Season Two Episode Seven - The Wolf and the Raven
SFX: typing. Mysterious music plays. A door creaks open and closed as footsteps approach.
SONGBIRD: Madame Prime Minister.
SARALI: Songbird.
SONGBIRD: It is an uncommon thing for someone of your high office to find their way into this room, ma'am. Orders passed through the Foreign Secretary, the Home Secretary, certainly, but it is rarely germane for a Prime Minister to entreat the services of this building so directly.
SFX: chair creaks. Footsteps.
SARALI: These are uncommon times.
SONGBIRD: Of that there can be no doubt. What brings you across the bay, Prime Minister?
SARALI: I should like a report. Unfiltered by intermediaries. Admiral Farren. He intends to move against me. When?
SFX: typing.
SONGBIRD: I don't believe it would be wholly accurate to say he intends to move against you. It is clear that he is not that sort of man. Rather it seems he intends to move without you. Semantics, you may say. But in these walls, that is our trade.
SFX: chair creaks.
SARALI: You may speak frankly, Songbird. That is what I need of you.
SONGBIRD: Very well. It was a shrewd decision to endorse Elizabeth Ancelet and her new olive branch to the Advari so wholeheartedly. If it should fail, it will do so bearing her name, she will carry the blame. But you allowed her to be vilified for too long. With no support or recognition from your government she found it instead with Admiral Farren.
SFX: footstep.
SARALI: They remain in contact?
SONGBIRD: Indirectly. From what we can tell she conducts her research on the Advari and the pulsar phenomenon privately, and forwards her notes to a Professor Vikram Sidhu, an associate of Admiral Farren and a member of the Brasspine Yeomanry.
SFX: footstep.
SARALI: Where is this professor located?
SONGBIRD: That we cannot say. Her research notes are carried by encrypted signal as far as the Atamara system. From there they cannot be followed precisely. We are likely looking for a ship or station, but it would take months to comb the system for it. In order to determine the location accurately, we would need to obtain the coordinates from Ancelet herself.
SARALI: Is your man in position to accomplish that?
SONGBIRD: If I may, ma'am. Perhaps you might simply ask her for them. Offer her the resources you have denied her until now.
SARALI: Were she alone in this I might. But she travels with Admiral Farren's daughter.
SFX: typing.
SONGBIRD: More than travels, it seems.
SARALI: I take it we must assume Captain Farren to be working in support of her father.
SFX: more typing.
SONGBIRD: There was some question on that score until recently. But now it seems certain, yes.
SARALI: Then by extension we cannot trust Ancelet. Not until we are the only influence acting upon her. And as the only voice the Advari will listen to, we must control her if we are to survive. With so much at stake, we cannot be disunited.
SFX: music continues.
SONGBIRD: I must warn you, Prime Minister. Time may be very short indeed. The Admiral intends to make his move very soon. And even in spite of recent developments, his position remains incredibly popular. It may be disastrous to oppose him publicly.
SARALI: Nevertheless, anything he has to offer Elizabeth Ancelet must be taken away from him. I am already losing control of my navy. Over a dozen ships have gone dark. I will not lose control of the peace efforts as well.
SFX: typing.
SONGBIRD: Once we have secured the coordinates we need, I believe we can solve both problems. There are a great many ways something can disappear from the Atamara Crossroads.
SFX: music builds sinisterly, then fades out.
SFX: Intro music starts - “Wilderness” by Taylor Davis.
NARRATOR: The Sojourn. Season Two, Episode Seven: The Wolf and the Raven, by Rowan J. Coleman and 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 Angela Tran as Maxine Blake, Angus Miller as Edwin Faulkner, Phil Rowe as Commodore Samuel Medwin, and Tori Danner as Prime Minister Nicola Sarali.
SFX: Theme music continues.
SFX: cosmic ambience, wistful music plays.
ELIZABETH: That should be all for now, Professor. I've attached all relevant notes and I'll forward you the results of my latest gravity wave radiation sims in the next batch as soon as it's complete. I hope you and Tabina are keeping well. Package above message for delivery to Professor Vikram Sidhu, care of Fleet Admiral Darius Farren, encrypted coordinates enclosed, scramble code V-C-five-five-eight-four-nine.
SFX: telemetry, confirmation notification sound.
- Scene Change -
SFX: coffee is poured.
MEDS: You want coffee?
ELIZABETH: That's perfect. Thanks, Meds.
SFX: Elizabeth sips, news broadcast plays quietly on the radio in the background.
CASS: You get your mail out before the gate?
ELIZABETH: Yeah, just now.
CASS: Good.
ELIZABETH: I still think this communication's blackout is unnecessary. Isn't the whole point of this thing to work together and have an open dialogue? Yet here we are acting all cloak and dagger.
SFX: news jingle plays.
CASS: Mm.
MEDS: Hey, can you turn that up?
SFX: broadcast volume increases.
SEFTON: --as pressure from her cabinet continues to rise. Preparations continue for the Ancelet Initiative Summit here in Mericia, which will process
ELIZABETH: God I wish they wouldn't call it that.
SEFTON: -the implications of the unprecedented new supply arrangement secured with the alien Advari by Doctor Elizabeth Ancelet. With the first of the alien food and soil shipments having already arrived and being temporarily held under guard by the multinational blockade force in Cardeus, the principal matter of discussion at the summit will be the distribution rates of these new supplies between the worlds and nations of Tantalus. Such discussions have been complicated even before they begin, by ongoing political change within the Frontier Union. Former Militia Captain and Avalon Expedition veteran Omar Maalsuwda has declared his intent to campaign for the Union to receive a seventy percent majority of every new food shipment for the first three seasons-
ELIZABETH: What?
SEFTON: -by way of reparations for damages caused to the Southeastern Frontier and its people by what he describes as "malicious neglect" during the region's pre-war colonial period under Assembly governance. This pronouncement has generated a fervent reaction across the Frontier and analysts suggest it has likely secured the governorship election in Mr Maalsuwda's favor. This is Oliver Sefton with Centrum Broadcast Radio, on site in the City of Mericia. More at eight bells.
SFX: jingle plays, volume decreases.
ELIZABETH: Well that's brilliant. What the hell am I supposed to say about that? Seventy percent? The Assembly will never swallow that, they'd start another war first. What is he thinking?
MEDS: He's thinking about his people.
ELIZABETH: We need to stand together, now more than ever. I remember he said the same back in the nebula. But I guess that goes by the board as soon as it might win him an election.
MEDS: That's unfair, Liz. And he was going to win the election anyway.
SFX: broadcast turns off.
MEDS: Listen, I don't envy you going into that conference and having to help figure this out, honestly. I certainly couldn't do it. But "we all have to stand together" just isn't going to cut it this time. What you saw when we were on Firewatch, people begging in the streets, ration shortages? The Frontier was like that when I was fifteen. We've been living with famine a hell of a lot longer than the rest of Tantalus, and without shipments like this, we all die. Preferencing the Frontier is triage, it's that simple.
ELIZABETH: They're still never going to accept it. Half of them already think I'm some kind of alien spy, now I'm supposed to tell them that seventy percent of their food should go to a foreign country?
MEDS: It's everyone's food. I'm sure he expects the percentage to be whittled down but yeah, like I said, I don't envy you.
ELIZABETH: Cass, what do you think?
SFX: typing.
ELIZABETH: Cass?
CASS: Hm? Sorry, what were you saying?
ELIZABETH: Are you okay? You seem a little distracted.
CASS: It's nothing. Just...thinking.
ELIZABETH: About what?
CROFT (over PA): On approach now, Skip.
CASS: On my way up.
SFX: footsteps retreat, a door whooshes open and closed.
MEDS: She's been "distracted" a lot lately. Ever since she started talking to her father again.
ELIZABETH: She's just… got a lot on her plate right now.
MEDS: So do you.
ELIZABETH: Yeah...
- Scene Change -
SFX: typing and the quiet rumble of the engine. Music plays. A door whooshes open and closed.
CASS: Hey Croft.
CROFT: Skip.
SFX: seatbelt clicks in.
CROFT: There she is. Home sweet home.
SFX: music swells to an impressive crescendo.
CASS: I swear it looks even bigger than the last time we were here.
CROFT: I think it is. They finished building out the Yancey Residential district last year.
CASS: You Mericians are certainly an industrious bunch. Put the rest of us to shame.
SFX: comms trill.
MERICIA TC (over comms): Kilo-delta-two-seven-oh-niner, this is Mericia Outer City control, you are cleared for approach to Wilton-Grainger dockyards, berth four-twenty-four. Bearings to initial are one-zero, mark three-five-zero, good copy?
CROFT: Good copy, Control. Two-seven-oh-niner beginning approach.
MERICIA TC (over comms): Kilo-Delta Two-seven-oh-niner, be advised, we will be conducting a spot check when you arrive.
CASS: Negative, Control. We're here on express invite to the embassy Summit. I can provide letters of safe conduct.
MERICIA TC (over comms): Any such papers are to be presented during inspection. I'm afraid all spot checks are mandatory under--
FAULKNER (over comms): Outer City Control, this is Secretary Edwin Faulkner of the Centran Provost Marshal's Office. I can vouch for Captain Farren. Please allow her vessel to proceed unhindered.
CASS: Faulkner?
MERICIA TC (over comms): Copy that. Spot check no longer required, two-seven-oh-niner. You are clear to proceed.
CROFT: Wasn't Faulkner that guy on Centrum? Fella with the really long title? I wonder what he's doing here.
CASS: Yeah…
SFX: music crescendos, then fades out.
- Scene Change -
SFX: hydraulic whirring, industrial ambiance.
CASS: Alright folks, let's find the dockmaster.
ELIZABETH: Big place.
MEDS: And busy.
CROFT: You ain't seen nothing yet, Boss.
BLAKE: Well now. Look who it is.
CROFT: Ayy! Captain Blake. The hell are you doing here?
BLAKE: I live here, remember? And that's Max to you, big man. I'd still be spinning around some gas giant in the arsecrack of nowhere without your crazy flying.
CASS: It's good to see you, Captain.
BLAKE: You too. All of you.
CASS: Did you know we'd be here?
BLAKE: Sure did. Thanks to our extragalactic shenanigans you're now looking at the NGS Freightsguild's Foreign Liaison Officer. They've got me helping to set up this big summit.
MEDS: For god's sake. Did everyone on that expedition get a payraise but us?
BLAKE: Yeah, I'd heard you all had a rough one. Sorry about that. Unfortunately I may have to add to that. Thanks to a quite dramatic fault with the fire suppression system, your hotel suites are off the table. Now, I can get you some crewman's lodgings nearby, but… I happened to receive a comm from the wonderful Mrs. Piper Croft.
CROFT: Aw, struth.
BLAKE: She made it clear in no uncertain terms that you are all to stay with them.
ELIZABETH: Oh, that sounds lovely.
CROFT: Sorry if there was any bother, Max.
BLAKE: Oh no no, your mum is great, we had a very interesting conversation.
CROFT: I do not like the sound of that.
SFX: comm beeps.
BLAKE: Ah damn it, I gotta get back to the Embassy. I'll let you all go and get yourselves settled in. Croft, I'll see you back here at eleven bells tomorrow. You're buying me a drink.
CROFT: Copy that.
ELIZABETH: Now I'm really excited to meet your folks.
CROFT: Come on. This way.
MEDS: Blake seemed pleased to see you.
CROFT: Yeah, she's a good egg--
MEDS: No. She was really pleased to see you.
CROFT: What? No. I don't know.
MEDS (sarcastic): Yeah, cos she did a really good job of hiding it. It was very subtle.
CROFT: Was it?
SFX: an arm is punched.
MEDS: No, you tool. You cannot be this dense, it's a wonder the ship can take off.
CROFT: Yeah yeah. You're clearly envious of my effortless charm.
- Scene Change -
SFX: footsteps come down a hallway.
CROFT: Alright, this is them! Prepare to be hosted to death.
SFX: a door buzzer rings.
ELIZABETH: Can't wait.
SFX: muffled footsteps approach, a door opens. Comfy acoustic guitar music plays.
NATHAN: Alright Matty!
CROFT: Ayyy, good to see you Dad!
NATHAN: They're here, love!
PIPER: Ooh, come in come in. Stop standing there like a lemon, Nathan, let them in.
ELIZABETH: Ooh this is lovely.
CROFT: Hey Mum!
PIPER: Oh, good to see you, kiddo! And Tamara, still keeping my son out of trouble?
MEDS: Doing my best.
CASS: Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Croft.
PIPER: Oh she's polite. We'll have to put a stop to that.
CASS: Oh-- I'm sorry, ma'am.
NATHAN: We're just yanking your chain, Captain. Is she always like this?
ELIZABETH: I'm afraid so.
PIPER: And look at you! You are gorgeous! I always said when you were on the news, she is gorgeous. Didn't I, Nathan? Oh, you’ve done well for yourself there, Captain.
ELIZABETH: Oh she knows.
SFX: chair scrapes against floor.
PIPER: Now sit down, sit down, I'll pop the kettle on.
MEDS: Thanks.
PIPER: Let me help you with that, Captain. Looks heavy.
CASS: I've got it. Thank you both for your hospitality, it's very kind of you.
PIPER: Oh, nonsense. We're happy to have you.
NATHAN: And trust me, you don't want to be in those crewmen's lodgings right now. Violent, desperate places. Things aren't quite as bad in Mericia, so we get foreign deckhands who ditch their ships and try to stow away here in the city, hoping to get away from the famine. Only wind up hiding from the tipstaffs and the PMC's, poor devils. Couple of our own, even, have been booted off for harbouring stowaways.
ELIZABETH: Booted off?
CROFT: Some crimes on Mericia are punishable by exile. Closed system, see. Can't waste resources on troublemakers. At least, that's how the government sees it.
ELIZABETH: Sounds harsh.
PIPER: So Captain, I hear you've been doing a wonderful job taking care of our clueless vagabond son.
CROFT: Hey!
NATHAN: You should have seen some of the crooks he worked for before you, Captain. Wouldn't have had any of them over for dinner, I'll tell you that much.
CROFT: Yeah, can't argue with that one.
SFX: footsteps approach, tea cups clink as they’re set down.
PIPER: Really though. Thank you, Captain. For bringing our son home from that nebula, and back to us. We thought we'd never see him again. Thank you.
CASS: My pleasure, Mrs. Croft. Nothing is more important to me than my crew.
SFX: tea is poured.
CROFT: Man, glad to be back here. Think I needed this more than I realized.
SFX: comfy guitar music finishes.
- Scene Change -
SFX: ambient city sounds. Thoughtful music plays. Rummaging from the next room.
MEDS: Cass, that you?
SFX: rummaging stops.
CASS: Oh. Hey, didn't know you were up.
MEDS: You okay?
CASS: Yeah, yeah, just checking my bags. Thought I might have forgotten something.
MEDS: Not quite what I meant.
CASS: Yeah, just… had a lot on my mind lately. Needed some fresh air.
MEDS: Fresh as they can make it anyway.
CASS: I didn't realize they had a balcony. Nice view.
MEDS: I remember back on Maiala's Rest, there was a guy a couple of streets down from the orphanage who had a house with two bathrooms. About the craziest thing we'd ever seen. Wasn't a portajohn or anything. We figured he must be some kind of king.
SFX: music continues.
MEDS: Being here, you could almost forget it's all happening.
CASS: Yeah. It's no wonder the Mericians have always been so harsh about immigration. Closed system society, sustainable resource use. It's like the famine can't touch them here.
MEDS: Not anymore. That's why they're hosting the Summit. Doesn't matter how well you turtle up, I guess. It was always coming for all of us in the end.
CASS: Maybe.
SFX: music continues.
MEDS: So what do you think of the Crofts?
CASS: They're lovely. Surprised he ever left. Can't imagine ever having had something like that growing up.
MEDS: Mmm. Same.
CASS: What we didn't get, we need to find, or build. You knew that, it's why you left the Union in the first place.
MEDS: I don't know, Cass. These days I'm not sure it was ever anything so flattering. I think I was just… young and angry.
CASS: When we were on Rialtis... Liz and I promised each other. No matter what happens, at the end of this, we'll all still be flying together, all four of us. What Croft's parents have got, what we've got? That's what it's all for. I can't let it slip away. Even if it is more than I deserve.
MEDS: Man, I wish I knew how to stop you from doing that.
CASS: What?
MEDS: If anybody else talked about you the way you talk about yourself, I'd break their nose.
CASS: Thanks. But don't worry, I'm keeping my promise. You and I did our bit, my friend. We had our war, and more besides. Now we get to live.
SFX: music fades out.
- Scene Change -
SFX: cutlery clatters. Footsteps approach.
ELIZABETH: Morning all.
CROFT: Morning boss.
ELIZABETH (yawning): Has anyone seen Cass?
MEDS: She had to sort something out with the dockmaster. Said she'll meet us at the embassy.
PIPER: Hope you slept well.
ELIZABETH: Like a log.
MEDS: Ready for today?
ELIZABETH: Ready as I'll ever be I guess.
NATHAN: What you need is a good breakfast.
ELIZABETH: Hah. No arguments from me.
PIPER: I don't know how you do it. Mingling with all those powerful folks.
ELIZABETH: It's not my favourite thing. This is just the typical schmoozing. Summit won't even start for another week.
SFX: pan sizzles. Footsteps head to the kitchen.
CROFT: That'll do Dad, just needs to be kissed in the pan.
NATHAN: Yeah yeah, I got it. Pass me the synth-pepper.
PIPER: No, it needs more than that. Don't be scared of flavour. Hang on a second.
MEDS: My god, there's three of them.
SFX: kitchen sounds fade out.
- Scene Change -
SFX: mysterious, cool music plays. Footsteps down an alleyway. Slow pounding on a heavy steel door. A window slides open.
GUARD: Name?
CASS: Cassandra Farren. Your boss is waiting for me.
GUARD: Have you got the stuff?
SFX: a thump.
CASS: You want me to keep standing out here in the street with it?
VAUGHN: Let her in.
SFX: the door opens, then closes, shutting out the city.
CASS: I take it you're Clancy Vaughn? I hope there's more than two of you in the Exiled Legion.
VAUGHN: Not to worry, Captain Farren. I have twenty ships at my command, for the right recomperance.
CASS: "Recomperance?"
VAUGHN: I see you have the case. Keep watch.
SFX: footsteps move away.
CASS: Don't trust me?
VAUGHN: A minor predilection. I'm taking a big risk coming here, and from what I can tell Captain, it seems like you've had an honest streak, up until now.
CASS: Still do. Let's get it over with.
VAUGHN: Very well then. Open the case.
SFX: typing on a numberpad, the case opens.
CASS: That's six bars of Aberfane Silver, straight from the treasury vaults, courtesy of the Brasspine Yeomanry. As I understand it, the leader of the opposition redirected the funds himself, you'll find their total value to be around five point eight million Clarion. The second half of the payment will be delivered after the fact.
VAUGHN: I accede. I wasn't sure what your father was proposing could be on the level. I've never been paid straight out of the Centran treasury before, and certainly not without them knowing about it. I had been expecting some manner of escarpment… unless I still should be.
SFX: silver bar is picked up.
VAUGHN: I won't be finding any tracking markers on these bars will I?
SFX: zipper closes.
CASS: Not anymore. The best fence on Valeria Sibus has seen to that, the bars are untraceable now. Feel free to examine them if you don't believe me.
SFX: silver bar is set down.
VAUGHN: I will believe you, Captain. Keep that honest streak a little longer. Your Yeomanry will have my ships. We'll enter Cardeus as soon as the Admiral gives the word.
GUARD: Aw, yeah. And those CDF bastards won't know what hit them. Been itching for some payback ever since--
SFX: footsteps.
CASS: Hey! Get this clear in your head. You're a diversionary force only. Your job is to draw the blockade ships away so my father's forces have a clean shot at the Advari.
VAUGHN: My men know their jobs, Captain. My consort just has a sore spot over some old piracy charges, that's all.
CASS: And how many more of your consorts have these "sore spots?"
VAUGHN: Now, now, Captain. You giving my men orders wasn't part of our arrangement was it? Unless, you plan to make new arrangements, that is?
CASS: No. I've done my part. I'm done fighting.
VAUGHN: I hear that a lot. Life has a way of making liars of us, Captain.
CASS: Cash in your money, Mister Vaughn. Buy yourself a thesaurus. I'm done here.
SFX: door opens, footsteps walk away.
GUARD: I'll be seeing your old CDF buddies real soon, Captain.
SFX: the door closes as the music rises on a sinister note before fading away.
- Scene Change -
SFX: a lively string quartet echoes in a large hall. Quiet chatter.
BLAKE: I take it you don't find yourself in many embassy dinners?
CROFT: Can't say that I do. Think I'm still trying to deal with the whiplash. Was barely five minutes ago they wouldn't even talk to us, left us floating around on our arses. Now Elizabeth's the belle of the ball and we're getting the canapes.
BLAKE: I guess being invited to a personal chin-wag with an alien empress will do that. But however it happened, I'm glad it has. Best person for the job. We'd all have been down the knackers without her.
CROFT: When you're right, you're right.
BLAKE: Still though. She's got a hard sales pitch to make. Peace with the Advari. I wonder if it's even possible.
CROFT: You know, I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Vaddy. He told me I should go home, see my parents again. I don't think he ever really had anything like that. Easy to forget what you've got.
BLAKE: He seemed like a good sort. To think I almost shot him when he came onto my ship.
CROFT: Hope he's doing alright out there.
BLAKE: Well if you see him, tell him I said thanks for getting you back here. Nice to have you brightening up the place.
CROFT: Glad to be of service.
BLAKE: Seriously, I don't even know how you do it. Don't think I've ever seen you in a bad mood. It's like all this miserable shit that the rest of us are living through just isn't happening to you.
CROFT: Trust me, I wish that was true. But nah, just been around the block a few times. Got to a certain age and figured hey, you've only got one life, may as well just find the best in everything. You'll thank yourself for it and so will the people around you.
BLAKE: I'll drink to that. Maybe we all just need our own Mathias Croft hanging around, keeping us positive. He even cooks.
CROFT: Sadly they broke the mould when they made me.
BLAKE: And so humble too. Cheers.
SFX: glasses clink. Drinking.
CROFT (coughing): Wait a minute, that almost tastes like--
BLAKE (coughing): What they served on the Avalon. Yep.
CROFT: What the glyco-suspended colloido whatever? You liked that stuff?
BLAKE: What can I say, I'm nostalgic. Still a couple of bottles of it left at my place, could use a hand finishing them off…
SFX: string quartet continues.
MEDS: Okay, is he seriously that oblivious? Look at the way she's touching his arm.
CASS: I guess he-- Oh god, what is he doing here?
SFX: footsteps approach.
KEATS: Miss Ancelet.
ELIZABETH: Oh--
CASS: Provost Marshal. You must be finding this rather dull. Not a single pistol duel to be found.
KEATS: Very droll, Captain.
CASS: You know Doctor Elizabeth Ancelet, of course, and this is my ship's surgeon, Tamara Me--
KEATS: Yes yes. I came here to ask you, Miss Ancelet, what you're going to do about those damned Unioners. There are those in my office who would gladly die before seeing those provincials get the lion's share of the new supplies.
MEDS: Does anyone want another drink?
KEATS: Yes, run along. See if you can fetch it without starting a war.
MEDS: Excuse me?
SFX: footsteps approach.
KEATS: Miss Ancelet--
FAULKNER: With respect, sir. I believe her correct form of address is Doctor, Provost Marshal.
KEATS: Faulkner. Good thing you're here. I- I've almost finished my glass. Now Doctor Ancelet, how about my--
ELIZABETH: Let's make one thing clear. I will be treating the requests of the Unioners with the same respect and consideration owed to all the people of Tantalus suffering through this famine.
KEATS: You can't seriously think that helping--
ELIZABETH: And Mister Keats, our Merician hosts would have no compunction about ejecting you from these proceedings for discriminatory abuse towards a guest. So unless you want to be telling your office how you were kicked out of the Summit, I'd advise you to treat my friend with respect.
KEATS: My drink, Faulkner!
FAULKNER: Of course, Provost Marshal, but perhaps you'd be more comfortable waiting at one of the tables.
KEATS: Fine. Fine.
SFX: footsteps retreat.
FAULKNER: I'm curious, Doctor Ancelet, did you mean ejecting him from the embassy, or the station?
ELIZABETH: Whichever one's quicker.
CASS: I didn't expect to see you here, Mister Faulkner. Thank you for your help with the docking.
FAULKNER: My pleasure, Captain. I'm here as aide to the Provost Marshal. He's part of the ceremonial detail for the diplomatic corps. I hope you've all been well.
MEDS: We were until your asshole boss showed up.
FAULKNER: Admittedly the Provost Marshal's comportment at these kind of events leaves… much to be desired. Nevertheless he caused offense which I'd hope to redress on his behalf. How about I fetch you each a drink at the bar?
CASS: We'd appreciate that.
MEDS: Sure.
ELIZABETH: Hang on, you've only got two hands. How about I--
CASS: I'll take care of it, Liz. You two go mingle.
MEDS: As long as we mingle as far away from that windbag as we can.
SFX: footsteps.
FAULKNER (quiet): There's another reason I wanted to speak with you, Captain. Have you met with the Exiled Legion yet?
CASS (quiet): Ah. I wasn't sure you knew. I guess that explains you getting us past the spot check.
FAULKNER: Only the general outline. But I was going to be here anyway so your father asked me to help if I could. To be perfectly honest, though, the Legion's track record doesn't fill me with confidence.
CASS: Me neither. But it's done now. I really don't want to talk about this.
FAULKNER: It's just that… There may be an alternative. I believe you're familiar with a Commodore Samuel Medwin?
CASS: Medwin? Yes, he was in command of the blockade forces. Last time I saw him, he and his men were so run ragged they were on the verge of mutiny by the time my father came in to help them.
FAULKNER: Seems the whole ordeal sat worse with him than his superiors know.
CASS: What do you mean?
FAULKNER: He's here. On leave. Something of a half-hearted apology from Centrum about the way things were handled. But those are still his ships facing down the Advari. Before coming here, I received word that Medwin had reached out to Admiral Farren. He's considering coming over to our way of thinking.
CASS: Are you serious?
FAULKNER: It seems he's willing, but not yet committed. If he were to be swayed--
CASS: There'd be no need for the Legion. No need to fire on friendly ships. We'd have a clear run to the Advari.
FAULKNER: Mhmm. My thoughts exactly. Which is why I need your help to seal the deal. You saw the state he was in and, as the Admiral's daughter, you could negotiate his coming over on your father's behalf.
CASS: No. I'm sorry.
FAULKNER: Captain, you're the Admiral's daughter, you can speak to his integrity. A guarantee from you would carry a lot more weight than a promise from a bureaucratic aide like me.
CASS: Deliver the silver, that's all I said I'd do. I understand what my father is doing but it doesn't mean I want to help him do it.
FAULKNER: Yes, I appreciate that, but you must appreciate the lives this could save. Medwin is only here for a short leave. He ships back out to the blockade early tomorrow.
CASS (sighs): Alright, where do I find him?
FAULKNER: He's staying at a hotel on Philmore Street. Now, if we hurry, we can be there and back before anyone gets suspicious.
CASS: Fine. Then let's get this over with.
SFX: music fades out.
- Scene Change -
SFX: keypad beeping, a door opens. Two pairs of footsteps enter.
CROFT: Damn. Big swanky freightsguild contract gets you a big swanky apartment I guess.
BLAKE: Okay maybe it's a little swanky.
CROFT: Still managed to get me to pay for the drinks though.
BLAKE: Must be my captivating charms.
CROFT: Yeah, I've been noticing those.
BLAKE: I'm thinking beer and couch, and you can tell me all about them.
CROFT: Couch, right. Is that in the west wing, or the drawing room, or what? Should I ask the butler? Where is he?
BLAKE: Yeah yeah, sit down.
SFX: easy listening music plays softly.
BLAKE: Alright I got Green Ribbon, you good with that?
CROFT: Ayy, she's not lost the common touch.
SFX: glass bottles clink, one is tossed and caught.
CROFT: I remember you used to be able to get like, ten of these for a couple of Clarion. Good cheap way to clean out your drains too.
BLAKE: Important quality of any good beer. Cheers.
SFX: bottles clink, swallows.
CROFT: Listen, Max. This has been great. I really needed it, but it's just that, um--
BLAKE: Ah shit, here it comes. Knew I should have wore the slinky dress.
CROFT: Nah, it ain't that. In fact, I'd put you in a mechanic's overalls any day of the week. It's actually just that... well...
SFX: sentimental guitar music plays.
CROFT: I've personally never been into the whole physical thing. I'm a fan of everything that surrounds it, love all of that, but I guess the main event has just never really done it for me. Just not how I'm wired, you know.
BLAKE: Oh, you're all good man, appreciate you telling me. For what it's worth, I've actually been in relationships like that before. I can roll with that no problem.
CROFT: Huh.
BLAKE: I take it that's not the answer you normally get.
CROFT: Ah, nah, can't say that it is.
BLAKE: Their loss.
- Scene Change -
SFX: mysterious music plays, footsteps come down a hallway.
FAULKNER: He should be in room two oh three.
CASS: Room two oh three. Two oh-- Wait… the lock's been forced.
FAULKNER: That can't be good. Let's take it slow.
SFX: door creaks open.
CASS: What the hell? This place is trashed.
SECURITY GUARD (groaning): Oh thank god. Help me, please.
FAULKNER: Security guard, he's injured.
CASS: What happened?
SECURITY GUARD: Masked men. Four of them. They burst into the room. Took that CDF guy. I tried to stop them but--
CASS: It's okay. Keep pressure on the wound. I've commed for the paramedics. They'll be here in ten minutes, don't try to move.
FAULKNER: Whoever did this can't have gotten far.
CASS: Yeah, let's go. Local police will be here any moment now. We don't want to get stuck answering questions.
SFX: footsteps go back out through the door, then out into the street.
CASS: Shit. They could be anywhere.
FAULKNER: Not necessarily. Think about it. Four masked men dragging a man out of a hotel would be noticed. They must have ducked into cover somewhere.
CASS: Let's try the back alley.
SFX: footsteps down the street.
FAULKNER: Any sign of--?
CASS: There's a loose floor panel. Help me.
SFX: metal sheet moving, Cass grunting in effort.
CASS: Looks like an access hatch to a maintenance tunnel.
FAULKNER: After you, Captain.
SFX: footsteps go down a ladder, then splashing in shallow water.
CASS: I don't understand. Who kidnaps a CDF Commodore?
FAULKNER: What would anyone stand to gain by taking Medwin? It can't be Centrum. If they suspected something they'd just call him back to--
CASS: Could be the Unioners.
SFX: footsteps continue.
FAULKNER: Why?
CASS: Well think about it. Maalsuwda must know he doesn't have much chance of getting the Assembly to agree to his war reparations. Not unless he's somehow found out about my father's plans, in which case--
FAULKNER: The Unioners could use Medwin as leverage. They could expose the plan in return for getting the deal they're after. You think Maalsuwda would go that far?
CASS: In desperate times there's nothing we wouldn't do for the people we care about.
FAULKNER: They must be heading for the docking bay. No way to get a signal out in the comms blackout. They have to get him off Mericia.
SFX: footsteps stop.
CASS: Shit. Fork in the road. This place is like a maze.
FAULKNER: Best to pick one and keep moving.
CASS: Or we split up. You go left, I'll go right.
FAULKNER: I'm nae sure that's wise, Captain. Good way for one of us to get caught unawares.
CASS: There's no time to argue.
FAULKNER: Fine, but buzz my comm as soon as you see anything.
CASS: Will do. Now get moving!
FAULKNER: I'll run to the sound of gunfire.
SFX: footsteps split up, music thumps to a crescendo, then fades.
- Scene Change -
SFX: soft string music echoes in a large hall.
ELIZABETH: Hey Meds.
MEDS: Mm?
ELIZABETH: Have you seen Cass? I haven't seen her since she took off with Faulkner. I can't find him either.
MEDS: Now that you say it, I haven't either.
ELIZABETH: That's... that's weird.
MEDS: Do you want to leave to go find them?
ELIZABETH: No, no. I- I'm sure it's fine.
- Scene Change -
SFX: tense music plays.
KIDNAPPER 2 (muffled): Where is it? You said there would be a ship waiting for us.
CASS: There you are.
KIDNAPPER (muffled): Maintenance airlock forty-four they said.
KIDNAPPER 2: This is forty-four!
KIDNAPPER: You! It's you they wanted! Tell us how we get out of this!
MEDWIN: Medwin, Samuel. Commodore. FS-four-zero-eight-zero-eight-one.
CASS: Faulkner. I've found them. Looks like Medwin's alive. I'm at junction R-sixteen.
KIDNAPPER: Tell me!
SFX: a punch.
MEDWIN: Ugh.
FAULKNER (over comms): Stay put, I'm on my way.
KIDNAPPER: You two! Keep your head on a swivel. There's got to be a way out of–
SFX: gun racks.
CASS: Stop right there!
KIDNAPPER: Huh?
CASS: Let him go!
KIDNAPPER: What the hell are you--?
MEDWIN: Help me! They took me from-- ugh!
SFX: another punch.
CASS: Step away from him! I'm not gonna warn you again!
KIDNAPPER: You're making a mistake here, Captain.
SFX: two gunshots.
KIDNAPPER 2: Damn. Almost got her.
CASS: Shit!
SFX: more gunshots.
KIDNAPPER: Cover fire! Go, go, go!
SFX: gunfire, music gets exciting.
CASS: Faulkner, where are you? They're cornered in th–.
FAULKNER (over comms): I'll head them off!
KIDNAPPER: Pick him up! Get to the ingression! Don't look back!
CASS: Ugh! No!
SFX: more gunshots, bullets ricochetting off walls. A body hits the ground
KIDNAPPER 2: Ah! I'm hit! I'm–
SFX: another shot, the man stops groaning.
KIDNAPPER: Don't drop him! He's–
SFX: more gunfire. A man screams.
KIDNAPPER: God damn.
SFX: music settles, gun racks.
CASS: Now drop the gun!
KIDNAPPER: Very well, Captain. You win this round.
CASS: Hands on your head. Take that mask off.
SFX: fabric rustles.
VAUGHN: Now, now, Captain, you seemed like a reasonable sort before.
SFX: gun rattles.
CASS: What the hell? Vaughn?
VAUGHN: It imparts me to go back on our deal, Captain, but money talks and another interested party gave my men a better offer.
CASS: “A better offer?” That silver was worth a fortune.
VAUGHN: Not all fortunes are equal, Captain and it seems--
SFX: a gunshot, blood sprays.
CASS: Shit!
SFX: music settles into something mysterious.
FAULKNER: Are you okay, Captain?
CASS: The hell are you doing? He'd surrendered!
FAULKNER: I'm afraid not, he was reaching for a backup weapon. Look.
CASS: Right… Good eyes. Quite the marksman for a bureaucrat's aide.
FAULKNER: Well, at least the Commodore is alive.
SFX: footsteps.
CASS: How is he?
FAULKNER: He's out cold, but he'll live. We should get him to your ship.
CASS: I don't understand this. Why would Vaughn turn on us?
FAULKNER: Perhaps the Unioners were using the Exiled Legion as their agents from the start. He kept up the pretense with you so he could keep the silver while completing his real mission.
CASS: But--
FAULKNER: Time is short, Captain, we have to get Medwin to your ship.
CASS: My ship? Why? Shouldn't we go to local security?
FAULKNER: My guess is that if Vaughn doesn't check in with his handler, the Unioners will know their plan has failed. Even so, Maalsuwda might still attempt to expose the Admiral anyway. The mere suggestion of this kind of scandal could give the Prime Minister all the ammunition she needs.
CASS: We can't get a message out. The comms blackout--
FAULKNER: Which is why we need to get Medwin off Mericia and take him to the staging ground. If we want to avoid bloodshed, Medwin must be there when the Admiral reaches the blockade.
CASS: The staging ground? I don't even know where it is.
FAULKNER: It's the station Doctor Ancelet has been sending her notes to.
CASS: Those are sent on a scrambled signal, we don't have the coordinates.
FAULKNER: With a bit of work we might be able to extrapolate the location from the signals she's been sending.
CASS: Fine, it's worth a try. We'll need her terminal on the Guin.
FAULKNER: Alright, lead the way.
CASS: Let's go. Help me with him.
SFX: a body is lifted, footsteps echo down the maintenance hallway as the music fades out.
- Scene Change -
SFX: a comm call goes unanswered.
ELIZABETH: Come on, Cass. Where are you?
MEDS: She's still not answering?
ELIZABETH: No, tried three times in a row.
SFX: cheering and clapping.
MEDS: What's up with them?
ELIZABETH: I don't know.
MEDS: Excuse me, do you know what's going on?
BYSTANDER: A courier arrived from Maiala's Rest. Mister Maalsuwda won the election.
MEDS: Hell yes. Good for him. Thanks. Hey, did you hear that?
SFX: cheering settles down.
ELIZABETH: Meds, I'm really worried about Cass.
MEDS: Yeah, sorry you're right. Let's see if we can find her.
SFX: comm opens.
MEDS: Hey Croft, if you're finished canoodling we're headed back to the ship, we can't raise her.
SFX: footsteps fade out.
- Scene Change -
SFX: hydraulic lift whirs to a stop. Footsteps move up a ramp.
FAULKNER: Set him down here, gently.
SFX: a body is set down.
CASS: Is he going to be all right?
FAULKNER: Let me worry about him. You get us those co-ordinates.
CASS: Alright let's make this quick, I've been gone too long already.
FAULKNER: It's your ship, Captain. Lead the way.
CASS: Liz's terminal is in our quarters, we should be able to locate the station.
SFX: a door whooshes open, footsteps move through the ship.
FAULKNER: Apologies Captain, it's not my wish to be rummaging through your quarters, but needs must.
CASS: It's alright. I'll log in, you can tell me what we need.
SFX: typing on the terminal
FAULKNER: Alright, but I'm afraid this may take a while. You mind if I put a coffee on?
CASS: Sure, knock yourself out.
FAULKNER: For you?
CASS: Yeah, tea.
SFX: coffee machine whirs, typing.
CASS: Alright, I'm into the communication logs.
FAULKNER: It'll be the larger transmissions where she's sending attached files, those will be research notes. Isolate those signals.
SFX: tea mug is set down.
FAULKNER: Tea for you.
CASS: Thanks.
SFX: Cass sips. Telemetry sounds. Mysterious music plays.
CASS: Alright I got the frequency. Let's get a message to them.
FAULKNER: Wait, hang on. If you give me a minute to decrypt the scrambler we can get the station's location.
CASS: I was just gonna send word so they could send someone here to pick him up.
FAULKNER: No, there's no time, Captain. If we get the location I can sign out a clipper and get him there myself. If we want him to get us past that blockade we need to get him to your father before his forces set out. It won't take me long to decrypt.
CASS: Now hang on a minute. There a lot of call for signal decryption skills at the Provost Marshal's office?
FAULKNER: Alas no, more of a hobby. But I figured since you kindly let me onto your ship…
SFX: music builds suspiciously.
CASS: What I… Mmm.
FAULKNER: Ah, sorry Captain. Now, I must admit, you've had me rooting for you a bit here. But you really shouldn’t have drunk that tea.
CASS: Bastard…
SFX: Cass grunts, stumbles, and falls. Music fades out.
- Scene Change -
SFX: tense, muffled music plays.
CASS: Ugh…
SFX: fabric rustles restlessly.
MEDS (muffled): Anybody see her?
ELIZABETH (muffled): Cass? Cass!
SFX: door whooshes open.
CROFT: Shit! She's in here folks!
CASS: Ugh… Croft?
CROFT: You're alright Skip. The hell happened to you?
ELIZABETH: Cass. God sake, are you okay?
CASS: Wh--where is he?
MEDS: Where's who? What were you doing?
CASS: Out, on the docks, he can't have gone far.
SFX: footsteps run away.
- Scene Change -
SFX: industrial ambience, mysterious music plays.
CASS: Where's Medwin. Did you see him?
MEDS: Who the hell's Medwin?
CASS: He must have took him.
CROFT: Who took who, what?
CASS: Shit! I can't see him.
ELIZABETH: Alright, stop! You're going to tell me what the hell is going on!
CASS: It-- it's complicated. I--
SFX: a comm calls.
CASS: Unknown caller.
FAULKNER (over comms): Oh, Captain Farren. I'm relieved to see you've made a swift recovery.
CROFT: The hell? It's coming out of my comm too.
MEDS: And mine?
FAULKNER (over comms): If you'll all take a look to your left, way across the dock at the rather dashing looking fellow on the gangway. That'd be yours truly.
CASS: What did you do with Medwin. Where is he?
FAULKNER (over comms): Safely aboard my vessel and to clarify, despite his frustrations with his superiors, his loyalties remain firmly with the Prime Minister. Now, I really wouldnae bother trying to get over here, I'll have vanished before you make it twenty feet, and it would rob us of a pleasant conversation.
ELIZABETH: Faulkner, what are you--?
FAULKNER (over comms): Ah, I'm afraid I've had to mislead you and your dear captain. There is no Edwin Faulkner. My name is Reeves, Alec Reeves, CASIS.
CASS: Oh god...
CROFT: Somebody wanna explain for the foreigner? CASIS?
MEDS: Centrum Assembly Strategic Intelligence Service.
ELIZABETH: What's happening here?
REEVES (over comms): Now, it truly brings me no pleasure to do this, Captain. But my orders specify that if given the chance, I should make sure your crew are aware of what you've been up to.
CASS: You bastard.
REEVES (over comms): I'm afraid your Captain didn't bring you all here just for the summit and some shore leave. She came here on behalf of Admiral Darius Farren, to smuggle payment across the border to a mercenary company. Trying to bring them onboard for the Admiral's upcoming attack on the Advari Blockade.
ELIZABETH: What? I- is that true? Cass?
MEDS: You've been running errands for that asshole, and you didn't tell me?
CASS: I'll decide what I'm going to tell you, Meds.
ELIZABETH: You let me think I was working towards peace in there, while you were planning to help start a war?
CASS: There's never going to be any peace, Liz! What, did you sleep through the Avalon Expedition? They killed Ravi, they killed hundreds of us, and thousands of their own every day, you think any of that has changed just because they're tossing us some table scraps? This was the only way to keep us safe.
SFX: a footfall.
CROFT: How did you pay them? The mercs?
CASS: What?
CROFT: What did you pay them with?
CASS: Unmarked silver. My father had it fenced through Valeria.
CROFT: The case. You had it at my parent's place, didn't you?
CASS: I--
CROFT: You kept illegal currency in my family's home, when we invited you in. Do you have any idea what would’ve happened to them if the tipstaffs found out?
CASS: I'm sorry, Croft, I--
CROFT: That isn't gonna cut it. Not this time, Skip.
REEVES (over comms): I'm sorry for all this, I truly am. Breaks the heart to have to ruin a perfectly good deception. But I'm afraid I needed the location of that station you've been sending your notes to, Doctor Ancelet. You see, it's not just where the good Professor Sidhu is doing his research. It's also the staging ground for Admiral Farren's attack on the blockade. It's where he's been gathering his loyal ships. The Prime Minister needed it sorting out.
ELIZABETH: You went into my files?
CASS: Sarali will send in the CDF. You'll stop the attack.
REEVES (over comms): Actually, nothing quite so noisy. You see, your father is concerningly popular in the House these days. Better if this situation… quietly resolves itself. There's plenty of Paleborn raiders in Atamara always looking for a new target, and as soon as they catch the widebeam I just sent out… they'll have one.
CASS: Paleborn, are you insane? Sidhu, my father, they'll all be--
REEVES (over comms): I'm afraid so. But your father is hell bent on a war that would mean the end of the human race, Captain. There's no price too great to stop that from happening. I hope you'll all be fair to your captain. Eh? She really was doing all of it for you.
SFX: comm call ends.
ELIZABETH: What have you done?
CASS: To fly together, forever. That's what you said you wanted. We had something to live for, and I was making sure we lived to see it. I won't apologize for it. Get to the ship, all of you. We're going to Atamara, we're gonna get there before the Paleborn do and save Professor Sidhu and my father.
MEDS: You never listened to me for a second. You PUT THEM in this situation.
CASS: You think I don't realize that Meds? Every second we spend talking about this means less chance of them coming out of this alive. You can all hate me later.
CROFT: Listen, I'll go. The professor's a good guy and he doesn't deserve this. But once they're safe, you can drop me off back here, Captain. Cuz I'm done.
CASS: Fine. Croft, you're with me, we're going to the bridge. Get to work, all of you.
SFX: footsteps walk away.
ELIZABETH: I don't believe it.
MEDS: I'm so sorry, Elizabeth.
ELIZABETH: I– I… don't know what to do…
MEDS: That's for later. For now we save the professor, again. And the Admiral I guess, not even he deserves what the Paleborn will do. Right now we got work to do. We figure out the rest afterwards, okay?
ELIZABETH: Okay... Okay. Meds… I don't think things can go back to normal after this.
MEDS: No… no they won't.
SFX: music lingers, then fades.
SFX: The Sojourn Ending Theme plays.
NARRATOR: You’ve been listening to The Sojourn; Season Two, Episode Seven: The Wolf and the Raven. Written by Rowan J. Coleman and Daniel Orrett. Directed by Rowan J. Coleman. 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 Levente Tarr, Georgia Kate Haege, Adrian Silas, Steve Newman, Ross Camsell, JD Kelly, Nina Nikolic, Paul Albertson, Morrison James, 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.