If it was common knowledge that Zantia was a world without men, we'd be invaded immediately.
[Narrator] Buck finds himself the center of attention.
- On a planet of desperate women with a shocking secret. - Where to now?
- To meet your new mate. - Mate?
I brought him to your quarters because I knew he was the one you've been looking for.
Be careful! We don't want him damaged!
You have three seconds to clear this vector, Buck.
- Wilma, don't try to stop me. - Open fire.
[Man Narrating] 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.
[Buck] The Ruathans are honoring the truce, Wilma.
They're allowing ships through their blockade as long as they follow the designated corridors.
So Madrea is able to get the supplies.
Doesn't look like they're exporting much barbarite though.
[Sighs] We're well aware of that. No offense, Wilma,
but you look like something the cat dragged in, then dragged right out again.
Why is it that for once I know exactly what you're talking about?
[Chuckles] Negotiations not going well?
They're going nowhere. And if the Ruathans quit the talks.
And reinstate a full blockade around Madrea,
we have no choice but to declare war.
Now, come on, Wilma. Have a little faith in Theo.
You know he can talk the quills off a porcupine.
- You know that. - I do?
[Chuckles] Here. Maybe this will cheer you up.
You like it? It's beautiful.
It's yours.
At least it will be after dinner tonight at my place, 1900 hours.
Having you check out Madrea was my idea. I owe you the favor.
I was hoping you'd say that. [Beeping]
I gotta go, Wilma. I'm picking up something on the distress channel.
I'll call you when I land. Deering, out.
This is Earth starfighter 1314. Can I be of assistance?
[Woman] Our orbit is decaying. The power units are down.
We have no repair equipment, and we'rejust drifting.
Hang on. I got a fix on you. I'm on my way.
[Woman] He sounded good-looking.
Oh, you say that about every Terran.
No, this one had a nice, good-looking voice.
Why don't you switch on video, okay?
Okay. But 10 credits says he's fat and has a nose like a subspace relay.
Okay.
[Buck] This is Earth starfighter 1314.
I'm approaching at 50 degrees.
This is the space yacht Aurora. We have you on scanner.
- [Mouthing Words] - Uh,
do you have video transmission capability? Sure do.
How's that?
Uh, fine.
Couldn't be much better.
- What can I do for you? - Uh, my sister and I.
Were hoping that you could give us a tow back down to Zantia.
- That's our home. - Zantia is a closed colony.
Earth ships aren't allowed to land there.
Suppose I just come aboard and check out your engines myself.
Oh, no, no. A tow is all we're after.
- Right now, anyway. - [Chuckles]
The Zantian authorities will let you bring us in, I'm sure.
After all, we're natives.
And this is an emergency.
Well, you talked me into it. Stand by for a tractor beam, and I'll see you in the spaceport.
Ten credits, Linea.
You owe me 10 credits. No, I don't.
What, don't you think he's good-looking?
No.
I think he's gorgeous.
[Buck] Earth starfighter 1314 to Zantia Landing Control.
You are trespassing in Zantian space.
I have a disabled ship in tow, the yacht Aurora.
Request clearance to bring it in.
Earth ships are categorically denied clearance at Zantia Spaceport.
The Aurora has no power.
And would you rather I cut it loose, let gravity take it down.
- And have it splash all over your spaceport? - One moment.
You are to follow the yellow landing tracer to Docking Area 2.
The slightest variation from that course will result in your destruction.
Zantia Landing Control, out.
Thanks. Welcome to Zantia.
[Engine Off]
What happened, my dears?
I just got word you had to be towed in.
Uh, the power units went out on us, and you had no repair equipment on board.
Why, that can't be. I had it out to inspect only yesterday.
And you left it in the maintenance bay didn't you, Uncle?
Oh, my. I'm sorry.
Oh, oh, this is the man who towed us in.
We haven't even met. Properly, that is. I'm Nyree.
- Hi. Buck Rogers. - I'm her sister, Linea.
And this is our uncle. Cassius Thorne.
I'm afraid it's my fault these two were stranded.
I'm terribly sorry for the inconvenience.
Oh, that's quite all right. But the controller has made it very clear he doesn't want me to hang around.
So, while it's been pleasant, uh, I'd better make it short.
Oh, but you have to let us thank you.
Uncle, you have friends at the Spaceship Authority.
Tell them to let him stay. Just for... Tonight?
- Well, I did have plans back on Earth. - [Nyree] They can wait, can't they?
Very, very few Earth men get to see the things on Zantia that we can show you.
- Is that right? - It's settled then.
I'll speak to the controller. Linea, you make the dinner arrangements.
Nyree, you show him around.
Sounds good to me.
Uh, don't wear him out, Nyree.
He's got a big night ahead of him.
We deserve a bigger cut for this one, Cassius.
He'll bring a fortune. You may be right.
In fact, I think the prime minister should have a look at this one.
Since the ineptitude of your human associates.
Seems to have rubbed off on you, Theopolis,
let me once again state the central fact.
There's no need to be abusive, Mr. Devronin.
[Devronin] Ruathans, not Earth people, settled Madrea.
Therefore, the planet belongs to us.
With all due respect to your view, Mr. Devronin,
the Madreans would like to decide for themselves who rules them.
Let's stay with the facts, shall we, Dr. Huer?
The Earth has grown dependent on Madrea.
For the mineral barbarite.
How will your generators function without barbarite?
Our Federation will not turn the Madrean sector over to you. We made that clear yesterday.
That's it, Dr. Huer. Theopolis, think about it.
And think about the blockade we have up around Madrea.
And how critical Earth's shortage ofbarbarite will soon become.
I think a recess is in order.
I'm going to return to our starcruiser.
I expect to hear from you within 12 hours.
Your shuttle is fueled and ready for takeoff in the main hangar, sir,
and there's an escort standing by.
I should hope so. Karsh?
[Theo] Twiki, I'd like to go to the Computer Council Chamber, please.
[Chirping] You got it, boss.
Gentlemen, there are refreshments in the other room,
so help yourself, please, before you leave.
[Chirping] Why, you turkey.
[Chirping] Look who you're messing around with, bozo.
We are in a very unfortunate position.
Ultimately, all we can threaten to do is go to war.
If, however, the Ruathans are not honoring the truce...
I heard from Buck, and he said the corridor to Madrea is open.
Fine. Thank him for the report when you see him.
I will. He's cooking dinner for me tonight.
Oh, I'm sorry.
My, my, my.
Here we are. Sorry to keep you waiting, Buck.
Oh, no problem. Think nothing of it. So this is where you ladies live, huh?
Yes. No.
Uh, well, I live here. Linea lives in tower four.
Hmm. Uh, why don't you push on some music, Nyree,
while I fix everyone some drinks.
I, um, I hope Centauran brandy is all right with everyone.
It's always been my favorite. [Chuckles] [Soft]
Guess I'm being a little selfish.
Here. Let me get that.
[Chuckles] You're our guest. You should let us serve you.
Well, believe me, if I didn't take a great deal of pleasure in doing it, I wouldn't.
[Laughs]
Here you are. There's one for you.
And one for you.
[Buck] Bottoms up.
I brought him to your quarters because I knew he was the one you've been looking for.
You like?
I'll be back in an hour. I want him removed by then.
You realize that according to your law,
he must go through the same process as all the others?
You'll have plenty of time to think of all the money you're going to make on him, Mr. Thorne.
Right now, I'd worry about taking care of him. And fast.
He knows something's going on in there.
That's what I like about him.
[Prime Minister] Ariela?
Ariela?
The prime minister sitting on a horse instead of her hands.
- This must be important. - Stop it.
You're impossible to reach these days, Ariela.
In more ways than one.
I had to talk to you before tomorrow.
What? About the opposition I've been organizing against you?
[Sighs] Then the rumors were true.
Oh, Mother, we're not really opposing you.
It's your policies. Keeping our planet isolated.
Making outworlders believe there are men here when there are practically none.
And passing those contemptible laws.
Out of necessity. Out of fear.
I'm doing what's best for Zantia. Best.
Mother, I'm ashamed to live here.
We're repeating ourselves, Ariela.
That's not what I came here to do. I found a man for you.
He'll be brought to you tomorrow.
No. I won't go along with that.
Yes, you will. It's the law.
Come on.
[Sighs]
[Linea Giggling]
In all honesty, Buck, I've never met anyone quite as, uh,
[Laughs] Funny as you.
There. Last of the brandy.
No, no. No, thank you.
Please? No, no, no. Here. You drink it.
[On Intercom] Maybe later.
Surely you're hungry by now.
- No. No. - [Sighs]
I'd like to know what I'm doing here.
You know, for the past hour, you two have been shucking and jiving me.
About eat this, drink that, smell those.
Now don't try to say anything unless you wanna tell me what it is you want with me.
That's easy.
We want you for local consumption, as it were.
Hmm. Whatever that means, I don't like it.
Is it something I said?
I knew it. You're just in this for the kicks, aren't you?
Be careful! We don't want him damaged.
[Thorne] This is ridiculous. Use your weapon.!
You incompetent fools!
This is just what I wanted to avoid.
The wound won't be too noticeable. It better not be.
He's going to bring us 10,000 credits at least. 10,000.
[Groans] Now take it easy.
How do you feel? [Groans]
There's a little man running around inside my head screaming in pain. It's me.
I'm Parker, captain of the Morning Star. Buck Rogers.
Don't tell me. You received a distress call from two sisters in a disabled ship, right?
Mm-hmm. We were heading out to Timbil on an archeological survey.
- When we picked up the distress signal. - Sounds familiar.
Dr. Macon, team archaeologist.
Doctor. How do you do?
Anybody know what's going on around here?
[Sighs] Zantia's always avoided outworlders like the plague.
Yet they seem quite well equipped to kidnap outworlders.
An interesting paradox.
Yeah.
Well, this is cute.
It's triggered by body heat. The closer you get, the more solid they become.
Ah, good. You are undamaged, Rogers.
You have no idea how happy that makes me.
You're really more valuable than you know.
What's this all about?
You'll find out soon enough.
You're all going to be disposed of pretty soon.
Disposed of? Take it easy, Professor. You'll give yourself a heart attack.
Not that we'd be losing that much in your case.
Well.
No matter what he's got in mind, there's six of us, all able-bodied, and only two guards.
Yeah, but they're armed. We're not.
I still like the odds. So unless some of you want to be disposed of, listen up.
Come here. Now look. Here's what we're gonna do.
Still no word from Buck. Nothing last night and nothing this morning.
Well, that's not like Buck. No, it's not.
What's more, I ran his last known coordinates with Central Data.
Take a look at the readout.
[Beeps] [Huer] Morning Star, Clarion.
Arcturan cargo freighter.
All three of these ships disappeared in the same sector of space?
Mm-hmm. The same one Buck was last reported in.
Doctor, Major Norris knows as much about the security procedures for the negotiations as I do.
I'm really not needed here.
Well, under the circumstances, Colonel, I think you should have your ship made ready for takeoff as soon as possible.
- It already is. - Oh?
I like to be prepared.
And, Colonel?
I'd like you both back.
[Force Field Whirring]
[Whirring Stops] It's time. Let's go.
You're just not gonna let them take us. Slaughter us like animals.
Macon, calm down. No! Please! We have to stop them!
They're gonna kill us, Parker. Do you understand that? They're gonna...
[Gasping]
I suppose you had to do that to preserve your egos.
Yeah, well, so much for a good idea.
Well, game time's over. Put the cuffs on them.
Those are armed now.
I wouldn't try anything else if I were you.
What, you mean these are...
[Electrical Charge]
[Thorne] Are you ready to move quietly now?
Ariela, you've gotta convince her to do something. It's no use.
My mother will keep pretending there are as many men here as women indefinitely.
She thinks it's better to do nothing than take the chance of making things worse.
But the Ruathans will never release the men unless we confront them.
Which is something we have to do, not my mother.
You found an army all of a sudden?
Listen. My mother's found a mate for me.
Now I did some checking, and I discovered that he's a Terran pilot,
whose starfighter is sitting in the spaceport right now. A starfighter?
Fully functional and ready to fly.
Now what do you think would happen, Jayel, if we were to use it to kidnap.
An extremely important Ruathan?
We could bargain for the release of the prisoners.
Exactly.
[Man] All right. What is my bid for this fine male here?
[Continues, Indistinct]
Parker, you're first.
[Man Continues, Indistinct]
Four. There's a four over there. 400 credits.
Did you hear that?
Sounds like a crowd cheering.
- Gladiatorial games? - No, I don't think so.
Seven, ma'am. Very good. Oh, my Lord.
- [Man Continues, Indistinct] - Listen to that chanting.
800. This is one of the best... [Continues, Indistinct] I knew it.
- Human sacrifice. - Gone, for 800 credits.
[Applause]
Your turn, Rogers.
[Chattering]
[Women Reacting To Buck]
All right. We have a first-class specimen here...
superb physical condition, high intelligence.
Obviously a born leader.
Some lucky woman is going to have her hands full trying to tame this one.
Oh, good grief.
[Women Gasp] [Thorne] Ladies, please, get ready.
We start the bidding at 400.
Very low bid to start with on the prime Terran male.
400.
Five. I see five in the audience. [Bell Dings]
Do I hear more? 800.
Ah, that's more like it. This is a valuable property here.
Our psych-scanners show an extremely high intelligence quotient,
unusual sensitivity,
compassion, a ready wit.
And a strong, ethical character.
- [Bell Dings] - And 400 more. 1,200.
Do I see more? This is a specimen you can hardly afford to pass up.
This is degrading. I'm worth more than that.
Ladies, this prime Terran male is an excellent investment. [Beeps]
- [Bell Dings] - 1,600,
from the unseen lady on monitor four.
Do I see more? Move around.
- What? - Move around. Show them the merchandise.
Blow it out your nose, Thorne.
All right.
[Women Murmuring]
[Thorne] Ladies, ladies. I am shocked and appalled.!
1,600 is a joke. This is a young, attractive, healthy specimen.
- [Beeps] - [Bell Dings]
2,200. That's more like it. Do I hear more?
A higher bid, please.
Don't worry. I won't let you go for less than 5,000.
- Thanks. I appreciate that. - [Beeps]
- [Bell Dings] - 3,000.
3,000 on the monitor from bidder number four.
- [Beeps] - Do I hear more?
The bid is now 4,000. Do I hear five?
- [Bell Dings] - 10,000.!
I'm gonna get this one. [Beeps]
12,000. Going once,
- going twice... - [Beeps]
20,000! An excellent bid.
Do I hear more? Going once at 20,000.
Going twice at 20,000.
Sold to bidder number four for 20,000 credits.
You should be flattered.
You fetched the highest bid we've ever gotten here.
Of which you get 10%, right?
Fifteen. I have enormous overhead.
Let's go. Where to now?
Where else? To meet your new mate.
Mate?
[Chirping] Get your red hots! Get 'em while they last.
Here.
What on earth is he talking about now?
I've stopped asking. [Chirping]
You two look like leftover dinners.
Why, thank you, Twiki. We appreciate that.
[Chirping] Anytime.
Have you heard from Colonel Deering, Doctor?
About 20 minutes ago.
She just left Stargate 20 and was entering the Tauran system.
She should be in Zantian space by now.
[Chirping] Lucky stiff.
Stiff?. What's a stiff?. You don't wanna know.
[Beeping]
Earth starfighter 4332 to vessel in distress, can you copy?
[Nyree] This is the space yacht Aurora out of Zantia.
Uh, sorry to bother you, starfighter.
We had some temporary flux in our starboard engine, but it's clear now.
Faulty discharge too. I already replaced it.
You might have waited till you exhausted all your options before sending out a distress signal.
[Linea] Sorry. Wejust didn't think.
Thank you for responding. Aurora, out.
[Sighs] One good distress signal deserves another.
[Wilma] Zantia landing control, this is Earth starfighter 4332.
I have an emergency. Please respond.
You are trespassing in Zantian space.
I have a declared emergency. My stabilizers are crippled.
Earth ships are categorically denied clearance at Zantia Spaceport.
Well, all I need is a few hours to repair my ship.
Earth ships are categorically denied clearance at Zantia Spaceport.
If I don't land on your planet, I'll crash on it.
- Earth ships are... - Categorically denied clearance in Zantia Spaceport.
I know. I know.
[Wilma] Sorry. I don't have time tojoin you in another chorus.
I'm landing on your planet whether you like it or not.
If you want to shoot down a vessel in distress, fine.
But don't be surprised when the Defense Directorate marches in with a squadron of fighters.
[Beeps]
I'm Ariela Dyne.
And you're Buck Rogers. So what?
Look. I've just about lost patience with this whole thing.
You know, your auction was so absurd, it was almost funny.
But I'm getting a little tired of being led around like some kind of prize bull.
I don't blame you. What do you mean you don't blame me?
I'm supposed to be your mate. Don't you wanna look at my teeth or something?
I don't like this any better than you do, Captain.
I'd rather live alone than buy a mate.
The plain fact of the matter is... [Beep]
[Beeping Stops]
Come with me. Why should I?
I said come with me.
Please.
What was that all about? We were being monitored in there.
Monitored? By whom? Probably my mother.
Or maybe someone who knows I oppose my mother's policies.
My mother's the prime minister of Zantia.
It's beautiful out here. Reminds me of summers in Colorado.
[Buck] A long time ago. Yeah, it is beautiful here.
We had to fight to keep it like this.
Two years ago, the Ruathans tried to invade us.
Really? Yeah, I think we embarrassed them.
Drove them back into space. Fought them to a standstill.
But in the process, most of the men of Zantia were either killed or taken prisoner.
So you hired Cassius Thorne to lure men here and repopulate the planet, huh?
Why notjust ask for men?
I'm sure you'd have more volunteers than you'd know what to do with.
We couldn't. If it were common knowledge that Zantia was a world without men,
- we'd be invaded immediately. - Why? I'm sure they have enough women pilots.
Not enough.
For years, we let the men handle the defenses.
Suddenly, the men were gone, and there weren't enough of us to even train new people.
So you propagated a sham, went on with a pretense that your Zantian men were alive.
And manning the defenses, huh?
Well, we can't do it forever, no matter what my mother thinks.
[Buck Sighs]
I hate the lies. And I hate what we do to people like you.
You don't have to, you know. You can negotiate with the Ruathans.
- Earth would help. - There's a better way.
We know the Ruathan leader is on Earth right now.
- We? - Others who feel as I do.
[Ariela] And we know the Ruathan negotiator uses a simple shuttle.
To transport himself from his starcruiser to New Chicago.
- Now, with your ship, we could intercept him. - Where does that leave me?
If you could get me through the stargate and into Earth's solar system,
I'll drop you at whatever space station you wish.
No.
No, you're no pilot. You'd be no match for the Ruathans.
If I go with you at all, I go all the way.
- Why? - I like you.
Takes a lot of chutzpah to do what you're trying to do.
Chutzpah? What is that, a disease?
[Laughs]
What's this? Mm, some kind of mineral, I think.
Seems to be quite common.
Hmm. Looks like barbarite.
- [Horse Neighs] - Stop her! She heard us.
Hyah! Hyah! Come on! Hyah!
Hyah! Come on! Hyah! [Grunts]
[Electrical Charge]
A laser fence. Perfect timing, whoever she is.
She was at the auction. She was one of the ladies bidding on me.
- Well, she could ruin all our plans. - Unless we leave immediately. Let's go.
[Electrical Charge Continues]
Buck is definitely here at Zantia. His ship was at the spaceport when I arrived.
And you think he's being held by the Zantian government, eh?
[Exhales] All I know is this place is like an armed camp.
I had to, uh, borrow a uniform to get past the guards at the spaceport.
[Wilma On Intercom] How are negotiations going?
Well, they've recessed for an hour. And I'm afraid that's the best I can say about it.
Dr. Theopolis here is pessimistic.
Very well. Make sure they're ready.
I've gotta go. I think I've got a lead on Buck. Deering out.
Dr. Theopolis, would you perhaps like to pay a social call to Mr. Devronin.
To keep the communication lines open, more or less?
I should think that the two of you would have a great deal in common.
Not as much as you might think, Doctor. But I'll certainly try.
And Twiki here can have a conversation with Mr. Devronin's bodyguard, Karsh.
- [Chirping] Stuff that. - Stuff that? What?
He said he'd love that. In a pig's eye.
Now does that mean you don't want to speak to Mr. Karsh?
You got it. Twiki and Mr. Karsh are not on the best of terms, Doctor.
I wouldn't advise further contact between them.
Why? What's happened?
Let's just say that on their last encounter,
Twiki lived up to his name. [Chirping]
Yeah, I gave him a tweak he'll never forget.
Tweak. Tweak. [Chuckles]
I knew my daughter opposed me.
But I didn't know she'd actually commit treason against me.
I know this must come as a great shock to you, Prime Minister,
but I do have the recordings to prove it.
How is it you came to be spying on my daughter?
I'd rather not say, Prime Minister.
You'd rather not say.
And just what do you expect to gain from telling me all of this?
Just the knowledge that I've helped my world.
And I want the Terran pilot Buck Rogers.
I might have known.
Well, he's yours. When we find him.
Inform the spaceport that I want a security cordon.
Around the Terran starfighter immediately.
If and when my daughter arrives,
I want her brought to me. Unharmed.
- [Object Shatters] - Don't move.
I wouldn't think of it.
That pendant you're wearing belongs to a friend of mine.
- Where is he? - I really don't know.
I think you do.
I'll give you 30 seconds before I fry you inch by inch from the bottom up.
- He's with Ariela Dyne at her home outside the city. - Then that's where we're going.
You really don't need me to take you there. Why don't I diagram its location?
Have you ever heard of a grilled cheese sandwich?
- No. - Friend of mine told me about them once.
Let's say you're the bread. Hold it over a fire, for say, two, three minutes.
I'm going. I'm going.
[Computers Whirring]
They're not gonna stay unconscious for long. Let's get outta here.
Move!
Hang on.
Sorry. Nobody home.
Don't move. I'm looking for a friend of mine... Buck Rogers.
- Where is he? - Tell her about the grilled what-do-you-call-it.
- You're too late. - What do you mean?
What's happened to him?
You better worry about yourself, lady.
Those are the prime minister's guards.
As it turns out, I'm more of an asset than you thought.
The Ruathan negotiator travels to and from a starcruiser every day, escorted by Earth starfighters.
- I know that. - Yes, but if you were to make an unauthorized approach,
they'd shoot first and ask questions later.
But since they know me, they'll ask questions first.
And then they'll open fire?
Yeah, well, the idea is to do away with that part.
Mm. But you are taking a big chance, aren't you?
Well, I prefer to call it a calculated risk.
Thank you.
Well, that's a little premature. The worse is yet to come.
That's why I'm saying it now.
Prime Minister, you must let me go.
You lied in order to land on our planet.
You deliberately disobeyed our laws and trespassed.
And you're in league with a man who started a gun battle in our spaceport.
And yet I'm simply to let you go?
Please, if what the woman in your daughter's apartment says is true,
then Buck and Ariela are going to try to kidnap.
The Ruathan negotiator, Mr. Devronin.
What chance do they have of succeeding?
A very good one.
Buck is totally familiar with all our security procedures,
and he knows several of the pilots who are flying escort, personally.
My daughter could actually do this?
Yes, she could. Which is sure to end the negotiations.
The Earth will lose what's become our primary source of barbarite.
And Zantia will be open prey once Ariela exposes your vulnerability.
They must be stopped.
[Sighs] The question is how?
Well, Buck is flying two people in his starfighter.
I could catch up to him in mine and stop him.
Somehow.
Uh, see that Colonel Deering gets to her spaceship as quickly as possible.
Thank you. And, Colonel.
Even though my daughter...
Even though my daughter is with Rogers,
do whatever must be done.
Once we're through the stargate, we'll be able to see the Ruathan starcruiser.
How do we know the negotiator is going to be en route in his shuttle?
Well, we don't. But it's midafternoon on Earth.
The meeting should be breaking up pretty soon.
We'll just wait for him up here.
Entering stargate.
[Computer Warbling] [Buck] Yeah, there's the starcruiser.
570,000 kilometers and 50 degrees starboard.
[Warbling] Hello.
Is that the shuttle?
165 degrees port. You must bring good luck.
Hmm. We'll know that for sure pretty soon, won't we?
Mm. Hang on.
[Buck] Earth starfighter 1314 to Escort Leader.
Buck Rogers to Escort Leader, do you read?
Leader to ES-1314, I've gotcha on the scanner.
- Who's that? Major Norris? - Affirmative.
What are you doing up here, Captain Rogers?
There's been a change in plans due to an emergency.
The shuttle and Mr. Devronin are to dock with my ship immediately.
[Devronin] I heard that, whoever you are.
Your request is totally ridiculous.
I have no intention of doing anything but getting back to the company of non-Terrans.
I'm afraid it's not a request, sir. I'm ordering you to prepare for boarding immediately.
[Norris] Now wait a minute, Captain.
[Buck] There's no time to explain. This is Colonel Deering.
- Don't listen to him, Major. - Wilma?
I know what you intend to do, Buck, and I can't let you do it.
[Norris] Colonel Deering, what's going on?
[Wilma] Buck is trying to kidnap Mr. Devronin.
What? [Wilma] You have three seconds to clear this vector, Buck.
- [Buck] Wilma, don't try to stop me. - What you're doing will force.
The Earth and Ruatha to go to war.
You're jeopardizing thousands and thousands of lives.
If you were within my range, I'd have to shoot you down myself.
Clear out, please.
Major Norris, you know me.
And you know I'm capable of destroying this entire escort if I have to.
- [Norris] Colonel Deering? - There's too much at stake, Major.
Open fire. Full pulsars.
Wilma, listen to me. I know what I'm doing.
You're sending us right into war. Wilma, you know me. Trust me.
He's hit.
- I'm gonna finish him. - No! Cease fire.
[Norris] With pleasure.
- Buck, are you all right? - Yeah, we are.
But my starboard defense shield's a mess.
Nice shooting, Major Norris.
Very funny, Captain.
What is going on here? I want that man executed.
I suggest you do as he told you and prepare for boarding, sir.
I'll have you executed too!
I'll have all seven of you executed.
[Buck] Seven pulsar cannons say you should worry about that later.
Don't signal the mother ship for help. There's no need.
- All we're gonna do is rap. - I beg your pardon.
[Theo] Dr. Huer, I think you should pick up on subspace channel L-3.
Some very disturbing transmissions are coming in from Colonel Deering and Captain Rogers.
Oh, she's found them. Well, good. Where are they? What are they doing?
[Chirping] Don't ask.
[Theo] Well, they were threatening to destroy the Ruathan negotiator shuttle.
What? But now it appears they've simply boarded it.
Boarded it? Certainly, Doctor, you must be making some kind of mistake.
[Chirping] Fat chance.
[Devronin] What is the meaning of this?
Colonel Deering, you of all people should know.
That this is tantamount to a declaration of war.
Mr. Devronin, this is Captain Buck Rogers.
He can explain everything.
I hope.
[On Intercom] Huer to Ruathan space shuttle. Come in, please.
Patch him through, Karsh. Let's get this over with.
[Devronin] Dr. Huer, we read you. Buck...
What on earth is going on?
[Buck] Just a little impromptu negotiating. That's all, Dr. Huer.
[Chirping] Holy Toledo, Doc.
Mr. Devronin, this is Ariela Dyne.
She's from Zantia. You remember Zantia?
It's an insignificant little planet.
Of insignificant humanoids in the Taurus solar system.
[Buck] Two years ago, the Ruathans invaded Zantia,
and in the process either killed or captured most of the male population.
Again I ask you, so what?
I propose that all Zantian prisoners of war be returned home immediately.
- In exchange for? - Madrea.
[Buck] The Earth is willing to relinquish all claim to that colony,
provided that any Madreans who wish to do so will be allowed to leave.
- [Theo] He's insane. - [Devronin] Apparently Captain Rogers is determined.
Buck. To cut the Earth off from its primary source ofbarbarite.
Ariela, would you tell Wilma where I found this? But he's right.
If anything were to happen to me,
Is this what I think it is? The Ruathans would go to war with you immediately.
- I hope. - Zantia?
[Theo] Your point is well taken, but it is imperative that I consult with others.
That's a luxury your alleged friend is not affording us.
- Buck, I implore you. - Uh, Dr. Theopolis, Dr. Huer,
Buck knows what he's doing.
Trust him.
Make mine a double, Twiki.
[Woman On P. A.] Docking tubes 5 through 10 cleared for...
If the Ruathans had known that there was more barbarite on Zantia than there was on Madrea,
they'd never have agreed to your terms.
And then they wouldn't be releasing their prisoners of war.
And the Madrean miners, they're coming here in droves.
Our male population is absolutely booming.
I thought they'd immigrate here. The last trip to Madrea,
I noticed no one was too crazy about living there.
[Buck] Besides, the scenery's much nicer here.
[Woman On P. A.] Attention. The Ruathan shuttle has docked.
Please keep the area clear.
Repeat. Please do not enter docking area two.
Stay in the main concourse. What's gonna happen to your mother?
Well, she's been removed from office.
She and Cassius Thorne and all the others will be tried by the new leadership.
My mother legalized kidnapping.
She made the buying and selling of men a way of life.
Yet, you know, she honestly thought she was doing the right thing.
Jayel...
[Clamoring]
Well, ahem, I guess I'll come back next week and say good-bye.
I'm sure they'd appreciate that.
Besides, you have a dinner date tonight.
I do? Oh, I do.
Yes. Yeah.
Tell me. Have I introduced you to the ancient delicacy known as sweetbreads?
Mm-mmm. Sounds good. What is it made out of?