Buck Rogers in the 25th Century s01e08 Episode Script
Return of the Fighting 69th
Within three days, all the people on Earth will die: [ Narrator .]
Wilma's old flight instructor and his over-the-hill squadron::: join with Buck to avert a terrible threat to Earth: We're gonna have to destroy that base and eliminate that nerve gas: - We've got to attack: - Wilma and Buck are down there: Do you know what pain is, Rogers? [ Man Narrating .]
The year is 1 987, 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::: [ Wilma .]
Starfighter patrol to Lisa's Dream: Decelerate, Lisa's Dream: Decelerate or we'll open fire: - They're pulling out of range: - Decelerate at once: That ship is stolen property: Look at that old ship move: Where are they gettin' all that speed? Maybe they know who's after 'em: - Westlake, Clayton, clam up, will ya? - Oh, what's a clam? Never mind: Colonel Deering, may I speak to you on the command frequency? [ Wilma .]
You've got your privacy, Buck: What's the problem? I volunteered to train our two friends on flight maneuvers, not chase procedures: They have no business being out here: It's easier for us to go after that freighter::: than for Dr: Huer to scramble pilots on the ground: I know they're green: That stolen freighter better be pretty important: -[ Wilma .]
They're headed for Necrosis IV: - Inside that asteroid belt? Affirmative: If we don't catch up to them now, we never will: Full speed, everyone: Enemy fighters dead ahead: Scatter! I'm hit! Hold it together, Clayton: Help's on the way: - Clayton, what's your damage? - Minimal, Captain: Next time, Westlake, watch for a rear attack as well as a frontal: Yes, Colonel: - I'm goin' after 'em: - I'm with you: [ Wilma .]
They followed the freighter into the asteroids: - Clayton, Westlake, fall back! - They're going in too fast! - What do we do now? - We go home: What are you doing, Alicia? Oh, your mind is always off somewhere: Five years I've owned you, and you always seem to be dreaming with your eyes wide open: If the market for Terran servants wasn't so depressed, I'd sell you in an instant: Don't just stand there: Brush! You were smiling! You think I'm hideous: You think you're better than me::: because you have two normal hands: Well, I can rectify that! - [ Beeps .]
- Yes: [ Woman on Intercom .]
Commander Corliss is back with the freighter from Earth: Thank you: Welcome home! Did you have any problems? No: Security for the Directorate hangar::: was designed to protect the contents of the freighter, not the ship itself: Huer did send four starfighters after me: But they were destroyed when they tried to penetrate the asteroids: When can we launch our attack? Just as soon as the gas is loaded into the missile containers: It's been three years since Wilma Deering's squadron tried to destroy us: Three years: And I dream about that cabin fire every night: The flames::: the heat, the pain: As do I: But we're going to pay them back: [ Corliss .]
Within three days, all the people on Earth will die: Are you gonna try telling me that lousy stolen freighter::: was worth the lives of those two cadets? They were just kids! They had no business being out there! I tried telling you that: I didn't want them hurt any more than you did, Buck: I'm sorry: It's been a long day: Buck, that freighter::: was scheduled to be flown into deep space and destroyed: You look at this and tell us if going after that freighter was worth their lives: This is a video inventory of what was on it: Twentieth-century weapons: Where'd they come from? From an arsenal discovered near the ruins of the country's ancient capital-- - Washington, D:C: - Washington, D:C: You mean to tell me those old weapons could possibly be a threat to Earth? Those are nerve gas canisters, Wilma: You drop one of those into our atmosphere::: spread it around with an air blast, we'd all be dead within a week: [ Twiki .]
Oh, boy! Yeah, I'd call that a threat: That freighter was headed towards Necrosis IV::: which means Corliss and Trent are probably responsible: Which also means that that nerve gas isn't just a threat: They'll use it::: because of me: Let me explain, Buck: Corliss and Trent are gunrunners: They reportedly maintain a base in the Necrosis asteroids: Several years back::: they sustained some rather severe injuries while resisting arrest::: for which they swore revenge against Colonel Deering: We're gonna have to destroy that base::: and eliminate that nerve gas immediately: How do we penetrate that asteroid belt without ending up the same way Clayton and Westlake did? - Noah Cooper: - But he's retired: Yes, but he knows the Necrosis belt even better than Corliss: - But, Doctor-- - You need a guide through those asteroids, Colonel: - Talk to him: That's an order: - Yes, sir: [ Sighs .]
I seemed a bit hard on her, didn't I? Well, perhaps I was, but we've had this discussion before: And when it comes to Noah Cooper::: she just doesn't think very clearly: I suggest you go with her, but before you do, let me give you a little background: Colonel Deering's father flew with Noah's Earth Space Marine Squadron: And Noah was her first flight instructor: He was very helpful to her in the early stages of her career: Helped to develop her: They formed a very deep bond of friendship: And then the squadron got old: Noah got old: Last year she had to give them their annual physical fitness test: And she had to fail them, all of them::: including Noah: And now you're asking her to ask him to come out of retirement: You put her in a very difficult position, Doctor: Perhaps: But it's imperative Noah help us: All right: See what I can do: Well, Twiki, Captain Rogers seems to have his work cut out for him: [ Twiki Chirping .]
It's in the bag: Pardon me? Everything's copacetic: [ Chirping .]
''Copa'' what? [ Chirping .]
Forget it: I trust Buck: [ Chirping .]
[ Chatting .]
[ Wilma .]
Hi, Plato: He should be here by 1 800 hours: He spends a lot of time here: - It's not gonna be easy, is it? - Noah's just too old to go into space again: Even in the 25th century, they still throw people on the scrap heap because of their age: Buck, I didn't want to ground him: It's just that he wasn't-- He wasn't capable anymore: And I didn't want to see him get hurt: - Wilma Deering:! - Hi, Noah: What, no hug? Since when did you greet me without a hug? No matter what's happened, I still love you, Dizzy ''D:'' Remember that: Dizzy ''D''? Oh, hi: Name's Noah, as in Noah Cooper: Hi: Name's Buck, as in Buck Rogers: - Buck: - Dizzy ''D''? Oh, we've called her that since she was this high: Used to hang around the ready room, get into everything: Drove us dizzy: So we called her Dizzy Deering: Dizzy "D'"for short: Now she's all grown up: Old enough to take a man's Silver Eagles away from him: Noah, I-- Hey, Cooper, you ready to take your whipping playing Ten-and-Eleven? Sure, Red: Sorry, Dizzy ''D,'' Buck, got a card game waiting: Noah, I-- And you know how important that kind of thing is to us::: older people: Noah, would you please listen to me for a moment? We gonna play in the dark, Red, or what? Happy Birthday:! [ Everyone .]
Happy Birthday! I don't like parties, and I don't like presents, and most of all I don't like being reminded of how old I am: But, thanks: Thank you: As long as we're all here, Buck, I'd like you to meet::: what's left of the 69th Earth Space Marine Squadron: Sergeant Big Red McMurty: Hiya, Big Red: Nice to meet ya: Corporal Schultz: M:K: to most: M:K: Lieutenant Harriet Twain: Nice to meet you: My husband, Eli: Glad to meet you: Same here: [ Barking .]
That's Lucky, our mascot: Hiya, Lucky: How are ya? Oh, I'm Captain Buck Rogers: It's nice to meet all of you: And of course you all know Colonel Deering: Noah, I came here to ask you::: to guide a squadron through the asteroids surrounding Necrosis IV: We're gonna destroy Corliss's base once and for all: I can't: My peripheral vision is shot: Remember, Colonel? Now, wait a minute: I understand your feelings, Major, but that base has got to be destroyed: You're not really gonna penalize Earth for what Wilma did in the line of duty, are you? All right: We'll do it: And when I say ''we,'' I mean all of us: the Fighting 69th: You know what we could do? We can convert Seymour class cargo sleds into Star Belly bombers: That's the ship we used when we attacked that base years ago: You give us 1 2 hours to equip these sleds with tail gun turrets::: another 1 2 hours to train, and we can be attacking Necrosis IV in two days: After which we will all want our Silver Eagles back: [ Lucky Barking .]
But you're all almost mandatory retirement age: They don't look a day over 60: Retirement is 85: Eighty-five? That's the deal: Either I lead my old squadron through those asteroids or I lead nobody at all: Then forget it: Corliss would cut you to pieces: [ Trent .]
How much longer? They just started loading the gas into the missile casings: The foreman says they'll be ready in 48 hours: I'll get word to our people on Earth that they have two days to evacuate: You know, our spy in New Chicago is still trying to discern::: how much the Defense Directorate has figured out: Huer could know everything, and it wouldn't make a bit of difference: They can't stop us now: It's only a matter of time before the Earth is destroyed: Why, Alicia! You still have feelings for your home world? Oh: Surely all your family must be dead by now: And if they're not::: they soon will be: Nine runs, you didn't hit the target once: I didn't see you do any better up there: Yeah, and that was a safe-and-sane practice run: What do we do when there are enemy fighters and pulsars screaming all around? Maybe we should stick to throwing birthday parties: Go on, get some rest: Do you still want to go with us, Buck? Sure! A bad dress rehearsal's always a good sign: Take it from me: I know: I monitored your runs: Nine runs, nine misses: Don't say anything to them: It'll only make things worse: Noah is using 20-year-old cargo sleds, How can I make it worse? Look, Wilma, when I was in the Air Force::: we had to dispose of a lot of surplus nerve gas: Believe me, Noah's old-fashioned incendiaries::: are the best way to deal with old-fashioned nerve gas: Dr: Huer was wrong: Why don't you and Noah face up to that fact before you get yourself killed? - Why don't you be honest with yourself? - What do you mean? You love that old man: And you're so afraid he's gonna get hurt, it's clouding your judgment: That was our spy in New Chicago: She says the Defense Directorate is planning::: a bombing attack against us within the next two days: [ Laughing .]
A bombing attack? Huer's insane: No, he's desperate: He knows that when and if the nerve gas leaves here::: his chances of destroying our ships before they reach Earth are practically nil: How can he expect anyone to navigate the asteroids in bombers? Hejust got a reminder of how difficult it is for starfighters: Even if they were to penetrate the asteroids::: they wouldn't stand a chance against the pulsar batteries that surround us: Their pilots are committing suicide: Alicia, fill the commander's glass: I'm sorry: Am I interrupting you? Well::: what do we have here? A memory globe: Probably the only reminder she has of her former world: She's managed to hide it from me::: all these years: Watch, Alicia: Watch what's going to happen to your world: Watch:! Finish this for me, will ya? I wish you all the very best of luck: You all know how important this mission is, so there's little left for me to say: Excepting that I'll see you, all of you::: when you get back: Does Wilma know we're taking off tonight? Yes, but she's been keeping pretty much to herself these days: I must admit: I am surprised she isn't here to see you off, Buck: [ Twiki Chirping .]
Yeah, well, I guess she must have had other plans: [ Lucky Barking .]
Ah, Noah, I've been dead set against your leading this mission all along: I still am: But it's because I didn't want to find out::: what it would be like not to have you around: Ahh! And that goes for all of you too: So maybe you just better take me along: I'd feel better if I could keep an eye on ya: [ Laughing .]
[ Chirping .]
Looks like I've got myself a new copilot: Come on: - Comfortable back there, Harriet? - I'd rather be dropping bombs: [ Whistling .]
[ Whistling Continues .]
Piece of pacifier? Thanks: [ Humming .]
I'd like to thank you for setting me straight about how I feel about Noah: Think nothing of it, Dizzy ''D:'' All right, here comes the tough part, kids: Getting through this is gonna make that bombing run seem easy: Stay close behind me, and do exactly what I do: And watch for falling rocks: Whew: Enemy craft approaching: They're moving through the asteroids: The attack force from Earth: There are only three of them: On the off chance they get through the asteroids, they won't get any further: Ready the squadron: Just a little further, kids: You're doing fine: Reminds me of my playground back home: Okay, start breathing again, everyone: - [ Beeping .]
- Stop breathing: We got company: Tight ''T'' formation: Look alive, tail gunners: - You take over: - Got it: Ya-hoo! Who's old? I'm not old: [ Pilot .]
They're shooting from their tails: They've modified sled class bombers with tail gun mounts: Go beneath their fire: Attack their bellies: Yes, sir: Low-level bombers: They're ancient: But they could conceivably fly in below our pulsar screens: [ Corliss .]
They'll never get that far:! Nice shot, Big Red: Looks like they're sending up reinforcements: We'll retreat temporarily to the asteroids: Buck, we're losing control! All right: Hang on! All right, bring her up slowly: Okay, all systems returning to green: Prepare to rendezvous with Noah: She's a little sluggish, but I think we can finish the mission: [ Pilot .]
You will surrender at once or be destroyed: Proceed to Vector 9-4KV Coordinate "C: '" We will tractor beam you into the hanger: You hear that, Noah? They've been captured:! I heard: - What do we do, Noah? - What can we do? We've lost them: We've lost 'em: You wanted to speak with me, Dr: Huer? Yes: Come in, please: You'd better put me on the desk, Twiki: I have a feeling I'm going to be here a while: [ Twiki Chirping .]
So do I: I just received a subspace message from Major Cooper: He's about to start his bombing attack on Corliss's base: I was under the impression they were to have done so by now: Yes: Well, they were engaged by enemy fighters as they broke through the asteroids::: and they had to regroup: They lost Colonel Deering and Buck: Oh, my! Major Cooper feels they're being held on the base: He also knows he's going to have to go through with the bombing anyway: Two chances left to destroy the nerve gas::: while it's still on Necrosis IV: Frankly, I expected to have this chat::: right after Major Cooper and the others took off: You did call me in to discuss our alternatives should their mission fail: Did you not? There's no harm in hoping they'd be successful, is there? - There's little else we can do: - That's not quite true: Come now, Dr: Theopolis: Surely you don't think Corliss will send a squadron to Earth to release the nerve gas: He'll send his ships individually: And even though we destroy them all::: the odds are that one::: will come close enough to our atmosphere to poison it: I was referring to the fact that we can and must take steps::: to see that Earth's leadership survives: Obviously nerve gas will have no effect on us computers: But as for you humans-- Yes: Yes, I know, I know: I'll alert Maintenance to ready the Omega Complex: But in the meantime::: you and I, Dr: Theopolis::: must decide which of Earth's population will live::: and which will die: It's a dreadful task, but we must-- Twiki, where are you going? [ Chirping .]
I know that, but-- - [ Chirping .]
- What was that all about? He was upset we're assuming that Captain Rogers is never coming back: We really must continue, Dr: Huer: [ Harriet .]
We're low on fuel and time, Noah: - We've got to attack! - We can't: Wilma and Buck are down there: And Corliss will be attacking Earth while we're sitting up here: I've got to take that risk, Harriet: You can't afford to: Dr: Huer is counting on us: That place is like an ammunition dump: If we bomb it, Dizzy ''D'' and Buck won't have a chance: Neither does the Earth::: unless we attack: [ Corliss .]
The scanner indicates no movement outside the asteroids: The Terrans must be drifting around in orbit inside the belt: Whatever's left of them, that is: That's right: You haven't seen your handiwork, have you? Take a good look, Colonel: I'm sure you've heard how eager we've been to thank you: [ Groans .]
[ Groaning .]
Yes::: welcome, Colonel Deering: It's been a long three years: You were smuggling weapons to hostile colonies: It was my duty to try and stop you: Who's your friend, Colonel? Buck Rogers: Roxanne Trent: My pleasure: Have you ever been in a fire, Rogers? Or should I say::: have you ever been on fire? No, I can't say that I have: Do you know what pain is, Rogers? There are all kinds of pain: No: I'm talking about a pain that's so intense::: the only way you can stop it is to have its source removed: Had a toothache once: If you had surrendered instead of remaining fugitives::: you could've been treated at any number of good clinics: And spend the rest of our life in detention::: with no hope of revenge? Oh::: how you're going to wish we had surrendered, Colonel Deering: Alicia, bring me the torch: I said, bring me the torch! Now that you've captured me, you have no reason to harm anyone else: Let Buck go, and give up any idea you might have had of attacking Earth: Oh, and let all that nerve gas go to waste? Your grudge is with me: Our grudge is with whomever we please: [ Corliss .]
If the possibility of us murdering innocent people upsets you, Colonel::: all the better: You're criminals: You were smuggling contraband three years ago: Those weapons were outlawed precisely because they were dangerous: All you cared about was the price the Arcturans were gonna give you for those weapons: Any weapons:! You didn't care how flammable or unsafe they were: Whether you admit it or not, you deserved exactly what you got: Alicia, what are you doing? She's talking: She can't talk: She doesn't have the mind for it: She might not be able to hear, and she might not be able to speak::: but she certainly can talk, and she has a mind: It's okay: Stop that: I don't want her to talk: Alicia, get out of here: It's all right, Roxanne: They talk with their hands: Behind his back: And the colonel? Tie her feet: What happened when you shot down our ship, Colonel, was this: The cargo exploded: I tried to seal off the cabin, fell into the hold and became a living torch: Roxanne managed to pull me out, finally: You can see for yourself at what price: Of course, neither of you can ever understand what we went through: Unless, of course, you were to go through it yourselves: You will play me, and Rogers will play Corliss: No, look, let Buck go: Do whatever you like to me: I don't care: That's the point: You care for him: Enough to beat the flames out with your bare hands: Keep your hands to yourself, Wilma: You got better things to do with them: Commander, there's movement within the asteroids: Looks like the Terrans are preparing to attack again: Send a squadron to intercept them: Sir, most of our remaining fighters have been armed with nerve gas missiles: There are only two Earth ships left: Our fighters should have no problem: Commander, the Terrans' first attack left us with only four ships to spare: Take them to the holding room: - We're out of time, Noah: - We've got to attack now: Maybe Dizzy ''D'' was right: You shouldn't have taken this assignment: Yeah! Maybe you're too old and too scared to do the job: - Damn it! You all love her too: - Of course we do, Noah: [ Big Red .]
Yeah, but we got work to do: We're going down: [ Noah .]
We'll wait till the P:C: 's are up full: You follow me in, Big Red: Roger! That's what a Marine likes to hear: About to either be bombed or tortured: Bet you've never been in this situation before: No, I can't say that I have: Sorry I got you into this: That's all right: Never a dull moment with you, Wilma: That's why I keep you around: Don't worry: We'll get outta this: If you buy that, I've got a nice corner lot for you in Anarchia: How'd you ever learn sign language? Usually hand-talking is only taught to children who are born deaf: Someone taught me in the 20th century: You've seen sign language before, haven't you? Yes, but there's really no need to learn it::: since deafness is usually cured in childhood with electronic surgery: Where did you learn it? Through a friend or relative? A friend: She was a teacher: She taught handicapped kids: I used to go along when she took 'em on field trips: Don't look now, but I think we've got a visitor: She's gonna help us: We're to try to distract the guards and stay as close to the entryway as possible: I think that could be arranged: Hi: I sure like men in uniforms: It's true: She does: You've got the cutest blue eyes: Think there's any way we could::: get together? [ Wilma .]
When do you get off duty? I'm talking to all three of you,you know: She likes ya: [ Wilma .]
You three have a date tonight? All right, everybody: Just keep it quiet: The excitement's over: Gentlemen, into the cell, if you please? Well, Wilma, what do you think? - I think they should strip: - Wilma: You heard what the lady said: [ Pilot .]
Theyjust got Tryon: I'm the only one left: You said they were outnumbered two to one: The tail mounts the Terrans are using-- the computers in our fighters aren't prepared to deal with them: [ Pilot .]
Looks like one of their sleds has been damaged: I'm going after it: - Noah, how bad are you hit? - Scorpion, 1 5 5 degrees: Bring us around: I can't sight him up: He's closing in! Yee-haw! Good shooting, Harriet! That's all of'em: Look at that: Nothing but empty sky down there: We got all of'em! Now we can start dropping some bombs: All right, listen, kids: Red, I want you to make the first run: I have to make sure these controls are fully operational: They've got pulsar batteries down there: What we have to do is come in low enough to fly beneath them: Long and low, that's our approach: Once you're there, just let 'em drop: I'm ready: Just give me the ''Go'' sign: She'll understand, Noah: They'll both understand: You're clear, Big Red: Go: One of them is positioning itself for a bombing run: Ready the pulsar batteries: Lock in the compu-defense system: They'll never get close enough to bomb us: Perhaps we should prepare an escape vessel: Pulsar batteries deployed: The bomber's still coming: Do as you see fit: Order the hangar crew to remove the gas missiles from one of the fighters: And prepare it for immediate launch: Quickly: [ Softly .]
Our sled is through that door: You two go first and take it easy, okay? Go: Both of you, come with me: I said, come with me: Run! Stop them! Tell them to let her go! Tell them to let them go! I have no qualms about pulling this trigger: Neither do I, Rogers: Steady: [ Humming .]
Steady, steady: More left: Stop humming: [ M:K:.]
More left: Got it: Bomb away: Good-bye, Dizzy ''D:'' You fool! That's an ancient signaling device: Get the message? Wilma, get the door: You, get over there! - You missed! - If you'd just stop the humming: Who's humming? I'm not humming: - Big Red to Mother One: - We saw, Big Red: Come on back up: Now it's our turn: Hold it steady: We're almost there: Second enemy bomber approaching! We're trapped in here: Steady: Noah, Harriet? - Yes, Eli? - I just wanted to say::: I love you both: Ready? Right: Hang on: Bomb away: This one's gonna hit! [ Big Red .]
A hit:! By God, a hit:! Noah, you did it! Noah Cooper, you did it! [ Wilma .]
Hey, keep it down out there: -[ Big Red .]
Dizzy "D'.
! I mean, Colonel Deering:! - And friends: - Still think we're too old? - Maybe I am, but you're certainly not: [ Wilma .]
Looks like you've got an apology coming, Major Cooper: Noah? [ Wilma .]
Come in, Major Cooper: Noah, why don't you answer me? They're gone: Welcome: Welcome home: I just heard: You destroyed the base: Congratulations, gentlemen: Buck, Colonel: You should've sent me a subspace message: I'd have had all the Federation leaders here to meet you: All of Earth is eternally grateful: Glad to hear it: Well, who is this we have here? Doc, this is Alicia: [ Buck .]
We picked her up on the way back: It's a long story: I've very pleased to meet you: Where's Noah and the Twains? The base went up like a 50-megaton bomb: [ Chirping .]
[ Theo .]
We brought something Major Cooper asked for::: to be given to you on your return: Twiki? Thank you, Twiki: [ Chirping .]
[ Wilma .]
Silver Eagles: Of course you'll be reinstated to full active duty as soon as possible: Thank you, sir: Thank you: [ Man On P:A:.]
Ready approach on Tube 1 0 1: What's coming in at this hour? Sixth-ninth squadron, cleared for approach: Did he say 69th? [ Noah .]
Sorry about being late: - Noah? - Where'd he come from? We got blown all the way back up into the asteroids: We had a little trouble gettin'home, but we're all fine: [ Chirping .]
Hot stuff!: Ya-hoo! If Dizzy "D'"is around::: ask her if she still thinks I'm too old for this sort of thing: Harriet: Oh, thank you: Eli: Cheers: Cheers: I took it upon myself to update the Directorate's annual physical fitness test: I hope you don't mind: No, not at all: You saved me the trouble of doing it myself: Isn't that so, Dr: Theopolis? Yes, indeed: [ Chirping .]
You wanna dance, Wilma? Thank you, no, Twiki: Nuts! Where's Buck? He's late for his own party: He had some business at the Registry: I think he's trying to find Alicia's parents: He couldn't pull off a miracle like that, could he? He could: I know you're all wondering where I've been: Five years ago, this young lady was kidnapped from her family: May I present them to you? [ Lucky Barking .]
You've been busy, haven't you? I certainly have: I also dropped by the Medical Directorate: Alicia's scheduled for electronic surgery next month: With a little retraining, she'll be able to hear in no time: [ Chirping .]
That's nice! She's gonna have some adjusting to do: Say, big fella, would you like to dance? Sure, why not? Great! Twiki, I just found you a dance partner: Buck, can I lead?
Wilma's old flight instructor and his over-the-hill squadron::: join with Buck to avert a terrible threat to Earth: We're gonna have to destroy that base and eliminate that nerve gas: - We've got to attack: - Wilma and Buck are down there: Do you know what pain is, Rogers? [ Man Narrating .]
The year is 1 987, 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::: [ Wilma .]
Starfighter patrol to Lisa's Dream: Decelerate, Lisa's Dream: Decelerate or we'll open fire: - They're pulling out of range: - Decelerate at once: That ship is stolen property: Look at that old ship move: Where are they gettin' all that speed? Maybe they know who's after 'em: - Westlake, Clayton, clam up, will ya? - Oh, what's a clam? Never mind: Colonel Deering, may I speak to you on the command frequency? [ Wilma .]
You've got your privacy, Buck: What's the problem? I volunteered to train our two friends on flight maneuvers, not chase procedures: They have no business being out here: It's easier for us to go after that freighter::: than for Dr: Huer to scramble pilots on the ground: I know they're green: That stolen freighter better be pretty important: -[ Wilma .]
They're headed for Necrosis IV: - Inside that asteroid belt? Affirmative: If we don't catch up to them now, we never will: Full speed, everyone: Enemy fighters dead ahead: Scatter! I'm hit! Hold it together, Clayton: Help's on the way: - Clayton, what's your damage? - Minimal, Captain: Next time, Westlake, watch for a rear attack as well as a frontal: Yes, Colonel: - I'm goin' after 'em: - I'm with you: [ Wilma .]
They followed the freighter into the asteroids: - Clayton, Westlake, fall back! - They're going in too fast! - What do we do now? - We go home: What are you doing, Alicia? Oh, your mind is always off somewhere: Five years I've owned you, and you always seem to be dreaming with your eyes wide open: If the market for Terran servants wasn't so depressed, I'd sell you in an instant: Don't just stand there: Brush! You were smiling! You think I'm hideous: You think you're better than me::: because you have two normal hands: Well, I can rectify that! - [ Beeps .]
- Yes: [ Woman on Intercom .]
Commander Corliss is back with the freighter from Earth: Thank you: Welcome home! Did you have any problems? No: Security for the Directorate hangar::: was designed to protect the contents of the freighter, not the ship itself: Huer did send four starfighters after me: But they were destroyed when they tried to penetrate the asteroids: When can we launch our attack? Just as soon as the gas is loaded into the missile containers: It's been three years since Wilma Deering's squadron tried to destroy us: Three years: And I dream about that cabin fire every night: The flames::: the heat, the pain: As do I: But we're going to pay them back: [ Corliss .]
Within three days, all the people on Earth will die: Are you gonna try telling me that lousy stolen freighter::: was worth the lives of those two cadets? They were just kids! They had no business being out there! I tried telling you that: I didn't want them hurt any more than you did, Buck: I'm sorry: It's been a long day: Buck, that freighter::: was scheduled to be flown into deep space and destroyed: You look at this and tell us if going after that freighter was worth their lives: This is a video inventory of what was on it: Twentieth-century weapons: Where'd they come from? From an arsenal discovered near the ruins of the country's ancient capital-- - Washington, D:C: - Washington, D:C: You mean to tell me those old weapons could possibly be a threat to Earth? Those are nerve gas canisters, Wilma: You drop one of those into our atmosphere::: spread it around with an air blast, we'd all be dead within a week: [ Twiki .]
Oh, boy! Yeah, I'd call that a threat: That freighter was headed towards Necrosis IV::: which means Corliss and Trent are probably responsible: Which also means that that nerve gas isn't just a threat: They'll use it::: because of me: Let me explain, Buck: Corliss and Trent are gunrunners: They reportedly maintain a base in the Necrosis asteroids: Several years back::: they sustained some rather severe injuries while resisting arrest::: for which they swore revenge against Colonel Deering: We're gonna have to destroy that base::: and eliminate that nerve gas immediately: How do we penetrate that asteroid belt without ending up the same way Clayton and Westlake did? - Noah Cooper: - But he's retired: Yes, but he knows the Necrosis belt even better than Corliss: - But, Doctor-- - You need a guide through those asteroids, Colonel: - Talk to him: That's an order: - Yes, sir: [ Sighs .]
I seemed a bit hard on her, didn't I? Well, perhaps I was, but we've had this discussion before: And when it comes to Noah Cooper::: she just doesn't think very clearly: I suggest you go with her, but before you do, let me give you a little background: Colonel Deering's father flew with Noah's Earth Space Marine Squadron: And Noah was her first flight instructor: He was very helpful to her in the early stages of her career: Helped to develop her: They formed a very deep bond of friendship: And then the squadron got old: Noah got old: Last year she had to give them their annual physical fitness test: And she had to fail them, all of them::: including Noah: And now you're asking her to ask him to come out of retirement: You put her in a very difficult position, Doctor: Perhaps: But it's imperative Noah help us: All right: See what I can do: Well, Twiki, Captain Rogers seems to have his work cut out for him: [ Twiki Chirping .]
It's in the bag: Pardon me? Everything's copacetic: [ Chirping .]
''Copa'' what? [ Chirping .]
Forget it: I trust Buck: [ Chirping .]
[ Chatting .]
[ Wilma .]
Hi, Plato: He should be here by 1 800 hours: He spends a lot of time here: - It's not gonna be easy, is it? - Noah's just too old to go into space again: Even in the 25th century, they still throw people on the scrap heap because of their age: Buck, I didn't want to ground him: It's just that he wasn't-- He wasn't capable anymore: And I didn't want to see him get hurt: - Wilma Deering:! - Hi, Noah: What, no hug? Since when did you greet me without a hug? No matter what's happened, I still love you, Dizzy ''D:'' Remember that: Dizzy ''D''? Oh, hi: Name's Noah, as in Noah Cooper: Hi: Name's Buck, as in Buck Rogers: - Buck: - Dizzy ''D''? Oh, we've called her that since she was this high: Used to hang around the ready room, get into everything: Drove us dizzy: So we called her Dizzy Deering: Dizzy "D'"for short: Now she's all grown up: Old enough to take a man's Silver Eagles away from him: Noah, I-- Hey, Cooper, you ready to take your whipping playing Ten-and-Eleven? Sure, Red: Sorry, Dizzy ''D,'' Buck, got a card game waiting: Noah, I-- And you know how important that kind of thing is to us::: older people: Noah, would you please listen to me for a moment? We gonna play in the dark, Red, or what? Happy Birthday:! [ Everyone .]
Happy Birthday! I don't like parties, and I don't like presents, and most of all I don't like being reminded of how old I am: But, thanks: Thank you: As long as we're all here, Buck, I'd like you to meet::: what's left of the 69th Earth Space Marine Squadron: Sergeant Big Red McMurty: Hiya, Big Red: Nice to meet ya: Corporal Schultz: M:K: to most: M:K: Lieutenant Harriet Twain: Nice to meet you: My husband, Eli: Glad to meet you: Same here: [ Barking .]
That's Lucky, our mascot: Hiya, Lucky: How are ya? Oh, I'm Captain Buck Rogers: It's nice to meet all of you: And of course you all know Colonel Deering: Noah, I came here to ask you::: to guide a squadron through the asteroids surrounding Necrosis IV: We're gonna destroy Corliss's base once and for all: I can't: My peripheral vision is shot: Remember, Colonel? Now, wait a minute: I understand your feelings, Major, but that base has got to be destroyed: You're not really gonna penalize Earth for what Wilma did in the line of duty, are you? All right: We'll do it: And when I say ''we,'' I mean all of us: the Fighting 69th: You know what we could do? We can convert Seymour class cargo sleds into Star Belly bombers: That's the ship we used when we attacked that base years ago: You give us 1 2 hours to equip these sleds with tail gun turrets::: another 1 2 hours to train, and we can be attacking Necrosis IV in two days: After which we will all want our Silver Eagles back: [ Lucky Barking .]
But you're all almost mandatory retirement age: They don't look a day over 60: Retirement is 85: Eighty-five? That's the deal: Either I lead my old squadron through those asteroids or I lead nobody at all: Then forget it: Corliss would cut you to pieces: [ Trent .]
How much longer? They just started loading the gas into the missile casings: The foreman says they'll be ready in 48 hours: I'll get word to our people on Earth that they have two days to evacuate: You know, our spy in New Chicago is still trying to discern::: how much the Defense Directorate has figured out: Huer could know everything, and it wouldn't make a bit of difference: They can't stop us now: It's only a matter of time before the Earth is destroyed: Why, Alicia! You still have feelings for your home world? Oh: Surely all your family must be dead by now: And if they're not::: they soon will be: Nine runs, you didn't hit the target once: I didn't see you do any better up there: Yeah, and that was a safe-and-sane practice run: What do we do when there are enemy fighters and pulsars screaming all around? Maybe we should stick to throwing birthday parties: Go on, get some rest: Do you still want to go with us, Buck? Sure! A bad dress rehearsal's always a good sign: Take it from me: I know: I monitored your runs: Nine runs, nine misses: Don't say anything to them: It'll only make things worse: Noah is using 20-year-old cargo sleds, How can I make it worse? Look, Wilma, when I was in the Air Force::: we had to dispose of a lot of surplus nerve gas: Believe me, Noah's old-fashioned incendiaries::: are the best way to deal with old-fashioned nerve gas: Dr: Huer was wrong: Why don't you and Noah face up to that fact before you get yourself killed? - Why don't you be honest with yourself? - What do you mean? You love that old man: And you're so afraid he's gonna get hurt, it's clouding your judgment: That was our spy in New Chicago: She says the Defense Directorate is planning::: a bombing attack against us within the next two days: [ Laughing .]
A bombing attack? Huer's insane: No, he's desperate: He knows that when and if the nerve gas leaves here::: his chances of destroying our ships before they reach Earth are practically nil: How can he expect anyone to navigate the asteroids in bombers? Hejust got a reminder of how difficult it is for starfighters: Even if they were to penetrate the asteroids::: they wouldn't stand a chance against the pulsar batteries that surround us: Their pilots are committing suicide: Alicia, fill the commander's glass: I'm sorry: Am I interrupting you? Well::: what do we have here? A memory globe: Probably the only reminder she has of her former world: She's managed to hide it from me::: all these years: Watch, Alicia: Watch what's going to happen to your world: Watch:! Finish this for me, will ya? I wish you all the very best of luck: You all know how important this mission is, so there's little left for me to say: Excepting that I'll see you, all of you::: when you get back: Does Wilma know we're taking off tonight? Yes, but she's been keeping pretty much to herself these days: I must admit: I am surprised she isn't here to see you off, Buck: [ Twiki Chirping .]
Yeah, well, I guess she must have had other plans: [ Lucky Barking .]
Ah, Noah, I've been dead set against your leading this mission all along: I still am: But it's because I didn't want to find out::: what it would be like not to have you around: Ahh! And that goes for all of you too: So maybe you just better take me along: I'd feel better if I could keep an eye on ya: [ Laughing .]
[ Chirping .]
Looks like I've got myself a new copilot: Come on: - Comfortable back there, Harriet? - I'd rather be dropping bombs: [ Whistling .]
[ Whistling Continues .]
Piece of pacifier? Thanks: [ Humming .]
I'd like to thank you for setting me straight about how I feel about Noah: Think nothing of it, Dizzy ''D:'' All right, here comes the tough part, kids: Getting through this is gonna make that bombing run seem easy: Stay close behind me, and do exactly what I do: And watch for falling rocks: Whew: Enemy craft approaching: They're moving through the asteroids: The attack force from Earth: There are only three of them: On the off chance they get through the asteroids, they won't get any further: Ready the squadron: Just a little further, kids: You're doing fine: Reminds me of my playground back home: Okay, start breathing again, everyone: - [ Beeping .]
- Stop breathing: We got company: Tight ''T'' formation: Look alive, tail gunners: - You take over: - Got it: Ya-hoo! Who's old? I'm not old: [ Pilot .]
They're shooting from their tails: They've modified sled class bombers with tail gun mounts: Go beneath their fire: Attack their bellies: Yes, sir: Low-level bombers: They're ancient: But they could conceivably fly in below our pulsar screens: [ Corliss .]
They'll never get that far:! Nice shot, Big Red: Looks like they're sending up reinforcements: We'll retreat temporarily to the asteroids: Buck, we're losing control! All right: Hang on! All right, bring her up slowly: Okay, all systems returning to green: Prepare to rendezvous with Noah: She's a little sluggish, but I think we can finish the mission: [ Pilot .]
You will surrender at once or be destroyed: Proceed to Vector 9-4KV Coordinate "C: '" We will tractor beam you into the hanger: You hear that, Noah? They've been captured:! I heard: - What do we do, Noah? - What can we do? We've lost them: We've lost 'em: You wanted to speak with me, Dr: Huer? Yes: Come in, please: You'd better put me on the desk, Twiki: I have a feeling I'm going to be here a while: [ Twiki Chirping .]
So do I: I just received a subspace message from Major Cooper: He's about to start his bombing attack on Corliss's base: I was under the impression they were to have done so by now: Yes: Well, they were engaged by enemy fighters as they broke through the asteroids::: and they had to regroup: They lost Colonel Deering and Buck: Oh, my! Major Cooper feels they're being held on the base: He also knows he's going to have to go through with the bombing anyway: Two chances left to destroy the nerve gas::: while it's still on Necrosis IV: Frankly, I expected to have this chat::: right after Major Cooper and the others took off: You did call me in to discuss our alternatives should their mission fail: Did you not? There's no harm in hoping they'd be successful, is there? - There's little else we can do: - That's not quite true: Come now, Dr: Theopolis: Surely you don't think Corliss will send a squadron to Earth to release the nerve gas: He'll send his ships individually: And even though we destroy them all::: the odds are that one::: will come close enough to our atmosphere to poison it: I was referring to the fact that we can and must take steps::: to see that Earth's leadership survives: Obviously nerve gas will have no effect on us computers: But as for you humans-- Yes: Yes, I know, I know: I'll alert Maintenance to ready the Omega Complex: But in the meantime::: you and I, Dr: Theopolis::: must decide which of Earth's population will live::: and which will die: It's a dreadful task, but we must-- Twiki, where are you going? [ Chirping .]
I know that, but-- - [ Chirping .]
- What was that all about? He was upset we're assuming that Captain Rogers is never coming back: We really must continue, Dr: Huer: [ Harriet .]
We're low on fuel and time, Noah: - We've got to attack! - We can't: Wilma and Buck are down there: And Corliss will be attacking Earth while we're sitting up here: I've got to take that risk, Harriet: You can't afford to: Dr: Huer is counting on us: That place is like an ammunition dump: If we bomb it, Dizzy ''D'' and Buck won't have a chance: Neither does the Earth::: unless we attack: [ Corliss .]
The scanner indicates no movement outside the asteroids: The Terrans must be drifting around in orbit inside the belt: Whatever's left of them, that is: That's right: You haven't seen your handiwork, have you? Take a good look, Colonel: I'm sure you've heard how eager we've been to thank you: [ Groans .]
[ Groaning .]
Yes::: welcome, Colonel Deering: It's been a long three years: You were smuggling weapons to hostile colonies: It was my duty to try and stop you: Who's your friend, Colonel? Buck Rogers: Roxanne Trent: My pleasure: Have you ever been in a fire, Rogers? Or should I say::: have you ever been on fire? No, I can't say that I have: Do you know what pain is, Rogers? There are all kinds of pain: No: I'm talking about a pain that's so intense::: the only way you can stop it is to have its source removed: Had a toothache once: If you had surrendered instead of remaining fugitives::: you could've been treated at any number of good clinics: And spend the rest of our life in detention::: with no hope of revenge? Oh::: how you're going to wish we had surrendered, Colonel Deering: Alicia, bring me the torch: I said, bring me the torch! Now that you've captured me, you have no reason to harm anyone else: Let Buck go, and give up any idea you might have had of attacking Earth: Oh, and let all that nerve gas go to waste? Your grudge is with me: Our grudge is with whomever we please: [ Corliss .]
If the possibility of us murdering innocent people upsets you, Colonel::: all the better: You're criminals: You were smuggling contraband three years ago: Those weapons were outlawed precisely because they were dangerous: All you cared about was the price the Arcturans were gonna give you for those weapons: Any weapons:! You didn't care how flammable or unsafe they were: Whether you admit it or not, you deserved exactly what you got: Alicia, what are you doing? She's talking: She can't talk: She doesn't have the mind for it: She might not be able to hear, and she might not be able to speak::: but she certainly can talk, and she has a mind: It's okay: Stop that: I don't want her to talk: Alicia, get out of here: It's all right, Roxanne: They talk with their hands: Behind his back: And the colonel? Tie her feet: What happened when you shot down our ship, Colonel, was this: The cargo exploded: I tried to seal off the cabin, fell into the hold and became a living torch: Roxanne managed to pull me out, finally: You can see for yourself at what price: Of course, neither of you can ever understand what we went through: Unless, of course, you were to go through it yourselves: You will play me, and Rogers will play Corliss: No, look, let Buck go: Do whatever you like to me: I don't care: That's the point: You care for him: Enough to beat the flames out with your bare hands: Keep your hands to yourself, Wilma: You got better things to do with them: Commander, there's movement within the asteroids: Looks like the Terrans are preparing to attack again: Send a squadron to intercept them: Sir, most of our remaining fighters have been armed with nerve gas missiles: There are only two Earth ships left: Our fighters should have no problem: Commander, the Terrans' first attack left us with only four ships to spare: Take them to the holding room: - We're out of time, Noah: - We've got to attack now: Maybe Dizzy ''D'' was right: You shouldn't have taken this assignment: Yeah! Maybe you're too old and too scared to do the job: - Damn it! You all love her too: - Of course we do, Noah: [ Big Red .]
Yeah, but we got work to do: We're going down: [ Noah .]
We'll wait till the P:C: 's are up full: You follow me in, Big Red: Roger! That's what a Marine likes to hear: About to either be bombed or tortured: Bet you've never been in this situation before: No, I can't say that I have: Sorry I got you into this: That's all right: Never a dull moment with you, Wilma: That's why I keep you around: Don't worry: We'll get outta this: If you buy that, I've got a nice corner lot for you in Anarchia: How'd you ever learn sign language? Usually hand-talking is only taught to children who are born deaf: Someone taught me in the 20th century: You've seen sign language before, haven't you? Yes, but there's really no need to learn it::: since deafness is usually cured in childhood with electronic surgery: Where did you learn it? Through a friend or relative? A friend: She was a teacher: She taught handicapped kids: I used to go along when she took 'em on field trips: Don't look now, but I think we've got a visitor: She's gonna help us: We're to try to distract the guards and stay as close to the entryway as possible: I think that could be arranged: Hi: I sure like men in uniforms: It's true: She does: You've got the cutest blue eyes: Think there's any way we could::: get together? [ Wilma .]
When do you get off duty? I'm talking to all three of you,you know: She likes ya: [ Wilma .]
You three have a date tonight? All right, everybody: Just keep it quiet: The excitement's over: Gentlemen, into the cell, if you please? Well, Wilma, what do you think? - I think they should strip: - Wilma: You heard what the lady said: [ Pilot .]
Theyjust got Tryon: I'm the only one left: You said they were outnumbered two to one: The tail mounts the Terrans are using-- the computers in our fighters aren't prepared to deal with them: [ Pilot .]
Looks like one of their sleds has been damaged: I'm going after it: - Noah, how bad are you hit? - Scorpion, 1 5 5 degrees: Bring us around: I can't sight him up: He's closing in! Yee-haw! Good shooting, Harriet! That's all of'em: Look at that: Nothing but empty sky down there: We got all of'em! Now we can start dropping some bombs: All right, listen, kids: Red, I want you to make the first run: I have to make sure these controls are fully operational: They've got pulsar batteries down there: What we have to do is come in low enough to fly beneath them: Long and low, that's our approach: Once you're there, just let 'em drop: I'm ready: Just give me the ''Go'' sign: She'll understand, Noah: They'll both understand: You're clear, Big Red: Go: One of them is positioning itself for a bombing run: Ready the pulsar batteries: Lock in the compu-defense system: They'll never get close enough to bomb us: Perhaps we should prepare an escape vessel: Pulsar batteries deployed: The bomber's still coming: Do as you see fit: Order the hangar crew to remove the gas missiles from one of the fighters: And prepare it for immediate launch: Quickly: [ Softly .]
Our sled is through that door: You two go first and take it easy, okay? Go: Both of you, come with me: I said, come with me: Run! Stop them! Tell them to let her go! Tell them to let them go! I have no qualms about pulling this trigger: Neither do I, Rogers: Steady: [ Humming .]
Steady, steady: More left: Stop humming: [ M:K:.]
More left: Got it: Bomb away: Good-bye, Dizzy ''D:'' You fool! That's an ancient signaling device: Get the message? Wilma, get the door: You, get over there! - You missed! - If you'd just stop the humming: Who's humming? I'm not humming: - Big Red to Mother One: - We saw, Big Red: Come on back up: Now it's our turn: Hold it steady: We're almost there: Second enemy bomber approaching! We're trapped in here: Steady: Noah, Harriet? - Yes, Eli? - I just wanted to say::: I love you both: Ready? Right: Hang on: Bomb away: This one's gonna hit! [ Big Red .]
A hit:! By God, a hit:! Noah, you did it! Noah Cooper, you did it! [ Wilma .]
Hey, keep it down out there: -[ Big Red .]
Dizzy "D'.
! I mean, Colonel Deering:! - And friends: - Still think we're too old? - Maybe I am, but you're certainly not: [ Wilma .]
Looks like you've got an apology coming, Major Cooper: Noah? [ Wilma .]
Come in, Major Cooper: Noah, why don't you answer me? They're gone: Welcome: Welcome home: I just heard: You destroyed the base: Congratulations, gentlemen: Buck, Colonel: You should've sent me a subspace message: I'd have had all the Federation leaders here to meet you: All of Earth is eternally grateful: Glad to hear it: Well, who is this we have here? Doc, this is Alicia: [ Buck .]
We picked her up on the way back: It's a long story: I've very pleased to meet you: Where's Noah and the Twains? The base went up like a 50-megaton bomb: [ Chirping .]
[ Theo .]
We brought something Major Cooper asked for::: to be given to you on your return: Twiki? Thank you, Twiki: [ Chirping .]
[ Wilma .]
Silver Eagles: Of course you'll be reinstated to full active duty as soon as possible: Thank you, sir: Thank you: [ Man On P:A:.]
Ready approach on Tube 1 0 1: What's coming in at this hour? Sixth-ninth squadron, cleared for approach: Did he say 69th? [ Noah .]
Sorry about being late: - Noah? - Where'd he come from? We got blown all the way back up into the asteroids: We had a little trouble gettin'home, but we're all fine: [ Chirping .]
Hot stuff!: Ya-hoo! If Dizzy "D'"is around::: ask her if she still thinks I'm too old for this sort of thing: Harriet: Oh, thank you: Eli: Cheers: Cheers: I took it upon myself to update the Directorate's annual physical fitness test: I hope you don't mind: No, not at all: You saved me the trouble of doing it myself: Isn't that so, Dr: Theopolis? Yes, indeed: [ Chirping .]
You wanna dance, Wilma? Thank you, no, Twiki: Nuts! Where's Buck? He's late for his own party: He had some business at the Registry: I think he's trying to find Alicia's parents: He couldn't pull off a miracle like that, could he? He could: I know you're all wondering where I've been: Five years ago, this young lady was kidnapped from her family: May I present them to you? [ Lucky Barking .]
You've been busy, haven't you? I certainly have: I also dropped by the Medical Directorate: Alicia's scheduled for electronic surgery next month: With a little retraining, she'll be able to hear in no time: [ Chirping .]
That's nice! She's gonna have some adjusting to do: Say, big fella, would you like to dance? Sure, why not? Great! Twiki, I just found you a dance partner: Buck, can I lead?