"Two planets..." "We'll be in range to survey the left-hand planet in 24 hours." "Too distant for visual analysis but the spectrograph looks promising." "Two planets." "Be nice to have a choice." "'Dione, the council has decided, unanimously." "'We strike." "'We strike first before the travelling moon gets any closer.'" "Excellent." "We've waited a long time for this." "Here we are, John." "The data on the left-hand planet." "It's inhabited." "Paul, begin contact procedure." "'The moon is approaching strike position.'" "Perfect, I want Satazius programmed for immediate launch." "'Your crew is aboard and waiting, Dione." "'This may be our last chance." "'You must not fail.'" " Dione." " Dione." "We've picked up a signal from the travelling moon, Dione." "Ignore it." "Touchdown and assault will be as planned." "Stand by for launching." "Launch." "Satazius on course for the moon." " Check." " Check." "Those two planets revolve round the sun, always on opposing sides." "And the remarkable thing is that neither planet is visible to the other." "Commander, powered object approaching." "It's a ship." "Battleship size!" "A colossus." "Activate defence screens." "Put all Eagles on launch pads." "Red alert!" "Defence systems activated, Commander." "Good." "Dione, they've activated their defence systems." "Analyse them and keep monitoring." "Any response from that ship yet?" "No response at all." "I've tried all frequencies." "Still no contact." "Alan, I want every Eagle airborne as soon as possible." "The last ones are going now, sir." "I'm just on my way." "Keep spread out, but approach it together." "Every Eagle to fire simultaneously." " Against that it's our only hope." " Yes, sir." "This isn't quite your style, shoot first, ask questions later." "We've been asking, they don't answer." "Look at the size of it." "It's got enough firepower to blast us out of existence." "Their purpose has got to be aggressive." "If it's not now, it soon will be." "Are you suggesting we wait to find out?" "No, Victor, I can't risk it." "Eagle 5 ready for liftoff." "Eagle 5, hold." "'Eagle 2 ready for liftoff.'" "Eagle 2, hold." "Eagle 1 ready for liftoff." "Hold, Eagle 1." "Alan, all Eagles ready for liftoff." "'Thanks, Paul.' on alert, move into attack positions." "Neutralise all Eagles." "Eagle 1 to all Eagles, after liftoff centre on me above beacon four." "Eagle 1 to Base, I have no liftoff." "What's going on?" " They can't get liftoff." " Try automatic." "Base to Eagle 1, stand by for controlled liftoff." "No go." "All systems check." "All the dual systems check." "'All the safety cut-outs are functioning correctly.'" "Trying again, Alan." "'Eagle 2 to Base, I have no liftoff.'" "Eagle 2, stand by for controlled liftoff." "'Eagle 5 to Base, I have no liftoff.'" "Base to all Eagles, stand by for controlled liftoff." "No go, we can't get them off." "It's impossible." "All the Eagles?" "What the hell is going on?" "Attack force Eagles now out of action." " Computer breakdown on that ship." " Coming through, Commander." "Gyro-magnetic ratio has an anomalous factor two applied to electron spin." "The Landay g-factor expresses..." "That's not what I want." "Gyro-magnetic ratio has..." "Computer's going haywire." "Eagle 1 to Base, I've still no liftoff!" "Alan, we're getting some interference." "It's affecting Computer." "Some kind of ultrasonic magnetic distortion." "Coming into range of moon defensive screens." "Deactivate." "Commander, our defensive screens have been deactivated." "Fluctuating power loss." "Communication systems also down." "Eagle 1 to Base, I do not read you." "I do not read you." "Come in, Base!" "'Eagle 1 to Base, you must...'" " Paul, can you raise Alan?" " It's out of my control." "I need emergency power in the Medical unit." " Paul, switch to emergency power." " Yes, sir." "It seems to be slowing down." " Do you think they're going to land?" " Could be." "Paul, are the communications functioning yet?" "No, sir." " Kano, how's the computer?" " Malfunctioning, sir." " Sandra, any change on the screens?" " Negative, Commander." "Holy cow..." "Activate scanners." "No sign of enemy activity." "Activate missile launcher." "Lock on target." "Everyone down!" "Weapons ranged and ready to fire." "Stand by." "It wasn't aimed at us." "They were firing over us." "It's bombarding the right-hand planet." "No response from the Deltan planet yet." "They will." "And the moment they do, pinpoint their firing positions." "That ship comes from the planet on the left, lands on the moon and attacks the second planet, the one on the right." "Mm." "Those two planets are on opposite sides of their sun." "They can't see each other or fire at each other directly because any missile would be drawn into the sun." "So our arrival has provided them with a ready-made gun platform, right?" "Yeah." "What the hell have we got ourselves into?" "Dione, missiles from Delta." "Track them." "Commander!" "Missile attack!" " Planet on the right!" " Trajectory?" "Delta missiles on random trajectory." "The Deltans have not located our position." "Perfect." "Stand by to fire." "Paul, all non-essential personnel to deep shelters." "All non-essential personnel to the deep shelters." "All Eagles to bunkers." "And you three get down!" "Missiles, range 492." "Deltan missile zeroing in at range 264." "Paul, check for damage." "'Eagle 1 to Base, do you read me?" "'" "Base to Eagle 1, we read you." "Come in, Eagle 1." "'Are you all right?" "'" "All OK." "The shooting match is over, eh?" "Seems to be, for the moment." "See if he has liftoff." " Eagle 1, prepare for liftoff." " Copy." "Alan, go and take a look at that ship." "'Check for damage." "Don't get too close." " 'Any trouble, pull out.'" " Copy." "I'm circling the spaceship now." "Looks pretty knocked out to me." "No signs of life." "Paul!" "Get him out, quick!" "Eagle 1, pull out, Alan!" " 'Pull out!" "'" " Copy." "Paul, Sandra, try and make contact." "Maybe we can get through now." "Kano, test that capsule for any radiation." "Yes, sir." "It's coming towards us." "Yeah, I don't like it." "Probably some sort of escape craft." "Are we gonna let them in?" "How else can we find out what's going on?" "Could be dangerous." "Yeah..." "They didn't fire their big guns at us when they had the chance." " Sandra, Paul, any contact?" " None, Commander." " Kano?" " No radiation hazard." "All clear." "OK, open the airlock to Launch Pad 10." "Keep Eagle 1 up there until that capsule's inside the airlock." "Also, I want three security guards on standby." "Helena, Victor, let's go." "Security, three personnel to Launch Pad 10." "Stand ready." "You ask sanctuary of us?" "Not ask, Commander." "Demand." "Demand?" "!" "It's your aggressive actions which have put this base in danger." "No, you've no rights here." "Then I have nothing to say." "All right." "We'll escort you back to your escape craft." "Take her away." "Wait!" "Think, Commander!" "I have already demonstrated the power of my ship." "We have many ships." "We could overwhelm you if you gave us cause." "Maybe." "But you won't be around to see it." "Take her away." "Listen to me!" "If you send me off this base you will destroy any chance of survival for your people." "We want no part of this war." "It's too late, Commander." "We used your moon to attack Delta." "They will come here seeking revenge." "If you want to live... all of you... you need my help." "You give me no choice." "I'm glad you agree, Commander." "Who are you?" "My name is Dione, I'm the commander of the gunship Satazius." "My ship is now inoperable and I am the only survivor." "Thank you for taking me in." "I could only have lived for a short while." "We did not intend to involve you." "But you did, and now we're in the middle of your war." "We were concerned only with using this travelling moon." "We calculated your approach and planned a strike against our enemies." "We hoped it would be quick and decisive but somehow they anticipated our plans." "They were ready for our attack." "Enemies usually are." "You would understand the problems of fighting from either side of our sun." "We had no direct line to our targets." "We had to have a base in space to bring massive firepower to bear." "Many years ago we tried to use a passing asteroid." "It was too small for our purposes." "Many years ago?" "How long have you been at war?" "We have always been at war." "What is it, Alan?" "I could have sworn that ship was completely knocked out." "Well, isn't it?" "That escape craft managed to get out OK." "I don't know." "So there was one survivor, what's so bad about that?" "I don't know." "'Commander." " 'Spaceship approaching.' - 'Launch Eagles, sir?" "'" "Your Eagle will be no match for them!" "The Deltan gunships have the same capability as ours." "You must not get involved." "Involved?" "We are involved." "Are you suggesting we do nothing?" "I must take defensive positions." "You must remain neutral." "I would love to, but my idea of neutrality is not being a sitting duck." "Your weapons are useless against that ship." "You must do as I say." " Paul?" " 'Commander?" "'" " Keep all Eagles on standby." " 'Yes, sir.'" "Commander?" "If you will allow me a communications link" "I will call up reinforcements to protect Alpha." "What do you care about Alpha?" "You send reinforcements, they send reinforcements." "And where the hell are we?" "In the middle." "No, thank you, lady." "It's not our war." "Everyone down!" "Your turn next." "Of course." "Our people will destroy the enemy gunship." "And then send reinforcements to continue?" "Missiles from Betha!" "They don't have to miss by much to hit Alpha." " All right?" " Yes." "How many are you on Alpha?" " About 300." " Can your Eagles hold them all?" "Just about." "What are you getting at?" "What is... happening to you was never our intention." "So you told me." "I understand your anger." "It's natural you should blame me." "I, er..." "I would like... to help you." "How?" "Get aboard the Eagles, if Alpha is hit they can fly to my planet." "We'd welcome... all of you." "You agree?" "Missile launch from planet Betha." "They've destroyed the Deltan gunship." "Direct hit." "We're back to square one." "Dione's gunship is knocked out and the enemy gunship is destroyed." "Yes, end of round one." "Now what are we going to do, sit and wait for round two?" "No, I think we can be effective, finally." "How?" "By calling it a draw and negotiating a cease-fire." "A cease-fire?" "You said you wanted to help." "A cease-fire would help us." "And frankly, it would help you too." "We don't usually consider such a thing." "But our plan for a quick victory relied on the element of surprise." "We no longer have that advantage." "Our plan has failed." "I'd have to consult my Supreme Command." "I can arrange a link to put you in touch with both planets." "Good." "Kano, programme our communications system to link with both planets." "Dione will give you the specifics." "John, even if this doesn't work it'll be valuable to gain some time." "Every hour Alpha's moving further away, soon we'll be no use to them." " How long?" " About four hours." "Let's keep them talking." "'This is Talos," "'Supreme Commander of the armed forces of the planet Delta.'" "I am John Koenig, Commander of Moonbase Alpha." "'What do you have to communicate?" "'" "I'm responsible for the people here." "Through no fault of ours we have become involved in your war." "If the fighting continues our lives are in jeopardy." "I ask for a cease-fire." "'I appreciate your predicament." "'We did not start this war." "'We were attacked without warning." "'The enemy gunship on your moon had to be destroyed.'" "Your gunship came here and was itself destroyed." "Heavy losses must have been caused." "You have had your revenge." "I ask for a cease-fire." "'I will place your request before the Praesidium.'" "At least we're talking." "Dione, contact your commander." "'I am Theia, Chief Commissioner of Bethan Defence." "'We are fighting a war." "Please be brief.'" "Commissioner Theia, I am John Koenig..." "'I know who you are." "I've been listening to your discussions 'with Commander Talos.'" "Then you are aware I'm asking for a cease-fire?" "'We have been accused of starting this war." "We did not." "'It was started long before we struck the first blow." "'They were unreasonable." "They have always been unreasonable." "'But we are reasonable people." "'You have asked for a cease-fire." "We agree to a cease-fire." "'If Talos also agrees, then we can discuss the terms.'" "'Commander Koenig, we would agree to a cease-fire 'if it could be properly supervised.'" "We can police the cease-fire." "Because of our position here we can see both planets." "We will give a warning if a ship is launched from either planet." " Is that acceptable?" " 'Not quite." "'The Bethans started the war, 'albeit they called it a pre-emptive strike." "'We want to launch a second gunship 'but we will hold it in orbit around our planet.'" "You're saying if the cease-fire breaks down, you want a military advantage?" "'Correct.'" "I don't believe Commissioner Theia will go along with that." "'As I have previously stated, we are reasonable people.'" "'You understand that should the Bethans launch a second gunship 'and you fail to inform us 'we will destroy Alpha.'" "I understand." "Commissioner Theia, do you agree?" "'We agree.'" "You've done it, John." "Yeah, let's hope it sticks." "At least till we're out of range." " Well done, I had my doubts." " Me too." "Congratulations, Commander Koenig." "Thank you for your help." "It was in all our interests." "I would like to renew my offer for your people to live on Betha." "From what I've seen here, you will like us." "Our way of life is similar to yours." "I made the offer at the height of the battle, it still stands." "That's very kind of you, but... we will have to discuss it." "If you'll excuse us, Sandra will show you to her quarters." "Certainly, Commander." "Paul?" "I want two guards with her at all times." "Kano, instruct Computer she is to have no access throughout Alpha." "If there is anything you need..." "Thank you." "Your computer, does it control access to and from these quarters?" "Yes." "Then I'll need one of those." "I am sorry, Commander's orders were that you are to remain here." "A prisoner?" "No, normal security procedure." "I see." "Are you seriously considering her offer?" "We can't afford not to." "We might never get a chance like this again." "Seems they're a lot like us..." "in many ways." "Betha will definitely support our life patterns, but even so I'd like a reconnaissance." "We have no time, Victor." "We've got an invitation from people like us to a planet like our own." "We can't ignore it." "John, Alpha is intact and we're moving out of range." "If we commit ourselves there's no turning back." "And we've only got her word that we'd be welcome." " It's a matter of trust." " Oh." "Do we trust her?" "Guards!" "Commander, Dione, she's gone!" "Commander, look!" "Looks as if we've found Dione." "Yeah." "What's she up to?" "There's only enough air in that thing for an hour or so." "She's making for the gunship." "Why?" "Everything's prepared, Dione." "Get me Commissioner Theia." "'Congratulations, at last we will rid ourselves of the Deltan enemy." "'Betha will be supreme!" "'Annihilate them, Dione.'" "The Moonbase is trying to contact us." "'Dione!" "We gave our word to supervise this cease-fire." "'What are you up to?" "'" "I'm genuinely sorry, Commander, but my plan had to be carried out." "This is war." "'We are fighting for our survival." "'You're surprised?" "Really, you shouldn't be.'" " Your gunship was destroyed." " 'Part of my plan." "'After a near miss I detonated prepared charges." "'It worked, our enemies were deceived.'" "As we were." "But why?" "!" "'It's simple." "We have an active gunship on your moon." "'It's too late for them to get one here so again we have the advantage.'" "And the truce, everything... to gain time." "All planned." "'All planned." "'Again, I'm sorry, 'one does not behave..." "nicely in times of war.'" "All weapons ranged." "Ready for firing." "Firing... now." "Kano, get me through to Talos!" "'You have broken your word.'" "Talos, we've both been tricked!" "We thought the gunship was knocked out but it was a ploy to gain time, to put you off your guard again." "'The cease-fire is ended, the gunship will be destroyed and Alpha too.'" "Talos, I'm responsible for the lives of innocent people." "Believe me, I've not broken my word." "We've both been deceived!" "'You are in a position to give me the exact position of the gunship." "'Give me its coordinates.'" "'You will cooperate.'" "We must remain neutral." "'There can be no neutrality." "'The arrival of your moon has upset the military balance of our worlds." "'We will bombard your base until you either give us those coordinates, 'or the gunship is destroyed." "'The choice is yours.'" "'I heard Talos's threat, Commander." "'Any attempt to do so and we will train our weapons on Alpha." "'And believe me, at this range your destruction is certain.'" "Missiles from Delta." "On target for Alpha." "John!" "The damage, the casualties!" "We can't take much more!" "Dione, I'm coming out there." "'Out?" " 'Out where?" "'" " To your ship." "I'm coming out there now." "'Impossible!" "'" "I helped you, I took you in, you owe me the same option!" "I'm coming out there in a moon buggy, unarmed, alone." "'You would abandon your command?" "Your people?" "'" "I didn't say that!" "What are you trying to say?" "Hold it!" "I'm still in command here." "Do as I say." "Commander, you're cracking up." "I'm coming out." "Don't do that!" "They've cut him off." "Did you turn off the frequency?" "Good." "I had to make that look real." "Tell Technical to stand by for instructions." "Technical, stand by for instructions." "All right, switch on the frequency." "'Cut me off again and I'll blow your head off!" "'Dione, I'm coming out!" "'" "Whether you wish to die on Alpha or the lunar surface is your choice." "'You will not be allowed on board.'" "'Dione, can you hear me?" "'" "'Commander, go back." "There's no place for you here.'" "'Listen, if you stop the bombardment of Delta I'll go back.'" "You would have us give up our victory to preserve you and your base?" "'Yes, now, stop firing.'" "Don't you understand?" "This is total war!" "'Then let me in." "You owe it to me, Dione.'" "Go back to Alpha, Commander." "'We will soon have destroyed all that remains of the Deltan defence.'" "If you return to Alpha you might just survive." "Dione, missile response from Delta." "Commander, take cover!" "'Turn back!" "'" "Missiles from Delta." "On target for Alpha!" "How long before impact?" "Minutes." "'Dione, I beg you, for the last time, stop firing!" "'" "Come on, hurry it!" "Turn back!" "You will not be allowed on board this ship." "'You only have yourself to blame.'" "That moon vehicle, it's a trap." "Turn the guns on it, quick!" "Destroy it!" "It's no use, Dione, the moon buggy is under the range of our guns." "No..." "Goodbye, Dione." "NO!" "Call Delta, tell them the Bethan gunship is destroyed." "And signal Talos, tell him to destroy his missiles." "Signal acknowledged." "What a waste, total waste." "Still, perhaps some good'll come of it." "Maybe now they'll learn how to live together." "We survived, John." "Yes, Helena, but think of the cost." "No further contact, sir." "Evacuation procedure negative, sir." "Situation... normal." "Well, we've got five cases of middle ear damage." "It's not serious, there's nothing permanent." "We're lucky." "I wonder what life on Dione's planet would have been like." "You feeling regret?" "No, no, just curious." "I'd rather take my chances wandering through space than be involved in a permanent war." "Anyway, it's too late now." "Yeah, too late." "They've got their war and we have all of space in which to find a home." "Somewhere."