WEBVTT 00:00:37.595 --> 00:00:41.598 [MUSIC CHATTER PLAYING ON RADIO] 00:00:50.567 --> 00:00:54.570 MAN 1 [ON RADIO]: - Clearly, I've never been there, but... 00:00:56.573 --> 00:01:00.659 MAN 2:usually the situation, obviously a major malfunction. 00:01:00.827 --> 00:01:03.579 [PEOPLE CHATTERING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGES ON RADIO] 00:01:14.883 --> 00:01:17.134 MAN 3: - Whether or not their president is a crook. 00:01:17.302 --> 00:01:18.594 MAN 4: Well, I'm not a crook. 00:01:18.761 --> 00:01:22.597 MAN 5: - Small step for man, one giant leap for... 00:01:22.764 --> 00:01:26.934 MAN 6: Robert Kennedy was shot in that ballroom. 00:01:28.437 --> 00:01:31.105 MAN 7: Thank God almighty, we are free at last. 00:01:31.273 --> 00:01:33.900 MAN 8: A sniper has fired at President Kennedy. 00:01:41.283 --> 00:01:42.617 MAN 9: - The Communist party... 00:01:42.784 --> 00:01:45.036 ...or have you ever been a member of the Communist party? 00:01:45.204 --> 00:01:49.457 MAN 10: Old soldiers never die. They just... 00:01:49.625 --> 00:01:52.210 MAN 11: Hi-yo, Silver! 00:01:53.879 --> 00:01:56.714 MAN 12: - Something never before experienced... 00:01:56.882 --> 00:02:01.302 MAN 13: - 1941, a date which will live... 00:02:05.641 --> 00:02:10.019 MAN 14: And we continue this final edition of our Maxwell House Good News of 1939. 00:02:10.187 --> 00:02:12.313 MAN 15: Good evening, Mr. And Mrs. North America... 00:02:12.481 --> 00:02:14.857 ...and all the ships at sea. Let's go to press. 00:02:19.071 --> 00:02:23.491 [MUSIC AND CHATTER FADING] 00:03:32.393 --> 00:03:36.563 GIRL: CQ, this is W-9 GFO. 00:03:38.065 --> 00:03:42.527 CQ, this is W-9 GFO here. Come back? 00:03:44.113 --> 00:03:45.530 CQ. 00:03:45.698 --> 00:03:50.201 CQ, this is W-9 GFO here. 00:03:50.369 --> 00:03:52.037 Come back? 00:03:52.580 --> 00:03:54.039 [KNOCKING] 00:03:54.206 --> 00:03:55.373 [DOOR OPENS] 00:03:55.541 --> 00:04:00.545 CQ, CQ, this is W-9 GFO. Is anybody out there? 00:04:00.713 --> 00:04:02.005 Not getting anything. 00:04:02.173 --> 00:04:03.757 Small moves, Ellie. 00:04:05.217 --> 00:04:06.593 Small moves. 00:04:09.095 --> 00:04:13.599 CQ, this is W-9 GFO here. Come back? 00:04:13.767 --> 00:04:17.770 MAN: Copy, W-9 GFO. K-4 WLD here. 00:04:17.937 --> 00:04:21.190 - What do I say? - Just be yourself. 00:04:21.649 --> 00:04:25.861 - Where are you, K-4 WLD? Come back? - Pensacola. Over. 00:04:26.029 --> 00:04:27.613 Pensacola, where's Pensacola? 00:04:27.781 --> 00:04:29.782 I'll give you a hint. 00:04:29.949 --> 00:04:31.241 Orange juice. 00:04:33.953 --> 00:04:37.790 Copy that, K-4 WLD. How's the weather down there in Florida? 00:04:39.084 --> 00:04:41.335 TED: Pensacola, Florida. 00:04:41.503 --> 00:04:44.171 I have to tell you, Sparks... 00:04:44.339 --> 00:04:47.841 ...one thousand, one hundred and sixteen miles. 00:04:48.009 --> 00:04:51.470 Pretty good. That's the farthest yet. 00:05:03.858 --> 00:05:07.152 ELLIE: Can we hear all the way to New York? TED: Sure. 00:05:08.530 --> 00:05:12.491 ELLIE: Can we hear all the way to California? TED: I don't see why not. 00:05:13.243 --> 00:05:16.954 ELLIE: Can we hear all the way to Alaska? TED: Yeah, on a really clear day. 00:05:17.163 --> 00:05:19.665 ELLIE: Can we hear all the way to China? 00:05:20.208 --> 00:05:22.251 TED: On a really, really clear day. 00:05:22.419 --> 00:05:23.836 [CHUCKLING] 00:05:24.546 --> 00:05:27.172 ELLIE: Could we talk to the moon? 00:05:27.340 --> 00:05:30.175 TED: Well, if it's a big enough radio, I don't see why not. 00:05:30.843 --> 00:05:32.844 ELLIE: Could we talk to Jupiter? 00:05:33.053 --> 00:05:35.847 Or what's the one after that? 00:05:36.014 --> 00:05:37.849 Don't tell me. 00:05:39.685 --> 00:05:41.352 TED: I'll give you a hint. 00:05:41.520 --> 00:05:42.687 Hula-Hoops. 00:05:42.896 --> 00:05:46.190 - Saturn. Could we talk to Saturn? - Mm-hm. 00:05:50.779 --> 00:05:53.781 Dad, could we talk to Mom? 00:05:58.871 --> 00:06:01.956 I don't think even the biggest radio could reach that far. 00:06:07.087 --> 00:06:09.380 All right, no more stalling. 00:06:10.924 --> 00:06:12.383 Okay. 00:06:13.969 --> 00:06:15.344 Pensacola. 00:06:22.144 --> 00:06:24.479 Oh, Ellie, that's a beauty. 00:06:25.981 --> 00:06:27.732 Now get some sleep. 00:06:35.741 --> 00:06:37.783 - Hey, Dad? - Yeah? 00:06:37.951 --> 00:06:40.745 Do you think there's people on other planets? 00:06:40.913 --> 00:06:42.580 I don't know, Sparks. 00:06:44.082 --> 00:06:46.083 But I guess I'd say... 00:06:46.251 --> 00:06:48.419 ...if it is just us... 00:06:49.588 --> 00:06:51.923 ...it seems like an awful waste of space. 00:07:08.940 --> 00:07:11.274 CQ, CQ. 00:07:11.442 --> 00:07:13.777 CQ, this is W-9 GFO. 00:07:13.986 --> 00:07:17.113 Repeat. This is W-9 GFO. Come back? 00:07:18.658 --> 00:07:22.035 CQ, this is W-9 GFO. Come back? 00:07:24.664 --> 00:07:27.123 I'm gonna need a bigger antenna. 00:07:53.693 --> 00:07:55.443 MAN: What do you think, Doctor Arroway? 00:07:55.611 --> 00:07:57.612 Isn't she a beauty? 00:08:01.158 --> 00:08:02.284 It'll do. 00:08:02.493 --> 00:08:04.452 FISHER: The village is five miles away. 00:08:04.662 --> 00:08:09.249 There's a general store in the cantina. They can order anything from San Juan. 00:08:09.417 --> 00:08:11.001 ELLIE: And when can I get some dish time? 00:08:11.168 --> 00:08:14.546 FISHER: Dr. Clark said you wouldn't be able to wait. Your first shift is tonight. 00:08:14.714 --> 00:08:15.839 ELLIE: All right. 00:09:01.051 --> 00:09:03.385 [STATIC BUZZING OVER RADIO] 00:09:10.977 --> 00:09:12.478 Go back. 00:09:13.897 --> 00:09:16.982 Try back a little bit. You had something there. 00:09:17.150 --> 00:09:18.192 [WHIRRING ON RADIO] 00:09:18.360 --> 00:09:19.443 There. 00:09:19.611 --> 00:09:22.696 - Right there? - You hear it? Right there, that's it. 00:09:22.864 --> 00:09:26.742 ELLIE: All right, 1221.46. That's well within the L band. 00:09:26.910 --> 00:09:29.995 - Check off-axis. - Uh-huh. On it. 00:09:31.081 --> 00:09:33.749 It's not in the neighborhood. 00:09:39.381 --> 00:09:41.048 Ah. 00:09:42.216 --> 00:09:46.094 Here it is. J-1741 plus 2748. 00:09:46.261 --> 00:09:49.931 Catalogued November 4, 1982. Pulsar. 00:09:50.766 --> 00:09:55.269 Well, I don't know, it must've been... The glitch in the timing is what threw me. 00:09:55.437 --> 00:09:57.146 Must've been a starquake. 00:09:57.314 --> 00:09:58.356 [WHIRRING STOPS] 00:09:58.524 --> 00:10:02.360 I think it's great that you listen. Most people don't do that anymore. 00:10:02.528 --> 00:10:05.405 It's just an old habit. You know, it makes it feel more real. 00:10:05.572 --> 00:10:08.449 - Ellie. - Kent. Kent Clark. 00:10:09.493 --> 00:10:10.618 Hey. 00:10:10.786 --> 00:10:15.081 They said you've been up at Owens Valley working under Drumlin. 00:10:15.249 --> 00:10:16.833 How did you like him? 00:10:17.000 --> 00:10:18.292 [ELLIE SIGHS] 00:10:19.795 --> 00:10:24.132 That much? And about what I'd expect after what he had to say about you. 00:10:24.299 --> 00:10:26.300 What was that? 00:10:26.468 --> 00:10:29.595 That you are brilliant, driven... 00:10:29.763 --> 00:10:32.765 ...a major pain in the ass, and obsessed with a field of study... 00:10:32.933 --> 00:10:36.102 ...that he considers tantamount to professional suicide. 00:10:37.020 --> 00:10:40.148 - Anything else? - Those were the highlights. 00:10:40.315 --> 00:10:42.608 Davio, Dr. Vernon. Dr. Arroway. 00:10:42.776 --> 00:10:44.235 ELLIE: Hey. Hi there. - How you doing? 00:10:44.403 --> 00:10:48.990 And I believe you've already met our tireless research assistant, Mr. Fisher... 00:10:49.158 --> 00:10:51.951 - Here, I need you to sign... ...as well as his cologne. 00:10:52.119 --> 00:10:54.704 Brook's looking at the black hole at the center of M-87. 00:10:54.872 --> 00:10:58.624 Eli's studying Markarian 541, a major gamma-ray source. 00:10:58.792 --> 00:11:03.838 And Dr. Arroway will be spending her precious telescope time listening for, um... 00:11:04.214 --> 00:11:06.214 Listening for... 00:11:06.382 --> 00:11:08.175 Little green men. 00:11:15.933 --> 00:11:19.519 One down, a couple billion to go. 00:11:22.273 --> 00:11:23.940 [SPEAKING IN SPANISH] 00:11:36.204 --> 00:11:38.163 Arecibo, right? 00:11:39.332 --> 00:11:40.499 Does it show? 00:11:41.125 --> 00:11:42.375 Yeah. 00:11:42.543 --> 00:11:44.836 - Cracker Jack? - No, thanks. 00:11:45.004 --> 00:11:46.546 - Mind if I sit down? - Sure. 00:11:48.216 --> 00:11:52.219 I hear the locals, they call it El Radar. 00:11:52.386 --> 00:11:55.222 Convinced it has some dark military purpose. 00:11:55.389 --> 00:11:56.807 I think we're pretty harmless. 00:11:58.267 --> 00:11:59.392 Palmer Joss. 00:12:00.228 --> 00:12:02.687 - Ellie Arroway. - Nice to meet you, Ellie. 00:12:03.898 --> 00:12:06.858 What are you studying up there? 00:12:08.528 --> 00:12:09.903 The usual. 00:12:10.071 --> 00:12:13.114 You know. Nebulae, quasars, pulsars, stuff like that. 00:12:13.282 --> 00:12:15.867 What are you...? What are you writing? 00:12:16.035 --> 00:12:20.413 The usual. Nouns, adverbs, adjective here and there. 00:12:21.749 --> 00:12:23.250 I work on a project called SETI. 00:12:24.043 --> 00:12:26.086 Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence? 00:12:26.754 --> 00:12:30.339 Wow. Man, that is out there. 00:12:31.132 --> 00:12:32.967 Wait, are you a student or something? 00:12:33.134 --> 00:12:36.428 Mm-mm. I'm a writer. I'm writing a book. 00:12:36.596 --> 00:12:41.267 Down here doing research about how technology affects Third World cultures. 00:12:41.434 --> 00:12:44.270 I'm also looking for this guy David Drumlin. 00:12:44.437 --> 00:12:48.899 He's the new head of the National Science Foundation. I'm trying to get an interview. 00:12:49.776 --> 00:12:52.778 - I take it you know him? - Mm-hm. 00:12:52.946 --> 00:12:54.905 You could say that. 00:12:55.740 --> 00:12:59.410 SETI, man. That's fringe. 00:12:59.578 --> 00:13:01.120 I've crossed paths with this guy. 00:13:01.288 --> 00:13:03.956 Something like that must really chap his ass, huh? 00:13:06.918 --> 00:13:08.294 Compass. 00:13:09.963 --> 00:13:11.547 For you, EI. 00:13:16.136 --> 00:13:17.928 You better keep this. 00:13:18.805 --> 00:13:20.931 Might save your life someday. 00:13:25.103 --> 00:13:26.896 Will you have dinner with me tonight? 00:13:28.440 --> 00:13:29.773 I... 00:13:29.941 --> 00:13:33.569 I don't make a very good research subject. I'm just not very quotable. 00:13:33.737 --> 00:13:37.489 No quotes. No quotes. Scout's honor. Just a good meal, good company. 00:13:38.325 --> 00:13:40.159 I gotta go. 00:13:43.371 --> 00:13:45.497 But, uh... 00:13:48.793 --> 00:13:51.128 Drumlirs coming in this Tuesday. 00:13:59.511 --> 00:14:03.389 Now I remember why I took that desk job. 00:14:04.391 --> 00:14:06.935 - Dr. Drumlin, how are you? - Dr. Drumlin. 00:14:07.895 --> 00:14:09.979 Glad you could make it, David. 00:14:10.439 --> 00:14:13.691 If I'd known it was gonna take three planes, I might've reconsidered. 00:14:13.859 --> 00:14:15.234 How is that new office? 00:14:15.402 --> 00:14:19.989 I'm still settling in. They already wanna take half my budget and give it to the Pentagon. 00:14:20.157 --> 00:14:23.034 Ellie. Still waiting for E.T. To call? 00:14:23.202 --> 00:14:27.205 - Well, I understand we're having a little... - Good to see you too. 00:14:27.373 --> 00:14:28.373 Asshole. 00:14:28.540 --> 00:14:30.875 Uh-oh. Looks like it's gonna be a long night. 00:14:31.043 --> 00:14:35.505 Science must first be accountable to the people who are paying for it, the taxpayers. 00:14:35.673 --> 00:14:39.050 We need to stop wasting money on pie-in-the-sky abstractions... 00:14:39.218 --> 00:14:42.178 ...and start spending it on practical, measurable ways... 00:14:42.346 --> 00:14:45.223 ...to improve the lives of the people who are footing the bill. 00:14:45.391 --> 00:14:48.518 Not unlike my L-band, globular-clusters work. 00:14:48.686 --> 00:14:51.729 Wait, you're saying you wanna do away with all pure research now? 00:14:51.897 --> 00:14:55.233 What's wrong with science being practical? Even profitable? 00:14:55.442 --> 00:14:59.278 Nothing, as long as your motive is the search for truth. 00:14:59.446 --> 00:15:02.573 Which is exactly what the pursuit of science is. 00:15:04.118 --> 00:15:05.952 That's a rather interesting position... 00:15:06.120 --> 00:15:09.789 ...coming from a man on a crusade against the evils of technology... 00:15:09.957 --> 00:15:11.040 ...Father Joss. 00:15:11.709 --> 00:15:14.085 PALMER: I'm not against technology, doctor. 00:15:14.253 --> 00:15:18.505 I'm against the men who deify it at the expense of human truth. 00:15:22.343 --> 00:15:25.554 Kent, I've been meaning to have a word with you. Over here, please. 00:15:25.722 --> 00:15:27.597 KENT: Yeah, I'll just... 00:15:31.602 --> 00:15:34.730 I think that hurt my chances with that interview. What do you think? 00:15:35.356 --> 00:15:37.190 You're a priest? 00:15:38.693 --> 00:15:39.943 No, not really. 00:15:40.611 --> 00:15:43.697 I got my Masters in Divinity... 00:15:43.865 --> 00:15:47.451 ...then dropped out of seminary to do some secular humanitarian work... 00:15:47.618 --> 00:15:50.120 ...coordinating efforts for Third World churches. 00:15:50.705 --> 00:15:53.373 I couldn't live with the whole celibacy thing. 00:15:55.752 --> 00:15:57.127 You could... 00:15:57.295 --> 00:15:59.880 You could call me a man of the cloth... 00:16:00.715 --> 00:16:02.299 ...without the cloth. 00:16:05.636 --> 00:16:07.304 You wanna get out of here? 00:16:09.223 --> 00:16:12.726 All right, you see that sort of large, W-shaped constellation right there? 00:16:12.894 --> 00:16:14.352 That's Cassiopeia. 00:16:14.520 --> 00:16:19.066 And Cassiopeia A gives off a whole lot of radio signals. 00:16:19.233 --> 00:16:23.737 I actually listen to them a lot. It's a remnant of a supernova. 00:16:24.447 --> 00:16:27.324 When did you know you wanted to be an astronomer? 00:16:27.825 --> 00:16:29.284 Well, when I... 00:16:29.452 --> 00:16:33.288 When I was about 8 years old, I was watching the sunset... 00:16:33.456 --> 00:16:36.833 ...and I asked my dad, "What's that bright star over there?" 00:16:37.001 --> 00:16:39.669 Dad, what's that star there? 00:16:40.253 --> 00:16:43.339 And he said that it wasrt really a star at all. It was actually... 00:16:43.507 --> 00:16:45.174 That's not a star, it's a planet. 00:16:45.342 --> 00:16:46.967 - A whole planet called Venus... 00:16:47.135 --> 00:16:49.136 That's the planet Venus. 00:16:51.473 --> 00:16:55.434 - Which should be over there soon. 00:16:55.602 --> 00:16:58.312 He said, "You know why they called it Venus? 00:16:58.480 --> 00:17:01.774 Because they thought it was so beautiful and glowing. 00:17:01.942 --> 00:17:04.026 But what they didn't know... 00:17:04.194 --> 00:17:06.821 ...is that it's filled with... 00:17:08.031 --> 00:17:11.742 ...deadly gases and sulfuric acid rain." 00:17:12.786 --> 00:17:16.997 "Wow," I thought, "This is it! I'm hooked." 00:17:18.542 --> 00:17:22.545 You know, there are four hundred billion stars out there... 00:17:22.712 --> 00:17:24.964 ...just in our galaxy alone. 00:17:25.298 --> 00:17:29.218 If only one out of a million of those had planets... 00:17:29.386 --> 00:17:32.555 ...all right, and ifjust one out of a million of those had life... 00:17:32.722 --> 00:17:37.351 ...and ifjust one out of a million of those had intelligent life... 00:17:37.644 --> 00:17:42.648 ...there would be literally millions of civilizations out there. 00:17:44.067 --> 00:17:46.152 Well, if there wasrt... 00:17:46.570 --> 00:17:49.071 ...it'd be an awful waste of space. 00:17:54.661 --> 00:17:56.412 Amen. 00:18:04.753 --> 00:18:09.757 PALMER: So I was lying there, just looking at the sky. 00:18:12.678 --> 00:18:16.514 And then I felt something. I don't know, I... 00:18:17.016 --> 00:18:19.893 All I know is that I wasrt alone. 00:18:20.060 --> 00:18:24.981 And for the first time in my life I wasrt scared of nothing, you know? 00:18:25.149 --> 00:18:27.108 Not even dying. 00:18:32.448 --> 00:18:34.490 It was God. 00:18:36.952 --> 00:18:39.287 And there's no chance that... 00:18:39.455 --> 00:18:43.708 ...you had this experience because some part of you needed to have it? 00:18:44.960 --> 00:18:48.463 I mean, I'm a reasonably intelligent guy, but this... 00:18:51.300 --> 00:18:55.303 No, this... No, my intellect, it couldn't even touch this. 00:18:55.471 --> 00:18:56.512 No. 00:18:58.974 --> 00:19:01.559 I've been to Sunday school a few times. 00:19:02.978 --> 00:19:04.729 Uh-huh. And? 00:19:04.897 --> 00:19:10.151 Well, I just kept asking all these really annoying questions like: 00:19:10.319 --> 00:19:13.279 "All right, then where did Mrs. Cain come from?" 00:19:14.573 --> 00:19:17.158 And pretty soon they called my dad and they asked him... 00:19:17.326 --> 00:19:20.078 ...if he wouldn't mind just keeping me home from now on. 00:19:20.246 --> 00:19:22.288 Your dad... 00:19:23.249 --> 00:19:26.459 - Is it this guy? - Yeah. 00:19:28.336 --> 00:19:30.796 You're close to him, aren't you? 00:19:31.673 --> 00:19:35.133 Yeah, I was. He died when I was 9 years old. 00:19:37.011 --> 00:19:39.012 I never got to know my mother. 00:19:40.598 --> 00:19:41.932 I'm sorry. 00:19:46.437 --> 00:19:48.355 That's gotta be tough. 00:19:50.566 --> 00:19:52.234 Yeah. 00:19:52.860 --> 00:19:54.861 Being alone. 00:20:03.371 --> 00:20:04.621 What do you say... 00:20:04.831 --> 00:20:08.333 ...we pack a picnic tomorrow morning and hike up to old Mount Arecibo? 00:20:09.210 --> 00:20:12.212 I don't think I can. I gotta work. 00:20:14.007 --> 00:20:17.634 All right, how about dinner, then, tomorrow night? I know a great dive. 00:20:17.802 --> 00:20:19.761 I don't think so. 00:20:24.058 --> 00:20:27.227 - Ellie, did I miss something? - Huh? 00:20:28.354 --> 00:20:31.565 No. Shit, I'm late. 00:20:32.525 --> 00:20:36.111 I told Kent that I'd be there at 10:30. 00:20:38.072 --> 00:20:39.865 You know, I'm not trying to push you. 00:20:40.074 --> 00:20:42.492 No, no. I've wanted to look at this sector for weeks. 00:20:42.660 --> 00:20:47.914 Just hang out and sleep in. And there's a bunch of food in the fridge. 00:20:48.082 --> 00:20:49.249 Okay? 00:20:49.417 --> 00:20:51.251 How can I reach you? 00:20:51.918 --> 00:20:54.420 Just leave your number. I'll call you. 00:21:15.901 --> 00:21:16.942 YOUNG ELLIE: Dad! 00:21:18.987 --> 00:21:21.989 Dad, it's starting, you're gonna miss it. 00:21:25.118 --> 00:21:27.411 Dad, there's another one. Hurry up. 00:21:27.579 --> 00:21:29.955 TED: In a minute, Sparks. I'm almost done. 00:21:30.123 --> 00:21:32.958 There's another one. Come on, hurry up, Dad! 00:21:35.003 --> 00:21:37.004 [CLATTERING] 00:21:38.298 --> 00:21:52.895 Dad? 00:22:03.031 --> 00:22:04.115 Daddy? 00:22:17.086 --> 00:22:26.511 Dad. 00:22:28.514 --> 00:22:30.432 I'll get the medicine. 00:23:46.007 --> 00:23:47.674 Ellie. 00:23:49.260 --> 00:23:51.929 I know it's hard to understand this now... 00:23:52.931 --> 00:23:57.434 ...but we aren't always meant to know why things happen the way they do. 00:23:57.977 --> 00:24:02.314 Sometimes we just have to accept it as God's will. 00:24:04.275 --> 00:24:07.945 I should have kept some medicine in the downstairs bathroom. 00:24:08.112 --> 00:24:10.656 Then I could've gotten to it sooner. 00:24:26.631 --> 00:24:29.091 [CHATTERING] 00:24:36.182 --> 00:24:37.849 YOUNG ELLIE: CQ... 00:24:38.685 --> 00:24:41.979 ...this is W-9 GFO. Do you copy? 00:24:45.149 --> 00:24:47.818 Dad, this is Ellie. Come back. 00:24:50.989 --> 00:24:53.031 This is Eleanor Arroway... 00:24:53.199 --> 00:24:56.785 ...transmitting on 14.2 megahertz. 00:24:59.289 --> 00:25:00.872 Dad. 00:25:02.916 --> 00:25:04.417 Are you there? 00:25:06.545 --> 00:25:08.004 Come back. 00:25:10.924 --> 00:25:12.341 Dad. 00:25:14.720 --> 00:25:16.178 Are you there? 00:25:17.222 --> 00:25:18.723 Dad, this is Ellie. 00:25:27.733 --> 00:25:30.234 [BEEPING] 00:25:48.086 --> 00:25:50.046 [DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES] 00:25:50.213 --> 00:25:51.505 Ellie. 00:25:51.673 --> 00:25:55.051 Hi, Kent. What are you doing up so early, huh? 00:25:55.719 --> 00:25:57.053 I was thinking... 00:25:57.763 --> 00:25:59.305 ...we'd make a pretty good team. 00:25:59.473 --> 00:26:00.514 What? 00:26:00.682 --> 00:26:04.185 We could put together a kick-ass ad-hoc SETI program. 00:26:04.394 --> 00:26:06.604 You know the Very Large Array in New Mexico? 00:26:06.772 --> 00:26:09.231 It would be a dynamite place to do serious SETI... 00:26:09.399 --> 00:26:12.068 What are you talking about, Kent? 00:26:13.528 --> 00:26:15.404 Drumlin pulled the plug. 00:26:16.031 --> 00:26:17.156 We're homeless. 00:26:27.750 --> 00:26:29.542 Hey, watch it. 00:26:31.295 --> 00:26:33.213 ELLIE: Is it true, huh? Did you pull the plug? 00:26:33.381 --> 00:26:35.757 You can't see it now, but I'm doing you a favor. 00:26:35.925 --> 00:26:40.095 You are far too promising a scientist to be wasting your gifts on this nonsense. 00:26:40.262 --> 00:26:42.263 Look, I don't consider what could be... 00:26:42.473 --> 00:26:45.475 ...the most important discovery of the human race nonsense, okay? 00:26:45.643 --> 00:26:47.060 There's 400 billion stars... 00:26:47.228 --> 00:26:50.105 And two probabilities. One, there is intelligent life... 00:26:50.314 --> 00:26:53.316 ...but it's so far away you'll never contact it in your lifetime. 00:26:53.484 --> 00:26:55.694 - And two! - You're making a decision... 00:26:55.861 --> 00:27:00.281 There's nothing but noble gases and carbon compounds and you're wasting your time. 00:27:00.449 --> 00:27:03.535 In the meantime, you won't be published, won't be taken seriously. 00:27:03.703 --> 00:27:05.412 And your career will be over. 00:27:05.579 --> 00:27:08.957 So what? It's my life. 00:27:45.995 --> 00:27:48.872 Hey, Kent. You were right. 00:27:49.039 --> 00:27:52.750 Screw Drumlin. We're gonna raise the money. We're going to New Mexico. 00:27:52.917 --> 00:27:55.461 KENT: Chicago has all the stuff, but let me know how it goes. 00:27:55.628 --> 00:27:58.505 I've got some more corporate stops on the East Coast for you. 00:27:58.673 --> 00:28:01.842 Hey, Fish, did that investor from Houston ever get back to us? 00:28:02.010 --> 00:28:04.011 FISHER: I'm gonna hit him up on my way to L.A. 00:28:04.220 --> 00:28:06.346 ELLIE: Try begging for some of that Hollywood money. 00:28:06.556 --> 00:28:10.142 Why not? They've been making money off of aliens for years, right? 00:28:10.310 --> 00:28:13.145 - Begging is good for the soul. - We'll see about that. 00:28:13.313 --> 00:28:14.980 - Just do me a favor. - Yeah. 00:28:15.148 --> 00:28:17.941 Try not to be too confrontational. 00:28:18.109 --> 00:28:20.569 Huh? Confrontational? Me? What do you mean? 00:28:20.737 --> 00:28:22.362 I'm gonna see if I left anything. 00:28:55.730 --> 00:28:59.566 ELLIE: This is a unique time in our history, in the history of any civilization. 00:28:59.734 --> 00:29:02.528 It's the moment of the acquisition of technology. 00:29:02.737 --> 00:29:05.572 That's the moment where contact becomes possible. 00:29:06.282 --> 00:29:11.119 The Very Large Array in New Mexico is the key to our chances for success. 00:29:11.287 --> 00:29:13.538 With its 27 linked radio telescopes... 00:29:13.705 --> 00:29:17.083 ...we can search more accurately than at any other conventional facility. 00:29:17.251 --> 00:29:22.421 Now, we've gotten approval to buy the telescope time from the government. 00:29:22.923 --> 00:29:25.091 Now all we really need is the money. 00:29:25.884 --> 00:29:27.885 A nice presentation, doctor. 00:29:28.595 --> 00:29:33.099 But while our foundation arm has a mandate to support experimental programs... 00:29:33.267 --> 00:29:37.228 ...we must confess that your proposal seems less like science... 00:29:37.396 --> 00:29:39.105 ...and more like science fiction. 00:29:41.608 --> 00:29:43.067 Science fiction. 00:29:46.488 --> 00:29:48.281 You're right. 00:29:48.740 --> 00:29:50.324 It's crazy. 00:29:51.118 --> 00:29:54.078 In fact, it's even worse than that: Nuts. 00:29:55.622 --> 00:29:57.123 You wanna hear something nutty? 00:29:57.291 --> 00:29:59.959 A couple guys wanted to build something called an airplane. 00:30:00.127 --> 00:30:03.296 You get people to go in it and fly like birds. Ridiculous, right? 00:30:03.463 --> 00:30:05.423 Or what about breaking the sound barrier... 00:30:05.591 --> 00:30:09.218 ...or rockets to the moon, or atomic energy or a mission to Mars? 00:30:09.428 --> 00:30:11.262 Science fiction, right? 00:30:11.430 --> 00:30:12.555 Look. 00:30:12.723 --> 00:30:16.976 All I'm asking is for you to just have the tiniest bit of vision. 00:30:17.144 --> 00:30:20.730 You know, to just step back for one minute and look at the big picture. 00:30:20.898 --> 00:30:22.356 To take a chance on something... 00:30:22.524 --> 00:30:26.152 ...which might end up being the most profoundly impactful moment... 00:30:26.320 --> 00:30:30.489 ...for humanity, for the history of history. 00:30:33.702 --> 00:30:35.244 I'm sorry. 00:30:36.371 --> 00:30:37.996 I just spent the last 13 months... 00:30:38.664 --> 00:30:42.000 ...coming into rooms like this and talking to people like you. 00:30:42.418 --> 00:30:45.128 The truth is, you're my last chance, so... 00:30:45.296 --> 00:30:46.755 I'm sorry I wasted your time. 00:30:46.923 --> 00:30:48.214 Doctor. 00:30:48.382 --> 00:30:58.850 Yes, sir. 00:31:01.938 --> 00:31:03.146 You have your money. 00:31:06.192 --> 00:31:10.987 Thank you. 00:31:39.350 --> 00:31:41.851 [MOTOR HUMMING] 00:31:57.535 --> 00:32:01.578 MAN: Oh! Perfect cast. Come on, fishy. 00:32:01.746 --> 00:32:05.416 Frank, look at the size of that son of a bitch! 00:32:17.846 --> 00:32:19.930 Welcome back, Dr. C. 00:32:20.098 --> 00:32:21.598 How'd it go? 00:32:22.267 --> 00:32:25.519 - How was the trip? - I've had better. 00:32:26.021 --> 00:32:29.106 Drumlin. What is this? This his personal vendetta now? 00:32:29.274 --> 00:32:33.193 It's not just Drumlin. There's been enormous pressure from other scientists as well. 00:32:33.361 --> 00:32:36.613 It doesn't matter anyway, Hadders funding us for another two years. 00:32:36.781 --> 00:32:39.950 Uh... These are government-owned telescopes, they can lease to whomever. 00:32:40.118 --> 00:32:43.912 And they don't want the high priestess of the desert using them anymore. 00:32:44.748 --> 00:32:45.789 What? 00:32:45.957 --> 00:32:49.293 Staring at static on TV for hours, listening to washing machines. 00:32:49.461 --> 00:32:51.837 Did you really think these stories wouldn't get out? 00:32:52.005 --> 00:32:55.758 - I was looking for patterns in the chaos. - Doesrt matter, we're a joke to them. 00:32:55.925 --> 00:32:57.468 They want us out. 00:32:58.928 --> 00:33:02.264 We've got three months until the paperwork goes through. 00:33:04.976 --> 00:33:08.145 Fine. I'll start looking for other funding. I'll just start... 00:33:08.313 --> 00:33:12.816 Could you face reality, please? Just this once, Ellie. We lost. 00:33:12.984 --> 00:33:14.651 It's over. 00:33:20.992 --> 00:33:22.659 Fine. 00:33:22.827 --> 00:33:24.827 But I'm not stopping. 00:33:24.995 --> 00:33:27.997 If I have to go it alone, I'll go it alone. I've done it before. 00:34:17.756 --> 00:34:21.509 My guest tonight is author and theologian Palmer Joss. 00:34:21.677 --> 00:34:26.681 He's become a spiritual counselor of sorts and a recent fixture at the White House. 00:34:26.849 --> 00:34:29.809 "God's Diplomat," according to The New York Times. 00:34:30.018 --> 00:34:33.688 His latest book, Losing Faith, is currently number one... 00:34:33.897 --> 00:34:36.232 ...on that publicatiors bestseller list. 00:34:36.400 --> 00:34:37.900 Thanks for being with us, Palmer. 00:34:38.068 --> 00:34:40.862 You have had quite a ride this last couple of years. 00:34:41.029 --> 00:34:43.489 Yeah, I sure have, Larry. 00:34:43.657 --> 00:34:46.159 You know, Fish, I was thinking. 00:34:46.326 --> 00:34:50.662 Who would make the best astronomers? I mean, think about it. 00:34:50.830 --> 00:34:56.835 Who has the perfect synthesis of career and lifestyle? 00:34:57.003 --> 00:34:59.921 - I give. - Vampires! 00:35:00.089 --> 00:35:02.507 Are you anti-technology? Are you anti-science? 00:35:02.675 --> 00:35:04.676 PALMER: No, not at all. 00:35:04.844 --> 00:35:07.721 The question that I'm asking is this: 00:35:08.389 --> 00:35:11.099 Are we happier as a human race? 00:35:11.267 --> 00:35:16.188 Is the world fundamentally a better place because of science and technology? 00:35:16.898 --> 00:35:19.357 We shop at home, we surf the Web... 00:35:19.567 --> 00:35:22.360 ...but at the same time we feel emptier... 00:35:22.528 --> 00:35:27.365 ...and more cut off from each other than at any other time in human history. 00:35:27.533 --> 00:35:30.202 I mean, we're becoming a synthesized society... 00:35:30.369 --> 00:35:33.705 ...in a great, big hurry to get to the next... 00:35:47.094 --> 00:35:50.597 I think it's because we're looking for the meaning. What is the meaning? 00:35:50.765 --> 00:35:53.475 We have mindless jobs, we take frantic vacations. 00:35:53.893 --> 00:35:56.895 Deficit finance trips to the mall to buy more things... 00:35:57.104 --> 00:36:00.774 ...that we think are gonna fill these holes in our lives. 00:36:00.942 --> 00:36:03.485 Is it any wonder that we've lost our sense of direction? 00:36:19.209 --> 00:36:23.963 [BUZZING AND PULSING] 00:36:44.359 --> 00:36:46.026 Holy shit. 00:36:59.374 --> 00:37:01.375 [ENGINE STARTS] 00:37:04.337 --> 00:37:10.384 Right ascension, 18 hours, 36 minutes, 56.2 seconds. 00:37:10.552 --> 00:37:15.556 Declination, plus 36 degrees, 46 minutes... 00:37:15.724 --> 00:37:18.892 ...56.2 seconds! 00:37:20.562 --> 00:37:22.062 Confirm! 00:37:22.230 --> 00:37:28.152 Right ascension, 18 hours, 36 minutes, 56.2 seconds! 00:37:28.320 --> 00:37:31.155 Hey, is anybody awake in there? I'm moving the array! 00:37:32.240 --> 00:37:35.034 - Confirm! - Boss has a bogey! 00:37:35.243 --> 00:37:40.371 Right ascension, 18 hours, 36 minutes, 56.2 seconds. 00:37:40.539 --> 00:37:42.790 - Fish! - We're on it. 00:37:42.958 --> 00:37:47.295 Plus 36 hours, 47 minutes and 1 second. 00:37:47.463 --> 00:37:51.215 Strong possible pulse chain on Sub-Array 4. 00:37:51.425 --> 00:37:54.761 I'm moving the rest of them now. I need you to confirm the coordinates. 00:37:54.928 --> 00:37:56.929 Check the status of the array. 00:37:57.097 --> 00:38:00.975 - She's doing all the dishes. - All systems nominal. 00:38:05.606 --> 00:38:07.190 Hello. 00:38:07.941 --> 00:38:09.692 I need a full systems check. 00:38:09.860 --> 00:38:12.695 Coordinates confirmed. Willie's checking the system now. 00:38:12.863 --> 00:38:15.865 Stay on top of the systems diagnostics. 00:38:16.033 --> 00:38:17.742 Check the reference point offsets. 00:38:17.951 --> 00:38:21.954 And I want you off-axis on 27 the second we get there. 00:38:22.122 --> 00:38:24.624 And tell Willie to break out the big boy. 00:38:26.210 --> 00:38:28.544 Copy that. Willie... 00:38:28.712 --> 00:38:29.962 Yeah. Go, Ellie. 00:38:30.130 --> 00:38:33.424 I can hear can it on the headphones. We gotta be sure about this. 00:38:33.592 --> 00:38:36.302 Give me another array status. 00:38:37.721 --> 00:38:40.640 Her four are online, the rest are tracking in. 00:38:40.808 --> 00:38:43.559 FISHER: Your four are online, the rest are tracking in. 00:38:43.727 --> 00:38:46.104 But there's a bad drive on 16. 00:38:46.313 --> 00:38:48.815 Your four are online, the rest are tracking in... 00:38:48.982 --> 00:38:51.818 ...but there's a bad drive on 16. Copy that? 00:38:53.070 --> 00:38:55.363 What do you want me to do about the source queue? 00:38:55.531 --> 00:38:57.615 Look, forget about it and hold the queue. 00:38:57.783 --> 00:39:01.952 Go get ready to set the target frequency to manual the second we're aligned. 00:39:02.161 --> 00:39:06.498 Do you copy? I want you to go off-axis on 27 the second we're there. 00:39:06.749 --> 00:39:09.584 And leave the LO frequency where it is. 00:39:09.752 --> 00:39:13.046 Stay on it, Fish, don't let it get away. If you lose it, scan the band. 00:39:13.214 --> 00:39:16.508 Run every frequency you can think of. 00:39:21.097 --> 00:39:22.806 How you doing? 00:39:27.019 --> 00:39:28.145 Talk to me, guys. 00:39:28.354 --> 00:39:32.190 Partially polarized set of moving pulses, amplitude modulated. 00:39:32.358 --> 00:39:36.027 We're locked. Systems check out, signal across the board. What's the frequency? 00:39:36.195 --> 00:39:39.239 4.46, 23 gigahertz. 00:39:40.616 --> 00:39:43.869 Hydrogen times pi. Told you. 00:39:44.036 --> 00:39:45.829 Strong sucker too. 00:39:45.997 --> 00:39:48.331 I got it! I got it, I got it! I'm patched in. 00:39:49.041 --> 00:39:50.709 ELLIE: All right, let me hear it. 00:39:53.838 --> 00:39:55.589 [PULSING] 00:39:55.756 --> 00:39:57.215 Listen to that. 00:39:59.469 --> 00:40:01.720 Make me a liar, Fish. 00:40:01.888 --> 00:40:04.556 It could be AWACS out of Kirtland jamming us. 00:40:04.724 --> 00:40:06.099 But I'm doubting it. 00:40:06.267 --> 00:40:08.894 All right, let's see if F.U.D.D.'s reading it too. 00:40:09.729 --> 00:40:13.064 Willie, patch it back and give me the off-axis. 00:40:13.232 --> 00:40:14.900 - Are we recording? - Never stopped. 00:40:16.986 --> 00:40:18.278 Thank you, Elmer. 00:40:18.488 --> 00:40:20.405 AWACS status is negative. 00:40:20.573 --> 00:40:23.407 - White Sands? - On this frequency? No. 00:40:23.575 --> 00:40:25.075 I'm gonna punch up the darks. 00:40:28.246 --> 00:40:31.916 How's the spying tonight, guys? Come on. 00:40:34.252 --> 00:40:36.754 FISHER: NORAD's not tracking any snoops in this vector. 00:40:36.922 --> 00:40:38.506 Shuttle Endeavor is in sleep mode. 00:40:38.673 --> 00:40:41.175 Okay, point source confirmed. 00:40:41.343 --> 00:40:43.928 - Whatever it is, it ain't local. - Position? 00:40:44.095 --> 00:40:46.764 WILLIE: I checked interferometry. Somewhere in Lyra, I think. 00:40:46.932 --> 00:40:48.432 - Vega? FISHER: Can't be. 00:40:48.600 --> 00:40:50.851 It's only 26 light years away. 00:40:51.019 --> 00:40:53.979 - What's the peak intensity? FISHER: Coming up. 00:40:54.147 --> 00:40:55.397 ELLIE: Vega. 00:40:55.565 --> 00:40:59.527 Vega. I scanned it a bunch of times at Arecibo. It was negative results, always. 00:40:59.736 --> 00:41:03.113 Got it. Reading over 100 janskys. 00:41:03.281 --> 00:41:05.658 Jesus. I could pick it up on my... 00:41:05.825 --> 00:41:08.035 [PULSING STOPS] 00:41:08.787 --> 00:41:09.787 No. 00:41:40.318 --> 00:41:42.945 [PULSING] 00:41:43.113 --> 00:41:44.154 Come on. 00:41:46.491 --> 00:41:48.575 All right, it's restarting. 00:41:49.034 --> 00:41:50.785 Wait a minute. Those are numbers. 00:41:50.995 --> 00:41:54.080 That was a three, the one before it was a two. 00:41:54.248 --> 00:41:57.667 Base-10 numbers. Just start counting now, see how far can we get. 00:41:57.835 --> 00:41:59.460 One. 00:42:05.009 --> 00:42:06.092 WILLIE: Seven. ELLIE: Seven. 00:42:08.929 --> 00:42:10.513 Those are primes. 00:42:10.681 --> 00:42:13.266 Two, three, five, seven, those are all prime numbers. 00:42:13.434 --> 00:42:15.393 There's no way that's a natural phenomenon. 00:42:15.561 --> 00:42:16.686 - Holy shit. - Okay, okay. 00:42:16.854 --> 00:42:20.189 Let's just calm down and pull up the star file on Vega. 00:42:20.733 --> 00:42:23.693 FISHER: It doesn't make any sense. The system is too young... 00:42:23.861 --> 00:42:25.862 ...so it can't have a planetary system... 00:42:26.030 --> 00:42:29.449 ...let alone life or a technological civilization. 00:42:29.617 --> 00:42:32.201 Maybe they didn't grow up there. Maybe they're visiting. 00:42:32.369 --> 00:42:35.705 Spacecraft? This system is full of debris. It would get clobbered. 00:42:35.873 --> 00:42:40.043 Well, not if they used their laser blasters and photon torpedoes. 00:42:40.210 --> 00:42:43.630 - That's not funny. - How else are we gonna explain it? 00:42:43.797 --> 00:42:47.008 Willie's right. If we go public with this and we're wrong, that's it. 00:42:47.176 --> 00:42:49.677 It's over. We're cooked. 00:42:50.679 --> 00:42:53.264 God, I wish Kent was here. 00:42:53.432 --> 00:42:57.518 Whatever the signal is, we better do something soon. Vega's gonna set. 00:42:58.062 --> 00:43:04.651 Position confirmed. We've got 4.4623 gigahertz, confirmed. 00:43:04.818 --> 00:43:07.737 We've got 112 janskys. 00:43:07.905 --> 00:43:10.365 All right, do you have a source location yet? 00:43:12.909 --> 00:43:15.827 We put it right smack in the middle. 00:43:15.995 --> 00:43:17.579 Vega. 00:43:19.415 --> 00:43:22.417 Okay, thanks, lan. Keep tracking and we'll get back to you. 00:43:22.585 --> 00:43:24.252 Yeah, right-o. 00:43:34.430 --> 00:43:35.931 FISHER: Okay, 101. 00:43:36.099 --> 00:43:40.852 The pulse sequenced through every prime number between two and 101. 00:43:42.438 --> 00:43:44.439 Who are we gonna call now? 00:43:47.276 --> 00:43:48.360 Everybody. 00:43:56.119 --> 00:43:59.538 MAN 1 [ON TV]: The rumors are flying, the implications extraordinary. 00:43:59.706 --> 00:44:03.333 This morning's detection of an unidentified radio source from deep space... 00:44:03.501 --> 00:44:06.128 ...can neither be confirmed nor denied. 00:44:06.295 --> 00:44:08.088 But the military presence arriving... 00:44:08.256 --> 00:44:12.134 MAN 2: Sources close to the VLA report that the planet has been contacted... 00:44:12.301 --> 00:44:14.261 ...by some form of intelligent being... 00:44:14.429 --> 00:44:17.931 ...living outside of our solar system. Again, there is no confirmation... 00:44:18.099 --> 00:44:22.018 ...that the official IAU communiqué was sent from this government facility. 00:44:22.186 --> 00:44:24.896 KITZ: I want all of these people out of here. 00:44:25.064 --> 00:44:26.857 Where's the girl? 00:44:31.028 --> 00:44:33.947 Twenty-two stations worldwide now confirming the signal. 00:44:34.115 --> 00:44:35.906 Vega is currently below our horizon... 00:44:36.074 --> 00:44:38.534 ...so what you're hearing is the signal from- 00:44:38.702 --> 00:44:42.496 Get decryption people in here now. Lunacharsky is visiting at Cal Tech. 00:44:42.664 --> 00:44:44.123 Explain this to me. 00:44:44.332 --> 00:44:48.210 If the source of the signal is so sophisticated, why the remedial math? 00:44:48.378 --> 00:44:50.171 Exactly, why don't they speak English? 00:44:50.338 --> 00:44:53.549 Maybe because 70 percent of the planet speaks other languages. 00:44:53.717 --> 00:44:56.510 Mathematics is the only truly universal language. 00:44:57.220 --> 00:44:59.805 It's no coincidence that they're using primes. 00:45:00.015 --> 00:45:02.224 - I don't get it. - Prime numbers. 00:45:02.392 --> 00:45:06.187 That would be integers that are only divisible by themselves and one. 00:45:09.065 --> 00:45:12.693 We think this may be a beacon, some kind of an announcement... 00:45:12.861 --> 00:45:13.986 ...to get our attention. 00:45:14.196 --> 00:45:17.865 If it's attention you want, you got that. One thing: Vega. 00:45:18.074 --> 00:45:21.577 People have been looking at Vega for years with no results. 00:45:21.745 --> 00:45:24.580 And now yesterday they start broadcasting primes. Why? 00:45:24.748 --> 00:45:28.626 Well, it's hardly yesterday, because the signal has been transmitting for 26 years. 00:45:28.794 --> 00:45:30.252 Dr. Arroway. 00:45:30.420 --> 00:45:34.632 - Excuse me, who are you? - Michael Kitz, National Security Advisor. 00:45:34.800 --> 00:45:36.091 Let me first say that your... 00:45:36.259 --> 00:45:40.221 Actually, first, could you ask the gentlemen with the firearms to wait outside? 00:45:40.388 --> 00:45:42.389 This is supposed to be a civilian facility. 00:45:48.855 --> 00:45:51.482 - Doctor, with all due respect to your... - Excuse me. 00:45:51.858 --> 00:45:55.194 Hey, hey, hey. Hi, I'm so glad you're back. 00:45:55.779 --> 00:45:58.988 Come on, I got something for you to hear. Is this great? 00:45:59.156 --> 00:46:01.574 - Who are all these people? - I have no idea. 00:46:01.784 --> 00:46:04.744 Sit down. And we could use some help with the spectrum analysis. 00:46:04.912 --> 00:46:06.871 - Listen to that. I'll get on it. - Headsets. 00:46:07.039 --> 00:46:09.123 So I'll just come right to the point, shall I? 00:46:09.416 --> 00:46:13.419 Your having sent this all over the world may constitute a breach of national security. 00:46:13.587 --> 00:46:15.255 This isn't a person-to-person call. 00:46:15.464 --> 00:46:19.968 You can't think that a civilization sending this would intend it just for Americans. 00:46:20.135 --> 00:46:21.970 I'm saying you might have consulted us. 00:46:22.137 --> 00:46:25.932 - The contents could be extremely sensitive. - You want to classify prime numbers? 00:46:26.100 --> 00:46:29.853 Mike, please. We're only in line with Vega so many hours a day. 00:46:30.020 --> 00:46:34.482 The only way to monitor the signal is to get the cooperation of other stations. 00:46:34.650 --> 00:46:39.028 If Dr. Arroway hadrt acted quickly, we could have lost key elements. 00:46:39.196 --> 00:46:40.822 Okay, fine, they've got the primes. 00:46:40.990 --> 00:46:44.117 If you're right about there being a more significant transmission... 00:46:44.285 --> 00:46:45.952 Which will need help to receive and decode. 00:46:46.120 --> 00:46:47.954 Doctor, do you understand that my job is to protect...? 00:46:48.122 --> 00:46:49.914 KENT: Shh! - What? 00:46:50.082 --> 00:46:52.166 - Listen. - I hear it. 00:46:52.334 --> 00:46:54.085 - Hear what? - Harmonic. 00:46:54.253 --> 00:46:58.506 Bingo. I had Willie ask Rattan to retune to 8.9247 gigahertz. 00:46:58.674 --> 00:47:00.174 There's a lot more here, folks. 00:47:00.342 --> 00:47:03.303 - Fish, let's get on the negative sideband. FISHER: I'm already on it. 00:47:03.470 --> 00:47:05.054 KITZ: What is going on? DRUMLIN: Another signal. 00:47:05.222 --> 00:47:06.556 Another signal, look at that. 00:47:06.724 --> 00:47:09.851 A second signal at double the frequency. It looks like a... 00:47:10.019 --> 00:47:11.394 Somebody get a TV monitor. 00:47:11.937 --> 00:47:14.022 Patch the recording into the image processor. 00:47:14.189 --> 00:47:17.483 - You want the new data? - Yeah, the new frequency we just recorded. 00:47:17.693 --> 00:47:19.611 David, explain this to me, please. 00:47:19.778 --> 00:47:22.905 With the prime there's another signal. Looks like a TV transmission. 00:47:23.072 --> 00:47:24.239 WILLIE: We're hot. 00:47:24.407 --> 00:47:27.492 Do me a favor, go get the blinds. There is a lot of glare. 00:47:27.660 --> 00:47:29.161 You're patched in. 00:47:29.329 --> 00:47:33.498 All right, it's definitely an image. Let's try and stabilize it. 00:47:37.545 --> 00:47:39.046 What do you make of that, Fish? 00:47:39.213 --> 00:47:42.633 It's two different interlaced frames. I'm framing one. 00:47:46.012 --> 00:47:48.764 ELLIE: It's just noise. FISHER: Trying frame two. 00:47:49.515 --> 00:47:53.268 I've got an offset carrier here. I think it's audio. 00:47:53.436 --> 00:47:54.686 Plug it in, plug it in. 00:47:59.025 --> 00:48:00.317 Center that segment. 00:48:00.485 --> 00:48:02.027 FISHER: Centering. 00:48:05.907 --> 00:48:08.867 - Can you clean it up any more than that? FISHER: I'm working on it. 00:48:21.881 --> 00:48:23.215 What the hell...? 00:48:24.050 --> 00:48:25.217 Try zooming out. 00:48:29.097 --> 00:48:30.222 All right, freeze. 00:48:30.390 --> 00:48:31.723 Reverse values. 00:48:33.393 --> 00:48:35.519 Try zooming out again. 00:48:39.107 --> 00:48:41.233 Rotate 90 degrees counterclock... 00:48:42.735 --> 00:48:44.695 DRUMLIN: My God. 00:48:45.988 --> 00:48:49.073 [HITLER SPEAKING IN GERMAN ON RADIO] 00:48:49.741 --> 00:48:52.702 - Okay. KENT: What's going on? 00:48:52.869 --> 00:48:55.538 You're not gonna believe this. 00:49:08.969 --> 00:49:10.720 Does anybody speak German? 00:49:12.139 --> 00:49:14.557 "I declare the Games in Berlin... 00:49:15.642 --> 00:49:17.393 ...at the celebration... 00:49:17.602 --> 00:49:21.981 ...of the first Olympics of the new era has opened." 00:49:32.784 --> 00:49:34.201 Get me the White House. 00:49:34.828 --> 00:49:37.538 Twenty million people died defeating that son of a bitch... 00:49:37.706 --> 00:49:39.915 ...and he's our first ambassador to outer space? 00:49:40.083 --> 00:49:42.418 - Actually... - The broadcast from the '36 Olympics... 00:49:42.586 --> 00:49:45.588 ...was the first television transmission that went into space. 00:49:45.756 --> 00:49:49.133 That they recorded it and sent it back is saying, "Hello, we heard you." 00:49:49.301 --> 00:49:51.761 Or, "Sjeg Heil, you're our kind of people." 00:49:51.970 --> 00:49:54.638 Wait. Hitler and his politics have nothing to do with this. 00:49:54.806 --> 00:49:58.309 It's highly unlikely they would understand, and people need to understand... 00:49:58.477 --> 00:50:00.644 The people are in very good hands, Dr. Arroway. 00:50:00.812 --> 00:50:01.812 We'll take it from here. 00:50:01.980 --> 00:50:04.065 WOMAN [ON TV]: The White House has just released... 00:50:04.232 --> 00:50:05.316 Smile, folks. We're on. 00:50:05.484 --> 00:50:08.402 - A statement confirming a message from deep space... 00:50:08.570 --> 00:50:12.655 ...has been received by American scientists. Claire Shipman is at the White House. 00:50:12.823 --> 00:50:15.992 Donna, we've been told the president will have only a few remarks... 00:50:16.202 --> 00:50:17.660 ...about today's announcement... 00:50:17.828 --> 00:50:21.247 ...and that he won't be taking any questions from the press. 00:50:26.212 --> 00:50:27.545 Good afternoon. 00:50:30.424 --> 00:50:34.636 I'm glad to be joined by my science and technology advisor. 00:50:36.472 --> 00:50:39.307 This is the product of years of exploration... 00:50:39.517 --> 00:50:42.727 ...by some of the world's most distinguished scientists. 00:50:42.937 --> 00:50:47.148 Like all discoveries, this one will and should continue to be reviewed... 00:50:47.358 --> 00:50:50.110 ...examined and scrutinized. 00:50:50.319 --> 00:50:53.404 It must be confirmed by other scientists. 00:50:53.572 --> 00:50:59.369 The fact that something of this magnitude is being explored is another... 00:50:59.537 --> 00:51:03.414 Fish, what is the story over here? I thought Ellie was supposed to be on. 00:51:03.624 --> 00:51:05.125 I don't know. 00:51:05.751 --> 00:51:08.711 Guys? Guys? Um... 00:51:09.505 --> 00:51:12.340 You know those interlaced frames that we thought were noise? 00:51:13.175 --> 00:51:15.844 This has structure. I'm hearing structure. 00:51:17.221 --> 00:51:19.472 If this discovery is confirmed... 00:51:19.682 --> 00:51:23.309 ...it will be one of the most stunning insights into our universe... 00:51:23.519 --> 00:51:25.562 ...that science has ever uncovered. 00:51:26.063 --> 00:51:31.234 Its implications are as far-reaching and awe-inspiring as can be imagined. 00:51:31.443 --> 00:51:34.903 Even as it promises answers to some of our oldest questions... 00:51:35.113 --> 00:51:38.532 ...it poses still others, even more fundamental. 00:51:38.741 --> 00:51:42.369 We will continue to listen closely to what it has to say... 00:51:42.579 --> 00:51:46.123 ...as we continue the search for answers and for knowledge... 00:51:46.332 --> 00:51:52.004 ...that is as old as humanity itself but essential to our people's future. 00:51:52.338 --> 00:51:53.797 - Thank you. MAN: Sir... 00:51:53.965 --> 00:51:56.091 Is there a considerable global security threat? 00:51:56.259 --> 00:51:59.386 I'll answer your questions at the end, but first a few corrections. 00:51:59.554 --> 00:52:03.557 The message was received Friday morning, 6:31 a.m. Mountain Standard Time. 00:52:03.766 --> 00:52:08.353 It was largely mathematical, and in spite of reports you may have seen to the contrary... 00:52:08.521 --> 00:52:11.064 ...appears to be completely benign in nature. 00:52:11.274 --> 00:52:15.027 Let me say that again. The message is completely benign. 00:52:15.195 --> 00:52:18.697 The president has been in touch with heads of state from around the world... 00:52:18.865 --> 00:52:21.617 ...and every possible security measure is being taken. 00:52:21.784 --> 00:52:24.828 To better explain to you the events of the last 48 hours... 00:52:25.038 --> 00:52:29.458 ...l'm turning you over to the leader of the team that made this remarkable discovery... 00:52:29.626 --> 00:52:33.795 ...Dr. David Drumlin, special science advisor to the president. 00:52:41.721 --> 00:52:44.556 Thank you, Rachel. Hello. 00:52:46.476 --> 00:52:48.936 In 1936 a very faint television signal... 00:52:49.145 --> 00:52:52.231 ...transmitted the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games... 00:52:52.398 --> 00:52:56.068 ...as a show of German superior technology. 00:52:57.152 --> 00:52:59.237 That signal left Earth at the speed of light... 00:52:59.404 --> 00:53:01.405 [PHONE RINGING] 00:53:01.573 --> 00:53:05.409 ...and 26 years later arrived in the vicinity of the star we call Vega. 00:53:06.328 --> 00:53:10.164 That signal has been sent back to us hugely amplified... 00:53:10.332 --> 00:53:13.000 ...an unmistakable sign of intelligence. 00:53:13.168 --> 00:53:14.669 ELLIE: You're online, Kent, go ahead. 00:53:14.836 --> 00:53:19.048 KENT: The Adolf transmission used 25 frames per second but we're receiving 50. 00:53:19.216 --> 00:53:23.177 So we canned the other 25 through a series of search algorithms. 00:53:23.345 --> 00:53:25.888 We found a series of markers on the top of each frame. 00:53:26.056 --> 00:53:27.765 - Are you ready? - Yeah, go ahead. 00:53:27.933 --> 00:53:31.185 - Send it, Willie. WILLIE: Okay, here it comes. 00:53:34.439 --> 00:53:35.773 KENT: It's digital... 00:53:35.941 --> 00:53:40.194 ...massive amounts of data which extend right to the higher harmonics. 00:53:40.862 --> 00:53:42.613 Jackpot. 00:53:43.532 --> 00:53:45.449 ELLIE: All right, as you'll see... 00:53:45.617 --> 00:53:48.911 ...interlaced with the frames of the original Hitler image... 00:53:49.079 --> 00:53:52.039 ...we found these sections. 00:53:52.207 --> 00:53:55.710 Now, we thought they were just noise, but they're actually data... 00:53:55.877 --> 00:53:57.169 ...huge amounts of it. 00:53:57.337 --> 00:54:01.882 When we combine this with the data from the amplification of the original signal... 00:54:02.050 --> 00:54:05.344 ...we get these encrypted pages of text. 00:54:05.554 --> 00:54:09.724 Now, no two are alike and we've uncovered over 10,000 already. 00:54:09.891 --> 00:54:12.310 What does it mean, doctor? 00:54:12.477 --> 00:54:14.812 Well, we have no idea. It could be anything. 00:54:14.980 --> 00:54:17.690 It could be the first volume of an Encyclopedia Galactica. 00:54:17.858 --> 00:54:20.775 Instructions to acquaint us with their colonization procedures. 00:54:20.943 --> 00:54:22.902 Moses with a few billion new commandments. 00:54:23.070 --> 00:54:25.363 How long will it take to decode it? 00:54:25.573 --> 00:54:28.908 It could take forever. We really need a primer... 00:54:29.076 --> 00:54:32.162 We need to get the best decryption people we have. 00:54:32.663 --> 00:54:36.916 I intend to use the VLA as my command post. 00:54:37.084 --> 00:54:40.503 In the meantime, my office has made out a preliminary budget. 00:54:40.671 --> 00:54:44.632 Wait a minute. This is a privately-funded operation. 00:54:44.842 --> 00:54:47.135 We're only leasing dish time from the government... 00:54:47.345 --> 00:54:50.430 If there's a more clear case of eminent domain, I've never seen it. 00:54:50.598 --> 00:54:53.183 I'm going to recommend we militarize this project. 00:54:53.351 --> 00:54:55.727 What? This is my project. 00:54:55.895 --> 00:54:59.272 Nobody knows more about these scenarios than I do. David, tell them... 00:54:59.440 --> 00:55:02.817 Excuse me, could we calm down here? 00:55:03.027 --> 00:55:07.697 Now, I'm going to recommend that Dr. Drumlin coordinate the decryption effort. 00:55:07.865 --> 00:55:11.242 However, in light of Dr. Arroway's long experience in these matters... 00:55:11.410 --> 00:55:15.622 ...for the time being, she will continue to direct operations at the VLA... 00:55:15.790 --> 00:55:20.460 ...understanding that future discoveries will be kept in strictest confidence... 00:55:20.628 --> 00:55:22.545 ...until such time as the president... 00:55:22.713 --> 00:55:26.716 ...can decide the most suitable course of action. Understood? 00:55:26.884 --> 00:55:28.093 Yes. 00:55:28.386 --> 00:55:31.012 MAN: This is CNN Breaking News. 00:55:31.180 --> 00:55:34.140 The president made a statement, calling the message from Vega... 00:55:34.350 --> 00:55:36.476 ...one of the most stunning insights into our... 00:55:36.685 --> 00:55:41.689 Attendance at religious services has risen a dramatic 39 percent in recent days. 00:55:41.857 --> 00:55:45.692 ...as police in three German divisions clashed with neo-Nazi protesters. 00:55:45.860 --> 00:55:47.986 So it turns out there's life on other planets. 00:55:48.196 --> 00:55:51.824 Boy, this is really gonna change the Miss Universe contest. 00:55:52.492 --> 00:55:56.829 Health officials from around the world are concerned that the message from Vega... 00:55:56.996 --> 00:55:59.623 ...might trigger a rash of mass suicides... 00:55:59.833 --> 00:56:02.459 ...not unlike the recent cult deaths near San Diego... 00:56:02.669 --> 00:56:04.628 Even a scientist has to admit... 00:56:04.838 --> 00:56:09.341 ...that there are some pretty serious religious overtones to all this. 00:56:09.509 --> 00:56:11.677 Let's hear from someone whose organization... 00:56:11.886 --> 00:56:14.430 ...has been accused of conducting its own inquisition: 00:56:14.597 --> 00:56:17.224 Richard Rank, head of the Conservative coalition. 00:56:17.392 --> 00:56:18.475 Thank you. 00:56:18.643 --> 00:56:23.021 This is yet another example of science intruding into matters of faith. 00:56:24.065 --> 00:56:27.359 This means they have been reacting to TV signals... 00:56:27.569 --> 00:56:30.487 ...they got from the 1930s. They're just getting them. 00:56:30.697 --> 00:56:34.366 Imagine how disappointed they're gonna be if they're Cubs fans. 00:56:34.534 --> 00:56:37.703 We now take you to Jeremy Roth, who is reporting on events... 00:56:37.912 --> 00:56:41.373 ...at the Very Large Array near Socorro, New Mexico. 00:56:41.583 --> 00:56:43.417 Like a bolt from the blue it came. 00:56:43.585 --> 00:56:47.754 The message from Vega has caused thousands of believers and non-believers... 00:56:47.922 --> 00:56:51.842 ...to descend upon the VLA facility here in the desert of New Mexico. 00:56:52.051 --> 00:56:54.553 Many have come to protest, many to pray... 00:56:54.721 --> 00:56:59.558 ...but most have come to participate in what has become the best show in town. 00:57:06.191 --> 00:57:09.317 [CHATTERING] 00:57:26.418 --> 00:57:28.336 [CHANTING] 00:57:59.576 --> 00:58:05.456 That's right. I'll be there in Vega, thank you very much. 00:58:08.460 --> 00:58:11.379 CHORUS [SINGING]: Hajl to Vega Hail to Vega, Hail to Vega 00:58:11.547 --> 00:58:14.799 Hail to Vega 00:58:16.134 --> 00:58:17.802 But they have failed! 00:58:18.387 --> 00:58:20.930 It's the same people who, again and again... 00:58:21.098 --> 00:58:23.516 ...have brought us to the brink of destruction. 00:58:23.725 --> 00:58:27.770 Who've polluted our air, who've poisoned our water. 00:58:28.981 --> 00:58:30.982 Now these scientists... 00:58:31.983 --> 00:58:33.817 ...have had their chance. 00:58:33.985 --> 00:58:37.404 Are these the kind of people... 00:58:37.572 --> 00:58:40.699 ...that you want talking to your God for you? 00:58:40.866 --> 00:58:42.826 [PEOPLE YELLING INDISTINCTLY] 00:58:45.162 --> 00:58:47.247 MAN [ON TV]: Efforts continue around the clock. 00:58:47.582 --> 00:58:51.167 But for now, almost 2 full weeks after the message's arrival... 00:58:51.335 --> 00:58:54.504 ...scientists here at the VLA still have no answers... 00:58:54.672 --> 00:58:56.423 ...only more questions. 00:58:56.591 --> 00:59:00.302 Jeremy Roth, CNN, Soccorro, New Mexico. 00:59:00.469 --> 00:59:03.805 More on the quest for the message's meaning, after this. 00:59:06.642 --> 00:59:08.393 They gotta line up somehow. 00:59:08.561 --> 00:59:10.520 Yeah, well, this one doesn't fit, either. 00:59:10.688 --> 00:59:13.356 We've tried over a million permutations. 00:59:13.524 --> 00:59:17.027 Always, I can only get three corners to fit. 00:59:18.029 --> 00:59:20.155 I don't understand their significance. 01:00:02.030 --> 01:00:04.740 What...? Somebody broke in... 01:00:06.743 --> 01:00:08.786 [PHONE RINGS] 01:00:11.081 --> 01:00:12.247 Hello? 01:00:13.166 --> 01:00:16.585 Hey, listen, I don't know who you are, but you broke into the database... 01:00:19.422 --> 01:00:21.131 What? Now? 01:00:23.593 --> 01:00:24.760 Where? 01:00:24.928 --> 01:00:26.845 [FAX MACHINE HUMMING] 01:00:37.774 --> 01:00:39.191 I'll be there. 01:01:06.803 --> 01:01:08.137 MAN 1: You should feel fortunate. 01:01:08.888 --> 01:01:10.389 He hardly lands for anyone. 01:01:41.962 --> 01:01:43.921 MAN 2: Dr. Arroway... 01:01:47.843 --> 01:01:49.177 ...I presume? 01:01:50.471 --> 01:01:51.596 Mr. Hadden. 01:01:52.890 --> 01:01:56.142 I've had my eye on you a long time, doctor. 01:01:56.935 --> 01:02:00.438 I consider you one of my most valuable long-term investments. 01:02:02.316 --> 01:02:04.692 And when it comes to my investments... 01:02:06.487 --> 01:02:09.155 ...I always do my homework. 01:02:13.869 --> 01:02:15.620 Eleanor Ann Arroway... 01:02:15.829 --> 01:02:18.331 ...born 25th August, 1964... 01:02:18.540 --> 01:02:20.124 ...De Pere, Wisconsin. 01:02:20.334 --> 01:02:24.545 Mother, Joanna, died from complications during childbirth. 01:02:25.255 --> 01:02:27.965 Early testing indicated high predisposition... 01:02:28.133 --> 01:02:31.219 ...towards science and mathematics. 01:02:31.887 --> 01:02:33.054 Father, Theodore... 01:02:33.222 --> 01:02:36.766 ...advised to provide enrichment activities along these lines... 01:02:36.975 --> 01:02:39.727 ...did so conscientiously until his death... 01:02:39.895 --> 01:02:44.564 ...from myocardial infarction, November 10, 1974. 01:02:45.149 --> 01:02:48.401 You graduated from high school in 1979... 01:02:48.569 --> 01:02:50.695 ...almost two full years early. 01:02:52.114 --> 01:02:56.493 Awarded full scholarship, M.I. T, graduated magna cum laude. 01:02:57.453 --> 01:02:59.162 Doctoral work, Cal Tech... 01:02:59.372 --> 01:03:02.707 ...where you did breakthrough work on the lanthanide-doped ruby maser... 01:03:02.875 --> 01:03:07.003 ...dramatically increasing the sensitivity of radio telescopes. 01:03:07.338 --> 01:03:11.049 Subsequently offered a teaching position at Harvard University... 01:03:11.259 --> 01:03:14.344 ...which you turned down to pursue SETI work... 01:03:14.554 --> 01:03:17.973 ...at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico. 01:03:20.393 --> 01:03:26.648 Changes in NSF policy gave rise to certain funding problems... 01:03:27.733 --> 01:03:31.736 ...at which point you came to my attention. 01:03:33.072 --> 01:03:35.282 You compromised our security codes. 01:03:37.743 --> 01:03:39.578 Once upon a time... 01:03:41.581 --> 01:03:43.832 ...I was a hell of an engineer. 01:03:44.000 --> 01:03:46.418 Please, sit, doctor. 01:03:46.586 --> 01:03:51.715 I have guests so rarely, it's important to me that they feel welcome in my home. 01:03:52.300 --> 01:03:54.050 You live here? 01:03:55.261 --> 01:03:58.597 I find it convenient to keep my interests... 01:03:59.765 --> 01:04:00.891 ...mobile. 01:04:03.477 --> 01:04:08.397 Anyway, I've had my fill of life on the ground. 01:04:08.899 --> 01:04:11.025 Well, I... I guess I should... 01:04:11.484 --> 01:04:15.279 Well, I guess I should thank you for having bailed me out all that time. 01:04:20.619 --> 01:04:22.745 I know a good bet when I see one. 01:04:25.123 --> 01:04:28.334 Earl Grey. No sugar, no milk, I believe. 01:04:31.296 --> 01:04:33.130 What am I doing here? 01:04:34.132 --> 01:04:36.508 [CHUCKLES] 01:04:43.475 --> 01:04:46.602 The powers that be have been very busy lately... 01:04:47.437 --> 01:04:52.775 ...falling over each other to position themselves for the game of the millennium. 01:04:59.032 --> 01:05:01.825 Maybe I can help deal you back in. 01:05:03.078 --> 01:05:05.496 I didn't realize that I was out. 01:05:05.997 --> 01:05:08.290 No, maybe not out... 01:05:09.000 --> 01:05:11.293 ...but certainly being handed your hat. 01:05:16.716 --> 01:05:20.386 I've had a long time to make enemies, doctor. 01:05:23.974 --> 01:05:27.810 And there are many governments, business interests... 01:05:27.978 --> 01:05:31.980 ...even religious leaders that would like to see me depart this earth. 01:05:33.440 --> 01:05:35.984 And I'll grant them their wish soon enough. 01:05:36.527 --> 01:05:40.071 But before I do, I wish to make a small contribution. 01:05:40.823 --> 01:05:45.410 A final gesture of goodwill to the people of this little planet that have given... 01:05:48.205 --> 01:05:50.999 From whom I have taken so much. 01:05:54.461 --> 01:05:55.920 You found the primer. 01:05:58.340 --> 01:06:00.216 Clever girl. 01:06:00.384 --> 01:06:01.426 Lights. 01:06:10.019 --> 01:06:13.187 Pages and pages of data. 01:06:13.355 --> 01:06:16.482 Over 63,000 in all. 01:06:16.650 --> 01:06:18.735 And on the perimeter of each... 01:06:18.902 --> 01:06:22.530 Alignment symbols, a registration mark, but they don't line up. 01:06:23.115 --> 01:06:26.284 They do, if you think like a Vegan. 01:06:27.202 --> 01:06:30.204 An alien intelligence has got be more advanced... 01:06:30.372 --> 01:06:34.459 ...and that means efficiency functioning on multiple levels... 01:06:34.626 --> 01:06:38.463 ...and in multiple dimensions. 01:06:42.426 --> 01:06:44.844 Yes, of course! 01:06:45.012 --> 01:06:46.054 Where's the primer? 01:06:46.555 --> 01:06:47.972 You'll see. 01:06:48.474 --> 01:06:52.935 Every three-dimensional page contains a piece of the primer. 01:06:55.104 --> 01:06:58.607 There it was all the time, staring you in the face. 01:06:59.692 --> 01:07:03.612 Buried within the message itself is the key to decoding it. 01:07:03.780 --> 01:07:07.032 Within the layering of the matrix, we have these basic equations: 01:07:08.993 --> 01:07:13.038 So with this very elementary foundation, they have given us a kind of... 01:07:13.206 --> 01:07:15.791 ...general scientific vocabulary. 01:07:16.000 --> 01:07:18.293 We now have the symbols for true and false... 01:07:18.503 --> 01:07:19.795 This was the key... 01:07:19.962 --> 01:07:22.464 ...that allowed us to decipher their language... 01:07:22.673 --> 01:07:26.343 ...for physics, geometry, chemistry. Next frame, Ellie. 01:07:27.553 --> 01:07:31.515 Yes, and when we apply this to the rest of the message... 01:07:32.266 --> 01:07:33.350 ...we find this. 01:07:37.939 --> 01:07:40.857 Those look like engineering schematics, almost like blueprints. 01:07:41.025 --> 01:07:42.651 Yeah. 01:07:42.819 --> 01:07:43.902 Yes. 01:07:44.070 --> 01:07:47.364 It is our belief that the message contains instructions... 01:07:47.573 --> 01:07:51.034 ...for building something, some kind of machine. 01:07:51.202 --> 01:07:54.329 A machine? That does what, doctor? 01:07:54.497 --> 01:07:56.706 We don't know. It might be some type... 01:07:57.667 --> 01:08:03.213 ...of advanced communication device, or a teaching machine of some kind. 01:08:03.714 --> 01:08:07.008 Or it might turn out to be some kind of a transport. 01:08:07.426 --> 01:08:09.886 - Transport? - There's no proof of that. 01:08:10.054 --> 01:08:13.890 The fact is, you don't know what it does. It could be anything. 01:08:14.058 --> 01:08:17.393 Could be a Trojan horse. We build it and out pours the entire Vegan army. 01:08:17.561 --> 01:08:20.229 Why bother risking the personnel? It could be a weapon. 01:08:20.438 --> 01:08:22.731 Right. Some kind of a doomsday machine. 01:08:22.899 --> 01:08:25.401 Exactly. Every time they detect a new civilization... 01:08:25.569 --> 01:08:28.028 ...they fax these construction documents from space. 01:08:28.196 --> 01:08:31.824 We poor saps build whatever this is and blow ourselves to kingdom come. 01:08:31.992 --> 01:08:34.910 There's no reason to believe that their intentions are hostile. 01:08:35.078 --> 01:08:39.415 Why is the default position of the egghead set that aliens would always be benign? 01:08:39.583 --> 01:08:42.042 - Why is that, doctor? - We pose no threat to them. 01:08:42.210 --> 01:08:46.630 It would be like us going out of our way to destroy microbes on an anthill in Africa 01:08:46.798 --> 01:08:48.382 DRUMLIN: That's an interesting analogy. 01:08:48.800 --> 01:08:52.970 And how guilty would we feel if we destroyed a few microbes on an anthill? 01:08:53.138 --> 01:08:55.514 I hope you're right, doctor. I really do. 01:08:55.682 --> 01:08:59.143 But right now my job is to protect American lives from any threat. 01:08:59.311 --> 01:09:01.645 In that regard, I am obligated to assume the worst. 01:09:01.897 --> 01:09:03.981 Well, yes, and I am forced to agree with you. 01:09:04.149 --> 01:09:05.566 My problem is this: 01:09:06.193 --> 01:09:09.403 The content of that message is morally ambiguous at best. 01:09:10.071 --> 01:09:13.616 Now, our internal numbers show support for this is incredibly soft. 01:09:13.783 --> 01:09:16.452 If the president wishes to stay this course... 01:09:16.620 --> 01:09:19.288 ...you're gonna find his numbers going south like a duck. 01:09:19.456 --> 01:09:21.874 - This is nuts. RANK: Excuse me... 01:09:22.042 --> 01:09:23.459 ...miss. 01:09:23.627 --> 01:09:26.003 We know nothing of these creatures' values. 01:09:26.171 --> 01:09:28.964 The fact is, we don't even know whether they believe in God. 01:09:29.132 --> 01:09:32.885 - This doesn't make any sense. If you... CONSTANTINE: Excuse me, Dr. Arroway. 01:09:33.094 --> 01:09:35.554 We won't be suppressing any opinions here today. 01:09:36.431 --> 01:09:39.141 No, of course not. I understand. 01:09:39.559 --> 01:09:41.476 What I meant to say... 01:09:41.644 --> 01:09:45.104 ...is the message was written in the language of science. 01:09:45.272 --> 01:09:48.650 Now, if it had been religious in nature, it should have taken the form... 01:09:48.817 --> 01:09:51.444 ...of a burning bush or a booming voice from the sky. 01:09:51.654 --> 01:09:53.738 But a voice from the sky... 01:09:54.823 --> 01:09:57.659 ...is exactly what you found, Doctor Arroway. 01:10:01.038 --> 01:10:02.997 I'm sorry I'm late, ma'am. 01:10:03.165 --> 01:10:08.378 Now, I agree with Mr. Rank that there are unavoidable... 01:10:08.587 --> 01:10:10.755 ...religious implications at stake here. 01:10:10.923 --> 01:10:13.341 But that doesn't justify taking an alarmist position. 01:10:15.386 --> 01:10:18.137 My hope here is that we can find a common ground... 01:10:18.305 --> 01:10:21.015 ...break through any obstacles that may have kept us apart. 01:10:21.183 --> 01:10:24.602 KITZ: Well, perhaps... - Listen, I need to make one thing very clear. 01:10:24.812 --> 01:10:29.440 Our organization will not be placated with flowery New Age rhetoric... 01:10:30.442 --> 01:10:31.943 Mr. President. 01:10:33.404 --> 01:10:35.697 The President met with his top advisors today... 01:10:35.864 --> 01:10:39.284 ...regarding the latest efforts to decode the message. 01:10:39.451 --> 01:10:44.122 While there has been some progress, the official line remains a cautious one. 01:10:44.290 --> 01:10:48.918 If you're asking when we'll find out what the purpose of that machine is... 01:10:49.920 --> 01:10:52.630 ...maybe tomorrow, maybe next year, maybe never. 01:10:57.052 --> 01:11:01.639 There he is. The man with his finger on the spiritual pulse of the nation. 01:11:03.017 --> 01:11:06.435 - It's so good to see you, Ellie. - You too. 01:11:07.687 --> 01:11:11.648 Your discovery, all of this. It must be a real vindication. 01:11:12.317 --> 01:11:13.984 I'm really happy for you. 01:11:14.610 --> 01:11:18.572 - Are you? - Mr. Joss, the president is waiting. 01:11:19.949 --> 01:11:23.076 - Okay. Yeah. - The president is waiting. 01:11:26.998 --> 01:11:30.876 - Ellie, see you at the reception tonight? - Yeah, I wouldn't miss it. 01:11:31.044 --> 01:11:32.919 All right, great. 01:11:42.930 --> 01:11:45.265 Excuse me, Miss Constantine, may I speak to you? 01:11:45.433 --> 01:11:46.850 Certainly. 01:11:48.603 --> 01:11:50.812 - I have a big problem. - Yes? 01:11:50.980 --> 01:11:52.481 Um... 01:11:52.648 --> 01:11:55.442 Do you know where I can find, like, a really great dress? 01:12:02.450 --> 01:12:04.951 [PEOPLE YELLING INDISTINCTLY] 01:12:12.126 --> 01:12:18.965 God created man in the form of himself, not in the form of monkeys! 01:12:20.301 --> 01:12:22.469 MAN 1: The Lord is God! MAN 2: Praise God. 01:12:22.637 --> 01:12:26.848 MAN 3: Praise the Lord! MAN 4: You're wasting my tax dollars! 01:12:27.642 --> 01:12:31.268 Get a job. Don't waste my tax dollars. 01:12:31.436 --> 01:12:33.187 You hear me? 01:12:52.165 --> 01:12:53.958 Wow. 01:12:56.503 --> 01:12:58.170 You look beautiful, Ellie. 01:12:59.840 --> 01:13:02.174 - So do you. - You really do. 01:13:05.846 --> 01:13:07.304 I read your book. 01:13:08.265 --> 01:13:09.765 Here we go. 01:13:09.933 --> 01:13:12.017 Would you like me to quote you? 01:13:12.185 --> 01:13:17.189 "Ironically, the thing that people are most hungry for, meaning... 01:13:17.357 --> 01:13:20.693 ...is the one thing that science hasn't been able to give them." 01:13:20.861 --> 01:13:23.737 Yeah. Yeah. 01:13:24.364 --> 01:13:29.160 Come on. It's like you're saying that science killed God. 01:13:29.327 --> 01:13:32.538 What if science simply revealed... 01:13:32.706 --> 01:13:35.207 ...that he never existed in the first place? 01:13:38.545 --> 01:13:41.714 - I think we're gonna need to get some air. - What? 01:13:41.882 --> 01:13:43.716 And a few more of these. 01:13:45.135 --> 01:13:47.386 - Thank you. - You're welcome. 01:13:48.388 --> 01:13:51.557 - A little chilly out here. - Yeah, this is nice. 01:13:51.725 --> 01:13:53.099 - I got one for you. - What? 01:13:53.267 --> 01:13:55.018 Occam's razor. Ever heard of it? 01:13:55.227 --> 01:13:57.896 Hoccam's razor. Sounds like some slasher movie. 01:13:58.063 --> 01:14:01.649 No, Occam's Razor. It's a basic scientific principle. It says... 01:14:01.817 --> 01:14:05.403 ...all things being equal, the simplest explanation tends to be the right one. 01:14:05.571 --> 01:14:07.197 - Makes sense to me. - All right. 01:14:07.364 --> 01:14:10.158 - So, what's more likely? Thank you. - You're welcome. 01:14:10.326 --> 01:14:12.952 An all-powerful, mysterious God created the universe... 01:14:13.162 --> 01:14:15.997 ...and then decided not to give any proof of his existence? 01:14:16.165 --> 01:14:21.002 Or that he simply doesn't exist at all and that we created him... 01:14:21.170 --> 01:14:23.671 ...so we wouldn't have to feel so small and alone. 01:14:24.590 --> 01:14:25.840 I don't know. 01:14:26.008 --> 01:14:30.011 I couldn't imagine living in a world where God didn't exist. 01:14:30.679 --> 01:14:32.347 I wouldn't want to. 01:14:33.015 --> 01:14:35.433 How do you know that you're not deluding yourself? 01:14:36.101 --> 01:14:39.354 I mean, for me, I'd need proof. 01:14:40.189 --> 01:14:41.689 Proof? 01:14:44.568 --> 01:14:47.070 - Did you love your father? - What? 01:14:47.238 --> 01:14:49.030 Your dad, did you love him? 01:14:50.032 --> 01:14:52.867 Yes. Very much. 01:14:55.704 --> 01:14:57.247 Prove it. 01:15:00.042 --> 01:15:01.960 [PHONE RINGS] 01:15:03.754 --> 01:15:04.796 Kent. 01:15:04.964 --> 01:15:05.964 [PAGER BEEPING] 01:15:06.131 --> 01:15:09.133 - The White House. - Mr. Joss. 01:15:10.302 --> 01:15:13.263 DRUMLIN: I don't want excuses. Whoever is responsible, I want their head. 01:15:13.430 --> 01:15:16.390 - Ellie? - What happened? 01:15:16.558 --> 01:15:17.975 You were right all along. 01:15:18.142 --> 01:15:21.270 The decryption team at the VLA has been working around the clock... 01:15:21.437 --> 01:15:24.147 ...and the hard work has finally paid off. 01:15:24.315 --> 01:15:28.277 This key section, uncovered tonight and obtained exclusively by CNN... 01:15:28.444 --> 01:15:31.071 ...shows an illustration of what is of a human figure... 01:15:31.239 --> 01:15:34.074 ...inside a geometric structure of some kind. 01:15:34.242 --> 01:15:36.076 This and other contextual clues... 01:15:36.244 --> 01:15:39.329 ...now lead scientists to believe that the message is, in fact... 01:15:39.497 --> 01:15:43.041 - President called an emergency meeting. - Yeah, I imagine he would. 01:15:43.209 --> 01:15:46.336 - Designed to take a single human occupant into space... 01:15:46.504 --> 01:15:49.172 ...presumably to the star Vega. 01:16:07.692 --> 01:16:09.651 MAN: I'm gonna miss my mother's birthday party. 01:16:09.819 --> 01:16:12.696 KITZ: Call her in the morning, tell her why you didn't show up. 01:16:12.864 --> 01:16:14.364 Tell me. 01:16:14.532 --> 01:16:15.657 They're gonna build it. 01:16:15.825 --> 01:16:16.867 Who gets to go? 01:16:17.035 --> 01:16:20.370 The president's just gone international to spread the risk and cost... 01:16:20.538 --> 01:16:22.080 Who gets to go, though? 01:16:22.248 --> 01:16:23.874 Well, it's complicated, Ellie. 01:16:24.792 --> 01:16:25.834 What? 01:16:26.002 --> 01:16:28.837 They have formed a group of international candidates. 01:16:29.005 --> 01:16:31.048 Now, it's your discovery. 01:16:31.466 --> 01:16:35.344 Okay, they understand that. You're at the top of a very short list. 01:16:35.511 --> 01:16:38.055 But they're also putting together a selection committee. 01:16:38.222 --> 01:16:42.391 It's made of scholars, theologians, scientists, philosophers... 01:16:42.559 --> 01:16:43.559 You're on it. 01:16:44.770 --> 01:16:46.062 I've been asked, yes. 01:16:49.024 --> 01:16:50.691 I guess that means... 01:16:51.276 --> 01:16:54.028 ...that you're a selector, I'm a selectee and we can't... 01:16:54.196 --> 01:16:55.529 Yeah. 01:16:55.697 --> 01:16:58.115 What you don't understand, Ellie, is... 01:16:58.283 --> 01:17:00.409 - I understand. - Ellie... 01:17:01.036 --> 01:17:05.373 I want you to know, whatever happens, as far as I'm concerned... 01:17:05.957 --> 01:17:07.458 Well... 01:17:08.627 --> 01:17:10.211 ...good luck. 01:17:14.216 --> 01:17:17.677 Well, whatever you do, make sure he doesn't monopolize the committee. 01:17:17.844 --> 01:17:19.929 He is not on the committee, Ellie. 01:17:21.682 --> 01:17:23.099 What? 01:17:23.892 --> 01:17:26.936 He just resigned as science advisor. He wants to be the one to go. 01:17:29.147 --> 01:17:32.441 MAN [ON TV]: The president is already beginning to feel the financial pinch. 01:17:32.734 --> 01:17:34.819 Sources say the cost of the project... 01:17:34.986 --> 01:17:38.614 ...is spiraling to more than a third of a trillion dollars... 01:17:38.782 --> 01:17:42.368 ...making this what may be the most expensive single project... 01:17:42.577 --> 01:17:44.453 ...in all of human history. 01:17:44.663 --> 01:17:47.998 Meanwhile, months of debate finally reached a conclusion last week... 01:17:48.166 --> 01:17:51.293 ...as 10 candidates were selected by the IMC... 01:17:51.461 --> 01:17:55.423 ...representing a cross section of political, philosophical and religious views. 01:17:55.632 --> 01:17:58.509 Many of these are the same experts who have been consulting... 01:17:58.677 --> 01:18:00.720 ...on the Machine's design and function. 01:18:00.929 --> 01:18:05.140 They will be actively participating on-site during the construction process. 01:18:05.307 --> 01:18:08.643 But the choice of these 10 candidates has not been without controversy. 01:18:08.811 --> 01:18:11.646 Fully one-third of the candidates are American. 01:18:11.814 --> 01:18:14.566 Many international observers are asking why. 01:18:14.734 --> 01:18:17.861 The U.S. Is shouldering an enormous percentage of the financial... 01:18:18.070 --> 01:18:21.030 Isn't it true that the contractors, like Hadden Industries... 01:18:21.240 --> 01:18:24.576 ...are making those contributions in exchange for technology rights? 01:18:24.785 --> 01:18:28.288 Different nations are being compensated in different ways. For example... 01:18:28.456 --> 01:18:33.001 Japan made headlines when it announced it would forego candidate representation... 01:18:33.169 --> 01:18:36.379 ...in exchange for the systems integration subcontract. 01:18:36.547 --> 01:18:41.509 On what basis do you choose a human being to represent humanity? 01:18:41.719 --> 01:18:42.927 Good question, Larry. 01:18:43.095 --> 01:18:45.054 Yes, well, if nothing else... 01:18:45.222 --> 01:18:49.225 ...it should be somebody who is fluent in the language the message was given in. 01:18:49.393 --> 01:18:50.602 Science, in this case. 01:18:51.228 --> 01:18:53.646 Doctor Arroway, despite your obvious enthusiasm... 01:18:53.856 --> 01:18:56.065 ...there's been a lot of criticism of late... 01:18:56.317 --> 01:18:58.818 ...that this whole endeavor is simply too dangerous. 01:18:58.986 --> 01:19:01.571 Some of that criticism from scientists. 01:19:01.781 --> 01:19:04.574 One Nobel Prize winner recently noted, his words: 01:19:05.367 --> 01:19:07.076 "There is every indication... 01:19:07.286 --> 01:19:11.080 ...that this is simply beyond our capabilities, that this endeavor will fail... 01:19:11.290 --> 01:19:14.918 ...and that the Machine's occupant will pay for that failure with their life." 01:19:15.085 --> 01:19:16.753 How do you respond to that? 01:19:16.962 --> 01:19:20.340 ELLIE: Well, this message is from a civilization that may be anywhere... 01:19:20.549 --> 01:19:24.260 ...from hundreds to millions and millions of years ahead of us. 01:19:24.512 --> 01:19:27.679 I have to believe that an intelligence that advanced... 01:19:28.306 --> 01:19:30.307 ...knows what they're doing. 01:19:31.226 --> 01:19:35.187 Now all it requires on our part is... 01:19:35.355 --> 01:19:36.396 Faith? 01:19:39.484 --> 01:19:41.568 I was gonna say a sense of adventure. 01:19:41.778 --> 01:19:42.986 MAN: And in breaking news... 01:19:43.571 --> 01:19:44.863 ...a former astronaut... 01:19:45.073 --> 01:19:48.909 ...considered to be the leading American candidate for the Machine seat... 01:19:49.118 --> 01:19:51.411 ...has unexpectedly dropped out of the running. 01:19:51.830 --> 01:19:54.915 Russell met with reporters this afternoon at his Houston home. 01:19:55.250 --> 01:19:59.211 I told my dad that I didn't want him to go. 01:19:59.420 --> 01:20:01.129 Daddy, don't go. 01:20:03.800 --> 01:20:06.885 Nothing would give me more pride than to... 01:20:07.554 --> 01:20:09.555 ...represent my country. 01:20:09.722 --> 01:20:11.932 But what can I say to this? 01:20:12.517 --> 01:20:16.353 Consortium officials had no comment, but sources within the delegation... 01:20:16.521 --> 01:20:18.522 ...have disclosed that Dr. Arroway... 01:20:18.690 --> 01:20:22.776 ...appears to now be the front-runner for the Machine seat. 01:20:23.611 --> 01:20:25.988 ELLIE: "Meet me at noon. Must talk." 01:20:26.155 --> 01:20:28.907 I didn't expect to be getting a message like this from you. 01:20:29.075 --> 01:20:30.284 Thanks for coming. 01:20:30.493 --> 01:20:33.453 So is this kosher? Fraternizing with the enemy? 01:20:33.621 --> 01:20:37.124 Selectors and selectees mingling around? 01:20:37.292 --> 01:20:39.459 Can we talk about Einstein? 01:20:39.627 --> 01:20:41.795 Yeah, sure. Okay. 01:20:41.963 --> 01:20:43.380 - Special relativity. - Yeah. 01:20:43.548 --> 01:20:45.173 This machine... 01:20:45.758 --> 01:20:50.678 ...now, if it works, and you travel to Vega at even close to the speed of light... 01:20:50.846 --> 01:20:53.347 ...when you come back... - If you come back. 01:20:55.517 --> 01:20:57.518 If you come back... 01:20:57.686 --> 01:21:01.981 ...you'll only be 4 years older, but over 50 years would have passed here on Earth. 01:21:02.149 --> 01:21:03.858 Basically, yeah. 01:21:04.359 --> 01:21:06.944 And everybody that you care about... 01:21:07.821 --> 01:21:10.156 ...will be gone, dead and buried. 01:21:10.991 --> 01:21:14.994 If you came back, if you survived at all, which... 01:21:16.330 --> 01:21:20.041 Look, Palmer, nobody's saying this isn't dangerous, all right? 01:21:20.208 --> 01:21:24.337 The rest of the candidates and myself, we fully understand the risks we're taking. 01:21:24.504 --> 01:21:25.755 Why? 01:21:25.923 --> 01:21:28.633 Because it's a historic opportunity. The world needs... 01:21:28.842 --> 01:21:31.469 No, you, Ellie. You. You personally. 01:21:32.512 --> 01:21:35.306 By doing this, you're willing to give your life. 01:21:35.515 --> 01:21:37.683 You're willing to die for it. 01:21:39.519 --> 01:21:40.811 Why? 01:21:44.524 --> 01:21:48.235 From as long as I can remember, I've been searching for... 01:21:48.862 --> 01:21:50.529 ...something... 01:21:50.739 --> 01:21:54.533 ...some reason why we're here. What are we doing here? Who are we? 01:21:55.535 --> 01:21:59.413 If this is a chance to find out even just a little part of that answer... 01:22:00.916 --> 01:22:03.918 I don't know, I think it's won'th a human life. 01:22:04.586 --> 01:22:06.128 Don't you? 01:22:12.636 --> 01:22:15.261 You're an incredibly brave woman, Ellie. 01:22:18.057 --> 01:22:20.183 Or incredibly nuts. 01:22:42.248 --> 01:22:43.748 Palmer... 01:22:49.463 --> 01:22:51.548 I'm really confused. 01:22:52.842 --> 01:22:54.092 So am I. 01:22:55.344 --> 01:22:58.930 I think I speak for us all when I thank you for your patience. 01:22:59.140 --> 01:23:02.600 Myself, I have one final question, Dr. Arroway. 01:23:04.103 --> 01:23:06.438 If you should meet these Vegans... 01:23:06.647 --> 01:23:10.942 ...and were permitted only one question to ask of them... 01:23:11.110 --> 01:23:12.777 ...what would it be? 01:23:14.238 --> 01:23:16.281 Well, I suppose it would be: 01:23:16.449 --> 01:23:18.116 "How did you do it? 01:23:18.659 --> 01:23:23.121 How did you evolve? How did you survive this technological adolescence... 01:23:23.289 --> 01:23:25.206 ...without destroying yourself?" 01:23:25.958 --> 01:23:30.837 That more than any other question is one I personally would like to have answered. 01:23:31.172 --> 01:23:33.006 Not too bad, Mike. 01:23:33.674 --> 01:23:34.966 PATEL: I join Dr. Bergeron... 01:23:35.134 --> 01:23:38.594 ...in expressing thanks for your patience, Dr. Arroway. 01:23:38.803 --> 01:23:41.305 We've all been most impressed with your candor... 01:23:41.473 --> 01:23:43.515 ...and your stamina. 01:23:43.683 --> 01:23:46.852 I believe we are ready to move on to your final statement. 01:23:47.020 --> 01:23:48.937 Madam Chairman, I have one more question. 01:23:49.105 --> 01:23:50.856 Yes, Mr. Joss. 01:23:51.483 --> 01:23:53.484 Dr. Arroway... 01:23:54.861 --> 01:23:57.196 Would you consider yourself... 01:23:57.697 --> 01:24:00.324 ...a spiritual person? 01:24:02.994 --> 01:24:04.745 Uh... 01:24:05.497 --> 01:24:08.832 I don't really understand the point of the question. 01:24:09.000 --> 01:24:11.877 I consider myself a moral person. 01:24:12.045 --> 01:24:14.004 PATEL: I'm sure we all agree that is the case... 01:24:14.172 --> 01:24:16.673 ...but I think what Mr. Joss is in fact asking... 01:24:16.841 --> 01:24:18.675 Do you believe in God... 01:24:20.678 --> 01:24:22.679 ...Dr. Arroway? 01:24:27.185 --> 01:24:29.603 As a scientist... 01:24:29.771 --> 01:24:33.232 ...I rely on empirical evidence, and in this matter... 01:24:33.399 --> 01:24:37.111 ...I don't believe that there is data either way. 01:24:37.695 --> 01:24:42.116 PATEL: So your answer would in fact be that you don't believe in God. 01:24:45.537 --> 01:24:48.580 I don't understand the relevance of the question. 01:24:49.290 --> 01:24:54.419 Dr. Arroway, 95 percent of the world's population... 01:24:54.587 --> 01:24:58.549 ...believes in a supreme being in one form or another. 01:24:59.717 --> 01:25:02.927 I believe that makes the question more than relevant. 01:25:05.597 --> 01:25:07.306 PATEL: Dr. Arroway? 01:25:17.234 --> 01:25:19.235 I believe, um... 01:25:23.240 --> 01:25:25.741 I believe I've already answered that question. 01:25:29.788 --> 01:25:33.291 I'm proud of what we've achieved as a species... 01:25:33.458 --> 01:25:35.459 ...and as a civilization. 01:25:37.129 --> 01:25:39.630 I would hate to see everything we stand for... 01:25:39.798 --> 01:25:43.718 ...all that we have fought for for a thousand generations... 01:25:43.927 --> 01:25:46.262 ...all that God has blessed us with... 01:25:47.598 --> 01:25:49.140 ...betrayed... 01:25:50.100 --> 01:25:54.687 ...in the final hour because we chose to send a representative who did not put our... 01:25:55.189 --> 01:25:57.982 ...most cherished beliefs first. 01:26:01.278 --> 01:26:02.445 Thank you. 01:26:08.619 --> 01:26:10.953 [KNOCKING] 01:26:35.686 --> 01:26:36.978 Why did you do it? 01:26:41.567 --> 01:26:45.737 Our job was to select someone to speak for everybody. 01:26:49.033 --> 01:26:52.494 I just couldn't in good conscience vote for a person... 01:26:52.662 --> 01:26:54.663 ...who doesn't believe in God. 01:26:56.707 --> 01:26:58.083 Someone who... 01:26:58.251 --> 01:27:01.670 ...honestly thinks the other 95 percent of us... 01:27:01.879 --> 01:27:04.839 ...suffer from some form of mass delusion. 01:27:08.010 --> 01:27:10.095 I told the truth up there. 01:27:11.389 --> 01:27:14.891 And Drumlin told you exactly what you wanted to hear. 01:27:50.051 --> 01:27:52.636 DRUMLIN: With full humility and utmost gratitude... 01:27:52.804 --> 01:27:55.014 ...I accept this great honor... 01:27:55.223 --> 01:27:59.268 ...and I promise I will do my best to represent my nation... 01:27:59.436 --> 01:28:04.565 ...my planet and my God on this historic journey. 01:28:04.733 --> 01:28:07.067 I thank you from the bottom of my heart. 01:28:07.235 --> 01:28:10.195 [APPLAUDING] 01:28:49.652 --> 01:28:52.613 MAN [ON TV]: There's a carnival atmosphere at Cape Canaveral... 01:28:52.781 --> 01:28:54.823 ...as the International Machine Consortium... 01:28:54.991 --> 01:28:58.452 ...hosts as much a media event as a systems test. 01:28:58.953 --> 01:29:02.623 David Drumlin is supervising the on-site portion of the test. 01:29:02.832 --> 01:29:04.625 We spoke with him earlier today. 01:29:04.793 --> 01:29:07.294 DRUMLIN: We'll be able to monjtor the stresses and effects... 01:29:07.462 --> 01:29:09.797 ...using the robot passenger... 01:29:10.298 --> 01:29:12.591 ...who we lovingly call Elmer. 01:29:12.758 --> 01:29:15.885 WOMAN [OVER SPEAKER]: We are coming up on T-minus two hours and counting. 01:29:16.053 --> 01:29:18.096 All Machine systems are go. 01:29:18.263 --> 01:29:21.140 Dr. Arroway, the press would like to ask you a few questions... 01:29:21.308 --> 01:29:23.976 ...as soon as they're done with Dr. Drumlin. 01:29:25.270 --> 01:29:27.522 DRUMLIN: Now, at the moment where we release the pod... 01:29:27.689 --> 01:29:31.275 ...there will be a substantial amount of energy generated at the core. 01:29:31.777 --> 01:29:34.153 We'll be able to monitor the stresses and effects... 01:29:34.321 --> 01:29:38.491 ...using our robot passenger, who we lovingly call Elmer. 01:29:38.659 --> 01:29:39.826 [CHUCKLES] 01:29:39.993 --> 01:29:41.619 - Thank you. - Welcome. 01:29:41.787 --> 01:29:43.704 WOMAN: - The test area is clear and go. 01:29:43.872 --> 01:29:46.666 Sir, they're ready for you out at the site. 01:29:46.834 --> 01:29:48.459 Yeah, just a minute. 01:29:49.503 --> 01:29:52.797 WOMAN: The test director has issued a go to enter the final countdown phase. 01:29:52.965 --> 01:29:54.298 Ellie. 01:29:54.466 --> 01:29:56.843 - Congratulations, David. - Glad you could come. 01:29:58.178 --> 01:30:00.638 Didrt, uh, expect to see you here. 01:30:01.348 --> 01:30:06.185 Well, I'm still, you know, Crew Ops at the Control Center. 01:30:06.854 --> 01:30:10.857 And I suppose the fact that I discovered the message means that I have PR value. 01:30:11.024 --> 01:30:12.692 Of course. 01:30:14.194 --> 01:30:17.363 Ellie, I know you must think this is all very unfair. 01:30:18.031 --> 01:30:20.324 And maybe that's an understatement. 01:30:21.410 --> 01:30:23.786 What you don't know is, I agree. 01:30:24.371 --> 01:30:27.665 I wish the world was a place where fair was the bottom line. 01:30:27.833 --> 01:30:31.043 Where the kind of idealism you showed at the hearing was rewarded... 01:30:31.211 --> 01:30:33.504 ...not taken advantage of. 01:30:35.215 --> 01:30:38.341 Unfortunately, we don't live in that world. 01:30:40.386 --> 01:30:41.887 Funny... 01:30:42.930 --> 01:30:46.391 ...I always believed that the world is what we make of it. 01:30:48.060 --> 01:30:51.229 Excuse me, Dr. Drumlin, sir? 01:30:52.857 --> 01:30:54.399 Good luck on the test. 01:30:54.650 --> 01:30:56.985 - The pad leader has issued the order... - Thank you. 01:30:57.153 --> 01:31:00.322 ...to clear the pad of all nonessential... - Right this way, sir. 01:31:04.827 --> 01:31:08.705 Test director, everything looks good up here. We're ready to go. 01:31:08.873 --> 01:31:11.875 STEVE: All right, people, I want things double and triple checked here. 01:31:12.043 --> 01:31:15.629 We only get one shot at this. Let's get it right. 01:31:15.796 --> 01:31:18.882 Ladies and gentlemen, we are ready for startup. 01:31:19.091 --> 01:31:22.427 All controllers, I need a go-no-go for test initiation. 01:31:22.595 --> 01:31:23.595 - Mechanical? MAN 1: Go. 01:31:23.763 --> 01:31:24.804 - Electrical? MAN 2: Go. 01:31:24.972 --> 01:31:26.056 - Dynamics? MAN 3: Go. 01:31:26.224 --> 01:31:27.516 - Communications? MAN 4: Go. 01:31:27.683 --> 01:31:28.725 - Pod systems? WOMAN: Go 01:31:28.893 --> 01:31:30.435 - Safety? MAN 5: Go. 01:31:30.603 --> 01:31:33.522 Crew Ops, verify all pre-test procedures are complete. 01:31:33.689 --> 01:31:35.106 Yes, verified. I'm go. 01:31:35.274 --> 01:31:37.776 Pad leader, we are good. Is everything okay with you? 01:31:37.944 --> 01:31:40.612 Roger. The pad is a go. 01:31:40.780 --> 01:31:43.615 STEVE: Test initiation, on my mark. 01:31:44.075 --> 01:31:45.450 Five... 01:31:45.618 --> 01:31:46.868 ...four... 01:31:47.036 --> 01:31:48.328 ...three... 01:31:48.496 --> 01:31:49.704 ...two... 01:31:50.122 --> 01:31:51.623 ...one. 01:31:51.791 --> 01:31:53.208 Mark. 01:31:53.376 --> 01:31:55.126 MAN 1: Test start. MAN 2: Rings are unlocked. 01:31:55.294 --> 01:31:57.045 MAN 3: Power levels indicate a good start. 01:31:57.213 --> 01:32:00.089 WOMAN 1: We have begun the full-scale test of Earth's first system... 01:32:00.257 --> 01:32:03.801 ...built by the sharing of knowledge with a neighbor in our universe. 01:32:03.969 --> 01:32:06.220 MAN 4: All power sources on core induction bus. 01:32:06.388 --> 01:32:08.013 WOMAN 2: IPV power transfer. 01:32:08.181 --> 01:32:11.934 GERRY: Ring motion detect. Alpha, Bravo, Charlie. 01:32:12.978 --> 01:32:16.021 STEVE: Gerry, how are we looking? GERRY: Looks good. We're underway. 01:32:16.189 --> 01:32:17.940 DRUMLIN: Looks like we have a normal startup. 01:32:18.108 --> 01:32:20.651 STEVE: Roger, David. It's looking good here. 01:32:20.819 --> 01:32:23.070 [CHEERING] 01:32:26.283 --> 01:32:29.410 WOMAN 1: We are moments away from the initiation of the drop sequence. 01:32:29.578 --> 01:32:31.579 All systems are go. 01:32:33.707 --> 01:32:36.333 STEVE: Mechanical, you still happy? MAN 1: Roger that. 01:32:36.501 --> 01:32:39.962 DRUMLIN: I'll tell you, this is very exciting from up here. 01:32:42.132 --> 01:32:45.759 GERRY: We've got 4 percent. DRUMLIN: We're confirming 4 percent. 01:32:47.012 --> 01:32:50.347 Frequency 9.85. 01:32:50.515 --> 01:32:56.270 Harmonics in the green. G-level 1.1. 01:32:56.438 --> 01:32:59.773 - Five percent. - Confirmed. We are at 5 percent. 01:32:59.941 --> 01:33:01.692 David, how's it looking to you? 01:33:01.860 --> 01:33:04.695 DRUMLIN: Okay. I'm gonna take a look and show you what we got. 01:33:04.863 --> 01:33:07.031 MAN 2: All test-subject instrumentation looks good. 01:33:07.198 --> 01:33:10.868 Confirmed, we have a good picture from Dr. Drumlirs PRD. 01:33:11.036 --> 01:33:13.495 DRUMLIN: Hope you guys are seeing what I'm seeing. 01:33:13.872 --> 01:33:15.789 MAN 3: All systems are go. 01:33:17.375 --> 01:33:18.959 DRUMLIN: This is really something. 01:33:19.169 --> 01:33:20.836 MAN 4: For purposes of this test... 01:33:21.004 --> 01:33:25.214 ...Dr. Drumlin will be on top of the gantry crane that's over the Machine. 01:33:25.382 --> 01:33:27.550 We've got some video animation... 01:33:27.718 --> 01:33:31.220 ...to show you just how this machine, it is thought, will work. 01:33:31.388 --> 01:33:33.056 The passenger pod will be released. 01:33:33.265 --> 01:33:37.602 It will come down through the center of the rings and into the Machine's core. 01:33:37.770 --> 01:33:41.856 The big question everyone here is asking is, of course, what happens then? 01:33:42.024 --> 01:33:46.861 Some believe that the rings function as some sort of an accelerator or something... 01:33:47.029 --> 01:33:49.656 ...sending its energy into this passenger pod... 01:33:49.823 --> 01:33:52.533 ...making it rocket away at near the speed of light. 01:33:52.743 --> 01:33:57.372 Other people believe it might open up a doorway to some other dimension. 01:33:57.539 --> 01:34:01.000 Who's right? Well, that's what today's test is all about. 01:34:01.627 --> 01:34:04.087 GERRY: Thirty-five percent. MAN 1: Subsystems, are you ready? 01:34:04.254 --> 01:34:07.423 GERRY: Forty percent normal acceleration. MAN 2: Roger, confirm 40 percent. 01:34:07.633 --> 01:34:10.593 STEVE: All controllers stand by to initiate drop sequence... 01:34:10.761 --> 01:34:12.345 ...on my mark. 01:34:12.513 --> 01:34:14.847 MAN 3: All systems ready for drop sequence. 01:34:15.015 --> 01:34:17.266 GERRY: Forty-five percent. 01:34:17.434 --> 01:34:19.602 DRUMLIN: We're reading 45 percent. 01:34:20.604 --> 01:34:22.605 Can you verify closure? 01:34:23.899 --> 01:34:25.441 GERRY: Forty-six. 01:34:25.609 --> 01:34:30.279 STEVE: All controllers stand by to initiate IPV drop sequence. On my mark. 01:34:30.948 --> 01:34:32.699 GERRY: Forty-eight percent. 01:34:33.325 --> 01:34:35.743 DRUMLIN: Test djrector, I'm feeling a very strange vibration. 01:34:35.911 --> 01:34:37.120 Are you feeling it down there? 01:34:37.287 --> 01:34:39.247 STEVE: Gerry, can you confirm any vibration? 01:34:39.790 --> 01:34:41.624 GERRY: Negative, everything looks good here. 01:34:41.792 --> 01:34:43.793 - Crew Ops? - Nothing wrong with Elmer. 01:34:43.961 --> 01:34:45.795 We're not seeing anything abnormal. 01:34:45.963 --> 01:34:48.755 DRUMLIN: No good. Hold the sequence. I'm gonna take a direct reading. 01:34:49.257 --> 01:34:52.634 STEVE: What the hell is he talking about? - Can anyone say grandstanding? 01:34:52.802 --> 01:34:54.803 He sure knows he's on TV! 01:34:54.971 --> 01:34:58.098 Back home that's what we call an overcooked ham. 01:34:58.266 --> 01:35:00.767 DRUMLIN: I'm reading 10 kilohertz! 01:35:00.935 --> 01:35:03.729 What's your reading on the first and second order G-levels? 01:35:03.938 --> 01:35:05.814 MAN 1: G-levels are right on. 01:35:06.315 --> 01:35:09.818 MAN 2: We confirm Drumlirs readings and they're all normal. We're go. 01:35:09.986 --> 01:35:11.486 STEVE: Copy that, Dynamics. 01:35:11.654 --> 01:35:14.406 I think we're okay, but we'll let him finish. 01:35:15.616 --> 01:35:17.659 - Mechanical, you still okay? MAN 3: Roger, chief. 01:35:17.827 --> 01:35:19.161 We're right on the money. 01:35:19.328 --> 01:35:21.621 We've got a security problem here. 01:35:21.789 --> 01:35:23.373 Ellie, are you sure? 01:35:23.541 --> 01:35:25.834 Yeah. This guy, he shouldn't be there. I know him. 01:35:26.002 --> 01:35:28.962 Gerry, execute the rapid shutdown sequence. 01:35:29.130 --> 01:35:32.424 Security, move emergency response team into position one. 01:35:32.592 --> 01:35:35.177 - Get me Drumlin on a secure loop, please. - You got him. 01:35:35.344 --> 01:35:38.847 - David, can you hear me? DRUMLIN: Yes, I hear. 01:35:39.015 --> 01:35:41.308 ELLIE: All right, we've got a security breach here. 01:35:41.684 --> 01:35:43.685 Right behind you. The tall guy. 01:35:44.187 --> 01:35:47.439 The technician. See him? 01:35:49.484 --> 01:35:51.860 He's not supposed to be there. 01:35:56.532 --> 01:35:59.201 David, he's got something in his hand! 01:35:59.368 --> 01:36:01.912 Him! Take him! Security breach! 01:36:02.580 --> 01:36:03.705 He's got a bomb! 01:36:03.873 --> 01:36:06.500 STEVE: I want that emergency-response team up on the gantry now. 01:36:06.667 --> 01:36:08.335 Security, stage one alert. 01:36:08.503 --> 01:36:13.005 By God, move all the fire and rescue personnel into position one. 01:36:13.840 --> 01:36:15.674 [YELLING] 01:36:29.022 --> 01:36:31.565 [SCREAMING] 01:36:49.584 --> 01:36:51.710 STEVE: All right, all right, back to your stations. 01:36:51.878 --> 01:36:55.005 I need you to be professional, people. Settle down. 01:36:55.215 --> 01:36:58.092 Pad leader, pad leader, do you copy? 01:37:15.527 --> 01:37:18.195 The scene earlier today, when David Drumlin... 01:37:18.405 --> 01:37:20.114 ...advisor to two presidents... 01:37:20.282 --> 01:37:24.285 ...and winner of the National Academy of Sciences lifetime award... 01:37:24.452 --> 01:37:28.247 ...was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. 01:37:31.960 --> 01:37:33.878 In a related story, last night's raid... 01:37:34.045 --> 01:37:35.587 Can I help you? 01:37:35.754 --> 01:37:39.799 - Oh, you're... I've got some mail for you. ...resulted in the discovery of this video. 01:37:39.967 --> 01:37:44.679 The suicide note of the leader of the terrorist group now believed responsible... 01:37:44.847 --> 01:37:47.390 ...for the explosion in Florida this week. 01:37:47.558 --> 01:37:52.562 What we do, we do for the goodness of all mankind. 01:37:53.230 --> 01:37:56.149 This won't be understood, not now... 01:37:56.317 --> 01:37:58.276 ...but the apocalypse to come... 01:37:59.445 --> 01:38:01.613 ...will vindicate our faith. 01:38:10.748 --> 01:38:14.459 [PULSING] 01:38:25.930 --> 01:38:27.764 Welcome home. 01:39:23.361 --> 01:39:25.654 [MAN SPEAKING IN RUSSIAN ON TV] 01:39:33.538 --> 01:39:35.914 Oh, Comrade Arroway... 01:39:36.082 --> 01:39:39.376 ...he has been expecting your call. One moment, please. 01:39:49.137 --> 01:39:50.345 Mr. Hadden? 01:39:50.972 --> 01:39:52.305 Doctor. 01:39:53.433 --> 01:39:55.225 How kind of you to call. 01:39:55.935 --> 01:39:58.353 Mr. Hadden, where are you? 01:40:00.064 --> 01:40:04.735 The Russian government was kind enough to give me accommodations on Mir. 01:40:05.570 --> 01:40:07.446 You're living on a space station? 01:40:08.948 --> 01:40:11.283 It's quite simple, really. 01:40:12.326 --> 01:40:15.912 The low-oxygen, zero-gravity environment... 01:40:16.080 --> 01:40:20.792 ...is the only thing keeping the cancer from eating me alive. 01:40:22.335 --> 01:40:25.046 Actually, I quite like it up here. 01:40:25.505 --> 01:40:29.300 My little room has one hell of a view. 01:40:36.475 --> 01:40:38.976 I wanna show you something. 01:40:43.148 --> 01:40:45.608 Hokkaido Island. 01:40:46.526 --> 01:40:48.903 The systems integration site. 01:40:49.905 --> 01:40:52.156 Look closer. 01:40:59.790 --> 01:41:03.417 First rule in government spending: 01:41:03.585 --> 01:41:07.505 Why build one when you can have two at twice the price? 01:41:07.672 --> 01:41:11.467 Only, this one can be kept secret. 01:41:11.635 --> 01:41:13.677 Controlled by Americans... 01:41:13.845 --> 01:41:17.473 ...built by the Japanese subcontractors... 01:41:18.183 --> 01:41:21.769 ...who also happen to be... 01:41:21.937 --> 01:41:24.021 ...recently acquired... 01:41:24.189 --> 01:41:27.316 ...wholly-owned subsidiaries... 01:41:27.484 --> 01:41:29.860 ...of Hadden Industries. - Of Hadden Industries. 01:41:33.031 --> 01:41:36.200 They still want an American to go, doctor. 01:41:39.830 --> 01:41:42.164 Wanna take a ride? 01:42:24.290 --> 01:42:28.585 WOMAN: And augmenting our restraint and communications console subsystem... 01:42:28.752 --> 01:42:30.753 ...we have your personal recording unit. 01:42:30.921 --> 01:42:35.049 Normal, infrared and ultraviolet lenses. 01:42:35.217 --> 01:42:39.262 Digital microchip good for thousands of hours of recording. 01:42:40.472 --> 01:42:42.557 Okay, look, I understand... 01:42:42.725 --> 01:42:46.144 ...the reason for recording and documenting the mission. 01:42:46.312 --> 01:42:49.147 But I just... I wanna go on record one more time. 01:42:49.315 --> 01:42:52.817 The transmitted specs never said anything about any chair... 01:42:53.068 --> 01:42:57.572 ...or a restraining harness or survival gear. 01:42:57.740 --> 01:42:59.574 Why can't we just trust the original...? 01:42:59.742 --> 01:43:03.870 Doctor, both the IMC Board and the SI team reviewed the matter... 01:43:04.079 --> 01:43:07.832 ...and concluded that the design impact is negligible. 01:43:08.000 --> 01:43:09.708 Bottom line is... 01:43:09.876 --> 01:43:12.211 ...we're not putting anybody aboard this machine... 01:43:12.420 --> 01:43:15.422 ...unless there is some sort of minimal protection. 01:43:15.590 --> 01:43:17.466 End of story. 01:43:19.886 --> 01:43:23.138 - Okay. MAN: Ellie... 01:43:24.015 --> 01:43:28.101 ...we've been giving these to the astronauts since the beginning of the space program. 01:43:29.437 --> 01:43:31.730 It's never been made public, of course. 01:43:31.940 --> 01:43:34.024 It's fast and it's painless. 01:43:36.778 --> 01:43:39.655 I'm gonna travel 26 light years to commit suicide? 01:43:39.822 --> 01:43:42.032 Something may go wrong. 01:43:42.200 --> 01:43:44.952 There may be an unforeseen mechanical failure. 01:43:45.703 --> 01:43:48.789 You could be marooned, unable to return. 01:43:49.958 --> 01:43:53.085 There are a thousand reasons we can think of for you to have this... 01:43:53.294 --> 01:43:56.463 ...but mostly it's for the reasons we can't think of. 01:44:21.531 --> 01:44:22.572 [KNOCKING] 01:44:22.740 --> 01:44:23.865 Come in. 01:44:25.410 --> 01:44:29.413 - Dr. Arroway, time to get ready. - Thank you. 01:44:40.090 --> 01:44:41.799 I know you don't have much time. 01:44:41.967 --> 01:44:45.052 As soon as I found out about the Machine, I called the president. 01:44:45.262 --> 01:44:47.346 I came with Kitz. 01:44:47.514 --> 01:44:49.807 I had to see you one more time. 01:44:49.975 --> 01:44:51.726 - Oh, God, I'm sorry. - It's okay. 01:44:51.893 --> 01:44:53.769 No, I'm glad you came. 01:44:53.937 --> 01:44:56.814 There's something I gotta say to you. 01:44:57.691 --> 01:45:01.944 The reason I didn't vote for you to go was a good reason, but it wasrt the real one. 01:45:03.030 --> 01:45:05.031 I didn't vote for you to go... 01:45:06.575 --> 01:45:08.743 ...because I don't wanna lose you. 01:45:09.786 --> 01:45:12.621 You find your way home, all right? 01:45:29.014 --> 01:45:30.431 Twenty-three hours ago... 01:45:30.599 --> 01:45:34.643 ...the world was stunned by the announcement of a second Machine... 01:45:34.811 --> 01:45:37.938 ...and its passenger, Eleanor Ann Arroway. 01:45:38.148 --> 01:45:41.734 Now the question that's on everyone's mind: 01:45:41.902 --> 01:45:43.903 Will history repeat itself? 01:45:44.071 --> 01:45:46.364 With a piece of engineering this complex... 01:45:46.531 --> 01:45:50.618 ...with so many unknowns, could the unthinkable occur? 01:45:50.786 --> 01:45:54.246 The security in Hokkaido has been incredibly tight. 01:45:54.414 --> 01:45:57.749 No reporters whatsoever have been allowed near the site. 01:48:19.724 --> 01:48:21.725 Thanks. 01:48:38.284 --> 01:48:41.286 Magnetic restraint is secure. All life support functions normal. 01:48:41.496 --> 01:48:44.664 Roger that. Ellie, this is Control. Do you copy? 01:48:44.831 --> 01:48:47.166 Ellie to Control, reading you five-by-five. 01:48:47.334 --> 01:48:51.420 - Comm 1, Give me Ellie's PRD. - Video unit recording and transmitting. 01:48:52.381 --> 01:48:54.924 - Are you reading me? STEVE: That's affirmative. 01:48:55.092 --> 01:48:57.385 Video looks good. 01:48:57.553 --> 01:49:00.096 - Copy that, Control. - Okay. 01:49:00.264 --> 01:49:03.140 Ellie, we're gonna proceed to button you up. 01:49:03.308 --> 01:49:05.977 Roger, Control. I'm ready. 01:49:09.398 --> 01:49:11.774 - Dynamics... - I can confirm the walkway retraction. 01:49:11.942 --> 01:49:12.942 STEVE: Systems? MAN 1: Go. 01:49:13.110 --> 01:49:14.485 STEVE: Communications? MAN 2: Go. 01:49:14.653 --> 01:49:16.320 STEVE: Life support? WOMAN: Go. 01:49:16.488 --> 01:49:18.781 Ellie, we are go for closure. 01:49:20.242 --> 01:49:22.118 I'm go here. 01:49:22.995 --> 01:49:26.497 STEVE: Mechanical, initiate IPV closure sequence. 01:49:28.125 --> 01:49:30.334 Hold on, let me get you a chair. 01:49:31.044 --> 01:49:32.086 ELLIE: I'm go. 01:49:32.254 --> 01:49:36.132 - It's nice to smell you again, Mr. Kitz. - You too. 01:49:36.300 --> 01:49:38.134 Wouldrt peg him as a Polo man. 01:49:47.686 --> 01:49:49.020 I got a visual on the door. 01:49:49.187 --> 01:49:51.147 WOMAN: IPV escape system is armed. 01:49:51.315 --> 01:49:53.316 Door is looking good. 01:49:58.530 --> 01:50:00.197 Door alignment looks good. 01:50:28.809 --> 01:50:30.894 Ellie, we are showing green across the board. 01:50:31.062 --> 01:50:34.397 Copy that, Control. IPV is secure. 01:50:41.530 --> 01:50:43.531 GERRY: We are at 30 percent. 01:50:43.699 --> 01:50:44.991 Copy that, 30 percent. 01:50:49.872 --> 01:50:52.540 - How you doing in there, EI? - Kent? 01:50:53.292 --> 01:50:56.086 - Is that you? - That's a big affirmative. 01:50:57.004 --> 01:50:58.588 Who let you in there, huh? 01:50:58.756 --> 01:51:00.882 A higher power intervened. 01:51:02.927 --> 01:51:04.260 Well, I'm glad you came. 01:51:09.016 --> 01:51:10.183 GERRY: Thirty-five percent. 01:51:10.935 --> 01:51:12.435 Copy that, 35 percent. 01:51:12.603 --> 01:51:13.937 - Mechanical? - We're good. 01:51:14.105 --> 01:51:15.438 Forty percent. 01:51:19.068 --> 01:51:20.944 I'm picking up a moderate vibration here. 01:51:22.113 --> 01:51:25.740 - Dynamics, can you confirm vibration? GERRY: Everything looks good here. 01:51:25.950 --> 01:51:29.202 She's feeling the same thing they felt at the Cape at this point. 01:51:29.370 --> 01:51:30.954 Ellie, the vibration is normal. 01:51:31.122 --> 01:51:33.622 GERRY: We are at 50 percent. All systems nominal. 01:51:33.790 --> 01:51:35.791 Copy that, 50 percent. 01:51:40.964 --> 01:51:42.965 Vibration is getting a little stronger now. 01:51:43.133 --> 01:51:45.968 We're picking up some low-frequency noise. 01:51:46.344 --> 01:51:49.430 - Mechanical, can you confirm? - It looks fine to me. 01:51:49.597 --> 01:51:52.975 STEVE: Roger. Gerry, what do you think? - I'm still go. 01:51:53.143 --> 01:51:54.768 People, we are still go. 01:51:56.521 --> 01:51:58.981 What...? Something's happening. 01:52:00.233 --> 01:52:02.901 I'm... There's... 01:52:03.069 --> 01:52:05.904 There's a light. Do you see that? I'm seeing some... 01:52:06.656 --> 01:52:09.116 Something, some... 01:52:09.284 --> 01:52:11.827 I can't tell whether it's daylight or not. 01:52:11.995 --> 01:52:14.913 There it is again. It's coming from the bottom. 01:52:15.957 --> 01:52:17.499 Here, let me show you. See that? 01:52:17.667 --> 01:52:19.585 Negative. Ellie, you're breaking up. 01:52:19.753 --> 01:52:22.588 - Comm 1, can we boost her signal? - Already at maximum. 01:52:22.756 --> 01:52:24.298 GERRY: Sixty-five percent. 01:52:24.466 --> 01:52:26.175 The material is changing. 01:52:26.342 --> 01:52:29.845 It's bordering on translucence. But the system is intact. 01:52:33.141 --> 01:52:37.519 It's gotta be some kind of electromagnetic field. 01:52:37.687 --> 01:52:40.689 - Are you reading this? - Negative, we're seeing only interference. 01:52:40.857 --> 01:52:46.195 It's becoming completely translucent. I can't describe it. I can't even explain it. 01:52:48.656 --> 01:52:49.698 Seventy percent. 01:52:49.866 --> 01:52:52.201 People, we have intermittent comm, but we are go. 01:52:52.368 --> 01:52:56.829 - Initiate secondary drive systems. GERRY: Initiating auxiliary booster sequence. 01:52:57.039 --> 01:52:58.873 MAN: We're go for ignition. 01:53:05.923 --> 01:53:08.382 We have auxiliary booster ignition. 01:53:14.056 --> 01:53:15.556 Life support, how is she doing? 01:53:15.724 --> 01:53:18.976 We still have data. Heart and respiration are high but within limits. 01:53:19.144 --> 01:53:20.228 Ellie, do you copy? 01:53:20.437 --> 01:53:23.439 If you could hear, I am okay to go. 01:53:27.236 --> 01:53:29.028 If you could hear me... 01:53:32.115 --> 01:53:33.491 Eighty percent. 01:53:33.659 --> 01:53:36.494 All vibration and G-levels are in the green. 01:53:41.917 --> 01:53:44.252 Control, if you're reading me... 01:53:44.419 --> 01:53:46.754 ...I am okay to go. Okay to go, 01:53:46.922 --> 01:53:50.716 GERRY: Eighty-five percent. MAN: All bearing tips are on the profile. 01:53:51.593 --> 01:53:54.679 Ninety percent. We're detecting some structural instability. 01:53:54.847 --> 01:53:58.766 - Confirmed. Is she holding? - We're within limits, barely. 01:54:00.269 --> 01:54:06.190 I'm okay to go. 01:54:12.114 --> 01:54:13.573 My God! 01:54:24.625 --> 01:54:27.127 Okay to go. I'm okay. 01:54:27.545 --> 01:54:29.045 Hundred percent target velocity. 01:54:29.213 --> 01:54:30.422 MAN: Steve? 01:54:30.590 --> 01:54:34.968 Tremendous EMI levels around the Machine. All field measurements are off-scale. 01:54:35.136 --> 01:54:37.596 Steve, we're approaching our abort limits. 01:54:39.974 --> 01:54:41.057 Okay to go. 01:54:46.272 --> 01:54:47.480 I hear her! 01:54:47.648 --> 01:54:50.483 I hear her. Barely, but she's there. 01:54:50.651 --> 01:54:53.653 - Okay to go. - She says she's okay to go. 01:54:56.657 --> 01:54:58.783 Steve, we're real close. 01:54:58.951 --> 01:55:01.828 - Electrical, reading in the core? MAN: Internal environment normal. 01:55:01.996 --> 01:55:04.998 Inside the core, the weather's beautiful. 01:55:09.086 --> 01:55:10.337 I'm okay to go. 01:55:10.838 --> 01:55:14.299 Okay to go. I'm okay to go. 01:55:14.884 --> 01:55:17.218 STEVE: Initiate drop sequence. 01:55:19.805 --> 01:55:21.514 On my mark. 01:55:22.224 --> 01:55:24.768 Ten, nine... 01:55:25.853 --> 01:55:27.854 ...eight... 01:55:28.189 --> 01:55:31.191 ...seven, six... 01:55:31.359 --> 01:55:33.985 ...five, four... 01:55:34.153 --> 01:55:36.821 ...three, two... 01:55:36.989 --> 01:55:38.365 I'm okay to go. 01:55:42.328 --> 01:55:44.119 Oh, God! 01:55:53.380 --> 01:55:55.047 Ellie to Control. 01:55:55.715 --> 01:56:05.766 Ellie to Control, do you read me? 01:56:11.523 --> 01:56:14.942 I'm gonna try to keep recording. 01:56:15.694 --> 01:56:20.239 I'm going through some kind of a tunnel. 01:56:34.921 --> 01:56:36.463 There's a light source ahead. 01:56:36.965 --> 01:56:40.175 Brilliant and blue-white. 01:56:41.386 --> 01:56:43.012 Residual radiation? 01:56:54.774 --> 01:56:56.066 It's a star. 01:56:56.651 --> 01:57:00.070 I must have gone through a wormhole. 01:57:05.118 --> 01:57:06.535 It's Vega. 01:57:17.755 --> 01:57:19.297 I'm in another wormhole now. 01:57:22.968 --> 01:57:24.093 I had no idea. 01:57:24.261 --> 01:57:26.054 A series of them. 01:57:29.058 --> 01:57:30.308 They're alive. 01:57:30.476 --> 01:57:34.437 It's like some kind of a transit system. 01:57:35.439 --> 01:57:36.814 It's a subway. 01:57:36.982 --> 01:57:38.483 [YELLS] 01:57:42.154 --> 01:57:43.946 Okay. 01:57:44.114 --> 01:57:46.407 Okay, I've gotta keep talking. 01:57:48.952 --> 01:57:52.830 It's a triple... No, quadruple system. 01:57:53.248 --> 01:57:54.499 It's beautiful. 01:57:57.836 --> 01:57:59.253 They're alive. 01:58:07.429 --> 01:58:09.097 Another wormhole! 01:58:09.431 --> 01:58:11.265 This one is much more violent! 01:59:44.692 --> 01:59:46.359 Some... 01:59:46.819 --> 01:59:49.154 ...celestial event... 01:59:50.406 --> 01:59:52.115 No... 01:59:52.283 --> 01:59:55.951 No words. No words... 01:59:57.621 --> 01:59:59.830 ...to describe it. 02:00:01.249 --> 02:00:03.125 Poetry. 02:00:04.294 --> 02:00:07.796 They should have sent a poet. 02:00:08.089 --> 02:00:10.674 It's so beautiful. 02:00:10.842 --> 02:00:12.301 Beautiful. 02:00:14.137 --> 02:00:19.433 So beautiful. 02:00:20.310 --> 02:00:26.899 I had no idea. 02:00:28.151 --> 02:00:31.487 I had no... 02:00:32.781 --> 02:00:36.075 I had no idea. 02:00:37.410 --> 02:00:44.416 I had no idea. I had no idea. 02:03:02.387 --> 02:03:03.762 Hi, Sparks. 02:03:05.640 --> 02:03:07.140 Dad? 02:03:14.607 --> 02:03:16.483 I missed you. 02:03:22.115 --> 02:03:23.281 Arert you...? 02:03:23.491 --> 02:03:26.701 I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you, sweetheart. 02:03:36.504 --> 02:03:38.171 You're not real. 02:03:39.674 --> 02:03:41.174 None of this is real. 02:03:41.342 --> 02:03:43.510 That's my scientist. 02:03:44.595 --> 02:03:48.974 When I was unconscious, you downloaded my thoughts, my memory even. 02:03:49.809 --> 02:03:51.852 Pensacola. 02:03:54.355 --> 02:03:57.315 We thought this might make things easier for you. 02:04:10.829 --> 02:04:14.457 - Why did you contact us? - You contacted us. 02:04:14.624 --> 02:04:16.292 We were just listening. 02:04:17.169 --> 02:04:18.461 And there are others? 02:04:18.628 --> 02:04:20.254 Many others. 02:04:25.093 --> 02:04:26.594 They all... 02:04:26.761 --> 02:04:29.889 ...travel here through that transit system that you built? 02:04:30.432 --> 02:04:31.932 We didn't build it. 02:04:33.101 --> 02:04:34.602 We don't know who did. 02:04:36.688 --> 02:04:39.648 No, they were gone long before we ever got here. 02:04:40.275 --> 02:04:42.109 Maybe someday they'll come back. 02:04:42.944 --> 02:04:45.654 All the other civilizations that you find, they come here? 02:04:45.864 --> 02:04:47.072 Not all. 02:04:48.867 --> 02:04:52.036 - Is this some test? - No, no tests. 02:04:54.956 --> 02:04:56.540 You have your mother's hands. 02:05:06.718 --> 02:05:08.886 You're an interesting species... 02:05:09.554 --> 02:05:11.514 ...an interesting mix. 02:05:12.432 --> 02:05:15.226 You're capable of such beautiful dreams... 02:05:16.269 --> 02:05:18.729 ...and such horrible nightmares. 02:05:19.898 --> 02:05:21.732 You feel so lost... 02:05:22.317 --> 02:05:25.277 ...so cut off, so alone. 02:05:26.738 --> 02:05:28.489 Only you're not. 02:05:30.574 --> 02:05:32.116 See... 02:05:32.576 --> 02:05:34.202 In all our searching... 02:05:34.411 --> 02:05:37.914 ...the only thing we've found that makes the emptiness bearable... 02:05:38.082 --> 02:05:39.707 ...is each other. 02:05:43.462 --> 02:05:45.380 What happens now? 02:05:46.423 --> 02:05:47.924 Now? 02:05:48.842 --> 02:05:50.635 You go home. 02:05:50.803 --> 02:05:52.220 ELLIE: Home? 02:05:52.388 --> 02:05:55.473 But I have so many questions. 02:05:55.641 --> 02:05:57.767 Do we get to come back? 02:05:58.644 --> 02:06:00.895 This was just a first step. 02:06:01.063 --> 02:06:02.814 In time, you'll take another. 02:06:04.400 --> 02:06:06.776 But other people need to see what I've seen... 02:06:06.944 --> 02:06:09.988 This is the way it's been done for billions of years. 02:06:11.991 --> 02:06:14.617 - But I... - Small moves, Ellie. 02:06:16.078 --> 02:06:17.996 Small moves. 02:07:01.080 --> 02:07:02.873 We've got video on Ellie. Five-by-five. 02:07:03.082 --> 02:07:04.958 STEVE: She's through! She is in the net. 02:07:05.126 --> 02:07:08.128 She's alive. Get the White House. Get the president on the phone. 02:07:08.296 --> 02:07:10.672 What's going on, Steve? How is she? How is she? 02:07:10.840 --> 02:07:12.549 STEVE: Ellie, this is Control. Do you copy? 02:07:12.717 --> 02:07:14.760 KENT: What's going on? - I don't know. Hang on. 02:07:14.927 --> 02:07:16.553 - She is alive. STEVE: Put her on the PA. 02:07:16.721 --> 02:07:18.305 Ellie, just hold on tight. 02:07:18.931 --> 02:07:22.225 We're still trying to determine the nature of the malfunction... 02:07:22.393 --> 02:07:24.895 ...but the important thing is you're okay. 02:07:25.063 --> 02:07:26.229 What? 02:07:26.397 --> 02:07:30.192 It's all right, Ellie. The important thing is that you're safe. 02:07:31.152 --> 02:07:33.445 What malfunction? 02:07:34.781 --> 02:07:36.239 What...? 02:07:37.408 --> 02:07:39.034 What happened? 02:07:40.370 --> 02:07:42.037 What day is this? 02:07:42.705 --> 02:07:45.707 I'm sorry, Ellie, did you say what day? 02:07:46.793 --> 02:07:49.044 How long was I gone? 02:07:50.797 --> 02:07:55.592 Ellie, the IPV dropped straight through the Machine. 02:07:55.760 --> 02:07:57.427 You didn't go anywhere. 02:07:58.304 --> 02:08:01.640 But I did. I did go. 02:08:01.808 --> 02:08:04.184 That's what I've been trying to tell everyone. 02:08:08.648 --> 02:08:11.733 But the headset didn't record a single image? 02:08:11.901 --> 02:08:14.528 Just this. Static. 02:08:14.737 --> 02:08:15.779 Thank you. 02:08:15.947 --> 02:08:19.365 Now, doctor, let me show you what we saw. 02:08:28.834 --> 02:08:32.670 Forty-three separate remote cameras show exactly the same event. 02:08:32.838 --> 02:08:34.380 The IPV dropped straight through. 02:08:34.548 --> 02:08:38.134 Everyone who watched saw exactly the same thing. 02:08:38.301 --> 02:08:40.136 Nothing happened. 02:08:41.471 --> 02:08:43.764 How do you explain this, doctor? 02:08:45.767 --> 02:08:46.892 I can't. 02:08:47.102 --> 02:08:48.561 CLINTON: I would encourage you... 02:08:50.355 --> 02:08:54.525 ...not to inflame this situation beyond the facts. 02:08:54.693 --> 02:08:58.112 Let us deal with this on the facts. 02:08:58.280 --> 02:09:01.157 We are monitoring what has actually happened. 02:09:01.324 --> 02:09:06.662 We are taking what we believe is factually appropriate steps. 02:09:06.830 --> 02:09:10.040 Amid a flurry of accusations and counter-accusations... 02:09:10.250 --> 02:09:12.835 ...by the nations representing the Machine Consortium... 02:09:13.003 --> 02:09:15.921 ...the president has ordered a special inquiry. 02:09:16.131 --> 02:09:18.924 However, the appointment to the committee of Michael Kitz... 02:09:19.134 --> 02:09:21.969 ...who has recently resigned as National Security Advisor... 02:09:22.137 --> 02:09:24.472 ...has raised a number of eyebrows on Capitol Hill. 02:09:24.639 --> 02:09:28.434 I have made no decision to run for Congress, I have announced no candidacy. 02:09:28.602 --> 02:09:31.187 The fact that I resigned as National Security Advisor... 02:09:31.354 --> 02:09:33.063 ...has nothing to do with anything... 02:09:33.231 --> 02:09:36.400 ...other than I want to devote all of my energy to this inquiry. 02:09:37.152 --> 02:09:41.821 The people of the world have a right to know what really happened. 02:09:42.656 --> 02:09:45.158 And yet every scientific instrument confirms... 02:09:45.326 --> 02:09:49.496 ...the IPV was out of contact for only a fraction of a second. 02:09:49.663 --> 02:09:51.706 Isn't that correct, doctor? 02:09:53.417 --> 02:09:55.710 A fraction of a second Earth time, yes. 02:09:56.587 --> 02:09:57.837 SENATOR: Earth time? 02:09:58.005 --> 02:10:01.633 ELLIE: Senator, I believe that the Machine opened up a wormhole... 02:10:01.801 --> 02:10:06.763 ...a tunnel through the fabric of space-time, also known as an Einstein-Rosen Bridge. 02:10:06.931 --> 02:10:11.059 Now, because of the effects of general relativity, what I experienced as 18 hours... 02:10:11.227 --> 02:10:13.478 ...passed instantaneously on Earth. 02:10:13.646 --> 02:10:17.982 Isn't it true that these wormholes you speak of are merely theoretical predictions? 02:10:18.150 --> 02:10:20.902 There is no evidence they actually exist, is there? 02:10:21.070 --> 02:10:22.779 ELLIE: There is no direct evidence, no. 02:10:22.947 --> 02:10:24.697 KITZ: Tell me something, doctor... 02:10:24.865 --> 02:10:27.992 ...why do you think these aliens would go to all this trouble? 02:10:28.160 --> 02:10:32.372 Bring you tens of thousands of light years and then send you home without proof? 02:10:33.040 --> 02:10:35.750 They said that's how it's been done for billions of years. 02:10:36.126 --> 02:10:39.712 KITZ: That's very neat. You have no proof because they didn't want you to have any. 02:10:39.880 --> 02:10:44.634 A phenomenon known in psychiatric circles, I believe, as a self-reinforcing delusion. 02:10:45.219 --> 02:10:46.845 Is that what you think? Delusional? 02:10:47.012 --> 02:10:51.140 KITZ: Well, I do think you may have suffered some kind of an episode. Yeah, I do. 02:10:51.308 --> 02:10:54.185 Doctor, I'd like to propose an alternate hypothesis... 02:10:54.395 --> 02:10:58.064 ...and I'd like you to bring your scientific expertise to bear on it. 02:10:58.232 --> 02:11:01.442 To fake a signal from Vega... 02:11:02.111 --> 02:11:03.695 ...what would you need? 02:11:05.405 --> 02:11:09.199 You would need a satellite to transmit the signal, but it would be impossible to... 02:11:09.367 --> 02:11:13.287 You'd need a satellite and need launch capabilities to put the satellite into orbit. 02:11:13.454 --> 02:11:16.665 And the message itself. To put something like this together... 02:11:16.833 --> 02:11:19.126 ...so complex, drawing on many disciplines... 02:11:19.294 --> 02:11:21.253 - Would be impossible. KITZ: Impossible? 02:11:22.547 --> 02:11:24.464 Impossible? 02:11:24.632 --> 02:11:28.260 Is there anyone who might have been up to the challenge? 02:11:28.428 --> 02:11:30.888 Someone with extraordinary technical expertise... 02:11:31.055 --> 02:11:33.265 ...enormous financial resources... 02:11:33.433 --> 02:11:37.811 ...someone perverse enough, eccentric enough to come up with the idea? 02:11:39.188 --> 02:11:40.230 Hadden? 02:11:41.190 --> 02:11:43.650 S. R. Hadden. 02:11:43.818 --> 02:11:46.445 [CROWD MURMURING] 02:11:47.947 --> 02:11:50.991 You're implying that this was all some kind of a hoax? 02:11:51.159 --> 02:11:52.409 That he engineered this? 02:11:52.577 --> 02:11:53.827 KITZ: S. R. Hadden... 02:11:53.995 --> 02:11:58.874 ...a legendary power broker and manipulator in perhaps his final bid for immortality. 02:11:59.042 --> 02:12:01.710 Maybe he wanted to explore and exploit new technologies... 02:12:01.878 --> 02:12:04.087 ...and get the governments to pick up the tab. 02:12:04.297 --> 02:12:07.049 Perhaps this was his final altruistic gesture... 02:12:07.300 --> 02:12:11.011 ...to unite the world in some common goal. Maybe all of the above. 02:12:11.179 --> 02:12:16.099 S. R. Hadden, a brilliant and complicated man. 02:12:18.645 --> 02:12:22.898 Doctor, are you familiar with the scientific precept... 02:12:23.066 --> 02:12:25.192 ...known as Occam's razor? 02:12:31.406 --> 02:12:32.573 ELLIE: Yes. 02:12:34.576 --> 02:12:36.661 It means that all things being equal... 02:12:36.828 --> 02:12:39.330 ...the simplest explanation tends to be the right one. 02:12:39.498 --> 02:12:41.040 KITZ: Exactly. 02:12:41.208 --> 02:12:43.668 Now, you tell me. What is more likely here? 02:12:43.835 --> 02:12:47.296 That a message from aliens results in a magical machine... 02:12:47.464 --> 02:12:50.174 ...that whisks you away to the center of the galaxy... 02:12:50.384 --> 02:12:53.260 ...to go windsurfing with your dad and a split second later... 02:12:53.428 --> 02:12:56.889 ...returns you home without a single shred of proof? 02:12:57.057 --> 02:13:00.851 Or that your experience is the result of being... 02:13:01.019 --> 02:13:05.481 ...the unwitting star in the farewell performance of one S.R. Hadden? 02:13:05.649 --> 02:13:09.443 A man with the means, motive and opportunity to play you and the rest of us... 02:13:09.695 --> 02:13:13.906 ...as pawns in the biggest, most elaborate, most expensive hoax of all time? 02:13:15.200 --> 02:13:17.118 MAN: Dr. Arroway. 02:13:18.996 --> 02:13:23.374 You come to us with no evidence, no record... 02:13:23.542 --> 02:13:25.334 ...no artifacts. 02:13:25.502 --> 02:13:29.672 Only a story that, to put it mildly, strains credibility. 02:13:30.799 --> 02:13:33.926 Over half a trillion dollars were spent. 02:13:34.094 --> 02:13:37.096 Dozens of lives were lost. 02:13:37.723 --> 02:13:42.435 Are you really gonna sit there and tell us we should just take this all... 02:13:43.186 --> 02:13:44.729 ...on faith? 02:13:48.734 --> 02:13:50.943 KITZ: Please answer the question, doctor. 02:13:54.864 --> 02:13:56.948 Is it possible that it didn't happen? 02:13:57.116 --> 02:13:58.283 Yes. 02:13:58.451 --> 02:14:00.994 [CROWD MURMURING] 02:14:01.162 --> 02:14:04.289 As a scientist I must concede that. I must volunteer that. 02:14:08.627 --> 02:14:10.545 KITZ: Wait a minute, let me get this straight. 02:14:10.713 --> 02:14:14.591 You admit you have absolutely no physical evidence to back up your story? 02:14:14.925 --> 02:14:15.967 Yes. 02:14:16.135 --> 02:14:19.179 You admit that you very well may have hallucinated this whole thing? 02:14:19.346 --> 02:14:22.140 - Yes. - You admit that if you were in our position... 02:14:22.308 --> 02:14:26.061 ...you would respond with exactly the same degree of incredulity and skepticism? 02:14:26.228 --> 02:14:27.479 Yes. 02:14:27.646 --> 02:14:30.607 Then why don't you simply withdraw your testimony and concede... 02:14:30.775 --> 02:14:35.945 ...that this journey to the center of the galaxy in fact never took place? 02:14:38.949 --> 02:14:40.950 Because I can't. 02:14:41.118 --> 02:14:43.828 [CROWD MURMURING] 02:14:47.500 --> 02:14:51.169 I had an experience. 02:14:52.838 --> 02:14:55.423 I can't prove it. I can't even explain it. 02:14:55.591 --> 02:14:58.676 But everything that I know as a human being, everything I am... 02:14:58.844 --> 02:15:00.970 ...tells me it was real. 02:15:03.015 --> 02:15:06.893 I was given something wonderful, something that changed me forever. 02:15:07.061 --> 02:15:08.603 A vision... 02:15:08.771 --> 02:15:10.855 ...of the universe... 02:15:11.023 --> 02:15:13.691 ...that tells us undeniably... 02:15:13.859 --> 02:15:16.110 ...how tiny and insignificant... 02:15:16.277 --> 02:15:19.988 ...and how rare and precious we all are. 02:15:21.157 --> 02:15:23.575 A vision that tells us that we belong to something... 02:15:23.743 --> 02:15:29.414 ...that is greater than ourselves, that we are not... That none of us are alone. 02:15:34.045 --> 02:15:38.048 I wish I could share that. 02:15:40.552 --> 02:15:41.718 I wish... 02:15:43.179 --> 02:15:47.224 ...that everyone, if even for one moment... 02:15:47.392 --> 02:15:53.147 ...could feel that awe and humility and hope. 02:15:53.565 --> 02:15:55.566 But... 02:16:01.739 --> 02:16:04.032 That continues to be my wish. 02:16:45.199 --> 02:16:48.534 MAN 1: Dr. Arroway, get a picture, please? Get a photo over here? 02:16:50.162 --> 02:16:51.787 WOMAN: Here comes Ellie. 02:17:28.075 --> 02:17:30.993 MAN 2: Reverend Joss! Reverend Joss! 02:17:31.161 --> 02:17:34.538 MAN 3: Reverend Joss, what do you believe? What do you believe? 02:17:38.794 --> 02:17:42.797 As a person of faith, I'm bound by a different covenant than Dr. Arroway. 02:17:44.549 --> 02:17:46.801 But our goal is one and the same. 02:17:47.302 --> 02:17:48.928 The pursuit of truth. 02:17:52.474 --> 02:17:53.766 I, for one, believe her. 02:18:17.331 --> 02:18:20.208 So, what happens now? We give her a medal? 02:18:20.376 --> 02:18:23.253 I'd say at least a healthy grant. 02:18:23.421 --> 02:18:26.881 I assume you read the confidential report from the investigating committee? 02:18:27.091 --> 02:18:28.842 KITZ: I flipped through it. 02:18:29.010 --> 02:18:33.221 I was especially interested in the section on Arroway's video unit. 02:18:34.015 --> 02:18:36.349 The one that recorded the static. 02:18:37.601 --> 02:18:39.311 Continue. 02:18:39.937 --> 02:18:43.773 The fact that it recorded static isn't what interests me. 02:18:48.612 --> 02:18:49.988 Continue. 02:18:50.865 --> 02:18:52.699 What interests me... 02:18:52.867 --> 02:18:56.703 ...is that it recorded approximately 18 hours of it. 02:19:01.959 --> 02:19:03.877 That is interesting, isn't it? 02:19:10.551 --> 02:19:14.387 ELLIE: You can see over there, we're building 45 brand-new dishes. 02:19:14.555 --> 02:19:18.516 And that means when you put them together with all the radio telescopes... 02:19:18.684 --> 02:19:20.185 ...all over the world... 02:19:20.353 --> 02:19:25.023 ...then we get to hear farther into space than anybody has ever heard before. 02:19:25.191 --> 02:19:26.231 Yeah. 02:19:26.399 --> 02:19:29.234 Are there other people out there in the universe? 02:19:30.278 --> 02:19:33.030 That's a good question. What do you think, huh? 02:19:33.615 --> 02:19:36.950 - I don't know. - That's a good answer. 02:19:37.827 --> 02:19:38.869 Skeptic, huh? 02:19:40.163 --> 02:19:45.042 The important thing is that you all keep searching for your own answers. 02:19:45.210 --> 02:19:48.045 I'll tell you one thing about the universe, though. 02:19:48.213 --> 02:19:52.091 The universe is a pretty big place. 02:19:53.093 --> 02:19:58.597 It's bigger than anything anyone has ever dreamed of before. 02:20:00.183 --> 02:20:01.850 So if it's just us... 02:20:03.478 --> 02:20:06.271 ...it seems like an awful waste of space. 02:20:07.774 --> 02:20:09.149 Right?