Episode Transcript
Quorum: The Harbor Pilot’s Tale
INTRODUCTION
HOST
Welcome to Jabberwocky Audio Theater.
HOST
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RATING ANNOUNCER
The following audio theater is rated AD-PG, so parental guidance is suggested.
ANNOUNCERLAND
MUSIC: THEME MUSIC BEGINS
ANNOUNCER
There has always been a gray area between the just and the unjust. The lawful and the lawless. A nebulous region where the trappings of authority share little crossover with the course of justice. And where those who attempt to shine light into the dark recesses of power are often the least expected.
(BEAT)
Basel, August 2012. Switzerland’s most densely populated metropolis, famed as much for its cultural heritage as for its vital role in the Swiss banking and chemical industries. Situated at the border of Switzerland, Germany, and France, the city serves as a critical transit hub for cargo traffic on the Rhine river, a function that renders those with the skills to navigate the treacherous waterways especially vital… and one that may prove pivotal to the hastily-revised plans of a cabal of enigmatic conspirators.
(BEAT)
Jabberwocky Audio Theater presents: Quorum: The Harbor Pilot’s Tale.
MUSIC: THEME MUSIC ENDS
SCHWEIZERISCHE RHEINHÄFEN LOADING DOCK
(INDUSTRIAL SOUNDS, CRANES, METAL IMPACTS, WIND AND RAIN MASKING WAVES IN THE BACKGROUND)
SOUND: CAR APPROACHING, STOPPING
(THE FOLLOWING VOICE OVER IS DIFFERENTIATED FROM THE SURROUNDING ACTION, DELIVERED IN NARRATIVE FASHION.)
KLAUS (V.O.)
Just ten minutes from home. Ten minutes before die Gemütlichkeit, a cold Feldschlösschen. Or perhaps wine. Lynette prefers wine, when we are drinking together. And then the summons. Steiner cannot be found. Der Lockerer. So the call comes to me. The order, in truth.
SOUND: CAR DOOR OPENING, CLOSING
KLAUS (V.O.)
Another forty minutes to turn the car around and return to the Rheinhäfen — the Rhine cargo port. To the job. To all of… this. But… I will make the best of it. Ich habe keine Wahl.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS SPLASHING THROUGH PUDDLES
(KLAUS’S VOICE IS RASPY, WEIGHTED WITH AGE. HE SPEAKS ENGLISH WITH A PRONOUNCED SWISS-GERMAN ACCENT. LYNETTE IS HERSELF CLEARLY ENGLISH.)
LYNETTE
(FILTERED, ON PHONE)
Why does it have to be you?
KLAUS
Because the captain is Scottish, and my English is so good. Whose fault is that?
LYNETTE
Don’t you turn this on me, Klaus. It’s almost midnight.
KLAUS
I was making light. I will be home, soon. Someone wants this boat out tonight, even in this weather. Someone important enough to change things at the drop of a cap.
LYNETTE
The drop of what?
KLAUS
Drop of a cap. Quick, sudden, yes?
LYNETTE
(LAUGHING)
Drop of a hat. Not cap, hat.
KLAUS
Ah, yes. Hat. Entschuldigung.
LYNETTE
You don’t always have to pick up the slack.
KLAUS
I do to stay with the Schweizerische Rheinhäfen.
LYNETTE
Yes, well… we still need to talk about that. After what the doctor said about your heart…
KLAUS
Later, Lynette. I am almost to this boat, the Liparus. I will call you as soon as I am back ashore.
LYNETTE
I’ll be asleep.
KLAUS
Then I will… come in quietly.
LYNETTE
All right, Klaus. I know better than to argue. But we have enough now, with my work. It may be time.
KLAUS
We will talk about it. Tschüss, Liebling.
SOUND: PHONE HANGING UP
KLAUS (V.O.)
Lynette was right. It was past time to retire, not least after what… the doctor said. But I was… not ready. I felt… Ach, what is the right word in English? Incomplete? Unfinished?
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS ON GANGWAY
KLAUS (V.O.)
She had given up much to be with me. Her home, country. I did not wish to spoil that. I had spoiled too much.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS ON METAL APPROACHING
KLAUS
Klaus Brunner. Permission to come aboard.
(MACKINNON IS GRUFF, SPEAKING WITH A DISTINCT SCOTTISH ACCENT. HIS MANNER IS INGRATIATING, BUT WITH A HINT OF FALSITY.)
MACKINNON
Granted. Lachlan MacKinnon. Or just Mac, if’n ye like. Master o’ the Liparus. Welcome. Take it ye’d be our harbor pilot? Heh, or just out for a fine stroll?
LIPARUS MAIN DECK – OUTSIDE
(MORE PRONOUNCED RAIN AGAINST METAL)
SOUND: PAPERS RUSTLING
KLAUS
Here is my… Was ist das Wort… my documentation.
MACKINNON
Looks to be square. Expecting a bloke named Steiner.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS ON METAL
KLAUS
Herr Steiner is unavailable. I was on my way home when I was called back. Other pilots do not speak English.
MACKINNON
Sorry to hear it, chap. Sure we’d’a made do, but I appreciate the effort. Me German’s tripe.
KLAUS
Do you know why the change in departure time?
MACKINNON
Last-minute delivery. Container loaded an’ secure now, an’ harbor control says we’re clear to shove off, now’s we got you to guide us. Here, let’s get up to the conn.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS ON METAL
LIPARUS CONTROL TOWER
(WIND INCREASES, AS THE PAIR ASCEND THE EXTERIOR STEPS OF THE CONTROL TOWER)
MACKINNON
Crivvens, a dreich night, this one. An’ I went through Hurricane Bawbag winter past. Sorry steps are on the windward side. But gather you’re used to it.
KLAUS
Indeed. The course heading is as indicated?
MACKINNON
Aye, all’s same’s the original plan. Only heading out now ’stead o’ morning. Anything I should worry ’bout?
KLAUS
Hm? Ach, nein. No. It is just that I must be certain of the draft, with the weather such as it is.
MACKINNON
Liparus draft’s less’n five meters, even full-laden.
KLAUS
Impressive. I served on an inland container ship much like Liparus, with the Schweizer Hochseeschifffahrt… Swiss Merchant Marine. I do not anticipate any issues.
SOUND: EXTERIOR BULKHEAD DOOR OPENING
MACKINNON
Good to hear. Come in afore you’re drookit.
LIPARUS BRIDGE
(STORM SOUNDS MORE SUBDUED; VARIOUS ELECTRONIC AND MECHANICAL NOISES)
SOUND: EXTERIOR BULKHEAD DOOR CLOSING
MACKINNON
Welcome to the bridge. Brunner, this here’s Curt Colepaugh, chief mate. Handles cargo operations.
(COLEPAUGH IS AMERICAN, STRICTLY BUSINESSLIKE.)
COLEPAUGH
Welcome aboard, Herr Brunner.
SOUND: QUIET VIDEO GAME SOUND EFFECTS
MACKINNON
And over yon’d be… Oy, Pitt! Put it away a’ready!
(PITT SPORTS AN EASYGOING AUSTRALIAN ACCENT.)
PITT
Hang on, Mac. Almost got the little piggies —
MACKINNON
The baw’s on the slates… Away!
PITT
(GRUDGINGLY)
Aye, cap’n.
SOUND: GAME SWITCHING OFF, FABRIC RUSTLING
MACKINNON
As I’s sayin’, easily distractible fella there’d be our second mate, Herbie Pitt. Resident blether, that one.
PITT
Guten Tag, as they say, right?
KLAUS
Gueten Oobe may be more correct… evening, in Swiss dialect. But in Basel we usually greet with Griezi.
PITT
Griezi. Gotcha. Happy to learn something new. Friendly enough feller, you are, eh? Here, wheel’s all yours.
SOUND: SHIFTING OUT OF CHAIR
COLEPAUGH
If you’ll excuse me, I have to do my final pre-launch check with Gavin and the deck crew.
KLAUS
Very nice to make your acquaintance, Mr. Colepaugh.
SOUND: EXTERIOR BULKHEAD DOOR OPENING
COLEPAUGH
Oh, and Mac, Salazar wants to see you once we’re under way. Said she’d be in her quarters with her man Baskin.
MACKINNON
(FRUSTRATED)
Ah dinnae ken what the bird’s up to high doh ’bout now.
SOUND: EXTERIOR BULKHEAD DOOR CLOSING
MACKINNON
A’right, conn’s yours. Wid’ja like a bit o’ tea?
KLAUS
No, Dangge. I am under doctor’s orders to limit caffeine. With luck you will soon be on your way, and I will make my wife happy by not coming home too late.
MACKINNON
Music to me ears. Know protocol says I stand watch the trip out, but… well, we’ve a passenger who’s a bit… insistent. Mr. Pitt’ll stand in my stead.
KLAUS
Um… I suppose. Very well, Captain MacKinnon.
MACKINNON
And lay off the damn game fer once, eh, Pitt?
PITT
Don’t get off ya bike about it.
SOUND: INTERIOR DOOR OPENING
SOUND: MECHANICAL SHIFTING SOUNDS
SOUND: SHIP’S ENGINE POWER INCREASING
SOUND: SHIP’S HORN BLOWING
SOUND: THUNDER CRACKING
SOUND: VIDEO GAME ACTIVATING
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES IN
LIPARUS BRIDGE – LATER
(SUBDUED STORM SOUNDS CONTINUE OUTSIDE)
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES OUT
SOUND: MECHANICAL SHIFTING SOUNDS
SOUND: QUIET VIDEO GAME SOUND EFFECTS
KLAUS
The Liparus is clear of port, and you are free to navigate the Rhine. Mr. Pitt… ah, Mr. Pitt?
PITT
Hmm? Oh, right, right. Sorry, mate. Bad habit o’ mine, this game here. Right addictive, it is.
SOUND: GAME SWITCHING OFF, FABRIC RUSTLING
KLAUS
Machen Sie sich bitte keine Umstände. Ah… it is of no consequence. But… would you be so kind as to take over while I contact my pickup?
SOUND: MECHANICAL SHIFTING SOUNDS
PITT
That I would, Brunner. Got three days’ trip ahead. Leisurely tour here up the Rhine all’a ways up to Rotterdam. You need to use the VHF radio phone?
SOUND: SHIFTING OUT OF CHAIR
KLAUS
The pilot boat is in range of my… what do you call it in English? Das Sprechfunkgerät… hand radio…
PITT
Ah, walkie-talkie.
KLAUS
Hah. Yes. Walkie-talkie. A funny language, English.
SOUND: WALKIE-TALKIE ACTIVATING
KLAUS
Hans-Rudolf? Ich bin fast bereit, dass du mich abholst.
PITT
Tell your man to grab you at the bow ladder, aft of the forecastle. Colepaugh may still be up there — with Nigel on the bow thruster while we pulled out. Last pilot said poop deck ladder had some iffy rungs.
KLAUS
Thank you, Mr. Pitt. Ich werde vom Vorschiff absteigen. Der zweite Kumpel glaubt, dass es sicherer ist.
HANS-RUDOLF
(FILTERED, OVER RADIO)
Ich verstehe. Ich werde dich dort in ungefähr fünf Minuten treffen. Gehen wir danach etwas trinken?
KLAUS
Lynette ist besorgt, dass ich nach Hause komme. Vielleicht dann beim nächsten Mal.
SOUND: WALKIE-TALKIE DEACTIVATING
KLAUS
I am… surprised Captain MacKinnon has not returned. I need to formally return command.
PITT
We’re a bit casual, small crew’n all. ’Sides, that Salazar’s a character. Clearly used to bossin’ folks around. From Camellirosa Shipping, boarded with that cargo container. She an’ that beast she’s with, Baskin. That’s her Mercedes anchored on the poop deck. Ooh la la. Anyways, you can catch Mac below, main deck level. Stairs through there, two flights down. Need a guide?
KLAUS
I believe I can find him. I am at least passingly familiar with the layout of comparable vessels.
PITT
All right. Real nice meeting you, mate.
KLAUS
And you as well, Mr. Pitt.
SOUND: INTERIOR DOOR OPENING, CLOSING
LIPARUS STAIRWELL
(STORM SOUNDS MUFFLED, DISTANT)
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS DESCENDING STAIRS
KLAUS (V.O.)
Not having a ship’s master supervising the pilot was odd. I had worked with dozens, hundreds of captains. Never happy to hand control to a stranger, since they were still liable. Still, I did not want to… make waves, is I believe the phrase. Appropriate.
SOUND: INTERIOR DOOR OPENING, CLOSING
LIPARUS MAIN DECK – INSIDE
(LOW MECHANICAL ENGINE HUM THROUGHOUT)
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS DOWN CORRIDOR
MACKINNON
(MUFFLED, THROUGH WALL)
Brunner’s fine. Dinnae ken anything, an’ dinnae care, just wants to get home. Off any minute, none the wiser.
(SALAZAR’S SPANISH-ACCENTED VOICE IS SHARP, AUTHORITATIVE, ALMOST HISSING THROUGH TEETH)
SALAZAR
(MUFFLED)
And you have no idea what happened to Steiner?
MACKINNON
Dinnae think it wise to press, nae? Papers’re in order. ’Sides, don’t know what you’d expect me to do, just half-dozen of us on board… well, plus two of you. Happy to play nice, follow orders, but this ain’t —
SALAZAR
There is a reason we plan things with precision. Any deviation from those plans risks incurring the —
SOUND: KNOCKING ON DOOR
KLAUS
(CALLING OUT)
Captain MacKinnon?
MACKINNON
Um… yeah, just a second. That’ll be him now.
SOUND: INTERIOR DOOR OPENING
MACKINNON
(CHEERILY)
Ah, Brunner. Time a’ready? Quicker’n I expected.
KLAUS
Thankfully, I have made this trip many times. Your Mr. Pitt has the conn. My pilot boat is on its approach. If you could sign here, I will be on my way.
SOUND: PAPERWORK RUSTLING
MACKINNON
Right… Listen, don’t know if you heard…
KLAUS
Your business is your business. I would not dream of interfering. I just regret any inconvenience.
MACKINNON
Right, right. Sorry. Don’t mean to be rude, but…
SOUND: RISING FROM SEAT
SALAZAR
Please do not stand on ceremony, Captain. You must be our harbor pilot. Francesca Salazar. This is my associate, Mr. Baskin.
(BASKIN HAS A THICK, EASTERN EUROPEAN ACCENT)
BASKIN
I am Baskin.
KLAUS
Klaus Brunner. I am sure you are eager to be on your way, given the urgency of your departure.
SALAZAR
Indeed. We appreciate your… expediency.
SOUND: SIGNING, PAPERS RUSTLING
MACKINNON
There you go. Pleasure working with you, Brunner.
KLAUS
And you as well, Captain. Mac. A pleasant journey to you all. Ms. Salazar. Mr. Baskin. Gueti Reis.
SALAZAR
Auf Wiedersehen.
SOUND: INTERIOR DOOR CLOSING
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS DOWN CORRIDOR
KLAUS (V.O.)
Strange. But what difficulty the captain had with his passengers, and their cargo, would soon be his alone. And I had no wish to stay any longer with that giant Baskin. Clearly armed, from the cut of his jacket. And my time with the Kommando Spezialkräfte had taught me to recognize the Brügger and Thomet weapons case poorly hidden behind the bed. Best I hasten my departure.
SOUND: EXTERIOR BULKHEAD DOOR OPENING
LIPARUS MAIN DECK – OUTSIDE
(STORM SOUNDS IN FULL EVIDENCE)
SOUND: EXTERIOR BULKHEAD DOOR CLOSING
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS ON METAL
KLAUS (V.O.)
The Liparus was an efficient coaster. Low deckhouse to clear the Rhine bridges, no space wasted. Plenty of room in the hold and on deck, though its current cargo load was less than half its fifty-container capacity.
SOUND: WALKIE-TALKIE ACTIVATING
KLAUS
Hans-Rudolf? Wie nah bist du?
HANS-RUDOLF
(FILTERED, OVER RADIO)
Noch ein paar Minuten.
KLAUS
Ich verstehe. Ich gehe jetzt zum Vorschiff.
SOUND: WALKIE-TALKIE DEACTIVATING
KLAUS (V.O.)
Hans-Rudolf was still a few minutes out. A good sailor, but with this weather, it would be a challenge to keep his boat steady while I climbed down. The most dangerous part of this job, as Lynette never let me forget. They say over a career, a pilot has a one in twenty chance of being killed while boarding. A fate I had so far been… fortunate enough to avoid.
SOUND: METALLIC KNOCKING
KLAUS
Was ist das…? Hello? Is… Is someone there?
(LAPLACE SPEAKS FRENCH-ACCENTED ENGLISH, AND IS TENTATIVE, NERVOUS)
LAPLACE
(MUFFLED, METALLIC REVERB)
Hello? You speak… English?
KLAUS
Yes, yes I do. Where are you?
LAPLACE
I don’t… I don’t know. It’s dark. I think I am in some kind of metal… container.
KLAUS
Wait… yes, I think I hear you. Knock again.
SOUND: METALLIC KNOCKING
KLAUS
Yes, here it is… What are you doing in there?
LAPLACE
I… don’t know. I was… leaving work. My husband Samir had come, with little Brielle. We were going out to dinner in Geneva. But there was… someone loading what… what looked like some of our heavy equipment into a big cargo truck. Had some kind of… flower logo on the side. But I hadn’t heard about any transfer… I went to check, and… that is all, until now.
KLAUS
Hold on a moment. Let me see if I can… Ah, the container lock is just a truck seal, not a crossbar lock… I think I can get it open with my multi-tool.
SOUND: FABRIC RUSTLING
SOUND: PLASTIC SNAPPING
SOUND: TWO HITS ON METAL, HEAVY LATCH OPENING
SOUND: HEAVY METAL DOOR OPENING
KLAUS
There. Be careful. My name is Brunner, Klaus Brunner.
LAPLACE
Where… where are we?
KLAUS
On a cargo ship, the Liparus, bound for Rotterdam, under Captain MacKinnon. I just finished steering us out of Basel. I was about to debark. Who are you?
LAPLACE
I’m… I’m Simone Laplace… A physicist, work near Geneva, at the… did you say Basel?
KLAUS
Yes. I’m a harbor pilot. We are on the Rhine. Just… relax. Here, I have a water bottle. Drink.
SOUND: PLASTIC BOTTLE SNAPPING OPEN
LAPLACE
I don’t… I don’t understand…
SOUND: LOUD THUNDERCLAP
SOUND: WALKIE-TALKIE ACTIVATING
KLAUS
Hans-Rudolf, wir haben ein Problem.
HANS-RUDOLF
Was ist es? Ich komme gerade mit.
SOUND: BOAT APPROACHING
LAPLACE
Who’s… who’s that?
KLAUS
Pilot boat, come to pick me up. Hier ist jemand. Hier gefangen. Können Sie eine Nachricht im UKW-Radio senden?
HANS-RUDOLF
Sicher. Gib mir nur eine Minute.
LAPLACE
What are you telling him? My German is not very good.
KLAUS
I am seeing if he can get a message to shore on his radio. And then we can get you aboard —
SOUND: GRENADE-LAUNCHER THUNK
SOUND: MASSIVE EXPLOSION
KLAUS
Oh mein Gott! Hans-Rudolf! Geht es dir gut?
LAPLACE
What… what’s going on?
SOUND: WALKIE-TALKIE DEACTIVATING
KLAUS
I have no idea! The boat, it just… it exploded!
COLEPAUGH
(DISTANT)
Hold it right there, Brunner!
SOUND: GUN COCKING
KLAUS
Mr. Colepaugh. Do you intend to shoot me?
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING, SLOWING
COLEPAUGH
We’ll see. Didn’t have to go this way. Thought you’d be getting off astern. Don’t know quite what the hell’s going on now, but… you sit tight ’til Salazar and Baskin get here. Don’t make things worse.
KLAUS
(SIGHS)
I am afraid things are going to be worse.
SOUND: HEAVY PUNCH
SOUND: BANGING ON METAL
COLEPAUGH
What… what the hell do you think you’re —
SOUND: HEAVY CRUNCH, BODY FALL
LAPLACE
What did you… Is he…?
SOUND: PICKING UP, CHECKING GUN
KLAUS
I do not know, and I do not intend to wait to find out. Come, quickly, up to the forecastle.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS RUNNING ON METAL
LAPLACE
Are we… are we going to jump?
KLAUS
I am a good swimmer, but in this weather, even I would not likely make it to shore. No, we need to see if we can get to the rescue boat. Or at least a life raft.
LAPLACE
And are those up at the… the front there?
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS UP METAL STAIRS
LIPARUS FORECASTLE – OUTSIDE
(MORE EXPOSED, SOMEWHAT LOUDER RAIN SOUNDS)
KLAUS
No, back by the bridge tower. But I suspect the others will be coming across the main deck. Mr. Colepaugh may have hesitated, but I believe this Baskin will not.
LAPLACE
What makes you think —
SOUND: MACHINE GUN FIRE
SOUND: METAL HATCH OPENING
KLAUS
Here, quick! Climb down!
SOUND: CLIMBING DOWN LADDER
LIPARUS FORECASTLE – INSIDE
(STORM SOUNDS QUIET; RAIN PINGS ON METAL)
SOUND: METAL HATCH CLOSING
KLAUS
(WHISPERING)
Quiet. I need to see if…
(NORMAL VOICE)
It looks empty. Mr. Pitt mentioned a Nigel manning the bow thruster here earlier, but he appears to have gone.
LAPLACE
You.. you knocked that other man down so fast…
KLAUS
He was stupid. Coming inside arm’s reach with a pistol. And I… I served as a grenadier with the Kommando Spezialkräfte, Swiss Special Forces, before… there was an incident… I joined the Swiss merchant navy.
LAPLACE
I… I didn’t know Switzerland had a navy.
KLAUS
We have a long tradition of civilian navigation. Here, down this ladder…
SOUND: CLIMBING DOWN LADDER
KLAUS
They will be coming. But I have worked on vessels like this. If the Liparus is like those… Aha!
LAPLACE
What?
KLAUS
Access to the hold. If we are lucky, while they look for us above, we can make our way through to the stern.
SOUND: METAL HATCH OPENING
LAPLACE
But… can they not come at us through the hold too?
KLAUS
Yes, but it is like to be more tightly packed. Or so I assume, given the few containers on the main deck. Harder to move through. And may have more cover. I am hopeful they will first try the direct route.
MACKINNON
(FILTERED, OVER RADIO)
Brunner? You there?
SOUND: WALKIE-TALKIE ACTIVATING
KLAUS
Unless you plan to let us leave, Captain.
MACKINNON
Us… aye, it’s that “us” is the problem. An’ thanks to Baskin, you dinnae have a boat. Overkill, ask me, but not my call. Here, got someone wants to talk to you.
SALAZAR
(FILTERED, OVER RADIO)
This is Ms. Salazar. I have no wish for further loss of life, but you have something that belongs to me.
KLAUS
I did not know people could belong to other people.
SALAZAR
A matter of semantics. You are a practical man. Surely by now you must realize the futility of —
SOUND: WALKIE-TALKIE DEACTIVATING
LAPLACE
What was she going to say?
KLAUS
Does not matter. She is trying to stall us. Which means we are out of time. Quick — through the hatch!
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, RUSTLING
LIPARUS CARGO HOLD
(METALLIC REVERB THROUGHOUT THE ROOM)
SOUND: METAL HATCH CLOSING
KLAUS
Here, along the side. If we are quick, we may be able to reach the aft end before they see where we have gone. It is only about sixty meters.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS ON METAL
KLAUS
Do you know why they are after you?
LAPLACE
No! I’m just… just a researcher. A scientist. I work in quantum physics at CERN, not anything anyone would care about, unless… the temporal entanglement project? But we haven’t published the results. Nobody even knows except the —
SOUND: QUIET VIDEO GAME SOUND EFFECTS
KLAUS
What…? Wait, look —
SOUND: BODY SMASHING AGAINST METAL
KLAUS
Agh!
SOUND: GUN CLATTERING TO FLOOR
PITT
Dammit, Klaus, y’know, gotta say I kind of liked you. Sure as hell didn’t want it to come to this.
SOUND: HARD PUNCH
PITT
Even tried to help you, warn you about the bad ladder. I’m nice like that. And this is how you repay me? I was on a streak there, my little game.
SOUND: HARD PUNCH, BODY FALL
SOUND: CHAIN DRAGGING
PITT
That ogre Baskin’s happy to blow up your boat, shoot you an’ be done, but hell, where’s the fun there?
SOUND: HITTING WITH CHAIN
PITT
Was cool to see that baby go up like that. Whoosh! Love my games, but ain’t nothin’ like the real thing. Been a while since I seen that. But see, you and me, we got a personal relationship. Hell, ’nother life, we coulda been friends.
SOUND: CHAIN WRAPPING, STRUGGLING
KLAUS
(GASPING)
Pitt… I… I have… enough… friends.
SOUND: BODY PUNCH
SOUND: CHAIN RATTLING
PITT
Nice try, buddy. But truth is you ain’t the first feller I choked out. Been nice knowing you.
SOUND: GUNSHOT
SOUND: BODY FALLING, CHAIN DROPPING
LAPLACE
I… I didn’t know what to do… he was… he was choking you, and I… I was able to reach the gun… I never… Oh, god. I… shot… killed him.
KLAUS
(PANTING)
You… saved my life. Now it is my turn to return the favor. We have to move. They will have heard that.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS ON METAL
SOUND: STUMBLING
LAPLACE
Klaus! Are you all right?
KLAUS
(PAINED)
I have… heart condition… angina…
SOUND: PILL BOTTLE RATTLING
KLAUS
I just need… medicine… It will… it will pass…
(BREATHING SLOWLY)
Here, this hatch… should lead through to the engine.
SOUND: METAL HATCH OPENING
LAPLACE
Are you… are you sure you’re all right?
KLAUS
I… have no choice not to be. Ich habe keine Wahl.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, RUSTLING
LIPARUS ENGINE ROOM
(HEAVY MECHANICAL NOISES DOMINATE)
KLAUS
Does not appear to be anyone here. Hopefully this means they have called everyone up above to look for us.
SOUND: METAL HATCH CLOSING
LAPLACE
Should we… I don’t know, sabotage the engine?
KLAUS
They would know we are here when the engine stopped. We would be trapped. We must get off the ship. Our best choice is the rescue boat, but if not, one of the emergency rafts. This stairwell here should lead up to the poop deck… Let me just listen… Stand back.
SOUND: INTERIOR DOOR OPENING
KLAUS
It looks clear. Stay behind me.
LIPARUS STAIRWELL
(STORM AND ENGINE SOUNDS MUFFLED, DISTANT)
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS ASCENDING STAIRS
KLAUS
Move quietly. We have to get up past the crew quarters… All quiet… Okay, move, now!
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS ASCENDING STAIRS
KLAUS
Here. This will take us out to starboard. If I recall correctly, the rescue boat is on the deck’s port side.
(BEAT)
This window does not give much view, but I do not see anyone. With luck, the storm will give cover.
SOUND: EXTERIOR BULKHEAD DOOR OPENING
LIPARUS POOP DECK
(STORM SOUNDS IN FULL EVIDENCE)
SOUND: EXTERIOR BULKHEAD DOOR CLOSING
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS ON METAL
KLAUS (V.O.)
The pain in my chest had eased a bit, but I was still unsteady. Dizzy. I just had to hold on long enough to get us off the boat. I would have time to rest later.
KLAUS
Here, around the back. Stay low, keep behind the car.
LAPLACE
They keep a Mercedes on board?
KLAUS
It belongs to the woman on the radio, Salazar. The one trying to kill us… wait, someone’s coming!
MACKINNON
(APPROACHING)
This weren’t the arrangement. We’re sailors. Thought your man Baskin here’d take care of this kind of thing.
BASKIN
I take care of boat, yes? Big boom.
MACKINNON
Aye, ye did at that. Still don’t ken who carries a grenade launcher around with him. You know they’ll have seen that. Find the wreckage. How we supposed to —
SALAZAR
Enough. I can… handle the authorities. Mold the official story. Are you sure he’s not down in the hold?
MACKINNON
Near as such. Still places to hide. Seein’ as he’s taken two of my men a’ready, we’re a mite short-handed. Even had to pull Gavin off the engine to help search.
BASKIN
Maybe they jump. Into water.
SALAZAR
Not in this storm. He’d know better. He’ll either try to take the ship or the rescue boat. Baskin, stay here. The captain and I will make sure the bridge is secure.
BASKIN
I will wait. He will die.
SOUND: MACHINE GUN BOLT
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS ASCENDING STAIRS
KLAUS
(QUIETLY)
Verdammte Scheisse! Even if we can get past him, we won’t be able to operate the davit to lower the boat.
LAPLACE
The what? Davit?
KLAUS
The small crane there. Unless… the car… it looks to be secured with just the two tie-downs…
SOUND: CAR DOOR OPENING
KLAUS
Now if only… yes, the keys are still in the ignition.
LAPLACE
Why would they do that?
SOUND: UNFASTENING TIE-DOWN BUCKLES
KLAUS
Why bother taking them? Where is there to drive?
LAPLACE
Exactly. So what do you —
SOUND: HANDING OVER GUN
KLAUS
Take the gun. Cover me in case my plan does not work.
LAPLACE
I don’t even know what your plan is!
SOUND: CLIMBING INTO CAR
KLAUS
I am afraid to say it out loud.
SOUND: CAR STARTING, REVVING
KLAUS
(MUTTERING)
Für Hans-Rudolf, du Hurensohn.
SOUND: CAR TIRES SQUEALING
SOUND: MACHINE GUN FIRE
SOUND: CAR CRASH
BASKIN
Aaaagh!
SOUND: CAR DOOR OPENING
SOUND: EXITING CAR
LAPLACE
You… you crushed him against the… crane thing.
SOUND: PICKING UP GUN
KLAUS
And now I have his gun. We have a chance. Here, quickly. I need you to run the davit while I cover us.
SALAZAR
(DISTANT)
What the hell is going on out there? Baskin?
SOUND: MACHINE GUN FIRE
LAPLACE
I don’t know how to —
KLAUS
You’ll figure it out. The boat is attached. Just power the davit up and use that lever to move it over the water. We can release it manually with those catches.
MACKINNON
(DISTANT)
Brunner? That you, ol’ chum? What say we have that tea I offered afore? Talk a bit? Be reasonable?
SOUND: MACHINE GUN FIRE
KLAUS
Hurry! I will not be able to hold them long!
SOUND: MECHANICAL DEVICE MOVING
LAPLACE
I… I think I’ve got it!
SALAZAR
Dr. Laplace. I realize this is confusing. We would not have taken this action had we another option, but events have forced our hand. Now, you are at a decision point. Further resistance will invite retaliation, and tenfold. Not against you… but Samir and Brielle.
KLAUS
What is she talking about?
LAPLACE
No, you can’t… They couldn’t have…
SALAZAR
I will not ask again. You must come quietly. And you must eliminate any witnesses. You have three seconds.
KLAUS
What does she mean? The boat is almost ready to —
SOUND: GUNSHOT
LAPLACE
I’m… I’m sorry, Klaus. They… they have my family…
KLAUS
(RASPING)
What… how do… how do you think they will…
SOUND: BODY FALL
KLAUS (V.O.)
Lynette… I’m sorry. I should have… have listened… You always said this job… this job would kill me…
SOUND: SPLASH INTO WATER
LAPLACE
Mon Dieu… Qu’est-ce que j’ai fait…?
SALAZAR
A prudent decision, Doctor. Now we can discuss your future. Captain MacKinnon, I suggest your crew begin cleaning up. We still have quite a distance to travel.
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES IN
QUORUM COUNCIL CHAMBER
(THE SAME HEAVY REVERB AND MECHANICAL HUM WE’VE COME TO EXPECT FROM QUORUM HQ)
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES OUT
MR. KING
Ms. Rook, I commend you for a most satisfying outcome, particularly given its accelerated implementation.
MS. ROOK
Thank you, Mr. King. Though I must acknowledge the contributions of both Ms. Knight and Mr. Bishop in ensuring its success.
MR. KING
So noted. To that end, I must ask if there were any… occurrences that will complicate the next stage of Operation Repatriation. Ms. Knight?
MS. KNIGHT
Transit is proceeding as planned, if sooner than anticipated. We have adjusted schedules to compensate, and see no larger awareness of this Quorum’s involvement.
MR. QUEEN
Can you be absolutely certain of that?
MS. KNIGHT
To what are you referring, Mr. Queen?
MR. QUEEN
Events did not unfold entirely without complication. Mr. Bishop, do you concur with Ms. Knight’s assertion that our operation was entirely uncompromised?
MR. BISHOP
I will say that I have observed no… substantial deviations from predictions.
MR. QUEEN
I note your use of “substantial.” Curious that a statistician would avoid the word “significant.”
MS. ROOK
Spare us your vague insinuations, Mr. Queen. If you have a specific concern, please speak directly.
MR. QUEEN
Very well. Let me clarify: I have the utmost confidence in Mr. Bishop’s models. And I must also commend Ms. Knight’s success under such a compressed timeline.
MS. ROOK
So your complaint is?
MR. QUEEN
Given the recent frequency of incidental occurrences, I wonder if our operation may in fact be… compromised.
MR. KING
That is a serious accusation, Mr. Queen.
MR. QUEEN
One you yourself raised mere days ago. While we expect a number of random factors our models cannot predict, those models are designed to compensate. Yet Mr. Bishop has had to recalibrate far more frequently than in times past. And now we see another such factor.
MS. KNIGHT
I would hardly think that the synchronous appearance of an uninvolved individual —
MR. QUEEN
Is it truly happenstance? Or a deliberate attempt to derail our larger operation?
MS. ROOK
Deliberate?
MR. QUEEN
It may be nothing. In isolation, an aberration. But what if this “uninvolved individual” was intentionally involved, unsuccessful though it may have proven?
MR. KING
Do you have evidence to support this allegation?
MR. QUEEN
I make no allegation, Mr. King. Merely an observation. Mr. Bishop is more qualified than I to assess statistical patterns. But if this observation is correct, to any degree, then someone with intimate knowledge of this Quorum’s operations may be working against our interests.
MR. BISHOP
That would be unthinkable. Given the strict compartmentalization of operations, the only ones with real knowledge of our plans would be…
MR. QUEEN
The individuals in this room. Yes. And I shudder to think of the implications that possibility introduces.
MUSIC: DRAMATIC MUSIC CUE
ANNOUNCERLAND
MUSIC: CLOSING MUSIC BEGINS
ANNOUNCER
You’ve been listening to Jabberwocky Audio Theater. Tonight’s production: Quorum: The Harbor Pilot’s Tale.
(BEAT)
Featured in the cast were Tom Kramer as Klaus Brunner, Laura Rocklyn as Simone Laplace, Bradley Gareth as Lachlan MacKinnon, Karen V. Lawrence as Francesca Salazar, Kia Joon as Herbie Pitt, Christopher Walker as Curt Colepaugh, Andrew Quilpa as Hans-Rudolf and the Radio Broadcaster, Lillian Rachel as Lynette, and Danilo Lukovic as Baskin — with Pete Papageorge as Mr. King, Joel Snyder as Mr. Queen, Faith Potts as Ms. Rook, Anna Fitzgerald as Ms. Knight, and Brian Crane as Mr. Bishop.
(BEAT)
Recorded at Tulgey Wood Studios in deepest Springfield, with supplemental recording at a variety of independent studios around the world.
(BEAT)
For the full show notes, as well as information on all our series, visit us at jabber audio dot com.
(BEAT)
This week’s episode was produced by Bjorn Munson, and written and directed by William R. Coughlan.
(BEAT)
If you’re enjoying Quorum, be sure to rate and review us on your favorite podcast app. And if you want to help us continue to bring you tales of adventure and suspense — as well as enjoying exclusive content — visit us at Patreon dot com slash Team Jabberwocky.
(BEAT)
Until next time, this is Marsha Rehns, saying thanks for listening… and stay tuned for news on what’s coming up from Jabberwocky Audio Theater, including the return of Quorum with The Gambler’s Tale — “Dodging Bullets”!
MUSIC: CLOSING MUSIC ENDS
RADIO LISTENING ROOM
(STATIC-FILLED RADIO BROADCAST)
BROADCASTER
(FILTERED, OVER THE RADIO)
Lotsenboot, das ist Hafenkontrolle. Komm rein, Lotsenboot. Lotsenboot, kopieren Sie? Hans-Rudolf, bist du da? Was ist los?
SOUND: MORSE CODE UNDERNEATH THE STATIC: ·- -· / ·· -· ··· ·· -·· · / ·— — -···
CONCLUSION
HOST
Hast thou slain the Jabberwock?
Text © William R. Coughlan, under license to Jabberwocky Audio Theater. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.