Blake's 7 (1978) s03e13 Episode Script
Terminal
(THEME MUSIC) Zen, are we on schedule? The flight is 9 seconds in advance of prediction.
Propulsion computers are amending.
Will we be at the rendezvous on time? That's all I want to know.
Readouts confirm space-time position will be precisely as requested.
Keep monitoring all systems.
I do not want even a fractional error.
Confirmed.
That was it.
Go on, you've got her.
What are you waiting for? I'm not sure.
It's risky.
Make the move.
You'll wipe her out.
- Are you sure you can't read my mind? - Of course I can't.
Even if I could, I wouldn't.
That would be cheating.
Go on, make the move.
Take my word for it.
Remember, I play this game right up to Galactic Master standards.
- All right, if you're sure.
- Just do it.
Trust me.
Let's see you get out of that, then.
(BEEPING) My game in 9,721 moves.
"Galactic Master.
" Thanks a lot.
Wasn't my fault.
Cally responded with the wrong move.
If she'd made the right one, she'd have lost.
- Do you want another? - Why not? There's nothing else to do.
- What are you all doing in here? - Keeping out of Avon's way.
He's not much fun at the moment.
- Aren't you supposed to be on watch? - Avon's doing it.
Still? He's been on that flight deck more than 30 hours now.
I offered.
He said he was handling things and would I please leave.
No, that's not true.
He didn't say anything.
He yelled.
Told me to get out and stay out.
- Same with me.
- And me.
- What the hell is he up to? - Why don't you ask him? Why don't I do that? - Rather you than me.
- Watch yourself.
I'm tired, but I would like the flight deck to myself for a while longer.
- No problem.
- Thank you.
Avon, are we still en route for Califeron? Are we? - No.
- You've changed course? - Obviously.
- You had no right to do that.
- There was no time for a meeting.
- You should've told us.
If your reasons were sound, nobody would've argued.
There's always an argument.
My reasons were sound.
You can take my word for it.
- So tell us where we're going and why.
- No.
And we're just meant to sit by quietly and let you do it.
That's exactly what you're meant to do.
- You and the rest owe me.
- Do we? And I am calling in the debt.
With or without your approval it is going to be done.
How do we approve of something we don't know about? You could try trusting me.
All right, Avon, we'll try trusting you.
Just don't expect us to make a habit of it.
I don't.
Information.
Navigation instructions completed.
Liberator holding requested position.
- Scan, 360 orbital.
- Confirmed.
There's nothing out there.
We're in the middle of nowhere.
We must be light years away from any populated planet.
(AVON) Zen, nearest planet capable of supporting carbon-based life.
- Disentastra.
- Transit time at standard by eight? and 4.
303 seconds.
There is nothing closer? All systems confirm Disentastra as nearest life-supporting planet.
Why here? Why bring me here? Do you want to tell me about it now? I have followed all the instructions, but it doesn't make sense.
Go on.
I first heard the signal Computers are receiving the identifying call sign as stipulated.
Then it's all right.
Zen, you will remain silent until further instructed.
Confirmed.
- Would you mind leaving now? - Yes, I would.
But you'll do it anyway.
Sooner or later you're going to tell us.
Zen, are you still receiving the signal? - Confirmed.
- Is it genuine? Full-range analyses confirm the signal is from the original message source.
Can you trace that source? The signal is being redirected and boosted through a communications satellite.
Trace to origin is not possible.
Identifying call sign has ended.
Message transmission has begun.
Put it on audio.
No, hold that.
Give me direct visual readout at my flight console.
Confirmed.
- Is that all? - Transmission has ceased.
Use the frequency listed.
Acknowledge receipt of message and advise I will cooperate.
- Confirmed.
- Have you got the new locations? Confirmed.
Program the navigation computers.
Get us started.
Confirmed.
You can take the watch now, Vila.
Wonderful.
I've been looking forward to that.
Where are we going, Avon? Profound philosophical questions never really interested me.
- Not up to your usual standard.
- Yes, well, I'm tired.
Avon, where is the ship heading? To tell you the truth I haven't the faintest idea.
(OMINOUS INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC) Zen, I want a fast summary of all communications coming into and going out of this ship within the last 50 hours.
That information is not available.
Why isn't it available? The information you require has been stored via a coded route and retrieval is not possible without the correct security command sequence.
And that sequence is known only to Avon, I imagine.
Confirmed.
You've got to hand it to Avon.
He knows how to keep a secret.
He probably won't even talk to himself.
Information.
Forward sensors indicate a broad spread of unidentified matter across predicted flight path.
Analysis.
Preliminary readings have failed to identify the nature of the material.
- Structure.
- Minute fluid particles.
- Fluid? - Confirmed.
If we go through this matter, is there any risk of hull penetration? Negative.
Detectors register a high level of energy within the band that might generate flight turbulence.
What do you think? - It doesn't sound too dangerous.
- We've been through turbulence before.
What's going on? Cloud of fluid particles up ahead.
They can't be identified as yet.
Zen, put it on the main screen.
Apparently it's energy charged, so it could shake us about a bit.
- Let's be on the safe side and go around.
- No, we stay on course.
Now look, this involves all of us.
I can't think of a reason why we should take any risks and you're not giving me one, are you? Zen, recommendations.
The computer systems favour a course deviation to avoid contact.
In this environment, it is prudent to treat any unexplained phenomenon - as potentially dangerous.
- Isn't that what I just said? With a brain like mine, who needs computers? Maintain present course, no deviation.
Status one, subcategory Q, no countermand.
- Confirmed.
- That is it, Avon.
I've had it.
Tell us what it's all about or we're going to stop it.
No, you're not.
Nothing and nobody is going to stop it, you least of all.
Now get out of my way, and stay out of my way.
You were lucky.
He meant it.
He was going to kill you.
I got that impression myself.
We're getting close.
Better take position.
(DRAMATIC INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC) I hope it's worth all this.
How much more, Zen? Emergence from matter belt in 39.
01 seconds.
Any damage yet? Hull sensors appear temporarily impaired.
All other systems continue on full function.
- Is everybody all right? - Yes.
Fine, thank you.
All that shaking about didn't do my kidneys any good.
Zen, damage report.
Hull sensors still inoperative.
Auto-repair circuits activated.
There is no other damage.
Visual scan reveals minute particles of matter adhering to the hull.
- Any problems with that? - No problem is apparent.
All right, the alert is over.
- Information.
- Right on time.
Navigation instructions completed.
Calculated position is confirmed.
Computers are receiving the correct identifying call sign.
Acknowledge receipt of signal and stand by for message.
Confirmed.
All right, Avon, so we've arrived.
Where? We should be somewhere in the region of Delta 7-1-4.
Which is? One of the stars on the edge of Sector 6.
So why don't we take a look? Zen, scan.
Delta 7-1-4 is a blind sun.
It has no planetary system at all.
No planets? Then what's that, a cosmic conjuring trick? Zen, is that a planet? The object was constructed by a consortium of United Planets scientists It was code-named "Terminal".
Terminal? The records say she broke up.
- You've heard of it? - Only as a historical curiosity.
The intention was to build an artificial planet.
It was sprayed with organic materials in the hope that it would naturalise and eventually create all the conditions to develop and sustain life.
It was just a gigantic laboratory in a way.
But she was originally positioned in solar orbit out towards Mars.
- So what's she doing out here? - You tell me.
I still haven't got over the fact that she exists.
Zen, is there life on Terminal? Data banks do not have that information.
Spectro analysis indicates a breathable atmosphere and Earth-level gravity.
Surface water and vegetation appear to be abundant.
All right, so we've found a long lost planet.
Now, do you want to tell us why we're here? Message transmission has begun.
The signal emanates from Terminal.
Relay to my position.
Message ends.
Acknowledge, and advise I will cooperate.
I'll need about five minutes.
Ask the others to come to the teleport.
I'll tell you what you need to know.
And not before time.
(SINISTER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC) Listen, I don't know what to expect or how long this will take me.
I'll call in every hour on the hour but if I miss one transmission, get out of here.
What? You mean leave you on Terminal? Abandon you? That's exactly what I mean.
Keep the ship on full alert.
At the slightest hint of danger, the same thing applies.
Move out fast.
Look, we've been through a lot together.
We've always been at risk.
We've always taken chances.
But we've survived because we worked as a team.
So what do you have to do that makes this so different? This is my problem.
None of you are involved.
But we are involved.
However much you like to pretend you're a loner, you're not really.
We depend on each other.
I wouldn't be alive now if it wasn't for you and I'm sure that's true of everybody else.
So why not trust us? Look, you don't have to give reasons.
You don't even have to explain.
Whatever it is, we'll back you up.
Or, if you want one of your own cold, rational explanations we can't afford to lose you.
Sentiment breeds weakness.
Let it get a hold of you and you are dead.
I've already programmed Zen.
In 12 hours, the ship will set course for Califeron.
You can't override it.
After that, it will come back under your command.
Go where you want but stay away from Terminal.
You've thought of everything.
I've also recorded a full explanation of everything I'm doing.
Zen will not issue it until you are in flight.
It's very detailed.
The only thing missing is the end.
Operate, will you, Dayna? One last thing.
I don't need any of you.
I needed the Liberator to bring me here so I had to bring you along but this is as far as you go.
I don't want you with me.
I don't want you following me.
Understand this.
Anyone who does follow me, I'll kill them.
All right, Dayna.
(TELEPORT HUMMING) (TENSE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC) Down and safe.
And if this is an example of a man-made planet they ought to get back to the drawing board and start again.
I'll contact you again in precisely one hour.
Out.
Shift the coordinates by half a point.
I don't want to land too close to him.
I got the distinct impression he wanted to be alone.
- We can't always have what we want.
- I had noticed.
- I'll come with you.
- Fine, let's get kitted up.
Avon isn't going to like this.
Avon isn't going to know about it.
I wouldn't like to bet my life on that.
(SUSPENSEFUL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC) (BIRDS CALLING) - What will you do if he spots you? - Duck.
- You set, Cally? - Ready.
Put us down, Dayna.
(TELEPORT HUMMING) (WHISPERING) Stay low.
Do you want the good news or the bad news? Surprise me.
The good news is Avon doesn't know we're here.
The bad news is he's nowhere in sight.
He seems to have vanished.
(DEVICE HUMMING) (WOMAN) There he is, Toron.
- He's moving towards the contact point.
- I've got him.
He seems to be cooperating, following instructions.
So far.
At least he appears to be alone.
(SUSPENSEFUL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC CONTINUES) Reeval, something moving.
About a quarter of a mile behind him.
I can't see it.
I only got a glimpse.
Went into cover.
- Human? - No, probably a link.
And if there's one, there's more.
If they pick up Avon's trail, they'll attack.
He won't stand a chance.
They'll tear him to pieces.
Time we moved.
This directional indicator has been programmed to activate only when the identity of the holder has been confirmed.
Take the sphere in both hands and state your name.
(SPHERE BUZZING) You were instructed to hold the sphere in both hands.
- State name.
- My name is Avon.
Palm and voice prints confirm identity.
You will follow the indicated route.
You are warned that the slightest deviation from this course could result in considerable danger.
Directional indicator will now activate.
(HUMMING) Cally! (BIRDS CHIRPING) I'll tell the ship what we're doing.
- Liberator, Cally.
- We read you, Cally.
Go ahead.
We've lost track of Avon but are now following two unidentified humanoids.
Understood.
I am taking a locator fix on your transmission.
Make contact when you can and we'll keep track of your movements.
Confirmed.
Out.
(SINISTER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC) Come and check this for me, will you? These readings don't make sense.
What's the problem? We're registering very high-level discharge from the energy banks.
That can't be right.
We only require minimal output to hold fixed orbit and maintain normal systems.
I know, but look at that.
We're exceeding our regenerative capacity.
Banks 4 and 7 are drained.
- Have you checked this with Zen? - I only just noticed it.
Zen, report on the status of the energy bank instrumentation.
Instruments are reading accurately.
Then why the massive power drain? Auto-repair circuits are working at maximum capacity.
Damage exceeds rectification capability.
Damage? What damage? - That information is not available.
- What do you mean, not available? Either we are damaged, or we're not.
Now which is it? The continuing malfunction of hull sensors is limiting data for analysis.
Operational systems indicate that the damage is widespread but superficial.
The nature of the damage.
What's causing it? Unconfirmed analysis suggests unidentified enzyme activity resulting in molecular metamorphosis.
Thank you, Zen.
That's a big help.
Zen, it is vital that we have more information.
Divert all computer functions to total investigation.
(ZEN TALKING INDISTINCTLY) Confirmed.
Minor damage to primary translating unit makes temporary closedown of speech circuits necessary.
You will be advised when full function is restored.
What's all that about? - What's happening? - I don't know but I think it's time for the others to come back.
(SUSPENSEFUL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC) Halt.
Guidance program now completed.
(BEEPING) It's been nice talking to you.
(TWIGS SNAPPING) Is there anyone there? (ECHOING) Is there anyone there? Anybody here? - Shall we go down? - Let's be on the safe side.
Keep your eyes open.
I'll have a look round.
- What are they hanging about for? - Perhaps that's as far as they're going.
And where the hell is Avon? (LINKS SCREAMING WILDLY) (REEVAL SCREAMING) - We've got to help them.
- No.
It's too late.
There's nothing we can do.
(LINK GRUNTING) (SOFT HUMMING) "Blake showed no apparent signs of distress.
"All prescribed medication was administered.
" So he is alive.
Blake is alive.
(WHOOSHING) (WOMAN) Let it begin.
It's eating into everything.
Metal, plastics, fibres.
Just rotting away.
Maybe we should try and contact the others again.
- There's no point.
- Might have just been a blind spot.
Or a malfunction.
How do we know? Look at this.
There is total drain on three of the energy banks maximum discharge on all the others.
In a couple of hours, we'll have nothing in reserve.
- We've got to slow the outflow.
- How? There is a way, but first we must get Zen back online.
Zen, this is a priority command overriding all other requirements.
Come online.
Repeat.
Zen, this is a priority command.
Come online! (ZEN TALKING INDISTINCTLY) Translator units are still on the blink.
Confirmed.
State speed and course.
Computer circuits have now been rerouted and as requested, are now online.
Zen, I want all the auto-repair systems closed down.
- You can't do that! - He's got to.
They're fighting a losing battle and burning up the energy banks.
Concentrate all you've got on keeping the computer systems functioning.
Maximise investigation and research into the nature of whatever's causing the damage and find a solution.
Dangerous structural weaknesses have already have already already developed in many areas.
Auto-repair circuits are delaying further weakening.
Delaying, not halting.
I want all-out computer effort on investigation.
If you can come up with an answer soon enough we might still have enough power left to start getting things working.
Confirm.
Confirm! Confirmed.
He's doing it.
But without the auto-repair, this stuff's going to speed up.
I'm going to try Tarrant again.
There's no chance Avon left Orac's key on the ship somewhere.
No, he took it all right.
Orac's just a useless bunch of junk.
He should feel right at home in this lot.
(TENSE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC) - What do you make of it? - Some sort of shaft cover.
Could explain where Avon vanished to.
Damn.
Electrostatic lock.
It needs a sonal key.
They might have it.
I'll check.
This could be it.
Cally! (LINK GRUNTING) (CALLY SCREAMING) (TARRANT AND LINK GRUNTING) (LINK GROWLING) (LINK GROWLING FIERCELY) I hope you hadn't planned on going back up again.
Not immediately.
From here on, it's downhill all the way.
(SHRILL BEEPING) Blake.
Well, you certainly took your time finding me.
There didn't seem to be any hurry.
Anyway, I always said I could manage very well without you.
It must have been so dull having no one to argue with.
At times your simple-minded certainties might have been refreshing.
Careful, Avon.
- Your sentiment is showing.
- That's your imagination.
Now, are you going to tell me about this discovery that is going to make us rich and invincible? I'll take you to it.
After I get you out of the mess you've got yourself into? - Just like old times? - Not that easy this time.
The lightning raid to snatch me from the jaws of death isn't on, I'm afraid.
Taken off this life support system I wouldn't survive for more than 3 or 4 hours.
We'll have the whole thing duplicated on the Liberator.
No good.
I wouldn't survive the teleport transfer.
They calculate it'll take at least 3 months before I can start to move again.
(TIMER BEEPING) That's a treatment timer.
They'll be here in a few minutes.
They'll find you.
It seems unlikely that you'll be moving far.
I know where to find you.
I'll be back.
(TIMER CONTINUES BEEPING) (SHRILL BEEPING) It is completed.
Get him out of there.
Quickly, now.
We must keep the continuity right.
Wake him.
Come on, on your feet.
Get up.
Now walk.
Avon.
How very nice to see you again.
You look well.
No, actually that's not true.
You look rather tired.
Why don't you sit down? Thank you.
It's less painful than being knocked down.
Have my people been treating you badly? I do apologise.
I shall reprimand them most severely.
You may go.
- You don't seem surprised to see me.
- Lf it was a trap, it had to be yours.
The precise planning, the meticulous detail, the general flair.
- Who else could it be? - Thank you.
That you of all people should appreciate my work is very flattering.
I thought it might be.
I must admit that when I started beaming messages to the Liberator I was worried you might not believe them.
- I didn't.
- What convinced you? When you transmitted the recording of Blake's voice Zen did a print analysis and confirmed the voice could be genuine.
- I had to follow it up.
- I never doubted you would.
What about the others? Were they convinced? I told them nothing about it.
You were afraid they might not want to help you find Blake.
On the contrary, I was sure that they would but they can get a little overenthusiastic, a little careless.
So rather than let them walk into what might be a trap you decided to do it all on your own.
How very noble of you.
I thought so.
Of course, it had nothing to do with not wanting to share Blake's mysterious discovery.
Nothing at all.
(SERVALAN CHUCKLES) Let me reassure you.
You weren't entirely misled.
Blake is alive, and if not well, at least on the road to recovery.
More important, he is my prisoner.
Naturally, I wouldn't expect you to take my word for it so you may see him and talk to him.
- I already have.
- What? Your security is not very efficient.
You were supposed to be held in close custody.
It's not very important.
Let's get down to terms.
I want Blake's freedom.
What do you want? (BEEPING) That.
A straight exchange.
You get Blake and whatever it is he's discovered and I get the Liberator.
Watch the door.
- You ever seen anything like this before? - I don't think so.
- What is it? - I'm not sure.
I recognise some of the components - a voice synthesizer, vocabulary bank.
That looks like a visual image structuriser.
- Tarrant, Cally.
- Tarrant.
Come in, Liberator.
At last.
We've been trying to reach you for hours.
Listen, the ship is in bad trouble.
There's massive structural damage and systems breakdown.
Energy reserves have fallen well below danger level.
Destruction is beyond the capacity of the auto-repair circuits and we're even getting computer failure.
Zen's latest analysis is that the molecular de-structuring is accelerating.
State course and speed.
Blake.
Cally.
Confirmed.
Confirmed.
Confirmed.
Standard by five.
Dysfunction of computer banks How long, Zen? Incalculable.
Whilst in zero-gravity fixed orbit the ship will remain viable for some hours.
And if we try to move? The extreme structural stress of propulsion would probably result in disintegration.
- Dysfunction.
- I got them.
Dysfunction on computer banks 3 and 6.
All resources now concentrated on maintenance of teleport facilities.
I have failed you.
He never referred to himself before.
He never once used the word "l".
I have failed you.
I am sorry.
I have He's dying.
Zen is dying.
Should we teleport back? I don't see how that would help.
We need Avon.
He's the computer genius.
It's just possible he could come up with something.
All details of Blake's treatment have been programmed into the computers.
There are ample supplies of all the drugs and medicines he will require.
In approximately 3 months he should be well enough to move.
The space vessel I used to come here will be at your disposal.
It's rather old-fashioned, slow but it will take you where you want to go.
Are you sure you've covered everything? I don't think there's anything I've missed.
There's a light beam voice link directed at the Liberator.
You'll contact the ship.
Tarrant, Cally and Dayna will teleport to this location.
Vila will stay on board to operate the teleport to bring me up.
You have my word that he will be teleported down to you immediately I have control.
It's a very reasonable contract, Avon.
You have your lives, Blake, and transportation out of here.
And you have the best ship in space.
The pattern for a fleet.
You really think you can duplicate the Liberator? I've assembled a team of scientists who are sure they can.
In fact, they've staked their lives on it.
And with a fleet like that I can unite and rule as nobody has ever ruled before.
- What if the crew won't obey me? - I don't think that's likely.
I have Blake.
I have you.
Call the ship.
I was right.
I knew you'd never let Blake die.
Death is something he and I faced together on many occasions.
I always thought his death and mine might be linked in some way.
Liberator, this is Avon.
Do you read? - Avon? Where are you? - No questions.
Just do as I tell you, and do it immediately.
Take the Liberator out of here, maximum speed.
- Go and keep going.
- No! - It's important, Vila.
Do it now! - You fool! You fool.
Avon.
Avon! Servalan.
(TENSE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC) I think negotiations have just been reopened.
We have a firm locator fix on your signal.
Waiting your orders.
- Have Dayna prepare for teleport.
- She's moving in now.
- Tarrant, no! - It's too late.
Use that good, icy logic of yours.
We've lost this game.
Shut him up.
Ready, Vila? - Standing by.
- Put her down.
(TELEPORT HUMMING) All right.
Get their bracelets.
Move them over there.
That, I think, concludes our business.
You said there's a ship that could get us off here.
There is.
Perhaps I've exaggerated just a little.
You see, she was rather badly damaged when we made our landing.
But I think with some months' work she could be made spaceworthy.
Just about.
- What about Blake? - Ah, yes.
Blake.
I owe him so much.
After all, it was he who brought you to me.
We made a deal.
You promised me Blake.
Blake is dead.
He died from his wounds on the planet Jevron more than a year ago.
I saw his body.
I saw it cremated.
Blake is dead.
I saw him.
- I spoke to him and he - You saw nothing.
Heard nothing.
It was an illusion.
A drug-induced and electronic dream.
We spent months preparing it.
We recreated Blake inside our computers voice, images, memories a million fragmented facts.
When I was ready, I started sending you the messages.
Seeding the idea in your mind.
I was conditioning you.
And you were my greatest ally, Avon.
You made it easy because you wanted to believe it.
You wanted to believe that Blake was still alive.
Let it go, Avon.
One final thing.
As you know, this planet was designed to help our scientists watch and study how life first developed on Earth.
The experiment was more than successful and has led to some highly unpleasant life forms.
Do be careful.
We have met some sort of primitive humanoids.
- I hate to think they were our ancestors.
- Oh, but they're not.
The planet's evolution was massively accelerated.
It developed through millions of years in a very short time.
The creature you saw is not what man developed from.
It is what man will become.
I think I'm ready.
Give the order.
Please.
Take them up, Vila.
We won't meet again.
Goodbye.
I'm going to the flight deck.
Get rid of him.
Put him down on Terminal.
(TENSE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC) Just a minute.
- What are you doing? - Souvenir.
What is it? It's just a pile of junk, really, but it means a lot to me.
I built it.
It's a sculpture.
You're not going to make me leave it, are you? All right.
Incidentally you should always be careful about getting a second-hand spacecraft.
They can be very unreliable.
(TELEPORT HUMMING) You'd better watch this, Avon.
She won.
We - I let her take the Liberator.
- No.
No, she didn't win.
We all came out losers.
(SUSPENSEFUL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC) Manual operation.
Set course for the planet Earth.
Computed and laid in.
Main drive.
(RUMBLING) Maximum power.
- She's beginning to go.
- She's starting to break up.
(GRIPPING INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC) (SCREAMING) Let's see if we can't find a way off this planet.
There's a lot to do.
(THEME MUSIC)
Propulsion computers are amending.
Will we be at the rendezvous on time? That's all I want to know.
Readouts confirm space-time position will be precisely as requested.
Keep monitoring all systems.
I do not want even a fractional error.
Confirmed.
That was it.
Go on, you've got her.
What are you waiting for? I'm not sure.
It's risky.
Make the move.
You'll wipe her out.
- Are you sure you can't read my mind? - Of course I can't.
Even if I could, I wouldn't.
That would be cheating.
Go on, make the move.
Take my word for it.
Remember, I play this game right up to Galactic Master standards.
- All right, if you're sure.
- Just do it.
Trust me.
Let's see you get out of that, then.
(BEEPING) My game in 9,721 moves.
"Galactic Master.
" Thanks a lot.
Wasn't my fault.
Cally responded with the wrong move.
If she'd made the right one, she'd have lost.
- Do you want another? - Why not? There's nothing else to do.
- What are you all doing in here? - Keeping out of Avon's way.
He's not much fun at the moment.
- Aren't you supposed to be on watch? - Avon's doing it.
Still? He's been on that flight deck more than 30 hours now.
I offered.
He said he was handling things and would I please leave.
No, that's not true.
He didn't say anything.
He yelled.
Told me to get out and stay out.
- Same with me.
- And me.
- What the hell is he up to? - Why don't you ask him? Why don't I do that? - Rather you than me.
- Watch yourself.
I'm tired, but I would like the flight deck to myself for a while longer.
- No problem.
- Thank you.
Avon, are we still en route for Califeron? Are we? - No.
- You've changed course? - Obviously.
- You had no right to do that.
- There was no time for a meeting.
- You should've told us.
If your reasons were sound, nobody would've argued.
There's always an argument.
My reasons were sound.
You can take my word for it.
- So tell us where we're going and why.
- No.
And we're just meant to sit by quietly and let you do it.
That's exactly what you're meant to do.
- You and the rest owe me.
- Do we? And I am calling in the debt.
With or without your approval it is going to be done.
How do we approve of something we don't know about? You could try trusting me.
All right, Avon, we'll try trusting you.
Just don't expect us to make a habit of it.
I don't.
Information.
Navigation instructions completed.
Liberator holding requested position.
- Scan, 360 orbital.
- Confirmed.
There's nothing out there.
We're in the middle of nowhere.
We must be light years away from any populated planet.
(AVON) Zen, nearest planet capable of supporting carbon-based life.
- Disentastra.
- Transit time at standard by eight? and 4.
303 seconds.
There is nothing closer? All systems confirm Disentastra as nearest life-supporting planet.
Why here? Why bring me here? Do you want to tell me about it now? I have followed all the instructions, but it doesn't make sense.
Go on.
I first heard the signal Computers are receiving the identifying call sign as stipulated.
Then it's all right.
Zen, you will remain silent until further instructed.
Confirmed.
- Would you mind leaving now? - Yes, I would.
But you'll do it anyway.
Sooner or later you're going to tell us.
Zen, are you still receiving the signal? - Confirmed.
- Is it genuine? Full-range analyses confirm the signal is from the original message source.
Can you trace that source? The signal is being redirected and boosted through a communications satellite.
Trace to origin is not possible.
Identifying call sign has ended.
Message transmission has begun.
Put it on audio.
No, hold that.
Give me direct visual readout at my flight console.
Confirmed.
- Is that all? - Transmission has ceased.
Use the frequency listed.
Acknowledge receipt of message and advise I will cooperate.
- Confirmed.
- Have you got the new locations? Confirmed.
Program the navigation computers.
Get us started.
Confirmed.
You can take the watch now, Vila.
Wonderful.
I've been looking forward to that.
Where are we going, Avon? Profound philosophical questions never really interested me.
- Not up to your usual standard.
- Yes, well, I'm tired.
Avon, where is the ship heading? To tell you the truth I haven't the faintest idea.
(OMINOUS INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC) Zen, I want a fast summary of all communications coming into and going out of this ship within the last 50 hours.
That information is not available.
Why isn't it available? The information you require has been stored via a coded route and retrieval is not possible without the correct security command sequence.
And that sequence is known only to Avon, I imagine.
Confirmed.
You've got to hand it to Avon.
He knows how to keep a secret.
He probably won't even talk to himself.
Information.
Forward sensors indicate a broad spread of unidentified matter across predicted flight path.
Analysis.
Preliminary readings have failed to identify the nature of the material.
- Structure.
- Minute fluid particles.
- Fluid? - Confirmed.
If we go through this matter, is there any risk of hull penetration? Negative.
Detectors register a high level of energy within the band that might generate flight turbulence.
What do you think? - It doesn't sound too dangerous.
- We've been through turbulence before.
What's going on? Cloud of fluid particles up ahead.
They can't be identified as yet.
Zen, put it on the main screen.
Apparently it's energy charged, so it could shake us about a bit.
- Let's be on the safe side and go around.
- No, we stay on course.
Now look, this involves all of us.
I can't think of a reason why we should take any risks and you're not giving me one, are you? Zen, recommendations.
The computer systems favour a course deviation to avoid contact.
In this environment, it is prudent to treat any unexplained phenomenon - as potentially dangerous.
- Isn't that what I just said? With a brain like mine, who needs computers? Maintain present course, no deviation.
Status one, subcategory Q, no countermand.
- Confirmed.
- That is it, Avon.
I've had it.
Tell us what it's all about or we're going to stop it.
No, you're not.
Nothing and nobody is going to stop it, you least of all.
Now get out of my way, and stay out of my way.
You were lucky.
He meant it.
He was going to kill you.
I got that impression myself.
We're getting close.
Better take position.
(DRAMATIC INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC) I hope it's worth all this.
How much more, Zen? Emergence from matter belt in 39.
01 seconds.
Any damage yet? Hull sensors appear temporarily impaired.
All other systems continue on full function.
- Is everybody all right? - Yes.
Fine, thank you.
All that shaking about didn't do my kidneys any good.
Zen, damage report.
Hull sensors still inoperative.
Auto-repair circuits activated.
There is no other damage.
Visual scan reveals minute particles of matter adhering to the hull.
- Any problems with that? - No problem is apparent.
All right, the alert is over.
- Information.
- Right on time.
Navigation instructions completed.
Calculated position is confirmed.
Computers are receiving the correct identifying call sign.
Acknowledge receipt of signal and stand by for message.
Confirmed.
All right, Avon, so we've arrived.
Where? We should be somewhere in the region of Delta 7-1-4.
Which is? One of the stars on the edge of Sector 6.
So why don't we take a look? Zen, scan.
Delta 7-1-4 is a blind sun.
It has no planetary system at all.
No planets? Then what's that, a cosmic conjuring trick? Zen, is that a planet? The object was constructed by a consortium of United Planets scientists It was code-named "Terminal".
Terminal? The records say she broke up.
- You've heard of it? - Only as a historical curiosity.
The intention was to build an artificial planet.
It was sprayed with organic materials in the hope that it would naturalise and eventually create all the conditions to develop and sustain life.
It was just a gigantic laboratory in a way.
But she was originally positioned in solar orbit out towards Mars.
- So what's she doing out here? - You tell me.
I still haven't got over the fact that she exists.
Zen, is there life on Terminal? Data banks do not have that information.
Spectro analysis indicates a breathable atmosphere and Earth-level gravity.
Surface water and vegetation appear to be abundant.
All right, so we've found a long lost planet.
Now, do you want to tell us why we're here? Message transmission has begun.
The signal emanates from Terminal.
Relay to my position.
Message ends.
Acknowledge, and advise I will cooperate.
I'll need about five minutes.
Ask the others to come to the teleport.
I'll tell you what you need to know.
And not before time.
(SINISTER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC) Listen, I don't know what to expect or how long this will take me.
I'll call in every hour on the hour but if I miss one transmission, get out of here.
What? You mean leave you on Terminal? Abandon you? That's exactly what I mean.
Keep the ship on full alert.
At the slightest hint of danger, the same thing applies.
Move out fast.
Look, we've been through a lot together.
We've always been at risk.
We've always taken chances.
But we've survived because we worked as a team.
So what do you have to do that makes this so different? This is my problem.
None of you are involved.
But we are involved.
However much you like to pretend you're a loner, you're not really.
We depend on each other.
I wouldn't be alive now if it wasn't for you and I'm sure that's true of everybody else.
So why not trust us? Look, you don't have to give reasons.
You don't even have to explain.
Whatever it is, we'll back you up.
Or, if you want one of your own cold, rational explanations we can't afford to lose you.
Sentiment breeds weakness.
Let it get a hold of you and you are dead.
I've already programmed Zen.
In 12 hours, the ship will set course for Califeron.
You can't override it.
After that, it will come back under your command.
Go where you want but stay away from Terminal.
You've thought of everything.
I've also recorded a full explanation of everything I'm doing.
Zen will not issue it until you are in flight.
It's very detailed.
The only thing missing is the end.
Operate, will you, Dayna? One last thing.
I don't need any of you.
I needed the Liberator to bring me here so I had to bring you along but this is as far as you go.
I don't want you with me.
I don't want you following me.
Understand this.
Anyone who does follow me, I'll kill them.
All right, Dayna.
(TELEPORT HUMMING) (TENSE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC) Down and safe.
And if this is an example of a man-made planet they ought to get back to the drawing board and start again.
I'll contact you again in precisely one hour.
Out.
Shift the coordinates by half a point.
I don't want to land too close to him.
I got the distinct impression he wanted to be alone.
- We can't always have what we want.
- I had noticed.
- I'll come with you.
- Fine, let's get kitted up.
Avon isn't going to like this.
Avon isn't going to know about it.
I wouldn't like to bet my life on that.
(SUSPENSEFUL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC) (BIRDS CALLING) - What will you do if he spots you? - Duck.
- You set, Cally? - Ready.
Put us down, Dayna.
(TELEPORT HUMMING) (WHISPERING) Stay low.
Do you want the good news or the bad news? Surprise me.
The good news is Avon doesn't know we're here.
The bad news is he's nowhere in sight.
He seems to have vanished.
(DEVICE HUMMING) (WOMAN) There he is, Toron.
- He's moving towards the contact point.
- I've got him.
He seems to be cooperating, following instructions.
So far.
At least he appears to be alone.
(SUSPENSEFUL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC CONTINUES) Reeval, something moving.
About a quarter of a mile behind him.
I can't see it.
I only got a glimpse.
Went into cover.
- Human? - No, probably a link.
And if there's one, there's more.
If they pick up Avon's trail, they'll attack.
He won't stand a chance.
They'll tear him to pieces.
Time we moved.
This directional indicator has been programmed to activate only when the identity of the holder has been confirmed.
Take the sphere in both hands and state your name.
(SPHERE BUZZING) You were instructed to hold the sphere in both hands.
- State name.
- My name is Avon.
Palm and voice prints confirm identity.
You will follow the indicated route.
You are warned that the slightest deviation from this course could result in considerable danger.
Directional indicator will now activate.
(HUMMING) Cally! (BIRDS CHIRPING) I'll tell the ship what we're doing.
- Liberator, Cally.
- We read you, Cally.
Go ahead.
We've lost track of Avon but are now following two unidentified humanoids.
Understood.
I am taking a locator fix on your transmission.
Make contact when you can and we'll keep track of your movements.
Confirmed.
Out.
(SINISTER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC) Come and check this for me, will you? These readings don't make sense.
What's the problem? We're registering very high-level discharge from the energy banks.
That can't be right.
We only require minimal output to hold fixed orbit and maintain normal systems.
I know, but look at that.
We're exceeding our regenerative capacity.
Banks 4 and 7 are drained.
- Have you checked this with Zen? - I only just noticed it.
Zen, report on the status of the energy bank instrumentation.
Instruments are reading accurately.
Then why the massive power drain? Auto-repair circuits are working at maximum capacity.
Damage exceeds rectification capability.
Damage? What damage? - That information is not available.
- What do you mean, not available? Either we are damaged, or we're not.
Now which is it? The continuing malfunction of hull sensors is limiting data for analysis.
Operational systems indicate that the damage is widespread but superficial.
The nature of the damage.
What's causing it? Unconfirmed analysis suggests unidentified enzyme activity resulting in molecular metamorphosis.
Thank you, Zen.
That's a big help.
Zen, it is vital that we have more information.
Divert all computer functions to total investigation.
(ZEN TALKING INDISTINCTLY) Confirmed.
Minor damage to primary translating unit makes temporary closedown of speech circuits necessary.
You will be advised when full function is restored.
What's all that about? - What's happening? - I don't know but I think it's time for the others to come back.
(SUSPENSEFUL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC) Halt.
Guidance program now completed.
(BEEPING) It's been nice talking to you.
(TWIGS SNAPPING) Is there anyone there? (ECHOING) Is there anyone there? Anybody here? - Shall we go down? - Let's be on the safe side.
Keep your eyes open.
I'll have a look round.
- What are they hanging about for? - Perhaps that's as far as they're going.
And where the hell is Avon? (LINKS SCREAMING WILDLY) (REEVAL SCREAMING) - We've got to help them.
- No.
It's too late.
There's nothing we can do.
(LINK GRUNTING) (SOFT HUMMING) "Blake showed no apparent signs of distress.
"All prescribed medication was administered.
" So he is alive.
Blake is alive.
(WHOOSHING) (WOMAN) Let it begin.
It's eating into everything.
Metal, plastics, fibres.
Just rotting away.
Maybe we should try and contact the others again.
- There's no point.
- Might have just been a blind spot.
Or a malfunction.
How do we know? Look at this.
There is total drain on three of the energy banks maximum discharge on all the others.
In a couple of hours, we'll have nothing in reserve.
- We've got to slow the outflow.
- How? There is a way, but first we must get Zen back online.
Zen, this is a priority command overriding all other requirements.
Come online.
Repeat.
Zen, this is a priority command.
Come online! (ZEN TALKING INDISTINCTLY) Translator units are still on the blink.
Confirmed.
State speed and course.
Computer circuits have now been rerouted and as requested, are now online.
Zen, I want all the auto-repair systems closed down.
- You can't do that! - He's got to.
They're fighting a losing battle and burning up the energy banks.
Concentrate all you've got on keeping the computer systems functioning.
Maximise investigation and research into the nature of whatever's causing the damage and find a solution.
Dangerous structural weaknesses have already have already already developed in many areas.
Auto-repair circuits are delaying further weakening.
Delaying, not halting.
I want all-out computer effort on investigation.
If you can come up with an answer soon enough we might still have enough power left to start getting things working.
Confirm.
Confirm! Confirmed.
He's doing it.
But without the auto-repair, this stuff's going to speed up.
I'm going to try Tarrant again.
There's no chance Avon left Orac's key on the ship somewhere.
No, he took it all right.
Orac's just a useless bunch of junk.
He should feel right at home in this lot.
(TENSE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC) - What do you make of it? - Some sort of shaft cover.
Could explain where Avon vanished to.
Damn.
Electrostatic lock.
It needs a sonal key.
They might have it.
I'll check.
This could be it.
Cally! (LINK GRUNTING) (CALLY SCREAMING) (TARRANT AND LINK GRUNTING) (LINK GROWLING) (LINK GROWLING FIERCELY) I hope you hadn't planned on going back up again.
Not immediately.
From here on, it's downhill all the way.
(SHRILL BEEPING) Blake.
Well, you certainly took your time finding me.
There didn't seem to be any hurry.
Anyway, I always said I could manage very well without you.
It must have been so dull having no one to argue with.
At times your simple-minded certainties might have been refreshing.
Careful, Avon.
- Your sentiment is showing.
- That's your imagination.
Now, are you going to tell me about this discovery that is going to make us rich and invincible? I'll take you to it.
After I get you out of the mess you've got yourself into? - Just like old times? - Not that easy this time.
The lightning raid to snatch me from the jaws of death isn't on, I'm afraid.
Taken off this life support system I wouldn't survive for more than 3 or 4 hours.
We'll have the whole thing duplicated on the Liberator.
No good.
I wouldn't survive the teleport transfer.
They calculate it'll take at least 3 months before I can start to move again.
(TIMER BEEPING) That's a treatment timer.
They'll be here in a few minutes.
They'll find you.
It seems unlikely that you'll be moving far.
I know where to find you.
I'll be back.
(TIMER CONTINUES BEEPING) (SHRILL BEEPING) It is completed.
Get him out of there.
Quickly, now.
We must keep the continuity right.
Wake him.
Come on, on your feet.
Get up.
Now walk.
Avon.
How very nice to see you again.
You look well.
No, actually that's not true.
You look rather tired.
Why don't you sit down? Thank you.
It's less painful than being knocked down.
Have my people been treating you badly? I do apologise.
I shall reprimand them most severely.
You may go.
- You don't seem surprised to see me.
- Lf it was a trap, it had to be yours.
The precise planning, the meticulous detail, the general flair.
- Who else could it be? - Thank you.
That you of all people should appreciate my work is very flattering.
I thought it might be.
I must admit that when I started beaming messages to the Liberator I was worried you might not believe them.
- I didn't.
- What convinced you? When you transmitted the recording of Blake's voice Zen did a print analysis and confirmed the voice could be genuine.
- I had to follow it up.
- I never doubted you would.
What about the others? Were they convinced? I told them nothing about it.
You were afraid they might not want to help you find Blake.
On the contrary, I was sure that they would but they can get a little overenthusiastic, a little careless.
So rather than let them walk into what might be a trap you decided to do it all on your own.
How very noble of you.
I thought so.
Of course, it had nothing to do with not wanting to share Blake's mysterious discovery.
Nothing at all.
(SERVALAN CHUCKLES) Let me reassure you.
You weren't entirely misled.
Blake is alive, and if not well, at least on the road to recovery.
More important, he is my prisoner.
Naturally, I wouldn't expect you to take my word for it so you may see him and talk to him.
- I already have.
- What? Your security is not very efficient.
You were supposed to be held in close custody.
It's not very important.
Let's get down to terms.
I want Blake's freedom.
What do you want? (BEEPING) That.
A straight exchange.
You get Blake and whatever it is he's discovered and I get the Liberator.
Watch the door.
- You ever seen anything like this before? - I don't think so.
- What is it? - I'm not sure.
I recognise some of the components - a voice synthesizer, vocabulary bank.
That looks like a visual image structuriser.
- Tarrant, Cally.
- Tarrant.
Come in, Liberator.
At last.
We've been trying to reach you for hours.
Listen, the ship is in bad trouble.
There's massive structural damage and systems breakdown.
Energy reserves have fallen well below danger level.
Destruction is beyond the capacity of the auto-repair circuits and we're even getting computer failure.
Zen's latest analysis is that the molecular de-structuring is accelerating.
State course and speed.
Blake.
Cally.
Confirmed.
Confirmed.
Confirmed.
Standard by five.
Dysfunction of computer banks How long, Zen? Incalculable.
Whilst in zero-gravity fixed orbit the ship will remain viable for some hours.
And if we try to move? The extreme structural stress of propulsion would probably result in disintegration.
- Dysfunction.
- I got them.
Dysfunction on computer banks 3 and 6.
All resources now concentrated on maintenance of teleport facilities.
I have failed you.
He never referred to himself before.
He never once used the word "l".
I have failed you.
I am sorry.
I have He's dying.
Zen is dying.
Should we teleport back? I don't see how that would help.
We need Avon.
He's the computer genius.
It's just possible he could come up with something.
All details of Blake's treatment have been programmed into the computers.
There are ample supplies of all the drugs and medicines he will require.
In approximately 3 months he should be well enough to move.
The space vessel I used to come here will be at your disposal.
It's rather old-fashioned, slow but it will take you where you want to go.
Are you sure you've covered everything? I don't think there's anything I've missed.
There's a light beam voice link directed at the Liberator.
You'll contact the ship.
Tarrant, Cally and Dayna will teleport to this location.
Vila will stay on board to operate the teleport to bring me up.
You have my word that he will be teleported down to you immediately I have control.
It's a very reasonable contract, Avon.
You have your lives, Blake, and transportation out of here.
And you have the best ship in space.
The pattern for a fleet.
You really think you can duplicate the Liberator? I've assembled a team of scientists who are sure they can.
In fact, they've staked their lives on it.
And with a fleet like that I can unite and rule as nobody has ever ruled before.
- What if the crew won't obey me? - I don't think that's likely.
I have Blake.
I have you.
Call the ship.
I was right.
I knew you'd never let Blake die.
Death is something he and I faced together on many occasions.
I always thought his death and mine might be linked in some way.
Liberator, this is Avon.
Do you read? - Avon? Where are you? - No questions.
Just do as I tell you, and do it immediately.
Take the Liberator out of here, maximum speed.
- Go and keep going.
- No! - It's important, Vila.
Do it now! - You fool! You fool.
Avon.
Avon! Servalan.
(TENSE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC) I think negotiations have just been reopened.
We have a firm locator fix on your signal.
Waiting your orders.
- Have Dayna prepare for teleport.
- She's moving in now.
- Tarrant, no! - It's too late.
Use that good, icy logic of yours.
We've lost this game.
Shut him up.
Ready, Vila? - Standing by.
- Put her down.
(TELEPORT HUMMING) All right.
Get their bracelets.
Move them over there.
That, I think, concludes our business.
You said there's a ship that could get us off here.
There is.
Perhaps I've exaggerated just a little.
You see, she was rather badly damaged when we made our landing.
But I think with some months' work she could be made spaceworthy.
Just about.
- What about Blake? - Ah, yes.
Blake.
I owe him so much.
After all, it was he who brought you to me.
We made a deal.
You promised me Blake.
Blake is dead.
He died from his wounds on the planet Jevron more than a year ago.
I saw his body.
I saw it cremated.
Blake is dead.
I saw him.
- I spoke to him and he - You saw nothing.
Heard nothing.
It was an illusion.
A drug-induced and electronic dream.
We spent months preparing it.
We recreated Blake inside our computers voice, images, memories a million fragmented facts.
When I was ready, I started sending you the messages.
Seeding the idea in your mind.
I was conditioning you.
And you were my greatest ally, Avon.
You made it easy because you wanted to believe it.
You wanted to believe that Blake was still alive.
Let it go, Avon.
One final thing.
As you know, this planet was designed to help our scientists watch and study how life first developed on Earth.
The experiment was more than successful and has led to some highly unpleasant life forms.
Do be careful.
We have met some sort of primitive humanoids.
- I hate to think they were our ancestors.
- Oh, but they're not.
The planet's evolution was massively accelerated.
It developed through millions of years in a very short time.
The creature you saw is not what man developed from.
It is what man will become.
I think I'm ready.
Give the order.
Please.
Take them up, Vila.
We won't meet again.
Goodbye.
I'm going to the flight deck.
Get rid of him.
Put him down on Terminal.
(TENSE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC) Just a minute.
- What are you doing? - Souvenir.
What is it? It's just a pile of junk, really, but it means a lot to me.
I built it.
It's a sculpture.
You're not going to make me leave it, are you? All right.
Incidentally you should always be careful about getting a second-hand spacecraft.
They can be very unreliable.
(TELEPORT HUMMING) You'd better watch this, Avon.
She won.
We - I let her take the Liberator.
- No.
No, she didn't win.
We all came out losers.
(SUSPENSEFUL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC) Manual operation.
Set course for the planet Earth.
Computed and laid in.
Main drive.
(RUMBLING) Maximum power.
- She's beginning to go.
- She's starting to break up.
(GRIPPING INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC) (SCREAMING) Let's see if we can't find a way off this planet.
There's a lot to do.
(THEME MUSIC)