Space Angel THE DONAVAN PLAN
Transcript
00:00Blast off for another exciting adventure in outer space with Scott McCloud, Space Angel,
00:17and the story of The Donovan Plan.
00:24Wow, sure is a beautiful little ship, but why all the secrecy on this project?
00:42This is the Space Angel's new ship.
00:44Wow, no wonder.
00:45Hey, you suppose he'll come in and inspect it?
00:48I'd sure like to see him.
00:50We probably wouldn't know if he did, since no one knows who the Space Angel is.
00:55He could even be one of our workmen.
00:57Hey, who are the VIPs?
01:00That's Scott McCloud and his flight engineer.
01:02They're Space Force.
01:04Just a big megatomic engine with two seats on it.
01:07Those engine tests are fantastic.
01:10Ten million pounds of thrust.
01:12I can't wait to try them out, Skipper.
01:14Of course.
01:15DART 2 will have more thrust per pound of weight than any ship in the universe.
01:21And it won't be long now.
01:26Let's go over and see the chief about testing this baby.
01:30Will that be all, sir?
01:31Yes, Carter.
01:32Just see that we're not disturbed.
01:34Yes, sir.
01:35I'll be in microfilm if you need me.
01:36Now, let's get down to business.
01:38How does the DART check out, Scott?
01:40She's ready to go, chief.
01:42The new engine looks great.
01:44And we'd like permission to test her right away.
01:47That's what I want to talk to you about.
01:49This flight test would be a perfect cover-up for a top-secret project.
01:53What do you mean, chief?
01:55I mean the light ray, or death ray.
01:57Better known as Project Flashlight.
02:02I didn't know Professor Mace was even close to the testing stage on Project Flashlight.
02:08The conversion crystal gave us the breakthrough.
02:10The ray is ready for testing now.
02:13I don't have to tell you the importance of secrecy on this project.
02:16Used as a weapon, the light ray could be the most destructive force in the galaxy.
02:22Misused, such a device could jeopardize the whole space organization.
02:27That's right.
02:28So we must proceed with utmost secrecy.
02:30People talk too much around here.
02:32Information has been leaking out.
02:34So we will conduct the test from the evening star.
02:37The light ray can be installed on the DART there.
02:39You will conduct your flight tests in Sector 7 near the asteroid belt
02:44and test the ray on asteroids.
02:46Yes, sir.
02:47We'll blast off within the hour.
03:03Clear the area of all equipment and personnel.
03:06DART tester from launch control, you are clear for blast off.
03:10Roger, control.
03:11All set, Taurus?
03:12All go here, Skipper.
03:14Blasting off.
03:32Carter.
03:33Carter.
03:34Carter.
03:35Where are you, Carter?
03:36Answer me, Carter.
03:38Sorry, Chief.
03:39I was busy filing and didn't hear you.
03:40What can I do for you, sir?
03:42As soon as you're finished, I've got some reports for you to file.
03:45Yes, sir.
03:46I'll be up in a few minutes, sir.
04:01This is the message from Carter.
04:06This is the information I've been waiting for.
04:09So they've perfected the death ray, eh?
04:12That's right, sir.
04:14The Space Angel will be testing it in the new DART in Sector 7 tomorrow.
04:18That is good.
04:19That is very good indeed.
04:22With the death ray and the DART, I will have a weapon that can control the galaxy.
04:28But, sir, the Space Angel, he is not to be trifled with.
04:32The Space Angel is only mortal like the rest of us.
04:36I will capture the DART and the death ray.
04:39I have a plan.
04:47Evening, Star.
04:48This is Starduster.
04:49Approaching on Earth's space lane.
04:51Request landing instructions.
04:53Over.
04:54Starduster, this is Evening Star.
04:56Correct angle of approach, 3-5 degrees and switch to automatic landing control.
05:01Roger, Evening Star.
05:03Professor Mace, the Starduster is coming aboard in 2-3, sir.
05:07Right, Control.
05:08Have the project flashlight crew report there for installation.
05:11And ask Scott and Taurus to meet me in the briefing room.
05:21The basic principle of this device is simple.
05:24The same megatonic pack that powers the ship powers the light ray.
05:29The beam is directed by a lens system through the conversion crystal,
05:33which amplifies its power and projects it through a grid.
05:37That's all there is to it.
05:39You say that thing packs a wallet equal to a thousand megatons?
05:43The laboratory test was a complete success.
05:46The results were identical with the computer's predictions.
05:49That was under controlled conditions.
05:52How about the changing environments under normal operation?
05:55Its power source is independent of outside environment.
05:58Theoretically, its range is unlimited.
06:00But that's for you to check out, Scott.
06:02What about controls?
06:04Your control system is simple.
06:06You'll have plenty of time to check them out before blast-off.
06:09Blast-off is scheduled for 0900.
06:13Where are the tubes for blast-off?
06:20Captain, gang.
06:21Go here.
06:22Aye, skipper.
06:23Tube doors opening.
06:29Aye, make it a given.
06:30Get your go.
06:31A, B, temperature going.
06:33Increasing power.
06:51We're entering sector seven, Scott.
06:53Take over control, Storis, and stand by for launching the dart.
06:56Aye, skipper.
06:57Wish I could go with you.
06:59Sure hate to miss this ride.
07:08There is a ship entering the area, sir.
07:10It must be the Space Angel.
07:12Come into my parlor, said the spider to the fly.
07:19It won't be long now, will it, sir?
07:22Be patient, Vanilla.
07:24Be patient.
07:30Engine run-up test looks good, Storis.
07:32All systems go.
07:34I'll speed run the new engine first.
07:37Then make a pass at the asteroid belt and test the light ray.
07:40Right, skipper.
07:41I'm standing by to launch.
07:43Stay on course 7.05.
07:46That will keep you clear of the asteroid belt.
07:48I read you, Chris.
07:49Let her go, Storis.
07:59Look at that baby go.
08:02At 50% throttle, all systems go.
08:06Increasing power to three quarters.
08:1686,000 and increasing.
08:18Better back off, Scott, or you'll be out of the test area.
08:21Aye, skipper.
08:22You can't take that baby into the space lane at that speed.
08:26Roger.
08:27Firing retro rockets.
08:33What tremendous thrust that little ship has.
08:36She's slowing down.
08:38Soon the Space Angel will be testing the light ray.
08:41It is time to make our move, Vanilla.
08:44Soon that power will be mine.
09:07Storis, I'm moving into the edge of the asteroid belt now to test the light ray.
09:12Lining up for a shot now.
09:14Got well in sight.
09:15Range 300 astroletes.
09:26The ray completely powdered that asteroid.
09:29I think I'll try a big one.
09:46There it is.
09:48It was at least two miles across.
09:50I'd say the light ray is a complete success.
09:53Hal, there's an emergency flare right in the middle of that asteroid belt.
09:58Somebody's in trouble.
10:00I'm going in to investigate.
10:02Now what in the blazes would anyone be doing out there?
10:05It's way off the space lanes.
10:07Well, it could be a prospector.
10:09But there are no records of any recent flights out there, Scott.
10:12Well, someone's out there.
10:14There goes another flare.
10:20There's something fishy about this.
10:22Watch your step, skipper.
10:23Skipper.
10:24Can you read me, skipper?
10:26Come in, skipper.
10:28It's no use, lass.
10:29We've lost him.
10:30There's too much interference on that frequency.
10:33I'll try to pick him up on a higher frequency.
10:35Good idea.
10:36I don't mind telling you, lass.
10:38I ain't worried.
10:39This is the general area where I saw those flares.
10:42If it was a spaceship, I should have spotted it by now.
10:46Uh-oh.
10:47What's that up ahead?
10:48Are you all right?
11:03Yes.
11:04I'm happy you spotted my flare.
11:07Well, climb aboard.
11:09I'll get you out of here.
11:10Stardust are calling Dark 2.
11:12Come in, Scott.
11:13All I see is a bunch of gravel up there.
11:15Everything is moving.
11:17moving. Starduster calling Dart 2. Dart 2. Scott, come in please. There's still no
11:24answer, Taurus. Too much interference in that asteroid belt. I think we'd better
11:28cruise out that way and take a look around. Yes, I was out here prospecting. I
11:33wrecked my ship on an asteroid. Lucky I was in this area. I'll see if I can
11:39contact my ship and rendezvous for a pickup. I wouldn't do that if I were you.
11:44What's the meaning of this? I have need of your ship and your secret light ray
11:50to carry out my plans. And just what are your plans? My plan is to destroy the
11:58Space Council and install the Donovan plan for a perfect universe. You're mad.
12:04Genius is often mistaken for madness. Now you will get out of the ship without
12:11radio or flares. You will float for eternity in the asteroid belt. Just one
12:18of thousands of blips on a screen.
12:25Pick up anything, Chris? There are thousands blips on that screen. I don't
12:30think we could find a freight train out there without some kind of signal.
12:41I'm not entirely helpless, thanks to this little power pack. If the
12:56Starduster will just come into range to receive my signal.
13:11Chris, this is the area where Scott last contacted us. Taurus, I think I've got
13:26something. There's something traveling oblique to the asteroid belt. Good lass.
13:30I'll close in on it.
13:41It's a ship all right, but it's not the Dark. It's an Explorer ship, EX-47.
13:57Better contact and maybe they've seen Scott. EX-47, this is the Starduster.
14:03Come in, please. EX-47, this is the Starduster. Come in, please. I guess we better answer.
14:10This is EX-47. Go ahead, Starduster. EX-47, have you seen a small ship in this
14:18area? Negative, Starduster. We haven't seen a thing.
14:23Thanks, EX-47. Starduster out. This scope is useless, Taurus. I think I'll try the
14:29audio system. Good idea, lass. If Scott is in trouble, he'd signal us on the
14:34emergency frequency. Come on, Taurus. Get in range. Taurus, I got him. A very weak
14:42signal bearing 3-7 degrees. Good girl, Chris. Altering course to 3-7
14:47degrees.
14:53Come on, Taurus, Chris. We've got to warn the Space Council.
15:00They spotted me. Boy, what a beautiful sight.
15:11Skipper, what happened to the dot? Scott, are you all right? Get the evening star, quick.
15:17But, Scott, I don't understand. How could you lose the dot? No time to explain now,
15:23Professor. Just stop the Space Council meeting scheduled for tomorrow.
15:27Scott, I can't do that without going through channels. You know... Take my word
15:31for it. It's a matter of life or death. Stop that meeting. All right, Scott, if you
15:36say so. Out here. Man your stations, kids. We're heading back at flank speed.
15:43And that's the whole story, Professor. I know the man, Scott. That's Donovan. He had a
15:59plan to make all people more efficient through the use of computers. He called it
16:04the Donovan Plan. The Space Council expelled him ten years ago. The Chief's
16:08calling you, Scott. Oh, knock her in for it. Go ahead, Chief. How the devil could you let a
16:15weapon like that fall into the hands of that madman? Sorry, Chief. An old prospector
16:19floating in space just didn't seem like a potential menace. It wasn't entirely your
16:25fault, Scott. You remember Carter, my aide? Yes, Chief. He was Donovan's agent. I'm
16:31scrambling the whole space force with orders to blast the dot on sight. It won't do
16:35any good, Chief. I'm afraid Donovan has the ultimate weapon. He can strike
16:40wherever and whenever he pleases. We are helpless. That's right, Chief. The light
16:46ray could blast them all before they could get in range to use their space
16:50cannons. We'll have to find another way. You'd better, or Donovan will control the
16:55galaxy. If only I had known then that the Dark was inside that Explorer ship.
17:02That's it, Taurus. Maybe we can get to Donovan and the Dark through that ship.
17:07Scott, we couldn't attack that ship. If we got within range, Donovan would launch
17:11the Dart and blast us. Professor Mace, where would you say that Donovan's base
17:16was? Well, he attacked you in the asteroid belt here, and in a few hours he will
17:21blast the Space Council on Jupiter. I'd say his base must be on one of the moons
17:25of Jupiter. Exactly. Chris, get me the Chief again. You left me, lad. I can't see
17:32you. Keep going, Scott. What is it, Scott? Chief, I have a plan. It may cost us a
17:37building, but I think we can get Donovan before he strikes again. Well, go ahead.
17:42I'm game for anything. Well, Donovan will put his ship in a parking orbit around
17:46Jupiter and launch the Dart from there. After the launch, and while he's blasting
17:51the empty Space Council building, we'll move in and take over the mother ship.
17:56When he returns, we'll have a surprise for him. It's going to take mighty close
18:00timing and a lot of luck. His crew could warn him. Now, if we surprise them before
18:05they could get a message out? Well, it's worth a try. We've got to do something.
18:09Okay, Scott. We've got to know the second Donovan launches. Have all the Jupiter
18:15tracking stations watch for that Explorer ship, EX-47. Right, Scott. And good luck.
18:23Got an unidentified blip in Sector 1. That's it, all right. EX-47, notify the Space Angel.
18:31Starduster, this is Jupiter tracking station. This is the Starduster. Go ahead.
18:39We have your bogey in Sector 1. Sector 1, tell them we're on our way. Keep all ships clear of that area.
18:53We're getting close, Taurus. Can you spot him? Don't get too close or they'll spot us.
19:00Hi. Got him. They're on orbital approach. They'll be launching the dark any time now.
19:06Good. We'll wait here till he does. Vanilla, stay in this orbit till I return.
19:11And if you're challenged, you know what to say.
19:23He's launched, Skipper. Great. Stand by to take the controls. And Chris, contact the ship for a routine identification.
19:30I'll go overboard as soon as we get alongside.
19:36I've been waiting ten years for this moment.
19:40I've been waiting ten years for this moment.
19:46I've been waiting ten years for this moment. Goodbye, Space Council.
19:54So...
20:13Okay, Chris, do your stuff. Explorer 47, this is the Starduster.
20:18You are off the space lane. Are you in trouble? Over.
20:21We are making minor repairs.
20:23We'll be underway soon. No assistance required.
20:26Roger, 47. Starduster out.
20:40So is the boom, Vanilla. I'll be coming in.
20:54Ah-ha, Vanilla. I... Oh, no, the Space Angel.
20:59That's right, Donovan. You failed again. That was an empty building you blasted.
21:04Now we'll head back to Earth. You can try out the Donovan Plan in prison.
21:10Starduster returning to base.
21:13And so ends the story of the Donovan Plan.
21:17And so ends the story of the Donovan Plan.
21:21Don't miss the next exciting adventure in outer space with Scott McCloud, Space Angel.