All language subtitles for Buck Rogers in the 25th Century [1x23, 1x24] - Flight of the War Witch

A glowing orb may hold the
only hope of saving a peaceful planet...

From the evil war witch Zarina,

as Buck and Princess Ardala are drawn
through a vortex and into another universe.

We're experiencing
fantastic turbulence.

I'm relying for all drive and directional factors
on the computer disk developed from the orb.

- You're familiar with the Vortex Theory?
- In the 20th century, it was called a black hole.

The chip is a road map through the vortex.

So this is an invitation.

From an unknown people
who exist in another universe.

Do you have any idea of
the enormity of this moment, Kane?

New worlds, new galaxies
lie beyond the vortex...

Within reach of my fingertips.

I must demand that you return
the orb to the Directorate.

I'm afraid you're not in a position
to demand a great deal of anything.

Very shortly, we'll be
entering the vortex.

And I will allow no one
to interfere with this.

We no longer have the means
to wage a limited war.

So you thought that as a Terran,
I could fight your limited war for you, huh?

Two of the Sharks passed through the
force field and landed undetected.

Pendar will be ours.

I will make you my personal slave,

and you will wish you had died.

Still trapped in an alien universe,

Buck, Twiki, and Princess Ardala
join forces...

To prevent the cruel witch Zarina
from enslaving the planet Pendar.

I'm reading the Zaad cruiser
closing on the defense shield.

Fire!

The year is 1987,

and NASA launches the last
of America's deep space probes.

In a freak mishap, Ranger 3
and its pilot, Captain William "Buck" Rogers,

are blown out of their trajectory into an orbit
which freezes his life-support systems...

And returns Buck Rogers to Earth...

500 years later.

Elana.
Hmm.

You sleepy?

Just happy.
And kind of warm all over.

Well, there's nothing like a good weekend
in the country to recharge your batteries.

Depends on who's
doing the recharging.

Buck, what's that?

I don't know.
But I'd sure like to find out.

Earth Shuttle 2293
to New Chicago Control.

Come in, 2293.

This is Captain Buck Rogers
on approach to New Chicago.

Can you patch me through to the
Directorate Channel? You've got it, Captain.

Good to hear from you, Buck.
Maybe, maybe not, Doc.

I'm about 20 minutes southwest
of New Chicago,

and I've spotted
something very strange.

Strange?
Yeah, it's a...

a large, gold ball sitting out here
in the middle of the desert.

Be careful. That might be
some kind of Draconian trick.

We've been having tremendous
difficulties with them lately.

Dr. Huer, our sensors
record Captain Rogers's ship...

But no trace of another body
in the vicinity.

Well, it's here, Doc.
A large metallic object of some kind.

Give us the coordinates, Buck.
Right, Doc.

When I land, we can go out
and take a look at it. Rogers out.

An intercity shuttle reported it, Buck,

but so far we haven't been able
to detect anything on our sensors.

I wonder if it isn't a
little surprise from Princess Ardala.

It's a distinct possibility
considering all the difficulties...

We've been having with
the Draconians lately.

The closest thing
to it I've ever heard of...

Is what we used to call
a flying saucer or a U. F. O.

You have any idea
what it might be, Doc?

The pilot reported it saucer-shaped.

Well, we oughta be pretty close now.

There it is.
Look, to the left.

That may have been a saucer before,
but look at it now.

Talk about close encounters.

- Dr. Theopolis?
- Still no sensor reading, Doctor.

But it's solid. There's no way that
our sensors couldn't record something.

Unless its composition is so different from
anything known that a reading's impossible.

- Well, it's solid enough.
- And seamless.

No apparent ports
and no discernable motive power.

Careful, Buck.

What is it?

A riddle wrapped in an enigma.

Watch the straight arm, Buck.

If they'd wanted to, they could have
hurt us long before now.

What do you think, Doc?

I think we should
take it back to the lab.

I think so too.

Since this does
not appear to be a weapon,

our first assumption is that it's a gift
of friendship from a life force somewhere.

And if we're correct,
it may have something to tell us.

We're attempting to open
it with the vibrosonic table,

which is an instrument that separates
molecules of matter at their natural interface.

Well, like, uh, some kind of
sonic diamond cutter, or...

If I understand you correctly, yes.

At precisely the right tone,

the orb should separate.

Look.

Somebody must
have said the magic word.

- What is it, Doc?
- I don't know.

I'll get the macro magnifier.

Looks like a microchip of some kind.

Prepare the macro magnifier, please.

Very well.
Start the magnifying process, please.

Cryptographs.
With the universal language.

And patternings.
Yes, they're binary patternings.

A very unusual kind.

Dr. Theopolis, we want to put this through
the master computer chain. Top priority.

And I want an analysis of these
binary codings as quickly as possible.

Yes, Doctor.

Doc, look.

That thing's hot to trot.

It's almost as if it knew
its mission here was completed.

Yes, with the discovery of the chip.

Mmmm.

A bit higher, dear.

A little bit higher.

Ow! Clumsy.

- Princess.
- What is it, Kane?

This is Agent Gontril, my spy
at Directorate Headquarters.

Tell the princess what you saw.

Uh, a giant sphere appeared
outside New Chicago, Your Highness.

It contained a message
in the form of a golden orb.

What message?
From whom?

I'm not a Code 5 technician, Your Highness,
so I was not allowed inside the lab.

- But, uh, rumors... Rumors say...
- Say what? Spit it out, man!

Rumors say that the orb contained
a secret of utmost value to the Terrans.

That will be all.

All of you, out!

Get me the orb, Kane.

Your Highness,
the truce expressly forbids...

Since when have I ever
honored a Terran truce...

Unless it's convenient for me to do so?

Oh, Kane.

By the way,
send Tigerman to me.

He's been assigned
to one of your sisters.

- He's been what!
- I have made other arrangements.

Well done, Kane.

I think I'll call you Pantherman.

You're black. You're beautiful.

Why don't you come over here
and let me see your claws.

Dr. Theopolis's staff has just decoded it,
and the results are staggering.

- What are they, Doc?
- You're both familiar with the Vortex Theory?

Yes, it has to do with a hypothetical
passage from one universe to another.

That's assuming another exists. In the
20th century, it was called a black hole.

Erroneously. The Vortex Theory is
no longer a theory. It's a scientific fact.

The decoded chip is like
a road map through the vortex...

complex, dangerous,

but by all our scientific
frames of reference, it's navigable.

So this is an invitation.

From an unknown people
who exist in another universe.

The staff is reducing
the decoded patterns...

To a computer disk
compatible with Earth space vehicles.

Which means we could plug it
into any starfighter's navigation system...

- And end up in an entirely new universe.
- Exactly.

Theo, is there any clue
as to who sent the orb?

I'm afraid not, Colonel.

But we may have
a clue in the cryptograph.

We found a legend that reads the equivalent
of six letters of Earth's alphabet.

P-E-N-D-A-R. Pendar.

- Have you heard of it?
- No, I haven't, Doc.

Let the Council convene.

Report, please.

Keeper, the harbinger has fulfilled
its mission and returned to Pendar.

Good. Who did you select?

A small, habitable planet
in its first quadrant called Terra.

It has precisely
the military capabilities we sought.

- The second?
- The second selection...

Is cruder, more malevolent
and completely predictable.

Report on the Zaads.

The Zaads' battle cruiser...

Now lies 3,600 fetics down side us.

They continue to launch
attacks against the defense shield.

The results of the attack?
The shield has not been damaged.

But the recent abduction
of Kodus, however,

gives us grave concern.

Each day, at a given hour,

he is moved from the second to the
fifth level to Zarina's quarters.

The Zaad war witch herself
is supervising his torture.

His auric energy reading is very low.

He will not be able
to bear such pain for long...

Without telling the Zaads what
he knows about our defense shield.

Kodus is a courageous young man.

We must hope that he can hold on
until assistance arrives.

Have faith, Chandar.

They will kill him, Mother.

No, child. You'll see.

Hmm? What?

Kodus, your bravery is admirable.

But so unnecessary.

Resist me if you wish.

It will only mean I shall
be forced to use Spirot here...

And his unusual talents.

As a transmute, he can disrupt
the cellular composition...

Of any part of your body.

Apainful experience,
wouldn't you agree?

That's enough, Spirot!

If you kill him,
he's of no use to us.

And I plan to use Kodus...

In a variety of ways.

Well, good evening, Buck.
You still up?

Yeah, Doc, I got a lot of things runnin'
through my mind. I can well imagine.

Even the notion of exploring another
universe... It's mind boggling, isn't it?

Yes, it is.
I'll say good night.

Good night, Doc.

Technician Gontril
reporting for night duty in the lab.

You don't have Code 5
clearance.

Sorry, my oversight.

Oh!

Buck, are you all right?

Don't ask.
Who were they, Doc?

Draconians. This is an absolutely
unforgivable violation on Ardala's part.

The orb is probably
halfway to her cruise ship by now.

Another universe for Ardala
to try and dominate.

Her technicians still have to decode the chip
and transfer the information to a computer disk.

I'm having the computer disk
installed in a starfighter.

And Dr. Theopolis's staff is already
programming a B2-500 drone to pilot the craft.

- You're sending a drone through the vortex?
- Yes. Why?

Doc, this is an invitation to us
from another universe.

- What are you getting at?
- This could be the first encounter of peoples from two different universes.

You can't send a drone.
You've got to send a Terran.

I'd like to be that Terran, Doc.

You'd like to be. At any price?

- Yes.
- Captain Rogers is right, Dr. Huer.

A Terran pilot will be able to handle
unprogrammed difficulties...

More effectively than a drone.

Yes, I know.

Very well, Buck. Go.

Thank you, Doc.

I'm sure you'll want to do
the preflight yourself.

I'll get started.

Uh, Buck...

History will record you
as an extraordinary mortal.

You have survived the holocaust,
lived 500 years...

And now will be the first man
to enter a new universe.

It looks like... Kane, what
was that crude organic food?

Regulian plover's egg, Highness.
Yes, exactly.

I had the chef executed for insulting
my royal digestion, as I recall.

Yes, you did.
Have it analyzed immediately.

Yes? A transmission on the vid-phone
from Director Elias Huer on Earth.

Tell Earth the princess
is not ready to respond.

No, Kane. Wait.

Let's just see how important
this golden plover's egg is to Dr. Huer.

Hello, Doctor.
What can we do for you?

Princess Ardala,
on behalf of the Earth Directorate,

I wish to lodge a formal protest.

Whatever are you talking about?

You know very well, Princess. Truce
provisions have been violated repeatedly,

particularly the recent Draconian
attacks on interplanetary shipping.

I insist on an audience at once!

That's not possible!

Huer's transmission tells us
one very important thing...

not so much by what he said,
but by what he did not say.

Yes. He failed to mention the orb.

Exactly.
Not one word.

Hurry your technicians, Kane. We must find out
what's so terribly important about this orb.

This is preposterous!

Absolutely preposterous!

The only remedy is a face-to-face
confrontation with the princess.

Do you think it's safe
to go to the Draconia?

Oh, I've already considered
the hazards, Colonel.

And I must say
they're far outweighed by this...

Most recent threat
to our already-tenuous truce.

I'd like to go with you.

Very well, Colonel. As soon as Buck is safely on
his way, we'll pay a little visit to the princess.

I'll arrange for a two-fighter escort. Uh,
Major Daniels and Lieutenant Wainwright.

Thank you, Colonel.

Buck... Ooh...

Sorry. L... I thought you might be
getting yourself together.

I was.

I'll be here when you get back.
I'll look forward to it.

Buck, uh, we haven't underplayed the hazardous
nature of this trip, have we, you and I?

No, Doc. I know
I might not come back.

Because in view of the extraordinary scientific
benefit to be derived from such a trip,

I felt we need a modicum
of... Insurance, so to speak.

You're afraid that if I don't make it back,
you won't have a record of this journey, right?

Precisely.

In the event
anything does go wrong,

I've taken the liberty of tinkering
with certain ofTwiki's synaptic points,

and he is now programmed
to return to Earth automatically,

as long as there's a ship to fly.

So he and Theo will act as a kind of black
box recorder in case anything goes wrong.

Yes. I think so. It's all right,
Doc. I'll enjoy their company.

Shall we be on our way then?
Might as well.

I'm glad Twiki and Theo
are going with me, Doc.

Why is it the good die young?

Twiki, um, why don't you go on
ahead. I'll be along in a minute.

What's the matter, Doc?
Something bothering you?

No, not really. I'm just...

I just can't help wondering what
it's going to be like for you up there.

I know. I've been thinking
a lot about that myself.

I imagine you have. Yeah.

Also...

This is probably the most dangerous
mission I've ever assigned anyone.

Well, don't forget, Doc, I
volunteered. Oh, yes. That's true.

You volunteered all right.

Before I started with the Directorate,

we were in the process
of testing the new stargates.

And I volunteered, naturally,

to be the first person
to fly through a stargate.

It was quite an honor.

Of course, I only flew
across the solar system.

It's not quite
what you're about to do.

You'd really like to be
the one to go, wouldn't you, Doc?

- Does it show that much?
- Like a sore thumb.

I suppose what I really
want to say is that...

that I'm, well, more than usually
concerned about this particular mission.

Mainly because,
since you've come here,

you've become
like family to me.

Well, I hope you don't decide to take another
500 years before you make your next appearance.

I'll come back, Doc.
Don't worry.

- Good luck, my friend.
- Thank you, Doc.

Well, how do you feel?

Snug as a bug in a rug, Wilma.

Well, you're
supposed to feel snug.

L... I preflighted your ship.

I wanted to make sure
everything was, um, A-okay.

Thank you, Wilma. Well, you didn't
think I was going to let you go...

Without saying good-bye,
did you?

No, I was hoping
I'd see you before I left.

Will you stop looking
at me like that. I'll be fine.

I know. I know.

Funny.
All of a sudden, I don't know what to say.

You don't have to say anything.
No.

No, I... I want to.

You're very special.

You've been more than a friend to me.

And I... I've learned
a lot about myself,

about being able
to express my feelings,

how to care for someone.

You've shown me a whole side
of myself I never knew existed.

I've finally felt like a woman...

For the first time in my life.

And I'd hate to think what I'd be like
if it weren't for you.

You had a lot going for you
from the beginning.

I didn't think I was going
to like you when I first met you.

But you have a way
of growing on a person.

And right now, I don't know
what I would do if I lost you.

Take care of yourself.
I will.

And I'm gonna miss you.

I'm gonna miss you too, Wilma.

You're very special to me.

Well, you all set to go, Twiki?

Ready as I'll ever be, Buck.

Okay.

Do you have any idea
of the enormity of this moment, Kane?

New worlds, new galaxies
lie beyond the vortex...

Within reach of my fingertips.

Yes, Princess.

Do you think
they'll look like us, Kane?

You mean the men, Princess?

The men, the women, whatever.

Yes.

We're tracking a single
Terran starfighter in the 18th quadrant...

At a fraction under light speed,
outbound.

Try to pick up
their transmission, Kane.

Time for our last check-in.

Tell 'em love and kisses.

This is Buck Rogers.
I'm within 15 seconds of entry.

The vortex
is directly ahead of me.

Looks like a swirling,
condensed aurora.

They're sending Buck
through the vortex.

We're experiencing
fantastic turbulence.

I left manual control
10 minutes ago.

I'm relying for all drive
and directional factors...

On the computer disk
developed from the orb.

In all my years of flying,
I've never had an experience like this.

The light, incredible colors.

It's as if an ocean of energy...

Was flowing through
a single floodgate.

And we're right in the middle of it.

All our controls are gone.
We're tumbling.!

Part of a... of a mad scramble from...

to leave one universe for another.!

God help him.

- He must be through now.
- I pray he is.

Well, Colonel, we have
business with Princess Ardala.

Shall we go?

Of course.

Kane, that computer disk
that Captain Rogers was talking about...

I want one of those to send
the Draconia through the vortex.

The technicians are already
working on it, Highness.

Oh.

Well, we made it through, Twiki.
Yeah, just barely.

Kodus is being moved.

They're going to
torture him again.

The perimeter sensors just reported
an unknown through the vortex.

Help is on its way.

Mother, it is useless.

No, Chandar.

Our observers say
this one is very special.

Yeah.

A different universe.

Doesn't feel different.

That's different.

It's surrounded by
a gigantic bubble, Twiki.

Not again!

Hold on, Twiki.
Look!

My memory bank has no
record of any creatures like these.

Yeah? Who are
they, Buck? Whoa, there!

I guess they're not all dead.

It looks like some kind
of space zoo, Twiki.

And we didn't bring any peanuts.

They look like stuffed animals.

Look ahead, Twiki.

That must be Pendar, Twiki.

I hope they
don't mind us dropping in.

We've got an engraved
invitation, remember?

Looks like we're being guided in.

Dr. Huer.

And Colonel Deering.
What brings you here?

Princess, the incidents involving
Draconian violation ofTerran space...

Are intolerable.

Well, I can assure you, Doctor,
I'm doing everything possible...

To control the actions
of these dreadful marauders.

What about the attack
on the Directorate lab?

That was a violation of the highest
order, Princess. Our truce...

Exists to preserve
our best interest, Doctor.

And in this case, my best interest
took precedence over the truce.

I'm sure had you been in my place,
you would have acted accordingly.

I must demand that you return
the orb to the Directorate.

Demand, Doctor?

I'm afraid you're not in a position
to demand a great deal of anything.

Princess, if you insist
on this course of action...

The orb will be
returned to you, Doctor.

I have no further use for it.

Yes, that is correct.
"Wilma," isn't it?

We've deciphered the cryptography
some time ago.

That orb was meant for our use.
An invitation from another culture.

Yes, but I so hate to miss a good party.

- And that is your final word?
- On this subject, Doctor.

Then you may consider yourself
once again on a war footing with Earth.

We'll be leaving immediately.

What is the meaning of this?

You'll be going nowhere, Dr. Huer.

The Draconia is fitted with a computer
disk exactly like Captain Rogers's.

Very shortly, we'll be
entering the vortex.

And I will allow no one to interfere with this,
which is what you would do if I let you go.

Princess, I cannot protest
this action strongly enough.

Then don't bother, Doctor.
It won't do you any good.

What an entrance!

Hello, Captain Rogers.

She knows you, Buck.

I don't believe we've ever met,
at least not in this lifetime.

My name is Chandar.
And if you'll please come with me,

the Council and the Keeper
are expecting you.

Princess, the monitor indicates
we've just entered the vortex.

Well, they could have had the
courtesy to warn us about this.

You're very quiet, Captain.
Well, it's been a long trip.

And a cuckoo one.

You must be curious about the
life field which surrounds Pendar.

You mean that menagerie
we passed through? Yes.

Curious is an understatement.

Eons ago, Pendar was invaded
by aliens and nearly destroyed.

Fortunately, we overcame them...

And placed them in the life field
which you passed through.

Why? The Pendarans are a
life-loving people, Captain.

It would be impossible for us to kill
other beings, even those trying to kill us.

I know that must sound very strange
to you. Not strange, remarkable.

Our scientists created the life field
as an alternative to killing the aliens.

They've been there for a thousand years,
trapped in time and space.

And living?
Oh, yes. Forever.

Some people would consider that
a fate worse than death.

Captain, the Pendarans do not.

I can't get over how similar Pendar is
to Earth. At least the way it used to be.

What do you mean? Well, the
trees, the flowers, the grass.

It's almost exactly
the way I remember it.

You mean,
before the holocaust.

You know about that too?
Yes.

Yeah, Earth was beautiful then.

What do you
mean was? It still is. Hmm.

Tell me, Captain, does everyone on
Earth have an automated companion?

Oh, you mean an ambu-quad?
No, not really.

I guess I'm one of the lucky ones.
Yeah, we're a real team.

How nice for you. We have automated
units also. Oh, really? Great.

Twiki, you might have a chance to make
some new friends while you're here.

Do they play
ping-pool around here?

Ping-pool?

I was afraid of that.

Welcome to Pendar,
Captain Rogers.

Thank you for the invitation.
Who are you?

I am the Keeper,
the sole physical link...

Between the master computer
and the Pendaran Council.

We come from two different universes, Keeper,
and yet you speak to me in my own language.

And your environment is almost
exactly the same as I just left.

It only seems to be, Captain Rogers.

You see, in our natural state,

we exist as more subtle bodies.

Light creatures.

So that we can work together,

our entire world appears as you
in a baser form.

Work with me?

May the Council convene.

Tora, first explain
to Captain Rogers...

The nature of our current dispute...

With the war witch Zarina
and the planet Zaad.

Zaad is at a distance from us
roughly the equivalent...

Between your Earth and Mars.

It is ruled by a woman...

Who has ravaged every other
habitable planet in the system...

And now wishes to ravage ours.

She lies two solar days off Pendar
in her giant battle cruiser...

Planning her attack.

You will never succeed, Zarina.
My people...

Are like children...

With their lofty concern
for the sanctity of life.

To live, one must be willing to die.

Or... Kill.

Don't be angry, Kodus.

The information you've given me
may help spare some of their lives.

For your sake,

I hope what
you've told me is correct.

It is.

Soon my pilots will be penetrating
Pendar's energy shield for the first time.

And then on to
the computer vault.

Yes.

And we will have you to thank.

Of course, if they fail,

we will have you to blame.

If that is all...

Not quite. I want you here...

To witness the attack.

I'm sure you'll find it interesting.

Send the fighters in.

Just as Kodus described.

In a strange way, Captain Rogers,

Pendar has become a victim
of its own enlightenment.

We no longer have the means
to wage a limited war.

To become so advanced that you're vulnerable to a
less-developed people... It doesn't make any sense.

Hasn't that happened on Earth?

Where, for diplomatic expediency,
the giant bows to inferiors?

Yes, that has happened.

In our case, we've developed
the ultimate weapon.

But if we were to atomize Zaad with it,
which is entirely feasible,

our own system's gravitational balance
would be destroyed.

It sounds self-defeating at that.

Our second weapon is defensive...

an energy shield, which has kept us
impregnable from Zaad attacks for centuries.

Now that is being threatened.

So you thought that as a Terran,
I could fight your limited war for you, huh?

In an oversimplified way, yes.

Perhaps you should have asked me how I felt
about it before I came all this way to Pendar.

We expected a certain amount
of resistance to the idea.

- That's why we also contacted others.
- Others?

We monitored Terran's activities
for some time.

Your military exploits
with the Draconians...

Have proven both of you...
Draconians!

Them's fightin' words.

Violation of energy
perimeter, Sectors S-2, N-1, N-2.

Activation of supplemental
beta radiation initiated.

What's going on?
A Zaad attack on the force field.

What are you gonna do?

The computer has strengthened
the field at the points of attack.

Other than that,
there's nothing else we can do.

Energy perimeter
maintaining satisfactory integrity.

Electron configuration stabilizing
at 22.5 megakilons.

You understand that?

It indicates the force
field is functioning correctly.

Delta alert terminated.
Hostile forces have withdrawn.

Repeat. Hostile forces have withdrawn.

- Does this happen often?
- With increasing regularity.

That's why we need your assistance.

Now wait a minute. Assuming that I want
to help, I can't possibly do it alone.

- Arrangements have been made.
- Oh?

It better be the cavalry.

Chandar, there's still something about
all this that doesn't make any sense.

What is it? Well, if the defense shield is as
good as you say it is, why are you so worried?

Two months ago, the Zaads intercepted
a Pendaran shuttle returning from Argon.

On board was a man named Kodus,
one of our most brilliant scientists...

And the man who created the program
which activates the defense shield.

Now that Zaads have him, huh?

Yes. He alone knows enough
to neutralize the shield.

The Zaad attacks began
soon after they captured him.

Hmm.

So you think they've gotten
the information out of him, huh?

Chandar, is Kodus...

We were to be married
at the Festival of Life.

I'm sorry. I didn't realize.

Success. Two of the Sharks passed through
the force field and landed undetected.

Even now, our strike force
is approaching the Pendaran capital.

It worked. Of course, it worked.

Now all we have to do
is penetrate the computer vault,

destroy the defense shield,
and Pendar will be ours.

Who are you? What are you?

Captain Rogers's presence is requested
in the Grand Council chamber.

What about me?

"Me" does not compute.
I have no invitation for "Me."

The name's Twiki, buster,
not "Me."

I have no invitation
for "Twiki Buster." Good-bye.

That guy's got
the brains of a can opener.

Don't take it personally, Twiki.

Who? Me?

Buck!
Buck.!

We were so relieved when
Chandar told us you'd arrived safely.

Thank you, Wilma. Dr. Huer.
Good to see you.

What are you doing here? Well, we
have Princess Ardala to thank for that.

Princess. Small universe.

Captain, we do meet
in the strangest places.

- How did she...
- Never mind. I'll explain later.

- These peoplejust told us why we're here.
- Yes. To do a little fighting for them.

On behalf of the Terran group,
I flatly refused.

I, too, refused
for the Draconian forces.

The princess's war machine
fights no one she does not wish to.

As I told Captain Rogers,
we anticipated this.

It seems you've anticipated everything,

from Earth's scientific curiosity,
to Princess Ardala's venality.

But you haven't anticipated Terran nature.
We're not mercenaries.

Nor are the Draconians.

We cannot force you to stay.
That is not our way.

But, of course, without our assistance,

you can never return
to your own universe.

Oh, really now! This whole thing
is becoming an incredible bore.

Come along, Kane.
We're leaving immediately. Buck.

Would you like to have a drink
before we leave?

No, Princess.
I'll take a rain check.

Yes. You always do.

That'll be all for now.

That's some disappearing act.!

Captain, what you have heard is true.

The orb readout serves only to get you here.
It cannot get you back.

Please, think carefully about it.

If I understand you correctly, you're saying
we don't have any choice in the matter.

I don't like it
any more than you do, Doc.

But either we fight the Zaads,
or we can sit it out here indefinitely.

- But there are so few of us.
- Down here.

But Ardala's sitting up there with the
Draconia loaded to the gills with firepower.

You're right. It would even things up
considerably if they were on our side.

She won't fight. You heard her.

Yes. If only we could find
someone to convince her.

Run while you can, boss.

All right. I'll do what I can.

Ah, Buck, this is really beyond the bounds
of duty and responsibility.

It certainly is, Captain Rogers.

This is Captain Buck Rogers
to the Draconia.

Requesting permission to board.

Thought I'd stop by
for that drink, Princess.

Princess, we are ready to leave.
I don't think that...

I did not ask you to think.
I'll take care of that.

And Captain Rogers.
Bring him on board, Kane.

Don't be afraid, Kodus.
Your pain may be over.

Soon my battle cruiser will be penetrating
Pendar's energy shield for the first time.

Perhaps you will decide
to stay here with me.

We can always use a man
with your... Obvious talents.

I'm sure you could
grow used to my... Attractions.

You'll change your mind, Kodus,

when you see what we do
to your pretty little planet.

Just a moment, Captain. I'm sorry,
Kane. I don't have one to spare.

Who... or better yet, what... is this?

This is Pantherman,
Princess Ardala's new companion.

What's a nice kid like you
doing in a place like this?

Kane, do you really want
to keep the princess waiting?

First, I insist you tell me
the purpose of your visit.

Sorry.

- Now, do you want to move him, or shall I?
- When we're finished, Captain.

We never got started.

Stop all this nonsense!
What is the meaning of this, Kane?

Princess, I only wanted...

Forgive us, Captain Rogers.
That was very rude.

Oh, that's all right, Princess.
No harm done.

Come to my chambers, Buck.
I'm sure you'll be more comfortable there.

Why don't you feed him
a bowl of warm milk?

Excuse us.

How sweet of you
to see me off, Captain.

Well, actually I came by
to ask you not to go.

Oh. Really?
What did you have in mind?

A small planet, another universe.

Sounds divine. Out, dear.

You and me.

It is divine.

And a little skirmish
with some Zaad warriors.

You're not serious?
I'm afraid I am.

I thought I'd made myself clear
on these matters.

Ardala, if we don't help the Pendarans,
none of us are gonna get out of here.

Nonsense! I had the computer disk
programmed from the orb.

It's a one-way ticket.
It can only get you here, not back.

If you try to follow that, you'll
be lost forever in this universe.

- They have no right.
- They have no choice.

- And I need your help.
- Oh.

Once again this sounds
vaguely interesting.

How much do you need my help?

What happened with Ardala?
Is she going to help us?

- When I left her, she hadn't decided yet.
- That's Ardala.

At least she's consistent.

Yeah. I think it gives her
a feeling of power to...

Attention.! Unauthorized
entry into computer vault, Section 3002.

Repeat. Unauthorized penetration
in Section 3002.

That can mean only one thing. Someone
has broken into the master computer vault.

Why would they want to do that?
The digital reference, 3002...

That's part of the series
governing the defense shield.

- Can you show us the way there?
- Yes.

Hold down the fort, Twiki.
Let's go.

Cover me, Wilma.
I've gotta get to that vault.

Go.

Chandar!

Buck? Buck?

Take it easy, Wilma.
I'm just counting my bones.

They're all here.

Sorry, Chandar. We're too late.

They must have found their way
through the defense shield.

If they found a way through that shield,
what was the purpose of this raid?

The circuits they destroyed
have opened the shield even further.

Zarina is going to be able to bring
her battle cruiser through now.

I'm afraid we're helpless
to do anything.

Zarina's strategy will be to send fighter
units in first, then follow with the cruiser.

The Terran and Draconian
forces combined...

Could destroy her space fleet.

But we must find a way to repair...

The shield computer elements.

Now, hold on a minute. The princess is a very
stubborn lady. I just spoke to her this morning...

And made a very convincing argument for me
to commit my forces to save the Pendarans.

I just can't seem to say no
to Captain Rogers.

Impeccable timing, Princess.

Oh, am I unfashionably early
or unforgivably late?

- The Zaad just stormed the computer.
- Without it, we are helpless.

You were helpless with it, dear.

You were saying, sir, that the key
is to repair the computer elements.

And to rescue Kodus. If we can get him back to Pendar
to build a new program for the defense shield...

I have a better idea. Zarina is,
after all, a woman not unlike myself.

She is... Powerful, intelligent.

She would anticipate these moves.

You won't get Kodus out of there.
Not alive.

That's a chance we're gonna have
to take. Not necessarily, Captain.

A little woman-to-woman confrontation
might be just the thing right now.

Princess, we know nothing
about this woman.

Silence, Kane!
It's too dangerous.

Right now, what we need to worry about
is getting that defense shield mended.

Well, I wasn't thinking of discussing
sunsets over Sinod, Captain.

All right.

We know where Kodus is
on the Zaad ship.

The question is,
how do we get aboard?

There's a supply ship from Zaad
that makes deliveries to the cruiser.

- It is run entirely by drones.
- That's the ticket.

But, Captain, how will you
get off the cruiser?

I'll cross that bridge
when I come to it.

You have everything organized,
don't you, Captain? Not quite.

Doc, if you would coordinate
some kind of defense plan with Kane.

Wilma, you can take me
to the supply ship,

and then come back and give
Dr. Huer and Kane a hand.

Is that all right, Princess?

Whatever you say, Captain.

By the way, this working together
is just temporary.

Don't get used to it, any of you.

Sweet kid.

Be nice to her, Twiki.
Right now we need her.

All of us.

Captain Buck Rogers!
Who does he think he's dealing with?

Princess, we're all
together in this.

Oh, shut up, Kane! Just listen
to what I'm going to say.

You're gonna be
so vulnerable, Buck.

I'll be on and off that cruiser
in two seconds. No problem.

I've heard that before.

There's the supply
ship, Wilma. Stand by to board.

I'm ready.
Yes, Princess.

I know what you're thinking, Kane.

Don't say it.

Halt!

Welcome, Captain Rogers.

- How did you know I was coming?
- I just can't keep a secret, Captain.

Why did I bother to ask?

Your plan was clever,

but mine is so much more civilized.

The princess just arrived, Captain.

Yes, and we have so much to discuss,
Zarina, woman-to-woman.

I prefer man-to-woman, Princess.

Secure them below.

I have important information
for you, Zarina!

- It will keep.
- I don't think you understand!

Buck?

Buck, please talk to me.

What would you like me to say?
Thank you?

Buck... I can't believe you
could do something so stupid.

It's not stupid, Captain.
You'll see.

Princess Ardala, Zarina requests
your presence in her chambers.

Thank you.

Be a good boy, Captain.
Maybe I'll help get you out ofhere.

You seem like a reasonable
woman, Zarina.

Perhaps.

I think we understand each other.

I'm sure we do, Princess.

Well, I certainly hope so.
For your sake.

If I'm not back to my ship soon,

I've instructed my forces
to attack you.

With their princess aboard?
I think not. Oh, yes!

They will save me, and they
will destroy you and your ship.

I promise you.

You undoubtedly have
a proposition to make. What is it?

Well, I will help you
neutralize the Pendarans.

And in exchange, I want
a guarantee that my ship...

and my ship alone...
will pass through the vortex unharmed...

And return to my universe.

- That is all?
- I wish to have the Terrans destroyed,

except for Captain Rogers.

Yes.

He will return with me.

In your universe,
they call you a princess?

Yes.

In mine, we would call you a child...

an arrogant, demanding child.

Do you really think you can come
to me with a proposition...

And assume that
I need or want your help, Ardala?

Oh, pardon me, Princess.

You said we understood each other.
You could not be more wrong.!

Just a minute, Zarina!

I understand you...
your petty quest for bits of power,

your need to conquer,
your desires...

but you don't see me.

You're not that different from me.

In one very important way!

I've earned my position, Ardala.
You've been given yours.

L... Am a woman,

and you're just a little girl.

How dare you speak to me that way!
I'm the Princess Ardala...

You are excused.

Take her away.

- Chandar, Ardala's gone to Zarina's ship.
- Why?

Well, we haven't been able
to determine that as yet,

but she's undoubtedly
compromised Buck's position.

- Well, do you think Zarina has Buck?
- We're certain of it.

And since Ardala has not returned
to the Draconia, she probably has her too.

What are we going to do?
Proceed with our own battle plan.

But if Buck is on the Zaad ship...

We have to protect ourselves from the Zaad
attack, Chandar. We don't have any choice.

Now, if you'll take Twiki and
Dr. Theopolis to the computer vault,

they can get started
on trying to repair the damage.

Colonel, I think it's best you go
to the Draconia and coordinate with Kane.

Now that Ardala's gone, I think he should
be encouraged to take control up there.

Somehow I don't think
that's going to be a problem.

We'll do everything we can, Chandar.
He'll be all right.

This must be very hard on Chandar.

Well, she's dealing with it.
How about you?

Well, I'm
alive. That's something.

But now they've opened up the defense
shield. It's only a matter of time...

That's exactly why I'm here.

Somehow we gotta get you
home to repair it.

Are you all right?

Yes, I'm fine.

Are you sure?

Yes. I said I'm fine.

Okay. I was just wondering.

Buck...

I'm not fine.

I'm terrible!
I'm just terrible!

Captain Rogers.

You sent for me, Zarina?

I wanted so much to talk with you.

Were you thinking of making it
a group discussion?

Wait outside.

Well?

Please, Captain.
Haste is so unbecoming.

Here we are, man and woman.

I wanted to explore the man
who was so bold...

As to slip aboard my battle cruiser.

That was stupid...
But very courageous.

Well, you've met me.
Careful, Captain.

I could find you very irritating,

and you would find things
very unpleasant.

You are allied
with that Draconian princess,

aren't you?

I don't know exactly what you and Ardala
discussed, but whatever she said...

We spent a great deal of time
discussing you.

She's placed a great deal of value on you,
and I wanted to know why.

Why have the Pendarans
brought you here?

I would imagine to avert a war.

And if that proves impossible,
they expect me to fight it for them.

It seems you won't be able
to do either.

It's not over yet.

It will be shortly.

We've already established a rift in the
defense shield, and it's getting wider.

Soon Pendar will be
part of my empire.

The Pendarans are peaceful people.

What could you possibly
hope to gain by conquering them?

I don't have to justify myself
to you or anyone!

What I will is done.

- May I go back now?
- If you wish.

But you have another choice.
You can stay here.

You're a very attractive man,

but I could make you
a great and powerful man.

A great and powerful man...

Does not wage war
on innocent people.

Think twice about
what you're saying, Captain.

- There's nothing to think about.
- Guards!

Take him to his cell.

Captain Rogers, you will not die.

After I've destroyed the Pendarans,

I will make you my personal slave,

and you will wish you had died.

Oh, no, Zarina. Then you'll wish
that you had killed me.

This circuitry is
extraordinarily unusual.

No kidding!

Once we get out of here,
we gotta find that hangar.

No problem.
Your shuttle's there.

We can grab it
and head for Pendar.

- When do we go?
- They'll be coming to take me upstairs again soon.

For more of Zarina's
special hospitality?

They've broken the shield, but there are
other secrets she wants from me.

All right. When those guards arrive,
they won't find you or anyone else here.

- You up for this?
- Right by your side, Captain.

- You wanna hear something funny?
- What?

Right here and now,
that doesn't sound like a bad idea.

As a matter of fact, it doesn't.

The system is composed
of modular synaptic antigens.

Why don't you make like a fuse and blow?

Now, Twiki, it's only
trying to be helpful.

I must caution you, Twiki Buster.

Do you mind? You're
making my electrodes quiver.

Deploy Hatchet squadrons
Alpha and Gamma immediately.

Station them at coordinate
55-Zeta-4.

Delta squadron will follow
at approximately 1100 hours.

Commander, the pulsar cannons
won't be aligned for another 15 minutes.

We do not have 15 minutes. I want those
ships in position in exactly seven minutes!

Everything is going
very well, Commander.

Precisely as I knew it would, Colonel.
Now, if you'll excuse me...

I'll be returning
to Pendar immediately.

Get me Captain Sven! His squadron should
have left 45 seconds ago! What is he doing?

You are not correctly programmed
for this, Ambu-quad.

Look, buster, get out of my life.

Temper, temper, temper.

Quit talkin' and start walkin'.

Our ships are armed
and ready for attack.

Excellent! Tell your pilots
we attack at 1350.

In the meanwhile,
bring that dear Kodus to me.

That is, if there's
anything left of him.

Of course, Princess.
More than enough.

Now I know how the "under" half lives.

Give us a hand with these guys.
What can I do to help?

Well, the first thing you can do
is take their clothes off.

Oh.

Identification.
We're Zarina's personal guard.

And who is this pretty one?

She's a prisoner.

What a pity.
And where are you taking her?

To the fifth level.

Oh, what a privilege!

Zarina has chosen
to interrogate you herself.

Zarina.! The prisoners
have escaped.! With Kodus.!

They'll be trying for the flight bay.
Alert the crews.

Send all available personnel
to stop them!

They're moving so
fast, Mother. They must be free.

Get to your shuttle, Princess.
Crank up your engines.

I don't know how.
Princesses don't start engines.

Oh, great.
"Princesses don't start engines."

Go with her. Crank up
the ignition on that shuttle.

Give me your weapon.
What about you?

I'll keep these guys honest. I'll join
you as soon as I hear your ignition.

Right.
Go.

Oh, this is so degrading!

Nice of you to drop in.

Go!

The prisoners have escaped
in Ardala's shuttle.

The guards that allowed this to happen...
Put them to death.

It's already been done.

The escape is meaningless.
The Pendarans can do nothing now.

The shield is open to us.

Launch the attack!

Attention. All pilots
to combat stations.

Prepare to launch.

Prepare to launch.

Buck! Thank goodness.

How are you, Dr. Huer?

We were so worried.
About all of you.

Welcome, Kodus. I can't tell you
how grateful we are that you are back.

Now we need your services again.

The defense shield.
I'll begin at once, Keeper.

Come and help me?

The war witch has begun her attack.

Zaad squadrons are already
moving toward the defense shield.

- Report.
- The shield is still virtually useless.

Zarina's fighters can still enter,
as can the cruiser.

We're powerless against the cruiser.
Seventy-two thousand soldiers.

A strategic weapons arsenal
without equal in this system.

How long will it take the cruiser
to reach the defense shield?

It will be there at 1340.

That's not much time.

I have a plan. It's risky,
but it just might work.

- Go on, Captain.
- Keep Kodus and Twiki working on the shield.

I think we can hold off the Zaad fighters
long enough to give them a chance to mend it.

If they do... when they do...
don't activate it.

Don't? Why, Captain?

Right now, Zarina thinks
it's clear sailing all the way to Pendar.

If we can lure her into the shield area
and then activate it...

The electrostatic radiation
might well destroy the entire cruiser.

Exactly.

- That will demand split-second timing.
- And a lot of luck.

But it's the only chance we have
to take on Zarina and win.

Zaad fighters
are at the outer perimeter.

We have no choice,
Captain Rogers. Go ahead.

You ready, Wilma?

You bet. I've already put
Wainwright and Daniels on alert.

How about you, Princess? Kane will
coordinate with your fighter pilots, Captain.

Then let's get started.

Eric 30 to Zaad 1.

Zaad 1.

We are approaching initial
attack mode on schedule.

There is no response.

Quarter speed, Spirot.

Connect me to my commander.

Of course.

Warriors of Draconia,

this is your supreme commander...

Addressing you on the eve of the most
important military engagement in our history.

We are here in an unknown universe,

fighting a strange foe,
with unaccustomed allies.

I will expect no less from you
than I would give myself...

every shred of raw courage,

every single iota...

- Kane!
- Princess?

Quiet, Kane.

Yes, Princess.

Convey my best wishes
to the squadrons...

And launch them
into space immediately.

I don't want them
to be late for the war.

Yes, Your Highness.

He would talk the Zaads to death.

- This is 1314 to Apple 4.
- This is Apple 4.

We should reach this side of the defense
shield at approximately 1650.26.

You got that, Wilma?
Roger.

Here come the Draconians.

Careful, Twiki.

Circuit 8401. Testing.

No, that's not it, Twiki.

Try, um, 15133.

I'm bushed.

We're almost through, Twiki.

If we can only find that one last
damaged circuit, we can close the shield.

This is Earth Leader to the starfleet.

I picked up a converging force dead ahead.

I have the same reading, Earth Leader.

And on this side of the defense shield.
Which means the fighters have come through.

How are you coming
on the repairs down there?

Movin' right along, Buck.

Just one more damaged circuit...

only it's a question of finding it.

Roger. This is Earth Leader to fleet.
Prepare to engage.

Don't shoot until
you see the whites of their eyes.

1267 calling 1314. Shark at 2.00.

3462 approaching on Vector 4.

Sikto 92.

Behind you, Daniels!

Hatchet Leader,
you got a Shark on your tail.

Thank you, Earth Leader.

1123 calling 54.

Alert.! Enemy in range.

Just thought you fellas oughta
get to know each other better.

Apple 4?
Yes, Buck?

I'm reading the Zaad cruiser
closing on the defense shield.

Look at your estimated time.

I have the picture too.

I'm going outside the shield
and try to slow her down.

- Kodus?
- Yes, Buck?

My digital readout is 1333.50.

We're reading
the same thing here, Buck.

That's your deadline. Let me hear from you
when you got that computer mended.

Right.

Be real careful, boss.

How far to the shield, Spirot?

Four trisecs.

A lone Earth fighter
is approaching from the field.

That fool is trying
to engage my cruiser!

Answer his fire!

All stations,
open fire on the intruder.

This is Earth Starfighter 1314
calling Zaad 1.

- Is Zarina there?
- You're a fool, Rogers.

You won't divert me from bringing
my cruiser through the shield.

Half speed more, Spirot.

Mount the megacannon.

Megacannon?

That's used for destroying
cities, not a fighter.

Do as I say!

That's the rascal.

Let's see. Yes.

Yes. That's it!

Now to fix it.

Deering to Hatchet Fighter.
I think that was our last Shark.

Yes, Colonel. Congratulations
on our first joint victory.

It felt real good. We'd better hope
that Buck's plan works,

or we're gonna have
Zarina's cruiser on our hands.

The megacannon
is primed and loaded.

Catch me if you can, Zarina.

Kodus, Twiki,
how ya doin' down there?

The shield should be closing.

Buck, the eagle has landed.

Great.

Come on, Zarina. Where's
that big number you promised me?

He's heading through the shield,
and so are we! Fire!

The missile met an energy field!

They must have closed the shield! Spirot,
full reverse! We are going too fast!

It has been a pleasure
working with you, Twiki Buster.

Yeah. What would I
have done without you? Shake, Jake.

I am not programmed
with that information.

Please rephrase your question.

Oh, what the heck.
Give me five, Clive.

"Five Clives" does not compute.

Put her there, pal.

"Put her there, pal" computes.

Good-bye, pal.

The Keeper!

Thank you, Tora.

My friends, Pendar,
our universe itself,

is indebted to all of you.

There is great hope...

And a bright future for your universe...

Iflife there has the attributes
you've shown us.

On behalf of all Pendar, I salute you...

And wish you a safejourney home.

Well, Princess, it's been a
pleasure. For me as well, Captain.

You know, I've gotten to see a whole
different side of you in the last few days.

Really? And?

I like it. It wouldn't hurt
to see more of it.

Well, you can see any side of me
that you like, any time of the day or night.

All you have to do is...
Whistle?

Whatever. I mean that, Buck.

Well, until we meet again,
Princess.

It can never be too soon,
Captain Rogers.

I was afraid
you were gonna say that.

Excuse me, Captain Rogers.

Captain Rogers.

Good-bye, Buck.
Bye-bye.

Chandar and I... Well, we owe you
our lives. We'll never forget you.

I thank you both.

Good luck to you.

Well, are you ready?
Let's.

I thought you'd never ask.

What does... mean?

Starfighters to
Chicago Control. Request landing mode.

Chicago Control to Starfighters.

Approach on Vector 4,
channel locks "J" and "K".

Now, there's a sight for sore eyes.

You bet your transistors, partner.

Far beyond this world I've known

Far beyond my time

What kind of world am I going to find

Will it be real

Orjust all in my mind

What am I, who am I

What will I be

Where am I going

And what will I see