GREAT DIALOGUES IN 'UFO'

An unashamedly subjective collection of some of the more inspiring, amusing or even bewildering exchanges and conversations in the UFO television series.

It is with sadness that we heard of the deaths in June 2005 of  Ed Bishop (Straker) and Michael Billington (Foster).  They will be missed.

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Computer Affair

After one of the interceptors has been destroyed in a collision with a UFO, the instruction to change course not being given in time to prevent it.

Straker - Why Alec?

Freeman - You've read the report.

Straker - Yes, an astronaut killed, a UFO through the outer defences. The report tells me what happened, I want to know why.

Freeman - I don't really know.

Straker - Oh come on Alec, I know you better than that.

Freeman - It happened so fast.

Straker - Meaning?

Freeman - I can't be sure.

Straker - Well look, I'll settle for an educated guess Alec.

Freeman - The error could have been human. A decision was taken, it could have worked but the point is, it didn't.

Straker - Right, I want the personnel concerned, the two surviving astronauts and Lieutenant Ellis, brought back here on the next home flight

An alien is captured and dies in pain after Straker orders that he be given an injection to make him talk. Later Col. Freeman hands Straker his letter of resignation.

Freeman - I'd like you to accept this.

Straker - [Takes envelope] We've worked together a long time, Alec.

Freeman - Maybe too long.

Straker - Can't we talk about it?

Freeman - There's not much to say. It's a difference in temperament.

Straker - Think I wanted him to die? It was a calculated risk.

Freeman - It's not only that. You make all your decisions based on cold logic, computer predictions.

[Cut to Lt Ellis and Lt Mark Bradley together in a restaurant talking. There has been suspicion that Lt Ellis, through emotional attachment to Bradley, altered the course of his interceptor in preference to that of the astronaut who died. Computer analysis of her answers under psycho-analysis seem to support this. Bradley calls Freeman in Straker's office, presumably to tell him of his engagement to Ellis, where Straker and Freeman have continued discussing Freeman's resignation]

Freeman - ...I'll sleep on it. [Phone rings]

Straker - It's for you.

Freeman [After taking 'phone-call] - Mark Bradley.

Straker - Important?

Freeman - He thinks it is. [Tears up letter]. Well, it looks like you were right. You and your computers.

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Flight Path

A SHADO operative - Paul Roper (played by George Cole) - has been caught giving information to the enemy. Straker and Freeman have been interrogating Roper via a video link.

Freeman - You're pushing him too hard.

Straker - [Slams hand on table] Got to make him talk. Let's try another angle. Money?

Freeman - No.

Straker - Blackmail?

Freeman - I don't see it.

Straker - Threats, violence?

Freeman - His wife maybe.

Straker - Alright, tell me about her.

Freeman - Carol...young, attractive, Roper's crazy about her. I could understand it if she...

Straker - Understand it? Can't you accept the fact...

Freeman - That he's a traitor. I know that. But it's a matter of degree.

Straker - Degree nothing! It's what he's told them that matters, not why. [Pauses] Well, you say he's crazy about his wife. We'll see just how crazy.

Calls up video link again where the doctor is interrogating Roper.

Straker - Just a moment doctor... Alright Roper, it's your wife.

Roper nods

Straker - And naturally you don't want to see her get hurt. You think that by keeping quiet you'll be able to protect her.

Roper nods. Straker shakes his head.

Straker - You tell us what we want to know. That's the best way to give her protection.

Roper is released by Straker in order to lure his contact within SHADO out into the open. On his way home his car is attacked by a UFO and he is almost killed. Col. Freeman is not happy.

Straker - This is a war, Alec. People have to be at risk.

Freeman - I don't buy that and I never will. It's too complicated for people like me...and too simple for people like you!

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Conflict

After Straker has shown General Henderson of the International Astrophysical Commission that UFOs were using space junk to hide their operations.

Henderson - Well Straker, I guess I owe you an apology. You were right. You can take it Commission will recommend a complete clearance of space junk. Of course it will take time, the money has to be raised.

Straker - Call it the Maddox Fund.

Henderson - Maddox?

Straker - The pilot who was killed.

Henderson - Ah yes, Maddox. [Turns to go] Well...

Straker - If only you hadn't been so positive that you were right!

Henderson - Like you? [Goes towards the door]

Straker - Henderson!...I'll walk you to your car. 

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The Dalotek Affair

Three UFOs are spotted by Moonbase but they veer off before the Interceptors reach them. Colonel Foster contacts SHADO HQ

Straker - Well, did we scare them off?

Foster - Could be the first time.

Straker - So what happened.

Foster - It's anybody's guess.

Straker - Yes, but a 100 million dollars worth of computer equipment at your fingertips and you still have to guess?

Foster - Sometimes, yes.

Straker - They didn't make a billion mile space journey for nothing.

Foster - No sir.

Straker - So we need answers, don't we Colonel? Is it a decoy that's failed or a red-herring that's already succeeded? And it's your job to find out.

Col. Foster visits the Dalotek base on the moon to see if their geoscanner is producing the disturbance that has broken radio communications between Moonbase and SHADO HQ. He has been talking with Miss Jane Carson of Dalotek about installing a landlink to establish direct radio contact between their base and Moonbase.

Foster - Well, we'll install the landlink immediately.

Carson - I'll wait for your first call.

[Door opens and one of Miss Carson's Dalotek colleagues enters].

Foster - I must go.

Dalotek worker - Have you seen all you want?

Foster - Yeah, I've seen about everything.

Dalotek worker - And are you satisfied?

Foster - Nods [looking at Miss Carson in a manner that can only be described as lascivious]. Very!

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A Question of Priorities

Straker's child is in hospital. Straker has ordered a SHADO transporter from New York to bring the medicine to save his life. Straker knows time is running out and is brooding in his office. Freeman comes in after a meal.

Freeman - Look, it's pretty quiet here, there's nothing you can do. Why don't you go home?

Straker - What home?

A UFO has crashed off the west coast of Ireland and SHADO is picking up transmissions from the area on its radio frequency. Straker and Freeman speculate on what might have happened and think it must be the alien sending the signals.

Straker - Why?

Freeman - Well, we'll know that better when we track him down.

Straker - Well that won't be easy Alec.

Freeman - With mobiles in the area we can pinpoint his exact position.

Straker - Yes but that'll take time.

Freeman - No, less than an hour. The transporter will be there within minutes. [Straker looks up, concerned] Mobiles can be in the area immediately [Straker slowly gets to his feet] And once they're in position we can get exact bearings from his next transmission.

Straker - A transporter?

Freeman - The one from New York...you ordered an early take-off.

Straker - [With anguish] What have you done?

Freeman - I've diverted it, what else? Is something wrong?

Straker gives a slight shake of his head.

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Ordeal

Col. Foster has been kidnapped by aliens in a UFO which got through to the Earth, though damaged. Freeman comes into Straker's office.

Freeman - Well, what are his chances?

Straker - Oh come on Alec!

Freeman - No, tell me. I just want to know what you have in mind.

Straker - When that UFO lifts off ground radar should fix its position immediately.

Freeman - And?

Straker - We destroy it.

Freeman - Knowing that Paul Foster is almost certainly aboard?

Straker - That's right.

Freeman - You just better hope that I'm never in a position to press the button on you!

Col. Foster has been picked up after the UFO carrying him crashes on the moon. Back at SHADO HQ...

Straker - [Over intercom] Will you ask Jackson to come in.

Intercom - Yes sir.

Jackson comes in. Played by the wonderfully named Vladek Sheybal he has a pronounced Eastern European accent.

Straker - Well what's the situation?

Jackson - Well, I've just had a long conversation with moooonbase. The situation is a very difficult one. Colonel Foster's general physical condition is satisfactory considering what he's just gone through. But he's in an alien space suit. He's breathing liquid.

Freeman - Well, we can make the transfer back to normal breathing.

Jackson - Huh.

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The Responsibility Seat

Josephine Fraser, posing as a reporter, has left her handbag, within which is a running tape-recorder, in Straker's office. While Straker is taking Miss Fraser to her car a call comes through for 'Commander Straker'.

Straker - How could I be so stupid Alec? That reporter had a tape-recorder. It was left in her handbag in the office. The chances are it picked up Ford's voice over the intercom.

Freeman - That's not so important, he only said 'Commander Straker'. Assuming it was picked up, what could it mean to anyone?

Straker - Not a lot I agree but maybe just enough for that woman reporter and her press friends to start snooping around.

Freeman - It was a girl?

Straker - Yes [Tells Miss Ealand over the intercom to contact Josephine Fraser through the Global Press agency]

Freeman - What was she like?

Straker - Oh, intelligent.

Freeman - Attractive?

[Cut to Miss Ealand receiving news that Global Press Agency deny all knowledge of Miss Fraser.]

Straker - Intelligent, attractive ... and a possible security leak. ... It was my mistake. I'll take care of it.

Freeman - Well I still think I should go.

Straker - Well it's simple enough Alec. Find Miss Fraser and get the tape, a logical sequence. Well you can look after things here.

Freeman - Sure.

Straker - Well, there it is, Alec. The responsibility seat. The other side of the fence.

Straker has caught up with Miss Fraser. He takes her home for dinner. They go into his house.

Fraser - Mm, nice.

Straker - Well, it suits me. Well, I'll get things moving in the kitchen.

Fraser - Can I help you?

Straker - No I can handle it. [Clicks fingers in annoyance.] I left the wine in the car.

Fraser - I'll get it.

[Action switches to SHADO HQ and Moonbase then returns to Straker's house]

Straker - Well, why don't you help yourself to a drink and I'll go and break out the can-opener.

[Again the action switches to SHADO HQ and Moonbase before returning to Straker's house where he and Miss Fraser are eating their meal]

Fraser - You know Ed, you're a terrific cook.

Straker - I just follow the instructions on the can.

Fraser - Well the wine was great, you should have had some. ... You know you have a nice home here.

Straker - It's a place to sleep. You know it's funny Jo, I enjoyed today. Ever since my divorce I've kept myself pretty much to myself, you know how it is.

Fraser - Yes, I do know.

The end sequence. Straker goes into his office. Col. Freeman is sitting at his desk.

Straker - Hello Alec.

Freeman - Hello

Straker - Well I hear you had quite a day [Offers him a cigar]

Freeman - You could say that.

Straker - Paul Foster might have lost his life. Ordering him on board that rig like that. Tough decision. The right one of course.

Freeman - It wasn't quite like that.

Straker - Well, whatever way it happened Alec, you were responsible

Freeman - [ lights his cigar] I certainly have to hand it to you.

Straker - Mm?

Freeman - That Miss Fraser. She didn't have you fooled for a moment. That had been me I'd probably have got myself emotionally involved or something.

Straker - Yes, I can see how it could happen.

Straker and Freeman both start to say something simultaneously.

Freeman - [Getting up] Well, it's all yours.

Straker - The other side of the fence.

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The Square Triangle

A UFO has been allowed to get through to the Earth...

Straker - Hello Alec.

Freeman - So, you let one through?

Straker - That's right.

Freeman - Why don't we do the job properly?

Straker - What do you mean?

Freeman - Ask the aliens round for drinks.

Straker - Let's go into the office. [They go into Straker's office] We're fighting a losing battle here Alec. Why? Because we don't really know who or what we're fighting. I've waited months for a chance like this Alec, a UFO right on our own doorstep. That's why we let this one through. And those mobiles are on their way to bring it in. Intact. Before any deterioration sets in.

Freeman - Meanwhile there's a potential killer or killers at large.

Straker - Yes, I know. It's a risk. But the area has a low population density. It's mainly virgin forest [this is southern England he's talking about!]. The danger factor must be very slight.

The UFO has been found but it's a wreck

Freeman - Just one thing puzzles me.

Straker - You should be so lucky!

Straker has to decide whether or not to take action against Mrs Newton who shot the alien, and her lover, Mr Fowler. Foster believes, rightly, that the husband, Mr Newton was the intended victim.

Foster - Well we can't let them go free.

Straker - I suppose you think we should hand them over to the public prosecutor [...] There's no concrete evidence against them and the two accused would have genuine, total amnesia.

Foster - So there's nothing we can do.

Straker - We're not in the moralising business, Colonel.

Foster - What about the husband? They wanted to kill him once, they're bound to try again.

Straker. Mmm. Well, in the line of duty we stumbled onto a triangle. SHADO's involvement made it a square. All we're doing is erasing the past twelve hours. So it's back to the triangle.

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Court Martial

After finding a bugging device in his car Straker goes to see Henderson, President of the International Astrophyscial Commission. He and Freeman go straight into Henderson's office where Henderson is talking with Jackson.

Henderson's secretary - I'm sorry sir.

Henderson - Don't worry Miss Gunn, stopping runaway trains is not part of your job. Straker, this is a most unpleasant surprise.

Straker - Yes, I'm sure.

Henderson - You know Jackson of course.

Straker - Of course. The eyes and ears of the world.

Jackson - Commander. Colonel Freeman.

Freeman - [To Jackson] I'd shake hands but you know how it is. I can't bear to touch anything slippery.

Henderson - Well, now we've dispensed with the pleasantries...

After a leak about Skydiver to the press, Straker confronts Foster, who could be the source. While they're talking Freeman calls Straker...

Straker - How about an explanation?

Foster - Explanation? Explain what? What do you think I've done?

Straker - I'm not thinking anything, I'm interested in facts.

Foster - Well I'm sorry, I just don't know how I can help you. This whole thing's ridiculous.

Straker - Ridiculous? Well maybe you'll think a military court is ridiculous!

Foster - Military court?

Straker - When I tell Henderson the position the outcome is obvious. And you'd better consider this. SHADO is run as a military organisation. We're at war. You realise the penalty for espionage!

After a long silence in Straker's office when it is clear that Foster will be found guilty by the military court.

Foster - Sir, as my commanding officer, do you think I'm guilty? [Straker doesn't answer] Whatever you say can't affect the decision now. I'd just like to know.

Straker - All the evidence from that court martial says yes. If you want a gut reaction, no.

Freeman and Straker discuss the guilty verdict

Freeman - It's incredible. There wasn't one piece of tangible evidence.

Straker - Foster was found guilty through a series of airtight negatives.

Straker has found the evidence that clears Foster. But on his way to see Henderson he hears that Foster has been shot after escaping from confinement.

Henderson - Straker, it must be my year, this is the second visit.

Straker - I'd like you to read this when you find time between thinking up wise-cracks. [Puts a document on Henderson's desk] It includes a statement which absolutely clears Paul Foster.

Henderson - [Picks it up] Statement?

Straker - From an industrial spy, a Miss Grant. She was after information at the studio, our stuff was incidental.

Henderson - [Over the intercom] Jackson. [Jackson enters the room]

Straker - You were wrong Jackson. Paul Foster was guilty of one thing. He worked nights at home. He wrote those orders to Moonbase and Skydiver while a couple of cameras in the wall were taking pictures.

Jackson - You can prove this?

Straker - Does it matter? I only hope it keeps you awake nights thinking about it [Goes to leave]

Henderson - Just a moment. You think I'm a pig-headed cretinous lout, don't you Straker? Foster was shot with an anesthetic bullet. Jackson's idea. [Straker says nothing but a faint smile appears] Don't fall over yourself with gratitude!

[Straker takes out a pen which has a bug inside and replays it several times, to Henderson's discomfort...

'Just a moment. You think I'm a pig-headed cretinous lout, don't you ...

Think I'm a pig-headed cretinous lout, don't you ...

A pig-headed cretinous lout ...

a pig-headed cretinous lout ...]

Straker - I like it, I like it. [Tosses pen to Henderson and leaves. Jackson laughs]

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Close Up

Straker and Freeman are on their way to inspect some apparatus.

Freeman - How far is it now?

Straker - Around eight miles.

Freeman - Do you think it will work?

Straker - Well I think so [smiles], but then I always was an eternal optimist.

As the time set by NASA for the launch of the SHADO satellite approaches, Freeman goes into Straker's office.

Freeman - Long day?

Straker - Long month!

Straker and Lt Ellis have been explaining how the next UFOmust be brought into a course complementary to the satellite.

Straker - Lt Ellis has compiled an Interceptor schedule but a lot of decisions will have to be made on the spot.

Foster - Does that mean we'll have to play this one by ear?

Straker - Right.

Foster - Isn't that dangerous?

Ellis - It involves a certain risk Colonel.

Straker - A calculated risk Lieutenant, based on a careful weighing of human factors as much as logic.

Straker meets Lt Ellis in a corridor on Moonbase.

Straker - Lieutenant.

Ellis - [Who appears to have been surprised to meet Straker, although it's a short narrow corridor and there is no-one else in it!] Oh, Commander Straker!

Straker - How do you feel?

Ellis - Fine thanks.

Straker - How about a cup of coffee?

Ellis - Yes, I'd like that. [They enter the 'lounge' area. Ellis has to be careful as she steps over the doorway as she is wearing a skirt so short that if she raised her leg more than six inches in stepping up we'd get a pretty good idea of Century 21 Fashions' ideas for women's underwear]

Straker - How do you like your coffee?

Ellis - No sugar.

Straker gets two coffees.

Straker - Here we are.

Ellis - Thanks. [She sits down, again having to be careful not to reveal too much!]

Straker - Well, here's to Project Discovery!

Ellis - Cheers.

Straker - You know I want to thank you Gay, for all the hard work you put into this project. And the long hours. You know, I think, I think you push yourself a little bit too hard. You're doing a fine job Gay, a man's job. You don't have to do it any better because you're a woman. [As Col. Foster enters the room] And don't ever forget, you're a very attractive girl!

Ellis - Thanks for the coffee [gets up] And....thank you. [leaves]

Foster [as Lt Ellis leaves] - Lieutenant.

Straker - Colonel Foster.

Foster - Sir.

Straker - When do we leave?

Foster - 18:00 hours tomorrow sir.

Straker - Good. Let me give you a piece of advice Paul. Don't ever judge a situation by the end of a conversation.

In Henderson's office, reflecting on the meaning of things, inspired by the unscaled photographs from the satellite.

Straker - You know when you really think about it everything in this office, every object, even a speck of dust contains billions of particles and each particle is made up of millions of atoms. A whole universe within these four walls. I walk along a beach. Stand with millions of grains of sands beneath my feet. Is everything we know - this office, our world, the vastness of space itself - inside one grain of sand on another beach, on another world, in another universe? Space is infinite. Both ways. Outward and inward.

Henderson - You can tell Kelly he'll get his appropriation, maybe more than he expects. I get the picture.

Straker - A greatly magnified picture!

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Confetti Check A-OK

Straker attends a meeting of a special committee of the United Nations to try to persuade them to provide the funds to set up SHADO.

Straker - If I might point out, sir, we're confronted with alien space craft, possibly from another solar system.

Duvall (French delegate) - Maybe the General [Henderson] and Colonel Straker have been reading too much science fiction.

Straker - The Earth is faced with a power threat from an extra-terrestrial source. We've moved into an age when science fiction has become fact. We need to defend ourselves.

As Straker is getting his papers together to leave.

Straker - Monsieur Duvall, I understand you have three daughters.

Duvall - Yes?

Straker - I pray that you never find yourself looking down at one of their mutilated bodies. I hope that the next UFO incident is not in your home town! 

Freeman and Straker inspect the building of SHADO HQ.

Straker - Let's take a look at the office Alec.

[They go into a bare room with wires hanging down]

Freeman - Well...it's all beginning to take shape.

Straker - Yes, this is it. SHADO HQ, the nerve centre of the whole organisation! You know Alec, setting all this up, the delays, the problems, security, personnel, a thousand details, a hundred hold-ups, sometimes seems we're fighting a ten-headed monster.

Freeman - And what drives you on, fighting the monster?

Straker - I don't know, something inside me I guess.

Freeman - It's called dedication.

Straker - Pig-headedness would be nearer.

One hectic evening, as work on the HQ nears completion, Straker is in his office 'phoning contractors when a SHADO employee comes in.

SHADO employee - We don't seem to be able to find the fault, sir.

Straker - Well, keep checking...and don't look at me like that. You're not the only one with a home to go to!

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The Cat with 10 Lives

Eight UFOs have been destroyed in the last week. Col Lake and Straker discuss what they are up to.

Lake- All or nothing. Do think they'll give up?

Straker - Colonel Lake, they didn't lose all those craft just to give up. What worries me is what will they try next?

After assigning Jim Regan back to astronaut duties after his girlfriend was taken by aliens.

Lake - Can't you see the man's in shock? He needs to...

Straker - We need! With all these attacks, the Venus probe coming in soon and that UFO still around, we need every astronaut available. That's all Colonel.

Straker and Foster are leaving the medical centre when Jackson calls them back.

Jackson - Don't go! This is the result of the autopsy I carried out on the alien's body.

Foster - The one we found after the Moonbase attack?

Jackson - It could shatter all our past theories.

Straker - Go on.

Jackson - This is mostly conjecture. The head was damaged, I er, I may be completely wrong. Until more proofs are made...

Straker - Oh cut the caution doctor. We're not likely to quote you.

Jackson - Right, I'm sorry. As you are well aware up until now we've always believed they were humanoid, a dying race keeping themselves alive by transplanting our organs into their bodies. The alien I examined this morning, I think...his whole body was human.

Straker - His brain?

Jackson - Even his brain.

Foster - You mean he was one of us?

Jackson - Outwardly, yes.

Foster - But if his brain...

Jackson - His brain may have been human but it doesn't mean his mind was.

Straker's stand-in secretary Miss Holland (played by Miss Moneypenny from James Bond) asks after Jim Regan.

Holland - How's Jim taking it?

Straker - He's taking it.

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Sound of Silence

SHADO HQ is evacuated while they prepare to open a capsule found inside a UFO.

Foster - Could be a long wait.

Straker - There's an old miner's saying "The closer you are to an explosion, the better your chances are".

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Mindbender

Moonbase reports to Earth as impending sunspot activity will temporarily block communication.

Straker - It's the feeling of helplessness I can't take.

Lake - Sunspot activity is a perfect cover for UFOs. Do you think they'll try anything?

Straker - I think you can lay odds on it.

Miss Ealand tells Straker that General Henderson is waiting in his office.

Ealand - General Henderson.

Straker - How long has he been waiting?

Ealand - Long enough to work up a lather

Straker - Just what I need at 8.30 in the morning. [Miss Ealand hands Straker some papers] Thank you.

Ealand - I could always 'phone down with some excuse to get you off the hook.

Straker - Well, can you think of a good one that might do the trick?

Ealand - Fire in the studio?

Straker - No, it would take at least an earthquake to get one angry general off my back.

Ealand - Nuclear attack?

Straker - That might do it, if it was a big one.

Henderson, Straker and Lake are in Straker's office.

Henderson [looking much thinner and scraggier than in earlier episodes] - Straker, the committee meets in three days time. I need your report and all the figures.

Straker - I've been busy.

Henderson - Look, it takes money to run SHADO. A hell of a lot of money. And we're asking the committee for even more this time.

Straker: Well, that's your bag; you get the money, I run the store.

[The argument continues]

Henderson - We could both walk out tomorrow, and don't think I haven't considered it. But you, you've got a monkey on your back - dedication. Think about it. [Henderson leaves].

Lake - You want me to reprogram the computer to get out the finance figures? He is right you know.

Straker - Yes, he's right right. Sometimes being wrong right is harder. No, let the computer run, I have to know what happened to Conroy.

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Later General Henderson returns to Straker's office.

Henderson - Commander.

Straker - General.

Henderson - Close the door.

[They talk about the actions of Astronaut Conroy and Captain Jones.]

Straker - Well if you're looking for an explanation, I don't know.

Henderson - The committee just won't buy that Straker. They're going to want some answers and you're sending me up there with nothing. What do you expect me to do? Stand up and give them a couple of choruses of "Lover come back"?

Straker - We need more time. If we'd managed to take Jones alive...

Henderson - What do you mean?

Straker - I killed him.

Henderson - You what?

Straker - With this gun. The one he had on Colonel Lake [Throws it away] It was empty!

Henderson - Oh don't give me that "Unkind to Straker" crud. If you can't stand the heat you shouldn't be in the kitchen.

Straker - You're making this personal?

Henderson - Any way you want.

Straker - All right, General "Almighty" Henderson. Every man and woman in SHADO is my responsibility.

Henderson - Oh my heart bleeds for you!

Straker - They're highly trained, dedicated, often under tremendous stress.

Henderson - Oh stop it, stop it, you're making me cry.

Straker - My God, I'm really seeing you for the first time. You don't care, do you, you really don't care!

Henderson - Stress? We're all under stress. Father Straker and his bleating flock!

Straker - Don't push me Henderson!

Henderson - Sheep!

Straker - Someone ought to take you...

Henderson - What, you? You haven't got the guts! Let's get back to realities. You're nothing but a bunch of spineless, gutless sheep, the lot of you! Maaah! Maaah! Maaah! [Straker clenches fist to strike Henderson]

Director - Cut!

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The Long Sleep

SHADO need to find the location of a bomb hidden in a farmhouse in the south of England. Catherine Fraser, a woman who has come out of a coma after an encounter with aliens ten years ago, may be able to locate the farmhouse. But she cannot remember its location. The aliens, also looking for the bomb, have given her a memory drug. Foster sees the syringe in her hospital room and he and Straker look at it meaningfully.

Foster - It worked before, it's our only chance.

Straker [picking up the syringe] - What is this drug, doctor?

Jackson - I don't know, it wasn't anything I've seen before.

Straker - Would another injection harm her?

Jackson - The last one doubled her pulse rate. It's nowhere near back to normal. I don't know what would happen.

Foster - But you must use it!

Jackson - I won't take the responsibility.

Straker - Paul, it could kill her.

Foster - Look, thousands of people may die if we don't try. [Takes the syringe and thrusts it at Jackson] Use it!

Straker - Wait! [To Miss Fraser] I want to explain.

Fraser - There's no need. [Straker leaves]

After the bomb has been found Straker returns to the hospital to find Catherine Fraser dead and greatly aged.

Straker - How? How is it possible?

Jackson - I don't know. And I'm glad I don't know.

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T.E.Powell@bath.ac.uk. Last updated 5 September 2002. With thanks to Lucy Jefferis (now Powell) and Adrian Nardone for suggesting suitable dialogue and pointing out the typos.

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