- How are you feeling, Jenna? - I'm managing.
Zen, give me full recall of my supplementary to the flight log data. Vision suite, line one.
Line one is linked and ready to accept.
Avon, I want you to listen to this.
- What is it? - Just watch and listen.
Flight log entry 431. Time co-ordinate 662.
Liberator was in range of the planet Cephlon.
Scanner systems located a space vehicle which was out of control.
It was put on routine security surveillance and identified as a Spacemaster series 5.
Retrieval pictures confirm.
There was an explosion on board and the ship went out of control.
Cephlon's gravity pulled her down into the atmosphere and she started to burn up.
Two life support capsules ejected and our tracers followed them to impact.
Vila, Jenna, Gan and Avon teleported down to the planet in an attempt to find the survivors.
Both capsules were found. In the first the crewman was already dead.
In the second a man called Ensor was badly injured.
We teleported him to Liberator. Before he died he gave me a box containing micro power cells.
He insisted we should take these to the planet Aristo,
since without them his father would die.
He also spoke of something called 'Orac',
and claimed the Federation was willing to pay 100 million credits to obtain it.
Verbal supplementary closes.
Well?
If the Federation is prepared to pay 100 million credits then Orac must be fairly important.
Unless it's a magnificent swindle, but I suppose that's too much to hope for.
- You all right? - Yes I just felt a little dizzy, that's all.
My point is there's something we're missing in all this
Well, I can't think what, it all seems straightforward enough.
We know from the ship's log that it was returning to Aristo from Federation Space Headquarters,
the other passenger was a doctor and they were carrying medical supplies.
It all tallies with what Ensor said.
I think it's the importance the Federation is placing on Orac that bothers me.
I've switched to automatics there's something I want from my cabin.
All right, Jenna. Let's take another look at the pictures of that ship on the main screen.
They're not likely to show us anything that we don't already know.
Maybe not, but let's check anyway. Zen, run the scanner file.
from the moment we picked up visual contact with the Spacemaster ship.
Confirmed. Retrieval systems operating.
- What exactly are you looking for? - I'm not sure yet You quite sure you're all right?
Yes, of course I'm all right.
Jenna, what is it? What's the matter?
I don't know. I feel terrible.
One minute I'm alright, then it... then it comes over me again.
Well you're obviously got a fever. Come on, I'll get you to your cabin.
Zen, hold it there. Now then, play it back, slowly.
There! That's it! That's what's been bothering me.
- I don't see anything special. - It's in the wrong place.
Exactly. The explosion's in the forward section.
You thought it was a neutron burn out, but that's nowhere near the engine housing.
All right, but it doesn't make any difference, does it?
Zen, I want a sensor reading for that moment. Full spectrum analysis.
Confirmed.
What are you trying to prove?
Ensor went to Federation Space Headquarters. He wanted medical assistance.
He also wanted to sell something of enormous value.
- Orac. - Right.
Whatever that is.
We can presume the sale was made
because he told us they're prepared to pay a fantastic price for it.
Now, they start on the return journey.
- The data you requested is now available. - All right, let's have it.
Sensor readings for selected moment are as follows: The explosion registered 1.3.
Disturbance peaked at 115.
Spectral analysis of residual vapour confirms presence of Geritan explosive.
Conclusion?
Probability is that a small explosive device was detonated in the gravity compensator controls.
Sabotage.
- Yes. - But why?
Presumably so that the Federation could get their hands on Orac without paying 100 million.
That's the only thing that would make sense.
So they'll be on their way to pick up Orac as fast as they can, and that's fairly fast actually.
- Yeah, not as fast as us. - Ever the optimist.
- Blake? - What is it?
Jenna is very sick Gan is, too.
- They've both got the same symptoms. - What's wrong with them?
I want to make a test.
Avon, give me your hand.
Now yours.
The same as the others. They've all absorbed heavy doses of radiation.
Radiation? All of me?
The four of you went down to the surface of Cephlon, but you stayed down too long,
far beyond the tolerance limits. You need treatment and you need it quickly.
Well, what are we waiting for? Let's get to the surgical unit.
Relax. We'll all take massive doses of decontaminant drugs.
In a week or two we should all recover.
- Not possible - Why not, Cally?
There are no decontaminant drugs on the ship. I've checked.
There's nothing that will counter radiation sickness.
- Are you sure? - I'm sure
Our only hope is if they have a supply on Aristo.
- But if they don't? - They will have.
There's no point in hiding it, our condition will deteriorate rapidly.
If we don't get drug treatment very soon, we shall die.
Die? I can't do that.
I'm afraid you can. It's the one talent we all share, even you.
I think I'm going to...
Hello, my little ones.
You hungry then, are you? Let's give you something to eat.
Oh dear, you're a bit dry, aren't you?
That's better, that's better.
Oh. Not good, not good at all.
Very little time left.
Yes? What is it? Have you something to report?
A space vehicle has made a surface landing about seven miles inland.
- My son's ship? - No.
Stupid question I apologise.
Had it been his he would have contacted us by now.
Have you identified the ship?
Federation. Two passengers now disembarked and proceeding on foot towards this section.
Is the defence zone operating?
- Yes. - Then they won't get far.
Ensure that security regulations are fully maintained.
Can't be too careful in my state of health.
Sleeping seems to reduce the energy drain fractionally.
Might as well prolong my life to the very limit.
One clings to it, clings to it.
Keep your eye on the two from the Federation ship.
They might attempt entry through the tunnels under the old city.
They can't reach us that way, you know that, those tunnels are crawling with phibians.
I was suggesting it might be more humane to warn them of the danger.
Had they been friendly they would have tried to make contact before landing. They didn't.
Therefore they are not friends. Therefore they are enemies.
What could they want here, hmm?
Only one thing. You, Orac, my friend, you. Oh no, let the phibians have them.
Travis, here!
There must be an easier way to get into the laboratory than this.
The surface force barrier is impenetrable. We must go under it.
Let's see the old man's map again.
We go straight along this passage, turn right at the junction, and then straight on.
Yeah, they begin to run below sea level there. Let's hope they're not flooded.
- Well, let's get started. - Right.
- Travis! - Huh?
It's this way.
I've had Zen run through the reference banks.
A remarkable man this professor Ensor, very impressive list of achievements.
Yes, I know. When he was eighteen years old he developed something called a Tarriel cell.
It led to a whole new generation of computers.
Every computer in the known worlds now contains Tarriel cells.
He also engineered and developed a lot of radical new concepts in computer technology,
so that even the most advanced computers are based on his work.
It's a surprise to me that the Federation ever let him go.
They didn't well, not exactly.
How are they?
Much the same. Until they get treatment the only change can be for the worse.
- Who's at the controls? - Jenna is.
Well, we're nearly there, another hour.
It's ironic isn't it we are racing to deliver medical supplies that will save a man's life,
in the hope that he will have medical supplies that will save ours.
Zen gave me something else that would explain why he needs those micro power cells.
Zen, report medic information: "Ensor".
It appears that Ensor took a vacation on a frontier planet.
While there he suffered a massive heart attack.
Medical facilities were primitive.
The only available transplant was a mechanical heart powered by microcells.
They have a life of about forty Earth years.
All of which happened about forty years ago.
But didn't they substitute an organic unit once he got back?
That's just the point, he never did get back.
He disappeared. He and his four year old son simply vanished.
They've never been heard of since.
- Until now. - And all the time they've been on Aristo.
Cally, we'd better get ready to teleport down.
D'you think you'll be up to handling things in here?
Assuming you don't take too long.
Zen, surface conditions?
Tolerable. The land masses are arid and support only primitive plant life.
Nine tenths of the planet is covered by water which is highly acidic.
The levels of the oceans is constantly rising
and now virtually cover all traces of the cities built by early civilisations.
Life forms?
Life is evolving in the oceans, and amphibian species have begun to develop.
Anything else?
This constitutes all available data.
Well, at least there won't be too many natural hazards for you to deal with.
I'll go and get kitted up.
Data amendment. Retrieval systems have located further information.
There has been one exploratory expedition put down on Aristo.
Neither of the two members ever returned.
Their disappearance remains unexplained. Amendment ends.
I wonder what happened to them?
An unidentified space vehicle is manoeuvring to take a fixed orbit
which threatens our security zone.
What action do you wish taken?
In the absence of further instructions I shall institute full security procedure.
Transit complete. Liberator is in stationary orbit within teleport range of the planet Aristo.
All circuits are. All circuits are... All circuits are. All circuits are...
Zen!
All circuits are... All circuits are... All circuits are...
Blake, quickly!
I've done all that.
You will identify yourselves and state clearly the purpose of your intrusion.
Specify recognition code.
I repeat, identify yourselves and state the purpose of your mission.
This is the spacecraft Liberator.
We have medical supplies for someone on this planet.
You will explain the circumstances governing your previous statement.
We went to the aid of a crashed spaceship.
Before he died the pilot asked me to deliver some micro power cells.
He said they were vital to save his father's life.
Your explanation is satisfactory.
I am aware that you have teleport facilities. I will set co ordinates for a surface landing.
On arrival you will await further instructions. That is all.
That is all?
Jenna, institute a thorough check of the circuits.
All circuits are now free of interference and full function is restored.
What happened?
Preliminary research indicates that all computer functions were temporarily under external control.
But that's impossible!
Logic units concur that it is impossible.
But it happened anyway.
Logic units concur that it happened. Investigation of this paradox is continuing.
I don't like it. A force that can take over the computers could easily take over the ship.
We're not going to find out about it standing here. Are you ready, Cally?
Yes, I'm ready.
Avon, can you handle the teleport?
What's going on?
Just get down there Jenna, switch to automatics, then go and rest in your cabin. Come on, Cally.
Blake!
What is it?
Look at the locator.
- It's setting the co-ordinates. - By itself.
It looks as if our computers are being over-ridden again, being programmed from another source.
Perhaps we should move out while we've still got a chance.
While some of us have still got a chance.
Oh, I forgot I'm sorry, Avon.
Frankly, I doubt we could even if we wanted to.
From what we've seen already it's obvious that machine could totally immobilise us.
Then let's get on with it.
If you feel well enough, could you try and stay by the teleport?
I have no plans to go anywhere else.
All right, put us down.
Some sort of obelisk, I suppose.
Well, what should we do now?
Wait for further instructions there's not much else we can do. Let's take a look around.
Blake!
What is it?
Look.
It's a force barrier.
The question is, are we on the outside unable to get in or
- On the inside unable to get out. - Yeah.
Travis?
Listen
What is it?
I dunno, but it's been behind us since we started.
Let's keep going.
Look, the tunnel's blocked.
- Can we get through? - I'll go and check.
- The roof looks like it may cave in at any moment. - Well, we knew there would be risks.
Well, let's hope they're justified.
They are. When we deliver Orac to the Federation they will be very grateful,
and very generous, and it will be our success. Ours alone.
- Keep watch, I'm going through. - Right.
Travis? Travis!!
Travis, help me!
- Are you hurt? - No.
- What is it? - I dunno some kind of lizard.
We can get through. You have to crawl, but it widens out again later.
The rewards and credit, remember?
- I'll go first, shall I? - No, Travis You will follow me.
You will stand up. You will stand up!
You are carrying weapons, you will remove them.
- We'd prefer to keep them with us. - You will remove them.
No!
We will remove them.
You will make greater speed. Hurry. Hurry.
- How do we get through the barrier? - You will follow me.
Versatile, isn't it?
Let's hope it's still around when we want to get out of here.
It is too late to contact your ship. You are now inside the barrier.
Signal transmission through the energy screen is not possible. You will follow me.
- You were told to stay in your cabin. - Any word?
Nothing since they called in to say they were down safely and waiting.
- How long ago was that? - A little over two hours.
We should have heard by now.
Not you as well. What are you doing down there?
I don't like being on my own. Especially if I'm about to die.
- That's cheerful. - Sorry.
Is Vila on his way as well?
No, he's convincing himself that he feels fine. Says we'll just remind him that he doesn't.
Sometimes he shows distinct signs of intelligence.
Why don't you return to your quarters? I'll let you know the moment I hear anything.
I'll stay. I think it's better if there are two of us standing by.
Better still if there are three of us.
Better still if you...
You will make haste and approach the transporter.
Transporter?
Move forward.
You will now enter the transporter.
- There's no door! - You will enter the transporter.
Look, I'm getting fed up with taking orders. How are we supposed to get inside this thing?
The girl will go first. Move to the other side of the transporter.
- I thought you started without me. - So did I.
I said that thing was versatile.
- Maybe we should try and capture it. Perhaps Avon would like it as a pet.
We seem to have arrived.
Shall we split up and search?
No, we'd end up looking for each other as well as Orac and Ensor Come on.
Let's check the map.
We're almost there.
It looks similar to the transporter.
And just as disconcerting.
Blake, look.
Ah, at last. The energy cells, have you brought the energy cells?
Yes, yes, we've got them. Now, are you all right?
Well, of course I'm not all right. If I was all right I wouldn't need you.
It's certainly taken you long enough to get here. Typical of you morons in physical medicine.
Oh, look, you don't understand.
Always has to be a mercy dash, doesn't it?
Not enough to simply arrive, do your work, and then get out.
We got here as quickly as we could.
I don't want to hear your feeble excuses. Now let's get on with it.
I've developed a system of electronic anaesthesia that I shall administer myself.
Shan't need your filthy drugs. Now, you can start carving me up as soon as you like.
- Look, you must listen to us, we... - Press the red switch, will you?
The red one!
Now you'll have to work quickly. An implant operation can't be done in 10 minutes you know.
The last time I checked it showed there was very little in reserve.
Professor, what are you doing?
The instrument isn't entirely accurate, but it does give an indication.
I suppose you enjoy this sort of thing?
Boosts your egos to have the power of life and death,
Adds to the mystique with which you medics like to surround yourself.
Which of you is the surgeon?
Come on, speak up, which of you is the butcher?
- We are not medics, I'm afraid. - What?
We went to the aid of a spacecraft that had crashed,
one of the crew was already dead and the other man was dying,
but before he died he asked us to get these to you.
- Both men dead, you say? - Yes.
One of them was my son.
I'm sorry. He tried desperately to reach you. He did everything he possibly could.
Oh, such a waste. He had a good mind.
Death is such a waste You were with my son when he died?
Yes.
It's always too late, isn't it? I wonder if he knew how much I loved him?
I think he did.
I'm sorry if I snapped at you. It's just my way. Thank you for doing all you could to help.
- We were hoping you might be able to help us. - What is it you want?
The four of my crew who went down to help your son
suffered from high doses of radiation.
Unless they get decontaminant drugs they also will die.
Couldn't be easier. Whole cabinet of drugs over there... round the corner you'll see it.
Take all you want, help yourself. Can't stand them, myself. Filthy things, drugs.
Listen, how long have you got before these power cells run out?
Thirty minutes, at the very outside a couple of hours.
Then there's still a chance.
If we get you back to our ship, then we may be able to perform the implant ourselves.
It's a relatively simple operation our computer can instruct us.
You have the facilities to perform an operation?
Liberator has one of the finest surgical units you've ever seen.
Might be possible, I suppose.
Come with us, you've got a chance, stay here you'll die certainly.
I'll do it. I'll do it! It will be strange to leave this place, you know...
I haven't been away for over forty years.
- Put this on. - What is it?
If you can get rid of that force barrier then we can teleport you directly from here.
- It's not practical. - Why not?
If I were to disconnect it now it would be 5 hours before it dissipates and I haven't got 5 hours.
No, no, we've got to get to the surface.
Blake, I think I've found enough for everybody.
Oh good, at least the others will be all right.
Well, I'm ready, shall we get started?
- Well, wait a minute. There is something else. - What?
- What about Orac? - Orac? Of course, yes, I can't leave Orac here.
That was the message we were to give you.
Your son says "The Federation is willing to pay 100 million for Orac".
They're willing to pay? Well, he's worth ten times that much. Now, come on, help me.
I'm gonna get him out of here. Careful. Careful. Put him over here.
You should be able to carry him between you.
This is Orac?
100 million for that?
- Is it a computer? - It most certainly is not. It is a brain, a genius.
It has a mind that can draw information from every computer containing one of my cells.
Orac has access to the sum total of all the knowledge of all the known worlds.
You mean it can draw information from any other computer without a direct link?
Precisely that, yes
Now are you going to listen to a lecture or might you consider sustaining my life?
- Now, will you put him in there? - Oh, yes, I'm sorry.
Careful, careful. That's right.
Just a minute. You'd better take that.
- What is it? - It's a simple on/off device that activates Orac.
Use it and Orac will advise you of every detail of the operation you intend to perform.
Now, shall we go?
Goodbye my plants. I shall miss you. The only real vegetation on this whole benighted planet.
- Ensor. - Huh? Oh, yes.
I nearly forgot you, my little ones, there you are,
- that will have to do. That will ha... - Ensor!
I shall be back soon. Goodbye, goodbye.
It's no good, it won't shift. It's solid.
What are you going to do?
I'm gonna use a charge. Right, let's take cover.
No. This way, this way.
What was that?
Get back to the lab.
Can you help me carry this?
- Yes, yes all right. - Come on.
Come on.
Blake!
Which corridor did they take?
- Weapons? - I disapprove of weapons.
So do I, but I disapprove of dying even more.
Is there another way out of here?
No. Oh yes, there is. We could go by the tunnels under the old city.
- Well, let's go then. - But it isn't safe.
But it might be safer than here. Show us.
All right, this way. Oh, it's locked.
- Well, get it open - Key, now where did I put the key?
Blast it open.
Right, stand back. Keep clear.
There, they've gone through another door. He's getting away! He's getting away!
Travis, forget Blake, find Orac, although they've probably taken it with them.
- Travis. Look. - What is it?
This is where we are. To get to the surface they have to go back along this passage,
along here up there and there's your surface exit. Now, if we go back the way we came,
we'll get there first and be waiting for them. Let's go.
How much further?
Oh, some way yet. I shall have to rest soon.
We should keep on moving, they could be right behind us.
Yes, without weapons we don't stand a chance.
Keep going I'm going to stay here and try and bring the roof down block them off.
Perhaps it would be better if we all stayed together?
- Let me do it my way, Cally. - Come on.
Vila.
What is it?
How do you feel?
You woke me up to ask me how I feel?
Can you walk?
Why should I want to?
Meet me in the teleport area in your surface clothes, and hurry.
What is it, what's the matter?
Cally and Blake, they've been down on the surface for far too long.
They must have run into some kind of trouble. See if you can wake Gan up.
- Gan, come on, wake up - What's wrong, Jenna?
It's Blake and Cally, something's happened to them.
- Where is he? - We don't know.
- He woke me up. - Blake woke you up?
Avon.
- Vila. - What are you up to now?
You and I are going down to the surface. Put that on.
Are you out of your mind? I'm finding it hard enough just to stay on my feet.
Then crawl, but put that on!
Gan, you stay here with Jenna.
Make sure one of you stays conscious long enough to beam us back up again.
Right.
Listen, Avon, there's nothing you can achieve by going down there.
I don't intend to sit around and wait to die. Get ready to put us down.
- Take these. - What are they?
They will help, for a while anyway.
Ready?
Get on with it.
I've got a wet foot now.
Come on.
Wait a minute. I have to rest.
What is that?
There are some creatures that live down here.
Are they dangerous?
Oh, I don't think they'll harm us.
Will you be all right for a minute? I'll be back.
Cally, check the way ahead's clear.
Blake, look!
Ensor! Ensor!
I am sorry. Just a little longer and we might have saved you.
Call Liberator.
- Goodbye, Blake. - Wait.
- I have waited. Too long. - He's the bonus, Travis. Orac is the prize.
Where is Ensor?
Ensor, like his son, is dead.
It was to be expected. He survived longer than we thought was possible.
That box, Orac, that's what we came for.
If it does only half of what was promised it will give the Federation greater power than it's ever known.
- What are you going to do? - What do you think I'm going to do?
I think you're going to kill me, Travis, with or without orders from the Supreme Commander.
With orders, Blake. All right Travis, go ahead.
Don't move.
Good shot, Avon.
I was aiming for his head.
- You took your time, what have you been up to? - We had a few minor problems.
- Did you bring the decontaminants? - Yes, we've got them.
- Tell them to bring us up. - Jenna, stand by.
What are you waiting for? Come on, man. Why don't you kill us?
No. I've got a better idea.
We'll get a message through to the Federation, tell them that you let us take Orac.
I'm sure they'll be quite fascinated by your explanation.
You're in a lot of trouble, Travis.
- The other end's connected. - Do you want to give it a try?
Why not? Vila, switch to automatics.
Oh "Activator".
Well, for 100 million credits you'd expect something a little more spectacular than that.
Try kicking it.
Are you sure it's fully switched on?
Of course I'm properly switched on!
Having depressed the activator button what else would you expect?
- It's his voice. - It's exactly as though Ensor were speaking.
Surely it is obvious even to the meanest intelligence that during my development
I would naturally become endowed with aspects of my creator's personality.
The more endearing aspects by the sound of it.
Possibly. However, similarities between myself and Ensor are entirely superficial.
My mental capacity is infinitely greater.
- Modest, isn't he? - Modesty would be dishonesty.
- What's wrong with being dishonest? - Is that a question?
Yes.
The question is futile. Were I to say that I am incapable of dishonesty,
how would you know if I was being dishonest or not?
A question for a question. You're capable of evasion, anyway.
I think I've heard enough I don't like him. Orac, be a good junk heap, shut up.
- I agree with Vila. - Define the words 'Shut up'.
Stop talking. Do not speak. Be silent.
That is better. Our relationship will be best served if your statements are free of ambiguity.
Let's switch him off and go back to work.
No, wait a minute, let's find out what he is capable of. Orac, what are your limits?
They have not yet been defined. My knowledge is virtually infinite.
My secondary ability is to logically process that knowledge and make accurate predictions.
Are you saying you can see into the future?
The words future, present, past are meaningless.
Define "meaningless".
I have the capacity to predict events that have not yet taken place.
That is not what I asked.
In the circumstances the question is meaningless.
Now, that's ridiculous. Give us a demonstration.
- Demonstrate as a command is insufficient. - What does he mean?
He means, like Zen, that he requires specific instructions.
Instructions are not needed if commands are succinct.
I'm getting tired of this. Go on, predict something.
- I will project an image on your scanner screen. - Go on then, show us.
- Hey that's us. - It's Liberator.
It's not much of a prediction, just travelling through space.
It is not a prediction; it is an immutable certainty. Space vehicle will be destroyed.
What!
You're not given to practical jokes are you? Because that's not funny.
When's this supposed to happen?
- The event is not far distant. - How far distant?
There must be some way of making him tell us when.
- Be more precise. - The event is now even less distant.
- I don't believe it. - Zen, system status.
All systems are functioning normally.
Yes, but Zen's only a machine.
So is Orac.
That's all right, that's fixed Orac.
- No, it hasn't. - What do you mean?
We've forgotten something. The prediction has still been made.
Blake!