04x22 - The Catalyst

[bunniefuu]

[instrumental music]

[thunder rumbling]

[speaking in foreign language]

Yes, sir. I'm sorry.

I was wondering if you'd had any further word on the storm.

Yes, yes, as a matter of fact

that was Juarez I was talking to.

Uh, the weather's finally clearing to the north east.

Your plane should be ready to board in just a few minutes.

Uh, thanks very much.

[thunder rumbling]

Look at that.

Maybe it's the end of the world. What do you think?

You know, it maybe.

I didn't really begin to worry until I saw the animals

entering the plane two by two.

How do you feel?

I don't know, uh..

Disconnected, rootless.

I hope I've done the right thing.

You have.

It's a lonely step.

I'm lonely even here in Mexico

where they at least speak my language.

Where they look like me.

What am I going to do in the extraordinary

country of yours?

You make it sound like another planet.

Well, that's the way it's always seemed.

Cold, enormous.

Always snowy.

[sighs] That's pretty much like your own country, Maria.

What about Washington?

There was, uh, snow in the news reels.

Oh.

Well, you won't have to be in Washington for long.

You don't even have to go there at all

if you don't want to, Maria.

No, I do want to. That's the point.

I think it's important that your officials

know for a fact what Roberto's up to now.

Did you tell him you were leaving?

Oh, yes. A hundred times.

I don't suppose he ever believed me.

I was always just his stupid little cousin.

'Too naive, to-to be political'

and not smart enough to guess what all the communists

in Central America were doing there.

It's a shame, really.

He could have been such a marvelous leader.

I can't remember. Did you ever meet him, Lewis?

I think so, the first time I was down there

Phillip Ortega just introduced us

and it seems to me Roberto came in for a minute.

Your attention, please.

[speaking in foreign language]

Flight 7 for Ciudad Juarez

is now ready for boarding.

Well, next to the last laugh.

The, uh, Mexican government's

been very helpful from the start.

They're gonna have a car at the airport

to drive us to the border.

From there, we'll get a plane east.

Lewis, I don't think I have really thanked you

for coming all this way to meet me.

I said to myself when I wrote the letter

"Well, the United States are going to think you're crazy

asking for an escort."

But I don't really believe I could've made it alone.

Thank you.

[thunder rumbling]

Hold the plane. Hold it..

Is that plane bound for Juarez?

Yes, sir.

One ticket, one way. How much?

[speaking in foreign language]

One hundred and twenty pesos.

One hundred and twenty.

Ten, twenty, thirty, forty

'fifty, sixty, seventy, eighty'

ninety, hundred, hundred and ten, hundred and twenty.

[speaking in foreign language]

Ten pesos for the taxi.

- Ten pesos. - Si.

[thunder rumbling]

- Double or nothing? - Uh..

Call it.

Heads.

[speaking in foreign language]

That's alright.

How far can I go for a 100 pesos?

As far as San Lucas, senor. The first stop.

One ticket. One way to San Lucas.

Si.

[dramatic music]

[theme music]

[male narrator] The FBI.

A Quinn Martin Production.

Starring, Efrem Zimbalist Jr.

Also starring, Philip Abbott..

...William Reynolds

with guest stars, Alejandro Rey..

...Norman Fell..

...Pilar Seurat.

Tonight's episode, "The Catalyst."

[instrumental music]

[thunder rumbling]

The defection of Maria Sandoval

was vital to the interests of the United States.

For only she could give accurate testimony

as to the extent of communist influence

upon Roberto Sandoval and his country.

A country that professed friendship

toward its democratic neighbors in Central America.

At 4 a.m. on the morning of November 26th

Gavilan Airways, flight number 7

took off from Mogote, Mexico

on its regularly scheduled run to Ciudad Juarez.

It carried four passengers and the pilot.

It was four hours late in leaving.

It was destined never to arrive.

Um, senor..

Uh..

[speaking in foreign language]

Oh..

Gracias, muchos. Gracias.

Don't mention it.

You speak English?

A little.

You're an American.

Mm-hmm.

Victor Green. Bethesda, California.

Lewis Erskine.

Pleasure to meet you. Pleasure.

It's unusual to meet somebody from one's homeland

here in, uh..

- Where are we? - Mogote.

Mogote.

Are you, are you here on business?

Yeah, in a way.

Uh-huh.

Well, we'll probably be here a couple of hours anyway.

I don't suppose you, uh, play cards.

Well, I've, uh, been known to, Mr. Green.

By an amazing coincidence I happen to have..

...what used to be a deck of cards.

Here's a story of my professional life right there.

Professional life?

Would you believe I'm a gambler?

You're a gambler?

You know, its a fantastic thing but I love it, you know.

Like cards, dice, roulette, you name it.

I'll bet you that I know more about odds and percentage

than any man in the business.

It's just that I have, I have this, uh, one little problem.

I lose.

Oh, that could be a little awkward.

[clears throat]

That's why I had to leave the States.

I don't tell everybody but, uh, I'm a bail jumper.

Is that right?

Yeah, I-I tried to start my own bookie operation in Modesto

but, uh, my very first customer was a cop.

I see what you mean about losing.

But I mean, even a losing streak stop, even for me.

Things are changing, like tonight.

You didn't do too well with that cab driver tonight.

Yeah, but I caught the plane.

[thunder rumbling]

Lewis!

It's alright.

Gavilan 115, calling San Lucas.

'San Lucas, do you read?'

Pilot.

Get back in your seat. Fasten your belt.

What's wrong with the radio?

Nothing, a little trouble. It'll clear up.

Can't you get above this?

[sighs] Not in this freight.

Now please, sit down.

Look, uh, don't worry. We'll make it.

Oh, it's clearing to the north, all along the border.

We'll be fine once we leave San Lucas.

Forget San Lucas. Keep on going north.

- 'What?' - 'Keep on going north!'

Give me your g*n.

I came all the way to Mexico to get the girl.

I am not going to loose her now.

Hand over the g*n.

Give me your g*n or I k*ll her.

Why did you meet her in Mogote?

Who are you?

I'm with the FBI.

Oh, that's perfect. FBI.

Show me your credentials.

Now you, get up.

Get up!

Sit down.

Now get east as soon as you can..

...and then turn south.

Get out of this storm.

My government will release the plane as soon as we land.

'All Roberto wants is you.'

Roberto? Who's Roberto?

Land where?

Do you know this man?

Captain Miguel Torres.

Oh, yes.

Captain who?

What does this nut want? Where are we going?

Captain, I hope you realize

the consequences an act like this can have.

My commander-in-chief told me to find his cousin

and bring her home.

I am consent with orders not consequences.

[plane engine whirring]

[thunder rumbling]

[instrumental music]

[phone ringing]

- Yes? - 'Tom Colby, Mr. Ward.'

Yes, Tom.

I'm at the Bureau.

San Lucas air control reports they lost contact

for Gavilan flight 115.

Any other details?

There was a storm.

Apparently, it knocked out radio communication

but San Lucas had 'em on radar.

Plane was coming in, uh, from the west on course.

It suddenly veered north. They don't know why.

When they lost it, they notified Nogales and Tucson.

They couldn't esta-establish any contact.

There was enough fuel for another four hours or something.

Well, how long has it been?

Four hours and about thirty minutes.

[sighs] Tom, how soon can you get down there?

I called the airlines. There's a flight leaving in 45 minutes.

Oh, good.

Now, listen, Tom, it's all gonna work out.

Now, uh, call me as soon as you hear anything.

Yes, sir. I will.

[instrumental music]

[engine sputtering]

Lewis..

- Now what? - Just what it sounds like.

The end of the auxiliary fuel.

'Take your seat. Strap yourself in..'

...and good luck.

And to you.

Pull your belt as tight as you can.

'And when I tell you'

bend forward, grab your knees

and turn your head to the side.

[music continues]

Gavilan 115. Gavilan 115.

Does anyone read me? Come in.

What are you doing?

This is Gavilan 115. I'm running low on fuel.

I'm approximately 20 miles west of the Ocho Montanas.

Put it down.

Put it down!

[music continues]

I'm sorry.

Those were the orders.

[music continues]

Now.

[tires screeching]

[instrumental music]

Ah!

Maria, are you alright?

M-my foot. My ankle.

[gasps]

Here you go.

Broken?

Yeah. How's he?

Can you make it to the door?

Yes.

Lean on me.

[groans]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[Miguel] 'Erskine!'

Help me.

Let's see if I can find something in the plane

to use on that ankle.

The pilot's dead.

He gave our position as 20 miles west of Ocho Montanas.

I will take the map.

Put him over there..

...and stay with him.

[music continues]

A-alright. Tell me this..

If we're dead, why do I hurt so much?

Guess we must not be dead.

[music continues]

Are you okay?

I think so.

Always carry a-an extra pair.

They're probably broken too.

Perfect.

What's happening?

You're getting lucky.

How's the girl?

I think she's got a broken ankle.

Oh, I'm sorry.

I had to find something to make a splinter out of.

T-they loaded a bundle of newspapers aboard

before we took off, uh, we could roll them

I think they'd stay stiff enough.

Okay.

Well, now what happens? I mean, he still has his g*n.

Uh, I guess I'll try to get it back somehow.

Will she gets shot if he gets her all the way home?

Probably.

I'm gonna need your help, Victor.

What's the penalty for bail jumping?

Oh, it's up to the courts. Could mean prison.

'But at least you'd be alive.'

Does he mean to k*ll us?

I think there's a good chance.

I-I'll go get the papers.

[instrumental music]

Erskine, if his figures were right

we are approximately here.

Just into Arizona.

There should be a highway due south of here.

We-we'll reach it.

We can commandeer a car to take us into Mexico.

From there, we can take a plane to fly us into my country.

What are you talking about? She can't be moved.

We can't stay here.

There will be rescue parties looking all over for us.

Torres, you know the pain that girl's in--

Erskine, why don't you face the facts.

You and Green should be on your knees thanking God

that the girl is alive and cannot walk.

Now, I need you to carry her.

Otherwise my only intelligent move

would be k*ll both of you..

...right here and now.

[instrumental music]

- Colby? - Yeah.

Al Holland.

- Has there been any word? - Yes, there has.

About seven this morning, a ham radio operator

in Bisbee, Arizona, picked up the plane's call letters.

The message was partially garbled but he was able

to make out the pilot's position

twenty miles west of the Ocho Mountains.

That would place it in the extreme

south eastern corner of Arizona.

Air search and rescue teams have been combing the area.

No luck yet.

Oh, incidentally, the bureau called and asked us

to check on the identity of the other passengers aboard.

There were two other men aside

from Erskine, the woman and the pilot.

- Two men? - Yes.

We don't have their identities as yet.

Do you suspect a hijacking?

I don't know, Al.

I'd like to go along in the air search.

Of course. I'll have a chopper pick you up.

[instrumental music]

It seems funny not knowing anything about him.

If he had a wife and kids.

[music continues]

Are you finished?

Let me see your hands.

Your hands!

It's a very deceitful trick, Green.

I figure it's not how you play the game

it's whether you win or lose.

Let me talk about the game.

I want to treat you like men not children.

Next one who tries something like this, I'll k*ll.

Is that clear enough?

Now put her on the stretcher.

Come on.

[dramatic music]

[engine whirring]

This way. This way.

They can't see us unless they fly right overhead.

Cold.

- What? - Ssh!

What are you saying?

She said she's cold.

Cold? Are you?

Freezing.

You gotta have a blanket or something.

I'll get one out of the plane.

[music continues]

[music continues]

Erskine, what are you doing?

[music continues]

Blanket.

Hold it. Show me your hands.

Alright. Go ahead.

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

How are you feeling?

On fire.

Are there any towns near us on that map?

There were.

Of course, provided that the navigation

and conclusions of the pilot were right.

She gotta see a doctor.

Yeah, that's right

and I got to have an airplane.

And you are to have a dozen FBI agents coming over that hill.

But we can't always have what we want.

'Can we, Mr. Erskine?'

Listen to me, suppose we do get to Mexico

we could go for days without seeing anyone.

Yeah.

Were your order to k*ll her?

I'm doing everything--

If that ankle gets infected

she could die from it.

Look at her!

Okay. Put her down.

We'll rest for 15 minutes.

Green.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

Look..

Let's follow the next path we come to.

Maybe it'll lead to a house or a telephone at least--

- Or the police. - Or the police.

What does it matter at this point?

You could get away, I couldn't stop you.

Without the girl? No.

Torres, for God sake!

No! What's the matter with you?

Can't you understand loyalty?

Even if you're not a solider.

[Lewis] 'I understand loyalty.'

'I also understand there are some people'

'who don't deserve it.'

You don't know him.

He deserves it.

You really believe that?

I know you don't believe it..

...and that makes me feel sorry for you.

I just hope that one day you are going to appreciate

what Roberto has done for the people.

To the people.

Yeah. Alright.

To the people, to his family

his best friends.

'Roberto is for Roberto only.'

'No one else.'

'He called in the communist because he needed their g*ns'

their economic advisors.

Roberto isn't the revolutionary.

He's a... self-indulgent egomaniac.

[dramatic music]

Why don't you discuss something you know about?

Well, then..

Suppose I discuss Bonita?

Your wife, yes.

Do you know my wife?

I've met her half a dozen times.

I don't remember ever meeting you.

You were never with your wife when she came to the palace

captain...to see Roberto.

What are you trying to say to me?

'Exactly what I said before and what Inspector Erskine said'

that there are some men who don't deserve loyalty.

Are you trying to imply that--

[Maria] 'I'm not implying anything.'

I'm stating a fact.

Your wife and my cousin have been in love

with each other for years.

Everyone in the capital knows it..

...except for you, apparently.

I'm sorry.

You can save your sympathy.

I don't believe you.

That is your privilege.

[plane engine whirring]

[dramatic music]

Stay down!

[music continues]

Let's take a look.

Air search 1 to chopper.

Chopper, go ahead.

[Allen] 'We found it.'

Any sign of life?

Nothing.

Where are you?

Southwestern corner of grid G

just over the Arizona line into New Mexico.

I'll alert the nearest ground units.

Uh, chopper clear.

[whirring]

[dramatic music]

Torres.

- What's the matter? - Can we rest a minute?

There's a shack over there. It looks abandoned.

I'm going to check it out. Come ahead.

Come on.

[music continues]

Come on. There's no one there.

Hurry up.

[music continues]

[music continues]

How is she?

Look at her. You can see for yourself.

We must be close to the border by mow.

We ought to be able to make it before dark.

Torres, she can't make it!

[sighs] Look, you go on if you want to.

- Green can stay here-- - No. No!

- Torres, don't you understand? - Erskine!

I'll give you 10 minutes to catch your breath!

Are you going to waste it talking?

[sighs]

[whispering] Inspector, don't look at me.

Can he hear us?

No. What's the matter?

Nothing's the matter. I feel fine.

It's all been an act. A bluff.

He thinks I'm out of the game, right?

You better get some rest when you can.

Look at this.

That's gonna be our trump ace, inspector.

Take it easy, Green.

'Just tell him I'm sick.'

Tell him I'm unconscious

and then when he bends over, I'll lay his head open.

You grab the g*ns and we're in business.

It's too big a risk.

'Well let me run the risk'

'I'm on a streak now.'

With my nude luck, I can do it.

Not now, you better get rid of that thing.

No. The bets are down, inspector.

Now let's see what he's got.

[grunting]

[dramatic music]

What was that?

What's wrong?

I don't know.

Move away.

[intense music]

Against the wall.

Sit down.

[g*nsh*t]

Stay!

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[whirring]

[whirring continues]

[whirring continues]

Chopper to air search 1.

Go ahead.

[Tom] 'Well, they all got out of the plane.'

There's one grave

which would seem to indicate that four of them survived.

The signs are they headed south.

I'll alert the border patrol and the Mexican authorities.

By the way, we have some new information

now on the two male passengers.

One is an American named Victor Green.

'The other gave his name as Pablo Montoyo Hermosio.'

But Hermosio has no record of his name or address.

Our liaison representative in Mexico City advises us

however that a Captain Miguel Torres of Roberto Sandoval's

elite core is rumored to be in the country now

searching for Roberto's cousin.

Torres's description matches that of passenger Montoya's.

Alright.

The two ground units you called for just came in.

We'll follow the trail as far as we can.

You better concentrate your air search

over this immediate area.

[Allen] 'Check. One clear.'

Stay with it. If you see anything. Let me know.

Pick up the stretcher.

Or what?

How far do you think you'd get carrying her alone?

I wouldn't try to carry her alone.

Meaning what?

I'd k*ll her.

'You doubt it, Erskine?

'Roberto wants her back'

'to keep her from telling your people'

'whatever she thinks she knows.'

If he cannot have her back..

...he wants her dead.

It's a second choice but is a choice.

What kind of man are you?

To serve a monster like that.

No more lies from you, okay.

They aren't lies!

She laughs at you behind your back.

'She tells Roberto the secret names you have for each other.'

And they laugh at you together!

What secret names?

Captain, believe it or not

I don't want to hurt you.

What secret names?

On your honeymoon, you tried to carry her across a muddy stream.

'Uh, you fell half way across.'

'She calls you the "Black prince."'

'She's your little fish.'

Captain..

...does this man deserve loyalty?

Pick up the stretcher.

[dramatic music]

There.

Turn that way.

[music continues]

[music continues]

[chopper whirring]

[instrumental music]

[chopper whirring]

Wait! Wait!

Put her down.

Move here, under the tree.

[intense music]

Alright. Let's go.

[music continues]

[whirring]

[whirring continues]

[whirring continues]

[whirring continues]

Chopper to air search 1.

This is air search one, go ahead.

We found the passenger, Victor Green.

We're at a miner shack about, uh..

...about five miles..

...two south of the plane crash.

Green has been shot to death.

The body's still warm, so they shouldn't be too far ahead.

You better seal the border along

the entire southern leg of grid G!

- Roger. - We'll continue to follow.

Chopper out!

You go ahead. Continue to follow.

I'm gonna stay with the radio.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

Keep on going.

What's wrong?

There's the Mexican border.

Who are they?

Border patrol.

Lower the stretcher.

They can't stay there forever.

After sundown..

[engine revving]

[dramatic music]

FBI?

It's all over, Torres. You better drop the g*n.

I'm not going to betray Roberto.

You better do as I say.

No.

[g*nsh*t]

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[grunts]

[instrumental music]

[instrumental music]

- Maria! - Hello, Lewis.

Let me look at you.

Oh, where's the cast? Where are the crutches?

Off. Gone.

'Wonderful!'

- No bad effects? - None.

As a matter of fact, after I finish my testimony

about Roberto to the sub committee today

I took a walking tour.

I saw the senate, the house.

You know, I'm proud of you.

[chuckles] For what?

Quite a few reasons.

What are you doing tonight?

- Nothing. - Yes, you are.

You're having dinner with me.

[chuckles]

I will.

If you promise to find a place

with a little dance floor and an orchestra.

- I already have. - Oh!

[male narrator] Testimony by Maria Sandoval

was to expose the Sandoval dictatorship in Central America

as communist inspired and oriented.

Captain Miguel Torres was tried on charges of kidnapping

and sentenced to a term in the federal penitentiary.

State charges against him for the m*rder of Victor Green

are still pending.

[theme music]

[music continues]