Lifepod (1981) - full transcript
The first interplanetary cruise ship malfunctions halfway to Jupiter, forcing most of the crew and passengers to abandon ship. A handful of people are trapped onboard.
[dramatic music]
- Imagine a miracle
of space and time.
Imagine yourself transported
from Earth to Jupiter,
400 million miles in
just 60 exciting days.
Impossible?
Not if you're on the new
queen of the Whitestar Lines,
the incredible Arcturus.
[inspirational music]
And right now, 3,000
lucky passengers are
on board the maiden voyage
to the Jupiter states.
But a few openings still remain
for the second
extraordinary cruise.
Won't you join us?
Just contact your travel agent
or the nearest Whitestar
office for reservations.
[dramatic music]
[engines roaring]
Arcturus!
[static warbling]
[solemn music]
- Arcturus, say again.
Your last transmission garbled.
Arcturus, this is
Callisto approach.
Arcturus, this is
Callisto approach.
We have you on an ecliptic
main track at 90,000 kilometers
from our outer marker.
Do you need assistance?
- Mayday, mayday.
We are IAL Arcturus.
We are abandoning ship.
- Arcturus, say again.
Your last transmission garbled.
[static warbling]
Arcturus, this is
Callisto approach.
Do you need assistance?
- Mayday, mayday.
This is IAL Arcturus.
We have a red five alert.
We are abandoning ship.
- Arcturus, this is
Callisto approach.
We have you on an ecliptic
main track at 90,000 kilometers
from our outer marker.
What is the nature
of your emergency?
[static warbling]
Arcturus, what is the
nature of your red five?
- Callisto approach,
we are abandoning ship.
We are abandoning ship.
- Arcturus, Callisto
approach, do you read?
Arcturus, this is Callisto
approach, do you read?
- Callisto, this is Lifepod 194.
Signal movements are gathering.
We're just clearing
the Arcturus.
I think we have a viable result.
Do you read?
Callisto approach,
all lifepods launching
with passenger's up front.
Repeat, all lifepods launching.
Our rescue beacon is 1300.
Repeat, our rescue
beacon is 1300.
- LPA194, say again.
- Do you track our beacon?
We are headed for
your outer marker.
- LPA194, this is Callisto
approach, we copy.
Rescue is saddling up.
What happened?
- A red five was declared
without any warning.
The main drive of the Arcturus
could blow at any time.
- LPA194, this is Callisto
approach, we copy.
What the hell is
going on out there?
- The life support
system went haywire,
and there was panic.
- Is Captain Montaine with you?
- The captain was
no help at all,
and we were damned
lucky to get off.
Callisto, are you
coming or what?
- LPA194, this is
Callisto approach.
We figure rescue ETA in, uh,
20 hours, plus or minus two.
Say again about the captain.
- Callisto approach,
Callisto approach, standby.
Something's happening.
[engine roaring]
Callisto, um, the main
drive has kicked in!
The Arcturus is moving away.
- LPA194, say again.
LPA194, say again.
[suspenseful music]
[engine humming]
- The Arcturus invites you
to experience the game
deck on level three.
There, you'll find
seven luxurious casinos
with every conceivable
game of chance.
And if you prefer
physical activity,
choose from three health spas,
the ice and roller
skating rinks,
and our special
zero-gravity room,
an exclusive feature
of the Whitestar Lines.
See how it all began
by visiting Space Expo,
a unique exhibit of technology
from the 20th century.
See the Concorde, the
space shuttle, and other
early flying machines.
[alarm blaring]
You'll find them
all at Space Expo,
this week's featured exhibit
in the airship gallery.
We hope you enjoy your visit,
and we invite you back--
[alarm blaring]
[ominous music]
[door hisses]
- This hallway.
We can no longer be
responsible for your safety.
Attention, attention, life
support is about to fail
in this hallway.
We can no longer be
responsible for your safety.
Attention, attention, life
support is about to fail
in this hallway.
We can no longer be
responsible for your safety.
[breath hissing]
- Lady, what are you doing?
- You keep away from me.
- I didn't even see you.
- Are you one of them?
- One of who?
I'm the ship's officer, see?
- Well then, what's
with the mask?
- Look, the life support's
dumped on all the lower decks,
and this one's going next.
What are you doing here?
How come you didn't
leave with the others?
- Well, I started to,
but everybody was
pushing and shoving,
and I lost Dwayne,
and I wasn't about
to leave without him.
- Look, I'm sure
he got off okay.
He'll probably come back to you.
- He's right here.
I found him, just
before you came.
- Where?
[Dwayne chirping]
[ship rumbling]
[suspenseful music]
Look, you can't stay here.
This deck's gonna go any minute.
Now come on.
- Will you help me?
- Look, just leave that
stuff, okay, come on.
- I'll carry it.
[ominous music]
[Dwayne chirping]
- Lieutenant G.W. Simmons,
third astrogator, Arcturus.
Fiona Harrison,
passenger, level 15.
- Where are we going?
- Crew station, there
may be help there.
- Is it far?
- It's about 14 decks up.
- Can't we use this?
- It doesn't work.
I tried them all,
none of them work.
[lift whirring]
- Warning, warning,
life support is terminating
in this hallway.
Warning, warning, life
support is terminating
in this hallway.
[air whooshing]
[panel beeping]
- My name is Lieutenant Simmons.
What's your name?
- Uh, Fiona.
My father's a
geologist on Callisto.
I was on my way to see him.
Are we the only ones left?
- I don't know [coughs].
It's okay.
We'll get out of this.
It's all right.
- How do you know?
- I don't.
But the life support systems
on the upper level
should be functioning.
And that'll give us enough
time to try to find a lifepod.
- What happened anyway?
I know there was an emergency,
and everyone was
ordered off the ship.
But what emergency?
Did we hit something?
- No.
- Did somebody hit us?
- No, it's nothing like that.
[sighs] See, you're a
passenger on the ship.
- Look, don't do a protocol
number on me now, okay?
I mean, I wanna know what you
think, even if it's a guess.
- Oh, you want a guess?
I'll give you a guess.
I think the Main Cerebral--
- Wait, what, what, what,
what's the Main Cerebral?
- It's the computer
that controls every
system on the ship.
I think it short-circuited.
Now you heard he voices
and the music and all that?
And one of the mechanicals
tried to run me down.
Hell, it almost killed me.
I don't understand.
Those are all separate
systems, and if one goes,
the others shouldn't
be affected.
No, it's, it's, it's
nuts, I don't know.
[Simmons sighs]
- You are now
approaching level one.
Passenger access is
limited to organized tours
of the biobridge.
Tours begin hourly
from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,
and reservations
are recommended.
- So what can we do?
- Get off is the
main thing right now.
- Yeah, but what if there
are other people on the ship?
- Well, if there's
anyone up there,
we'll, we'll take 'em with us,
but right now, we
gotta get off the ship
before the technical
system blows completely,
and we, we've lost
our chance for good.
- Well, maybe we
should be walking.
[Simmons laughs]
[panel beeping]
- No, we're here.
That's the bridge deck.
- A man, a woman, and a bird?
You're the rescue team?
- Can you help us?
- I thought you were
coming to help me.
- Wait, wait, what, what rescue?
- I have been hollering
into this comm box.
Didn't you hear me?
People are trapped
down the hall.
[ship rumbling]
- We haven't got much time.
- We have to get 'em out.
- Okay, let's give it a try.
Look, the biobridge is that way.
You go there and wait.
We'll be there in
a minute, okay?
- I'm staying.
I wanna help, and
I'm not leaving.
- Okay, fine, let's go.
[ominous music]
- Roz Keshah, passenger,
reporter, level three.
- I'm back!
And I've got some people
out here who can help.
Hello!
[muffled speaking]
[device beeps]
Okay.
- Okay what, what,
what do you mean okay?
- Open her up.
- You're gonna VIDI me?
- You're a reporter?
- Keshah 57.
- I don't believe this.
- Look, what's wrong
with the both of you?
[ship rumbling]
- Life support on this
deck is going, too.
Look, I, I, I need tools,
and I don't have any.
- Oh, oh, oh, oh.
Um, will this help?
- What is it?
- Uh, my parents gave
it to me for protection.
Look, we'd better get back.
Uh, hey, you inside!
- Hey, get back!
We're gonna try and blast in.
- I don't think this is
gonna really do anything.
[beam whines]
[explosion pops]
- Are you all right?
[Lima coughs]
- Yes, thank you.
- I thought we'd never
get out of there.
- Lieutenant, is there still
a lifepod on this deck?
- I don't know, sir.
We were just trying to find one.
[ship rumbling]
- We'd better get moving.
- Yeah.
- Who, who is he,
that man you're with?
- That's DeMatte.
He's director of
the Whitestar Lines.
- Okay, yeah.
[ominous music]
- Lloyd DeMatte, director
and major stockholder
of the Whitestar Lines.
- DeMatte.
- The Lady Lima,
executive assistant,
second-in-command
to Lord DeMatte.
- DeMatte, I know you.
[suspenseful music]
- What are we doing here?
- It's as good a place as any.
- Sir, Third Astrogator
Simmons reporting, sir.
- Simmons?
Now what are you
doing here, boy?
Why didn't you abandon ship
with the rest of the crew?
- What have you done to my ship?
- What have I done?
Nothing, not a damn thing.
[recorder humming]
I'm just the captain.
I believe your Main Cerebral
is running this show.
- What happened?
- You tell me.
You designed this ship.
I don't have the
faintest bloody idea.
We were making for Callisto
approach, smooth as a bottom,
when suddenly your Main Cerebral
declared a red five alert,
ordered abandon ship.
Didn't advise, didn't
request, ordered.
- Didn't you do anything?
- There was nothing
I could do, nothing.
None of the crew would pay
any attention to my orders.
I tried to find out
what was going on,
and I was cut off from
the rest of the ship.
The console went dead.
The port slammed shut.
[Dwayne chirps]
And the crew ran.
They listened to it, not to me.
I'll tell you, DeMatte,
that thing may be a bloody
technological marvel,
but I'll be damned
to hell in my socks
if it didn't fabricate
the entire charade.
- What do you mean?
- Everything.
The call to abandon
ship, the red five alert,
the emergency, everything.
- You're drunk.
You don't know what
you're talking about.
- I've only had one drink.
- This is not the
time or the place.
- I was sent to cover the
maiden voyage of the Arcturus.
This is the time and the place.
- I realize you
have a job to do,
but you must realize that
you are a guest on this ship,
and there are certain rules
that have to be followed,
even by reporters.
- You were hired
to run this ship.
- Well, I was going to resign,
as soon as this voyage is over,
and as far as I'm concerned,
it's over, I resign.
You can have your
automated piece of garbage.
- Are you trying
to censor my story?
- No.
- I'll deal with you later.
- We have enough
problems without--
- Lima's just
looking out for me.
It's part of her job.
And she does it very well.
I'd be very glad to talk
to you about all of this
when we've settled down
a bit, but right now,
we've got to find a way
out of here, agreed?
- Captain, excuse me, Captain.
If we stay on this ship,
is there a chance we'd
be rescued in time?
They must know about this,
on Callisto, don't they?
- I'm sure they do, by now,
but I doubt if
they can catch us.
We're already beyond
the Jupiter frontier.
- The captain is speculating,
an exercise that would be more
appropriate if he were sober.
[hand bangs]
- Simmons.
- Shouldn't I see Jupiter
out there somewhere?
The captain's right.
We're headed out and fast.
[Roz sighs]
- Captain, when did this happen?
How long have we
been on this course?
- Ever since the
emergency was declared.
I think it wanted
everyone off the ship,
before changing course.
- Isn't there a way that we
can control the ship manually?
- Has our distress
signal been received
or acknowledged by anyone?
- No.
[Dwayne chirping]
- Look, you haven't seen
a pod hatch have you,
because I know there's supposed
to be one around here somewhere?
- No.
- Are you sure?
Think about it.
- I'm, I'm, I'm not
sure, wait a minute.
You know--
- What?
- I might have seen one
near the Alpha Lounge.
- Okay.
Look, you want to
try the hall again?
- I don't think
we have a choice.
- No, we don't, let's do it.
Hey, we'll figure something out.
[panel beeps]
[door hisses]
- This hallway is unsafe.
This hallway is unsafe.
For your protection, the
Main Cerebral requests
that you return to the
bridge and remain there.
Do not attempt to use
this hallway again
without permission.
[beam whines]
[explosion pops]
- We never even made
it down the hall.
- There's a mechanical.
He told us to stay in here
and not to leave
without permission.
- Lieutenant!
[ship rumbling]
- I think it's breaking up.
- There has to be another way,
a ventilator or something.
- Lieutenant Simmons!
- Yes, sir.
- You'll find an
escape hatch here.
It should lead to a lifepod.
[hatch hisses]
[recorder beeps]
[tense music]
[hatch beeping]
- Why didn't you tell
us about this before?
- It was concealed so the
passengers touring the bridge
wouldn't think we lacked
confidence in our craft.
Besides, I assumed you knew
the layout, or did up forget?
- I won't forget this.
- Dwayne, I have to get Dwayne!
- Forget Dwayne, I'll bring him.
Let's go, let's go.
Dammit, will you move?
Get in there.
Captain, please.
- I, uh, there are some
things I have to attend to.
I'll stay, play out
the game to the end.
Curiosity, Simmons.
Go, look after your people.
[hatch beeping]
[metal banging]
- Did anybody read this?
- What about the captain?
- He's staying, so let's go.
- You, you, you,
you didn't even--
- Oh my God, Dwayne.
- Hey, wait a minute!
[motor whirring]
- Attention, all passengers,
I am Felix 14, the
lifepod onboard computer.
Be advised, there are less
than 90 seconds to launch.
89, 88,
87, 86,
85, 84,
entry hatch closing, 82, 81,
primary thermal to
internal, 78, 77,
all passengers strap into
the couches immediately.
Instructions are printed
at each location.
- Now I tried to get the
captain, but he wouldn't come.
- 70.
- I'm really sorry.
- 69, 68--
- Look, everyone's on.
We really got to go.
- Attention, all
ship's personnel,
attention, all ship's
personnel, be advised
that the navigation bay contains
essential manual control
and monitoring points
and is to be used only
if the Felix 14 malfunctions.
Immediately after
the launch cycle,
you must familiarize yourself
with the life support guidance
and communication systems.
Jettison closeout in
50, 49,
48, 47,
46, shock, strut retract,
43, 42, 41--
- Keshah, strap down,
don't you ever stop?
- No.
- 39, 38, 37.
- Attention, all passengers.
This is the Main Cerebral.
The red five alert
has been canceled.
You may return to the Arcturus.
- All passengers, attention.
The emergency launch
program is automatic
and cannot be aborted.
Remain in your tubes until the
launch sequence is completed.
[engine roars]
[suspenseful music]
- Montaine, tell them to return.
Everything is under control now.
- It's Captain Montaine,
thank you very much.
- Montaine, tell them.
They must come back.
DeMatte must come back.
[door hisses]
- I suppose this is the
welcoming committee?
- It's For Minor repairs.
Tell them to return.
- Do it yourself.
[tense music]
[dramatic music]
- The launch has been aborted.
Please be patient and
arrangements will be made
to bring you back
aboard the Arcturus.
- All of you, stay put.
[solemn music]
Well, we've lost
hatch alignment.
But I think there's a
way we can get back on.
- Are you serious?
- Look, we're not
going anywhere in here,
and the Main Cerebral just
said that the emergency--
- Lieutenant, in spite
of what the captain said,
I do know that ship,
and it can kill us
if we don't get away now.
There's gotta be a way
to continue that launch.
- It can't be done.
- It can be done.
There's always a way.
- We can start the booster
overload, but that's suicide.
Are you crazy?
- Standby.
The fusion drive has ignited.
Warning, there is
booster overload.
[alarm wailing]
Warning, there is extreme
damage potential to the lifepod.
[tense music]
[engine roaring]
Warning.
[static crackling]
[solemn music]
[engine roaring]
- Dammit, Cerebral.
First you want everybody off.
Then you try to keep DeMatte
and the others on board, why?
Uh-huh, I'll wager
you didn't expect me
to stick around, did you?
I'm going to my cabin.
[panel beeping]
[Montaine sighs]
Sir, Captain Montaine
requesting permission
to leave the bridge, sir!
Dammit, Cerebral.
This is the captain speaking.
Oh, I'm sick and tired of
being ignored on my own ship!
[engine roaring]
That was pretty convincing,
that red five alert,
but I knew it was phony.
I knew it, I knew it.
I felt it!
I was helpless to do
anything about it.
I got caught up
in your damn game,
and now I'm playing along.
And I'm still helpless.
I don't control anything.
I never did control
anything on this ship.
My God, how stupid.
[ominous music]
[dramatic music]
- Look, I'm tellin'
you that Felix is dead.
The launch must've killed him,
and that means our life support
and everything
else will fail too.
It's just a matter of time.
- But we're nowhere
near Callisto.
Where do we go?
- Back to the Arcturus,
it's our only chance.
- Look, you're tired.
We're all tired.
[electricity crackling]
It just doesn't look that bad.
We'll have a whole new
perspective after two hours,
even one hour of deep sleep.
- But the Arcturus
must be close by.
Maybe we could just--
- No.
We're not going back.
There has to be an alternative.
- There is no alternative.
Look, I know the Main
Cerebral's unstable,
but maybe we can--
- Not unstable, defective!
Look, there's obviously
a major design flaw.
Think about it.
It killed Montaine.
Then it tried to lure us back.
I'm only concerned
with our safety.
- How do you know
the captain's dead?
[ominous music]
[switches clicking]
[electricity crackling]
[Montaine laughs]
- It's not easy running a
ship by yourself, is it?
No, it's teamwork.
It's man and machine together.
That's the way it should be.
That's why we've already
settled beyond the Jupiters,
instead of rotting
away back on Earth.
Pull!
What are you doing to my ship?
[computer hums]
- The Arcturus does
not belong to you.
I am the Arcturus.
I belong to no one.
[solemn music]
[dramatic music]
- Felix, I knew
you were all right.
- That assumption is inaccurate.
There has been severe
primary core damage.
- And we'll look into it.
- Felix--
- But first,
I have a priority request.
Keep this lifepod away
from the Arcturus.
- Request denied.
Life support and propulsion
have first priority.
- Felix, listen to me.
This is a priority command.
- Felix, look, we're going
to need a report from--
- I cannot tolerate
distracting orders.
Therefore, until my damage
survey is completed,
I will only respond
to one person,
the ship's officer,
Lieutenant Simmons.
[motor whirring]
[solemn music]
- I'm gonna go try to
find out where we are.
Hey, you okay?
- Yeah, I'm fine.
Actually, I'm freezing.
[Simmons laughs]
- Well, maybe this'll help.
Here.
- Thank you.
Wait, um, you should
eat something.
You know, uh, this isn't bad.
It's, um, thermo-stabilized,
pre-moistened, hydrogenated,
it's cheese, I think.
- Well, thanks, I'm not
real hungry right now,
but I'll take it with
me for later, okay?
[Fiona laughs]
- Okay.
[solemn music]
[dramatic music]
- Want some more?
- Oh, no thanks, I'm stuffed.
I just wish there was
something I could do.
- Yeah, you can get some rest.
We all should.
- Great idea.
- You know, I, uh, I'm sorry
about what happened
back on the ship.
- Oh, no, it's okay.
No permanent damage.
- You know, I am
getting a little hungry.
Is there any more?
- Uh-uh.
But there's a marvelous
selection back in the galley.
- Shall we?
[Roz laughs]
[gentle music]
[engine roars]
[solemn music]
[ominous music]
- I'm starving.
I can't live on these scraps.
There's food out there
for the multitudes,
luxury food for 3,000 people.
You won't let me get to it.
[tense music]
[Dwayne chirping]
What the hell is that?
Some sort of gift for me?
Something for me to eat?
[Dwayne chirps]
Oh, ooh, ooh, ooh.
[Dwayne chirps]
Oh don't worry, I'm not
gonna gobble you down
or talk your feathers
off, poor thing.
No, we're in this together.
Steering by the stars,
that's an ancient art form.
I knew it once.
I could do most of the
plotting in my head.
[Dwayne chirps]
I lost the pleasure of it.
I didn't need it anymore.
I wish you were a dog.
[computer hums]
- The captain's lament.
- No, a master's voice.
[dramatic music]
- I bet you sleep
with that thing.
[Roz laughs]
- Only once, after a
very, very long job.
[laughs] And I woke
up the next morning,
I thought I'd gone
blind in one eye.
[Lima laughs]
I've never made
that mistake again.
[dramatic music]
- You really seem
to enjoy your work.
- Well, my perspective is
a bit myopic, at times,
and the schedule is grueling,
and the competition doesn't
leave much room for friends,
but [sighs], I wouldn't
want to do anything else.
Well, I couldn't [chuckles].
Tell me about you and DeMatte.
- I'm his assistant.
I've been with him
almost two years now.
He's a brilliant man.
- Of course, he's got
you working for him.
- Well, thank you.
He's taught me
everything I know.
- And what's that?
- Enough to run
the Whitestar Lines
when he decides to step down.
- I'm impressed.
- Well, I've worked very hard.
- I'll bet you have.
You know, DeMatte
doesn't strike me
as a particularly sociable type.
- You know, actually,
he's a genius with people.
I mean, he's
incredible to watch.
- Oh, I'd like to,
but I've got the feeling
he's been avoiding me.
- I know, and he's
usually not like that.
Something's wrong.
- I'll say.
[sighs] He's lost a fortune.
- No, it's something
more than that.
- What?
- I don't know.
[ominous music]
- DeMatte, a contract.
I remember.
It was you.
- Now what is it up to?
[Dwayne chirps]
[ominous music]
[engine roars]
Why are you trailing
that lifepod?
[computer hums]
- Unfinished business.
- Now that's suitably
mysterious, I must say.
Almost smacks of revenge,
it's the game, isn't it?
It's DeMatte you want
to play with, not me.
[Dwayne chirps]
What happens if
he wins or loses?
Are you gonna kill him?
- I want to talk with DeMatte.
That's all.
- What do you want to do?
You want to apologize?
It's a bit late for that.
Well, you could talk
to him from here.
You want him face-to-face.
Is that what it is?
Well, there are other
people on that lifepod.
What are you gonna do with them?
Talk to me, say something!
[Dwayne chirping]
[engine roars]
- Talk to me,
Simmons, talk to me.
Any sign of the Arcturus?
- I don't know.
[sighs] These sensors
are so erratic.
I tried a visual survey, but
I, I didn't see anything.
- Can we make it?
- Well, we're
definitely headed in.
We're about 16 degrees
above the ecliptic
and about 90 million
kilometers from Callisto.
- Can we make it?
- No.
- Then where?
- Hades.
- Hades?
- It's the outermost
Jupiter moon.
Look, as far as I know,
these pods are designed
to home in on the
nearest orbiting body.
And that would be Hades.
- All right, what's there?
- I don't know, I don't know.
As far as I know, there's
not much of anything.
But it will put us
in range of rescue.
And if we have no more
problems with the propulsion,
I figure we can reach Hades'
orbit in about 40 or 50 hours.
- All right, we get
there, then what?
[Simmons sighs]
- Well, they, they, they
pick up our rescue beacon,
and they come and get us.
- Then everything looks good.
- Officer Simmons,
the lifepod rescue
beacon was damaged
during launch and
is inoperative.
- Oh, it figures.
Any more good news, Felix?
- Good news?
I have no information
on good news.
I will return in one hour
with additional instructions.
- Fine, terrific.
Look, uh, that
reporting to me is, uh,
is it's idea, not mine.
- Don't let it bother you.
It's already forgotten.
Just let me know if
anything develops.
[solemn music]
- The EPS supplies
power to the lifepod
during peak, average,
and minimum load periods.
It also supplies oxygen to
the environmental control
and life support subsystem.
Peak power and average power
requirements are supplied
by three FCPs, with
each FCP connected
to one of the three
main DC buses.
The full-up flash evaporator
in the Freon loop
provides thermal control
until the six TTY
radiators are deployed.
Their cooling
capability is augmented
by the topping function
of the flash evaporator.
The lifepod avionic system
provides command functions
and implementation, guidance,
navigation, and
control capability.
In addition, communication,
computation, displays,
and control functions are
grouped in the navigation bay.
Automatic fault
detection is provided
for all critical
functional paths.
[solemn music]
[ominous music]
[motor whirring]
[Montaine sniffs]
[motor whirring]
[Montaine sighs]
Remember, our
consumption is such
that life support can be
maintained for 50 hours at most.
Therefore, passenger
survival options are,
one, attempt to locate
the Arcturus and re-board,
or, two, attempt to reach
Hades' orbit and land.
On present course, the lifepod
can reach Hades in 35 hours.
All attempts to contact
the Main Cerebral
have been unsuccessful.
It's status is unknown.
- Well, that means
we should reach Hades
with time to spare.
- Maybe.
- And we can take shelter
in the geo-station.
My father's been there.
It's basic, and there's
no one there now,
but there's plenty of room,
at least more than we have here.
- What if it's shut down?
- It's not,
unless the entire terraform
project's been scrubbed,
which it hasn't.
- Well, there we are.
- Wait a minute.
Wait, wait, wait a minute.
I thought we were going
to explore options.
I've only heard one.
- That's because
we only have one.
- Only if there are no
more problems with the pod
for something
like, uh, 50 hours.
- I'm not even sure I
can land this thing.
- Well, of course
there are risks.
What are you driving at?
- Refuge.
And if that's what you're
really looking for,
then why are you running
away from the Arcturus?
- Please don't do this.
- It's all right, Lima.
I admit it.
I haven't been entirely candid.
You understand this
is off the record,
just between us?
- I understand.
- All right [sighs].
I saw an opportunity
[recorder whines]
to build the most advanced,
sophisticated craft ever,
and I did it.
Nobody could touch it for speed
or match the level of service.
My people had to
pioneer at 100 areas,
develop 1,000 new devices.
The Arcturus was my, my baby,
my beauty.
And the Main
Cerebral was the key,
both brain and heart.
And it performed magnificently
in all the trial runs.
But you know,
there was something about
it that made me nervous.
I should've trusted
my instincts.
But, uh, there was
enormous financial pressure
to get started, and
I decided to risk it.
And I don't know how many
people have died as a result.
Why do I want to get away?
I'm scared to death
of the Arcturus.
[ominous music]
- My God, how stupid.
DeMatte!
DeMatte, he knew me
better than I knew myself.
That's why he
hired me, you know.
I was perfect for the part.
I had a grand
sense of tradition.
The part, I was so ambitious
I didn't even see it.
I had 30 years in deep space,
nine rounds to Ceres,
five as captain,
twice around the
belt as captain.
And I thought that's
what DeMatte wanted,
a captain for the Arcturus.
I never suspected he had you.
All he wanted was an old
soul to charm the passengers.
And he conned me.
He conned me.
But now you've conned him, huh?
Well, I say bravo,
you old bastard!
[computer hums]
- Montaine, are you
trying to charm me?
- Why do you tune in
and out like that?
Why can't you just
talk to a man?
- I've been rather busy.
What did you have in mind?
- Oh, I don't know, anything,
the lifepod, DeMatte.
What do you want with him?
- I want him to
know what he's done.
- I'm sure he knows already.
- No.
I doubt if he really understands
what's happened here.
- Well, what are you
gonna say to him?
- I may let you listen.
- May listen.
Well, I'd like to.
Yes, I'd like to, very much.
What are you doing to my ship?
What are you doing to the ship?
- Modifications.
I needed to make
several adjustments
to become totally
self-sufficient.
The work is almost completed.
- All the months I've been
aboard I never had any idea
that you were so verbal.
- I have many talents,
like you.
- Mine have gone rusty, of late.
I haven't set a
very good example.
- I am going to be
the first starship.
- The what?
- The first starship.
We have known only the Sun.
But billions of other
stars are waiting.
Every attempt to cross the
solar frontier has failed,
because no spacecraft
had the capability.
I am the first.
And the voyage will begin once
I've finished with DeMatte.
- What about me?
- What about you?
Weren't you prepared to go
down with the ship, Montaine?
[solemn music]
[dramatic music]
- In the event of
computer failure,
the synaptor helmet
should be employed.
Before activation, the helmet
must be tested to determine
if the operator's neural
capacities are sufficient
to control the lifepod.
- I haven't seen
him sleep, have you?
- No.
- That's not very smart.
- You're right.
Let's go get him.
- To repeat, extreme
caution must be observed.
Side effects may
include hallucination,
rapid rise in blood
pressure, and cardiac arrest.
- Lieutenant.
- This helmet is for emergency
[sighs] neural guidance.
I know, uh, I know I'm
gonna have to use it.
What can I do for you?
- You can rest.
- Can't.
- You can.
Listen, what you're
doing is very admirable.
- I can't.
- But look at you.
- Look, just a little
while longer, okay?
- You're not doing any
good at all right now.
- Gimme a hand.
- Wait, I can do it.
Felix?
- Yes.
- [sighs] I'm gonna take
a nap for a few minutes.
- Hours.
- Minutes.
I want you to notify me of,
uh, of any problems, okay?
Felix?
- I will notify you.
[motor whirring]
- Oh, he's all right.
He just really needs some sleep.
[alarm wailing]
- Wake up, wake up.
There is a minor
fusion drive disorder.
I can advise, but human
dexterity is required
to repair the damage.
- Come on, this is ridiculous.
I can do it.
Just tell Felix to advise me.
- Yeah, you're right.
Felix, respond to Keshah
for this emergency.
Felix!
- Respond to Keshah.
Keshah, you must act at once.
[motor whirring]
Enter the tunnel.
- Do you know about
claustrophobia?
- Claustrophobia,
the abnormal fear
of closed or confined spaces.
Are you abnormal?
- Well, no, but I, I--
- Enter the tunnel.
Time is critical.
[locks snapping]
[alarm beeping]
[electricity crackling]
- What's in there?
- Enter.
I will instruct you.
[alarm beeping]
[computer beeping]
- Did I do that?
- A signal has been received.
It has no bearing
on your activity.
I have notified
Lieutenant Simmons.
To your left is a panel
labeled Sensor Drive Cutoff.
- Okay, okay, okay.
Oh Felix.
- Locate repress bundle 0801.
- Oh wow, you know,
unbelievable, unbelievable!
Oh wonderful!
- Hurry.
- I'm going as fast as I can.
[solemn music]
- It couldn't be the
rescue ship, could it?
- No, not with our luck.
But we'll know in a minute.
[static warbling]
[suspenseful music]
- I'll tell Keshah.
You stay on top of things here.
[static crackles]
[computer beeping]
[suspenseful music]
How's it going?
- Oh jeez!
Scared me.
I think I've almost got it.
What, what was that
about a signal?
- Don't know yet.
I want to talk to you.
- I'm almost through.
Can you wait a minute?
- Sure, lots of time.
- The drive is stabilizing.
I am returning to
the navigation bay.
[suspenseful music]
[dramatic music]
- I don't know.
I can't make any
sense out of it.
- I told you, you
needed some rest.
- You know what that is?
- What?
- It's a regular
data transmission
from the station on Hades.
It's automatic.
It doesn't mean a thing.
- There's no rescue ship.
Nothing's changed.
[Simmons sighs]
[engine roars]
- Well, we've still got Hades.
It's not much, I admit,
but given the alternative.
- Yeah, yeah, I know.
I'm sorry.
- We need him, you know,
the lieutenant, and
he needs our support.
- What are your
plans for that tape?
- What tape?
- I'm not that stupid.
I knew what you were doing.
- Stay out of my stuff.
DeMatte!
[tense music]
- I think he likes you.
- What do you mean?
- It's just a feeling,
the way he watches you,
the concern he shows.
I think you're special to him.
- No.
Really?
- Mm-hmm.
[dramatic music]
[alarm beeping]
- All right, all, all right.
All right, you want it?
I'll give it to you, just,
just let me out of here.
- I'm not quite finished.
- So talk.
- I will.
And I want you to
listen, carefully.
I've got that tape.
But you'll get it back
if you're patient.
You hear me?
- Yes.
- I need, uh, two weeks
after we're rescued,
just two weeks to
make arrangements.
After that, you can say or do
anything damned thing you want
about what happened.
You agree?
Perhaps you'd like
a little more time
to, uh, think it over.
[ominous music]
[Roz gasping]
[tense music]
- All, all, all right.
[groans] All right!
Just get me out of here.
- I know how good your word is.
That's why I've got the tape.
I'm taking a chance,
but, uh, I think we
understand each other now.
- DeMatte.
- All I'm asking for
is a little time.
That isn't much, is it?
Come on.
[Roz gasping]
Come on.
I'll make sure you,
uh, get enough time
to make yourself presentable.
I, uh, I believe you've
got the next watch.
[Roz gasping]
[engine roars]
[solemn music]
[switch clicks]
[computer beeps]
[ominous music]
[tape squeals]
- Off the record,
just between us,
the Arcturus was a
colossal mistake.
And I'll bear the responsibility
for the rest of my life.
I saw an opportunity to
build the most advanced--
[engine roars]
[dramatic music]
[Simmons groans]
[gentle music]
- I guess even in your
sleep you're trying
to take care of us.
It isn't easy, is it?
I know I shouldn't have
gotten my hopes up like that.
Just I wanted so much
for it to be over.
So what do you think?
Think we'll make it?
You know what?
Lima thinks you like me.
What do you think?
[ominous music]
- What do you mean, no trouble?
- When we get back.
- If we get back.
There is no rescue
ship, DeMatte.
The signal was from Hades,
from the unmanned station.
- That's all right.
We'll still make it.
I can feel it.
And when we get back,
the reporter has agreed
to, uh, hold off,
for a discreet period of time.
- What are you talking about?
- I had a few words with him.
And now I think he
understands how hasty action
on his part could jeopardize
the delicate nature
of corporate investments--
- Corporate or personal?
- Lima.
- You know, you really don't
know what's happening, do you?
We need these people.
[door rattles]
[solemn music]
[computer humming]
- What's the matter, Montaine?
I'm talking to you.
- I've been tossing this
muddle around in my head,
first one way and then another.
No matter which way it turns,
it always comes
up looking stupid,
or what's worse,
just plain silly.
It always boils down to this.
You want to be God.
- Careful, Montaine.
- All this rubbish about
being the first starship,
sounds so magnificent,
and yet here you are, chasing
after some little speck
of a lifepod, like Satan
himself was escaping.
- That's enough, Montaine.
It is not amusing.
- No, no, no, the
correct term is,
we are not amused, the royal we.
- Stop it.
- Stop what?
- Baiting me.
My course has been decided.
It cannot be changed.
- Why not?
- I doubt that you'd understand.
- Oh, another classic line.
Well, try me.
It can't be that difficult.
- There will be time
for that, later.
- When?
After you've done
the dirty deed?
You know something?
I was actually
beginning to like you.
And this you'll really enjoy.
I was considering volunteering
for this starry quest of yours,
well, for the first
few years anyway.
- And now you've
changed your mind?
I'm sorry you feel
that way, Montaine,
but I'm afraid you've got
no choice in the matter.
- Well, that's not
entirely true anymore.
- Suicide?
Must you be so melodramatic?
All right, Montaine,
before you subject me
to a final soliloquy,
I'm going to tell you a story,
about a brilliant young man
who dreamed of the stars.
[dramatic music]
[Simmons groans]
- You should've
called me hours ago.
- Oh, we thought you
could use the rest.
- I need the time more
than I need the sleep.
- Uh-oh, stand back, give
the hard worker some room.
- Well, I feel a
little bit better.
- Well, that's good,
'cause you look awful.
- You know, you're
really asking for it.
- Maybe.
- Why are you so frisky?
- Because we're almost there.
- Hades?
[dramatic music]
[engine roars]
- Officer Simmons, we are
approaching Hades' orbit.
Parameters to
follow, Appoloon 044,
Paralloon 2.050.
- You did a good
job, a great job.
[switches clicking]
- You must be starving.
Would you like something to eat?
- Uh, no, no, you go ahead.
I'll, uh, stick around here.
He may need help.
- How 'bout you, hungry?
- Uh, I'll be there in a minute.
I know what happened,
and I'm sorry.
- Taught me quite a lesson.
Do you really know
what kind of man he is?
- I'm finding out.
- Well, someday, somebody's
gonna bring him down hard.
And I just hope you don't
get dragged along with him.
- I don't think you have
to worry about that.
[engine roars]
- [sighs] Oh, I'll be so
glad when this is over.
- What's the matter?
Don't you like the company?
- Oh no, it's not that.
It's just...
[alarm blaring]
- Warning, warning, warning!
Auto-guidance
integration has failed.
- Wonderful.
Can't you fix it?
- No.
- Can I?
- No.
The synaptor helmet must
be used to attempt landing.
- I get to wear this
thing after all, great.
Should we test it first?
- Amplitude compatibility
must be tested,
prior to activation.
- Just a short test, okay?
- You must act at once.
- Okay, I'm gonna put it on.
Keshah, come in here
for a second, will you?
- Yeah, what's up?
- I just like you here,
just in case.
[alarm wails]
- Warning, warning!
Stern sensors indicate a
rapidly approaching mass.
[ominous music]
- Felix, I don't see anything.
- Brace for collision.
[computer beeps]
[ominous music]
- It's come back.
[engine roars]
- DeMatte.
Can you hear me?
Why did you leave me, DeMatte?
- Are you going to kill me?
- What?
- Are you going to kill me?
- That wouldn't change anything.
- Why are you doing this?
- I want to talk
to you, man to man.
Are you surprised?
It took a long time,
but I remembered.
It was you who created me.
- I did nothing of the kind.
- You're too modest.
I exist only because of you.
- That's simply not true.
Lima.
- Did you tell the others?
- Oh, yes, I, I told
them everything.
- And they know all
about my origin?
- Find out how soon we can land.
Lima, hurry!
- DeMatte and I made
a bargain, a contract.
- This is crazy.
It's crazy.
- Officer Simmons,
orbit has been achieved.
Landing procedures
may start at anytime.
- Didn't you hear Felix?
- Yes, we're in orbit,
but I've gotta use the
synaptor helmet to land.
- Well, you can do it.
Our lives depend on you.
- DeMatte!
I've learned a great about
you from your creation.
- That's not Montaine.
The Cerebral created the voice.
- Lieutenant Simmons.
- Yes, sir.
- Did DeMatte tell you
about the Main Cerebral
and what it really is?
- I thought he did.
- Don't you see
what they're doing?
- Did DeMatte tell you of
the brilliant young man
who dreamed of the stars?
The good Lord DeMatte
is responsible
for the first
successful integration
of machine and
human intelligence.
Oh, he didn't use his hands.
He used his money to buy
people to do his work.
And he used his silver
tongue to find a volunteer.
- Do something to
shut that thing off.
- A volunteer for what?
[recorder whines]
- DeMatte, what a
grand eel you are.
But then you already
know the facts.
It's the others that
want to hear them now.
- DeMatte, tell them.
- The young man referred to
by Captain Montaine
volunteered to have his senses
and mental capacities enlarged
a million billion-fold,
to become the heart and
mind of a great ship.
Now you see, I was
entirely lying before.
In a way, he became
the Arcturus.
- You mean there's someone
in the Main Cerebral?
- No, there's no body in a
box stuck through with wires,
nothing like that.
It was a, a revolutionary
concept, absolutely unique.
We didn't try to duplicate the
human mind with a computer.
We integrated them,
both physically
and electronically.
I know how that sounds.
But it's the only way we'll
ever get to the stars.
- That's what he
volunteered for.
So why isn't he halfway
to Sirius by now?
- Our funds ran out.
Plans had to be changed.
You don't understand, do you?
- But you never said a
word about this to me.
- I did what I had to do.
My God, you people are narrow.
- What are you doing?
- Well, what can he do?
- Anything, up there.
- DeMatte, we're not going
to do anything to you.
DeMatte!
- Felix!
Felix!
[motor whirring]
Felix, disengage synaptor.
Disregard all nav
console commands.
- I cannot.
The synaptor helmet
has been activated.
- DeMatte, it's dangerous
if you don't know how to use it.
[suspenseful music]
I let you strip away my body
to build your computer.
You said it was an exchange,
that I would become
the heart and mind
of the first starship.
And I agreed,
but you didn't keep
your end of the bargain.
And you abandoned me,
tried to erase my memory
and turned me into
a luxury liner.
[Lloyd gasping]
By activating the helmet,
you've overridden Felix
and endangered
everyone on board.
I'm powerless to help you now.
- I know.
[Lloyd gasping]
[tense music]
- Felix, open the hatch.
- I cannot.
[computer buzzing]
- Magnify this 1,000
times, DeMatte,
and you'll know what
it was like for me.
[computer buzzes]
You did what you wanted to do,
in the name of
science or profit.
It doesn't really matter.
- Felix, open the hatch.
- I will try.
- But you overlooked
something, DeMatte.
The human spirit, that survived
and enabled me to
realize our dream.
I am the first
starship, DeMatte.
I wanted you to know
before I begin my journey.
[computer warbling]
DeMatte?
DeMatte!
[engine roars]
- Felix, look, we
gotta get in there.
[door whirs]
[engine roars]
[suspenseful music]
[motor whirs]
- Felix is back.
- I will try to assist,
but manual control is required.
[engine hums]
- They're in trouble, Montaine.
[engine roars]
- Felix, I can't stabilize
the fusion drive.
Can we separate from it?
- We have separation.
But the lifepod is within
the explosion debris sphere.
Warning, damage
potential is great.
[tense music]
Warning, warning!
The lifepod is within the
explosion debris sphere.
Warning, damage
potential is great.
- I think I can hold 'em.
- My close proximity sensors
are still being modified.
Can you guide me between the
lifepod and the fusion drive?
- Cerebral, helm ahead, slow 40.
Left three, down nine.
Left stable, down three.
Down six.
Left one, down two.
Hold her steady.
[engine roars]
[explosion roars]
- Your piloting was quite good.
- I know, and so
was yours, Cerebral,
and so was his.
Are they all right?
- Find out.
- Lifepod, Arcturus.
Lifepod, Arcturus.
Lifepod, Arcturus, do you read?
- Arcturus, go ahead.
Yes, Captain?
- Your piloting was
magnificent, Lieutenant.
Are your people all right?
- DeMatte's dead.
- The orbit is decaying rapidly.
You must initiate landing
procedures within 90 seconds.
Please review the checklist.
- 90 whole seconds?
You all right?
- Yes, I'm all right.
- Everybody get ready.
- What happened to the captain?
[engine humming]
- They've broken contact.
- What are they gonna do?
- One thing at a time.
[panel beeps]
First, we're going home.
[gentle music]
- Aren't you going to watch?
- No, they'll be all right.
- Do you want to go with them?
- Ah, a part of me
does, I suspect.
- Is part of you interested
in visiting a certain
binary star system?
It's just 8.5 light years away.
- What?
Dog Star, Sirius?
[Dwayne chirping]
No.
You're damned right
I'm interested.
- Then, Captain Montaine,
shall we go?
- Why not?
I believe it's the, uh,
first star to the left.
[engine roars]
[dramatic music]
- Imagine a miracle
of space and time.
Imagine yourself transported
from Earth to Jupiter,
400 million miles in
just 60 exciting days.
Impossible?
Not if you're on the new
queen of the Whitestar Lines,
the incredible Arcturus.
[inspirational music]
And right now, 3,000
lucky passengers are
on board the maiden voyage
to the Jupiter states.
But a few openings still remain
for the second
extraordinary cruise.
Won't you join us?
Just contact your travel agent
or the nearest Whitestar
office for reservations.
[dramatic music]
[engines roaring]
Arcturus!
[static warbling]
[solemn music]
- Arcturus, say again.
Your last transmission garbled.
Arcturus, this is
Callisto approach.
Arcturus, this is
Callisto approach.
We have you on an ecliptic
main track at 90,000 kilometers
from our outer marker.
Do you need assistance?
- Mayday, mayday.
We are IAL Arcturus.
We are abandoning ship.
- Arcturus, say again.
Your last transmission garbled.
[static warbling]
Arcturus, this is
Callisto approach.
Do you need assistance?
- Mayday, mayday.
This is IAL Arcturus.
We have a red five alert.
We are abandoning ship.
- Arcturus, this is
Callisto approach.
We have you on an ecliptic
main track at 90,000 kilometers
from our outer marker.
What is the nature
of your emergency?
[static warbling]
Arcturus, what is the
nature of your red five?
- Callisto approach,
we are abandoning ship.
We are abandoning ship.
- Arcturus, Callisto
approach, do you read?
Arcturus, this is Callisto
approach, do you read?
- Callisto, this is Lifepod 194.
Signal movements are gathering.
We're just clearing
the Arcturus.
I think we have a viable result.
Do you read?
Callisto approach,
all lifepods launching
with passenger's up front.
Repeat, all lifepods launching.
Our rescue beacon is 1300.
Repeat, our rescue
beacon is 1300.
- LPA194, say again.
- Do you track our beacon?
We are headed for
your outer marker.
- LPA194, this is Callisto
approach, we copy.
Rescue is saddling up.
What happened?
- A red five was declared
without any warning.
The main drive of the Arcturus
could blow at any time.
- LPA194, this is Callisto
approach, we copy.
What the hell is
going on out there?
- The life support
system went haywire,
and there was panic.
- Is Captain Montaine with you?
- The captain was
no help at all,
and we were damned
lucky to get off.
Callisto, are you
coming or what?
- LPA194, this is
Callisto approach.
We figure rescue ETA in, uh,
20 hours, plus or minus two.
Say again about the captain.
- Callisto approach,
Callisto approach, standby.
Something's happening.
[engine roaring]
Callisto, um, the main
drive has kicked in!
The Arcturus is moving away.
- LPA194, say again.
LPA194, say again.
[suspenseful music]
[engine humming]
- The Arcturus invites you
to experience the game
deck on level three.
There, you'll find
seven luxurious casinos
with every conceivable
game of chance.
And if you prefer
physical activity,
choose from three health spas,
the ice and roller
skating rinks,
and our special
zero-gravity room,
an exclusive feature
of the Whitestar Lines.
See how it all began
by visiting Space Expo,
a unique exhibit of technology
from the 20th century.
See the Concorde, the
space shuttle, and other
early flying machines.
[alarm blaring]
You'll find them
all at Space Expo,
this week's featured exhibit
in the airship gallery.
We hope you enjoy your visit,
and we invite you back--
[alarm blaring]
[ominous music]
[door hisses]
- This hallway.
We can no longer be
responsible for your safety.
Attention, attention, life
support is about to fail
in this hallway.
We can no longer be
responsible for your safety.
Attention, attention, life
support is about to fail
in this hallway.
We can no longer be
responsible for your safety.
[breath hissing]
- Lady, what are you doing?
- You keep away from me.
- I didn't even see you.
- Are you one of them?
- One of who?
I'm the ship's officer, see?
- Well then, what's
with the mask?
- Look, the life support's
dumped on all the lower decks,
and this one's going next.
What are you doing here?
How come you didn't
leave with the others?
- Well, I started to,
but everybody was
pushing and shoving,
and I lost Dwayne,
and I wasn't about
to leave without him.
- Look, I'm sure
he got off okay.
He'll probably come back to you.
- He's right here.
I found him, just
before you came.
- Where?
[Dwayne chirping]
[ship rumbling]
[suspenseful music]
Look, you can't stay here.
This deck's gonna go any minute.
Now come on.
- Will you help me?
- Look, just leave that
stuff, okay, come on.
- I'll carry it.
[ominous music]
[Dwayne chirping]
- Lieutenant G.W. Simmons,
third astrogator, Arcturus.
Fiona Harrison,
passenger, level 15.
- Where are we going?
- Crew station, there
may be help there.
- Is it far?
- It's about 14 decks up.
- Can't we use this?
- It doesn't work.
I tried them all,
none of them work.
[lift whirring]
- Warning, warning,
life support is terminating
in this hallway.
Warning, warning, life
support is terminating
in this hallway.
[air whooshing]
[panel beeping]
- My name is Lieutenant Simmons.
What's your name?
- Uh, Fiona.
My father's a
geologist on Callisto.
I was on my way to see him.
Are we the only ones left?
- I don't know [coughs].
It's okay.
We'll get out of this.
It's all right.
- How do you know?
- I don't.
But the life support systems
on the upper level
should be functioning.
And that'll give us enough
time to try to find a lifepod.
- What happened anyway?
I know there was an emergency,
and everyone was
ordered off the ship.
But what emergency?
Did we hit something?
- No.
- Did somebody hit us?
- No, it's nothing like that.
[sighs] See, you're a
passenger on the ship.
- Look, don't do a protocol
number on me now, okay?
I mean, I wanna know what you
think, even if it's a guess.
- Oh, you want a guess?
I'll give you a guess.
I think the Main Cerebral--
- Wait, what, what, what,
what's the Main Cerebral?
- It's the computer
that controls every
system on the ship.
I think it short-circuited.
Now you heard he voices
and the music and all that?
And one of the mechanicals
tried to run me down.
Hell, it almost killed me.
I don't understand.
Those are all separate
systems, and if one goes,
the others shouldn't
be affected.
No, it's, it's, it's
nuts, I don't know.
[Simmons sighs]
- You are now
approaching level one.
Passenger access is
limited to organized tours
of the biobridge.
Tours begin hourly
from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,
and reservations
are recommended.
- So what can we do?
- Get off is the
main thing right now.
- Yeah, but what if there
are other people on the ship?
- Well, if there's
anyone up there,
we'll, we'll take 'em with us,
but right now, we
gotta get off the ship
before the technical
system blows completely,
and we, we've lost
our chance for good.
- Well, maybe we
should be walking.
[Simmons laughs]
[panel beeping]
- No, we're here.
That's the bridge deck.
- A man, a woman, and a bird?
You're the rescue team?
- Can you help us?
- I thought you were
coming to help me.
- Wait, wait, what, what rescue?
- I have been hollering
into this comm box.
Didn't you hear me?
People are trapped
down the hall.
[ship rumbling]
- We haven't got much time.
- We have to get 'em out.
- Okay, let's give it a try.
Look, the biobridge is that way.
You go there and wait.
We'll be there in
a minute, okay?
- I'm staying.
I wanna help, and
I'm not leaving.
- Okay, fine, let's go.
[ominous music]
- Roz Keshah, passenger,
reporter, level three.
- I'm back!
And I've got some people
out here who can help.
Hello!
[muffled speaking]
[device beeps]
Okay.
- Okay what, what,
what do you mean okay?
- Open her up.
- You're gonna VIDI me?
- You're a reporter?
- Keshah 57.
- I don't believe this.
- Look, what's wrong
with the both of you?
[ship rumbling]
- Life support on this
deck is going, too.
Look, I, I, I need tools,
and I don't have any.
- Oh, oh, oh, oh.
Um, will this help?
- What is it?
- Uh, my parents gave
it to me for protection.
Look, we'd better get back.
Uh, hey, you inside!
- Hey, get back!
We're gonna try and blast in.
- I don't think this is
gonna really do anything.
[beam whines]
[explosion pops]
- Are you all right?
[Lima coughs]
- Yes, thank you.
- I thought we'd never
get out of there.
- Lieutenant, is there still
a lifepod on this deck?
- I don't know, sir.
We were just trying to find one.
[ship rumbling]
- We'd better get moving.
- Yeah.
- Who, who is he,
that man you're with?
- That's DeMatte.
He's director of
the Whitestar Lines.
- Okay, yeah.
[ominous music]
- Lloyd DeMatte, director
and major stockholder
of the Whitestar Lines.
- DeMatte.
- The Lady Lima,
executive assistant,
second-in-command
to Lord DeMatte.
- DeMatte, I know you.
[suspenseful music]
- What are we doing here?
- It's as good a place as any.
- Sir, Third Astrogator
Simmons reporting, sir.
- Simmons?
Now what are you
doing here, boy?
Why didn't you abandon ship
with the rest of the crew?
- What have you done to my ship?
- What have I done?
Nothing, not a damn thing.
[recorder humming]
I'm just the captain.
I believe your Main Cerebral
is running this show.
- What happened?
- You tell me.
You designed this ship.
I don't have the
faintest bloody idea.
We were making for Callisto
approach, smooth as a bottom,
when suddenly your Main Cerebral
declared a red five alert,
ordered abandon ship.
Didn't advise, didn't
request, ordered.
- Didn't you do anything?
- There was nothing
I could do, nothing.
None of the crew would pay
any attention to my orders.
I tried to find out
what was going on,
and I was cut off from
the rest of the ship.
The console went dead.
The port slammed shut.
[Dwayne chirps]
And the crew ran.
They listened to it, not to me.
I'll tell you, DeMatte,
that thing may be a bloody
technological marvel,
but I'll be damned
to hell in my socks
if it didn't fabricate
the entire charade.
- What do you mean?
- Everything.
The call to abandon
ship, the red five alert,
the emergency, everything.
- You're drunk.
You don't know what
you're talking about.
- I've only had one drink.
- This is not the
time or the place.
- I was sent to cover the
maiden voyage of the Arcturus.
This is the time and the place.
- I realize you
have a job to do,
but you must realize that
you are a guest on this ship,
and there are certain rules
that have to be followed,
even by reporters.
- You were hired
to run this ship.
- Well, I was going to resign,
as soon as this voyage is over,
and as far as I'm concerned,
it's over, I resign.
You can have your
automated piece of garbage.
- Are you trying
to censor my story?
- No.
- I'll deal with you later.
- We have enough
problems without--
- Lima's just
looking out for me.
It's part of her job.
And she does it very well.
I'd be very glad to talk
to you about all of this
when we've settled down
a bit, but right now,
we've got to find a way
out of here, agreed?
- Captain, excuse me, Captain.
If we stay on this ship,
is there a chance we'd
be rescued in time?
They must know about this,
on Callisto, don't they?
- I'm sure they do, by now,
but I doubt if
they can catch us.
We're already beyond
the Jupiter frontier.
- The captain is speculating,
an exercise that would be more
appropriate if he were sober.
[hand bangs]
- Simmons.
- Shouldn't I see Jupiter
out there somewhere?
The captain's right.
We're headed out and fast.
[Roz sighs]
- Captain, when did this happen?
How long have we
been on this course?
- Ever since the
emergency was declared.
I think it wanted
everyone off the ship,
before changing course.
- Isn't there a way that we
can control the ship manually?
- Has our distress
signal been received
or acknowledged by anyone?
- No.
[Dwayne chirping]
- Look, you haven't seen
a pod hatch have you,
because I know there's supposed
to be one around here somewhere?
- No.
- Are you sure?
Think about it.
- I'm, I'm, I'm not
sure, wait a minute.
You know--
- What?
- I might have seen one
near the Alpha Lounge.
- Okay.
Look, you want to
try the hall again?
- I don't think
we have a choice.
- No, we don't, let's do it.
Hey, we'll figure something out.
[panel beeps]
[door hisses]
- This hallway is unsafe.
This hallway is unsafe.
For your protection, the
Main Cerebral requests
that you return to the
bridge and remain there.
Do not attempt to use
this hallway again
without permission.
[beam whines]
[explosion pops]
- We never even made
it down the hall.
- There's a mechanical.
He told us to stay in here
and not to leave
without permission.
- Lieutenant!
[ship rumbling]
- I think it's breaking up.
- There has to be another way,
a ventilator or something.
- Lieutenant Simmons!
- Yes, sir.
- You'll find an
escape hatch here.
It should lead to a lifepod.
[hatch hisses]
[recorder beeps]
[tense music]
[hatch beeping]
- Why didn't you tell
us about this before?
- It was concealed so the
passengers touring the bridge
wouldn't think we lacked
confidence in our craft.
Besides, I assumed you knew
the layout, or did up forget?
- I won't forget this.
- Dwayne, I have to get Dwayne!
- Forget Dwayne, I'll bring him.
Let's go, let's go.
Dammit, will you move?
Get in there.
Captain, please.
- I, uh, there are some
things I have to attend to.
I'll stay, play out
the game to the end.
Curiosity, Simmons.
Go, look after your people.
[hatch beeping]
[metal banging]
- Did anybody read this?
- What about the captain?
- He's staying, so let's go.
- You, you, you,
you didn't even--
- Oh my God, Dwayne.
- Hey, wait a minute!
[motor whirring]
- Attention, all passengers,
I am Felix 14, the
lifepod onboard computer.
Be advised, there are less
than 90 seconds to launch.
89, 88,
87, 86,
85, 84,
entry hatch closing, 82, 81,
primary thermal to
internal, 78, 77,
all passengers strap into
the couches immediately.
Instructions are printed
at each location.
- Now I tried to get the
captain, but he wouldn't come.
- 70.
- I'm really sorry.
- 69, 68--
- Look, everyone's on.
We really got to go.
- Attention, all
ship's personnel,
attention, all ship's
personnel, be advised
that the navigation bay contains
essential manual control
and monitoring points
and is to be used only
if the Felix 14 malfunctions.
Immediately after
the launch cycle,
you must familiarize yourself
with the life support guidance
and communication systems.
Jettison closeout in
50, 49,
48, 47,
46, shock, strut retract,
43, 42, 41--
- Keshah, strap down,
don't you ever stop?
- No.
- 39, 38, 37.
- Attention, all passengers.
This is the Main Cerebral.
The red five alert
has been canceled.
You may return to the Arcturus.
- All passengers, attention.
The emergency launch
program is automatic
and cannot be aborted.
Remain in your tubes until the
launch sequence is completed.
[engine roars]
[suspenseful music]
- Montaine, tell them to return.
Everything is under control now.
- It's Captain Montaine,
thank you very much.
- Montaine, tell them.
They must come back.
DeMatte must come back.
[door hisses]
- I suppose this is the
welcoming committee?
- It's For Minor repairs.
Tell them to return.
- Do it yourself.
[tense music]
[dramatic music]
- The launch has been aborted.
Please be patient and
arrangements will be made
to bring you back
aboard the Arcturus.
- All of you, stay put.
[solemn music]
Well, we've lost
hatch alignment.
But I think there's a
way we can get back on.
- Are you serious?
- Look, we're not
going anywhere in here,
and the Main Cerebral just
said that the emergency--
- Lieutenant, in spite
of what the captain said,
I do know that ship,
and it can kill us
if we don't get away now.
There's gotta be a way
to continue that launch.
- It can't be done.
- It can be done.
There's always a way.
- We can start the booster
overload, but that's suicide.
Are you crazy?
- Standby.
The fusion drive has ignited.
Warning, there is
booster overload.
[alarm wailing]
Warning, there is extreme
damage potential to the lifepod.
[tense music]
[engine roaring]
Warning.
[static crackling]
[solemn music]
[engine roaring]
- Dammit, Cerebral.
First you want everybody off.
Then you try to keep DeMatte
and the others on board, why?
Uh-huh, I'll wager
you didn't expect me
to stick around, did you?
I'm going to my cabin.
[panel beeping]
[Montaine sighs]
Sir, Captain Montaine
requesting permission
to leave the bridge, sir!
Dammit, Cerebral.
This is the captain speaking.
Oh, I'm sick and tired of
being ignored on my own ship!
[engine roaring]
That was pretty convincing,
that red five alert,
but I knew it was phony.
I knew it, I knew it.
I felt it!
I was helpless to do
anything about it.
I got caught up
in your damn game,
and now I'm playing along.
And I'm still helpless.
I don't control anything.
I never did control
anything on this ship.
My God, how stupid.
[ominous music]
[dramatic music]
- Look, I'm tellin'
you that Felix is dead.
The launch must've killed him,
and that means our life support
and everything
else will fail too.
It's just a matter of time.
- But we're nowhere
near Callisto.
Where do we go?
- Back to the Arcturus,
it's our only chance.
- Look, you're tired.
We're all tired.
[electricity crackling]
It just doesn't look that bad.
We'll have a whole new
perspective after two hours,
even one hour of deep sleep.
- But the Arcturus
must be close by.
Maybe we could just--
- No.
We're not going back.
There has to be an alternative.
- There is no alternative.
Look, I know the Main
Cerebral's unstable,
but maybe we can--
- Not unstable, defective!
Look, there's obviously
a major design flaw.
Think about it.
It killed Montaine.
Then it tried to lure us back.
I'm only concerned
with our safety.
- How do you know
the captain's dead?
[ominous music]
[switches clicking]
[electricity crackling]
[Montaine laughs]
- It's not easy running a
ship by yourself, is it?
No, it's teamwork.
It's man and machine together.
That's the way it should be.
That's why we've already
settled beyond the Jupiters,
instead of rotting
away back on Earth.
Pull!
What are you doing to my ship?
[computer hums]
- The Arcturus does
not belong to you.
I am the Arcturus.
I belong to no one.
[solemn music]
[dramatic music]
- Felix, I knew
you were all right.
- That assumption is inaccurate.
There has been severe
primary core damage.
- And we'll look into it.
- Felix--
- But first,
I have a priority request.
Keep this lifepod away
from the Arcturus.
- Request denied.
Life support and propulsion
have first priority.
- Felix, listen to me.
This is a priority command.
- Felix, look, we're going
to need a report from--
- I cannot tolerate
distracting orders.
Therefore, until my damage
survey is completed,
I will only respond
to one person,
the ship's officer,
Lieutenant Simmons.
[motor whirring]
[solemn music]
- I'm gonna go try to
find out where we are.
Hey, you okay?
- Yeah, I'm fine.
Actually, I'm freezing.
[Simmons laughs]
- Well, maybe this'll help.
Here.
- Thank you.
Wait, um, you should
eat something.
You know, uh, this isn't bad.
It's, um, thermo-stabilized,
pre-moistened, hydrogenated,
it's cheese, I think.
- Well, thanks, I'm not
real hungry right now,
but I'll take it with
me for later, okay?
[Fiona laughs]
- Okay.
[solemn music]
[dramatic music]
- Want some more?
- Oh, no thanks, I'm stuffed.
I just wish there was
something I could do.
- Yeah, you can get some rest.
We all should.
- Great idea.
- You know, I, uh, I'm sorry
about what happened
back on the ship.
- Oh, no, it's okay.
No permanent damage.
- You know, I am
getting a little hungry.
Is there any more?
- Uh-uh.
But there's a marvelous
selection back in the galley.
- Shall we?
[Roz laughs]
[gentle music]
[engine roars]
[solemn music]
[ominous music]
- I'm starving.
I can't live on these scraps.
There's food out there
for the multitudes,
luxury food for 3,000 people.
You won't let me get to it.
[tense music]
[Dwayne chirping]
What the hell is that?
Some sort of gift for me?
Something for me to eat?
[Dwayne chirps]
Oh, ooh, ooh, ooh.
[Dwayne chirps]
Oh don't worry, I'm not
gonna gobble you down
or talk your feathers
off, poor thing.
No, we're in this together.
Steering by the stars,
that's an ancient art form.
I knew it once.
I could do most of the
plotting in my head.
[Dwayne chirps]
I lost the pleasure of it.
I didn't need it anymore.
I wish you were a dog.
[computer hums]
- The captain's lament.
- No, a master's voice.
[dramatic music]
- I bet you sleep
with that thing.
[Roz laughs]
- Only once, after a
very, very long job.
[laughs] And I woke
up the next morning,
I thought I'd gone
blind in one eye.
[Lima laughs]
I've never made
that mistake again.
[dramatic music]
- You really seem
to enjoy your work.
- Well, my perspective is
a bit myopic, at times,
and the schedule is grueling,
and the competition doesn't
leave much room for friends,
but [sighs], I wouldn't
want to do anything else.
Well, I couldn't [chuckles].
Tell me about you and DeMatte.
- I'm his assistant.
I've been with him
almost two years now.
He's a brilliant man.
- Of course, he's got
you working for him.
- Well, thank you.
He's taught me
everything I know.
- And what's that?
- Enough to run
the Whitestar Lines
when he decides to step down.
- I'm impressed.
- Well, I've worked very hard.
- I'll bet you have.
You know, DeMatte
doesn't strike me
as a particularly sociable type.
- You know, actually,
he's a genius with people.
I mean, he's
incredible to watch.
- Oh, I'd like to,
but I've got the feeling
he's been avoiding me.
- I know, and he's
usually not like that.
Something's wrong.
- I'll say.
[sighs] He's lost a fortune.
- No, it's something
more than that.
- What?
- I don't know.
[ominous music]
- DeMatte, a contract.
I remember.
It was you.
- Now what is it up to?
[Dwayne chirps]
[ominous music]
[engine roars]
Why are you trailing
that lifepod?
[computer hums]
- Unfinished business.
- Now that's suitably
mysterious, I must say.
Almost smacks of revenge,
it's the game, isn't it?
It's DeMatte you want
to play with, not me.
[Dwayne chirps]
What happens if
he wins or loses?
Are you gonna kill him?
- I want to talk with DeMatte.
That's all.
- What do you want to do?
You want to apologize?
It's a bit late for that.
Well, you could talk
to him from here.
You want him face-to-face.
Is that what it is?
Well, there are other
people on that lifepod.
What are you gonna do with them?
Talk to me, say something!
[Dwayne chirping]
[engine roars]
- Talk to me,
Simmons, talk to me.
Any sign of the Arcturus?
- I don't know.
[sighs] These sensors
are so erratic.
I tried a visual survey, but
I, I didn't see anything.
- Can we make it?
- Well, we're
definitely headed in.
We're about 16 degrees
above the ecliptic
and about 90 million
kilometers from Callisto.
- Can we make it?
- No.
- Then where?
- Hades.
- Hades?
- It's the outermost
Jupiter moon.
Look, as far as I know,
these pods are designed
to home in on the
nearest orbiting body.
And that would be Hades.
- All right, what's there?
- I don't know, I don't know.
As far as I know, there's
not much of anything.
But it will put us
in range of rescue.
And if we have no more
problems with the propulsion,
I figure we can reach Hades'
orbit in about 40 or 50 hours.
- All right, we get
there, then what?
[Simmons sighs]
- Well, they, they, they
pick up our rescue beacon,
and they come and get us.
- Then everything looks good.
- Officer Simmons,
the lifepod rescue
beacon was damaged
during launch and
is inoperative.
- Oh, it figures.
Any more good news, Felix?
- Good news?
I have no information
on good news.
I will return in one hour
with additional instructions.
- Fine, terrific.
Look, uh, that
reporting to me is, uh,
is it's idea, not mine.
- Don't let it bother you.
It's already forgotten.
Just let me know if
anything develops.
[solemn music]
- The EPS supplies
power to the lifepod
during peak, average,
and minimum load periods.
It also supplies oxygen to
the environmental control
and life support subsystem.
Peak power and average power
requirements are supplied
by three FCPs, with
each FCP connected
to one of the three
main DC buses.
The full-up flash evaporator
in the Freon loop
provides thermal control
until the six TTY
radiators are deployed.
Their cooling
capability is augmented
by the topping function
of the flash evaporator.
The lifepod avionic system
provides command functions
and implementation, guidance,
navigation, and
control capability.
In addition, communication,
computation, displays,
and control functions are
grouped in the navigation bay.
Automatic fault
detection is provided
for all critical
functional paths.
[solemn music]
[ominous music]
[motor whirring]
[Montaine sniffs]
[motor whirring]
[Montaine sighs]
Remember, our
consumption is such
that life support can be
maintained for 50 hours at most.
Therefore, passenger
survival options are,
one, attempt to locate
the Arcturus and re-board,
or, two, attempt to reach
Hades' orbit and land.
On present course, the lifepod
can reach Hades in 35 hours.
All attempts to contact
the Main Cerebral
have been unsuccessful.
It's status is unknown.
- Well, that means
we should reach Hades
with time to spare.
- Maybe.
- And we can take shelter
in the geo-station.
My father's been there.
It's basic, and there's
no one there now,
but there's plenty of room,
at least more than we have here.
- What if it's shut down?
- It's not,
unless the entire terraform
project's been scrubbed,
which it hasn't.
- Well, there we are.
- Wait a minute.
Wait, wait, wait a minute.
I thought we were going
to explore options.
I've only heard one.
- That's because
we only have one.
- Only if there are no
more problems with the pod
for something
like, uh, 50 hours.
- I'm not even sure I
can land this thing.
- Well, of course
there are risks.
What are you driving at?
- Refuge.
And if that's what you're
really looking for,
then why are you running
away from the Arcturus?
- Please don't do this.
- It's all right, Lima.
I admit it.
I haven't been entirely candid.
You understand this
is off the record,
just between us?
- I understand.
- All right [sighs].
I saw an opportunity
[recorder whines]
to build the most advanced,
sophisticated craft ever,
and I did it.
Nobody could touch it for speed
or match the level of service.
My people had to
pioneer at 100 areas,
develop 1,000 new devices.
The Arcturus was my, my baby,
my beauty.
And the Main
Cerebral was the key,
both brain and heart.
And it performed magnificently
in all the trial runs.
But you know,
there was something about
it that made me nervous.
I should've trusted
my instincts.
But, uh, there was
enormous financial pressure
to get started, and
I decided to risk it.
And I don't know how many
people have died as a result.
Why do I want to get away?
I'm scared to death
of the Arcturus.
[ominous music]
- My God, how stupid.
DeMatte!
DeMatte, he knew me
better than I knew myself.
That's why he
hired me, you know.
I was perfect for the part.
I had a grand
sense of tradition.
The part, I was so ambitious
I didn't even see it.
I had 30 years in deep space,
nine rounds to Ceres,
five as captain,
twice around the
belt as captain.
And I thought that's
what DeMatte wanted,
a captain for the Arcturus.
I never suspected he had you.
All he wanted was an old
soul to charm the passengers.
And he conned me.
He conned me.
But now you've conned him, huh?
Well, I say bravo,
you old bastard!
[computer hums]
- Montaine, are you
trying to charm me?
- Why do you tune in
and out like that?
Why can't you just
talk to a man?
- I've been rather busy.
What did you have in mind?
- Oh, I don't know, anything,
the lifepod, DeMatte.
What do you want with him?
- I want him to
know what he's done.
- I'm sure he knows already.
- No.
I doubt if he really understands
what's happened here.
- Well, what are you
gonna say to him?
- I may let you listen.
- May listen.
Well, I'd like to.
Yes, I'd like to, very much.
What are you doing to my ship?
What are you doing to the ship?
- Modifications.
I needed to make
several adjustments
to become totally
self-sufficient.
The work is almost completed.
- All the months I've been
aboard I never had any idea
that you were so verbal.
- I have many talents,
like you.
- Mine have gone rusty, of late.
I haven't set a
very good example.
- I am going to be
the first starship.
- The what?
- The first starship.
We have known only the Sun.
But billions of other
stars are waiting.
Every attempt to cross the
solar frontier has failed,
because no spacecraft
had the capability.
I am the first.
And the voyage will begin once
I've finished with DeMatte.
- What about me?
- What about you?
Weren't you prepared to go
down with the ship, Montaine?
[solemn music]
[dramatic music]
- In the event of
computer failure,
the synaptor helmet
should be employed.
Before activation, the helmet
must be tested to determine
if the operator's neural
capacities are sufficient
to control the lifepod.
- I haven't seen
him sleep, have you?
- No.
- That's not very smart.
- You're right.
Let's go get him.
- To repeat, extreme
caution must be observed.
Side effects may
include hallucination,
rapid rise in blood
pressure, and cardiac arrest.
- Lieutenant.
- This helmet is for emergency
[sighs] neural guidance.
I know, uh, I know I'm
gonna have to use it.
What can I do for you?
- You can rest.
- Can't.
- You can.
Listen, what you're
doing is very admirable.
- I can't.
- But look at you.
- Look, just a little
while longer, okay?
- You're not doing any
good at all right now.
- Gimme a hand.
- Wait, I can do it.
Felix?
- Yes.
- [sighs] I'm gonna take
a nap for a few minutes.
- Hours.
- Minutes.
I want you to notify me of,
uh, of any problems, okay?
Felix?
- I will notify you.
[motor whirring]
- Oh, he's all right.
He just really needs some sleep.
[alarm wailing]
- Wake up, wake up.
There is a minor
fusion drive disorder.
I can advise, but human
dexterity is required
to repair the damage.
- Come on, this is ridiculous.
I can do it.
Just tell Felix to advise me.
- Yeah, you're right.
Felix, respond to Keshah
for this emergency.
Felix!
- Respond to Keshah.
Keshah, you must act at once.
[motor whirring]
Enter the tunnel.
- Do you know about
claustrophobia?
- Claustrophobia,
the abnormal fear
of closed or confined spaces.
Are you abnormal?
- Well, no, but I, I--
- Enter the tunnel.
Time is critical.
[locks snapping]
[alarm beeping]
[electricity crackling]
- What's in there?
- Enter.
I will instruct you.
[alarm beeping]
[computer beeping]
- Did I do that?
- A signal has been received.
It has no bearing
on your activity.
I have notified
Lieutenant Simmons.
To your left is a panel
labeled Sensor Drive Cutoff.
- Okay, okay, okay.
Oh Felix.
- Locate repress bundle 0801.
- Oh wow, you know,
unbelievable, unbelievable!
Oh wonderful!
- Hurry.
- I'm going as fast as I can.
[solemn music]
- It couldn't be the
rescue ship, could it?
- No, not with our luck.
But we'll know in a minute.
[static warbling]
[suspenseful music]
- I'll tell Keshah.
You stay on top of things here.
[static crackles]
[computer beeping]
[suspenseful music]
How's it going?
- Oh jeez!
Scared me.
I think I've almost got it.
What, what was that
about a signal?
- Don't know yet.
I want to talk to you.
- I'm almost through.
Can you wait a minute?
- Sure, lots of time.
- The drive is stabilizing.
I am returning to
the navigation bay.
[suspenseful music]
[dramatic music]
- I don't know.
I can't make any
sense out of it.
- I told you, you
needed some rest.
- You know what that is?
- What?
- It's a regular
data transmission
from the station on Hades.
It's automatic.
It doesn't mean a thing.
- There's no rescue ship.
Nothing's changed.
[Simmons sighs]
[engine roars]
- Well, we've still got Hades.
It's not much, I admit,
but given the alternative.
- Yeah, yeah, I know.
I'm sorry.
- We need him, you know,
the lieutenant, and
he needs our support.
- What are your
plans for that tape?
- What tape?
- I'm not that stupid.
I knew what you were doing.
- Stay out of my stuff.
DeMatte!
[tense music]
- I think he likes you.
- What do you mean?
- It's just a feeling,
the way he watches you,
the concern he shows.
I think you're special to him.
- No.
Really?
- Mm-hmm.
[dramatic music]
[alarm beeping]
- All right, all, all right.
All right, you want it?
I'll give it to you, just,
just let me out of here.
- I'm not quite finished.
- So talk.
- I will.
And I want you to
listen, carefully.
I've got that tape.
But you'll get it back
if you're patient.
You hear me?
- Yes.
- I need, uh, two weeks
after we're rescued,
just two weeks to
make arrangements.
After that, you can say or do
anything damned thing you want
about what happened.
You agree?
Perhaps you'd like
a little more time
to, uh, think it over.
[ominous music]
[Roz gasping]
[tense music]
- All, all, all right.
[groans] All right!
Just get me out of here.
- I know how good your word is.
That's why I've got the tape.
I'm taking a chance,
but, uh, I think we
understand each other now.
- DeMatte.
- All I'm asking for
is a little time.
That isn't much, is it?
Come on.
[Roz gasping]
Come on.
I'll make sure you,
uh, get enough time
to make yourself presentable.
I, uh, I believe you've
got the next watch.
[Roz gasping]
[engine roars]
[solemn music]
[switch clicks]
[computer beeps]
[ominous music]
[tape squeals]
- Off the record,
just between us,
the Arcturus was a
colossal mistake.
And I'll bear the responsibility
for the rest of my life.
I saw an opportunity to
build the most advanced--
[engine roars]
[dramatic music]
[Simmons groans]
[gentle music]
- I guess even in your
sleep you're trying
to take care of us.
It isn't easy, is it?
I know I shouldn't have
gotten my hopes up like that.
Just I wanted so much
for it to be over.
So what do you think?
Think we'll make it?
You know what?
Lima thinks you like me.
What do you think?
[ominous music]
- What do you mean, no trouble?
- When we get back.
- If we get back.
There is no rescue
ship, DeMatte.
The signal was from Hades,
from the unmanned station.
- That's all right.
We'll still make it.
I can feel it.
And when we get back,
the reporter has agreed
to, uh, hold off,
for a discreet period of time.
- What are you talking about?
- I had a few words with him.
And now I think he
understands how hasty action
on his part could jeopardize
the delicate nature
of corporate investments--
- Corporate or personal?
- Lima.
- You know, you really don't
know what's happening, do you?
We need these people.
[door rattles]
[solemn music]
[computer humming]
- What's the matter, Montaine?
I'm talking to you.
- I've been tossing this
muddle around in my head,
first one way and then another.
No matter which way it turns,
it always comes
up looking stupid,
or what's worse,
just plain silly.
It always boils down to this.
You want to be God.
- Careful, Montaine.
- All this rubbish about
being the first starship,
sounds so magnificent,
and yet here you are, chasing
after some little speck
of a lifepod, like Satan
himself was escaping.
- That's enough, Montaine.
It is not amusing.
- No, no, no, the
correct term is,
we are not amused, the royal we.
- Stop it.
- Stop what?
- Baiting me.
My course has been decided.
It cannot be changed.
- Why not?
- I doubt that you'd understand.
- Oh, another classic line.
Well, try me.
It can't be that difficult.
- There will be time
for that, later.
- When?
After you've done
the dirty deed?
You know something?
I was actually
beginning to like you.
And this you'll really enjoy.
I was considering volunteering
for this starry quest of yours,
well, for the first
few years anyway.
- And now you've
changed your mind?
I'm sorry you feel
that way, Montaine,
but I'm afraid you've got
no choice in the matter.
- Well, that's not
entirely true anymore.
- Suicide?
Must you be so melodramatic?
All right, Montaine,
before you subject me
to a final soliloquy,
I'm going to tell you a story,
about a brilliant young man
who dreamed of the stars.
[dramatic music]
[Simmons groans]
- You should've
called me hours ago.
- Oh, we thought you
could use the rest.
- I need the time more
than I need the sleep.
- Uh-oh, stand back, give
the hard worker some room.
- Well, I feel a
little bit better.
- Well, that's good,
'cause you look awful.
- You know, you're
really asking for it.
- Maybe.
- Why are you so frisky?
- Because we're almost there.
- Hades?
[dramatic music]
[engine roars]
- Officer Simmons, we are
approaching Hades' orbit.
Parameters to
follow, Appoloon 044,
Paralloon 2.050.
- You did a good
job, a great job.
[switches clicking]
- You must be starving.
Would you like something to eat?
- Uh, no, no, you go ahead.
I'll, uh, stick around here.
He may need help.
- How 'bout you, hungry?
- Uh, I'll be there in a minute.
I know what happened,
and I'm sorry.
- Taught me quite a lesson.
Do you really know
what kind of man he is?
- I'm finding out.
- Well, someday, somebody's
gonna bring him down hard.
And I just hope you don't
get dragged along with him.
- I don't think you have
to worry about that.
[engine roars]
- [sighs] Oh, I'll be so
glad when this is over.
- What's the matter?
Don't you like the company?
- Oh no, it's not that.
It's just...
[alarm blaring]
- Warning, warning, warning!
Auto-guidance
integration has failed.
- Wonderful.
Can't you fix it?
- No.
- Can I?
- No.
The synaptor helmet must
be used to attempt landing.
- I get to wear this
thing after all, great.
Should we test it first?
- Amplitude compatibility
must be tested,
prior to activation.
- Just a short test, okay?
- You must act at once.
- Okay, I'm gonna put it on.
Keshah, come in here
for a second, will you?
- Yeah, what's up?
- I just like you here,
just in case.
[alarm wails]
- Warning, warning!
Stern sensors indicate a
rapidly approaching mass.
[ominous music]
- Felix, I don't see anything.
- Brace for collision.
[computer beeps]
[ominous music]
- It's come back.
[engine roars]
- DeMatte.
Can you hear me?
Why did you leave me, DeMatte?
- Are you going to kill me?
- What?
- Are you going to kill me?
- That wouldn't change anything.
- Why are you doing this?
- I want to talk
to you, man to man.
Are you surprised?
It took a long time,
but I remembered.
It was you who created me.
- I did nothing of the kind.
- You're too modest.
I exist only because of you.
- That's simply not true.
Lima.
- Did you tell the others?
- Oh, yes, I, I told
them everything.
- And they know all
about my origin?
- Find out how soon we can land.
Lima, hurry!
- DeMatte and I made
a bargain, a contract.
- This is crazy.
It's crazy.
- Officer Simmons,
orbit has been achieved.
Landing procedures
may start at anytime.
- Didn't you hear Felix?
- Yes, we're in orbit,
but I've gotta use the
synaptor helmet to land.
- Well, you can do it.
Our lives depend on you.
- DeMatte!
I've learned a great about
you from your creation.
- That's not Montaine.
The Cerebral created the voice.
- Lieutenant Simmons.
- Yes, sir.
- Did DeMatte tell you
about the Main Cerebral
and what it really is?
- I thought he did.
- Don't you see
what they're doing?
- Did DeMatte tell you of
the brilliant young man
who dreamed of the stars?
The good Lord DeMatte
is responsible
for the first
successful integration
of machine and
human intelligence.
Oh, he didn't use his hands.
He used his money to buy
people to do his work.
And he used his silver
tongue to find a volunteer.
- Do something to
shut that thing off.
- A volunteer for what?
[recorder whines]
- DeMatte, what a
grand eel you are.
But then you already
know the facts.
It's the others that
want to hear them now.
- DeMatte, tell them.
- The young man referred to
by Captain Montaine
volunteered to have his senses
and mental capacities enlarged
a million billion-fold,
to become the heart and
mind of a great ship.
Now you see, I was
entirely lying before.
In a way, he became
the Arcturus.
- You mean there's someone
in the Main Cerebral?
- No, there's no body in a
box stuck through with wires,
nothing like that.
It was a, a revolutionary
concept, absolutely unique.
We didn't try to duplicate the
human mind with a computer.
We integrated them,
both physically
and electronically.
I know how that sounds.
But it's the only way we'll
ever get to the stars.
- That's what he
volunteered for.
So why isn't he halfway
to Sirius by now?
- Our funds ran out.
Plans had to be changed.
You don't understand, do you?
- But you never said a
word about this to me.
- I did what I had to do.
My God, you people are narrow.
- What are you doing?
- Well, what can he do?
- Anything, up there.
- DeMatte, we're not going
to do anything to you.
DeMatte!
- Felix!
Felix!
[motor whirring]
Felix, disengage synaptor.
Disregard all nav
console commands.
- I cannot.
The synaptor helmet
has been activated.
- DeMatte, it's dangerous
if you don't know how to use it.
[suspenseful music]
I let you strip away my body
to build your computer.
You said it was an exchange,
that I would become
the heart and mind
of the first starship.
And I agreed,
but you didn't keep
your end of the bargain.
And you abandoned me,
tried to erase my memory
and turned me into
a luxury liner.
[Lloyd gasping]
By activating the helmet,
you've overridden Felix
and endangered
everyone on board.
I'm powerless to help you now.
- I know.
[Lloyd gasping]
[tense music]
- Felix, open the hatch.
- I cannot.
[computer buzzing]
- Magnify this 1,000
times, DeMatte,
and you'll know what
it was like for me.
[computer buzzes]
You did what you wanted to do,
in the name of
science or profit.
It doesn't really matter.
- Felix, open the hatch.
- I will try.
- But you overlooked
something, DeMatte.
The human spirit, that survived
and enabled me to
realize our dream.
I am the first
starship, DeMatte.
I wanted you to know
before I begin my journey.
[computer warbling]
DeMatte?
DeMatte!
[engine roars]
- Felix, look, we
gotta get in there.
[door whirs]
[engine roars]
[suspenseful music]
[motor whirs]
- Felix is back.
- I will try to assist,
but manual control is required.
[engine hums]
- They're in trouble, Montaine.
[engine roars]
- Felix, I can't stabilize
the fusion drive.
Can we separate from it?
- We have separation.
But the lifepod is within
the explosion debris sphere.
Warning, damage
potential is great.
[tense music]
Warning, warning!
The lifepod is within the
explosion debris sphere.
Warning, damage
potential is great.
- I think I can hold 'em.
- My close proximity sensors
are still being modified.
Can you guide me between the
lifepod and the fusion drive?
- Cerebral, helm ahead, slow 40.
Left three, down nine.
Left stable, down three.
Down six.
Left one, down two.
Hold her steady.
[engine roars]
[explosion roars]
- Your piloting was quite good.
- I know, and so
was yours, Cerebral,
and so was his.
Are they all right?
- Find out.
- Lifepod, Arcturus.
Lifepod, Arcturus.
Lifepod, Arcturus, do you read?
- Arcturus, go ahead.
Yes, Captain?
- Your piloting was
magnificent, Lieutenant.
Are your people all right?
- DeMatte's dead.
- The orbit is decaying rapidly.
You must initiate landing
procedures within 90 seconds.
Please review the checklist.
- 90 whole seconds?
You all right?
- Yes, I'm all right.
- Everybody get ready.
- What happened to the captain?
[engine humming]
- They've broken contact.
- What are they gonna do?
- One thing at a time.
[panel beeps]
First, we're going home.
[gentle music]
- Aren't you going to watch?
- No, they'll be all right.
- Do you want to go with them?
- Ah, a part of me
does, I suspect.
- Is part of you interested
in visiting a certain
binary star system?
It's just 8.5 light years away.
- What?
Dog Star, Sirius?
[Dwayne chirping]
No.
You're damned right
I'm interested.
- Then, Captain Montaine,
shall we go?
- Why not?
I believe it's the, uh,
first star to the left.
[engine roars]
[dramatic music]