Space: 1999 Series 1 Episode 18 The Infernal Machine ( Air Date 1976-01-08 ) Genre Sci-Fi & Fantasy category. Overview "The Alphans are visited by a bizarre spacecraft, whose request for supplies hides a deeper purpose. The ship, Gwent, is found to be sentient, the attempt of a vain alien genius to live forever. Powerful, unstable and craving companionship, Gwent intends for Koenig, Helena and Bergman to replace its aged, dying creator.".