[Narrator] Previously on dark matter.
[One] We all woke up just like you,
no idea who we are or how we got here.
[Six] But the truth is, we're nothing
but a bunch of low-life mercenaries.
[One] You want one of us to go out there
in the deadly radiation storm?
[Six screams]
It would appear your memories were targeted.
So someone in this room wiped our memories.
[Jace] I'm looking for a ship called the raza.
What's your name?
Co rso.
The name's Jace corso.
[Two] We can spend some quality time
getting to know each other.
[Two] I just think our lives
are complicated enough right now, don't you think?
[One] Of course.
[Sighs]
[Five] I'm gonna buy myself a pair of goggles,
some work gloves, and a brand new micro-Gauge plasma cutter
with a rotating tholium-carbide head.
You'll cut your hands off, kid.
What are you gonna buy?
A curvy redhead.
[One] Let's keep it classy.
Okay.
A brunette with a sexy accent.
I want meat.
Y'know, real meat, not this vat-grown stuff.
Amen.
[Four] We should consider
putting the money to better use...
Maybe upgrading the ship's defenses.
All right, knock yourself out with that,
but, uh... I'm gonna buy myself something nice.
And limber.
[Two] Okay, I've run the numbers.
[Six] So, how much do we have to spend?
Well, after refueling, repair costs, and docking fees
we're left with exactly zero.
[Six] What?
Not even enough for goggles?
Or a nice meal?
Or a redhead?
[Two] Sorry, guys. We're broke.
Now hang on a second.
You said those mikkei guys gave you a nice bonus
for setting up that mining deal.
They did, just not enough.
How do we know you didn't skim, hm?
Ferrous offered me more to abandon you, remember?
What if we refuel, but not... fully refuel?
We're not skimping on fuel.
I mean, do we really need to fix
the meteorite damage to the hull?
Or repairs.
What we need to do is find a buyer for those weapons.
All right I'll look around.
I thought you were leaving.
I am, just... not yet.
What, you had time to sleep on it?
First, you want me to go, now, you want me to stay,
you know, it's awfully confusing, doll.
I never had an opinion either way.
Okay, that is both insulting and... very insulting.
Now do you still want me to ask around or what?
[Two] I want you both to ask around.
- -Well, nah, I work solo. - -Nah, we don't...
[Two chuckles] That's great.
You guys are gonna make a great team.
The rest of us can look around the ship,
see if we can find anything else worth selling.
[The Android] We're making our approach.
Here we go.
[One] Are we sure this is a good idea?
We are wanted criminals.
I filed for docking papers under a false registration.
We should be fine, as long as we keep a low profile.
[One] I'm not exactly sure that's in our skill set.
Yeah, first things first, guys.
We gotta get on that space station
without setting off any alarm bells.
Or getting blasted to scrag.
[The Android] They're scanning our registration now, standby.
[Indistinct radio chatter]
Security scan complete.
We've been cleared to dock.
[All sigh]
[Two] All right. Take us in.
You should know, weapons are prohibited on the station.
[Three] Fine.
Okay.
Let's meet in the airlock in twenty minutes.
Don't forget your comms.
[Five] Hey, you find anything worth selling?
[Five] Okay, well, um, if you do...
Let us know.
[Rumbling]
We've docked.
[One] Why'd you ask me to tag along?
'Cause I don't trust him for a second
and I need you to keep an eye on him for me.
Can you do that?
Sure.
[Three] Why'd you pair me with pretty boy?
Because I don't trust him and I need you to keep an eye on him.
Think you can do that?
Hell yeah.
Your order's up here.
[Three] All right, see you guys back in the ship.
Let's go, sidekick.
Okay, big guy, we can take it from here.
What do you mean?
You're going to the clinic to get that arm checked out.
Ah, no, it's fine.
Hey, any crispier and you could serve it with a side of slaw.
Now go.
Well, looks like it's just us girls.
[Three] Why don't you let me do the talking, pretty boy?
[One] I couldn't stop you if I tried.
[Three chuckles]
Couple whiskies.
House blend and a beer.
[Three] Wonder if you could help us out?
We're looking to move some merchandise.
Hardware and equipment for someone aiming
to make a statement.
- -We're selling guns. - -Seriously?
Know anyone who might be interested in buying them?
Not off the top of my head.
But... I could ask around, for a finder's fee.
- -Nah, that's... - -Works for us.
[Barten der] Okay.
I'll make some calls.
Where can I find you?
Over there.
[Announcer] Our class 4 androids are fully customizable.
Height, weight, skin color...
Hey, uh... I need to see a doctor.
Take a number.
[Announcer] And while galactic regulations against
the impersonation of humans by artificial entities
requires the use of an identifying tattoo...
[Woman coughing]
[Announcer] ...Our androids are as human as possible.
Whether you're looking for help around the house,
or just someone to talk to on those lonely nights,
a nakashima brand Android might be just the thing
you're looking for.
[Two] Not bad.
Enough to buy us all a couple of nice dinners.
Where's the pea?
You tell me.
There.
It's there.
See how easy this is?
Even a child could do it.
Where's the pea?
You tell me.
That one!
Yeah, there.
Kid's a natural.
Where's the pea?
You tell me.
It's in your left hand.
[Gambler] Here you go, kid.
Thanks, mister!
How did you do that?
I don't know. I think I may've played before.
What're you looking at?
An opportunity.
Come on.
[Three grunts]
Ahh...
[Laughs]
Arghh!
[Sighs]
Are you always this "charming"?
You know what your problem is?
The fact that I'm stuck with a selfish,
self-centered know-it-all for a shipmate?
She's not so bad.
I'm not talking about her.
You're soft.
Like on the planet with those miners,
or going topside to save the robot.
You think with your heart and not your head; It's dangerous.
You know, if it was just your life on the line, man,
who cares?
But one day, you're gonna get somebody killed.
How exactly?
By convincing them that you actually make sense.
Y'know, if this week has taught me anything,
it's that stupid is catchy.
So, what, I'm gonna infect them with my empathy
and concern for others?
Yeah, in a nutshell.
And I say you're the dangerous one,
because you don't care about anyone but yourself.
- -[Three] Mm. - -You can't be trusted.
You don't think I got your back?
My back. My front.
The inside of my head.
So you're saying that it was me
who screwed with everyone's memories?
I think that if anyone was gonna sell us out,
it'd be you, yeah.
[Bartender] Hey, I got you a buyer.
Everyone else has left.
I know.
Are you planning on meeting up with them?
No. I have some personal matters to attend to.
Research.
The ship is now net-linked to the space station's data hub.
[Four sighs]
Information is accessible via the individual work stations
at your quarters.
That's good to know, but I need to speak with someone.
Well, maybe I can help.
I not only function as a roaming access point to the data hub,
but am also conversant-search capable.
I also possess psychological and psychiatric subroutines
should you feel the need for therapeutic counseling.
Are you feeling depressed?
Lonely?
I'm fine. Thank you.
I'm at your disposal should you reconsider.
[Air hissing]
[One] I don't know what you're getting so upset about.
I thought we were being honest with each other.
Nah, I was offering constructive criticism.
- -You were being petty. - -I was not being petty.
- -Yes, you were... - -I was 100% sincere
when I said I find you completely untrustworthy.
[Three] Based on what, exactly?
- -Huh?! - -I think this is it.
No, I wanna know.
What makes me untrustworthy?
[One] Guess we're early.
[Three] Huh?
[Sighs] Fine.
Process of elimination.
Meaning?
Somehow, someway, that kid had all of our memories
downloaded into her subconscious.
They drift up in dribs and drabs.
And she remembers someone, one of us,
screwing with the stasis pods.
Now why would anyone do that?
How's this for a theory:
Someone takes all of us out of commission
so they can steal the ship and whatever else is on board.
Who's the most likely suspect?
I doubt it's the kid.
Six seems to have a conscience.
I know it's not me...
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
You can't know that.
We all passed the lie detector test.
For all we know, you were the one planning
to cut our throats in our sleep.
After all, you were the first one to wake up.
Tsk. That's awful convenient, isn't it?
Guess we'll have to agree to disagree.
Screw that.
I don't agree to anything.
[Three grunts]
[Three coughs]
[Three gasps]
What the hell?
[Grunts] What's going on? Where are we? Huh?
You're asking the guy who's tied up with you.
Great.
Oh, this is fantastic.
Nice to see you keeping a positive attitude.
I was being sarcastic.
Yeah, so was I.
Where do you get off copping an attitude like that?!
This is your fault!
How is it my fault we're both sitting here?!
'Cause if I was alone, I never would've been taken by surprise.
[Three grunts]
Whoa, whoa-whoa!
These wires are cutting right into me!
[Three yells]
Look, we can either sit here arguing
or we can work to get out of this together.
What's it gonna be?
Fine.
We'll work together to get out of this, and then we'll argue.
[One] All right.
Let's try to shift over to that door.
When we're close enough, I'll head-butt the console.
Then, when we're in the corridor,
we'll yell until help comes, okay?
That sounds like a plan.
[One] All right.
At the count of three, we shift.
One...
Two...
Three!
[Both yell]
- -[One] Whoa! - -[Th ree grunts]
[Three] Oh, fantastic!
Just perfect!
Yes, I was being sarcastic again!
Okay. I think this one.
Are you sure?
No, but I... have a feeling?
Ah, your feelings have paid off before.
Yeah, sorry, kid, there's no way you're old enough to play.
Unless, of course, you're under proper adult supervision.
[Pawn broker] What can I do for you?
What can you tell me about this?
Hah!
You had me going there.
This is an impressive knock-off.
At first glance, I'd swear it was the real thing.
Yeah, what is it?
'Course, it can't be.
For starters, I doubt a descendant of the ishida line
would be all the way out here,
in the middle of nowhere, hocking their family...
This is-this is genuine.
Where did you get it?
I found it.
Y-You found it? This is... this is not something you “find,"
it's something you kill to acquire.
I-I want no part of it.
Sorry, we're closing early.
[Four] At least give me some...
[Announcer] Welcome to a new era in fast, efficient,
interstellar travel.
Welcome to the age of transfer transit.
No more long hours in uncomfortable berths,
no more headache-inducing stasis.
With transfer transit, your next journey to a distant star system
will feel more like a trip to the spa.
As you relax in your custom-built pod,
your physical specifications and an exact copy
of your consciousness will be relayed via subspace
to a receiver pod at your destination.
There, this data will be used for final stage completion
of one of our patented temp clones.
Able to maintain biological integrity for a period
of up to 72 hours, this clone will serve as your
surrogate for the duration of your stay...
Enjoying all the benefits of your destination...
With your thoughts, your memories, your personality.
And of course, all of your physical abilities.
[Announcer] Your clone will then return to our facility
for bio-mass recycling, but not before all of the memories and
experiences it acquired are uploaded
and transferred via subspace back to you.
Welcome back.
And welcome to the future of space travel.
Transfer transit. “Better than being there.“
how cool is that?
[Coughs]
[Five] Maybe we should quit
while we've still got something left.
What's it gonna be, kid?
U-Um... ah...
Take another card.
Let me take over.
[Three] Okay, do me a favor.
Next time you have one of your great ideas,
keep it to yourself.
Or I could share it with someone
who can follow a simple instruction.
[Three] Yeah, like what?
Like shift.
- -I shifted. - -You didn't shift. You tilted.
If you'd shifted, we'd be out of...
- -I shifted! - -Okay, great! You shifted.
Great. Good job.
This turned out just like I'd planned.
How long do you think before the others come looking for us?
You mean, if they come looking for us.
[One] Why wouldn't they come looking for us?
[One laughs]
They may not come looking for you,
but they'd sure come looking for me.
What do you mean, they'd look for you and not for me?
You told everyone you were leaving.
That was before. I changed my mind.
Yeah, well, you change your mind a lot.
- -You're very mercurial. - -No, you're mercurial.
You don't even know
- -what mercurial is. - -Sure I do.
Okay...
It means shut the hell up!
[Door hisses]
[Man] Took a while for the gas to clear out of here.
[One] Hey, buddy, would you mind telling us
what this is about?
[Man] I'd be happy to answer all your questions.
Just as soon as you answer a couple of mine.
Who are you? What the hell are you doing with my face?
So, tell me.
- -Who are you? - -I'm Jace corso.
I'm Jace corso.
Which makes you... not.
So the question is: How is this possible?
At first, I thought you were just someone who kinda looked
like me, not enough to fool anyone who knew me
but enough to bluff anyone who didn't.
Now, taking a closer look, I see that's not the case.
We're identical.
So what could it be?
Clone's a logical guess.
The tech exists. But to pull that off, you'd have to scan me,
and... you can't do that without my noticing.
Besides, dupes have an average shelf life of two to three days
and I've been trying to chase you down for months.
No, you're not a clone.
The only other possibility, besides long lost twin,
is reconstructive surgery.
You paid someone a lot of money to make you lookjust like me.
What can I say?
I'm flattered you think so highly of this handsome mug
that you'd go through the trouble.
But I'm still curious.
Yeah, so am I.
How's that?
I woke up from stasis on board a ship with no memory
of how I got there or who I was.
I don't remember anything.
[Jace] And you expect me to buy that?
Honestly, no. But, it's...
[Three] He's telling the truth.
Wasn't just him, it was our entire crew.
We all just had our memories wiped clean.
Okay, let's say I believe you, which I don't,
but... let's say I do.
What's my next move?
Just send you on your way, let you keep being me?
I'm not you.
Look, I'm as confused as you are, I want answers, too.
Okay, this-this may seem obvious
but I'm just gonna throw it out there.
Your beef is with him.
I'm just an innocent bystander.
Maybe.
Then again, maybe not.
So why don't you sit tight, let the adults talk.
Even though I don't have my memories,
I might be able to help you figure this out.
And how're you gonna do that?
How about you start by telling me
how you found out someone stole your identity?
[Announcer] If you're tired of boring,
repetitive or even unpleasant dreams...
Hi, just wondering when the doctor's
gonna be able to see me?
It shouldn't belong. Take a number.
I already took a number
which is... why I'm asking.
It shouldn't belong.
[Announcer] One hundred preprogrammed
dream scenarios, the new somnawave turns an ordinary
night's sleep into a night of top-notch entertainment...
[Six sighs]
Yes!
What's the hold-up?
- -[Five] Hey! - -[Two] Wh...?!
Hey!
Let's not make a scene.
We just wanna have a talk.
I'll be back for that.
[Jace] A while ago, I got approached about a job.
Join a group of mercs, help clear out a bunch of
trouble-making miners on some independent colony.
Normally, I don't play well with others.
I'm more of a solo artist.
But the offer was too rich to pass up.
Besides, I'd be working with the crew of the legendary raza.
I was curious to see if their rep matched their strut.
So I accepted the offer.
The day I was supposed to join up, the galactic authorities
got an anonymous tip and raided my safehouse.
I almost got nicked. I was on the run for a week.
When things quieted down, I was going to reach out
to apologize for missing the op.
I didn't want them thinking I was unprofessional, after all.
Well, imagine my surprise when I learned that I was actually seen
boarding the raza with the rest of the crew.
I checked the security footage from the space station and,
sure enough, there I was, getting on that damn ship.
Someone who looked a lot like me anyway.
And I've been chasing you ever since.
How'd you know where to find us?
[Jace] Educated guess.
This is the closest station to that mining colony
in any direction.
If you were gonna refuel after your op,
this would be the place.
And I was right.
So, any of that ring a bell?
[Jace] Jog those missing memories?
[Jace] That's too bad.
[Jace] Do you know what this is?
I want to say curling iron.
[Motor whirrs]
[Both scream]
[Three groans]
Electric shock stick.
That was my second guess.
[Three] No, no, no, no, no! Wait, wait, wait, wait.
Just wait!
Let's just make a deal.
You've got my attention.
We got a crate, full of weapons back in the ship.
So I've heard.
We're looking to move them, right?
So... why don't you just... take 'em?
Sell iem all, make a nice, tidy profit.
Just take the guns, you don't even have to
cut us in for anything.
Then, while you let me go,
I'll let you two solve your personal issues.
And, ah, it's not really my business anyway, right?
You son of a bitch!
Why you wanna drag me into this?!
Whatever happened to empathy and human compassion?!
[Uace] Enough!
Think I will take those weapons after all.
Great.
Just get me my comm and I'll make the arrangements.
I'll make my own arrangements.
[Three] No, I...
What's the problem?
[Man] You're cheating.
[Two] The hell I am.
You're counting cards.
You were counting the cards that have been played
to improve your odds.
That's a skill! How is that cheating?!
It's cheating because we say it is.
Okay, here's what's gonna happen.
You and your little friend here are banned
and the money you tried to steal from us is forfeit.
Now get the hell out of here.
- -No. - -Excuse me?
[Two] I'll take my money and then I'll leave.
You misunderstand, sweetheart.
You don't get a choice.
[The Android] You found a buyer.
[Jace] Yep.
And you secured a fair price?
[Jace] Mm-hmm.
I'd caution you from transporting that
through a secured area.
Guests are forbidden
from carrying weapons onto the station.
Don't worry about it. If anyone asks, I'll just say it's drugs.
I suspect that would prove equally problematic.
You've done something new with your hair.
It suits you.
I want my money.
That cash is forfeit.
Now this can go one of two ways.
You can walk through that exit, or we'll carry you out.
- -[Five] We didn't cheat! - -Shut up.
- -B-But it's not...! - -I said shut up!
[Five grunts]
[Blows landing, grunting]
[Rasps]
[Grunting]
[Five] Yuh... yu... y-you-you kill...
- -Come on! - -[Five gasps, sobs]
[Three] You know what this means, don't you?
Yeah, you're gonna have to wait on that curvy redhead.
[Three] It was you.
You're the one who wiped our memories clean.
And you based this assumption on what, exactly?
How about the fact that you're an impostor and a liar?
And you're a murderer and a thief
who gives his guns pet names.
You lied to get onto our ship
which means you were after something
you didn't want the rest of us to know about.
I'm sure I wasn't the only one on that ship
with a hidden agenda.
And whatever it was I was after, I'm sure it was a lot more
interesting than just screwing with everyone's memories.
- -Hey. - -[Th ree] What?
I've got an idea.
[Three] Ugh, what'd I say about your ideas?
Look, we've got to get out of here
before he comes back and kills us.
He's not gonna kill us.
He's gonna sell our stuff
and he's gonna hightail it out of here.
Oh, really?
Is that what you'd do if you were him?
What's your plan?
These wires are metal.
If we can get close enough to that table for me to grab
that shock stick, I might be able go use it
to soften them enough for us to break free.
Well, there's a couple problems with that.
The biggest being it's gonna hurt. A lot.
Are you saying you can't tough it out like I can?
Ugh, let's just do this.
All right.
At the count of three, we shift.
- -Not "tilt." - -I got it.
- -Shift. - -I got it!
All right...
One, two, three... shift!
[Both grunt]
One, two, three, shift!
Two, three, shift! Two, three, shift!
[Ding]
[Doctor] Take a seat.
I'm Dr. Ameni.
What seems to be the trouble?
What happened?
Ah, electrical burn doing some ship repairs.
Besides the localized damage,
are you experiencing any other discomfort?
Nope.
When did this happen?
Couple days ago.
We can generate a compatible graft using your DNA,
but it'll take a few minutes.
[Six sighs]
[Six] I-I thought you were just gonna give me some ointment,
or something.
[Ameni] No, I'm afraid this is a little beyond ointment.
[One] Shift!
Two, three, shift! Hold on! One more.
Two, three, shift!
Okay, wait!
Come on, come on, come on, come on.
[Both groan]
[One sighs]
Nice.
[One] We've gotta get down on the floor.
At the count of three, we tilt.
Okay... one, two, three, tilt!
- -That was a shift. - -It was a tilt.
Let's just try it again.
One, two three, tilt!
[Both yell, grunt]
You got it?
Almost.
- -I got it! I got it! - -Oh, good, good!
- -[Three] Okay... - -Okay...
Now just give me like a sec...
[Both scream]
[Ameni] There.
In a few days, that'll regenerate and be fully healed.
Something wrong?
No. Everything's fine.
I'm gonna give you something for the pain.
Oh, this won't hurt a bit.
Good.
[Screams]
[Ameni groans]
[Ameni grunts]
Damn...
Doc says he'll let you know when he's ready.
Is anyone else back yet?
- -Yes, I believe... - -[Six] Hey, we have to go.
Now!
One, three, please respond.
How severely did you injure the men who attacked you?
I was pretty thorough.
[Four] And the doctor?
Oh, he's just unconscious, but that's not the point.
For some reason, the DNA scan he ran flagged me.
How about the reason being you're a wanted criminal?
I'm sure there are a lot of wanted criminals
on that station.
We have to go.
One, three, we have a situation here.
We need you to get back to the ship immediately.
Please respond.
Given the circumstances,
perhaps we should consider leaving them behind.
We can't.
[Four] Three made it clear that he intended to go his own way.
[Two] He's all talk.
Besides, if he was actually going to leave,
he would have made a bigger deal about it.
Subtle he is not.
And what if they sold the weapons
and decided to keep the money for themselves?
No, no.
Three, maybe. Hell, probably.
But one? No way.
He may not have had a choice.
He could've been deceived, or rendered unconscious,
perhaps even killed.
One, three, this is two. Please respond.
[On e, three scream]
God! There's gotta be another way!
I think they're weakening.
[Three] Okay, just hang on.
- -Hang on. - -Just one more.
Hang on, hang on. Just let me catch my...
[Both scream]
It's been a pleasure doing business with you.
There's just one more thing I need to take care of.
Something the matter?
One, three, answer me.
[Sirens sound]
What is that?
It's the space station's security alarm.
Oh, damn it...
Get us out of here.
[Sirens sound]
I'll prepare the coordinates for a jump to ftl.
G [one] 0! We gotta go!
Is everyone here?!
We're already on our way, one.
[Three] We noticed.
[Two] Why the hell weren't you answering your comms?!
We were gonna leave without you.
W-We lost them.
How?!
How much did you get for the weapons?
Nothing.
Nothing?
Where are they?
They're gone. We were...
[Stammers]
Jumped, by half a dozen men.
Yeah, he got knocked out, played dead.
So I took the rest on myself.
I was doing all right, too, until the seventh guy,
he... snuck up behind me, clocked me right in the head,
I went down.
We lost our comms and all the guns.
Is that really how it happened?
More or less.
I... couldn't see everything because I was down on the floor.
Yeah...
With my... eyes closed.
[Three] Hmph
yeah, as much as I'd love to hear the rest of this story,
we got more important things to do...
Like getting the hell outta here.
Jumping to ftl.
[Lock beeps]
Jace corso.
I was wondering when you'd show up.
Don't call me that.
[Three] No? Hmm. What do you prefer?
One.
[Three] One. Okay, one.
[Three chuckles]
What can I do for you?
How about you tell me why you covered for me?
Why didn't you tell them what really happened
at the space station?
How do you think the rest of the crew will react
when they find out that you're an impostor?
And that you're most probably the guy who screwed
with all of our memories?
I didn't screw with anyone's memories.
[Three] Can't be sure though, can you?
People are gonna make educated guesses.
And when they do...
Hmm.
What do you think?
They gonna stuff you in the airlock and space you?
They could abandon you on a barren planet
to freeze your ass off.
Or I'm thinking maybe...
What do you want?
I just want your support moving forward.
Crew votes, debates, lunch decisions.
You follow my lead.
From here on in, we agree to agree.
Hey.
We should talk about what happened on the space station.
That's okay.
I really think...
I don't wanna talk about it.
What's wrong with her?
[Two] Nothing.
She's perfectly normal.
Which is a problem on this ship.
[Two sighs]
So, I've been doing the math in my head
and correct me if I'm wrong, but... we managed to refuel,
but didn't have time to effect repairs or resupply and restock.
We lost the weapons, so we didn't get anything for 'em.
We sold the other stuff and did get money for 'em,
but it was confiscated at the casino?
[Sighs]
So, bottom line: We're worse off than
we were 24 hours ago.
We also missed an opportunity to do some research
while we had access to the station's information hub.
Maybe next time.
[Two] Yeah.
For now, we're back to square one,
and our pasts remain a mystery.
[News anchorwoman] The fallout from the assassination of
emperor ishida tatsuyo continues to be felt
throughout c sector, as forces from the
principality of zairon and the neighboring
republic of pyr remain on war footing.
Several multi-corps have dispatched destroyers
to the disputed region to safeguard transit passages.
Representatives of the galactic authority say they will offer
humanitarian aid to refugees fleeing the area, but thus far,
have characterized the standoff as
“a regional conflict between two independent territories“
and dismissed the possibility of direct military involvement.
Meanwhile, the search continues for emperor ishida's murderer,
purported to be his own son, crown prince ishida ryo.
Since the emperor's death, the crown prince has been implicated
in the deaths and disfigurements of almost one hundred people.
He is on the run and is considered, armed, unstable,
and extremely dangerous.