Music of the Spheres (1984) - full transcript
Set in the not-too-distant future, when the existing world economy has collapsed, and the new city-states are controlled by computers, many of which require a kind of telepathic linkage with a human counterpart. When the most important of these computers exhibits strange patterns during a crucial operation, its counterpart, a top scientist named Melody, begins having psychic experiences. For a low-budget film, a surprisingly deep exploration of emotions vs. logic and the elusive search for truth.
Negative on that.
Sorry Earth...
negative to that.
Okay, good luck.
System integration intact.
The rock is moving.
They're breaking orbit.
Imagine that.
We'll be tapping
the power of the stars.
Imagine the risk.
Think of the energy.
Hello, center.
This is Terra tracking station.
Standby for integration.
Atlantis confirms. You have
permission to Project Sirius.
Carve a solar condenser
in each asteroid face.
This is phase three.
Add each body
with microwave
transmission facilities.
Three asteroids will do.
Icarus, Hayor, and Sirius.
Hello, center.
Standby for integration.
This is center.
We have interlocked.
The Beast is in control.
Confirming asteroid Sirius
is in our control.
Good.
The Beast moves.
Congratulations, Melody.
And good words
for your beanery twin, too.
The Beast handled itself well.
How does it feel to have
the entire planet
passing through your brain?
I didn't feel much, actually.
-Um, Andrew?
-Yeah?
I'd like to be alone
with the Beast for a minute.
Uh, sure, kid.
I'm going for a coffee.
Join me when you're finished?
Yes, that's fine.
Oh, excuse me! Sorry.
Hello, there.
-You're the, uh--
-I'm the new, um...
My name is Melody.
Well, hello.
We've been expecting you.
-I'm supposed to meet--
-My name's Andrew.
Oh, you're Andrew!
Paul says you're very good
at computer linkage.
-Paul, yes. He said you--
-You're from the East.
I'm from the South myself.
Oh, yes. Paul said it's special.
Right?
I'm supposed to meet
the bureaucrat.
Oh, you don't want to see him.
Let me show you around.
-But--
-Come! I'll show you the Beast.
"The Beast?"
Oh, the computer.
I call it the Beast.
Why?
Well, let's just say,
you have to be very strong
to control it.
Are you strong?
I'm very strong.
Good. Let me show you around.
Melody.
You've been trained to interlock
with the greatest computer
man has ever made.
And now I can reveal the mission
Paul has bene preparing you for.
We're embarking
on an energy project
that will save our people
from the misery they've known.
Project Sirius involves
converting asteroids
to solar energy transmitters
and placing them in orbits
from which they can direct
microwave converted energy
to earth.
You, Melody,
and you, Andrew,
working with this computer
you so fondly call "The Beast",
will control the movement
of these asteroids.
And direct the successful
culmination of this project,
our faith in the future,
and belief in the system.
Okay. Here I am.
What do you want?
I just thought
we could have a coffee.
Oh, yeah?
Like how?
There's a purpose
to this meeting.
-Why do you say that?
-I know you.
There always is.
You should be pleased
with yourself.
The bureaucrat?
Had a good word from Atlantis,
said to pass it on to you.
Really, Melody.
You should be pleased.
For 25 minutes, every important
thought in the system
passed through your brain,
well, you and the Beast.
All the orders from Atlantis,
...the tracking station,
all that information
and not a problem!
How do you know
there wasn't a problem?
-Did I miss something?
-I don't know. Did you?
Every indicator had
the Beast functioning perfectly.
Then there couldn't have been
any trouble, right?
I mean, you should know.
You're the machine's
psychiatrist.
Melody, I have to know
somethings to do my job.
I have to know what you felt
during the project.
I have to know
how the Beast felt.
Particularly, if anything
went wrong.
You must tell me.
I felt as if I was
up there, Andrew.
In space, and that track.
Or it's like...
it's like it were a sort of
living thing.
And I was up there with it.
There was this tremendous
sense of movement.
Acceleration.
And then floating.
Just floating.
What else did you feel?
This living thing, Andrew.
It was as if it felt,
well, surprised.
And then something like...
something like...
pain.
How long did you feel this way?
I don't know.
I'm curious though.
Were those also
the Beast's thoughts,
or were they just
my own illusions?
I don't recall you experiencing
any similar effects in the past.
Well, I've always shared
the machine's thoughts.
I never felt myself
to actually be somewhere else.
I always knew
I was in the center,
an interlock.
Why do you think
this time was different?
I don't know.
In the years
that followed the collapse
of the world economy,
the industrial nations
fell into chaos.
And the super power
crumbled under their own weight.
The dark age envelops
earth again.
Until a new order arrives
from the ruins of the former
civilizations.
The business of running
the planet is conducted
through a network
of super intelligent
biological computers
situated in states
throughout the world.
There are no nations
anymore.
No one language is common
to the city states,
except the electronic words
spoken between
the thinking machines.
All the orders passed
through the system
come from Atlantis,
the moon base, which harbors
the equation and its keepers.
The equation is designed
to interpret all events
on earth
and guide the system toward
the embankment
of planetary equilibrium.
Above all,
the people of the system
are determined
that no such ruin
would ever beset earth again.
...crossover effect,
which occurs with
certain individuals
who are in an awful context.
Now, when we're talking
about subjects
whose physio-magnetic
cortex generation
occur at the same frequency
as artificial
electro-magnetic radiation.
Oh, very British. Very pretty.
Well, yes. The brain
in a sense
becomes like a receiver.
But you said this hadn't
anything to do with telepathy.
No, not telepathic
towards normal broadcasting,
that's...
However, once the effect
is manifest,
Well, when the brain
is open to other kinds
of input--
What does that mean?
"Other kinds of input?"
It's an idea
that belongs to the past.
Good morning, Andrew.
Oh, good morning,
Melo-friend!
I'm fine, Andrew.
How are you?
I'm okay.
How's the Beast feeling?
It's happy, Andrew.
Relaxed.
The triangle
of asteroid-based
solar collecting converters
will assure that the two
converted beams
of microwave energy
will be pointed to earth
at all times.
Over three asteroids
converted to this purpose
Icarus, Hayor, and Sirius,
the first two are in
their new orbits.
Sirius, the third and final
component in the project,
is presently in transport
towards its intended new orbit.
Melody?
Melody.
Melody!
Melody!
What are you?
There are no words
for the thing that I am.
Andrew, what was that?
I read a power surge.
And we melted circuits,
the Beast is operating
on backups.
Where did the power
come from?
You tell me.
I'm initiating a principal
function test.
Melody, Andrew,
do you hear me?
Yes, bureaucrat.
Yes, we hear you.
We had a total
breakdown for some seconds.
What is the reason?
It's too early to tell
the extent of the breakdown.
The Beast is on back up.
We were out
of touch with every center
on the planet!
Including Atlantis.
We'll let you know, sir.
This is important.
It surprises me, too.
We simply lost five seconds,
and there's still
no accounting for it.
But what happened to us?
You must have some idea.
That's the strangest
part yet, Melody.
It was there,
and then it was gone.
But you can't
create energy, Andrew.
I'm turning to think
it was internally generated.
I'm tending to think
it was something foreign.
What, Melody?
Every time
I'm in interlock, Andrew.
I feel like there's something
passing through
the Beast's brain
that doesn't belong there.
Something strange.
Otherworldly.
I'm worried.
It's making me uptight.
Access codes filed. 3665,
This is an emergency.
Rapid deviation
to 1.5 percent and holding.
Shit!
Melody,
hang on to that machine.
I need to talk
to the bureaucrat.
I'm here.
I need clearance
to access the codes.
Granted.
Andrew.
It's got me again.
I'm out there.
I'm floating, Andrew.
Melody.
Melody!
Melody!
Melody! Melody!
Melody!
Melody!
Melody! Melody!
Melody!
Melody!
-Melody!
-God!
What is it?
Overload again.
Something's getting
into the machine.
Resetting circuits again.
The Beast is going on back up.
Melody, Andrew,
What in the system's name
is happening to us?
It's the interference again.
I know, damn it. I know!
Atlantis is losing touch
with the asteroid.
No other computer
must take over this project.
Bureaucrat.
I feel as if the Beast
is reacting to program invasion.
Foreign input.
Something from outside.
From outside.
Outside of what?
The system!
By definition,
that's impossible!
Bureaucrat?
Do you have
anything useful to say?
Sabotage?
All inputs are self-defensive!
No, it must be coming
from within.
Area agent for unit 17,
please report.
Well, something's wrong.
Yesterday was awful,
and today was most awful!
More awful.
I can't help
the facts of matter.
At this moment,
the Beast checks out perfectly.
By every test,
it is in perfect physical form.
Yesterday, all the tests
performed perfectly, too.
Juressica lost
your stupid asteroid!
I can't help it!
The beast just--
The entire system broke down,
do you understand?
The entire system crashed
from Atlantis to center.
Well, you were inside.
You tell me what happened.
There's nothing wrong
with the Beast's head.
There's a foreign source
invading the system.
I could feel it.
You've been feeling a lot
of things you won't talk about.
Where did the power
come from damn it?
Internally generated resistance,
damn it!
Crap.
The Beast has a metal bark.
Don't give me that garbage.
There's no mental digital
Freudian block in a computer!
There's a physical break down.
Where did the power come from?
Internal binary resistance,
I said!
Nothing with
the machine circuitry?
-Yes!
-We were on 49 percent backup!
-Yeah, so?
-Not internal resistance!
Okay! Okay!
This is where everyone
takes a volume.
What's volume?
A toy belonging to
the industrial order,
not needed now that we have
obtained equilibrium.
Well...
you and your friends
from the industrial past
design this ingenious
humanly computer.
Perhaps you have an idea
what's wrong?
I always have ideas.
Indulge in a bit of fantasy.
And assume that with the
integration of Project Sirius
comes one little bit of...
information.
That is cannot assimilate.
Well, doctor.
There you have
your mental block.
It becomes a dam.
That's your internal resistance.
Every time Project Sirius passes
through the Beast's brain,
the problem is aggravated.
Come crisis time like
this afternoon, total breakdown!
Very clean.
But the Beast would reject
bad information at the source.
An enigmatic computer, yes.
But this is a conscious machine.
The system
is a functioning equation.
All information
has its influence.
By definition,
there cannot be any such thing
as un-assimilable information.
Let's say it was foreign input,
where's it coming from?
All the access weights
of defensive screening.
I don't know, Andrew.
You tell me.
well, it's alright.
She's the other half
of the Beast.
If she feels it's under attack,
she'll be defensive.
She has to be. Her condition
makes her sympathetic
to the machine.
Mind you, she could be right.
About?
In theory at least,
the Beast should be able
to assimilate all information.
Out of curiosity,
how do you account
for the breakdown?
I don't.
Whatever happens here,
whatever happens in that brain,
that is Melody
and the Beast combined
with every other computer
in the network.
It's more important
than any of us.
Including Melody!
If the Beast is under attack,
Melody will be difficult
to deal with.
She can't help it.
She's conditioned that way.
That's way I hate the system.
I understand.
I'm not trying to tell you
anything more
than to be careful.
-That's the truth.
-Is it?
In case what I said
sounds cynical,
let me remind you
that I do love her.
Like you said,
you're just trying to tell me
to be careful.
We understand each other.
So mysterious.
What kind of thing
could possibly so trouble
the binary darkness
of your computer's soul?
You have a world of your own,
I know.
But listen to me, Beast.
As we both know,
there is an override system
in this room.
And thought I will only use it
with the greatest reluctance,
I will, if necessary, use it
to acquire the information
I need.
I hope we understand each other.
Melody.
Melody!
No!
There are no words
for the thing that I am.
What do you want?
The things that are happening
to you
should be thought
of as a warning.
You must try harder
to understand.
Hello, technical.
Ready to proceed.
Okay.
This is technical.
Ready to begin tests.
We can't seem
to see what the problem is.
Can Atlantis
try a simulation?
We can't put our finger on here.
All responses
check out okay on this end.
All functions
check out perfectly.
There is no problem
with the information.
Melody, there you are.
You're late today.
What kept you?
I'm sorry, Andrew.
I didn't sleep well.
I stayed late last night.
-Why?
-Oh, I had...
Atlantis run a simulation
break down on a few
smaller centrals.
Did you learn anything?
No.
But I had a briefing
concerning Project Sirius.
-Care to come up?
-Sure.
Who briefed you?
The bureaucrat.
The G.O.D.s have had us
regain control of Sirius.
They still have to go through us
for orbital correction.
What happens if the Beast...
What's there to gain?
Maybe the system.
I had the technical department
repeat their tests on the Beast.
All systems.
They say the Beast
is in fine form.
Physically.
They didn't trace any
program invasion?
Technical department says
there was no program invasion.
Look, I know the Beast
better than anyone here.
Including you, Paul,
and the bureaucrat.
And well...
What I mean is that
there are gods, alien ideas.
Things that shouldn't be here
invading it.
All the time.
Even now, I can feel it.
You did feel that?
Yes.
You're not supposed to be
that impacted to the machine.
It's realized.
Melody, this can't be healthy
for you.
-We should tell the bureaucrat.
-I forbid you!
I mean, please, Andrew.
We're a team.
The equations were active.
I've noticed.
There must be something vast
happening on earth.
Then as long
as we have equilibrium--
Good going.
The beast is calmer now.
The next time we meet,
you will be able to look at me.
You will lend me a form
of your own creation.
But you're not ready yet.
Something, Melody.
Melody, you must try harder
to understand.
I...
I've met you before.
There's something familiar...
Time.
You're the thing inside
the Beast.
Hello, Melody?
Special lunar transmission
in two--
... system
integration coming from?
I don't know.
They haven't told me.
What do you mean
you don't know?
But the information's
been consistent.
Well, the Beast
doesn't hide information.
What kind of precedents
do we have for hybrid computers
voluntarily restricting
information?
I'm not aware of any.
Hello, Atlantis.
This is Data Five.
Reports back that the orbit
is stabilizing.
...deviation in less than
triple zero three percent
and decreasing.
Data is based on average...
All is well. Data five out.
Well, I thought I could
see something, uh...
A pattern of sorts
of static interruption.
I made a copy.
Look at these on five.
Now, these pictures
are slowed down.
We made a randomized scan
and came up
with a focused pattern.
Can you see it, Melody?
Well?
What does it mean?
I'm not sure.
I don't know.
Damn it. You do so.
Think about this for a moment.
The Beast is subject
to program invasion
from source unknown.
Well, it tries
to protect itself;
the way of all living things.
Each burst of static
is a reaction like pain.
It refuses all attempts
to reach the cause of said pain.
Doesn't make sense, does it?
Please.
Make sense, Andrew.
But still,
there's something wrong
-with our initial assumption.
-Which assumption?
That the Beast is trying
to protect itself.
If it's not trying
to protect itself,
who is it trying to protect?
Who could be most hurt
by the content
of the program invasion?
We don't know that, do we?
We don't even know
who's at the other end.
Look at the pattern
on your screen, friend.
So?
So it's scrambled, Melody.
-The Beast scrambled them.
-So?
We don't know that.
So it's an assumption.
An educated one I'm sure.
If the Beast scrambles
the content
of the program invasion,
that would mean it doesn't
want us to receive
certain information.
What information?
The content of the said
program invasion.
You're talking about
the invasion as if it were...
Communication.
That's a very interesting
idea, Melody.
If you do what you're proposing,
you'll be interfering
in the operation of the system.
You're a strange girl.
If you override the Beast,
You're isolated from
the guidance of the system.
It may be necessary.
The Beast has never been
denied its privacy before.
It's subjectivity is sensitive
to its function.
Listen to me, Melody.
If we don't identify
the program invasion,
if we don't return the Beast
to optimal efficiency,
don't Atlantis won't assume
control and do it themselves.
Just they try!
They'll have to!
The third
and most critical tentative
to crack the problems
with Sirius will begin
in 23 hours.
I know. I'm good to go.
They will only work
with the Beast
when they're certain
of his dependability.
And you know we're the only
center capable
of integrating a system-wide
program of that complexity.
There's nothing wrong
with the Beast.
If information is upsetting it,
The relevance to adapt
to the information.
If the Beast responds now
against Project Sirius,
it means that the project itself
has turned against
the balance of the system.
Project Sirius is the problem.
Admittedly, Atlantis
will decide to drop it.
You don't actually believe that?
The system is working,
don't you see?
It is telling us
to drop the project.
I don't believe
what I'm hearing.
You're out of your mind!
You don't actually believe
in the equation?
-I mean, literally?
-It is telling us something.
-It is a warning.
-A warning?
Be digital, be logical,
but don't give me that garbage!
It's because you don't
understand the system.
That's not you talking,
listen to yourself!
That's Paul talking.
Paul, not Melody.
For one half of the most
powerful brain in the system,
you can be pretty stupid.
I mean, stupidity takes on
a new awesome new magnitude
in your hands.
Andrew!
What?
I won't let you override
the Beast!
Stop me!
Okay, Beasty.
-This is where I get serious.
-No!
Don't, Andrew!
Wait! Wait!
Come on!
-Take me to the source.
-No!
Center, this is Atlantis.
Your computer has gone
into failure mode.
Enact remedial measures
immediately.
I won't let you override--
An accident...
The scale!
An extraordinary frequency.
Strange.
It really is coming
from beyond the system.
Stars.
Beast!
Andrew!
Andrew!
Ever since the first breakdown,
the Beast has been
repressing information.
Nonsense.
You know the way
of the system, Melody.
All information
is assimilable.
Well, then...
lay back and just...
find...
He was dying.
He didn't know
what you were seeing.
What an extraordinary
frequency!
Strange machine.
It really is coming
from beyond the system.
What does that mean?
"Beyond the system?"
It's a logical contradiction.
What happens now?
What do you mean, Melody?
I mean, what are we
going to do?
How do we resolve
the contact?
In such a situation,
there is an operational design
to follow.
Of course, yes.
What is it?
The initiatory phase involves
a signing a degree
of magnitude to the event.
That is the subjective
trigger manipulated
by the responsible authority.
That's me.
Once that's done,
the bobble determines
the subsequent measures
You're in a high enough
classification to understand
that the system cannot predict
discreet events.
The specific must
be generalized.
That's the way of the system.
Then you must sign
the degree of magnitude!
How do you to be the cause
to shut down the Beast?
Project Sirius requires
the full conscious functioning
-of Beast.
-We must stop Project Sirius.
Melody!
You're are exceeding
the bounds of your role.
Melody.
I'm sorry about the death
of Andrew.
I understand you were friends.
We were.
I didn't get to know him.
But I?am sorry.
Paul will assume
Andrew's function
for the time being.
Bureaucrat.
We agreed that
the Beast is explicitly
programmed to believe
in the system.
No, not explicitly.
But the logic of the program
is inescapable.
What could happen to the Beast,
if it came by evidence contrary
to the logic?
But that's impossible!
We've agreed
there's no such thing!
To do what you just did,
bureaucrat.
-What?
-Deny it.
How could the Beast
deny information?
It's against the way
of the system.
No, not just the information,
it came from beyond the system.
But there is no such thing!
The stars...
I don't understand.
That's why
you're the bureaucrat.
Don't you dare!
Andrew's death proved
that the equation works.
Right to the point of protecting
itself by any means necessary.
We don't even know
what happened to Andrew.
He's missing!
Well? What do you
think happened?
Let's just say he's somehow
become part of the system.
Become part of the system?
What do you mean?
Don't you walk out on me!
What do you mean, Melody?
reported computer killing
not a verified event.
Target system will continue
to function
according to normal programs.
There's no basis for concern.
All unit consultants
report at 2100 hours.
System integration entail.
The form I have taken
is your imposition.
Not my choice.
And I confess that it does
not suit me so well.
This dream is a warning.
Dreams are the signs
of which the mind
interprets itself.
Not all dreams come from within.
Some are signs from beyond.
Just listen to the music.
You're my creation!
If I do not like this dream,
I will send you away.
But you won't.
You must come with me.
-How?
-On my back.
We don't have much time. Come.
Fly with me.
-Where are you?
-Between worlds.
I do not like this place.
I want to leave.
Between worlds, even you
can hear the music.
Stop it!
Each planet in its power,
generates a perfect sound.
Not alone to you
as light is invisible to them.
Them?
I am no more one of them
than one of you.
What are you?
I'm something in between.
What are they?
They listen to the music.
They're nothing else.
They have to be something.
Nothing more, nothing less.
Let me be your voice of reason.
I'm the voice of Atlantis.
The eye of the beast.
I am the master work.
Every planet in its path
has seen through the galaxy.
Generates a sound by way
of its motion.
By the path in which
it has been placed.
In which it has to be.
In which it is an equilibrium.
You use words in a funny way.
None of your languages
have the words needed
for my meaning.
You must dive, Melody.
Listen to your dreams.
But...
Yes.
Does it make a sound also?
Yes. Every planet does.
What kind of sound?
In your language,
there is no word.
We'll call it a counter point.
My earth, is a counter-point?
You're lucky.
Most planets
that size are over-toned.
Over-toned?
Counter-points?
What's wrong with the music?
The asteroids.
Your people moved them
from their true orbit.
The Beast knows.
The Beast touched
the other system.
They hear that there is
something wrong.
So they rewrite the music.
The orbits of your counters
will change.
How the hell will they do that?
By wanting to,
they will do it.
What are you?
There's nothing.
All right, then.
Here we are.
Come on. I'll show you.
Frank?
Yeah, Bill. Go ahead.
Yeah, we?ve been getting
power failures all over
your area.
-Is that right?
-Yeah!
It's real peculiar.
You ought to take a look.
Well, Bill,
I'm kind of tied up right now.
You're Andrew!
Boss says you're
very good at computers.
I'm supposed to meet
the bureaucrat.
Oh, you don't want to see him.
-Let me show you around.
-But--
Come! I'll show you the Beast.
How could the Beast
deny information?
It's against the way
of the system.
Good morning, my old friend.
They're nothing
against the system.
It's just...
Atlantis is losing control
of the asteroid.
No other computer
can take over this project.
One computer killing
is hardly a sign
of general system dysfunction.
I'm very strong.
Good. Let me show you where.
Hello?
Hello!
Hello!
Shuttle 09
leaving center point
delayed to 2200 hours.
Andrew?
Hello, Andrew.
Hello, my old friend.
The others have joined
their mind to the system.
They're turning their powers
against Atlantis.
Hello, Atlantis.
Attention...
Sergeant, status.
Asteroid Sirius speeding from
program trajectory.
An act that will give
you measure immediately.
Information follows
in a single digital mode...
Data five, out.
-We must reveal--
-Code nine.
Reporting energy fields
of undetermined origins
approaching area.
-The Atlanta Juressica
-Data five, urgent morse code.
Censors indicate lunar
geo-density instability
and gravitational transient.
Energy fields
progressing around lunar areas.
Lunar core heating.
Surface breakout.
We have surface breakout.
Data mine leaving area.
We cannot find the moon.
It has changed now,
my old friend.
I can feel it.
We have lost Atlantis.
And we have lost the moon.
The earth has changed,
too, Melody.
Well, now, it has changed.
Are you the ones that listen?
I am the thing that remains.
If you're anything at all.
Perhaps, I am nothing.
Well, I know you're real.
We have done what was needed.
Those who listen are protected.
But the system is destroyed.
The base is buried.
I have no place
in this world anymore.
Then come.
There is always a place
for those who hear the music.
How can I hear you?
There is a way.
Show me then.
Sorry Earth...
negative to that.
Okay, good luck.
System integration intact.
The rock is moving.
They're breaking orbit.
Imagine that.
We'll be tapping
the power of the stars.
Imagine the risk.
Think of the energy.
Hello, center.
This is Terra tracking station.
Standby for integration.
Atlantis confirms. You have
permission to Project Sirius.
Carve a solar condenser
in each asteroid face.
This is phase three.
Add each body
with microwave
transmission facilities.
Three asteroids will do.
Icarus, Hayor, and Sirius.
Hello, center.
Standby for integration.
This is center.
We have interlocked.
The Beast is in control.
Confirming asteroid Sirius
is in our control.
Good.
The Beast moves.
Congratulations, Melody.
And good words
for your beanery twin, too.
The Beast handled itself well.
How does it feel to have
the entire planet
passing through your brain?
I didn't feel much, actually.
-Um, Andrew?
-Yeah?
I'd like to be alone
with the Beast for a minute.
Uh, sure, kid.
I'm going for a coffee.
Join me when you're finished?
Yes, that's fine.
Oh, excuse me! Sorry.
Hello, there.
-You're the, uh--
-I'm the new, um...
My name is Melody.
Well, hello.
We've been expecting you.
-I'm supposed to meet--
-My name's Andrew.
Oh, you're Andrew!
Paul says you're very good
at computer linkage.
-Paul, yes. He said you--
-You're from the East.
I'm from the South myself.
Oh, yes. Paul said it's special.
Right?
I'm supposed to meet
the bureaucrat.
Oh, you don't want to see him.
Let me show you around.
-But--
-Come! I'll show you the Beast.
"The Beast?"
Oh, the computer.
I call it the Beast.
Why?
Well, let's just say,
you have to be very strong
to control it.
Are you strong?
I'm very strong.
Good. Let me show you around.
Melody.
You've been trained to interlock
with the greatest computer
man has ever made.
And now I can reveal the mission
Paul has bene preparing you for.
We're embarking
on an energy project
that will save our people
from the misery they've known.
Project Sirius involves
converting asteroids
to solar energy transmitters
and placing them in orbits
from which they can direct
microwave converted energy
to earth.
You, Melody,
and you, Andrew,
working with this computer
you so fondly call "The Beast",
will control the movement
of these asteroids.
And direct the successful
culmination of this project,
our faith in the future,
and belief in the system.
Okay. Here I am.
What do you want?
I just thought
we could have a coffee.
Oh, yeah?
Like how?
There's a purpose
to this meeting.
-Why do you say that?
-I know you.
There always is.
You should be pleased
with yourself.
The bureaucrat?
Had a good word from Atlantis,
said to pass it on to you.
Really, Melody.
You should be pleased.
For 25 minutes, every important
thought in the system
passed through your brain,
well, you and the Beast.
All the orders from Atlantis,
...the tracking station,
all that information
and not a problem!
How do you know
there wasn't a problem?
-Did I miss something?
-I don't know. Did you?
Every indicator had
the Beast functioning perfectly.
Then there couldn't have been
any trouble, right?
I mean, you should know.
You're the machine's
psychiatrist.
Melody, I have to know
somethings to do my job.
I have to know what you felt
during the project.
I have to know
how the Beast felt.
Particularly, if anything
went wrong.
You must tell me.
I felt as if I was
up there, Andrew.
In space, and that track.
Or it's like...
it's like it were a sort of
living thing.
And I was up there with it.
There was this tremendous
sense of movement.
Acceleration.
And then floating.
Just floating.
What else did you feel?
This living thing, Andrew.
It was as if it felt,
well, surprised.
And then something like...
something like...
pain.
How long did you feel this way?
I don't know.
I'm curious though.
Were those also
the Beast's thoughts,
or were they just
my own illusions?
I don't recall you experiencing
any similar effects in the past.
Well, I've always shared
the machine's thoughts.
I never felt myself
to actually be somewhere else.
I always knew
I was in the center,
an interlock.
Why do you think
this time was different?
I don't know.
In the years
that followed the collapse
of the world economy,
the industrial nations
fell into chaos.
And the super power
crumbled under their own weight.
The dark age envelops
earth again.
Until a new order arrives
from the ruins of the former
civilizations.
The business of running
the planet is conducted
through a network
of super intelligent
biological computers
situated in states
throughout the world.
There are no nations
anymore.
No one language is common
to the city states,
except the electronic words
spoken between
the thinking machines.
All the orders passed
through the system
come from Atlantis,
the moon base, which harbors
the equation and its keepers.
The equation is designed
to interpret all events
on earth
and guide the system toward
the embankment
of planetary equilibrium.
Above all,
the people of the system
are determined
that no such ruin
would ever beset earth again.
...crossover effect,
which occurs with
certain individuals
who are in an awful context.
Now, when we're talking
about subjects
whose physio-magnetic
cortex generation
occur at the same frequency
as artificial
electro-magnetic radiation.
Oh, very British. Very pretty.
Well, yes. The brain
in a sense
becomes like a receiver.
But you said this hadn't
anything to do with telepathy.
No, not telepathic
towards normal broadcasting,
that's...
However, once the effect
is manifest,
Well, when the brain
is open to other kinds
of input--
What does that mean?
"Other kinds of input?"
It's an idea
that belongs to the past.
Good morning, Andrew.
Oh, good morning,
Melo-friend!
I'm fine, Andrew.
How are you?
I'm okay.
How's the Beast feeling?
It's happy, Andrew.
Relaxed.
The triangle
of asteroid-based
solar collecting converters
will assure that the two
converted beams
of microwave energy
will be pointed to earth
at all times.
Over three asteroids
converted to this purpose
Icarus, Hayor, and Sirius,
the first two are in
their new orbits.
Sirius, the third and final
component in the project,
is presently in transport
towards its intended new orbit.
Melody?
Melody.
Melody!
Melody!
What are you?
There are no words
for the thing that I am.
Andrew, what was that?
I read a power surge.
And we melted circuits,
the Beast is operating
on backups.
Where did the power
come from?
You tell me.
I'm initiating a principal
function test.
Melody, Andrew,
do you hear me?
Yes, bureaucrat.
Yes, we hear you.
We had a total
breakdown for some seconds.
What is the reason?
It's too early to tell
the extent of the breakdown.
The Beast is on back up.
We were out
of touch with every center
on the planet!
Including Atlantis.
We'll let you know, sir.
This is important.
It surprises me, too.
We simply lost five seconds,
and there's still
no accounting for it.
But what happened to us?
You must have some idea.
That's the strangest
part yet, Melody.
It was there,
and then it was gone.
But you can't
create energy, Andrew.
I'm turning to think
it was internally generated.
I'm tending to think
it was something foreign.
What, Melody?
Every time
I'm in interlock, Andrew.
I feel like there's something
passing through
the Beast's brain
that doesn't belong there.
Something strange.
Otherworldly.
I'm worried.
It's making me uptight.
Access codes filed. 3665,
This is an emergency.
Rapid deviation
to 1.5 percent and holding.
Shit!
Melody,
hang on to that machine.
I need to talk
to the bureaucrat.
I'm here.
I need clearance
to access the codes.
Granted.
Andrew.
It's got me again.
I'm out there.
I'm floating, Andrew.
Melody.
Melody!
Melody!
Melody! Melody!
Melody!
Melody!
Melody! Melody!
Melody!
Melody!
-Melody!
-God!
What is it?
Overload again.
Something's getting
into the machine.
Resetting circuits again.
The Beast is going on back up.
Melody, Andrew,
What in the system's name
is happening to us?
It's the interference again.
I know, damn it. I know!
Atlantis is losing touch
with the asteroid.
No other computer
must take over this project.
Bureaucrat.
I feel as if the Beast
is reacting to program invasion.
Foreign input.
Something from outside.
From outside.
Outside of what?
The system!
By definition,
that's impossible!
Bureaucrat?
Do you have
anything useful to say?
Sabotage?
All inputs are self-defensive!
No, it must be coming
from within.
Area agent for unit 17,
please report.
Well, something's wrong.
Yesterday was awful,
and today was most awful!
More awful.
I can't help
the facts of matter.
At this moment,
the Beast checks out perfectly.
By every test,
it is in perfect physical form.
Yesterday, all the tests
performed perfectly, too.
Juressica lost
your stupid asteroid!
I can't help it!
The beast just--
The entire system broke down,
do you understand?
The entire system crashed
from Atlantis to center.
Well, you were inside.
You tell me what happened.
There's nothing wrong
with the Beast's head.
There's a foreign source
invading the system.
I could feel it.
You've been feeling a lot
of things you won't talk about.
Where did the power
come from damn it?
Internally generated resistance,
damn it!
Crap.
The Beast has a metal bark.
Don't give me that garbage.
There's no mental digital
Freudian block in a computer!
There's a physical break down.
Where did the power come from?
Internal binary resistance,
I said!
Nothing with
the machine circuitry?
-Yes!
-We were on 49 percent backup!
-Yeah, so?
-Not internal resistance!
Okay! Okay!
This is where everyone
takes a volume.
What's volume?
A toy belonging to
the industrial order,
not needed now that we have
obtained equilibrium.
Well...
you and your friends
from the industrial past
design this ingenious
humanly computer.
Perhaps you have an idea
what's wrong?
I always have ideas.
Indulge in a bit of fantasy.
And assume that with the
integration of Project Sirius
comes one little bit of...
information.
That is cannot assimilate.
Well, doctor.
There you have
your mental block.
It becomes a dam.
That's your internal resistance.
Every time Project Sirius passes
through the Beast's brain,
the problem is aggravated.
Come crisis time like
this afternoon, total breakdown!
Very clean.
But the Beast would reject
bad information at the source.
An enigmatic computer, yes.
But this is a conscious machine.
The system
is a functioning equation.
All information
has its influence.
By definition,
there cannot be any such thing
as un-assimilable information.
Let's say it was foreign input,
where's it coming from?
All the access weights
of defensive screening.
I don't know, Andrew.
You tell me.
well, it's alright.
She's the other half
of the Beast.
If she feels it's under attack,
she'll be defensive.
She has to be. Her condition
makes her sympathetic
to the machine.
Mind you, she could be right.
About?
In theory at least,
the Beast should be able
to assimilate all information.
Out of curiosity,
how do you account
for the breakdown?
I don't.
Whatever happens here,
whatever happens in that brain,
that is Melody
and the Beast combined
with every other computer
in the network.
It's more important
than any of us.
Including Melody!
If the Beast is under attack,
Melody will be difficult
to deal with.
She can't help it.
She's conditioned that way.
That's way I hate the system.
I understand.
I'm not trying to tell you
anything more
than to be careful.
-That's the truth.
-Is it?
In case what I said
sounds cynical,
let me remind you
that I do love her.
Like you said,
you're just trying to tell me
to be careful.
We understand each other.
So mysterious.
What kind of thing
could possibly so trouble
the binary darkness
of your computer's soul?
You have a world of your own,
I know.
But listen to me, Beast.
As we both know,
there is an override system
in this room.
And thought I will only use it
with the greatest reluctance,
I will, if necessary, use it
to acquire the information
I need.
I hope we understand each other.
Melody.
Melody!
No!
There are no words
for the thing that I am.
What do you want?
The things that are happening
to you
should be thought
of as a warning.
You must try harder
to understand.
Hello, technical.
Ready to proceed.
Okay.
This is technical.
Ready to begin tests.
We can't seem
to see what the problem is.
Can Atlantis
try a simulation?
We can't put our finger on here.
All responses
check out okay on this end.
All functions
check out perfectly.
There is no problem
with the information.
Melody, there you are.
You're late today.
What kept you?
I'm sorry, Andrew.
I didn't sleep well.
I stayed late last night.
-Why?
-Oh, I had...
Atlantis run a simulation
break down on a few
smaller centrals.
Did you learn anything?
No.
But I had a briefing
concerning Project Sirius.
-Care to come up?
-Sure.
Who briefed you?
The bureaucrat.
The G.O.D.s have had us
regain control of Sirius.
They still have to go through us
for orbital correction.
What happens if the Beast...
What's there to gain?
Maybe the system.
I had the technical department
repeat their tests on the Beast.
All systems.
They say the Beast
is in fine form.
Physically.
They didn't trace any
program invasion?
Technical department says
there was no program invasion.
Look, I know the Beast
better than anyone here.
Including you, Paul,
and the bureaucrat.
And well...
What I mean is that
there are gods, alien ideas.
Things that shouldn't be here
invading it.
All the time.
Even now, I can feel it.
You did feel that?
Yes.
You're not supposed to be
that impacted to the machine.
It's realized.
Melody, this can't be healthy
for you.
-We should tell the bureaucrat.
-I forbid you!
I mean, please, Andrew.
We're a team.
The equations were active.
I've noticed.
There must be something vast
happening on earth.
Then as long
as we have equilibrium--
Good going.
The beast is calmer now.
The next time we meet,
you will be able to look at me.
You will lend me a form
of your own creation.
But you're not ready yet.
Something, Melody.
Melody, you must try harder
to understand.
I...
I've met you before.
There's something familiar...
Time.
You're the thing inside
the Beast.
Hello, Melody?
Special lunar transmission
in two--
... system
integration coming from?
I don't know.
They haven't told me.
What do you mean
you don't know?
But the information's
been consistent.
Well, the Beast
doesn't hide information.
What kind of precedents
do we have for hybrid computers
voluntarily restricting
information?
I'm not aware of any.
Hello, Atlantis.
This is Data Five.
Reports back that the orbit
is stabilizing.
...deviation in less than
triple zero three percent
and decreasing.
Data is based on average...
All is well. Data five out.
Well, I thought I could
see something, uh...
A pattern of sorts
of static interruption.
I made a copy.
Look at these on five.
Now, these pictures
are slowed down.
We made a randomized scan
and came up
with a focused pattern.
Can you see it, Melody?
Well?
What does it mean?
I'm not sure.
I don't know.
Damn it. You do so.
Think about this for a moment.
The Beast is subject
to program invasion
from source unknown.
Well, it tries
to protect itself;
the way of all living things.
Each burst of static
is a reaction like pain.
It refuses all attempts
to reach the cause of said pain.
Doesn't make sense, does it?
Please.
Make sense, Andrew.
But still,
there's something wrong
-with our initial assumption.
-Which assumption?
That the Beast is trying
to protect itself.
If it's not trying
to protect itself,
who is it trying to protect?
Who could be most hurt
by the content
of the program invasion?
We don't know that, do we?
We don't even know
who's at the other end.
Look at the pattern
on your screen, friend.
So?
So it's scrambled, Melody.
-The Beast scrambled them.
-So?
We don't know that.
So it's an assumption.
An educated one I'm sure.
If the Beast scrambles
the content
of the program invasion,
that would mean it doesn't
want us to receive
certain information.
What information?
The content of the said
program invasion.
You're talking about
the invasion as if it were...
Communication.
That's a very interesting
idea, Melody.
If you do what you're proposing,
you'll be interfering
in the operation of the system.
You're a strange girl.
If you override the Beast,
You're isolated from
the guidance of the system.
It may be necessary.
The Beast has never been
denied its privacy before.
It's subjectivity is sensitive
to its function.
Listen to me, Melody.
If we don't identify
the program invasion,
if we don't return the Beast
to optimal efficiency,
don't Atlantis won't assume
control and do it themselves.
Just they try!
They'll have to!
The third
and most critical tentative
to crack the problems
with Sirius will begin
in 23 hours.
I know. I'm good to go.
They will only work
with the Beast
when they're certain
of his dependability.
And you know we're the only
center capable
of integrating a system-wide
program of that complexity.
There's nothing wrong
with the Beast.
If information is upsetting it,
The relevance to adapt
to the information.
If the Beast responds now
against Project Sirius,
it means that the project itself
has turned against
the balance of the system.
Project Sirius is the problem.
Admittedly, Atlantis
will decide to drop it.
You don't actually believe that?
The system is working,
don't you see?
It is telling us
to drop the project.
I don't believe
what I'm hearing.
You're out of your mind!
You don't actually believe
in the equation?
-I mean, literally?
-It is telling us something.
-It is a warning.
-A warning?
Be digital, be logical,
but don't give me that garbage!
It's because you don't
understand the system.
That's not you talking,
listen to yourself!
That's Paul talking.
Paul, not Melody.
For one half of the most
powerful brain in the system,
you can be pretty stupid.
I mean, stupidity takes on
a new awesome new magnitude
in your hands.
Andrew!
What?
I won't let you override
the Beast!
Stop me!
Okay, Beasty.
-This is where I get serious.
-No!
Don't, Andrew!
Wait! Wait!
Come on!
-Take me to the source.
-No!
Center, this is Atlantis.
Your computer has gone
into failure mode.
Enact remedial measures
immediately.
I won't let you override--
An accident...
The scale!
An extraordinary frequency.
Strange.
It really is coming
from beyond the system.
Stars.
Beast!
Andrew!
Andrew!
Ever since the first breakdown,
the Beast has been
repressing information.
Nonsense.
You know the way
of the system, Melody.
All information
is assimilable.
Well, then...
lay back and just...
find...
He was dying.
He didn't know
what you were seeing.
What an extraordinary
frequency!
Strange machine.
It really is coming
from beyond the system.
What does that mean?
"Beyond the system?"
It's a logical contradiction.
What happens now?
What do you mean, Melody?
I mean, what are we
going to do?
How do we resolve
the contact?
In such a situation,
there is an operational design
to follow.
Of course, yes.
What is it?
The initiatory phase involves
a signing a degree
of magnitude to the event.
That is the subjective
trigger manipulated
by the responsible authority.
That's me.
Once that's done,
the bobble determines
the subsequent measures
You're in a high enough
classification to understand
that the system cannot predict
discreet events.
The specific must
be generalized.
That's the way of the system.
Then you must sign
the degree of magnitude!
How do you to be the cause
to shut down the Beast?
Project Sirius requires
the full conscious functioning
-of Beast.
-We must stop Project Sirius.
Melody!
You're are exceeding
the bounds of your role.
Melody.
I'm sorry about the death
of Andrew.
I understand you were friends.
We were.
I didn't get to know him.
But I?am sorry.
Paul will assume
Andrew's function
for the time being.
Bureaucrat.
We agreed that
the Beast is explicitly
programmed to believe
in the system.
No, not explicitly.
But the logic of the program
is inescapable.
What could happen to the Beast,
if it came by evidence contrary
to the logic?
But that's impossible!
We've agreed
there's no such thing!
To do what you just did,
bureaucrat.
-What?
-Deny it.
How could the Beast
deny information?
It's against the way
of the system.
No, not just the information,
it came from beyond the system.
But there is no such thing!
The stars...
I don't understand.
That's why
you're the bureaucrat.
Don't you dare!
Andrew's death proved
that the equation works.
Right to the point of protecting
itself by any means necessary.
We don't even know
what happened to Andrew.
He's missing!
Well? What do you
think happened?
Let's just say he's somehow
become part of the system.
Become part of the system?
What do you mean?
Don't you walk out on me!
What do you mean, Melody?
reported computer killing
not a verified event.
Target system will continue
to function
according to normal programs.
There's no basis for concern.
All unit consultants
report at 2100 hours.
System integration entail.
The form I have taken
is your imposition.
Not my choice.
And I confess that it does
not suit me so well.
This dream is a warning.
Dreams are the signs
of which the mind
interprets itself.
Not all dreams come from within.
Some are signs from beyond.
Just listen to the music.
You're my creation!
If I do not like this dream,
I will send you away.
But you won't.
You must come with me.
-How?
-On my back.
We don't have much time. Come.
Fly with me.
-Where are you?
-Between worlds.
I do not like this place.
I want to leave.
Between worlds, even you
can hear the music.
Stop it!
Each planet in its power,
generates a perfect sound.
Not alone to you
as light is invisible to them.
Them?
I am no more one of them
than one of you.
What are you?
I'm something in between.
What are they?
They listen to the music.
They're nothing else.
They have to be something.
Nothing more, nothing less.
Let me be your voice of reason.
I'm the voice of Atlantis.
The eye of the beast.
I am the master work.
Every planet in its path
has seen through the galaxy.
Generates a sound by way
of its motion.
By the path in which
it has been placed.
In which it has to be.
In which it is an equilibrium.
You use words in a funny way.
None of your languages
have the words needed
for my meaning.
You must dive, Melody.
Listen to your dreams.
But...
Yes.
Does it make a sound also?
Yes. Every planet does.
What kind of sound?
In your language,
there is no word.
We'll call it a counter point.
My earth, is a counter-point?
You're lucky.
Most planets
that size are over-toned.
Over-toned?
Counter-points?
What's wrong with the music?
The asteroids.
Your people moved them
from their true orbit.
The Beast knows.
The Beast touched
the other system.
They hear that there is
something wrong.
So they rewrite the music.
The orbits of your counters
will change.
How the hell will they do that?
By wanting to,
they will do it.
What are you?
There's nothing.
All right, then.
Here we are.
Come on. I'll show you.
Frank?
Yeah, Bill. Go ahead.
Yeah, we?ve been getting
power failures all over
your area.
-Is that right?
-Yeah!
It's real peculiar.
You ought to take a look.
Well, Bill,
I'm kind of tied up right now.
You're Andrew!
Boss says you're
very good at computers.
I'm supposed to meet
the bureaucrat.
Oh, you don't want to see him.
-Let me show you around.
-But--
Come! I'll show you the Beast.
How could the Beast
deny information?
It's against the way
of the system.
Good morning, my old friend.
They're nothing
against the system.
It's just...
Atlantis is losing control
of the asteroid.
No other computer
can take over this project.
One computer killing
is hardly a sign
of general system dysfunction.
I'm very strong.
Good. Let me show you where.
Hello?
Hello!
Hello!
Shuttle 09
leaving center point
delayed to 2200 hours.
Andrew?
Hello, Andrew.
Hello, my old friend.
The others have joined
their mind to the system.
They're turning their powers
against Atlantis.
Hello, Atlantis.
Attention...
Sergeant, status.
Asteroid Sirius speeding from
program trajectory.
An act that will give
you measure immediately.
Information follows
in a single digital mode...
Data five, out.
-We must reveal--
-Code nine.
Reporting energy fields
of undetermined origins
approaching area.
-The Atlanta Juressica
-Data five, urgent morse code.
Censors indicate lunar
geo-density instability
and gravitational transient.
Energy fields
progressing around lunar areas.
Lunar core heating.
Surface breakout.
We have surface breakout.
Data mine leaving area.
We cannot find the moon.
It has changed now,
my old friend.
I can feel it.
We have lost Atlantis.
And we have lost the moon.
The earth has changed,
too, Melody.
Well, now, it has changed.
Are you the ones that listen?
I am the thing that remains.
If you're anything at all.
Perhaps, I am nothing.
Well, I know you're real.
We have done what was needed.
Those who listen are protected.
But the system is destroyed.
The base is buried.
I have no place
in this world anymore.
Then come.
There is always a place
for those who hear the music.
How can I hear you?
There is a way.
Show me then.