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...

7. Invasion

Listen, McLane, what's gotten into your head?

I can't always make exceptions. You're sentenced to patrol duty, and that's it!

I'm not asking for exceptions.

But if Space Command has no better use for me, I may just as well resign.

Do you want to leave?

Great! Running away at the slightest inconvenience.

- Since my suspension... - Which is none of your fault?

I don't pretend to be innocent.

But I didn't join Space Fleet to perform simple routine tasks.

Calm down, McLane. Another 6 months and your suspension is over.

Once you're back with the Combat Units, you can do what you want.

Pull yourself together now.

General, distress signals from the Tau. They are in trouble.

Switch to orbital station 1. Transmission via Transpluto 0/3!

Calling Transpluto 0/3. Calling Transpluto and the orbital station.

This is Secret Service cruiser Tau, under Commander Lindley.

Please confirm my distress signal.

Transpluto to Tau. We read you.

We are without controls and energy. We're caught in a solar storm.

That's terrible.

You know who's aboard the Tau? Colonel Villa and his staff.

- Villa? - How horrible, if they...

Launch 492 for space station Gordon. Situation is hopeless.

I've never seen such a powerful solar storm.

I repeat. This is Secret Service cruiser Tau, under Commander Lindley.

Situation is hopeless. I've never seen such a powerful solar storm.

Entire energy supply blocked. We can't get out.

It's not a solar storm, Lindley. These are oscillating gravity waves!

There's only one chance. Enter the shuttles!

- We'll be killed for sure. - Only if we stay here.

And if we don't hurry up, the launchers may fail, too.

Distance to Gordon?

Still 492. We're stuck like a...

Get shuttles 1 to 4 ready. We'll try to reach Gordon.

I won't leave before you report about the oscillating gravity fields.

Crucial information.

Colonel, be reasonable. We have to get out!

Earth has to know. It could be an extraterrestrial attack.

Prepare lightwave to Space Command and Space Patrol.

You've got nerve.

This is Colonel Villa aboard the Tau.

Calling Space Command and Space Patrol!

I think the Tau is trapped in antigravitational fields.

Understood?

Understood! Understood!

It's not a normal solar storm, but oscillating gravity fields.

Similar to McLane's situation a while ago. Extraterrestrial activity possible.

We're forced to enter the shuttles. Our energy has been depleted.

We'll try to reach Gordon in the shuttles. Chances are minimal.

Tau! Calling Tau! Please respond!

Nothing.

Looks like they are gone.

Why are you still here?

Contact Gordon! We have to know what's going on.

Gordon hasn't noticed.

Nonsense. Gordon must have noticed a hurricane of gravity fields.

Try again!

And then get me Space Command!

I'm calling for an emergency meeting and an investigation.

Yes, General.

What was Villa doing out there, General?

Doesn't the head of Secret Service belong behind his desk?

Not if the circumstances call for it.

And did they?

I don't know if we'll ever know.

Villa used to show his hand only if he was absolutely certain.

So, I'll go to the Supreme Commander, and you carry out your mission.

Wait a moment... Didn't Villa mention your name?

Yes, since I too came across oscillating gravity fields at MZ4.

Then postpone your departure. The commission may need your expertise.

- But you never liked the Secret Service? - With one exception.

Villa was a great man and a great boss. I still can't believe it.

Yes, he was smarter than most. Naming no names.

I'll be eternally grateful that he allowed me to fly to Chroma,

when everyone else called for war!

Even if he seemed like a cold intellectual,

he was really an idealist, a pacifist of the universe.

I hope his successor won't be the opposite.

If you want to sound me out, McLane, give it up.

It's so secret that nobody knows about it.

Major McLane, here's an order from Space Patrol.

Thanks, honey, thanks.

I'll be...

Villa's alive!

What?

Yes. He and his staff reached Gordon in their shuttles.

Only Lindley and the crew seem to be lost.

But how?

Villa is aboard the Zephir. He'll be here in three days.

I've been summoned to a meeting at Space Command.

I can't tell you, dear Villa, how happy we all are. We had given up hope.

I really can't explain how we managed to reach Gordon in that solar storm.

Did you say solar storm?

Yes, solar storm.

But in your last transmission from the Tau you said something about...

What was that again?

Oscillating gravity fields!

You said they could have been the result of extraterrestrial activities.

Yes, I remember, I can't deny that I said something like that.

But honestly, I had lost all control over what I said.

No doubt did Colonel Villa suffer a heavy shock.

You must forgive us for heaping questions upon you.

But your last message from the Tau had us worried sick.

Gentlemen, whatever I said in the transmission,

there certainly were no extraterrestrial activities.

The catastrophe simply made me see ghosts. I apologize.

No need to apologize.

Not everyone can stay as cool as McLane.

A versatile brain, like that of Colonel Villa,

may, simply put, see ghosts in moments of excitement,

and develop obsessions.

So you're attaching a certain level of primitiveness to my brain?

- No, I wouldn't say that... - May I ask a question?

My opinion is that there's nothing wrong with the first explanation.

Discharges, blocked propulsion.

That's what I encountered at MZ4. And if I had been closer...

So what's your question?

Why are you so sure that it was only a solar storm?

You may be aware that Gordon has registered only a normal solar storm.

That "normal solar storm" could be a result of artificial gravity fields.

Commander Lindley said it was only a solar storm.

Lindley and his crew are missing. We have no possibility...

Are you saying that I'm misquoting Commander Lindley?

I just want to...

McLane, enough now!

Why am I here, if I can't point out discrepancies?

These discrepancies are accounted for

by the traumatic effects suffered by Colonel Villa.

My God, in your place I would also have rambled on about alien monsters.

May I ask about the purpose of your mission aboard the Tau?

I will inform Space Command in a classified report in due time.

Too bad you're so secretive.

I have no obligation to reveal secret information to a starship commander.

I have to ask you not to bother Colonel Villa with any more questions.

But something's not right here...

Is it wrong to look for a connection based on the purpose of the mission?

No one except me and my closest men knew about the purpose.

Especially not the frogs, unless they have supernatural powers.

End of discussion.

No further questions. That goes for you too, McLane.

Colonel Villa, we wish you a speedy recovery. Enjoy your rest!

No time for that. I have a lot to do.

McLane, you surely don't miss an opportunity to make enemies.

I thought an investigation committee had to investigate. I learned my lesson.

No you didn't. Go back to your duty now.

Tomorrow, you'll go on patrol, as instructed.

Would you mind if I went to Gordon instead

just to see what's going on up there?

Are you out of your mind? Do your job and forget the whole thing!

I thought you wouldn't show up. What happened?

What happened? The usual.

It's not my fault that I'm a man in my prime.

That's not my impression.

What does she mean?

We were invited. Really nice people.

Our hero here tried to hit on a nice young lady.

- And that lady was you? - Oh no!

Don't be so mysterious. They may think there's a punch-line.

There is.

The young lady said: "Lieutenant, you're old enough to be my father."

How's she dressed?

Is your flight uniform in the laundry, Lieutenant?

I won't need it anyway. Talk to you, please.

What do you mean? Take-off is in 50 minutes.

No, it isn't. I'm coming from Villa. Mission canceled.

Take-off canceled. Secret Service takes over the mission.

- Long live Secret Service! - Does that mean we're off duty?

Obviously.

That's great, Cliff. Can we go?

Yes. I'm sure Mr. Villa knows what he's doing.

I only hope he asked Wamsler. If not, there will be trouble.

Come on, guys, before they change their mind.

Mario! Don't forget, you could be her father.

What was that about?

Oh, he just got turned down again.

- What about you? - Me? Never!

I meant: Do you want to stay here?

Tamara, since when does Secret Service perform routine patrol flights?

Don't you find that strange?

I'm sure Villa has his reasons.

Sure. I'd just like to know what they are.

We were supposed to check radar satellites in sector Vesta.

That's near Gordon. Something happened there, and Villa is keeping it secret.

You're too suspicious, Cliff.

Perhaps. But I wish you would be a little suspicious too.

Why would Villa hide anything?

And what would he hide?

Hello, McLane, old boy! Let's have a drink together!

Colonel Mulligan, this is Lieutenant Tamara Jagellovsk of Secret Service.

Secret Service? Can't say that I'm pleased to meet you.

Why so rude? She's done you no wrong.

No, but her associates have. Would I be drunk for no reason?

For ten years, I've toiled and moiled at the start base surveillance.

I'm not ungrateful. Before three years, they made me head of the shop.

And?

And I got sacked.

For no reason. Just like that.

When? By whom?

I got notice two hours ago. Security precautions by Secret Service.

Secret Service will immediately take over surveillance of the base.

Can't tell you how mad I am.

Do you still think I'm too suspicious?

Something's wrong with Villa since he returned from Gordon.

No more horror stories!

It's not a horror story, it's the facts.

He plays down what happened on Gordon,

he takes over space surveillance and controls the fleet bases.

I wonder what his next step is?

That implies he'd have an agenda. What do you think it is?

If it wasn't so absurd, I'd say he's preparing a coup.

Something must have happened on Gordon that turned him completely inside out.

He takes over Mulligan's command of Ground Control,

even though he praised his work before.

I heard that myself, in Wamsler's office.

Is that all you can talk about tonight?

I'm sorry. Would you like a drink?

No thanks.

How long are we supposed to sit around? Do you know their plans?

No.

And what are you up to? A new job?

No. That means, yes.

I've been transferred to the Orion to prevent Commander McLane from

breaches of duty, violations of service regulations and military misconduct.

Babysitter! But there are nice babysitters.

Am I too strict?

Will you help me? I want to speak to Villa, tomorrow.

Why?

I will simply ask him for special permission to fly to Gordon.

If he grants it, I'll know I was wrong. But if he doesn't...

What would that prove?

Tamara, I never claimed to be very intelligent, but I have an instinct.

I can say no more for now.

Alright, if it will help you sleep tonight.

I'll ask Villa if he has time for you tomorrow.

Thanks.

And while you're at Secret Service HQ, will you do me a favor?

What then?

Look around.

Maybe you'll find out why Villa went on that mission near Gordon.

There must be documents.

Cliff, are you crazy? Do you know what you're asking for?

But of course. I always have time for McLane. What does he want?

I'll let him tell you personally. It seemed important.

Then it must be important. McLane is very clever, isn't he?

Yes.

Not very convinced, are you?

I always thought you looked up to him.

Let's leave my private feelings out of it.

I thought you would go through fire and rain for each other.

Let's leave it at that. For now.

I'll talk to him then. Anything else?

Thank you Colonel. That's all.

Interesting, Lieutenant, isn't it?

Your friend McLane would have been very pleased with you.

But you won't get a chance to inform him of your discovery.

- I must apologize, Colonel. - No, not at all.

You act in my interest.

Or do you think you could have entered here if I hadn't allowed it?

It was only curiosity.

- Yes, McLane's curiosity. - McLane has nothing to do with it.

Nonsense. McLane asked you to snoop around in here.

And I let you, because I wanted to know what he wants to know.

Now I do. Arrest her.

I still don't know what you're hinting at, McLane.

I don't quite know myself. That's why I ask you.

Do you think it's possible for a trusted person

to be converted by a foreign power?

You mean by hypnosis or telenosis?

No, not that.

I mean that the person remains unchanged on the outside

but on the inside, he thinks and feels like the enemy.

Not just while under influence of telenosis, but all the way through.

In order to completely change a human,

the brain must be "reprogrammed".

That's an infinitely complicated task that can take months or years.

From a medical point of view...

Is it possible that aliens...

Frogs?

They are known as such.

Is it conceivable that they can perform the conversion much faster than us?

To do that, they must first have a human in captivity.

Which they have tried.

First on MZ4, then the telenosis incident, and now...

Doctor, I no longer know if I'm mentally sane.

But I can't stop thinking of one thing.

The Tau, with Villa and his staff

gets into a disaster from which there's no escape.

Villa survives miraculously,

returns inexplicably after a few days, and says

that the disaster was a normal solar storm, easily overcome by the Tau.

And... ?

I listened in on the disaster on subspace radio.

It was oscillating gravity fields which only the frogs can produce.

Villa tried to get through to Gordon in a shuttle.

His success is enough to raise my suspicion.

A shuttle would normally burst like a bubble in that chaos.

McLane, you mean...

There's only one explanation, Doctor.

The frogs turned off the energy fields once Villa entered the shuttle.

They didn't want to kill him. They wanted him alive, a key person.

Assuming that they knew Villa was on board the Tau.

Yes. Who knows. Perhaps they can monitor our radio traffic.

It's even likely. And they might have lured Villa to Gordon

by using distorted radio transmissions to raise his curiosity.

I hope to soon find out about the purpose of his mission.

You're forgetting something.

If your nightmarish vision is true,

then the frogs must be on Gordon.

Wouldn't someone have noticed?

It was a pure coincidence that we found them on MZ4.

But Gordon has filed completely normal reports about the Tau disaster.

Perhaps were the people there already converted.

Why don't you talk to Wamsler?

I'm too full of suspicion.

My superiors would send me straight to a mental hospital.

Truth to tell, McLane, a stay there would do you no harm.

I've known you for ten years, and never considered you a dreamer.

Wouldn't you like to come now and then and talk about

your presumptions in the Villa case?

Do you think I'm a nutcase?

Fit to be declared insane?

- Major McLane? - Yes.

Here's the Secret Service HQ. Colonel Villa awaits you at 6:30.

You know, McLane, I always supported your idealistic plans.

But what in the world do you want to achieve on Gordon?

I just want to make sure that you and Commander Lindley were correct

in your analysis of the Tau incident.

I see.

Your defeat at the meeting still bothers you?

Something like that. Hurt professional pride, I guess.

And you still believe that the incident was caused by extraterrestrial activity?

I don't believe anything. I'd just like to exclude that possibility.

Why don't you ask Wamsler?

He would kick me out before I could say "Gordon".

You know that I would have to answer to Space Command if I gave permission.

You have the full confidence of Space Command.

It's never been a problem before.

Very well. Go there! I'll arrange everything.

Thank you.

Thank you, Colonel.

McLane?

What if there's really something going on out there

and you get into the same mess as the Tau?

That's my risk.

No, I can't take that responsibility.

To be safe, the Orion will be outfitted with a gravitational field generator.

- Great. But that will take time. - Not too long.

A new system is about to be introduced in the entire fleet.

Do you know Chief Engineer Kranz?

Only by name. Supposedly an expert.

The leading expert in artificial gravity.

He'll accompany you.

Thank you, Colonel.

McLane, I almost forgot.

Your charming security officer can't come with you.

We sent her to take a special training course.

I didn't know about your upcoming mission.

What course is that?

She's waited over a year for her promotion,

and the course is a prerequisite.

It's at her own request.

Why didn't she tell me?

- She didn't? - No.

Not very nice. Is she mad at you?

You never can tell with her.

Women.

Ground Control to base.

Orion 8 is cleared for take-off.

Thank you Ground Control. Launch will take place within a few minutes.

Here's Lupos 12 under Commander Spira.

We're at submersion coordinates 17-MS-12.

Right, Lupos 12. Please stand by until we call you!

We carry important documents, which must be processed at once.

Get me Colonel Mulligan!

We must go to another base if we can't submerge immediately.

Colonel Mulligan is on vacation.

You'll be clear to submerge in a few minutes.

Base 104 launch control to Fast Space Cruiser Orion 8.

- Cleared for take-off. - Thank you, base.

Base 104 handing over to space station 4.

Let's go, Hasso!

On our way!

Please take a seat!

With pleasure. Where?

- Mario? - Yes?

- Would you? - Yes.

There you go.

Of crucial importance:

At cosmos minus 186, jamming of all communications with Space Patrol.

Of course. Cosmos minus 186.

Blocking of space bases at cosmos minus 100.

At cosmos minus 100.

Set all radar warning circuits to record only.

I must be sure that approach data is stored only, not forwarded.

Of course.

At cosmos minus 164 we will issue an alpha order for all units in space:

Return to closest base.

At cosmos minus 164, all units in space return to the closest base.

Cosmos minus 200 starts at 11 PM.

Mission completed at cosmos plus 200.

I'm so glad that Colonel Villa let me test my system aboard the Orion.

Alright, Kranz. You've told me once every hour

and we've been on our way for 18 hours.

Something positive can't be said too often.

Let's hope it is positive.

If we get into the same mess as the Tau, your system had better work.

Cliff, something's up. I have resonance contact with moving objects.

Awfully far away, but something's up out there.

- Alien objects? - Can't tell.

Should we set course there?

- Our orders are... - Who asked you?

Try to get a signal.

I've got a hell of a signal! Listen to this!

Triplets!

Cliff, something's fishy. Remember MZ4.

If it's the frogs, it means they passed two outer radar circuits without warning.

Lightwave to Space Patrol!

Orion 8 calling Space Patrol! Orion 8 calling Space Patrol!

Encrypt and transmit it!

Cosmos minus 200 beginning.

Energy supply for invasion forces at cosmos minus 150 via Gordon.

Lightwave for Space Patrol from the Orion.

Let's hear what he wants.

...calling Space Patrol. Orion 8 calling Space Patrol.

I have an urgent message. Why can't I get through?

Space Patrol, do you read?

What's up, Commander?

Who the hell are you?

It's the right address.

I need a connection to Space Patrol. Who are you?

Space Patrol is down at the moment. We're redirecting.

Do you have a report?

We have. We've spotted UFOs in four sectors:

RS-118 KL90 to RS-118 KL94.

They've passed the outer radar circuits. They're on course towards Earth.

We know. Countermeasures are being taken.

Has General Wamsler been informed?

Of course.

Stay on course and await further orders.

Our course leads away from the UFOs!

That's OK.

Do you know who it is? Frogs?

I'm not authorized to tell. Over and out!

Do you get it?

No connection with Space Patrol? Unheard of!

- Who was that mystery-monger? - No idea.

They're heading for Earth. No doubt.

Nonstop inquiries are coming in from all space stations.

They want to know about the UFOs, and why Space Patrol is down.

Tell them that the government has been informed and countermeasures are taken.

We must stall them for two hours.

Why do you keep me here?

For a good reason.

Will you finally tell me what you are up to?

I suppose you already know.

Your friend McLane told you why he wanted you to spy in here.

It is true then. You're planning a coup?

A coup? What an infantile term.

I don't deal in such trivial matters.

Control station 47-36-A5.

The vanguard has reached the invasion route as planned.

No obstruction by terrestrial bases or units.

Excellent.

At Cosmos minus 164, the invasion forces will leave the assembly areas.

Yes, Sir!

Colonel, what does that mean? Invasion forces? You're not saying...

It's madness!

Why is everything the average mind can't grasp called madness?

- But please, think of... - No time for discussions.

I suppose McLane will call us sooner or later.

He'll call Space Patrol.

Possibly, but they won't hear him.

I took the liberty of manipulating their code converters.

When McLane calls in, you'll talk to him.

And now I'm going to tell you what to say.

They're coming from 3 directions, heading for the sectors around Gordon.

Precisely where we were supposed to check the radar systems.

Atan, lightwave to Space Patrol. Try again, I want Wamsler!

Useless. Space Patrol is still down. Who knows what's going on?

They'll redirect us again.

Try, I said. If we're redirected again, at least I know what's up.

And you, my friend, give me your gun!

- Why? What are you doing? - Now!

- You're not authorized. - Come on!

Calm down! It's just a precaution.

Maybe Villa hasn't just sent you along to do us a favor.

Ridiculous.

- All the better. - We'll see.

Orion 8 calling Space Patrol! Orion 8 calling Space Patrol!

You can kill me, but you can't force me to give false orders to McLane.

Firstly, I can force you, and secondly, I give the orders.

And be certain he'll follow them.

You don't know McLane.

Lightwave from Orion to Space Patrol.

Take it! But you talk. I want to hear how much he knows.

This is Commander McLane, Orion 8. Calling General Wamsler.

Go ahead, Commander!

I want to speak to the general and no one else.

I told you an hour ago...

...that Space Patrol is down. Don't give me that crap!

I'll act on my own now.

Talk to him or I melt you down.

McLane, this is Villa. I have a surprise for you.

Villa, I knew it. If we ever meet again, I will have a surprise for you.

With me is security officer Lieutenant Jagellovsk.

I swear the girl will die on the spot, if you don't obey my orders.

Understood?

Major!

Tamara!

McLane! You were right. It's too late. Villa has won.

The invasion is on! It's the frogs! Do you hear me?

Lieutenant! Lieutenant!

Yes?

Did you hear that, McLane? I'm not bluffing.

The girl's life is in your hands. Will you do what I say?

- What shall I do? - Where is Kranz?

- On the bridge. - I'd like to talk to him.

This is Kranz. Colonel, I've been disarmed.

I thought so. McLane, you have one minute.

Then Kranz will report that he's taken command.

Kranz will be armed then, and you will follow his orders, or Tamara dies.

Is that clear?

Yes it is.

And Kranz will give me the message in code, so don't try to extort him.

You've got one minute from now.

50 seconds.

McLane,

don't forget that we're a bit old-fashioned here.

We use the good old HM3, so you know what to expect.

I only mention it because you might say that we must all die some day.

Then you'd really be underestimating the price your girlfriend has to pay.

That sounds like a bad joke!

Does it?

We can suddenly hear everything.

She's redirected it to Space Patrol. She knows what she's doing!

Go notify Wamsler, Space Command and the government. Use messengers.

That takes longer, but we must assume that they control all lines.

15 seconds.

Don't stand like fools! Tell me what to do!

- 10 seconds. - I can't decide alone.

- 7 seconds. - Cliff, give it to him.

- Give it to him! - You have to give it to him!

4 seconds!

Well done. And now, don't move!

Please?

I thought he hadn't noticed.

Colonel Villa, this is Kranz.

01, 00, 2, 3,

Algol, Vesta, Inter cosmos, U, Indigo.

Acknowledged, Indigo. He's been taken care of.

Cosmos control, please.

Invasion forces in the assembly areas. No obstruction by terrestrial forces.

Cosmos minus 150.

Enter the invasion route now. The beam from Gordon will supply the energy.

What about her? Eliminate her?

No, that can wait until cosmos minus 50.

Maybe we'll need her again, when Space Patrol gets on our case.

She's well connected. Get her out!

What my people are telling me is scary. Villa must have gone mad.

Invasion by the frogs!

Isolate the Secret Service complex magnetically!

Then force the doors with vargo-rays.

Yes, Marshall!

Villa must be caught off guard!

All forces to the area of operations, plan Delta.

All security measures according to plan Delta effective as of now.

News embargo!

Cosmos minus 100. Block fleet bases! Blow up the launching bays!

Cosmos minus 100.

Lightwave to all operative terrestrial units. Alpha order.

Return to Earth! This is an alpha order!

This is Space Patrol. Alpha alert! Frog invasion approaching Earth.

Start of heavy combat forces. One through twelve in 25 base complex!

12 in 25 through 30 base complex!

Supreme Space Command to government. The frogs have blown up our bases.

Bases have been flooded.

Frog invasion fleet approaching sectors 118-KL12 to 118-KL4.

Resistance futile. Invasion unstoppable. We suggest negotiations.

Government to Space Command. Negotiators will be court-martialed.

The enemy has to be stopped by any means.

Space Patrol calling all stations:

Lightwave communication between bases and operative units

is redirected by Secret Service and therefore futile. I repeat:

Lightwave communications is redirected and therefore futile. I repeat:

Lightwave communication is redirected...

What took you so long, gentlemen? You are too late!

The operation is under way and nothing can stop it.

Within 24 hours the Earth will finally be in the hands of intelligent beings.

If they aren't significantly more intelligent than you,

we don't have to worry.

Come on!

I don't understand.

Why don't you simply kill us and let the computer run the ship?

Isn't it a bit of a strain to keep watch over five people?

A strain?

No problems if you behave.

As for your first question: You're expected on Gordon.

Villa has informed them.

Who expects us?

Wait and see.

The frogs?

Intelligent beings.

And they are particularly interested in your Overkill-system.

You're going to perform a beautiful demonstration.

I'd rather die.

Well, well...

On Gordon, you'll first sleep, and when you wake up, it will all look different.

They will convert us?

Just like they did to Villa?

It's completely painless.

That's your mistake, Kranz. You shouldn't have told us.

Stay where you are!

One more step, and I'll inform Villa.

Remember Tamara!

Just you wait!

Gordon is still far away.

You'll make a mistake sooner or later.

What was that?

Engineering to Commander!

Converters 3 and 5 are malfunctioning. What shall I do?

What do you mean, malfunctioning?

Shall I give a technical description of a converter and its functions?

Or rather why they might be malfunctioning?

Order your man to fix it.

It means that we temporarily have to fly at half speed.

McLane,

what you're doing is sabotage.

And what you're doing isn't?

Sigbj�rnson,

don't try to bluff. If the Orion isn't back to full speed ASAP,

I will have to decide which crew member is most expendable.

Am I making myself clear?

Come down here and see for yourself!

Do you take me for a fool?

Get to work!

How I am to repel an attack, if the heavy combat forces can't start?

How many cruisers are in space?

The standard security eight. Nothing compared to the size of the attack.

The invaders are passing laser gun batteries 7 to 9.

They've taken strong losses, but haven't changed their course.

It's an incredible number. Even if the batteries melt down half of them...

Can't you force Villa to do something?

You can't force Villa to do anything. He's in a mental ward!

Marshall, we deciphered the code Villa used to direct the invasion.

Yes?

They obviously had problems supplying energy for the advance.

That's why they're all approaching via Gordon.

Gordon supplies energy and guides them.

That's why they didn't change course when they passed our batteries.

So the only way to stop the attack is to destroy Gordon.

And how do you propose to do that?

Villa has isolated all neighboring sectors.

And which unit can reach Gordon in time?

None. By Villa's last order, they all returned to Earth.

We've redirected them to Gordon, but it takes too long to get there.

Only McLane might reach Gordon in time.

And he's controlled by Kranz.

We've been trying to contact the Orion for an hour.

We have her on the screen, but she doesn't answer.

Lieutenant! Don't get nervous.

Or else I'll get nervous, and that might be unpleasant for you.

Do you really think you've got a chance?

I know that you don't have one.

Someone wants to talk to us. Who and why?

Only Villa knew about my take-off. So it can only be Villa,

unless he's been exposed, and Space Command tries to make contact.

Don't bother, McLane!

Villa will never be exposed. His plan is perfect.

Invaders are passing sector 116-LM-4. Course unchanged.

Orion 8 is not responding.

We must do something.

Really? And what?

The Hydra under General van Dyke has set course for Gordon.

Useless. She'll reach Gordon too late.

She'll be there before the Orion.

Since when is the Hydra faster than the Orion?

The Orion has been flying at half speed for a while.

Couldn't the Hydra reach the Orion?

Yes, but what for?

Do you think the Hydra will scare Kranz into a hibernation cabin?

Order the Hydra to attack McLane!

Are you crazy?

If the Orion was attacked, McLane might have a chance to regain control.

Kranz needs to defend the Orion. He will need McLane and de Monti.

Don't you see? He needs them, so he might lose control of them.

We must try.

Alright.

Lightwave to the Hydra.

What's taking so long?

I tried to accelerate. But you saw the result. Negative.

Sigbj�rnson, I've had enough. I don't believe you.

If you don't believe me, ask McLane.

You're awfully quiet?

You know Sigbj�rnson is right.

I know as soon as I've killed one of you and we're still flying at half speed.

What are you waiting for?

You're risking a lot, McLane.

Surveillance alert! Flying object.

Rapid approach, distance 144, 143.

Commander to engineering. Do we have full speed?

The Hydra is still giving everything she has.

Commander to tactics: Attack the Orion from distance 109.

You know what this is about! The Orion must not be disabled!

I know.

A battle ship of the Orion class.

- Distance 110. - Cliff, it's the Hydra.

Sigbj�rnson must accelerate.

Why risk destroying the Orion? We don't know what the Hydra wants.

They won't be allowed to come aboard here.

Distance 109.

Cliff, they're attacking. We're within range.

Your own people won't attack you!

Not us, but you! General van Dyke is probably convinced that we're dead.

I command you to defend us.

How?

Attack the ship - now!

As you wish! Mario, man the tactics console!

Will do.

So. Keep calm, my boy!

Mario, come here! I'll have to go back down.

Here.

Come on!

Orion to Hydra. General van Dyke, this is McLane.

We're alive and we'd like to live a bit longer. Understood?

- McLane, are you alright? - Yes, General.

Are you fully manoeuvreable?

Technically, yes. Our nerves have suffered a bit.

Where's Kranz?

Right here. He seems a bit depressed.

Then go to hyperspace, and set course for Gordon!

Eliminate Gordon with Overkill. It's orders from the government.

Does it still exist?

Not for long, unless you stop asking redundant questions.

Over and out.

Hasso?

What about hyperspace?

No problem.

I knew it!

Yes, you're a clever man.

The Orion flies at hyperspace velocity towards Gordon!

Distance frogs to Earth?

47.20.

Distance Orion to Gordon?

47.30.

It's a dangerous game.

Space station 7 has been eliminated by the frogs.

General, Marshall wants to talk to you.

Go ahead!

What do you think? Can the Orion make it?

If anyone can do it, it's McLane.

In numbers, please.

Frogs - Earth 47.8. Orion - Gordon 47.6.

McLane is a good man. Who was the genius who demoted him?

- You, Marshall! - Me? Oh.

Receiving impulse. Enemy base ahead.

Resonance contact! Distance?

Distance 37.4.

Commander to tactics.

- Yes, Cliff? - Are you ready?

Ready, they're within shooting range.

Distance 37.3.

Engineering to Commander. Running on ultra-impulse.

Distance?

12, 11...

10, 9, 8, 7...

In five seconds Overkill. Ready, Mario?

Ready!

Attention - Overkill!

I hardly need to point out that this information is strictly confidential,

and only for those directly involved.

Otherwise panic would break out.

A wave of distrust and suspiciousness would go through all agencies.

Everyone would consider everyone else converted.

Fortunately, we're able to pinpoint the affected ones rather well.

It's only the crew on Gordon, and Villa and his staff.

Pardon me, Professor. You spoke of affected ones?

Yes, it's a kind of disease.

- They are criminals to me. - Agreed.

Involuntary criminals. It's not a deliberate act of free will.

In the hands of extraterrestrials, you would have done the same.

Your brains would have been reprogrammed with a new desire.

To turn over the Earth to extraterrestrial powers

in order to develop a gigantic, interstellar realm.

Professor, do you have an idea of how the reprogramming of Villa was done?

We're working on a series of tests, psycho-chemical, and psycho-electrical.

We must re-create the reprogramming process.

Only then can we hope to reverse it.

Do you hope to make Villa and the others normal again?

We do, and we'll leave no stone unturned.

Any questions?

That concludes my presentation.

Those present here today, and of course the government

will be informed of the results of the ongoing investigation.

Thank you.

Would the crew of the Orion please stay for a moment?

What's he up to now?

Do you have to ask? I bet it's about taking off without his knowledge.

Nonsense! Without our help, he would have been reprogrammed as a frog.

Who knows, with his stubbornness...

McLane, don't you have anything to say?

Not that I know of.

Then let me say something.

Your departure to Gordon against my orders was plain misconduct.

- It was... - Misconduct...

that saved us from being killed or brainwashed.

Talk about a stroke of luck.

You would be discharged now, if you hadn't been right about that!

- Please, if you... - Colonel McLane!

Colonel McLane!

Your duty with Space Patrol ends today.

Your disciplinary transfer is over. You're back with the Fast Combat Units.

If you tell me where you'll drink to that, I'll join you.

- In the... - Starlight Casino!

Your duty starts with three months special leave for the entire crew.

That's it for now.

We'll meet again later, more privately.

May each of us choose his own destination for the vacation?

Sure.

Then I'd like to go to Chroma.

Very funny.

Congratulations on the promotion.

Thank you very much.

I'm glad you're back with your old unit.

That's great for us all.

Yes well, I don't know. I have no idea what I will do.

Really? Won't you stay with us?

My babysitter job was only supposed to last as long as you were transferred.

That's true.

- I can't imagine being without... - Everything must come to an end.

Do you remember MZ4? Our first mission together.

We really picked a fight.

And Mura, the penal colony. My God, was I mad at you.

And me at you, over your flirt with that poet.

Wait a moment. Remember Chroma?

I might have strangled you after your night of negotiations with that matron.

But then you kissed me, if I remember correctly.

Yes, I thought you had forgotten.

I'll talk to van Dyke.

I'll tell her I want to keep my babysitter or I'll quit the service.

Can you only think about the service? Don't you need a private babysitter?

Thanks, Cliff. That's enough.

Mario and I had a bet.

This expert here claimed you wouldn't dare to kiss in the meeting room.

I've won ten bottles of champagne.

You bastard!

I underestimated you, Cliff. I thought only an expert could pull that off.

- You're full of surprises! - Come on!