En route to a Township, the crew are chosen for an unusual ceremony.
The Green Horizon is a Lovie Awards shortlisted sci-fi audio comedy that focuses on a na'er - do - well Irish space captain and his rag-tag crew as they traverse a war-torn Galaxy in search of fame and fortune.
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Season 2
Episode 4: Just the Two of Me
Vraxia Le Thor is sitting in Nyk Mendas's office at Dominus House of Cards on Alchemelia. She is on a computer call with an Order Council member
Vraxia Le Thor (VLT): Yes Councilman, I understand the difficulty this request puts you under. But trust me, once delivery is made, and Lord Sterling is satisfied...you will be richly rewarded.
Councilman Leto (CL): (Through computer) I should hope so. I expect double per head.
VLT: How about triple, Councilman?
CL: Yes, that should be sufficent. Get this done Ms. Le Thor, or it will be both our heads.
[Transmission ends]
VLT: [Leans back in chair, sighs] Capricious, Blue-Blooded dolt.
Bombus (Bmb)- [Grunts in agreement]
VLT: Why can't all men just be like you Bombus? Silent and agreeable.
N: [Attempts to speak a coherent sentence]
VLT: Mr. Mendas like I've said a thousand times, trying to speak without a tongue is pointless. Just grunt like my beautiful Bombus.
Door opens, Sister Modesty approaches
Sister Modesty (SM): Ms. Le Thor, I bring news.
VLT: Oh, not as dour as your face suggests I hope.
SM: One of my contacts aboard the Starbase Explorer stationed at the Prometheon Wormhole has relayed a message to me regarding the demise of Leopold King.
VLT: Oh, and what became of our hapless little King?
SM: They're still unsure as to the direct cause of destruction. They know it was a Core Breach, and that the ship took a significant degree of hull damage prior to it's destruction...but what did it, or how it was done...is still a mystery.
VLT: And that look of fear you're sporting, is that simply a...choice of aesthetic?
SM: Corypheus, they know not of what the exact circumstances are regarding the demise of the Gracia Mal, but they know who may have been involved.
VLT: Is it the Seraphim? I have a bet going with the Wormwood Brothers.
SM: No Corypheus. The Explorer has managed to decrypt the final console commands directed by King himself. The command was 'Pursue' and it pertained to none other than The Green Horizon.
VLT: [shocked] Well...I don't think anybody was giving odds on that.
SM: Corypheus...if this is true, then we are facing more than just the small crew of a Cargo Hauler.
VLT: Indeed. Nobodies...Mr. Mendas?
N: [Intelligible begging]
VLT: Bombus if you would please.
Bmb: [grunts]
Bombus shoots and kills Nyk Mendas. Sound of gunshot and body hitting floor.
VLT: Relay a message to all envoys and agents of the Pylorian Order. The Green Horizon is priority one capture or kill. Tell them, approach with extreme caution. They are perhaps the most dangerous outlaws in the Galaxy.
Cut to: Cockpit of the Green Horizon.
Sonya [from a distance]: Somebody clogged the toilet again!
Gino: Thrice in one day, that's gotta be a record.
[Intro]
Cockpit. Gino has summoned the whole crew for a special presentation
G: Gather round everyone, gather round.
RR: Hey, are you trying to get to watch that stupid Tv show about the detective that uses Astrology to solve crimes again?
G: Hey, Star Witness is a fantastic show, with expert writing, a grounded plot and realistic characters.
RR: Isn't there a ghost dog?
G: It's actually an Aquavarinian Ghost Dog! His name is Shando...and they explain his existence in a very logical and believable way.
P: I agree with Becks, that show is full of ridiculous and unbelievable caricatures of people.
G: Peter, are you using a hollowed out Watermelon as a helmet?
P: I need inspiration for my next painting.
G: Jesus Christ.
S: What are you showing us?
G: Well, last night after one-too-many bed wines...I was struck!
J: Diarrhea?
G: No, inspiration!
B: Gino, I hope you haven't decided to try and relaunch your series of Graphic Novels because...they weren't good.
G: Okay, Alien Zombie Vampire Ghost Hunters is actually an interesting and underexplored concept in the Graphic Novel industry-
B: Yeah but your drawings were-
G: An interesting take on the established technique?
B: No, shit. They were shit.
G: An ad! I made an ad!
S: You made it...without any of our knowledge or...consent.
G: Yes. And before you try and give me constructive critiques...it's already out there so-
S: You released it without showing anyone?
G: Yes, like a true artist I sought no help or guidance.
S: Oh god...okay, show us.
G: Relax everyone, it's actually pretty good.
[Melodic Music Plays]
G: Success, what is it exactly? Is it being the most profitable? The most efficent? The most reliable?
The Green Horizon is none of these things...but what we are is a dedicated conglomerate of like minded people that are here for you. Just ask some of our committed staff:
Sonya: Brilliant?
Cut to: Sonya watching
S: Is that why you got me to say that?
Cut to: Peter on screen
Peter: Oh well, I've been here for about uhh....yeah....umm...Five Stars! Uhh...dependable service in the uhhh....yeah.....ummm....Ten Outta Ten!
Cut to: Cockpit
S: Jesus Christ
G: Fifty takes, that was the best one.
P: Wow, I'm a natural.
Cut to: Gino's Ad
G: Don't believe me, just ask one of our satisfied customers.
Mortlock: How did you get this number?
Thousands of people have already signed up today to be a part of The Green Horizon experience. So hire us today, please, and be a part of something bigger than yourself.
Unless of course, you don't want to be happy?
The Green Horizon. You could do worse.
[Fast Talking] Sponsored by Stealin'Whelan Enterprises. The Green Horizon is an independent Cargo Haulage and contract work business, not to be confused with a lifestyle choice or tasty beverage.
G: Well, what d'ya think?
[Silence]
G: I know it was a bit rocky, Peter, but I think...overall it was pretty good.
S: [clears throat] Gino...I think I can speak for everyone here when I say...that was not good.
G: Yeah right okay I'll admit Peter did sink it-
P: Oh, I'm sorry everyone.
S: It wasn't just Peter, although Peter you were awful-
P: Awh.
G: What if I used more Starwipe?
S: You sent that out, to people. Actual people are going to see that...I'm in that, what if people who know me, see it?
[Computer beep]
G: Aha! Look at this!
J: What is it Gino?
G: That Sis, is a job.
S: You're not feckin' serious.
B: One of your contacts Gino?
G: Nope. They just messaged me there. They saw the ad and are in need or our services.
RR: What's the job Boss?
h...We are willing to pay you:S: No, uh-uh I don't like this.
B: Yeah, something's off.
G: Ah, by now ye'e should know something's always off.
S: Yeah, but proper off this time.
G: You're just saying that because they liked my ad.
S: Of course I am...it's ridiculous.
RR: Oh my god just kiss already!
G + S: What?!
RR: This back and forth...it's exhausting. It's worse than the other two. You hate/love each other...just make out and get it over with.
G: RedBekka, I don't know where you're getting this idea out of...but in no way, shape or form...am I attracted to Sonya.
RR: Didn't you once invite her to sleep with you in your escape pod?
G: Ah yeah, but that was when I was drunk-
S: Thanks Gino.
G: And it was before I got to know her!
S: Wow, you really know how to make a girl feel special.
G: No, not like that. I see you more as a friend now, or a sister...my non-sex friend sister.
B: Smooth.
S: Well the feeling's mutal. You repulse me to my core friend-brother.
RR: God get a room.
P: What are we going to do about the job?
J: Should we vote?
G: No, no vote. It's 5 grand to attend a function. We're doing it!
B: That depends if our Boosters have enough fuel left to bring us there and then to the Winded Gypsy.
J: Show me the co-ordinates Gino [Takes page, walks over to terminal, inputs co-ordinates]
...Right, yeah we can make the trip, just about.
S: The 'just about' part makes me nervous. We had 'just about' enough Anti-Matter fuel before the Mausoleum.
G: Lads, c'mon...be grand.
S: Oh, that makes it okay so.
G: Really?
S: No. Gino, I don't think you're aware of the gravity of what happens when you run out of fuel in Deep Space. It's not like running out of Petrol on a Sunday drive to Tramore Beach...Your engine dies out here, you die.
G: Yes, Sonya...I'm fully aware of the risks of Space Travel. As I'm sure you're aware, we seem to run into a large percentage of those risks on a ridiculously frequent basis. But, I also know that the Choosey Beggar gets Marasmus. We need this money. With this and the money from the Gold Watch, we'll be set for at least a couple months. Time that we can spend hiding from a deranged Slaver Queen.
RR: Hey, while you two lovebirds were arguing I changed our course to the co-ordinates for the job.
G: What? How did you do that?
RR: I don't know really, I just got tired of you guys taking a million years to make a decision. So I did the thing. I typed in the uhh...y'know, stuff.
J: That's a complicated command Becks. Like, you have to press loads of buttons.
RR: I guess I learned it from watching you.
G: That is the first time I've ever heard that sentence be used at me in a positive light. I'd say I was mad at you going at the computer but...I'm impressed.
RR: Thanks. Maybe you can let me take this baby through a few Asteroid Fields.
G: Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Right so lads, it looks like Becks has made the decision for us. It's a 6 hour detour so...Star Witness?
S: [sighs] Go on, throw it on.
G: Yes! Right, this is one of them shows where they throw the whole concept at you in the first 5 minutes and if you're not paying attention then you're lost for the rest of the series so...let's focus from the start.
J: Ah Gino, I don't want to think when I watch a show.
S: What kind of shows do you like Jilly?
J: Ah, just something that I can turn my brain off to.
B: Jilly I've seen the shows you like. It's full of toilet jokes and people falling over. Any self respecting Show writer would steer well clear of any of that overused crap.
J: Hey!
[Peter farts]
P: Oh no, I ate too much Watermelon...it's giving me the ol' downstairs Thunder. I gotta go to the -
[Peter slips on his Watermelon Helmet]
P: Ow! Ooooh I slipped on my Watermelon Helmet. Ow! That smarts.
[Peter farts again]
J: [Jilly bursts out laughing] What? it's funny.
....
Outro to Star Witness playing in the background
S: Wait...so her father is Leo?
G: Yes! See they foreshadow it from the start by having her father's name be Leo Tarot pronounced Tarrot like Parrot. But that's just a normal name, or so we think! little do we know that he's actually the physical embodiment of a cluster of celestial entities.
B: I didn't get the whole thing with her mother...she's what? A Crab?
G: No, she's Cancer.
J: Ah lads I'm lost. Who was the other one?
G: Her twin sister! Seperated at birth. She's one half of Gemini! It's pretty obvious lads!
P: How does a crab and a lion make babies?
RR: It's okay buddy, I'm confused too.
G: Lads, it's pretty straightforward, when the Dodecahedron of Truth shattered-
S: No, no, let's not synopsize the entire season.
G: Will we move on to Season 2?
Everyone: No!
Computer Beep
G: Oh, I think we're here.
S: Thank god.
G: It wasn't that bad lads.
J: Lads, there's something wierd going on with the scanners.
G: Did Peter spill milk on them again?
P: No, all my milk is in my belly!
J: They're trying to read the ship the co-ordinates brought us to, but they can't. It's like they're trying to access the Data Logs but something keeps locking them out.
S: Shit, this is a Blacksite.
B: Show me a visual of the vessel.
J: I'll magnify it on the Viewport-
G: There you go again, just call it the windshield...or front window.
J: Shag off.
B: Where is it?
J: There, orbiting an unnamed Brown Dwarf Star.
G: They're not Stars, they're failed Stars.
J: Oh my god I will deck you.
y've a surface Temperature of:RR: A Masters in Astrophysics but he can't remember to flush the goddamn toilet.
P: Failed Stars are still dangerous Cap. One ran for U.S. President a couple Hundred Years ago and almost destroyed the world!
[Silence]
P: Sorry, I'm...working on my Stand-up routine.
G: Stick to vegetables.
S: I liked it.
B: Okay, I can see it. It's...an old Spinner model.
RR: A what?
B: Spinners. They're in constant rotation, relying on the centrifugal force to generate artificial gravity.
G: That's old, pre-Gravity wells.
B: At least 100 years old. Question is, what's a vintage spinning top like this doing out here?
J: What do we do now?
S: We leave, obviously.
J: We're being greeted. They've lowered their shieldsand deactivated their weapons. Should I put them through?
G: [Sighs] Go on. Least we can do is hear them out, we came this far.
S: Okay, but I'm putting up the shields.
A face appears on screen.
G: Greetings. This is Captain Gino Whelan, of the Cargo Ship Green Horizon. We received your message and well...here we are.
Hugh Lewis (H): Hello, Uh Hi. Yes, you were speaking to me well...you were uh...reading me, wait no that's not right.
G: You alright there lad?
H: Yeah just uh, haven't talked to anyone else in a...while.
S: [singsong] Wacko.
G: Anyone else?
H: Yeah, it's uh, just me and Epi here...you're here about the uh...job? The job?
G: Yeah we are or...were...but ehm, I gotta be honest Mr-
H: Lewis.
G: Yeah yeah, Mr. Lewis. We're a bit worried. Our Scanners are having a freak attack trying to read your ship, or that Brown Dwarf for that matter. It's pretty crazy that there's a Celestial Body of that size out here in the Void with no common knowledge of it. Takes an awful lot of effort to keep this... fairly noticeable orbital track a secret. You understand my reservation.
H: Yeah uh...I-I-I get it. We uh...found this station a little while ago abandoned.
G: You and...Epi?
H: Yeah, me and Epi.
G: Where is this...Epi.
H: Showering.
G: Right. Where's your ship?
H: What?
G: Your ship, if you found this place, where's the ship you found it in?
H: There's an escape ship docked at the Secondary Port, we used that. Our ship it uh, blew up.
J: Let's head off lads. This lad is taking the piss.
G: Hang on...So what's the job Mr. Lewis?
H: Oh, right...well...We need you to witness an event with us that will occur in less than 36 hours. Once you've done that well...you can take all these precious metals that were left here.
J: Oh my god, look at all that Resilium!
G: That's way more than:H: Oh is it? I'm not good at judging stuff like that.
G: [sighs] Mr. Lewis...we'd love to!
S: What?!
H: Truth be praised! We only need two of you so, choose one of your crew and uh, come-come aboard!
Transmission ends
G: Right well, I suppose we need to decide who's going.
Same time
S: Oh you are most definitely.
RR: Oh you, absolutely you.
B: You.
J: Gino anyway
P: I'll go.
G: Shit.
J: Peter's not going, that's for absolutely certain.
B: Yeah, after the Tombship, Peter's earned a pass.
P: Sweet, a day off! Oooh maybe I'll watch more of that show about Lion-Crab babies.
RR: Okay so, who gets to go on this totally-not-certain-death mission?
J: Well, I seem to remember the Astral Travel Doctrine stating that any exocraft missions involving the Captain should always include at least one other Officer as escort, and as you've already pointed out...I'm not an officer so...
B: Bags not.
S: Shit.
B: This is perfect actually, I've a few bits to do in the engine room.
J: I might join you Bernie, have the chats.
B: Ehh yeah sure Jill. But, I will be working with hazardous and radioative materials so-
J: Ah that's grand, I'll just bring the aul' bitta Aloe Vera, keeps away the Ionizing Radiation.
B: I don't think it does.
P: Umm Jilly...I was kinda hopin' we could use this time...to have our date?
J: Don't worry Peter, I haven't forgotten. It's just not the right time y'know? I'd rather we not have our first date while my Brother is possibly being murdered on a mysterious Space Station.
RR: Wait, what will I do?
G: Just do normal teenager things.
RR: Like?
G: I dunno. I used to hang around the Corner Shop and smoke Rollies...what do teenagers do these days?
P: Hunt Caribou with your drunk Grandmother?
RR: Maybe I can hang with you Peter?
P: Sure! Ooh, I actually may need your opinion on something 'Top Secret'.
RR: Sure, sounds like fun.
G: No sassy comeback? Who even are you anymore?
RR: I've grown Greg, I've grown.
S: [Sighs] I suppose there's no point in delaying this any longer. Let's head to the ScuttleBug Gino, it's been nice knowing ye'e lads.
G: Aren't you going to put on your Officers Uniform?
S: Nah. If this lunatic wants to chop me up and keep me as a trophy, he's getting PMS pants and greasy hair.
G: Ah, that's too much info Sonya.
S: I'm sorry for being a woman with reproductive organs Gino!
G: Woah.
J: Yeah Gino! She's a woman! She's allowed complain about her cycles in her own ship! You wankbag- oh Sonya I think we're syncing!
B: Oh no...
RR: Why are you looking at me?
P: The trifecta...
G: We need to separate them now, before they go mutinous and take over the whole ship!
RR: You guys are such sexist assholes.
G: It's happening! Go! Go! Go!
....
Sonya and Gino are in the Airlock of the ScuttleBug, waiting for the Hatch door to be opened.
S: I can't believe we have to do this.
G: Relax Sonya, it'll be grand.
S: We're going to be made sacrifice someone...I just know it. Well, if it's a situation where we have to fight to the death-
G: Sonya, I promise you...if they force us into some kind of Deathmatch situation...I'll let you kill me.
S: Oh, you'll let me? Gino, you couldn't stop me.
G: Jesus Sonya.
S: I can snap a man's neck in 5 different ways you know.
G: What has gotten into you?
S: Sorry...my appointment with my Psychiatrist is coming up, I always get a bit...braggy leading up to it...He says it's overcompensation.
G: Okay well...you've nothing to worry about. You're terrifying.
S: [Sighs anxiously] I should've dressed up. That's the other thing he said...I overcompensate because I self-saboutage. It's a vicious cycle kinda thing y'know?
G: What is happening?
S: [Anxiously] I'm all twisted up in knots.
G: There...there? Pats Back
S: Don't touch me!
G: Are you having a panic attack?
S: [frantic]No, no, no. [Deep breath] [Normal] I'm fine. Sorry, again. Just the thought of my Father gets me spunout.
G: Your father?!
Hatch door opens
Hugh Lewis (H): Welcome aboard! [laughs nervously] Sorry...it's a uh, nautical pun.
G: Is it?
H: Is your friend okay?
S: What? Yeah, I'm fine.
H: You're awfully damp. What, did you run over here? [laughs nervously] Sorry, sports pun.
G: That's not what a pun is.
H: Isn't it? I'm not actually sure what a pun is. Anyway, come on...come in! There's plenty of Space for the two of you!
G: There you go.
H: What?
G: That was a pun.
H: What was?
G: N...Nevermind.
H: Hmm, come in!
Sonya, Gino & Hugh walk through the Space station. The walls and floor are a Sterile White colour...Many of the lights are blown, with the sparse few remaining barely able to illuminate the hallway with their intermittent flickering.
H: Sorry about the upkeep, we don't know how to fix the lights.
G: Just change out the bulbs no?
H: Uhh...yeah we don't know how.
S: What? Seriously? Who doesn't know how to change a lightbulb.
G: I just get Bernard to do it.
S: And that answers that joke.
G: Where are you bringing us?
H: To the caffeteria...Epi is giving a sermon.
Gino stops walking, the other two stop.
G: Hold on, hold on. Right lad...this is all going a bit fast. We don't know anything about you or this place and you're bringing us to feckin' Mass. Now, full discretion...My first officer is armed.
H: You are?
S: Yup. [cocks gun]
H: Huh, shoulda thought of that.
G: Is this your first day or something? Like you're saying you found this place which means you're Spacefaring. But you can't change a lightbulb between ye'e and didn't even frisk us. This is Deep Voider Space, it doesn't fuck around. How are you not dead?
S: We also don't even know your name?
H: Oh, it's Hugh.
G: I'm sorry what?
H: Hugh.
S: Gino?
G: No, fuck off it's not.
H: Yes. My name is Hugh Lewis...is that a problem?
G: No, where's the rest of the News?
S: Hugh, we're not going a step further until you explain to us what's going on.
Epsilon (E): Hugh, you forgot to tell me our guests had arrived. There I was, giving my sermon to a vacant congregation.
G: Is this Epi? You didn't mention he was your brother.
S: Twin brother by the looks of it.
E: Epsilon, but you may call me Epi if you like.
S: Epsilon and Hugh, your parents had a funny imagination.
E: Ah yes...parents.
G: Eh, I think you may need to fix your robe lad...
E: Oh, I care not to expose the gifts Mother has endowed me with.
S: Ew, don't wink at me when you say that, you may think the long hair, enligtened drifter look is endearing to women but it isn't.
E: Such negativity.
Epsilon rubs Sonya's face
S: Stop rubbing my face!
H: He's rubbing away the toxins, you really should let him...his deep pore pokes are marvellous.
tory here? I mean clearly the:H: I didn't understand that reference.
S: It's a music thing just ignore it.
H: Oh, I enjoy and know music.
G: What's your deal then?
E: Me? I am a wanderer, a philanthropist, an entrepeneur, a deal-maker, heartbreaker, risk-taker, a lover, a fighter-
G: Smoker, Joker, Midnight Toker?
E: But above all, I am the Conduit.
G: Oh, so this is a Jesus situation! Right who had Messiah in the bet?
S: Bernard I think.
E: No friends...I am no powerful being. I simply speak for the all-seeing, all-knowing mother.
G: And who is this...Mother?
S: Oh please don't be a corpse, please don't be a corpse.
E: Why Mother is...enveloping. She is all. She is massive...her pull drags us through the cosmos...showing us the way to find the answers.
S: Wait...the Brown Dwarf Star?
G: [fast] Not a star.
E: Yes, I heard them call it that.
G: Who?
E: Our captors of course.
H: Epi!
E: Hugh, it is time for them to know. Surely, if we are to ask them to witness our ascension...there must be no secrets. And you can put away your weapon my dear, you won't be needing it.
S: I'll hold onto it thanks.
E: If that is your perogative, I shall not stop you.
G: Where are we going?
E: To resume the sermon of course.
G: Feck sake, alright. But if I have to eat communion crackers made of you, I'm leaving.
.....
Jilly and Bernard enter the Engine room, they walk toward an open panel on the anti-matter core that Bernard has been tinkering with. It hums and illuminates a blue Radioactive hue.
J: I haven't been in the engine room in a while. I see you took down the nudie calender!
B: Yeah that wasn't fooling anyone was it?
J: You had me fooled Bernie! I still thought you were going out with that girl from Kilkenny?
B: Who Jenny?
J: Yeah! Jenny from Kilkenny!
B: [laughs] Yeah, no I made it up. There never was a Jenny from Kilkenny. There was a Benny though.
J: Benny from Kilkenny?
B: No Louth.
J: Ben from Louth...better than Joe from Roscommon I suppose.
B: Yeah, that was mad wasn't it?
Jilly uncorks the wine
J: Want some?
B: No Jill. The Core may have been overheated when we exhausted her fuel. I need to just inspect the Element so we don't explode the next time she spools up.
J: No bother. [sighs] That was mad though wasn't it? The Gracia Mal, Leopold King...getting chased...blowing it up. I don't think any of us have really had the chance to talk about it.
B: Yeah [Bernard is working on the engine while talking] I mean, Gino left straight after so...we were so busy dealing with that, we never really discussed what happened at Salirus. Then as soon as Gino came back...Vraxia Le Thor happened.
J: I keep having this dream. I'm a sex slave on the Moon of Pearl. I'm locked in this room, off my face like...I can feel the Crush going through me. Then someone opens the room, and it's him...it's King. And he laughs like...the way he laughed at you when he threatened to lock you in the engine room. Then all of a sudden he shows me something he'd been hiding behind his back, and it's Frank. Dead. Just hanging there. I've had that dream now, more often than not, every night since it happened.
B: Jesus Jilly. I didn't know you had it that bad.
J: How are you able to cope with it Bernard?
B: I'm not coping Jilly. [drops spanner] I'm...really not. I always kinda had this notion that I would die in Space, doing something like this. My father was a Space Captain, and he died alone in a hospital bed...emaciated after years of battling different illnesses...broke from having to pay for it all. He died bitter, and resentful, and weak. You should have seen him in his day he was...powerful...a prescence. I didn't want to go like him. I wanted to go strong and fighting.
J: I never knew about your Father. In fact Bernie, I don't think I know anything about your family.
B: Don't take it personal Jill, nobody does. [sighs] Hand me the wine.
Jilly pours Bernard a glass
B: I'm not going to tell you that I'm not afraid of death. Because I am. If I can avoid dying, I will. But when the Gracia Mal came bearing down on us, I accepted my own fate. Obviously I didn't want any harm to come to any of you, but I had come to terms with my own end. Then Leopold King told me my fate, and I've never been so scared in my life. I was going to use RedBekka's gun, rather than face it. It's made me realise that death isn't the worst thing that could happen to you out here, and that has just given me a whole new level of stress.
Bernard drinks the whole glass
B: Another please, and bust out the boxed Stuff.
J: A depression session?
B: Oh most definitely.
J: Just like old times.
.....
Sonya and Gino are sat at the dining area of the Space Station's Canteen. They ponder over the Sermon held by Epsilon, staring into their instant coffee. Hugh Lewis approaches.
H: Well? Wasn't that something.
G: Yeah, it certainly was...something.
S: 20 minutes...angry scream crying. That's all he did.
H: Yes, he calls it 'Wet Sermons'. They're quite cathartic.
G: For who? I was uncomfortable for all of it.
S: Right, we've sat through your...bizzare demonstration. Is that it? Can we go? Where's the Resilium?
Epsilon approaches
E: Dear Maiden...that is but the preamble for what is to come.
Sonya stands up and draws her gun
S: I feckin' knew it! A sacrifice! Gino, get behind me...we're leaving.
E: Wait now, you don't...oh Hugh...they think we mean them harm? Oh no my dear...we called you here to witness our ascension...not yours.
S: What do you mean?
H: We're going to lift ourselves from this earthly plane.
G: Oh...it's a Mass Suicide thing...did RedBekka have that in the pool?
S: I think it only counts if it includes us.
G: Oh, null draw so.
E: Tomorrow, Hugh and I will eat the Beans...and be brought into the loving dark glow of Mother.
Epsilon places two oddly-shaped tins of beans of the table
G: What will the beans do?
S: Look at the tins...they're disdended. These beans are filled with lethal Bottulism.
G: Baked Bottulism. Lovely stuff.
S: Hugh, you can't seriously go along with this?
G: Yeah Hugh, don't go along with something just because everyone else is doing it. Don't you know It's Hip to be Square?
[Silence]
G::H: Epsilon saved me. I owe him my life. Wherever he goes, I'll follow him.
S: Okay, before we go any father with this...lunacy, we need to know the truth...the full truth.
H: [Sighs] It's...hard to explain.
E: It's okay Hugh, tell them. They deserve to know.
H: [Sighs] We're not Space travellers. In fact, I don't know if I've ever been outside of this ship. I woke up about 8 weeks ago, with no memory of my life before that. I was locked in a padded room. Workers would slide my meals to me under the door. It was this grey paste, but sometimes they'd throw in an apple or an orange. We were prisoners here. I got my name from the two doctors that would come in and administer tests, Doctor Hugh, and Doctor Lewis.
S: Why would you take the names of your captors?
H: Oh, they weren't so bad. In truth they were nice to me...I couldn't remember my name so, I needed something to give me some humanity. Then about 4 weeks ago and there was this red flashing light, people screaming. Then, nothing for...I don't know how long. I was almost dead from thirst when Epi found me...gave me water. Saved me. I owe my life to him.
E: I used the power of Mother to break from my own chains, overpower my captors and cast them from the station. Then Mother spoke to me...called me Epsilon the Truth. Told me to find my brother, and led me to him.
G: You took down an entire secret research station by yourself?
E: Not me...Mother.
H(Same time)Mother
S: That wasn't creepy.
G: So, why were ye'e kept here?
S: And where'd you get the name Epsilon outta?
E: We do not know. We have no memory of how or why we were captured...and my name was a gift from Mother. Now, since you're still here...I assume you agree to our terms?
S: Eh, sorry now...but I'd rather not watch ye'e poison yerselves thanks.
G: [Sighs] I suppose I agree with Sonya.
S: You suppose?
G: Yeah, I mean...it is alot of Resilium bars.
E: I understand, you're unable to see past your mortal plane of existance. That's okay. Come Hugh, let us eat the beans.
G: What?! We said no.
H: We don't need anybody to witness our ascension, it just makes it more pleasurable.
E: Yes, we must pass through within the next 24 hours. Eat the beans Hugh, you are low on Protein Points.
S: Protein Points?
H: We need to be full of protein in order for Mother to eat us.
G: This cult is fucked up.
E: Come Hugh, it's beans time. Don't they look so very delicious Hugh. Mmmm they say, 'eat us Hugh, taste our delicious toxins'.
H: Alrighty then.
S: No wait, Hugh...you seem like a nice, reasonable, if not...slightly stunted guy. Why are you doing this? Surely you must know how ridiculous it is? You're only going along with it because you feel like you owe Epsilon.
H: Maybe she's right Epi, maybe Mother saved us so that we can spread her message?
E: Hugh, are you disagreeing with the Conduit? Because you know what happens when you disagree with the Conduit.
G: What happens?
H: No, please.
E: Hugh, you're banished.
H: No! You can't!
E: Banished. You're banished. I banish you.
H: Epi, please!
E: Banishment. Banished are you, Hugh.
H: Oh god!
E: Hugh...
H: What!?
E: Banished.
H: No!
G: What is happening?
E: I have banished Hugh. He is a banished boy.
H: I'll go with you Epi, I'll go out the airlock just, please...
E: Hugh, you are unbanished.
H: Thank you! Thank you.
E: Come, let us eat the beans.
S: But, Bottulism is a horrible way to go. You'll be in agony for hours before you die.
G: Yeah I mean, just shoot yourselves or jump out the airlock.
S: Gino!
G: What? Oh, shouldn't've said that.
E: I...never thought of that. The airlock would bring us closer to Mother...come Hugh, ascension awaits.
S: Wait! We'll witness you.
H: You will?
G: We will?
S: Yes...but, not right now. I'm [fake yawn] just so tired and...I go blind when I get tired. It's a woman thing.
E: Ah yes, sleep blindness. I know many attractive women with this affliction.
S: Sher look, we'll all get a good night's sleep and tomorrow we'll...re-examine it. And eh, while we're all going to bed, maybe we can have a little think, Hugh, about the situation...Hugh.
G: Yeah and eh, don't forget lads...true families don't make each other do things they don't want to do...That's the Power of Love.
S: Feck sake.
G: I just can't help myself.
....
Peter and RedBekka
P:I can't wait to show you my secret project!
RR: I am equally excited and terrified.
They open the door
P: It's here...under this sheet.
RR: Well, let's have a look.
P: Voila! lifts sheet
RR: What the...is that Jilly? As a piece of celery?
P: It's Dill.
RR: Let me guess, you called it-
P: Jill. Yeah, so what do you think?
RR: I think, it's a very Jilly looking salad.
P: Do you think she'll like it?
RR: Honestly, knowing Jilly...it could go either way.
P: Oh.
RR: But I like it! And...I'm sure she will too. I like that one too over there on the painting thingy.
P: The easel?
RR: Yeah that. It's very bloody and gorey which I'm pretty much all about.
P: Oh Becks, that's not blood, that's Watermelon.
RR: What? Wait...so who's that in the middle?
P: Me...as a baby. After I found out I might be adopted...it took my art in a whole different direction. I call this 'Watermelon birth'.
RR: Birth? Wait...Oh my god that's-
P: Yeah! Pretty bold right?
RR: That's one word for it. Bold...jarring...gross.
Peter sighs and sits down on his bed
P: I called my mom.
RR: Oh...and?
P: I tried asking her...but I couldn't work up the courage. My mouth went dry, my hands got all sweaty, and the cramps...ooh boy the cramps. She thought I was calling her to say I was dying because I was in so much pain.
RR: I'm sorry Peter.
P: It's okay. I'll try again next year.
RR: Next year?!
P: Yeah. I'm only allowed call once a year so...next time I'll totally ask her. [Yawns] Boy, I am tired. I stayed up all night on 'Watermelon Birth' so...I'm just gonna lie down for a sec.
RR: Get some sleep big guy.
P: But what'll you do?
RR: I'll think of something.
P: I got a fresh canvas and my paints are out. Why dont'cha paint something?
RR: Y'know what Peter? I think I will.
Peter begins snoring
RR: That was...super fast. [sighs]
........
RedBekka leaves Peter's room after a few hours of painting
RR: Hey guys...eh, Bernard...what are you holding?
B: Oh...hello there...what? Yes!
J: Aw look! It's our little Becks! Isn't she so cute! Bernie...isn't she?
B: What? Hello there.
J: Here love...here's a fiver. Get yourself some cola bottles.
RR: This is the label from the wine bottle.
J: Yep. Yep. Yep. Don't spend it all at once.
B: Jilly, is this RedBekka?
J: Yes Bernard.
B: Ah Jaysus, how long's it been?
RR: About 3 hours.
J: Hasn't she gotten as big?
B: Jilly, what am I holding?
J: The Subduction Coupler love.
B: Oh...feck, that should not have been taken out! And what abou this?
J: [laughs] The Cherenkov inhibitor!
B: Oh, that definately should not have been taken out. I'll have to go get Bernard!
Bernard stumbles away
J: Ah Jaysus, he's pissed! I better go after him. Hey c'mere...here's a fiver.
RR: That's another label.
J: Aww...loves you. I do now, I really do.
RR: [laughing] Goodnight Jilly.
J: Goodnight love, here take it! Take the fiver!
Jilly forces the label into RedBekka's hand.
RR: Thanks Jilly, I won't spend it all at once.
J: Ah sher look, as I say...wherever you're going....there ye are!
Jilly stumbles off
RR: [laughing]
Gino and Sonya appear behind RedBekka, heading toward the cockpit
G: Becks?
RR: Oh! You're back.
S: Yeah. We had...quite a time.
G: We're heading into the Cockpit now to talk about it. Where's everyone else?
RR: Well...Peter's asleep and the other two are very, very drunk.
S: What? It's 6 in the evening.
G: Like you've never been scuttered for the Angelus.
S: Well, you're still awake and sober Becks, you coming?
RR: Yeah I'm coming. You guys want tea?
G: Yeah...actually. I'd love a cup.
RR: Cool, I'll go make some, and I'll avoid the salt shaker next time.
G: Great. Wait...is that paint on your top?
RR: Yeah, Peter let me use his stuff.
G: Oh, you painted something?
RR: Yeah, but it's terrible so don't expect an exhibition or anything. I'll be back with that tea.
RedBekka leaves to the Canteen
G: Dya remember when she first came here? She scoped the place out just to fleece us.
S: I know, it's mad how much she's changed in such a short period of time.
G: I tend to have that effect on people.
S: Yeah no, it wasn't you.
Bernard wanders in
B: Hey lads...have ye'e seen Bernard?
G: Bernard, go to bed!
S: Oh god, what's he holding?
....
RedBekka enters holding a tray of tea and biscuits. She closes the door behind her.
RR: Here's your tea.
S: Lovely stuff, very much needed.
G: Wait (lifts packet) Custard creams! You've been holding out on us Roy!
RR: I hid a pack in the medicine cabinet behind the Iodine pills. In case of emergencies...I figure this qualifies.
G: Very clever my dear.
S: (Sips tea) Becks this tea is lovely.
RR: Thanks, I got Jilly to show me her patented technique.
G: You're turning Irish before our eyes kid. Now, as for those two feckin' Gobshites over in that station-
RR: Yeah, what's going on?
S: It's a cult.
RR: Naturally.
G: The Suicide one.
RR: Does that mean I win the bet?
S: Well...you said it had to include us too so-
RR: Wait, so what do they want you guys to do?
G: Watch...well, witness it, them.
S: It's a null bet basically.
RR: Huh, I've met plenty of Death Cult types in the Dragon but, paying strangers to watch them do it...that I've never seen.
G: They were ready to do it then and there but...Sonya put them off until tomorrow.
S: In the hopes that Hugh might reconsider...at this point though, I think he's just too far under Epsilon's thumb.
RR: So this Epsilon guy is making him do it?
G: It's a bit more complicated than that. They're twin brothers. They've no memory of why they were brought there, but they do know that they were being tested for something. Epsilon claims that the Brown Dwarf we're orbiting is some kind of sentient God called 'Mother', that embued him with the power to overthrow the guards and researchers.
RR: I call bullshit.
S: Oh it's very obviously bullshit. But we've no evidence to back it up. And Hugh wouldn't listen to us over Epsilon.
G: Hugh also feels like he owes Epsilon his life, so he has to go through with this Ascension fuckery.
RR: Ascension?
S: Epsilon thinks that if they die they'll be 'saved' by Mother and achieve eternal paradise.
RR: Ugh, why does it always have to end in death with these people? Why can't these cults just do good shit like adopt orphans or rescue puppies?
G: Eh, if you manage to find a genuinely good-natured cult out here in this madness Becks, sign me the fuck up.
RR: What are you guys gonna do tomorrow?
S: What can we do? I don't know about ye'e, but I'm not prepared to try and stop it by force. I like Hugh but...jesus, does that sound heartless?
G: No, I get it. Hugh could very well be as mad as Epsilon and take a shot at us. Look, we'll go and plead one last time with them. If they're still not willing to listen, we just leave. Feck the Resilium, I'm not watching these eejits end their lives over some gassy arsehole.
S: You've been listening to more of Peter's stand-up?
RR: Okay well [yawns] I'm really tired. Think I'm gonna get some sleep.
G: Is everybody here 90 years old?
S: Goodnight Becks, thanks for the tea.
RR: You're welcome.
RedBekka leaves
G: [Sighs] Cans?
S: Eh, I think I'll head to off too. Have a bit of paperwork to fill out.
G: What? You do?
S: Yes Gino. It might shock you to know that you can't just show up at a Township with no paperwork and expect to be granted immediate docking.
G: What have I been doing before you showed up?
S: Getting fined...alot apparently.
G: [laughs] I Remember a time when an unauthorized parking fine was the worst thing to happen to me. Hey, listen...I'm sorry for what I said about you being a...what was it?
S: Non-sex friend sister with an offputting personality that you'd only sleep with if you were lashed?
G: Yeah...that.
S: It's okay. I won't snap your neck...yet.
G: I appreciate that. So...your father is your psychiatrist...that's...fucking weird.
S: Yeah, makes for some fun family visits.
G: I can imagine. What does your mam do?
S: Ah, well that's a great question. I don't know what she does...or if she's even still alive.
G: Really?
S: Yeah, she left when I was about 5. Just...walked out. Dad said she had issues with motherhood and...possibly drugs, he eh...was never clear about that...he's never really clear about anything...he'd bring his psychology speak home with him. It was like trying to talk to a mirror.
G: I had no idea.
S: Yeah, it was the same thing in School. Everyone assumed I came from this big wealthy family. That I had siblings. That my parents were...if not together then at least around. I told them that my mother died because you know...people tend to sympathise if they're dead...but if they take off without a word or letter for 13 years and are practically dead then...no, no sympathy. You're just a scumbag from a broken home.
G: That's awful.
S: I brought some...well what I thought were friends, home once...the lack of family portraits were a dead giveaway apparently. They had me pinged in a second that we weren't wealthy. After a few selective questions to my dad when I wasn't in the room they found out about my mother. They weren't my friends after that. Sonya Own was my nickname for the rest of school.
G: I'm sorry Sonya, here I was calling you Order Irish. I thought you were from affluence.
S: No, it's okay. The bullying is what drove me. I said to myself, 'I'm going to make my own name.' It's what drove me to top my class in school and college. I did take a slight detour to failure after I grabbed my superiors testicles but...hey, we took down an infamous Lyca Pirate and are on the hitlist of an Interstellar Slaver so...I think I've etched my name somewhere.
G: Well...I'm glad I could be of assistance.
S: [Laughs] So am I.
They kiss
S: Oh my god.
G: [stammers] Ehh...what are we doing?
S: It's the mission right? This, it's got us all mixed up!
G: Yeah I mean...we can't, right?
S: Yeah no, no it goes against...every rule in the Astral Travel Doctrine.
G: Yeah no...office romances never work!
S: Let's just...I'm gonna...go, and...see you tomorrow captain?
G: See you tomorrow First Officer!
S: I'm just going to open the door here [struggles with the handle] Oh my god why won't it open!
G: It's an outie, here let me...
Sonya pulls the door open, it hits Gino
G: Ow, ow, ow.
S: Oh my god, I hit you with the door! I'm so sorry!
G: No, it's okay.
S: Here, let me see. Oh no, there's a bruise.
They kiss again
S: Seriously?! What the feck are we doing?
G: I...I don't know.
Jilly bursts through the door
J: Lads, anyone seen Bernie?! He's walking around dragging half the engine with him!
G: [Sighs] I suppose I better go look for him.
S: Yeah, I suppose you should.
G: See you tomorrow?
S: See you tomorrow.
J: What happened your head?
Gino leaves, Sonya sighs and says:
S: What are we doing?
...
Gino & Sonya stand awkwardly waiting for Hugh to come greet them at the door
G: So...ahem...we'll have to get the Scuttlebug fixed anyway. Rattlin' like a fecker on the way over.
S: Yeah, Spedometers off too. Says 561,654 kilometers this service, but the stations only 2 kilometers away so it should say eh...561, 650.
G: Ahright yeah, I'll give Dimitri a bell. Fecker gave me a 4 year guarantee.
S: So, about last night...
G: Yeah, about that.
S: It's a mistake right? Like, my Dad has me up the walls. We're on the run, you're just back. It was just...a moment of madness right?
G: [sighs] Yeah, I agree. If we're to survive all this, we need to keep it professional.
S: Yes, 100%...professional.
G: Although-
The pair are interrupted by Hugh suddenly opening the hatch door
H: You made it! Great, we were starting to worry. Come on, follow me. Epsilon is waiting.
Hugh, Sonya and Gino begin walking toward the canteen
Conversation as they're walking
G: So, Hugh...you're still set on going ahead with this?
H: Yeah...I uh, thought about what you said...about family being a powerful love?
G: No, that's not how the song goes.
H: Well, you're right. Epsilon used his love to save me, so I must trust that he knows what's best.
S: Even if that means you die painfully?
H: Yes...it's the least I can do for him.
The three enter the Canteen, where Epsilon is waiting
E: Ah, our Witnesses. I never doubted you would return. Shall we away to the airlock then? The hour of rotation is near.
G: No, Epsilon. We came here to try and convince Hugh to change his mind...but you've obviously completed melted it so...we're going to head back. Enjoy the vacuum of Space lads.
S: And don't worry, your eyes don't pop. That's a myth, they just swell painfully due to decompression as all the air in your body turns you into a floating, frozen balloon full of boiling blood.
H: Awh, that's a shame. I made pancakes.
E: Hugh, you musn't let them leave.
S: How are you going to stop us...I have my...where's my gun?
Gun cocks
G: Hugh?!
H: I'm really sorry about this! Epsilon made me take your gun while you were talking.
E: My Hugh has such nimble fingers.
S: Hugh, you're not going to shoot us?!
H: No, of course not!
E: He will.
H: I will?
E: If you do not witness our ascension.
G: How do we always end up with a gun pointed at us.
RedBekka appears
RR: What's up fuckers?
G: Becks?
E: Who is this small swearing child?
S: RedBekka get out, this arsehole is holding a gun.
H: She's referring to me. Hi, my name is uh, Hugh Lewis.
G: [snorts] Sorry, I still can't get over his name.
S: How did you get here?
RR: I stowed away in the luggage compartment on the scuttlebug.
S: That explains the rattling sound we were hearing.
G: Thank feck, I thought the Scuttlebug was falling apart and I am too afraid of Dimitri to ask for a refund.
S: Why are you here RedBekka?
RR: I'm here because that asshole over there is a big fat liar.
E: You are a saucy little goblin aren't you?
RR: I couldn't sleep last night, so I got up and decided to take the scuttlebug over here to conduct my own investigation.
G: You did what?
S: You could've gotten yourself killed!
G: You...are grounded.
RR: Relax, I can fly the Bug with my eyes closed...I learned it from watching you.
G: Butter me up why dont'cha?
RR: Anyway, I took a little look around the facility, and wouldn't you know I found a computer terminal, with all of the Stations files on it.
E: What? How did you access my Sanctum?
RR: I just pushed it open.
E: And my 'Keep Out' sign?
RR: I...ignored it?
E: You wilful little devil. Next you're going to say you accessed the files that I had secreted behind my impassible wall of mystery!
ou mean your password? It was:E: You are a master agent of chaos! Hugh, shoot them please.
S: Hugh, don't!
H: No Epsilon.
E: What? Hugh, did you just reject the Conduit?
H: Yes, I, uh...believe I did. I won't shoot these people.
E: Hugh, would a little banishment help?
H: Shut up Epsilon...go on, little girl.
RR: Thanks dude. So, I managed to access the files to one of the researchers...Doctor Allen. One of your researchers Epsilon.
G: And?
RR: This isn't just any secret Research station...this place is blacker than black. I'm talking above The Order. And these guys ain't Brothers...they're clones.
S: Holy shit.
E: Blasphemy! I am unique! I am the Conduit!
RR: This place, there's thousands of 'em out there. And thousands of Hughs...or Epsilons. There's clone women too.
S: Why? What's their goal?
RR: They're trying to create the perfect human. See, they make the little clone babies...raise them in cells, and when they reach 30, they start the experiments.
H: Why don't I remember anything?
RR: [Sighs in sympathy] They wipe your memory every month...keeps you dependent and stops you from being able to devise an escape.
G: Makes sense, if you never know who or where you are...you'll be less likely to rebel.
S: What's this stations purpose then?
RR: Okay, this is where it gets sick...even for me. These guys are identical...but they're not the first batch. This research has been happening for over 100 years. Each generation producing DNA results that are given to the next. Like a forced evolution.
G: What kind of results?
RR: Immunities. To everything from Cancer to Radiation. They want to make the toughest human possible...able to survive anything.
S: I betcha this has something to do with the Pioneer Project.
G: The lads that forced the Seabrooks out of Texas?
S: Yeah, they operate outside of The Order's rules. If anybody's capable of pulling this off, it's them.
H: What was I tested with?
RR: That's the sick part. There are or...were 6 of you. They named you Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Zeta and...Epsilon. But obviously you knew that.
H: He knew all of this...and didn't tell me?
RR: It gets worse. This place is a testing site for Toxicology Immunity. These six were all tested with different Food toxins.
S: Horribly, it makes sense. What better control test than 6 identical subjects?
RR: Alpha was tested with something called...hang on it's hard to pronounce I wrote it down...[crinkles paper]
S: Botulinum Toxin?
RR: Yeah!
G: That explains the beans.
RR: He didn't make it. Beta was given Ricin...same story. Gamma ate...hang on...Cyanogenic Glycosides...whatever they are.
S: A poison you could ingest for eating stone fruits.
G: Great, another reason to be afraid of Apricots.
S: Another reason?
RR: Well anyway he died. The other three though...they didn't die...they were immune...or at least almost immune.
H: Three?
RR: Delta was immune to [crinkles paper] Maitotoxin.
G: Huh?
S: Bad shellfish.
G: Thanks.
RR: Zeta...You Hugh. You were totally immune to Cyanide.
H: My name is Zeta?
G: Ehh, I prefer Hugh Lewis.
H: And Epsilon?
RR: This is why I said almost. Epsilon was fed lethal amounts of Mercury. It didn't kill him...but it drove him mad.
G: So he really believes all of this 'Mother', stuff?
E: Because it's true!
RR: Yes. And the other side effect of his Mercury poisoning? It stopped the effects of the amnesia serum. Epsilon could remember everything.
G: Why didn't the Doctor do anything?
S: Because she became a follower.
RR: Exactly. But not just any follower...if you catch my drift.
S: That breaks...so many ethics rules.
G: Jesus and I thought we were bad.
RR: What do you mean?
E: Come Hugh...we don't need witnesses...let us away to Mother.
H: What happened to Delta?
RR: I don't know...the last entry was crazy ramblings about washing over the facility with a red tide?
S: Epsilon...it's time to be honest, what happened to the researchers?
E: They were going to kill us...all of us, once the tests were complete. They were going to use a Nerve Agent called Sanguinium to do it.
S: I've heard of that. It's...a bad way to go.
RR: What does it do?
S: Complete organic dissolution . It literally turns you to goo.
E: My follower did what I asked. She released the Red Tide, and programmed my door to release once the aerosol dissipated. By the time I emerged...the researchers, including Doctor Allen were nothing more than puddles of water.
H: What happened to Delta, Epsilon...did you kill our brother?
E: He ate the beans Hugh. He ate them before it was time! I warned him against consuming the food in the testing locker...but he didn't listen!
G: So with your first follower dead you went and got the spare?
H: What if he didn't eat the beans? Would you have left me to die?
[silence]
E: Mother-
Hugh shoots Epsilon
G: Fuck!
S: Hugh no!
H: Goodbye...brother.
RR: He killed himself!
[silence]
RR: What? It's true.
....
RedBekka, Gino & Sonya are getting ready to head back to the Scuttlebug...Hugh approaches, carrying a small bag of food and supplies.
H: Again, I...can't thank you enough. If it weren't for all of you...I...I'd be-
RR: A frozen space popsicle?
H: Yes...and thank you especially RedBekka, you risked so much uncovering the truth.
RR: Don't mention it guy.
S: So,what's your plan Hugh?
H: I have the coordinates to about one thousand other Blacksites on this Data Disk...I'm going to take the Escape Pod, and liberate my brothers and sisters.
S: Hugh, these sites are extremely high security. Nobody goes in or out type jobs. Why d'ya think there's only one escape pod?
G: The weapons systems will take you out long before you dock.
H: Oh, well...I at least owe it to them to try.
G: Feck sake...well, [sighs] If you're going to try...you at least should get a fighting chance.
S: Gino?
RR: There's a stash of high-powered rifles in Epsilons Sanctum, as well as a bunch of body armour suits.
S: Probably leftovers from the puddles of guards that protected the place.
H: Thank you...I really appreciate it.
G: And the resilium bars...take those too. There's a place we're going to, The winded Gypsy...follow us there, sell the bars and escape pod, use the money to buy a decent fighter craft and Mercenaries.
H: I...don't know what to say.
G: Don't worry about it. Seems life dealt you a pretty shitty hand...least I can do is shuffle the deck.
H: I'll repay you, I swear...I...I'll never forget this.
G: Yeah well...just remember that not everybody out here is a cannibalistic, serial killing, cultist piece of shit...well most are,but not all.
S: Goodbye Hugh.
H: It's not Hugh...not anymore. Those names died here, I am Zeta now.
G: Aww, I liked Hugh Lewis.
H: Goodbye friends...safe travels.
Zeta (Hugh Lewis) Walks away
G: Hey wait, don't go starting a Clone army now...there's already a sci-fi franchise that does that!
RR: What's he referencing?
S: God only knows. Hey, why did you do it Becks? Why did you go through all that trouble?
RR: I dunno. I guess...I thought this Hugh guy didn't deserve to be Epsilon's slave. So I felt bad, big deal!
S: You are full of surprises missy.
G: Right, will we make shapes?
S: I suppose so.
G: Unless there's somewhere else you have to be?
S: No no. After all, I am Stuck With You.
G: Was...was that a Huey Lewis reference?
S: I dunno,you tell me.
G: First Officer...You are full of surprises.
.....
Gino & Jilly are in the cockpit of the Green Horizon. Gino is sat at the Captains chair, while Jilly is slumped at the Navigation station hungover.
G: Okay Jilly, begin booster desceleration.
J: Uhhh...I need water...
G: Jilly, it's not my fault you're hungover. Now your shift is almost over so, once we reach the Gypsy you can die in peace.
J: I'm never drinking again Gino...I swear to god.
G: You always say that...Hmmm, bit too much power going through the Booster cells [grabs communicator] Bernard, bring down the boost a smidge you're burning through our Nitro reserves.
B: [Groans]
G: Bernard...I know you're in bits, just a bit longer now.
B: You ever try and repair an anti-matter core hungover? I think I've been exposed to about 5 chest x-rays worth of Gamma rads.
G: To be fair Bernie, you did dissasemble it.
Computer beeps
J: Uhh, Winded Gypsy...dead ahead.
G: Excellent stuff.
J: Zeta's sending us a thank you message.
G: Good luck buddy. Can't wait for the next album.
J: Sent.
G: Okay Jill, I can take it from here.
J: Thank feck. I need bed and Frank cuddles pronto.
Jilly leaves.
G: Okay Bernard, I can handle things from here.
B: Uhh, I'm never drinking with your sister again.
G: You always say that.
B: True, Bernard out.
G: [sighs] Hello Gypsy...it's been a while.
Created by Paul Walsh
Cast:
Kieran Walsh as Gino Whelan
Caoimhe Walsh as Sonya Halley
Amy Jackman as Jilly Whelan
Steven Stubbs as Bernard Dooley
Amy Rothwell as RedBekka Roy
Paul Walsh as Peter Savage
with
Claire Cullen Delsol as Sister Modesty
Amy Orr as Vraxia Le Thor
&
Jack Bishop as Mortlock The Smuggler
Attribution:
CosmicD- Engine_Hum_New.wav
Inspectorj- Door, Front, Opening.wav
MAJ:-Glass hitting table.aif
ddunkley- footsteps on metal.wav
Qubodup- Sci fi Laboratory Ambience
JakLocke- Pouring a shot
Sauron974- Cloth Flaps
Frankum- Ambient Guitar Loop: X1
Music:
Intro- Augmentations by Kai Engel
Outro- Demon Inside Your Head by Dazie Mae
Gino's Ad- Inspirational Outlook by Scott Holmes
Star Witness Outro- Out of Space Strings Loop by Zagi2
Find us on:
Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/TheGreenHorizon
https://twitter.com/greenhorizonpod
https://www.instagram.com/the.green.horizon/
Podchaser
om/podcasts/the-green-horizon-:Thanks for listening