Episode Transcript
Rogue Tyger
“Uninvited Guests,” Part 5
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 the distant reaches of space, a lone ship plunges deep into the unknown. Her 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
Aidan, Enling, and Tormar are fighting to escape a wrecked courier, aided by a mysterious robot, while Grainne Kochowa and Reg look for an opening to rescue their crewmates.
(BEAT)
Jabberwocky Audio Theater presents Rogue Tyger. Tonight’s episode: “Uninvited Guests,” part five.
MUSIC: THEME MUSIC ENDS
COURIER CORRIDOR
(WALLA OF ABOUT TWO DOZEN ARMED SILVER STAR CREW)
RIKKEN
All right, you know the situation. We have four members of the Tyger’s crew on board this wreck. At least one is armed — assume all of them are. Also, one is a robot highly trained in wushu, so no hand-to-hand heroics.
(BEAT)
We’re going to sweep this wreck from stern to bow starting in the engine room. Walsh and his team have the bridge secured. Chinnery, Engle, your teams are guarding the two airlocks. Do not underestimate them and don’t let them close distance.
(BEAT)
Now Captain Malabar says we need to take them alive, so no kill shots unless I give the order. But frankly, they only need to be alive enough to answer the Captain’s questions. We clear?
SOUND: WALLA AFFIRMATIVE GRUNTS
RIKKEN
Let’s go.
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES IN
SILVER STAR BRIDGE – SPACE
(SAME AMBIENT AS BEFORE)
SOUND: AIRLOCK OPENS
JOCHI BORTAY
Rikken is about to start the sweep, captain.
SOUND: AIRLOCK CLOSES
SYLVIA MALABAR
Excellent, Mr. Bortay. However, this operation has taken far longer than it should have.
JOCHI BORTAY
We’ll have things wrapped up within the hour, ma’am.
SYLVIA MALABAR
You’d rather be doing the sweep yourself, wouldn’t you?
JOCHI BORTAY
Captain?
SYLVIA MALABAR
You’ve changed into a pressure suit.
JOCHI BORTAY
Just a precaution. I was helping Rikken get all the teams set up over on the wreck.
SYLVIA MALABAR
I’m sure. They’re clear that the Tyger crew are to be only captured?
JOCHI BORTAY
I made that abundantly clear.
SYLVIA MALABAR
But you don’t agree with it.
JOCHI BORTAY
I don’t question orders where Mister Konstantinos is concerned.
SYLVIA MALABAR
I never said that order came from Darius.
JOCHI BORTAY
Isn’t he the one who wanted us to get the package off this wreck in the first place?
SYLVIA MALABAR
Take the pilot’s chair, Mister Bortay. There will be time for questions later.
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES IN
COURIER SPOOKY
(SAME AS BEFORE)
AIDAN
So, Tormar, Enling, what is the plan now?
TORMAR
The crew were going aft. Most likely towards the engine room.
THE ROBOT
I concur with your assessment, Coutharian. That is the logical place to begin a detailed search of the ship.
ENLING
So, in other words, Aidan, we know what their plan is, we just don’t know what ours is yet.
THE ROBOT
We must get to the bridge.
ENLING
Getting to the bridge is easy. Getting into it is another matter. We already saw that it’s locked up with at least three goons inside.
AIDAN
And probably heavily armed goons.
THE ROBOT
Nevertheless, if we are able to reach the bridge, I can activate the contingency plan.
AIDAN
Does that involve getting backup?
THE ROBOT
No, but it will destroy this ship.
AIDAN
Is there another contingency plan?
ENLING
The robot probably wasn’t programmed to consider saving a bunch of scavengers like ourselves.
AIDAN
Yeah, but what about itself?
ENLING
Self-sacrifice, right, Six-five-one?
THE ROBOT
On the contrary, you are key to the success of my mission. This ship is not. If your vessel returns, we may yet survive.
TORMAR
The captain will return. If we can escape this ship safely, I have an encrypted beacon they can home in on.
THE ROBOT
Then we should get to the bridge.
AIDAN
And the circle continues.
ENLING
Six-five-one, you aren’t blaster-proof are you?
THE ROBOT
Regrettably, no.
TORMAR
Doctor Shen, Mechanic Vosky, do your suits have sufficient air supply?
AIDAN
I think so.
ENLING
Easily six hours.
TORMAR
Then we may have a plan.
(BEAT)
Robot, what if we entered the bridge from outside?
THE ROBOT
As long as the bridge controls were not damaged in the breach, the contingency plan could be executed.
ENLING
You know, Tormar, they’re sure to be guarding both airlocks. We’re in the same position as if we tried to storm the bridge.
TORMAR
Possibly, Doctor.
(BEAT)
Robot, do you have any repair fixative?
THE ROBOT
We have some here.
SOUND: METAL CAN DRAG
ENLING
Oh no, you’re not going to use your demolition charges.
TORMAR
We can blast a hole in the cargo hold with them.
AIDAN
Wait, Tormar has explosives!?
TORMAR
The captain and I discussed the possibility of scuttling this wreck. I came prepared.
AIDAN
You have explosives. Enling has a blaster. What do I have?
TORMAR
You may assist me in setting the charges. We will need to set four charges to create a large enough hole in the hull.
ENLING
And after creating said hole, we get blown out into the vacuum of space because of the explosive decompression.
TORMAR
Precisely. Afterwards, we can climb up the hull to the bridge.
ENLING
This is a crazy plan.
THE ROBOT
This plan has merit. We can pursue it.
ENLING
And what’s the chance all of us survive?
THE ROBOT
I do not predict an improvement in your emotional state with knowledge of the odds, Doctor.
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES IN
TYGER BRIDGE – SPACE
(SAME AS BEFORE)
GRAINNE
We’re in position captain.
REG MACORUM
You have to be sure, Grainne. Odds are that it’s Jochi Bortay at the controls of the Silver Star and he’d like nothing better than to do in his old captain.
GRAINNE
And I’d just be collateral damage?
REG MACORUM
You? You’re not human, so he’d consider it a bonus.
GRAINNE
Ah, one of those.
REG MACORUM
Too many of those in the Zenocrate Cartel. So we’re safe?
GRAINNE
The rock we’re parked under will shield us unless your dear Mister Bortay starts scanning in this specific direction… and I’ve floated a sensor buoy out beyond the rock to pick up Tormar’s beacon. Jump coordinates are set.
REG MACORUM
Very thorough as always.
GRAINNE
Well, there’s nothing else to do now but wait, is there?
REG MACORUM
Wait… and hope.
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES IN
COURIER CORRIDOR
(SAME AS BEFORE)
THE ROBOT
We are here at the door. This will lead to the cargo hold on the opposite side of the hold from the airlock.
ENLING
Meaning, if the goons are guarding the airlock, we have that much more time. We’ll have some containers for cover, right?
THE ROBOT
There is a high probability, yes.
TORMAR
Place your helmets on and check the seals.
SOUND: HELMET SEAL CLOSING (TIMES THREE)
(AIDAN, ENLING, AND TORMAR HAVE “IN-HELMET FILTER FROM NOW ON)
AIDAN
Check.
ENLING
Check.
TORMAR
Check.
THE ROBOT
When I open the door, the doctor will lay down covering fire.
ENLING
You guys better place the explosives fast. The initial surprise will only keep their heads down for a few seconds.
AIDAN
So these things will really work like “sticky bombs?”
TORMAR
Of course. As long as your press the charge onto the bulkhead with appropriate force, it will stay. Even human arms should have sufficient muscle mass for the task.
AIDAN
Just don’t hit the detonator until I’m clear, okay?
TORMAR
I have to place two charges as well, Mechanic Vosky.
THE ROBOT
It is time.
ENLING
Let’s do this thing.
SOUND: BULKHEAD DOOR OPENING
COURIER CARGO HOLD
(SAME AS BEFORE, SILVER STAR CREW ARE ON FAR SIDE)
(AIDAN AND TORMAR ARE BREATHING HARD BECAUSE OF RUNNING)
ENLING
Go! Go! Go!
CHINNERY
(DISTANT)
Hey! It’s them!
SOUND: METALLIC CLANG
AIDAN
I’m on left.
SOUND: METALLIC CLANG
TORMAR
On right.
SOUND: BLASTER FIRING
SOUND: BLASTER FIRING
CHINNERY
(DISTANT)
Keep your heads down!
SOUND: BLASTER FIRING
SOUND: BLASTER FIRING
ENLING
No points for pretty, boys. Just place the charges!
SOUND: SQUISHY STICK
SOUND: SQUISHY STICK
AIDAN
Done!
SOUND: SQUISHY STICK
SOUND: SQUISHY STICK
TORMAR
Done. Cover us, doctor!
SOUND: BLASTER FIRING (DISTANT)
SOUND: BLASTER FIRING (DISTANT)
SOUND: BLASTER FIRING (DISTANT)
SOUND: BLASTER IMPACT
ENLING
Easy for you to say.
SOUND: BLASTER FIRING
SOUND: BLASTER FIRING
SOUND: BLASTER FIRING
THE ROBOT
Come now.
SOUND: BLASTER FIRING (DISTANT)
SOUND: BLASTER FIRING (DISTANT)
SOUND: BLASTER IMPACT
AIDAN
Ya! That’s too close!
SOUND: BLASTER FIRING
SOUND: BLASTER FIRING
ENLING
Well done, you two.
TORMAR
And you doctor.
SOUND: BLASTER FIRING (DISTANT)
SOUND: BLASTER IMPACT
THE ROBOT
Remember, hold onto these railings until the cargo clears the hole. Then, let go.
SOUND: BLASTER FIRING (DISTANT)
SOUND: BLASTER FIRING (DISTANT)
CHINNERY
(DISTANT)
You there, get on the other side. Flank them.
TORMAR
Mechanic Vosky, stay close to the Doctor. Robot, you may hold onto me. My maneuvering thrusters are more powerful than those on the human suits.
AIDAN
Is that true?
ENLING
Oh, who cares? Hit it.
TORMAR
Firing.
SOUND: SWITCH CLICK
SOUND: A MASSIVE EXPLOSION
SOUND: DECOMPRESSION WIND
(DECOMPRESSION WIND CONTINUES UNDERNEATH)
CHINNERY
(DISTANT)
Hold onto something!
SOUND: BOXES COLLIDING
REDBACK
(DISTANT. PANICKED)
I can’t… hold… on…
SOUND: WILHELM SCREAM
SILVER STAR BRIDGE – SPACE
(SAME AMBIENT, PLUS WARNING ALARM)
SOUND: RUMBLING AGAINST HULL
SYLVIA MALABAR
What the hell is happening?
SOUND: SWITCH CLICK
(WARMING ALARM STOPS)
JOCHI BORTAY
Explosion in the cargo hold. Might be a diversion.
SOUND: SWITCH CLICK
JOCHI BORTAY
Rikken, status report! Rikken. Chinnery. Somebody talk to me.
SOUND: SWITCH CLICK
SYLVIA MALABAR
Maybe a diversion, but maybe not. Scan for lifeforms.
JOCHI BORTAY
All that cargo is acting as chaff. I can’t get a read.
SYLVIA MALABAR
Damn him. Damn Macorum and his people.
COURIER HULL – SPACE
(ARCHETYPAL VACUUM SOUND)
ENLING
All right, everyone okay?
AIDAN
I’m breathing. At least I think I am.
ENLING
Okay, everyone check their suits for leaks, doctor’s orders.
TORMAR
We are undamaged.
ENLING
Okay, check your neighbors. Six-five-one, do you see anything?
THE ROBOT
If you mean yourselves, your suits are dirtied, but intact. If you refer to myself, I am operational.
ENLING
Glad to hear it on all counts. Would you lead the way?
THE ROBOT
Of course. Set your boot magnets to one-third power and follow me carefully.
TYGER BRIDGE – SPACE
(SAME AMBIENT AS BEFORE)
GRAINNE
I can’t tell exactly what happened, captain, but there was an explosion. Should we jump?
REG MACORUM
Wait on that, Grainne. I have a feeling we’ll be hearing the beacon in a few minutes.
COURIER HULL – SPACE
(SAME AMBIENT AS BEFORE)
TORMAR
Robot, I am ready to place the explosive. Is here satisfactory?
THE ROBOT
Yes. That will do the least amount of damage to the controls and the crew inside.
ENLING
As long as they won’t be firing at us.
THE ROBOT
They will be otherwise occupied.
COURIER BRIDGE
(DIFFERENT BRIDGE AMBIENT. PLENTY OF CONTROLS IN BACKGROUND)
WALSH
I’ll tell you this much, Rikken was right: don’t underestimate these guys.
NICOLI
Well, with half the ship depressurized, how are we going to get backup if they rush us here in the bridge?
WALSH
Rush the bridge? What are you thinking? See that bulkhead? There’s no way they can get in here.
SOUND: KNOCK ON GLASS
NICOLI
Look up! It’s the robot!
WALSH
(REALIZING)
He’s got an explosive charge on the glass!
NICOLI
(SIMULTANEOUS)
Get down!
WALSH
(SIMULTANEOUS)
Helmets on! Helmets on!
SOUND: EXPLOSION WITH SHATTERED GLASS
SOUND: DECOMPRESSION WIND
SOUND: WALLA OF THREE SCREAMS/CRIES
(AMBIENT CHANGES TO VACUUM)
ENLING
Okay, you were right. They were occupied.
AIDAN
Are they going to survive?
TORMAR
We must survive, Mechanic Vosky.
AIDAN
I just want to be one of the good guys, okay?
ENLING
We are, Aidan. Those crew should be fine. If we really wanted to do them in, Tormar could have shaped the charge differently, and Six-five-one wouldn’t have knocked.
THE ROBOT
The doctor is correct. There is a high probability that those crewmen will be rescued even after I have activated the contingency plan.
AIDAN
(MUTTERS)
I don’t think one of the crew in the cargo hold was wearing his helmet…
TORMAR
Robot, what do we need to do to assist?
THE ROBOT
Get ready with your beacon. I will handle the course correction.
AIDAN
Course correction?
SOUND: MAIN ENGINE THRUST
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES IN
SILVER STAR BRIDGE – SPACE
(SAME AMBIENT AS BEFORE, AGAIN WITH THE WARNING ALARM)
(RUMBLE OF MAIN ENGINE THRUST CONTINUES UNDERNEATH)
SOUND: METAL SHEAR
JOCHI BORTAY
I don’t know how they did it, captain, but they’ve started the wreck’s engines. I can’t raise Walsh or his team on the bridge. Damn it!
SYLVIA MALABAR
Breathe, Mr. Bortay. Course?
JOCHI BORTAY
We’re headed straight towards an asteroid.
(BEAT)
Captain, we have to decouple from the wreck. It’ll hit the rock in less than 10 minutes.
SYLVIA MALABAR
Signal Rikken and all the teams to abandon the wreck. I want everyone through the airlock who can make it.
SOUND: ALARM KLAXON
COMPUTER VOICE
Warning. Collision imminent. Change course now.
JOCHI BORTAY
Great. We’re going to hit a minefield before we hit the asteroid.
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES IN
TYGER BRIDGE – SPACE
(SAME AMBIENT AS BEFORE)
SOUND: BEACON SIGNAL
GRAINNE
I’ve got the signal from the beacon!
REG MACORUM
Thank the fates. How close can we jump to them?
GRAINNE
Close enough to knock.
REG MACORUM
Then let’s do it.
SOUND: FTL DRIVE SPINS UP
SILVER STAR BRIDGE – SPACE
(STANDARD AMBIENT PLUS ALARM KLAXON)
RIKKEN
(RADIO FILTER)
You’ve got to give me more time, Jochi. We still have crew over here.
JOCHI BORTAY
We’re out of time, Rikken. In two minutes, that wreck and this ship hit a minefield big enough to blow us both into bite-size pieces.
RIKKEN
(RADIO FILTER)
I still have six crew unaccounted for.
SYLVIA MALABAR
Rikken, this is the captain. Mister Bortay is right. Anyone who’s still alive is in a suit and has left the wreck already. We can pick them up later. Get over to the Star and seal the airlock. Now.
RIKKEN
(RADIO FILTER)
Yes, ma’am.
SOUND: AIRLOCK CLOSES (OVER RADIO)
RIKKEN
(RADIO FILTER)
Airlock secure. Rikken out.
SOUND: SWITCH CLICK
JOCHI BORTAY
Asu te tozhah moi!
SYLVIA MALABAR
We can salvage this.
JOCHI BORTAY
Darius is not going to be happy.
SYLVIA MALABAR
I’ll worry about Darius. You get to the skiff.
JOCHI BORTAY
The skiff?
SYLVIA MALABAR
Somewhere out there is the package, and the Tyger is going to be jumping back here any minute now to pick up that package.
JOCHI BORTAY
You want me to follow them. You want to track them using the skiff.
SYLVIA MALABAR
In full stealth mode, there’s a chance.
JOCHI BORTAY
A chance I won’t be spotted… but to get close enough to be caught up in their jump field and travel with them… If you’re off by so much as a tenth of a spatial, half your atoms go one way, half another.
SYLVIA MALABAR
I’m relying on you, Jochi.
JOCHI BORTAY
If I do this. If I succeed. Promise me one thing.
SYLVIA MALABAR
Yes?
JOCHI BORTAY
We make them pay.
SYLVIA MALABAR
I’ll leave that to your capable hands.
JOCHI BORTAY
That’s all I ask.
MUSIC: CLIFFHANGER MUSIC CUE
ANNOUNCERLAND
MUSIC: CLOSING MUSIC BEGINS
ANNOUNCER
You’ve been listening to Rogue Tyger, episode fifteen: “Uninvited Guests,” part five 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 Yasmin Tuazon, Bjorn Munson, Carol McCaffrey, Nick DePinto, Phil Amico, William R. Coughlan, Erin Goldstein, Brooks Tegler, and Kim Davenport.
(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 amazing cast and crew and other fun details.
(BEAT)
This is William R. Coughlan, reminding you to stay tuned for season two of 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.