Pilot for U.F.O.
Teleplay by:
Gerry & Sylvia Anderson with Tony Barwick
Directed by:
Gerry Anderson
Created by:
Gerry and Sylvia Anderson & Reg Hill
Producer:
Reg Hill
Executive Producer:
Gerry Anderson
EXTERIOR : NIGHT :WOODS
An Unidentified Flying Objects sits in a wooded area. TWO YOUNG WOMEN (Jean and Leila) and a MAN (PETER CARLIN) watch it from the protection of some near-by bushes. The man holds a camera.
MAN
(Leila)
Take Jean back to the car. I must get this.
The two young women begin to run towards the car. Shots are fired at them and Jean falls. The other turns and sees an ALIEN, carrying what looks like a strange rifle.
MAN
(screaming at woman)
Run!...Run!
The Man and woman run. The man is shot, falls to the ground. The woman (Leila) is trapped, turns and screams.
EXTERIOR: DAY SMALL PASSENGER JET
INTERIOR : PASSENGER CABIN, SMALL JET
Two men in USAF uniforms (GENERAL JAMES HENDERSON, COLONEL ED STRAKER) sit in the passenger cabin. Straker holds a briefcase on his knees. He seems worried. A close-up on the case name-plate shows: E. Straker. The briefcase is cuffed to his wrist by a thin chain.
EXTERIOR : DAY : AIRFIELD
The jet lands at the airfield and taxis to where a Roll Royce limousine waits with TWO AIRMEN.
The Rolls pulls out to drive out to the plane.
The side door the jet opens and Henderson and Straker disembark. Henderson snaps off a salute to the airmen and gets into the Rolls Royce. He is followed by Straker.
INTERIOR : ROLLS ROYCE
The front seat is occupied by a uniformed CHAUFFEUR and a plainclothes SECURITY MAN. The rear seat is occupied by a distinguished gray hair man - MINISTER. Henderson settles in beside the Minister while Straker takes a seat on the fold down seat facing them.
HENDERSON
Minister, this is Colonel Straker.
STRAKER
How do you do, sir?
Straker reaches across to shake hands. The chain to the briefcase is apparent.
MINISTER
(to Straker)
Shattering business, Colonel.
(to Henderson)
The Prime Minister's already at Checkers. We'll be there in thirty minutes. We've been in constant communication with Paris, Moscow and Bonn during your visits. I think the British government's approval will be a formality.
HENDERSON
The evidence is absolutely conclusive.
MINISTER
(to Henderson, indicating Straker's briefcase)
If I might...?
HENDERSON
Surely.
(nods to Straker)
Colonel.
At Henderson's nod, Straker manipulates the locks on the briefcase, disarming the destruct mechanism. He opens the case and pulls out a folder, which he hands to the Minister. Straker is not happy at this turn of events but says nothing.
MINISTER
It may speed things up.
The Minister opens the file and begins reading.
HENDERSON
The clincher is at the back.
The Minister turns to the back page.
STRAKER
It's an enlarged single frame from the Cine film, sir.
MINISTER
(to Henderson)
It couldn't possibly be a fake?
HENDERSON
The film was found undeveloped, still in the camera. It's genuine, take my word for it.
EXTERIOR : ROAD
The Rolls is driving down the road with two motorcycle escorts in front of it. The escorts start to pull away from the car. Above and behind the car, a U.F.O. can be seen pacing it.
INTERIOR : FRONT SEAT
SECURITY MAN
(to Chauffeur)
Keep pace with the escort.
INTERIOR : REAR SEAT.
Through the car windows, the landscape can be seen speeding up. Straker holds out his hand for the file.
STRAKER
(to the minister, holding out hand)
I'll take the file, sir.
The Minister hands the file to Straker, who puts it back in the briefcase, snapping the case shut.
EXTERIOR : ROAD
The U.F.O. fires on the Rolls. The motorcycle escort is blasted from the road. The car windshield is shattered, the security man and driver killed. Out of control, the car runs through a stone wall above an embankment. The car catches fire as it rolls down the hill.
As the car comes to a stop at the bottom of the embankment, we see that Straker has been thrown free, uninjured. The briefcase has been destroyed and we see a partially burnt photograph of a U.F.O.
EXTERIOR : HARLINGTON-STRAKER STUDIOS-SIGN
EXTERIOR : HARLINGTON-STRAKER STUDIOS PARKING LOT.
A young woman (JOHNSON) is crossing the parking lot towards a glass and brick office building.
A bronze modernistic car drives up to the building and stops. Straker, in civilian clothes, gets out and enters the building, passing a GUARD.
GUARD
(opening door for Straker)
Good morning, sir.
STRAKER
Good morning.
INTERIOR : LOBBY
Straker is seen crossing the lobby to a door on the far side. He opens the door and enters:
INTERIOR : OUTER OFFICE
MISS EALAND is seated at a desk, typing. She looks up as the door opens and Straker enters. There is a gray notebook on the desk.
EALAND
Good morning, sir.
STRAKER
(nods)
Miss Ealand.
EALAND
(picking up notebook)
The report.
STRAKER
(taking notebook)
Thank you.
He walks past her desk into the :
INTERIOR : INNER OFFICE
Ealand follows him into the inner office. Straker takes a seat behind the desk.
STRAKER
Messages?
EALAND
Information. U-2-1, also negative. Q-4-6: satellite link effective. Q-9-7 : zero-zero. The computer read-outs available from today.
STRAKER
Have them put through to me, will you?
EALAND
Yes, sir.
Ealand leaves the inner office. the doors close behind her.
INTERIOR : OUTER OFFICE
Miss Ealand sits at her desk. Standing opposite her is ALEC FREEMAN
EALAND
(to desk intercom)
Mister Freeman to see you, sir.
She switches off the intercom and turns to Freeman.
EALAND
All right, Mister Freeman.
FREEMAN
The girl in reception calls me 'Alec'.
EALAND
(unimpressed)
So?
FREEMAN
Well, doesn't that inflame you with jealousy?
Ealand simply looks at him, still unimpressed.
FREEMAN
(moderately disappointed)
I can see that it doesn't.
Ealand flips a switch on her desk top and the doors to the inner office open. Freeman walks into the inner office.
INTERIOR : INNER OFFICE
Freeman enters the office. There is no one else there. He goes to the desk and flips open the lid to a small silver box with a grill inside the lid.
FREEMAN
(to room)
But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east...
(bends to speak to grill)
And Juliet is the sun.
VOICE PRINT VOICE
(from box)
Voice print positive. Identification : Freeman, Alec E.
Freeman shrugs and flips a switch inside the box. The entire room begins to descend. Level marks can be seen through the office window.
INTERIOR : SHADO HEADQUARTERS, ENTRANCE CORRIDOR.
A young woman (LIEUTENANT ANDREWS) in a beige Headquarters uniform is waiting in the corridor. The doors to the office-elevator open and Freeman enters the corridor.
ANDREWS
(to Freeman)
Good Morning, sir.
FREEMAN
Morning.
(looks woman over)
You're new here, aren't you?
ANDREWS
(smiles)
Uh-huh
FREEMAN
You must have passed all the tests.
ANDREWS
All of them.
FREEMAN
I bet.
Andrews leads the way down the corridor. Freeman follows, watching her behind sway as she walks.
INTERIOR : STRAKER'S OFFICE
Straker is seated at his desk as Freeman walks in. On a wall monitor is a photograph of a demolished building.
STRAKER
I won't keep you a moment, Alec.
FREEMAN
Trouble?
STRAKER
Well, why else would I send for you?
(pause, indicates picture on monitor)
Take a look at this.
FREEMAN
(surprised)
That's Westbrook Electronics, isn't it?
STRAKER
(bitter)
Yeah, what's left of it.
FREEMAN
Well, what happened?
STRAKER
For ten years there have been setbacks. We've have accidents, miscalculations, errors of judgment, and 'other' mishaps. Let's put Westbrook Electronics down to 'other mishaps'.
FREEMAN
You mean, a U.F.O.
STRAKER
Well, there's no proof.
FREEMAN
(angry)
And bang, there goes the Utronics project. Just when we thought we really had something to track them down.
STRAKER
(grins)
Now, don't panic, Alec. The Utronic equipment is safe. It wasn't in the building. It's intact, fully tested and ready for shipment.
(thoughtful)
The breakthrough! SHADO has had Moonbase and the other satellites operational for the past few months. There have been a few Ufo sightings, but no interceptions. We've got the teeth, soon we'll have the eyes.
(serious)
Now, Freeman, you know how important this is to our whole organization. Now, the Utronic design team and the equipment are ready to be picked up in Los Angeles and flown here to England. Now, I'm making you responsible for the security of the entire operation. I mean you, personally.
FREEMAN
(nods)
Right.
Freeman hurries out of the office.
EXTERIOR : DAY : AIRSTRIP
An SST touches down.
INTERIOR : SST COCKPIT
Freeman sits in the pilot's seat. The crew also includes a CO-PILOT, NAVIGATOR and ENGINEER.
CO-PILOT
(to Freeman, smiling)
Well, must be quite a while since you landed an SST.
FREEMAN
Let's just say it's part of the 'personal service'.
Freeman picks up the microphone to the aircraft radio.
FREEMAN
(to microphone)
SHADO Control, this is Seagull-Xray. Confirm arrival to Stevenson base, Los Angeles. 08:35. Take off schedule, eleven hundred hours.
INTERIOR : SHADO CONTROL
KEITH FORD sits at the main communications console, wearing a head-set. Straker
stands behind him, listening.
FORD
(to microphone)
Roger, Seagull-Xray.
STRAKER
(to Ford)
Get Moonbase, will you?
FORD
Yes, sir.
EXTERIOR : MOONBASE
INTERIOR : MOONBASE CONTROL SPHERE
Two women (NINA BARRY and CAROL MILLER) in mauve wigs and silver uniforms sit at consoles along the walls of the sphere. A third woman (GAY ELLIS), also in uniform, sits at a center console, reading off a list clipped to a board.
ELLIS
(to others)
Status check. Shall I read?
MILLER
Affirmative
ELLIS
Magnetic field?
MILLER
Check.
ELLIS
Saturation density?
MILLER
Green.
ELLIS
Resonator?
MILLER
Affirmative.
ELLIS
Cone?
BARRY
Okay.
ELLIS
Launch stations?
BARRY
Check.
ELLIS
Pressure?
BARRY
Check.
ELLIS
Fluctuation?
BARRY
Affirmative.
At Barry's console, a light flashes and a buzzer sounds.
ELLIS
Reflex?
BARRY
(to Ellis)
Excuse me...
(to headset)
Right...
(to Ellis)
SHADO Control, for you, Lieutenant.
ELLIS
(to Barry)
Right.
Ellis flips a switch on her console and a video screen flickers on. Straker appears on the screen.
ELLIS
(to screen)
Lieutenant Ellis.
STRAKER
(on screen)
Good morning, Gay. I think I may have some action for you. I want Moonbase put on yellow-alert from ten-forty-five. Track Seagull-Xray. Now, it carries SHADO V.I.P.'s and the Utronic equipment, so let's keep everybody on their toes. We can't afford to take chances.
ELLIS
(to screen)
Roger.
The screen goes blank.
ELLIS
(to Miller)
Carol, announce a yellow alert for ten-forty-five.
MILLER
Yes, Lieutenant.
ELLIS
(getting up from seat)
And complete the status check. I think this is going to be for real. I'm going to take a break. I'll be back about ten-thirty.
MILLER
(nods)
Okay.
(to microphone at console)
Moonbase will be on yellow-alert from ten-forty-five, universal time. Repeat: ten-forty-five. All space trackers to be fully operational by ten-forty-five, U.T. Astronauts to be on stand-by.
INTERIOR: DRESSING/SHOWER AREA.
Several cubicles with mirrored doors line one wall. LEW WATERMAN stands before one door, speaking to the woman (JOANNA) dressing inside the cubicle. Waterman wears a blue astronaut's uniform.
WATERMAN
Joanna?
JOANNA
(from cubicle)
Be right with you, Lew.
WATERMAN
No hurry. I want to run a computer check on the interceptor systems in about ten minutes.
Ellis enters the room through a hallway door.
WATERMAN
(to Ellis)
Hi, Gay.
ELLIS
Hello, Lew.
WATERMAN
Do you think this could be it, Lieutenant?
ELLIS
(entering an open cubicle opposite the dressing room.)
Looks like it, Lew.
Inside the cubicle, Ellis un-does her leggings and puts on a silver wrap-around skirt.
ELLIS
An SST traveling at Mach 4 is a pretty tempting target, particularly if it's carrying the new Utronics system.
INTERIOR : MOONBASE LOUNGE
Two Astronauts (KEN and MARK BRADLEY) are seated in lounge chairs as Ellis enters. Ken is reading a magazine.
ELLIS
(to Ken)
Hi, Ken.
KEN
(looks up at Ellis, smiles)
Hi.
BRADLEY
(smiles)
Hi.
ELLIS
(to Bradley)
Hi, Mark
Ellis takes a seat in one of the other chairs and settles back.
BRADLEY
(to Ellis)
Gay, the alert, what do you think, another false alarm?
ELLIS
Don't think so, Mark.
BRADLEY
So, this time it could be real?
ELLIS
Yeah, could be.
BRADLEY
(sighs)
Well, I guess we could all do with a bit of action.
ELLIS
(grins)
I could do with a cup of coffee.
BRADLEY
(getting out of chair)
Sure.
Bradley goes to a coffee server and pours a cup of coffee. He then walks over and hands the cup to Ellis.
ELLIS
(takes cup)
Thanks.
INTERIOR : SHADO CONTROL
Straker stands beside Ford, seated at his station. Straker smokes a cigar.
STRAKER
(to Ford)
Put Sky-diver in the picture.
FORD
Yes, sir.
EXTERIOR : OCEAN - SKY-DIVER.
INTERIOR : SKY-DIVER MAIN CABIN
Several CREW MEMBERS are seated at various stations around the main cabin. One (CREW 1) flips and intercom switch.
INTERIOR : CAPTAIN'S CABIN
CAPTAIN PETER CARLIN sits in his cabin, resting. The intercom buzzer goes off.
CREW 1
(over intercom)
Message from SHADO Control, sir. Yellow-alert at ten-forty five.
CARLIN
(to intercom)
Right.
INTERIOR : SHADO CONTROL - STRAKER'S OFFICE
Straker is seated at his desk, expression grim. Ford stands opposite, looking nervous. Straker hands Ford a note board with papers clipped to it. Ford takes the papers and glances at them.
STRAKER
That last entry. Did you send it?
FORD
Yes, sir.
STRAKER
A refueling schedule, transmitted on security code B?
FORD
Sorry, sir.
Straker stands and begins to pace the room.
STRAKER
How long have you been with us, Ford?
FORD
Just over two years, sir.
STRAKER
Two years...Long enough to know how important security is to SHADO. Now, look, this headquarters, controlling Moonbase, the satellites and a fleet of submarines is eighty feet below a film studio, right?
Now, four hundred people work up there and not one of them knows all this exists. I have to play games, pretending to be the studio's chief executive. No one even dreams what my real function is. That's what security's all about.
FORD
Yes, I know, sir. Sometimes it's pretty difficult...
STRAKER
(interrupts, sarcastic)
Difficult? So you think it's difficult, huh, Ford? Well, I'll tell you when it gets difficult. Have you ever thought about the victims of Ufo incidents? Have you ever considered their parents, brothers, sisters? What do we tell them? They can never know the truth, so they live in agony for years, praying that someday their loved one may turn up, clinging to a thread of hope.
Don't ever tell me that security's difficult. Sometimes it gets pretty close to home.
INTERIOR SKY-DIVER - CAPTAIN'S CABIN.
The intercom buzzes and Carlin presses the switch.
CREW 1
(on intercom)
Yellow alert starts in two minutes, sir.
CARLIN
(to intercom)
Be right with you.
Carlin grabs a leather flight jacket from the bunk and begins to pull it on as he leaves the cabin.
EXTERIOR : SST ON RUNWAY
INTERIOR : SST COCKPIT.
Freeman sits in the pilot's seat, wearing a radio headset. Beside him sits the Co-pilot.
FREEMAN
(to headset)
Stevenson base, this is Seagull-Xray. Lift-off check completed.
TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
(on radio)
Lift-off clearance. Roger Seagull-Xray. You are cleared to go.
INTERIOR : MOONBASE CONTROL SPHERE
Miller turns to Barry.
MILLER
Nina, ten-forty-five.
BARRY
Right.
INTERIOR : COCKPIT
FREEMAN
Brakes
CO-PILOT
Off...
EXTERIOR : SST ON RUNWAY.
The SST moves down the runway, gaining speed.
INTERIOR : COCKPIT
CO-PILOT
Airspeed building, one-thirty, one-forty...one-sixty...V one... V.R. rotate.
EXTERIOR : SST
As the plane becomes airborne, the nose rotates up to flight mode.
INTERIOR : MOONBASE CONTROL SPHERE
Ellis is seated at her center console. She speaks into a microphone at her station.
ELLIS
(to microphone)
This is Moonbase, calling SID.
S.I.D.
This is Space Intruder Detector, on course.
EXTERIOR : SPACE
SPACE INTRUDER DETECTOR (SID) is in orbit above Earth.
ELLIS
(over radio)
Seagull-Xray carrying V.I.P.'s and Utronic equipment is airborne. Track progress and aircraft until further notice. Keep sharp lookout for U.F.O.s.
SID
Please pass your code so that your instructions can be complied with.
ELLIS
(on radio)
Stand-by to receive code.
SID
Standing by.
INTERIOR : PROGRAM AREA OF SID.
On a video screen inside SID, a string of numbers appear.
EXTERIOR : SID
SID
Thank you. Your code is correct. I have Seagull-Xray on scanner. It is on course. Speed: fifteen hundred knots.
INTERIOR : MOONBASE CONTROL SPHERE
A string of numbers appear on a computer monitor in front of Nina Barry.
BARRY
(to Ellis)
Moonbase computers confirm course correct. Airspeed: fifteen hundred knots.
ELLIS
Right. Maintain tracking.
INTERIOR SKY-DIVER MAIN CABIN
Carlin stands in the main cabin, observing his crew.
CREW 1
(to Carlin)
Hydroplanes check complete, sir.
CARLIN
Okay, steer zero-four-two.
CREW 1
(to Crew 2)
Steer zero-four-two.
CREW 2
Zero-four-two.
CARLIN
(to Crew 2)
Maintain present speed.
CREW 2
Maintaining speed, forty knots.
EXTERIOR : SST IN FLIGHT
INTERIOR : SST COCK-PIT
Freeman gets up from the pilot's seat, turning to the Co-pilot.
FREEMAN
Take over, will you, Bill? I'm going back to do my stuff with the passengers.
The co-pilot takes the controls as Freeman leaves the cock-pit.
INTERIOR : SST PASSENGER CABIN.
Three people, two men (MAHLER and WADE), and a woman (VIRGINIA LAKE)are
seated in the first-class cabin. On the cabin floor are several wooden crates, strapped securely to the deck. Freeman enters the cabin, walking over to Mahler.
FREEMAN
(to Mahler)
Herr Mahler. Good morning, Colonel Alec Freeman.
MAHLER
Ah, Colonel.
Freeman extends his hand and Mahler shakes it.
FREEMAN
I'd like to congratulate you and your team, Herr Mahler. This looks like the break-through we've been waiting for.
MAHLER
Not my team, Colonel.
(indicates Lake)
May I introduce our chief designer, Virginia Lake?
LAKE
How do you do, Colonel?
FREEMAN
(grinning)
Well, for the first time in my career, I wish I were flying sub-sonic aircraft. (off her reaction) The trip would take that much longer.
WADE
(amused)
Ah, just in case anyone's interested, I'm Phil Wade.
FREEMAN
(to Wade, distracted)
Oh, how are you?
(to Lake)
Well, look's like you're the answer to all our prayers.
LAKE
(amused at Freeman's attention)
Would you like to see the Utronics equipment, Colonel?
FREEMAN
I think your equipment is fabulous, but, ah, I am familiar with it.
LAKE
Really?
FREEMAN
Yes, for instance, I know that a Utronic bean travels instantaneously.
LAKE
Almost instantaneously.
FREEMAN
(shrugs)
Well,, anyway, it means we'll be able to detect U.F.O.s even when they're flying many times the speed of light, in deep space.
LAKE
Go on.
FREEMAN
So, our Moonbase interceptors will have a chance to destroy them before they reach the Earth.
LAKE
Very good!
FREEMAN
I can tell you more over dinner.
LAKE
Don't you think you'd better get back to your little seat up front?
FREEMAN
Ah, I suppose so.
(gets up)
I'll be seeing you.
LAKE
Colonel...
Freeman stops and looks back at her.
LAKE
You were right, you are familiar (pause) With the equipment.
INTERIOR : COCK-PIT
Freeman enters the cock-pit and takes his seat.
FREEMAN
(to Co-pilot)
Everything okay?
CO-PILOT
Yes, sir. No sign of any activity.
FREEMAN
Good.
INTERIOR : SHADO CONTROL
Straker stands by Ford, seated at his station.
STRAKER
(to Ford)
I'll be in my office.
FORD
Yes, sir.
EXTERIOR : SPACE, SID
SID
Red alert, red alert. U.F.O. at four-two-eight, one-four-six, green.
INTERIOR : MOONBASE CONTROL SPHERE
MILLER
(to headset)
Copy, four-two-eight, one-four-six, green.
ELLIS
Speed?
MILLER
Sol-eight.
ELLIS
Trajectory termination?
MILLER
(watching computer monitor)
Coming up...
A series of number appears on Miller's monitor. the same information appears on the small screen in front of Ellis.
ELLIS
(to microphone)
This Moonbase to SHADO Control. Predicted trajectory termination, North Atlantic. Speed: Sol-eight. Trajectory set, out.
Ellis presses buttons on console. A red alert siren begins to wail.
ELLIS
(to microphone)
Interceptors, immediate launch. Interceptors, immediate launch.
INTERIOR : ASTRONAUT'S LOUNGE.
Bradley, Waterman, and a third ASTRONAUT, leave their lounge chairs, heading for openings set into the side of the sphere, grabbing helmets as they go.
ASTRONAUT
(to intercom)
Interceptors go... max.
INTERIOR : MOONBASE CONTROL SPHERE
ELLIS
(to microphone)
This is Moonbase to all SHADO stations, Moonbase to all SHADO stations. Ufo sighted. Four-two-eight, one-four-six, green. Will report.
INTERIOR : SHADO CONTROL
Straker enters the control room from the hallway to his office.
FORD
(to microphone)
Attention all defense systems, this is a maximum security alert. Attention all defense systems, I say again, this is a maximum security alert. Condition red.
EXTERIOR : SPACE - SID
SID
Speed, one and a half million miles per second. Range seventy-five million miles.
INTERIOR : MOONBASE CONTROL SPHERE
ELLIS
(listening to headset)
Okay, yes....
EXTERIOR : SPACE - SID
SID
Seventy million miles...
INTERIOR : MOONBASE CONTROL SPHERE
MILLER
Maintaining Sol-eight, Red one-two-nine, zero four seven.
BARRY
(checking figures on monitor)
Right...
ELLIS
Trajectory?
MILLER
Still as predicted.
BARRY
(turning to Ellis)
Lieutenant, I have green on interceptors one, two and three.
ELLIS
(to microphone)
Moonbase to interceptors, stand by to program missile control computer.
EXTERIOR : SPACE - INTERCEPTORS
INTERIOR : INTERCEPTOR
ASTRONAUT
(to helmet microphone)
Right...
ELLIS
(over radio)
NCC reading, one-zero-one, two-six-four-one-one-zero. Missile timing, two, four, nine, six.
ASTRONAUT
(to helmet mike)
Missile program complete.
EXTERIOR : SPACE - SID
SID
Range, eight million miles, closing...
EXTERIOR : SPACE - U.F.O.
One U.F.O. crosses the screen.
EXTERIOR : SPACE - SID
SID
Seven million miles...
EXTERIOR : SPACE - INTERCEPTORS
INTERIOR : INTERCEPTOR
ASTRONAUT
(to helmet microphone)
Missile firing: five decimal four seconds.
EXTERIOR : SPACE - INTERCEPTORS
The three interceptors launch their missiles at the U.F.O. The missiles explode, but miss the target.
EXTERIOR : SPACE - SID
SID
Detonation confirmed.
INTERIOR : MOONBASE CONTROL SPHERE.
MILLER
(to Ellis)
Negative. (pause) It's through.
INTERIOR : SHADO CONTROL
Ford seems at a loss as to what to do. He glances at Straker for instructions.
STRAKER
(to Ford, irritated)
Well, don't just sit there, warn Sky-diver and get me Alec Freeman.
FORD
Yes, sir.
EXTERIOR: SST IN FLIGHT
INTERIOR : SST CABIN
Freeman stands in the doorway to the cabin, worried.
FREEMAN
Gentlemen, Miss Lake, SHADO Control has just informed me that a U.F.O. is approaching the North Atlantic. I'm afraid we must assume that this aircraft it its target. I'm going to reduce height in order to gain the advantage of cloud cover. This will mean we'll have to reduce speed, but, of course, in the dense atmosphere, so will the U.F.O..
MAHLER
Presumably, that increases SHADO's chances of intercepting it.
FREEMAN
Yes, it does. I'd fasten your seat belts if I were you.
(to Lake)
Look, don't worry, it'll be okay. Anyway, we have a dinner date. I wouldn't let anything interfere with that.
LAKE
Thank you.
INTERIOR : SHADO CONTROL
FORD
(reading from monitor)
Ufo entering visual speed range.
STRAKER
Radar and visual alert.
FORD
(keying in instructions)
U.F.O. on radar. Track speed, Mach five.
STRAKER
(to self)
Thank God for the atmosphere. It's the best protection we have.
FORD
Have positive radar fix.
STRAKER
(worried)
Hmm. It's up to Sky-diver now.
EXTERIOR : SKY-DIVER
INTERIOR : SKY-DIVER
Carlin watches as his people work.
CREW 1
(to Carlin)
In position, sir.
CARLIN
Right... stand by.
CREW 1
(reading from monitor)
Five..four..three..two..one..zero... Launch stations.
CREW 2
Launch stations!.. Clear one.
CREW 3
One clear.
CREW 2
Clear two...
CREW 3
Two clear...
CREW 1
(to Carlin)
Ready for take off, sir.
CARLIN
Okay, lift off stations.
CREW 2
Lift off stations.
CREW 3
Checking boosters.
CREW 2
Circuits?
CREW 3
Relays circuits okay.
CREW 1
(to Carlin)
Good luck, Skipper.
With a nod to Crew 1, Carlin grabs a flight helmet and puts it on, Then he pushes himself, feet first, into a small hatch opening set into the forward end of the main cabin. He disappears down the tube and Crew 1 dogs the hatch behind him.
CREW 2
Outer locks engaged.
CREW 1
Adjust gyros.
CREW 2
Breaker circuits, okay.
EXTERIOR : SKY-DIVER
INTERIOR : SKY-1 COCKPIT
Carlin sits inside the cockpit, checking the control panel.
CARLIN
(to helmet microphone)
Right, stand by for lift-off.
EXTERIOR : SKY-DIVER
Sky-1 detaches from Sky-diver and lifts off from the water, heading into the sky.
INTERIOR : SKY-1 COCKPIT
CARLIN
(to helmet microphone)
SHADO Control from Sky-one, airborne. Position, zero-two-zero-red.
FORD
(on radio)
Roger Sky-one.
EXTERIOR : SST IN FLIGHT
The SST has entered a layer of thin clouds.
INTERIOR - SST COCKPIT
COPILOT
(to Freeman)
Air speed down to six hundred knots.
FREEMAN
Right... Lower heat shield.
EXTERIOR : SST IN FLIGHT
The nose of the SST lowers.
INTERIOR - SST COCKPIT
COPILOT
Right.
FREEMAN
(peering through front window)
I don't like it. These clouds give about as much cover as a G-string on a belly dancer.
CARLIN
(over radio)
Sky-one to Seagull-Xray, over.
FREEMAN
Peter, am I glad to hear you. Where are you?
CARLIN
Right above you. Leveled off at twenty-thousand.
EXTERIOR : SKY-ONE IN FLIGHT
Sky-one is above the SST, keeping it in sight.
INTERIOR SKY-ONE COCKPIT
Carlin checks his radar screen. There are two blips on the screen, one closing rapidly on the other.
CARLIN
(to helmet mike)
Sky-one to Seagull-Xray, have U.F.O. on screen, closing rapidly.
FREEMAN
(over radio)
Roger, ten degrees port.
CARLIN
(To helmet mike)
Right.
EXTERIOR : SST & SKY-1
The SST banks to port. The U.F.O. approaches at high speed.
INTERIOR : SKY-1
Carlin spots the U.F.O.
CARLIN
(To helmet mike)
Ufo at twelve o'clock. You are the target. Coming in to attack.
EXTERIOR : SST & SKY-1
Sky- 1 banks away and approaches the U.F.O. The U.F.O enters the clouds.
INTERIOR : SKY-1
CARLIN
(To helmet mike)
Ufo entered cloud layer. Keep a sharp lookout.
INTERIOR : SST COCKPIT.
FREEMAN
(to microphone)
Roger.
EXTERIOR : SST & U.F.O.
The U.F.O. fires on the SST, just missing it. The SST is buffeted by the explosion.
INTERIOR : SST COCKPIT
Freeman and the Co-pilot fight to maintain control.
FREEMAN
(to co-pilot)
Hold her... Hold her steady!
EXTERIOR : SKY-1
Sky-1 fires on the U.F.O., hitting it. The U.F.O. catches fire and heads for the sea below.
INTERIOR : SKY-1
CARLIN
(to helmet microphone)
Sky-one to SHADO control. Report a direct hit on Ufo. It's gonna' crash into the sea.
STRAKER
(over radio)
Good shooting, Sky-one.
INTERIOR : SHADO CONTROL Straker stands beside Ford's station, speaking into a microphone.
STRAKER
(to microphone)
Come in, Seagull-Xray. Alec, are you okay?
INTERIOR : SST COCKPIT
FREEMAN
(to microphone)
I've aged about five years, but we're still in one piece.
INTERIOR : SHADO CONTROL
STRAKER
(to microphone)
Hello, Sky-one, follow it down, Captain. Use your reconnaissance camera.
CARLIN
(over radio)
Roger, will do.
EXTERIOR : SKY-1 OVER OCEAN
As Sky-1 orbits, the U.F.O. crashes into the sea and begins to break up.
INTERIOR : SKY-1 COCKPIT
CARLIN
(to helmet microphone)
It went straight under. It seems to be breaking up. Hold it! there's a body!.
INTERIOR : SHADO CONTROL
STRAKER
(concerned)
Please confirm, Did you say 'body'?
EXTERIOR : SKY-1 OVER OCEAN
In the water is a space-suited figure
CARLIN
Yes, it's a body.
INTERIOR : STRAKER'S OFFICE Straker is seated at his desk as the door opens and Freeman enters. Straker looks up.
STRAKER
Well, how's it going, Alec?
FREEMAN
Everything's fine.
STRAKER
(distracted)
Good...Good.
FREEMAN
Moonbase and the other tracker stations will have the Utronic systems fitted and operational within a week.
STRAKER
Well, that's just great.
(watches Freeman)
You look tired, Alec. Why don't you help yourself to a drink?
FREEMAN
(going to bar)
Thanks, I think I will.
(pours drink, turns back to Straker)
You never touch it, do you?
STRAKER
(shrugs, grins)
Uh-uh. Self control.
FREEMAN
Maybe drinking needs more self-control.
(drinks)
When does 'it' arrive?
STRAKER
Any time, now.
FREEMAN
You waited a long time for this one.
STRAKER
(thoughtful)
Yes, ten years. It's been ten years since we had the first confirmed Ufo landing on Earth.
FREEMAN
And that was after a decade of speculation, reports, official denials, you name it.
STRAKER
You know, Alec, when I was made commander of SHADO, I thought it was all going to happen.
FREEMAN
You've done a good job. (pause) The best.
STRAKER
(shrugs)
Well, I've tried. But, how far have we progressed? I mean, what do we really know about Ufos. What are they? Where do they come from? What do they want?
EXTERIOR : CITY ROAD
An ambulance arrives at a hospital emergency entrance.
INTERIOR: STRAKER'S OFFICE Freeman has taken a seat on the bench opposite Straker's desk. A buzzer sounds on the desk and Straker hits a switch.
STRAKER
(to intercom)
Yes?
MAN
(over intercom)
Mayland Hospital, SHADO section. Your special patient has arrived, sir. We will use underground corridor thirty-two to SHADO Medical Center.
STRAKER
(to intercom)
Right.
(flips off switch)
FREEMAN
Well, maybe some of the answers are coming in now.
INTERIOR : SHADO CORRIDOR
Straker and Freeman are waiting in the corridor as a stretcher is wheeled in by two technicians. Carlin walks behind the stretcher. Carlin stops as Straker steps forward to shake his hand.
STRAKER
Well done, Peter
CARLIN
(tired)
Thanks.
FREEMAN
You're wanted in debriefing immediately.
CARLIN
Right.
Carlin continues down the corridor as Straker and Freeman enter the:
INTERIOR : MEDICAL CENTER, OUTER AREA. The stretcher with the alien can be seen through a wide window overlooking an operating-observation room. In the outer room, DOCTOR SHROEDER and TWO ASSISTANTS are at work. Straker steps over to one of the assistants.
STRAKER
What's his position, doctor?
ASSISTANT 1
Alive, but in critical condition. Excuse me.
The assistant checks the equipment, tears off a sheet and goes through the door into the inner room. Straker turns to Shroeder.
STRAKER
What are the chances of survival?
SHROEDER
Well, he was equipped with an advanced apparatus which enables him to breath liquid. The helmet was removed as soon as he was picked up and an attempt was made to restore normal breathing. Problem is that, there's still some liquid left his his lungs, but it's too early to say, yet. Excuse me...
Shroeder leaves to enter the inner room and help Assistant 1. Freeman steps over to Straker.
FREEMAN
(quiet)
Space travel in a liquid environment. The very thing we've been experimenting with.
STRAKER
Yes, well, apparently, they've done it.
Shroeder comes out.
SHROEDER
I must ask you to leave now.
STRAKER
Right. Let me know the moment you have anything, Doctor.
Straker and Freeman leave the outer room for the corridor.
INTERIOR : MEDICAL CENTER CORRIDOR
Straker and Freeman are waiting, leaning against the walls. The door to the outer room opens and a NURSE comes out. Straker straightens up.
NURSE
(to Straker)
Commander Straker?
At the Nurse's gesture, Straker and Freeman follow her into the outer room.
INTERIOR : OPERATING ROOM
Straker and Freeman are gloved, gowned and mask as they approach the medical team at work over a green skinned humanoid.
STRAKER
Is he alive, Doctor.
SHROEDER
Yes.
STRAKER
(annoyed)
Well?
SHROEDER
The general analysis has shown that he's humanoid.
STRAKER
You mean, like us?
SHROEDER
More or less. Body temperature three degrees paranormal, blood pressure rather low, muscular development poor. The skin has an artificial green coloration, probably absorbed from the liquid. The interesting thing here is that the hair hasn't picked up this tint, which suggests that the liquid contains a bio-achrophylic compound. Also the fact that the eyes were protected by plastic shell seem to support this theory. Anyway, we'll know more when we get the computer read-out from the first electro-medical check. It'll be a few minutes.
Shroeder turns to check on some equipment. Freeman leans over to Straker.
FREEMAN
A man... From a solar system probably a hundred million million miles from Earth.
A computer printer has finish printing a page and Shroeder tears it off to read it.
SHROEDER
(surprised)
It's incredible.
STRAKER
What is?
SHROEDER
Well, we can't be certain, yet, but this preliminary test shows organ and gland transplants. Heart, liver, left lung, thyroid...
INTERIOR : STRAKER'S OFFICE
Freeman sits on the bench opposite the desk. Straker is pacing the floor.
STRAKER
You realize what this could mean, Alec?
FREEMAN
It's still a theory.
STRAKER
Theory? Fact: after almost ten years of possible, probable and confirmed Ufo incidents. Fact: on a number of fully documented occasions, mutilated bodies were found after a Ufo attack, organs missing. Fact: an electro-medical examination on the first alien we lay our hands on shows organ transplants.
FREEMAN
(cautious)
The doctors aren't certain.
STRAKER
No, not yet! But, I'm willing to bet that our proof lies at the end of that corridor.
INTERIOR : MEDICAL CENTER
The alien is having trouble breathing. The Nurse checks his vital signs, then goes to the wall intercom.
NURSE
(to intercom)
Doctor Shroeder? Intensive Care unit. We have an emergency.
INTERIOR : MEDICAL CENTER
A surgical team is working over the alien. After a few moments, the EKG monitor reads a flat line. Straker and Freeman watch from the outer room.
SHROEDER
(to Microphone, to Straker and Freeman)
I'm afraid he's dead.
The door to the outer room opens and Straker walks in. He looks down at the dead alien whose face appears extremely aged.
STRAKER
(grim, disappointed, to Shroeder)
When can I have a post-mortem?
SHROEDER
Forty-eight hours.
STRAKER
Make it twenty-four. Not the details, just what really matters.
INTERIOR : CONFERENCE ROOM
Straker, Freeman, Shroeder and several others sit around the conference table, looking over reports.
SHROEDER
The rapid aging isn't documented in the report. We're not sure why it happened, but it's certainly connected with the reaction of Earth's atmosphere on the body.
STRAKER
Now, gentlemen, let's concern ourselves with the three main questions regarding Ufos. One: where do they come from? Now, the fact that the lungs were filled with an oxygenated liquid seems to indicate a subjection to phenomenal accelerations and fantastic speed over a long period, long enough for the skin to pick up the green coloration. Now, all this would appear to add up to an extended journey through space. Perhaps several months, at many times the speed of light.
Question number two: who are they? Well, obviously, in science and technology, several hundred years in advance of man, but everything in this report seems to add up to a dying race.
(reads from report)
Hereditary sterility was evident. But, by using drugs and advanced transplant techniques, they could have found a way to stop the natural aging process. They're also highly intelligent, so they presumably come to Earth knowing the risk of contact with our atmosphere. Which brings us to number three: Why do they come?
This report indicates five major organ and gland transplants. In the case of the heart, tissue compatibility tests shows it was human in origin.
(grim, looking around the table)
It came from Earth, gentlemen. So, therefore, one of reasons they must obviously come is to obtain organ replacements. There maybe other reasons.
(thoughtful)
Imagine a dying planet, in some distant corner of the universe, natural resources exhausted, its inhabitants sterile, doomed to extinction. A situation we may someday find ourselves in, gentlemen. So, they discover Earth, abundant, fertile, able to satisfy their needs. They look upon us, not with animosity, but with callousness, as we look upon our animals when we depend on them for food. Yes, it would appear they are driven by circumstance, across a billion miles of space. Driven by the greatest force in the universe, survival.
INTERIOR : SHADO CORRIDOR
Straker walks down the corridor and meets Ford who holds a file folder
FORD
Read-out on the tests, sir.
Ford hands Straker the folder.Straker opens the report and quickly reads it.
STRAKER
There's no possible doubt?
FORD
No sir. Electronic tissue analysis is as positive as a voice print.
STRAKER
(sighs)
Right.
INTERIOR : HARLINGTON-STRAKER BUILDING LOBBY
Straker is walking with Peter Carlin. Straker seems distracted.
CARLIN
You wanted to tell me something?
STRAKER
Yes. I wanted to have a word with you before you flew out.
CARLIN
It's about my sister, isn't it?
STRAKER
(a little surprised)
Yes. I'm afraid she's dead, Peter. There's no longer any doubt.
(pause)
I think you know how sorry I am.
CARLIN
What happened?
STRAKER
I don't think you'd like to know the details.
CARLIN
I think I'd like to know.
STRAKER
Your sister was last seen in the vicinity of a Ufo incident nearly ten years ago. The alien's body recovered from the sea was subjected to intense medical examination. The heart was a transplant. The donor was Leila Carlin.
(pause, concerned)
What will you tell your parents?
CARLIN
I don't know.
STRAKER
You realize, of course, that they can never know the truth.
INTERIOR : A SMALL FUNERAL FACILITY
Peter Carlin sits on a pew with his TWO PARENTS. Mrs. Carlin wears black and is crying. A casket is being conveyed into a crematorium chamber.
Straker stands just outside the door, watching.
STRAKER (voice over)
A funeral without a body. The symbol of human compassion. A long finger of tragic coincidence stretching across a billion miles of space. Is this the end or the beginning? Where does the Universe end, where does it begin?
U.F.O. is the © and property of ITV Studios Global Entertainment and used for promotional purposes only.
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