Season One Episode Six - Theirs Not to Make Reply
Music: foreboding, ominous music
VADRIC: Observance report, 17th entry. I have again sighted two small fliers of outsider design. They appear to be sentries of some kind, following a circular patrol route. I remain concealed, continuing observation.
SFX: musical soft keypad tones. A small alarm beeps three times.
VADRIC: Hold... I have now sighted two large vessels. Revisory. Three vessels, of similar design. I do not seem to have been detected.
SFX: more keypad tones.
VADRIC: The structures of these craft are different from the vessel encountered by the Cloak of Mercy, but there appears to be a common heritage. Again I can detect no lightsails of any kind. I’m unsure how their vessels can function without them. The group appears to be skirting the farthest edge of the Callandra Nimbus, I’m not certain what—
SFX: a strange sound approaches, then impacts Vadric’s shuttle. Vadric grunts. Alarms blare, sparks fly.
VADRIC: Transmit to— agh!
SFX: another small explosion and sparks and the sound cuts out.
- Scene Change -
Music: ominous, mysterious music fades in again.
PVT. DALCOP: Admiral Redfield sir!
REDFIELD: You may stand easy private.
PVT. DALCOP: We recovered... him? From the wreck as instructed sir, no one has been inside the cell.
REDFIELD: Has it said anything?
PVT. DALCOP: No, sir. It’s just been leaning against the bulkhead since it woke up. Its injuries could be severe. Should I call the medics?
REDFIELD: No. That won’t be necessary. Thank you private, you’re dismissed.
PVT. DALCOP: Aye aye, sir.
SFX: a door whooshes open. Footsteps. A door whooshes closed.
REDFIELD: Now... Who are you? Why were you watching us? (pause) Where is the rest of the expedition? What have you done with the—
SFX: a deep, distant boom. Stumbling footsteps. An alarm blares. The PA system beeps on.
CMDR. HARPER: Hands to quarters, hands to quarters! Compliments to Admiral Redfield, please report to the quarterdeck immediately.
SFX: a comm button is clicked.
REDFIELD: Thank you Mister Harper, I’m on my way.
- Scene Change -
Music: a military style march plays.
SFX: a door whooshes open. A bosun’s whistle sounds. The bustle of a full command deck with hands to quarters can be heard.
CMDR. HARPER: Admiral on deck!
REDFIELD: Mister Harper, your report please.
CMDR. HARPER: Two large vessels at eight-zero mark nine-nine, unknown configuration. They fired before we’d sighted them.
SFX: a comm beep.
CSV REPUBLIC CPT (over comms): Flagship do you read us?! We’ve lost reactor power, structural integrity is failing, do you read—
SFX: static and an insistent negatory beep.
CMDR. HARPER: Republic has lost power, Admiral. She's dropped out of formation, taking critical damage!
REDFIELD: Where is our Gatehauler?
CMDR. HARPER: She’s fallen behind the attacking ships, sir. We can’t reach her.
REDFIELD (to Second Officer): Bear us away lieutenant, hard a-larboard, into the ice field!
CMDR. HARPER: But sir, the gate—
REDFIELD: Stave on ahead! You heard my order.
SFX: clicking and beeping.
Music: bombastic, exciting military style battle music intensifies.
ENS. TELFER: We’ve lost Republic sir, unknown vessels still closing astern. 200 kilometers to ice field perimeter.
REDFIELD: Thank you Ensign Telfer.
SFX: a beep.
REDFIELD: All fighters, maintain defensive screen. Bracewell actual, this is the Shabayev. Tighten formation!
CSV BRACEWELL CPT. (over comms): Acknowledged Shabayev, we’re on your wing.
REDFIELD: Mister Harper, run out the sternchasers, if you please!
CMDR. HARPER: Aye aye sir!
SFX: mechanical whirring and locking.
REDFIELD: Clear for action! All aft batteries fire as you bear!
Music: intensifies again.
SFX: whirring and muffled firing sounds.
ENS. TELFER: 90 kilometers to perimeter sir. Main engines at extreme safety lim—
SFX: an approaching projectile can be heard. A rumbling crash. Telfer’s pain-filled groan is abruptly cut off. Alarms sound, atmosphere hissing, fire crackling.
CMDR. HARPER: Multiple direct hits sir! We’re venting atmosphere!
REDFIELD: DC Team to the Quarterdeck! Mister Faraday, take the helm! Get us into that ice field!
CMDR. HARPER: We’re not going to make it, sir! Engines losing power!
SFX: alarms and hissing continues.
CMDR. HARPER: Sir... Bracewell is breaking formation.
SFX: comms button clicks.
REDFIELD: Bracewell, this is Shabayev Actual. Return to formation immediately!
CMDR. HARPER: Her comms are dead Admiral, weapons too. She’s laid in a collision course with the closest unknown ship! Her reactors are running with safeties down sir!
REDFIELD: Damnit.
SFX: the Advari heavy weapon charges.
REDFIELD: All hands, brace for impact! I say again, all hands—
SFX: the weapon fires, crashes into the Shabayev. The music rises on a discordant note.
SFX: Intro music starts - “Wilderness” by Taylor Davis.
NARRATOR: The Sojourn, Season One Episode Six: Theirs Not To Make Reply by Daniel Orrett. Starring Larissa Thompson as Captain Cassandra Farren, Emily Serdahl as Director Elizabeth Ancelet, Laura Faye Smith as Tamara Melari, and Ben Prendergast as Mathias Croft, and Stephen Trafford as Inquisitor Castian Vadric. Also featuring Matthew Kaufmann as Lt. Jasper Ravi, Matt Surges as Commander Lewis Harper, and Tarek Esaw as Midshipman Aren Bankole, with special guest star Jimmy Lockett as Vice Admiral Winston Redfield.
SFX: Theme music continues.
SFX: rustling and metallic clicking.
CASS: Hold up. You don’t want your right arm to be completely straight. Bend your elbow slightly so your shoulder isn’t taking all the recoil.
ELIZABETH: Gotta say, your idea of a night out is very different from mine.
SFX: a gun arms, then fires twice. A negatory buzz sounds.
CASS: You’ve almost got it. Here, let me adjust your posture.
SFX: more rustling and metallic clicking.
ELIZABETH: Hah. Buy me dinner first. Which by the way, is what you said we were doing tonight.
CASS: Alright, but just one more before we go. You really do need to know this stuff, anything could happen out here.
ELIZABETH: Fine. But I think you’ll find I can charm my way out of any situation.
CASS: laughs. I believe it. Alright, thumb over thumb... Bend the elbow slightly... Look at your target... Breathe out slowly and just... Squeeze the trigger.
SFX: a quiet exhale. Two shots fire. A positive ring.
CASS: Hey, not bad! You’re getting the hang of this.
ELIZABETH: So if I ever have to fight off a boarding party, I should probably forgo the five minutes of breathing exercises, right?
CASS: That’s where the charm comes in. Alright, let’s get to the bar.
SFX: metallic clinking. A track slides as the target is brought to the front of the room.
ELIZABETH: That’s to get a drink right? You don’t want me to shoot up the place?
CASS: Nah, that’s next week.
SFX: a comm beeps.
RAVI (over comms): Director Ancelet. We’ve detected a large vessel off the port quarter. Can’t identify yet.
ELIZABETH: Copy that, Ravi. I’m on my way up with Captain Farren.
Music: soft, bright flute melody plays over a quiet marching beat.
- Scene Change -
SFX: a door whooshes open. Calm chatter of the Ops Deck. The door whooshes closed.
ELIZABETH: Okay Ravi, what are we looking at?
RAVI: Can’t identify just yet ma’am. Profile seems to suggest a capital-sized vessel.
ELIZABETH: Could it be one of those Advari ships?
RAVI: Sorry ma’am, with all the ice out here we won’t know until she’s almost on top of us.
CASS: We should call general quarters.
ELIZABETH: If it is them. There’s nothing we could do either way. Ravi, transmit in the blind guard. Challenge and ID.
SFX: chair squeaks. An outgoing comm beep.
RAVI: Unidentified vessel, this is the explorer platform Avalon. Send transponder codes immediately or you will be treated as hostile.
SFX: confirming beep. A rapid burst of random tones.
RAVI: Ma’am. I’m getting Centran Defence Force recognition codes. CSV Shabayev.
ELIZABETH: Oh my god.
CASS: Verify those codes Ravi.
SFX: tapping on a keypad. Confirming beep.
RAVI: Codes verified. We’re—
SFX: incoming comm beep.
RAVI: We’re in two-way comms range.
SFX: comm opens.
REDFIELD (over comms): Platform Avalon. This is Vice Admiral Redfield of the Shabayev. Are you reading me?
SFX: cheering and clapping. Cass laughs.
Music: triumphant version of the CDF theme plays.
CASS: We read you Shabayev! We’re glad to see you over here!
ELIZABETH: So did you guys get stuck in traffic or something?
REDFIELD (over comms): My apologies for the delay Director Ancelet. But I’m afraid we’ve suffered casualties and sustained some damage, we’ll be needing your assistance.
ELIZABETH: Of course Admiral, we’ll help however we can.
REDFIELD (over comms): Thank you, Director. I'll be arriving by Longboat shortly.
SFX: comm cuts off.
RAVI: Ma’am. Request permission to parade a side party for the Admiral’s arrival.
ELIZABETH: Sure, knock yourself out.
Music: CDF theme fades out on piccolo.
- Scene Change -
SFX: quiet footsteps and ambient chatter.
ELIZABETH: So, this Admiral Redfield. Do you know anything about him? I’ve only ever seen his name on personnel rosters.
CASS: Never met him either. But he was part of the Admiralty’s top brass toward the end of the war. He was decorated after Atamara, but then so was most of the fleet.
ELIZABETH: So you’re saying I can’t make fun of him…
SFX: a door whooshes open.
ELIZABETH: …like I do with you?
RAVI: Ma’am. Ma’am, there’s a bottle of Vintage Stonewine in cargo bay four that’s inventoried for diplomatic functions. I was wondering if perhaps we should—
SFX: Elizabeth and Cass laugh uncomfortably.
ELIZABETH: Right… Yeah,
CASS: Yeah that’s, that’s gone.
RAVI: Ah.
SFX: mechanical whirring and hissing. A small thump and a confirmation beep.
BANKOLE: We have hard seal.
RAVI: Sergeant-of-marines, parade your men!
SFX: bosun’s whistle sounds.
RAVI: Bosun’s Mate, side party! In close order! Present arms!
SFX: a synchronized bootstep and gun movement.
ELIZABETH: You think I should tuck my shirt in or something?
SFX: footsteps approach then stop.
BANKOLE: Admiral on deck!
REDFIELD: Vice Admiral Winston Redfield, CSV Shabayev. Permission to come aboard?
ELIZABETH: Permission granted, Admiral. Welcome to the Avalon.
SFX: footsteps continue.
RAVI: Side party! Order arms!
SFX: guns rattle.
REDFIELD: Thank you, Director.
ELIZABETH: May I introduce my senior staff. This is Lieutenant Jasper Ravi in command of our CDF detachment, and Captain Cassandra Farren, Independent Privateer and acting defence adjutant.
REDFIELD: Captain Farren, I'm a close friend of your father’s. I’m sure you’ve done an adequate job here in my absence. Civilian or otherwise.
CASS: Thank you, Admiral. Though I'll be glad to step down now that you’ve arrived. Keeping my own ship running is quite enough work for me.
REDFIELD: Yes. I imagine it is.
SFX: slight scuffing footsteps.
RAVI: Admiral Redfield. Might I say it’s an honour to have you aboard. I read your studies on methodic enfilade tactics at the Academy. Your work is fascinating.
REDFIELD: Thank you Lieutenant, I look forward to working with you.
ELIZABETH: Admiral, we’ve prepared quarters for you on deck three, our medical and engineering divisions are already en route to your ship.
REDFIELD: I’m glad to hear it Director. I’ll also be needing access to your logs.
ELIZABETH: Of course.
RAVI: I can arrange that right away, ma’am.
ELIZABETH: Thank you, Ravi.
RAVI: Side party, dismissed!
SFX: multiple sets of footsteps walk away. A door whooshes.
REDFIELD: Director Ancelet. I didn’t want to bring this up in front of your full staff, but I notice you hailed my ship with a wideband transmission when we approached.
ELIZABETH: Oh, yes. That’s right. You were too far out to establish a secure channel and I wanted to make sure we could identify you before you came any closer.
REDFIELD: I understand that, Director, and I don’t mean to undermine your authority, but given the situation we all now find ourselves in I'd like to insist that all transmissions be properly encrypted in future. For the safety of everyone here.
beat
ELIZABETH: I’ll take that under advisement, Admiral.
REDFIELD: That’s all I ask. Thank you, Director.
SFX: footsteps. A door whooshes.
ELIZABETH: He “insists?”
SFX: clothes rustle.
CASS: Don’t take it the wrong way. It’s a little draconian, but he’s right to be playing it safe out here.
ELIZABETH: Yeah. I suppose so.
SFX: metallic click as a lighter is lit.
- Scene Change -
SFX: a door whooshes open. Footsteps approach.
PVT. DALCOP: Director Ancelet. I wasn’t informed that you were aboard the Shabayev.
ELIZABETH: I was told you were keeping an alien prisoner in here. The Admiral failed to mention that when he arrived.
PVT. DALCOP: Erm… Yes, Director. We found him monitoring our fleet shortly before we were attacked. He hasn’t made a sound since he’s been in there.
SFX: scanning sounds, a negatory beep.
ELIZABETH: Private, this man is clearly injured. Has he been examined?
PVT. DALCOP: The alien has been monitored by our medics, the injuries were sustained when we fired on his ship.
ELIZABETH: All of them?
PVT. DALCOP: Director, I don’t think the Admiral would—
ELIZABETH: Could you leave us please, Private.
PVT. DALCOP: I’m not sure that—
ELIZABETH: Now, please.
PVT. DALCOP: Yes, ma’am.
SFX: footsteps. A door whooshes open, then closed.
Music: tentative music plays.
SFX: rustling of stiff fabric.
ELIZABETH: I realize you can’t understand me. But for what it’s worth, I'm sorry they hurt you. beat. I don’t know what your people want or why they’ve attacked us. But I want to learn. I’ve seen your scripts and your architecture, your race is clearly capable of great beauty. I want us to understand each other. Human and Advari.
SFX: fabric rustling. Vadric grunts.
VADRIC: "Advari". Lin azidɐ oda ɾion vɛdia?
ELIZABETH: Oh my god. Advari, yes.
SFX: rustling, keypad beeping.
ELIZABETH: That was the name we found, the name of your race yes? Advari?
SFX: a clack and a glass squeak.
VADRIC: Nəl Advari eno nuɾal. Azidɐ lin lian nuɾia?
ELIZABETH: “Nuria.” Nuria... Elizabeth.
VADRIC: Elizabeth. En Vadric eno nuɾa.
ELIZABETH: Vadric. That’s your name? Nice to meet you Vadric!
Music: hopeful strings fade out.
- Scene Change -
SFX: calm Avalon Ops Deck ambiance.
REDFIELD: Mister Ravi, what is the status of the repair operations?
RAVI: They’re proceeding on schedule Admiral. The Shabayev’s drive systems are almost back online. I’m afraid weapons and communications will require another day or two. Our tender facilities were heavily damaged in the recent bombing attacks.
REDFIELD: I’m certain some of the civilian vessels should be able to assist. Midshipman Bankole, please inform the captains of the Belladonna and Sunbeam that they are to relocate and begin assisting with the Shabayev’s repairs.
BANKOLE: Um, Admiral… The Belladonna is engaged in water processing operations and the Sunbeam carries only a small crew with few technicians. Perhaps we should wait until Director—
REDFIELD: That will not be necessary, send the transmissions immediately.
BANKOLE: Lieutenant I...?
RAVI: I’ll contact the captains myself, Admiral, they’re used to liaising with me directly.
REDFIELD: Very good Lieutenant, see to it.
SFX: a door whooshes open. Footsteps approach.
ELIZABETH: Admiral Redfield, I was not informed about your Advari prisoner when you arrived. Arrangements should be made to—
REDFIELD: Director, excellent. I’ve been studying your logs regarding the planet you recently scouted with Captain Farren. I understand you intend to move the Avalon to this system to make harvesting its natural food supplies easier?
ELIZABETH: Well the option is still being considered—
REDFIELD: I think it’s an excellent idea, we should make preparations to move the platform as soon as the Shabayev’s repairs are complete. My teams should be able to break the surface of each of these oases and extract the flora within a week.
ELIZABETH: Actually Admiral, We’ve been hoping to establish harvesting facilities on the planet to delicately extract the material over months. Breaking the surface would expose the oases to the Pulsar’s radiation and prevent a sustainable harvest.
REDFIELD: We won’t stay long, Director. The people of Tantalus need those supplies, and my crew will need food if they are to take the fight to these Advari.
ELIZABETH: Admiral, I don’t think the Ops Deck is the right place for this discussion.
REDFIELD: I don’t think any further discussion is necessary, Director. We should begin preparations immediately.
ELIZABETH: Admiral, this expedition is not a military project.
SFX: the background chatter stops.
ELIZABETH: It was an express requirement of the selection committee that all operational decisions fall to an appointed civilian director. I’m happy to listen to your recommendations if you’ll bring them to me in private, but for the moment I'd like you to leave the ops deck. My staff have a lot of work to attend to.
REDFIELD: beat. Of course Director, my apologies.
- Scene Changes -
SFX: loud, steady whooshing as the Avalon’s support arms move past.
RAVI: …I can’t wait to see you again. All my love.
SFX: a doorbell beep. The door whooshes open.
REDFIELD: Lieutenant Ravi.
RAVI: Admiral, sir!
SFX: clattering as Ravi scrambles to his feet.
REDFIELD: At ease, lieutenant. Did I interrupt your work?
RAVI: Not at all sir, just finishing some letters home.
REDFIELD: Letters home? You must realize that any message would take thousands of years to reach Tantalus.
RAVI: Yes, Admiral, I hope they’ll be able to read them all once the return gate is completed. It just helps to be able to write it all down.
REDFIELD: Very well. So long as it doesn't interfere with your duties. I wanted to speak to you about your performance recently. I’ve been studying the logs and I'm very impressed. You were thrust into a difficult position as acting Defence Adjutant and you handled yourself well. Since then you’ve led the platform’s CDF detachment very effectively.
RAVI: Thank you, sir.
REDFIELD: Naturally I’ll be taking command of the entire CDF detachment now that I’m here, but I recognize that you’ve developed an effective working dynamic with the crew here. So I've decided that you should retain your position, but as my direct liaison to the civilian expedition staff, with a full promotion to Lieutenant Commander.
RAVI: Oh, thank you sir! I don’t know what to say.
REDFIELD: No need to say anything son. You’ve earned it. Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to get your thoughts off-the-record regarding some of the staff here. What’s your assessment of Director Ancelet?
SFX: hair scratching.
RAVI: Oh, well I think the Director has been doing an excellent job. I found her style of command a little unusual at first, but I suppose the results speak for themselves. She’s well liked by the crew and I trust her judgement.
REDFIELD: Good. Good. I understand your preference for a traditional command structure. Civilian authority on this expedition is an unfortunate necessity. But I think you’ll agree things will move a lot more smoothly now that military support has arrived.
RAVI: Er, yes sir. I completely agree.
REDFIELD: I’m glad to hear it. Before I let you go Lieutenant Commander, perhaps you could help me with one more thing.
SFX: background ambiance cuts out.
REDFIELD: What can you tell me about Captain Farren?
- Scene Change -
Music: a dark version of Redfield’s theme.
SFX: club music fades in. A glass breaks.
CROFT: Never seen this place so busy before. Guess these CDF guys needed the change of scenery.
MEDS: Shame, I was just getting used to the quiet in here.
SFX: raucous laughter gets louder.
PVT. DALCOP: …I got this jacket off that Merician freighter we found wrecked. I was lucky one of those dumb civvies was my size.
SFX: laughter gets louder. Footsteps and scraping.
CROFT: What did you say?
PVT. DALCOP: Didn’t say anything to you, spinner.
SFX: thump.
MEDS: You looted clothing from dead civilians? The hell kind of marine are you. You should be up on charges for this.
PVT. DALCOP: The kind of marine who keeps you haughty civilians safe in your beds.
MEDS: I did your job for ten years, Private, and I did it in the middle of an interstellar war. Back then if we found some spineless dope like you stealing from the dead we made sure they got what was coming to them.
PVT. DALCOP: Ha! Take it up with the Admiral. Was his idea to let us take whatever we found. It’s good for morale isn’t it lads!?
SFX: drunk cheering and laughing.
CROFT: Come on Meds, let’s get out of here.
MEDS: Right with you.
SFX: cheering and club music fade out.
- Scene Change -
SFX: an elevator approaches. A door whooshes open. The sounds of the Guinevere’s bridge can be heard.
CASS: Meds! I’m back, have you seen the—
REDFIELD: Captain Farren.
CASS: Admiral.
SFX: footsteps.
REDFIELD: I’m afraid your doctor is not here at the moment.
CASS: How did you get on—
REDFIELD: My apologies Captain, but I couldn’t resist taking a moment to explore your ship. I remember inspecting this vessel when it was under construction at Keeper’s Dance. Back then it had a different name. I’m surprised to see this ship intact, let alone in civilian hands.
beat
CASS: Is there something I can help you with, Admiral?
REDFIELD: No Captain, that’s quite alright. I just wanted to make sure there was no tension between us, now that I’ll be assuming the role of Defence Adjutant.
CASS: Not at all Admiral, it’s actually a relief to be stepping down. My crew and I are privateers, we only signed on to take part in the expedition. I was never expecting any kind of seniority.
REDFIELD: Ah, yes of course. Well then, I'm happy to be of assistance. Though I must say, I'm surprised to find you working as a civilian privateer. Given your heritage. If I recall, you were once a CDF officer yourself?
CASS: That’s right. But I've been out of the fleet for years. I resigned shortly after the end of the war.
REDFIELD: How unfortunate. I’m sure the service life suited you. Your father always seemed to believe so. Does he approve of your new career?
CASS: I’m afraid I don’t know Admiral, we haven’t spoken in some years.
REDFIELD: I—
CASS: Admiral, I'm very sorry but I have a lot to attend to.
REDFIELD: Of course, I understand. I’ll leave you to your work.
SFX: footsteps.
REDFIELD: With these “Advari” threatening our survival out here, it’s reassuring to have someone else with military experience like yours. I look forward to working with you, Captain.
CASS: Thank you Admiral.
SFX: footsteps retreat. A door whooshes open, then shut. Cass sighs heavily.
- Scene Change -
SFX: A door whooshes open.
ELIZABETH: Cass, we need to talk about Redfield.
SFX: footsteps approach.
CASS: I know. I’ve just found him lurking around my ship, not even sure how he got himself in.
SFX: a smack and rustling as Elizabeth stands quickly.
ELIZABETH: He did what? That’s a complete violation of privacy, we should get him in here.
CASS: No no, it’s not worth it. Sure he’s got some… eccentricities but there’s no point in antagonizing him. Like it or not we’re safer with him here than we were before.
SFX: rhythmic, agitated clicking as a lighter is flicked open and closed repeatedly.
ELIZABETH: Ugh! I always hated the idea of having the military involved in running this show. It’s why I offered you the job. Ex-military is at least a step in the right direction.
SFX: light metallic clatter as the lighter is put down.
ELIZABETH: No offence.
CASS: None taken. But whatever we think of him, the Admiral is legally mandated to be here. He’s done nothing wrong.
ELIZABETH: Not yet. This guy is dangerous. I pulled his ships records from before they met up with us.
CASS: Elizabeth, those are personal files!
ELIZABETH: He had one of our gate components with his fleet.
CASS: What?
ELIZABETH: Funny he neglected to mention that.
CASS: What happened to it?
ELIZABETH: They were attacked by the Advari and abandoned their Gatehauler. Who knows where it is now. He lost two ships in that battle before he found us here, over 700 crewmen. Since then all he’s talked about is hunting them down to strike back. He’s trying to make up for his bruised pride and he’ll get us all killed in the process.
CASS: I think you may be overreacting. You’re still the director of this expedition.
ELIZABETH: In name only. So long as he’s got that warship floating outside, he’s got all the power. He’s just letting us pretend that nothing’s changed. Did you know about the Advari prisoner he has on his ship? I could swear he’s been abused in custody, there’s no way all those injuries are from a week ago.
CASS: You should order the transfer of the prisoner to the Avalon so that we can examine him ourselves. We have better facilities here anyway.
ELIZABETH: I already did. But some time soon this guy is gonna get tired of taking orders, and a lot of my staff here are CDF. If this gets ugly I need your support. You’re the only one I can trust.
beat
CASS: You know I'm with you whatever happens. But I don't think it will come to that.
- Scene Change -
SFX: metal creaking and snapping.
CROFT: You had a close look at the Shabayev yet? She’s a bloody big ship.
SFX: A grinder whirrs alive, grating against metal.
CROFT: Supposed to have J-9 Regulator coils. Tempted to sneak on board for a look.
MEDS: Tripathia Class. You’ve seen one warship, you’ve seen them all.
CROFT: Can’t say it’s making me feel much safer floating around like that though.
MEDS: I know what you mean.
SFX: grinding stops.
CROFT: Alright I’m almost finished here.
MEDS: Be with you in a minute.
SFX: the door whooshes open and several sets of boots approach.
CMDR. HARPER: Citizen. Step back from the hatch.
CROFT: Morning chaps. Something I can help you with?
CMDR. HARPER: We require access to this vessel, please move away from the hatch immediately.
CROFT: Sorry gents, I'm afraid this is a privately owned ship. Unless you have some kind of a warrant, I can’t let you past here.
CMDR. HARPER: I’m under orders from Admiral Redfield to commandeer this vessel for recommissioning into military service. Step aside and you will not be subject to charges.
CROFT: Oooh-kay. Listen mate, I realize you’re just trying to do your job here. But that ain’t gonna happen.
MEDS: What’s going on here?
CROFT: Visit from the neighbours.
MEDS: Gonna have to ask you to leave, Commander.
CMDR. HARPER: If you won’t clear this passageway we’ll have no choice but to use force.
MEDS: You really don’t want to do that, Commander.
SFX: guns are drawn.
CROFT: Whoa!
CMDR. HARPER: Turn around and put your hands against the bulkhead!
SFX: marines continue shouting.
CROFT: Whoa whoa whoa, now hang on a minute— Ugh!
SFX: electrical crackling as a taser lands. A heavy thud on a metal deck.
MEDS: Hey!
SFX: more shouting, melee combat sounds, grunting, another taser shock. Another heavy thud on a metal deck.
- Scene Change -
SFX: soft footsteps. A door gently glides open.
ELIZABETH: How's he doing?
SFX: soft typing on a tablet.
RESEARCH ATTENDANT: Director. The subject was moved over from the Shabayev without incident. His wounds have been attended to and he’s been interviewed a number of times. Our understanding of his language is still limited, but he seems to be picking up our language with remarkable speed. It may be a biological trait common to their species. I’ll leave you to speak to him.
ELIZABETH: Thank you.
SFX: footsteps retreat. A door whooshes open and closed. A chair creaks.
VADRIC: Elizabeth. I remember.
ELIZABETH: Yes.
VADRIC: You for them speak? You are leader?
ELIZABETH: Right now that kinda depends on who you ask.
beat
ELIZABETH: But yes. I speak for them.
VADRIC: Good.
SFX: soft footsteps approch.
ELIZABETH: I’m sorry that they hurt you. They shouldn't have done that.
SFX: a chair rolls. Elizabeth sits.
VADRIC: They fear my kind.
ELIZABETH: Yes. I think they do.
VADRIC: But you not?
ELIZABETH: Sometimes. But I want to understand. It’s harder to be afraid of something you understand.
VADRIC: You speak like her.
ELIZABETH: Like who?
VADRIC: Understand. They before me, who destroyed your vessel. They did so because their truth is that you cannot be. Should not be. No life beyond the Sanctum of Advar, they are the words. You cannot be. They will come again.
ELIZABETH: You talk about your people as though you are separate from them. If you didn’t come here to destroy, why did you come here?
VADRIC: It is harder to be afraid of something you understand.
MUSIC: a hopeful, gentle melody swells, then fades out.
- Scene Change -
SFX: Avalon’s ops deck ambiance can be heard. A door whooshes open. Footsteps.
ELIZABETH: Cass, you got a minute?
CASS: Sure. Ravi, you have the deck, I’ll just be—
SFX: a loud, low, pinging alarm sounds
RAVI: That’s strange.
SFX: buttons and switches are clicked.
CASS: What is it?
RAVI: Alert from docking bay 4. The Guinevere has decoupled and is moving off.
SFX: distantly, a ship’s engine can be heard starting.
CASS: What? Bankole, open a channel.
SFX: a beep.
BANKOLE: Channel open Captain.
CASS: Meds, Croft, do you read me? What’s going on over there?
beat
BANKOLE: No response captain.
SFX: a door whooshes open. Several footsteps approach.
ELIZABETH: Try them again.
REDFIELD: That won’t be necessary, Director. Captain Farren’s vessel has been confiscated to be recommissioned into service with the Centran Defence Force.
CASS: What?! What have you done with my crew?
REDFIELD: Your crewmates have been placed under arrest for the assault of several marines. Don’t worry, they will serve a short sentence. Your comrades are highly experienced. They’ll be press ganged into service with my forces under wartime regulations.
CASS: What are you talking about? The war is over. You can’t conscript anyone. Croft’s not even an Assembly citizen.
REDFIELD: We’ve found ourselves a new war Captain. Undeclared perhaps, but this war threatens to destroy everything we love. I will do whatever is necessary.
ELIZABETH: You’ve detained two innocent people by force and hijacked a civilian vessel. These are criminal acts. Admiral you are way out of line.
REDFIELD: You no longer have any authority here, Director. Under Section 24-D of the Uniform Code of Conduct, I'm commandeering this platform for military use. In order to ensure the adequate protection of all personnel from the growing Advari threat, this expedition will be placed under direct CDF control.
ELIZABETH: I’m not going to let that happen.
REDFIELD: Director, if need be I will have you removed from this deck by force. Marines!
SFX: guns rack.
CASS: Admiral, if you lay a finger on her, I’ll break your arm.
REDFIELD: That would not be wise, Captain.
CASS: Director Ancelet is the only reason we’ve lived long enough to give you and your crew somewhere to lick your wounds. The Advari would still be chasing you up and down this nebula without her.
REDFIELD: We’re finished here. Your father would be ashamed to see this. Lieutenant Commander Ravi.
SFX: Ravi stutters.
REDFIELD: Place Director Ancelet and Captain Farren under arrest and escort them to the brig.
RAVI: Admiral?
REDFIELD: Now, Lieutenant Commander.
beat
RAVI: I’m…
ELIZABETH: Ravi.
SFX: a sidearm is drawn.
RAVI: I’m sorry, Director. Sergeant of the Guard, restrain the prisoners.
SFX: rustling, handcuffs clinking. Several footsteps retreat as the door whooshes open and closed.
REDFIELD: Very good. Mister Bankole, please open a channel to all expedition vessels.
BANKOLE: Uh… yes sir.
SFX: a trilling beep, then the bosun’s whistle sounds. A microphone lead is unwound out of the wall.
REDFIELD: Attention all ships. This is Vice Admiral Winston Redfield, Centran Defence Force. As of this moment, I am taking personal command of the Avalon Expedition. All ship’s captains are to report to me with a full inventory of their supplies and crew complements for review. From this moment on, the purpose of this expedition is to strike back against the creatures that have savagely attacked us. We will seize the resources our home worlds so desperately need, and we will destroy this new enemy that dares to stand in the way of our salvation. Through our efforts here. Tantalus will endure.
MUSIC: ominous, militaristic music swells.
SFX: The Sojourn Ending Theme plays.
NARRATOR: You have been listening to The Sojourn, Season One Episode Six: Theirs Not To Make Reply, written by Daniel Orrett, produced by Daniel Orrett, Larissa Thompson, and Gabriel Fonseca. Creative consultation by Larissa Thompson. Scientific consultation by Gabriel Fonseca. Sound design and audio editing by Kennedy Phillips. Assembly editing by Aiden Brookstone. Audio mixing by Dave Chick, with additional voices by Marta da Silva, Ryan Philbrook, Jill Raymond, and Toby Ridehalsch. Music by Sam Redfern, including a rearrangement of “Wilderness” by Taylor Davis which is used with the given permission of Taylor Davis representatives. This was The Sojourn, Season One Volume Two. Please visit www.thesojournaudiodrama.com for more information on the series and upcoming volumes. Thank you for listening.