Teleplay by:
Dennis Spooner
Directed by:
Ken Turner
Created by:
Gerry and Sylvia Anderson & Reg Hill
Producer:
Reg Hill
Executive Producer:
Gerry Anderson
EXTERIOR- DAY - OCEAN
BRITISH DESTROYER
INTERIOR: DESTROYER RADAR ROOM: The Room has several radar consoles and operators. A faint radar trace is picked up on one of the radar screens.
INTERIOR : BRIDGE
The CAPTAIN, FIRST OFFICER COOPER and NAVIGATOR are on the bridge.
NAVIGATOR
(to Captain)
One hundred fifty six degree turn completed, sir.
CAPTAIN
Order a second run.
INTERIOR : RADAR ROOM
The radar trace continues across one of the screens. The RADAR OPERATOR turns on an intercom near his station.
RADAR OPERATOR
(to intercom)
We have a radar trace, sir.
CAPTAIN
(over intercom)
Range?
RADAR OPERATOR
We have a radar trace, sir. Bearing one-four-seven. Mach four, reducing fast.
INTERIOR: BRIDGE
The Captain steps outside, onto the deck. He carries a pair of binoculars and scans the sky.
CAPTAIN
(to Cooper)
Mister Cooper?
COOPER
(moves to stand next to the Captain)
Yes, sir.
CAPTAIN
(hands over binoculars)
Do you see anything?
COOPER
(looking through binoculars)
No, sir. (pause) Oh, yes, there! What is it, sir?
CAPTAIN
(taking binoculars)
I don't know. I've never seen anything like this before.
EXTERIOR : SKY
A U.F.O. can been seen diving towards the water.
EXTERIOR : DESTROYER, OUTSIDE BRIDGE.
CAPTAIN
(watching U.F.O. through binoculars)
It's going down. Action stations.
Cooper goes through the doorway, onto the Bridge and presses an alarm button on one
of the consoles. An alarm sounds throughout the ship.
U.F.O.: In the sky, the U.F.O. approaches, fast.
SHIP
Cooper goes to the doorway to watch.
COOPER
(to Captain)
Is it attacking, sir?
CAPTAIN
I think it is, Mister Cooper.
The U.F.O. approaches more closely.
CAPTAIN
Open fire!
The ship's guns fire on the U.F.O., hitting it. The U.F.O. crashes into the sea.
SHIP:
Close on a camera with a telephoto lens. Titles over:
INTERIOR : SHADO HEADQUARTERS, STRAKER'S OFFICE
STRAKER sits at his desk, looking at a newspaper. On the front page is a fuzzy picture of a U.F.O. over the water.
The intercom buzzes and Straker touches the on button.
STRAKER
(to intercom)
Straker.
EALAND
(off screen over intercom)
General Henderson's here, sir.
STRAKER
(to intercom)
Right ...
After a moment, GENERAL JAMES HENDERSON, enters the office.
HENDERSON
Commander.
STRAKER
Morning, General.
HENDERSON
(sees newspaper on desk-top)
You've read it?
STRAKER
( joking)
Well, hasn't everybody?
HENDERSON
(serious)
Now, if this is why you've asked me down here, I can tell you there'll be an official denial in tomorrow's edition.
STRAKER
Yes, I expected that.
HENDERSON
I stress the word 'official'. Probably a test flight of one of the navy's prototype aircraft. Unfortunate.
STRAKER
(unconvinced)
Yes, hmmm.
HENDERSON
Straker, you're getting too suspicious. It's almost a complex.
STRAKER
(amused)
Well, is that bad?
HENDERSON
(pointing to newspaper)
Look at that photograph. It could be anything.
STRAKER
Yes, including a Ufo.
HENDERSON
There was an immediate inquiry. I was in touch with the Naval board personally. They were satisfied. It's a false alarm.
STRAKER
General, are you warning me off?
HENDERSON
No, I am not warning you off. Even if it does sound like it. How many so-called sightings have turned out to be aircraft?
STRAKER
Look, this was a highly trained naval crew, on a ship equipped with every modern detection device.
Straker moves from his desk to the conference table, which has a coffee service, two cups with saucers, two place settings and a covered dish set up on it.
STRAKER
(sitting at table and pouring two cups of coffee)
Let's have breakfast.
HENDERSON
(moving to sit at the table)
There wasn't the time. It happened too fast.
STRAKER
And the wreckage sank with no attempt at salvage.
HENDERSON
The ocean's too deep at that point.
STRAKER
Well, I take it, you've no objections if I conduct my own investigation?
HENDERSON
No. None at all. But don't expect any co-operation from the naval authorities. They've accepted the findings.
STRAKER
Hmmm..
HENDERSON
You have checked the records for that day, I take it?
STRAKER
Yes.
HENDERSON
And?
STRAKER
Well, there were no Ufo sightings, if that's what you mean.
HENDERSON
None got through, eh?
STRAKER
No, none that we know of. But they have before.
HENDERSON
Not for a long time. Since your defense tightening, in fact.
STRAKER
General, please don't underestimate their intelligence. It has always only been a matter of time before they discover a way to pierce our screens.
Straker lifts the lid on covered dish to reveal toast. He offers the plate to Henderson.
STRAKER
Toast?
HENDERSON
No, thank you.
Straker takes a piece of toast from the plate and takes a bite.
EXTERIOR: DAY: GOLF COURSE
Straker and PAUL FOSTER are playing golf. Foster's ball is in the sand trap and he is having difficulty getting out. Straker stands on the edge, watching.
STRAKER
Now, try hitting the sand behind the ball.
Foster tries Straker's suggestion and gets his ball out of the trap. He begins to follow his ball.
STRAKER
Oh, Paul ...
Foster looks at him. Straker indicates the footprints in the sand.
STRAKER
You're supposed to smooth over your tracks.
Foster goes back and scuffs over his footprints before following Straker after his golf ball.
FOSTER
Tell me, what do you see in this?
STRAKER
Oh, relaxation, exercise, a chance to forget your problems.
FOSTER
You've done nothing but talk about it ever since we started.
STRAKER
Well, I have a lot on my mind, Paul.
They come to Foster's golf ball on the fairway.
STRAKER
Well, here you are. I suggest you try a (pause) number nine iron on this shot, Paul.
Foster selects a golf club from his bag and swings at the ball. The ball arcs a long way down the fairway.
STRAKER
Good shot.
Foster and Straker walk after the ball.
FOSTER
You said Henderson seemed convinced the sighting that ship made was a false alarm.
STRAKER
Did I? Oh, yes, I suppose he did.
FOSTER
And your theory about the aliens piercing our defensive screen doesn't hold up.
STRAKER
Oh? Why?
FOSTER
The interceptors destroyed a Ufo this morning.
STRAKER
Yes, true.
FOSTER
Well, how come we managed to stop that one?
STRAKER
Look, Paul. It's a battle of wits between us and them. And if they have made a
breakthrough, they wouldn't want us to know, would they?
FOSTER
You mean, this morning was a sacrifice?
STRAKER
It could be, couldn't it? We destroy a Ufo, feel secure in our defenses and then they just
write off that sighting.
FOSTER
Well, if it was a Ufo, why didn't it fire on the ship?
STRAKER
Ah, now, that would have been proof.
Foster is obviously skeptical.
STRAKER
You don't buy it, do you, Paul?
FOSTER
No.
STRAKER
Well, you could be right.
EXTERIOR : SOMEWHERE UNDER THE OCEAN
SKY-DIVER is seen dropping slowly into an underwater valley.
INTERIOR : SKY-DIVER
CAPTAIN LEW WATERMAN, THREE CREW-MEMBERS and COLONEL
VIRGINIA LAKE are in the control chamber of Sky-Diver. Waterman is watching gauges with
one of the crew-members. He seems worried.
WATERMAN
Depth six hundred (pause) six-twenty, maximum pressure. (pause)
six-forty, Colonel.
LAKE
I heard you the first time, Captain. Continue the dive.
WATERMAN
Six-eighty (long pause) Seven-fifty.
A buzzer sounds. Waterman checks it on one of the wall panels.
WATERMAN
(to Lake)
Pressure malfunction,
LAKE
Level.
WATERMAN
(to crew)
Level out!.
EXTERIOR : GOLF COURSE
Foster and Straker walking to next hole.
STRAKER
Tell me something, Paul. Do you know Sheringham?
FOSTER
The admiral?
STRAKER
Yes.
FOSTER
Not personally.
STRAKER
(reticent)
Well, do you know anyone in his department?
FOSTER
(amused)
Oh, now I know why I'm here. All right, what do you want me to find out?
STRAKER
I want to find out why that Admiralty board reached such a fast decision. You see, I think that ship was where it was for a special reason. A reason the navy wants to keep secret. Now, the aliens want to know why, and so do we.
Straker swings at his golf ball. The ball lands in a water trap.
EXTERIOR : SKY-DIVER
INTERIOR : SKY-DIVER
WATERMAN
(to Crew-member 1 at sonar)
Yes?
CREW-MEMBER 1
Nothing on the scanners, sir.
WATERMAN
Keep tracking.
Several lights on a console blink on, Crew-member 2 checks the readings.
CREW-MEMBER 2
The engine's overheating.
WATERMAN
Hold full power.
There is the sound of crunching, groaning metal.
WATERMAN
(to Lake)
Forward plates are buckling.
CREW-MEMBER 2
Eight-seventy.
CREW-MEMBER 1
(to Waterman)
Engine two's giving out, sir.
WATERMAN
Hold power.
CREW-MEMBER 1
(worried)
It'll burn up, sir.
WATERMAN
Hold full power.
CREW-MEMBER 2
Eight-eighty.
EXTERIOR : SKY-DIVER continuing down into the trench.
INTERIOR : SKY-DIVER
CREW-MEMBER 2
Steady at nine hundred. Maintaining level course, Captain.
LAKE
(to Waterman)
Take her back to six hundred?
WATERMAN
(to crew)
Up to six hundred.
LAKE
(to Crew-member 2)
Sonar?
CREW-MEMBER 2
Colonel?
LAKE
(irritated)
Find anything?
CREW-MEMBER 2
No, Colonel.
LAKE
Nothing. (pause) How much water below us?
CREW-MEMBER 2
Two hundred fathoms, sir.
LAKE
I see.
WATERMAN
We could try again.
LAKE
No, no. It's too deep. (pause) Thank you, Captain.
EXTERIOR : OFFICE BUILDING IN LONDON.
The sign indicates the building belongs to the British Admiralty.
INTERIOR: ADMIRAL SHERINGHAM'S OFFICE
ADMIRAL SHERINGHAM and the Captain of the destroyer are looking over a map
of the ocean floor spread out on a table.
SHERINGHAM
Over one thousand fathoms deep.
CAPTAIN
The trench runs for about forty miles.
SHERINGHAM
It sounds ideal.
There is a knock at the door to the office.
SHERINGHAM
(to door)
Come in.
The office door opens and SARAH BOSENQUET enters, carrying a sheaf of papers.
SHERINGHAM
Ah..
BOSENQUET
(to Sheringham)
You could sign these sometime this afternoon, sir.
(places papers on desk)
This is the memo from the Board.
SHERINGHAM
All right, Miss Bosenquet.
Sheringham nods a dismissal and Bosenquet leaves the office, closing the door behind her.
SHERINGHAM
(to Captain)
Well, we plan to go on the ninth.
CAPTAIN
I'll alert the crew to be on twenty-four hour stand-by.
SHERINGHAM
Over one thousand fathoms deep. Even greater safety margin than we need.
(pause) Well, Captain, I'll give you the location.
CAPTAIN
Thank you, sir.
SHERINGHAM
I'll see you out.
CAPTAIN
Yes, sir.
Sheringham accompanies the Captain out of the building.
EXTERIOR : OFFICE BUILDING
Sheringham accompanies the captain to his car.
SHERINGHAM
(lighting cigarette with match)
Good luck on the ninth. You may need it. And remember, one slip and life on this planet
could ...
(blows out match)
EXTERIOR : A LONDON APARTMENT BUILDING
Paul Foster's car drives up and parks.
INTERIOR : BOSENQUET'S APARTMENT
Voices can be heard in the corridor outside. The door opens and Paul Foster and Sarah
Bosenquet enter the apartment. Foster looks around. There is a very sophisticated reflector
telescope sitting on the outside balcony.
FOSTER
Well, nice place. Says something.
BOSENQUET
Well, it's convenient. Would you like coffee, or would you prefer something stronger?
FOSTER
I would prefer something stronger.
BOSENQUET
Vodka?
FOSTER
Fine.
(walks over to telescope)
May I?
(indicates telescope)
BOSENQUET
Oh. please do.
Bosenquet leaves the room through a side door while Foster inspects the telescope, peering through the eyepiece. After a moment, Bosenquet returns, holding two glasses with ice and vodka.
BOSENQUET
Your drink.
Bosenquet hands one glass to Foster, who takes it.
FOSTER
Yeah, thanks. (pause)Unusual hobby.
BOSENQUET
Is it?
FOSTER
Are you an expert?
BOSENQUET
Oh, I wouldn't say so.
FOSTER
What's the bright star to the left?
Bosenquet looks through the eyepiece.
BOSENQUET
Spica, magnitude one point two. Forms an isosceles triangle with Arcturus and Bootes and
Denebola and Diva.
Bosenquet stands upright.
FOSTER
Yeah?
BOSENQUET
Hmm.. By studying Spica and the star belt of Orion, Hippirokus discovered the procession
of the equinox.
FOSTER
(making toast)
Well, here's to good old Hippirokus.
BOSENQUET
You don't waste time, do you?
FOSTER
Well, you've got your hobby.
BOSENQUET
How long have you been with the Ministry?
FOSTER
Not long, why?
BOSENQUET
I've never seen you before yesterday.
FOSTER
Oh, you probably have.
BOSENQUET
Come on. What department are you with?
FOSTER
Well, let's just say, it's my job to know everybody else's. Now take you, for example. Sarah
Bosenquet, young, beautiful, ten year service, currently with Sheringham.
BOSENQUET
Where's my birthmark?
FOSTER
(laughs)
I'm much too much a gentleman to mention that. (pause) What's Sheringham like?
BOSENQUET
Why?
FOSTER
I mean, to work for. I was just thinking that with the responsibility he's carrying, he might
be taking it out on you.
BOSENQUET
I can look after myself. I'm very independent.
INTERIOR : STRAKER'S OFFICE
Straker and Lake are looking over some reports. There is a map on the table.
LAKE
How's Paul progressing?
STRAKER
(distracted)
He's still working at it.
LAKE
Oh, what have we got?
STRAKER
(looking over map)
There appears to be a deep trench right here.
(points out area on map)
LAKE
Virtually bottomless. If that was a U.F.O. and it did go down there, then it's lost forever.
STRAKER
Hmm. Anything from sonar?
LAKE
Nope. We took Sky-diver down as deep as we could. Deeper. Nothing.
STRAKER
Well, the wreckage is no longer of any importance, but that trench is.
LAKE
Well, what's the next step?
STRAKER
A meeting with Admiral Sheringham, I think. General Henderson can do the ground work.
He can introduce me as, oh, a safety officer from the Ministry of Aviation?
INTERIOR : ADMIRAL SHERINGHAM'S OFFICE
Henderson and Straker are standing. Sheringham is seated at his desk.
HENDERSON
(to Sheringham)
Mister Straker, here, is naturally anxious to discover as much as he can about the incident,
Admiral.
SHERINGHAM
Yes, I appreciate that. (pause) Please, sit down, gentlemen.
Straker and Henderson take seats opposite the desk.
SHERINGHAM
Well, what particularly can I do for you?
STRAKER
I want to interview the captain of the ship.
SHERINGHAM
I'm afraid that won't be possible.
STRAKER
Oh? He's on an assignment?
SHERINGHAM
Naval security prevents me from answering that question.
STRAKER
Oh, I see. Excuse me, I'm sorry.
SHERINGHAM
I trust you read a transcript of the inquiry?
HENDERSON
Oh yes. My office was able to supply those details.
STRAKER
Well, I've studied the report and there seems to be a great deal left unsaid.
SHERINGHAM
Oh? I don't understand.
STRAKER
Well, it appears to me that the findings of the report were arrived at with, might I say,
unnecessary haste?
SHERINGHAM
Mister Straker, the facts that we had were the only ones likely to be available for all time.
STRAKER
Oh?
SHERINGHAM
In the circumstances, it would have done nothing to delay.
STRAKER
Yes, I can see that. But, Admiral, nowhere in this report can I see any mention of the steps
taken by the captain and crew to verify identification of the aircraft.
SHERINGHAM
The incident was over in a matter of seconds.
STRAKER
Yes, but your captain obviously ordered the destruction of an aircraft. Now a layman, such
as myself, might be excused for thinking that he could equally have taken steps to identify it.
SHERINGHAM
I'm sure that the captain acted as he thought best. You...(pause) We weren't there.
STRAKER
But the ship sustained no damage, proving that there was no aggressive action. Admiral, it
could have been a civilian airliner.
SHERINGHAM
I've really nothing further to add to the report.
STRAKER
Of course, if the, ah, ship in question were actively concerned in some mission or other.
(pause) Then the action of the captain might be more understandable.
Sheringham is obviously irritated with Straker's line of questioning. He reaches over and presses a button on the intercom on his desk.
SHERINGHAM
(to intercom)
Will you come in, please?
(to Straker and Henderson)
I'm afraid I can spare no more time, gentlemen. Miss Bosenquet will show you the way out.
The office door opens and Bosenquet steps in. Straker turns and seems surprised to see her.
INTERIOR : STRAKER'S OFFICE
Straker is standing, looking at a series of still pictures on the wall monitor. He holds a
remote control in his hand. On the screen is a picture of a middle aged man. The door opens and
Paul Foster stands in the doorway.
FOSTER
You wanted to see me?
STRAKER
Oh, yes, Paul. Come in.
Foster enters the office and the doors close behind him.
STRAKER
How are you making out with Miss Bosenquet?
FOSTER
(surprised)
Well, uh, Rome wasn't built in a day.
STRAKER
Yes, I had heard that before.
(pause)
Listen, there's something I want you to do for me.
FOSTER
Sure.
STRAKER
(indicates photo on screen)
Find out of your new friend knows him.
FOSTER
Oh, Yes, she does. There's a picture like this in her apartment.
STRAKER
Are you sure?
FOSTER
Positive.
STRAKER
(thoughtful)
Well, that's very interesting.
FOSTER
Who is he?
STRAKER
Are you taking Miss Bosenquet out tonight?
FOSTER
Well, I, ah ...
STRAKER
Good. Make it something special, will you?
FOSTER
I'll try.
Straker is staring at the picture on the screen as Foster turns to leave. Straker looks after Foster.
STRAKER
Oh, and Paul, you might let me have the key to her apartment.
Foster stops and sheepishly pulls out his key ring, removes one key from it and hands the key to Straker.
INTERIOR- EVENING : SARAH BOSENQUET'S APARTMENT.
There is the sound of a key in the lock. The door opens, Straker and Lake enter the
darkened apartment. They turn on lights and look the apartment over. Straker goes one of the
windows and looks out. There is a tall apartment building directly across the street.
STRAKER
(referring to building)
Take a look at this.
Lake joins him at the window.
STRAKER
Should be perfect.
LAKE
I'll check it out.
They look over the apartment. Straker goes to the balcony and finds the telescope. After a moment, Lake joins him.
STRAKER
A sighting device.
(pause)
Well, with all this, I'd say you could line up on any point in space.
LAKE
Well, pretty sophisticated for an amateur.
STRAKER
Hmm, that's for sure.
(looks more closely at eye-piece)
Look, there's a setting marked. You'd better take this down, Colonel. East, eight-one-seven,
nine, two-eight-zero-two.
EXTERIOR : MOON-BASE
INTERIOR : MOON-BASE CONTROL SPHERE.
NINA BARRY sits at the main control console, speaking to a video screen. Straker
appears on the screen.
BARRY
East, eight-one-seven, nine, two-eight-zero-two.
STRAKER
(on screen)
Yes, that's correct, Lieutenant. Now, have this course computed and then station an
interceptor directly on the line. You understand?
BARRY
(to screen)
Yes, sir.
STRAKER
(on screen)
Good. Now, I want this procedure carried out around the clock. At all times an interceptor
is to be in position.
BARRY
(to screen)
Yes, sir.
The screen goes dark and Barry turns to the console microphone.
BARRY
(to microphone)
Interceptor one, immediate launch, immediate launch.
INTERIOR : INTERCEPTOR LAUNCH BAY
One interceptor is preparing to launch. The interceptor launches into lunar space.
EXTERIOR: BRITISH DESTROYER
INTERIOR: BRIDGE
The captain stands checking their course on the board. Mister Cooper stands near-by,
watching out the front window.
CAPTAIN
Mister Cooper.
COOPER
(turns to Captain)
Sir?
CAPTAIN
Make a signal.
COOPER
Sir?
CAPTAIN
Proceeding on schedule, target date: twelve-zero-three-zero-zero.
Cooper turns to go to the radio room
CAPTAIN
Mister Cooper ...
Cooper stops and looks back at his Captain.
COOPER
Sir?
CAPTAIN
Code it.
COOPER
Yes, sir.
Cooper leaves the Bridge.
EXTERIOR : SPACE
EXTERIOR :INTERCEPTOR-ONE
INTERIOR : INTERCEPTOR ONE
The PILOT sits in the interceptor. He is bored.
PILOT
(to radio)
Interceptor one to Moonbase. Routine check, fifteen hundred hours. Nothing to report.
BARRY
(on radio)
Roger, One. Routine check, fifteen hundred hours, received. Confirm negative report.
PILOT
Report confirmed. (pause) This patrol wouldn't be so bad if I knew what I was
waiting for.
INTERIOR: SARAH BOSENQUET'S APARTMENT.
Bosenquet enters the apartment.
INTERIOR: ROOM ACROSS STREET
Virginia Lake stands at a window facing Bosenquet's apartment. She watches with
binoculars. Lake has a cup of coffee in one hand. She takes a sip.
INTERIOR: SARAH BOSENQUET'S APARTMENT.
Bosenquet has an apparent seizure or pain attack. A vase is brushed to the floor and
breaks. Bosenquet goes to the telescope and flips a switch on the side.
THROUGH LAKE'S BINOCULARS:
Bosenquet can be seen at the telescope, face blank as if in a trance.
INTERIOR : INTERCEPTOR ONE
The pilot sits, bored, whistling to himself.
INTERIOR: SARAH BOSENQUET'S APARTMENT.
Bosenquet taps a coded message into a switch on the side of the telescope.
INTERIOR : INTERCEPTOR ONE
The pilot starts as the interceptor engines begin to act up and the electronics go
haywire. He seems to be in pain.
PILOT
(to radio, words spaced as if difficult)
Interceptor - one - to - Moon - base---
BARRY
(on radio)
Moonbase to Interceptor One, come in One!
INTERIOR : MOONBASE CONTROL SPHERE
BARRY
(to radio)
This is Moonbase Control to Interceptor One, come in, One.
INTERIOR : INTERCEPTOR ONE
The pilot loses consciousness.
THROUGH LAKE'S BINOCULARS:
After a few moments, Bosenquet comes around as another WOMAN enters the room.
From the gestures we can infer that the woman is a friend and Bosenquet is assuring her nothing
is the matter as she begins to pick up the broken vase.
INTERIOR : STRAKER'S OFFICE.
Straker is seated at his desk. Foster and Lake are present. Foster seems upset.
FOSTER
I just can't believe it.
LAKE
(to Straker)
How is the pilot?
STRAKER
Well, when he regained consciousness, he was able to land the interceptor. He was checked
out and cleared A-One for duty.
FOSTER
Do we know what it was?
STRAKER
No, not for certain, but the lab boys reckon that 'telescope' sent out some sort of a laser signal.
FOSTER
To be picked up in deep space.
STRAKER
Exactly.
LAKE
Then the signal, or whatever it was, must have got through.
STRAKER
Well, with a highly concentrated light beam like that, it'd pass right through Interceptor One as if it wasn't even there.
FOSTER
But why? I still don't understand why.
STRAKER
Paul, do you remember that photograph I showed you?
FOSTER
The one Sarah has in her apartment?
STRAKER
(nods)
Hmm, yes. That was her father, John Bosenquet. One of the experts who helped build
Moonbase, five, six years ago.
FOSTER
You said 'was' her father?
STRAKER
Yes. He was posted as dead, but, in fact, he disappeared. You see, in those days, accidents
on the lunar surface happened much more frequently.
(pause)
There was a search, but he was never found.
FOSTER
You mean, the aliens got him?
STRAKER
(shrugs)
Well, it seems to add up. Contacted Miss Bosenquet before SHADO became operational.
Would have been comparatively simple.
LAKE
And she's been forced to send them information ever since.
STRAKER
Forced or controlled, doesn't make any difference.
(pause)
And that ship has put out to sea again. Now the question, why would the ocean depths be
of interest to Admiral Sheringham?
(pause, to Lake)
Colonel Lake, I'm assigning you back to Sky-diver.
LAKE
Follow that ship?
STRAKER
And don't let it out of your sight.
FOSTER
And me?
Straker simply looks at him. Foster sighs and leaves the office.
INTERIOR : SARAH BOSENQUET'S APARTMENTS
Bosenquet is at home. The front door opens and Foster enters. She is pleased to see
him. His expression is grim.
BOSENQUET
Morning, Paul. You startled me. I didn't expect you.
FOSTER
I know, Sarah. I know all about it.
BOSENQUET
(confused)
I'm sorry, Paul. I don't know what you mean.
FOSTER
What did you tell them?
BOSENQUET
(worried)
Paul?
FOSTER
(harsh)
What did you tell them?
He grabs her arms and she becomes frightened.
EXTERIOR : HARLINGTON-STRAKER STUDIOS.
A Naval staff car drives through the main gates.
INTERIOR : STRAKER'S OFFICE
Straker is seated at his desk. Standing opposite the desk are General Henderson and
Admiral Sheringham. Sheringham wears a civilian suit and seems confused.
STRAKER
We've got all the proof we need, that your Miss Bosenquet has been supplying the aliens
with information from your office.
HENDERSON
Everything Straker says is true, Admiral.
STRAKER
U.F.O.s are a fact.
SHERINGHAM
It's fantastic! I can't believe it.
STRAKER
Well, I won't argue with you there.
(pause)
Now, whatever you're doing, the aliens know about it, make no mistake. And if they're
interested, so am I.
(pause)
Look, whatever you're doing, you've cloaked it behind a veil of secrecy that we've been
unable to penetrate, officially or otherwise. But now, Admiral, I have to know.
SHERINGHAM
(after long pause)
Well, I'm chairman of a committee dealing with the destruction of obsolete weapons and
military equipment and so on. Some time ago, a thousand gallons of an experimental nerve gas
were manufactured in Europe. Then, further tests revealed that the gas was far too dangerous
ever to be used, even to be handled. So it was arranged that the gas should be chemically
destroyed in laboratory conditions. Then it was discovered that the gas was virtually
indestructible, certainly by any known methods. It was, therefore, decided that the gas should be
dumped at sea.
HENDERSON
But what if there's a leakage?
SHERINGHAM
The gas is sealed in very special containers, containers geared to corrode over a period of
several hundred years. By the time that gas escapes into the atmosphere, it will be quite harmless.
STRAKER
And if the aliens attack the ship, and the containers are destroyed?
SHERINGHAM
That that would be the end, Commander Straker. There's enough gas on that ship to
destroy every form of life on this planet.
INTERIOR : STRAKER'S OFFICE - LATER
Foster is with Straker .
FOSTER
You mean, we can't contact the ship at all?
STRAKER
That's exactly what I mean, Paul. The ship's captain is maintaining a complete radio
black-out.
FOSTER
(bitter)
Security.
STRAKER
It's ironical, isn't it?
FOSTER
Can't an aircraft pick them up?
STRAKER
(tired, irritated)
Look, we've got search task forces combing the entire area, but it's dark, Paul. And the
ocean's a big place for a small ship that doesn't want to be found.
FOSTER
But, we do know their destination.
STRAKER
Yes, and by the time we get there, it'll probably be too late.
FOSTER
What about Sky-diver?
INTERIOR : SKY-DIVER
Lake turns to Waterman.
LAKE
Is this our best speed, Captain?
EXTERIOR : OCEAN : NIGHT : BRITISH DESTROYER
INTERIOR : DESTROYER BRIDGE
The Captain stands with Mister Cooper. In the background, a SAILOR sits at a
console.
SAILOR
(to Captain)
Count-down sir, eleven seconds.
The Captain nods and turns to Cooper.
CAPTAIN
It'll be light at about three hundred hours. We will start dumping immediately.
COOPER
The men will be ready, sir.
CAPTAIN
I'm going back to my cabin. There's not much I can do here. Call me, Mister Cooper.
COOPER
All right, sir.
The Captain leaves the bridge, leaving Cooper to stand watch.
INTERIOR : STRAKER'S OFFICE
Straker sits at his desk. Foster sits on the bench opposite. They both look tired.
FOSTER
What about Sheringham?
STRAKER
Oh, he's convinced all right
(pause)
I'm letting him watch the operation. If it's a success, he'll get the usual amnesia shot. If it
isn't, it really doesn't make any difference, does it?
FOSTER
Can we stop it?
STRAKER
I don't know, Paul. I just don't know. I still think they've discovered a way to break through
our defenses.
(pause)
Well, the interceptors are sky-borne.
FOSTER
Visual contact?
STRAKER
That could be our only hope.
EXTERIOR : OCEAN : NIGHT : BRITISH DESTROYER
INTERIOR : RADAR ROOM
Blips are on a radar screen.
INTERIOR : DESTROYER BRIDGE
The Captain enters and goes over to where Cooper is standing.
CAPTAIN
Thank you, Mister Cooper. It's almost twenty hours. Anything to report?
COOPER
Yes, sir. Radar reports increase in air activity.
CAPTAIN
(worried)
Hmm.
EXTERIOR : SPACE
A Moonbase interceptor is cruising in space. A U.F.O. is seen approaching.
INTERIOR : INTERCEPTOR
PILOT
U.F.O.-Two, sighting. Zero-one-two-two-seven-zero-seven-four, sector fourteen.
INTERIOR : MOONBASE CONTROL SPHERE
GAY ELLIS sits at the main console, speaking into the console microphone. Barry sits
at one of the radar consoles. HARRINGTON sits at the third station.
ELLIS
Unable to confirm Ufo sighting.
PILOT
(over radio)
Interceptor one to Moonbase control. Confirm sighting.
ELLIS
Reading negative. Repeat, negative. Repeat : we are failing to get a reading.
BARRY
(to microphone)
Moonbase control to Interceptor One, confirm trajectory.
PILOT
Zero-one-two-two-seven-zero-seven-four, sector fourteen.
STRAKER
(on video screen)
Moonbase, can Interceptors two and three give assistance?
BARRY
(to microphone)
Compute interceptor range.
EXTERIOR : SPACE : SPACE INTRUDER DETECTOR
SID
Interceptor range computed. ETA interceptor two, forty seven minutes. ETA interceptor
three, One hundred and seven minutes.
EXTERIOR : INTERCEPTOR ONE
INTERIOR : INTERCEPTOR ONE
PILOT
Interceptor One to Moonbase, am moving in.
INTERIOR : SHADO CONTROL
Straker and Foster stand in the control room, near LIEUTENANT JOHNSON's
station.
FOSTER
(to Straker)
You were right. They have found a way through our defensive screens.
STRAKER
Some sort of radio jamming, I expect. Using waves to break up the frequency.
FOSTER
Can we fix it?
STRAKER
Well, that depends on whether we're still here tomorrow, doesn't it?
EXTERIOR : SPACE
Interceptor One is chasing two U.F.O.s. The U.F.O.s separate.
INTERIOR : INTERCEPTOR ONE
PILOT
(to radio)
They're separating. The best I can do is get one.
EXTERIOR : SPACE
Interceptor One fires on one of the U.F.O.s. The missile hits and destroys it.
INTERIOR : SHADO CONTROL
Lieutenant Johnson sits at her station. She tears a sheet of paper from a printer near her
station.
JOHNSON
(to Straker)
Sir, trajectory report on surviving Ufo.
Straker steps over to her and she hands him the paper.
STRAKER
Thank you
(pause, reading paper)
It's heading for a point somewhere near Newfoundland?
FOSTER
That's nowhere near the ship.
(pause)
The ship's in the south Atlantic.
EXTERIOR : SOUTH ATLANTIC, DAWN.
INTERIOR : DESTROYER BRIDGE
COOPER
Everything's ready, sir.
CAPTAIN
Good. Get started.
COOPER
(nods once)
Sir.
Cooper goes to a wall intercom and picks up the microphone.
COOPER
(to microphone)
Bridge to deck party. Bridge to deck party, commence dumping.
EXTERIOR : DECK
About a HALF DOZEN SAILORS in protective gear begin dumping large metal
canisters over the side of the ship.
INTERIOR : RADAR ROOM
A single, fast moving blip appears on a radar screen.
INTERIOR : SHADO CONTROL
Johnson sits at her station, watching figures coming across her screen.
JOHNSON
(to Straker)
It's closing faster.
STRAKER
(watching screen)
The Ufo has veered off. It's trajectory is now the south Atlantic.
FOSTER
The ship.
EXTERIOR: SOUTH ATLANTIC
On the deck of the destroyer, crews are dumping the canisters into the water.
In the air, the U.F.O. approaches.
INTERIOR : RADAR ROOM
A RADAR OPERATOR sees a blip crossing his radar screen. Standing near-by is the
RADAR OFFICER
OPERATOR
(to Officer)
Trace, sir.
The officer comes over and looks at the screen. Then he takes an intercom microphone from its holder on the wall.
OFFICER
(to intercom)
Bridge, we've picked up a radar trace, bearing two-eight-one, Mach five, reducing.
INTERIOR : BRIDGE
CAPTAIN
(to Cooper)
Battle stations!
Various shots of ship interior:
COOPER
(off screen)(over internal speakers)
Battle stations, battle stations!
(pause)
Gun crew on immediate stand-by. Repeat, gun crew-stand-by.
INTERIOR : BRIDGE
Cooper holds a head phone to his ear.
COOPER
(to captain)
Missiles in position, sir.
EXTERIOR : DECK.
The U.F.O. approaches and fires on the ship, missing it. The crews continue dumping
the canisters.
INTERIOR : BRIDGE
CAPTAIN
(to Cooper)
Launch missiles, Mister Cooper.
COOPER
(to microphone)
Clear for firing, clear for firing!
CAPTAIN
Get that missile launched, Mister Cooper!
COOPER
(to microphone)
Bridge to missile control, Fire, repeat, Fire!
(pause, listening to headphones)
It's the damage officer, sir. Missile guidance electronics have been effected by the explosion.
They're still trying to ascertain the damage.
EXTERIOR : DESTROYER
The U.F.O. is firing repeatedly on the ship.
INTERIOR : BRIDGE
CAPTAIN
(worried)
What's going to happen?
EXTERIOR : DESTROYER
On the deck, the crews keep dumping the canisters overboard.
INTERIOR : BRIDGE
COOPER
(to Captain)
It's no use, sir. Missile systems negative.
CAPTAIN
Alert gun crews.
COOPER
(to microphone)
Bridge to guns: stand-by. Bridge to guns, stand-by!
EXTERIOR : DESTROYER
The U.F.O. is circling the ship.
INTERIOR : BRIDGE.
Through the window, the U.F.O. can be seen.
CAPTAIN
There it is. Open fire!
EXTERIOR : DESTROYER
The destroyer opens fire on the U.F.O. The U.F.O. fires back.
INTERIOR : BRIDGE
COOPER
(to Captain)
We've drifted out of range, sir.
EXTERIOR : UNDERWATER.
Sky-diver approaching the scene.
EXTERIOR : DESTROYER
The ship and U.F.O. are still battling.
INTERIOR : BRIDGE
CAPTAIN
(to Cooper)
One more shot, maybe two, that's all.
EXTERIOR : OCEAN AS SEEN FROM BRIDGE
Sky-One bursts from the water and heads after the U.F.O.
INTERIOR : BRIDGE
CAPTAIN
What the devil's that?!
EXTERIOR : SKY
Sky-One chases down and destroys the U.F.O.
INTERIOR : STRAKER'S OFFICE - NEXT DAY
Straker is seated at his desk. Henderson stands opposite.
HENDERSON
Well, we were lucky, very lucky.
STRAKER
Sometimes we need it.
HENDERSON
Moonbase reported?
STRAKER
Yes. We ran tests on the radar. It was a radio wave jammer, but the experts say that by using a double frequency, we'll be able to plot them again.
(pause)
Until they find an answer to that.
HENDERSON
Well, I suppose the incident's closed. I'll be in touch.
Henderson moves toward the door. Straker looks hard at him. Henderson stops and looks back at Straker.
HENDERSON
Oh, yes, the girl ...
STRAKER
Sarah Bosenquet.
HENDERSON
There'll be no proceedings against her. In the circumstances, we can hardly hold her responsible for her actions. Of course, someone will have to try to explain what most certainly became of her father.
STRAKER
(shaking head)
That's not what I mean, General. How many others are there like her?
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