[Narrator] A glowing orb may hold the only hope of saving a peaceful planet...
From the evil war witch Zarina,
as Buck and Princess Ardala are drawn through a vortex and into another universe.
We're experiencing fantastic turbulence.
I'm relying for all drive and directional factors on the computer disk developed from the orb.
- [Dr. Huer] You're familiar with the Vortex Theory? - In the 20th century, it was called a black hole.
[Dr. Huer] The chip is a road map through the vortex.
So this is an invitation.
From an unknown people who exist in another universe.
[Ardala] Do you have any idea of the enormity of this moment, Kane?
New worlds, new galaxies lie beyond the vortex...
Within reach of my fingertips.
I must demand that you return the orb to the Directorate.
I'm afraid you're not in a position to demand a great deal of anything.
Very shortly, we'll be entering the vortex.
And I will allow no one to interfere with this.
We no longer have the means to wage a limited war.
So you thought that as a Terran, I could fight your limited war for you, huh?
Two of the Sharks passed through the force field and landed undetected.
Pendar will be ours.
I will make you my personal slave,
and you will wish you had died.
[Narrator] Still trapped in an alien universe,
Buck, Twiki, and Princess Ardala join forces...
To prevent the cruel witch Zarina from enslaving the planet Pendar.
I'm reading the Zaad cruiser closing on the defense shield.
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.
Elana. Hmm.
You sleepy? [Chuckles]
Just happy. And kind of warm all over.
Well, there's nothing like a good weekend in the country to recharge your batteries.
Depends on who's doing the recharging.
Buck, what's that?
I don't know. But I'd sure like to find out.
Earth Shuttle 2293 to New Chicago Control.
[Woman Over Radio] Come in, 2293.
This is Captain Buck Rogers on approach to New Chicago.
Can you patch me through to the Directorate Channel? You've got it, Captain.
Good to hear from you, Buck. Maybe, maybe not, Doc.
I'm about 20 minutes southwest of New Chicago,
and I've spotted something very strange.
Strange? Yeah, it's a...
a large, gold ball sitting out here in the middle of the desert.
Be careful. That might be some kind of Draconian trick.
We've been having tremendous difficulties with them lately.
Dr. Huer, our sensors record Captain Rogers's ship...
But no trace of another body in the vicinity.
Well, it's here, Doc. A large metallic object of some kind.
Give us the coordinates, Buck. Right, Doc.
When I land, we can go out and take a look at it. Rogers out.
[Dr. Huer] An intercity shuttle reported it, Buck,
but so far we haven't been able to detect anything on our sensors.
[Buck] I wonder if it isn't a little surprise from Princess Ardala.
[Dr. Huer] It's a distinct possibility considering all the difficulties...
We've been having with the Draconians lately.
[Buck] The closest thing to it I've ever heard of...
Is what we used to call a flying saucer or a U. F. O.
You have any idea what it might be, Doc?
The pilot reported it saucer-shaped.
Well, we oughta be pretty close now.
There it is. Look, to the left.
That may have been a saucer before, but look at it now.
[Chirping] Talk about close encounters.
- Dr. Theopolis? - Still no sensor reading, Doctor.
But it's solid. There's no way that our sensors couldn't record something.
Unless its composition is so different from anything known that a reading's impossible.
- Well, it's solid enough. - And seamless.
No apparent ports and no discernable motive power.
Careful, Buck.
What is it?
A riddle wrapped in an enigma.
[Chirping] Watch the straight arm, Buck.
If they'd wanted to, they could have hurt us long before now.
What do you think, Doc?
I think we should take it back to the lab.
I think so too.
[Dr. Huer] Since this does not appear to be a weapon,
our first assumption is that it's a gift of friendship from a life force somewhere.
And if we're correct, it may have something to tell us.
We're attempting to open it with the vibrosonic table,
which is an instrument that separates molecules of matter at their natural interface.
Well, like, uh, some kind of sonic diamond cutter, or...
If I understand you correctly, yes.
At precisely the right tone,
the orb should separate.
[Humming]
[Whirring] Look.
[Chirping] Somebody must have said the magic word.
- What is it, Doc? - I don't know.
I'll get the macro magnifier.
Looks like a microchip of some kind.
Prepare the macro magnifier, please.
Very well. Start the magnifying process, please.
Cryptographs. With the universal language.
And patternings. Yes, they're binary patternings.
A very unusual kind.
Dr. Theopolis, we want to put this through the master computer chain. Top priority.
And I want an analysis of these binary codings as quickly as possible.
Yes, Doctor.
Doc, look.
[Chirping] That thing's hot to trot.
It's almost as if it knew its mission here was completed.
Yes, with the discovery of the chip.
Mmmm.
A bit higher, dear.
A little bit higher.
Ow! Clumsy.
- Princess. - What is it, Kane?
This is Agent Gontril, my spy at Directorate Headquarters.
Tell the princess what you saw.
[Gontril] Uh, a giant sphere appeared outside New Chicago, Your Highness.
It contained a message in the form of a golden orb.
What message? From whom?
I'm not a Code 5 technician, Your Highness, so I was not allowed inside the lab.
- But, uh, rumors... Rumors say... - Say what? Spit it out, man!
Rumors say that the orb contained a secret of utmost value to the Terrans.
That will be all.
All of you, out!
Get me the orb, Kane.
Your Highness, the truce expressly forbids...
Since when have I ever honored a Terran truce...
Unless it's convenient for me to do so?
Oh, Kane.
By the way, send Tigerman to me.
He's been assigned to one of your sisters.
- He's been what! - I have made other arrangements.
Well done, Kane.
I think I'll call you Pantherman.
You're black. You're beautiful.
Why don't you come over here and let me see your claws.
Dr. Theopolis's staff has just decoded it, and the results are staggering.
- What are they, Doc? - You're both familiar with the Vortex Theory?
Yes, it has to do with a hypothetical passage from one universe to another.
That's assuming another exists. In the 20th century, it was called a black hole.
Erroneously. The Vortex Theory is no longer a theory. It's a scientific fact.
The decoded chip is like a road map through the vortex...
complex, dangerous,
but by all our scientific frames of reference, it's navigable.
So this is an invitation.
From an unknown people who exist in another universe.
[Theo] The staff is reducing the decoded patterns...
To a computer disk compatible with Earth space vehicles.
Which means we could plug it into any starfighter's navigation system...
- And end up in an entirely new universe. - Exactly.
Theo, is there any clue as to who sent the orb?
I'm afraid not, Colonel.
But we may have a clue in the cryptograph.
We found a legend that reads the equivalent of six letters of Earth's alphabet.
P-E-N-D-A-R. Pendar.
- Have you heard of it? - No, I haven't, Doc.
Let the Council convene.
Report, please.
Keeper, the harbinger has fulfilled its mission and returned to Pendar.
Good. Who did you select?
A small, habitable planet in its first quadrant called Terra.
It has precisely the military capabilities we sought.
- The second? - The second selection...
Is cruder, more malevolent and completely predictable.
Report on the Zaads.
The Zaads' battle cruiser... [Beeps]
Now lies 3,600 fetics down side us.
They continue to launch attacks against the defense shield.
The results of the attack? The shield has not been damaged.
But the recent abduction of Kodus, however,
gives us grave concern.
Each day, at a given hour,
he is moved from the second to the fifth level to Zarina's quarters.
The Zaad war witch herself is supervising his torture.
His auric energy reading is very low.
He will not be able to bear such pain for long...
Without telling the Zaads what he knows about our defense shield.
Kodus is a courageous young man.
We must hope that he can hold on until assistance arrives.
Have faith, Chandar.
They will kill him, Mother.
No, child. You'll see.
[Groaning]
Hmm? What? [Gasps]
Kodus, your bravery is admirable.
But so unnecessary.
Resist me if you wish.
It will only mean I shall be forced to use Spirot here...
And his unusual talents.
As a transmute, he can disrupt the cellular composition...
Of any part of your body.
Apainful experience, wouldn't you agree?
[Groaning]
That's enough, Spirot!
If you kill him, he's of no use to us.
And I plan to use Kodus...
In a variety of ways.
Well, good evening, Buck. You still up?
Yeah, Doc, I got a lot of things runnin' through my mind. I can well imagine.
Even the notion of exploring another universe... It's mind boggling, isn't it?
Yes, it is. I'll say good night.
Good night, Doc.
Technician Gontril reporting for night duty in the lab.
You don't have Code 5 clearance. [Chuckles]
Sorry, my oversight.
Oh!
Buck, are you all right?
Don't ask. Who were they, Doc?
Draconians. This is an absolutely unforgivable violation on Ardala's part.
The orb is probably halfway to her cruise ship by now.
Another universe for Ardala to try and dominate.
Her technicians still have to decode the chip and transfer the information to a computer disk.
I'm having the computer disk installed in a starfighter.
And Dr. Theopolis's staff is already programming a B2-500 drone to pilot the craft.
- You're sending a drone through the vortex? - Yes. Why?
Doc, this is an invitation to us from another universe.
- What are you getting at? - This could be the first encounter of peoples from two different universes.
You can't send a drone. You've got to send a Terran.
I'd like to be that Terran, Doc.
You'd like to be. At any price?
- Yes. - [Theo] Captain Rogers is right, Dr. Huer.
A Terran pilot will be able to handle unprogrammed difficulties...
More effectively than a drone.
Yes, I know.
Very well, Buck. Go.
Thank you, Doc.
I'm sure you'll want to do the preflight yourself.
I'll get started.
Uh, Buck...
History will record you as an extraordinary mortal.
You have survived the holocaust, lived 500 years...
And now will be the first man to enter a new universe.
It looks like... Kane, what was that crude organic food?
Regulian plover's egg, Highness. Yes, exactly.
I had the chef executed for insulting my royal digestion, as I recall.
Yes, you did. Have it analyzed immediately.
[Beeping]
Yes? [Man] A transmission on the vid-phone from Director Elias Huer on Earth.
Tell Earth the princess is not ready to respond.
No, Kane. Wait.
Let's just see how important this golden plover's egg is to Dr. Huer.
Hello, Doctor. What can we do for you?
Princess Ardala, on behalf of the Earth Directorate,
I wish to lodge a formal protest.
Whatever are you talking about?
You know very well, Princess. Truce provisions have been violated repeatedly,
particularly the recent Draconian attacks on interplanetary shipping.
I insist on an audience at once!
That's not possible!
Huer's transmission tells us one very important thing...
not so much by what he said, but by what he did not say.
Yes. He failed to mention the orb.
Exactly. Not one word.
Hurry your technicians, Kane. We must find out what's so terribly important about this orb.
This is preposterous!
Absolutely preposterous!
The only remedy is a face-to-face confrontation with the princess.
Do you think it's safe to go to the Draconia?
Oh, I've already considered the hazards, Colonel.
And I must say they're far outweighed by this...
Most recent threat to our already-tenuous truce.
I'd like to go with you.
Very well, Colonel. As soon as Buck is safely on his way, we'll pay a little visit to the princess.
I'll arrange for a two-fighter escort. Uh, Major Daniels and Lieutenant Wainwright.
Thank you, Colonel.
Buck... Ooh...
Sorry. L... I thought you might be getting yourself together.
I was.
I'll be here when you get back. I'll look forward to it.
[Chirping]
Buck, uh, we haven't underplayed the hazardous nature of this trip, have we, you and I?
No, Doc. I know I might not come back.
Because in view of the extraordinary scientific benefit to be derived from such a trip,
I felt we need a modicum of... Insurance, so to speak.
You're afraid that if I don't make it back, you won't have a record of this journey, right?
Precisely.
In the event anything does go wrong,
I've taken the liberty of tinkering with certain ofTwiki's synaptic points,
and he is now programmed to return to Earth automatically,
as long as there's a ship to fly.
So he and Theo will act as a kind of black box recorder in case anything goes wrong.
Yes. I think so. It's all right, Doc. I'll enjoy their company.
[Chirping]
Shall we be on our way then? Might as well.
I'm glad Twiki and Theo are going with me, Doc.
[Chirping] Why is it the good die young?
Twiki, um, why don't you go on ahead. I'll be along in a minute.
What's the matter, Doc? Something bothering you?
[Sighs] No, not really. I'm just...
I just can't help wondering what it's going to be like for you up there.
I know. I've been thinking a lot about that myself.
I imagine you have. Yeah.
Also...
This is probably the most dangerous mission I've ever assigned anyone.
Well, don't forget, Doc, I volunteered. Oh, yes. That's true.
You volunteered all right.
Before I started with the Directorate,
we were in the process of testing the new stargates.
And I volunteered, naturally,
to be the first person to fly through a stargate.
It was quite an honor.
Of course, I only flew across the solar system.
It's not quite what you're about to do.
You'd really like to be the one to go, wouldn't you, Doc?
- Does it show that much? - Like a sore thumb.
I suppose what I really want to say is that...
that I'm, well, more than usually concerned about this particular mission.
Mainly because, since you've come here,
you've become like family to me.
Well, I hope you don't decide to take another 500 years before you make your next appearance.
I'll come back, Doc. Don't worry.
- Good luck, my friend. - Thank you, Doc.
[Wilma] Well, how do you feel?
[Chirping] Snug as a bug in a rug, Wilma.
[Chuckles] Well, you're supposed to feel snug.
L... I preflighted your ship.
I wanted to make sure everything was, um, A-okay.
Thank you, Wilma. Well, you didn't think I was going to let you go...
Without saying good-bye, did you?
No, I was hoping I'd see you before I left.
Will you stop looking at me like that. I'll be fine.
I know. I know.
[Laughs] Funny. All of a sudden, I don't know what to say.
You don't have to say anything. No.
No, I... I want to.
You're very special.
You've been more than a friend to me.
And I... I've learned a lot about myself,
about being able to express my feelings,
how to care for someone.
You've shown me a whole side of myself I never knew existed.
I've finally felt like a woman...
For the first time in my life.
And I'd hate to think what I'd be like if it weren't for you.
You had a lot going for you from the beginning.
I didn't think I was going to like you when I first met you.
But you have a way of growing on a person.
And right now, I don't know what I would do if I lost you.
Take care of yourself. I will.
And I'm gonna miss you.
I'm gonna miss you too, Wilma.
You're very special to me.
Well, you all set to go, Twiki?
[Chirping] Ready as I'll ever be, Buck.
Okay.
Do you have any idea of the enormity of this moment, Kane?
New worlds, new galaxies lie beyond the vortex...
Within reach of my fingertips.
Yes, Princess.
Do you think they'll look like us, Kane?
You mean the men, Princess?
The men, the women, whatever.
[Beeping]
Yes.
[Man Over Radio] We're tracking a single Terran starfighter in the 18th quadrant...
At a fraction under light speed, outbound.
Try to pick up their transmission, Kane.
Time for our last check-in.
[Chirping] Tell 'em love and kisses.
This is Buck Rogers. I'm within 15 seconds of entry.
The vortex is directly ahead of me.
Looks like a swirling, condensed aurora.
They're sending Buck through the vortex.
We're experiencing fantastic turbulence.
I left manual control 10 minutes ago.
I'm relying for all drive and directional factors...
On the computer disk developed from the orb.
In all my years of flying, I've never had an experience like this.
The light, incredible colors.
It's as if an ocean of energy...
Was flowing through a single floodgate.
And we're right in the middle of it.
All our controls are gone. We're tumbling.!
Part of a... of a mad scramble from...
to leave one universe for another.!
[Whirring, Static]
[Whirring Stops]
God help him.
- He must be through now. - I pray he is.
Well, Colonel, we have business with Princess Ardala.
Shall we go? [Clears Throat]
Of course.
Kane, that computer disk that Captain Rogers was talking about...
I want one of those to send the Draconia through the vortex.
The technicians are already working on it, Highness.
Oh.
[Exhales]
Well, we made it through, Twiki. [Chirping] Yeah, just barely.
Kodus is being moved.
They're going to torture him again.
The perimeter sensors just reported an unknown through the vortex.
Help is on its way.
Mother, it is useless.
No, Chandar.
Our observers say this one is very special.
Yeah.
A different universe.
Doesn't feel different.
[Chirping] That's different.
It's surrounded by a gigantic bubble, Twiki.
[Chirping] Not again!
Hold on, Twiki. Look!
[Theo] My memory bank has no record of any creatures like these.
[Chirping] Yeah? Who are they, Buck? Whoa, there!
I guess they're not all dead.
It looks like some kind of space zoo, Twiki.
[Chirping] And we didn't bring any peanuts.
[Buck] They look like stuffed animals.
Look ahead, Twiki.
That must be Pendar, Twiki.
[Chirping] I hope they don't mind us dropping in.
We've got an engraved invitation, remember?
Looks like we're being guided in.
Dr. Huer.
And Colonel Deering. What brings you here?
Princess, the incidents involving Draconian violation ofTerran space...
Are intolerable.
Well, I can assure you, Doctor, I'm doing everything possible...
To control the actions of these dreadful marauders.
What about the attack on the Directorate lab?
That was a violation of the highest order, Princess. Our truce...
Exists to preserve our best interest, Doctor.
And in this case, my best interest took precedence over the truce.
I'm sure had you been in my place, you would have acted accordingly.
I must demand that you return the orb to the Directorate.
[Laughs] Demand, Doctor?
I'm afraid you're not in a position to demand a great deal of anything.
Princess, if you insist on this course of action...
The orb will be returned to you, Doctor.
I have no further use for it.
Yes, that is correct. "Wilma," isn't it?
We've deciphered the cryptography some time ago.
That orb was meant for our use. An invitation from another culture.
Yes, but I so hate to miss a good party.
- And that is your final word? - On this subject, Doctor.
Then you may consider yourself once again on a war footing with Earth.
We'll be leaving immediately.
What is the meaning of this?
You'll be going nowhere, Dr. Huer.
The Draconia is fitted with a computer disk exactly like Captain Rogers's.
Very shortly, we'll be entering the vortex.
And I will allow no one to interfere with this, which is what you would do if I let you go.
Princess, I cannot protest this action strongly enough.
Then don't bother, Doctor. It won't do you any good.
[Chirping] What an entrance!
Hello, Captain Rogers.
[Chirping] She knows you, Buck.
I don't believe we've ever met, at least not in this lifetime.
My name is Chandar. And if you'll please come with me,
the Council and the Keeper are expecting you.
Princess, the monitor indicates we've just entered the vortex.
Well, they could have had the courtesy to warn us about this.
You're very quiet, Captain. Well, it's been a long trip.
[Chirping] And a cuckoo one.
You must be curious about the life field which surrounds Pendar.
You mean that menagerie we passed through? Yes.
Curious is an understatement.
Eons ago, Pendar was invaded by aliens and nearly destroyed.
Fortunately, we overcame them...
And placed them in the life field which you passed through.
Why? The Pendarans are a life-loving people, Captain.
It would be impossible for us to kill other beings, even those trying to kill us.
I know that must sound very strange to you. Not strange, remarkable.
Our scientists created the life field as an alternative to killing the aliens.
They've been there for a thousand years, trapped in time and space.
And living? Oh, yes. Forever.
Some people would consider that a fate worse than death.
Captain, the Pendarans do not.
I can't get over how similar Pendar is to Earth. At least the way it used to be.
What do you mean? Well, the trees, the flowers, the grass.
It's almost exactly the way I remember it.
You mean, before the holocaust.
You know about that too? Yes.
Yeah, Earth was beautiful then.
[Chirping] What do you mean was? It still is. Hmm.
Tell me, Captain, does everyone on Earth have an automated companion?
Oh, you mean an ambu-quad? [Chuckles] No, not really.
I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. [Chirping] Yeah, we're a real team.
How nice for you. We have automated units also. Oh, really? Great.
Twiki, you might have a chance to make some new friends while you're here.
[Chirping] Do they play ping-pool around here?
Ping-pool? [Laughs]
I was afraid of that.
Welcome to Pendar, Captain Rogers.
Thank you for the invitation. Who are you?
I am the Keeper, the sole physical link...
Between the master computer and the Pendaran Council.
We come from two different universes, Keeper, and yet you speak to me in my own language.
And your environment is almost exactly the same as I just left.
It only seems to be, Captain Rogers.
You see, in our natural state,
we exist as more subtle bodies.
Light creatures.
So that we can work together,
our entire world appears as you in a baser form.
Work with me?
May the Council convene.
Tora, first explain to Captain Rogers...
The nature of our current dispute...
With the war witch Zarina and the planet Zaad.
Zaad is at a distance from us roughly the equivalent...
Between your Earth and Mars.
It is ruled by a woman...
Who has ravaged every other habitable planet in the system...
And now wishes to ravage ours.
She lies two solar days off Pendar in her giant battle cruiser...
Planning her attack.
You will never succeed, Zarina. My people...
Are like children...
With their lofty concern for the sanctity of life.
To live, one must be willing to die.
Or... Kill.
Don't be angry, Kodus.
The information you've given me may help spare some of their lives.
For your sake,
I hope what you've told me is correct.
It is.
Soon my pilots will be penetrating Pendar's energy shield for the first time.
And then on to the computer vault.
Yes.
And we will have you to thank.
Of course, if they fail,
we will have you to blame.
If that is all...
Not quite. I want you here...
To witness the attack.
I'm sure you'll find it interesting.
Send the fighters in.
Just as Kodus described.
[Keeper] In a strange way, Captain Rogers,
Pendar has become a victim of its own enlightenment.
We no longer have the means to wage a limited war.
To become so advanced that you're vulnerable to a less-developed people... It doesn't make any sense.
Hasn't that happened on Earth?
Where, for diplomatic expediency, the giant bows to inferiors?
Yes, that has happened.
In our case, we've developed the ultimate weapon.
But if we were to atomize Zaad with it, which is entirely feasible,
our own system's gravitational balance would be destroyed.
It sounds self-defeating at that.
Our second weapon is defensive...
an energy shield, which has kept us impregnable from Zaad attacks for centuries.
Now that is being threatened.
So you thought that as a Terran, I could fight your limited war for you, huh?
In an oversimplified way, yes.
Perhaps you should have asked me how I felt about it before I came all this way to Pendar.
We expected a certain amount of resistance to the idea.
- That's why we also contacted others. - Others?
We monitored Terran's activities for some time.
Your military exploits with the Draconians...
Have proven both of you... Draconians!
[Chirping] Them's fightin' words.
[Beeping]
[Female Voice] Violation of energy perimeter, Sectors S-2, N-1, N-2.
Activation of supplemental beta radiation initiated.
What's going on? A Zaad attack on the force field.
What are you gonna do?
The computer has strengthened the field at the points of attack.
Other than that, there's nothing else we can do.
[Computer] Energy perimeter maintaining satisfactory integrity.
Electron configuration stabilizing at 22.5 megakilons.
You understand that?
[Theo] It indicates the force field is functioning correctly.
[Computer] Delta alert terminated. Hostile forces have withdrawn.
Repeat. Hostile forces have withdrawn.
- Does this happen often? - With increasing regularity.
That's why we need your assistance.
Now wait a minute. Assuming that I want to help, I can't possibly do it alone.
- Arrangements have been made. - Oh?
[Chirping] It better be the cavalry.
Chandar, there's still something about all this that doesn't make any sense.
What is it? Well, if the defense shield is as good as you say it is, why are you so worried?
Two months ago, the Zaads intercepted a Pendaran shuttle returning from Argon.
On board was a man named Kodus, one of our most brilliant scientists...
And the man who created the program which activates the defense shield.
Now that Zaads have him, huh?
Yes. He alone knows enough to neutralize the shield.
The Zaad attacks began soon after they captured him.
Hmm. [Chirping]
So you think they've gotten the information out of him, huh?
Chandar, is Kodus...
We were to be married at the Festival of Life.
I'm sorry. I didn't realize.
Success. Two of the Sharks passed through the force field and landed undetected.
Even now, our strike force is approaching the Pendaran capital.
[Laughs] It worked. Of course, it worked.
Now all we have to do is penetrate the computer vault,
destroy the defense shield, and Pendar will be ours.
[Instrument Beeping]
[Beeping Continues]
[Chirping] Who are you? What are you?
Captain Rogers's presence is requested in the Grand Council chamber.
[Chirping] What about me?
"Me" does not compute. I have no invitation for "Me."
The name's Twiki, buster, not "Me."
I have no invitation for "Twiki Buster." Good-bye.
[Chirping] That guy's got the brains of a can opener.
Don't take it personally, Twiki.
[Chirping] Who? Me?
[Instrument Beeping]
Buck! Buck.!
We were so relieved when Chandar told us you'd arrived safely.
Thank you, Wilma. Dr. Huer. Good to see you.
What are you doing here? Well, we have Princess Ardala to thank for that.
Princess. Small universe.
Captain, we do meet in the strangest places.
- How did she... - Never mind. I'll explain later.
- These peoplejust told us why we're here. - Yes. To do a little fighting for them.
On behalf of the Terran group, I flatly refused.
I, too, refused for the Draconian forces.
The princess's war machine fights no one she does not wish to.
As I told Captain Rogers, we anticipated this.
It seems you've anticipated everything,
from Earth's scientific curiosity, to Princess Ardala's venality.
But you haven't anticipated Terran nature. We're not mercenaries.
Nor are the Draconians.
We cannot force you to stay. That is not our way.
But, of course, without our assistance,
you can never return to your own universe.
Oh, really now! This whole thing is becoming an incredible bore.
Come along, Kane. We're leaving immediately. Buck.
Would you like to have a drink before we leave?
No, Princess. I'll take a rain check.
Yes. You always do.
That'll be all for now.
[Chirping] That's some disappearing act.!
[Chandar] Captain, what you have heard is true.
The orb readout serves only to get you here. It cannot get you back.
Please, think carefully about it.
[Instrument Beeping]
If I understand you correctly, you're saying we don't have any choice in the matter.
I don't like it any more than you do, Doc.
But either we fight the Zaads, or we can sit it out here indefinitely.
- But there are so few of us. - Down here.
But Ardala's sitting up there with the Draconia loaded to the gills with firepower.
You're right. It would even things up considerably if they were on our side.
She won't fight. You heard her.
Yes. If only we could find someone to convince her.
[Chirping] Run while you can, boss.
All right. I'll do what I can.
Ah, Buck, this is really beyond the bounds of duty and responsibility.
It certainly is, Captain Rogers.
This is Captain Buck Rogers to the Draconia.
Requesting permission to board.
Thought I'd stop by for that drink, Princess.
Princess, we are ready to leave. I don't think that...
I did not ask you to think. I'll take care of that.
And Captain Rogers. Bring him on board, Kane.
Don't be afraid, Kodus. Your pain may be over.
Soon my battle cruiser will be penetrating Pendar's energy shield for the first time.
Perhaps you will decide to stay here with me.
We can always use a man with your... Obvious talents.
I'm sure you could grow used to my... Attractions.
[Gasps, Panting]
You'll change your mind, Kodus,
when you see what we do to your pretty little planet.
Just a moment, Captain. I'm sorry, Kane. I don't have one to spare.
Who... or better yet, what... is this?
This is Pantherman, Princess Ardala's new companion.
What's a nice kid like you doing in a place like this?
[Sighs] Kane, do you really want to keep the princess waiting?
First, I insist you tell me the purpose of your visit.
Sorry.
- Now, do you want to move him, or shall I? - When we're finished, Captain.
We never got started.
Stop all this nonsense! What is the meaning of this, Kane?
Princess, I only wanted...
Forgive us, Captain Rogers. That was very rude.
Oh, that's all right, Princess. No harm done.
Come to my chambers, Buck. I'm sure you'll be more comfortable there.
Why don't you feed him a bowl of warm milk?
Excuse us.
How sweet of you to see me off, Captain.
Well, actually I came by to ask you not to go.
Oh. Really? What did you have in mind?
A small planet, another universe.
Sounds divine. Out, dear.
You and me.
It is divine.
And a little skirmish with some Zaad warriors.
You're not serious? I'm afraid I am.
I thought I'd made myself clear on these matters.
Ardala, if we don't help the Pendarans, none of us are gonna get out of here.
Nonsense! I had the computer disk programmed from the orb.
It's a one-way ticket. It can only get you here, not back.
If you try to follow that, you'll be lost forever in this universe.
- They have no right. - They have no choice.
- And I need your help. - Oh.
Once again this sounds vaguely interesting.
How much do you need my help?
[Instrument Beeping]
[Alarm Sounds]
What happened with Ardala? Is she going to help us?
- When I left her, she hadn't decided yet. - That's Ardala.
[Chirping] At least she's consistent.
Yeah. I think it gives her a feeling of power to...
[Computer Voice] Attention.! Unauthorized entry into computer vault, Section 3002.
Repeat. Unauthorized penetration in Section 3002.
That can mean only one thing. Someone has broken into the master computer vault.
Why would they want to do that? [Chandar] The digital reference, 3002...
That's part of the series governing the defense shield.
- Can you show us the way there? - Yes.
Hold down the fort, Twiki. Let's go.
[Rhythmic Pulsating]
[Beeping]
Cover me, Wilma. I've gotta get to that vault.
Go.
[Grunting]
Chandar!
Buck? Buck?
Take it easy, Wilma. I'm just counting my bones.
They're all here.
[Sighs]
Sorry, Chandar. We're too late.
They must have found their way through the defense shield.
If they found a way through that shield, what was the purpose of this raid?
The circuits they destroyed have opened the shield even further.
Zarina is going to be able to bring her battle cruiser through now.
I'm afraid we're helpless to do anything.
Zarina's strategy will be to send fighter units in first, then follow with the cruiser.
The Terran and Draconian forces combined...
Could destroy her space fleet.
But we must find a way to repair...
The shield computer elements.
Now, hold on a minute. The princess is a very stubborn lady. I just spoke to her this morning...
And made a very convincing argument for me to commit my forces to save the Pendarans.
I just can't seem to say no to Captain Rogers.
Impeccable timing, Princess.
Oh, am I unfashionably early or unforgivably late?
- The Zaad just stormed the computer. - Without it, we are helpless.
You were helpless with it, dear.
You were saying, sir, that the key is to repair the computer elements.
And to rescue Kodus. If we can get him back to Pendar to build a new program for the defense shield...
I have a better idea. Zarina is, after all, a woman not unlike myself.
She is... Powerful, intelligent.
She would anticipate these moves.
You won't get Kodus out of there. Not alive.
That's a chance we're gonna have to take. Not necessarily, Captain.
A little woman-to-woman confrontation might be just the thing right now.
Princess, we know nothing about this woman.
Silence, Kane! It's too dangerous.
Right now, what we need to worry about is getting that defense shield mended.
Well, I wasn't thinking of discussing sunsets over Sinod, Captain.
All right. [Sighs]
We know where Kodus is on the Zaad ship.
The question is, how do we get aboard?
There's a supply ship from Zaad that makes deliveries to the cruiser.
- It is run entirely by drones. - That's the ticket.
But, Captain, how will you get off the cruiser?
I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.
You have everything organized, don't you, Captain? Not quite.
Doc, if you would coordinate some kind of defense plan with Kane.
Wilma, you can take me to the supply ship,
and then come back and give Dr. Huer and Kane a hand.
Is that all right, Princess?
Whatever you say, Captain.
By the way, this working together is just temporary.
Don't get used to it, any of you.
[Chirping] Sweet kid.
Be nice to her, Twiki. Right now we need her.
All of us.
Captain Buck Rogers! Who does he think he's dealing with?
Princess, we're all together in this.
Oh, shut up, Kane! Just listen to what I'm going to say.
You're gonna be so vulnerable, Buck.
I'll be on and off that cruiser in two seconds. No problem.
I've heard that before.
[Buck] There's the supply ship, Wilma. Stand by to board.
I'm ready. Yes, Princess.
I know what you're thinking, Kane.
Don't say it.
Halt!
Welcome, Captain Rogers.
- How did you know I was coming? - I just can't keep a secret, Captain.
Why did I bother to ask?
Your plan was clever,
but mine is so much more civilized.
The princess just arrived, Captain.
Yes, and we have so much to discuss, Zarina, woman-to-woman.
I prefer man-to-woman, Princess.
[Inaudible]
Secure them below.
I have important information for you, Zarina!
- It will keep. - I don't think you understand!
Buck?
Buck, please talk to me.
What would you like me to say? Thank you?
Buck... I can't believe you could do something so stupid.
It's not stupid, Captain. You'll see.
Princess Ardala, Zarina requests your presence in her chambers.
Thank you.
Be a good boy, Captain. Maybe I'll help get you out ofhere.
[Groaning]
You seem like a reasonable woman, Zarina.
Perhaps.
I think we understand each other.
I'm sure we do, Princess.
Well, I certainly hope so. For your sake.
If I'm not back to my ship soon,
I've instructed my forces to attack you.
With their princess aboard? I think not. Oh, yes!
They will save me, and they will destroy you and your ship.
I promise you.
You undoubtedly have a proposition to make. What is it?
Well, I will help you neutralize the Pendarans.
And in exchange, I want a guarantee that my ship...
and my ship alone... will pass through the vortex unharmed...
And return to my universe.
- That is all? - I wish to have the Terrans destroyed,
except for Captain Rogers.
[Chuckles] Yes.
He will return with me.
In your universe, they call you a princess?
Yes.
In mine, we would call you a child...
an arrogant, demanding child.
Do you really think you can come to me with a proposition...
And assume that I need or want your help, Ardala?
[Laughing] Oh, pardon me, Princess.
You said we understood each other. You could not be more wrong.!
Just a minute, Zarina!
I understand you... your petty quest for bits of power,
your need to conquer, your desires...
but you don't see me.
You're not that different from me.
In one very important way!
I've earned my position, Ardala. You've been given yours.
L... Am a woman,
and you're just a little girl.
How dare you speak to me that way! I'm the Princess Ardala...
You are excused.
Take her away.
[Door Opens, Closes]
- Chandar, Ardala's gone to Zarina's ship. - Why?
Well, we haven't been able to determine that as yet,
but she's undoubtedly compromised Buck's position.
- Well, do you think Zarina has Buck? - We're certain of it.
And since Ardala has not returned to the Draconia, she probably has her too.
What are we going to do? Proceed with our own battle plan.
But if Buck is on the Zaad ship...
We have to protect ourselves from the Zaad attack, Chandar. We don't have any choice.
Now, if you'll take Twiki and Dr. Theopolis to the computer vault,
they can get started on trying to repair the damage.
Colonel, I think it's best you go to the Draconia and coordinate with Kane.
Now that Ardala's gone, I think he should be encouraged to take control up there.
Somehow I don't think that's going to be a problem.
We'll do everything we can, Chandar. He'll be all right.
This must be very hard on Chandar.
Well, she's dealing with it. How about you?
[Scoffs] Well, I'm alive. That's something.
But now they've opened up the defense shield. It's only a matter of time...
That's exactly why I'm here.
Somehow we gotta get you home to repair it.
Are you all right?
Yes, I'm fine.
Are you sure?
Yes. I said I'm fine.
Okay. I was just wondering.
Buck...
[Sobbing] I'm not fine.
I'm terrible! I'm just terrible!
Captain Rogers.
You sent for me, Zarina?
I wanted so much to talk with you.
Were you thinking of making it a group discussion?
Wait outside.
Well?
Please, Captain. Haste is so unbecoming.
Here we are, man and woman.
I wanted to explore the man who was so bold...
As to slip aboard my battle cruiser.
That was stupid... But very courageous.
Well, you've met me. Careful, Captain.
I could find you very irritating,
and you would find things very unpleasant.
You are allied with that Draconian princess,
aren't you?
I don't know exactly what you and Ardala discussed, but whatever she said...
We spent a great deal of time discussing you.
She's placed a great deal of value on you, and I wanted to know why.
Why have the Pendarans brought you here?
I would imagine to avert a war.
And if that proves impossible, they expect me to fight it for them.
It seems you won't be able to do either.
It's not over yet.
It will be shortly.
We've already established a rift in the defense shield, and it's getting wider.
Soon Pendar will be part of my empire.
The Pendarans are peaceful people.
What could you possibly hope to gain by conquering them?
I don't have to justify myself to you or anyone!
What I will is done.
- May I go back now? - If you wish.
But you have another choice. You can stay here.
You're a very attractive man,
but I could make you a great and powerful man.
A great and powerful man...
Does not wage war on innocent people.
Think twice about what you're saying, Captain.
- There's nothing to think about. - Guards!
Take him to his cell.
Captain Rogers, you will not die.
After I've destroyed the Pendarans,
I will make you my personal slave,
and you will wish you had died.
Oh, no, Zarina. Then you'll wish that you had killed me.
[Theo] This circuitry is extraordinarily unusual.
[Chirping] No kidding!
Once we get out of here, we gotta find that hangar.
No problem. Your shuttle's there.
We can grab it and head for Pendar.
- When do we go? - They'll be coming to take me upstairs again soon.
For more of Zarina's special hospitality?
They've broken the shield, but there are other secrets she wants from me.
All right. When those guards arrive, they won't find you or anyone else here.
- You up for this? - Right by your side, Captain.
- You wanna hear something funny? - What?
Right here and now, that doesn't sound like a bad idea.
As a matter of fact, it doesn't.
The system is composed of modular synaptic antigens.
[Chirping] Why don't you make like a fuse and blow?
Now, Twiki, it's only trying to be helpful.
I must caution you, Twiki Buster.
[Chirping] Do you mind? You're making my electrodes quiver.
Deploy Hatchet squadrons Alpha and Gamma immediately.
Station them at coordinate 55-Zeta-4.
Delta squadron will follow at approximately 1100 hours.
Commander, the pulsar cannons won't be aligned for another 15 minutes.
We do not have 15 minutes. I want those ships in position in exactly seven minutes!
Everything is going very well, Commander.
Precisely as I knew it would, Colonel. Now, if you'll excuse me...
I'll be returning to Pendar immediately.
Get me Captain Sven! His squadron should have left 45 seconds ago! What is he doing?
You are not correctly programmed for this, Ambu-quad.
[Chirping] Look, buster, get out of my life.
Temper, temper, temper.
[Chirping] Quit talkin' and start walkin'.
Our ships are armed and ready for attack.
Excellent! Tell your pilots we attack at 1350.
In the meanwhile, bring that dear Kodus to me.
That is, if there's anything left of him.
Of course, Princess. More than enough.
[Grunting]
[Sighs]
Now I know how the "under" half lives.
Give us a hand with these guys. What can I do to help?
Well, the first thing you can do is take their clothes off.
Oh.
Identification. We're Zarina's personal guard.
And who is this pretty one?
She's a prisoner.
What a pity. And where are you taking her?
To the fifth level.
Oh, what a privilege!
Zarina has chosen to interrogate you herself.
[Laughing]
Zarina.! The prisoners have escaped.! With Kodus.!
They'll be trying for the flight bay. Alert the crews.
Send all available personnel to stop them!
[Chandar] They're moving so fast, Mother. They must be free.
Get to your shuttle, Princess. Crank up your engines.
I don't know how. Princesses don't start engines.
Oh, great. "Princesses don't start engines."
Go with her. Crank up the ignition on that shuttle.
Give me your weapon. What about you?
I'll keep these guys honest. I'll join you as soon as I hear your ignition.
Right. Go.
Oh, this is so degrading!
Nice of you to drop in.
Go!
The prisoners have escaped in Ardala's shuttle.
The guards that allowed this to happen... Put them to death.
It's already been done.
The escape is meaningless. The Pendarans can do nothing now.
The shield is open to us.
Launch the attack!
Attention. All pilots to combat stations.
Prepare to launch.
Buck! Thank goodness.
How are you, Dr. Huer?
We were so worried. About all of you.
Welcome, Kodus. I can't tell you how grateful we are that you are back.
Now we need your services again.
The defense shield. I'll begin at once, Keeper.
Come and help me?
[Keeper] The war witch has begun her attack.
Zaad squadrons are already moving toward the defense shield.
- Report. - The shield is still virtually useless.
Zarina's fighters can still enter, as can the cruiser.
We're powerless against the cruiser. Seventy-two thousand soldiers.
A strategic weapons arsenal without equal in this system.
How long will it take the cruiser to reach the defense shield?
It will be there at 1340.
That's not much time.
I have a plan. It's risky, but it just might work.
- Go on, Captain. - Keep Kodus and Twiki working on the shield.
I think we can hold off the Zaad fighters long enough to give them a chance to mend it.
If they do... when they do... don't activate it.
Don't? Why, Captain?
Right now, Zarina thinks it's clear sailing all the way to Pendar.
If we can lure her into the shield area and then activate it...
The electrostatic radiation might well destroy the entire cruiser.
Exactly.
- That will demand split-second timing. - And a lot of luck.
But it's the only chance we have to take on Zarina and win.
Zaad fighters are at the outer perimeter.
We have no choice, Captain Rogers. Go ahead.
You ready, Wilma?
You bet. I've already put Wainwright and Daniels on alert.
How about you, Princess? Kane will coordinate with your fighter pilots, Captain.
Then let's get started.
[Man On Radio] Eric 30 to Zaad 1.
Zaad 1.
We are approaching initial attack mode on schedule.
There is no response.
Quarter speed, Spirot.
Connect me to my commander.
Of course.
[Kane On Speaker] Warriors of Draconia,
this is your supreme commander...
Addressing you on the eve of the most important military engagement in our history.
We are here in an unknown universe,
fighting a strange foe, with unaccustomed allies.
I will expect no less from you than I would give myself...
every shred of raw courage,
every single iota...
- Kane! - Princess?
Quiet, Kane.
Yes, Princess.
Convey my best wishes to the squadrons...
And launch them into space immediately.
I don't want them to be late for the war.
Yes, Your Highness.
He would talk the Zaads to death.
- This is 1314 to Apple 4. - This is Apple 4.
We should reach this side of the defense shield at approximately 1650.26.
You got that, Wilma? [Wilma On Headset] Roger.
Here come the Draconians.
Careful, Twiki.
[Chirping] Circuit 8401. Testing.
No, that's not it, Twiki.
Try, um, 15133.
[Chirping] I'm bushed.
We're almost through, Twiki.
If we can only find that one last damaged circuit, we can close the shield.
[Buck On Speaker] This is Earth Leader to the starfleet.
I picked up a converging force dead ahead.
I have the same reading, Earth Leader.
And on this side of the defense shield. Which means the fighters have come through.
How are you coming on the repairs down there?
Movin' right along, Buck.
Just one more damaged circuit...
only it's a question of finding it.
Roger. This is Earth Leader to fleet. Prepare to engage.
[Chirping] Don't shoot until you see the whites of their eyes.
[Man On Radio] 1267 calling 1314. Shark at 2.00.
[Daniels On Radio] 3462 approaching on Vector 4.
Sikto 92.
Behind you, Daniels!
Hatchet Leader, you got a Shark on your tail.
Thank you, Earth Leader.
[Man On Radio] 1123 calling 54.
Alert.! Enemy in range.
Just thought you fellas oughta get to know each other better.
Apple 4? Yes, Buck?
I'm reading the Zaad cruiser closing on the defense shield.
Look at your estimated time.
[Wilma] I have the picture too.
I'm going outside the shield and try to slow her down.
- Kodus? - Yes, Buck?
My digital readout is 1333.50.
We're reading the same thing here, Buck.
That's your deadline. Let me hear from you when you got that computer mended.
Right.
[Chirping] Be real careful, boss.
How far to the shield, Spirot?
Four trisecs.
A lone Earth fighter is approaching from the field.
That fool is trying to engage my cruiser!
Answer his fire!
All stations, open fire on the intruder.
This is Earth Starfighter 1314 calling Zaad 1.
- Is Zarina there? - You're a fool, Rogers.
You won't divert me from bringing my cruiser through the shield.
Half speed more, Spirot.
Mount the megacannon.
Megacannon?
That's used for destroying cities, not a fighter.
Do as I say!
[Chirping] That's the rascal.
Let's see. Yes.
Yes. That's it!
Now to fix it.
Deering to Hatchet Fighter. I think that was our last Shark.
Yes, Colonel. Congratulations on our first joint victory.
It felt real good. We'd better hope that Buck's plan works,
or we're gonna have Zarina's cruiser on our hands.
The megacannon is primed and loaded.
Catch me if you can, Zarina.
Kodus, Twiki, how ya doin' down there?
The shield should be closing.
[Chirping] Buck, the eagle has landed.
Great.
Come on, Zarina. Where's that big number you promised me?
He's heading through the shield, and so are we! Fire!
The missile met an energy field!
They must have closed the shield! Spirot, full reverse! We are going too fast!
[Screaming]
[Quiet Chattering]
It has been a pleasure working with you, Twiki Buster.
[Chirping] Yeah. What would I have done without you? Shake, Jake.
I am not programmed with that information.
Please rephrase your question.
Oh, what the heck. Give me five, Clive.
"Five Clives" does not compute.
Put her there, pal.
"Put her there, pal" computes.
[Chirping] Good-bye, pal.
The Keeper!
Thank you, Tora.
My friends, Pendar, our universe itself,
is indebted to all of you.
There is great hope...
And a bright future for your universe...
Iflife there has the attributes you've shown us.
On behalf of all Pendar, I salute you...
And wish you a safejourney home.
Well, Princess, it's been a pleasure. For me as well, Captain.
You know, I've gotten to see a whole different side of you in the last few days.
Really? And?
I like it. It wouldn't hurt to see more of it.
Well, you can see any side of me that you like, any time of the day or night.
All you have to do is... Whistle?
Whatever. I mean that, Buck.
Well, until we meet again, Princess.
It can never be too soon, Captain Rogers.
I was afraid you were gonna say that.
Excuse me, Captain Rogers.
[Clears Throat]
Captain Rogers.
Good-bye, Buck. Bye-bye.
Chandar and I... Well, we owe you our lives. We'll never forget you.
I thank you both.
[Laughs]
Good luck to you.
Well, are you ready? Let's.
[Chirping] I thought you'd never ask.
[Laughs]
- [Twiki Chirping] - What does... [Chirping] mean?
[Buck On Radio] Starfighters to Chicago Control. Request landing mode.
[Woman On Radio] Chicago Control to Starfighters.
Approach on Vector 4, channel locks "J" and "K".
[Chirping] Now, there's a sight for sore eyes.
[Buck] You bet your transistors, partner.
[Laughs]
Far beyond this world I've known
Far beyond my time
What kind of world am I going to find
Will it be real
Orjust all in my mind
What am I, who am I
What will I be
Where am I going
And what will I see