Pirx kalandjai (1973–…): Season 1, Episode 5 - Akció 127 óra 25-kor - full transcript
WORLD ASTRONAUTICAL ORGANISATION
Director! Captain Pirx has arrived.
PIRX'S ADVENTURES
Based on Stanislaw
Lem's novels, written by:
Part 5.
* Event at 127 hours 25 mins *
- Director! Captain Pirx has arrived.
- Send him in!
- Welcome! Sit down!
- Thank you.
Captain, we have a proposition for you.
A fairly original proposition, actually.
It's about an experiment.
First of all, I'd like to ask you
to treat the information...
...I'm about to tell you
as confidential, please.
- Can you promise me that?
- No.
- Or at least, not until you tell me
more. - Of course.
You're not in the habit of signing up for
something you haven't seen yet, right?
I should have expected this, from what
I heard about you. Care for a smoke?
Thank you, but no.
This whole thing is about a test flight.
- A new kind of spaceship?
- No.
- A new kind of crew.
- Crew?
And what's my part in it?
The thorough assessment of the crew's
suitability. I can't tell you more.
So, can I count on your discretion?
- Well, if I deem it agreeable, of course.
- Agreeable?
- And acceptable.
- In what sense?
I'm talking about conscience.
All right.
It's a mission from Earth.
- A round trip?
- Yes.
You'd fly round Saturn and place
a new, automatic satellite in orbit there.
- But that's the Joviander.
- Yes.
One of its components.
I mean the satellites.
But there's another factor.
The crew. As I've already mentioned.
As you know, substituting humans
with multifunctioned machines
has already been a
possibility for a long time.
Scientific development has achieved
micro-miniaturization at
the molecular level.
Ours experts have already
produced the prototypes of
a quasi-crystalline brain which
is equivalent to that of a human.
and now, certain
companies wish to start
the mass-production of
human-like automota,
specifically designed for
astronautical purposes.
I've heard about this.
And what's your opinion?
I don't really like it.
I don't think humanity is
ready for the appearance
of artificial humanoids
on such a large scale.
But I'm afraid, individual opinions
don't count for much in this case.
Well, of course, the real question is
whether they are indeed
equivalent to a human?
But, I suppose you didn't ask me
to come here to philosophise.
The engineers are expecting
objections
from the media and
certain institutions,
so they intend to give us some of
their robots for further experiments.
We have to determine whether
they are suitable
for the navigation of
interstellar spaceships.
You are one of the directors of
the World Astronautical Organisation...
So, what's your opinion?
I can tell you this much:
most of us at the directorate
were not too happy to
hear this suggestion.
But, there are some technocrats
amongst us as well.
And in addition, the companies
brought up some fresh arguments,
namely,
that the robots can
navigate the spaceships
much more safely than humans.
Their reactions are quicker,
they don't need to sleep,
they don't know fatigue,
they don't need food, oxygen, etc.
You can see that these
are strong arguments,
so we had to allow
at least one test.
I'm beginning to understand the
nature of my task with this special crew.
You would be their commander.
In the two week period you
could find out everything
find out everything
about their capabilities.
And you could give us a detailed
report upon your return,
about not just the professional,
but the psychological factors
you had to face as well.
I don't like this whole thing.
You're just looking at it
from a wrong perspective.
But that's no problem, it just makes
you a more suitable person for the job.
If in the end, there are counter-arguments,
you'll insist on them
more thoroughly.
Welcome, Captain Pirx. I'm McGuirr,
manager of Super Electronics.
The crew, please!
Guys! He will be your commander!
Captain Pirx.
To avoid any misunderstandings, I must
inform you straight away, Captain,
that some of the
crew are born humans,
whereas others are not.
All of them are familiar
with their own ancestry,
but know nothing about
that of the others.
Please, don't ask them
about their ancestry,
because they were specifically
instructed to give
the following response, if
asked about their origins:
"I am a normal human."
Nobody told me about this yet.
Pardon me, but the
contract clearly stated
that the crew is of 'a new kind'.
But nowhere does it say that this
crew would be manned only by robots.
We simply just want to make sure
you will be impartial
towards them.
You are to write a report about each
and every crew member upon return.
We're just trying to ensure
the perfect environment
for your complete impartiality.
Thank you. But I still find
this whole thing unclear.
Unclear? You're are free to do
with them whatever you want.
I can ensure you that they'll
all obey your commands.
So, am I not allowed to
ask them about it?
Of course you can ask them!
But it could give you an
unpleasant feeling to know
that some of them are certainly
not telling you the truth!
Wouldn't it be better just to avoid that?
Their answer will always be:
"I'm a normal human."
But it won't always be true.
What about you?
What? Me?
- That was a good one! - I'd
like to talk to my ... "men".
Is it their field of expertise that
interests you, perhaps?
Anyway, I won't interfere. Just
go ahead. Go ahead, please.
John Massena, pilot.
Harry Brown, nuclear physicist.
Hans Krug, cybernetic doctor.
Andy Thomson, radio operator.
Thank you, gentlemen.
Captain, you underestimated us...
It's not that easy to distinguish
our sons from the real ones!
Tell me!
Do the ones, who are not humans
also behave like normal people?
- Do they eat, do they drink?
- Of course.
- What for? - For the illusion, of course.
I mean for those around them.
And can you distinguish them?
Yes. But only because I know them.
Obviously one could use certain
violent methods to find out,
but you are not planning on raising
an axe to them, are you?
I couldn't do it anyway.
After all they look like
humans in every aspects.
Tell me, do they breathe,
do they cough, do they blush?
They do all that. Of course,
there are smaller differences,
but only a doctor
could notice them.
- What about psychic differences?
- What do you mean?
For example, can they lie,
and if so, to what degree?
Can they lose their temper?
Yes, all those are possible.
We designed perfect
human-replicas,
although the probability of
losing self-control, or snapping
is much smaller than in the case
of a human being
under similar stress.
- Do you have any tests about that?
- Of course.
And the results?
Humans are much less trustworthy.
- And what would a robot do, if I try to
smash his face in? - He'd defend himself.
- Would he want to kill me as well?
- No, he'd just defend himself.
And what if the only possible
self-defense is to attack?
Then he'd attack.
Just like a human.
I'll sign the contract.
This way, please!
Captain Pirx!
You can tell your bosses,
that I'll do my best
to bring out the worst
from your machines.
We hope you're gonna do
just exactly that! Because even
at theirs worst, they are
better than humans!
We'll see. I'm leaving now. I want to
take command of the spaceship today.
We're going to start
tomorrow morning.
My helicopter is here.
Can I give you a lift?
Thank you, I'd rather use the
metro. I don't like risky things.
Brown!
Yes, Sir!
- Are you superstitious?
- No, Sir!
- Do you like meat-pancake?
- So-so.
- Can I go now?
- You can.
- Welcome, Captain Pirx!
- Greetings, Jan Gutter!
Commander! We set up
the main computer.
Departure: at 0 hours.
Turn back: at 127 hours 26 min.
Event: at 127 hours 25 min.
That is the time, when
a type Z satellite
is to be placed in orbit
around Saturn.
Since this action can
only be carried out
at full engine capacity,
the danger of radiation
will be extremely high
at the time of this event.
Acceleration: 250.
Engine: 70
Radiation shield: 200
Thank you.
As you can see, we programmed
twice the amount
of the usual radiation shield
for 127 hours 25 mins.
Because this is a special operation,
we received the command
that we can only give
the lock combination
of the computer center to you.
And after that, I must
ask you to destroy it.
- Safe journey, Captain Pirx!
- Thank you.
Automatic control!
Captain Pirx!
- Who's that?
- I can't tell you that.
Who are you?
There is no point turning
on the videophone.
You couldn't identify me
even if you saw me.
I generate sounds
electronically.
I don't need to move my lips.
Anyway, I'm sure, you noticed
that I'm using your voice.
Don't leave!
Listen to me!
- Can you see me?
- No.
I'm just able to perceive
your reactions.
I'm a robot.
My goal is to make sure,
the robots win.
Therefore I want you to have
a good opinion about us.
You're trying to negotiate with me
in secret using an altered voice,
and you expect me to have
a good opinion about you?
I'm not talking about that
kind of opinion.
Your mission is to report your
opinion about our capabilities.
There you go, switching things again.
You think you could
identify me that easily?
Face the facts! Our logic and skills
are way beyond that of humans.
What are you trying
to say with that?
I'm saying that by giving a good
opinion about us, you are
supporting the continuous
development of the world.
You've been given a chance,
to discover that we, machines
are the only possible option
to discover the universe.
This is a kind of discovery
that not even
the greatest scientists
could fathom.
I don't believe in these
kind of discoveries.
Especially not after
such a negotiation.
- These circumstances...
- This is the problem with you, humans.
You always get tangled in
circumstances and sentiments,
and you are unable to concentrate
on the most important thing.
But despite that, we created
the current level of technology.
Including you robots!
I'm not discrediting your merits.
Humans created the previous
stages of development.
But once in space, further
evolution cannot be entrusted
to emotional, fussy
and hasty beings.
Better logical abilities and
greater efforts towards safety
are required for this.
It's in the best interest of humanity
itself that capable robots
should take charge of cosmonautics,
science and development.
In other words, you want to
take power for yourself,
and you're asking me
to help you in that.
I'm asking for your help
to create a better world.
Tell me! How long do you
intend to carry on with this joke?
This is not a joke.
And remember, we do NOT
know the word "joke".
Are you threatening me?
No, I'm only informing you.
It's not really logical that
you inform me of this.
But yes, it IS logical.
I had to offer you a
chance for cooperation.
Except that I'm a human, and I
can't take part in a robot's game!
That's why what you're
saying is illogical!
Listen, Captain.
I want to prove that robots are
more valuable than humans.
It's possible that some of you
might even die for this reason.
I decided to talk to you
like this because
even when you know about
my ideas and plans,
you'll still be unable to
defend against them.
Such is your inferiority to us.
We are testing you on the same
way as you're testing us
This experiment is mutual.
You don't like it, Captain?
I'm not particularly hungry.
People don't eat because they're
hungry, but because it's time.
This was a bad joke,
don't you think?
People get a hole in their stomach
if they don't eat regularly.
On the other hand, robots
only eat out of politeness.
Bon appetit, my friends.
You're so quiet! One can even hear
the sound of the
cogwheels in your head!
I would like to talk to you.
Please. Take a seat.
I want to tell you something, but
promise me you won't tell it to anybody.
Is it a secret?
All right, I won't tell anybody.
- So?
- I'm a human.
I'm telling you this because
I want to help you.
When I applied for the job,
I didn't know what it's all about.
I only found out, when
they actually chose me.
I've got a fiancee. We want to get married.
We had some
financial setbacks.
But this job just came in time,
because they gave me 8000 in advance,
and I get the same amount upon return
as well, regardless of the results.
I don't know any of the other three.
So, I can't be certain about
them, but I have a suspicion...
What?
I believe the brown-haired guy,
Massena, is not a human.
What makes you think that?
Lots of small, seemingly
trivial things.
But adding them up, they
must mean something.
First of all, whether he's standing or
sitting, he keeps still like a sculpture.
And humans are unable
to keep still for too long.
You have a point there.
And?
He eats everything.
- What do you mean everything?
- Everything, whatever he gets.
He absolutely doesn't
care. But all humans
prefer some foods
and dislike others.
This doesn't prove anything yet.
Of course not, but adding all these
things together... Think about it!
- And one more thing!
- Well?
He didn't write any letters
while we're down below.
Of course, I can't be
absolutely sure about this,
but for example
I clearly saw Thomson
sending a letter from
the space station.
Tell me! Are you actually
allowed to send letters?
No.
I see all of you keep yourselves
to the conditions of your contract.
- Why didn't you keep your promise?
- Me?
- What do you mean, Captain? - You gave
your word to keep your identity a secret.
Oh, that? Yes, I promised that, but
I presume there are certain situations
when it's not just somebody's option,
but his sole duty to break his promise.
- Brown, you've been paid 8000.
- Yes, so what?
They hired me as a
reactor physicist. After all,
I'm a reactor physicist, and not
a bad one, for that matter.
Upon our return you'll get
another 8000 for these two weeks.
You were also paid this money
in return for your discretion.
Are you mad at me for coming
here, and telling you all this?
No. I'm not mad at you. Not at all.
But tell me! What can I gain from you
telling me your suspicions
about Massena?
Pardon me, Captain. If it's like that,
this whole thing was a misunderstanding.
I just wanted to help.
I thought this is
my moral duty,
but if you think that... In other
words, just forget about it!
Wait.
Look Brown, this whole
thing is not that simple.
You approached me in good faith,
and I should appreciate that!
But while good faith is one thing,
cool reasoning is quite another.
Let's suppose that thanks
to you, now I can be certain
of the identity of you and Massena.
Suppose?
What if your whole
story is just a trap?
... with which you could not only
deceive me, but at the same time prove
that I'm willing to breach my contract by
trying to find out who is and who isn't a robot.
- But why I would deceive you?
- Why not?
Thomson?
Something's wrong with my
communication system.
Check it, please!
Why don't you answer?
Thomson!
Thomson!
Why are you not at your place?
I took a small walk.
I had a bit of a headache.
I see.
A number 8!
Krug!
Krug! Why aren't you at your place?
Am I disturbing you?
Please, take a seat!
Thank you.
What do you want?
I came in order to tell you,
that I'm NOT a human.
What?
I said, I'm not a human.
- So you're a robot?
- Yes.
And I'm on your side
in this experiment.
Sure.
Of course.
- You don't believe me?
- Why wouldn't I?
And since you decided to be
so confidential with me,
- I'll tell you something as well,
if you don't mind. - Go ahead.
I'm also a robot.
But I'm on the humans' side, since
selfish interests do not interest me.
Don't joke with me, Commander.
Please, understand!
I am actually driven by
selfish interests when I'm
revealing myself to you.
Ah! This question is getting more and
more complicated, don't you think?
On the other hand. It's quite simple.
If you were to give a positive report
about us, robots,
that will cause a boom in production.
Mass production would start.
While it's just me, another one,
or let's say, ten more of us,
we could just disappear
in the crowd, unnoticed.
My future, our future will be similar
to that of the majority of the people,
with the essential difference,
that our intelligence, and
numerous other abilities
are missing from average humans.
Therefore we could
become very successful
if mass production doesn't take place.
I see.
And the other members of the crew?
I don't know.
I mean, I can't say for
sure. And I could do
a lot of harm with empty suggestions.
- So, you're a robot?
- Yes.
And... Could you tell me
something about yourself?
- Things that could be helpful...
- I know what you mean.
No. I don't know anything
about my construction.
just as you don't know your
own anatomy and physiology,
unless you've read some
books about the subject.
I wasn't thinking about that.
Were you thinking about my cerebral
functions, and psychological matters?
No, I don't know them either...
Sure, but you must have
some experiences.
I would rather call them observations.
I observed for example,
that some of the things
humans engage with,
do not interest me.
For example, literary works
and plays hardly affect me
any more than uninteresting gossip,
which can't really be used to
obtain useful information.
Do you approach everything
in terms of its usefulness?
Of course.
And what if you come to the
conclusion that humans are useless?
- But Commander...
- I'm just trying to understand your logic.
So you're saying,
that humans always get tangled in
circumstances and sentiments,
and are unable to concentrate
on the most important thing.
No, I didn't say that,
I just said that things that engage
humans do not interest me,
because I am unable to obtain
useful knowledge from them.
Does that mean that humans
waste their time doing useless things?
Look, What might seem
useless to me, a robot,
is not necessarily seen
as pointless to humans.
I am also a doctor.
I've often pondered about the
structure of the human brain.
And I realized that
this brain is able
to come to useful conclusions
from seemingly useless information.
For example:
From emotions, insights, latent
or inexplicable memory traces.
Or even from certain moods!
By comparison, we can only
confront new situations
using previously
programmed information,
although in this respect
our abilities are unique.
And tell me! Has it never occurred
to you that these abilities
of yours could be
much more important
in the space age, than that of the humans'?
I don't think it would be right to
set up priorities in this matter.
I think both kind of abilities are needed.
Although not exclusively,
but in a cooperative way.
So...
you're suggesting that we
should join forces in this thing.
I'm not here to
suggest anything.
I'm merely informing you.
Good bye.
Captain?
Yes, Thomson.
We've reached the Asteroid Belt.
Don't you want to take a look?
OK. I'm coming.
I thought you got lost.
This is not my first trip, but I'm
always fascinated by this view.
Sit down for a while, Thomson!
Thank you.
You wanted to say
something. Go ahead.
- I'm afraid... - Just relax! Tell me,
is it a private matter? - Yes, absolutely.
Let's just talk as civilians
then. What is it?
I'd like you to achieve your goals,
so let's start with stating that
I must keep my word, therefore
I won't tell you what I am.
But anyway, I would like
you to consider me as your ally.
- Would that be logical?
- I think so.
If I'm a human, then obviously
it's in my interest to be your ally.
But it's also true, if I'm a robot.
Because what would happen to me,
when mass production begins?
I'd be classified as a second-class
citizen, a sort of modern-day slave,
and I'd be owned by one
of the big companies.
So, am I to regard you as an ally?
You don't trust me?
I'm sorry, Thomson, but these words
are way too familiar now.
- I didn't think of this.
- What do you mean?
That you'd take my approach
with such suspicion.
That you could regard it as
a well-planned trick
So, suppose you've made
a plan to test us,
and then you tell one of us about it,
because you thought that
person to be your ally,
even though in reality
he is in the other camp,
then the enemy would gain some
strategically valuable information.
I don't understand.
What kind of enemies
are you talking about?
We're associates,
executing a task.
I just wanted to help, and
I didn't expect this.
I was stupid, because,
it's obvious, you simply
cannot be honest with
me in these matters.
Listen to me, Thomson.
You can still tell me
a thing or two.
What could I say after all this?
For example you can talk
about your colleagues.
I could give you false information
in order to mislead you.
Trust me with this.
Do you know something?
I do.
Massena is not a human.
Are you sure?
Not quite, but it's very probable.
What makes you think that?
You probably understand that
we are all very curious
about who are and who aren't
the humans amongst us.
So we are watching each other.
I see.
I was checking the generators
just before departure.
Massena and...
Brown came into the engine room.
- Suddenly I had an idea.
- What?
The sample taken from the inside
of the reactor was close at hand.
I knew there were lots of
strontium isotopes in it.
So, when they came in,
I grabbed it with a clip and
I placed it between two lead bricks,
in such a way that they had to
cross the beams.
I saw that Massena all
of a sudden glanced
at the lead-bricks,
and started to hurry.
And Brown?
He did not respond.
This means that Brown is a human,
but Massena is a robot.
If we could be certain that
robots have radiation sensors,
this could mean something.
What do you think?
Look. Start with the fact,
that a radioactive sense
organ could be very useful.
Especially on a spaceship.
The designers must have
thought about this as well.
So, you're saying that
Massena has such a sensor?
I didn't say that he has one,
I just said that he might.
After all it could also just
be a coincidence
that he looked out to the side
and hurried on, but I doubt it.
What else have you got?
Nothing else at the moment.
Anyway, I can see it on your
face that you don't believe me.
What would you do in my place?
I don't know.
Damn it! The camera fell off!
But this is a murder!
If there's no radioprotection at
the moment of the manoeuvre,
all humans will die!
127 hours.
20 minutes.
Here you go, I'm listening.
I don't understand. If I remember
well, it was you who called for me.
- Don't you have anything to tell me?
- No, I don't.
- Don't you want to inform me
of something? - No, I dont.
- So, nothing at all?
- Nothing.
I'm keeping
to the agreement.
Krug!
What are you doing here?
I thought something was wrong.
There're always on sevens,
but now they're on zeroes.
Good, Krug.
You may leave now!
Tell me, Brown. Have you finished
the nuclear physics calculations
needed for the deployment of the satellite?
Yes, on arrival at the Cassini division
at exactly 127 hours 25 minutes,
the manoeuvre may begin.
Good. Thank you.
Tell me, Thomson, have you noticed
any abnormality on the spaceship?
No, nothing.
And how do you feel?
I don't understand the question.
How should I? I'm fine, thanks.
If later on you think there is
something you should tell me...
I don't think so.
And I'm sorry, but you have
no right to question me.
Brown, stand onto 2/4!
This is already a breach of contract!
Thank you for reminding
me of what I agreed upon!
Speed: 26.4 - 26.3 - 26.2 - 26.1 - Orbital
Braking is stopped!
Reactor is stopped!
- Ship time?
- 127 hours 03 min.
Massena, approach the gap!
I think it's unnecessary, Commander.
We are flying in parallel with the Cassini
gap without the use of the engine.
I wouldn't want us to
make an impact.
Just do it anyway!
As you wish.
But we're close enough to navigate
the satellite with radio impulses from here!
Don't argue with me!
- Give me a short drive!
- Reactor starting.
Well, these could smash
the spaceship to pieces.
There wouldn't be much
left of us then.
- Ship time?
- 127 hours, 21 minutes
4 minutes until the manoeuvre...
The task:
Placing a type-Z satellite into
orbit at 127 hours 25 min.
Since the task is only possible
at maximum acceleration,
acceleration starts at
the 23 minute point,
at 25 mins acceleration
must be 10 units.
Start acceleration!
Acceleration started!
- Satellite?
- Ready to launch.
One minute to the manoeuvre.
Particle radiation detected
on the spaceship!
- That's impossible. Radiation level?
- Not yet dangerous.
- Particle radiation ceased.
- We cannot continue the manoeuvre.
Why?
Commander! I suggest we should
suspend the manoeuvre!
Something must have happened
to the protective shield!
And what do you suggest we should
do instead of the manoeuvre?
I suggest we land on one of the
moons and examine the shield.
- Execute the launch of the satellite!
- I protest!
- Execute!!
- Knock-out hydraulics starting!
The satellite got stuck
in the launch tube!
Massena, stabilize the spaceship.
It's very difficult, commander. The stuck
satellite has blocked the hydraulics.
Brown, turn the hydraulics back on.
I already tried. It doesn't work. The
control cable must have been damaged.
Commander, if we can't
stabilize the spaceship,
we'll crash at the edge
of the Cassini gap!
Increase acceleration!
Remember, the shield fell apart
completely! All of us could die!
The reactor!
Massena!
Give me the controls!
Increase acceleration!
Acceleration: 7, 8, 9.
The radiation is increasing!
We must turn off the reactor!
We must stop!
We need to get rid of
the stuck satellite!
Increase acceleration!
Radiation is still increasing!
Stop the reactor!
The satellite is still in
the launch tube!
Start the rocket engines of the satellite!
Massena, increase acceleration!
I can't! The reactor is
already overloaded!
Stop the engines!
Stop the reactor!
Stop the engines!
Stop the reactor!
Believe me, we had
no other choice.
But Commander! This was an
acceptable solution for the robots only!
What are you saying?
The humans have suffered
a lethal dose of radiation.
I warned you to
stop the reactor!
If I hadn't manoeuvered,
we'd have broken to pieces at the ring!
Get ready to start it again!
Start the reactor!
Reactor starting!
- Is there any hope for us?
- None.
A few hours at most.
It seems that the protective shield
has completely disintegrated.
And the satellite got stuck.
Don't you think that
having two successive
technical malfunctions one
after another is a bit strange?
It is as if someone had planned it with
mathematical accuracy in advance.
Thomson! How do you think
the satellite got stuck?
How could I know? The investigation
on Earth will surely find out!
The investigation on Earth
will find nothing.
Not even that somebody intentionally
blocked the launch tube.
Some traces must have remained,
if everything happened as you're
suggesting, Commander!
And what if somebody
poured some water into it?
Which would instantly freeze
in space,
but which could also be vaporized
in a second by the satellite's rockets?
Why do you think that, Captain?
Somebody got in to
the computer centre.
That's impossible! Only you
knew the code, Commander!
And another person...
who learned the code by using
a cam-recorder built into the wall.
I've found it.
You've a very good
imagination, Commander.
But he made a bit of mistake, though!
After closing I always set
the code as number 7s,
and there was a number
eight in it once.
This proves nothing! Even you
can make a mistake by accident!
I have to admit, this person
came up with a brilliant idea.
I'm not thinking about the water now,
but that he reprogrammed the computer.
He literally made an
executioner out of it!
And at 127 hours 25 min,
at the moment of the event,
he zeroed the radiation-shield
for a minute!
And he also froze the satellite into the tube,
forcing us to launch it
with maximum acceleration!
I don't understand, Captain!
Why was it necessary
to freeze the satellite?
After all even a normal acceleration
would mean a lethal dose
once the radiation shield is zeroed.
Yes.
But there was need for the instruments
to register the maximum velocity as well.
But why?
Why?
So that after this person has
removed the traces in the computer,
he can then prove before the
commission of inquiry on Earth
that the lethal radiation was caused
by the overheated reactor.
Bravo, Captain!
You're not far behind us robots
in terms of logic and wits.
Too bad you won't be able
to repeat all this on Earth!
Brown!
Quiet, guys!
You should just spend the remaining
couple of hours in silence.
You received a lethal radiation dose,
and we, the robots, won this competition!
This was an unfair competition.
- I am a robot, but...
- Enough!
I say it also! Enough of this!
Take out the
radiation level records!
By God! These are all clear!
- We'll survive!
- I don't understand, how is it possible?
The radiometer was showing it!
The radioprotection was zeroed
for 127 hours 25 min.
Because I had set the time 5 mins
ahead in the time center.
This way the execution of the
event was at 127 hours 20 min,
when the radioprotection was still complete.
At 127 hours 25 min, or rather,
at 30 according to deck time,
the reactor was already stopped!
- But the radiometer clearly signalled...
- Just watch this!
Do you get it now?
It was me who controlled
the instrument!
There wasn't any radiation at all.
Stop!
Massena, don't let him!
The spaceship... he'd destroy it!
Full acceleration!
But Krug was also a robot.
And Krug was honest.
Yes, because that's what
his logic dictated to him.
But he would have acted on
an entirely different way,
if this hadn't been in his interest.
What do you think is missing
from these robots?
Look, their logic is excellent, but...
how I should say it...
All I can say is that
they lack a moral sense.
Good, I accept this argument.
We will build moral
sense into the robots.
There's no way to do that.
This is such a delicate and unfathomable
feature of the human brain,
that it's almost impossible to copy it.
It was developed over thousands of
years by human relationships,
and being honest, even we
cannot define what it really is.
During our cerebral functioning, many
things just flash across our minds,
as networks of intuitions,
insights and premonitions,
most of which we cannot
even define for ourselves.
And if we cannot define it,
how can we build
it into robots?
What's the problem? Honey!
Honey?
My life is a bitter one
being with you!
You keep wandering
in space all the time!
Who knows, with whom and how?
Like these robots, now! Yes, I know
you've solved some big mystery again,
Director! Captain Pirx has arrived.
PIRX'S ADVENTURES
Based on Stanislaw
Lem's novels, written by:
Part 5.
* Event at 127 hours 25 mins *
- Director! Captain Pirx has arrived.
- Send him in!
- Welcome! Sit down!
- Thank you.
Captain, we have a proposition for you.
A fairly original proposition, actually.
It's about an experiment.
First of all, I'd like to ask you
to treat the information...
...I'm about to tell you
as confidential, please.
- Can you promise me that?
- No.
- Or at least, not until you tell me
more. - Of course.
You're not in the habit of signing up for
something you haven't seen yet, right?
I should have expected this, from what
I heard about you. Care for a smoke?
Thank you, but no.
This whole thing is about a test flight.
- A new kind of spaceship?
- No.
- A new kind of crew.
- Crew?
And what's my part in it?
The thorough assessment of the crew's
suitability. I can't tell you more.
So, can I count on your discretion?
- Well, if I deem it agreeable, of course.
- Agreeable?
- And acceptable.
- In what sense?
I'm talking about conscience.
All right.
It's a mission from Earth.
- A round trip?
- Yes.
You'd fly round Saturn and place
a new, automatic satellite in orbit there.
- But that's the Joviander.
- Yes.
One of its components.
I mean the satellites.
But there's another factor.
The crew. As I've already mentioned.
As you know, substituting humans
with multifunctioned machines
has already been a
possibility for a long time.
Scientific development has achieved
micro-miniaturization at
the molecular level.
Ours experts have already
produced the prototypes of
a quasi-crystalline brain which
is equivalent to that of a human.
and now, certain
companies wish to start
the mass-production of
human-like automota,
specifically designed for
astronautical purposes.
I've heard about this.
And what's your opinion?
I don't really like it.
I don't think humanity is
ready for the appearance
of artificial humanoids
on such a large scale.
But I'm afraid, individual opinions
don't count for much in this case.
Well, of course, the real question is
whether they are indeed
equivalent to a human?
But, I suppose you didn't ask me
to come here to philosophise.
The engineers are expecting
objections
from the media and
certain institutions,
so they intend to give us some of
their robots for further experiments.
We have to determine whether
they are suitable
for the navigation of
interstellar spaceships.
You are one of the directors of
the World Astronautical Organisation...
So, what's your opinion?
I can tell you this much:
most of us at the directorate
were not too happy to
hear this suggestion.
But, there are some technocrats
amongst us as well.
And in addition, the companies
brought up some fresh arguments,
namely,
that the robots can
navigate the spaceships
much more safely than humans.
Their reactions are quicker,
they don't need to sleep,
they don't know fatigue,
they don't need food, oxygen, etc.
You can see that these
are strong arguments,
so we had to allow
at least one test.
I'm beginning to understand the
nature of my task with this special crew.
You would be their commander.
In the two week period you
could find out everything
find out everything
about their capabilities.
And you could give us a detailed
report upon your return,
about not just the professional,
but the psychological factors
you had to face as well.
I don't like this whole thing.
You're just looking at it
from a wrong perspective.
But that's no problem, it just makes
you a more suitable person for the job.
If in the end, there are counter-arguments,
you'll insist on them
more thoroughly.
Welcome, Captain Pirx. I'm McGuirr,
manager of Super Electronics.
The crew, please!
Guys! He will be your commander!
Captain Pirx.
To avoid any misunderstandings, I must
inform you straight away, Captain,
that some of the
crew are born humans,
whereas others are not.
All of them are familiar
with their own ancestry,
but know nothing about
that of the others.
Please, don't ask them
about their ancestry,
because they were specifically
instructed to give
the following response, if
asked about their origins:
"I am a normal human."
Nobody told me about this yet.
Pardon me, but the
contract clearly stated
that the crew is of 'a new kind'.
But nowhere does it say that this
crew would be manned only by robots.
We simply just want to make sure
you will be impartial
towards them.
You are to write a report about each
and every crew member upon return.
We're just trying to ensure
the perfect environment
for your complete impartiality.
Thank you. But I still find
this whole thing unclear.
Unclear? You're are free to do
with them whatever you want.
I can ensure you that they'll
all obey your commands.
So, am I not allowed to
ask them about it?
Of course you can ask them!
But it could give you an
unpleasant feeling to know
that some of them are certainly
not telling you the truth!
Wouldn't it be better just to avoid that?
Their answer will always be:
"I'm a normal human."
But it won't always be true.
What about you?
What? Me?
- That was a good one! - I'd
like to talk to my ... "men".
Is it their field of expertise that
interests you, perhaps?
Anyway, I won't interfere. Just
go ahead. Go ahead, please.
John Massena, pilot.
Harry Brown, nuclear physicist.
Hans Krug, cybernetic doctor.
Andy Thomson, radio operator.
Thank you, gentlemen.
Captain, you underestimated us...
It's not that easy to distinguish
our sons from the real ones!
Tell me!
Do the ones, who are not humans
also behave like normal people?
- Do they eat, do they drink?
- Of course.
- What for? - For the illusion, of course.
I mean for those around them.
And can you distinguish them?
Yes. But only because I know them.
Obviously one could use certain
violent methods to find out,
but you are not planning on raising
an axe to them, are you?
I couldn't do it anyway.
After all they look like
humans in every aspects.
Tell me, do they breathe,
do they cough, do they blush?
They do all that. Of course,
there are smaller differences,
but only a doctor
could notice them.
- What about psychic differences?
- What do you mean?
For example, can they lie,
and if so, to what degree?
Can they lose their temper?
Yes, all those are possible.
We designed perfect
human-replicas,
although the probability of
losing self-control, or snapping
is much smaller than in the case
of a human being
under similar stress.
- Do you have any tests about that?
- Of course.
And the results?
Humans are much less trustworthy.
- And what would a robot do, if I try to
smash his face in? - He'd defend himself.
- Would he want to kill me as well?
- No, he'd just defend himself.
And what if the only possible
self-defense is to attack?
Then he'd attack.
Just like a human.
I'll sign the contract.
This way, please!
Captain Pirx!
You can tell your bosses,
that I'll do my best
to bring out the worst
from your machines.
We hope you're gonna do
just exactly that! Because even
at theirs worst, they are
better than humans!
We'll see. I'm leaving now. I want to
take command of the spaceship today.
We're going to start
tomorrow morning.
My helicopter is here.
Can I give you a lift?
Thank you, I'd rather use the
metro. I don't like risky things.
Brown!
Yes, Sir!
- Are you superstitious?
- No, Sir!
- Do you like meat-pancake?
- So-so.
- Can I go now?
- You can.
- Welcome, Captain Pirx!
- Greetings, Jan Gutter!
Commander! We set up
the main computer.
Departure: at 0 hours.
Turn back: at 127 hours 26 min.
Event: at 127 hours 25 min.
That is the time, when
a type Z satellite
is to be placed in orbit
around Saturn.
Since this action can
only be carried out
at full engine capacity,
the danger of radiation
will be extremely high
at the time of this event.
Acceleration: 250.
Engine: 70
Radiation shield: 200
Thank you.
As you can see, we programmed
twice the amount
of the usual radiation shield
for 127 hours 25 mins.
Because this is a special operation,
we received the command
that we can only give
the lock combination
of the computer center to you.
And after that, I must
ask you to destroy it.
- Safe journey, Captain Pirx!
- Thank you.
Automatic control!
Captain Pirx!
- Who's that?
- I can't tell you that.
Who are you?
There is no point turning
on the videophone.
You couldn't identify me
even if you saw me.
I generate sounds
electronically.
I don't need to move my lips.
Anyway, I'm sure, you noticed
that I'm using your voice.
Don't leave!
Listen to me!
- Can you see me?
- No.
I'm just able to perceive
your reactions.
I'm a robot.
My goal is to make sure,
the robots win.
Therefore I want you to have
a good opinion about us.
You're trying to negotiate with me
in secret using an altered voice,
and you expect me to have
a good opinion about you?
I'm not talking about that
kind of opinion.
Your mission is to report your
opinion about our capabilities.
There you go, switching things again.
You think you could
identify me that easily?
Face the facts! Our logic and skills
are way beyond that of humans.
What are you trying
to say with that?
I'm saying that by giving a good
opinion about us, you are
supporting the continuous
development of the world.
You've been given a chance,
to discover that we, machines
are the only possible option
to discover the universe.
This is a kind of discovery
that not even
the greatest scientists
could fathom.
I don't believe in these
kind of discoveries.
Especially not after
such a negotiation.
- These circumstances...
- This is the problem with you, humans.
You always get tangled in
circumstances and sentiments,
and you are unable to concentrate
on the most important thing.
But despite that, we created
the current level of technology.
Including you robots!
I'm not discrediting your merits.
Humans created the previous
stages of development.
But once in space, further
evolution cannot be entrusted
to emotional, fussy
and hasty beings.
Better logical abilities and
greater efforts towards safety
are required for this.
It's in the best interest of humanity
itself that capable robots
should take charge of cosmonautics,
science and development.
In other words, you want to
take power for yourself,
and you're asking me
to help you in that.
I'm asking for your help
to create a better world.
Tell me! How long do you
intend to carry on with this joke?
This is not a joke.
And remember, we do NOT
know the word "joke".
Are you threatening me?
No, I'm only informing you.
It's not really logical that
you inform me of this.
But yes, it IS logical.
I had to offer you a
chance for cooperation.
Except that I'm a human, and I
can't take part in a robot's game!
That's why what you're
saying is illogical!
Listen, Captain.
I want to prove that robots are
more valuable than humans.
It's possible that some of you
might even die for this reason.
I decided to talk to you
like this because
even when you know about
my ideas and plans,
you'll still be unable to
defend against them.
Such is your inferiority to us.
We are testing you on the same
way as you're testing us
This experiment is mutual.
You don't like it, Captain?
I'm not particularly hungry.
People don't eat because they're
hungry, but because it's time.
This was a bad joke,
don't you think?
People get a hole in their stomach
if they don't eat regularly.
On the other hand, robots
only eat out of politeness.
Bon appetit, my friends.
You're so quiet! One can even hear
the sound of the
cogwheels in your head!
I would like to talk to you.
Please. Take a seat.
I want to tell you something, but
promise me you won't tell it to anybody.
Is it a secret?
All right, I won't tell anybody.
- So?
- I'm a human.
I'm telling you this because
I want to help you.
When I applied for the job,
I didn't know what it's all about.
I only found out, when
they actually chose me.
I've got a fiancee. We want to get married.
We had some
financial setbacks.
But this job just came in time,
because they gave me 8000 in advance,
and I get the same amount upon return
as well, regardless of the results.
I don't know any of the other three.
So, I can't be certain about
them, but I have a suspicion...
What?
I believe the brown-haired guy,
Massena, is not a human.
What makes you think that?
Lots of small, seemingly
trivial things.
But adding them up, they
must mean something.
First of all, whether he's standing or
sitting, he keeps still like a sculpture.
And humans are unable
to keep still for too long.
You have a point there.
And?
He eats everything.
- What do you mean everything?
- Everything, whatever he gets.
He absolutely doesn't
care. But all humans
prefer some foods
and dislike others.
This doesn't prove anything yet.
Of course not, but adding all these
things together... Think about it!
- And one more thing!
- Well?
He didn't write any letters
while we're down below.
Of course, I can't be
absolutely sure about this,
but for example
I clearly saw Thomson
sending a letter from
the space station.
Tell me! Are you actually
allowed to send letters?
No.
I see all of you keep yourselves
to the conditions of your contract.
- Why didn't you keep your promise?
- Me?
- What do you mean, Captain? - You gave
your word to keep your identity a secret.
Oh, that? Yes, I promised that, but
I presume there are certain situations
when it's not just somebody's option,
but his sole duty to break his promise.
- Brown, you've been paid 8000.
- Yes, so what?
They hired me as a
reactor physicist. After all,
I'm a reactor physicist, and not
a bad one, for that matter.
Upon our return you'll get
another 8000 for these two weeks.
You were also paid this money
in return for your discretion.
Are you mad at me for coming
here, and telling you all this?
No. I'm not mad at you. Not at all.
But tell me! What can I gain from you
telling me your suspicions
about Massena?
Pardon me, Captain. If it's like that,
this whole thing was a misunderstanding.
I just wanted to help.
I thought this is
my moral duty,
but if you think that... In other
words, just forget about it!
Wait.
Look Brown, this whole
thing is not that simple.
You approached me in good faith,
and I should appreciate that!
But while good faith is one thing,
cool reasoning is quite another.
Let's suppose that thanks
to you, now I can be certain
of the identity of you and Massena.
Suppose?
What if your whole
story is just a trap?
... with which you could not only
deceive me, but at the same time prove
that I'm willing to breach my contract by
trying to find out who is and who isn't a robot.
- But why I would deceive you?
- Why not?
Thomson?
Something's wrong with my
communication system.
Check it, please!
Why don't you answer?
Thomson!
Thomson!
Why are you not at your place?
I took a small walk.
I had a bit of a headache.
I see.
A number 8!
Krug!
Krug! Why aren't you at your place?
Am I disturbing you?
Please, take a seat!
Thank you.
What do you want?
I came in order to tell you,
that I'm NOT a human.
What?
I said, I'm not a human.
- So you're a robot?
- Yes.
And I'm on your side
in this experiment.
Sure.
Of course.
- You don't believe me?
- Why wouldn't I?
And since you decided to be
so confidential with me,
- I'll tell you something as well,
if you don't mind. - Go ahead.
I'm also a robot.
But I'm on the humans' side, since
selfish interests do not interest me.
Don't joke with me, Commander.
Please, understand!
I am actually driven by
selfish interests when I'm
revealing myself to you.
Ah! This question is getting more and
more complicated, don't you think?
On the other hand. It's quite simple.
If you were to give a positive report
about us, robots,
that will cause a boom in production.
Mass production would start.
While it's just me, another one,
or let's say, ten more of us,
we could just disappear
in the crowd, unnoticed.
My future, our future will be similar
to that of the majority of the people,
with the essential difference,
that our intelligence, and
numerous other abilities
are missing from average humans.
Therefore we could
become very successful
if mass production doesn't take place.
I see.
And the other members of the crew?
I don't know.
I mean, I can't say for
sure. And I could do
a lot of harm with empty suggestions.
- So, you're a robot?
- Yes.
And... Could you tell me
something about yourself?
- Things that could be helpful...
- I know what you mean.
No. I don't know anything
about my construction.
just as you don't know your
own anatomy and physiology,
unless you've read some
books about the subject.
I wasn't thinking about that.
Were you thinking about my cerebral
functions, and psychological matters?
No, I don't know them either...
Sure, but you must have
some experiences.
I would rather call them observations.
I observed for example,
that some of the things
humans engage with,
do not interest me.
For example, literary works
and plays hardly affect me
any more than uninteresting gossip,
which can't really be used to
obtain useful information.
Do you approach everything
in terms of its usefulness?
Of course.
And what if you come to the
conclusion that humans are useless?
- But Commander...
- I'm just trying to understand your logic.
So you're saying,
that humans always get tangled in
circumstances and sentiments,
and are unable to concentrate
on the most important thing.
No, I didn't say that,
I just said that things that engage
humans do not interest me,
because I am unable to obtain
useful knowledge from them.
Does that mean that humans
waste their time doing useless things?
Look, What might seem
useless to me, a robot,
is not necessarily seen
as pointless to humans.
I am also a doctor.
I've often pondered about the
structure of the human brain.
And I realized that
this brain is able
to come to useful conclusions
from seemingly useless information.
For example:
From emotions, insights, latent
or inexplicable memory traces.
Or even from certain moods!
By comparison, we can only
confront new situations
using previously
programmed information,
although in this respect
our abilities are unique.
And tell me! Has it never occurred
to you that these abilities
of yours could be
much more important
in the space age, than that of the humans'?
I don't think it would be right to
set up priorities in this matter.
I think both kind of abilities are needed.
Although not exclusively,
but in a cooperative way.
So...
you're suggesting that we
should join forces in this thing.
I'm not here to
suggest anything.
I'm merely informing you.
Good bye.
Captain?
Yes, Thomson.
We've reached the Asteroid Belt.
Don't you want to take a look?
OK. I'm coming.
I thought you got lost.
This is not my first trip, but I'm
always fascinated by this view.
Sit down for a while, Thomson!
Thank you.
You wanted to say
something. Go ahead.
- I'm afraid... - Just relax! Tell me,
is it a private matter? - Yes, absolutely.
Let's just talk as civilians
then. What is it?
I'd like you to achieve your goals,
so let's start with stating that
I must keep my word, therefore
I won't tell you what I am.
But anyway, I would like
you to consider me as your ally.
- Would that be logical?
- I think so.
If I'm a human, then obviously
it's in my interest to be your ally.
But it's also true, if I'm a robot.
Because what would happen to me,
when mass production begins?
I'd be classified as a second-class
citizen, a sort of modern-day slave,
and I'd be owned by one
of the big companies.
So, am I to regard you as an ally?
You don't trust me?
I'm sorry, Thomson, but these words
are way too familiar now.
- I didn't think of this.
- What do you mean?
That you'd take my approach
with such suspicion.
That you could regard it as
a well-planned trick
So, suppose you've made
a plan to test us,
and then you tell one of us about it,
because you thought that
person to be your ally,
even though in reality
he is in the other camp,
then the enemy would gain some
strategically valuable information.
I don't understand.
What kind of enemies
are you talking about?
We're associates,
executing a task.
I just wanted to help, and
I didn't expect this.
I was stupid, because,
it's obvious, you simply
cannot be honest with
me in these matters.
Listen to me, Thomson.
You can still tell me
a thing or two.
What could I say after all this?
For example you can talk
about your colleagues.
I could give you false information
in order to mislead you.
Trust me with this.
Do you know something?
I do.
Massena is not a human.
Are you sure?
Not quite, but it's very probable.
What makes you think that?
You probably understand that
we are all very curious
about who are and who aren't
the humans amongst us.
So we are watching each other.
I see.
I was checking the generators
just before departure.
Massena and...
Brown came into the engine room.
- Suddenly I had an idea.
- What?
The sample taken from the inside
of the reactor was close at hand.
I knew there were lots of
strontium isotopes in it.
So, when they came in,
I grabbed it with a clip and
I placed it between two lead bricks,
in such a way that they had to
cross the beams.
I saw that Massena all
of a sudden glanced
at the lead-bricks,
and started to hurry.
And Brown?
He did not respond.
This means that Brown is a human,
but Massena is a robot.
If we could be certain that
robots have radiation sensors,
this could mean something.
What do you think?
Look. Start with the fact,
that a radioactive sense
organ could be very useful.
Especially on a spaceship.
The designers must have
thought about this as well.
So, you're saying that
Massena has such a sensor?
I didn't say that he has one,
I just said that he might.
After all it could also just
be a coincidence
that he looked out to the side
and hurried on, but I doubt it.
What else have you got?
Nothing else at the moment.
Anyway, I can see it on your
face that you don't believe me.
What would you do in my place?
I don't know.
Damn it! The camera fell off!
But this is a murder!
If there's no radioprotection at
the moment of the manoeuvre,
all humans will die!
127 hours.
20 minutes.
Here you go, I'm listening.
I don't understand. If I remember
well, it was you who called for me.
- Don't you have anything to tell me?
- No, I don't.
- Don't you want to inform me
of something? - No, I dont.
- So, nothing at all?
- Nothing.
I'm keeping
to the agreement.
Krug!
What are you doing here?
I thought something was wrong.
There're always on sevens,
but now they're on zeroes.
Good, Krug.
You may leave now!
Tell me, Brown. Have you finished
the nuclear physics calculations
needed for the deployment of the satellite?
Yes, on arrival at the Cassini division
at exactly 127 hours 25 minutes,
the manoeuvre may begin.
Good. Thank you.
Tell me, Thomson, have you noticed
any abnormality on the spaceship?
No, nothing.
And how do you feel?
I don't understand the question.
How should I? I'm fine, thanks.
If later on you think there is
something you should tell me...
I don't think so.
And I'm sorry, but you have
no right to question me.
Brown, stand onto 2/4!
This is already a breach of contract!
Thank you for reminding
me of what I agreed upon!
Speed: 26.4 - 26.3 - 26.2 - 26.1 - Orbital
Braking is stopped!
Reactor is stopped!
- Ship time?
- 127 hours 03 min.
Massena, approach the gap!
I think it's unnecessary, Commander.
We are flying in parallel with the Cassini
gap without the use of the engine.
I wouldn't want us to
make an impact.
Just do it anyway!
As you wish.
But we're close enough to navigate
the satellite with radio impulses from here!
Don't argue with me!
- Give me a short drive!
- Reactor starting.
Well, these could smash
the spaceship to pieces.
There wouldn't be much
left of us then.
- Ship time?
- 127 hours, 21 minutes
4 minutes until the manoeuvre...
The task:
Placing a type-Z satellite into
orbit at 127 hours 25 min.
Since the task is only possible
at maximum acceleration,
acceleration starts at
the 23 minute point,
at 25 mins acceleration
must be 10 units.
Start acceleration!
Acceleration started!
- Satellite?
- Ready to launch.
One minute to the manoeuvre.
Particle radiation detected
on the spaceship!
- That's impossible. Radiation level?
- Not yet dangerous.
- Particle radiation ceased.
- We cannot continue the manoeuvre.
Why?
Commander! I suggest we should
suspend the manoeuvre!
Something must have happened
to the protective shield!
And what do you suggest we should
do instead of the manoeuvre?
I suggest we land on one of the
moons and examine the shield.
- Execute the launch of the satellite!
- I protest!
- Execute!!
- Knock-out hydraulics starting!
The satellite got stuck
in the launch tube!
Massena, stabilize the spaceship.
It's very difficult, commander. The stuck
satellite has blocked the hydraulics.
Brown, turn the hydraulics back on.
I already tried. It doesn't work. The
control cable must have been damaged.
Commander, if we can't
stabilize the spaceship,
we'll crash at the edge
of the Cassini gap!
Increase acceleration!
Remember, the shield fell apart
completely! All of us could die!
The reactor!
Massena!
Give me the controls!
Increase acceleration!
Acceleration: 7, 8, 9.
The radiation is increasing!
We must turn off the reactor!
We must stop!
We need to get rid of
the stuck satellite!
Increase acceleration!
Radiation is still increasing!
Stop the reactor!
The satellite is still in
the launch tube!
Start the rocket engines of the satellite!
Massena, increase acceleration!
I can't! The reactor is
already overloaded!
Stop the engines!
Stop the reactor!
Stop the engines!
Stop the reactor!
Believe me, we had
no other choice.
But Commander! This was an
acceptable solution for the robots only!
What are you saying?
The humans have suffered
a lethal dose of radiation.
I warned you to
stop the reactor!
If I hadn't manoeuvered,
we'd have broken to pieces at the ring!
Get ready to start it again!
Start the reactor!
Reactor starting!
- Is there any hope for us?
- None.
A few hours at most.
It seems that the protective shield
has completely disintegrated.
And the satellite got stuck.
Don't you think that
having two successive
technical malfunctions one
after another is a bit strange?
It is as if someone had planned it with
mathematical accuracy in advance.
Thomson! How do you think
the satellite got stuck?
How could I know? The investigation
on Earth will surely find out!
The investigation on Earth
will find nothing.
Not even that somebody intentionally
blocked the launch tube.
Some traces must have remained,
if everything happened as you're
suggesting, Commander!
And what if somebody
poured some water into it?
Which would instantly freeze
in space,
but which could also be vaporized
in a second by the satellite's rockets?
Why do you think that, Captain?
Somebody got in to
the computer centre.
That's impossible! Only you
knew the code, Commander!
And another person...
who learned the code by using
a cam-recorder built into the wall.
I've found it.
You've a very good
imagination, Commander.
But he made a bit of mistake, though!
After closing I always set
the code as number 7s,
and there was a number
eight in it once.
This proves nothing! Even you
can make a mistake by accident!
I have to admit, this person
came up with a brilliant idea.
I'm not thinking about the water now,
but that he reprogrammed the computer.
He literally made an
executioner out of it!
And at 127 hours 25 min,
at the moment of the event,
he zeroed the radiation-shield
for a minute!
And he also froze the satellite into the tube,
forcing us to launch it
with maximum acceleration!
I don't understand, Captain!
Why was it necessary
to freeze the satellite?
After all even a normal acceleration
would mean a lethal dose
once the radiation shield is zeroed.
Yes.
But there was need for the instruments
to register the maximum velocity as well.
But why?
Why?
So that after this person has
removed the traces in the computer,
he can then prove before the
commission of inquiry on Earth
that the lethal radiation was caused
by the overheated reactor.
Bravo, Captain!
You're not far behind us robots
in terms of logic and wits.
Too bad you won't be able
to repeat all this on Earth!
Brown!
Quiet, guys!
You should just spend the remaining
couple of hours in silence.
You received a lethal radiation dose,
and we, the robots, won this competition!
This was an unfair competition.
- I am a robot, but...
- Enough!
I say it also! Enough of this!
Take out the
radiation level records!
By God! These are all clear!
- We'll survive!
- I don't understand, how is it possible?
The radiometer was showing it!
The radioprotection was zeroed
for 127 hours 25 min.
Because I had set the time 5 mins
ahead in the time center.
This way the execution of the
event was at 127 hours 20 min,
when the radioprotection was still complete.
At 127 hours 25 min, or rather,
at 30 according to deck time,
the reactor was already stopped!
- But the radiometer clearly signalled...
- Just watch this!
Do you get it now?
It was me who controlled
the instrument!
There wasn't any radiation at all.
Stop!
Massena, don't let him!
The spaceship... he'd destroy it!
Full acceleration!
But Krug was also a robot.
And Krug was honest.
Yes, because that's what
his logic dictated to him.
But he would have acted on
an entirely different way,
if this hadn't been in his interest.
What do you think is missing
from these robots?
Look, their logic is excellent, but...
how I should say it...
All I can say is that
they lack a moral sense.
Good, I accept this argument.
We will build moral
sense into the robots.
There's no way to do that.
This is such a delicate and unfathomable
feature of the human brain,
that it's almost impossible to copy it.
It was developed over thousands of
years by human relationships,
and being honest, even we
cannot define what it really is.
During our cerebral functioning, many
things just flash across our minds,
as networks of intuitions,
insights and premonitions,
most of which we cannot
even define for ourselves.
And if we cannot define it,
how can we build
it into robots?
What's the problem? Honey!
Honey?
My life is a bitter one
being with you!
You keep wandering
in space all the time!
Who knows, with whom and how?
Like these robots, now! Yes, I know
you've solved some big mystery again,