02x01 - The Incredible Voyage of Nebula-75

[bunniefuu]

The vast depths of the cosmos,
33 million miles from home,

a place that men
can only dream of,

except of course
for the brave men and

women who have
actually ventured there.

Men and women such as those
found on board the Nebula-75.

Sleek, sophisticated
and powerful.

This ship was designed for
deep space exploration.

But, well, not
quite this deep.

A freak, unexplained event,
catapulted them across the universe.

And now they must attempt the
long treacherous journey home.

They face many perils so that
one day they may be reunited

with the friendly peoples of
Earth in the space year 2121.

Now, don't get me wrong, Doc.
It's not that I don't trust you.

I mean you've only gotten
us into trouble one, maybe two.

Three... well, occasionally.

And it's deep space
unexplored territory.

So, these things
happen, right, anyway.

What I mean is
I trust you implicitly.

Uh, once, I've looked over and
double checked all the facts myself.

And what I mean, Doc.

This investigation does pose
an element of risk, and, uh...

To come straight to the point,

that is not to go
around the houses, or, uh,

well, beat around the bush or...

obfuscate is, well...

- Sorry to interrupt, sir.
- Oh, no, no, please, uh,

go ahead lieutenant.

I just wanted to let
you know that the

star will be going Supernova
in three hours and ten minutes.

Before programing the
final coordinate.

I just wanted to check
one thing with the doctor.

And what's that?

- Is it really safe, Doc?
- "Shafe"? But of course.

I have taken great
care for calculations.

and Sharky just confirmed them.

So long as everyone follows
my instructions to the letter,

Fair if we should be in for our

spectacular functional
lifetime experience.

Does that put your mind
at rest Lieutenant?

It certainly does, Doc.
Sorry for asking.

Not at all. I'm glad you feel able
to ask the important questions.

No matter how all could.

Very important,
right Commander?

Uh, yes.

- Absolutely.
- Oh, by the way...

What did you want
to ask me, Commander?

Oh, nothing really. I... I have
complete confidence in you, Doc.

As you know already.
Right, uh, anyway.

I better get to work.

Oh, doctor, there you are.

Just to let you know that
everything is now ready.

Shall we commence?

Yes, indeed.
Operation Supernova is go.

Right. We are ready to
enter the observation Zone.

Are you all
ready to go, Doc.?

I'm just checking
the instruments. Yes.

Yes, I think so.

You know, Doc., it's
your total certainty

that always gives me
the utmost confidence.

If there's one thing
I've got this after

the last year in
space, Commander.

Is that, even in science.

Nothing seems certain anymore.

Sometimes I wonder what
a quiet life would be like.

You'd be bored rigid.

I'm bored. Shall we
start the final fase.

A seven five. Okay
Circuit, you're the pilot.

Solstice will provide
navigational readings.

Mercury is going to keep
an eye on the engines.

And Doc.,
you best stay on

top of those instrument readings.

Okay, we'll be at
the edge of the

neutronial band
in 30 seconds.

Fire the retros on
my command, Circuit.

Seven five.

All systems set.

Everything it's running to plan.

We're in the Zodiac belt.
Neutronial belt approaching.

Here we go.

Five, four...

Three, two...

one..
Fire retros!

Did it work?

It sure did.

Let's all meet on the
observation deck.

It's so beautiful!

It sure is.

- Congratulations, Doc.
- Danke sehr.

I suppose we'd better get to
work on the data collection.

Uh, hold up, Lieutenant.
I reckon we can

wait here a while before
going back to work.

- Right, Doc?
- Yes, of course.

Great!

That's not often we have
the chance to enjoy the

peace and quiet.

Oh, I knew that I'd done
wrong as soon as I said.

This is Commander
Neptune of

the space vessel Nebula-75.

Please go ahead.

- Cut!
- What the...?

We can't print that one.

- What a waste of expensive film.
- Film?

That was a beautiful shot,

and you went and ruined it
by wandering right onto set.

Set?

- Didn't you hear me call action?
- No.

I'm... I'm sorry we didn't.

Typical.

No on set etiquette.
Its your problem.

I'll tell you what.

In the old days.

When I was a lad on the
old space locations units.

people like you wouldn't
have lost it a day.

We're very sorry
for ruining your shot.

But, man, what are
you doing out here?

Peeling bananas.
What does it look like?

I'm making a film!
Art For Art's Sake and all that.

Oh, you're here to
document the star as well.

Documentary?
Nah!

None of that nonsense.
This is for my action picture.

Supernova!

Or as we're
calling it in America.

Day trip to The Far
Side of the Sun.

I'm Dave, the director.

You've no idea what film
costs per Intergalactic Ford.

Will have to write
you into the picture.

You want us?

To star in your film?

Well, I want you to
act in him.

Stars give the big money.

Anyways, pop out in my office
and can we discuss terms.

- 75 for launch, Lieutenant?
- 75, Commander.

Liftoff.

And look of here, Peter.

If you don't do what I say
I'm I'm gonna hit you.

I'm gonna gobble you up.

I'm gonna gobble
you up just like

I've gobbled off the
rest of this city.

Oh, well. I guess the Doc.
was right about things

being, uh, uncertain, in this
part of the universe.

You're only just
saying that now.

You know, I thought I
recognized that face.

I've been watching this man's
film since I was a kid.

I'm not sure I know them.

Oh, you must have done.

"Vault of discomfort".
"The Duchess Consignment".

Uh, "30 minutes after lunch".

Gee, classics.
Classics, every one of them.

And I'm gonna star in
one of his pictures.

Ray Neptune in...

What a shot!

Yes, yes I hear you.

Permission to enter, sir.

Well you know
some punctual, I see.

That's always a promising star.

- Come in, come in.
- Thank you very much.

And may I say that it's a
great honor to meet you, sir,

I've Loved all your
films since I was a kid.

- Especially the one with...
- Oh, no, not Crossroads to Grime!

It wasn't my fault.
A salvage job.

- I don't think I've seen that one.
- Good.

Are you making this
film by yourself?

Right so.
Money's tight these days.

So you've got to make
films any way you can.

So that's what I'm doing.

Making my last great
film, before I retire.

I can't stand these directors who
go on making picture after picture,

with diminishing returns
So I said to myself,

Dave get out while you're
still fresh and finish at 803.

And you'd like our
crew to act in it?

Well, some of them.
The ones that can hold a close-up.

I mean, that ship of
yours, for example.

I should put it on contract.

- Uh, on contract?
- Star quality.

- Same goes for you.
- Oh, well.

Thank you.

Normally, all this will be done
by the special effects unit.

But, since you're here.

It'll be an honor to assist.

What happens now?

Well, I suppose I should head
back to your ship with you.

A quick location recce
and a casting call

before I get on with
rewrite in the script.

Rewriting must
be quite the task.

Yeah, I don't usually
believe in second drafts.

But this time I'll
make an exception.

Right, let's get a
move on time is money.

And if we don't hurry
we'll lose the light.

There Is No Business
Like Show Business.

Right. We know you
look good on camera.

But when I need
to see from this

next reading is
real emotion, passion.

Give it everything
you've got.

Action.

I've got a feeliing.

When not in clumsy anymore.

Cut! Print.

What the... the command room,
what have you done to it?

Oh, there you are, right. We've
been getting the sets ready.

What have you done to
my command room?

Improved it.

What do you mean "improved"?

Well, what was
wrong with it before?

He didn't look like the
command room of a spaceship.

It looked like it'd be not together
with any old thing lying around.

But it is!

Was! the command
room of a spaceship.

It still is the command room.

But now it looks apart.

But I liked it as it was.

Listen, the audience don't want the
same old thing they like on television.

They want something special.

Something totally different that

disposes with the
familiar and the cozy.

And your robot has
done a grand job.

In fact, I've been impressed
with your whole team.

- You must be quite the leader.
- Oh, uh, really.

Yeah, now don't you
worry about a thing.

Leave it to me. We've got the
makings of a great picture here.

Gee!

You think so?

Box office dynamite.
Now let me explain the plot.

Supernova, the story of
a star in its dying days.

Featuring the crew
of the Nebula-75.

This Gallant little band.

Separated from
loved ones back home.

Consists of heroic figures
such as sergeant Mercury,

daring Space Marine.

Petty officer Asteroid, dispenser
of Old World wisdom and heart.

And officer Solstice.
The genius tactician and

love interest to the
cruise fearless leader.

Commander Circuit.
Metal Man of Mystery.

- Commander Circuit?
- Oh he's got it hasn't?

He a certain what the French
called "I don't know what".

And what does that make me?

Sub Lieutenant Raymond.

Scatterbrain Junior
officer and all-round klutz.

I've loads of Comedy business
lined up for your character.

People will be laughing
at you for years.

But you said I
was a leader of men.

In reality, yes.
In this picture, no.

But I'm the only
actual astronaut here.

Oh, I'm the only
one in a uniform.

Well, if the audience is looking
at what you're wearing,

and not concentrating
on the exciting plot,

we've already lost them.

Right, we start
sh**ting tomorrow.

The enemy ship is crossing in radar.
We'll never escape!

I've diverted all available
power to the engines.

But it's still not enough.

Our only chance is to
head for that collapsing star.

Then divert at the last moment before
we get pulled into its gravity belt.

Gee, this is suicide!

For anyone else, yes,

but we have a
hero to guide us.

Do not fear.

I, Command Circuit,
will save you all.

Set course for
that dangerous star.

That soon will
go a supernova.

Uh, yes Circuit.
I mean, sir.

Yes, commander Circuit.
Oh, gee, sorry everyone.

Cut.

What's the matter Ray?

I'm sorry.

It's not used to
following in ordens.

Oh, I used to work with puppets,
and it was never as difficult as this.

Can we do it
one more time?

That was already
your tenth take.

We'll dab it in post.

I know someone will be
great for your part.

Right!

On to the next setup.

Circuit, you were wonderful.

I know.

I can't believe it.

Cut from a movie
about my own crew.

I'm sorry, Ray.

But the audience will
still see you on sreen.

Even if it isn't your
voice they hear.

I know this is all Make-Believe.

But I feel like a
passenger on my ship.

Nonsense.

We all know who is
really in charge here.

It is time for my
tea and biscuits.

Come on, Neptune.

Hmm!

Right. Listen up everybody this is the
big action moment of the film.

The Nebula-75 is being
pursued by aliens.

But fearless Commander
Circuit as the answer.

He's going to take the
Nebula-75 on full

power towards the
nearby collapsing star.

His crew think it's suicide.

But, with heroic timing
he's going to divert,

at last possible second, before
being at caught in the gravity belt.

The aliens,
who are not so cunning.

Cannot change course in time.

And are flung into the Spuernova.

Then, Commander
Circuit orders the ship

to collect cowardly
sub Lieutenant Raymond,

who abandoned the ship,
in the Comet,

and has been watching
from a distance.

Right! Get to your stations,
we start turning within the hour.

I ask myself why
I put up with this.

Your said yourself, Commander?
He's an old film hero of yours.

And you'll get the honor of
helping him with his last.

And maybe best picture.

I guess you're right, Doc.

I suppose I'll embrace my newfound
role as a comedy performer.

That's the spirit, Ray.

Right I better be off.

Before you go, Doc.

I'm not happy with
this stunt, you know.

Racing towards the star like this.

Oh, don't worry.
I'll go through everything

which Commander
Circuit before we start.

Um, um...

I meant I'll run through
everything with you, for sure.

I'll better be of.

Okay I have checked
my calculations again.

Each everybody else ready?

- Seven five.
- Seven five.

Seven five.

Whilst you're doing all
that navigation stuff.

Don't forget the important bit.

Your lines!
Right, stand by.

Action!

We're at maximum speed!

The space aliens
are closing in on us!

I shall head to the bridge,
switch off the auto-pilot,

and carry out this
daring manouevre myself.

That is too dangerous
even for a dashing

hero like you,
Commander Circuit.

The engines will start
to melt in one minute.

Circuit, you mustn't
sacrifice yourself.

I... I...
I love...

Hanging on.
This readings I'm getting.

I don't understand

All systems are
getting false readouts.

This is Neptune to Nebula-75.

Is everything 75?

Cut! That's not
your line, right?

You're supposed to say they're on
a collision course with the Sun.

So what's the matter?

They're on a collision
course with a sun.

- Commander, Thank Heavens!
- What happened, Doc.?

I don't know.

All of our instruments
have stopped responding.

Any ideas why?

It could be interference
from the super...

Is there a way
out of this, Doc.?

First thing is first.
Asteroid to Circuit.

Yes, doctor Asteroid.

Fire the retros.

See if we can break free
of the gravitational pull.

Yes, doctor.

Negative response.

We don't have enough engine
power to break away.

- How long until impact?
- Without accurate instrumentation?

I have no idea.

Two, maybe three days.

Well, at least that gives us
some time to find a solution.

I'm afraid not.

Even a dying star
emits immense heat.

This ship will burned within hours.

You mean they genuinely
can't escape?

Right.

They're not just acting
trying to do their

best for an old director
on his last picture.

- I'm afraid not.
- Oh this is all my fault.

- What have I done?
- Now hold on.

If there's one thing I've
learned in the last year.

And it's that space is
a strange old place.

We don't know what's
really happening.

I must go in and save them.

Wait! We need a plan.

I've got an idea.

It's crazy,
but it might just work.

Right, all systems disconnected.
I'll help you load up.

Great!
Thanks Dave.

It's the least I can do.

But you really think it'll work?

I have no idea.

- But I'd better get moving.
- I'm coming too.

No, it's too dangerous.

Listen, you've no idea what's
happening over there?

You'll need someone to help
out if you're going to

connect mine and the Comet's
engines to the Nebula.

You don't understand.
Every isouranium rod in each

of our engines needs to
be connected in sequence.

Don'ttalk to me
about sequences.

I'm a director an editor.

I know how to put
things together in order.

It's no good.
I'm coming to.

Right!
Hold on tight.

Right!
Let's go.

Now the heat must have
gone to them and it

will do the same to us
unless we get a move on.

You start on that panel.
I'll start here.

We've got just a couple of minutes.

I'm on it.

- I'm all wired up.
- Me too.

Right.

Firing retros.

Now!

Did we fail?

I... I don't know.

You haven't failed,
you have succeeded.

Yeah, sure I know
you in somewhere.

Didn't we make a
picture together once?

Athena, where are we?

Where are meant to be.

Soon you shall reawaken.

And the next stage of
your journey will begin.

But...

- Any news, Doc.?
- Indeed.

I have checked and all our
systems are functioning again.

The proximity to the sun must
have interfered with them.

So what exactly happened?

I sure mean we all
have the same dream.

I know as much as you do.

However, there is one
further strange thing.

- How's that?
- According to all our readings,

we are now only 29
million miles from home.

That's three million
miles closer than before.

What gives?

I can only imagine
if we passed into this

unusual black hole
left by the sun.

Well, it seems my script
wasn't Fantastical enough.

Or I'll have to go
to a third rewrite.

Will you still be making your picture.

You bet I'll be. The cameras were
rolling during all of that.

Right. I better be
making my farewells.

Just a few more shots then
back home for the release.

I'm sure it'll be
a great last film.

No it's film.
You must be joking.

After that, I've got many
more stories to tell.

Oh, which reminds me.

I don't suppose you
have the contact details...

details for that blonde
Bombshells agent, do ya?

I'm afraid not.

Oh, well.

By the way, when you get
home, do look out for the film.

But it's not going to be
called Supernova anymore.

- No?
- Nah!

He's got a new title now.

The Incredible Voyage
of Nebula-75.

Cheerio!