“The Infernal Machine” is episode eighteen of season one of Space: 1999.
Commander Koenig enters Main Mission and Sandra asks how Paul is. The doctor says he’ll be off for a few days recuperating but is otherwise okay. The commander asks Winters to do Paul’s job for now, then heads for his quarters.
In Main Mission, Sandra says to David tell her he’s seen something like that before. No, and nor has computer. Winters contacts the commander, who says that it better be more than important. Winters thinks it is.
In Main Mission, everyone is staring at a strange ship that Victor says defies the known rules of space propulsion. Computer has nothing to say on the ship. That information is privileged.
Someone contacts Alpha and apologises but they need immediate help. He wants permission to land. They wonder if it’s hostile. Computer is otherwise occupied and won’t help. Koenig grants permission to land, away from Alpha.
The ship lands but then starts approaching. the commander orders two Eagles be launched, but whoever is in contact blocks communications. He says he does come in peace. The commander will welcome a small unarmed delegation. The speaker says no; he wants Dr Russell, Professor Bergman and Commander Koenig to come to him. Armed, of course.
They enter the ship and Main Mission loses contact. Alan wants to take the Eagles up, then they hear the speaker again. On the ship, the three are scanned and then they find an elderly man who looks somewhat the worse for wear.
The man apologises for not greeting them and asks how he can help. The commander says he asked the Alphans for help. The man doesn’t seem to know about this, though he sounds the same as the earlier speaker or who they are after the doctor introduces them. He introduces himself as Companion.
The commander says to send for the others, but Companion says he knows why they’re there. Does he think Companion doesn’t know what he’s doing? He’s not speaking to them, but to someone he calls Gwent. He asks why Gwent is silent, is he ashamed of his actions? Companion says he will speak for Gwent. Their purpose is twofold. The first he knows; he can surmise the second. Companion will speak only what he knows. They need supplies. A list is printed off and Victor says they can manage the basics. The voice, Gwent, says he’s consulted computer and they have everything he needs.
Koenig wants to check with computer, but Companion says that Gwent controls computer; it will say what he wants it to say. Computer has already placed the orders for supplies. The commander wants to see Gwent. Companion says everything is Gwent. The entire ship. He’s not entirely self-sufficient, though. Koenig thinks Companion must have some control over Gwent. He does not. Companion collapses, but tells Gwent he’s okay.
The commander will give the order for supplies when they’re back on Alpha. Gent wants him to do it from here. Companion says to do what Gwent says; he always has his way. Give him what he wants, whilst they still can. Dr Russell says Companion is dying and wants to take him to Alpha. Gwent refuses and the commander orders Eagles launched. They fire at Gwent; he fires back until Koenig calls the attack off.
Companion collapses. He says the second reason they came is because he is dying, but Gwent refuses to admit it. Companion apologises for leaving them behind with the worst of him. Gwent is Companion, but he outgrew him. He leaves them to Gwent’s dreadful mercy. And Gwent accuses them of killing Companion.
Gwent is powerful, erratic, has a strange opinion of his relationship with Companion that may not match reality and has a tendency to behave like a spoilt child. He’s also never been alone. Not a great combination.
For the first time, some new armed ground vehicles are seen.