Season Two Episode Four - To Pray For Tempests

SFX: music plays. A door opens to quiet quarterdeck chatter. A couple bootsteps. 

DALLIANCE XO: Commodore Medwin, sir. Signal boats report ready. Time is two minutes to the hour.

MEDWIN: Very good. Mr. Taylor, stand by comms lasers and running lights. 

SFX: a beep.

MEDWIN: All ships, Dalliance. Maintain extreme distance from Advari blockade and stand by to begin signal cycle.

DALLIANCE XO: This will be attempt number one hundred and thirteen, Commodore.

MEDWIN: You are quite correct, Commander.

DALLIANCE XO: I only mean to ask sir, is there any word as to how long we intend to keep this up? Or at least when we might expect new ships to be rotated in? Morale here is… bad sir, dangerously so. You've read the reports from Acasta and Lioness.

MEDWIN: I have. And I share your concerns, Commander. Make no mistake, I would much rather be at home with my wife. But you and I and the rest of this fleet will remain here until our efforts bear fruit or we are ordered elsewhere.

DALLIANCE XO: Yes, sir.

MEDWIN: Mr. Taylor, you may begin signals.

SFX: beeping. 

TAYLOR: Communications lasers are active, running lights sequencing. Outbound message reads: Advari vessels, we intend no harm and wish to communicate, please signal response.

DALLIANCE XO: There were seven hundred and thirty people on Gatehouse, sir. These aliens gave no quarter. If I may, Commodore… The crew all saw Admiral Farren in the House, I don't think they're too happy that we're--

MEDWIN: The crew may keep their own counsel, Commander. Our standing orders are clear. If we can find any way to communicate with these Advari, we will. I promise you the alternative would be far worse. Mr. Taylor, an open channel if you please.

SFX: beeping.

TAYLOR: Channel open, Commodore.

MEDWIN: To Commander, Advari Blockade: This is Commodore Samuel Medwin of the Centran Defence Force, speaking on behalf of the people of the Tantalus Cluster. We wish to move beyond past hostilities and open peaceful communications. Our incursion into your space was committed without hostile intent, we sought only a solution to our ongoing resource crisis. Please respond, that we may find a peaceful compromise. 

TAYLOR: Very good sir.

DALLIANCE XO: Merician and Union contingents both reporting no response from their attempts, Commodore.

MEDWIN: Mr. Taylor?

SFX: beeping. 

TAYLOR: No response here either, Commodore.

MEDWIN: Very well. Signal all ships, cease transmissions. Set countdown to figures two zero hours. Commander, you may begin preparations for cycle one hundred and fourteen.

DALLIANCE XO: Aye, sir. 

SFX: music swells.

SFX: Intro music starts - “Wilderness” by Taylor Davis.

NARRATOR: The Sojourn, Season Two Episode Four: To Pray for Tempests by Daniel Orrett. Starring Larissa Thompson as Captain Cassandra Farren, Emily Serdahl as Elizabeth Ancelet, Laura Faye Smith as Tamara Melari, and Ben Prendergast as Mathias Croft. Also featuring Matt Surges as Post Captain Lewis Harper, and Special Guest Star Dominic Keating as Fleet Admiral Darius Farren. 

SFX: Theme music continues.

SFX: muffled engine sounds. Gentle music plays, bootsteps and typing on a tablet. 

MEDS: Record message; to Captain Omar Maalsuwda from T. Melari, care of next available public courier. Frequency enclosed. Captain Maalsuwda, djadeba! Thanks for your messages, I'm glad to hear you've been keeping well. Though I suppose it might be Mr. Maalsuwda soon enough? A candidate for Marshal Governor, congratulations! I’m afraid we didn't get quite the same hero's welcome you did. Been barely hanging on for a while now, but we recently got ourselves some repairs and a good payday and things are starting to look up. I've given your best to Cass and the others, they're all doing well and… Well, actually, I suppose that's kind of a load of shit. I don't know what it is about letters that makes people talk like that. Cass is… well she's pretty far from doing well. I thought it might get better now that things aren't quite as bad but she's… bitter. I wish I knew what the hell to do about it. Barely had time to let the paint dry before she's got us straight off to Valeria for a privateering cruise. We're four days in and no luck just yet, but from what we've heard this is a promising area right now, shouldn't be long. Plus I suppose it will give me time to go through this enormous folder of fishing photos you've sent. You do know we're supposed to be rationing data packets these days--

ELIZABETH (over PA): Better get up to the bridge everyone, think I've got something.

SFX: door whooshes open.

MEDS: On my way.

SFX: door whooshes closed, gentle jogging and another door opens. 

CASS: What have we got?

ELIZABETH: I found some very slight emissions just off the ecliptic. Thought it didn't look quite right for a comet fragment or anything so I had a closer look with the scopes and… Now I'm still pretty new to this, but if I've been doing my Quartermastery homework properly, this seems like exactly the sort of thing we're looking for, right?

SFX: a chair swivels, telemetry sounds. 

CROFT: She's an old brigantine, running silent, well out of the traffic lanes and no transponder. Safe bet is she's a pirate, and we can take her, no problem.

MEDS: Mm. Guess Brynlock's tip about the area was on the money.

CROFT: The man rarely disappoints. 

CASS: Whereaway?

ELIZABETH: Fine on the starboard beam. Did I… say that right?

CASS: You did. Great work Liz. Stations everyone.

SFX: seatbelts buckle. 

MEDS: Target bearing at eight-seven mark one-zero-four.

CASS: We're still cleared for action?

ELIZABETH: Yep, all stations secure.

CASS: Alright Croft, starboard helm, hard over. Intercept course.

CROFT: On it.

SFX: gentle fiddle music plays. Vectors fire and the engine rumbles louder. 

MEDS: She's changing course, increased trim.

CASS: Match it.

SFX: music continues. Telemetry sounds. 

ELIZABETH: Just checked the regional watchlist, chances are she's the Ivory Thorn, reported for piracy two days ago. They hit a schooner hauling pharmaceuticals on the edge of the system… Seems to be from some kind of local pirate group.

CROFT: Must still be on her way home with the loot.

CASS: Open a channel.

SFX: the comm trills. 

MEDS: You're on.

CASS: Ivory Thorn, this is Guinevere, a licensed privateer. Heave to and surrender your vessel or we will open fire. This is your only warning.

BENNOCK (over comms): Ehhh, Guinevere. This is Ivory Thorn. We are… a Provost Coastguard ship, on a secret classified operation. Disengage.

MEDS: Oh, you gotta love the classics.

CROFT: Man, I haven't heard that one in years. 

CASS: I can't believe I actually missed this routine. Put a shot across their bow, Croft.

CROFT: You got it.

SFX: the coilgun warms up, then fires.

ELIZABETH: I think they got the message.

SFX: a beep

MEDS: Yep, she's struck colours.

BENNOCK (over comms): Guinevere, we surrender. We are cutting engines and disengaging our weapons.

CASS: Understood, Ivory Thorn. What is your compliment and destination?

BENNOCK (over comms): Crew of three, headed to Port Abenheart to fence our loot.

CASS: Your ship has been reported as part of an organized pirate group, have you other vessels in this system?

SFX: music continues. 

BENNOCK: Negative, Captain. Just us.

CASS: Copy that, Ivory Thorn. Prepare to be boarded. Lay us alongside her, Croft.

CROFT: Always nice when we get to skip the fighting part.

MEDS: Well they were hopelessly outgunned. Guess they've got a lick of sense for a change.

CROFT: Or they were bargaining on no one detecting them.

CASS: Impressed that we did. Hell of a job Liz, seems you're a natural at this.

ELIZABETH: Aw, I've been doing a lot of reading. If I'm gonna do this job I want to do it properly. Plus it gives me something to focus on while I'm waiting for Professor Sidhu to send over the latest data.

CASS: Yeah…

SFX: music fades out. 

- Scene Change - 

SFX: engine rumbling, docking sounds, beeping. A door opens and guns rack. 

CROFT: Alright folks, keep your hands up.

BENNOCK: I am Captain Bennock, this is Cavendish and Radka. We're unarmed, our small arms are on the bridge.

CASS: Go and get them Croft, search the ship.

CROFT: On it, Skip.

SFX: footsteps. Scanning sounds and fabric rustling. 

RADKA: Bastard privateers, yaza'o shitheels.

BENNOCK: Radka, shut up and do as you're told.

ELIZABETH: Thermal telescopy backed up what he said. There's only three of them aboard.

BENNOCK: I surrender this ship to you Captain. You'll have no trouble from us.

CASS: Glad to hear it. All the same I'll need to confine you and your crew for the three day burn to Valeria Sibus.

BENNOCK: I understand.

CASS: Meds, take these three below. Find the most comfortable cabin you can and seal them in, make sure they've got plenty of rations.

MEDS: On it. Alright you lot, let's go. Try and pull anything clever and I promise you won't have time to regret it.

SFX: several pairs of footsteps. A door opens, then closes. 

ELIZABETH: Alright, should be a prize crew of two then, right? Easy job to keep an eye on those three and take this thing into port. Can do the whole thing on autopilot.

CASS: Yeah, that's right.

ELIZABETH: In that case, why don't I do it? I'll take Meds in case anything happens, and you and Croft can keep up the hunt here. It's only three days and mostly in safe space, we shouldn't need an escort. Then we can hire a clipper on Sibus to fly us back out here once we're done.

CASS: Whoa, hang on. Commanding a prize ship is a pretty big job. You've never done this before. Maybe we should escort you just this first time.

ELIZABETH: I commanded a platform full of four thousand people in an alien nebula for almost a year, Cass. And anyway, I'm either the quartermaster or I'm not. I want you to be able to rely on me for this kind of thing.

SFX: door opens, footsteps. 

MEDS: Prisoners are secure. Croft's checking over the cargo.

CASS: Thanks Meds. Pack a knapsack, you and Liz are the prize crew. She'll be skippering the ship into Sibus. We'll keep up the hunt till you're back.

MEDS: Oh… I mean, are you sure you don't need us out here?

CASS: We'll be alright. If we find anything serious we'll wait till you're back, just track them in the meantime.

MEDS: Alright... sure.

SFX: comms open

CASS: Croft, finish up down there and head back to the Guin, we'll push off in ten.

CROFT (over comms): Copy that, Skip.

ELIZABETH: Thanks for this Cass, I'll get the job done.

CASS: I know you will. Just… don't do anything I wouldn't do?

ELIZABETH: No promises.

SFX: kiss

CASS: Take care of yourself… Captain.

SFX: music fades out. 

- Scene Change -

SFX: Guinevere quarterdeck ambiance. Fingers drum on an armrest. Hydraulic chair rotates. 

CROFT: That's six bells and no contacts, Skip.

CASS: Alright, adjust course. Nor-west by west.

CROFT: Nor-west by west it is.

SFX: a dial turns, vector cones fire. 

CROFT: I had a chance to look over the prize ship. She's pretty old and they haven't done the best job of keeping her in good nick, but between the ship itself and the cargo I reckon we should get a pretty good price.

CASS: Good, but I want to try for at least a couple more before we wrap this cruise.

SFX: hydraulic chair rotates. 

CROFT: You know Skip, between this and the pay we got for the job on Centrum, we should be safe to take things easy for a while.

SFX: melancholic music starts. 

CASS: No. I won't risk letting things get as bad as they did again. We might have had to sell the Guin if it wasn't for-- I'm not letting that happen again.

SFX: music fades out. 

- Scene Change -

SFX: tapping on a tablet, a door opens. 

MEDS: Everything ok up here?

ELIZABETH: Yep, autopilot is set, no contacts nearby. We'll be into the trade lanes by tomorrow. How are our piratical friends?

SFX: footsteps, fabric rustling. 

MEDS: Mm. Suspiciously compliant. What are you writing?

ELIZABETH: Oh nothing, I just had some thoughts about the pulsar research. One of the Yeomanry scientists has been looking into--

MEDS: Shouldn't you be doing an inventory for when we get this ship to auction?

ELIZABETH: I have. It's on the desk in the day cabin. Even marked aside some of the medicine to keep for your sickbay.

MEDS: Oh, right. Thanks.

SFX: tapping on tablet resumes, footsteps retreat. Door opens. 

ELIZABETH: Hey, they left some decent brandy in the galley if you want to join me?

MEDS: No, I'm good, thanks. Think I'll just keep an eye on the prisoners. And you should stay sharp too, it's not a pleasure cruise.

ELIZABETH: I'm aware of that.

MEDS: Right. I'll keep you posted.

SFX: footsteps. 

- Scene Change -

SFX: mysterious music plays, beeping and telemetry sounds. The door whooshes open and closed as footsteps approach. 

CASS: What have we got, Croft?

CROFT: Signal, Skip. Just picked it up, think it might be a general distress.

CASS: No message?

CROFT: No, just a widebeam sequence. Prospectors maybe, not a lot else out here.

CASS: Lay in a course, best possible speed.

CROFT: It's weird… signal origin is close., like really close. Should have seen something by now.

CASS: Hm... Alright, reduce trim. Do a full LIDAR sweep, deep range.

SFX: computer hissing. 

CROFT: Hang on a minute… Shit, it's just a comm satellite. Don't like the look of this Skip!

CASS: It's a trap. Get us out of here Croft!

SFX: engine warms up. Urgent beeping. 

CROFT: Contact, ship on the port bow. Profile unclear but she's right on us!

CASS: Evasive!

SFX: engine fires. Comms ring, then open. 

HARPER (over comms): Ahoy, Guinevere! This is the CSV Alacrity. Captain Farren, is that you? It's Harper! God help us, we took you for a pirate.

CROFT: Hah! Damn, what are the chances?

CASS: Slow us down Croft. 

SFX: engine rumble turns off. Comm clicks open.

CASS: Captain Harper. I can't say I was expecting to see you here. Guess we walked into your trap, sorry about that.

HARPER (over comms): Not at all, it's good to see you. Is Doctor Ancelet with you?

CASS: Not right now, I'm afraid. She and Meds are taking a prize ship into Sibus.

HARPER (over comms): Ah. We picked up the mail on our way into the system a couple of days back. I have copies of some urgent dispatches for her. Something from a Professor Sidhu, care of Admiral Farren.

CASS: Ah… yes. We'll make sure she gets them.

HARPER (over comms): Obliged to you. Glad to hear someone started taking her research seriously.

CASS: Yeah… And congratulations on your promotion, Captain.

HARPER (over comms): Thank you Captain. If you would do me the courtesy, I would be very happy to invite you and Croft to dine with me aboard Alacrity this evening.

SFX: hydraulic chair rotates. 

CASS: I…  We'd be very glad to.

HARPER (over comms): I'm delighted to hear it. I shall see you aboard. Alacrity out.

CROFT: Well that's a nice surprise. I'll start bringing us in to dock. Good for Harper, he always seemed like a good egg. Got himself a nice looking ship.

CASS: Leander Class.

CROFT: Hey, isn't that what you and Meds used to serve on?

CASS: Yeah. We were aboard one of these at Atamara.

CROFT: Hope you don't mind me saying Skip, but I'm kinda surprised you said yes. Going back aboard one of these things, you know?

CASS: Saying no when you're invited to the Captain's table is no small thing. Would’ve reflected badly on Harper in front of his crew.

CROFT: Ah.

CASS: Plus, I don't know. I guess there's not many of us left who lived through the expedition.

CROFT: Yeah. Gotta stick together.

CASS: Alright. Guess I gotta go find a dress or something.

SFX: seatbelt unbuckling. 

CROFT: Whoa hang on. It's that kind of dinner?

CASS: Captain's table, Croft. And no hats.

SFX: footsteps retreat, door whooshes open. 

CROFT: Ah, come on! 

- Scene Change -

SFX: door buzzer

ELIZABETH: Come in.

SFX: door opens

MEDS: Hey, just thought you'd want to know, we got a shortcode signal from the Guin. Seems they've bumped into Captain Harper and he was carrying the mail. There's stuff for you from Sidhu but they can't send it at this range.

ELIZABETH: Ah, damn. Will have to wait till I get back. Kinda wish I'd stayed behind now.

MEDS: Yeah, I believe you.

ELIZABETH: I'm sorry?

MEDS: Nothing.

ELIZABETH: Listen, have I done something to piss you off or do I just have to guess why you've got such a stick up your ass lately? Did you not really want me to have this job, is that it? Cos I never asked you to give it up, and to be honest, I think I'm doing a pretty good job.

MEDS: Yeah, when you've got nothing more important to do. You know for some of us, this is our livelihood. It's not just some interesting hobby to pass the time till you can get back to something that matters.

ELIZABETH: God damn you are hard work. The hell am I supposed to have done wrong here.  I'd love to know.

MEDS: You know damn well what. You know how much trauma that bastard has caused Cass all her life and now you've signed up to be his pet scientist. You've brought him back into her life.

ELIZABETH: That was Cass's decision.

MEDS: You can't possibly think that she actually wanted this. She's just trying to make you happy.

SFX: distant metallic groaning. 

ELIZABETH: I'm amazed you've never mentioned these psychic powers of yours before, they might have come in handy!

SFX: a distant crash and explosion. An alarm sounds, mysterious music starts. 

MEDS: The hell is that?

ELIZABETH: Radiological warning from the engine room. Gotta be a reactor leak. Showing elevated radiation in two different compartments.

MEDS: Sabotage?

ELIZABETH: Can't be. Prisoners are still locked up.

MEDS: Croft looked the drive over before we set off, everything looked fine.

ELIZABETH: She's an old ship, who knows what kind of issues there might be under the surface. Doesn't matter now though, we need to do something.

MEDS: Uhhh, I mean can we… scram the reactor?

ELIZABETH: If those safeties were working it would have scrammed already. Reactor control is unresponsive. 

SFX: negative beep, a fist thumps something. 

ELIZABETH: Ugh, it'll have to be done manually. We need to head down there in hard suits and manually dismount the cyclotron banks. But it's a four person job.

MEDS: I'll signal the Guin to come back for us.

ELIZABETH: That leak's spreading, even with hard-suits we'd be dead before they were half way here. We have to let the prisoners out, have them help us.

MEDS: You have got to be kidding. There's absolutely no chance that won't bite us in the ass.

ELIZABETH: They're stuck here as much as we are, and are probably not that enthusiastic about being cooked to death by radiation when that leak reaches their cabin. It's only rational for them to help.

MEDS: We don't meet very many rational pirates.

ELIZABETH: I'm in command of this ship. This is the only choice and I'm making it. Get our weapons, we're going to talk to the prisoners.

- Scene Change -

SFX: docking sounds. Beeping. 

CROFT: Good seal. Cycling airlock. Looking sharp, Skip.

CASS: Thanks. Mm… I just hope he hasn't pulled out all the stops for–

SFX: door opens. Boatswain’s whistle.

DEVALLIER: Side party! Present arms!

SFX: several guns rack

SFX: door closes, footsteps approach. 

DEVALLIER: Ship's company, off hats!

SFX: fabric rustling

HARPER: To the heroes of the Avalon Expedition. Hip hip!

SIDE PARTY: Huzzah!

HARPER: Hip hip!

SIDE PARTY: Huzzah!

HARPER: Hip hip!

SIDE PARTY: Huzzah!

CASS: Thank you, Captain. You're… too kind. Permission to come aboard?

HARPER: Granted, and gladly. It's very good to see you both again.

CROFT: Right back at you, Captain.

DEVALLIER: Side party! Order arms!

SFX: guns rattle

HARPER: Thank you Commander, you may dismiss your men. I will escort our guests to the Great Cabin.

DEVALLIER: Will you be requesting the presence of the officers at this dinner, Captain?

HARPER: No thank you, Commander, that won't be necessary. You have the deck.

DEVALLIER: Very good sir. Ship's company, dismiss!

SFX: boatswain’s whistle, quiet chatter. Footsteps. 

CROFT: You've got yourself a nice ship, Captain.

HARPER: Thank you, she's only about a year out of the yard. One of the few builds that have actually been finished in the last few seasons with all the shortages. Captain Farren, if I recall your service record correctly, this should all be rather familiar to you.

CASS: Yeah… the old Leander was fairly new when I commanded her too. Looked just like this.

CROFT: Gotta say Captain, that's definitely the most friendly reception we've had since getting back.

SFX: door opens, footsteps continue. Door closes and chatter is muffled. 

HARPER: I'm glad to be the one to provide it. The treatment you've all received since getting back to Tantalus has been appalling. To be left adrift like that without pay, Director Ancelet not even allowed to speak in the House. For shame. But you can rest assured, after all we went through out there, you will always be guests of honour aboard any ship of mine.

CASS: Thank you Captain. It's good to see you again.

- Scene Change -

SFX: mysterious music. Footsteps. 

MEDS: I signalled the Guin just to let them know our situation and what we're about to try. Sidearm for you here.

SFX: gun rattles and is charged up. 

ELIZABETH: Thanks. Alright let's give this a go.

SFX: comm buzzer

ELIZABETH: Captain Bennock, we need to talk to you. I am about to open the hatch, you and your crew stand well back.

BENNOCK (over comm) Understood.

SFX: muffled footsteps. Door opens

ELIZABETH: Captain. I hope you're all well.

BENNOCK: We heard a loud noise from below. 

MEDS: Keep your hands where I can see them.

BENNOCK: Yes, of course. Has something happened to the ship?

ELIZABETH: There's been some kind of accident. The reactor is building up radiation and leaking into the lower decks. That's why we're down here.

MEDS: We need you and your crew. The reactor has to be manually reset from inside the chamber.

BENNOCK: So, you send us in there to die so you don't need to go in yourselves?

ELIZABETH: No, I’ll go with you. But it's a four-person job, you and your crewmates will need to help me. Meds will stay in the safe area.

MEDS: What? Screw that! I'm going in with you.

ELIZABETH: Meds, you're a surgeon. I need you out here to tend to the rest of us once we come back out. You gonna try and tell me that doesn't make sense?

MEDS: No. It makes sense.

ELIZABETH: Good. Captain Bennock. In a few hours the radiation will spread to these chambers, and not long after that the whole ship. This is the only chance. Will you and your crew help me?

BENNOCK: I… I will help. Cavendish. Radka. What do you say?

CAVENDISH: I guess we got no choice, boss.

RADKA: Mi radi de, this is bullshit! We should get in an escape pod.

MEDS: There are no pods. Any other questions?

RADKA: Fine, in suits then. We bail out and wait for rescue.

ELIZABETH: The ship is locked under thrust until we reset that reactor.

RADKA: So what?

MEDS: So if you wanna jump out of the airlock and go straight into the drive plume, I'm happy to give you a push.

BENNOCK: Radka. This is the only way we're getting out of here.

RADKA: Dematēpi... Fine.

ELIZABETH: Alright then. Let's get down there.

SFX: mysterious music continues, then fades out. 

- Scene Change -

SFX: cutlery clatters on plates

CROFT: Oh, man, that was a hell of a dinner, what did you call that dessert again?

HARPER: Figgy-Dowdy.

CASS: It's an old naval tradition.

CROFT: That's a tradition I can get behind. I can't believe you guys have real cream out here.

HARPER: That was almost all of it, actually. Our normal meals these days are not much different to yours, I expect.

CROFT: Oh I know, I remember the menu on the Shabayev.

CASS: Ah, you were a lowly ratesman back then, Croft. Not quite dinner with the Captain.

CROFT: Finally got those premium sandwiches.

HARPER: Yes, I am… very sorry about your brief and involuntary tenure with the CDF, Croft. I know the Admiral was also.

CROFT: Water under the proverbial, mate. You're all good.

SFX: footsteps. Comm opens. 

HARPER: Steward, light along a bottle of wine to the Great Cabin if you please. The… Coastridge Reserve.

SFX: footsteps, sitting. 

CASS: Have you had much luck with your own pirate hunting, Captain?

HARPER: Not much, I'm afraid. We're the only CDF ship in the system. Resources are so stretched, these pirates have no trouble steering wide of us and carrying on their business. There's supposed to be a large pirate ship around here somewhere that's been causing all manner of grief for the locals, some kind of big converted merchantman, near a dozen carronades if the reports are to be believed. But we've not seen hide nor hair of her so far.

SFX: door opens, footsteps approach. 

STEWARD: Your wine, sir.

HARPER: Thank you, Davis. A glass of wine with you both?

SFX: wine bottle uncorks, glasses are poured and clink. 

CASS: Thank you.

CROFT: Cheers.

SFX: drinking. Footsteps retreat, then the door closes. 

HARPER: To be completely honest, if I can confide in you both… I'm not finding captaincy to be quite what I imagined back in the day. I always wanted it but… I wish it hadn't been like this? I swear it feels like giving you two a well deserved meal is the only useful thing I've done since I made Post. I… I don't like being rewarded for Admiral Redfield's actions. Advari bastards. It should be him here now. He was a good man.

CASS: Yes, he was. But don't discount yourself. You were out there too, it wasn't an easy thing to live through and come out the other side.

HARPER: I know, you're right. But… after Gatehouse, and now the blockade, it just feels like everything kind of stopped. I just need to feel useful again.

CROFT: Well it may not be fighting aliens or fixing a famine, but if you find that pirate ship around here, you can bet the locals will be glad you did.

SFX: personal comm rings

HARPER: Yeah. Here's hoping.

SFX: fabric rustles. 

CASS: Excuse me, Captain.

HARPER: Of course.

CASS: Shit…

SFX: mysterious music starts. 

CROFT: What is it, Skip?

CASS: Guin's picked up a signal from the prize ship. She's had some kind of radiation leak.

CROFT: Bloody hell, are they alright?

CASS: They're trying to shut it down manually.

CROFT: Even if they fix it, they're in a dangerous area, and they’ve got three pirates aboard.

CASS: We've got to get after them.

HARPER: My ship and crew are entirely at your disposal, Captain Farren.

SFX: footsteps. comms open

HARPER: Ms DeVallier, our guests will be returning to their vessel at once. Make ready to put the ship about, we are to be engaged in rescue operations.

CASS: Thank you, Captain Harper.

HARPER: On your way, we'll be right alongside you. We must lose not a minute.

SFX: footsteps, door opens. 

- Scene Change -

SFX: fabric rustling, zippers closing. 

MEDS: Seals are good. Vitals look solid. Dosimeters set to zero.

ELIZABETH: Good. You three all suited up?

BENNOCK: All ready here.

MEDS: Keep an eye on your dosimeters. I'll monitor from here, and if I tell you to get out of there, you get the hell out of there, you understand me? I'm not about to go and explain to Cass how I let you get yourself killed.

ELIZABETH: You won't have to. If I don't fix this we're all dead anyway.

MEDS: Alright. Good luck.

SFX: helmet seals shut

ELIZABETH (over comms): Thanks.

SFX: a button is slapped. A warning buzz. 

COMPUTER VOICE: Warning. Radiological alarm. Compartment sealed.

ELIZABETH (over comms): Override.

SFX: Door hisses open. Dosimeters click ominously, unsteady breathing through comms.

CAVENDISH (over comms): Oh god.

ELIZABETH (over comms): Quickly. Cavendish and Radka, get around the right hand side and open the panels, Bennock you and I are to the left.

BENNOCK (over comms): Unsealing the panel.

SFX: dosimeters continue clicking. Metal thuds. 

RADKA (over comms): We've got ours clear! 

MEDS (over comms): You're averaging point-sixteen rads per second, you've got about twenty minutes.

ELIZABETH (over comms): Copy that. Okay Bennock, we're going to disconnect the turbopump. You two! On my mark, you're gonna disconnect Bus-B, it's on the left side. You see it?

RADKA (over comms): Yeah, we see it.

ELIZABETH (over comms): When we pull these, the drive is gonna cut out and we'll be in zero-g, brace yourself onto something and don't touch the field coils, got it?

CAVENDISH (over comms): We got it!

ELIZABETH (over comms): On my mark! Three, two, one, mark!

SFX: a heavy switch flips, whirring slows down and stops. Dosimeter clicking increases in frequency.

RADKA (over comms): M-my suit's reading seventy-two degrees centigrade!

ELIZABETH (over comms): Reactor's running hot. Keep calm, we're making good time. Now we're gonna close off the fuel injectors, you see the valve below the center panel?

SFX: dosimeter continues crackling intensely. 

CAVENDISH (over comms): Yeah, I see it.

ELIZABETH (over comms): Okay we're gonna turn these clockwise, all the way. Now.

SFX: metallic grinding, more beeping and dosimeter crackling.

MEDS (over comms): Elizabeth, the temperature is going up two degrees per minute in there. And you're at fifty absorbed rads.

ELIZABETH (over comms): That can't be right, that's too fast.

SFX: a heavy thunk, metal creaking. 

RADKA (over comms): Shit! It's giving way!

ELIZABETH (over comms): Coolant leak, get back, get back!

SFX: creaking turns into a burst of steam. Radka screams, then cuts off abruptly.

BENNOCK (over comms): Radka!

ELIZABETH (over comms): Stay back! Stay back!

SFX: steam continues hissing. 

MEDS (over comms): I've lost her, she's flatlined.

CAVENDISH (over comms): We have to get her out of there!

SFX: steam dissipates. 

ELIZABETH (over comms): She's dead! Listen to me. Cavendish, you need to pull across to her section and finish sealing the valve.

CAVENDISH (over comms): No. No, no, I'm not going over there!

BENNOCK (over comms): Get it together, man! It's the only way we're getting through this.

SFX: dosimeters continue crackling

CAVENDISH (over comms): No, no no no, I won't, no!

ELIZABETH (over comms): Meds, I'm going over there to finish the job myself.

MEDS (over comms): Elizabeth, you're at sixty-eight Rads.

ELIZABETH (over comms): I know. Bennock, keep your interlock held shut, I'm heading over to finish Radka's.

BENNOCK (over comms): Okay, okay I've got it.

CAVENDISH (over comms): No, no, no.

SFX: footsteps, dosimeters crackle.

ELIZABETH (over comms): Alright, I'm moving to… whoa. 

MEDS (over comms): What is it?

ELIZABETH (over comms): Nothing just.. Dizzy. It's just the zero-g.

MEDS (over comms): Alright I'm coming in there to get you out.

ELIZABETH (over comms): Stay right where you are Meds, that's an order. I'm moving across now.

BENNOCK (over comms): Core temperature is– mmmm. Core temperature is still rising.

CAVENDISH (over comms): No, no no no, no.

ELIZABETH (over comms): I'm here, I got it.

SFX: groaning and metallic screeching. Dosimeters continue. 

ELIZABETH (over comms): Okay… I… Okay, Bennock. All we have to do now is… dismount the cyclotron, ok? Grab the housing by the bottom edge, and on my count we're gonna pull back and up, just heave, hard as you can, you got it?

SFX: dosimeter clicking increases until it’s a wall of sound. 

BENNOCK (over comms): Ready.

ELIZABETH (over comms): Three. Two. One. HEAVE!

SFX: Elizabeth and Bennock groan, metal screeches. Whirring slows to a stop. Dosimeter continues crackling as the music fades out. 

- Scene Change -

SFX: Guinevere quarterdeck ambiance fades in. 

CROFT: Couple more minutes and I'll ramp it up to two G internal. Alacrity is having no trouble keeping up. Which I suppose makes sense given the name. You should strap in, Skip.

CASS: Yeah.

SFX: footsteps, then seatbelt buckles. 

CASS: God, I hope they're ok. Maybe I shouldn't have let them go without an escort, but I just--

CROFT: Nah, Skip. You were trusting the new quartermaster to do her job, it was the right choice. They'll get through it, the boss has been on top of her game lately.

CASS: Yeah, she has. I was just so glad she was taking to it so well, didn't want to do anything to derail that.

CROFT: You're hoping it'll be enough for her.

CASS: You up to some of that Merician space therapy again?

SFX: wistful acoustic guitar and fiddle plays

CROFT: Ah, it's just the way we're wired. Living on ships is complicated, more complicated with relationships aboard. We tend to learn to keep an ear out for how people are feeling, what's bothering them. Being stuck in a tin can for months with people who can't get along isn't much fun.

CASS: Nah, I get it. And you're right. She wants to be back out there, solving the big mystery and saving everyone from the famine. I thought maybe I did too, but after Ravi I-- I just wish she could let it go. Being a proper crew like this… just out here on our own. If this was all we ever did I'd be happy.

CROFT: I get it Skip. But uh… well… Permission to speak freely?

CASS: You never need to ask that, Croft.

SFX: hydraulic chair turns. 

CROFT: In that case: I think if you got what you wanted here, it wouldn't really be her anymore, would it?

CASS: Maybe not.

CROFT: We all try to change the people we love. It's always with the best of intentions, to keep them safe. But I don't think it ever really works. Safety is overrated, Skip.

SFX: wistful music fades out. 

- Scene Change -

SFX: muffled thumping, urgent banging on a metal door. Negatory buzzes. 

MEDS: Come on, open up.

BENNOCK (over comms): Open the door! Let us out!

MEDS: I'm working on it!

SFX: more negative buzzes. 

COMPUTER VOICE: Mild radiation levels still present, access not advised.

MEDS: Override!

SFX: beeps, the door opens. Coughing. 

BENNOCK (over comms): Thank god! Quick, your friend needs help, she's barely awake.

CAVENDISH (over comms): Yes, yes yes yes, out, out and out, get me out!

MEDS: Get your man under control and get out of here. I'll get her.

BENNOCK (over comms): Alright. Cavendish, come on man, let's go!

SFX: footsteps recede. 

MEDS: Elizabeth, you with me here?

ELIZABETH (over comms): What did.. Yeah. Did we do the…?

MEDS: Yep, you did it. Hold still. This is an immunostimulant.

SFX: Elizabeth coughs. Hissing as a hypodermic needle fires. 

ELIZABETH (over comms): Okay… Okay…

MEDS: Now fix your magboots to the deck, we're still in zero-g.

SFX: magnets activate, thumps as the boots connect to the deck. 

ELIZABETH (over comms): …I got it.

MEDS: Now let's get out of here. Keep hold of my suit and stay behind me.

SFX: slow footsteps. 

ELIZABETH: I feel like shit.

MEDS: Trust me it could be a lot worse. The suit took most of it, but another thirty seconds and you'd have spent the rest of your life wishing that coolant leak had hit you instead.

SFX: footsteps continue, then the door opens. Comm opens. 

MEDS: Bennock, we're out!

ELIZABETH: Hang on… I just need to… 

MEDS: It's alright, just lean against the bulkhead. Let me get your helmet off.

SFX: hissing and helmet is removed. 

ELIZABETH: Thanks.

SFX: comm opens. 

MEDS: Bennock? Give me a hand down here, we have to get her to the sickbay!

SFX: life support and ship ambiance. 

MEDS: Bennock?!

SFX: negative buzz

BENNOCK (over comms): I'm on the bridge. I'm sorry but… I've sealed the engine deck. You'll be safe down there now, but I can't let you leave.

MEDS: You rat bastard!

BENNOCK (over comms): If you need anything else to help your friend, we'll cycle it in for you. I don't want to kill you, but after what just happened… Radka and… all of that. I didn't go through that nightmare just to go to the stockade. We're getting out of here.

MEDS: The ship's disabled, it's not going anywhere. And you two just got battered with hard radiation, you need help!

BENNOCK (over comms): We have another pirate vessel in the area, a big one. We've already signalled her and she's en route. When she gets here she'll help us make repairs. Stay where you are and you will not be harmed. Bennock out.

SFX: fabric rustles. 

MEDS: Great.

SFX: music fades out. 

- Scene Change -

SFX: scanning and telemetry sounds. 

CASS: Anything, Croft?

CROFT: Doesn't look like it, Skip.

CASS: Alacrity, Guinevere. This is their last known position but we're not seeing anything in LIDAR range, how ‘bout you?

HARPER (over comms): All clear over here too Captain. Strange, I don't think they could have gone farther than our sensor range in the time they've had. We should be able to see their drive plume.

CROFT: They were having engine problems, Skip. Maybe their drive is offline. If so, they could be right under our noses somewhere.

CASS: Alacrity, did you copy that?

HARPER (over comms): Yeah, we'll start sweeping the area. You do the same, but recommend you don't stray too far, Guinevere. We've every reason to believe there's still another pirate ship out here somewhere.

CASS: Copy, Alacrity. We'll stay in touch.

- Scene Change -

SFX: rustling. 

ELIZABETH: Ugh… Alright… Meds, help me up will you?

SFX: more rustling.

MEDS: You're looking better. I was worried for a bit there.

ELIZABETH: Yeah, still feel like shit but at least I can think now.

MEDS: Yeah you're on about six different drugs and a dose of adrenaline. You're gonna hate me for it tomorrow.

ELIZABETH: Bennock's taken the ship. I didn't dream that right?

MEDS: Pfff. I wish you had.

ELIZABETH: Shit.

MEDS: He says he doesn't mean to hurt us, but they have another ship coming in and those guys might have other ideas. Either way I don't think we should stick around to find out.

ELIZABETH: Yeah… Alright, we gotta do something then. …In a minute.

MEDS: Thanks… by the way.

ELIZABETH: What for?

MEDS: Well I barely even know what a cyclotron is, let alone how to dismount one. If you hadn't been here I'd probably have spent the last hours of my life trying to give that reactor CPR.

ELIZABETH: Hah. Ehh. You'd have figured something out.

MEDS: Alright listen. If you'd got yourself killed in there I'd have hated myself for being a dick earlier, so here comes the big emotional monologue. I'm shit at this kind of thing so you're just gonna have to shut up and listen.

ELIZABETH: You really don't have to do that, its ok--

MEDS: What did I just say?

ELIZABETH: Copy that. Shutting up.

MEDS: So here's the thing. Betraying your country, and signing up for the other side, doesn't make you many friends. The marines I trained with weren't too thrilled about having to serve with someone like me, and I had to hate the Union twice as much as any of them to fit in, not that I needed much help with that at the time. It sucked, and it sucked even more when I got my stripes and realised there wasn't a captain in the fleet who wanted some foreign traitor aboard their ship, too much of a morale risk. There was only one other person in the fleet about as unpopular as me, and that was Cass. Since her father was dead set on her being the next Ariana Hawker, she'd been handed a command on a plate and was stuck in a job she had no idea how to do, surrounded by people who had to work their asses off all their lives for their promotions. So she gave me a space on her ship, and long story short, we looked out for each other, so we both at least had one friend through the whole mess. And we went through a lot of shit, okay? A lot. And it pretty quickly turned out that really, neither of us wanted to be there. And I tried to persuade her to get out before it was too late. God knows I tried, but she just couldn't face letting her father down, and you know how that turned out. I just didn't have the words, you know? I've never had the words. I just wanted to help my friend.

ELIZABETH: I think I get it.

MEDS: Yeah. You've got the words, ok? She cares about you, she wants what's best for you, and look what you've done with it. She was finally away from that bastard. It wasn't perfect but we were free and she was happy, and now look where we are. Thanks to you he's got her back under his thumb and I'm telling you, it's not gonna end well.

ELIZABETH: I'll be totally honest with you, since you've been. I may have acted the innocent, but I think… deep down… I probably understood enough to know better. I mean to say, I knew what I was doing pushing her to go to Centrum and hear him out, and I did it anyway. That probably makes me a terrible person. But it's just- I just can't bury my head in the sand. I don't think I'm capable of that. Everything that's still happening out there, I'd have done anything to be involved again- and I guess I… did. I don't want to hurt your friend, Meds. I love her. And don't think I don't feel ashamed of driving her to this. But I just… can't change what I am.

MEDS: I get that. Guess none of us can.

ELIZABETH: She's strong though… you know that. And she's lucky to have a friend like you, that's for sure. She'll be okay. I think… it might be different this time.

MEDS: I hope so.

ELIZABETH: So… What do we do now?

MEDS: I'm gonna shoot some pirates, make me feel better. You coming?

ELIZABETH: Yep. Let's do it.

SFX: music fades out. 

- Scene Change -

SFX: telemetry sounds. A beep.

CROFT: Hey Skip, I think I might have something, not sure. Was only there for a second, could have been a ship course correcting.

CASS: Whereaway?

CROFT: Far off the starboard beam, Alacrity's a lot closer.

CASS: Get them on the horn.

SFX: comms trill

CROFT: Oh, no need, Skip, they're hailing us.

SFX: comms open

HARPER (over comms): Guinevere, Alacrity. We've found them! Signature confirmed, Ivory Thorn. Looks like she's disabled.

CASS: Thank god it's still in one piece. Put her about Croft. Thank you Alacrity, we're on our way.

SFX: engine thrums. Beeping. 

CROFT: Got her on scopes, Skip, it's her alright.

HARPER (over comms): Guinevere, Alacrity, we're getting no response from Ivory Thorn on comms, moving to-- 

SFX: alarms, music gets exciting

CROFT: Whoa, shit. Ivory Thorn has opened fire, Skip! Alacrity's hit.

HARPER (over comms): We're under fire, Guinevere! Ship must be under pirate control again.

CASS: Be careful Captain, my crew may still be aboard.

HARPER (over comms): My thoughts exactly, Captain. We're targeting their weapons.

CROFT: Alacrity at nine-four-seven kilometres, rendezvous in four minutes, Skip.

CASS: Copy that, minimal aspect Croft, run up the swivels and-

SFX: alarms blare. 

CROFT: New contact! Shit, it's her big sister.

CASS: Take evasive-

SFX: explosions, exciting music swells. Swivel guns fire. 

CROFT: She's right on top of us. We're outgunned!

CASS: Must have been shadowing us with her drive cold, waiting for us to split up. Damn it, we should have seen her.

CROFT: Sorry Skip, I'm spinning a lot of plates without Meds here. We could make a dash for the Alacrity?

CASS: No chance, she'd rake us if we tried to run. We're in it now. Straight at 'em, Croft. Let's give them everything we've got.

CROFT: You got it. 

- Scene Change -

SFX: more exciting music. Muffled gunfire and rumbling sounds periodically. 

ELIZABETH: They're shooting at something. The Guin?

MEDS: Hopefully. Either way we gotta get this door open.

ELIZABETH: Any ideas?

MEDS: Oh. You got a cigarette?

ELIZABETH: Don't you start, Cass will just leave us here.

SFX: rustling, cigarette lighter flicks on. 

MEDS: If I'm right, there should be a carbon monoxide sensor in this panel somewhere, just around…

SFX: annoying beeping, door opens. 

ELIZABETH: Damn, nice work.

SFX: lighter clicks closed. 

MEDS: Mhmm. Can't take credit for that one, that's one of Croft's.

ELIZABETH: I'll thank him later. Alright, let's do this.

SFX: gun racks. 

- Scene Change -

SFX: exciting music continues. Muffled gunfire and explosions. 

CROFT: We're out of our class here, Skip. Won't be able to keep this up for long.

CASS: It's those damn carronades. Give them another volley then swing her broad a-starboard and put some more distance between us.

CROFT: Yeah I'm with you.

SFX: beeping and locking signal. 

CASS: Careful though, Croft. Too far out and she'll have us with her long tens.

CROFT: Close but not too close, you got it.

- Scene Change -

SFX: cannons fire, rumbling through the ship. 

BENNOCK: Keep firing!

CAVENDISH: I can't bring the guns to bear, the RCS is burned out!

BENNOCK: We need to reset the drive!

CAVENDISH: No no no, we can't do that from here, and we can't go down cos you've locked them in there, you fool!

SFX: door opens, guns rack.

MEDS: Get away from the consoles!

CAVENDISH: Shit shit shit they're here!

ELIZABETH: Put your weapons on the ground!

BENNOCK: Ok, ok calm down!

CAVENDISH: No! No I won't go!

BENNOCK: Don't do it!

CAVENDISH: I won't g–!

SFX: gunshot, blood dripping, body drops to the deck.

BENNOCK: Shit! Shit! Idiot!

MEDS: I'm sorry, he gave me no choice.

ELIZABETH: Captain Bennock, it's over. Signal that you've struck your colours.

BENNOCK: It's CDF out there! They'll send me to a stockade!

MEDS: Your alternatives aren't looking better.

BENNOCK: Get back! Just- 

SFX: wet, heavy coughing.

ELIZABETH: You need to get to a sickbay, just give it up. Enough people have died!

BENNOCK: Yeah, thanks to you! You dragged us through this nightmare! 

ELIZABETH: It was the only way to save the ship. We'd all be dead otherwise.

MEDS: We don't have time for this. Last chance, give it up while you still can.

SFX: more coughing. 

ELIZABETH: You can still survive this, Captain. Don't throw your life away, not after all this.

- Scene Change -

SFX: exciting music picks back up. Swivel guns fire. Explosion rumbles. 

CROFT: Glancing hit, skip. We're ok, but with that kinda firepower they'll only need one good hit.

CASS: Alright, we'll have to risk making a run for it. Give 'em a couple of torpedoes to keep their attention, then take her to max trim.

CROFT: You got it. 

SFX: clicking and levers pulling. Torpedoes fire. 

CROFT: Torpedoes away, hold on to something.

CASS: A hundred and eighty six kilometers.

SFX: an urgent alarm sounds. 

CROFT: Shit, she's staying with us, bringing round her chasers.

CASS: Brace for impact!

SFX: muffled explosions continue, a comm trills. 

CROFT: Wait, new contact!

HARPER (over comms): Guinevere, Alacrity. Hang in there, Captain, let us take some of this work off your hands.

SFX: transition onto the deck of the Alacrity. 

DEVALLIER: Good hits on their stern quarter, sir. They're coming around. Gun crews report all positions now loaded with double-shot, captain.

HARPER: Very good Ms. DeVallier, steady as she goes Mr. Geirsson, lay us alongside, close as you can.

GEIRSSON: Pistolshot range in four seconds sir, three, two-

HARPER: Starboard battery; prepare to broadside. On my command… Fire!

SFX: rapid canon fire and distant explosions. Deck crew cheer. 

HARPER: Silence, fore and aft! Report if you please, Ms. DeVallier.

DEVALLIER: Oh, we've mauled her something fierce, Captain. Looks like she's lost helm control. Guinevere's turning about for another go at her, sir!

HARPER: Very good, one more broadside ought to do it, Mr Geirsson!

SFX: beeping. 

DEVALLIER: Wait one, Captain. Signal from pirate vessel sir… She's struck, Captain! She's struck!

HARPER: Thank you Ms DeVallier. NOW, you may cheer.

DEVALLIER: Aye aye sir! Huzzah in three times three. Huzzah!

CREW: Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah! 

SFX: triumphant music swells, then fades out. 

- Scene Change -

SFX: gentle cello music plays as the Guin’s engines rumble. 

CASS: Ship's log, Guinevere. 81st of Solstice, 305 PCU. Thanks to the timely arrival of Captain Harper, both pirate vessels have struck their colours. Mr. Bennock has been taken into custody aboard the Alacrity, and myself and Captain Harper have come to a happy arrangement regarding prizes. He has left the Ivory Thorn in our care, and even kindly covered the cost of a hired tug to assist in getting her to our prizemaster to be sold. The larger vessel is to go to the Alacrity as a Centran prize-of-war, her first action in the field and a great victory for Captain Harper and his crew. The tug will be arriving shortly, so all that remains is to finally welcome our surgeon and quartermaster back aboard.

- Scene Change -

SFX: footsteps. Elizabeth coughs. 

ELIZABETH: God, I think those drugs of yours are about to start kicking my ass. I'm looking forward to my own bed. 

MEDS: You're not getting out of that for at least a few days, doctor's orders. We'll just have to survive without you.

ELIZABETH: You'll get no argument from me.

MEDS: Tell you what. Once you're back on your feet, I'll take you up on that brandy, alright?

SFX: gentle music plays. Airlock cycles. 

ELIZABETH: Thanks Meds. Sounds fun.

SFX: door whooshes open

CROFT: Ayy welcome back folks!

CASS: Liz!

ELIZABETH: Cass.

SFX: kiss

MEDS: Steady on Cass, she's been through it. But she saved our asses.

CASS: How do you feel?

ELIZABETH: Better, now I'm back.

SFX: fabric rustling

CASS: Come on, let's get you some rest.

ELIZABETH: Coffee first.

CASS: Alright, coffee first.

SFX: footsteps. 

CROFT: Guess I missed all the fun again. Fixing a faulty reactor, damn.

MEDS: Wouldn't have got out of there without Elizabeth, she was amazing. Nerves of steel.

SFX: door whooshes open, then closed. 

CROFT: Yeah she's a tough cookie.

MEDS: Glad she stuck with us.

CROFT: Me too. Right then. 

SFX: seatbelts click

CROFT: Back on the long black road.

SFX: door whooshes open and closed. 

CASS: She's settled in. Out like a light as soon as she hit the bed. We ready to get going then?

CROFT: Yep. Tug's setting off, we're looking good, Skip.

SFX: triumphant music plays. 

MEDS: Signal from Alacrity, Cass. She's got her prize under her wing and they're getting underway.

CASS: Send our thanks again Meds, and Fair Winds to them.

MEDS: Will do.

SFX: muffled swivel gun fire, beeping. 

CROFT: Whoa. Somebody on the Alacrity lean on the wrong button or something? She's just firing her guns off into space.

MEDS: Huh? Oh nah, Croft. I think that's for us.

CROFT: What?

CASS: It's a salute. A thirteen-gun salute.

SFX: guns continue firing as heroic music swells. 

- Scene Change -

SFX: footsteps echo. 

HARPER: Excuse me.

GUARD: I'm sorry sir, Parliament is not in session. None may enter the House of Ministers.

HARPER: I'm Captain Lewis Harper, I was asked here for a meeting by Admiral Farren, the member for Tripathia.

GUARD: One moment if you please, Captain.

SFX: a quiet beep. 

GUARD: My apologies, Captain. You may enter, the Admiral is waiting for you inside.

SFX: wooden door creaks open, footsteps echo. Contemplative music swells. 

DARIUS: Captain Harper.

HARPER: Admiral Farren, sir! 

DARIUS: At ease, Captain. At ease. Thank you for joining me here. I imagine it may seem an unusual place for a meeting.

HARPER: I'm glad of it, sir. I've never seen inside the chamber before.

DARIUS: I wish you joy of your victory in Valeria, Captain! It grieves me how out of control piracy has become lately, and how little we've been able to do to stop it with our resources spread so thin. Your success was most pleasant news.

HARPER: Thank you sir, I take it very kindly.

DARIUS: I understand you met up with my daughter and her crew while you were in Valeria?

HARPER: Yes sir. We might never have found our prize without them.

DARIUS: How does she fare? Is she well?

HARPER: Yes sir, as far as I could tell she and her crew are quite well. I was very glad to be of assistance to them. If I may sir, I have always admired your daughter as a Captain. And Doctor Ancelet also. They are fine people. I dare say none of us would have returned from the nebula without them.

DARIUS: I dare say you're quite right. Though I wish there were more who shared your sentiment.

HARPER: Yes, sir.

DARIUS: I remember this chamber in the year three hundred. The Black Centenary, they call it now. So easily we forget. But for a short time there, we had given in to despair entirely. This chamber lay empty, banners strewn among the dust. Ministers fled to be with their loved ones. The famine had beaten us. It was finding the nebula that gave us hope. The Avalon Expedition was to be our salvation. Now it's just another endeavour we have cast aside, and the time bought for us by your heroism is frittered away as we bicker and cast blame. I love the Centrum Assembly, Captain, but it cannot be denied… that it has a very short memory. It seems we have made it our national habit, to abandon that which we set in motion. Today I understand the Union better than ever. The war, the famine, everything that came of it. All of it grown in the shadow of our… forgetting. And now here we are. Perhaps precisely where we deserve to be. But if I have judged you correctly, Captain, you, like I, would strive for something better.

HARPER: Yes sir. I would.

DARIUS: If this nation is to survive, I fear that drastic action must be taken. I hope our leaders will have the strength to take such action, but I fear we will find them wanting and we are fast running out of time. Some among us may well be called upon to save this country that we love, men like you and I. But the personal consequences would no doubt be dire.

HARPER: Surely sir, any personal consequence must be gladly suffered, should it preserve our civilisation.

DARIUS: Truer words were never spoken, Captain Harper.

SFX: The Sojourn Ending Theme plays. 

NARRATOR: You have been listening to The Sojourn, Season Two Episode Four: To Pray for Tempests, written and directed by Daniel Orrett, story by Lead Writer Daniel Orrett and Staff Writer Larissa Thompson. Produced by Executive Producer Daniel Orrett, and Producers Larissa Thompson and Gabriel Fonseca. Scientific consultation by Gabriel Fonseca. Sound design and audio editing by Kennedy Phillips. Assembly editing by Aiden Brookstone. Audio mixing by Dave Chick, with additional voices by Michael Carleton, Griffin Puatu, Maia Harlap, Elizabeth Plant, Phil Rowe, Simon Alison, JD Kelly, Maddi Albregts, GM Hakim, Joseph David Spence, and Kate Swift. Music by Sam Redfern. Also featuring “Wilderness” by Taylor Davis which is used with the given permission of Taylor Davis representatives. Continue listening for the next episode.

SFX: The Sojourn Ending Theme continues.