Season Two Episode Eight - Cassandra

SFX: cosmic ambience, solemn, sinister music. 

CASS: Two truths exist in one place. What has to be. And what is. Twelve years ago, we'd been at war for twenty-six months, and we were losing, badly. Later they called it the Tandil Rush. The Unioners had pushed us all the way across the south of Tantalus from east to west like drawing a curtain. My father understood. We needed a victory. We needed someone to make that victory, and then we needed them to BE that victory, and all the victories after. I remember wishing it had been me, not her. Thank God it wasn't. In the mouth of Faltcrest Bay, at the head of the Grey Vigil, a great figure of silver-gilded stone stands watch over the water. Ariana Hawker was the hero of the Frontier War. The very image of duty and integrity. In the hour of our greatest need, she made the choice to rise to the occasion. Through a decade of war her dignity and her forbearance never wavered, and by her example did we emerge victorious. That is what has to be. This is what is.

SFX: deep engine rumble builds. Exciting music starts. Muffled coilgun fire. 

CHANDRA: Captain, we're surrounded on three sides! Two more Outriders off the port quarter!

HAWKER: All ahead flank, Mister Chandra, don't let up! The moment we let them think we've run out of fight, they'll have us.

SFX: a comm trill. 

MEDWIN (over comms): Vanquisher, Dalliance. I'm moving to cover for Brazen, she's out too far!

SFX: a comm opens. 

HAWKER: Negative, Dalliance. Stay on my wing! Baird and Naviaux are doing their jobs. Two points a-starboard, Mister Chandra. Handsomely now. 

SFX: a comm trill. 

VILLACORTA (over comms): Vanquisher, Euphony. I'm sorry Captain, we've got too much engine damage. 

SFX: a creaking metallic crash through Villacorta’s comm. 

VILLACORTA (over comms): I can't stay with you.

HAWKER: Understood Euphony. Miss Rawland, signal Percheron and Arbitress to close formation and cover our left.

SFX: telemetry sounds, muffled coilgun firing.

RAWLAND: Percheron acknowledges but I'm getting no signal from Arbitress. I have her on scopes, ma'am. She's taken a pounding, her LIDAR is out. She's got two frigates coming up on her stern, I don't think she sees them, Captain!

SFX: a comm opens.

HAWKER: Arbitress, Vanquisher. Take evasive action to starboard.

SFX: muffled rumbling. 

HAWKER: Do we have a clear shot at the frigates?

CHANDRA: Negative, no clean shot. Arbitress still taking no evasive action, ma'am. Shall I break formation to intercept?

HAWKER: I… No. No Mister Chandra, hold your course. Miss Rawland, signal them again!

SFX: exciting music continues.

RAWLAND: Partial signal ma'am, putting it through.

SFX: garbled voice over comms 

HAWKER: Michael! Michael listen to me, evade starboard, can you hear me? Michael! Evade starboard!

RAWLAND: I've lost the signal, ma'am. Arbitress is taking raking fire, I don't think…

SFX: muffled explosion, a negative beep. Music becomes mournful. 

RAWLAND: She's gone ma'am.

CHANDRA: We're through their lines ma'am.

SFX: a hydraulic chair turns. 

CHANDRA: Ma'am, what are your orders?!

HAWKER: I– Starboard helm, Mister Chandra. Hard over. All mounts to local control, starboard batteries target at your discretion. Fire as she bears!

SFX: music fades out. A coilgun fires. 

SFX: Intro music starts.

NARRATOR: The Sojourn, Season Two Episode Eight: Cassandra by Daniel Orrett. Starring Marta Da Silva as Post Captain Ariana Hawker, Dominic Keating as Fleet Admiral Darius Farren, and Phil Rowe as Post Captain Samuel Medwin. Also featuring Susana Ballesteros as Post Captain Juanita Villacorta, Zee Andrews as Commander Fleur Naviaux, Andrew Winson as Prime Minister Benedict Forrest, and Special Guest Star Larissa Thompson as Midshipman Cassandra Farren.

SFX: Theme music continues.

SFX: a champagne cork pops, applause and cheering. An echoing whine drowns out the crowd and string quartet. 

MEDWIN (muffled): Ariana. Are you okay?

SFX: the whine fades and the crowd sounds return. 

HAWKER: Yes, Sam. I'll have to be.

VILLACORTA: I brought you this from Euphony. I like to keep some of the family reserves aboard. 

SFX: a wine cork pops, glasses are poured. 

VILLACORTA: We'll raise a glass to his memory.

HAWKER: Thank you, Juanita. Absent friends.

VILLACORTA/MEDWIN: Absent friends.

SFX: wine glasses clink. 

MEDWIN: Fair winds.

HAWKER: I remember when we graduated. I promised Michael I'd ask for him when I got command. Can't remember a time we weren't friends. 

SFX: string quartet music continues echoing in the large hall. 

HAWKER: How about you, Sam? Is Fleur okay?

MEDWIN: Yeah, she's okay. She'll need a few days for the leg to heal but she got lucky.

HAWKER: Good.

MEDWIN: I thought I should say something to you, since… Well, I almost broke formation to help her, back there.

HAWKER: You didn't. And you wouldn't have. Neither would she. That's why I trust you both to handle it.

MEDWIN: I know. Thank you, Ariana. It's just that… Well, I've asked her to marry me. Once the war is over.

HAWKER: That's great, Sam! I'm happy for you both.

VILLACORTA: Congratulations! I don't think you'll have to wait long. The Union can't keep this up now that they've lost their momentum. They'll sue for peace soon enough.

HAWKER: Here's hoping.

SFX: a quiet commotion and whispering at the other end of the room.

MEDWIN: Oh God, there he is. Admiral of the Fleet.

HAWKER: Admiral Farren? I didn't think he'd come all the way out here.

VILLACORTA: Came out to give Commodore Hadleigh the Lyrion Cross.

MEDWIN: Shit, he's coming this way.

VILLACORTA: Put your hat back on, Sam.

MEDWIN: Yeah, yeah.

SFX: footsteps approach, fabric rustling.

DARIUS: Ah, Captains!

HAWKER: Squadron Captains, off hats!

SFX: hats whip off. 

DARIUS: At ease, Captains. At ease.

HAWKER: At ease!

SFX: fabric rustling. 

DARIUS: Captain Hawker, it's a pleasure to finally meet you in person. May I present my daughter, Midshipman Cassandra Farren.

CASS: It's a pleasure to meet you all.

DARIUS: Ensign soon, we hope. Her examination is next week.

HAWKER: Ah, good luck to you. I remember my examination, terrifying stuff.

VILLACORTA: Four stone-faced captains staring at you. Dead silence.

HAWKER: I'll never forget it. "You are adrift under fire with venting athwart ship, a gentle clockwise list, and mixed reports of hostile craft off your larboard quarter, how do you proceed?" I don't even remember answering, but I suppose I must have.

DARIUS: Indeed you must. The results speak for themselves, Captain. After your prodigious deliverance of our ships from Addicus, I knew you were one to watch out for, but yesterday has proven it beyond all my hopes.

HAWKER: Thank you, Admiral, I take it very kindly.

DARIUS: Captains, if I might ask your leave for a moment, I should like to speak to Captain Hawker alone.

VILLACORTA: Of course, sir.

MEDWIN: Very good to meet you, sir.

SFX: several footsteps retreat. String quartet continues echoing. 

DARIUS: You've done me a fine turn, Captain. And not only in yesterday's action. Your parents are both doctors, am I correct? From Silvermist?

HAWKER: That's right, sir.

DARIUS: You'll forgive my directness, Captain. But it may already have occurred to you that it is not only your abilities that have taken my interest. There are certain rules that do not make themselves known in polite conversation, one of them is the provenance of a truly great officer. That they should be of reasonably eminent birth and stature. 

SFX: ice clinks in a glass, a sip. 

DARIUS: This is not a rule I much care for. It's a rule that has stacked this navy with the halfwit sons and cousins of admirals who've never seen a shot fired in anger.

HAWKER: Commodore Hadleigh made your views on the subject clear to me, sir.

DARIUS: Good. I intend to change this and I intend for you to be the face of that change, as I fear… there is no other way for this war to be won. You are no Admiral's cousin, no banker's daughter. But neither do you come from the slums of Valeria, or from the home of a construction worker.

HAWKER: Forgive my candor, sir, but are you suggesting that I am precisely middle class enough to be… accessible?

DARIUS: I welcome your candor, and I share your distaste for this, Captain. But yes.

HAWKER: Sir, Victoria Weaver herself was a courtesan before she–

DARIUS: You're quite right, but times change, Captain, and every lesson we learn, we forget. Right now, if you'll permit me, I intend to make you into a very public reminder. You and your fellow captains today showed more courage and initiative than this navy has seen in decades. It should be them in the halls of Admiralty House, taking us through this war. Tell me honestly, Captain, how many flag officers have you served under that you felt truly deserved your respect? All of them? Half of them?

HAWKER: They had my respect regardless, sir. That's the nature of duty, of service.

DARIUS: I don't misapprehend your loyalty, Captain, not for a moment. I'd just like you to help me build something more deserving of that loyalty.

HAWKER: I understand, sir. But I don't believe I can be what you require. Interviews, and speeches… I- I don't seek fame, and I find the prospect of it… uncomfortable.

DARIUS: War is discomfort, Captain. Your friend, Commander Trevelyan, died to bring that discomfort to an end more swiftly. Your sacrifice will be smaller than his, but will achieve so much more. Soon, we will be strong again, and no one else need die in the course of this… tragedy of our age. 

SFX: clapping and laughing nearby. 

DARIUS: Now, join your comrades. This celebration is for all of you.

HAWKER: Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.

SFX: footsteps retreat. 

DARIUS: You heard all of that I hope?

CASS: I did.

DARIUS: Captain Hawker is a brave and dutiful woman, Cassandra, an officer of the finest caliber. 

SFX: glasses clink. A woman giggles. 

DARIUS: Look to her for your example.

CASS: Yes, father.

- Scene Change -

CASS: And so I did. As the war churned on through four years of bloody stalemate, I read through every action she fought in the gazette, watched every public appearance she made, the way she spoke and the way she carried herself. Each time I walked out of my cabin and felt the glares of my crew at their young commander, promoted before her time, I wore the airs of Ariana Hawker like a mask, and hoped it was enough.

NEWSREADER (fading in): –the CDF position is stronger than ever. Yesterday saw the promotion of legendary CDF Captain Ariana Hawker to the rank of Commodore, in an elaborate ceremony on the steps of Admiralty House. Though rumors circulated of her replacing Rear Admiral Hadeliegh in his post following his tragic and untimely death, more up to date reports --

SFX: broadcast fades into street noises, which fades into synth club music. Bottles and shot glasses clink. 

HAWKER: Give me another one, a double.

BARTENDER: You got it.

CLUBGOER: Hey man, her drink is on me.

HAWKER: Her drink is on her.

CLUBGOER: Damn, that's clear enough.

HAWKER: I'm off duty. No uniform means no autographs.

CLUBGOER: Actually it's your outfit that brought me over here. Wait, so are you in the fleet or something?

SFX: chair creaks.

HAWKER: You don't know who I am?

CLUBGOER: Not yet, I'd love to find out.

HAWKER: Bad idea, I like you better not knowing.

CLUBGOER: That works too.
SFX: glass set down on bartop, ice clinking.

CLUBGOER: So you're from out of town, right? Where you been staying?

HAWKER: On a warship, in high orbit.

CLUBGOER: See that's farther than I'd normally walk someone home but I'm down to give it a try.

HAWKER: I'm not sure they'd be happy with you tagging along.

CLUBGOER: Damn. They're no fun in the navy I guess.

HAWKER: You have no idea.

CLUBGOER: Well the drinks are much cheaper at my place.

HAWKER: Keep talking.

SFX: footsteps approach quickly. 

MEDWIN: Hey man, could you just excuse us for a minute? I need to talk to my friend.

CLUBGOER: Sure, no problem.

SFX: footsteps fade away. A fist thumps on a bartop. 

HAWKER: Oh for god's sake. The hell are you doing here Sam?

MEDWIN: I'm sorry, Ariana. They sent me to get you.

HAWKER: Tell them I said they can piss off.

MEDWIN: I'm not gonna do that. I'll get the tab Ari. Let's get you back to the ship.

HAWKER: Get lost, Sam. I'm staying here.

MEDWIN: I'm trying to help you. You can't leave with that guy, you know you can't. He could be a journalist and even if he's not–

HAWKER: Then what? Somebody might find out that I'm just like everybody else? I thought that was the whole point of this shit.

MEDWIN: I'm sorry Ari. Until the war's over, this is how it's got to be. You know it is.

SFX: a fist thumps on the bartop again. 

HAWKER: Fine. Let's get out of here.

MEDWIN: Alright. I'm sorry about this.

HAWKER: Piss off, Sam.

SFX: club music fades out. 

- Scene Change -

SFX: grousing from politicians in their benches. 

SPEAKER: The House recognizes the Right Honorable Mister Benedict Forrest, Prime Minister of the Centrum Assembly.

SFX: footsteps approach, grousing and grumbling dies down.

FORREST: Madame Speaker. As select members of the Cabinet are already aware, I am able to report that four days ago I opened a dialog with Kaito Hakim and select senior officials within the Frontier Union. As you know, Mister Hakim's positions have softened of late, with this long stalemate damaging his public support in the southeast. This seems to have come to a head, as Mister Hakim has now proposed to me that negotiations begin for an armistice.  

SFX: whispering.

FORREST: An end to years of war that their nation can no longer sustain. It has been left open that this armistice may one day lead into a full peace treaty, so long as Union independence is respected, but for the moment it is Mister Hakim's opinion that a respite from fighting is desperately needed by both our peoples. 

SFX: shouting from the benches.

FORREST: A perspective I'm sure we all share. Union leadership have proposed that heavily escorted delegations be sent to the Maialan moon of Jharid-Selan, where myself and Mister Hakim will have the opportunity to negotiate this armistice in person. 

SFX: gavel bangs. Laughs and whispers from the benches. 

FORREST: In accommodation of the fact this meeting site is within their territory, they will permit us a substantially larger escort force as a sign of good faith. 

SFX: more shouting from the benches. 

FORREST: After much discussion with the Secretary of State for Defence and the Foreign Secretary, I am confident in the Union's sincerity in this matter.

SHADOW FOREIGN SECRETARY: Point of order!

SPEAKER: Point of order, the Shadow Foreign Secretary Mister Lamberth!

SFX: footsteps. 

DARIUS: Winston, when the session is over and as quickly as etiquette permits, would you speak to the Defence Secretary, desire her to arrange an emergency meeting. I would like to speak to the Prime Minister.

REDFIELD: Of course, sir. Shall I accompany you?

DARIUS: No. I'd like to speak to the PM alone. Go now, find my steward as well if you can. Have him bring me a fresh coat and hat.

REDFIELD: Right away, sir.

SFX: shouting from the benches fades out. 

• Scene Change -

SFX: a fire crackles. Knocking on a door before it opens. 

AIDE: Admiral Farren for you, Prime Minister.

FORREST: Thank you, send him in please.

SFX: footsteps approach, the door closes. 

DARIUS: Prime Minister.

FORREST: Darius.

DARIUS: You announce this to the House, without informing me first.

SFX: a chair is pulled back and sat in. 

FORREST: I am the Prime Minister, Admiral.

DARIUS: I recall other times in this war when you disregarded my counsel and pushed heedlessly on. The results spoke for themselves.

FORREST: This is not a military matter, Admiral. It is a diplomatic one. All going well, and in the fullness of time, this initiative may see an end to this war.

SFX: fabric creaks. 

DARIUS: And what does that end look like, Mister Prime Minister? A peace, where the Frontier Union still exists, still a nation unto itself, is simply defeat by another name. Even in peace, we will be divided against ourselves forever.

FORREST: It has been seven years, Darius. Even Kaito Hakim has had enough. This cannot go on.

DARIUS: If this… rebel nation is allowed to live on, it will mark a change in our history that cannot be reversed. For three hundred years we have built this great Assembly to be the guiding hand of our species. It is the hand of decency, of dignity, of civilization. Do not be the man who watched as it lost its grip.

FORREST: And what would you have us do instead? Fight to total destruction? If this goes any further, the plagues and the famine will sweep away what remains of both us and the Union. We have come to the end, Darius.

DARIUS: No. There is a third option you've failed to consider. Jharid-Selan. 

SFX: quiet, sinister music starts. Footsteps pace.

DARIUS: They'll be bringing the bulk of their fleet to this parlay. An opportunity exists here for us to sharply change the balance of power.

SFX: fabric rustles. 

FORREST: This war has tarnished my legacy enough already. What you are implying is the very height of impropriety. Neither of us would survive the repercussions.

DARIUS: That rather depends on the precise order of events. I'm confident I can arrange for the blame to fall… in the direction we desire.

FORREST: I don't know, Darius…

SFX: footsteps approach slowly. 

DARIUS: We are to have them decisively outnumbered. If we call their bluff I'm certain they'll fold in the first five minutes. Almost no bloodshed. And then… With the Union's fleet crippled, the terms of peace will be ours to dictate. 

SFX: leather creaks. 

DARIUS: Think of it, Benedict. You would have the chance to be the man who made our Assembly whole again. A finer legacy you could not ask for.

SFX: music continues. 

FORREST: No, Darius. I'm sorry but I won't do it.

DARIUS: Very well, sir. I only hope you are prepared to accept the judgement of history.

FORREST: You are dismissed, Admiral.

SFX: footsteps retreat, the door opens 

FORREST: And I warn you, don't take this any further.

SFX: footsteps resume. 

- Scene Change -

SFX: melancholy music plays. Ice falls into a glass, liquor is poured. A door chime. 

HAWKER: Yes. 

SFX: a door whooshes open. 

STEWARD: Commodore Hawker?

HAWKER: Yes?

STEWARD: Commander Naviaux, repaired aboard from Brazen for you, ma'am.

HAWKER: Thank you, send her through please. Oh, and lay forehead to the hold and light along two more bottles of the Brandy Moreau. I'm almost out.

SFX: ice clinks as a glass is gently shaken. 

STEWARD: Ah... It- it's just that… Commander Parkhurst did suggest that I was not to bring you any more of the-

SFX: a glass decanter is stopped. 

HAWKER: To the hold, now.

SFX: footsteps, the door whooshes closed. Fabric snaps as someone comes to attention. 

NAVIAUX: Commodore.

HAWKER: At ease, Fleur, sit down. 

SFX: a seat is taken.

HAWKER: It's good to see you.

NAVIAUX: Thanks. You too.

HAWKER: What news from the yards?

NAVIAUX: They're saying two weeks until the new Leander Class ships slip their moorings.

HAWKER: Good, we need them. We needed them months ago. 

SFX: a sip.

HAWKER: I've just been sharing my morning with the latest casualty report. Do you remember Captain Hartmann from Second Axius?

NAVIAUX: Hartmann of the Thunderer? Yeah, good man as I recall.

SFX: swallowing and ice clinking.

HAWKER: I'm to record a message to be played at his funeral.

NAVIAUX: Shit.

HAWKER: I say funeral, they won't have anything to bury.

NAVIAUX: Paleborn again.

HAWKER: Pirate Queen of Atamara herself, apparently. That's not war. Just… just savagery.

SFX: another glass is poured. 

HAWKER: Glass of brandy?

NAVIAUX: No, thank you. And… Ariana… perhaps you should slow down with that.

HAWKER: You've been talking to Sam.

NAVIAUX: We worry about you.

HAWKER: I'm fine. Did they release the command assignments for the new Leanders?

NAVIAUX: Not yet. Admiralty's playing it close to their chest. They know every commander on the list is after those ships. There are captains who've been made Post for years queuing up to hand in their Ships of the Line for one of these things. Surprised you're not right there with them.

HAWKER: Ah, I couldn't give up Vanquisher. She's the only one who listens to me. If they've any sense at all they'll heed my recommendations and give the first two to you and Baird. Everything you've been through out here with us... They should have promoted you years ago.

NAVIAUX: You know we appreciate it. But I don't know, maybe it was too much to hope for, I mean, Baird's a woodsman from Lairdskirk, god only knows who his parents were. I don't think he expects much chance of promotion, not sure I do either.

HAWKER: Admiral has been telling me all these years that that's changing. That it's why I had to do all this.

NAVIAUX: Maybe it is. I guess we'll see. But honestly, all I want now is to marry Sam. See the end of this war.

SFX: glass moves along a desk. 

HAWKER: Not much longer now.

- Scene Change -

SFX: rain patters on glass windows. A lively cello piece plays. A door rattles open. 

DARIUS: Cassandra! Stand up, put- put that away.

CASS: I'm sorry, father.

SFX: a chair scrapes. Footsteps approach. 

DARIUS: I have good news. You're to be made a Post Captain. I sent the dispatches this morning, you'll be given the CSV Leander.

CASS: Father, I… Half the navy list is lobbying for those ships.

DARIUS: Yes, I'm quite aware.

CASS: I- I'm grateful but I… 

SFX: muffled thunder 

CASS: You mustn't do this, father, please. When you made me master of the Soldati… It's taken years to get them to accept me. To be made Post at my age and experience, the whole fleet will despise me for it.

DARIUS: Do you truly care so much about what they think of you?

CASS: And what are they going to think of you? This is the opposite of everything you've lobbied for in the Admiralty. Captains selected on merit. You can't really think I deserve to-

DARIUS: Eyes front, Commander!

SFX: fabric snapping as she comes to attention. 

CASS: Sir.

SFX: music starts. 

DARIUS: I will decide what you do and do not deserve. I don't care for your tone, daughter. You may have spent a few years in command, but I am still your superior officer, and I am still your father.

CASS: Yes, sir. I apologise.

DARIUS: Events are moving quickly, Cassandra. Events that determine the shape of the future for all of us. Events that will decide whether the Assembly our family has given so much for is allowed to remain unspoiled. I am making certain that you will be there to play a part in them.

CASS: I-I- If I may… What events? They say soon it will be peace.

DARIUS: Pay no heed to what they say. Listen to what I say. There has been an officer bearing the name of Farren in every war the Assembly ever fought. An ancestor of yours stood beside Weaver herself, on the very boards of the Lacemaker. This war may be more important than all that came before. My daughter will not have spent it as Master of a rusting sloop, delivering aid shipments and driving away skirmishers. Before I allow this war to end, you will have your glory.

SFX: footsteps approach. 

DARIUS: I believe the suitable response right now is "Thank you," Commander.

CASS: Yes sir. Thank you, sir.

DARIUS: I expect you'll want to bring that Marine with you to the Leander, the Union turncoat. Surely your concern for what the rest of the fleet thinks of you cannot be so very great, if you are willing to suffer such a person dogging your every step.

CASS: She is a trusted friend, and the best sergeant I have. Bringing her aboard is my prerogative as captain.

DARIUS: Very well, so it is. But remember to measure such sentimentality. To command is to be alone. It is isolating and it is difficult, but it is the path we must walk to become our greatest selves. 

SFX: footsteps. 

DARIUS: Read your dispatches and have your dress uniform pressed. I wish to be there for your promotion tomorrow.

CASS: Thank you, father.

DARIUS: Dismissed, Commander.

SFX: music fades out. 

- Scene Change -

SFX: crowd chatters. 

ORDERLY: Ladies and gentlemen, please stand to attention for the Commander in Chief, CDF.

SFX: chatter stops. Footsteps. 

DARIUS: Thank you all, as you were. 

SFX: several people sit. 

DARIUS: Assembled Flag Officers, welcome to Fort Weaver. And in particular to the newest addition to our number, congratulations Commodore Villacorta.

ADMIRALS: Hear hear.

VILLACORTA: Thank you, Admiral.

DARIUS: Now, I must remind you all this briefing is classified. At four bells tomorrow morning we set out under a flag of truce to the moon of Jharid-Selan to deliver the Prime Minister and several Cabinet officials to engage in a parlay with Kaito Hakim and other representatives of the Frontier Union. We do not anticipate violence, and our contingent in attendance exceeds that of the enemy in both number and firepower. But I must underline to you all that this is no cause for laxity. The Union is a notoriously insidious adversary as we have all learned many times over. You should all be ready to react calmly and decisively to any development. To create the best impression of strength, we will be presenting our newest vessels in the vanguard to conduct the parlay. I will be carrying the PM and our ambassadorial staff aboard the Renown, with the new Leander, Celerity and Swiftsure in escort. The Union delegation will be arriving by longboat, with the negotiations themselves to be held aboard the Renown. This diplomatic process, though only a first wave of discussions, may still potentially last days. During that time the rest of you are to hold a neat and flawless line abaft my squadron. We must show them that negotiation and submission is their only option against our strength and our discipline. 

SFX: whispering. 

DARIUS: I'm afraid I am needed urgently aboard the Renown and must ask that you direct any questions to my staff. I suggest you all rest well. Good luck and fair winds to us all tomorrow.

SFX: chattering resumes. A chair scrapes, footsteps catch up. 

HAWKER: Oh, excuse me. Admiral Farren sir, if you have a moment?

DARIUS: Commodore Hawker, it's very good to see you. I watched your speech at Harcourt Academy last week with great pride. You continue to be everything I ever hoped.

HAWKER: Thank you, sir. But I was hoping you could inform me of the command assignments for the new–

DARIUS: I'm sorry, Commodore. I must urgently retire to my ship. But please rest assured, your service and sacrifice have brought us to where we now stand. The end is in sight, just a little further, Commodore. Goodnight.

SFX: footsteps retreat. 

HAWKER: Steward, would you light along a brandy for me?

STEWARD: At once, Commodore.

SFX: another set of footsteps approach. 

REDFIELD: Commodore Hawker.

HAWKER: Admiral Redfield, sir.

REDFIELD: Oh you needn't… Not for me… I– At ease, Commodore.

HAWKER: Sir.

REDFIELD: I only wanted to take the chance to say, I've been a keen follower of your exploits. You are an inspiration to us all, Commodore.

HAWKER: So I am told, Admiral. Thank you. If there's nothing else I'm needed elsewhere.

REDFIELD: Of course, Commodore. You may fall out.

HAWKER: Thank you sir.

SFX: footsteps approach. 

VILLACORTA: If I may, Admiral Redfield, you should know she means no offense. This war has been more difficult for her perhaps than any of us.

REDFIELD: I understand, Commodore. She bears it well.

ORDERLY: Commodore, Admiral. Could you direct me to Commodore Hawker? I have the promotions list from Admiralty House for her. Assignments for the new Leander Class.

VILLACORTA: May I?

ORDERLY: Certainly, ma'am.

SFX: tapping. 

VILLACORTA: I think I'd best pass this on to her myself. Thank you. Uh, if you'll excuse me, Admiral.

SFX: footsteps fade. 

- Scene Change -

SFX: clattering. 

HAWKER: Is this a joke?! His– his daughter?! My commanders have been through seven years of hell and he gives them nothing, and now… this?!

VILLACORTA: I'm sorry.

HAWKER: How old is she? 

MEDWIN: Twenty-six, I think.

VILLACORTA: Twenty-seven, actually.

HAWKER: Oh well that's alright then. To be made Post at twenty-seven, handed one of the newest ships in the fleet. This girl must be the very ghost of Cormier. How much action has she seen?

MEDWIN: I… Not much, I think. But my old First was with her for the aid operation at Amalus Minor. He reckoned she conducted herself well enough.

HAWKER: Higher praise I can scarcely imagine. How dare he do this to me. After all he said. After… after everything he's dragged me through. I have not lived a day on my own terms for the better part of a decade, all to be his great example for a cause he so easily betrays.

SFX: a fist slams against a desk. 

MEDWIN: Perhaps it doesn't matter, Ari. In two weeks we will be at peace. It will be over.

HAWKER: Did you see today's casualty report? 

SFX: a chair creaks. 

HAWKER: How many more will die in those two weeks, Sam?

VILLACORTA: I fear there is nothing more to be said. The choices have been made for us.

MEDWIN: Shall I tell Fleur and Baird?

HAWKER: No, Sam. It's okay. I'll tell them.

SFX: life support hums quietly.

VILLACORTA: We should get back to our ships and make ready for the departure. All that's left to us now is to do our duty.

HAWKER: That's all that's ever been left to us.

- Scene Change -

SFX: quiet chatting. Door whooshes open. 

CHANDRA: Commodore on deck.

HAWKER: Report, Miss Rawland?

RAWLAND: All ships now stationkeeping off Jharid-Selan, Renown and escorts are holding steady in the van. Union fleet now fully deployed also, ma'am.

DARIUS (over comms): All ships, Renown. Positive diplomatic contact has been established. Mister Hakim and delegation have embarked their longboat to transfer to Renown. 

RAWLAND: Longboat has departed the Union flagship ma'am, on approach to Renown.

HAWKER: Squadron vessels, Vanquisher. Passive sensors only if you please. I know we all want to watch this but let's not look too nosy.

SFX: telemetry chitters. 

RAWLAND: Longboat now entering Renown's larboard boat bay, ma'am. Touchdown in-... 

SFX: telemetry sounds change. 

RAWLAND: Sorry I… I'm getting some kind of strange interference here. LIDAR signatures confused.

HAWKER: Source?

RAWLAND: I can't quite tell ma'am.

SFX: a comm trills.

MEDWIN (over comms): Vanquisher? Dalliance. Corroborate please, are you experiencing signal interference?

HAWKER: Confirmed, Dalliance. Stand by.

RAWLAND: Attempting to resolve, I-

SFX: muffled explosions. 

RAWLAND: Captain, I'm reading evidence of an explosion from Renown's boat bay! She's listing to starboard.

HAWKER: What? Mister Chandra, visual confirmation if you please!

CHANDRA: I don't have a clear view, ma'am, but a lot of ships have fired up their drives out here.

SFX: an explosion, sparks flying. An alarm blares. 

HAWKER: Report!

RAWLAND: We're hit, ma'am! Railgun impact abaft the starboard beam.

MEDWIN (over comms): Vanquisher, Dalliance. We are under attack, what are your orders?

HAWKER: Mister Chandra, hard right rudder! Bring us to eight-zero mark three-four-zero.

All squadron vessels, form line abaft my stern, handsomely now.

SFX: engines fire. 

RAWLAND: Interference appears to be clearing, Captain!

DARIUS (over comms): This is Admiral Farren to all CDF vessels in the AO, I am transmitting vectors of safe withdrawal. All squadrons assume tight formation around Renown, we will quit the field in good order.

RAWLAND: Should I acknowledge, ma'am? 

SFX: exciting nautical music continues. 

RAWLAND: Ma'am?

HAWKER: Vanquisher acknowledges, copy to squadron. Mister Chandra meet your helm, lay us for the Renown, three-eight, zero-zero, best possible speed.

CHANDRA: Three-eight, zero-zero, aye.

HAWKER: Miss Rawland, what does it look like out there?

RAWLAND: We've taken major losses, ma'am. It seems a second Union squadron appeared on the right flank and tore through Squadron Jourdain, but they slowed their advance. Leander and Celerity are screening for us. Enemy fleet is mauled just as badly.

CHANDRA: We've already got too much of a head start for them to pursue. Admiral's escape course was right on the money.

HAWKER: So it would seem. Steady as she goes, Mister Chandra.

SFX: music fades out. 

- Scene Change -

SFX: cosmic ambience.

NEWSREADER: With CDF forces having safely withdrawn from Frontier space, investigations into the shocking breakdown of peace talks at Jharid-Selan have led to an even more shocking revelation. Fleet Admiral Darius Farren reports that a newly assigned crewman aboard the CSV Renown, seriously wounded in the blast that killed Marshal Governor Kaito Hakim, has confessed under interrogation to deliberately detonating a munitions rack in the Renown's boat bay to cause the explosion. Though first thought to be acting alone, new information from an anonymous source suggests this man, whose name has been classified, was in fact affiliated with Centran Intelligence agents, and may have been acting on Cabinet orders. The perpetrator died of wounds sustained before further questioning could be completed. In the wake of the brutal action at Jharid-Selan, the Frontier Union has withdrawn all motions towards peace and recommitted entirely to the war effort, spurring Centran leader of the opposition Ms Nicola Sarali to call for a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Forrest's leadership, which is already receiving strong support. For further developments, stay tuned to Centrum Broadcast Radio.

SFX: newscast transitions to play out of a local radio. Ice shakes in a glass, before being hurled at a wall. 

HAWKER: Bastard! He knew! He knew this would happen, he made it happen!

MEDWIN: Who did?

HAWKER: Admiral Farren. You think that simpleton Forrest could really have done this? And the Admiral just happened to have a perfectly clear withdrawal route ready to send to us? That was prepared and you know it!

MEDWIN: Just because he had an escape route prepared doesn't mean he blew up a peace delegation. Give it a rest, Ari, you're drunk.

SFX: heavy sit in a chair. 

HAWKER: I'm sorry, Sam.

SFX: chair is pulled out and sat in. 

MEDWIN: Pour me one.

SFX: a drink is poured. 

MEDWIN: It's never going to end is it. They'll never stop fighting now. And even if it does, which of us will live to see it? Will I? Will Fleur?

SFX: decanter is stopped. 

HAWKER: I don't know.

SFX: a drink is sipped. 

MEDWIN: What do we do now?

HAWKER: Keep fighting. I can't remember anything else anymore. Don't lose hope, Sam.

MEDWIN: But you have, Ari.

HAWKER: I know. You hold on for both of us. Because if I know anything I know this. It's going to get worse before it gets better.

- Scene Change -

SFX: cosmic ambience and solemn music. 

CASS: And so the war that was to be over in two weeks stretched on for three more gruelling years. And in those years it changed into something unfamiliar. No longer a game of brinksmanship and strategy, nor even the grim stalemate of more recent days, but something else. Something wrong. That day at Jharid-Selan fanned the embers of a dying flame into a blaze of pain and resentment that took on a life of its own. A blaze neither side could extinguish. It burned deep into all the places and people it touched, and for too many, it burns still. 

- Scene Change -

SFX: an explosion, a grunt of pain. 

HAWKER: Mister Chandra, evasive action to port!

RAWLAND: He's dead, Commodore!

SFX: Exciting action music. 

HAWKER: Mister Parkhurst, take the helm if you please! Miss Rawland, report!

RAWLAND: No further activity from Arashi Sakara, ma'am. We've knocked her out. But we're cut off from our other squadrons, Commodore. They have us surrounded.

HAWKER: Then we fight our way out. Copy to all ships, on my lead, bear for two-six zero-

SFX: another explosion and groans of pain. 

RAWLAND: Direct hit to the boat bay, Commodore. We've got secondary explosions.

HAWKER: DC Teams to-

RAWLAND: It's too late ma'am. Explosions spreading forehead!

HAWKER: Vent the magazines, now!

SFX: tense, exciting music swells, muffled mechanical clunking. 

RAWLAND: Vent complete. 

SFX: a notification beep.

RAWLAND: Ma'am? I think that-

HAWKER: Cast loose the swivels, we're still in this!

RAWLAND: Commodore! They've stopped. 

HAWKER: What?

SFX: music stops. A klaxon continues echoing. 

RAWLAND: Union vessels have ceased fire. Shortcode signal from the Victory ma'am. The Union have declared a total surrender. It's over, Commodore. The war is over.

SFX: “The war is over” echoes. Everything gets muffled, overlapping dialogue and cheering, a champagne bottle pops. 

MEDWIN (muffled): Are you not hearing me Ari? The war is over!

HAWKER: Yes. I heard you, Sam.

SFX: mournful music plays. 

MEDWIN: We can go home!

HAWKER: Yes. Yes, you can. You deserve it, Sam. Fleur too. I'm happy for you.

MEDWIN: No, don't you start talking like that. It's over for you too. You don't have to fight anymore.

SFX: fabric rustles. 

HAWKER: I'm going to Atamara. They want someone to go in there, deal with Abescal and the Paleborn. They’ve refused to lay down their arms. 

MEDWIN: That doesn't have to be you. You've done your bit, Ari. And more besides.

HAWKER: I'm going. Thank you, Sam. For this. For trying. And for everything else.

MEDWIN: You don't want to come back.

HAWKER: There is nowhere else for me to be, Sam. No home, no family… too many years wasted for either.

MEDWIN: That's not true. You can live now. This is what we fought for. You can build a home.

HAWKER: This is my home. This ship. This war. I don't know how to be anything else anymore, and I don't have it left in me to try.

MEDWIN: I won't let you. Not like this! You can't!

HAWKER: Thank you, Sam. You're dismissed.

MEDWIN: Ariana, I-

HAWKER: You're dismissed.

SFX: music continues. 

MEDWIN: Yes, ma'am.

SFX: footsteps walk away. The door whooshes open then closed. Hawker sighs and pours herself a drink. Door chime. 

HAWKER: Yes?

SFX: door opens. 

STEWARD: Captain Cassandra Farren for you, ma'am.

HAWKER: Thank you, send her in.

CASS: Commodore.

SFX: door whooshes closed. 

HAWKER: At ease, Captain.

CASS: I'm told you're taking a force into Atamara to finish the Paleborn. I'd like to volunteer my ship.

HAWKER: Not had your fill of fighting yet, Captain?

CASS: Not until the job is done, ma'am. I feel that my service to the Assembly demands this be seen through to the end.

HAWKER: To the Assembly… or to your father, Captain?

CASS: In this case, I'm not sure there's a meaningful difference, ma'am.

HAWKER: You have my sympathies, Cassandra. I've half a mind to refuse you this.

CASS: E-excuse me, ma'am? If I spoke out of turn I didn't intend-

HAWKER: Doesn't matter, Captain. My mistake. You may join the excursion. I'll have your orders dispatched.

CASS: Thank you, ma'am. And if I may, ma'am... It has been the greatest privilege of my career to serve alongside you. I'm sure you don't recall but we met once before, six years ago at-

HAWKER: Validar Two, yes. After the battle. You were a midshipman.

CASS: Yes, ma'am. I'm flattered you remember. That's all I wanted to say, ma'am, uh, thank you again for-

HAWKER: Cassandra. Would you remember something for me.

CASS: O-of course, Commodore.

HAWKER: Find something. Something else… someone. Find something that's yours and hang on to it. Forget service, forget duty, forget your father. There is… more than this, Captain. It passes us by… inside these walls, inside these uniforms. We don't see it go. It passes us by before we know what we've lost. Find something that's yours while you still can, and never, never… let it go. Not for anything, not while there is breath in your body. Do you understand?

CASS: I… I'm afraid I can't say that I do, Commodore. Have I done something wrong? Did my father say something to-

HAWKER: It's okay, Captain. It doesn't matter. It's been a long day.

CASS: Yes, ma'am.

HAWKER: You may dismiss, Captain. I shall see you at the front. Fair winds.

CASS: Fair winds, Commodore.

SFX: music fades out. 

- Scene Change -

SFX: cosmic ambience. Melancholic music plays. 

CASS: Commodore Ariana Hawker's last act before her departure was to perform the marriage of her friends, Samuel Medwin and Fleur Naviaux. Three days later, on the 8th of Equinox, 300 PCU, at the Atamara Crossroads, Commodore Hawker was killed in action, only hours before the formal end of the war. They found her body not two paces from that of the Pirate Queen. It is said they died together in a mighty final battle. Perhaps they did. Two truths exist in one place. What has to be, and what is. Ariana Hawker was the best of us, and at her end she slew the great dragon of Atamara and ended the war, never wavering. That was what had to be. At the time, I did not understand the woman - the life - that had to be burned to ash, so that the myth may live. I understand now. 

SFX: a drum beat pulses. 

CASS: I found something that's mine. I found something more than duty. I found life, and love, and I will not let it go. They don't understand, they don't know, but they don't need to. 

SFX: the beat leads into ‘The Cruel Sister’ by Old Blind Dogs.

CASS: I can make my apologies later, make amends for whatever I had to do to keep us safe, to keep our future, to preserve what we have found in one another. I will not let it slip away. Not while there is breath in my body. That is what is.

SFX: ‘The Cruel Sister’ continues. 

NARRATOR: You’ve been listening to The Sojourn; Season Two, Episode Eight: Cassandra.

Written and Directed by Daniel Orrett, 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. Featuring Special Guest Star Jimmy Lockett as Rear Admiral Winston Redfield, with additional voices by Jessy Kong, Andrew Goulding, Kennedy Phillips, Leon Thurling, Ross Mason, Sumara Meers, Lexa Childress, Louis Martin, and Rebecca Martin.

Music by Sam Redfern, also featuring ‘The Cruel Sister’ by Old Blind Dogs, which is used with the given permission of Old Blind Dogs representatives. Continue listening for the next episode.

SFX: ‘The Cruel Sister’ continues.