Jorex and I want to defect to Earth.
Buck runs a race against time and death...
To help an Olympic star and the girl he loves escape from a life of slavery.
- What is it? - Leave me alone.
- What's wrong? - No!
Alaric controls the impulse that activates Jorex's brain.
He's a walking bomb.
Kill him... Now.
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.
Good morning and welcome to the 2492 Interplanetary Olympic Games.
We're here on the lovely planet Mykos in the Hypernia system,
and with me is Antonious Daven, better known as Mr. 28.
A man who is always going someplace in a hurry... in a fast hovercraft and with some pretty fast company.
And on my fast feet.
And I might add too, the fastest in the galaxy.
What is your strategy for the games, Antonious?
Who needs strategy? We're just gonna do what we always do, run fast.
Sounds good to me.
We're talking with Matt Brine, gold medal winner in the...
Hey. Wait a minute, man. This is my interview. I'm the star here.
The gold medal winner in the horizontal... How are you doing?
Well, what a surprise. We've just been joined by a man known throughout the galaxy...
That's the universe. A man who won three medals in last year's Olympiad.
Two golds and a silver.
Holl Headedson from Simpian. Remember, that's two golds and a silver.
I'm the favorite. And that's nothing compared to what I'm going to do this time. Are we still shooting?
And here we have a sonic boxer. Are you kidding? They're big.
A runner then? Tumbler?
A gymnast of some kind? Well, what is your event?
The gravity pull. A weight lifter.
But why are you jumping rope? Why not?
It's easier than pulling weights. They're heavy.
Makes sense.
Practice sessions for the 2492 Olympic Games have concluded.
All athletes are to report to their sleeping chambers.
Jorex?
Lara, it's been so long.
Oh, Jorex. I was so afraid that I was never going to see you again.
We've heard about such terrible things happening on Loziria.
And I thought...
No. They won't hurt me.
Not yet, anyway.
The Satrap needs my gold medal in the games.
And after the games?
After the games, we'll be gone... To a place where no one will ever find us.
Oh, Jorex.
How?
I don't know.
But there must be a way.
Now, we can't meet here again. My quarters?
Tomorrow, after morning practice.
Lara, we will escape.
Believe me. I do.
I love you. I love you too.
The symbol of the Olympic Games in my century.
I've been asked to present it to the Olympic Committee on Mykos before the games begin.
That's really quite an honor, Buck.
The Olympiad has been a noble concept for thousands of years.
It should really be quite exciting.
It'll make a great vacation, especially since you love sports.
All ready to go, Buck.
All right. I think it oughta be a lot of fun. Why don't you come along, Wilma?
I'd love to, but I've got a Centaurans meeting on Wednesday,
a Security Council dance Thursday night and a Directorate caucus on Friday.
Well, don't say I didn't ask.
With your presentation and Dr. Theopolis representing the Directorate,
we'll probably be glued to the holovision.
Of course, and it'll be just like being there... Maybe better.
Well, there's nothing better than being at the Olympics,
except maybe the opening of the World Series.
Hmm. Well, let's hit the road, Twiki. Take good care of the place while I'm gone, will ya?
Have fun, Buck.
There it is.
Jorex, you should go.
If they find that you're missing... I don't care.
I'm tired of taking orders from Alaric and the rest of those idiots.
- How dare you. - You are forbidden to enter these quarters.
- You've been warned. - You are forbidden to enter these quarters.
Lara, don't. And if you don't...
It won't do any good. I'm ready to go.
You'll forgive the interruption.
Please check in with the starter.
Has just set a new galactic record in the 40-kilometer steeple chase...
With a time of two hours, 21 minutes.
The Olympics have sure changed since my time, Twiki.
Used to be thousands of people jammed the stadium. Now this.
Well, it sounds like a crowd.
Those responder units broadcast millions of voices...
From hundreds of planets all over the galaxy.
Yeah. It's still not the same.
That's Jorex Leet from Loziria.
He's the vertical leap gold medal champion from the last Olympics.
I've seen some high-jumping in my time, but that's something else.
Let's take a closer look.
Hiya.
My name's Buck Rogers.
I've been watching you jump. You guys really get up there, don't ya?
In my day, a jump of eight, eight and a half feet was considered pretty good.
You guys must go over 20 feet.
Members of the Lozirian team are not allowed to speak to outworlders.
- The Itheria gymnasts... - What's the matter?
What is it?
- Leave me alone. - Well, what's wrong? Maybe...
Go! Now.
Go.!
The one talking toJorex Leet, who is he?
He is Captain Buck Rogers, a Terran.
I want to know exactly what he's doing here and why he is talking to him.
Yes, sir. We cannot be too careful.
The Satrap himself contacted me this morning. His orders were very, very clear.
I am to ensure the victory ofJorex Leet, no matter what the cost.
Nothing and no one is going to stop me.
Hello. I'm Lara Tizian.
The astrosled champion. Well, it's a real pleasure. My name is...
- Captain Buck Rogers of New Chicago. - That's right. How did you know?
I saw you presenting the flag to the Olympic Committee today.
It was a very moving gesture. Thank you.
So now what? Just enjoying the sights.
May I suggest you enjoy them with me, Captain Rogers?
I was just about to test-drive my astrosled through the course.
- The view is wonderful. - Sounds great.
Stay out of trouble, Twiki. Okay, Buck. This way.
Can't see the forest for the knees around here.
Why don't you watch where you're going, short stuff?
Why don't you pick on somebody your own size?
Because there's no one around here my own size. But you might be.
Yeah, I plan to tomorrow night. Tomorrow night, you're going to be kissing canvas, friend.
Uh, don't let me come between you guys.
So, let's go right over here.
She's a beauty, isn't she? I'm very proud of her.
Careful. Go this way. Come right around the front.
You're going to watch your step. Step on the power lifter.
And, uh, after you. Sure.
You can just give me a hand in. Sure.
There.
Ready?
Ready as I'll ever be.
This reminds me of the bobsled event back in my time. Bobsled?
Yeah. It was basically the same principal as astrosledding,
just instead of sliding through ice curves, you slide through force fields.
Force fields, Captain Rogers, which you can't see.
You have to feel your way through them.
And if you run into one straight on, it can very messy.
Oh, I can imagine.
As a matter of fact, Captain Rogers, why don't you try it yourself? Go ahead.
The next three are yours. Take over. Wait a minute. I don't have a license to drive one of these things.
Easy. Easy, easy. Just feel your way through it. Oh, yeah.
That was a tricky one there. Coming up is where you'll get your speed.
Uh-huh. Mmm.
Has some surprises in this thing, doesn't it? Absolutely.
Very well done, Captain Rogers. You know, I think we might make an astrosledder out of you yet.
You mean that's it? I was just getting the hang of it.
Well, we're through with the course, but I thought we might pull into orbit and take in the view of Mykos. All right?
Sounds fine to me. I'll drive.
Our agent informs us that Captain Rogers is here by invitation of the Olympic Committee.
An honored guest, it seems. That's very interesting.
That makes it necessary to examine the motives of this Tizian woman more closely.
Shejust took Captain Rogers up in her astrosled.
Have a vid-sensor concealed in her room immediately.
You know, this really isn't like me.
Oh?
Being so forward. I hope it doesn't embarrass you.
No, not at all. The view's beautiful. The company's charming.
Buck. May I call you that?
Certainly.
Buck, you are a very attractive man.
Well, thank you. You're a very beautiful woman.
You have a very kind face. It's very sensitive.
And I may be wrong, but I trusted you from the moment I first saw you in the stadium.
I knew that you were someone that I could talk to...
And be comfortable with.
I'm glad you feel that way.
Are you all right?
Yes. It's just so very nice to be here with you.
It feels very safe.
Lara, why did you bring me up here?
Because I need to talk to somebody.
What is it? What's wrong?
Oh, Buck, you've got to help me.
Please, help me.
Jorex and I first met at the Olympiad on Ramu.
Then we fell in love. Please.
But, afterwards, they forced him to return to Loziria.
So, now the only time we see each other is at the different intergalactic games.
Buck, we still love each other very much, and we want to be together.
But an Alpha likeJorex is not allowed to marry an alien...
Like me.
And now they're starting to useJorex as a symbol in their political struggles.
If he doesn't perform for them, the Satrap will have him executed.
Why doesn't he try to escape? He's bound to have many chances.
- They have him watched constantly. That and the disharmonizer. - The what?
Every Lozirian Alpha is implanted with a microscopic molecular disharmonizer in their brain.
And Alaric controls the impulse that activates Jorex's.
- The headaches. - Yes.
Whenever Alaric thinks thatJorex needs a reminder of who his master is,
he hurts him.
Buck, Jorex and I want to defect...
- To Earth. - There is a plan.
It could be very dangerous.
But there have been other defections that have succeeded.
Then Jorex can do it too, with your help.
But he's going to try, Buck, even without it.
All right. I'll see what I can do.
First priority is to get this cleared through the Directorate.
Then we've got to figure out a way to get both you and Jorex out ofhere.
Buck.
Thank you.
Jorex Leet wouldn't dare try to escape.
But with Rogers's help, you heard what he said. Forget what he said.
Lara Tizian's life is our guarantee that Leet will do precisely what I tell him to.
Now, bring her to me.
Buck, the Lozirian Satrap will stop at nothing to maintain his supremacy.
Jorex's defection, it won't be an easy matter. Yes, but can you offer him asylum on Earth?
We're always open to political refugees. You'll have our full support.
Great. That's all I needed to know. Rogers out.
Do you remember that Lozirian expatriate we took in last year?
Zogan, the athlete.
Yes. I'm going to get him in here. He might have some information that could help Buck.
Careful.
They'll never escape. The odds are too great.
- You did. - Yes. But you've got to understand that Jorex is virtually a political prisoner.
The Satrap will do anything to keep from losing his control over him. Even kill him.
Zogan, whatever our opinions,
Jorex and Lara Tizian are going to try to defect, and we want to help them.
Now, can you think of anything helpful, uh,
a weakness anywhere?
Lozirians are careful. Methodical.
They have to be. The penalties for making a mistake are too severe.
Probably Alaric's sole weakness is an area that doesn't even matter.
- And what's that? - He's known to have a crippling weakness for women of all persuasions.
He uses exos to win them and keep them under his spell. What is exos?
It's a powerful Lozirian chemosteroid.
Our athletes have used it for centuries to help build physical development.
Coincidentally, it's been known to have a rather persuasive effect on females.
Well, how can that help us?
I'm not sure. But since Alaric controls Jorex's disharmonizer,
it's absolutely essential to get to him if any escape plan's gonna work.
Getting Jorex out alive isn't going to be easy, Doctor.
No, it doesn't appear so.
I wanna go to Mykos. I wanna be there in case Buck needs any help.
Well, you certainly have my permission. Prepare to leave immediately.
And a new course record of 24.28 seconds.
The Directorate has offered to giveJorex any help they can, including asylum on Earth.
- Buck, that's wonderful. - Have you had a chance to speak to him about all this?
I haven't been able to get near him since yesterday.
The Tizian woman's surprise is ready? Oh, yes, sir.
Fine.
Now we must create an interesting diversion for Captain Buck Rogers.
A boxing lesson. Mm-hmm.
We need to find out exactly what his schedule is.
That's not going to be easy with Alaric watching him all the time. We'll come up with something.
- When's your race? - My race. Right after the vertical distance leap.
Hmm. All we have to do is find a way to getJorex to your sled.
If the timing is right, I can rendezvous with the two of you on the other side of the force field course.
Now get something straight, Rogers. You don't talk to me, you don't talk to her either.
You understand? Jorex, please.
- You're making a mistake. - There's no mistake about what's going on here.
I can see it clear across the stadium. Get your hands off of me!
Keep clear, Jorex. We're going to give Buck Rogers a sonic boxing lesson.
I'll give my own lessons.
Please, gentlemen. Don't fight over me. I can't stand violence.
- Hate to see a man outnumbered. - That makes two of us.
Three of us. Now, I think we should talk.
I couldn't agree with you more.
Get the woman as quickly as possible. Yes, sir.
Colonel Deering. I told you the Satrap was desperate to keepJorex under his control.
- I didn't realize how desperate he was. - What do you mean?
I've learned that they're prepared to kill him rather than see him escape.
Alaric has made a special modification in Jorex's disharmonizer.
He now has the capability of destroying the subcellular atomic bonds in Jorex's brain.
He can reduceJorex... and anyone within a half-kilometer radius... to space dust.
In other words, Dr. Huer, Jorex has become a living bomb.
Well, hello.
I'm afraid I didn't order anything.
Please accept this gift from an admirer.
Oh.
What a lovely fragrance.
- Is it from Jorex? - It is not from Jorex.
Excuse me.
Road hog.
She's not answering. That's strange.
It certainly is.
Ms. Tizian knew we were coming over to discuss Jorex's defection.
Something's wrong. Twiki, do your stuff.
Very good, Twiki.
Yecch! The odor is zemdon,
a powerful anesthetic used exclusively on Loziria.
Alaric's found out about the defection.
He's got Lara.
Come on, Twiki.
It's done, Deputy Minister. Thank you.
Wilma, what are you doing here?
Hi, Buck. Dr. Huer and I spoke with Eric Zogan,
the Lozirian defector that's living on Earth.
He told us thatJorex has a brain implant.
Yeah. The molecular disharmonizer. Most of the Lozirians have them.
Yes, but his has been modified to blow him and everyone around him to pieces. He's a walking bomb.
When it rains, it pours.
Alaric has kidnapped Lara Tizian. Now this.
Jorex knows Alaric.
Maybe he can come up with some kind of a clue as to where he's hiding her.
It's a good idea. It's worth a try.
What about the bomb?
We have to deactivate that detonator without Alaric knowing.
If we could deactivate it or just take it, what difference does it make if he knows that we've done it?
A very big difference. If he finds out we've deactivated it or taken it,
he'll surround Jorex with a hundred people... we'll never get him out of here.
Well, if you can tell me how to find Alaric, I think I've got an idea on how to get the detonator.
Well, he carries it on his body. How are you going to get that close?
Well, Dr. Huer and I had a very interesting discussion with Zogan about Alaric.
This is what we came up with.
Who are you? What are you doing here?
Well, everybody's been talking about the Lozirian exos,
and... well, I just thought that I...
You're Caruthian.
You've been enlisted to entertain at the Olympiad, correct? Uh-huh.
You've heard of the infamous Lozirian exos?
Please, don't turn me in to the authorities.
Perhaps we could make, uh,
some other kind of arrangements?
Perhaps.
You will remember nothing but that you had the time of your life.
Buck, we've got to find her.
Alaric knows we've discovered Lara's missing. He's going to be watching every move you make.
If you make one wrong move...
I'm going to try to find her, but I'm going to need your help. Well, of course.
Where does Alaric go on Mykos? You know, bars, restaurants, spas?
No. He has an apartment in the recreation complex. The Omega Suite.
It's on the second level. Nobody there asks any questions.
Then that's where I'm gonna go look for her.
Jorex, I understand how you feel. But, please, don't try to help Lara now.
Understand?
Yeah.
I advise extreme caution, Twiki.
- What do your scans indicate, Theo? - A relatively simple transmitting device...
That utilizes low-frequency zeta waves.
The speed of these waves is approximately five times the speed of sound,
or about 1,660 meters per second.
Something's giving.
- What is it? - The detonator is equipped with a safeguard system...
Designed to destroy the detonator and Jorex if it is tampered with.
The sound is a first-stage warning.
Then we can't deactivate it? I'm afraid that is impossible.
Then I've got to take it back toJorex before he wakes up.
- He can't know that it's gone. - Stuck again.
Colonel Deering, we may have failed to neutralize the detonator,
but my sensors indicate a useful solution for later on.
- What is that? - The zeta waves are incapable...
Of penetrating the stargate configuration.
Since they travel at relatively slow speeds,
ifJorex could get through the stargate...
Before Alaric realizes that he's missing and activates the detonator,
- the pulse would never reach him. - Precisely, Colonel.
Well, I'll be taking the detonator back. I shouldn't be gone longer than half an hour.
In the sonic boxing pit, moving into the second round,
eliminations are Hollin Roberts from Reza 2 and Lex Bodin from Centaur 5.
Lara. Buck, how'd you find me?
Never mind that. I've got to get you out of here.
Come on. We haven't much time.
Thank you for coming, Captain Rogers. We were planning on you joining our party.
I've even brought you some more presents.
You see this? It's an authentic Lozirian ice cloud.
As heat rises, so cold descends.
This entire room, including both of you,
will be the temperature of deep space in a matter of minutes.
Enjoy it. It's a once-in-a lifetime experience.
I've heard of people being put on ice before, but this is ridiculous.
Buck, I'm so cold.
Yeah, the temperature must be below freezing in here already.
What are you looking for? A mirror.
Let me have your necklace.
Buck, it's getting colder.
- Almost got it. - Buck, what are you doing?
A little trick shooting.
Two ball, one rail. Side pocket.
- What are you doing here? - Well, the minister called me to his room.
Oh, another one. Go.
He's not as pleasant when he awakens.
I was counting on neutralizing that detonator. It was essential.
We're right back where we started again.
There might be a chance.
There'll be about 10 minutes between the end ofJorex's competition and the awards presentation.
We can use that time...
And the information Theo gave us concerning the detonator.
It just might work.
Lara, you're going to have to get to your astrosled and be ready to roll.
- But don't let Alaric or Karl see you. - Right.
Twiki, tellJorex to go directly to the astrosled...
As soon as he finishes his competition, not before.
Gotcha, Buck.
Lara, Jorex will be in the astrosled with you.
I'll pick you up at the halfway point just beyond the force field course.
We'll race for the stargate in the starfighter.
You want me to get the detonator back, don't you?
Yeah. Only this time it doesn't matter if Alaric finds out.
- Is everyone clear on their assignments? - I'm wondering if I might be of some assistance.
What do you have in mind, Theo?
My internal receivers allow me to monitor the zeta wave pulses from the detonator.
The moment Alaric activates it, I will be aware of it.
All right, Theo. I only hope it doesn't become necessary.
Let's get crackin'.
Good luck, Wilma.
- Oh, thank God you're there. - Indeed I am.
To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?
Well, um, I was in the rec compound this afternoon...
After leaving your quarters, and I overheard something that I think you should know about.
- Tell me what you heard. - Oh, no. Not over the vid-phone.
It has something to do with the plot against you, Deputy.
Um, shouldn't I come to your quarters?
- No. Where are you now? - Compound Seven-A, Unit 4.
Wait for me. I'll be there in 30 minutes.
The gymnasts from Remas 1 are about to begin their floor exercises.
The 15-kilometer run is about to begin.
I'm going to the stadium floor to watch Jorex's competition.
You go to the woman, stay with her until I arrive.
It's imperative that I talk to her.
All set with Jorex, Buck.
NowJorex Leet from Loziria.
The winner, Jorex Leet. The vertical leap intergalactic champion.
Well done. Report to my quarters immediately following the ceremony.
We have things to discuss.
Well, hello, my dear.
Where's the deputy? He'll be here shortly.
But where did he go? It's very important that I find him.
Where he went is no concern of yours. Sit.
What's your hurry? Well, I have other appointments.
They can wait. Perhaps you can tell me what you're doing in Captain Rogers's quarters?
Oh. Just passing the time. Hmm. Good.
Perhaps we can do the same. Perhaps.
Now preparing for launching in astrosled chute "B"
the reigning intergalactic champion, Lara Tizian.
Lara's going to be taking off in a few seconds. Where's Wilma with that detonator?
Lara Tizian has launched her astrosled and is approaching the first force field.
Buck, I couldn't get the detonator. We've gotta stop Lara and Jorex.
That's impossible. They've already taken off.
But Alaric's gonna discover what happened any minute.
Well, we'll just have to get to them before the pulse does.
Buck, you can't fly the starfighter through the force fields. It's too big.
If it hits one of them... Look, I've already been through the course once with Lara.
- That was with the astrosled. - Wilma, we don't have many alternatives.
Whoa. Where do you think you're going?
- Well, you need a copilot to chart the course. - And someone to monitor the detonator pulse.
And I'm not staying alone.
Congratulations, Deputy Minister.
All Loziria is rejoicing with Jorex's victory.
Thank you, my Satrap. They'll be making the awards soon and then...
In an unusual development, Jorex Leet of Loziria,
the winner of the gold medal in the vertical leap competition,
has not appeared to receive his medal.
Officials are searching the stadium in an attempt to find him.
What is the meaning of this, Alaric? Where is Leet?
He is in the stadium, my Satrap. He's probably refreshing himself before accepting the medal.
It is your responsibility to ensure his presence.
Our people must see him receiving the medal.
Find him.
In another unusual development, our remote monitors have determined...
That the astrosled piloted by Lara Tizian is carrying a second passenger.
Tizian? The identity of this person...
Has not yet been determined.
Deputy Minister, I trust you're clearing up this unfortunate misunderstanding.
- Yes, my Satrap. Of course. - Where is Jorex Leet?
Satrap, I can assure you...
Deputy Minister, Jorex Leet has escaped on the Tizian astrosled.
Jorex Leet has escaped.
Then kill him... Now.
It is done, my Satrap.
Why do not my sensors register an explosion?
The zeta waves from the detonator will reach him shortly. Just a few seconds.
Captain Rogers, I have a reading. The disharmonizer has been activated.
My calculations indicate we have approximately...
29.43 seconds to reach the astrosled.
Entering curve 33-G.
Seventy-seven degrees right, 82 degrees left.
24.2 seconds.
A starfighter has entered the astroslalom course...
And seems to be racing in pursuit of the Tizian sled.
15.7 seconds. There.
We don't have time to transfer them.
The astrosled doesn't have stargate capability.
We'll have to try to catch up with them on the straightaway, then tractor them to the stargate.
- 11.3 seconds. - Time sure flies.
Watch out, Buck. The tangent on that curve is nearly 80 degrees.
If they succeed in saving Jorex Leet in front of the entire galaxy...
7.9 seconds.
- We're almost close enough. Hit the tractor beam. - 5.9 seconds.
Give me a break.
2.1 seconds.
- That was close. - What do you mean, close?
We had a half-second to spare. Maybe more.
You have failed in your mission, Deputy Minister.
You know your duty.
It's beautiful. Yes, we rushed it overjust as soon as it came from Mykos.
It's well-deserved too. I mean, I've seen some high jumpers in my time, but you are a high jumper.
I am so proud of you.
I still can't believe we're here.
- We'll never be able to thank you enough. - Thank Buck.
He had to see the Olympiad in person.
That reminds me, Buck. Someone was looking for you. A man from U. B. C.
- You know, the Holovid Network? - What for?
Well, um, they saw you on the Olympiad broadcast...
And thought you would be perfect to cover the Equinox Exercises in New Phoenix.
He asked if you'd be interested. And what did you say?
Oh, well, I know what a great athlete you are. Wilma.
But I figured one Olympiad in a lifetime is enough sports for anyone... Even you.
Good thinking.