Original subtitles

You aboard the king's flagship, Draconia, under

command of the world princess, Ardala.

Get me intercept.

If you deviate from my orders, you will be burned into vapors.

Vapors? What is that? This is Twiki.

He's your drone.

The year is 1987, and NASA launches the last of America's deep space probes.

In a freak mishap, Ranger 3 and its pilot, Captain William Buck Rogers,

are blown out of their trajectory into an orbit which freezes his life

support systems and returns Buck Rogers to Earth 500 years later.

Thank you for watching!

¶¶ For 500 years, Buck Rogers has been miraculously preserved,

frozen by temperatures beyond imagination.

Now, in Earth Year 2491, he is rudely awakened

by the sinister forces of the Draconian realm.

Alert!

Alert!

Incoming hostile ship.

Clear all launch channels for attack.

Wait!

There's something about the ship.

I've not seen anything like it.

Prepare to take it in tow.

Invalid alien ship in force field, and prepare for boarding the Draconia.

Neurosystems transport.

In transport.

Begin heart-lung procedure.

Dilute a minor presser agent.

Transmitting.

Increase diagen and crystalline in proportion.

Heart-lung response up 0.2 and increasing.

We're starting to receive positive neurological signs.

He's alive.

Enter.

And what if our intruder is so important it could not wait, Cain?

The man lives. I'm not sure why.

You're not sure why?

Is this a puzzle for me to decipher?

The puzzle is for me to decipher.

The ship is antiquated.

Unlike anything I've seen in the star system,

or outside of history books, for that matter.

Cain, please. Please.

He was frozen by a combination of gases.

Oxygen, cryogen, ozone, methylon.

Almost a perfect balance.

Well, these are techniques used throughout the

galaxy for terminal illness and disease.

Yes, today.

However, there is another matter.

The man's ship.

Can you have one more minute?

His instrumentation was stopped, frozen solid, in the year 1987.

Are you telling me... That the man may be 500 years old.

You're serious?

Yes.

Frozen by elements so instantaneous and perfect.

That he is fully preserved and living.

What a fascinating thought.

Preserved young or preserved old?

Very young.

Any defects from the ordeal?

Fortunately for him, we're quite advanced in cryogenics.

Well, I've never met a 500-year-old man.

Prepare him for an audience.

I'm afraid he's liable to be not too coherent.

I'll make allowances.

Where am I?

We asked the questions.

Who are you?

Captain Buck Rogers, United States Air Force.

Who are you?

What did he say?

Something about a...

United States.

Captain, what is your destination?

What is it?

My head.

Anybody got an aspirin?

What does he mean?

Probably some kind of anti-pain drug.

Give him something for his discomfort.

What is this place?

Where am I?

Who are you?

You're aboard the king's flagship, Draconia,

under command of the royal princess Ardala.

Where are you from? Oh, wait, wait, wait. Slow down.

Who?

What was that about a ship?

One of the King Star Fortresses.

On its way to Earth on a peace mission.

On its way to Earth?

You mean you guys aren't from? I mean, we're not.

We're not on Earth?

I'm definitely gonna need that aspirin.

Give it to him.

What is that?

Oh.

Captain.

Hmm?

Bear in mind that you are a captive of a dynasty

that has conquered three-fourths of the universe.

You will answer carefully if you value your life.

Are you a real live princess?

I think we've given our captain a little too much medication.

Oh, no, I feel great.

The United States of America.

It was an empire on the planet Earth some centuries ago.

Those royal tutors gave you your money's worth.

Well, you're from Earth, Kane.

You should know better than I. The United States

had perished almost, oh, 500 years ago.

Well, that would account for his spacecraft, his clothes, the instruments.

I have a better explanation.

I think he's a very clever plant from the Federal Directorate of Earth.

A plant?

Yes, a spy, placed in our path by the military.

They wouldn't dare. We come as a royal envoy from my father's kingdom.

I am fully aware of your father's stated purpose,

to guarantee trade between Earth and the Draconian dynasty.

What possible reason could they have for placing a spy on board?

To search our ship, to see if we're armed.

I see.

We couldn't allow that, could we?

No.

Then I'm to assume that I may dispose of Captain Rogers as I see fit.

How you handle security is your problem. Go along, Tiger Man.

What a layout. Wow.

And how are we this morning?

Terrific.

Say, it's a coincidence, you know, I got a ship just like this.

Disconnect the medication.

Oh, don't do that. I really love that.

You'll be on your way very shortly. Great. Where are we going? You're going home.

Great. Where's that?

On Earth. All right.

Your ship has been serviced and reprogrammed to take you home.

I'm sure you must be anxious.

Oh, yeah. Seems like I haven't been there in weeks.

I must have had a great time with you guys.

You know, I'm gonna miss you.

I got a great idea.

Why don't we all go down there together? You go on ahead.

We'll be along in a few days.

Not if I wake up.

Bye-bye.

Boy, what a dream this is.

Boy, they're gonna be surprised back in Houston

when I come back with this story. Battery.

Prepare to launch alien vessel.

Five seconds to launch.

Four, three, two, one.

He's given us the perfect opportunity to test the Earth's defense shield.

What do you mean, test it?

We know that anyone entering the Earth's surface

without clearance is immediately incinerated.

But if our captain is a spy, as I believe...

They will escort him through the shield, along the narrow channel,

only known to the military.

Well, how can this help us?

I've hidden a microtransmitter aboard Captain Rogers' ship,

which will send back the equivalent of a guide map.

When we give the signal, that guide map will be used by your father's attack forces.

And what if our Captain Rogers is not a spy?

Then he will burn.

I see.

You don't look very pleased.

Of course I'm pleased.

It's just that I have the strangest feeling I'm going to see Captain Rogers again.

Chicago, Chicago, you're my kind of town. Chicago, Chicago.

I'm going.

Houston Control, this is flight 711. Come in, Houston Control.

Put on your cars, your backgammon boards. Lucky Buck is back.

Uh, sir, super?

What station is this?

Delta Sector, sir. You don't hear from me very often.

Yes, yes, Delta Sector.

My scanners monitor the low-frequency direct communication band.

I'm picking up some voices or something.

I'm sure you're picking up private and marauder chatter.

Nothing to be alarmed about.

Probably echoes from last night's attack on our freighters.

Uh, yes, sir.

I mean, no, sir.

This isn't an echo, sir. It's a voice. A strong voice.

It's singing.

Singing?

Yes.

Delta sector.

Did you say singing?

Yes.

Operational Control, this is Supervisor 14 on the floor.

Feed me the Delta sector.

Won't you come home, Bill Bailey? Won't you come home?

I've been gone a whole night long.

Remember that rainy night?

I threw you out. Come in, Houston Control. Come in.

Houston Control, this is flight 711. Come on, you guys. You read me?

Give me some instructions.

Come in, Houston Control.

Houston Control, do you read me?

Hey, come on, you turkeys, get off your duffs and give me some info.

Practically a foreign language.

Could it be some kind of joke?

He's heading directly for the defense shield.

Get me intercept. Intercept squadron on the line, please.

Colonel Deering.

What are the coordinates?

Right. Retard the shield 100 miles until we verify the craft.

Intercept airborne, position of alien craft.

Very odd.

What's odd?

Target seems to be moving unusually slow and

erratic for any conventional spacecraft.

I have target and visual sight.

What is it?

Hey, all right, I see you guys.

Who are you?

What are you?

Attention, alien spacecraft. Do you read?

Watch who you call an alien. You don't look so familiar yourself, do you know?

Who are you?

Please restrict your answers to yes and no.

You are in grave danger.

From who? You?

You are traversing a narrow corridor into our inner cities.

Enter what? Look, lady.

Colonel Deering, now please be quiet.

If you deviate from my orders by so much as a thousand yards,

you will be burned into vapors. Do you understand?

Vapors?

Yeah, yeah, I understand. What do I do?

Do you have manual override capabilities?

Sure.

Then follow me very closely.

Be right on your tail.

We really blow it this time.

Gotta be the Russians.

You're doing just fine.

Dasvidaniya.

I beg your pardon?

I'm just trying to be friendly.

Violating our airspace is an act of war, not friendship.

I don't know whether the guys at the Cape hear this.

Buck Rogers sits down in the middle of Red Square.

Air Control 1 to access. Clear on Corridor 1-0. Able for incoming vessel.

Outer barriers all clear for approach on Corridor 1-0. Able for incoming vessel.

Hey, babe, this is quite a setup.

It's Colonel Daring, commander of Earth's defenses.

You mean you're in charge of all this?

That's right.

Now, if there are no more questions... Oh, hey, Colonel, take it easy.

I'd fly with you anytime.

Take this barbarian in for interrogation. What?

Hey, hey, wait a minute.

Wait!

What are you doing?

How do you do, Captain Rogers?

My name's Dr. Hewer. I'm very pleased to meet you.

Just what's going on? Where am I, and what are you doing to me?

Well, we're studying you. It's all electronic and painless.

But so far, we're as boggled as you are by what's happened.

But your testing is producing the most phenomenal data.

Terrific.

Well, what is happening?

Look, if I'm dead, I obviously didn't make it to heaven,

so just what planet is this? What planet?

Oh, it's Earth, of course.

You returned as your mission required to almost the precise

landing area originally programmed into your ship.

Uh...

Look, Doc, I've been through a lot,

but there is no way you can tell me that that

city out there is anything like Chicago.

No, it isn't.

There's nothing like Chicago left on Earth.

Allow me to bring in my administrator, Dr. Theophilus.

Now, look, Doc...

Twiki, would you bring in Dr. Theophilus, please?

What is that?

This is Twiki.

He's your drone.

All right, what?

Well, for the duration of your debriefing and determination,

Tweaky here will act as your aide.

And this, this is Dr. Theophilus.

Good morning, Dr. Theophilus.

It's a lovely day. Thank you. I did my best.

Cthiophilus here is a member of our computer council.

And in addition to other things,

he's personally responsible for all our environmental

controls here within the inner city.

I'm introducing a pale hint of mauve into the sunset this evening.

Not so deep as an amethyst, but the more subtle burn texture of cinnamon.

Well, how nice.

I do hope our captain can watch it with us. It's truly going to be lovely.

If I were you, I'd check into whoever's programming that thing. Captain Rogers,

it is we on the council who do the programming for the entire city.

And kindly reserve your opinion. Shall we get down to cases?

Rogers, I'll leave you with a word of advice.

These quads are not programmed by man.

They've been programmed by one another over the generations.

You see, the mistakes that we have made in areas, well, like our environment,

have been entirely turned over to them.

And they've saved the Earth from certain doom,

little by little bringing us back so that we will not have

to depend entirely on other planets for our food and water.

The quads are not human, but you can hurt their feelings.

It's this sensitivity that separates them from mere machines.

So, I'll see you again in approximately 16 hours.

16 hours? Wait a minute! You think I'm going

to sit here and talk to a box for 16 hours?

Sit down, Captain. Let's both try to be as pleasant as possible.

That's a good fellow.

Be a good drone, Tweaky, and place me on the table where I can get a

good look at the captain while you get him some liquid refreshment.

Oh, I'm sorry, I don't need any liquid refreshment.

Of course you do. You're extremely dehydrated from your ordeal, Buck.

If I may call you Buck.

Now run along, Tweaky, and get Captain Rogers his drink.

Well now, what an attractive man you are, Captain Buck Rogers.

Now look.

I've been waiting 24 hours to find out where I am,

who I am, who you are. Can I have some answers?

Certainly, Buck.

That's why I'm here, to answer your questions.

Let's have it.

Great.

Well, you're Captain Buck Rogers, and according

to your ship's log, you left Earth in 1987.

That much I know. Tell me what I don't know.

Well, if preliminary data holds up,

it appears you have returned to Earth 504 years later.

You are now in the 25th century.

Buck, are you all right, Buck?

Did you hear me?

Buck?

I think I will have a drink now.

You can take my word, he's a wonderful man.

Believe me.

I do believe that you believe that he's a wonderful man,

but you're not being asked to risk the lives of

our few surviving warriors on his subterfuge.

He's only one man. What can he possibly do to endanger our people?

He could attempt to discredit the treaty with Draconia.

But he has made no such attempt. He comes to us a bewildered man.

I would like the opportunity to spend some time with our captain.

If you're hoping to find fault with his testimony, you'll waste your time.

Saving Earth cannot be a waste of time,

despite having to endure the captain's company.

Well, if Dr. Theopolis has no objections, I have none.

I have no objections.

Then the captain belongs to me until I expose him.

I have not seen Colonel Deering so uncharacteristically

emotional about anything before.

Or anyone.

Mission 19.

We are approaching Earth's space perimeter.

Upper altitude, 1,000 Turan kilometers.

All armament personnel report to flight base to begin loading weaponry.

Look at them.

Don, they're sleeping.

The fools will never know what happened.

This, Buck, is your new home.

Cozy.

Oh, believe me, Buck, this is strictly VIP.

You could have fooled me.

Up those stairs is the slumber center. It's the very latest in air cushion comfort,

which continuously monitors your autonomic nervous system. The temperature,

firmness of air cushion support,

all are stimulated by the requirements of your own body.

And the center is voice activated.

All you have to do is say that you'd like to go to bed.

I'd like to go to bed.

Isn't it wonderful?

It's already been programmed to respond to your voice and yours only.

It's terrific.

Tell me, you think you could have that thing programmed

to fire up on a little more subtle phrase?

I don't think I follow you.

Yeah, let's skip it. You'll have to get to know me better.

What else?

Well, over there is the built-in Centrix Audiovisual Stimulation Center.

Voice activated?

Yes. Just say what you want.

It represents the very latest in audiovisual technology.

How about a little music?

And to activate the data retrieval screen, just say, enlighten me. The screen,

incidentally. It could become very useful to you in

acclimating you to the world as it exists today.

You can ask it questions, ask to see certain sights, fashions, entertainments.

It will truly be your eyes to the world.

Yeah, sounds great. It just seems a little too programmed to me.

I think I'd like to have a little first-hand knowledge of this world as well.

Oh, Colonel Deering is prepared to give you a complete tour of the inner city.

A full colonel is going to give me a tour of the city?

Sounds like I'm going to get the selected highlights

for suspected individuals treatment.

Oh, certainly not, Buck.

I want you to think of me as your friend.

I'm on your side.

I'll see to it that you're treated fairly.

And I know I speak for Tweaky as well.

Okay, I believe you.

But what about Colonel Deering? Is she my friend?

Quiet, Tweaky.

What did he say? Oh, it wasn't important.

And I can assure you that Colonel Deering's motives are above reproach.

Yeah, well, I think I'd like to hear what Tweaky had to say.

Watch it, Buck.

Thank you, Tweaky.

All right.

I can see that the sooner you and the Colonel

get together and reconcile your differences, the better.

I'll notify her that you're anxious to get started.

By all means, by all means.

This part seems more of a dream than a nightmare.

Look, I was a little out of it yesterday. I'd like to apologize.

I accept your apology, Captain.

Tell me about the Holocaust.

Well, until I hear it and feel it, it isn't real.

Look, I lost everything that was important to me.

A mother, father, brothers, sisters, a woman I cared for.

And until I hear something to convince me different,

they're waiting for me right now, somewhere else in time and space.

What's it like on the outside?

Outside the city?

You wouldn't like it.

Radiation?

In some places. Ruins and scorched earth everywhere else.

That's why we're so dependent on trade with other planets.

This trade agreement with the Draconians and the Princess, what's that all about?

We're being starved out by pirates who choke off our shipping lines.

The Draconians have promised to keep our supply lines

open in return for landing privileges here on Earth.

I'd like to see my ship. Is that possible?

Anything is possible, Captain.

Those guards thought we were crazy coming out here at this hour of the night.

I've had enough sleep to last me a lifetime.

You recognize these markings?

Fairly common for an aircraft that had been in combat.

Well, I wasn't in combat.

Did your ships fire on me?

Certainly not.

Then whose did?

Possibly pirates who've been attacking our shipping.

Then why am I still here? Why didn't they finish me off?

Why didn't they strip the ship, or at least open it?

You'd think pirates would be thorough enough to check out an unarmed ship,

particularly one they bothered to fire on.

You've been in flight a long time.

Anything could have happened.

Yeah, well, those burns are fresh.

The cordite is still unoxidized.

I think Princess Ardala's attack fighters fired

on me before they towed me aboard her ship.

Her ship is unarmed. That is the law.

Yeah, well, she seems to be bending it.

What would you suggest, Captain?

I would suggest thoroughly searching her ship before

you allow it inside your defense shield.

Rather an insulting way to begin an alliance based on good faith.

Good faith is for bureaucrats.

What gets you a city with a lid on it?

I'd go up there armed to the teeth, full squadrons,

otherwise you'll be sitting ducks.

For a man whose expertise is allegedly five centuries old,

you seem quite opinionated.

You're right.

It's none of my business how you blow up your world.

My generation didn't know what they were doing either.

Enlighten me.

Tell me about Anarchia.

How is it reached from the inner city?

I'm afraid that's classified information, Buck.

Well, I thought these were my quarters.

If you'll ask for the lights, we can be more comfortable.

Oh, yes, I'd like the lights on and you out.

Well, that's half of it. Buck, what are you contemplating?

Sleep. Take a hike.

You're being deliberately rude.

You're being deliberately nosy.

Nosy?

It means you're butting in where you're not wanted.

Buck.

We are here to help you adjust,

to advise you against acts which could be self-destructive.

There are things you just don't know about.

Ah, and that, my friends, is precisely the problem.

There's a whole world out there I'd like to know more about,

and that includes anarchy.

He's crazy. Yes.

But I understand what he must be feeling, Tweaky.

Oh, do you?

Do you think you could possibly feel what it's like to be totally alone? Look,

I'm not a visitor from another place. I'm out of another time.

You're determined to find out all the ugly truths for yourself.

Yes, I am.

Then there is only one solution.

If you intend to leave the inner city,

I suspect you're resourceful enough to find a way to do it. That's right.

Therefore, I'll have to go with you. Wait a minute,

I don't want anybody slowing me down. I'm sorry, Buck.

Without us out there, you wouldn't have a chance.

You have no choice, Tweaky.

I'm giving you a direct order.

Nothing of any consequence.

What do you say?

Now activate your slumber center.

We'll get started at first light of day. Now, wait a minute.

Wouldn't it be better if we slipped out of here at night? Buck,

even our armed forces are afraid to go into anarchy at night.

It's going to be bad enough in broad daylight. Now get some rest. You'll need it.

All right, but don't try any tricks, because I don't plan on doing any sleeping.

I want to go to bed.

I'm going to have one eye on you at all times.

And don't try anything funny.

I warn you, you there will be...

Really more than you want to mess with.

He's a good man. I feel it.

I hope we're doing the right thing. Good night, Tweaky.

Good night, Theo.

What's he saying now? You don't want to know. You guys go back.

I can put up with whatever's out there,

if it helps me to find what happened to my people.

I'm with you, Buck, but we'd better hurry.

It'll be getting dark soon.

What do you say?

You don't want to know.

Stop saying I don't want to know. I want to know.

He thinks we're being watched.

It's just his imagination. Come on.

It's hopeless.

Absolutely hopeless.

We'll be all right.

It isn't you they're after.

What?

No offense, but it's us. My gold circuits and parts

bring a lot of money on the black market.

As for Tweaky, well, I hate to tell you the use

they'll put him to. Buck, where are you going?

And this is it.

I don't mean to impugn your strategy, Buck,

but standing in the middle of the street is stupid, under the circumstances.

Come on! I don't know where he's going.

Just follow him.

Oh!

I don't know what he's doing. Just follow him, Twinkie. I know, Twinkie. I see them.

Just keep going.

Don't think thoughts like that you'll run down your

batteries This is where my parents are buried.

Well, at least I know part of it.

We can't stay long, Buck. We're being followed.

What happened?

There's only one stone. No date.

Only a few fortunate ones were buried at all. It happened so fast.

Families were buried together.

Dates became unimportant as all systems broke down. Finally,

there were no more armies or fighting, only starvation,

contamination, and lingering death.

I wish I'd been with him.

You can't go back, Buck.

The past is gone, but you can still help us with our future.

If there is a future, I'm afraid it's too late. Take off, Twiggy.

If anyone has any last words, I think now would be the time for them.

Well, well, Colonel, what brings you out on a night like this?

Captain, I came to find you at some personal risk.

Well, don't expect any fanfare.

We were doing just fine until you came along. Right, Theo?

Well... Forget it, Theo.

Well, at least Tweaky's on my side.

Matter of fact, I kind of like it out here. It's a bit primitive,

but then it is the south side of Chicago.

Captain, we're wasting time. Let's go.

I'm not through looking yet.

So unless you're prepared to shoot me... Captain, you got away once,

but not this... What's wrong?

Then it's true, he is working for the pirates.

I still don't believe it.

Well, you stand alone, Theo.

A microtransmitter was attached to his navigational equipment,

revealing our secret access corridors to our enemies.

That's not the behavior of an innocent man.

At first I thought he was guilty, and then...

You're being subjective in your evaluation of Buck Rogers. I, on the other hand,

support him for very practical reasons. And what are they?

I'm convinced of one thing.

Our friend Captain Rogers has indeed met the Princess Ardala

and has been aboard the Draconian flagship.

His descriptions are too precise to be the guesswork of a pirate.

Perhaps the pirates have been aboard her ship and provided him with the information.

My dear, they are the deadliest of enemies.

It is unlikely that any pirate could survive such a visit to tell about it.

Word from Earth on Captain Rogers' fate.

His ship was intercepted and let down, as I expected.

Did the transmitter we secreted aboard his ship provide the necessary

information to bring my father's forces through their defense shield?

Yes, however, the transmitter has been discovered.

It's too bad. It makes no difference. Once we're welcomed inside,

we will destroy the shield from within.

Won't the Earthlings be suspicious when Captain Rogers

tells them he was aboard our ship?

They won't believe him.

Captain Rogers is as good as dead.

Now stop worrying about the trial.

I'm a member of the council, and I'm going to defend you personally.

Thanks, Theo. It's nice to have at least one friend.

I'm sorry, Tweaky.

Two friends.

The Computer Council has recorded and duly collated the evidence

presented by the Directorate in its case against Buck Rogers.

Please summon the defendant, his accusers,

and members of the Directorate who have served as witnesses in this action.

The Computer Council is ready to hear final arguments in the case of the Directorate

versus Captain Buck Rogers on charges of espionage and treason.

Counselor Apo.

The state's case is elemental.

Captain Rogers piloted a foreign aircraft through our defense network with

a microtransmitter revealing our secret shield borders to our enemies.

Only his pirate friends can answer. But I submit that in my opinion,

it is the destruction of the Treaty with Draconia that they seek at all costs.

For its enactment spills their doom.

The state rests its case.

We will now hear from the defense, Dr. Theopolis.

Distinguished colleagues, you have heard the evidence,

and I challenge you to find this man guilty.

No evidence has been found to suggest his claim to a birthright on this planet,

because we all know full well no records exist prior to the Great Holocaust.

He has no explanation as how a transmitter got

aboard his ship because it was not his doing.

He is an innocent pawn in a great war.

I say to you, my colleagues, that if you find

this man guilty, you must find me guilty.

My censors tell me that this man is good.

The defense rests.

Thank you.

Captain Rogers, have you any last words before we pass judgment?

Justin, I'm an innocent pawn, puppet.

Call it what you will. Somebody else pull the strings.

You'd be better advised to worry less about me and more about them.

Because I can do you no more harm, no matter what the outcome today.

But he or she could destroy you.

Very nice, Buck.

We don't have a thing to worry about.

By unanimous vote, the council finds for the state.

Captain Rogers, the council finds you guilty.

Your life is to be terminated.

Said termination to be carried out immediately.

This council is adjourned.

I don't believe it.

Dr. Hewer.

Yes?

What is it?

I need your help.

I realize how foolish we've been.

We had the perfect test of his guilt or innocence within our grasp.

I still don't understand.

Buck claims to have been helped by the Draconians.

He would provide us with a perfect opportunity

to go aboard their ship and verify his story.

Giving us an excuse to do a little looking around.

Exactly.

It's a good plan. I know it can work.

You convince the council to suspend his sentence until we know the truth.

All right, I'll try.

It's in our best interests, and we have nothing to lose. But our society.

Not at all.

Only if by some horrible misjudgment the Draconians were to come to

us as enemies rather than friends could we suffer absolute defeat.

We must seize this opportunity to verify their

intentions. You make a good case, Dr. Ewer.

A dangerous case.

The Draconians will be insulted.

They can only be sympathetic to our need to find justice for this

man who has offered the Draconians charity as his only defense.

I go on record as being opposed to this motion.

Any more in opposition?

Council moves to suspend Captain Rogers' sentence until further review.

Aren't you going to say anything?

No.

That's ridiculous.

You have been sentenced for termination.

At the very least, I would think a man of your sorts would fly into a rage,

lash out at me, say something.

Goodbye?

Buck, stop it. You're being unreasonable.

I'm being unreasonable?

It's almost as if you don't think the sentence will be carried out.

Well, as a matter of fact,

I don't think there's going to be anyone around to carry the sentence out.

At least I know you people won't be in charge.

You're still clinging to your story about the draconian bearing arms.

I can prove it.

What would you say if I told you that I came here to give you that chance?

How?

By flying out to meet the Draconia flagship

to verify your story about them finding you.

And do a little looking around while you're there?

Exactly.

No, no, I don't like that plan.

It worries me.

Why?

Well, you see, I'm scheduled for termination.

If I miss it, I might get in a lot of trouble.

Buck, you are impossible. I'm offering you your life,

and you're giving me practical jokes?

Well, see, that's the point.

Are you offering me termination of my termination, or are you just postponing it?

If you can prove that your story is true... Let's go.

Stay close to my wing, Captain. We'll keep the maneuvers nice and simple.

Stay on auto-flight. You won't be expected to run anything but the throttle.

Thanks, Colonel.

Is it all right if I occasionally look out the window?

This is no time for levity, Captain.

We've lost nearly a third of our ships in this vector to pirates.

When they hit, they hit fast. You can't outfly the computer.

It'll take any necessary evasive action to avoid their missiles.

If you try to fly that thing, you'll only cost us a ship.

I appreciate your concern.

Just wish I'd brought along something to read.

I make a target vector 4-0-1.

Roger, Colonel. I have a visual on target just to port.

If you have visual at this distance, it must be gigantic.

Permission to come aboard?

Why?

A special envoy.

That's all I know.

It isn't according to protocol. What do you think they have in mind?

I don't know, but they have given us plenty of warning,

and there'll be nothing in evidence to betray us.

I'd be curious to know what they have in mind.

Let's prepare a very special welcome for them.

Send out our pirate ships and arrange a little surprise for them.

Welcome aboard the flagship Draconia.

Envoy of Draco, conqueror of space, warlord of Astria, ruler of the Draconian realm.

I give you his daughter, Princess Ardala.

Delighted.

This is an unexpected pleasure.

We are hardly prepared to greet you properly.

Consider your time adequate greeting.

I'm Colonel Deering, Commander of the Third Force of the Earth Directorate,

and I believe you already know Captain Rogers.

But no.

If I'd met so dashing young Captain, I'm sure I would have remembered vividly.

I don't believe we've had the pleasure.

I think you're mistaken, Princess.

I never forget a knuckle.

Captain.

Listen, we're here to get to the bottom of things.

Would you like me to describe some of your inner chambers?

Of what inner chambers does he refer?

Well, the princess may not find me memorable, but I'll never forget her.

I especially like the dress with the high-necked collar

and the... Colonel Deering, what is this all about?

Why are you here?

The pirate forces are at their worst in this sector.

We brought our ships to assure your safe arrival.

Alert!

Alert! Draconian under attack by hostile ships.

And Captain Rogers... All personnel to their defense posts.

Men, to your ships!

Alert all stations!

Secure the ship!

So this is how you bid us safe conduct. Fine escort.

At least we won't all perish together.

He's on your tail. Pull up. I'll cut him off.

Captain Rogers, I ordered you to stay out of this.

Girl, you need all the help you can get.

Wingman, bandit, 12 o'clock high.

12 o'clock what?

Lieutenant Rather, disregard. Captain Rogers, get off the air.

Our combat computers are way ahead of you.

Well, yeah, Colonel, but if your computers don't do something pretty fast,

Lieutenant Weatherly will be finished.

Watch out, Thornberry!

Colonel, you've got to go to manual flight.

Buck Rogers, if you don't stop distracting

our pilots... You just have to, Lieutenant.

There's a couple of pirates on your tail.

See if I can start dishing out a little of what we've been taking.

Buck Rogers, I'm ordering you back to the base.

Now then, let's see how you like a little old-fashioned red-dogging.

I can't. It's against all principles of modern aerial combat.

Look, I don't know what went wrong with our combat computers, but thank you.

Now, Captain, let's go home.

My place or yours?

What? What did you say?

Just joking.

Air Control One to access.

Clear on Corridor One-Zero Able for incoming vessel.

Confirmed.

Outer barriers all clear for approach on corridor one, zero.

Able for incoming vessel.

Colonel?

Captain, I would like to thank you for your help.

Sure.

I get rid of whoever's programming your defense tactics.

Captain, the Princess denies your story.

I have no choice but to arrest you pending a new hearing.

Captain, don't make me shoot you.

Wilma.

Sir.

Where would I go?

The only home I know is 500 years away.

So why don't we cut out this nonsense until you people get your act together?

Colonel Deering, have you seen Captain Rogers?

Yes, why?

Our council has had a formal request from Her Majesty, Princess Ardala.

What has that got to do with the captain?

Well, the princess feels he single-handedly saved their unarmed vessel

from the renegade pirates and wants to thank him personally.

Single-handedly?

Apparently, even your ship was nearly destroyed.

Were it not for Captain Rogers' inordinate skills and quick thinking,

the Princess feels that... I don't care what the Princess feels.

I know what happened. I was there.

Enter.

You're ravishing my princess.

Your princess?

That has the ring of possession.

I was thinking more about a partnership.

Tell me, King, which do you desire?

Me or my throne?

It is your desire as I serve.

I will see that one day you will sit on your

father's throne as queen of all the empire.

Conserve your strength.

I need your help.

Tomorrow, I conquer Earth.

Tomorrow, we conquer Earth, Your Highness.

You look magnificent, Buck.

Is something troubling you? Why am I invited to this thing?

Nobody believes me.

Princess Ardala wants to thank you personally for fighting the pirates off her ship.

I'd like to have a word or two with her myself.

Alone. Oh, I'm sure that won't be permitted.

After all, you are only a captain, and not even commissioned at that.

What do you got for a headache?

A headache? Are you ill, Buck? Oh,

I guess I'm just not fully recovered from that long trip yet.

Well, why didn't you say something?

Tweaky will get you a relaxant.

Well, it's time to go in now. We don't want to keep the trade delegation waiting.

Citizens of the inner city, may I have your attention, please?

At this profound moment in our history,

we see hovering in the skies above us an alien

vessel, military spacecraft, a ship of war.

This war machine comes to us stripped of all weaponry, completely unarmed,

a shining symbol of peace,

lasting peace and great goodwill between the

people of Earth and the Draconian realm.

And we welcome the draconian trade delegation

under the leadership of Her Royal Highness,

Crown Princess of the Realm, Ardala.

I bring you greetings on this historic occasion.

My father, King Draco, would like to present to you his own flagship, Draconia,

filled with all the latest technology as a gift to

symbolize a glorious new era of commerce and peace.

Let the celebration begin.

Thanks guys. Well, I see dancing has come a long way in 500 years.

Listen, I'm gonna need something else, a rose.

Did you say rose? Yeah, a red one.

What do you need a rose for, Buck?

Twinkie, would you go get me one quickly, huh?

How do you like our presentation, Captain Rogers?

Most impressive. Did this folk dance come all the way from her daddy's world?

I'm sorry, I don't seem to understand your terms.

And I would suggest a more respectful reference than Daddy.

He's perhaps the greatest leader the world has ever known.

Well, a word of caution, Colonel.

Beware of Greeks bearing gifts.

Greeks?

Maybe that was a little before your time, quite a while back.

Tell me, do you know the story of the Trojan horses?

No.

No, huh? Well, forget it. Yeah.

Guess I came from a time that was hopelessly paranoid. See you around.

Your rose, Buck.

Oh, that's a nice one. Thank you, Twiggy.

Buck, no one else is giving the princess flowers.

You're going to make them all look ridiculous.

Stay close, fellas. We're next.

Well, Captain Rogers, congratulations, and thank you.

We're very grateful to you for saving us from those horrible privateers.

Not too loudly, Princess.

Around here, they think I am a privateer, thanks to you.

Me?

Well, I hope I haven't caused you too much embarrassment.

Are you angry?

On behalf of the computer... From me to you.

Who's your charming little friend?

His name is Tweaky.

Yes, and that thing hanging around his neck is Theo,

ex-officio member of the computer council.

Your Majesty. Would you care to join me in the next dance?

A princess does not... Does not mind if she does.

What a money.

I don't think I'm too up on these latest dance steps.

Well, if you have a preference, it is my party.

Terrific. How about something old-fashioned, huh?

Sir, excuse me. Are you familiar with, uh, rock?

You know, uh... Try it, try it.

Come on.

No, no, no, that's not it. Just let yourself go. Let it go. Go with the music.

That's it, right? Yeah, that's it.

What are you doing?

It's called getting down. It's a little before your time if it frightens you.

Nothing frightens me.

All right, fine. Get down and boogie.

It's expressive.

It's disgusting.

What happens if we bump together?

We automatically become man and wife.

You're quite a man, Captain Rogers.

I have the feeling the Earth people believed your

incredible story about being frozen for 500 years.

Not on your life. They think I'm a spy.

One of mine?

They're not sure.

Want to join up?

Who do I have to see to make my move?

Me?

Your Highness, some of the ministers would like a few minutes.

Later, King.

Business of the realm comes first.

Your father expects you to serve the best interests of the realm.

If you don't...

He has 29 other daughters that will.

It's been a pleasure, Captain Rogers, but I'm afraid our duties are cut out for us.

Later, perhaps?

I depart aboard my private launch at midnight.

I'll be there.

Captain Rogers.

I wonder if this wouldn't be a good time to talk with you.

I have something I would like to say.

Well, I... I'd like to be your friend.

I've behaved very badly.

It's just that I'm... I'm so mixed up.

All my life I've been trained for leadership.

I've never experienced emotion like these in my entire career.

I found myself crying, then laughing...

Angry at you, and then feeling most amazing tenderness.

I thought you were a spy, Captain Rogers.

I was wrong.

Yeah, it was first class.

Thank you.

Really outstanding.

Would you like to go someplace?

I'm not up to that yet.

I've been out of it for quite a while, 500 years.

You mean you're just leaving, just like that?

We'll get back into this later, Carl. I promise.

Chicago, Chicago, you're my girl. Chicago, Chicago.

It's all right.

Better listen to her, fella. She's making sense.

I've asked Captain Rogers to join us.

Lucky for you, she called me off.

We're almost there.

Where are you going?

I know it's chilly, but we've got no choice.

Our orders are to stay close to Buck, and he may need us. So back in the cooler.

Tweaky.

I'm speaking to you.

My micro disks are turning blue.

Our Captain Rogers is just not to be found.

What do you expect from a primitive?

We'll let you know if we hear anything.

You are a spy, Buck Rogers.

And I know exactly where you are.

Out.

They make better pets if you have them fixed.

Let's make ourselves comfortable. Pour us a drink.

At last, we're alone.

I didn't realize what I was missing.

You're different. You're arrogant. You flagrantly disregard orders.

And you're the kind of man who could unseat my father.

Your father's seat is the furthest thing from my mind.

I brought you here for a reason.

I was counting on that.

I want you by my side.

That wasn't exactly what I had in mind.

Consider it.

You have no idea what it's like being the daughter of Draco the Conqueror.

Twenty-nine sisters nipping at your heels.

Weasley little courtiers like Cain vying for power.

But with a man, a real man like yourself.

I could define my father.

I could live my own life.

A magnificent new dynasty.

Aren't we getting a little ahead of ourselves?

I'll take that drink now.

We have to be very careful.

Do we?

Mm-hmm.

The timing is not good.

Things never change. That's the way it's always been.

Why couldn't I have met you sooner, Buck Rogers?

Well, we got plenty of time, don't we?

I'm so relaxed. Would you turn out the lights?

If you're a spy, I'll have to kill you.

That's an example of your best pillow talk.

I think I've found your problem.

This is no good, Tweaky.

There are soldiers everywhere,

and we don't even know where to begin to look for Captain Rogers.

Holy Jeep.

Let's see if we can find your jammies now.

The pirate ships. So that's how they were able to attack us.

It was their own people.

Where's Tycho Man? I don't know, sir.

Go away.

How did they wake you, my darling? How did they wake you, my little baby girl?

Blaster!

Get him out! Get him out! Execute him!

No.

Remove him for questioning.

You countermand my order.

Under the circumstances, yes.

Do as I say.

You have a lot of explaining to do.

I have some explaining to do?

I don't want to get caught either, but something is very wrong,

and we've got to find out what it is. I hope you know this violates my warranty.

You have quite obviously been preoccupied.

I will deal with you for your insolence later.

Give the order to attack at once.

We cannot attack without your father's forces to support us.

King, you are spineless!

We do not need my father.

We have the element of surprise.

We can wipe out the inner city. We can destroy the defense shield.

By the time my father forces arrive, we'll be sitting on the throne of the earth.

At least I will, since you obviously don't have the nerve.

All right.

We will attack.

A wise decision, Kane.

Meanwhile, Captain Rogers is loose somewhere on this ship.

Find him.

Outside intruder aboard ship.

Alert!

Alert! Alert! It's Buck. I see him, and he's wearing the uniform of the enemy.

Now this will warm your tail.

Those are warships out there. That means the treaty is a hoax.

But we can do one last service for our country.

We can deal with Captain Rogers.

Six minutes to attack and counting.

Hey, Twinkie, what are you doing here?

This isn't going to be pleasant for any of us. Will

you guys get out of here? I got work to do.

We can see that, you traitor.

Can't you see what's happening?

I'd say someone is about to bomb Earth.

Do you recognize these ships?

No, but I don't see how that's very important. They're pirate ships.

Why would there be pirate ships aboard a draconian flagship?

I'm sorry, you'll have to do better than that. Now, come with us.

Four minutes to attack. No. And counting.

Look, you half-baked load of electronic gibberish.

I don't expect you to know everything,

but have you ever heard of loading bombs into the tailpipe of a rocket ship?

You be quiet, Tweaky.

I'm getting confused.

Yeah, well, maybe I can help unconfuse you.

There are no pirate ships. There never were.

Those are draconian bombers disguised as marauders.

They've been harassing your shipping lanes in order

to force you into a treaty with draconia.

Of course. It's ingenious and true.

Three minutes to attack.

You've got about ten seconds to make up your mind who you believe in, me or Kane.

Some choice.

What about yourself?

Don't your circus tell you I'm on the level? Yes. All right,

unless you want to consider yourself so many spare parts,

why don't you go along with your initial instincts?

All right, but only on the condition you help us get

to a communicator so we can warn the inner city.

Oh, you're gonna have to do that on your own.

On the chance that you don't make it,

I got to make sure none of these ships are ready to launch.

Commander Kane, we found a guard unconscious in Bay 3.

Two minutes to attack. We've run out of time, Theo.

They found the guard I wiped out, and I can get out of here.

All right, all right, we'll do our part. Good luck.

Take me over to the console, Tweaky.

Now, grab the middle panel.

90 seconds to attack and counting.

Drop it.

Grab the circuits and pull them.

Eighty seconds to attack and counting. Seventy seconds to attack and counting.

Put me close to the microphone.

60 seconds to attack and counting.

Earth Directorate Emergency Channel.

Come in, please.

Colonel Deering online.

This is Dr. Theopolis.

Yes, Doctor, where are you? How did you get on this emergency channel?

I'm on board the flagship Draconia. I followed

Captain Rogers as ordered. Now, please listen.

The Draconia is not, repeat, not an unarmed vessel.

She's filled with bombers preparing to launch a full-scale

military attack against the inner city.

But how? Where did they come from? Her landing bay was empty.

Scramble your fighter squadrons.

Now, at once. Thank you, Doctor. Good luck.

Dr. Hewer, permission to scramble fighters. 20 seconds to attack and counting.

Fighters, prepare to launch.

Ten seconds to attack. Stand by to attack.

Eight, seven, six, five seconds to launch.

Four, three, two, one.

Attack!

What's going on?

The ships are simply exploding.

That's impossible!

This is Earth Directorate. Attack bombers as they launch.

We'll attack the main ship.

There are no bombers to attack. They're exploding as they emerge.

That doesn't make any sense.

Get our warships out there!

Prepare to intercept. Do not, I repeat, do not use combat computers.

Disengaging.

Draconian on your wing, bank right, I'll get him.

I'll jump the one on the top.

All right.

I'm gonna hold you responsible for any damage done to this bay.

Bottoms up.

All squadrons disengage surviving warships

and prepare to finish off the mother craft.

This was your doing, your highness.

I ought to leave you here to burn up with the ship,

but I want you alive to answer to your father.

I have an emergency escape shuttle ready to leave now.

It'll take us far enough away to reach your father's ships.

The ship is ready to blow.

Withdraw all ships from the impact area. Theo, I'm coming in to get you and Tweaky.

Forget us. Save Buck. Buck! Wilma,

he single-handedly destroyed their entire fleet of warships.

He sent us to warn you.

Meet me down on the flight deck. We're going to find Buck.

It's good to see you again, Buck.

Now we'll cut out the formalities. This magazine's about to blow.

Help is on the way. What do you mean, help?

Wilma. Wilma's coming in to get us. What? She can't land here.

She'll be killed.

She's starting to go!

This way, Buck. Through the smoke.

Let's get out of here. That magazine's about to blow.

I'm with you. Get in.

We would be rulers of Earth now if you hadn't let Buck Rogers on board.

He wouldn't have been necessary if you were more of a man.

We owe you a great deal more than apology, Buck, especially me.

I confess, I thought the princess had you beguiled.

Well, I will say she had the nicest set of horns at the ball. Yes,

it was an attractive hat.

Twinkie!

Eyes forward.

You'll get star sick.

But you're my kind of guy.

Oh, hiya, Twiggy.

Put it down right over here.

Not bad, not bad at all, considering my sketch wasn't the greatest.

You know, you're not a half-bad carpenter and electrician and plumber and tailor.

Literally. Yeah, you know, a couple more days,

this place will start to look downright homey.

Well, I suppose that's one word for it.

Well, hiya, Dr. Hewer. Wilma.

Say, I hope you don't mind my redecorating a little.

I was just trying to make this place a little homey. No, no, no, no, not at all.

You wouldn't be the Buck Rogers I've come to expect and respect if you didn't.

As a matter of fact, that's why I'm here. You want to help me fix up this place?

No, not exactly.

We want you to help fix up ours.

Sounds official.

Yes.

Tricky, would you excuse us for a moment, please? Catch you later, Buck.

Well, here, have a seat. Thank you.

You know, Buck, in all of our society...

In all of Earth, you are unique.

Well, I think you people are very special, too.

You always use that sense of humor of yours to avoid feeling pain.

Doesn't always help, does it?

I think you know the answer to that.

Yes, I would imagine you wake up every night with some sort of pain.

And you probably always will.

But there's nothing any of us can do about it.

There is something, however, that you can do about it.

I'm adjusting.

Well, let me give you something to help you adjust.

Let me give you something to get your teeth and your emotions into,

to give you a new purpose, reason for living,

and to help you feel more a part of our world.

That's a tall order.

I have a tall job for you.

Fighter pilot?

As a cover, perhaps.

But a lot more.

There are forces and things and people working against our very survival, Buck.

We need you.

Why me? I know nothing of your world. I'm lost here.

That's the whole point.

You see, Buck, we've been catalogued, numbered,

voice-printed and everything else from the day we were born.

Everyone, including our enemies, have records of each other. But you,

and you alone, have dropped into our world from nowhere.

You can go anywhere, be anything, anyone,

and baffle the identifiers of the universe.

It sounds like you're asking me to be some sort of spy.

No, no, not at all. Just a man working for peace and order.

Something to give to our children.

And committing yourself to a purpose, to this century,

will give you something as well.

How about it, Buck?

Join up with us.

Look, I got attached to a lot of places, a lot of people,

a lot of good times in another century, and it was all torn away from me.

Now, maybe there's no way back to those things

I left behind, and then again, maybe there is.

What I'm trying to tell you is I...

I'm afraid that if I put down roots here, I might have to go through it all again.

Thanks, but no thanks.

Well, you might change your mind.

Well, Colonel Deering and I plan to stay in touch with you.

Despite your reluctance to join us formally,

I feel enough situations will arise that will pique

your interest enough to join us informally.

After all, we wouldn't want you to get bored.

Oh, no, of course not.

Uh, Buck, having a tree in here with a bucket of dirt, is there any purpose in it?

Well, sure. It's a natural, living, growing thing.

It takes the antiseptic edge off this place. As do

those chairs, that pepper mill, the tablecloth.

Where did you get all these things?

Well, Dr. Junius at the archives was kind enough to lend me most of it.

He's a nice man, a little mixed up on his history,

but I didn't have the heart to tell him that

this lamp was not an electric salad bowl.

The other thing is Tweaky helped me make.

It's organic. It gives the place a nice, warm, homey feeling. I like it.

All right, come on. Come on. Drop that 25th century mind over emotion stuff.

Deep down inside, you really like this place, don't you? No.

No. No.

What kind of world am I going to find?

Will it be real or just all in my mind?

What am I? Who am I? What will I be?

Where am I going? And what will I see?