Buck Rogers in the 25th Century s01e05 Episode Script
Vegas in Space
I want you to leave here now: You're in great danger: [Screams.]
Once you put her under, she's not waking up again: Don't you see? He'll get what he wants and then kill her:! - Switch to manual for firing: - Buck, either evade or fire: [Man Narrating.]
The year is 1987, and NASA launches the last of America's deep space probes: In a freak mishap, Ranger 3 and its pilot, Captain William "Buck'"Rogers, are blown out of their trajectory into an orbit which freezes his life-support systems: : : And returns Buck Rogers to Earth: : : Ah! I should've had him: I'm switching to manual: Negative, Captain: Enemy approaching port side: Well, hello there: One out of 14! This is ridiculous! - You've got one on your tail: - Roger: Buck, either evade or fire: Captain Rogers has just sustained a direct hit: Squadron destroyed after two minutes and 17 seconds of battle: The computer control system is next to useless against these Hatchet fighters: - You noticed, huh? - The best pilots I could assemble: : : Were no more successful than anyone else has been against them: Drill terminated: Return to base, everyone: Buck, thanks again for helping us out: Wilma, the computers work just fine when you use them to draw a bead on your target: Instruct your pilots to go to manual for firing: They can't do it: Sure they can: They did it against the Draconians, remember? You even hit a couple: That was before the Draconians: : : Started arming themselves with these new fighters: I've never seen a ship that was so maneuverable and so fast: It just means your trigger finger's gotta be quicker: Hitting those targets is a matter of milliseconds: To rely on human judgment instead of a computer's would be madness: Wilma, it's a matter of training the reflexes: I don't know: I'll think about it: All right: Listen, you got any plans for tonight? - Well, as a matter of fact, no: - That's too bad: I do: [Voices Sped Up, Chatter.]
[Chatter Stops.]
Oh, Falina: I just got your gift: It's wonderful: And I know how rare flowering plants are: And even rarer still are people like you who are thoughtful and kind: Thank you, Falina: I only wish all the children I used to take care of: : : Had grown up to be like you: Happy birthday, Rita: [Man.]
Hello, Falina: Mr: Armat? Maybe it's just as well that you were out: I want you to listen to me, and do exactly as I say: There's no time or need for discussion: I want you to leave here now: Go to the shuttle station: An itinerary, already paid for, will be waiting for you: Go where it takes you: You'll be well cared for: All I can tell you now is that you're in great danger: All because of me: You've been one of my best: : : Employees, Falina: I'm sorry: [Beeping.]
[Screams.]
Oh: Excuse me, Dr: Huer: I was told you wanted to see me: You were told correctly: Come in: This, uh, gentleman: : : Has just made the Defense Directorate a very interesting proposition: Major Landers, Amos Armat: [Landers.]
Alleged businessman: Moon base construction, I think, isn't it? Of course, your real expertise lies in: : : Extortion, smuggling illegal weaponry to warring colonies: - And, of course, slave trafficking: - [Dr: Huer.]
That's very true: Mr: Armat's covert activities have perplexed the interplanetary authorities for years: But, as yet we've been unable to prove anything: And rest assured, you never will, unless I turn myself and all my records over to you: Which I am prepared to do: Why? An employee in my company, Falina Redding, has been kidnapped: She's totally innocent of wrongdoing: She's a digital programmer: A good one, I'm told: Except last week, by mistake, she saw a readout containing a numerical code, which, if obtained and deciphered by one of my competitors, would ruin three-fourths of my operations: Falina had no idea what she'd seen: She reported the error, which is standard procedure, and kept right on working: One of your competitors heard about it and kidnapped her: : : So that eventually he could get the information out of her head: I tried to warn her, but it was too late: - Which competitor? Do you know? - Velosi: He's had her taken to Sinaloa: My people can't touch her there, but you people can: - And you'll turn yourself in if we get her back for you? - Yes: I'm afraid the answer is no, Mr: Armat: Velosi will use whatever information he gets from Falina to cripple your operation: And that event is rather appealing to me: But don't you see? He'll get what he wants and then kill her:! I find it rather hard to believe that a single murder even registers on your consciousness: Tempting as the prospect may be of personally removing you from this planet forever, the answer is still no, because I'll not risk any of my people to save the lives: : : Of one of your innocent employees: Dr: Huer, don't you think: : : That a man of Mr: Armat's connections, someone with easy access to all sorts of information about illegal weaponry, probably he would have a good deal to tell us about Hatchet fighters? The Draconians are using them to ambush Earth's squadrons: If we were to get Falina back, Mr: Armat, not only would you turn yourself in, but you'd also find out why the Hatchet fighter is impervious to our computer control systems, wouldn't you? It's a deal: Come on, come on, come on! Well, maybe next year: [Beep At Door.]
Buck, it's Wilma: Stay to the right, behind the fences: Do not walk, do not talk, do not pass "go:" And keep your hands off my caddy: Ah! Hi, Wilma: Not bad, huh? Depends: What are you doing? Putting: It became a tradition in my day: : : For astronauts to carry a golf club or two on board their spacecraft: It's a big deal to be able to say you holed out on the moon: Golf was a very special twentieth-century sport, Wilma: It required coordination, patience, total concentration: Looks ridiculous: Just for that, the answer is no: Did you hear me ask you a question? No, but you were going to: Hmm: A situation has arisen at the Defense Directorate: : : Requiring a person of my "peculiar background," as Dr: Huer would say, right? - Wrong: I'm not interested: - Just trying to do you a favor: - You did tell me that you liked to play Ten-and-Eleven, didn't you? - Ten-and-Eleven? - Actually, I believe you called it "blackjack:" - Blackjack? Yes: The way Dr: Huer and Major Landers have it worked out, they need someone who's very good at blackjack to go with her to Sinaloa: To go with her? You remember Major Landers: - Major Marla Landers? - Oh, that Major Landers! Yes: She's much more familiar with Sinaloa than I am, so you'll be going off with her instead of me: That is, on the off chance that you're interested: Oh, I don't know, Wilma: I'll have to think about it: When do we leave? The Delta solar system consists of 12 orbiting, man-made cities: Each one a little different from the others: Sinaloa is composed almost exclusively of hotels, casinos, showrooms: Everything revolves around entertainment and gambling: Sort of a Las Vegas in space: From what you tell me, yeah: I can't help it, Marla: Someone's paying me to play blackjack? It's an involuntary reflex: [Twiki Chirping.]
Hold up, Buck: [Marla.]
Looks like Dr: Theopolis came through: : : With the items we asked for: Hiya, Twiki: - What's shakin', Buck? - These will help us get out of the city after we find Falina, huh, Doctor? [Theo.]
That is correct, Major Landers: When attached to a solid surface, they are practically invisible: One of my better creative efforts: : : I must say: Detonating device, hmm? Effective from a distance or less: And this must be for Velosi's goon, and this for the exit portal: Very good, Buck: Indeed it is: [Theo.]
But it will deactivate the force field for only ten seconds: Do try to remember that: I will, Doctor: Thank you: You've been a big help to us, Doctor: Naturally: But it's up to you two, who have the real job to do: Tell him that: The idea of traveling to what some people refer to: : : As an orbiting city of moral depravity, obviously agrees with you, Buck: Well, it's a thankless job, Doctor, but somebody's gotta do it: [Twiki Chirping.]
- What a guy! - Come on, Marla: [Music, Chatter.]
Hello, Mr: Velosi: Five complaints in four days: I'm getting a little bored, I guess: Imagine people complaining about a beautiful thing like you: It's almost as if you've forgotten there's only one way out of this city: Mr: Velosi, l My way: No more complaints, Tangie: She's here: Generator Sector 3: I tell you, Marla: I am to blackjack: : : What a mongoose is to a cobra: Hmm? That simply means that you and Dr: Huer were right in recruiting me: I'm just a firm believer in backup plans: I'll get the job done: Don't worry: Here, take a look at these: [Buck.]
Velosi? [Marla.]
Owns and runs Sinaloa: The city is entirely self-contained, and he has the first and last word on everything: Lfhe says you don't leave, you don't leave: What about Mr: Congeniality here? [Marla.]
That's Carl Morphus: People like Velosi call him in when they want to extract things from people's minds: - Extract? - He can literally pull memories out of a person's subconscious, using drugs or whatever else is necessary: - He's headed for Sinaloa as well? - That's the rumor: Now, that's Falina: If we can't locate her by the time Carl Morphus gets there, we might as well go home: I take it he works fast then: [Footsteps.]
Why am I here? Who are you? What am I doing here? Answer me! [Recorded Voice.]
You are now subject to the laws of Sinaloa: If you have any questions, please go to the pink vid-phone at the end of the concourse, and a paralegal will be happy to answer your questions: Please have your l: D: Cards ready at the entry portal: L: D: Cards are required for entry and exit to Sinaloa: This is where everybody entering and leaving is screened: Those gifts Twiki and Theo gave us would work better on the other side of those portals: You got 'em ready? Of course: By the way, that l: D: Card that Dr: Huer gave you? That'll not only get you into the city, it'll also get you food and money: : : And everything else you need: Everything else? Within reason, Buck: Ah: You go first: Go ahead: Okay: You are now subject to the laws of Sinaloa: If you have any questions, please go to the pink vid-phone at the end of the concourse, and a paralegal will be happy to answer your questions: [Loud Beeping.]
[Beeping Stops.]
You are now subject to the laws of Sinaloa: If you have any questions, please go to the pink vid-phone at the end of the concourse, and a paralegal will be happy to answer your questions: Please have your l: D: Cards ready at the entry portal: L: D: Cards are required for entry and exit to Sinaloa: Thank you: [Recording Continues.]
- [Alarm Beeping.]
- Halt! Halt! [Beeping Continues.]
- Search him:! Search the violator:! - I haven't done anything: [Man.]
What are you doing? - A computer! - I didn't know it was there: Computers are not allowed in Sinaloa: Incinerate it! Don't you see that: : : I didn't do anything! No:! Please:! What was that all about? All the games inside are computerized: Carrying a calculator in here is illegal: What's gonna happen to that guy? Depends what mood Velosi's in: How are you doing? Fine, fine: That was number three: Getting out of here's gonna be a blast: I'll see you in the casino: And remember, we don't know each other: Oh, yeah, sure: That's someone from Klosef 3: Not your type: Oh, yeah? We'll see about that: I really don't think you'll like him: "Him"? Mr: Morphus will arrive within the next several hours: Then your wait will be over: You're going to make me remember: : : What I saw on Mr: Armat's computer: And then you're going to kill me: You entered in a maintenance vehicle: Your exit will be even less ceremonious: And no one will ever be able to prove you were here: I never meant to do anything wrong! It isn't fair! I know: [Synthesizer.]
[Chatter.]
You poor thing: You look absolutely lost: I'm new in town: You the welcome wagon? I'm not sure: My name is Tangie: Tangie: That's a nice name: Mmm: What it is, is memorable: How 'bout you? Oh, Buck's the name, and Buck is looking to play some blackjack: I'm sorry: I mean Ten-and-Eleven: Oh, that's so hard: No one ever wins at that awful game: Are you sure you want to spend your money playing Ten-and-Eleven? Yeah, I'm sure: How about some company? Oh, or are you with someone? No, no: As a matter of fact, I'm here all by myself: Marvelous: Hit me: That does not compute, sir: Yeah, right: Another draw, please: A seven: Eleven and seven is eighteen: The house pays eighteen: I don't know how you do it: I've never seen anyone win like this:! That's because no one uses their brains anymore: They let computers do all the work: People's minds have gotten flabby: I'll bet some of these suckers can't even count to 21: That's the ninth hand in a row that man has won! He's only lost four since he sat down! That's one that can count: But if you go higher than ten, she has to take her shoes off: It's obvious he's cheating: I demand you do something about it: All symbols are randomly and impartially selected: : : In cycles of 52: There is no way to tamper with the selection process: He's counting what's been played before, and figuring the odds on a computer somewhere: No computers or calculators can be brought into Sinaloa: All persons and their luggage are carefully screened: Lady, I'm beating the house, not you: So what do you care how much money I win? Of course, it doesn't exactly make her look like Alberta Einstein: Something is going on here, and I intend to find out what: Party pooper: Oh: [Giggles.]
You have the funniest way of talking: You're not from Klosef 3, are you? I have reason to believe one of the men: : : At one of your Ten-and-Eleven tables is cheating: - To whom should I report it? - Me: My name is Morgan Velosi: I'd hate to see anybody ruin your stay here in my city: Oh, well, actually he's doing you more harm than he is me: See that man over there at that table being mauled by that creature? [Screaming, Laughing.]
That's the 10th hand in a row he's won: He must be cheating: You ought to have someone keep an eye on him: May I see your identification? Watch him: You're being very wise, Mr: Velosi: Would you like a drink, Marla? No, thank you: I mean, after all, you did a favor for me: That's quite all right: And if you don't join me for a drink, I'll then be forced to instruct the portal computer: : : Not to allow Marla Landers: : : Out of the city: Whatever you're having: [Buck.]
Hey, hey:! I remember once, around the end of my stint at Edwards, Toby Kaplan and I hopped in a car one Wednesday afternoon and drove until we got to Las Vegas: We partied and gambled, and just generally got crazy all night, then drove back Thursday morning just in time for our 10:00 class: I take that back: We were two minutes late: - Player number four, card? - No draw: Dealer is 14, and takes a card: Yeah, I think that was just before I left for Houston: Yeah, it was: Last time I saw Toby, he was bound and determined to head up the Space and Aeronautics Board someday: He could've too: I wonder if he ever did: Dealer is 19 and stands firm: House pays 20: Players two and four win: Buck? You won again: Player two, Yeah, I won: Player four, You really are something: I've never met anyone quite like you before: [Sighs.]
That's for sure: I've been waiting a long time for someone like you to come along: That's just because it took me I still don't understand how you've been able to win so much: It's easy, Tangie: It's like I told you: You just remember everything that's been played Buck, I envy you: [Computer.]
Dealer has 16, and takes a card: Not because you're wealthy and intelligent: Just because you're free: You're free to go anywhere you want, anytime you please: You're not? I am an employee of Sinaloa: I work for Mr: Velosi: He won't let me leave: He says I'm: : : Too valuable a commodity: He's a real credit to the human race, huh? He's a monster: But, if, uh If someone were to offer him enough money, oh, say, as much as you've won here, I bet he'd let me go: Think he would, huh? And I would be so grateful, Buck: You have no idea how grateful I'd be: I really hate to break this up, Tangie, but I've got to see a man about a horse: Cashing in: Player four, Well, at least I come out of this with some bread: You're leaving? Yes, but I shall return: Well, you better, or I might just have to look you up in the daily census: Mightn't I, Buck? Promises, promises: - So long, metal mouth: - I beg your pardon? There's two good things about playing against a computer: One is they can't deal off the bottom of the deck; the other is you don't have to tip 'em: See you later: I've enjoyed this, I really have: But the people I'm here with are going to begin to wonder where in the world I am: You can leave a message for your friends afterwards: Afterwards? Are we going somewhere? My room: Oh, but Your l: D: Was very convincing, but there's more to you: : : Than meets the eye: Isn't there? And I intend to find out: There are one or two ways we can handle this situation: They always go for number two: You should've gone for number one: [Groaning.]
What are you doing to me? You're cutting off my circulation: Well, I suppose you had my best interests at heart when you came at me with this? I was told to find out why you were winning so much at Ten-and-Eleven: I was cheating: I was using my brain, which is something the run-of-the-mill customer here ceased to do a long time ago: And I was trying to attract the attention of a thug like you: - Which I did: - You saying all this was planned? Yep: Because as one of Morgan Velosi's thugs, you know things: - Like where Falina Redding is: - Who's Falina Redding? I was afraid you were gonna say something like that: Open up: What's that? It's a pill: It'll make you feel good relaxed, happy, cooperative, so that lying to me will be impossible: Come on: [Grunts.]
There are a variety of things I can do to get this into your system: I even had Theo put some orange flavoring in it: You'll love it: Come on: Come on, open up: Come on: Be a good boy: That's a good boy: Swallow down: Swallow down: - Orange? - I lied: [Romantic.]
You know, if you are dissatisfied with my credentials, I suggest you simply call for a readout on your computer: I fully intend to: : : When we're through: Mr: Velosi, I resent the way: : : That you've assumed that I've agreed to all of this: Are you going to leave that message for your friend now: : : Or later? I am accustomed to having some say in these sort of matters: Running a city both requires: : : And enables one to make split-second decisions: Not only for myself, but for everyone else: [Laughing.]
[Laughing.]
How do you feel? Whoo: Great, great: Just better and better: But I still don't want to talk: [Laughing.]
To either of you: [Laughing.]
Sure you do: - Where are they holding Falina Redding? - Falina: Falina: The woman who was kidnapped from New Chicago? Where is she? Generator Sector 3: [Laughing.]
How do I get there? Elevator "F," bottom level: Through the door at the end: Oh, you can't get through the door: You don't have a key: I'm sorry: What about yours? I don't have one: I don't have one: Who does? Oh, let me see, let me see: Uh, 0-7, the sanitation module: And Thompson, and Levine: And Velosi his key opens everything in the city: Damn: [Sighs.]
Well, it is his city, you know: [Laughing.]
[Romantic.]
[Woman On Intercom.]
Excuse me, Mr: Velosi: The man you've been expecting is here: You have business to do: I certainly wouldn't keep you: I always finish what I begin: Your room in five minutes, Marla Landers: [Beeps.]
[Stops.]
Get Thompson up here: He's in the casino: Yes, Mr: Velosi: You've come around to brunettes, I see: My associate, Mr: Thompson, will direct you: : : To the person you're going to work with: She saw a very critical readout on Armat's computer last week in New Chicago: Thompson will record everything she says: May I remind you the chemicals I use tend to traumatize brain tissue? Her mind will never be the same: Once you put her under, she's not waking up again: Fine: [Woman On Intercom.]
Mr: Thompson is here: Enjoyed seeing you again, Mr: Velosi: Sorry to have interrupted you: [Buzzes.]
Marla, open up: It's me, Buck: Where have you been? Never mind that: Carl Morphus just arrived: Terrific: That's about as good as the news I've got: Couldn't get anything out of that man that was following you? I know exactly where they're keeping Falina: That's good news: I also found out it's impossible to get there without one of four existing keys: Oh, no: I was gonna try to lift one off sanitation module 0-7: But he doesn't make rounds until midnight, and if Morphus is here now, we might as well start packing: - Buck, who else has a key? - A couple of Velosi's goons: And Velosi? Naturally: I can't believe we've come this far to have everything go down the tubes: Everything's not going down the tubes? Mm-mmm: In approximately two minutes, we may very well have ourselves that key: Turn around: What? Oh: Marla? [Marla.]
You'll have to wait just a minute: I don't like to wait: And with this, I rarely have to: I thought you'd feel that way: I'm sorry to spoil your plans this evening, Mr: Velosi: Yes, I am disappointed: Half of me said trust Marla Landers: After all, she's a beautiful woman: The other half said don't trust Marla Landers: She's too good: Keep your eye on her: A most pleasant task, I might add: Until now: Kill her! Please, don't move: Come on: Get over there with your boss: Move: Come on, move: I'll just take that key you're so proud of, Mr: Velosi: You both will die before you leave the city: You think so, huh? Okay, get over there: Come on, move! If I were you, I'd worry more about how you're gonna get out of here, Mr: Velosi: Let's go: Get down to the ship and prepare for takeoff: I'll get Falina: You got the detonator? I'm all set: I'll see you at the ship: Why, Buck Rogers, what are you and that lady up to? Later, Tangie: Looks to me like it's something dishonest: I don't have time: If you don't help me buy my way out of this city, Security's gonna get a call from me: Next time I'm in town: You won't get away with it! Maybe you'll feel better after a nap: Now wait a minute: Hold it: Look: I'm not gonna be needing this, so here: Use this to get out of the city and take this with you: You're gonna go with us: Oh, uh, Marla, Tangie: Tangie, Marla: Nice to meet you: Soon it'll all be over, my dear: I imagine that the worst thing for a person in your position is the wait: You imagine Imagine what it's like being me right now: I dare you: My work calls for strict objectivity: Were I to allow myself to empathize with you, I couldn't get the job done now, could I? Just hurry and get on with it: I'm ready: I suggest you start recording: I want you to close your eyes: And very soon you shall find yourself afloat: : : In a sea of color and sounds: And then blackness, and then everything, everything shall come to an end: [Alarm Beeping.]
Name is Buck Rogers: He just hit the alarm: Let's get out of here: [Beeping Continues.]
[Recorded Voice.]
Please have your l: D: Cards ready at the entry portal: L: D: Cards are required for entry and exit to Sinaloa: I don't have an l: D: Card: I can't get out: [Buck.]
I think that's the least of our problems: I'm afraid our friend down below sent a prerecorded message: : : To the exit portal computer: : : Concerning you: Yep, we've been made: Come on: Let's go! Cut them off! : [Explosion.]
[Screaming.]
- [Guard.]
Where'd they go? - I can't see them with all this smoke! [Guard.]
Where'd they go? Seal all exits to launching bay: Cut them off! : They're heading for the launching bay:! No! Get back! Let's go: We've got ten seconds: Halt! [Grunts.]
Run, Falina, run! Go on! [Man.]
They're heading for the launching bay:! Run, Falina! Have any problem getting through the portal? Nothing Falina couldn't handle: How're you doing, Tangie? I am just fine, Buck: There's no way I can describe how grateful I am, so if you don't mind, I'm not gonna try: Just sit back and enjoy the ride, both of you: Looks like the fat's not out of the fire yet: Which means in English? We've got company: You take navigational control: I'll take care of combat: You got a fix on 'em? They're Hatchet fighters: No wonder Armat said he could get you that information: He and Velosi are the ones who've been supplying them to the Draconians: All our weapons are deployed by Comp-control, and it's useless against Hatchet fighters: I've been through all this with Wilma: Switch to manual for firing: - Switch me over to navigational: You take the gun: - There's no time! Our only offense is gonna be one hell of a defense, so hang on: - How're we doing? - That's two down and two to go: - When did you learn to fly? - Who says I ever did? I can really pick 'em: - We've got one left: - I've got no more tricks up my sleeve: - You're gonna have to open fire and do it fast: - Buck, I can't! There's no time to switch me over! I told you so: She's safe, Dr: Huer: You've kept your part of the bargain; I'm keeping mine: Here's the key to the computer vault in my office: Here's the inventory of everything stored therein: I'll await the authorities at my office: Wait a minute, Mr: Armat: The things these people have said about you, they're all true? Yes: But if all your life you've had people killed, tortured and enslaved, why did you bother with me? I hardly even know you: But I know you: At least I did: : : Twenty years ago when your mother and I decided it was best I leave for your sake: Due to the nature of my business, you see, having a child, a vulnerable spot, was out of the question: But I always made sure that you were well cared for: And when you were old enough to go to work, I couldn't resist: : : Seeing that a job was offered to you in my company: An indulgence which almost proved disastrous: I don't believe you: Good: It's best that you don't: : : So that none of this will ever be repeated outside these walls: I believe you have something else for us, don't you, Mr: Armat? Ah, yes: Complete technical schematics for the Hatchet fighters: I believe it will explain why your computer control system: : : Has been ineffective against them: Who needs schematics? The key to doing battle with them is good old-fashioned intuition: Uh, since you have gone to all the trouble Practice makes perfect, Marla: Lots of practice: Hi, Buck: How did it go? Rough: Very rough: Being 9,000 credits richer is rough: Where'd you hear that? From Tangie: I talked to her briefly: : : Before she was escorted over to your: : : Apartment: Don't get the idea I enjoy doing these little favors for you people: Of course not: Very dangerous work: There were at least five instances when I could've been killed like that: How much did you win again? You know, Ten-and-Eleven really isn't as difficult as you think it is, Wilma:
Once you put her under, she's not waking up again: Don't you see? He'll get what he wants and then kill her:! - Switch to manual for firing: - Buck, either evade or fire: [Man Narrating.]
The year is 1987, and NASA launches the last of America's deep space probes: In a freak mishap, Ranger 3 and its pilot, Captain William "Buck'"Rogers, are blown out of their trajectory into an orbit which freezes his life-support systems: : : And returns Buck Rogers to Earth: : : Ah! I should've had him: I'm switching to manual: Negative, Captain: Enemy approaching port side: Well, hello there: One out of 14! This is ridiculous! - You've got one on your tail: - Roger: Buck, either evade or fire: Captain Rogers has just sustained a direct hit: Squadron destroyed after two minutes and 17 seconds of battle: The computer control system is next to useless against these Hatchet fighters: - You noticed, huh? - The best pilots I could assemble: : : Were no more successful than anyone else has been against them: Drill terminated: Return to base, everyone: Buck, thanks again for helping us out: Wilma, the computers work just fine when you use them to draw a bead on your target: Instruct your pilots to go to manual for firing: They can't do it: Sure they can: They did it against the Draconians, remember? You even hit a couple: That was before the Draconians: : : Started arming themselves with these new fighters: I've never seen a ship that was so maneuverable and so fast: It just means your trigger finger's gotta be quicker: Hitting those targets is a matter of milliseconds: To rely on human judgment instead of a computer's would be madness: Wilma, it's a matter of training the reflexes: I don't know: I'll think about it: All right: Listen, you got any plans for tonight? - Well, as a matter of fact, no: - That's too bad: I do: [Voices Sped Up, Chatter.]
[Chatter Stops.]
Oh, Falina: I just got your gift: It's wonderful: And I know how rare flowering plants are: And even rarer still are people like you who are thoughtful and kind: Thank you, Falina: I only wish all the children I used to take care of: : : Had grown up to be like you: Happy birthday, Rita: [Man.]
Hello, Falina: Mr: Armat? Maybe it's just as well that you were out: I want you to listen to me, and do exactly as I say: There's no time or need for discussion: I want you to leave here now: Go to the shuttle station: An itinerary, already paid for, will be waiting for you: Go where it takes you: You'll be well cared for: All I can tell you now is that you're in great danger: All because of me: You've been one of my best: : : Employees, Falina: I'm sorry: [Beeping.]
[Screams.]
Oh: Excuse me, Dr: Huer: I was told you wanted to see me: You were told correctly: Come in: This, uh, gentleman: : : Has just made the Defense Directorate a very interesting proposition: Major Landers, Amos Armat: [Landers.]
Alleged businessman: Moon base construction, I think, isn't it? Of course, your real expertise lies in: : : Extortion, smuggling illegal weaponry to warring colonies: - And, of course, slave trafficking: - [Dr: Huer.]
That's very true: Mr: Armat's covert activities have perplexed the interplanetary authorities for years: But, as yet we've been unable to prove anything: And rest assured, you never will, unless I turn myself and all my records over to you: Which I am prepared to do: Why? An employee in my company, Falina Redding, has been kidnapped: She's totally innocent of wrongdoing: She's a digital programmer: A good one, I'm told: Except last week, by mistake, she saw a readout containing a numerical code, which, if obtained and deciphered by one of my competitors, would ruin three-fourths of my operations: Falina had no idea what she'd seen: She reported the error, which is standard procedure, and kept right on working: One of your competitors heard about it and kidnapped her: : : So that eventually he could get the information out of her head: I tried to warn her, but it was too late: - Which competitor? Do you know? - Velosi: He's had her taken to Sinaloa: My people can't touch her there, but you people can: - And you'll turn yourself in if we get her back for you? - Yes: I'm afraid the answer is no, Mr: Armat: Velosi will use whatever information he gets from Falina to cripple your operation: And that event is rather appealing to me: But don't you see? He'll get what he wants and then kill her:! I find it rather hard to believe that a single murder even registers on your consciousness: Tempting as the prospect may be of personally removing you from this planet forever, the answer is still no, because I'll not risk any of my people to save the lives: : : Of one of your innocent employees: Dr: Huer, don't you think: : : That a man of Mr: Armat's connections, someone with easy access to all sorts of information about illegal weaponry, probably he would have a good deal to tell us about Hatchet fighters? The Draconians are using them to ambush Earth's squadrons: If we were to get Falina back, Mr: Armat, not only would you turn yourself in, but you'd also find out why the Hatchet fighter is impervious to our computer control systems, wouldn't you? It's a deal: Come on, come on, come on! Well, maybe next year: [Beep At Door.]
Buck, it's Wilma: Stay to the right, behind the fences: Do not walk, do not talk, do not pass "go:" And keep your hands off my caddy: Ah! Hi, Wilma: Not bad, huh? Depends: What are you doing? Putting: It became a tradition in my day: : : For astronauts to carry a golf club or two on board their spacecraft: It's a big deal to be able to say you holed out on the moon: Golf was a very special twentieth-century sport, Wilma: It required coordination, patience, total concentration: Looks ridiculous: Just for that, the answer is no: Did you hear me ask you a question? No, but you were going to: Hmm: A situation has arisen at the Defense Directorate: : : Requiring a person of my "peculiar background," as Dr: Huer would say, right? - Wrong: I'm not interested: - Just trying to do you a favor: - You did tell me that you liked to play Ten-and-Eleven, didn't you? - Ten-and-Eleven? - Actually, I believe you called it "blackjack:" - Blackjack? Yes: The way Dr: Huer and Major Landers have it worked out, they need someone who's very good at blackjack to go with her to Sinaloa: To go with her? You remember Major Landers: - Major Marla Landers? - Oh, that Major Landers! Yes: She's much more familiar with Sinaloa than I am, so you'll be going off with her instead of me: That is, on the off chance that you're interested: Oh, I don't know, Wilma: I'll have to think about it: When do we leave? The Delta solar system consists of 12 orbiting, man-made cities: Each one a little different from the others: Sinaloa is composed almost exclusively of hotels, casinos, showrooms: Everything revolves around entertainment and gambling: Sort of a Las Vegas in space: From what you tell me, yeah: I can't help it, Marla: Someone's paying me to play blackjack? It's an involuntary reflex: [Twiki Chirping.]
Hold up, Buck: [Marla.]
Looks like Dr: Theopolis came through: : : With the items we asked for: Hiya, Twiki: - What's shakin', Buck? - These will help us get out of the city after we find Falina, huh, Doctor? [Theo.]
That is correct, Major Landers: When attached to a solid surface, they are practically invisible: One of my better creative efforts: : : I must say: Detonating device, hmm? Effective from a distance or less: And this must be for Velosi's goon, and this for the exit portal: Very good, Buck: Indeed it is: [Theo.]
But it will deactivate the force field for only ten seconds: Do try to remember that: I will, Doctor: Thank you: You've been a big help to us, Doctor: Naturally: But it's up to you two, who have the real job to do: Tell him that: The idea of traveling to what some people refer to: : : As an orbiting city of moral depravity, obviously agrees with you, Buck: Well, it's a thankless job, Doctor, but somebody's gotta do it: [Twiki Chirping.]
- What a guy! - Come on, Marla: [Music, Chatter.]
Hello, Mr: Velosi: Five complaints in four days: I'm getting a little bored, I guess: Imagine people complaining about a beautiful thing like you: It's almost as if you've forgotten there's only one way out of this city: Mr: Velosi, l My way: No more complaints, Tangie: She's here: Generator Sector 3: I tell you, Marla: I am to blackjack: : : What a mongoose is to a cobra: Hmm? That simply means that you and Dr: Huer were right in recruiting me: I'm just a firm believer in backup plans: I'll get the job done: Don't worry: Here, take a look at these: [Buck.]
Velosi? [Marla.]
Owns and runs Sinaloa: The city is entirely self-contained, and he has the first and last word on everything: Lfhe says you don't leave, you don't leave: What about Mr: Congeniality here? [Marla.]
That's Carl Morphus: People like Velosi call him in when they want to extract things from people's minds: - Extract? - He can literally pull memories out of a person's subconscious, using drugs or whatever else is necessary: - He's headed for Sinaloa as well? - That's the rumor: Now, that's Falina: If we can't locate her by the time Carl Morphus gets there, we might as well go home: I take it he works fast then: [Footsteps.]
Why am I here? Who are you? What am I doing here? Answer me! [Recorded Voice.]
You are now subject to the laws of Sinaloa: If you have any questions, please go to the pink vid-phone at the end of the concourse, and a paralegal will be happy to answer your questions: Please have your l: D: Cards ready at the entry portal: L: D: Cards are required for entry and exit to Sinaloa: This is where everybody entering and leaving is screened: Those gifts Twiki and Theo gave us would work better on the other side of those portals: You got 'em ready? Of course: By the way, that l: D: Card that Dr: Huer gave you? That'll not only get you into the city, it'll also get you food and money: : : And everything else you need: Everything else? Within reason, Buck: Ah: You go first: Go ahead: Okay: You are now subject to the laws of Sinaloa: If you have any questions, please go to the pink vid-phone at the end of the concourse, and a paralegal will be happy to answer your questions: [Loud Beeping.]
[Beeping Stops.]
You are now subject to the laws of Sinaloa: If you have any questions, please go to the pink vid-phone at the end of the concourse, and a paralegal will be happy to answer your questions: Please have your l: D: Cards ready at the entry portal: L: D: Cards are required for entry and exit to Sinaloa: Thank you: [Recording Continues.]
- [Alarm Beeping.]
- Halt! Halt! [Beeping Continues.]
- Search him:! Search the violator:! - I haven't done anything: [Man.]
What are you doing? - A computer! - I didn't know it was there: Computers are not allowed in Sinaloa: Incinerate it! Don't you see that: : : I didn't do anything! No:! Please:! What was that all about? All the games inside are computerized: Carrying a calculator in here is illegal: What's gonna happen to that guy? Depends what mood Velosi's in: How are you doing? Fine, fine: That was number three: Getting out of here's gonna be a blast: I'll see you in the casino: And remember, we don't know each other: Oh, yeah, sure: That's someone from Klosef 3: Not your type: Oh, yeah? We'll see about that: I really don't think you'll like him: "Him"? Mr: Morphus will arrive within the next several hours: Then your wait will be over: You're going to make me remember: : : What I saw on Mr: Armat's computer: And then you're going to kill me: You entered in a maintenance vehicle: Your exit will be even less ceremonious: And no one will ever be able to prove you were here: I never meant to do anything wrong! It isn't fair! I know: [Synthesizer.]
[Chatter.]
You poor thing: You look absolutely lost: I'm new in town: You the welcome wagon? I'm not sure: My name is Tangie: Tangie: That's a nice name: Mmm: What it is, is memorable: How 'bout you? Oh, Buck's the name, and Buck is looking to play some blackjack: I'm sorry: I mean Ten-and-Eleven: Oh, that's so hard: No one ever wins at that awful game: Are you sure you want to spend your money playing Ten-and-Eleven? Yeah, I'm sure: How about some company? Oh, or are you with someone? No, no: As a matter of fact, I'm here all by myself: Marvelous: Hit me: That does not compute, sir: Yeah, right: Another draw, please: A seven: Eleven and seven is eighteen: The house pays eighteen: I don't know how you do it: I've never seen anyone win like this:! That's because no one uses their brains anymore: They let computers do all the work: People's minds have gotten flabby: I'll bet some of these suckers can't even count to 21: That's the ninth hand in a row that man has won! He's only lost four since he sat down! That's one that can count: But if you go higher than ten, she has to take her shoes off: It's obvious he's cheating: I demand you do something about it: All symbols are randomly and impartially selected: : : In cycles of 52: There is no way to tamper with the selection process: He's counting what's been played before, and figuring the odds on a computer somewhere: No computers or calculators can be brought into Sinaloa: All persons and their luggage are carefully screened: Lady, I'm beating the house, not you: So what do you care how much money I win? Of course, it doesn't exactly make her look like Alberta Einstein: Something is going on here, and I intend to find out what: Party pooper: Oh: [Giggles.]
You have the funniest way of talking: You're not from Klosef 3, are you? I have reason to believe one of the men: : : At one of your Ten-and-Eleven tables is cheating: - To whom should I report it? - Me: My name is Morgan Velosi: I'd hate to see anybody ruin your stay here in my city: Oh, well, actually he's doing you more harm than he is me: See that man over there at that table being mauled by that creature? [Screaming, Laughing.]
That's the 10th hand in a row he's won: He must be cheating: You ought to have someone keep an eye on him: May I see your identification? Watch him: You're being very wise, Mr: Velosi: Would you like a drink, Marla? No, thank you: I mean, after all, you did a favor for me: That's quite all right: And if you don't join me for a drink, I'll then be forced to instruct the portal computer: : : Not to allow Marla Landers: : : Out of the city: Whatever you're having: [Buck.]
Hey, hey:! I remember once, around the end of my stint at Edwards, Toby Kaplan and I hopped in a car one Wednesday afternoon and drove until we got to Las Vegas: We partied and gambled, and just generally got crazy all night, then drove back Thursday morning just in time for our 10:00 class: I take that back: We were two minutes late: - Player number four, card? - No draw: Dealer is 14, and takes a card: Yeah, I think that was just before I left for Houston: Yeah, it was: Last time I saw Toby, he was bound and determined to head up the Space and Aeronautics Board someday: He could've too: I wonder if he ever did: Dealer is 19 and stands firm: House pays 20: Players two and four win: Buck? You won again: Player two, Yeah, I won: Player four, You really are something: I've never met anyone quite like you before: [Sighs.]
That's for sure: I've been waiting a long time for someone like you to come along: That's just because it took me I still don't understand how you've been able to win so much: It's easy, Tangie: It's like I told you: You just remember everything that's been played Buck, I envy you: [Computer.]
Dealer has 16, and takes a card: Not because you're wealthy and intelligent: Just because you're free: You're free to go anywhere you want, anytime you please: You're not? I am an employee of Sinaloa: I work for Mr: Velosi: He won't let me leave: He says I'm: : : Too valuable a commodity: He's a real credit to the human race, huh? He's a monster: But, if, uh If someone were to offer him enough money, oh, say, as much as you've won here, I bet he'd let me go: Think he would, huh? And I would be so grateful, Buck: You have no idea how grateful I'd be: I really hate to break this up, Tangie, but I've got to see a man about a horse: Cashing in: Player four, Well, at least I come out of this with some bread: You're leaving? Yes, but I shall return: Well, you better, or I might just have to look you up in the daily census: Mightn't I, Buck? Promises, promises: - So long, metal mouth: - I beg your pardon? There's two good things about playing against a computer: One is they can't deal off the bottom of the deck; the other is you don't have to tip 'em: See you later: I've enjoyed this, I really have: But the people I'm here with are going to begin to wonder where in the world I am: You can leave a message for your friends afterwards: Afterwards? Are we going somewhere? My room: Oh, but Your l: D: Was very convincing, but there's more to you: : : Than meets the eye: Isn't there? And I intend to find out: There are one or two ways we can handle this situation: They always go for number two: You should've gone for number one: [Groaning.]
What are you doing to me? You're cutting off my circulation: Well, I suppose you had my best interests at heart when you came at me with this? I was told to find out why you were winning so much at Ten-and-Eleven: I was cheating: I was using my brain, which is something the run-of-the-mill customer here ceased to do a long time ago: And I was trying to attract the attention of a thug like you: - Which I did: - You saying all this was planned? Yep: Because as one of Morgan Velosi's thugs, you know things: - Like where Falina Redding is: - Who's Falina Redding? I was afraid you were gonna say something like that: Open up: What's that? It's a pill: It'll make you feel good relaxed, happy, cooperative, so that lying to me will be impossible: Come on: [Grunts.]
There are a variety of things I can do to get this into your system: I even had Theo put some orange flavoring in it: You'll love it: Come on: Come on, open up: Come on: Be a good boy: That's a good boy: Swallow down: Swallow down: - Orange? - I lied: [Romantic.]
You know, if you are dissatisfied with my credentials, I suggest you simply call for a readout on your computer: I fully intend to: : : When we're through: Mr: Velosi, I resent the way: : : That you've assumed that I've agreed to all of this: Are you going to leave that message for your friend now: : : Or later? I am accustomed to having some say in these sort of matters: Running a city both requires: : : And enables one to make split-second decisions: Not only for myself, but for everyone else: [Laughing.]
[Laughing.]
How do you feel? Whoo: Great, great: Just better and better: But I still don't want to talk: [Laughing.]
To either of you: [Laughing.]
Sure you do: - Where are they holding Falina Redding? - Falina: Falina: The woman who was kidnapped from New Chicago? Where is she? Generator Sector 3: [Laughing.]
How do I get there? Elevator "F," bottom level: Through the door at the end: Oh, you can't get through the door: You don't have a key: I'm sorry: What about yours? I don't have one: I don't have one: Who does? Oh, let me see, let me see: Uh, 0-7, the sanitation module: And Thompson, and Levine: And Velosi his key opens everything in the city: Damn: [Sighs.]
Well, it is his city, you know: [Laughing.]
[Romantic.]
[Woman On Intercom.]
Excuse me, Mr: Velosi: The man you've been expecting is here: You have business to do: I certainly wouldn't keep you: I always finish what I begin: Your room in five minutes, Marla Landers: [Beeps.]
[Stops.]
Get Thompson up here: He's in the casino: Yes, Mr: Velosi: You've come around to brunettes, I see: My associate, Mr: Thompson, will direct you: : : To the person you're going to work with: She saw a very critical readout on Armat's computer last week in New Chicago: Thompson will record everything she says: May I remind you the chemicals I use tend to traumatize brain tissue? Her mind will never be the same: Once you put her under, she's not waking up again: Fine: [Woman On Intercom.]
Mr: Thompson is here: Enjoyed seeing you again, Mr: Velosi: Sorry to have interrupted you: [Buzzes.]
Marla, open up: It's me, Buck: Where have you been? Never mind that: Carl Morphus just arrived: Terrific: That's about as good as the news I've got: Couldn't get anything out of that man that was following you? I know exactly where they're keeping Falina: That's good news: I also found out it's impossible to get there without one of four existing keys: Oh, no: I was gonna try to lift one off sanitation module 0-7: But he doesn't make rounds until midnight, and if Morphus is here now, we might as well start packing: - Buck, who else has a key? - A couple of Velosi's goons: And Velosi? Naturally: I can't believe we've come this far to have everything go down the tubes: Everything's not going down the tubes? Mm-mmm: In approximately two minutes, we may very well have ourselves that key: Turn around: What? Oh: Marla? [Marla.]
You'll have to wait just a minute: I don't like to wait: And with this, I rarely have to: I thought you'd feel that way: I'm sorry to spoil your plans this evening, Mr: Velosi: Yes, I am disappointed: Half of me said trust Marla Landers: After all, she's a beautiful woman: The other half said don't trust Marla Landers: She's too good: Keep your eye on her: A most pleasant task, I might add: Until now: Kill her! Please, don't move: Come on: Get over there with your boss: Move: Come on, move: I'll just take that key you're so proud of, Mr: Velosi: You both will die before you leave the city: You think so, huh? Okay, get over there: Come on, move! If I were you, I'd worry more about how you're gonna get out of here, Mr: Velosi: Let's go: Get down to the ship and prepare for takeoff: I'll get Falina: You got the detonator? I'm all set: I'll see you at the ship: Why, Buck Rogers, what are you and that lady up to? Later, Tangie: Looks to me like it's something dishonest: I don't have time: If you don't help me buy my way out of this city, Security's gonna get a call from me: Next time I'm in town: You won't get away with it! Maybe you'll feel better after a nap: Now wait a minute: Hold it: Look: I'm not gonna be needing this, so here: Use this to get out of the city and take this with you: You're gonna go with us: Oh, uh, Marla, Tangie: Tangie, Marla: Nice to meet you: Soon it'll all be over, my dear: I imagine that the worst thing for a person in your position is the wait: You imagine Imagine what it's like being me right now: I dare you: My work calls for strict objectivity: Were I to allow myself to empathize with you, I couldn't get the job done now, could I? Just hurry and get on with it: I'm ready: I suggest you start recording: I want you to close your eyes: And very soon you shall find yourself afloat: : : In a sea of color and sounds: And then blackness, and then everything, everything shall come to an end: [Alarm Beeping.]
Name is Buck Rogers: He just hit the alarm: Let's get out of here: [Beeping Continues.]
[Recorded Voice.]
Please have your l: D: Cards ready at the entry portal: L: D: Cards are required for entry and exit to Sinaloa: I don't have an l: D: Card: I can't get out: [Buck.]
I think that's the least of our problems: I'm afraid our friend down below sent a prerecorded message: : : To the exit portal computer: : : Concerning you: Yep, we've been made: Come on: Let's go! Cut them off! : [Explosion.]
[Screaming.]
- [Guard.]
Where'd they go? - I can't see them with all this smoke! [Guard.]
Where'd they go? Seal all exits to launching bay: Cut them off! : They're heading for the launching bay:! No! Get back! Let's go: We've got ten seconds: Halt! [Grunts.]
Run, Falina, run! Go on! [Man.]
They're heading for the launching bay:! Run, Falina! Have any problem getting through the portal? Nothing Falina couldn't handle: How're you doing, Tangie? I am just fine, Buck: There's no way I can describe how grateful I am, so if you don't mind, I'm not gonna try: Just sit back and enjoy the ride, both of you: Looks like the fat's not out of the fire yet: Which means in English? We've got company: You take navigational control: I'll take care of combat: You got a fix on 'em? They're Hatchet fighters: No wonder Armat said he could get you that information: He and Velosi are the ones who've been supplying them to the Draconians: All our weapons are deployed by Comp-control, and it's useless against Hatchet fighters: I've been through all this with Wilma: Switch to manual for firing: - Switch me over to navigational: You take the gun: - There's no time! Our only offense is gonna be one hell of a defense, so hang on: - How're we doing? - That's two down and two to go: - When did you learn to fly? - Who says I ever did? I can really pick 'em: - We've got one left: - I've got no more tricks up my sleeve: - You're gonna have to open fire and do it fast: - Buck, I can't! There's no time to switch me over! I told you so: She's safe, Dr: Huer: You've kept your part of the bargain; I'm keeping mine: Here's the key to the computer vault in my office: Here's the inventory of everything stored therein: I'll await the authorities at my office: Wait a minute, Mr: Armat: The things these people have said about you, they're all true? Yes: But if all your life you've had people killed, tortured and enslaved, why did you bother with me? I hardly even know you: But I know you: At least I did: : : Twenty years ago when your mother and I decided it was best I leave for your sake: Due to the nature of my business, you see, having a child, a vulnerable spot, was out of the question: But I always made sure that you were well cared for: And when you were old enough to go to work, I couldn't resist: : : Seeing that a job was offered to you in my company: An indulgence which almost proved disastrous: I don't believe you: Good: It's best that you don't: : : So that none of this will ever be repeated outside these walls: I believe you have something else for us, don't you, Mr: Armat? Ah, yes: Complete technical schematics for the Hatchet fighters: I believe it will explain why your computer control system: : : Has been ineffective against them: Who needs schematics? The key to doing battle with them is good old-fashioned intuition: Uh, since you have gone to all the trouble Practice makes perfect, Marla: Lots of practice: Hi, Buck: How did it go? Rough: Very rough: Being 9,000 credits richer is rough: Where'd you hear that? From Tangie: I talked to her briefly: : : Before she was escorted over to your: : : Apartment: Don't get the idea I enjoy doing these little favors for you people: Of course not: Very dangerous work: There were at least five instances when I could've been killed like that: How much did you win again? You know, Ten-and-Eleven really isn't as difficult as you think it is, Wilma: