The rumours are true...
... the Skinnies have joined the war effort.
Our former foes are now GI Joes, and our pan-galactic cause...
... has never seemed more worthy or attainable.
Sicon drill instructors are working double time...
... to teach these tall dogs new tricks.
Sure, they don't breathe oxygen, but they still put their bravery on...
... one leg at a time.
And that means victory is just around the corner.
We must be looking around a different corner.
Lieutenant Razak, your call to Earth has gone through.
Hello, Gene.
General Redwing.
My, aren't we official tonight?
- This isn't a personal call. - No, not personal, personnel.
Barely a month ago, we were fighting against the Skinnies.
Now you expect our forces to about face and fight beside them?
They're allies, plain and simple.
Miriam, the timing of this could not be worse.
Given the state of the war, I'd have to disagree.
But this particular Skinnie...
The orders have been cut, Gene.
Deal with it.
Were you able to get me an update on special ops officer Carl Jenkins?
Sorry, Gene, there aren't enough strings in the world to pull info out of Intel.
He was one of ours!
They're all ours, Lieutenant.
Sir, yes, sir.
Redwing out. Goodbye, Gene.
In the Mobile Infantry, squads wore black armbands...
... to honour their fallen.
Our bands were grey because our lost Trooper was still alive.
C.J. Carl Jenkins.
On Tophet, Carl had used the last remnants of his mental powers...
... to destroy a Control Bug mistakenly set free during a scuffle...
... with a certain high-ranking Skinnie.
Carl's mind was completely shattered.
Intel quickly spirited him away...
... and a month had passed without a word regarding his condition.
Come on, show me something.
You're the one playing tag. Give me one with some mustard.
Watch it, Flores.
Officer on deck.
- At ease. - Any word?
Wrong question. Listen up.
With Jenkins gone, I'm told we're one Ape short.
So Sicon sent us a gibbon.
What?
- You got to be kidding. - A Skinnie?
In the Roughnecks?
That's the Skinnie that got Carl fried.
As you know, Skinnie technology does not include light-speed travel.
Those who wished to join the war effort had to enlist as Sicon recruits.
I'm aware you're used to being addressed as Colonel.
That rank no longer applies.
Gossard, set up a talk box for "Private" T'Phai.
It is not necessary.
I have studied your language.
Fine.
I would be proud to wear an armband honouring Trooper Jenkins.
Sorry, we're all out.
Unless you plan on pulling rank and taking mine, Colonel.
Get your cans in gear. We drop in 20.
Tesca Nemerosa, the only worthwhile real estate in the entire system.
A moon as big as the Earth, orbiting around the gas giant Tesca Four.
Sicon had determined that this lush jungle planetoid...
... was the breadbasket for the entire Bug empire.
All we had to do was take the thing and cut the Bugs off...
... from their food supply.
It was day 6 of the Nemerosa campaign...
... but Razak's Roughnecks were only just joining the fray.
We're being deployed as part of a large-scale assault...
...on the heavily-fortified western coastline.
How many parallels are we responsible for?
Just a strip of sand designated Zegema Beach.
Hey, Diz, Johnny, any news on Carl?
Nothing.
- You got any more of those? - Sure.
Prepare for launch.
Nice of Ibanez to ask about Jenkins.
Hey, the guy was a freak, but he was our freak.
At least he was human.
Delta Squad reports that Nemerosa packs a good old-fashioned oxygen atmosphere.
But it's an ocean drop.
So no one compromises suit integrity until we take that beach.
Man, I hate water ops.
My planet has very little water.
I am also apprehensive.
Whatever.
- Alpha Squad, prepare for insertion. - Roger, that's a go.
You're clear. Good luck, Roughnecks.
Live forever, Apes.
How long before the Bugs know we're here?
Not long.
Blue Leader, this is Alpha Team. Zegema's hot. Over.
Roger, Alpha. Big Dog will cool it down. Over.
We're hit.
Returning to Valley Forge immediately.
Ripplers at eleven o'clock.
Save it.
Taking it to the limit.
Fire good.
Kamikaze.
We'll march in from the seabed. Move out.
Big Dog should have left craters we can use as foxholes.
"Private" T'Phai, scout the beach for cover.
- Yes, sir. - Any backup, sir?
No.
Ripplers in the attic.
Open fire.
T'Phai to Alpha Leader.
Corridor to Foxhole 1 clear. Over.
Clear?
Move out.
You said the area was clear.
They teach you the meaning of the word "clear" on your backwoods planet?
Your orders were to scout, not to secure. Pay attention, Private.
Yes, sir.
Now or never, LT.
Come on, Apes, let's show the Colonel how it's done.
Stay back and cover us.
Rico, set up cover.
Higgins.
I'm okay. I'm okay.
How do you leave a man behind? You're supposed to be a soldier.
I apologise.
- It wasn't his fault. I was just... - Shut up, kid.
If the Skinnie wanted to help us he should've stayed with the Bugs.
- All right. - Drop it.
We've still got a beach to take.
That dirt pile is their fortress. We blow that and it's all over.
Marauders, seal up the exits.
I want a captive audience when the fireworks start.
Got it.
Everyone else, clear the Warriors from the beach.
Higgins, stay close to Flores.
He will.
Regroup at the foot of the mount. And watch each other's backs.
You don't want to mess with me today.
Delta and Echo have breached the northern shore.
Blue Leader wants to know what's taking us so long.
We're going up the mountain to blow its stack.
Lieutenant.
- You got a problem with that, Private? - Yes, sir, I do have a problem.
We'll talk about it after the mission.
You do not understand.
After the mission.
We need somebody to stay below and hold the beach.
I nominate the Colonel.
Private, keep the Bugs inside the anthill.
Everyone else, move.
Are we really going to try to do this a man short?
We were a man short when the day began.
Lieutenant, about T'Phai.
Change the subject, Higgins.
Sir, no, sir.
Any other day, you'd be on my case for lagging behind...
...or on the Sarge for just being the Sarge.
- Now everything's his fault? - It's not that simple.
An Ape's an Ape, LT. And you said it is that simple.
This is wrong. Very wrong.
Hold your position.
Repeat, hold your position.
Holding position, over.
- He's lost it. - He's not an Ape, he's a loon.
I'm out of here.
Wait.
He's going to get skewered.
- Higgins. - Flores, with me.
The rest of you, complete the mission.
This is the craziest morning.
My thanks.
We owed you.
Thirty seconds.
Take cover.
Blue Leader, this is Alpha Squad. Zegema Beach is ours.
Sweet.
You know, this is the first breath of non-recycled air...
...I've had since we left Earth.
I think this is what I was fighting for.
Where's the Colonel?
T'Phai?
Here.
Sorry you can't join in the breathing.
It is all right. I did not sign up to breathe.
The Hoppers, how'd you know?
I have spent four years fighting Bugs on my world.
Welcome to the Roughnecks, Colonel.
Yeah, if we've got to have a Skinnie, I'm glad you're the one we got.
If you think for one moment anything you've done today...
...makes up for the damage you did...
Rico, he just saved our butts. You can't ask for more than that.
I can. I can ask for him to be as good as the man he cost us.
As good a friend, and as good a human being.
And we all know he isn't that.
Day 23 of the Tesca Nemerosa campaign.
We were on recon in the jungle bordering Zegema Beach.
It was hot as Hades, but at least everyone could breathe the open air.
Everyone except Private T'Phai.
T'Phai was a methane-breathing Skinnie.
On his home world he had been a colonel...
... but here he was just an Ape like the rest of us.
Well, not quite like the rest of us.
Five minutes.
Is that your family?
Ur'ar, my mate.
Our children, T'Phal and Emret.
They're back on Tophet?
The children are with my clan there, yes.
And your wife?
My wife is a soldier.
She has been missing for...
...some time.
I'm sorry.
You jerk. Don't you see we've all lost someone?
That Skinnie is the reason I lost Carl. That's all I see.
My boy's 17. All-star fullback.
Sarge is a breeder?
Bad news for the gene pool.
Shut up, meatballs.
Max is tougher than all you Apes put together.
If he was with me, we could clear this planet by morning.
The whole galaxy.
Family hour is over.
Let's move out.
The boy looks strong. Has he enlisted?
Still too young.
But between you and me, Colonel, I'm glad he's safe at home.
I understand.
LT.
- We're a man short. - Higgins.
All right, stay calm.
It's not the first time he's lagged behind for a photo op.
No way "Jimmy Olson" would leave his camera behind.
It's going to be one of those days.
Rico, take my hand.
Dream on.
Nice.
Higgins may be down there. T'Phai, you're going in.
String a line.
You can't let...
Do you see anyone else in a full power suit?
You're walking the line. You and Gossard, patrol the perimeter.
Sir, yes, sir.
I am so not liking my life right now.
I can see nothing.
Higgins can't swim.
He can hold his breath two or three minutes at least.
How long has it been?
Gossard, Rico, any sign of Paperboy out your way?
Nothing north or west.
Gossard?
Nothing as far as I can...
Gossard? Get T'Phai out of there.
You heard the LT. Pull.
Rico, converge on Gossard's last position.
Gossard?
Gossard, where are you?
I'm not big on coincidence.
Something's picking us off. Teams of two for a wide perimeter search.
Doc, you're with me. Brutto, take Flores.
Rico, you and T'Phai.
You can't team me up with...
In war, the Ape next to you is your lifeline, your brother.
So not another word.
Sir, yes, sir.
What's that?
LT?
Razak!
We lost Razak.
We're on our way. Keep talking.
I only turned away for a...
Doc.
- Now what? - You're the O.C., Sarge, you tell us.
Colonel, on Tophet, your army ever battle...
...any kind of stealth Bug with this M.O.?
His army? If his army had defended their own planet...
...if they hadn't become zombie slaves, Carl wouldn't have gotten his brain fried...
...and he'd be here to find Razak and the squad.
The answer to your question is, "No."
Listen up.
We'll take to the trees and split off four ways, cover more territory.
LT wanted us in teams of two.
LT had his way of doing things.
I've got mine.
Jump jets on.
What are you waiting for?
I see something.
I'm in pursuit.
Whatever it is, it's big...
...and fast.
Talk to us, Sarge.
Brutto!
So much for the Brutto approach.
T'Phai, any suggestions?
Why are you asking him?
Rico, wake up.
The Colonel's had command experience. Maybe he should be giving the orders now.
Four words, Diz: "Over my dead body."
Look out!
Dizzy!
- You'll hit Diz. - I would not.
She was watching your backside. Why weren't you watching hers?
This is another one on you.
I'm aware of my debts and my duty.
We will find her. We will find them all.
There, a trail.
Fine. Stay here.
It seeks to isolate its victims. We must not give it the opportunity.
One of those days.
Is that what I think it is?
A Raptor Bird.
Cocooned, but intact.
Maybe daddy longlegs is stocking up on canned goods.
If it's anything like Earth spiders, it keeps its prey alive until it feeds.
We have to find the squad before suppertime.
Today, Colonel.
What?
Yes, I'm coming.
What's your problem now?
I feel a chill.
A chill? It's 105 out here.
On Tophet, 105 is...
This isn't Tophet. So quit whining.
Thorns, quicksand, swamps, now a cliff?
That's its plan, leaving webs behind to lead us on a wild-Bug chase.
That thing is trying to wear us down.
You're more trouble than the Spider.
Disconnect, Rico.
This isn't Zegema Beach.
Dig in. Climb.
Do it.
Your jump jet. Use it.
Acknowledged.
What are you doing?
I'm never going to live this down. Colonel, make with the rockets, now.
Colonel!
Get off me, I can't...
I seem to have gained another debt.
No.
We're even.
What is wrong with me?
It's not you.
Your temperature control unit has been shredded.
The Spider must've torn it up.
I'm guessing you have hypothermia.
Can you repair the device?
No, we need Gossard.
Keep moving, it'll keep you warm.
I don't have time for this.
Cry to your wife later. I'm sick of hearing about her.
Besides, with your track record you're probably the reason...
...she's missing in the first place.
That's assuming she didn't ditch you for someone who could actually fight.
You couldn't protect her when she needed you most.
With a father like you, it's a miracle your kids weren't taken, too.
I will destroy you, human.
That's the Colonel I remember.
You sought to anger me, why?
I sought to wake you up.
My condition is unchanged, but I am awake.
Good, because I think it's time for plan B.
Home sweet home.
You're going down.
You are not going to win.
Yes!
T'Phai.
You were right, Rico.
The cocoon was surprisingly warm.
Come on, T'Phai, quit whining.
T'Phai! Gossard.
Where's Gossard?
Rico?
What's going on?
Listen, his temperature control unit is shot.
Hypothermia. He's running out of time.
Can you fix it?
I don't know.
Way to go, Goss.
How's he doing?
Saved the best for last?
Don't everyone welcome me back at once.
I must be dreaming. Don't you two hate each other?
Takes too much effort.
It was finally unanimous.
T'Phai was an Ape.
Poor guy.
Day 45 of the Tesca Nemerosa campaign.
Another routine jungle patrol spoiled by those pesky Bugs.
I'm not happy.
Marauder's running on fumes here. We better wrap this up.
Copy that. Fall back.
All clear.
Hey, sergeants first.
We like you better gift-wrapped.
Fresh air.
Hold still, Goss.
- How is he? - Just a scratch.
But it is his eye, so I'd rather not take any chances.
Gossard.
How many fingers am I holding up?
I'm not usually checking out your fingers.
All right. Back to base.
He has a minor corneal abrasion.
He can stay on active duty, just has to wear the eye-patch.
No depth perception. He can't pilot the marauder.
Reassign.
No, forget it. Canned lunchmeat I'm not.
Let Diz drive the bus.
Sure, could be a slice.
I saw you first.
But... Sir, yes, sir.
Sicon's betting they've pinpointed the deployment location...
...of the Spider paratroopers.
The headwaters of the big muddy river.
Intel is similarly convinced there's a Brain Bug there.
We will head up river and if possible capture this Brain.
If not, we are to terminate with extreme prejudice.
We've been chosen for this op because we've dealt with Brain Bugs before.
Sir, we were only able to deal with Brain Bugs because of Carl.
Without him this sounds like a textbook definition of "suicide mission."
Your point?
You've got to admit, this isn't bad, as water ops go.
Hey, look at that.
They're called Seal Sharks. This isn't a pleasure cruise.
Maybe you could just drop me ashore.
Maybe not.
Spiders!
Marauders, clear this deck.
Brutto, man the cannon, torch those trees.
Clean sweep.
Maybe, but I'm betting they got a message back to their Brain.
It has to know we're coming.
Then we better use the back door.
Gossard, take us down.
All systems functioning at 100 percent.
Would it kill you to shower once in a while?
You smell like the south end of a northbound Plasma Bug.
Hey, babe, real men smell and real women like it.
This is true. My mate chose me for my scent.
Colonel, you're my kind of guy.
Is it possible those two are actually bonding?
We're coming up on Intel's coordinates.
Periscope on main monitor. Engaging night-vision enhancement.
Spiders on top, Water Tigers below.
I don't want to know what's inside.
Arm torpedoes.
Look!
It's turning into a party.
Send our regrets.
It helps, but we can't deploy underwater without drawing the Sharks' attention.
We can't surface, the Spiders would be all over us.
How about the direct approach?
Contact confirmed.
Open it.
Everyone remembers I can't swim, right?
Not much leakage. Our pumps can handle it.
Looks like we go right.
Looks like we don't.
Fall back.
Easy. Let them come to you.
I guess we're not invited.
What are they doing?
Prioritising.
Here they come. Make every shot count.
Fire at will.
Activate locator beacons.
Locator beacons operative.
Doc, you're on point. Rico, take the rear.
Let's move.
Gossard, wait three minutes, then move back into the river.
That'll flood this corridor and maybe cause enough confusion...
...to give us a shot at the Brain Bug.
Better get above the waterline.
Lieutenant, digiscan mapping 90 percent complete.
- What's it look like? - Tunnels are pretty tight.
Only one chamber big enough for a Brain.
Big enough for a Brain and half an army.
It'd be psycho to head that way.
Plot us a course.
Look at those two cocoons.
They must be our Seal Sharks.
All this time, we thought the older generation wanted to eat us...
...they were actually planning to feed us to the youth set.
That's the least of it.
I'm betting that fluid has raw genetic material harvested...
...from the indigenous life forms...
...and mixed with some powerful mutagen generated by those Nurser Bugs.
In English?
We're seeing millions of years of random evolution compressed into minutes.
Why terra-form planets when they can reengineer themselves...
...to fit the worlds they want to conquer?
Then breed more dangerous subspecies as living weapons for their war machine.
That's why they were more interested in the Seal Sharks than us.
I'll bet we're next in line for the Cuisinart.
We can't let any of these species...
...mutated or otherwise, survive.
Brutto, do you copy?
Copy, LT.
Uplink to the Valley Forge.
We need an air strike two cubic miles at least.
What about the Brain Bug?
There is no Brain Bug. This is worse.
I'm patching you in directly to Alpha Team.
Affirmative.
Valley Forge, this is Alpha Team.
Marlowe here, Alpha Team.
Proceed.
Valley Forge confirms your request.
New orbit will put them above target in 16 minutes.
Prepare for extraction. Razak out.
Way ahead of you, LT. As usual.
Cruiser acquired. We're not far.
Warning, marauder power depletion reaching critical.
Perfect timing.
Maintain fire. Fall in behind Doc.
Warning, marauder power depletion reaching critical.
Ten minutes. Get inside.
Can't you guys take a hint?
Marauders, on the bounce.
Come on, Rico, we're on the clock.
Punch it for me. I'm coming in.
Rico.
I'm okay. Go on.
Rico!
- Close the hatch. - But Johnny's still in there.
We can't save him if we all drown.
We'll find another way in.
- How much time? - Seven and change.
He's wearing a marauder. They can't touch him.
Bad news. My marauder just ran out of juice.
Rico's can't be far behind.
Rico was right. He's lunchmeat.
Warning, shutdown imminent.
Rico, do you copy?
Rico here.
Your signal's getting weaker. You're moving away from us. Over.
Can't risk being underwater when the suit runs out.
Going to make my way up and out of the mound.
You're too low on power. Stay put. We'll find you.
Can't hear you, sir. I'll meet you outside.
Three minutes of reserve power.
Shutting down non-essential equipment, radio included.
Track me by locator beacon. Rico out.
Make it count.
Warning: Power depleted.
Warning: Complete shutdown in 10...
End of a perfect day.
- ... 8, 7, 6... - Shut up!
The marauder's down.
His beacon's out, but based on his last location I think I can intercept.
You think?
Valley Forge to Alpha Team.
Alpha Team here. How much time do we have?
In three minutes, we'll have a 20-second attack window.
After that, our orbit puts us out of range for hours.
Acknowledged.
Carl, buddy...
... Looking like my turn here or what?
Hey, Diz.
I messed up big this time.
Shut up and let us rescue you.
No, don't move him.
Belay that. We move him or lose him.
In 60 seconds, this whole sector's a memory.
On my mark: Three, two, one, fire.
Diving.
It's not good. He's bleeding internally.
One of his kidneys is shredded.
We have to get him to the hospital at Zegema Beach, ASAP.
- Gossard. - I heard. Throttles, full out.
You hold on, you big fraud.
I'm kind of tired, Diz.
Only seconds left to determine Argentina's high school champions.
It's the Cordova Giants, 28.
Buenos Aires' own Tigres, 24.
Los Tigres have possession.
T-formation, play action fake. Mahmad, post left.
Rico, square on hard right. Rico, focus!
Hey, square out right. I got it.
Hard right, lover-boy. Ready?
Break.
Area equals pi-r squared. Hike.
Final score: 28-24.
Los Tigres lose.
Carmen.
That's got to hurt.
A shame to see a young man cut down in his prime.
She will be mine.
Can't argue with a hot-blooded Romeo.
But you can cool him off.
There, another spike in his EEG.
That'll happen.
But Private Rico has been in a coma for two days.
You said he was all patched up.
The surgery was successful and the liquid regeneration tank...
...is healing his initial trauma.
But the man was clinically dead when you brought him in.
His brain was deprived of oxygen for a very long time.
I want to stay with him.
No, we have night patrol. We're already a man short.
I'm sorry.
Day 48 of the Nemerosa campaign.
The Roughnecks were on patrol protecting the base at Zegema Beach.
Since you dinged your eye, this is the third time...
...I've been passed over to wear the marauder.
You think I like it?
One rookie messes up, gets impaled by a Bug...
This isn't on Rico. He did right by us and the marauder.
It should have been me in that suit. It should be me in that tank.
I should be the one dying.
Rico's not dying!
Dizzy, I...
We've been flanked. Open fire!
They head inland away from base.
Stand down. Let them pass.
Bugs retreating?
They aren't the only ones.
What do they know that we don't?
Who can tell me the difference between a citizen and a civilian?
- Flores. - Citizens can vote, civilians can't?
Of course, but why? Ibanez.
A citizen has earned the right to vote by putting her...
...or his life on the line to defend the peace.
That's a textbook response, Ibanez.
You're dreaming, bro.
But what do these words mean?
Rico?
Rico, in the Mobile Infantry we had a word for guys like you:
"Washout."
Jenkins, help him.
Citizens, civilians, the difference?
A citizen knows how to live with the choices he makes...
...or how to die defending them.
You just may graduate after all.
Carmen.
Hey, Johnny, congratulations.
You, too.
I hear you're enlisting.
Tomorrow morning, first thing. I'm trying for the Fleet.
I always dreamed of being a pilot.
Me, too.
That's great.
See you there.
"I'm joining the Fleet."
You are such a raging idiot.
Any change?
You're asking me? Where's all the medical training, Doc?
Where was it when he got nailed...
Stow it, Private. There's enough guilt to go around.
You're right. I'm sorry. It's just that...
Talk to him.
Give Rico a reason to come back to us.
Science still doesn't know how much a coma patient hears.
I just called him a raging idiot. Do you think he heard that?
Satellites confirm a storm.
Actually, a monsoon, big enough to wipe Zegema off the map.
- When? - By nightfall.
Retrieval ships are en route.
Everyone evacuates until the storm passes.
No way. Rico can't be evacuated.
We so much as nudge him, he dies.
I've convinced Blue Leader that someone needs to stay behind...
...to make sure the Bugs don't retake the beach once the storm passes.
He gave reluctant permission.
You all know Rico's condition. Anyone who wants to board a transport...
...can and should do so now with no repercussions.
Why is everybody looking at me?
All right. I'm going to assume Flores makes it unanimous.
Rico, this is so like you.
Dropping the ball when the team's counting on you.
When I'm counting on you.
I took a lot for granted, Johnny.
I mean, what was the rush, right?
I'd make you say it first.
Come to your senses and tell me what I wanted to hear.
But maybe our time is short...
...and I shouldn't be so proud.
I love you, Johnny Rico.
Always have, always will.
Okay, I said it. Your turn.
You have to wake up, Johnny, and give us a chance.
Rico, snap out of it. You're no flight jockey.
Give Infantry a chance.
I'm giving destiny a chance.
Hi, I want to be a pilot.
Not with these scores, kid. You're either an Ape or a washout.
Welcome to the Mobile Infantry.
Rico, you got to love destiny.
Don't start, Diz.
Ten-hut!
I am Career Sergeant Zim, your senior drill instructor.
And you are the sorriest bunch of would-be recruits I've ever had...
...the misfortune of laying eyes upon!
To think this had to happen to me. Suck in that gut!
You think you're Infantry? You think you're Apes?
Feet together! You don't rank as scum in my book.
Eyes front! As far as I am concerned, you are all washouts...
...until and unless you prove otherwise.
And most of you will not prove otherwise.
- What is your name, washout? - Sir, Recruit Diz... Isabel Flores, sir.
What's the matter?
Don't you know your own name?
- You find something funny here, washout? - No.
The first and last words out of your hole will always and forever be, "Sir."
- Do you get me, washout? - Sir, yes, sir.
That did not sound convincing. Drop and give me 50.
Sir, yes, sir.
I want real push-ups, washout.
Sir, yes, sir.
Hey, Diz. I thought I'd check in on our boy.
Our boy is in a coma.
- No one told me. - So how does it make you feel?
What do you mean? I feel awful. Johnny's a friend...
Don't you know the power you hold over him?
You're the reason he enlisted, the only reason he's here.
- I don't believe you. - That's a lie.
You know Rico's in love with you. Everyone knows.
Is it even possible for you to love him?
How can I answer that now?
For his sake, find a way.
Good luck. Monitor his heart rate.
And keep a roof over his head.
Lieutenant Razak.
Ibanez, we're not leaving, and the others were on the last transport.
You better get out now.
With your permission, I'd like to stay.
How would Marlowe feel about that?
Weather conditions might make it difficult to contact the Commander right now.
Maybe the monsoon's passing north.
You ever hear of the calm before the storm?
Listen up, washouts. You few have survived the rough stuff.
All that remains is a simple night drill, with live ammo.
Rules are clear: Destroy the enemy, stay alive.
You fall into the mud, you are an automatic washout.
Do not disappoint me. Begin combat sequence now.
Look alive, Rico, or you won't be here to see morning.
We secured the com antenna.
- Grab a sandbag. - Take this.
Shouldn't you be with Rico?
He's got enough company.
You are endangering your squad, Rico.
You have dropped the ball.
You're a washout, son.
Might as well let go.
Johnny!
Clear.
Sorry, son, but it's not going to be that easy.
No change.
Again. Clear.
Sinus rhythm.
Is he going to be all right?
The tank has its own reserve power.
But I just used most of it bringing Rico back.
If we can't get a generator back on-line soon, Rico's life support...
...will cut out completely.
Doc figures we've got five, maybe six minutes, tops.
Come on, washout, get it together.
Lock and load. Aim and breathe. Squeeze.
The primary generator's in pieces, and this backup is shot.
I cannot fix it.
We need a new power source.
My ship, it's still parked on the beach.
Could work.
Brutto, Higgins, T'Phai, brace that strut.
Make sure the hospital's still standing when Gossard runs the line.
Flores, with me.
Come on, you Apes.
Don't get cocky.
Last bunker, Sarge. You want to take it together?
Yes!
We are Apes.
Rico, stay down.
Medic!
Pulse is erratic, breathing shallow.
Ibanez.
Cut main power until I get this hooked up.
Done.
You can't be quitting. Didn't you hear the doc?
Zim will be fine.
Out of the tank in a couple of days and torturing recruits within two weeks.
Besides our orders came through, you and me...
I'm not going.
Come on, Ape, we got Bugs to fight.
I'm not an Ape. I'm a washout.
We're losing him.
Wait for the signal.
What do you need?
Sit on this and make sure the wind doesn't tear it loose.
You two with me.
Come on, Johnny, don't give up.
It may be the hardest thing you've done, but you can't quit now.
I'd be lost without you.
And you, you'll always wonder about the life you missed.
Power reserves dry.
He's on his own.
Come on.
Now!
- Now! - Now!
Now!
Now.
Let's get out of here.
Prognosis is excellent.
- Way to make us work for it, Rico. - Talk about milking the drama.
He's still weak.
You can harass him during visiting hours.
Try and get some sleep.
I want you back on duty by morning, or thereabouts.
I'll let you rest, but I'll be back, okay?
Okay.
Thanks, Diz.
Any time.
Roughnecks, fall back!
Get out of there.
- Cover me. - Go!
Look out!
Now!
Hey, Gossard, how about making sure it's down next time?
No gratitude.
Less chatter.
Stand down.
I feel like we've taken this same clearing 50 times.
Sergeant.
So sue me. Webs give me the creeps.
Got another tunnel, sir.
You're already down there, Paperboy. Care to take it?
Oh, yeah, it's my heart's desire.
Mapping functions operational.
All right, Apes, spread out.
I don't want another ambush while Higgins is below.
Brutto, Rico, take the perimeter.
Brutto, T'Phai, perimeter.
Move out.
It was day 61 of the Tesca Nemerosa campaign.
Private Johnny Rico had been wounded 15 days earlier.
That's a long time for a squad to operate a man short.
Everyone was a little on edge.
Such a waste of time.
I signed on to nail Bugs, not crawl through holes.
Especially holes too small to have been carved by Workers.
Maybe they were cut by some indigenous animal.
Giant gophers or something.
Bugs aren't bad enough, now you want to fight space gophers?
He's bucking for a Section 8.
He's Fed-Net, he comes with a camera.
If Sicon says we map the tunnels, we map them. Now put a lid on it.
Still having nightmares?
No. I mean, yes.
But don't you hear that grinding noise or the screaming?
No. And the jungle is clean for nine clicks.
I know that. I helped drive the creepy-crawlies out.
This should help you rest.
I really don't want...
Keep a close watch.
He's exhibiting textbook posttraumatic stress syndrome.
Higgins, hold your position. We're going to get you out.
How are you holding up?
Great, now shut up.
Bugs!
The Bugs, they're coming!
The tunnel forks up ahead.
What are your orders?
Sounds like the walls are closing in on her.
I heard that, Brutto.
Let's call it a day. Cut her a hole.
Where'd you learn to fire that thing?
- You nearly buried me alive. - What do you mean?
I had your exact position on my scanner.
Scanners, gizmos. You guys spend too much time in those garbage cans.
- Why are you yelling at me? - You forgot what it's like to be human.
No offence, Colonel.
Oh, this is great.
If you've got this much energy we could stay here all night.
Tag it. Let's get out of here.
What a lovely couple.
How is he doing?
Dr. Sharaabi says he's healing quickly.
Gold-bricking? Just as I suspected.
Not my choice, sir. I should be out of the tank in a week.
When will you be cleared for active duty?
The doctor's been a little vague on that point, Lieutenant.
Let's see if I can pin her down some.
Hey, LT, do you hear that?
Hear what?
Nothing.
Never mind.
You did what?
My duty, Corporal.
Rico will be 100 percent physically in a matter of days.
But mentally...
So the kid's having a few bad dreams. Who isn't?
It's worse than that. His paranoia is increasing.
He hears Bugs and screaming all the time.
And when we don't hear it, too, he grows very hostile.
But a Section 8?
You sicked Intel on my Trooper?
- Not yet. But it is standard operating... - They'll mind-wipe him.
Private Rico cannot fear what he cannot remember.
And I believe it will be best if he doesn't remember anything at all.
Can't you hear the Bugs?
Johnny, I'm not sure it's a good idea to talk about it so much.
But you're all in danger.
I'll be fine, Johnny. I swear I will.
You're the one attracting the wrong kind of attention.
When the psychics are done he'll be re-educated, retrained, and reassigned.
This ain't right.
It's not an issue of right or wrong.
It's Intel procedure.
Initiated the moment he's declared a Section 8.
That's if he's declared a Section 8.
Yes, "if."
Guess who?
Back off, Diz.
- Hey, what's your malfunction? - I said, "Back off."
Look, Diz, you know I like you.
But Rico was wearing my marauder when he got spiked.
It's my fault he's in that tank. I'm not going to mess with his girl.
I'm not Rico's girl.
Yeah, keep telling yourself that.
Hey, Flores.
What?
Those two guys from the Roger Young think they own the beach.
Someone has to help me defend the honour of the Valley Forge.
I'm all yours, Flyboy.
Yes.
Remind me to play on your team.
I'll do that, partner.
I'm afraid I can't be of much help, Gene.
The regs are clear.
If Rico's a Section 8, he's Intel's baby.
Miriam, he won't be Rico after they wipe his brain.
Not the Rico you knew.
But he'll be a soldier, and that's what he signed up for.
Then at least let him come back to us.
We can teach him who he was, who he is.
Come on, Gene.
You'd expect him to act like the old Rico.
It's easier for everyone if the boy's reassigned.
So close and yet so far.
I'm right here, Johnny.
What about after? You're an officer, I'm an Ape.
We'll talk about it after they decant you.
Why didn't you ever ask me out back home?
I tried, but...
I had such a crush on you in sixth grade.
Now you tell me.
Can you hear that?
Visiting hours are over. Private Rico needs his sleep.
I don't want any more drugs.
Johnny, it's going to be okay.
No, please. You have to listen to me...
Got to run. I'm on duty at 0500.
Catch you later.
So what have you been up to?
Just killing time until you got here, hon.
They're the right coordinates, but the marker's not transmitting.
Not transmitting? It's not here.
I'm telling you this is the place.
Hey, watch it. Someone's going to get hurt.
Ain't gonna be me.
Save it for the Bugs.
Roughnecks, the marker.
Told you.
What happened to the big hole it was marking?
Just cut a new hole.
Brutto, Flores.
Ladies first, of course.
I thought you wanted me to go first.
I shouldn't have to do this scutwork.
How long is Rico going to be out?
Don't they shoot malingerers?
- What has gotten into this unit? - Do not be overly concerned.
I've seen this before with my own troops.
One man emerges as the heart of the squad.
The glue that binds all together.
The conflicts will disappear once Private Rico returns to duty.
There was a cave-in yesterday. Something's cleared it out.
- Gophers. - Split up and proceed with caution.
You three, follow Brutto. Doc and I will track Flores.
Have the tunnels reconverged?
No. Sarge is running about a metre and a half above Dizzy.
In what direction are we headed?
West, towards Zegema Beach.
Dead-end.
Brutto, Flores.
Get me out of here. Get me out!
We need extraction.
You are safe now.
Doc, I want to know what that thing was.
The Bugs, they're coming. I know it.
Johnny, try to calm down.
No, no more drugs. Carmen, don't let her do it.
Okay, Private, no tranqs. We'll just talk.
You said you know the Bugs are coming.
- Are you claiming to be psychic? - What? Me? No.
Then how do you know what the Bugs are up to?
I can hear them.
I hear nothing, but I think I've seen enough.
Alpha Team to Zegema Base.
Come in, Zegema Base. Our radios?
Check out fine. The problem's at their end.
Could be a transponder overload or a downed antenna.
In an incredible turn of events the squad has found a new species...
...of Bug-digging tunnels toward the beach.
Unfortunately, base is not responding. Is it coincidence?
I don't believe in coincidence. This is enemy action.
Straight up. The worm thing nearly crushed us.
No, you nearly crushed us. The worm didn't attack.
It was as afraid of us as we are of it.
Dizzy's right.
It has no offensive capabilities that I can find.
What if it was digging a highway for something else?
Those Bugs are too big for these tunnels.
The smaller Spiders would fit, but they couldn't take Zegema...
...even with the element of surprise.
The tunnels are for the Control Bugs.
They are vicious.
The Control Bugs enslaved my people on Tophet.
I will die before I let another climb onto my neck and take over my mind.
If they infiltrate the base, they'll hook on before anybody knows what hit them.
Everyone will be enslaved.
It must not happen again.
It won't. Listen up.
We've mapped five tunnels.
Doc, Gossard, blow them up. Destroy whatever's down there.
The rest of you Apes, back to base.
What are you, deaf? You think I'm crazy.
Rico, chill.
Maybe the tranquillisers are making your dreams seem more...
No, I've been dreaming of Bugs since the war began.
The dreams don't mean a thing.
Tunnels.
They're attacking from below.
- They're coming. - Place the call to Intel.
No, I am saving your butts, whether you like it or not.
- Johnny. - Security.
Rico, stand down.
Zander, no.
Move out of the way.
Rumble, grind, screams! Satisfied?
The tank was secured to the floor.
The fluid could've been amplifying the subterranean noise.
Thank you!
- Stay clear, this way. - Evacuate the landing pad.
Over here.
You got them, pal. You got them all.
Rico, watch out.
You, Johnny Rico, are a hero.
- Who knew? - Contact the Valley Forge.
I want a full excavation unit down here within 20 minutes.
And teams of two accounting for every individual on this base.
Do not leave a Neck unchecked.
- Uniform not regulation. - Looks like he's on the mend.
Who prescribed her?
Attention!
Patrol at 0500, Private. Be there.
Sir, yes, sir.