Original subtitles

What sounds like a fairy tale today, may be tomorrow's reality.

Here's a fairy tale from the day after tomorrow.

There are no more nations.

Only humanity and its colonies in space.

Distant stars have been settled.

The ocean beds are inhabited.

Space ships cross the galaxy at unimaginable speeds.

One such ship is the Orion.

A small link in a great chain of defense against threats from space.

Let's join Orion and her crew

on patrol at the edges of infinity...

3. Guardians of the Law

The robots of the Alpha-CO series are laborers or soldiers.

They are controlled by programs and the three laws of robotics.

May I have your attention, please!

You expect that an expert is always at hand

to remember all the laws of robotics that you've forgotten.

But what if the expert fails to show up?

You're at the mercy of robots if the program goes out of control.

What a show-off.

Remember Alpha 21?

A group of robots damming up water.

They went on until the entire colony drowned,

and in the absence of the expert, no one knew how to change the program.

You simply delete one of the tracks...

Too bad you weren't there to fix it.

Please pay attention!

Once more:

The robots of the Alpha-CO series are laborers and soldiers

which are controlled by programs and the three laws of robotics.

The laws of robotics are important.

The first law:

A robot must never kill a human.

That's nice to know.

Even though they think logically, their brains may get out of sync.

Here's an average worker robot.

We've introduced a minor error for the purpose of demonstration.

The tapes are in disorder. It's like a cybernetic neurosis.

It's standing paralyzed on a magnetic platform.

The second robot is normal.

ZR 3184,

approach the control panel!

Stop!

ZR 3184,

approach the control panel!

Switch off the platform for RX 2714!

RX 2714, stop!

RX 2714, stop!

- Now let's see what you know! - Afraid of a robot?

The built-in controls

allows adjustment of the basic reflexes.

Watch closely how to correct the magnetic tapes!

Pay attention for your own sake! Alright...

Commander, you're wanted by the Space Patrol.

It's urgent!

The executives have a very limited vocabulary. "Urgent, secret, important!"

Come on guys!

Even a minor change of the tapes can cause severe damage.

Careful, or your eyes may fall out!

Don't we have blinders for him?

No, but the entire female corps will be replaced by robots.

Including yourself?

Didn't you know I'm an epsilon android?

Watch it, or I'll take you apart to see what's wrong!

Commander McLane!

Urgent orders from the general.

Can't I even see him?

He's at an intergalactic staff meeting.

You'll have to make do with Spring-Brauner.

Oh my goodness. Not that bootlicker.

- So where are we going? - For you: The Horse Head Nebula.

Thanks! But you're only going to sector 12-M-8.

For what purpose? I thought we were here to take training.

Collection of space probes with astrophysical data.

And don't forget to call back when you're there.

I'll call on you when we get back.

Please do, Commander. Have a nice trip!

I second that!

Typical!

Don't you think I know who came up with this stupid mission?

It's a job for cadettes.

Major, you've been demoted to patrol duty.

You can't complain.

Now, you'll have to excuse me.

Base 104,

Orion 8 ready for launch.

Countdown minus 180.

At minus 150, blockage of Sirius 12 and Erida 8.

Clear the base!

Orion 8, once you're space born follow the route

Earth Orbital Station 1 - Jupiter 1 - Hyperion 29.

Earth Station 4 to satellite 166 via lightwave:

Orion passing through sector 47-2-32.

Jupiter 1 to Mars relay A1.

Orion leaving the control area.

No deviation.

Commander to engineering: Engines off!

Understood!

- And come up here, Hasso! - Will do!

We're at our destination.

Relative velocity 0.

Captain's log:

Orion at destination. Generators and engines off-line.

You look pale.

- Since when do you care about my health? - I'm sincere.

There are our targets.

Let's get it over with!

Next time, let's transport garbage!

We're going to extract data from 16 probes.

Atan and Helga go first. Probes 1 through 8.

Launch channel 1! You'll be out there for 19 hours.

Hasso, float shaft 1!

Mario, check zenith-distance and approach trajectory for shuttle 1!

Commander, let me go out there and help out too!

- Do you have experience? - No, but...

There you go.

Go to bed! That's an order.

Cliff -

- Something's out there: 18-M-106. - Detectors on!

Looks like an old cargo-ship.

Wish them a pleasant journey!

Then go to bed! You're on in 19 hours.

- Cliff, shuttle 1 ready. - Away with it!

I'm coming, I'm coming...

Cliff, the unknown ship hails us.

Hello Orion, hello Orion. Calling the Orion!

Orion here, we read you.

This is the officer on duty aboard the freighter Sik 12.

My commander wishes to speak to you.

Please turn on your screen!

Commander McLane here. Who's your boss?

Commodore Ruyter.

Really? Ruyter?

I served under him as an ensign.

That's a long time ago.

I bet you're too good for us.

Hello Commodore, what a surprise!

Cliff, my boy, I sure was lucky to find you.

We've got to talk.

I transport ore from Pallas to Earth - germanicum.

Four trips a year. Secret of course.

- Lovely job. - Don't mention it!

On Pallas there are 70 colonists and 21 robots.

Landing is too difficult

so they simply launch the ore in rockets that we pick up.

Guess what was in the rockets when we got back to Earth?

Spoils and waste. Not a single grain of ore.

Imagine the reaction at Space Command.

What could I have done?

I had no contact with the colony. It was the second time around.

In the past they used to come up to the ship to say hello.

- Do you understand? - I do.

We didn't see them this time either!

But the rockets arrive on schedule?

Yes, with absolute precision.

But we can't make contact.

Strange.

To say the least.

Naturally, I've filed a report.

But the bureaucrats only care about the transport as such.

I assume we've got a shipment of waste once more.

Take a look!

Can't do.

The rockets are magnetically attached to the hull.

Unlike you, we're not equipped for space-walks.

How can I help?

In the old days, you'd already be on your way to Pallas!

Alright, Commodore. I'll take care of it. Over and out!

Call Helga and Atan and brief them!

We'll make a detour to Pallas.

And inform our lady from Secret Service!

With pleasure!

You're always up to mischief.

- Now listen... - No!

My job is to see to it that you stick to the rules.

I've had enough!

I'll report you if you leave your position.

People may be in danger on Pallas.

That's the responsibility of Space Command.

Space Command doesn't seem to be interested.

Disciplinary actions will be taken if they find out

that we're no longer in sector 12-M-8.

Not a bad idea!

Orion calling shuttle 1.

Yes, what's up?

Greetings from Laurin!

OK, will do!

No one will notice anything! One moment. Hasso?

Greetings from Laurin!

We'll do a little trick.

Shubashi will use the shuttle to set up a forcefield

the size of our ship, a so called Laurin.

All sensors will record our presence in sector 12-M-8.

- That's fraud. - Yes it is.

- Hello Orion? - Yes.

Laurin's up!

Great! Thanks, Atan!

Just don't get caught! I don't fancy a new commander.

Don't worry! We'll be back within 12 hours.

Commander to engineering, full speed ahead!

Try again! We must get in touch with the Orion!

I'm doing my best.

Mars relay A1 is in constant connection with training fleet 18.

Trying via Hyperion 29...

Less talk! It's an alpha order for McLane.

Abort mission and return to Earth!

Hyperion 29 here,

satellite 116 has ordered a response from the Orion.

No response!

Nothing but trouble with McLane. He's been ordered to return.

If he's left the sector, he'll be charged. Enough is enough!

Yes, but he's on the sensors.

The scans can't be wrong.

Orion stands still at RS18 and 12 in the satellite field.

Mario, call them! We're approaching Pallas.

Orion 8 calling Pallas!

Orion 8 calling Pallas!

Pallas come in!

Orion 8 under Commander McLane calling Pallas!

Pallas come in!

They must be asleep.

Or drunk.

Pallas come in!

Pallas come in!

Hello Pallas,

requesting landing coordinates and a guide beam!

Calculate the orbit, we'll do some loops!

Sooner or later they must respond.

Orion 8 calling Pallas!

Orion 8 calling Pallas!

Pallas, why don't you respond?

Never mind, Mario. We'll land on our own.

Is an unassisted landing more difficult?

Only more intricate.

Engineering, impulse down to 6!

Mario, altitude and velocity!

Altitude 93,000.

Velocity 1739.

Alright, down we go.

- Listen closely! - I always do.

I don't know what's going on.

But the Orion must be on stand by while we're looking for the colonists.

How long can you keep the converters idling?

18 hours. Any longer and they go up in smoke.

No more?

Only five minutes more will melt down the crystals.

- But 18 is safe? - No 16 - by the book.

- 18 it is. - You're the boss.

- Ugh, it's raining. - Yes, don't be a ninny!

Don't they have weather control?

Yes, but who knows what's going on.

A large station and a hearty welcome, right?

- You might say that. - What did you expect?

At least a welcoming committee.

A red carpet around the ship.

Two large laurels, a curtsying flower-girl.

And a singing choir.

Are you finished, Mario?

No, but I'll shut up for you.

Calling Pallas HQ.

This is Commander McLane of the Orion.

We've just landed. Please let us into your tunnels!

Commander McLane calling Pallas HQ. Do you read?

Nothing.

Hello! Pallas HQ!

This is Commander McLane of the Orion. We've just landed.

Please let us into your tunnels!

Not a squeak.

- May I try? - Can you do better?

Maybe they'll listen to the voice of a siren.

OK, I'll shut up. But where did Ruyter's rockets come from?

Someone must have turned on the positioning controls.

- Let's investigate. - We can't even find the entrance.

We're not going for a walk in this weather?

We are. You'll have to cheer up,

instead of worrying about your hairdo. Come on!

You'll search within 500 meters on this side.

The entrance can't be far away.

- Come along! - Who stays here? - No one, why?

- That's against regulation. - Which one?

Paragraph 28, section 2B.

What a brilliant memory! What does it say?

At makeshift landing bases, engines and armory must be constantly manned.

Right. It's your duty to point that out.

Now, let's forget about that and do what we must.

My job is to see that you abide by the rules.

Yes, I know.

I'm alive today only because of my bad memory for paragraphs.

You can say that to General Wamsler or Colonel Villa!

So who stays at the ship?

By the book: Sigbj�rnson, de Monti and me.

And you go looking for the colonists.

- What's that supposed to mean? - Like I said.

What shall I tell your superiors when you don't come back?

Are you putting me on?

The ship's on standby.

No one can access it.

Why guard it?

In case of an emergency I'll need you all.

- Cliff, we've found the entrance! - I'm coming!

But you may stay in compliance with paragraph 28, section 2B.

Mario. Hasso.

- Hello? - Is anybody home?

Hello?

Something's not right.

Perhaps they are playing a trick on us?

Hide and seek?

Beta. YX minus 700.

Gamma. AZ minus 6000.

YX minus 700. Gamma A 1000.

Solar storm 97,000 and rising.

The daily diagnostics.

Always the same.

Hello!

Where are you?

Someone must have turned on the diagnostics.

It can run unattended for months.

Looks like a disaster area.

Do you see any debris? Well? Everything seems alright.

Perhaps they are away on business.

We'll find them.

Shouldn't we inform Space Command?

Why? Are you scared?

Looks good. Runs on automatic.

Everything works alright. Oxygen supply normal.

But someone must supervise the machinery.

Hello?

Is anybody here?

- Did anyone exit? - No.

- Or enter? - Neither.

Perhaps they are all buried down there.

We'll go down when the elevator comes back.

Cliff, it's insane to enter a remotely controlled elevator.

It can only go down.

I recommend that we wait.

Now! Get in!

Androids, C-robots.

What are they doing up here? They should be working in the mine.

And where are the colonists?

A mutiny by the robots? That's unheard of.

Tamara, stand back! Hasso, Mario, shoot when the door opens!

Just aim for their heads.

Remember that they are machines.

But they don't take orders anymore.

Robots can understand 2,000 commands and perform 1,000 simple functions.

But they have no self-confidence. Reacting by logic, not reason.

Watch out!

Halt, don't shoot!

Drop your weapons, it's of no use.

He's right, Cliff.

Listen - my name is McLane.

- Commander McLane? - Yes.

Have they been destroyed?

Easy! What's happened?

I'm Richard Hall. We've been here on Pallas for more than two years.

Initially all went well, and the robots did their job.

We settled in, sent the robots down in the mine,

and a few months later, the first ore-carrying rockets were in orbit.

- Then came the shooting. - Humans against robots?

No, the robots worked flawlessly. It was humans. Two people killed.

And the motive?

A man by the name of Forrester smuggled Euphorine.

Drugs. That's the motive.

- And? - One month later...

You must understand that I'm in charge here.

Forrester and his people wouldn't work anymore.

And I'm responsible.

I had an argument with Forrester.

The revolt that followed forced me to shoot Forrester and his companion.

I had no choice.

And suddenly the robots rose against us.

- Where did you shoot the men? - Here, in the mine.

And the robots watched? That's the explanation.

The first law of robotics!

A robot may never kill, but must preserve human life.

And to prevent further damage, the robots took command.

Yes. Since that day we work under the supervision of robots.

Haven't you tried to make contact?

Yes, but how?

We put notes under the ore.

The ore never arrived. Only waste.

Then we'll stay here till we die.

Go back to work, or they will come down here again.

- Do they force you to work? - Precisely.

And it seems to work.

Sounds like a fairy tale - robots as guardians of the law.

So you have no idea?

It's the second time your transport is full of waste,

and you don't know why?

- Do you want us to believe that? - I don't care what you believe.

I take offense that you treat me and my crew like criminals.

Your words, not mine.

I can see that you're making me your scapegoat.

Yes, why not?

Here's a nice little compilation of your starfleet career.

What about the ship on Hermes 4?

Just an old pile of junk that nobody cared about.

But accusing me of embezzling two transports is gross slander.

General Wamsler from Space Patrol wishes to speak to the director.

What's this supposed to mean?

Why wasn't I informed?

He belongs to my jurisdiction, so I'm in charge. Understood?

General, what gives us the honor? Nothing unpleasant, I hope?

The overstepping of authority must cease.

Ruyter is one of my most reliable officers.

I didn't know that you would personally deal with such trifles.

It's only about two lost shipments. Why all the fuss?

It's a matter of principle.

As you know, General, the space fleet should not

investigate the mistakes of its own officers.

What mistakes? I haven't done anything wrong.

So you say that the colonists keep the ore for themselves,

or that they don't know the difference between ore and waste?

No, I only know that something's wrong on Pallas.

The colonists seems to have left.

Why then do the rockets arrive on schedule?

What do I know?

Robots extract the ore on Pallas.

The colonists don't even touch it.

So the robots are malfunctioning?

Humans make mistakes, robots don't.

And that's a trait of the robot?

On the contrary: It's a trait of the human.

The human is controlled by her traits, the robot by its brain.

Which we can control.

Don't tell me that a computer can't break down.

Of course it can,

but out of two possibilities:

Computer error or the human factor,

the latter seems more likely.

I really wish that your faith in machinery will one day be broken.

Be careful what you wish for.

Our entire society and safety depends on robots.

I know. I wasn't born yesterday.

Thinking about that doesn't exactly make me overjoyed.

And concerning the waste:

It will soon be cleared up.

McLane is around. I'll put him on the case.

They are looking for McLane like a needle in a haystack.

His energy field registers, but he doesn't respond.

An old trick.

"Greetings from Laurin!"

I'll deal with him...

- General? - Yes?

Never mind.

That would never have happened with a robot.

Shuttle 1 calling Orion!

Why don't you respond?

Hello Orion! Orion!

Shuttle 1 here, Helga Legrelle.

Cliff, where are you?

Cliff!

No response, Atan.

- No response for two hours. - Easy!

- They may be in trouble. - Stop imagining things!

If there's someone aboard, they would respond.

Then there's no one aboard.

They wouldn't leave the ship unmanned.

I'm sure they have a good time.

Nice walks, a picnic. What do I know?

What if they've been taken by force... ?

Sweetheart, you're showing signs of space madness.

I'm afraid, Atan.

Is there a chance, Cliff?

It depends on how much time we've got.

Time for what?

For thinking.

Do you think that helps?

It's the only way.

Tamara, you know most about cybernetics.

What goes on in the minds of the robots?

Programming errors. Codes in disorder.

Can the robots change their own programs?

They seem to have forgotten their instructions.

- How so? - I don't know, but...

- Do they follow orders at all? - Not exactly...

- Or do they do the opposite? - Yes, that's it.

Wait a moment, now I know.

They sent waste instead of ore, didn't they?

And they are not allowed to carry arms, but they do.

Humans do the work of robots.

Yes. The robots should obey us, but it's the other way around.

Their memories are upside down.

- How could that be? - There's only one explanation.

They've been given conflicting orders.

The entire program consists of zeros and ones, "yes" and "no".

Conflicting impulses may reverse the entire system.

Probably during the shooting.

The first and second laws of robotics at the same time.

The first law, preserve human life

could only be fulfilled by breaking the second law.

That's why we must reprogram them. Can you do that, Tamara?

- Don't you have an on-site expert? - That was Forrester.

Wonderful.

No one can get close to them anyway.

Sure. The reversal.

When do they come down here?

Irregularly. Some days we don't see them at all.

We can take advantage of their behavior.

If we turn off the equipment, they will come to check.

- Excellent. Is there a narrow passage? - Yes, at the first crossing.

Gather your men there! Then we turn off the equipment to draw the robots.

Once the robots are here, we'll blow up the ceiling.

The robots must not be crushed.

They must only be immobilized so that we can reprogram them.

- That's enough. There's no reply. - What do we do now?

The Laurin draws more power than we can generate.

We have enough spare power.

That's what you think. Only 20% is left.

I trust Cliff. He'll be here within 2 hours.

That's what he said.

- He always keeps his word. - Perhaps he can't make it.

He always takes risks.

They may have fallen into a trap.

There are only colonists and robots on Pallas.

Perhaps he needs help.

Let's turn off the Laurin and go to Pallas!

- We'll wait. - For how long?

We'll be out of power before you've made up your mind.

The Laurin will collapse and take us with it.

We'll vanish without a trace.

How much left?

8 percent.

You're killing us!

We'll wait.

Wait for my sign!

- Everybody in cover? - Yes.

The pressure wave will run through the main tunnel.

If we succeed, what commands should we install?

Something to stop your stupid questions.

They are coming!

What did Rott say when he opened that crazy robot?

"Just a minor change of tapes will correct the problem."

Yes, but how?

- It was a Y-setting. - But which one?

One mistake, and the robots will go berserk. Don't you remember more?

Wasn't it Y18?

If so, did he reset it to 17 or 19?

That's where we left.

If it was Y18, then Y17 must be the normal position.

Or Y19, and then it goes mad at 17.

They are coming!

Take cover!

Now!

Get going!

It worked. Stay where you are!

Open the latch! That breaks its connection with the other robots.

Do you see the switches at the top?

The blue one is Y18.

- Do you have it? - Yes, and then?

- It must be reset. - But to which position?

Y17 or 19, you decide.

17! If I'm wrong, we'll all be wasted.

Thanks.

- When will the general arrive? - At midnight.

I'm finished.

Why can't we reach the Orion?

We've asked Commodore Ruyter.

He says that he's had radio contact with the Orion.

Orion wished him a happy journey.

We should be able to reach McLane too.

Yes, we should.

You didn't expect all that trouble because of McLane, did you?

He won't get away.

Perhaps a rescue mission? In space sector 20-L-34,

there's the training fleet 18 that can be put to use.

- They will find McLane. - No, for the love of God!

The fleet encompasses 22 battleships, 40 cruisers and 133 lesser ships.

It's your only hope to find McLane.

Alright, then.

I don't have much choice.

- Contact fleet 18! - Will do.

They will soon be back.

- Do you think we made it? - No idea.

God knows how they will behave.

They are coming!

- Are your men ready, Hall? - Yes, Major.

- Ready? - Ready.

Let's go up!

Quickly! No one must get away.

Hurry up!

How much power left?

7 percent.

We'll have to turn off the Laurin.

It's of no use. It's too late.

Turn it off anyway, or the shields will collapse.

- The heat's unbearable. - Yes, be quiet.

- How long will the shields hold up? - Until Cliff picks us up!

Hello? Orion?

Here's shuttle 1.

Hello? Orion?

Atan Shubashi to the log.

Our entire energy reserve has been depleted.

Our shields deteriorate due to cosmic radiation.

Lieutenant Legrelle is unconscious.

We've got no radio contact with the Orion.

Commander McLane doesn't respond.

End.

We've got a lot to tell when we get back.

- They'll never believe us. - Especially Atan.

And neither will Lieutenant Legrelle, since I was there.

- The ladies are really friendly. - Long as they do their job.

Don't know what we would have done without you.

Was that a compliment?

I don't believe my ears.

Cliff, shouldn't we go to hyperspace?

No, Hasso. Locator beam forward! Reduce force field! We'll soon be there.

Satellite area visible.

Shubashi hails us!

Positioning! Speed adaptation!

- Propulsion off! - Will do, Major!

- Open the locks! - Locks open!

Commander to engineering: Ready to take over!

Cliff, Cliff...

I can hear you. I can see you.

- Is that really you? - Why? What did you think?

Is something wrong?

Atan, positioning!

What's wrong, Atan? What's happened?

Say something!

- Take care of Helga! - Is she unconscious?

The shuttle is on board.

Helga is unconscious!

We need Mario to help carry her inside.

- And Atan... - Hurry up!

We're coming!

Don't worry, we made it.

Fools. Fools.

You're right.

Don't think that we've had a good time at your expense.

You're fools.

It's OK, Atan.

Easy, I agree.

What's happened?

He thinks we're fools, and I agree.

- Is that all you know? - He hasn't told me anymore.

Take Helga to the bridge!

Tamara will take care of her. Then come back here!

Now tell me what's happened!

Out of oxygen?

Shields failing?

We ran out of power.

The Laurin, I forgot.

Us too.

We wouldn't have made it another second.

Didn't you switch off the Laurin?

That wasn't our orders.

You're not a kid. You know what to do when things get rough.

Just throw the blame on us. Only ashes would have been left.

Burned up by the radiation.

Why did you keep the Laurin?

We tried to hail you.

You were gone, and evidently you couldn't reach us either.

Sometimes you must act on your own to survive.

Do you think we were much better off on Pallas?

Why didn't anyone stay on board?

Here we go again.

Yes, we might have been killed!

You were so self-absorbed that you forgot about us.

Listen to that whiner!

- It's not funny. - Not the least.

Stop your squabbling!

Babies cry too, but first they get spanked.

You should get a good spanking for such nonsense.

Nothing wrong with detours, but this time you went too far.

You're right, Atan, but we couldn't anticipate the problems on Pallas.

Hasso, tend to your engines!

Can you walk to the bridge?

Yes. Just walk on!

Come on! It's too late to play hero.

Do you feel better?

Fairly well.

Was it rough?

I didn't feel anything.

- Atan wouldn't do anything. - Good thing I didn't listen to you.

Stop your squabbling!

Turn on the autopilot and come up here!

- I'm coming. - Thanks.

Atan, pour us a drink!

We've deserved that.

Hasso, come on!

What do we drink to?

To the robots and to Y17.

Here's to Laurin!

And to neglected space probes!

If Wamsler finds out where we've been...

We're in demand.

At least 8 stations hail us.

Calling the Orion, Commander McLane!

Calling the Orion, Commander McLane!

Yes, Orion and McLane here.

We've been trying to reach you for more than 20 hours.

- I can't believe it's really you. - I don't understand.

We've been calling you for 20 hours.

We haven't noticed any problems.

I'm not here.

The staff of defense and Space Command have been very worried.

Did you say worried?

I did, Commander.

The entire training fleet is on its way searching for you.

Why all the fuss?

To our shame we must admit that Space Patrol has given wrong orders.

The mission wasn't for the Orion, but for the training ship Arion.

What's the occasion, McLane? I'd really like to know.

Nothing special.

Quite a feast for no occasion.

Lieutenant Jagellovsk? Don't you have anything to report?

No.

Something you haven't told Secret Service?

Can't think of anything.

Great. Then you haven't said too much.

Don't give yourself away!

Who was responsible for the incorrect order?

- Do you really want to know? - Is it a secret?

You'll like it.

Spring-Brauner.

Cliff, let's invite him! I'm sure he'd like that.

- A brilliant idea! - He's away on a mission.

Now have a good rest!

Do you know your next mission?

No, General.

Orion leaves on the day after tomorrow.

You're going to bring 40 C-robots to the Venus colony.

We can refuse to do that.

On what grounds?

The ships of the Space Patrol aren't approved for transports.

I can apply for an injunction.

I wouldn't do that if I were you.

Good connections must be put to use.

Does Laurin ring a bell?

In what context?

Greetings from Laurin!

Oh, yes we've heard of that.

We'll be happy to carry out the transport.

Thanks for your offer, Lieutenant, but I don't mind robots.

Here's to the tin-men!