(London in space, prisoners in passenger cabin and Blake looks at receding Earth and moon)

[London - flight deck]

ARTIX: Attitude stable, trajectory firm.
RAIKER: Systems check.
ARTIX: We have full function on all navigational systems.
RAIKER: Confirmed.
ARTIX [OC]: We have full function on all communication systems.
RAIKER: Confirmed. Power status?
ARTIX: Full function, course is set, we have a clear on Mars beacon.
RAIKER: We have a go confirmation on all systems, sir.
LEYLAN: Thank you Mister Raiker. Set hyperdrive speed, Time distort five.
RAIKER: Time distort five...

[London in space]

(hyperdrive engines fire and London accelerates)

[London - flight deck]

RAIKER: Five and running.
LEYLAN: Lock in full auto. I thought maintenance was supposed to have fixed that high-D shift vibration.
RAIKER: That's what they said.
LEYLAN: That's what they always say. They don't bother! Nobody bothers anymore. ...You'd better identify us to Space Security.
ARTIX: Yes sir. This is Civil Administration ship London. We are in transit from Earth to Cygnus Alpha, transporting prisoners to the penal colony. We have Federation clearance for direct flight, authority number K-seven-zero-one.
ARTIX [OC]: Transmission ends.
(Artix places a headphone to his ear)
LEYLAN: Still studying for your Commander's credentials, Artix?
ARTIX: Yes sir. I don't want to spend the rest of my life on old tubs like ...I ...I mean...
LEYLAN: I know what you mean.
ARTIX: I'm sorry, sir.
LEYLAN: I'm going to my quarters. Anything I should know?
ARTIX: Yes, there's a report of some meteorite activity about eighteen hours ahead, ship-time. Space Met say it should have cleared our course well before we reach it.
LEYLAN: Well, keep an eye on it anyway. ...And, Mister Raiker, give the prisoners the usual pep talk, and assign them their duties.
RAIKER: My pleasure.

[London - corridor]

LEYLAN: Oh, and ...use the highest level of suppressants in the prisoners' rations. I like 'em docile.
RAIKER: Yes sir.
LEYLAN: Er, Mister Raiker?
RAIKER: Sir?
LEYLAN: There's a female prisoner on our manifest.
RAIKER: I've noticed that, sir.
LEYLAN: Yes, ...well, ...err be discreet.
RAIKER: Yes sir.

[London - passenger cabin]

RAIKER: I'm Sub-commander Raiker, and I think there are a few things you should know. The voyage to Cygnus Alpha will take approximately eight months ship time. During this period, you will obey every order and instruction that is given you. There is a punishment scale for infractions, which starts with long periods of confinement in your launch seat and ends with the Commander's right to order execution. If you have any complaints, I don't want to hear them. Understand this clearly, you have no rights whatsoever. None. Questions? (to the guard) Open it up. (to the prisoners) This is the limit of your world from now on. It has mess facilities, sleeping bays, recreation area. Sort out amongst yourselves how you use it. There are other rules, but you'll find out what they are when you break them. That's all. Clear your harnesses, you're at liberty to move. ...(to Blake who is still confined) What have we here? Not a troublemaker, I hope?
BLAKE: I didn't hear an order.
RAIKER: You didn't hear an order, sir. ...Say it!
BLAKE: I didn't hear an order, ...sir.
RAIKER: That's better. ...What's your name?
BLAKE: Blake.
RAIKER: So you're Blake. Well, made quite a name for yourself a few years back. Quite the celebrity. Something of a comedown for a leader of men, isn't it? Molesting kids?
BLAKE: The charges were false.
RAIKER: Oh yes, of course. Well, let me tell you something Blake, as far as I am concerned, you are just another piece of cargo. Remember that and you might just survive the journey. Do you understand?
BLAKE: I understand, ...sir.
RAIKER: Good. You're learning. ...Let him clear.

[London - living quarters]

VILA: Do you think this is a good time for me to tell them I suffer from flight sickness?
NOVA: I don't think they'll be very sympathetic.
JENNA: I expect they'll find a cure for it, though. A permanent one probably.
VILA: They amputate your head!
RAIKER: (to Jenna) Come with me.
JENNA: Here goes.
RAIKER: What's your name?
JENNA: Jenna Stannis.
RAIKER: Unfortunately, ...Jenna, there are no special facilities for female prisoners, but if you should find things ...difficult, I might be able to arrange something more comfortable.
JENNA: That's very considerate of you.
RAIKER: Why make it hard on yourself?
JENNA: Why indeed?
(Jenna whispers something in Raiker's ear and he slaps her across the face)
RAIKER: You'll come round! I can be very persuasive!
(Avon takes a paper from his top pocket)
JENNA: That one's going to enjoy giving us a hard time.
VILA: And you've improved his mood no end! Why couldn't you be nice to him?!
JENNA: He's not my type.
VILA: You can't afford to be choosy now!
JENNA: Why else would I be talking to you?
VILA: Thanks!
JENNA: Pleasure. (to Avon who is studying the paper) What have you got there?
AVON: Nothing.
BLAKE: Do you know how those door panels work?
VILA: No, not that type.
AVON: It's simple enough. All authorised personnel have their palm prints filed in the computer. The blue sensor plate reads the print. If it conforms, the computer opens the door.
BLAKE: Neat.
AVON: Most computer-based functions are.
VILA: Blake. ...Kerr Avon. When it comes to computers, he's the number two man in all the Federated worlds.
NOVA: Who's number one?
VILA: The guy who caught him. ...You've got nothing to be ashamed of. D'you know, he came close to stealing five million credits out of the Federation banking system.
BLAKE: What went wrong?
AVON: I relied on other people. Why all the questions? Or is it merely a thirst for knowledge?
(Avon puts the paper away)
BLAKE: Not exactly. Having defined the problem, the first step towards a solution is the acquisition of data. You should know that.
AVON: Define the problem then.
BLAKE: How to avoid spending the rest of our lives on Cygnus Alpha.
VILA: That may not be a problem. I've heard a rumour that these prison ships don't actually go all the way to Cygnus. They wait until they're in deep space, and then quietly dump you out of an airlock.
AVON: You're a fool.
JENNA: They are on a fixed price contract. They get paid the same whether we get there or not, and hyperdrive running is expensive.
VILA: So they dump us and save themselves a trip!
BLAKE: Could it be altered?
AVON: What?
BLAKE: The running log. Could the readings be faked?
AVON: Only by a top-line technician. Nobody on this ship could do it.
BLAKE: Except you.
AVON: Naturally.
JENNA: Was it wise to put that idea into his head?
VILA: What idea?
BLAKE: Oh, he's bright. He'd already thought of it.
VILA: What? What?
JENNA: He fixes the log, the crew dump us, pocket the profit, and set him free.
VILA: That's immoral. The cold-hearted murdering... Let's kill him now before he can do it.
BLAKE: How much do you know about this type of ship?
JENNA: Not a lot. Converted deep space freighter. Early mark hyperdrive which needs re-stressing by the feel of things. Whole lot should have been scrapped ages ago.
BLAKE: Could you pilot it?
JENNA: I expect so. Why?
BLAKE: Well, once we've taken this ship, we'll need a pilot.

[London in space]

(it passes over a inert planet)

[London - flight deck]

LEYLAN: There shouldn't be anything there at all. It's empty space. Nothing orbits through it, no marked space wrecks, no navigational hazards, nothing.
ARTIX [OC]: Well, there's something there now, and our course takes us right through it.
LEYLAN: Hm.
(there is an increasing sound level as Raiker comes in)
RAIKER: What's happening?
LEYLAN: Full spectrum shockwaves. We had one about ten minutes ago but that was only scale two. What was the reading on that one?
ARTIX: Seven.
LEYLAN: Right, put all sections on standby, turbulence alert.
ARTIX: (into communicator) All sections on standby, all sections...
LEYLAN: Put out the deflector shields...
ARTIX: ...on standby. Turbulence alert, turbulence alert.
LEYLAN: ...there's some debris too.
RAIKER: Deflectors out. Where's the blast coming from?
LEYLAN: Somewhere in that top right-hand sector.
RAIKER: That's total void!
LEYLAN: Not now, it isn't! Show him!
(the viewscreen shows two comet-like traces approaching each other)
RAIKER [OC]: I've never seen anything like that before. Can you increase magnification?
(there are now five traces)
ARTIX: We're at the limit now.
RAIKER: What sort of range?
ARTIX: We're about five subsecs on the high-D grid.
RAIKER [OC]: Anything coming in on the communicators?
ARTIX: No. Static right across the range.
RAIKER [OC]: I suppose it could be some sort of meteorite collision.
(two traces collide and the viewscreen is nearly completely obscured by the flash. Three traces remain)
RAIKER [OC]: What the hell was that?!
LEYLAN [OC]: I think it's a damn great space battle. Two fleets, maybe more.
ARTIX [OC]: We haven't got any heavy combat stuff in this section, have we?
LEYLAN: Well, they're not Federation ships, and that's not our battle. I want a new course. Take us round it, with a three-subsec margin from the outer limits of the action.
(the ship is rocked by another shockwave)
LEYLAN: Reading?
ARTIX: Scale nine! Shift course now, and we'll be taking those blasts broadside! They'll smash the guts out of us!
LEYLAN: Better that than run into the middle of a war. Manual control, Mister Raiker. (to Artix) Put the ship on full emergency, all crew to operational stations.
ARTIX: (into communicator) Full emergency, full emergency. All crew to operational stations. All crew to operational stations.

[London - service channel]

(Blake is crawling along a service channel as another shockwave hits the ship. He continues and then taps three times on a wall panel)

[London - living quarters]

(Jenna alerts some of the prisoners and then whispers to Vila)

[London - service channel]

(Blake taps three times again)

[London - living quarters]

VILA: (to Gan) Keep an eye on me as well, will you?
(Jenna whispers to Nova)
VILA: (to the guard) Hey, Klein, got a little trick to show you.
KLEIN: Have you?
VILA: Now watch very, very closely, right? ...Right? Now watch carefully, watch carefully, ...and a one...
KLEIN: Right, yeah.
VILA: ...and a two...
(Jenna watching the security camera nods to Gan and other prisoners and Blake appears through the wall panel)
KLEIN: Yeah.
VILA: Watch closely now...
BLAKE: (to Jenna) I got past both the metal grilles this time. It'll work if only I can get him to do it.
JENNA: He's through there.

[London - passenger cabin]

BLAKE: If you had access to the computer, could you open the doors?
AVON: Of course. Why?
BLAKE: Just wondered how good you really were.
AVON: Don't try and manipulate me, Blake.
BLAKE: Now why should I try and do that?
AVON: You need my help.
BLAKE: Only if you could open the doors.
AVON: I could open every door, blind all the scanners, knock out the security overrides, and control the computer. Control the computer and you control the ship.
BLAKE: Then I do need your help. There's a service channel, runs the whole length of the ship. Every other compartment has an inspection hatch. The last one opens onto the computer section.
AVON: Give me one good reason why I should help you.
BLAKE: Hm. You're a civilised man, Avon. On Cygnus Alpha that will not be a survival characteristic.
AVON: An intelligent man can adapt.
BLAKE: Or recognise an alternative.
AVON: I already have one.
BLAKE: A private deal with the ship's crew to fake the running log? You've had four months to think about that, and it didn't take you that long to work out that they would have to kill you afterwards to keep you quiet.
AVON: Whereas you are offering me safety?
BLAKE: I'm offering you the chance of freedom.
AVON: Generous, considering mine will be the most important job.
BLAKE: You'll do it then?
AVON: When?
BLAKE: Now.
(there is an increasing sound level and the ship is rocked by another shockwave)

[London - flight deck]

LEYLAN: Damage report!
ARTIX: (into communicator) All sections report damage, all sections report damage.
VOICE #1: (on communicator) Section Two. Er, Port deflector shields buckled, sir.
VOICE #2: (on communicator) Section Four. The outer hull has been punctured astern.
LEYLAN: Auto-repair circuits.
RAIKER: They're sealing it.
LEYLAN: Mister Artix?
ARTIX: Vision panels have cut out ...but I'm getting blind readings, and an echo from something big ...and pretty far off. I can't identify it without a scan.
RAIKER: Could it be a ship from the battle fleet?
ARTIX [OC]: It's a long way out from the centre of the action, seems to be drifting. ...Well, it's my guess that it's something being pushed along in the shockwaves. It's running parallel to us.
LEYLAN: Well, keep checking on it, and start working on those vision panels.
(again there is an increasing sound level and the ship is rocked by a further shockwave)
RAIKER: Here we go again.
(the ship rocks under another shockwave)

[London - passenger cabin]

JENNA: A couple more like that and we won't have a ship to take over.
BLAKE: Call in Vila.
JENNA: And Gan and Nova.
BLAKE: Are there any others?
JENNA: The rest are doped to the eyeballs.
VILA: Perhaps we should get on with it, do you think, maybe?
GAN: Maybe. Don't be so nervous, Vila.
VILA: Nervous? I'm not nervous. Just ...poised for action, that's all.
AVON: You've got an army of five, Blake. Five and (nodding towards Vila) him! Do you still think you can take over the ship?
BLAKE: If you do your bit.
VILA: What's that?
(there is a hissing sound a white goo is coming through the wall)
JENNA: Sealing gel. If the outer hull gets punctured this stuff floods into the section and blocks it up. It goes solid in seconds. We must have been holed in that last turbulence.
VILA: Gan, what about waiting...
BLAKE: No! These blast waves are our best chance. The crew have their hands full just running the ship. (to Avon) You ready?
AVON: Yes.
BLAKE: Make it good Vila.
VILA: Gan?...
(Vila and Gan head towards the guard)
BLAKE: We'll be ready in exactly fifteen minutes. Will that give you enough time? ...Knock out those scanners and open the doors. We'll do the rest. Good luck.
AVON: (to Jenna) Luck has nothing to do with it.

[London - living quarters]

VILA: You look as if you could do with a drink.
DAINER: I'm always thirsty, Vila.
VILA: Now I want to show you a little trick here. Right, Gan, you know this one.
DAINER: Now, I'll watch carefully this time.
VILA: Right, now watch carefully, watch the old piece of cloth, right...
VILA [OC]: ...and a one...
(Jenna, watching the security camera signals to Nova, who lets Avon into the service channel)
DAINER [OC]: Never works first time.
VILA [OC]: ...and a two. ...One more chance for you, right?...
VILA: Are you watching carefully now?
DAINER: Yeah, right.
VILA: One ...two ...three...
(Vila reveals a glass)
DAINER: Now, that's better.
VILA: Not bad, is it, eh? One for you...
NOVA: (to Blake) How will we know when he's made it?
BLAKE: The lights on the scanner. ...When that goes off we're on our way.
VILA: ...and one for me.
DAINER: You drink first.

[London - service channel]

(Avon creeps through the conduit. He opens Access No 15 into the computer section. When he sees the technician working he closes the panel)

[London - computer section]

(the technician continues to check the computer. Avon opens the panel again, closes it and waits)

[London - living quarters]

(another guard replaces Dainer and Gan alerts another prisoner)
VILA: He should have made it by now.
JENNA: You think he's been caught?
BLAKE: No. No, there would have been an alarm. I'd better get in after him.
VILA: You can't do that. If it all starts happening while you're in there, who's going to get this lot moving?
JENNA: Well, he's right.
BLAKE: All right, you go then.
VILA: Me? I'd be glad to, it's just that I've got this problem with confined spaces. There's a medical name for it.
JENNA: Cowardice?
NOVA: I'll go. Well, let me do it. I haven't done anything yet.
VILA: I'm quite prepared to go, it's just that I don't want to let anyone down because of my ...complaint.
NOVA: I want to help.
VILA: What do you think?
BLAKE: All right, let's get him in there.
VILA: Gan, let's try it with this one.

[London - computer section]

(the technician is still working. Avon has another peek and then launches himself into the computer section, stunning the technician)

[London - flight deck]

LEYLAN: Here it comes again. Hang on.
(there is an increasing sound level)

[London - service channel]

(Nova is in the service channel as the shockwave hits. The hull punctures and, as he tries to block the holes, sealing gel floods in, engulfing him)
NOVA: Help...

[London - computer section]

(Avon starts to examine the computer)

[London - flight deck]

LEYLAN: Damage?
DAINER: Three hull punctures, sir. They're all sealed and solid.
LEYLAN: Okay, carry on. What was the force?
ARTIX: Down to nine again. It's reducing.
LEYLAN: Not before time. Where's that echo?
ARTIX: It's practically on top of us! We're on a collision course!
RAIKER: (into communicator) Get those scans fixed! Come on! Move it!

[London - computer section]

AVON: Prison compartments ...scanners...
(his tool touches a contact causing sparks)

[London - living quarters]

(the light on the security camera goes out)
VILA [OC]: Off.
BLAKE: Here we go. ...(to one of the other prisoners) Ready.
JENNA: Come on Avon...
(the guard spots the security camera is not working)
JENNA: He's spotted it! Gan!
(Gan disables the guard)
BLAKE: Oh, come on Avon, the door, come on.

[London - computer section]

(as Avon continues to work the technician comes to and a fight ensues)

[London - living quarters]

BLAKE: Bring the guard. (to the guard) Open the door. (to others) Put his hand on the door.
(Jenna fails to unclench the guard's hand)
GAN: Look, we only need the hand. If you want to stay attached to it, do as you're told.
(the guard opens the door)

[London - computer section]

(the fight continues and Avon finally overcomes the technician. He uses the tool on a panel on the computer console)

[London - flight deck]

(the door opens unaided, attracting the crew's attention)
ARTIX: All checks complete, the fault must be in the computer.
LEYLAN: Get down there, Mister Raiker.

[London - corridor]

BLAKE: Spread out and find the armoury. Jenna?
JENNA: What?
BLAKE: Let's find the computer room.

[London - another corridor]

RAIKER: All the doors are open!
ARTIX: Well, perhaps that last shockwave did more damage than we thought! It looks like the whole system's been disrupted!
RAIKER: Let's find out.

[London - corridor]

(the corridors converge)
JENNA: Blake! Watch out!
(Blake and Raiker swap shots. The door to the computer section opens)
AVON: Blake!
BLAKE: (to Jenna) Now!
(Blake fires a shot and joins Jenna in the computer section)
BLAKE: Close the door! Come on! Quickly!

[London - corridor outside computer section]

RAIKER: Get up to the flight deck! Tell the old man what's happening!

[London - computer section]

(an alarm sounds)
AVON: Now what?
JENNA: Cripple the ship!
BLAKE: We've got all the bargaining power we need. Use it!
AVON: (to Jenna) Excuse me!
(Avon moves Jenna aside and points the tool at another contact)

[London - flight deck]

(all the flight deck panels blink out and the alarm dies)
LEYLAN: What the hell's going on!
ARTIX: The prisoners have escaped, sir, and they've got hold of the computer.
LEYLAN: What! Come on!

[London - corridor]

VILA: 'Find the armoury,' he says. I don't even like guns.
(two guards appear. Gan grabs their gun arms)
GAN: Grab the guns!
(Vila and a prisoner each grab a gun each. Dainer and another guard appear)
GAN: Stay right there, or we'll kill them. Drop your guns!
(Vila complies! Dainer shoots the other prisoner)
DAINER: Move and you're dead!
GAN: Vila!
VILA: I got confused.
DAINER [OC]: Hands on your heads. Now move, single file.

[London - corridor outside computer section]

LEYLAN: They're still in there?
RAIKER: Yes sir.
LEYLAN: (into communicator) This is Commander Leylan. If you come out immediately and surrender yourselves, you will be treated leniently,...

[London - computer section]

LEYLAN: (on communicator) ...if not, my men will blast their way in and you'll suffer the consequences.
BLAKE: Those are your terms?
LEYLAN: Yes.
BLAKE: These are mine. You will hand over all your weapons to my men. Whilst we hold the computer, the ship is helpless...

[London - corridor outside computer section]

BLAKE: (on communicator) ...It will remain that way until you agree. You will then fly this ship to the nearest habitable planet where the prisoners will disembark...

[London - computer section]

BLAKE: ...Any attempt by your men to break into this room and we'll destroy the computer, ...totally. That's all.
LEYLAN: (on communicator) Now Blake. Blake, listen to me very carefully...

[London - corridor outside computer section]

LEYLAN: ...There is something large, travelling very near us, and we've been running blind.

[London - computer section]

LEYLAN: (on communicator) We may be on a collision course...

[London - corridor outside computer section]

LEYLAN: ...You're putting everybody's life at risk!
BLAKE: (on communicator) Better make up your mind quickly then.
(Blake terminates the exchange. Dainer shoots a prisoner who has moved towards the computer section)
LEYLAN: Dainer!
DAINER: Sir?
LEYLAN: He wasn't armed.
DAINER: We were lucky they couldn't find the armoury. We've got most of them back to their quarters, we're just mopping up now.
LEYLAN: So I see, Dainer...
DAINER: Some of our men have been injured, sir.
LEYLAN: And the prisoners?
DAINER: We've killed six.
LEYLAN: Six?
DAINER: Seven, ...in the course of quelling a riot and protecting the ship, sir.
LEYLAN: Very well. Carry on, Dainer.
DAINER: Thank you, sir.
RAIKER: I can get them out of there, sir.
LEYLAN: How?
RAIKER: I want a free hand to take whatever action I think necessary. Do I have your permission, sir?
LEYLAN: All right.
RAIKER: Come on!

[London - computer section]

JENNA: What do you think they'll do?
BLAKE: Their time's running out.
JENNA: So's ours.
BLAKE: We have less to lose.
AVON: You may have, but I value my life!
JENNA: Assuming they do land us somewhere, what then?
BLAKE: Find a way of getting back to Earth.
JENNA: Back to Earth?
BLAKE: Yes. That's where the heart of the Federation is. I intend to see that heart torn out.
AVON: I thought you were probably insane.
BLAKE: That's possible! They butchered my family, my friends. ...They murdered my past and gave me tranquillised dreams.
JENNA: At least you're still alive.
BLAKE: No! Not until free men can think and speak. Not until power is back with the honest man.
AVON: Have you ever met an honest man?
JENNA: (glancing at Blake) Perhaps.
AVON: Listen to me. Wealth is the only reality, and the only way to obtain wealth is to take it away from somebody else. Wake up, Blake! You may not be tranquillised any longer, but you're still dreaming.
JENNA: Maybe some dreams are worth having.
AVON: You don't really believe that.
JENNA: No, but I'd like to.
BLAKE: Yes, well, you asked me what I was going to do and I've told you. What you do is up to yourselves.
AVON: Right. A new identity, a job in the Federation banking system. Three months with their computers, I could lift a hundred million credits and nobody would know where they went. Then let anyone try and touch me.
BLAKE: And the rest?
AVON: Have the same chance as I have.
BLAKE: You don't really believe that.
(communicator bleeps)

[London - living quarters]

RAIKER: (into communicator) Blake? Blake ...switch on your vision panel ...scanner thirty-four. There's something I want you to see.

[London - computer section]

RAIKER: (on vision panel) You have a clear view of our little assembly, Blake?
BLAKE: We see you.
RAIKER: Then lock off the scanner and keep watching.
(they see one of the prisoners shot)

[London - living quarters]

RAIKER: I'm going to kill one of your friends every thirty seconds starting now.

[London - computer section]

RAIKER: (on vision panel) I'll stop when you give yourselves up, or I run out of prisoners.
BLAKE: Raiker! Listen to me!

[London - living quarters]

BLAKE: (on communicator) Raiker, damn you, those men are unarmed!
RAIKER: The talking's over, Blake.
BLAKE: Let me talk to Leylan!
(Raiker terminates the exchange)

[London - computer section]

BLAKE: Raiker! Raiker!

[London - living quarters]

(Raiker shoots another prisoner)

[London - computer section]

BLAKE: Open the door.
AVON: You're throwing away our only chance.
BLAKE: Open the door!
LEYLAN: Hands on your heads. Stand where you are.
BLAKE: Raiker's switched off. ...Tell him we're coming out ...and quickly!

[London - living quarters]

(Artix comes in and talks to Raiker)

[London - computer section]

(on vision panel Raiker shoots another prisoner)
LEYLAN: Move it.

[London - corridor outside computer section]

BLAKE: Commander, your first officer is guilty of murder. I demand that this incident is fully reported in your log.
LEYLAN: Now don't tell me how to run my ship, Blake Everything that happens here is logged and filed with the Flight Authority and they'll take whatever action they deem necessary.
RAIKER: You could have won, Blake. All you needed was guts.
BLAKE: I'll settle for yours!
(Blake lunges for Raiker but is restrained by guards. Raiker punches him in the stomach)
RAIKER: Take them back. Put them in close confinement. ...Not the girl. She and I have some unfinished business, ...or did you think I'd forgotten?
LEYLAN: Mister Raiker! Have you gone completely mad? Put her with the others. Mister Artix, get a technical squad in there. I want that computer fully functional in ten minutes. ...Mister Raiker! ...This time you went too far. There'll be an official inquiry.
RAIKER: Naturally, sir, and I'm sure you'll confirm that I was acting with your full authority. There were other officers present who heard you give me permission to do whatever was necessary.
LEYLAN: Everything that was said or done by everybody, ...including me, ...will be in my report.

[London - passenger cabin]

JENNA: How do you feel?
BLAKE: Sick.
AVON: So you should. What a fiasco. You could take over the ship, you said, if I did my bit. Well, I did my bit, and what happened? Your troops bumble around looking for someone to surrender to, and when they succeeded, you followed suit.
JENNA: What do you think they'll do to us?
BLAKE: Something unfriendly.
JENNA: For a while, I really thought we'd made it.
BLAKE: It was my fault.
AVON: We know.
BLAKE: I'll try and do better next time.
AVON: We had one chance. You wasted it. There won't be a next time.
JENNA: In which case, you can die content.
AVON: Content?
JENNA: Knowing that you were right.

[London - flight deck]

RAIKER: We have power back, sir.
LEYLAN: About time.
ARTIX: We have normal functions on all systems. They're phasing them in now.
LEYLAN [OC]: Have we got scan yet?
ARTIX: Not yet.
LEYLAN: Get me a blind reading on that echo.
ARTIX: It's very close.
RAIKER: These readings have got to be wrong!
ARTIX: We've got the scan back.
LEYLAN [OC]: Right, get me a picture.
(Liberator is on the viewscreen)
RAIKER: I don't believe it!
LEYLAN: Take us in as close as you can Mister Raiker.
RAIKER: Yes sir.
ARTIX: Where could it have come from?
LEYLAN: I've never seen a ship like that before in my life. She seems to be drifting. Mister Raiker, maintain this distance.
RAIKER: Right sir.
LEYLAN: Try and make contact, Mister Artix. Sound and vision.
ARTIX: This is Civil Administration ship London out of Earth bound for Cygnus Alpha. Please identify yourself.

[Liberator in space]

(with the dwarfed London passing by it)

[London - flight deck]

RAIKER: I reckon she was involved in that space battle we picked up. She got caught in the big blast and the crew were either killed or got out in the life rockets.
(a close-up of Liberator is on the viewscreen)
LEYLAN: It's possible. No visible sign of damage, though.
RAIKER [OC]: No sign of life either.
LEYLAN [OC]: Well if she's been completely abandoned...
RAIKER: We could put on a boarding party. You know how much that ship would be worth in prize money if we could get her to a Federation planet? Millions of credits. Millions!
LEYLAN: Leave a skeleton crew on it. We could do that.
RAIKER: It's got to be worth a try!
LEYLAN: Yes it has.
LEYLAN: (into communicator) Er, Section Four? Stand by to run out a transfer tube. Wallace and Teague?
TEAGUE: (on communicator) Sir?
LEYLAN: Kit out with your survival units. I'll be with you in a minute. (to Raiker) Right, take us in as close as you can and keep us there.
RAIKER: Yes sir.

[London - transfer tube port]

LEYLAN: Good.
KRELL: Transfer tube ready, sir.
LEYLAN: All right. Begin extension.

[London in space]

(the transfer tube extends towards Liberator and docks)

[London - transfer tube port]

KRELL: Locked on, sir. Air pressure established, sir.
LEYLAN: Now, keep your communicators open at all times. I want a full report of conditions inside that ship. If there is anyone alive over there, I want you to make peaceful contact. Weapons are only to be used as defence. Understood?
TEAGUE: Sir.
LEYLAN: All right, in you go. ...All right, open airlock.

[Transfer tube]

TEAGUE: Starting along the transfer tube now, sir.

[London - transfer tube port]

TEAGUE: (on communicator) We're against the hull. It is a hatch entrance. I'm about to activate the remote lock activator

[Transfer tube]

TEAGUE: No response ...circuit one ...No response ...circuit two.

[London - transfer tube port]

TEAGUE: (on communicator) No response ...circuit three...

[Transfer tube]

TEAGUE: No! Wait! It's opening. ...There's a powerful light source from somewhere. We're going in now.

[London - transfer tube port]

LEYLAN: Krell? Get kitted up and standby to give backup if it's needed.
TEAGUE: (on communicator) We're in some sort of a cylinder. Type of airlock, I think. It's turning! It's fantastic, sir. I ...I don't believe it!
LEYLAN: (into communicator) What is it? What's happening?
TEAGUE: Well, we've come out into what must be some sort of a flight deck I think, but it's like nothing I've ever seen before.
LEYLAN: Well, describe it later. Now ...now give me life support readout.
TEAGUE: Pressure normal, ...minimal radiation, ...breathable oxygen atmosphere.
LEYLAN: Good, good. Now, is there anybody on board?
TEAGUE: Not that we've seen so far, but... ...I'm sorry? What was that?
LEYLAN: I didn't speak!
TEAGUE: Somebody did, ...somebody (there is a burst of static) said something a...
LEYLAN: Teague! Report! Wallace! Where the hell is that backup man?!
KRELL: Ready, sir.
LEYLAN: Right. Get across there as fast as you can. ...Right, open airlock.

[London - flight deck]

LEYLAN: (on communicator) Raiker. Let Artix take the ship. Get down here.
RAIKER: Right sir.

[Transfer tube]

(Krell moves towards Liberator)

[London - transfer tube port]

KRELL: (on communicator) I'm in the airlock ...and it's turning. ...I'm inside. ...The design is strange to me. ...All the flight control positions are empty!
LEYLAN: (into communicator) All right, ...all right. Now, ...now don't move. Now, just look around and tell me what you see.
KRELL: (on communicator) What? I heard something.
LEYLAN: What is it?
KRELL: It's whispering. ...Sh. ...Yes, ...yes I hear you ...Davor?! What are you ...What are they doing to you! No! No! (there is another burst of static) No!!
LEYLAN: Krell! Krell! Answer me! Krell! Now listen to me Krell. ...If I have no signal from you within three minutes, I'm withdrawing the transfer tube. Three minutes!
RAIKER: Wait! We can't give up that easily. That ship's worth a fortune.
LEYLAN: Looks like I've already lost three men. I'm not risking any more of my crew.
RAIKER: Then use prisoners. ...They've got nothing to lose. Use Blake and the other two. Let them take the risks. ...Why not?
LEYLAN: We might save the other three.
RAIKER: Right. At least we'll have tried.
LEYLAN: Right. Get them equipped and bring 'em down here...

[London - flight deck]

(Artix is studying the controls when the communicator bleeps)
LEYLAN: (on communicator) Leylan.
ARTIX: I don't know if it's significant, sir, but I'm picking up a specific focused energy field close by. ...I presume it's the other ship?
LEYLAN: Is it constant?
ARTIX: Well, that's the odd thing ...there've been two violent discharges ...right off the scale, but after each the source dropped back to constant.

[London - transfer tube port]

LEYLAN: Thank you, Mister Artix. (to Blake, Jenna and Avon) I hope Mister Raiker's made it clear to you that you can refuse to do this.
BLAKE: Oh yes. He's also made it clear that summary execution's one of our options. We chose the other.
LEYLAN: Well if you're successful, I promise ...that I'll get your sentences quashed.
AVON: And if we're not?
RAIKER: Then you'll have no more problems anyway.
JENNA: What is it that we have to do?
LEYLAN: Find out what's happened to my men and see if it's safe to send a boarding party across.
BLAKE: All right.
JENNA: I've had worse offers.
LEYLAN: Good.
BLAKE: Do we get weapons?
RAIKER: I'll toss them into the airlock ...once you're inside.
BLAKE: Very wise. ...All right, open the hatch.
LEYLAN: Open hatch.
(Krell emerges from the airlock, screaming, grabs Raiker by the neck who then overpowers him)
RAIKER: Get him out of here.
JENNA: What do you suppose did that to him?
AVON: That's what we're supposed to find out. Execution may have some appeal after all.
BLAKE: Let's go.
LEYLAN: Right, open it up.

[Transfer tube]

(they cross to Liberator and find Wallace dead at the entrance)

[Flight deck]

JENNA: Its beautiful!
AVON: Look at that instrumentation.
JENNA: A ship like this could go anywhere!
(Avon discovers Teague)
AVON: This one is dead also.
(there is a hum and they see a glowing sphere hanging over the flight deck)
JENNA: What is it?
BLAKE: I don't know.
(they all see visions)
BLAKE: You're dead. Those tapes are forgeries. You're dead! ...No, no. Get back!
(Blake pushes Jenna away. He fails to push Avon away)
AVON: I must go to him.
(Blake knocks Avon over at the second attempt and as Jenna moves forward again Blake shoots, shattering the sphere)
JENNA: What was it?
BLAKE: I don't know.
JENNA: I saw my mother. It was so real. Then something terrible, a nightmare, but it was my mother.
AVON: I saw my brother. It used him like bait. I had to go closer.
BLAKE: And if you had, it would have killed you. No, that thing took an image out of your minds, a memory, and then projected it back at you as though it were real.
JENNA: But why didn't it affect you?
BLAKE: It did, but somehow I knew it wasn't real. Ha! Seems I can recognise dreams.
LEYLAN: (on communicator) Blake, are you all right?
BLAKE: (into communicator) Yes! We're all right, but we're still checking.

[London - transfer tube port]

LEYLAN: (into communicator) Stay in contact, Blake.
RAIKER: Get me a survival unit.
LEYLAN: What're you gonna to do?
RAIKER: They're still alive. I'm going to make sure they don't get any ideas about staying over there.
LEYLAN: Raiker!
RAIKER: Yes sir.

[Flight deck]

AVON: Blake! This would account for what happened to the crew.
BLAKE: What is it?
AVON: Life rocket launch control, it's been operated.
JENNA: But why?
BLAKE: Maybe that thing drove them out.
AVON: I imagined it was some kind of defence mechanism.
BLAKE: Could this ship operate under her own power?
JENNA: I don't see why not.
BLAKE: But could you pilot her?
JENNA: Eventually I might just be able to make her start and stop.
BLAKE: You've got two minutes, no more. ...Help her Avon.
AVON: What are you going to do?
BLAKE: Check the outer hatch in case someone decides to try and join us.

[London - transfer tube port]

RAIKER: I want a boarding crew kitted out and ready to follow me over.

[Flight deck]

(Blake tries to close the outer hatch)

[Transfer tube]

(Raiker sees Blake and shoots him in the shoulder. He fires a second time)

[Flight deck]

JENNA: Shall we risk it?
AVON: Why not?
(Jenna pulls a switch and the hatch closes)

[Transfer tube]

(Raiker falls over in the tube as it disconnects)

[Liberator in space]

(Liberator begins to move off)

[London in space]

(Raiker flies out into space)

[Flight deck]