In this thrilling episode of Alien Worlds, we journey to the asteroid Vesta, home to the bustling spaceport of Kronos, where prospectors, gamblers, and pirates gather in search of fortune. The discovery of Glowstone on the distant planet Calamar sets off a frenzy, drawing adventurers from across the galaxy. As space miners and explorers converge on this mysterious world, tensions rise and danger lurks in the shadows.
Meanwhile, aboard STARLab, research director Maura Cassidy and her team prepare for a mission to Calamar, unaware of the perils that await them. As they descend to the planet's surface, they encounter the terrifying Night Riders, sightless alien creatures that threaten their very survival. With their shuttle destroyed and communication cut off, the team must navigate the darkness and uncover the secrets of Calamar before it's too late. Join us for an action-packed adventure filled with suspense, intrigue, and the unknown.
(00:28) Introduction to Spaceport Kronos
(01:43) The Rising Star Saloon: A High-Stakes Game
(03:18) STARLab and the Glowstone Discovery
(06:46) Prospectors Arrive on Calamar
(09:05) The Columbus En Route to Calamar
(13:12) The Value and Danger of Glowstone
(16:30) Night Riders Attack on Calamar
(19:57) The EVA Mission and Mysterious Destruction
(23:01) Trapped by the Night Riders
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[00:00:29]
Unknown:
Within the far reaches of deep space, there remain unknown planets, journeys into galaxies yet uncharted. Stellar exploration is the new found adventure. On the asteroid Vesta, halfway between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, is the small space port of Kronos, supply center to space miners. Here, in this isolated watering hole, exist prospectors, gamblers, pirates and cutthroats of every persuasion. Our story is about these daring and ruthless men who risk their lives in search of precious stones and metals in the icy tomb of deep space, and journey upon the threshold of alien worlds.
Spaceport Kronos. The rising star saloon. Saturday night.
[00:01:51] Unknown:
Braves, three hundred. No. I'm out. Oh, me too.
[00:01:55] Unknown:
Well, that leaves just you and me, dude. Like I said before,
[00:01:59] Unknown:
my name is Silverthorne. Travis Silverthorne. Sorry, dude. I'm not much good with names. You might wanna remember mine. I see your 300 and raise you 3,000. What?
[00:02:16] Unknown:
You heard me. Now we have 3,000.
[00:02:18] Unknown:
Too bad, dude. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. I have a ship. I have a '90 '8 Dart. What do you say? For a thousand? Where is it? Down the Lot Number 4. That clunker? Hey, look. It leaves in little paint. That's all. It's got an FTL overdrive. Faster than light. That's right. The FTL unit alone is worth a thousand. Alright. You calling, you know it. Three queens. Damn. Well, gentlemen, thanks. Not bad for the first part of the night.
[00:02:55] Unknown:
Whose deal is it?
[00:02:58] Unknown:
What the hell was that? That old scrounger over that he just keep running into this place and shot off his blaster. Shh. He's trying to say something. Glowstone. Glowstone? Did you say Glowstone?
[00:03:09] Unknown:
Oh, there goes the game. Glowstone.
[00:03:11] Unknown:
Glowstone's been discovered on Kellmar. Coal stone? Calamar.
[00:03:19] Unknown:
Meanwhile, high above Earth, STARLab, the spinning observatory wheel, drifts silently, peacefully through space. Aboard STAR Lab, research director, Maura Cassidy, and her assistant, Tim, ready the giant telescopes for a close hand look at the new frontier.
[00:03:45] Unknown:
Doctor Cassidy, you're early. I know, Tim. But I'm anxious to get a look at the planet. Besides, commissioner White has ordered a twenty four hour surveillance of Mycroft is moving the 900 inch scope into position now. The 900? What's wrong with the big one? It's working on spectral analysis. Two more hours.
[00:04:03] Unknown:
We can't wait. Delta one will be here any minute, and I want Calimar on the viewer when Graydon and Griff arrive. Why are they coming here to star lab first? Calamore's in the opposite direction. I don't know, Tim. They didn't tell me. I can't believe it was just yesterday that news of the glowstone strike got out. It seems like everybody's going to Calamore. Now, I wouldn't mind going there myself. What for, doctor Cassidy? Well, for one thing, I've never even seen a grain of glowstone, much less the rocks rumored to exist on Calomar. Will you settle for a good look right now? The scope's ready. Well, then turn on the viewer, Tim. Let's see this new frontier. Right, doctor Cassidy.
[00:04:38] Unknown:
You're on.
[00:04:45] Unknown:
Oh. Is that what all the fuss is about? Captain Griff. Well, that's it alright. That's Calamar. It hardly looks worth the effort. Well, what about you, John? What do you think?
[00:04:55] Unknown:
It looks hot. Just 200 degrees at noon is all. Oh, and I forgot to pack my cocoa butter.
[00:05:01] Unknown:
Can you tell us anything else, Mora? Not much. A double sun accounts for the hot days. Nights, on the other hand, dark. There is no moon. Most plant and animal life will probably be nocturnal. It's really a fascinating world.
[00:05:15] Unknown:
If only we knew more about it. Well, we'll give you a complete report when we get back. How long are you going to be gone? Oh, a week or so until the ISA can set up a permanent command post there. I don't understand
[00:05:27] Unknown:
why you two went out of your way to come here before going on to Calomar.
[00:05:34] Unknown:
Well, an ISA directive, Mara. Commissioner White's orders. But why? Tell everybody.
[00:05:40] Unknown:
Oh, thanks, pal.
[00:05:43] Unknown:
Well, you see, Mara, the chief told us to leave Delta One here at StarLab.
[00:05:48] Unknown:
Then how will you get back to Calamard?
[00:05:51] Unknown:
In Starlab's cruiser.
[00:05:53] Unknown:
Columbus. The heck you will. You're not touching my ship. Now come on, Mara. Be reasonable. We need the shuttle from Columbus. I don't care. Forget it. Excuse me, doctor Cassidy. Yes, Tim. What is it? You said you wanted to go to Calamar.
[00:06:09] Unknown:
Here's the perfect opportunity.
[00:06:12] Unknown:
Yes. So it is. Thanks, Tim. Okay, John. You can take my ship on one condition. I'll skip her. Take me with you. Oh, now just a minute, Mark. I have some field time coming anyway, and all my equipment is already aboard Columbus, so it's settled. I'll go get ready.
[00:06:36] Unknown:
Hey, Skipper. We sure handle that well. Yeah. Well, maybe it's a good thing she's coming along, buddy. We can use the help.
[00:06:46] Unknown:
As Graydon and Griff prepare to disembark STARLab for Calomar, early prospector arrivals begin on the small planet. Mark Robbins and Lee Johnson are among the first.
[00:07:05] Unknown:
Good thing we left the landing lights on. It's really dark out here. Yeah. But we have to work at night. It's too hot during daylight. You know that. Besides, we've already lost time, so we better get busy. You sure these hills are the best place to look for glowstone? I think they're a good place to start, Lee. You unpack the scanner, and I'll set up the auxiliary light. Wait a minute. Shh.
[00:07:25] Unknown:
Shh.
[00:07:26] Unknown:
What's wrong? I thought I heard something. I don't hear anything. Hey. Listen. Oh, yeah. Yeah. I do hear it now. Sounds like a herd of animals or something. Don't worry about it. Oh, there's something eerie about that sound. I said don't worry about it. Come on. Let's get to work.
[00:07:45] Unknown:
From the blackness of Kalamar's night comes an omen. What lies ahead on this tiny distant planet remains an unknown shrouded in mystery on alien worlds. Alien worlds continues. A wave of unruly space prospectors, a chaotic infiltration of the planet Calamar. Anticipating the outbreak of lawlessness, the International Space Authority intervenes. Acting on ISA orders, a space exploration team is sent to Calamard to begin preparations for the arrival of an ISA security fleet and the establishment of a permanent command post. Starlab's interstellar cruiser, Columbus, is en route. SCT commanders, John Graden and Buddy Griff, along with Starlab research director, Maura Cassidy, are on board.
[00:09:06] Unknown:
Skipper, we're getting a distress signal heading 04Niner. Open channel eight, buddy.
[00:09:15] Unknown:
ISA cruiser Columbus calling vessel at 04Niner. We read your flag. Open communications on channel eight over. What's going on? Some idiot probably ran out of photons.
[00:09:28] Unknown:
Oh, my god. You guys showed up. I'll bet 15 ships pass me by without even slowing down. I'm sorry pal, but we'll be doing the same. What? Oh, come on. You can leave me. Hey, Skipper. I think I know that guy. Do you mind?
[00:09:43] Unknown:
Okay, buddy. Go ahead. But I'm not stopping. Hello, Travis.
[00:09:47] Unknown:
Travis Silverthorn. Is that you? Yeah. Who are you? It's me, buddy.
[00:09:51] Unknown:
Buddy, you fools. Stop that ship right now and pick me up. Hey, Skipper. What do you say? I already said, buddy. But Travis is like a, like a bright I don't care, buddy. We don't have the time. Skipper. He saved my life when we were kids. Oh, damn it, buddy. Thanks, Skipper.
[00:10:11] Unknown:
Hello, Travis. Hold on. We're coming alongside.
[00:10:16] Unknown:
As captain Griff aids a distressed friend, doctor Cassidy receives an emergency call from StarLab.
[00:10:25] Unknown:
That's right, doctor Cassidy. Spectral analysis indicates a little flare up from Calomar's double star. How intense, Tim? Strong enough to knock out any and all radio communication within nineteen parsecs of Calomar.
[00:10:38] Unknown:
Okay. Thanks for the report, Tim. I'll be in touch.
[00:10:41] Unknown:
Great,
[00:10:42] Unknown:
You heard?
[00:10:44] Unknown:
Yeah. Without any radio communication on Calamar, things could get sticky. Any idea how long the solar flare ups might last? I'd just be guessing.
[00:10:57] Unknown:
John? Mora? I'd like you to meet my old friend, Travis Silverthorn. Travis? Appreciate the ride, captain. It's alright, Travis. What happened to your ship, Travis? It was a piece of junk I won in the card game on Kronos. Not worth going back for. Say,
[00:11:13] Unknown:
you you wouldn't be headed for Kalamar by any chance, would you? We sure are.
[00:11:18] Unknown:
Fantastic.
[00:11:23] Unknown:
Back on Kalamar's night side, prospectors Mark Robbins and Lee Johnson continue their search for Glowstone. Out of the black depths, a mysterious sound draws closer.
[00:11:42] Unknown:
I think they're getting closer, Mark. Stop worrying about that noise. It's probably a natural phenomenon. Well, natural or not. I got a bad feeling about it. Hey. What do you say we break camp and set up at another location? Oh, Lee, come on. You You got prospector jitters. Listen, Sal. It stopped. You see there? Nothing to worry about. Like I said, it's a natural phenomenon. Natural phenomenon. Yeah. Sure.
[00:12:17] Unknown:
Well, that's it. We've entered the area affected by Calamard's sun. We no longer have any radio communication with
[00:12:24] Unknown:
anyone. We'll need to keep a monitor on the radio at all times. Hey, Skip. Me and Travis have thrown a party to celebrate our reunion. You wanna join us?
[00:12:33] Unknown:
No thanks, buddy. But go ahead. Just don't overdo it, Right, Skip. How about you, Mora? Would you like to have a drink with us? Well, I Oh, go ahead, Mora. We have time before we get to Calomar.
[00:12:44] Unknown:
Okay. Why not? Alright. We'll be in the galley, Skipper.
[00:12:50] Unknown:
Well, tell me, mister Silvertorn. Please, Mora.
[00:12:54] Unknown:
Call me Travis.
[00:12:55] Unknown:
Okay, Travis. What draws you to Calamore?
[00:12:59] Unknown:
Plan on doing any prospecting? Well, in a matter of speaking, I guess.
[00:13:03] Unknown:
If I know Travis, he'll be mining the miners. And that means? I will be playing cards. Ah. Okay. Here we are. Martian physicists okay? Careful. Okay. Bye bye.
[00:13:17] Unknown:
You know, I've never seen glowstone. No kidding.
[00:13:21] Unknown:
I, just happen to have a piece with me. Really? Oh, I'd love to see it. It's just a speck, but it's enough to see the value. To get the full effect of glowstone, you have to see it in the dark. Buddy, will you please turn off the lights? Sure.
[00:13:39] Unknown:
Oh, it's beautiful. I've never seen such rich colors before so bright, pure, and warm.
[00:13:48] Unknown:
Think she likes it, buddy? I don't know. It's hard to tell. The glow stone is supposedly an aphrodisiac too, you know. No. I didn't, but I'm not surprised. Oh, wow. You two wanna be left alone? Buddy.
[00:14:01] Unknown:
Of course, that's not the reason it's so valuable. That's right. That much I do know. Glowstone is a perfect energy source. Small, clean, safe. It doesn't get hot, and yet the energy it releases can be put to thousands of uses. And on top of all of that, it's one of the rarest minerals in the universe.
[00:14:18] Unknown:
This little speck of mine is worth close to a hundred thousand. I've met men who are willing to kill for a piece half this size, and almost as many who are willing to die for it.
[00:14:33] Unknown:
The value of glowstone cannot be denied, but neither can the dangers of mining it. As two young prospectors draw closer to a confrontation with the unknown on Kalamar.
[00:14:52] Unknown:
It's been a half hour, Lee, and no more howls. If anything was there, it's gone now. No. I don't think so, Mark. They're out there all around us. I can feel them. Maybe we should just get back to work. Are you kidding? That's just what they're waiting for. But we can't sit here all night. Besides I've scanned the whole place, there is nothing here to fear. But Mark But nothing. Now give me that blaster and wait here. Where you going? I'm gonna prove my point. I'll fire the blaster a couple of times over by that rocket. If nothing happens, then maybe we can get back to work. Okay? And if something does happen? Well, then you're gonna have a front row seat, but nothing will happen. Now watch. Hey. What happened to the lights?
Mark? Mark? What in the name of god is that? What is the warrior? We? We? Help me.
[00:15:53] Unknown:
From the deep darkness of a mining camp on Calamar, a scream of terror and silence of death. What strange creatures stalk the blackness and lure these helpless miners into horror? An excursion into the arcade on alien worlds. Alien Worlds continues. Mysterious hostile creatures attack a prospector camp on Calamar. A search for glowstone ends in terror. Lawless disorder sweeps the planet as prospectors and pirates arrive in search of the precious stone. A space exploration team enters Calamar's orbit, sent by the International Space Authority to subdue the madness.
[00:17:03] Unknown:
I can't get over how hot it looks down there, Mora. At least the nights are pleasant, John. I'm sure most of the miners do their work at night. What about solar screens during the day? Even under a solar screen, it would still be a 20 degrees or so. A little hot to be doing hard labor. Yeah. I'll say.
[00:17:21] Unknown:
You know I never liked the desert, even on Earth. I think I'll stay up here and let the rest of you take the first EVA. So now all I have to do is find Buddy and Travis. I think they went under the launch deck. Yeah. Just a minute. I'll go with you. Okay.
[00:17:37] Unknown:
You know, Travis, seeing you again reminds me of the first time we left Earth together. Remember? How could I forget? I can't believe we ever got past the moon and that old government surplus. A wombat, wasn't it? It was a wombat, alright. That old fossil fueler. I'll bet they're still talking about our last night on Mars. I know I am.
[00:18:03] Unknown:
Excuse us, YouTube. If you're looking for a shuttle crew, we're ready. Good. Because we're going down. Alright.
[00:18:10] Unknown:
But wait, Skipper. Someone has to stay. Yeah. I'll stay, buddy. The three of you can go.
[00:18:16] Unknown:
Right. Well, come on. Buddy?
[00:18:19] Unknown:
Yeah? Listen, whatever you do, don't land. Why Why not? With the radios on, I just don't wanna take any chances that's all. Just look around and then report back here after your EVA.
[00:18:30] Unknown:
Okay, Skip. Boy, you sure know how to take the fun out of an EVA.
[00:18:38] Unknown:
As the EVA crew prepares to descend from the cruiser Columbus, other preparations are underway on Earth. An ISA security fleet commanded by Captain Richard Baker prepares to depart for Calamar and set up a permanent command post.
[00:19:00] Unknown:
Captain Baker. Yes, Lieutenant. What is it? I have that recording of the last transmission from Calamar, sir. Just before the signal faded completely. Good, Lieutenant. Let's hear it.
[00:19:11] Unknown:
Mayday. Mayday. The one that's 1Niner06. We're under attack. Coming out of nowhere.
[00:19:18] Unknown:
Open, sir.
[00:19:20] Unknown:
It's the light. It's the
[00:19:23] Unknown:
light. That's where it ends, sir. Was he saying light? Apparently.
[00:19:28] Unknown:
But we can't figure out why. The coordinates are from Calamore's dark side.
[00:19:39] Unknown:
An EVA shuttle streaks across Calamar's ebony skies into the
[00:19:57] Unknown:
Altitude leveling off at 10,000. Speed 900 and dropping.
[00:20:02] Unknown:
I can't understand it, buddy. There's, there's no lights down there. There's no sign of mining camps or laser drills.
[00:20:11] Unknown:
There's there's nothing but darkness. I have to admit it, Travis. It does seem strange. Hey, you two. Relax. We're flying over a huge plains area. Any mining operations are bound to be in the hills. Right? Oh, yeah. That's right. Well, can you see anything at all down there, Mora? Scattered plant life and what appears to be a giant herd of animals. I'm taking us down closer. This is strange.
[00:20:33] Unknown:
What's strange?
[00:20:34] Unknown:
I can see several mining camps. So? Well, they appear to have been totally destroyed like they were hit by a tornado. I knew something was wrong. Is there any sign of survivors? No.
[00:20:45] Unknown:
Wait. Wait. Slow down. Okay. Okay. Give me a chance. What do you see, Mora? What do you see? A group of men. Some of them look injured. They're they're standing together near some caves. They're trying to get our attention. So why don't they turn on a light if they want us to see them? Only one way to answer that question, buddy. I think you're right, pal. We've gotta land this bird. But, buddy, join us so that we can You said some of those men were hurt, Mara. We've got to help them. That's why we're here. I suppose you're right. I know I am. Hit the landing lights with you, Travis.
Right. There. That's more like it. Now we can see too. Yeah. There are the men that Mara was. Hey. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. They're running away.
[00:21:24] Unknown:
They're running away like scared rabbits. Yeah. They're heading straight for the caves. They panicked as soon as you turned on the lights.
[00:21:31] Unknown:
Touchdown.
[00:21:33] Unknown:
Let's get out there and find out what's going on.
[00:21:42] Unknown:
Turn off your lights. The teacher's not coming. Who are you? What are you talking
[00:21:56] Unknown:
Okay. Okay. Quick. Turn off the lights, Travis. Right.
[00:22:00] Unknown:
The only way to save your ship is to leave now.
[00:22:04] Unknown:
Buddy, listen.
[00:22:06] Unknown:
It's them.
[00:22:07] Unknown:
They're coming, I tell you. I'll take a look through the infrared binoculars. Oi.
[00:22:11] Unknown:
They can't be stopped. They'll tear your ship to pieces and hunt through if we don't get caught up
[00:22:19] Unknown:
here. What is that? It's the night riders. Night riders?
[00:22:23] Unknown:
Mara, can you see anything through the binoculars?
[00:22:26] Unknown:
Can I ever? They're coming this way, alright. There must be several hundred of them. Several hundred what? Strange creatures. Reptilian, I think, but but huge. They're riding on the backs of those animals I saw earlier. My god. I don't believe. What is it? What is it? They don't have any eyes. But how can can they please? There isn't much time. You must please. He's right. They've already reached the foothills. Okay. Let's go. Everyone in the shuttle. You too, mister.
[00:22:53] Unknown:
Thank you. Thank you.
[00:23:02] Unknown:
All systems on, buddy. Alright. Preliminary ignition. Sent.
[00:23:08] Unknown:
What's the matter, buddy? Misfire.
[00:23:12] Unknown:
Again. Let me out of here. I want out. Red ax, will you? Alright, baby.
[00:23:17] Unknown:
Come on.
[00:23:20] Unknown:
Damn it. I'm getting out of here now. Alright. That's it. A man ship. Head for the cave. Right, buddy. Ow. Okay. Be careful, Moro. Watch your step. Come on, buddy. Hurry. Okay. Okay. My god. I don't think they're Indians, Mara. I I don't believe this. Look
[00:23:47] Unknown:
at what they're tearing the shuttle apart. What are we gonna do, buddy? How are we gonna contact John
[00:23:52] Unknown:
now? Let's worry about that later. Quick. Let's get undercover.
[00:23:55] Unknown:
In here. In the tank.
[00:23:59] Unknown:
Buddy, Mora, and Travis find themselves trapped, overrun by strange, sightless alien creatures. Unable to contact John Graydon high above them, aboard Columbus, they appear to be hopelessly stranded in darkness. Their shuttle has been torn to pieces by the night riders of calamar. Indeed, a phantasm of consternation on alien worlds. The Night Riders of Calamard was based on an original story by Dudley Brown and written by Dudley Brown and Lee Hanson. Associate producer, Jeff Allen. Music director, Tom Rounds. Our engineer was Stu Jacobs. Assistance to the producer Laurie Tyler and Erin O'Neil.
Technical consultant Peter Sky. Alien Worlds was created, produced and directed by Lee Hanson and is distributed by Watermark Incorporated. And so until next time, this is Roger Dressler inviting you to join us for the conclusion of the Night Riders of Kalamar on Alien Worlds.
Within the far reaches of deep space, there remain unknown planets, journeys into galaxies yet uncharted. Stellar exploration is the new found adventure. On the asteroid Vesta, halfway between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, is the small space port of Kronos, supply center to space miners. Here, in this isolated watering hole, exist prospectors, gamblers, pirates and cutthroats of every persuasion. Our story is about these daring and ruthless men who risk their lives in search of precious stones and metals in the icy tomb of deep space, and journey upon the threshold of alien worlds.
Spaceport Kronos. The rising star saloon. Saturday night.
[00:01:51] Unknown:
Braves, three hundred. No. I'm out. Oh, me too.
[00:01:55] Unknown:
Well, that leaves just you and me, dude. Like I said before,
[00:01:59] Unknown:
my name is Silverthorne. Travis Silverthorne. Sorry, dude. I'm not much good with names. You might wanna remember mine. I see your 300 and raise you 3,000. What?
[00:02:16] Unknown:
You heard me. Now we have 3,000.
[00:02:18] Unknown:
Too bad, dude. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. I have a ship. I have a '90 '8 Dart. What do you say? For a thousand? Where is it? Down the Lot Number 4. That clunker? Hey, look. It leaves in little paint. That's all. It's got an FTL overdrive. Faster than light. That's right. The FTL unit alone is worth a thousand. Alright. You calling, you know it. Three queens. Damn. Well, gentlemen, thanks. Not bad for the first part of the night.
[00:02:55] Unknown:
Whose deal is it?
[00:02:58] Unknown:
What the hell was that? That old scrounger over that he just keep running into this place and shot off his blaster. Shh. He's trying to say something. Glowstone. Glowstone? Did you say Glowstone?
[00:03:09] Unknown:
Oh, there goes the game. Glowstone.
[00:03:11] Unknown:
Glowstone's been discovered on Kellmar. Coal stone? Calamar.
[00:03:19] Unknown:
Meanwhile, high above Earth, STARLab, the spinning observatory wheel, drifts silently, peacefully through space. Aboard STAR Lab, research director, Maura Cassidy, and her assistant, Tim, ready the giant telescopes for a close hand look at the new frontier.
[00:03:45] Unknown:
Doctor Cassidy, you're early. I know, Tim. But I'm anxious to get a look at the planet. Besides, commissioner White has ordered a twenty four hour surveillance of Mycroft is moving the 900 inch scope into position now. The 900? What's wrong with the big one? It's working on spectral analysis. Two more hours.
[00:04:03] Unknown:
We can't wait. Delta one will be here any minute, and I want Calimar on the viewer when Graydon and Griff arrive. Why are they coming here to star lab first? Calamore's in the opposite direction. I don't know, Tim. They didn't tell me. I can't believe it was just yesterday that news of the glowstone strike got out. It seems like everybody's going to Calamore. Now, I wouldn't mind going there myself. What for, doctor Cassidy? Well, for one thing, I've never even seen a grain of glowstone, much less the rocks rumored to exist on Calomar. Will you settle for a good look right now? The scope's ready. Well, then turn on the viewer, Tim. Let's see this new frontier. Right, doctor Cassidy.
[00:04:38] Unknown:
You're on.
[00:04:45] Unknown:
Oh. Is that what all the fuss is about? Captain Griff. Well, that's it alright. That's Calamar. It hardly looks worth the effort. Well, what about you, John? What do you think?
[00:04:55] Unknown:
It looks hot. Just 200 degrees at noon is all. Oh, and I forgot to pack my cocoa butter.
[00:05:01] Unknown:
Can you tell us anything else, Mora? Not much. A double sun accounts for the hot days. Nights, on the other hand, dark. There is no moon. Most plant and animal life will probably be nocturnal. It's really a fascinating world.
[00:05:15] Unknown:
If only we knew more about it. Well, we'll give you a complete report when we get back. How long are you going to be gone? Oh, a week or so until the ISA can set up a permanent command post there. I don't understand
[00:05:27] Unknown:
why you two went out of your way to come here before going on to Calomar.
[00:05:34] Unknown:
Well, an ISA directive, Mara. Commissioner White's orders. But why? Tell everybody.
[00:05:40] Unknown:
Oh, thanks, pal.
[00:05:43] Unknown:
Well, you see, Mara, the chief told us to leave Delta One here at StarLab.
[00:05:48] Unknown:
Then how will you get back to Calamard?
[00:05:51] Unknown:
In Starlab's cruiser.
[00:05:53] Unknown:
Columbus. The heck you will. You're not touching my ship. Now come on, Mara. Be reasonable. We need the shuttle from Columbus. I don't care. Forget it. Excuse me, doctor Cassidy. Yes, Tim. What is it? You said you wanted to go to Calamar.
[00:06:09] Unknown:
Here's the perfect opportunity.
[00:06:12] Unknown:
Yes. So it is. Thanks, Tim. Okay, John. You can take my ship on one condition. I'll skip her. Take me with you. Oh, now just a minute, Mark. I have some field time coming anyway, and all my equipment is already aboard Columbus, so it's settled. I'll go get ready.
[00:06:36] Unknown:
Hey, Skipper. We sure handle that well. Yeah. Well, maybe it's a good thing she's coming along, buddy. We can use the help.
[00:06:46] Unknown:
As Graydon and Griff prepare to disembark STARLab for Calomar, early prospector arrivals begin on the small planet. Mark Robbins and Lee Johnson are among the first.
[00:07:05] Unknown:
Good thing we left the landing lights on. It's really dark out here. Yeah. But we have to work at night. It's too hot during daylight. You know that. Besides, we've already lost time, so we better get busy. You sure these hills are the best place to look for glowstone? I think they're a good place to start, Lee. You unpack the scanner, and I'll set up the auxiliary light. Wait a minute. Shh.
[00:07:25] Unknown:
Shh.
[00:07:26] Unknown:
What's wrong? I thought I heard something. I don't hear anything. Hey. Listen. Oh, yeah. Yeah. I do hear it now. Sounds like a herd of animals or something. Don't worry about it. Oh, there's something eerie about that sound. I said don't worry about it. Come on. Let's get to work.
[00:07:45] Unknown:
From the blackness of Kalamar's night comes an omen. What lies ahead on this tiny distant planet remains an unknown shrouded in mystery on alien worlds. Alien worlds continues. A wave of unruly space prospectors, a chaotic infiltration of the planet Calamar. Anticipating the outbreak of lawlessness, the International Space Authority intervenes. Acting on ISA orders, a space exploration team is sent to Calamard to begin preparations for the arrival of an ISA security fleet and the establishment of a permanent command post. Starlab's interstellar cruiser, Columbus, is en route. SCT commanders, John Graden and Buddy Griff, along with Starlab research director, Maura Cassidy, are on board.
[00:09:06] Unknown:
Skipper, we're getting a distress signal heading 04Niner. Open channel eight, buddy.
[00:09:15] Unknown:
ISA cruiser Columbus calling vessel at 04Niner. We read your flag. Open communications on channel eight over. What's going on? Some idiot probably ran out of photons.
[00:09:28] Unknown:
Oh, my god. You guys showed up. I'll bet 15 ships pass me by without even slowing down. I'm sorry pal, but we'll be doing the same. What? Oh, come on. You can leave me. Hey, Skipper. I think I know that guy. Do you mind?
[00:09:43] Unknown:
Okay, buddy. Go ahead. But I'm not stopping. Hello, Travis.
[00:09:47] Unknown:
Travis Silverthorn. Is that you? Yeah. Who are you? It's me, buddy.
[00:09:51] Unknown:
Buddy, you fools. Stop that ship right now and pick me up. Hey, Skipper. What do you say? I already said, buddy. But Travis is like a, like a bright I don't care, buddy. We don't have the time. Skipper. He saved my life when we were kids. Oh, damn it, buddy. Thanks, Skipper.
[00:10:11] Unknown:
Hello, Travis. Hold on. We're coming alongside.
[00:10:16] Unknown:
As captain Griff aids a distressed friend, doctor Cassidy receives an emergency call from StarLab.
[00:10:25] Unknown:
That's right, doctor Cassidy. Spectral analysis indicates a little flare up from Calomar's double star. How intense, Tim? Strong enough to knock out any and all radio communication within nineteen parsecs of Calomar.
[00:10:38] Unknown:
Okay. Thanks for the report, Tim. I'll be in touch.
[00:10:41] Unknown:
Great,
[00:10:42] Unknown:
You heard?
[00:10:44] Unknown:
Yeah. Without any radio communication on Calamar, things could get sticky. Any idea how long the solar flare ups might last? I'd just be guessing.
[00:10:57] Unknown:
John? Mora? I'd like you to meet my old friend, Travis Silverthorn. Travis? Appreciate the ride, captain. It's alright, Travis. What happened to your ship, Travis? It was a piece of junk I won in the card game on Kronos. Not worth going back for. Say,
[00:11:13] Unknown:
you you wouldn't be headed for Kalamar by any chance, would you? We sure are.
[00:11:18] Unknown:
Fantastic.
[00:11:23] Unknown:
Back on Kalamar's night side, prospectors Mark Robbins and Lee Johnson continue their search for Glowstone. Out of the black depths, a mysterious sound draws closer.
[00:11:42] Unknown:
I think they're getting closer, Mark. Stop worrying about that noise. It's probably a natural phenomenon. Well, natural or not. I got a bad feeling about it. Hey. What do you say we break camp and set up at another location? Oh, Lee, come on. You You got prospector jitters. Listen, Sal. It stopped. You see there? Nothing to worry about. Like I said, it's a natural phenomenon. Natural phenomenon. Yeah. Sure.
[00:12:17] Unknown:
Well, that's it. We've entered the area affected by Calamard's sun. We no longer have any radio communication with
[00:12:24] Unknown:
anyone. We'll need to keep a monitor on the radio at all times. Hey, Skip. Me and Travis have thrown a party to celebrate our reunion. You wanna join us?
[00:12:33] Unknown:
No thanks, buddy. But go ahead. Just don't overdo it, Right, Skip. How about you, Mora? Would you like to have a drink with us? Well, I Oh, go ahead, Mora. We have time before we get to Calomar.
[00:12:44] Unknown:
Okay. Why not? Alright. We'll be in the galley, Skipper.
[00:12:50] Unknown:
Well, tell me, mister Silvertorn. Please, Mora.
[00:12:54] Unknown:
Call me Travis.
[00:12:55] Unknown:
Okay, Travis. What draws you to Calamore?
[00:12:59] Unknown:
Plan on doing any prospecting? Well, in a matter of speaking, I guess.
[00:13:03] Unknown:
If I know Travis, he'll be mining the miners. And that means? I will be playing cards. Ah. Okay. Here we are. Martian physicists okay? Careful. Okay. Bye bye.
[00:13:17] Unknown:
You know, I've never seen glowstone. No kidding.
[00:13:21] Unknown:
I, just happen to have a piece with me. Really? Oh, I'd love to see it. It's just a speck, but it's enough to see the value. To get the full effect of glowstone, you have to see it in the dark. Buddy, will you please turn off the lights? Sure.
[00:13:39] Unknown:
Oh, it's beautiful. I've never seen such rich colors before so bright, pure, and warm.
[00:13:48] Unknown:
Think she likes it, buddy? I don't know. It's hard to tell. The glow stone is supposedly an aphrodisiac too, you know. No. I didn't, but I'm not surprised. Oh, wow. You two wanna be left alone? Buddy.
[00:14:01] Unknown:
Of course, that's not the reason it's so valuable. That's right. That much I do know. Glowstone is a perfect energy source. Small, clean, safe. It doesn't get hot, and yet the energy it releases can be put to thousands of uses. And on top of all of that, it's one of the rarest minerals in the universe.
[00:14:18] Unknown:
This little speck of mine is worth close to a hundred thousand. I've met men who are willing to kill for a piece half this size, and almost as many who are willing to die for it.
[00:14:33] Unknown:
The value of glowstone cannot be denied, but neither can the dangers of mining it. As two young prospectors draw closer to a confrontation with the unknown on Kalamar.
[00:14:52] Unknown:
It's been a half hour, Lee, and no more howls. If anything was there, it's gone now. No. I don't think so, Mark. They're out there all around us. I can feel them. Maybe we should just get back to work. Are you kidding? That's just what they're waiting for. But we can't sit here all night. Besides I've scanned the whole place, there is nothing here to fear. But Mark But nothing. Now give me that blaster and wait here. Where you going? I'm gonna prove my point. I'll fire the blaster a couple of times over by that rocket. If nothing happens, then maybe we can get back to work. Okay? And if something does happen? Well, then you're gonna have a front row seat, but nothing will happen. Now watch. Hey. What happened to the lights?
Mark? Mark? What in the name of god is that? What is the warrior? We? We? Help me.
[00:15:53] Unknown:
From the deep darkness of a mining camp on Calamar, a scream of terror and silence of death. What strange creatures stalk the blackness and lure these helpless miners into horror? An excursion into the arcade on alien worlds. Alien Worlds continues. Mysterious hostile creatures attack a prospector camp on Calamar. A search for glowstone ends in terror. Lawless disorder sweeps the planet as prospectors and pirates arrive in search of the precious stone. A space exploration team enters Calamar's orbit, sent by the International Space Authority to subdue the madness.
[00:17:03] Unknown:
I can't get over how hot it looks down there, Mora. At least the nights are pleasant, John. I'm sure most of the miners do their work at night. What about solar screens during the day? Even under a solar screen, it would still be a 20 degrees or so. A little hot to be doing hard labor. Yeah. I'll say.
[00:17:21] Unknown:
You know I never liked the desert, even on Earth. I think I'll stay up here and let the rest of you take the first EVA. So now all I have to do is find Buddy and Travis. I think they went under the launch deck. Yeah. Just a minute. I'll go with you. Okay.
[00:17:37] Unknown:
You know, Travis, seeing you again reminds me of the first time we left Earth together. Remember? How could I forget? I can't believe we ever got past the moon and that old government surplus. A wombat, wasn't it? It was a wombat, alright. That old fossil fueler. I'll bet they're still talking about our last night on Mars. I know I am.
[00:18:03] Unknown:
Excuse us, YouTube. If you're looking for a shuttle crew, we're ready. Good. Because we're going down. Alright.
[00:18:10] Unknown:
But wait, Skipper. Someone has to stay. Yeah. I'll stay, buddy. The three of you can go.
[00:18:16] Unknown:
Right. Well, come on. Buddy?
[00:18:19] Unknown:
Yeah? Listen, whatever you do, don't land. Why Why not? With the radios on, I just don't wanna take any chances that's all. Just look around and then report back here after your EVA.
[00:18:30] Unknown:
Okay, Skip. Boy, you sure know how to take the fun out of an EVA.
[00:18:38] Unknown:
As the EVA crew prepares to descend from the cruiser Columbus, other preparations are underway on Earth. An ISA security fleet commanded by Captain Richard Baker prepares to depart for Calamar and set up a permanent command post.
[00:19:00] Unknown:
Captain Baker. Yes, Lieutenant. What is it? I have that recording of the last transmission from Calamar, sir. Just before the signal faded completely. Good, Lieutenant. Let's hear it.
[00:19:11] Unknown:
Mayday. Mayday. The one that's 1Niner06. We're under attack. Coming out of nowhere.
[00:19:18] Unknown:
Open, sir.
[00:19:20] Unknown:
It's the light. It's the
[00:19:23] Unknown:
light. That's where it ends, sir. Was he saying light? Apparently.
[00:19:28] Unknown:
But we can't figure out why. The coordinates are from Calamore's dark side.
[00:19:39] Unknown:
An EVA shuttle streaks across Calamar's ebony skies into the
[00:19:57] Unknown:
Altitude leveling off at 10,000. Speed 900 and dropping.
[00:20:02] Unknown:
I can't understand it, buddy. There's, there's no lights down there. There's no sign of mining camps or laser drills.
[00:20:11] Unknown:
There's there's nothing but darkness. I have to admit it, Travis. It does seem strange. Hey, you two. Relax. We're flying over a huge plains area. Any mining operations are bound to be in the hills. Right? Oh, yeah. That's right. Well, can you see anything at all down there, Mora? Scattered plant life and what appears to be a giant herd of animals. I'm taking us down closer. This is strange.
[00:20:33] Unknown:
What's strange?
[00:20:34] Unknown:
I can see several mining camps. So? Well, they appear to have been totally destroyed like they were hit by a tornado. I knew something was wrong. Is there any sign of survivors? No.
[00:20:45] Unknown:
Wait. Wait. Slow down. Okay. Okay. Give me a chance. What do you see, Mora? What do you see? A group of men. Some of them look injured. They're they're standing together near some caves. They're trying to get our attention. So why don't they turn on a light if they want us to see them? Only one way to answer that question, buddy. I think you're right, pal. We've gotta land this bird. But, buddy, join us so that we can You said some of those men were hurt, Mara. We've got to help them. That's why we're here. I suppose you're right. I know I am. Hit the landing lights with you, Travis.
Right. There. That's more like it. Now we can see too. Yeah. There are the men that Mara was. Hey. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. They're running away.
[00:21:24] Unknown:
They're running away like scared rabbits. Yeah. They're heading straight for the caves. They panicked as soon as you turned on the lights.
[00:21:31] Unknown:
Touchdown.
[00:21:33] Unknown:
Let's get out there and find out what's going on.
[00:21:42] Unknown:
Turn off your lights. The teacher's not coming. Who are you? What are you talking
[00:21:56] Unknown:
Okay. Okay. Quick. Turn off the lights, Travis. Right.
[00:22:00] Unknown:
The only way to save your ship is to leave now.
[00:22:04] Unknown:
Buddy, listen.
[00:22:06] Unknown:
It's them.
[00:22:07] Unknown:
They're coming, I tell you. I'll take a look through the infrared binoculars. Oi.
[00:22:11] Unknown:
They can't be stopped. They'll tear your ship to pieces and hunt through if we don't get caught up
[00:22:19] Unknown:
here. What is that? It's the night riders. Night riders?
[00:22:23] Unknown:
Mara, can you see anything through the binoculars?
[00:22:26] Unknown:
Can I ever? They're coming this way, alright. There must be several hundred of them. Several hundred what? Strange creatures. Reptilian, I think, but but huge. They're riding on the backs of those animals I saw earlier. My god. I don't believe. What is it? What is it? They don't have any eyes. But how can can they please? There isn't much time. You must please. He's right. They've already reached the foothills. Okay. Let's go. Everyone in the shuttle. You too, mister.
[00:22:53] Unknown:
Thank you. Thank you.
[00:23:02] Unknown:
All systems on, buddy. Alright. Preliminary ignition. Sent.
[00:23:08] Unknown:
What's the matter, buddy? Misfire.
[00:23:12] Unknown:
Again. Let me out of here. I want out. Red ax, will you? Alright, baby.
[00:23:17] Unknown:
Come on.
[00:23:20] Unknown:
Damn it. I'm getting out of here now. Alright. That's it. A man ship. Head for the cave. Right, buddy. Ow. Okay. Be careful, Moro. Watch your step. Come on, buddy. Hurry. Okay. Okay. My god. I don't think they're Indians, Mara. I I don't believe this. Look
[00:23:47] Unknown:
at what they're tearing the shuttle apart. What are we gonna do, buddy? How are we gonna contact John
[00:23:52] Unknown:
now? Let's worry about that later. Quick. Let's get undercover.
[00:23:55] Unknown:
In here. In the tank.
[00:23:59] Unknown:
Buddy, Mora, and Travis find themselves trapped, overrun by strange, sightless alien creatures. Unable to contact John Graydon high above them, aboard Columbus, they appear to be hopelessly stranded in darkness. Their shuttle has been torn to pieces by the night riders of calamar. Indeed, a phantasm of consternation on alien worlds. The Night Riders of Calamard was based on an original story by Dudley Brown and written by Dudley Brown and Lee Hanson. Associate producer, Jeff Allen. Music director, Tom Rounds. Our engineer was Stu Jacobs. Assistance to the producer Laurie Tyler and Erin O'Neil.
Technical consultant Peter Sky. Alien Worlds was created, produced and directed by Lee Hanson and is distributed by Watermark Incorporated. And so until next time, this is Roger Dressler inviting you to join us for the conclusion of the Night Riders of Kalamar on Alien Worlds.
Introduction to Spaceport Kronos
The Rising Star Saloon: A High-Stakes Game
STARLab and the Glowstone Discovery
Prospectors Arrive on Calamar
The Columbus En Route to Calamar
The Value and Danger of Glowstone
Night Riders Attack on Calamar
The EVA Mission and Mysterious Destruction
Trapped by the Night Riders
