Original subtitles

I'm not the person you think I am at all, Buck.

Buck falls in love with Jennifer, a lovely face from his 20th century past,

only to find in a mask of death which promises destruction in the 25th century.

You may keep that face if you like.

How did you find us?

She told us.

The survival of Mega Five rests with you.

I don't want them to hurt you.

Then?

Just go.

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!

Let's move it, Buck.

I'm coming, I'm coming.

Listen, thanks for helping me with my shopping, guys.

I think that's about all the equipment I'm gonna need. It's about time.

What exactly is a hot tub, Buck?

Well, you get inside, fill it up, and you soak for a while.

Oh.

Why?

Because it's relaxing.

Wouldn't a sonic shower in zero gravity accomplish much the same thing?

Well, I tell you what, Theo, you come back to my place,

I'll show you what it's going to look like.

Then maybe... I don't believe it.

Buck, is something wrong?

Jennifer?

Uh-oh, a pretty girl, and it's off to the races.

Jenny!

It's me, Buck!

Buck, wait up, Buck. Jennifer?

Buck, are you all right?

Yeah, I'm fine, Theo.

I just thought I saw someone I knew.

I want to go to sleep.

Hey, Buck.

Buck, come on, buddy, wake up.

Come on, shake a leg, Rip Van Winkle. Your lady's gonna be here any minute.

What time is it, Toby? It's nearly seven. Oh, well, I gotta get a move on.

Listen, we got a report at 0400 hours, buddy,

so you better make the most of the rest of the evening.

I intend to.

I'm taking Jennifer to dinner at Raphael's.

Raphael's? Fancy. Mm-hmm. Nothing but the best for her.

Yeah?

So how'd you get stuck with you?

Do you mind getting the door on your way out, Toby?

Oh, OK.

I'm going.

I'm gone.

Listen, we've got to quit meeting like this. I mean, I think he's the jealous type.

Good night, Toby.

Good night, Buck.

You know, you're an amazing woman.

Oh, yeah? Why's that?

Because every time I see you, I think you couldn't get any more beautiful.

And every time I see you, you do. Mm-hmm.

Oh, Buck, I'm gonna miss you so much.

I'm gonna miss you, too.

I brought you something.

Oh, yeah?

A going-away present?

Well, sort of a going-away present. Gonna come back home to me soon, President.

Let me see what it looks like.

Oh, wow.

It's beautiful.

Did you like it? I thought maybe you could take it with you on your ship.

I will.

Thank you.

I love you.

Jennifer, I promise you, after this mission, I'm finished.

I promise I'll never leave you again.

Never again, never again, never again, again, again, again, again...

That was some pretty fancy flying, Buck. I'm sure those cadets learned a great deal.

It was nothing special.

Buck, are you all right? You seem kind of upset all day.

I'm fine.

Of course.

You want to talk about it?

No.

Well, I appreciate your concern, but I really don't want to talk about it.

Not now, anyway.

This is Deering. Good work, cadets. Return to direct at flight hangar.

Captain Rogers and I are returning to New Chicago via Central Spaceport.

Deering out.

Flight 723 from all territory now arriving at gate 14.

Orbital shuttle 409 for City on the Sea now boarding at gate 23. Very good, too.

Oh, I have some business at the spaceport control. I won't be long.

All right, fine. I'll wait for you in the lounge till you finish.

Excuse me, excuse me.

Pardon me, excuse me.

Miss, please, wait!

I'm sorry, sir. Flight 409 has just completed boarding.

But there's a woman on that flight I've got to see. I'm sorry, sir.

Another flight will be departing in 20 minutes.

Yeah, but she's on that flight, and I've got to see her.

I am sorry, sir.

You are too late.

Captain Christopher Pike, please report to the Veterans Affairs office at once.

Reservations desk.

It'd at least have her name.

Miss, I need your help.

I'm looking for someone who just boarded flight 409.

I'm sorry, sir, but without the proper authorization,

I'm afraid I can't release our passenger manifest to anyone.

Look, this is important. I've got to find her.

I'm sorry.

Problem?

Yes, I'm looking for someone who just boarded flight 409.

I have got to find her. It's very important.

Aren't you Captain Rogers?

Yes, I am.

I'm very pleased to meet you, Captain.

Give Captain Rogers any information he needs.

Yes, sir.

Thank you.

Um, she's about 28, blonde hair, wearing a pink outfit with black boots.

Is this her?

Yeah, that's her.

Name's Layla Markison. There's no address listed.

She's booked on orbital shuttle number 409 bound for City on the Sea.

City on the Sea? An urban complex located on the tip

of what used to be called the Mississippi Delta.

Well, New Orleans.

She may have gone to the Festival of Mass.

We have hundreds of people leaving every hour.

Festival of Mass?

Well, why not?

I've never been to a 25th century Mardi Gras before. Thank you very much.

Officer Quintar, your ship is being ready in Hangar Bay 9.

No, the computers don't show an address for Layla Markerson in City on the Sea.

She must just be a visitor of the city.

Well, that makes things a bit harder, but I'm going to find her.

Buck, listen.

Even if you do find her... Doc.

What then?

Jennifer meant a lot to me.

And if there's only a one in a million chance, I've got to take it.

You can understand that, can't you?

Oh, I suppose.

For a year after my wife died, I had dreams.

Nightmares, actually.

I'd wake and expect to see her face.

And then I remember that she was gone.

I suppose were I in your shoes, I... I'd do exactly the same thing.

Good luck.

Thanks, sir.

Buck, your shuttle is ready for takeoff.

Thank you, Wilma. Goodbye, Buck.

See you, little buddy.

Buck, I hope you find what you're looking for.

You deserve it.

Thanks, Wilma.

Progress report from Vega system, Commander.

Capsule eyes.

The Vega colony is within our grasp.

We estimate their weaponry and supplies will be depleted within five solar days.

Unless, of course, the Earth Defense Directorate succeeds in their mission of mercy.

You would know better than I the possibilities of that situation.

Also, the Terran woman just arrived from New Chicago.

Send her in.

Commander Reeve will see you now.

Reeve?

Everything went as planned.

Buck Rogers should be on his way to sitting on the scene.

Airspace Control, this is Captain Buck Rogers.

Request permission to dock at Central Spaceport.

Captain Rogers, this is City on the Sea. You're cleared for docking.

Please decelerate to Mach 1 and prepare for approach.

Roger.

But of course, the first half of your payment

has already been deposited, as you know.

The second half shall be transferred upon delivery of Rogers to us.

With his help, we'll easily destroy the freighter that Terrance is sending to Vega.

And as an added gratuity, you may keep that face if you like.

No, thank you.

I prefer my own face.

I'll be ready for molecular surgery immediately after I complete this job.

As you wish. Now then, allowing for a half-hour journey from New Chicago,

15 minutes to disembark, 10 minutes to register for lodgings,

I'd say that Rogers will begin his search for

his lost love at precisely 1,500 hours.

Let him search for an hour or two, long enough for him to become tired, discouraged.

He'll be at his most vulnerable then.

That is the moment you must appear.

You think of everything, don't you, Reeve?

I can't afford not to.

Well, you'll have your man, and I had better have my money.

Despite her behavior, you're Leila's weak and soft.

That could prove a danger.

I have already taken that into account, Lola.

There are ways to make that softness work to our advantage.

The Coven are a warrior race in the Kegar system.

We've recently learned of their plans to move against Vega 5.

Since Vega 5 is an independent colony,

we cannot send in fighter squadrons to help them fight the Coven.

We can send them emergency equipment, supplies, and weapons.

And U5 and Colonel Deering will transport those

supplies in an M-class Star Freighter,

which we've secured for this mission.

Colonel Deering.

Lieutenant Reckoff.

M-class freighters were abandoned years ago.

Why are we using such an old model?

This is a clandestine operation, Lieutenant.

We've tried to keep every detail secret from the Coven operatives.

Don't worry. We've replaced the freighter's old-fashioned ion

engines with a new tachyon drive capable of tremendous speeds.

Thank you, Colonel.

Now, the ship is in Earth orbit.

Colonel Dearing and you will constitute the bridge crew.

All other functions aboard the ship will be handled by maintenance androids.

The survival of Vega 5 rests with you, and the supplies you'll be carrying.

Good luck.

Dismissed.

Enchantments!

Festival tonight! No festivities without a mask, a robe, a pair of gloves, ah, used!

What is your fancy?

What kind of woman hives inside of you? Is it an angel, a peasant, a queen? Well,

take a mask and live your dream!

Well, and what about you, sir? A mask? A robe? No, no.

An enchantment.

No, thank you. I'm not here for the festival.

No?

Then why are you here?

Looking for someone. Something that meant a lot to me. Meant?

Well, that's in the past. Yesterday is gone.

We have to live for today.

You know, you may be right.

What are you anyway, a peddler or a psychologist?

Neither, actually. You see, forgive me.

They call me Sylvie, at your service. Buck Rogers. Pleased to meet you, Buck.

No, I just do this to make a living.

But in real life, I'm a magician.

That's funny.

I didn't even think magic existed anymore.

But of course it does, and will.

As long as we believe in the impossible.

Sometimes that's very difficult to do. Yes, yes. Well,

it takes extraordinary people nowadays.

Watch closely.

Don't move.

Watch this.

Nothing here, nothing there, but the twinkling of an eye, a bowl of fruit.

Not even close.

Well, a mistake, a mistake. Never mind, sir, never

mind. Now, watch closely, watch closely.

Nothing, nothing in my robes, yes, nothing in my hands,

but in the merest flash of a second, you will see an Antarian nightbird!

Layla! Layla Marks!

Yes?

Can I help you?

You're the man in the spaceport in New Chicago.

Even the voice is the same.

Excuse me?

I'm sorry, my name is Buck Rogers, and despite appearances, I'm not really crazy.

Oh, I didn't think you were crazy.

Just a little strange, maybe.

It's just that you remind me of someone I knew a long, long time ago.

Did you come all the way down here just to tell me that?

No, no, of course not.

It's just that this person meant an awful lot to me,

and when I saw you at a distance... Okay, can we go someplace and talk?

Maybe I can help clear this up.

All right.

Um, I think there's a little cafe nearby.

Alpha team, get the field generator to Shuttle 12 and stow it in hull section C.

And Hur, we only have nine hours.

Ah, you're good looking.

How's it coming along, Colonel?

Fine, Dr. Hewer, we should have the shuttle loaded by 1,300 hours,

and then one hour to the freighter,

two more hours to get everything transferred for the trip to Vega 5.

Looks like we'll depart right on schedule.

So far, there are no indications that Coven is aware of this operation.

Well, let's hope it stays that way. Any word from the Vega system?

Our last communication with the colony was two hours ago.

I'm afraid that Coven is jamming all subspace transmissions out of the system.

Well, then we'll have to step up the operation.

Exactly my idea, Colonel.

See you later, Wilma.

Your Jennifer sounds like she was a very lovely woman.

And very lucky.

Women, I was the lucky one.

Oh, no.

So was she. To have someone like you to love her as much as you obviously did.

I'm sorry. I keep staring.

Can't seem to stop it.

I don't mind. I like the way you look at me.

Very much.

I just wish you were really looking at me and not Jennifer.

Layla, I know you're not Jennifer. Yeah, physically you do look like her,

but there's something different about you.

I don't know if it's your smile or your eyes or...

Or something.

Look, Buck, I have to... I'd just like the chance to get to know that part of you.

I'd like that, too, very much.

But you don't know what you're getting into.

And what's that?

I'm not the person you think I am at all, Buck.

You don't know anything about me.

That's what I'm talking about. I'd like to get to know more about you.

No, you don't know what you're talking about.

Look, just go home. Forget about me. Please, go home.

Layla, I don't understand.

Leave.

I don't want them to hurt you.

Them?

Just go.

Hello, Captain Rogers.

Good work, Layla.

Captain Rogers, you will come quietly with us, and nobody will get hurt.

Talk to them and find Reeve.

That should do it.

As soon as you take the shuttle back to Earth, we'll be able to leave orbit.

Good.

We'll be able to track you to Stargate.

After that, we'll have to maintain subspace silence.

I understand. Lieutenant Reckhoff estimates that we will

reach the Vagan system 6.3 hours after we leave Stargate.

Excellent. Well, then I won't keep you...

Good luck.

Convey my thanks to your crew.

Dr. Hewer?

Have you heard from Bach?

No, I haven't. I imagine he's still in City on the Sea, chasing his dream.

Do you think he'll really find it?

I hope so.

It would be nice to think that one could still recapture one's lost dreams.

Now.

Look, don't start in on me, Buck.

I didn't know you. I didn't know anything about you, and I didn't care.

How could you do something like this to anyone?

For money.

I was poor, and I was sick of being poor.

I was all alone, and I was scared.

And my precious ethics were getting me nowhere.

For the first time in my life, I wanted to think of myself first.

There was no way I could have known it was gonna be the wrong time.

What's your connection with these aliens?

They hired me.

I was supposed to help them capture you.

I don't know why. They didn't tell me all the details.

I think they want you to destroy something.

A star freighter, I think.

Well, um...

How did they find out about Jennifer?

When you were off planet, they got into your apartment,

and they saw her photograph, and they set about creating a new Jennifer.

Creating?

I don't believe it.

Molecular surgery.

It's fast, it's very efficient, and it's reversible.

Oh, Buck, I had to do it.

Oh, Buck, I didn't know any of this was going to happen.

How could I have known how you'd feel?

Or how I'd feel.

Everything up to now is in the past.

Now, you wait right here.

I'm gonna find the communications center and contact New Chicago.

They'll have a shuttle here for us in less than an hour.

No, Buck, don't.

No, you can't do that. That's exactly what they expect you to do.

I know them. They've anticipated every move you can make,

and they've got traps set for you everywhere.

I wouldn't try anything if I were you, Captain Rogers.

Something might happen to your friend.

How did you find us? She told us.

During her surgery, we had a small transponder inserted beneath her skin tissues.

We've known exactly where she's been ever since

she decided to renege on our agreement.

Stargate in 20 seconds, Colonel.

Excellent.

Punch in our destination, Lieutenant.

Coordinates on the board.

Entering Stargate.

Vega 5, now 6.3 hours away, Colonel.

Very good, Lieutenant.

Maintain subspace silence from this point on.

You are to respond to no one and to no signal.

I'll be in the cargo hold if you need me.

You have comm.

Captain Rogers, let's be reasonable.

The conflict on Vega 5 is unmindable.

A petty squabble that will quickly die if left alone.

But if the Federation freighter reaches the colony with those weapons,

this could escalate into something monstrous.

I'm sure the Federation knows what it's doing.

Apparently not.

Their intelligence network was infiltrated by nationalists in the colony.

The Federation is responding to totally inaccurate information.

Why didn't you go directly to the Federation with this?

Unfortunately, the Federation...

It's suspicious of anything we do.

Most probably due to the same intelligence contamination.

As a result, we need you.

To do what?

Our ships cannot intercept and destroy that freighter

without inviting a war with the Federation.

We do not wish that.

But you could intercept and destroy the freighter before it reaches the colony.

And why should I do anything for you, Reeve?

Two reasons.

One, you would be doing a great service for the Federation

and for all the innocent people on Vega 5.

Secondly, if you do not help us and them, you and Layla Markeson will die.

That's not true, Buck. Don't believe him.

He's planning to put me in a state of cellular suspension.

It's been his plan all along.

The plan we told you about, Layla.

Not the exact plan.

Captain Rogers, I am totally serious about this.

I am willing to do whatever is necessary to help those people.

Use your head, Captain. There is nothing on that freighter but androids.

You would be harming no one and saving countless lives.

I can't do it, Reeve. Not for you, not for anyone.

Then for Layla.

Buck?

Okay, Reeve, I'll do it.

I don't like it, but I'll do it.

Thank you, Captain Rogers.

I can assure you this is the right decision.

NOLA will be accompanying you.

We'll be monitoring that sector with our long-range sensors.

And we will know if the freighter is or is not destroyed.

You have 12 hours to do so and return here to Earth Before Leila is put to death.

Fortunate for us, you care so much for the Terran woman.

Although I can hardly see why.

She's so weak, soft.

You deserve someone much smarter, stronger.

I'm sure you have someone in mind.

Perhaps.

Thanks for the thought, but I'm not your type.

Stargate coming up in 20 minutes.

We should rendezvous with that freighter about five minutes after that.

How do you plan on slipping past their defense shields?

Oh, I thought I'd just wing it.

What?

Trust me.

Not on your life.

Hiya, Dr. Hewer.

Hello, Twiggy.

I don't believe I ordered any dinner.

Twiggy thought you might need some nourishment, Doctor. Try it. You'll like it.

What's the latest update on Baker Five, Doctor?

Not good, I'm afraid.

Coban warships have breached the colony's outer defense perimeter.

They should be within striking range in ten hours.

Well, at least it gives a four-hour margin of safety to Colonel Deering.

You'll be monitoring the subspace channels all night, I expect?

Of course.

Okay, Doc.

Eat your soup.

What are you doing?

Take a look at the starboard viewport.

I'm sending out a code blue distress signal.

All directorate ships are obliged to respond.

With any luck, the androids on board that freighter

will tractor beam us right into their hangar bay.

And if they don't?

If they don't, I'll have to try and punch a

hole in the middle of their force shield.

We go in anyway.

Do not try anything foolish, Captain Rogers.

I'm sabotaging your attack.

If we do not get home, Layla Markeson dies.

Don't worry, lady.

Slamming my ship into a force shield is not exactly my idea of a good plan.

I'm receiving a cold blue distress signal from a shuttle 2,000 kilometers astern.

Our orders are to proceed directly to Vega 5.

I understand that, Colonel, but this is a cold blue signal.

Yes. The shuttle wouldn't be issuing it unless

they were in some kind of serious trouble.

Can you raise the shuttle on subspace?

Negative.

They're not receiving.

Their PC units could be down.

Tractor beam.

Send two androids to the cargo hold.

Keep them there until we find out who they are and what the trouble is.

Yes, Colonel. Here we go.

Please remain in the cargo area until proper identification can be verified.

Certainly.

We have our identification right here.

You know where the engine room is?

I've got a pretty good idea.

Look, we're bound to run into a lot of resistance.

Don't you think I ought to have a gun?

I don't think that's a wise idea, Captain Rogers.

Why not? I told you I'd help you destroy this thing.

Which is exactly what you're going to do.

Proceed.

What's... Wilma, what are you doing here?

Enough talking. Drop the gun.

What's going on?

Just do as she says, Wilma. We don't have time to talk.

You're with her?

Just drop the gun, Wilma.

Then get out of the way.

What are you doing here? There's only supposed to be androids on board.

We were escorting the freighter to Vega 5 to help the colonists fight the Coven.

What are you doing here with a Coven warrior?

The woman I was following?

Layla.

Coven used her to get me to agree to come on

board and try to blow up this freighter.

Nola and I were here for just that reason.

I don't understand. You wouldn't do that.

No, of course not.

But they've got Layla, and they're going to kill her

unless I can make them think that I've blown it up.

What did you have in mind?

Well, they're scanning this quadrant with long-range sensors.

To monitor the explosions?

Exactly.

But at this distance, it's almost impossible for them to distinguish

between a freighter explosion and an asteroid explosion.

You're probably right.

You got any bombs on board?

We have a contra-terrain warhead we were delivering to the colonists.

That's in Hangar B. That's perfect.

Let's get on down there. We've only got nine hours before they deal with Leila.

Wilma, how you coming with that warhead?

It's in launch position now.

We'll eject it as soon as you're out of range.

Good.

As soon as it blows, put that freighter into overdrive.

Coburn are unaware of the new tachyon engines.

Warhead explosion will cover your escape.

Yes, and by the time their sensor's clear,

we'll be far enough away that they won't even recognize us.

Right.

Thank you Wilma, good luck to you.

See you back on Earth.

Rogers out.

Captain Rogers just entered the Stargate.

If everything goes as planned, the freighter should explode within 23 seconds.

Exactly on schedule.

Captain Rogers will be returning here within 30 minutes.

And then what will you do?

Absolutely nothing.

You see, Rogers would never admit he deliberately sabotaged a directorate mission.

And as for you, well, I think your payment will ensure your continuing loyalty.

If Buck will have me, then I'm going with him.

I'm afraid I can't allow that to happen.

Well, you can't stop me from leaving.

Oh, I won't have to stop you.

You'll gladly stay.

Why?

You have forgotten your transponder, Leila.

It cannot be removed.

If you were to leave with Buck Rogers, I would find you.

And kill you both?

Don't try it!

The explosion in space, it was a counterfeit.

It's very astute.

I anticipated as much. There was a 33% chance

that you would not go through with the plan.

I was counting on Nola to even up those odds.

Nola's in a brig on her way to Vega 5.

Sorry to disappoint you.

Later, come on. Let's get out of here.

I can't go with you, Buck.

What?

It's too late.

Too much has already happened, and I don't think we could ever change that.

And I'm just an image of somebody you lost a long, long time ago.

Layla, I know you're not Jennifer.

No, please, just go. I've already done too much,

and I don't think I can ever turn back.

Just go. Forget about me.

Any disturbance in the immediate area triggers off an alarm, as you can see.

Reeve, you told me he could live.

Under different circumstances, yes, but not now. No!

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry I disappointed you.

All I ever wanted to do was just to be like you or Jennifer.

Do you think maybe I was like her just a little bit?

I guess I didn't do everything wrong, did I? Puck.

Dr. Hewer, the spaceport just called,

and Buck has just returned from the Antares system.

Excellent.

You suppose his last few weeks of rest have done him any good?

I don't know. The last time I talked to him, three weeks ago,

from the city on the sea, he sounded absolutely numb.

Yeah.

And I know the feeling.

That must be him.

Thank you, Wilma. Well, I wouldn't want to live through

the last three weeks for anything in the universe,

but at least you gave me some time to think.

I learned something.

I can't go back.

It's impossible to pick up the past and try to relive it.

All I can do is try to make the best of what I've got here.

Welcome home, Buck.

Thanks, Twiggy.

Speaking of homecomings, we have a little gift here to celebrate yours.

Dr. Junior's found it in the archives.

It's an old entertainment clip from the 20th century.

I believe you call them movies.

Thank you, Doc.

I think it's a nature documentary of some kind.

A nature documentary?

Yes, apparently it deals with aquatic life forms,

although the title indicates anatomy.

I think it's called mouth or mandibles or something like that.

Jaws?

Yes, Jaws.

That's it, exactly.

Just when you thought it was safe in the 25th century.

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