"Thanks for stopping." "You're the first person I've seen in days." "Are you nuts?" "This is Visitor territory out here." "I know." "I was up in Santa Cruz when they attacked." "I've been trying to get back to my father's ranch ever since." "A ranch?" "Where?" "It's right outside Mount Wilson." "It's not far from here." "I don't know, 5 miles as the crow flies." "Wilson?" "That's more like 25 if you stick to the road." "Come on." "Put this on." " Lf it's out of your way..." " No, forget it." "By the way, I'm Kyle Bates." "Robin Maxwell." "Nice to meet you, Robin." " What about the road?" " I thought you said you wanted to fly." "It's not much farther now." "Why are we stopping?" "The ranch is up ahead." "Wait a minute." "Wait here." "I'm gonna check it out." "Easy." "Don't try to say anything." "No time." "Club Creole, Main Street." "Take the pouch to the fireman." "What happened to the courier?" "His body was found, but not the pouch he was carrying." "Are you sure he was from the World Liberation Front?" "We've monitored all transmissions between the Resistance in LA... and the WLF in New York." "It's clear they intend to move Elizabeth within the next two weeks." "This courier was to have brought the precise details." "Unless he was a decoy." "Begging your pardon, but when our patrol reached the courier..." " there was another rider there." " Another?" "Who?" " Positive identification was impossible..." " Impossible?" " Why wasn't he brought for interrogation?" " He escaped." "However, from the description... it is possible to believe he was Nathan Bates' son." "How intriguing." "Why wasn't I informed of this earlier?" "I felt you had more important matters to deal with." "I appreciate your concern, Lydia, dear." "But in the future, let me decide what is important." " You still want us to go after Elizabeth?" " The child is a hybrid... the only product of our successful mating with the humans." "Her genes contain information that could help us end the war in weeks." "And make you the conquering hero." "How perceptive." "Order a transport." "I think it's time that I spoke with Nathan Bates." "What about Donovan's son?" "Sean, how would you like to see your father?" "Leave my father alone." "Have him prepared and brought to the embassy." "The drug seems to be wearing off." "Give him another injection of procorb." "I may have some work for him." "You were wonderful!" "I really thought they had us again." "Aren't you staying?" "WLF." "Does that mean anything?" "It's gotta be pretty important to be worth dying for." "I'd better check it out." "Why don't you stay here in case things get tight, okay?" "Look, I know you're worried about your daughter." "But after this morning, it's certain she's not at your father's ranch." "She's just such a little girl." "And we're going to find her, I promise." "Okay?" "Be careful." "You know me." "I don't believe it." "The eggs cost more than the soufflé." "Boss, there is a strangler at the door." " You mean a stranger, right?" " That is right." "A stranger." "He says he's looking to burn someone." "The guy who gave me this didn't make it." "He said to get it to the fireman." "It's got this address on it, but this doesn't look too much like a firehouse." "Look, who invited you, anyway?" "Hey, don't come unstrung." " I guess I just got the wrong spot." " Guess again." "The party's just getting started." "Let's take a seat." " What's your name?" " Kyle Bates." "I used to work for a man named Nathan Bates." "Ever heard of him?" "Maybe." "What's it to you?" "He sold us out to the lizards, and I don't like him." "Well, at least we agree on one thing." "What's he to you?" "My father." "The World Liberation Front seal is on it." "Where's the message?" "I ate it." "How do I know you're the guys I should give it to?" " I'll stand on your neck if you don't." " And you don't want that." "Well, I guess I'm not ready to die for the cause." "Looks like the code." "Lock up the place, and keep him here till I get back." "Humans have such primordial taste in art, Mr. Bates." "Surely you didn't come here to lecture me on aesthetics, Diana." "Or is there some refinement to your personality... that I'm missing?" "Actually I came on two accounts." "First, to thank you for giving us back our embassy." "In the interest of peace... it's always good to keep the channels of communication open." "What was the second reason?" "It's come to my attention that your son is perhaps aiding the Resistance." "I've told you before that I cannot be held responsible for my son's actions." "He has a mind of his own." "Then, in the interest of peace, I suggest you make certain... that he doesn't become a Brakal." "I've never heard of a Brakal... but I'd bet my bottom dollar you're about to explain it to me." "On our planet, Mr. Bates... a Brakal is a creature so mesmerized by fire... that it eventually consumes him." " Meaning?" " Meaning we agreed on an Open City." "The Resistance threatens that agreement." "If your son were to join the Resistance..." "I couldn't possibly guarantee his safety." "I see." "After I finish redecorating the embassy..." "I'll throw a small party for some of our friends." "One last thing." "Since you're so concerned with peace... don't bug my office." "I might misinterpret your intentions." "You shouldn't have come here." "Bates can walk in anytime." "I know." "I don't have any choice." "We gotta get this thing decoded right away." " Here it is." " What?" ""Rendezvous, China Flats..." ""1300 hours, Friday."" "Friday?" "That means we only have 48 hours." "China Flats." "That's 35 miles north of here." "I'm not so sure sending Elizabeth to New York is a very good idea." "With Robin missing, we're the only people that she really knows." "Red Dust is still active in New York." "She needn't worry about Diana there." " What's that?" " Bates." "Julie, could you come in here a minute, please?" "Yes, Nathan." "I'll be right there." "Mind if I ask you a question?" "Aren't you one of them?" "I thought the Visitors only ate live meat." "That is correct." "But I am a veterinarian." "We will open soon, so I must change." "Leave your plate." "I'll bust it later." "Going somewhere, buddy?" " That girl." " Girl?" "What girl?" "I didn't see any girl." "I don't see anybody here but me and you." "I just talked to Donovan." "He said you could go on one condition:" "You keep your mouth shut about this place and us." "You understand?" "I wouldn't even recommend the food." "I want my portrait hung there." "That seems rather human of you, don't you think, Diana?" "You haven't been fighting this war as long as I have." "I want the humans to know who's in charge when they come here." "Whatever you like." "How is the special interrogation room coming?" "The holographic synthesizers will be installed before nightfall." " Although I still don't see the rush." " You will." " You have your orders." " We will be back before dark." "The boy will see to that." "Good hunting, Captain." "Dad, you're awake!" " What hit me?" " You don't remember, do you?" "These blackouts." "Ever since the war ended, you haven't been the same." "Ended?" "The war is over?" " Have the Visitors left?" " Yes, almost a year now." "Thank God you persuaded me to let Elizabeth go to New York..." " and work with the Liberation Front." " Lf she hadn't helped them... they couldn't have perfected the neutron oscillator." "The what?" "The weapon we used to beat them." "Mike, it's happening again." "Call Dr. Harmon." "Tell him your dad's awake, but he's having another relapse." " Wait a minute..." " Don't move." "It'll just make things worse." "Don't worry, you'll get your memory back." "We have to go to Ham Tyler's wedding tomorrow." "Wedding?" "Tyler?" "Who'd marry him?" "Mike, you're his best man." "You're kidding." "I must check my appointment calendar." "I couldn't reach the doctor, so I left a message." "Okay, fine." "Why don't you stay with your father while I go run some errands?" "You two can talk baseball." "I'll stop back later with something to eat." "I make a most convincing Julie, don't I?" "Very impressive." "I must confess a certain skepticism in all this machinery." "State-of-the-art holographic generators... plus 200 cc's of contramine." "Donovan's convinced he's in his own bedroom." "Unless, of course, he tries to go outside." "The drug will prevent him from getting out of bed for at least 24 hours." "By then he will have told us every detail of the Star-child's rendezvous." "He'd better." "A second dose of contramine would kill him." "Dear Lydia, always so negative." "If you need to enter the room, slip one of these around your neck." "The holographic generator has been programmed... so you appear to be someone he knows." "Personally, I prefer old-fashioned torture." "At least you had some fun." "Fun is all in the knowing how." "Meanwhile, why not send someone for Donovan's appointment calendar... in case he asks for it again." "Okay, I've got your fake birth certificate and your driver's license." "This is very important." "Until you get to New York... you'll be traveling under the name Elizabeth Dunne." "Have I done something wrong?" "Wrong?" "Sweetheart, no." "We just want you to go where it's safe." "New York?" " But I don't know anyone there." " You will." "I promise you... when we find your mother, she'll join you." "And you?" "I can't go with you." "I have to stay here and fight for peace." "What a confusing world." "Fight for peace." "Isn't that a contradiction?" "Yeah, it sure is." "There are a lot of contradictions in this world." "I bet it's really difficult for you." "Someday am I gonna have to fight for peace?" "I hope not." " Julie, excuse." " Yeah." "They have need for you upstairs." "Okay, listen." "If you like, I'll go with you to the plane tomorrow, okay?" "Yes, I'd like that." "Good luck, sweetheart." "Afraid?" "Everything is so strange and new." "It is a very strange world." "It's not just this place, it's me." "Like yesterday, there was this boy." "We touched, only for a moment... but I can't forget how it made me feel." "All frightened and excited at the same time." "Yes, I have had those feelings for a human, too." " You must be careful." " Why?" "Human love can sometimes be very painful." "I must go now." "Thank you." "How's it look?" "Nothing a new transmission or engine wouldn't fix." " Have you heard from Donovan?" " Not since yesterday." "Why?" "Julie says nobody's seen him since last night." "He was supposed to get extra cars." "Maybe it took longer than expected." "Yeah, I guess you're right." "How many changes are we gonna need?" "At least two:" "One at Griffith Park, and one in the Hollywood Hills." "That means we'll have to get past Bates' checkpoint in Cahuenga Pass." "The police are checking everyone for Resistance people." "Get in and turn it over." "What's this "we"?" " I'm going with you." " Won't that blow your cover?" "I don't have any choice." "Elizabeth trusts me." "I won't let her down." "Even if you have to jeopardize the Resistance?" "Whatever it takes." "Funny, you always said put the cause in front of the individual." "What are you doing back here?" "I thought it over." "You guys look like you could use some help." "Dude, I told you, we don't want any, all right?" "Checked the distributor?" "Actually, there was this girl that I saw here yesterday..." "Look, man, I told you." "We don't want any." "Suit yourself." "Wait a minute." "Can you find two more like that... and meet me at the Mulholland cut-off at noon tomorrow?" "Maybe." "Why?" "I thought I'd show you how to ride, smart guy." "You're on, old man." "Just be there." "What, are you crazy, man?" "He's asking about Elizabeth." "He's asking about some girl." "When he realizes she's Elizabeth, she'll be in New York." " Besides, we need him." " What for?" "Rule to live by:" "Never go anywhere without Plan B." " So where are you going?" " To check on Donovan." "Don't let Julie talk you into anything till I get back." "I'm glad you're awake." "I thought we could share a bite." "Thanks, but I'm afraid I'm not very hungry." "How are you going to get better if you don't eat?" "I don't know." "You know, I was just thinking how peaceful it is." "It's hard to get used to the war being over." "It seems so sudden to me." "Funny, that's exactly what you said the last time this happened." "I'm sorry, that must have been pretty rough on you." "Sean's been a big help." "I'm glad." "About the last thing I remember... was Sean... just before these Visitors grabbed me." "You mean, you don't remember getting Elizabeth to New York?" "I remember planning the rendezvous... the time, the place." "I'll never forget that Saturday." "What's this?" "You're married?" "You're not getting out of it that easily." "We're married." " We?" " Yes." " When?" " Right after the war." "That's terrific, and I don't remember a thing." "You're gonna have to fill me in on the details." "First let's have a piece of pastry." "Sean went out especially." "Maybe later." "Disgusting." "But how do you know they've got him?" "All I know is what happened when I got to Donovan's." "Do you have any idea where they could have taken him?" "The lizard I found there wasn't much on small talk." "Why don't you go find Donovan, and I'll take the kid to the chopper." "No, I promised her." "She's been let down by too many people already." "You better get a move on to make that rendezvous." "The van's in the alley and gassed." "Let's go." "I'll never forget you both." "Neither will we." "Good purchase." "Goodbye, Willie." "Morning, Dad." "Julie said you were having breakfast." "Thought I'd bring you the paper." "Thanks, kiddo." "The way my head feels this morning, I'm not up to much reading." "Yeah, that's okay." "I was hoping we'd get a chance to talk, anyway." "There's an article on the front page about Elizabeth." "It makes it sound like she won the war single-handedly." "That sounds like you don't believe it." " Maybe I just know the truth." " Really?" "And what is the truth?" "That if you hadn't gotten her to the rendezvous that day... she could've never done a thing." "It was a war, son." "Everybody had to do a part." "I just wanted to let you know that I know you were the real hero, Dad." "Thanks, kiddo." "Just hearing that from you makes me feel good." "One thing I never figured out, though." "How did the Liberation Front tell you where they'd pick her up... without Diana ever finding out?" "We decoded a secret message sent by courier and the rest was easy." "Yeah?" "What did it say?" "That's funny." "I can't remember what happened yesterday, but I remember that message." ""Rendezvous chopper, China Flats..." ""1300 hours, Friday."" "Hey, I wouldn't worry." "It'll all come back soon." "I've got to go run an errand for Julie." " I'll see you later." " Okay." "It looks like a pretty nice day out." "Maybe later, we can get together and play some catch." "Yeah, sure." "As soon as I get back." "Papers." "There you go." "Science Frontiers?" "You want to step out and let me see what's in back?" "Check the pass, pal." "That's top priority." "I've got orders to deliver to Bates himself." "You've got orders and I've got orders." "Let's not make life tougher than it already is." "I've got to see what's in back." "Come on, out." "Come on, let's go!" "I still don't understand why I can't come with you." "I told you before, I'm not sure what I've gotten myself into." "Then why go?" "I said I would." "Look, Robin, I know it's tough losing your little girl." "But we're gonna find her." "It's just a matter of time." "It's just that right now I've got some things that I've got to do." "All right?" "All right." "Who's that?" "My father." "Why don't you go inside?" "I see you have company." "You might at least introduce me to your lady friend." "Well, that's all right." "I was the same way when I was your age." "Nice tie." "Kind of matches Diana's eyes." "I see you haven't changed your opinion of the deal I struck." " I call them like I see them." " I did it for you, you know." "No, you did what you did for a lot of reasons... the same reasons you've always done things your way:" "Business, brinksmanship, and bucks." "The three "B"s." "Kyle begins with a "K," remember, Dad?" "So don't pin this one on me." "You think you'd be living here lizard-free, if it wasn't for the Open City deal?" "Lizard-free." "What an interesting idea." " Too bad it doesn't really apply." " Of course it does." "For 50 square miles within the confines of Los Angeles." "In case you hadn't noticed, Dad, LA is crawling with Visitors." "They come and go as they please." "That's the bargain." " But they leave us in peace." " For now... while they chow down on the rest of the planet." "Kyle, let me tell you something." "We both know there's a free world out there, fighting for its life." "God knows where we'd all be without the Red Dust keeping them at bay." "I'm just trying to bide a little time till I find a way to win this war." "But I can't do that if the peace is constantly jeopardized... by groups of dissidents, like the Resistance." "Great." "You buy time your way, I'll buy time mine." "Then you're with the Resistance?" "I didn't say that." "Where are you going?" "To test the bikes." "Call Headquarters." "I want a house-to-house of the entire area." "This is Grid 13, from Point Street bridge." "We have Resistance fighters on foot." "Officer requests assistance." "Out." "Are you sure he said 1300 hours?" " Today at China Flats." " That leaves us less than two hours." "Get me the coordinates for China Flats and have an assault team standing by." "Yes, Commander." "I want to supervise the capture of the Star-child myself." "You've done very well." "I've been looking for a bright boy... who appreciates the possibilities of peaceful coexistence." "How would you like a commission in the Young Guards?" "Would I get to wear a real uniform?" "Certainly." "See to it right away." "So you believe him?" "As long as he's on the regular dosage of procorb... the boy's mind is ours." "And you're certain a single assault team will be enough?" "To retrieve a little girl from a handful of malcontents?" "I'm sure that one will be more than enough." "Then perhaps I could dispose of Donovan permanently." "Just don't botch the job." "Little girl?" "She isn't a little girl anymore." "She's..." "If there's one thing I can't stand, it's a two-faced woman." "It's nice to see you keep your appointments." "You're late." "Yeah, we missed our bus." "We'll need two more of these." "You must be Kyle." "I'm Juliet Parrish." "This is Elizabeth Dunne." "Yeah, we've met." "I know who you are and the chance you're taking." "I thank you." "Yes, thank you." "Forget it." "My father and I don't agree on much anymore." "This is an interesting way to decorate your bike." "Lizard repellent." "Never leave home without it." "What's the quickest way to China Flats?" "There's a short cut through the glen." "That is, if you can keep up." "I'll keep up." "Hey, pal, is this Thursday or Friday?" " Friday, why?" " 'Cause I'm late." " You ride a pretty mean bike." " Mean?" "Tough." "You know, good." "I'm sorry you've got to go." "Will I see you again?" "Too many promises." "Maybe someday." "Someday soon." "Time to go, Elizabeth." " See you around." " I hope so." "Mind the store, hotshot." "We'll be right back." "Ambush!" "Get to the chopper!" "After him!" "Don't let him escape!" "I'm afraid this flight's been cancelled." "Mr. Tyler, we meet again." "The child." "You were supposed to bring Elizabeth." "She's grown." "You're more beautiful than I expected." "But then, your father was quite handsome before he was killed." "Isn't that right, Mr. Tyler?" "I wouldn't know." "My tastes don't run to reptiles." "Save your humor for the Mothership, Mr. Tyler." "A shuttle craft is on its way." "And who have we here?" "Staff car approaching, Diana." "By the speed, it appears to be urgent." " Why isn't he slowing down?" " He's coming straight at us!" "It's Donovan!" "Diana's got Elizabeth." "Let her go." "You must be joking." "Catch!" "Tyler, we were beginning to worry about you." "Did you get rid of that limo?" "I parked it a block from the embassy with the engine running." " What?" " You gave it back to them?" "Yes, with the tires slashed and enough sand in the crankcase... to make it the biggest metal bookend in LA." "All right." "You know, we were really lucky today." "No, I was very lucky." "And I'd like to thank you, all of you... for trying to get me safely to New York." "But I've thought about it." "I don't want to leave you all." "You're my friends." "Safety without you, it wouldn't mean anything." "Are you sure?" "I'm positive." "I guess it's settled." "Except for one thing." "Hey, Kyle... like I said earlier, we could use some help." "Yeah, well, I've never been much of a joiner." "But I'll be around." "All right." "English"