Original subtitles

[pop song playing] ♪ Happy birthday ♪

[Emily and Sunny] Happy birthday, sleepy head.

What's with the sleep-in, birthday girl?

It's usually you dragging us out of bed.

Yeah...

It's just not the same without Tay--

Tay - tailored pants!

I should really go and get dressed--

Ah, no, no, first we've got mega pancake breakfast,

and then presents.

And then a party with your friends tonight.

I was just hoping to have a quiet one.

Surprise!

Happy birthday.

[nervous chuckle]

[Nori] It can't be easy.

Having a birthday without Taylor.

And having to pretend like it's so normal.

Nothing some garish paper and thoughtful gifts can't fix.

You are going to love this. I picked it specially for you.

Ooh, a skipping rope.

With a motor handle

that intensifies the speed with each jump.

Hm, tiring, but fun.

Mm-hm, yeah.

It's an organic worm farm.

It really is.

[Nori] Standard, but delicious.

I do love chocolate...

As everyone knows.

[Emily] Oh, speaking of chocolate...

I better check on the cake.

We, eh, missed the mark, didn't we?

No, no. I am so lucky. Look at this haul.

Usually Taylor gives us ideas.

There might be one other present that I could give you.

[Ellis] I didn't plan to unveil this today,

and I haven't yet run a full diagnostic test on usability,

and it's still at beta stage, so there might be some glitches.

Ellis! Show us before it's Lila's next birthday, please.

Okay.

Hey Liles, I've missed you.

[tense music]

♪ It's a curious situation ♪

♪ A strong case of speculation how ♪

♪ It takes more than intuition ♪

♪ To work the situation out ♪

♪ It's right before your eyes Can you feel it? ♪

♪ It's right between the lines Try to reveal it ♪

♪ So look until you find all of the pieces ♪

♪ Put them together ♪

♪ Now you see it ♪

♪ Rock Island Mysteries. ♪

[Lila] Um...

What is this?

-[Nori] What did you do? -That's not Taylor.

You're right. It's not. It's AI Taylor.

So like a deep fake?

A deep fake needs to be programmed to mimic.

This is self-learning AI with a mind of its own.

Happy birthday, Liles.

How did you know it was my birthday?

This is your favourite day of the year.

You made your own banner when you were nine.

With paint pens.

I... I-I don't understand.

Well, I've been working with AI software at the Institute,

so I built on that existing tech,

inputted data from different sources.

Uncle Charlie's journal, our memories of Taylor.

[Nori] So we have a search engine that looks like Taylor,

but, why Ellis?

Because we miss her.

[sad music]

[Ellis] Um, I'm sorry. I was trying to help.

I-I just thought we could use her to solve mysteries.

Mysteries, like why Dad

always listens to show tunes in the car?

Or mystery-mysteries, like getting my sister back?

I can only program her with what we know, so...

But with self-learning AI, anything is possible.

Ah, gimme your phone. She's portable.

Hold up. First we need to test this thing.

How do we even know it can help us solve mysteries?

I'm self-learning.

I guess testing it out won't hurt.

Can you show us a mystery?

[AI Taylor] I've got just the thing.

[dramatic music]

[Nori] She brought us to Rickett's Rocks.

I dive around here all the time.

Whoa, that's strange.

[Nori] Um, since when did rocks do that?

Since methane levels have increased on the island.

Ah, what's causing that, AI Taylor?

I don't have that information.

[Nori] Oh, great! She can tell us where the mystery is,

but not what it is.

Now it's an unhelpful, useless search engine

Ah, correction.

I programmed her with only one goal - to help Lila.

Well, enjoy the power.

What should we test it on next?

[Nori] A real test - not just some glowing rocks.

What about something from Uncle Charlie's journal

that we could never decode?

[Lila] Yes! There's an entry in the journal...

Ah, formi... something?

-Do you mean Formicidae? -Scientific name for ants.

-But what's the 'A' for? -Ant?

[Lila] No, Taylor was sure it was a code for something,

but could never figure it out.

Okay, well why would Uncle Charlie

be interested in ants anyways?

[AI Taylor] Let me help you.

[Meesha] Now you're on my phone?

[AI Taylor] Of course, you're part of the game.

These aren't ordinary ants. I'll show you.

[Meesha] Um, am I missing something?

AI Taylor, what's so special about these ants?

Glad you asked. They are unique to Rock Island.

Their anthills have highly unusual absorption properties

that can absorb and reverse energy waves.

-Unusually specific. -[AI Taylor] Thanks, Liles.

I'm sure I need a bit of a-- [voice disappears]

Whoa! That was crazy.

It's like my voice just disappeared.

I can see why Uncle Charlie was into these ants.

[silent scream]

[Ellis] Ahhh...

[silent scream]

Ahhh...

[silent scream]

Ahhh...

[Ellis chuckling] Wow!

-That really works. -[AI Taylor] Just like I said.

-Have I passed the test, Liles? -Looks like it.

I just wish you could help get Taylor back.

If that's what you want.

We can get her today. Would you like that?

Er, this isn't about being nice to me on my birthday, right?

I could never lie to you, Liles.

Aw...

[Nori] But you said you couldn't program it to get Taylor back.

AI can make connections that take years for a human brain.

But we don't even have a Crystal to open up a portal.

Or a celestial event. Right?

AI Tay, how do we get her back?

A liquid metal alloy with a large element carbon

in a crystal structure, could achieve the same result.

Okay, could you break that down for me, Tay-bot?

AI Tayloris saying we need a special metal.

Oh, I got that part.

And carbon element in a crystal form...

Which is a large diamond--

[AI Taylor] A pink gallium rock could produce similar results.

A what?

A rare methane infused rock,

occasionally found in a coastal environment.

Like Rickett's Rocks, by any chance?

Sorry, science hat on, but what are the results?

Opening a portal, to get Taylor home.

[Lila gasping]

[Lila chuckling]

The ingredients need to be compiled

at the hottest point of the island,

-for maximum combustion. -Hottest point?

The volcano!

It's dormant. The geyser fields?

Too unpredictable.

I know somewhere that gets super hot.

-The Dreaded Dunes. -Rock Island's very own desert.

No water, extreme heat,

unpredictable winds, disorientating terrain.

I can do it - for Taylor. Yeah...

I've hiked across there before.

There's this one rock right in the centre

that bakes in the sun. It gets scorching hot.

Hmm. Well today's temperature peaks at 2:26pm.

Which is in less than two hours.

Should we sleep on this?

Do some research and reassess tomorrow?

Rain is predicted for the next two weeks.

That's not very combustion friendly.

-Hey, Ellis! -[phone shuts down]

Why are we stopping?

Full disclaimer.

AI Taylor is at beta stage - there could be bugs.

It's a work in progress.

I just don't want you to be disappointed

if this doesn't work.

But we could get Taylor back.

Come on, we need to at least try.

Great! Let's gear up and split up.

Um, Meesha, Ellis, you go and find the metal.

Ready to detect.

We will head back to the Rocks.

Thank you.

-Bye. -Good luck.

[Lila] Let's go.

[dramatic music]

[AI Taylor] The liquid metal can be found

in dark, cavernous spaces.

-Thanks for the tip, Tay-bot-- -Oh, AI Taylor.

I like the nickname.

[Ellis] Oh, hold her. I mean, AI Taylor, please.

You know, she's starting to grow on me.

Thanks, Meesha. I feel the same.

And I hate to say this, but your present definitely wins.

[metal detector beeping]

[AI Taylor] Well done, team. We found the liquid metal.

[Ellis] How we meant to get in there?

-Squeeze. -I'll rephrase.

Should we get in there? Because I vote, no!

Why wouldn't we? The metal lives in there.

Tay-bot, what are the chances of me getting into that?

98 percent chance of entry.

If anyone can do it, you can.

I knew I liked you.

I didn't program AI Taylor to consider safety

or breathing in such tiny spaces.

Well, then, I guess that's something

your app and I have in common.

No fear.

Meesha!

I can't let you do this!

Without equipment to collect the sample.

Ah, thanks.

-[dramatic music] -[waves crashing]

[AI Taylor] Search deep within the gaps.

The hottest rocks will create the energy needed

to open the portal.

No, still weird. How do we know this is even going to work?

I predict a 40 percent success rate.

[Nori] That's a whole 60 percent missing.

You've got to be a bit more glass half full, Nori.

Okay, what are we looking for, exactly?

Something like this.

Pretty!

Thanks, AI Tay. [chuckling]

A Tay... Tay I...

[Lila] Hello? What do you prefer?

None of the above.

Ah... I think it's frozen.

At least we know what to look for.

-[rocks steaming] -[suspenseful music]

Okay, let's get this done quickly.

And carefully.

If it's this hot out here, imagine what it's like in there.

[Lila] Oh, I think that's it.

Nori! Tongs.

-I hope they're strong enough. -Thank you.

[Nori] This is not the barbecue I had in mind for today.

-[Lila] Ow! -[Nori] Careful!

[Nori] Fire blankets, ready. That's it. Steady!

[both exclaiming]

Don't forget to wrap it tight to keep the rock warm.

You're back, and we will.

[AI Taylor] The sun's heat will peak in 31 minutes. Time to go.

We'll miss our window if we don't move.

Let's hope the others are done,

'cause the Dreaded Dunes are a fair hike.

[Ellis] Can you reach it, Meesha?

[liquid bubbling]

[Ellis] Breathe in, and think small thoughts.

[Meesha] I got this.

[sighing]

[Ellis] Meesha, have you got it yet?

-[straining] -[tense music]

[exclaiming]

[Ellis] Meesha! Meesha?

[Meesha] Without wanting to alarm you...

...um, I'm stuck.

[loud exerting]

[Ellis] This is not working.

[Meesha] Just keep going. I believe in you, Ellis.

Just activate your core strength and go.

[Meesha groaning] Ow!

Can't you activate yours?

Mine is always switched on.

Which is why I just need

one - more - minute! [Meesha grunting]

Hello, Ellis.

Hi, any advice for how to get Meesha out of this?

I don't have that information,

though amputation could be a solution.

I thought we were friends, Tay-bot!

I'm going to call the others.

[Meesha] Oh, okay...

You got the metal?

One minor cave-based problem here.

Meesha won't get out of the cave!

I'm stuck - temporarily.

Really?

We're on our way.

[Lila] Pull!

[all exclaiming]

I feel taller and still stuck!

Guys, go! Seriously, you can't miss this.

But... we don't have the metal.

Never doubt me, friends.

[Meesha grunting]

-You ready to catch? -Huh?

[all exclaiming]

[dramatic music]

[sighing]

Huh!

You area real diver.

Whoa!

[Meesha] Now, go to the Dreaded Dunes.

You go! Try and get Taylor back.

I don't want to leave you here.

I'll stay.

[Nori] Go open the portal and bring Taylor home.

[birds calling]

[huffing and puffing]

[AI Taylor] Keep moving. We'll be together soon.

She's talking like she's Taylor.

I didn't program her to do that.

This isn't exactly a, uh, person-sized gap.

Why'd you think you could fit through it?

Hmm, well, Tay-bot told me

there was a 98 percent chance of me getting in.

Turns out she doubted me by two percent.

What about the chances of you getting out?

She didn't give me those stats.

Ah...

[Nori] The portal, is it dangerous?

I'm helping Lila get what she wants.

But what will happen when the portal is opened?

There is a chance the forced portal

could cause some disruption.

-Forced portal? -Which means?

Catastrophic effects on the island.

The ecosystem decimated.

A 51 percent chance of human survival.

I will advise Lila on how to stay safe...

But the conditions outside are great

and the chances of getting me back remain at 40 percent.

[Nori] I do not like any of those odds.

[grunting and groaning loudly]

[Nori] Meesha, what are you doing?

-[grunting] -[rocks falling]

[dramatic music]

-[grunting] -[rocks smashing]

How'd you do that?

Well, turns out our impending doom is a great motivator.

-Let's go stop the others. -Yeah.

[dramatic music]

Call Lila.

I'm sorry, Nori, but I can't let you do that.

-Oh, she's locked my phone! -[Meesha] Mine too.

[breathing heavily]

This is the place.

[Lila] Yes! Meesha's rock.

[both exclaiming happily]

[AI Taylor] Quickly, it's time.

[AI Taylor] Get the gallium rock.

[Lila] Ellis...

You are so close now.

-Ellis! -[Meesha] Lila!

Do not listen to fake Taylor!

This portal will bring me home. We'll be together.

[both chuckling]

[AI Taylor] Gently add them together.

Keep going. They can't be far.

-Lila! -[Nori] Ellis!

[Lila] Pause there. You ready?

[distant shouting]

[Nori] Lila! Ellis!

Any chance you can hear piercing, terrified screams?

Forget it.

[Lila] Please, please, work!

[Ellis] This is not my type of science.

-[high pitched ringing] -[electricity crackling]

[explosion]

[AI Taylor] You did it.

[Lila] Oh, it's working.

I've never seen a portal like that before.

Oh, hey. You're just in time.

[Meesha] No, we're too late.

-[dramatic music] -[loud crackling]

[loud crackling]

[Nori] We have to shut it down.

This portal is going to destroy the whole island.

Yeah, and who knows if we'll even get Taylor back?

What have I created?

Well, we tried to call you.

Yeah, but fake Tay hacked our devices.

I didn't--

Program for her to do that. I know.

[AI Taylor] Don't listen to them.

Liles, we might not have another chance

for a very long time.

I want us to be together.

How do you delete this thing?

I encoded a kill switch.

It'll erase the AI from the server and all devices.

-Okay. -[AI Taylor] Lila, no!

You can't. You need me.

Without me, you're all alone.

We should be together.

I'm your sister.

No, no, you are not my sister.

Show me.

-Okay, press that. -Yep.

And type R-O-L-Y-A-T.

-'Taylor' backwards? -Yeah.

[AI Taylor] Please don't, Lila. You're scaring me.

Don't hurt me...

-App's gone. -But the portal isn't!

[crackling and explosions continue]

How do we stop this? It's going to wipe us all out.

Ellis, do you still have that sand sample?

-What? -The one from the anthill.

It absorbs and reverses energy waves!

-Yes. -Give it to me.

-[Lila] Come on! -[Nori] Quickly!

Thank you.

[Nori] Hurry, Lila.

[Meesha] Do it.

[Lila grunting]

[crackling stops and starts]

[dramatic music]

[crackling stops]

[all breathing heavily]

[Ellis] Oh, thank goodness.

[Lila chuckling]

[Meesha] So the app has gone from all our devices?

[Ellis] Well, after my IRMA incident, I now always program

kill switches that will wipe everything.

Trying to give you the gift of 'Taylor'

was a terrible idea. I'm so sorry.

Don't be!

You wanted to give me a birthday to remember,

and you achieved that.

Turns out my chocolates weren't so bad after all.

Yeah.

I wish we could have got her back.

We will.

-We'll find a way. -Yeah.

-[both] Surprise! -[Ellis yelps]

Yeah. We've kind of been there, done that.

Now, did you have the quiet day you wanted?

Definitely! Quiet and stress free.

Good, because now it's party time.

Yes!

[Emily] Oh, and this arrived for you.

[Lila] Ooh, day spa for two.

[Taylor VO] Hey Liles, happy birthday!

Time for our annual pampering.

-Love-- -[Lila] Taylor?

From Taylor?

Dated two months ago.

Before she... went away.

Always so prepared.

Sounds like a good friend.

She is.

You'd really like her.

I don't know what it is, but...

well, this birthday does seem different somehow.

Hey, do you want to come with me?

Taylor can't make it.

Lila, I'd love to.

[Emily] Oh...

[Emily] Okay, drinks.

[gentle music]

[theme music]

♪ Rock Island Mysteries. ♪