Mission Stardust (1967) - full transcript

There. That's where the ship will land.

In the area of Nukem Crater.

As usual the flight pattern will be remote
controlled from the command centre on Earth...

...under the A.L.O system.

What exactly is the aim of this
moon flight Mr. Morland?

Explorations around the Nukem Crater
and the Nubium Sea.

A most difficult and dangerous task
and one of extreme importance.

How did you choose the crew for
this flight Mr. Morland?

They were selected on the basis
of experience and compatability.

Projection.

Major Perry Rhodan, the command pilot
of the Stardust Program.



A former NASA astronaut who's logged
more flying hours in space than any other pilot.

Apart from this Rhodan has already
made two flights to the moon and commanded

the recent and highly successful Mars
recognizance team.

Next we have Captain Bull, who's
second in command of the operation.

He's a specialist in astral
propellants.

Here we have Captain Flipper.

He's an authority of many years standing
in the radio and laser telecommunications field.

And Dr. Minoli who'll be team medic.

Ladies and gentlemen I hope
I've managed to convey

the essential points
of the Stardust flight to you.

What essential points,
Mr. Moreland?

Sorry sir, but I've told you all I know.
Just a second. Yes, Moreland.

You know I'm certain he's holding back on
the reason behind this Stardust thing.

Yeah, he's like the goose with the golden egg,
huh



Thank you, Mr. Michaels.

Well control tells me
the countdown's begun.

The lift off is in 38 minutes.

All 3 stages are fueled, computer readings
are constant at D411.

How do you read Rhodan?

All systems are go.

Then I'll say good luck.

Zero

First stage complete.

I understand your feelings.

Second stage motor is operating normally.

Accelleration
12:1 constant

Velocity
26 thousand

Course
Steady on 1-9-4-4

Congratulations, we seemed to have had a
perfect liftoff again, Michaels.

Thank you, sir.
Let's hope the rest of the flight is as smooth.

For the moment, my main worry is to keep
the real reason for this flight truly secret.

I must admit our space program has
always fascinated me.

but this Stardust flight I find
particularly interesting.

I have something here
you might enjoy listening to, sir.

A tape recording of a closed meeting of
Intercosmos.

Why is that so interesting?

Because it explains the real reason
behind Stardust.

Let's hear it.

About 6 months ago we took samples of rock
from the Nukem crater using a robot drill.

We know that professor,
just give us the facts.

To put it briefly, these samples
indicate under the surface of the crater.

There exist small deposits of an almost
pure metal which has an atomic density...

much greater than either cobale or lithium.
If our supposition is correct...

then this metal is incredibly valuable.

In fact, beyond value.

But you must have had some idea of this,
Mr. Arkin?

I admit I had heard a rumor.

We must keep our ears open for the
reports on it.

And then Mr. Arkin?

If they find it, then we'll take it.

But what about transportation,
the moon's a long way.

Hmm, that's just a matter of organization.

Furgeson

The Coast Guard, sir. They searched
the San Lorenzo & found the drugs.

They were paid for don't worry.

But the Capt. & the crew.
They'll try to make a deal.

You're afraid the men are going to talk.

Yes sir, they know enough to
break us wide open

You'd better inform Sector 9,
an explosion in the engine room.

Right sir.

None of the hands are to reach port.

It is done sir.

Good girl.

Nicely manicured.

What does the computer say, Flipper?

Our orbital entry is in 48 seconds.

Retros are on, angle of incidence is exact.

Good. Alright,restore your respiration pill
and put your helmets on.

Stardust calling command center.

Command center to Stardust.
Reading you loud & clear.

Stardust ready for landing phase.

Roger stardust we're beginning the
retro countdown.

Now

Completion of the first retro phase.
How'd it feel?

No worse than a fist in the stomach.

The remote system has you riding
an eliptical pole to pole orbit.

Exact, we're over the top pole.

We'll begin the 2nd retro phase on your
third orbit.

That will be in 9 minutes 47 seconds.

What the devil is going on?

The computer must have gone crazy.

Both of the automatic line boosters
are gone!

Alright stay calm.

We'll land with manual control.

Mike, try putting on the
gyroscopic stabilizer.

Hey baby, fair deal, I didn't go 'n buy
that return ticket for nothing.

Another blank.
I've tried all the transmitters.

Can we get a bearing on their position?

No. Not 'til we hear from them.

They have a radio in the exploration
vehicle, haven't they?

Yes, if there's anyone left alive to
work the thing.

Did you find the trouble?

Sounds pretty crazy, but there's not a
darned thing wrong with it.

That's right, all the electrical
equipment should function perfectly well.

but for some reason it doesn't.

I've got a feeling that burst of
interference was a little too coincidental.

You saying there's a chance
it was deliberate?

Well its only a hunch, but we must
try and find out.

I've done some calculating and I think
I've discovered where it came from.

Not far from here?

Yeah and its on the side facing the Earth.

We'll try contacting control from there

We'll keep in touch with you every 2 hours.

Let's go, Mike.

Perry, there's old Mother Earth,
I wish I was in her lap right now.

OK, let's try the radio.

Put up the parabolic antenna.

It's ready.

Stardust to control center, Stardust to
control center. Do you read me? over

Look Perry.

You alright?

Yeah, I'm OK

What was it?

I don't know but the radio is gone.

Perry, I'm beginning to feel unwanted.
You know that?

But it seems impossible there could
be anyone here.

Want some more good news?

The motor?

Wiped out, lets get out of here.

Let's go.

Look over there.

Tell me I'm dreaming.

Well now at least we know who's here
with us.

But who would build a thing that size?
We haven't even got a motor...

that would make that monstrosity fly.

But that craft wasn't built on Earth, Mike.

It's pretty eerie isn't it?

I'd prefer a 12-headed, 6 eyed, 8 foot
monster to this blasted silence.

Well I'm quite sure we're being watched, so
it isn't likely to...

What's the matter, you lost your mind?

Huh, no I just...

Follow me.

Quite an elevator, eh Perry.

And up we go to paradise or possibly hell.

You can take off your helmets.

The atmosphere in here is quite safe
to breathe.

Well...its certainly better than inside
this goldfish bowl.

Why don't you take yours off or do you
need different air?

Our friend's only a robot.

Exactly.
Please come in.

There's no need to be afraid.

(addresses robots in Arkonite language)

Well now I suppose you two will unscrew
your heads & go hide in the closet.

I can understand your resentment.

But we always use robots when we first
come in contact with other races.

Since we can not presume what thei
reaction will be.

Yours was an aggresive attitude typical of
primitive races.

Primitive, us?

But you're the one that committed the act
of aggression, remember?

We simply took over the control of your
space vehicle.

You were not in any danger.

We only took a few defensive measures,
Major Rhodan.

How do you know my name?

We intercepted your radio messages.

It is necessary to be cautious when you
find yourself as we do

in a strange solar system.

Especially if its inhabited.

Where do you come from?

From Arkon. Its a planet 34 million
light years away.

34 million?

My name is Khrest and this is Thora, the
commander of our space ship.

You speak our language perfectly.

A breakdown has kept us here for 5 or 6
of your months

During which we have been able to analyze
and learn many of your languages.

It wasn't hard to learn
the babble of savages.

I see, with all your science though you
were still unable to repair your space ship.

Unfortunately a crash damaged the section
containing the robot repairmen.

Khrest can't do anything about it just now.

Because he's very ill.

He gets weaker every day.

Don't you have a doctor on board with you?

We've neverhad a need for that word.
Our race managed centuries ago...

to conquer all known diseases.

Illness is unknown on Arkon.

Listen, we rough & ready cavemen have a Dr.
with us. Perhaps he can help Khrest.

Apparently our species are similar.

Only apparently

Among our inferior race the male usually
treats the female with respect...

but as for you

Please. Thora didn't mean to offend you.

I appreciate your offer very much indeed.

Then let us out of here & we'll come back
in a few hours with the doctor.

We can get him here within seconds.

Nothing?

Nothing.

I've tried all all four. Its as if
the pair of them was swallowed up in a

Hey listen.
What is it?

Hey, the ship's moving.

Any news?
Nothin' Mr. Arkin.

So the mission failed?
Its a pity about the advance you paid your man.

That means nothing, my dear Cedric. you are
forgetting a most important factor.

And that is?
Rhodan.

Our friend is famous for getting himself
out of the worst difficulties.

Hmm...here.
Thank you sir.

Just keep your ears open.

Yes sir.

Do you know this illness.
Yep

It's a blood disease.

The medical name for it

Is leukemia.

It's serious, isn't it?

Extremely.

Are you certain?

I don't believe our organisms are the same.

They are though, medically speaking they're
identical.

Just that genetically you're more ancient.

And therefore...weaker. More...
Degenerate.

It isn't an attractive expression, but
that's just about it.

I won't tolerate such libelous insults.
You & your riduculous res..

Stop provoking him.

Yes doctor you've hit on the most
serious problem of my race.

Our civilization has lasted more than
10,000 years.

Genetically we are...

used up.

Doc
Is there anything we can do for Khrest?

Possibly.

An English Dr. called Haggard has developed
a leukemia serum.

Can we get a hold of it?

There's only one supply.
Haggard is still experimenting with it.

So we'd have to go to him.
Where?

He runs a hospital in Mombassa, East Africa

Khrest, how would you like to visit our
planet?

I would very much like to visit your planet

We must let him rest, he's weak. Very weak.

(background to Khrest: its just that
medically, gentically you are more ancient)

Could I have a word with you?

Come with me.

I have a question.

Why did you enter our solar system?

Khrest is one of the last great scientists
left on Arkon.

We're working together to save our race
from extinction.

You've tackled a tough job. How do you
expect to stop the natural process of evolution?

By uniting with a younger race.

You wouldn't by chance care to start right
away?

No, Major Rhodan your race is not at all
suitable.

Intellectually you are too inferior.

By our rating you have only reached the
fourth stage of development.

And you?
The ninth.

Well tell me at the ninth level of
development.

what happens when a man and a woman are
together in a bedroom?

I don't understand.
I'm only putting on my flight suit.

Oh. are you saying that a naked girl is of
interest to a man?

More or less.
I'm content in the fourth stage.

But we can talk about that later.

The most important thing right now is to
get Khrest to earth as quickly as possible.

The sooner we find Dr. Haggard and his
serum, the better.

I'll think about it.

There's no time for that. Khrest's disease
is serious.

If you release my space ship we can leave
right away.

I'm certainly not prepared to travel in
your tin can.

If nothing else it works unlike your
highly developed vehicle.

We have a standby, I'm afraid it only
does the speed of light.

but that's better than your wash tub.

Why don't you stop putting on airs and
look at me when I talk to you?

How dare you?!

That's a very primitive act.

Well I'm only at stage 4.

I could slip to stage 3 very easily.

I know you're computerized, but I'm willing
to play, lets see how brave you are.

I win.

Three aces.

Uh oh. that's not fair. You used x-rays
to pick out my cards.

Mike, I hate to break up your game, but
we're leaving for Earth as soon as possible.

Then why don't I try to get in touch with
control and warn them that we're on our way?

We don't warn anybody.
We use the emergency from this ship

and land in a desserted part of Africa
incognito.

Why?

Why? Because the Arkonites are centuries
ahead of us in technology.

You know what that means?

Certainly, whoever gets hold of that
knowledge could dominate the entire earth.

Exactly, that's why its our duty to protect
them & their space ship. Let's go.

So we make the most sensational discovery
of all time & we can't tell anybody. Its crazy.

Say commander, do you mind if we're
inquisitive?

Go ahead you wouldn't understand the
principles involved anyway.

That's right.

For example.

We would never understand that this is a
gravitational neutralizer...

and that controls a magnetic anti-meteorite
field.

And this one is for um..

Comparative fall.
Your eyes are very quick, just like your hands.

Thank you.

Now I think you better put your superior
intelligence to work...

and figure out a way to block out the radar
net around the Earth.

In about one second we're going to be
starring on their screens.

Do you really think so?

Hey, have a look at this!

What's happening?

I don't know.

I've never seen anything like this before.

Are you sure its not Stardust?

Absolutely sir.

All the radar controllers from Greenland to
the Antarctic report the same disturbance.

What the devil's going on?

Come on, Come on!

Let's get nearer.

Those robots are great tailors, but they
haven't got a clue how to put buttons on.

How do you feel?

Much better, thank you. The air
here is very invigorating.

Where are we?

In the dessert about 400 miles from
Mombassa.

Only it's not desserted, Perry.

Over there.

Damn, its a military vehicle,
that means trouble.

Don't worry, I'll take care of it.

What are you gonna do? They won't bother us

Stay where you are Major Rhodan. And don't
interfere.

I make the decisions here, you better
understand that.

Crazy idiot! Braking like that?

I didn't, sir.

Driver! Back it up. Get ready to fight.
Come on, turn this thing around.

Fire!

What's the new trick?

The ship is surrounded with a highly active
field of energy. Completely impenetrable.

They only have a machine gun now, but they
could come back with something heavier.

Nothing on this Earth of yours could
possibly break this field of energy.

Not even the heaviest of guns.

I think I'll have to teach them a lesson.
And don't tell me to be patient...

with those childen, Major. Because patience
is not a virtue for me.

Activated energy?

Its a gravitational neutralizer. Any
material at which it is beamed, loses its...

weight. The vehicle is pushed backwards
by the recoil of the machinegun fire.

Thora, stop playing with human lives and
bring them down.

You dare to order me around, Major?

Thora! (speaks Arkonite)

It isn't necessary to jeapordize
human lives.

Thora's disturbed.

Why because we've been discovered?

Perhaps...
but I don't think it was that.

Its busier than Central Park
over the weekend.

Yeah we might just as well land
near Mombassa.

The important thing now is to keep it
secret. We need Dr. Haggard.

Well let's push on.
Isn't it better to move at night?

Yeah, Flipper's right at least we'll have
the advantage of surprise.

Come on. We haven't got all day. Get in.
Hurry up, lets get the Hell out of here.

Well, what is it? News about Rhodan?

Yeah, you might say.

And its more than that.

Right here in this message.
Is a way to bring the world within our grasp.

Phillip!
Yes, sir.

Advise the African sectors to collect at
the rendezvous in Mombassa.

Phone through to the Mombassa office, I'd
like to speak to Wayne.

And in 10 minutes I'll want the Cesna.
Yes, Mr. Arkin.

Business in East Africa is looking up.

It means the next 48 hours,

will without any doubt be the crucial
point of my career.

I have yet to hear a more infantile
piece of balderdash.

You'll be discharged as a lunatic,
Do you hear?

But General
Captain the African Federation Army is...

run on discipline, not on jokes.

Yes sir, but this isn't a joke sir.
You're damned right it isn't Captain

Excuse me sir. A report has just been
received at air control.

an object has been seen in the Serengeti.
They say its about 50 miles east of the rift valley

Alert Company C, Leuitenant. I'm going to
take a look at this object.

We're going to pull them out of there
and put them under arrest.

Its no use, General.
You won't get near it, sir.

I tried to tell you before,
the bullets we fired...

Don't say it again.
you're talking sheer nonsense.

There is nothing either terrestrial or
extraterrestrial...

That can stand a blast from one of my
188mm shells!

During the night we'll land here on the
coast 5 miles from Mombasa.

you can leave Mike & I and return here with
the ship.

And how do we meet up again after we've got
Doctor Haggard?

On the moon you picked up the Stardust and
brought it alongside your ship.

Can you do that with us?

The device I used to lift Stardust is
too large for this vehicle.

We only have one on the mothership.

Hmm, too bad.

Haggard will need his instruments for
the operation.

Well, we'll have to get a car. And you can
pick us up here in the Morain swamps.

Here's the first hitch.

Which is?

We'll never be able to buy a car, we need
money to do that.

That's right and we don't have any.

Silly isn't it? Here we are highly paid
astronauts without a penny in our pocket.

You can sell this. Its a very rare
element called Fenya.

Fenya? What's that in English?

Common mercury.

You mean you couldn't exchange this for one
of those cars you've been talking about?

The most you would get would be a couple
of small medical thermometers.

Thora?
What substance is this?

That's nothing. We use that for bolts,
washers and riveting parts together.

You call it, eh...
carbon.

Oh boy!

On Earth we have another name for
crystalized carbon.

Diamond

What is it?

I'll be darned.

Do you happen to have any spare
washers & bolts lying around?

Those are rejects.
If they amuse you you can have them.

Perry, Thora, there's a helicopter coming.

Now Thora...

I shall be nice to them. So don't worry.

Do you think you're taking me on a
tour of the country?

Drive straight up the valley, Major!

But the invisible wall sir.

Good Lord! Don't say you believe
in that rubbish.

No, sir.

Controls don't respond, sir, and the
motor's cut out.

Well I order you to restart the motor.

Its amazing, sir. We should have crashed.

There'll be a perfectly logical
explanation for that.

But as for this motor breakdown...

a board of inquiry will decide on your
irresponsibility.

I'm General Ruhn. The Commander in Chief
of the African Federation Forces.

I want to talk to the commanding officer
of this...object.

You are.

A woman is in command, here?

I've never heard of anything in the world
so ridiculously absurd.

You are referring to this world, but I
General come from another.

Now thats something we will see about. The
fact remains that you and your machine...

are trespassing on territory that comes
under the jurisdiction of my command.

I landed, Gen. Ruhn on the third planet in
this very small constellation...

which according to our map is numbered
1-1-6-2-0

I couldn't care less about that.

You are here illegally.

You and your war machine

This is beginning to get interesting.
We're at war is that it General?

Well I wouldn't say that.

You'd better understand that I'm placing
you under arrest.

You'll have to come back to headquarters.

You are inside an activated wall of energy.
There is literally no way through it.

So I advise you to be careful.

That could be interpreted as a declaration
of hostilities.

Interpret it as you wish.

Then I take it you refuse to cooperate.

I refuse, yes. You agree to leave me alone
and you can go General.

I won't tolerate this. If you force the
issue, I'll bring in artillery.

That's not very friendly.

You'd better give up, my troops are here
already prepared for action.

Did you put them in the mountains as well,
General?

No, there are no troops there.

Well then, you go back and
watch those mountains.

I see trouble brewing.

I think you should have talked to him
instead.

Maybe, but we don't want them to know we're
on board.

Hey, what kind of stunt are you going
to pull now?

Just a little demonstration to show the
General what I can do.

Huh, so they retreat.

They seem to be crystalizing.

They are.

Its just a molecular alteration.

So simple isn't it?

Gentlemen,

I think the time has come for us to call an
emergency meeting of the general staff.

Nice to see you again sir.

How are things progressing, Lonnie.

We carried out your instructions Mr. Arkin.
I've got the teams ready

and standing by for further orders.

Good, we'll just wait now for our friends
to act.

So far they haven't done anything.

They're still sitting out there in the
Serengeti surrounded by Gen. Ruhn's troops.

Ruhn's obviously under the illusion that
he's going to capture the ship.

As soon as we get our hands on it we'll
begin the extermination of his entire force.

If only he knew.

The spaceship, it took off a few minutes
ago and disappeared.

Magnificient. They'll be flying right into
our trap.

Lets go telephone the police.

Thanks, you're the perfect valet.

Take this.

What is it?

A security device.

This first control encloses you in a bubble
of energy.

It will protect only your person.

The 2nd is a gravitational neutralizer
which you've seen in operation.

And the third button...

if you press that you will be able to
contact me. On this television screen.

No play things for me?

And this, is an automatic diredtion finder.

If you're really in a fix, press this
button.

It will localize your position and I'll
come and get you.

I must be out of my mind to trust you
with these things.

Why do you give them to me then?

Well its just that I wouldn't want you not
to return safely.

For Khrest's sake of course.

Oh, yeah.
Why else, Perry?

Well for the present sir the situation
is under control.

But Gen. Ruhn, just a few minutes ago that
spaceship took off for an unknown destination

I know sir,
but it returned almost immediately.

So the can come and go as they please?

For the moment, yes sir, but I'm studying
their defense.

There has to be a weak point somewhere.

and the minute I discover it, I'll

Its for you sir.

Thank you Mitchell.

Yes, hello.

Very well, thank you.

Now we know what happened when our friends
made that short trip in their spaceship.

It came down near Mombasa, two men were
landed from it and then it took off again.

This is the chance we wanted...

with all roads in the area blocked we can
check out every...

suspicious move that's made.

Leave it to me.
Our friends won't last long.

Whats the matter with you?

You don't smoke so you wouldn't understand,
but I haven't touched a cigarette for 3 days.

Its painful.

Hey, fella.

Maybe you'd like to make a real big deal.

Alright.

Just one cigarette...for a diamond.

I'm sorry sir, but your ancestors cheated
mine you know.

Trading with little bits of colored glass &
there's no reason you're any different.

If you want to buy something then lets see
the color of your money.

My friend is only joking.

Do a thing like that again and we'll never
get Haggard.

Sir, may I have a word with you? I see
you're strangers. May I be of any assistance?

No thanks.

Would you like to have som fun? I have some
I have some very young girls. Very young.

Hashish, whatever you want. Whenever
you want.

How about an automobile?

But of course! I will take you to Sarryman,
He will help you. Follow me, follow me.

Please sir, just wait one moment.

Perry, this would suit us fine.

Good morning sir, my friend tells me you
are interested in buying an automobile.

How much for the Land Rover?

You have impecable taste sir. With one
glance you have chosen the best vehicle I have.

Its barely drove, practically new look at
the tires and the bodywork, the motor its a

Its a precision instrument.

Look, we're in a hurry, How much?

Really, I don't know whether it sell it or
to keep it for myself. Its such a perfect machine

Well I wouldn't want to break your heart by
taking it away, come on Mike.

One moment.

As a favor to a friend, all right.
I'll sell it to you.

How much?

One and a half thousands.
Is the price to you.

Dollars?
Oh no streling.

We'll find another.
Twelve hundred.

Eight
A thousand. Now we can talk

This will ruin me.

You can make it up if you'll exchange
it for some diamonds.

First I would have to see...

It requires expert examination.

This way please.

Inform the others.

Now,
Please make yourselves comfortable.

Yes, yes

As you can see its worth more than
a thousand Pounds.

Yes, its not bad, but this is not the same
diamond you showed me before.

That one was bigger.

I'm very hurt that you would try to take me
in gentlemen.

well let me see the others

You heard him, the diamonds.

Where are they, Mac?

OK, OK

Is 2 against 3 fair?
Darn right!

Come on.

He was mine.
Oh, I'm sorry.

Right here.

Pretty good.
Stage 4 sure has a lot of advantages,

but a combination
Look out!

His retros failed on him.

Gentlemen, I apologize. I trust you are not
going to hurt me.

I ask you for your mercy.

Tell me if there is anything
I can do for you.

We just want you to buy that diamond for
an honest price.

Of course sir, certainly. I offer you,
let me see...

The Land Rover and 500 Pounds. Excuse me.

Yes, of course.

One more thing. Where can I find Doctor
Haggard's institute?

This road, just 2 miles North of the town.

Just a minute.

Money is my religion.

Excuse me, I was told Dr. Haggard was here.

Can I help, I'm his assistant,Dr. Sheridan?

Sorry, but I have to speak to the
Doctor personally.

He's in his labarotory, you'll find it
over there.

Thank you.

Oh, doctor.

What disease would put me into the hospital
under your care?

Galloping Malaria

Doctor Haggard?
Yes.

I hate to interrupt you while
you're working.

Well this is a rather delicate & important
experiment, I'm preparing

my afternoon tea, however...

What can I do for you gentlemen?

I'm Major Rhodan, this is Capt. Bull

Rhodan?

That name somehow is very familiar.

And so is the face.

Major Rhodan!

The Stardust!

Are you related in any way to the famous
astronaut?

I am the astronaut.

Come on now, I've just heard the news
on the radio.

The Stardust and her crew of four have
disappeared somewhere...

on the other side of the moon.

Officially thats the story, but
in reality we're here.

You must agree that its not very easy

to believe in a reality thats so...

fantastic.

I think you better prepare yourself for
a more fantastic story.

This is Cobra calling Section 8 do you
read me?

This is Section 8 Cobra, reading you loud
and clear. over

I didn't know we had a position here.
What's you unit Captain?

This is a special unit.

The word fantastic is inadequate for
your story, Major Rhodan.

A more applicable adjective is incredible.

It is, but I can prove to you that its true

What is it Major?

We're at Dr. Haggard's could you show
him the patient?

Of course.

Thanks, Thora. Is everything OK?

Perfect.I hope you have managed to convince
Doctor Haggard to come.

Yes.

He's convinced.

I'll go.

Good, we'll leave right away and meet you
at the space ship.

Have you got everything you'll want?

Yes, everything I need is here.

Tell us what we have to take.
No, my assistants will see to everything.

send Dr. Sheridan and Nurse Silva into
my laboratory please.

Do we have to take them?
Dr. Minoli can help you.

No, I'm sorry Major. Its essential that I
use assitants who know my technique

in this operation.

Some technique!

Prepare a dose of antileukemia serum.

And pack all the equipment necessary for
the operation.

Major Rhodan & Capt. Bull will help you
load it in the car as soon as you are ready.

Very well.
I'm all yours, Doctor.

They destroyed my office, the place is
wrecked, then they drove off in my best vehicle

You don't have any way of knowing which way
these strangers were heading?

No, I wish I did.

But you know...

wait a minute...they asked me the way to
the institute of Dr. Haggard's

Calling unit 16
Head out towards Dr. Haggard's institute

calling unit 16

Thank you

You drive.

I was only trying to figure out
if they were twins.

Let's get moving.

Stop! Stop!

After them.

Follow them.

Step on the gas Mike, they're
right behind you.

This hack's doing nearly 80.
come on.

They're still gaining, try and use
the gimmick, Perry.

It's not here, I must have dropped it.

The perfect ending.

Give me some bandages & a lighter.

Hey, what are you gonna do now?

I'm going to try & slow them up.

Here take this when you're in the savanah
contact Thora

All right, slow down.
Are you out of your head?

Slow down, put on the brakes.

Come on.

They could blow us to bits in a second.

I'll call for help.

How long will it take us to get there?

It's roughly 400 miles,
about 10 seconds.

Fantastic!

I'm glad to see you've come round,
Major Rhodan.

Who are you?

A friend.

What do you want, friend?

What does this gadget do?

Exactly where you dropped it.

Where did you find it?

I've had you under close surveillance
since you landed.

Now then.

What is this device?

Its a transistor radio.

I like to catch the latest news broadcasts.

And I can't stand to be without music.

Cedric, that's no way to treat a friend

So you don't want to help us, Major?

Not really.

Why don't you turn it on?
Perhaps we'll get some music.

Or perhaps it will blow up.

Or perhaps you're afraid.

No, this isn't so important now.

Because I'm about to takeover your
space ship.

I don't think you'll make it.

I know your Achilles heel.

So you're wrong there, Major Rhodan.

I'm well informed.

By whom?

Don't worry you'll know in good time.

I think you're only half informed.
Why?

That space ship you want to take over is
only a satellite of a much larger

mother ship on the moon.

There's a garrison there waiting for their
commander to come back from Earth.

Now if something should happen to her or
the space ship...

they have orders to take off for the Earth
and destroy it.

This is a bluff, Rhodan.

If that's what you want to think.

I'll show you.

You'll see with your own eyes the capture
of your invulnerable space ship.

We're almost too late.

Those police, darn it. If it wasn't for
Perry, we'd never have gotten here.

Did you have to leave him behind though?

There was simply no other way.

Will you be operating?

No, not yet. first we must give
him a transfusion.

I need a breath of fresh air. Its
suffocating in here.

I'll be outside.

Where's the anesthetic?

I must have left it in the car. I'll get it

Do you need a hand?

I don't, but Nurse Silva might.

She might at that!

How's everything going?

Not bad. The others should be arriving soon

And Minoli doesn't suspect?

As long as its only a transfusion,
I think we'll be alright.

The boss said that you'd give me
all the details.

What do I do?

Get rid of that wall of energy.

Then you've got to switch the interference
signal on

because that'll let the men know

the wall's down.

And the others, when do you reckon
they'll get here Ann?

That all depends

Joan & I will be waiting for your signal.

What?

When everything is ready you say,
"when does the operation start" alright?

OK, you'd better go back now or they'll
wonder what's happened to you.

And that's it.

I see.

So you see my plan is perfect.

Flipper, I can't believe it.

He's a great astronaut, but loses at poker.

He's had his uses.

I paid all his debts and

How much further Mr. Arkin?

We're nearly there.

Goodbye Rhodan.

The signal!
OK, Let's go.

Step on it!

I think I feel better.

His pulse is steady, Doctor.

That's a result of the transfusion.

When does the operation start?

We'll begin now.

Ready.

Don't move!

Flipper, you?

Hold it!

And now our beautiful Arkonite is going to
show us how to work her space ship.

That I'll never do.

Listen. Khrest will die if
you refuse,Thora.

You see my dear I'm not in actual
fact, Doctor Haggard.

The real Haggard is in our safe keeping.

Alright. You cooperate now

and we'll take Khrest to the Doctor.

This time its for real.

Alright

Well, we're waiting.

That, is what controls the flight computer.

And this is the button...

that activates the alarm system.

I'll kill you you hellcat!

Let go, let go. Let go of me.

Let me go!

What's going on?

Two vehicles headed torards the ship sir.

The must've lifted the energy wall.

Signal to attack.

Hey buddy, what all the commotion?

They've activated that wall of energy again

Cease fire. Cease Fire! Cease Fire!

Ridiculous.

We're as helpless as children.

Mike! Mike! Come on, snap out of it.

Well, the return of the hero.

You alright, doc?

Sure.

What happened?

Don't tell me it failed
our plan was perfect.

There's no time to explain now,
we must get away fast.

I brought the girl with me.

That was good thinking, Flipper.

We can still do it using her
as a hostage.

Come and get the girl!

We'll hide out on the island.

They've taken Thora with them.

Amazing, a man like Haggard.

I don't think it was really Haggard.

Nor do I. I was very worried.

How is he?

That transfusion we gave him saved his life

Khrest

they've kidnapped Thora.

Help me into the control room.

You're not to move.

Thora has a localizer.

if she can use it, we'll find her.

May I present Dr. Haggard,
the real one that is.

My dear, I'm afraid you've been tricked.

That wasn't difficult, I can assure you.

I'm sorry to be curious...

but I've permitted myself an inspection
of your very stylish belt.

and was wondering...

what the button controls.

I'm sure you'd be happy...

to explain.

I imagine that its...

one of your secret weapons.

Is that right?

Flipper says...

you have never used it

in his presence.

Now, what about that button?

Mr. Arkin, it would be much easier to just
take the chance & give it a push.

No! You idiot.

What's wrong?

Nothing happened.

The signal, Thora's signal.

She's succeeded.

Now the automatic reactor will find her.

Can you assist me Major?

Lets get this thing off the ground.

You're being very stubborn.

If you think I would pass information to a
gorilla, My Arkin

then you're wrong.

I take that to mean you consider yourself
superior.

I admit that what you're inferring
is probably true.

But you are a beautiful woman...

and I'm sure you would hate to lose
your looks prematurely.

No man could justify such brutality.

Remember though a gorilla

has a perfect right to be brutal.

You're the first people in the universe
to whom we have entrusted our battle dress.

We appreciate that trust.

According to the indicator,

She's there.

Very good. Are you ready, Mike?
Let us out.

We'll use the emergency exit.

Leave her alone.

Hold it!

Wait, wait!

What shall we do with this rat, Perry?

Nothing he's the real Haggard!

I apologize Doctor.

We'd better find Arkin.
Don't worry.

Mr. Arkin is about to learn that nobody

should make an enemy out of me.

You coming with us Doc?

That's the end of a lot of evil men.

Really?

Is that so?

Move over.

Go on.

That's better.

How did he get here?

With my belt,
and the magnetic teletransporter.

You've made a terrible mistake in opposing
Arkin.

and you'll pay for it.
With your lives.

Stay where you are.

My patience is exhausted.

The robot.

While he's wearing the belt, it won't
lay a finger on him.

It's amusing isn't it?

Now your weapons and superiority are
against a piece of...

Earthly antiquity. And they're useless!

But there's one weapon that you can't fight

Don't!

No, not here.

Its simple, little old courage.

Don't move!

Or I'll kill you!

You could shoot one of us,

but one of the others would get you.

Stay where you are.

All of you.

Why not make a partnership with me.

We'd be masters of the universe.

Thora, open the door.

No, its too late.

It's a compression exit.

and automatically opens to the outside.

To the total void of space.

You're looking well.

Yes, I really feel much better.

Lucky for me those crooks brought
the right serum along.

Hey Earthlings!

I've been stoking the boiler. All we need
is a crew & we're in business.

Please, come back soon.

Why sure we'll be back as soon as we've
collected the materials to repair your ship.

You know when I compare your scientific
marvels to the Stardust.

She reminds me of an old bicycle.

But you're right not to
divulge your secrets.

Thora's correct when she says
we're too young.

And we're too old.

You know I'd like to see an old dream
of mine come true.

A union of our two races.

When you go back to Arkon,

Pick out a couple of girls just
like Thora.

and I'll volunteer for the experiment.

Where's the chief?

Perry

Oh boy, I hope you meant it!

The experiment has begun.