Episode Transcript
Rogue Tyger
“Flatrock,” Part 1
INTRODUCTION
HOST
Welcome to Jabberwocky Audio Theater.
RATING ANNOUNCER
The following audio theater is rated AD-G for general audiences.
ANNOUNCERLAND
MUSIC: THEME MUSIC BEGINS
ANNOUNCER
In a distant part of the galaxy, from a far-flung future yet unwritten, comes the adventures of a lone ship and her intrepid crew:
REG MACORUM
Reg Macorum, ship’s captain.
GRAINNE
Grainne Kochowa, pilot.
ENLING
Shen Enling, ship’s doctor.
TORMAR
Tormar, engineer.
AIDAN
Aidan Vosky, mechanic.
ANNOUNCER
Jabberwocky Audio Theater presents Rogue Tyger. Tonight’s episode: “Flatrock,” part one.
MUSIC: THEME MUSIC ENDS
TYGER BRIDGE – SPACE
(NORMAL BRIDGE AMBIENT)
REG MACORUM
I felt some knocks in the last jump. How is she handling, Grainne?
GRAINNE
As well as can be expected. Actually better, Captain. Tormar and Aidan have been able to make a lot of repairs to the bridge.
REG MACORUM
Enough repairs?
GRAINNE
I’m glad I didn’t see it when it was worse.
REG MACORUM
But you still want to do more.
GRAINNE
Some things are just better done on the ground or in dry dock. You don’t want us to lose life support out here, do you?
REG MACORUM
Somehow I think you’d cope, but I suppose the rest of us wouldn’t. I’m glad to see you healed up.
SOUND: AIRLOCK OPENS
AIDAN
Hey! We’re not there yet are we?
GRAINNE
(AMUSED)
No, we’re not, Aidan.
REG MACORUM
I told you we’d let you know, Vosky.
GRAINNE
No need. He’s been up here every morning for the past week.
AIDAN
Well, I — I just didn’t feel another jump and I thought I felt some outside gravity and —
REG MACORUM
And you guessed right. Take a look.
GRAINNE
Coming in line with the elliptic now.
MUSIC: FLATROCK THEME FADES IN
AIDAN
Oh, my. That’s Flatrock.
REG MACORUM
The one and only.
AIDAN
It just stretches on for leagues. How do they manage?
REG MACORUM
Lots and lots of agrav material.
GRAINNE
Not very practical, but very impressive. They say the temples of Surakao were like this.
REG MACORUM
Somehow I would have thought your people would want their moons to be round.
MUSIC: FLATROCK THEME FADES OUT
PORT CONTROLLER
(RADIO FILTER)
Wessex Survey Alpha Nine on approach at one two seven by two one five actual, this is Flatrock Port Control. Please identify.
SOUND: SWITCH CLICK
GRAINNE
This is the Tyger, K.F.R. two four six one, transmitting particulars now.
PORT CONTROLLER
Roger that, Tyger. Transmission acknowledged. Looks clean. Stay on course and dock at slip Ramses-One-Three.
GRAINNE
Copy that, Control.
SOUND: SWITCH CLICK
AIDAN
Don’t ships usually state what port they’ve come from?
REG MACORUM
At other ports maybe. For Flatrock, it’d be bad for business.
GRAINNE
We should be docked within ten minutes, captain.
REG MACORUM
All right Vosky, we’d better get ready to disembark. Time to get your first look at a new world, even if it is mainly artificial.
MUSIC: FLATROCK THEME REPRISE FADES IN
TYGER CARGO HOLD – DAY
(CARGO AMBIENT, WITH METAL/SHOP SOUNDS IN BACKGROUND. MUSIC ENDS)
MUSIC: FLATROCK THEME REPRISE FADES OUT
ENLING
I figured I’d find you here.
AIDAN
Oh, hey Enling! Are you coming ashore?
ENLING
Not yet, not with you and the captain anyway. There’s plenty of resupply to take care of.
AIDAN
Well, I can’t wait. Even if it is babysitting this cargo container.
SOUND: KNOCK ON METAL
ENLING
Yeah… you know Aidan, there’s some things you should watch out for…
AIDAN
You mean like culture shock? I’ve read about that.
ENLING
There’s that.
AIDAN
And I think I got a taste of it in the Haapsalu spaceport. And-
(LOOKS AROUND, SOTTO VOCE)
working up close with Tormar wasn’t exactly easy at first, you know?
ENLING
(AMUSED)
Okay, I’ll give you that, but Aidan: this is not Haapsalu. There are far more dangers here. A lot of people who just aren’t nice.
AIDAN
Yeah, I get that. But c’mon. I’ll be with the captain the whole time. He’s got my back.
ENLING
Well…
REG MACORUM
Well what are you trying to do Doctor, scare Vosky before he first sets foot on Flatrock?
SOUND: ENLING AND AIDAN REACT
ENLING
Just trying to get through to him that it’s a dangerous place.
(MORE DIRECT)
With dangerous people.
REG MACORUM
You’re no good freaking out on me, Vosky.
AIDAN
No sir. If you can promise no missiles will be fired at me, I should be good.
GRAINNE
Well, we certainly have a lot to clean up after the last round.
TORMAR
Are the bridge repairs not satisfactory, Pilot Kochowa?
REG MACORUM
Ah, Grainne, Tormar. So we’re all here.
ENLING
For the time being.
REG MACORUM
All right, Aidan and I are going to take our cargo to a warehouse in the Kolkiss district. In the meantime, we’ve got a lot of resupply we’re overdue for. Enling, that’s you and the skimmer.
ENLING
The skimmer got damaged in our little escapade earlier this week.
REG MACORUM
Tormar can help you if there’s anything especially tricky.
TORMAR
[Grunts]
REG MACORUM
Tormar, after that, if there’s anything we need to be shipshape…
TORMAR
Apparently I must inquire after Pilot Kochowa.
GRAINNE
We’ll be fine, captain.
REG MACORUM
I’m sure we will be. Okay, let’s get to work.
(BEAT)
Aidan, make sure the grav harnesses are set on the cargo container. I’m going to check about the delivery.
TORMAR
Doctor. Let us look over the vehicle together
ENLING
What? Okay. I noticed that the left front stabilizer was…
(VOICES FADE OFF)
SOUND: BULKHEAD DOOR OPENING
TYGER WALKWAY – DAY
(STANDARD WALKWAY AMBIENT)
SOUND: BULKHEAD DOOR OPENING
SOUND: CALLING SIGNAL
REG MACORUM
Lou? Louie Hardin?
HARDIN
Hello, Captain Macorum. I see you all landed in one piece.
REG MACORUM
You had reason to believe otherwise?
HARDIN
Come on Reg, you’re only just back on Flatrock. A bit early to be paranoid, isn’t it?
REG MACORUM
I’m not the lucky one, remember?
HARDIN
You’re too modest.
(BEAT)
How’s the cargo?
REG MACORUM
Moran will love every nut and bolt of it.
HARDIN
I hope so, Moran isn’t someone to cross. It better be quality.
REG MACORUM
You can check for yourself at the dropoff.
HARDIN
I’m afraid I’ll have to trust you, or rather trust my associate.
REG MACORUM
You’re not going to be at the dropoff? Now wait a minute Louie, that’s not part of the deal.
HARDIN
Relax, Reg. Our old friend Vic is handling the transaction. You see, I’ve grown my operation since you were last here. Grown bigger, had to take on associates.
REG MACORUM
Vic Ratha is your “associate?”
HARDIN
A good man.
REG MACORUM
Too good to be your “associate.” Partner more like. Or are you working for him?
HARDIN
(SOURS)
Same old same old I see. No belief in other people, eh Macorum? Well, there’s been plenty of changes in the last cycle. For now, all you need to know is Vic will have you squared away.
SOUND: BLEEP
HARDIN
I just sent you the warehouse number relayed from Vic. Still in the Kolkiss district in case you’re wondering. Be there with the cargo inside the hour. The deal’s the same and you get cash on delivery. Everyone wins — like you used to say.
REG MACORUM
Sure. Hey…
(BEAT)
Look, Louie, no hard feelings, huh? It’s been a rough crossing is all. After Moran’s happy, how about I buy you a drink and you can tell me about the past cycle?
HARDIN
Well, Rosie’s has a good brand of rocket fuel.
REG MACORUM
How about I meet you at Rosie’s after we’re squared away?
HARDIN
All right then. Be seeing you.
SOUND: ENDING SIGNAL
SOUND: BULKHEAD DOOR OPENING
TYGER CARGO HOLD – DAY
(CARGO AMBIENT, REPAIRS HEARD IN THE BACKGROUND)
REG MACORUM
Vosky! We ready?
AIDAN
(ACROSS ROOM)
Yes captain.
REG MACORUM
Well, bring her over here then.
AIDAN
Yes sir.
(THE LOW HUM OF THE GRAVITY HARNESSES ARE HEARD APPROACHING AND THEN THROUGHOUT)
REG MACORUM
Looks nicely balanced.
AIDAN
I think it’ll glide along well. How far do we need to walk it?
REG MACORUM
Not far thanks to the ribbon-walk. See those strips of metal?
AIDAN
That’s the ribbon-walk…
REG MACORUM
Runs all around the docks into the city center… and past our warehouse.
SOUND: LOUD METAL CLANK
TORMAR
(ACROSS ROOM)
Argh!
ENLING
(ACROSS ROOM)
I thought that was tubing! I swear.
TORMAR
(ACROSS ROOM)
What is with you humans? I do not step on your arms.
ENLING
(ACROSS ROOM)
Hey, easy, I didn’t even bruise it. Besides, you have eight more.
REG MACORUM
Grainne.
GRAINNE
Yes, captain?
REG MACORUM
Make sure I have a ship to come back to, okay?
GRAINNE
Will do. Selamat jalan.
REG MACORUM
Selalu sehari-hari.
(BEAT)
Come on Vosky.
SOUND: BOOTS ON METAL
FLATROCK DOCKS
(DOCK WALLA)
REG MACORUM
I’m guessing the ribbon-walk is another new experience for you.
AIDAN
Yes sir, but I’ve seen them before. On tri-vids. Slower moving strips on the outside, faster on the inside.
REG MACORUM
All right, well let’s take it slow then. You stay on one side of the container, I’ll stay on the other. We don’t want to lose this on the ribbons.
RIBBON-WALK – DAY
(WALKWAY SOUNDS FADE IN)
AIDAN
Got it.
REG MACORUM
And… step!
(PAUSE)
And… again!
(PAUSE)
And… again!
AIDAN
Wah — we must be moving fast but I don’t even feel it. The Tyger’s out of view already.
REG MACORUM
Good thing, the client wants this within the hour. Either that or the fixer on this side wants to give us a hard time.
AIDAN
A lot of this is new to me. Do we do many of these jobs?
REG MACORUM
It all depends on what comes our way.
AIDAN
So are we picking up anything at the warehouse as well as dropping off?
REG MACORUM
You’re thinking ahead, Vosky. That’s good. As it happens, I’ll be going further into town while you complete the delivery here.
AIDAN
Me? But wha—?
REG MACORUM
Hold that thought, here’s our stop. On my mark…
(PAUSE)
Step!
(PAUSE)
And again!
(PAUSE)
Once more!
(PAUSE)
Good job. That’s the warehouse over there.
AIDAN
We must be a league from the ship.
REG MACORUM
At least.
(WALKWAY SOUNDS FADE)
KOLKISS DISTRICT – DAY
(AMBIENT – EMPTY STREETS, FADE IN)
REG MACORUM
Hmph. Don’t see anyone there to greet us. Typical. They probably want us to just drop it off and hope we get paid.
AIDAN
Um, Captain, I don’t know how to put this, but —
REG MACORUM
But, what?
AIDAN
Well, I mean, does the cargo need to be, uh, delivered under the radar so to speak? Is that what this is?
REG MACORUM
Ha! I’ll let you ponder that while I find out where our welcoming committee got to.
SOUND: CONSOLE CONTROLS
VIC RATHA
(RECORDING)
Hullo Reg… or whomever. Sorry can’t be here to meet the package and your fine selves. Just leave it in the north corner of the warehouse and let Hardin know. Ta!
AIDAN
That seems kind of odd.
REG MACORUM
You think so? I wouldn’t worry about it.
AIDAN
They wanted it within the hour you said.
REG MACORUM
All the more reason I go find out where our monits are.
AIDAN
It’s just…
REG MACORUM
Look. I’m going to trust you to take care of this.
AIDAN
But —
REG MACORUM
Here’s the access code to open the warehouse. You okay getting back to the ship on the ribbon-walk?
AIDAN
Uh, sure.
REG MACORUM
Oh, and here’s a comm. If anything comes up, you can give me or the ship a shout.
AIDAN
Okay. Hey, good luck, Captain.
REG MACORUM
Hmph. You make your own luck Vosky.
(BEAT)
Goodbye.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS FADE OFF
AIDAN
(TO HIMSELF)
It’s just something…
SOUND: CONSOLE CONTROLS
SOUND: LARGE DOOR OPENING
AIDAN
Well, the door works. C’mon you.
(THE GRAVITY HARNESSES HUM LOUDER MOMENTARILY)
WAREHOUSE – DAY
AIDAN
Okay, so this is a Flatrock warehouse. They don’t invest in lighting. And north would be… there.
SOUND: LARGE DOOR CLOSING
AIDAN
Hello?
SOUND: METAL JANGLE/TRYING LOCK
AIDAN
What the—? Hey! Who locked this? Come out here!
SOUND: EXPLOSION
AIDAN
Oh no. Oh no no no no…
(FLAME NOISE FADES IN)
SOUND: COMM BEEP
AIDAN
Captain!
SOUND: STATIC
AIDAN
(COUGHS)
Captain! Enling!
(COUGHS HARDER)
It’s a trap!
MUSIC: CLIFFHANGER MUSIC CUE
ANNOUNCERLAND
MUSIC: CLOSING MUSIC BEGINS
ANNOUNCER
You’ve been listening to Rogue Tyger, episode six: “Flatrock,” part one of five.
(BEAT)
Rogue Tyger is a production of Jabberwocky Audio Theater in association with Arlington Independent Media and was transcribed in Deepest Springfield.
(BEAT)
Tonight’s episode featured the vocal talents of Brooks Tegler, Erin Goldstein, Nick DePinto, Yasmin Tuazon, Phil Amico, Kim Davenport, Neil Conway, and Francis Abbey.
(BEAT)
Music was composed by John Maestri and arranged by Jason Chmiola, with final sound mixing by William R. Coughlan.
(BEAT)
And the episode was written and directed by Bjorn Munson.
(BEAT)
Visit our website, jabber audio dot com, for full show notes about all our terrific cast and crew and other fun details, like the history of Flatrock.
(BEAT)
This is William R. Coughlan, reminding you to join us next time for more Rogue Tyger.
MUSIC: CLOSING MUSIC ENDS
CONCLUSION
HOST
Hast thou slain the Jabberwock?
Text © Bjorn Munson, under license to Jabberwocky Audio Theater. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.