Season Two Episode Five - Arrows of Desire

SFX: a grandfather clock ticks softly as rain patters on windows.

FAULKNER: You have a lovely home, Admiral Farren.

DARIUS: Thank you, Mr. Faulkner. Mr. Keats, Mr. Renfrey, please come in. May I introduce Admiral Francine Gomershall of Admiralty House.

RENFREY: Pleasure to meet you, Admiral.

SFX: grandfather clock chimes. 

GOMERSHALL: Mr. Renfrey.

DARIUS: Please sit. Everyone.

SFX: several people sit. 

KEATS: It is a pleasure to have you join our endeavour, Admiral Gomershall.

GOMERSHALL: As of yet I have joined nothing. If we might forgo the pleasantries, my absence from my duties will not go unnoticed forever.

SFX: fabric rustling, slow footsteps. 

DARIUS:I have enlisted several more captains to our purpose. Most recently Captain Harper of the Alacrity, a good man I believe, loyal.

RENFREY: The House and the electorate are clearly in our favor. There are few willing to tolerate the Prime Minister's apathy any longer. I do not see why we shouldn't use the power we have gathered to simply remove her from office! Install a more considered and decisive leader in her place.

GOMERSHALL: That would certainly preclude your candidacy, Mr. Renfrey.

RENFREY: How dare you!

DARIUS: Silence. I will not hear such talk in my home. We are gathered here out of love of country. And any among you who would dare to raise a hand against the Centrum Assembly or its democratically elected government, will answer to me as much to them. We are here because our intervention is necessary. Because our government will not permit us to do what is necessary. So reluctantly, we choose to proceed without their sanction. Not for ourselves, but because it must be done. But when our work is completed, we will throw ourselves at the mercy of the nation we have saved, and we will serve our time, go to the gallows if that is what is asked of us. Anyone unwilling to face that kind of sacrifice should not be here among us.

SFX: leather creaking. Thunder rumbles softly. 

FAULKNER: Even so. The Prime Minister may not be entirely wrong about the dangers of provoking this enemy. The potential reprisals could be suffered across Tantalus.

GOMERSHALL: True. But I suppose that simply makes it a choice between meeting our end while fighting for survival, or a slow death at the hands of famine.

DARIUS: Precisely, Admiral.

FAULKNER: But is it not possible that the diplomatic efforts may yet bear fruit?

KEATS: Pay no heed to my associate's foolishness, Admiral Farren. I would remind you, Mr. Faulkner, that after months of effort, not a word has been coaxed from the Advari blockade in reply to our overtures.

DARIUS: Plans are in place for an envoy vessel to make an attempt at approaching the blockade directly late next week. In the event it should yield positive results, I am willing to reconsider our position, or delay action further. But I confess, I am not optimistic.

SFX: distant thunder.

GOMERSHALL: If this is to go ahead, we will require as much force as we can bring to bear. I will make what careful inquiries I can throughout the fleet.

DARIUS: Thank you Admiral. I'm grateful you share our views.

KEATS: Irregular forces may be… necessary to augment our number.

RENFREY: Given time, I can secure funds from the treasury under acceptable pretenses to be redirected to any free companies or freelance captains you wish to contact.

FAULKNER: Involving such parties will no doubt make this endeavour almost impossible to keep secret.

KEATS: By that point it will be too far along to make a difference.

RENFREY: What of your daughter, Admiral Farren? She is a freelance privateer is she not, the captain of a well armed vessel? Surely you can secure her support?

DARIUS: As ever, you speak with the impropriety of a politician, Mr. Renfrey.

GOMERSHALL: True enough, but he asks a fair question, Admiral. Your daughter is one of the only people alive with real combat experience against the Advari. May we rely on her support?

SFX: gentle, mysterious piano and harp music plays.

DARIUS: Yes… Before long… I believe we may.

SFX: music swells. 

- Scene Change -

CASS: Hey Bryn.

SFX: warm cello music plays. Footsteps approach, chairs scrape against floor. 

BRYNLOCK: Here they are! First round on the house for my favourite money makers. The way you've been going you lot are basically my pension at this point.

MEDS: Uh, just a coffee for me thanks, my head's killing me.

CROFT: Yeah, same for me, thanks Bryn.

SFX: typing on a tablet, coffee grinder whirrs. 

BRYNLOCK: Suit yourselves. I see we're missing your lovely Quartermaster?

MEDS: She's just sending some mail, will be here in a bit.

BRYNLOCK: Well Captain, don't keep me in suspense, has your streak of good luck continued?

CASS: It has. Was hoping for two, but we took an armed schooner, was harassing some of the traffic by the North Gate, or trying to anyway. Fairly new framing. I've commed you the specs, look 'em over and we can work out a price.

BRYNLOCK: Goddamn, been a hell of a long time since I've seen a streak like this. You guys are on fire. Dogwatch Gin for the woman of the hour?

CASS: Alright sure, will have to be a quick one though. We need to get to the victualler.

SFX: gin is poured.

BRYNLOCK: Far be it from me to discourage my big earner, but uh, you guys look seriously burned out. Rue's Cathouse over the street have got rooms if you need’em? Save yourself rushing for the next skiff, at least?

MEDS: Might not be the worst idea, Cass.

CASS: Nah, sorry. I want to get back underway before the mooring costs tick over, make a saving.

SFX: footsteps approach. 

BRYNLOCK: No rest for the wicked I guess. Ah, there she is!

SFX: chair scrapes across floor. 

CROFT: Hey Boss.

ELIZABETH: Mail's sent. What are we drinking?

CASS: Alright, Liz, let's get to the market. You two get back to the ship, check over those freshwater pumps before we're back.

CROFT: Alright, sure Skip. Come on, Meds. 

MEDS: Fine. We'll take these to go, Bryn.

CASS: Right. Victualler on Stinnett street should give us a good price.

SFX: footsteps retreat. 

ELIZABETH: Cass, can we not slow down for just two seconds? The crew is exhausted. It's been non-stop for weeks.

CASS: This is the job, Liz. We stay still, we're burning mooring fees, we get moving and we're burning fuel costs. Either way the money is always spending, and unless we keep working jobs, keep taking prizes, it's gone before we know it, and you've seen what that looked like. So we keep moving.

SFX: chair scrapes, footsteps. 

BRYNLOCK: Hey, Captain Farren. Wait up a second, wouldja?

CASS: What is it Bryn?

BRYNLOCK: Just heard from the Amber Queen. They had to drop out of a job I had them lined up for. It's just a delivery run, not the biggest payout, but… the run is to Rialtis. And well - if you don't mind my saying, Captain - I figured maybe you could all use some shore leave.

CASS: Oh god, not you too.

ELIZABETH: Clearly a very smart man.

CASS: What are you taking her side for? You're the one we're making a pile of money for.

BRYNLOCK: Yeah, and that's unlikely to last if you've all worked yourselves to death, or fell asleep at the stick and crashed into the drydock. Trust me, I been doing this a long time. Healthy crew's a wealthy crew.

CASS: I don't know, Bryn. It's not that simple.

BRYNLOCK: Up to you. Though I'll say this, I… do happen to know the owner of a certain idyllic little holiday cottage on a certain picturesque island on Rialtis. Nobody around for miles, sunny beaches. Paradise. Perfect for a certain Captain and a certain Quartermaster to uh, switch off for a while. I could put in a good word, just saying.

ELIZABETH: We're going.

CASS: Ugh. Bryn, do you think you could stop inciting my crew to mutiny for a minute?

BRYNLOCK: I gotta go serve a customer, buzz me if you decide you want the job.

SFX: footsteps retreat. 

ELIZABETH: Come on, Cass. You know it's just what we need.

CASS: It's not that I don't want to, Liz, It's just… a few months ago we were sleeping on the floor of the bridge, with no money, in a ship full of holes. We have to keep the prizes coming in, I can't let things get that bad again.

SFX: fist thumps on bartop. 

ELIZABETH: This is nothing like that and you know it. We've got savings now, we're in a comfortable place. Cass... I know how much keeping us all safe matters to you. I know it's all you think about, and we appreciate it, we really do. But sometimes we need to be more than just safe. We deserve a little something for ourselves, and so do you. If we can't buy ourselves a little happiness for a while, then… what's the money even for anyway?

SFX: mellow music plays. 

CASS: Well, you might be right. You're not the first one to tell me I've got a bit too far into my own head about keeping you all safe lately… it's just…

ELIZABETH: I know.

SFX: fabric pat.

ELIZABETH: Love you.

CASS: Love you too.

SFX: chair scrapes.

ELIZABETH: Alright. I'll let you think about it. We can decide tonight. Bryn will hold the job for us.

SFX: kiss.

CASS: Thanks.

SFX: zipper closes. Cheeky fiddle plays. 

ELIZABETH: I'm off to buy a bathing suit. Talk to you later.

CASS: Wai–, of course…

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

NARRATOR: The Sojourn, Season Two Episode Five: Arrows of Desire 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 Jim Chi as Brynlock, Angus Miller as Edwin Faulkner, and Special Guest Star Dominic Keating as Fleet Admiral Darius Farren. 

SFX: Theme music continues.

SFX: engine rumbles quietly. 

ELIZABETH: You awake?

SFX: fabric rustling. 

CASS: I am now. Wuh… Did you turn the gravity off in here?

ELIZABETH: Sure did. Lot of interesting things you can do in zero gravity…

SFX: kissing. 

CASS: Oh I see. What's brought this on?

ELIZABETH: I'm excited for this island.

CASS: I gotta say, now that we're on our way... I am too.

ELIZABETH: That's only because you saw the bathing suit.

CASS: That may have been a factor, but listen, I'm trying to give you a win here. Let you know that you were right, possibly.

ELIZABETH: Oh and that's very kind of you, but we both know I'm always right anyway so-

SFX: kiss. 

CASS: I'm just gonna let that go otherwise we'll be here all week.

ELIZABETH: Smart. You're a smart and pretty lady.

CASS: Yeah… 

SFX: fabric rustles. 

ELIZABETH: You okay? You not feeling it?

SFX: sombre music starts. 

CASS: Sorry, I didn't get much sleep… I don't know. Now that I've taken two seconds to stop and think… I'm not sure I know what I've even been doing lately. Just been hell bent on taking every job we can, keeping us afloat.

ELIZABETH: If I may hit you with some mild psychobabble for a moment, do you think maybe taking two seconds to stop and think is exactly what you have been avoiding?

CASS: Yeah. Solid hypothesis. I don't know, I just… I can't stop thinking about Ravi. Not for months now. I thought it would get better, but… He should never have been there.

ELIZABETH: Yes he should. I miss him, and I hate that he's gone. But he chose to be there. He died doing a very brave thing of his own volition, and it wasn't your fault.

CASS: It's just– There's something… I dunno screaming at me, all the time, that I can't let it happen to any of you. And maybe I've made a few crappy decisions because of it, I don't know.

ELIZABETH: You're only human. These things take time to process, and you haven't given yourself the time. You've done everything you can to avoid it. Time to let yourself face it down. Feel it, and come out the other end.

CASS: God, you shouldn't have to be telling me this. You lost your Dad, and here I am being a selfish-

ELIZABETH: Hey. None of that. I lost my Dad, yeah, and you were there for me. You're still there… for me. You've given me a home and a job, I don't know what I would have done without you and the others. I– I want to be there for you. That's what this is. We're not haggling over a grain shipment, we don't need to sit around measuring out our grief and our empathy to balance the books. I'm here for you, it's that simple.

SFX: fabric rustles.

CASS: You are also a smart and pretty lady.

ELIZABETH (in an accent): Oh but I don't believe you! I'm a terribly insecure and fragile soul!

CASS: Yes, I've often got that impression.

ELIZABETH (in an accent): You're just gonna have to prove it to me.

CASS: I think that can be arranged.

SFX: kissing. Quiet beeping starts, then speeds up. 

ELIZABETH: Hey, what's that beeping?

SFX: mechanics whirr to life.

CASS: Ah shi–

SFX: bodies slam to the deck. Groaning.

CROFT (over PA): Hey folks, looks like you guys had some kind of glitch with the gravity in there. Just reset it for you, I'll have a proper look later. Hope I didn't wake you!

CASS: …Thanks Croft.

ELIZABETH: Yep. Thanks a lot.

- Scene Change -

SFX: wistful music plays over engine rumbling. 

CASS: Guinevere - At longitude 16 degrees, 24 minutes West, declination -23 minutes, 42 seconds, range .27 AU Solar. Valeria System. 118th Solstice, 305 PCU, Cassandra Farren, commanding. Underway at 1.3G trim, standing northeast by east for North Gate, with cargo of 23 pallets synthetic rye, 3 pallets coltermesh textiles, 2 pallets adhesive foam, secure for transit to Coastridge, Rialtis. Ship in good order. Crew in temperate spirits. All's well.

- Scene Change -

SFX: liquid poured into glasses.

ELIZABETH: Cheers.

SFX: glasses clink. 

MEDS: Fair winds.

SFX: swallows. Glasses set down. 

ELIZABETH: Damn. Very smooth.

MEDS: Yeah. Guess those pirates had decent taste in brandy at least.

ELIZABETH: Not sure it was worth getting griddled by a reactor for, but it's damn good.

MEDS: You still taking your supplements?

ELIZABETH: Yeah yeah, I'm good. Feeling pretty much back to normal now.

MEDS: You got seriously lucky there.

ELIZABETH: Hey, did you say you've been hearing from Maalsuwda?

MEDS: Yeah. Sounds like he's the safe bet for Marshal-Governor of Maiala's Rest next season.

ELIZABETH: No shit? Damn, that's a hell of a thing. He deserves it.

MEDS: Yeah, he does.

ELIZABETH: There's probably some kind of cultural observation to be made about the fact that our country threw us under the bus when we came back, and his is ready to elect him leader.

MEDS: Yeah, the thought had occurred to me.

ELIZABETH: Do you want to go back there?

MEDS: Ah, I don't know. I mean, Cass did offer to take me, before we left the nebula. But with everything that's happened since, I don't want to give her more to think about. Especially now it seems like she's finally taking some time for herself.

ELIZABETH: God, here we go again. This ship needs a counsellor. You know, you are allowed to consider your own needs from time to time, right?

MEDS: I know, I just… I guess I don't know if I'm ready yet myself. To go back, I mean. It's been a long time. A whole war and then some. It's a different place now.

ELIZABETH: Worried they'd still turn you away?

MEDS: Worried they won't.

SFX: engine continues rumbling softly.

ELIZABETH: Hmm.

MEDS: What?

ELIZABETH: Just remembering a much angrier Tamara Melari from not so long ago who would probably have punched me by now.

MEDS: Oh, well. The night is young.

ELIZABETH: Hah. Pour me another.

SFX: glasses poured.

MEDS: Cheers.

SFX: glass clinks, swallowing. 

ELIZABETH: See, this is more my speed. Cass would have put the bottle away by now. Either she's worried I'd drink her under the table or worried she'd start dancing on it. I'm desperate to find out which.

MEDS: Ho ho, typical navy officer. Should have joined the marine corps, comes with a free liver transplant after the first week of shore leave.

SFX: muffled footsteps approach.

ELIZABETH: That's a good deal.

SFX: door whooshes open. 

MEDS: Oop. Here she is.

ELIZABETH: Captain on deck!

CASS: What are you two up to?

ELIZABETH: Meeting of the reactor leak survivor's club. We'd invite you but you were off on your little pleasure cruise with Harper.

CASS: Oh yeah that was a barrel of laughs.

MEDS: Sorry, we don't make the rules.

ELIZABETH: Anyway we were just exchanging notes about the magnificence of our fearless leader.

CASS: Oh well that's fine then. Carry on.

ELIZABETH: Aye aye, captain.

SFX: footsteps, door whooshes open. 

CASS: You'll have Croft in a minute, I'm off to relieve him.

MEDS: Oh good, he can help.

ELIZABETH: Love yooooooooooooooou.

SFX: door whooshes closed, footsteps continue up a ladder. Door whooshes open again. 

CASS: Hey Croft.

CROFT: Alright Skip, your watch already?

CASS: Yep, how we looking?

SFX: door whooshes closed. 

CROFT: All quiet and everything's at an even keel. A more peaceful trip you couldn't ask for.

CASS: May need some damage control in the galley. Shore leave started early there.

CROFT: Hah. I'll have to go help.

CASS: That's what Meds said.

SFX: seatbelt clicks closed. 

CASS: My spacecraft.

CROFT: Your spacecraft.

SFX: seatbelt clicks open. 

CASS: I'm really glad those two are getting along.

CROFT: Ah, I knew they'd come around. Meds always just needs a bit of time, you know. I think your Dad being back in the picture kinda got under her skin.

CASS: Yeah, I know. Sometimes I think she managed to hate him even more than I ever did.

CROFT: It's always easier to hate people who hurt our friends than people who hurt us.

CASS: Yeah, it is.

SFX: buttons click. 

CROFT: What do you reckon? Do you believe him, your Dad?

CASS: I want to. I believe that he believes it.

CROFT: Ah you see, they're not quite the same thing. That's the problem I reckon. With everyone. He's your Dad. So you want to believe he's on the level. Meds; well he hurt her friend, so she wants him to be the bad guy. Elizabeth; he's the only one with any power taking her seriously so she wants to believe she can trust him. It's always the most important things where we're least rational. That's people for you.

CASS: You're saying none of us can make a fair judgement, cos we're all seeing what we want to see? Well... except you, I suppose. So what do you think?

CROFT: Haven't the foggiest, Skip. I just work here.

SFX: footsteps retreat, door whooshes open. 

CASS: Wow, thanks. You know, you were almost sounding wise for a minute there.

CROFT: Exactly. Leave 'em while you're looking good.

SFX: door whooshes closed. 

- Scene Change -

SFX: wistful music over gentle engine rumbling.

CASS: Guinevere - At longitude 62 degrees 29 minutes East, declination +50 minutes, 14 seconds, range 7.98 AU Solar. Centrum System. 122 Solstice, 305 PCU, Cassandra Farren, commanding. Crossing Thornbrook Belt, Steady at 1.28G trim, standing southwest by west a half south for West Gate. Arasin Maxima visible broad on starboard bow. Moderate traffic, manifest and transit schedule transmitted, no delays anticipated. Ship in good order. Crew in temperate spirits. All's well.

- Scene Change -

SFX: piano joins the wistful cello music, the song ends. 

ELIZABETH: Shall we try the Aigner?

CASS: Sure.

SFX: papers ruffle, notification ping. 

CASS: Wait hang on.

ELIZABETH: What is it?

CASS: News update, it just came in. Check it out.

SFX: beeps as volume increases. 

SEFTON (over radio): –footage still coming in today at a two-hour light-lag. But it would seem the attempted approach of the CDF Diplomatic Envoy vessel Felicity to the blockade of four Advari Lightships, has prompted what appears to be some manner of warning shot from the lead Advari vessel. At this time no damage or casualties has been caused. The Felicity has withdrawn to a safe distance and there seems to be no indication of further motion or action from the Advari vessels. The alien blockade continues to refuse any attempts at communication. More on this developing story at seven bells.

CBR ANNOUNCER (over radio): That was Oliver Sefton with the latest from the Advari blockade. In other news, Secretary of State for Defence, Malcolm Finchbreck resigned today in protest of continued inaction by the Sarali Administ–

CASS: Damn.

ELIZABETH: At least it was only a warning shot.

CASS: Yeah.

SFX: engine rumbles. 

ELIZABETH: God dammit.

CASS: I know it kills you not being out there. Thinking about how much you could help.

SFX: shifting on stool.

ELIZABETH: Yeah. It sucks. Can't pretend it doesn't.

CASS: At least you've got your work with Sidhu and the others.

ELIZABETH: Nope. Not until I get back from shore leave. Barring anything urgent, they can wait.

CASS: Seriously?

ELIZABETH: Seriously. Right now, there's nowhere else I'd rather be than right here on this ship, with this crew, playing this piece with you.

CASS: Alright. On my tempo. Three, four...

SFX: cello and piano starts playing, comm chimes. 

ELIZABETH: Damn it.

CROFT (over comms): Dinner's ready folks, get it while it's hot.

- Scene Change -

SFX: food sizzles. Door whooshes open, footsteps approach. 

ELIZABETH: Oooh, smells good, what're we having?

CROFT: What are we having? We are having… hopdacky! Heh heh heh, managed to pick up some crickets on Stranger's Home! 

MEDS: Oh ho ho ho, now you're talking.

CASS: You kept that quiet.

CROFT: Thought it would be nice for the last night before shore leave.

ELIZABETH: I'm sorry, did you say crickets?

CROFT: Sure did. Merician delicacy. Dates back to the exile. Ground cricket and enoki mushroom in a spicy peanut sauce. Mm mm mm, don't knock it ‘til you've tried it! 

CASS: It's actually really good.

MEDS: Let me try that sauce.

SFX: hand smack. Kitchen sounds continue. 

CROFT: Ah, ey! Away from the sauce. Sit down. Good things come to those who wait.

MEDS: Alright, alright.

ELIZABETH: So what are you guys gonna be up to while I steal your captain away to Surisola Island?

CROFT: Two weeks on a planet is a bit much for me. Think I'll head down to see some sights, then get back into orbit and hit up Firenna Raceport for a bit, see some of the races. Regional semis are on at the moment.

CASS: Oh Croft, you see that cutter that Dynamica are running for the Lucanti Regatta?

CROFT: I have, and I'd love to be able to agree with you that it's a very slick design, but I'm afraid that would violate my loyalty to the home team.

CASS: Uh-huh, yes of course. 

MEDS: You know, for a civilisation based entirely around living and working in space, you kinda suck at putting together a half decent racing team.

CROFT: It's very dangerous to offend the man who cooks your meals.

SFX: cutlery clatters. 

CROFT: Alright, tuck in folks.

SFX: eating, cutlery against plates. 

ELIZABETH: Damn you're not wrong. This is good.

CROFT: Gotta make the peanut sauce yourself, that's what makes the difference. None of that canned stuff.

CASS: This another one that dates back to your prison kitchen days?

ELIZABETH: I swear you make half of these jobs up.

CROFT: I'm just in high demand I guess. Man of many talents.

MEDS: Yeah but you stuck with this ship. Just can't get enough of us.

CROFT: Eh, the pay is pretty good.

CASS: When things are going well at least.

CROFT: Nah seriously though. I've been all over the place, done all kinds of shit. But I'm glad I found you all. Only took a few weeks on this ship and I knew this is where I wanted to be. You guys are the best.

ELIZABETH: Awww.

MEDS (mouth full): Less of the sappy shit, I'm eating.

CASS: He's only saying this to try and get out of the washing up.

ELIZABETH: Ah, I see. Hey, as quartermaster, shouldn't I have some kind of beating stick or something for situations like that?

MEDS: Mm mm. That's boatswain.

ELIZABETH: Damn it.

CROFT: Threats of violence aside, gotta say I'm glad you stuck around Boss. You been kicking arse as Quartermaster.

MEDS: Mmhmm. Hear hear.

CROFT: You got the Skip to give us shore leave so you're better at this than Meds ever was.

MEDS: Hey!

CASS: She mostly just sort of annoys me into submission.

ELIZABETH: I have other means of persuasion. I'll show you when we get to that island.

MEDS: Still eating.

CROFT: At least you don't have to do all that paperwork anymore.

MEDS: Yeah I don't miss that to be fair. Your problem now.

ELIZABETH: Ironic, really. I used to dump all of it on Ravi. Guess he finally got his way in the end. He'd like that.

CASS: Yeah…

CROFT: The man sure did like paperwork. Heh. 

MEDS: Had a hard job. There's nothing in the CDF manual that tells you how to deal with Elizabeth Ancelet.

ELIZABETH: You're damn right.

SFX: cutlery clattering stops. 

CROFT: You okay, Skip? 

CASS: Yeah, thanks. I just… I think until just now… I didn't really let myself understand that… we're all dealing with this. I shouldn't have hid myself away, let myself be angry on my own. We should have gone through this together.

CROFT: Not too late, Skip. You got the last of that brandy, Meds?

MEDS: Yeah, on the counter there.

SFX: chair scrapes, glasses clink. 

ELIZABETH: Thanks Croft.

SFX: glasses poured, bottle set down. 

CROFT: Captain?

SFX: chair scrapes. Mournful music plays. 

CASS: To Jasper Ravi, to Winston Redfield.

ELIZABETH: To Bridget Volkova.

CROFT: Arin Bankole.

MEDS: Tamika Jinn.

ELIZABETH: Rachel Weisheimer.

MEDS: Taida Jadina.

ELIZABETH: Felix Labelle.

CROFT: Vaddy. Wherever he might be.

CASS: To them all.

SFX: glasses clink. 

ELIZABETH: To them all.

CASS: Fair winds.

ALL: Fair winds.

SFX: music fades out. 

- Scene Change -

SFX: wistful music plays as the engine rumbles.

CASS: Guinevere - At Longitude 5 degrees 7 minutes west, declination -13 minutes 42 seconds, range .818 AU Solar. Rialtis System. 127th of Solstice, 305 PCU, Cassandra Farren, commanding. Weathered inner face of New Hazelwick Shallows at steady 1.31G trim. Now standing north, a half west on final approach to Rialtis. Journey has been without incident. Cargo secure for delivery, and all hands to retire for two weeks shore leave. Ship in perfect order. Crew in... high spirits. All's well.

- Scene Change -

SFX: birdsong and cicadas buzzing. Footsteps crunch on sand. Ice clinks in glasses as they’re set on a surface.

CASS: I must say. Brynlock has outdone himself. The house is beautiful.

ELIZABETH: Yeah it is. Mmm, it's so quiet. Come on, sit with me.

SFX: wood creaking. 

CASS: God. Feels like so long since I just… stopped.

ELIZABETH: I could look out across this lake forever.

CASS: Yeah right. At least until you thought of something clever to say, or had some kind of research idea, or wanted a cigarette.

ELIZABETH: Oh that's a good idea, pass me the lighter.

CASS: Here.

SFX: lighter clicks on. 

ELIZABETH: Believe it or not. Even I need to just stop sometimes.

SFX: birdsong.

ELIZABETH: You know… everything… that you get into your head about. Making enough for us to live and be safe, what does that mean to you? Is it this? A house on a lake, settling down... Is that where we're going?

CASS: Why does there need to be somewhere that we're going? That ship. You and I, Meds and Croft, together. It means more to me than anything. 

SFX: meaningful music gently fades in.

When I grew up. The plan had already been written for me, my duty, my inheritance to carry forward. That was what I was for. But when we're out there, we're in the spaces between, where there are no expectations, and the only rules are written by physics. In the spaces between, there's freedom. And all it takes is a keel and a hull and a wisp of atmosphere, and we have a place that we fill with ourselves. A precious few dozen meters of air and metal that we can take with us, along any point of the compass. Home.

ELIZABETH: I suppose there are a lot more pretty houses on beautiful islands out there, why settle for only seeing one of them?

CASS: Would you want that? To just fly with us, forever?

ELIZABETH: I can't think of a happier ending.

CASS: Neither can I.

SFX: music swells, then fades. 

- Scene Change -

SFX: music gets tense. Chatter on a quarterdeck. Beeps.

TAYLOR: Signal cycle 178 complete, sir. No response.

MEDWIN: Thank you, Mr. Taylor.

SFX: footsteps approach. 

DALLIANCE XO: Commodore Medwin, if I may. 

MEDWIN: What is it, Commander?

DALLIANCE XO: News from Fort Farbridge, sir. Supply ship has been called off. We're to await further updates.

MEDWIN: "Called off"? What the hell does that mean?

DALLIANCE XO: It seems it's been redirected, sir. Apparently a senior flag officer from Force East overruled the standing order, claiming his ships were in greater need of supply.

MEDWIN: Greater need? We are facing down an alien armada, what possible greater need could-

DALLIANCE XO: Your orders sir?

SFX: footstep. 

MEDWIN: Put the squadron to one third rations. Pass the word quietly, and ensure mess officers are ordered to make the change slowly, across the next few days. If it happens overnight the hands will be-

SFX: urgent beeping. 

TAYLOR: Commodore Medwin, sir! We're receiving a signal. I believe… I believe it's coming from the Advari, sir.

DALLIANCE XO: My god...

MEDWIN: Run it through the translation program, Mr. Taylor.

SFX: beeping, chatter stops. 

TAYLOR: Program running sir.

MEDWIN: Take your time, Lieutenant. Get it right.

SFX: more beeping. 

TAYLOR: Translation complete sir.

MEDWIN: On speakers, if you please.

SFX: static. 

ADVARI VOICE: We speak… only… to the one called… Elizabeth.

SFX: sinister music. Chatter resumes.

MEDWIN: Mr. Taylor… Signal the mail clipper to prepare to carry an urgent dispatch to Admiral Farren.

SFX: The Sojourn Ending Theme plays. 

NARRATOR: You have been listening to The Sojourn, Season Two Episode Five: Arrows of Desire, 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 Dave Chick. Assembly editing by Aiden Brookstone. Audio mixing by Dave Chick, with additional voices by Lucy Munday, GM Hakim, Ross Camsell, Paul Albertson, Phil Rowe, Simon Alison, JD Kelly, and Elizabeth Plant. 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.