THE ATLANTIS ENIGMA
What's that?
Two unknown aircraft have penetrated the security zone.
Look, general. Coming towards us.
Find their frequency.
Try to make contact.
Yes, sir.
Military base to unknown aircraft. You're in a security zone.
Identify yourselves immediately.
Military base to unknown aircraft. Respond!
Nothing, sir.
Dispatch two fighters to intercept.
We can't take any risk.
Red Leader to base. Visual confirmation.
Flying saucers!
What? Confirm that identification!
I repeat: flying saucers!
Neutralise them.
Whatever they are, they mustn't reach this base.
They're accelerating at amazing speed
towards the base.
Bring them down, damn it!
Locking target.
One has been neutralised.
I have the other in my sights.
I'm pulling the trigger...
Respond! What's going on? Come in, captain!
Blue Leader, do you read me?
It's OK, general.
There was a bright light, then nothing.
The saucer's gone.
It's gone from the screen.
Mission over. Debriefing in my office in 5 minutes.
Roger, general.
I'm speaking to you live from Nellis Military Base,
Zone 51.
Here, just behind me,
a UFO was shot down yesterday.
Specialists in extraterrestrial matters
are examining the wreckage.
A creature, apparently the pilot,
has been taken to a military hospital.
You heard me correctly.
A live extraterrestrial is being examined.
None other but the celebrated Philip Mortimer
has come from England
to determine whether the wreckage behind me
could be of a man-made aircraft.
Stay with us for updates
on this situation.
Find anything, "Civilian Expert"?
Nothing special, captain.
It's general, professor!
Has our alien regained consciousness, general?
Not yet. But a scientist from the Blue Book project is here.
A great specialist on extraterrestrial matters.
Must be Longneck.
Always after little green men.
You know him?
Our paths have crossed.
It'll be a pleasure to see him.
A lift?
Thank you, captain.
Professor Mortimer,
is the creature still alive?
Can you describe it?
Military secret! You'll be informed at the appropriate time.
Are you planning to dissect it?
Does it have antennae?
Just a quick statement!
Is its government offering a ransom?
Professor Mortimer, would you marry an extraterrestrial?
After them!
Good old Longneck!
Mortimer, you old son of a gun!
I've had more than enough of uniforms.
They even asked me to cut my hair!
Apart from that, what's new?
I know you, Mortimer,
it's the "creature" you want to see.
I must admit, I would.
Follow me.
Your friend Blake not with you?
No. Little green men aren't really his cup of tea.
He stayed in London.
Prepare yourself for a surprise.
By the tartan of clan MacGregor!
I don't believe it!
Are we in the right room?
Absolutely. Disappointing, isn't it?
No antennae,
no tentacles...
He could hardly be more human.
Same cardiac rhythm,
blood composition normal...
His cholesterol's a little high,
but nothing to worry about.
But he was found in a flying saucer! Explain that.
I can't explain it, my friend.
This is extraordinary.
You and your note-taking.
Memory, Longneck, memory.
When will he regain consciousness?
You're not going to start as well!
The Pentagon fellows ask me that every day.
I always give the same answer:
science is not yet able to predict these things.
Do they accept that answer?
Well, they're the military so...
- A call from the Pentagon. - You see!
I'd like to analyse some samples.
Could I have a corner of a lab?
I won't disturb anything.
Take mine. No one will bother you.
No one dare go in.
Good heavens, it's orichalc.
Where did I put my notebook?
In the room.
I'm getting forgetful.
Just a minute! Don't light that thing.
This is a hospital not a men's club!
Sorry, madam. I wasn't thinking.
It's miss!
You needn't bother.
I'm just getting my notebook.
Go ahead, professor.
Who are you?
Francis Blake. What time is it?
Four a.m.? If this is a joke,
it's not funny.
What did you say?
Professor Mortimer, kidnapped?
You see that?
A coup d'état in the Azores.
Isn't that distressing?
You'll say even small countries have their share of troubles.
I believe you're right there.
Look at that guy.
I wouldn't trust him an inch.
That's a wise decision.
You're a card!
The peaceful Azores
has had an unprecedented coup d'état.
A group of rebels, led by a Commander Sharkey,
a mercenary thug,
has taken the presidential palace
and ousted the president.
The exemplary democracy
has been transformed into a brutal dictatorship.
I heard a suspicious noise.
So I rushed in.
I opened the door, my gun ready,
and what did I see?
Nothing! Nobody there.
You heard nothing else?
Shouts, a struggle, shots?
Nothing.
The window was open and the equipment disconnected.
You're dismissed.
Thank you, sir.
They found this under the bed. It's Mortimer's.
His notebook. He's never without it.
His every thought goes into this book.
Does this ring any bells?
Orichalc and Coblespiner?
Coblespiner? Means nothing to me.
But I've heard of orichalc.
A legendary metal more precious than gold
with extraordinary powers.
The mythical civilisation of Atlantis
valued it above all else.
But that's just legend and myths.
Did Mortimer talk about his research?
No, he simply asked for a corner
to do some analyses.
I'll take you there. I haven't touched anything.
Professor, your wife's on the telephone.
Go ahead, Blake. I'll join you.
Hope I didn't keep you waiting too long.
I've got what I need. Thanks again.
- Art Coblespiner? - Yes, who are you?
Francis Blake.
I have some questions about orichalc.
I have nothing to say.
Leave me alone. All of that is in the past.
I'm a friend of Philip Mortimer.
Come in.
I'm listening.
- Does this vial contain orichalc? - Let me see.
Where'd you get this?
Among Mortimer's belongings.
It is orichalc.
Sit down. Will you have a drink?
I only have whisky.
I never touch alcohol.
Are you familiar with orichalc?
If I was I wouldn't be here.
With a few grams of orichalc
you could blow up a building.
If it's as powerful as you say,
who do we never heard about it?
What an energy source! The military...
Don't use that word!
The military ruined my life.
For years I worked on ways to enrich the base metal.
I'd almost discovered the formula
but that bunch of idiots wouldn't listen to me.
They threw me out of my own lab!
I would have been able to release a hundred times the energy.
I'll prove it to you.
See!
I only used a tiny amount.
It's terrifying!
And no radiation.
Where does it come from?
Only one place I know of: the Azores.
The Azores. I wonder...
Yes, they're having problems.
It's a military dictatorship.
In Sharkey's hands and therefore Olrik's.
You can't pass here. Make a U-turn.
The commander!
I've got to get a closer look at this.
How's the extraction going, captain?
Still nothing. Not a trace of orichalc.
Still nothing? That's all you ever say!
Let me warn you. The boss will expect results.
And he doesn't kid around. Dig!
He must have meant Olrik.
I've changed the oil but the transmission won't last.
The cable's worn out.
Hey, you over there!
Blake!
Stop him! He's getting away!
Don't let him get away! Kill him!
That's it for Blake.
Where am I?
My head!
What am I wearing?
What happened to me?
How are you feeling, captain?
How do you know my name?
You're a typical Earthling: talkative and curious.
"Earthling"? This is some kind of joke.
You're no longer on earth. Get used to it.
Your father wishes to meet the two Earthlings.
Who's the other one?
Could it be Mortimer? Or perhaps it's...
Let's go. His Majesty, Basileus, is waiting for us.
Tell me! I want to know...
Mortimer!
Good old Blake.
A familiar face at last.
Mortimer, what are you doing here?
Reading, enjoying my rest. Just taking it easy.
A likely story, you old scoundrel!
Gentlemen!
Here are the two Earthlings, father.
Welcome to you both.
I must ask... Where are we?
I don't think you'll find out much.
I've asked but they don't reply.
I've given up.
You are here, in Atlantis.
Atlantis?
The legendary continent beneath the waves? lmpossible!
A typical human reaction.
All the historians agree
this continent disappeared beneath the waves.
Your scholars know nothing.
Look at this map.
It shows Atlantis 12,000 years ago.
The yellow parts were engulfed when the cataclysm struck.
What happened?
Atlantis was engulfed but didn't disappear.
At that time
Atlantis was all powerful.
Poseidonopolis ruled the whole continent.
And then the cataclysm happened.
For some time our astronomers and wise men
had observed strange climatic conditions.
They became increasingly concerned.
All over Atlantis nature was on a rampage.
Animals fled their natural habitats.
More and more unexplained phenomena each day.
Then, on the fourth day, came the cataclysm.
The comet entered our atmosphere!
The comet?
Yes, the comet. Enormous, incandescent...
On the 12th hour of the 4th day
it fell into the ocean.
A monstrous wave washed around the earth.
Poseidonopolis was swallowed up.
Where there survivors?
Yes, our ancestors, the astronomers
and wise men who observed the tragic phenomena.
Sensing the approaching cataclysm,
they and their families withdrew to the highest point in the city:
the observatory.
These proud men decided
to dig into the bowels of the earth
to found a completely new empire,
an empire based on knowledge and wisdom.
That was a fascinating historical survey.
But what is it about your civilisation
that makes it superior to ours?
You shall have every opportunity to learn about Atlantis.
Magon, my right-hand man, and my daughter will guide you.
Forgive my curiosity,
but when may we have the opportunity to return
to our own decaying civilisation?
Forget the world of the surface, Captain Blake.
No one is allowed to leave Atlantis.
You two are my guests
for evermore.
What's that?
An underwater factory.
You'll see many platforms like that.
They harvest the sea's riches.
All sorts of fish and crustaceans
and seaweed which we use.
As food or medication.
The ocean's reserves are inexhaustible.
Just so, professor.
That is why Atlantans respect it so.
What's that?
A magnetic barrier.
We were getting too close to the mine.
We discourage the curious.
It's an orichalc mine, isn't it?
It is our orichalc mine.
It's a fantastic energy source.
Magon runs the mine.
Basileus to Ariane.
Dissident pilot recovered from coma.
Return to base at full speed.
Message received, father. Returning to base.
Where are we going?
To the hospital.
I might just need one!
Father, have you spoken to him?
No, he's in no state to be interrogated.
Inform me the moment he wakes up.
Certainly, Your Highness.
He'll tell you who accompanied him.
American radar detected two craft.
The first was shot down but the second disappeared.
Is that true?
There's only one missing.
In that case we'll wait for his explanation.
Come with me.
It's the first one of our people has disobeyed the rules.
What about you, princess?
You were so unwise as to bring those Earthlings to Atlantis.
It doesn't matter. They'll never leave here.
You'll not keep us here by force!
Captain Blake, Professor Mortimer,
I've already explained my reasons.
I won't change my mind.
Leave me now. If you need anything, ask Magon.
Isn't it surprising that an aircraft left base
without Magon knowing?
That's enough! I trust Magon.
He's the most noble, the most loyal, of all Atlantis.
Your meal, gentlemen.
Thank you.
What is this?
Sea anemone and octopus on a bed of seaweed.
Enjoy your meal.
Quite a wardrobe. They even have your size.
Come on, Francis, have some of this.
What a beautiful scent. Wouldn't you agree?
An allergy? I can deal with that.
We're under house arrest and under surveillance.
You're probably right.
Even so, it's a great opportunity
for a scientist to be here in Atlantis.
Just think what it could mean to study this civilisation...
It means we won't be able to get away
while, up above, the world is threatened by Olrik.
What do you mean?
There's been a coup d'état in the Azores.
Our friend Sharkey is the new dictator.
It's only in the Azores that orichalc is to be found.
We know of the metal's destructive potential.
What was the dissident pilot doing?
And Magon says that no pilot left.
I wouldn't mind a little visit to the base.
Let's take a taxi.
It's as busy as Piccadilly Circus at five o'clock!
Poseidonopolis base. We're here.
Let's go.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
It seems normal enough.
Maybe, but look, Blake.
Look at that one.
It's been seriously damaged.
And not completely repaired.
There! What is it?
Sir, we should arrest them.
Not just yet.
It's steel.
A fragment of an American missile.
This is the second aircraft.
That proves it: Magon was lying.
Magon's an interesting fellow.
In charge of the base and the orichalc plant.
And a confidant of Basileus.
Come on, Blake.
This one looks to be in working order.
Let's go.
- Where? - To the orichalc mine.
Get down!
Attempting to escape, despite the King's orders.
Escape? You're mistaken.
We were simply borrowing this vehicle to...
Silence! You, search the vessel.
Captain!
Look what I've found.
Just as I expected.
But... wait a second.
What is all this? We didn't...
Silence! You'll explain yourselves to His Highness.
How can I believe you
when you were captured in the very act
of attempting to escape?
We weren't trying to escape. Where would we go?
Your Highness, please.
We found the 2nd spacecraft the Americans saw.
It's here in Poseidonopolis.
Things are being hidden from you, Your Highness.
For what reason?
We have no way of knowing.
Father, why would they lie?
Why?
They weren't empty-handed.
Here's what was in the vessel they wanted to "borrow".
Orichalc!
That's a lie. Those boxes were planted.
Whom do you suggest I believe?
An Atlantan who has served me for 20 years
or you two, Earthlings, who betrayed my trust.
Let me through.
The pilot is dead.
Someone disconnected his oxygen.
You even killed one of my men. Take them away!
Yes, Your Majesty.
- You're mistaken. - We didn't do anything.
The principal witness is dead.
Because of the Earthlings, we'll never know what happened.
Be fair, father.
You have no proof against them. They seem sincere.
You are too credulous.
Magon is right. Nothing good can come from Earthlings.
The situation could be better.
You could say that.
We're accused of murder.
I followed your advice. The pilot will never talk.
No inconvenient witnesses.
I've neutralised the Earthlings.
But the princess still defends them.
We'll dispose of them later.
Nothing must interfere with our great projects.
By almighty Zeus!
The moment has come and we are ready.
Soon I shall reign as the Lord of Atlantis.
After these centuries of silence,
centuries of underground existence, confined and humiliated,
I shall lead the people to the light.
We'll crush the wretches who resist us.
Earth will be mine!
All thanks to you.
We made a deal, Magon.
- I've fulfilled my part. - I shall fulfil mine.
I'm counting on that!
Admit it, there's no way out.
There must be a way to get out of here.
I've got an idea.
But I'm not sure you'll approve.
Say it anyway. We haven't time to...
What's got into you?
Look, they're fighting each other!
Stop it!
Stop it right now!
Good technique!
Wha... what?
Patrol the coast, the mountains, the rivers
and every underground passage and bring them back.
Your friends have escaped.
But I suppose you still have every confidence in them.
You were right, father. I was mistaken.
I promise I'll find them.
Fly lower, Blake.
Below their magnetic field.
It's all or nothing!
Let's go!
Look at that.
It's a real Armada.
Listen!
All of you must be prepared.
In a few hours, Poseidonopolis will be ours!
Ours!
First Poseidonopolis, then the world!
Then the whole galaxy! The universe shall be ours!
He's mad.
Captain Blake! Professor Mortimer!
- Olrik! - The same, professor.
Stop this nonsense.
You realise what's happening?
Of course. I set it in motion.
You?
You hear that? In his delusions, this clown
decided he needed my know-how.
Captain Blake!
I'm paid for my services,
in enriched orichalc.
I'll be the richest man in the world.
But you won't be around.
Goodbye, professor.
- Blake and Mortimer, that way! - Get them!
Are you hurt?
It's nothing. Let's go!
We must get to Poseidonopolis.
The radio. Get in touch with Ariane.
Mortimer to Ariane, do you read me?
Mortimer to Ariane...
Professor Mortimer. Ariane here.
- Give yourselves up. - Ariane, listen to me.
You must warn Basileus.
You're in danger. Poseidonopolis will be...
Mortimer? Are you there?
Magon to Ariane, I have the fugitives in my sights.
Here's their position.
I'll get them.
I'll cut them off.
Message received, princess.
Ariane!
Nothing. She's turned off her radio.
Look, he's going away.
Look out there! Another one!
Good grief!
Don't move!
Magon to Olrik, do you read me?
This is Olrik, go ahead.
Ariane and the Earthlings are dead.
We can march on Poseidonopolis.
Give the order to my men.
You can count on me.
Your poor fool! Do you really think I'd do such a thing?
Magon tried to kill you. Convinced now?
The traitor!
Put on these flight packs.
Please understand how much I regret all this.
If I'd only listened to you...
Forgive me for interrupting,
but the worst is to come.
He's right.
How can we warn Basileus now we have no aircraft?
With these? We'd arrive too late.
Maybe not. We'll get an aircraft at the mine.
But first, follow me.
Beyond here is the Sacred Gong
whose sound will warn my father.
But the jungle is dangerous.
Why? Wild animals?
Worse than that. Look.
I see.
Can't we fly through?
The cavern ceiling is too low. It's safer on foot.
Wretched insects!
Mortimer!
I stumbled, that's all.
Help!
Blake, Ariane! Help!
Ariane, please! And quick!
Professor!
Let's get him out.
Help, Blake!
Mortimer, wake up!
Impossible. I'd need an axe.
Just in time, old man.
Mortimer.
And to think you boast of having green fingers!
Ariane, are you all right?
Mortimer, Blake, where are we?
Magon! Quick!
Is the Gong far from here?
We're nearly there.
Let's go.
The Sacred Gong!
It's been used for centuries to warn Poseidonopolis
of invading barbarians.
Let's see if it works.
Then we'll go back to the mine.
What's Olrik doing?
The Gong! The alert's been sounded.
We no longer have the advantage of surprise. Onward!
Alert! Alert!
Blake, Mortimer, follow me.
One second!
You'll help me get away.
Let her go, Olrik.
No sudden moves.
- You know I won't hesitate. - Nor would I.
What the hell!
Magon said he'd got rid of you both.
Blake, quick!
Death to Basileus! Long live Magon, Lord of Atlantis!
You hear them?
I can't believe it.
It was you who betrayed me.
What did you expect, old king?
That I'd obey your orders for ever?
The world will learn that Atlantis is no legend.
They will feel our power!
Today is the first day of the reign of Magon!
- You're deranged. - And you will die!
What?
You?
Father!
Atlantans, to my side!
Father.
The countdown has started.
The city will be submerged.
Atlantans, this is Basileus, your King, speaking to you.
The people of Atlantis will be free.
Better by far to leave our Empire
than to accept slavery.
The interstellar ships are waiting for you.
Go to the take-off zones.
Embark under Ariane's leadership.
I command you all to obey her
and to consider her, from now on, your Queen.
Father, I beg you to come with us.
It's too late.
From now on, it's you who must reign over Atlantis.
I shall guide your departure.
Time is short.
Your courage and loyalty have saved our people.
Accept our thanks, my friends.
Farewell, Your Highness.
This will get you home.
Ariane, I want to tell you that...
You'll never forget me?
Never. Not you nor any of the places we've seen.
Which we now must leave.
Atlantis is flooding.
I won't forget you either.
Goodbye, Blake.
Good luck, princess.
Embarkation completed.
Fine. It's up to you now. Go and join them.
- But, father... - Go and join them.
Bon voyage, my daughter.
On this new exodus,
may our people find their new guide in you.
Damnation! I'm not going to die here.
At last, Atlantis is mine!
The surface, we made it!
She didn't make it.
Yes. Look, Philip.
Her ship. They made it.
Who'd have thought
the ancient civilisation of Atlantis
would play out its destiny beyond the stars?
A dispatch has just come in.
Calm is restored in the Azores.
Philip, look out!
Listen.
An warrant has been issued
for the arrest of Sharkey, last seen a few days ago
at Ponta Delgada airport with a mysterious individual.
The police are continuing...
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