to sound so pleased about it.
So, what does the doctor say anyway? Well, Sturm, aka Jeff Peak, apparently died of an undiagnosed neurological ailment.
So, there's no problem then, right? I'm not so sure, Dr.
Kronkeit is in Sandoval's pocket, so, anything he says has to be taken with a grain of salt.
What are you getting at? Let me run this by you.
The neural impulses travel from the Pad'ar warriors to the jack patches, right? - So? - So, if a thousands of jack patches, wired into a warrior would to send those same impulses back to the warrior? That kind of mass emotional reaction could've caused Sturm's death.
None of our simulations showed any indication of feedback.
Do you have a copy of the autopsy report? Sure, but there's nothing here to support your theory.
Ah, you're right.
But there's something about this Kronkeit I don't trust.
- Zo'or.
- Doctor.
I wanted to congratulate you on your victory, Arcadia Frost.
I'd like to thank you for the opportunity of my life, Zo'or.
An opportunity is meaningless if nothing is done with it.
You have done much to carry on the noble tradition of Pad'ar.
Thank you.
This is an unqualified disaster.
The death of this Pad'ar warrior has dealt my plans a crippling blow, Sandoval Agent.
If you had chosen better subjects, we might not be having this discussion.
This incident will have a positive effect, Zo'or.
Both on the audience who will surely want to be on hand in the case such a tragedy should happen again, and on our clients who only care about results.
Dr.
Catlet.
Oh, Major.
It's a pleasure to see you again.
Anything further on your jack patch research? Still compiling data.
But the death of the Pad'ar warrior raises a whole new set of questions.
I take it this isn't a social call.
As a matter of fact, I came to ask you a favor.
I need access to the National Medical Records to narrow down a list of suspects in the Resistance attack.
What about the Taelons' databanks? Well, frankly, for what I need, the medical database is more direct.
Do you have a global with you? You can use it to download the information you need.
I have to take Vernon to the lab for some tests.
Well, thank you, doctor, I owe you one.
- It's encrypted.
- I'd need you to tell me that, why do you think I brought it here in the first place? Ooh, a little testy today, are we? Listen, I'm gonna need you to get me two shuttle passes - And VIP tickets to the Pad'ar arena.
- You don't even like Pad'ar.
Yeah, but it's a good way to get back on track with that brunette that you pulled me away from.
Here we go.
You heard my price, right? Fine, a shuttle pass and two VIP seats at the Pad'ar arena.
Sturm died Huntington's Chorea? It says here that Huntington's Chorea is a degenerative neurological disorder, only found in people over 60.
That Pad'ar warrior couldn't have been a day over 25.
Sturm, Jeff Peak was perfectly healthy and barely 25.
How does a guy like that suffer from a degenerative disorder that doesn't kick in until 60? My question exactly.
So, let's, at least, entertain the possibility that this was a freak accident caused by mass neural feedback form the jack patches.
Well, I can't argue with you something weird is going on here.
Doors International is the biggest sponsor Pad'ar's got.
So? I want you to use some of that VIP club of yours to dig into this Jeff Peak's medical background.
Alright.
And what are you going to do? I'm gonna drop in on Dr.
Catlet, see if she can tie some of these loose ends together for us.
The Pad'ar warriors are en route to Earth.
All tested negative for the condition that killed Sturm und Drang, of course.
Tonight's bout will be a memorial tribute to the fallen Pad'ar warrior.
Yes.
And as I predicted, jack patch receipts are 3 times the normal for such an event.
Fascinating.
The greater the risk of bodily harm, the keener the interest of your species.
Even death cannot stop the human thirst for Pad'ar.
What is the status of our negotiations? The Mossad's proposal is utterly unacceptable.
All that matters now is who comes up with the best offer.
So, this is what they pay you the big bucks for.
- Hanging around on the corner? - Let me guess, the test went well.
- I got clean bill health.
- Good.
Let's eat.
Something bothers you, Renee? No, nothing.
Actually, yeah.
When you are in the rings, are you wearing any kind of feedback? - Feedback? - Yeah, the jack patches.
I've never experienced anything like that.
Is that what you think might have happened to Jeff? No, it's just a theory.
Nothing to worry about.
- I thought I told you to stay in bed.
- I wanted to see you, sweetie.
You're taking big enough chance without traipsing around the hospital.
- Nobody saw me, Megan.
- This time.
Relax.
As soon as you publish the report that jack patches cause seizures, we hit Doors with a lawsuit.
And then we bolt this town permanently.
With millions.
Ah, nothing I love more than being a witness to a miracle cure.
Insurance frauds are felony or were you two sick to know that? It's time to pay a visit to the police.
Let's just say I was totally off base with my suspicions about the jack patches.
- Really? - Dr.
Catlet and this Vernon Getz were planning to defraud Doors.
We still have no idea how Jeff Peak contracted Huntington's Chorea.
I've got everybody I could trust digging into his background, but keeping a low profile means us taking time.
Let's just hope we have time.
May I take it from your attitude that we have an acceptable offer? The US Army has outbid the CIA.
They have agreed to all my conditions? There are still a few details to be ironed out, but nothing important.
They are particularly thrilled about Pad'ar's new approach to hand-to-hand combat.
Despite the fact that your country is at peace with all the nations of your world.
As I understand it, the Army feels that peace is greatly overrated.
And they are extremely excited about being the first to create the super soldier to fight the Jaridians.
I couldn't have put it better myself.
You find anything? According to this, Jeff Peak, real name Tom Page, died over six months ago at 87 years of age? So, did Peak take over this dead man's identity? That was my first thought, but take a look at this.
The brain scans are identical.
So, we are talking about a 87-year-old man here who dies once at his own age and then again at 25.
How? I can see Zo'or introducing a sport just to provide a senior citizen with a fountain of youth, and a game to play in it.
Give me a minute.
Do you want to bring it up with Arcadia? Not out-front.
For all we know she could be part of the problem.
I find that hard to believe.
We become good friends.
For all you know that could be by design.
Send her in.
Be careful.
I got mobbed just outside of Metro Station.
Oh, the press of fame.
I'll take fabulously wealthy and totally anonymous any day.
What's in the bag? Puls-8 action figure.
Nice view.
I got to go.
We'll talk later.
Oh, we better get a move on too.
Kids are waiting for you in the park.
Um, did you see my bottle? Nope.
I'll give you one of these.
Thank you for coming, sweetie.
Bye-bye.
It's wonderful to see them so happy.
I barely remember when life was so simple.
Yeah, I know exactly what you mean.
So, what was your life like before Pad'ar? - Can I have your autograph? - Can I have your autograph, too? - Uh-oh, it's special.
- Me first, me first! Here you go.
Here's one for you sweetie.
Just like I was with Cabbage Patch dolls.
Goodbye.
What's your favorite toy when you were their age? A Crash Baxter ray gun my dad won for me at world's fair.
See, it's just pap pieces and publicity about Arcadia.
Can you get any deeper? Ah, you know I'm not sure there's anything to find.
There's got to be something.
What about the DNA sequence from the saliva on Arcadia's bottle? Scanned it, just waiting for the results.
While we're waiting, can you get into the National Medical Database and cross index the Pad'ar warriors brain scan patterns? Sure.
Oh, and not to worry, Liam, this one's on me.
Those two ring-side seats got you covered.
Who would've guessed that Army would object to the ascendency of a single champion in Pad'ar? It is ridiculous.
What is the point of a championship tournament if not to create champions? I agree.
But the military mind operates in strange ways.
They want to completely control the release of any information.
And they are afraid that Arcadia Frost's popularity might reveal our secret prematurely.
Precisely.
Which is why they've demanded we solved the problem.
Or else the deal is off.
So, tell me, how does a woman my age become nostalgic for a toy manufactured before the Second World War? The keys into what I've learned.
I had Augur do a global cross index on all the Pad'ar warriors brain scan patterns.
- And? - And I discovered that all the Pad'ar warriors match Jeff Peak's profile.
They are all between They are all former military who ended up destitute in VA hospitals.
Just like we found Jeff Peak's death certificate, predated his death in the Pad'ar rings They all got death certificates.
Including Arcadia, whose real name is Sheila Howell, by the way.
So, what, they faked their deaths and started over? There's more.
When we analyzed Arcadia's saliva, we found out that one of her DNA strands is identical to that of Jeff Peak.
Records must've gotten crossed.
What are the odds of two people having the same DNA strands.
It's impossible.
We are not talking about people.
But androids.
Laboratory creations that are vessels for human consciousness.
They've improved the process dramatically, Renee, but we've been here before.
Bio-surrogates.
I'm telling you both, I have no idea what are you talking about.
Enough with the games, Arcadia, or do you prefer Sheila? We both know you're bio-surrogate.
The Taelons have used bio-substitutes before, but the earlier models were generic.
Sort of like rough sketches for humans, kinda like this.
But you and the Pad'ar warriors are incredibly advanced, state of the art in bio-mechanics.
Bodies all have an identical DNA sequence, but thanks to Doors nanotechnology the Taelons were able to duplicate the brains of the original.
I'm sure you both have some idea of what you're talking about, but you lost me.
Well, try this one for size.
That ray gun you played with as a child, hasn't been available since World War II, a toy your father won for you at world's fair.
The 1939 world's fair to be exact.
Time to come clean, Sheila.
Sheila Howell's dead.
My name is Arcadia Frost.
I was 73, lying in a VA hospital, looking at a slow death.
Who wouldn't grab the chance to start over in the kind of shape you only dreamed about, regardless of the consequences? Who recruited you? I was first approached by Agent Sandoval.
He conducted a search in VA hospitals with a specific check list.
Homeless, destitute, no family and on the verge of death.
I'm assuming Sandoval's doing Zo'or's bidding all to create perfect soldiers to fight the Jaridians.
So, bio-surrogates are the secret weapon.
The only secret here is that the Pad'ar warriors aren't quite human.
I trusted you.
And you repaid that trust with lies.
That's not true, Renee.
I never meant to deceive you.
Maybe it's time you accept the fact that you're judged by your actions, not your intentions.
Who are you to tell me how to live? At least I haven't lied every inch of the way.
To hell with you! That went well.
Now what? It's classic Taelon tactics, the whole point of making Pad'ar the craze it is, was to make bio-surrogacy acceptable.
Not acceptable We're talking desirable.
You asked to be notified when Ms.
Frost arrived for her workout? Thank you, Corporal.
Are you alright? I'm not sure what to do.
I consider Arcadia a friend.
So, what are you doing here? You say I should go find her? Well, that's what friends do, have fights, then forgive.
I have no idea where she is.
I know where she might be.
I told you I'd see you dead, Arcadia.
I just had no idea it would be so soon.
Sorry to hear about your accident.
What accident? The training accident you're about to have.
In which Pad'ar's shining hope dies tragically before she reaches her full potential.
Why? Seems you got a little too popular for your own good with too many people asking too many questions before they are supposed to.
Couldn't beat me one-on-one? So, you bring a friend to even the odds? Hey, it's not how you play the game, it's whether you win or lose.
Now, let's see how you play without that energy safety net.
Don't make threats you can't keep.
Let's get out of here.
The introduction of the same bio-surrogate technology used in Pad'ar will make our armies invincible in the coming war with the Jaridians.
As far as the world is concerned, Pad'ar wasn't a sidewinding way to shove bio-surrogacy down our throats.
It was patriotism in action.
Super soldiers who get to start all over again with a lifetime of experience in a perfect G.
I.
Joe or Barbie doll body.
They're gonna come after you, Arcadia, theyll try to kill you.
They won't risk being exposed as murders.
They want me, they'll find me.
I have a way out.
I appreciate the offer, Renee, but no amount of money's gonna buy my safety.
I'm not talking about money.
We've got ties to the Resistance.
So, that's what this place is all about.
We can get you to a place where they'll never find you.
But I don't get it.
You both work with the Taelons.
Are you telling me you're both undercover? It's a story better saved for when you're safe and sound.
I don't know about this.
We didn't save your life so your could go play a hero.
The discussion's over.
I've got arrangement to make.
You called me a liar? Insist that you've never lied to me? Now you pull this Resistance stuff out of the bag? Who's kidding who, Renee? I am sorry.
We're both been living in secrets.
I suppose congratulations are in order.
I still feel you have sacrificed a holy part of our species' traditions.
All to impose bio-surrogacy on humanity.
I pity you, Da'an.
Holding on to cultural anachronisms that are no longer relevant.
If by that you mean respect for the ancient traditions of our species, then I could not agree more.
It is that misplaced respect that will leave you forgotten by history.
Ready? As ready as I was five minutes ago.
The last time you asked.
Can't help it when I'm concerned.
You know, I've lived a wild life and I've had enough and lot of fun.
But in the long run, I've ended up alone, without a family or friends.
Until now.
I fought off a lot of alien invasions with this when I was little.
Hold on to it.
You never know when you're gonna have to take on a few aliens yourself.
Thanks.
Time to go.
Take care of her, Kincaid.
Or else.
You okay? I'm always okay.
Axarion