1.07 \\ Community Isolation

STEF HOWERTON: Hey everyone! Welcome back to this week’s episode of SPECTRE! I’m Stef, your ne’er-do-well creator, and as always, please stick around to the end of the episode to have a listen to this week’s featured indie podcast: Echobox. Echobox is a fictional retelling of Greecian myths - you know, such as Zeus, Poseidon, Hera… You know them, right? Well, Echobox plops them right in the middle of LA, and instead of gods, they’re celebrities. Can you imagine Zeus as a celebrity? Oh my god. The shenanigans would be insane. If this sounds like it’s up your alley, hop on over to their website at echobox.net - that’s e-c-h-o-box.net - and give their episodes a listen. You’re sure to have a great time. And now, without further ado, we’re going to listen to SPECTRE episode 7: Community Isolation.

SHOWRUNNER: SPECTRE is intended for mature audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

[SFX: The theme music plays fully, beginning with a haunting, dark humming that escalates into an electronic melody with a surging arpeggio that pushes the tempo forward. It ends in a fade, punctuated by a high-tone chord that reverberates into silence.]

[SFX: The gentle ringing of Tibetan bowls resonates in the background of RHO’s room as she sits on her bed, focusing on the guided meditation that WARREN leads her through.]

WARREN: Now take a deep breath through your nose. And as you do so, focus on the way it makes your chest rise. Feel the air enter your body and open your lungs.

[SFX: RHO breathes deeply, expanding her lungs to their max and then holds.]

WARREN: Good. Now hold for one, two, three, four. And out through your mouth, this time focusing on what your chest and lungs do as you exhale.

[SFX: RHO exhales through slightly pursed lips.]

WARREN: That's right. Now, in for four, hold for four, and out for four. I want you to intentionally note the feel of the air coming in to your nose, the coolness of it, the speed of it, whatever comes across your mind. And do the same on its way out. Really focus on the breath.

[SFX: RHO breathes again, following WARREN's directions.]

WARREN: Good. Now do that repeatedly for the next thirty minutes.

RHO: (sputtering) Sorry, what? Did you say thirty?

WARREN: Yes, thirty minutes. I'll let you know when the time has passed.

RHO: Okay, I appreciate you taking the time to help me out and all, but this seems a bit counterproductive. I'm just supposed to sit here and breathe for thirty minutes? How is that going to do anything besides keep my blood really oxygenated?

WARREN: I know it feels tedious, but it's important that you start to build mental control. I told you this wouldn't be an immediate fix.

RHO: I know, I remember. But... gods, thirty minutes. I still feel like I'm one thought away from losing control.

WARREN: You are. Right now, you are. But if you keep at it, take time to meditate every day, do everything you can to strengthen your mind... Each time you practice, you'll be one more step away from the edge.

RHO: (sighing) How do you know all of this?

WARREN: I've studied meditative practices for a while now.

RHO: Ah, so you're my guru then? Leading me through all of this... whatever this is.

WARREN: I'm definitely not a master... and I've never taught it before. But I'm pretty much all you've got here. Garyn is good for physical ailments, but he doesn't necessarily buy into meditation.

RHO: I'll be honest... Right now, I get where he's coming from.

WARREN: You just started doing this. You need to give yourself some time to get used to it.

RHO: I know, I know. I'm just... I'm getting really tired of having to constantly fill in the gaps in my memory . Sometimes, my brain does it for me without me even realizing it which can get pretty confusing.

WARREN: What do you mean?

RHO: You are actually a fantastic example.

WARREN: How so?

RHO: So you're practically a stranger, right? Prior to me being on board the Spectre, we had no clue of each other's existence.

WARREN: Right.

RHO: And my brain is pretty much a sieve because of what happened to me. There are holes in my memory, my personality, everything.

WARREN: Sure.

RHO: I am acutely aware - usually after the fact - of my brain trying to fill these holes with fabricated details... feelings. Now, I know that I don't know you, but I keep getting these feelings around you. Nothing untoward, mind you, but I feel a connection, as if there's something there just out of my reach.

WARREN: Like what?

RHO: Hell if I know. I got a similar feeling when Grape showed me his artificially grown strawberries. And that's exactly it. It's so... stupid.

WARREN: I don't think it's stupid. Perhaps I remind you of someone. Maybe strawberries are your favorite food.

RHO: I do like strawberries a lot. Grape's aren't quite the same, but they're getting closer every day.

[SFX: The two are interrupted by a 'ding' at RHO's door.]

RHO: Come on in.

[SFX: The door slides open, and ATTA leans in the doorway.]

ATTA: Duty calls. Bridge time.

WARREN: For what?

ATTA: To gather a group consensus on whether you're a shit lay or not. I don't know. Ed sent me to get you.

WARREN: (to Atta) Be right there. (to Rho) We'll do this another time. Maybe tomorrow morning, first thing?

RHO: Sure. That works.

[SFX: Music transitions from RHO’s quarters to the bridge, moments later. The Bridge door opens, and Edward strides in with confidence, GRAPE following closely behind.]

EDWARD: Apologies for the last-minute meeting, everyone. I've just been informed of a mission, and due to the nature of the job we must act quickly.

GARYN: Not likely to get approval from Lillian on a time crunch.

EDWARD: I've sent her details, but you're correct. As I mentioned, we don't have time to waste, so I've made the executive decision to move forward without her approval temporarily.

ATTA: Well, out with it. What are we doing?

EDWARD: Grape? Care to fill us in?

GRAPE: (somewhat uncomfortable) Yes. Hello. As Edward said, I apologize for the lack of preparation, but time is of the essence, as they say. A sect of my people are in danger, and they need our help.

WARREN: In danger how?

GRAPE: The information I've received is limited, but what I've been able to learn is that a small settlement of my people on the planet Nuheria are under attack by a group of colonizing invaders from another system. They've already lost many people.

MACIE: Wait, Grape, your people are living in an organized settlement? I thought your kind was usually nomadic and doesn't travel in groups of more than two or three.

GRAPE: Typically, you would be correct. But this group, like me, does not adhere to the societal norms upheld among my people. They found success in their unorthodox lifestyle and have been living happily on Nuheria for several cycles now. Unfortunately, this also means that they have no system of external support in an emergency. As far as I know, they are the planet's only inhabitants.

WARREN: If they're all alone with no lifeline, how did you hear about it?

GRAPE: One of my knot-mates joined the settlement a cycle or two ago. They were looking for stability and a place to call home, and the settlement offered that to them when no one else would. They reached out to me to plead for assistance.

ATTA: And by "assistance," I do hope you mean kickin' some ass.

GRAPE: Yes. "Kicking ass" would likely be of great help to them.

EDWARD: The immediate plan is to route a course to Nuheria. Warren, I'm not certain how far away it is, but I believe it's in this quadrant at least.

WARREN: Aye. Looking now.

[SFX: WARREN strides over to the navigation desk and types in a few commands, calculating the best possible route as the rest of the group continues with the briefing.]

EDWARD: Grape, see if you can reach the settlement again to get their precise coordinates. I'd rather not have to scan the whole damned planet to find them.

GRAPE: I have a general area pinned in the southern hemisphere, but I'll do what I can to get an exact location.

ATTA: How much fightin' are these people used to?

EDWARD: How do you mean?

ATTA: Just gauging how much effort this is gonna be. Am I doing all of the fighting, or will we have help?

WARREN: You're not the only one with muscles, Atta.

ATTA: You're still not 100% since that animal chewed you up and spit you out. And I'm the only one with a bio-metrically customized War Suit made of stuff so strong you'd break your hand just looking at it.

WARREN: Point taken.

GARYN: Are we going to be training these people, or do they at least have some combat ability?

GRAPE: Unfortunately, I don't know. My people are not generally centralized, so I doubt there's a system set up to support education, be it for combat or intellectual studies. The onus is usually on the individual to seek out knowledge or skill acquisition.

ATTA: Do we even know if there will be any fighting? This isn't a lot to go off of here.

EDWARD: We're losing focus. Right now, let's prepare ourselves, and we can discuss the specifics once we've been able to gather more information. Grape, while you're asking about their coordinates, try to get a feel for their combat abilities and supplies. We need to know what they're capable of. Atta and Macie, I'll need a full inventory of what weapons and ammo on board we have to spare. Same for medical supplies, Garyn. There's no time to stop off somewhere on the way, so we'll be flying with what we have. Report back with your findings in one hour.

THE CREW: (staggered, ad lib) Aye. You got it. Yup. (etc.)

[SFX: Accepting their orders, the team moves out from the bridge to begin work, the door opening and closing behind them. Before EDWARD has a chance to leave, RHO steps forward.]

RHO: What about me?

EDWARD: You?

RHO: Yes, me. What can I do to help?

EDWARD: Nothing... at the moment.

RHO: So I'm just supposed to sit here twiddling my thumbs while everyone else does the prep work? Look, I know I'm here on a trial basis and all, but I am capable.

EDWARD: Yes, you are more than capable. However, I need you at optimum performance so you can provide necessary combat support. You've already proven yourself to be quite skilled in that regard, so take this opportunity to get the rest you need.

RHO: Right. Rest. Fight. Got it.

WARREN: I could use some help with course charting.

EDWARD: Know anything about navigation?

RHO: Who knows? I could be an expert.

WARREN: If nothing else, she could keep me company, stop me from endlessly calculating pathing options.

EDWARD: That works. Ready in an hour?

WARREN: We'll be here.

[SFX: Music transitions to a few hours later, still on the bridge as RHO and WARREN deliberate.]

WARREN: Using the coordinates that Grape got, we'll be heading... here.

[SFX: With a small movement of his hand, the map responds with haptic chirps and whooshes, zooming in on the location WARREN has indicated.]

WARREN: The maps we have downloaded for this planet are pretty old, but I doubt the overall terrain will have changed much.

RHO: So we're in a steep valley or canyon, looks like. Perfect for a box maneuver or for them to execute a pincer on us.

WARREN: Right. We could always station groups on the surrounding ridges.

RHO: Yeah, if these people have sharp shooters. And that's a big if. The info Grape was able to get didn't instill a lot of confidence.

[SFX: The door to the bridge opens, and EDWARD walks in, the door sliding closed behind him.]

WARREN: Maybe, but even if it's just suppressive fire, it might be worth it.

EDWARD: What, planning an assault without me?

RHO: Just a little one. Barely even a skirmish.

WARREN: Rho here has a pretty good head for strategy. She and Atta should definitely talk before any official decisions are made.

ATTA: (from behind the bridge door) What? I heard my name!

[SFX: The bridge door opens once again, and the rest of the CREW walks in with ATTA at the front.]

ATTA: Y'all better be singing my praises.

GARYN: I'd rather not have to listen to Warren sing.

MACIE: Hey, you never know! Warbly could have a beautiful voice.

WARREN: I assure you, I don't.

EDWARD: Grape, what's the update on contacting your people?

GRAPE: Not much, unfortunately. The message I received back was very brief.

WARREN: They at least gave us the coordinates. We should get to Nuheria in approximately twenty-six hours using the FTL drive.

EDWARD: (to WARREN) Good. Set the course, and get us moving once we're done here. (to GRAPE) Any other details, Grape?

GRAPE: There is a small group of people who have combat experience, but there was no mention to what extent or how many were in this group. Additionally, the Leader and I have determined a secure rendezvous point where we'll meet and discuss an action plan before moving to the settlement.

EDWARD: Understood. Warren, do you have that keyed in?

WARREN: I do.

EDWARD: Garyn, how are we on medical supplies?

GARYN: We don't have enough to wage war, but I can make do.

ATTA: Same for ammo. We'd be better off if you let us crack into that sealed ammo locker we've been toting around for the last few missions, though.

EDWARD: Not an option. If we dipped into a client's shipment, Lillian would have us all spaced immediately.

ATTA: It wouldn't be a problem if you didn't tell her.

EDWARD: Atta...

ATTA: Yeah, yeah, yeah, okay. No touchy.

MACIE: The ammo situation's doable, but we're short on weapons. We have enough for us and maybe a few extras, but that's it. Also, the 3D printer has been kinda iffy lately, but I can try to see what I can do to fix it and print off some stuff. It won't be a lot, but it'll at least be something.

EDWARD: Do what you have to do.

GARYN: Grape, no offense to you, but Edward, are we sure this is a good idea? We still haven't heard from Lillian, and we're just barely prepared to handle a best case scenario.

GRAPE: No offense taken, Garyn. I do want to stress, though, that my people are resourceful and determined to stand their ground. They just need some assistance.

EDWARD: Oftentimes in these situations, all we need to do is provide a little resistance or some show of power intended to scare them off.

ATTA: What? Scare 'em off? I thought we were gonna to get our hands dirty!

MACIE: Oh, I get it! So we make them think that we're a part of the settlement and can stand up to their assaults, and the invaders will leave?

EDWARD: That's very simply put, but yes. Hopefully, the whole thing will be resolved by the time Lillian even gets back to us.

ATTA: So you're telling me that we're not even gonna get to fight?

EDWARD: That is always the goal, Atta. Peaceful outcomes - or at least as peaceful as we can manage - are always preferred.

ATTA: It's almost like y'all don't appreciate me.

MACIE: Hey Atta, if you want, I can set up a combat program in the virtual reality system. I'd make it extra difficult just for you.

ATTA: (wistfully) Thanks, but no. It's just not the same.

MACIE: Well, if you ever change your mind...

ATTA: Thanks, kiddo.

EDWARD: Alright. Rest up, everyone. We have the next day to get ourselves ready to assist. Report back to the bridge in 24 hours.

[SFX: Ominous music transitions to the Spectre’s arrival on the planet Nuheria.]

[SFX: The Spectre CREW posts themselves at the designated rendezvous point, waiting for their contact to arrive. The planet is small and tropical, but the atmosphere is toxic to humans resulting in the entire CREW except for GRAPE being forced to wear a helmet and protective suit. Bird-like creatures and other animals chirp and whoop in the distance while the crew lays down their belongings.]

ATTA: So where is this so-called leader?

ATTA: I swear, if this atmosphere does any damage to my suit, I am not going to be a happy camper.

GRAPE: They should be here any moment. And the air is only toxic for you to breathe. It shouldn't negatively impact any metal or alloys. I made sure to test before we unloaded.

MACIE: Edward, are you sure the ship is going to be safe? What if the bad guys saw us land and try to steal it or something?

EDWARD: Not to worry. I had Warren put us on stealth even before we entered atmo. Even I would have difficulty finding the Spectre if I didn't know exactly where I left it.

[SFX: A sound in the distance - possibly the cracking of a branch underfoot - catches the attention of the crew.]

WARREN: Shh. Something's coming.

[SFX: Someone approaches alone, their footsteps slightly dampened by soft earth and grass. ATTA grabs her gun and primes it, aiming in the direction of the footsteps, but nothing can be seen through the dense foliage that surrounds them.]

ATTA: (hushed) Damn it! I can't see a thing through all this greenery.

EDWARD: (whispering) Quiet.

[SFX: After a few brief moments, GRAPE speaks aloud in their native tongue, a series of clicks, growls, and deep whistles communicating with whomever is approaching. A similar voice responds back.]

GRAPE: (to the Spectre crew) It's them. (to the Leader) Approach, Leader. All is safe.

[SFX: The team disarms themselves as LEADER approaches, coming to a stop next to GRAPE.]

GRAPE: Well-met, Leader. I am known as Grape, and these humans with me are the crew of the Spectre.

LEADER: Well-met, Spectre crew. I humbly thank you for diverting your ship to help my people. We don't have much time, so I'm afraid we must bypass other pleasantries as I fear another attack could be imminent.

ATTA: You know, I never liked pleasantries. Let's get at 'em.

[SFX: ATTA begins to gather her things, but EDWARD stops her.]

EDWARD: Atta, wait. (to LEADER) I apologize for causing any further delay, Leader, but we really do need more details beyond what you've supplied thus far. We've come all this way, yes, but I must guarantee my crew's safety with at least some sort of plan.

LEADER: We already have a plan. Please, come with me. Our strategists are waiting back at the settlement.

GARYN: Edward, I don't like this.

WARREN: Agreed. This feels like a trap.

GRAPE: Your concern is legitimate, however, I can confirm that Leader and their people can be trusted.

ATTA: Yeah, not good enough.

GARYN: Just a second ago, you were ready to jump right in, Atta.

ATTA: I'm impulsive. You know this.

MACIE: Grape, are you absolutely sure it's safe?

EDWARD: Everyone, quiet! (short beat) Grape, we're trusting your judgment here.

GRAPE: It's safe. I swear to it.

LEADER: Please, come with me. I promise no harm will come to you.

EDWARD: (beat) Okay, but my team will be allowed to arm themselves as they see fit.

LEADER: Absolutely. Please, this way.

[SFX: LEADER walks away from them swiftly, taking no caution to quiet their steps. ATTA primes her weapon again, and WARREN and GARYN follow suit.]

ATTA: C'mon, y'all. Time to go plunge ourselves into certain doom.

MACIE: It's not... certain, is it?

GRAPE: No, Macie. It's not.

RHO: But it's not not certain.

EDWARD: Alright, alright. Let's go. Move out.

[SFX: The CREW grabs their belongings and departs.]

[SFX: Music builds and transitions to the ominous drone of Karl’s office, the clock ever-ticking in the background.]

[SFX: CICELY beats furiously at KARL's door, all the anger and frustration she has suppressed over the last five years bursting out of her.]

KARL: (from inside) Good Lord, come in.

[SFX: CICELY throws open the door and practically runs into KARL's office, the rage pouring out of her, and KARL appears to be unaffected, sitting calmly at his desk with his hands clasped in front of him. In fact, it almost appears that he expected this confrontation.]

CICELY: You activated Sigma?!

KARL: Pardon?

CICELY: He wasn't even close to being ready. He was still struggling with the implant and was presenting with some serious mental health concerns.

KARL: I didn't find his progress at all concerning.

CICELY: Of course you didn't. Karl, how could you--

KARL: Because you weren't delivering.

CICELY: How? How have I not delivered everything you asked for?

KARL: (sarcastic) Oh, I wasn't aware that Rho was back.

CICELY: I have absolutely no control over that, and you know it.

KARL: You have failed repeatedly to do what's necessary to correct your errors, so I was forced to look into other options.

CICELY: And your best choice was to prematurely activate a barely operational asset?

KARL: Barely operational is better than malfunctioning.

CICELY: Karl, that's not the point! Sigma was not ready for field deployment! We have no idea how he'll perform.

KARL: So far, he's done brilliantly.

CICELY: What do you mean?

KARL: He has a very strong lead on Rho's location. And he also found my mercenaries. Remember? The ones you said went AWOL? I have it on good faith that Rho killed the entire outfit. Brutally.

CICELY: Gods...

KARL: Fascinating, isn't it?

CICELY: (stunned) Not quite the word I'd use, Karl.

KARL: Tomayto, tomahto. 

CICELY: No. No, this isn't okay. Karl, you deployed Sigma without informing me or including me on the decision. We need to recall him back to Upsilon immediately.

KARL: (short beat) Let me be abundantly clear, Cicely. At this facility, you have one, singular use: watch for pings and compile the data that comes through. Moving forward, you will not be involved in any direct capacity with our assets.

CICELY: What? Karl, that's--

KARL: It's necessary. You are welcome to stay on until your grant expires; I'm not in the business of ruining lives, after all. I'll even throw in a positive recommendation for any future positions you pursue. But my decision is final.

CICELY: (enraged) No one else knows the implant like I do. I built it from scratch.

KARL: I recognize that, but it's high time we evolved to our next form. I won't say it again: my decision is final. Back to your desk.

CICELY: (stunned) I-- Okay.

[SFX: CICELY turns to depart.]

KARL: And Cicely?

CICELY: Yes, Karl?

KARL: It's Dr. Amos.

CICELY: Yes... Dr. Amos.

[SFX: The ticking stops, the drone fades, and the music transitions back to Nuheria and the Spectre CREW.]

[SFX: The Spectre CREW, LEADER, and the settlement STRATEGISTS sit inside the command tent, the settlement residents bustling around outside as they prepare for another impending attack. The group is positioned around a large circular table in the middle of the tent with a large hologram depicting the surrounding area hovering above its surface.]

EDWARD: And previous attacks have all been box maneuvers, swarming from all sides?

STRATEGIST 1: A good portion of the attacks, yes, but not all.

WARREN: What other maneuvers have they utilized?

STRATEGIST 2: Our terminology differs from yours, but the bulk of the other attacks are stealth or covert operations, typically executed in the cover of night with the intention of paring down our numbers gradually until we're too small to fight back.

GRAPE: How long has this been going on?

STRATEGIST 2: Nearly half of a full cycle. 

LEADER: Our numbers have been decreased by approximately two hundred souls since the attacks first started.

GRAPE: (dismayed) That many?

ATTA: What sort of weaponry are they using?

STRATEGIST 2: Rudimentary rifles mostly, a grenade on occasion. They move quickly, and don't tend carry a lot with them.

WARREN: So no artillery, higher class weapons, or machinery then. 

STRATEGIST 2: Not of which we're aware. They appear to prefer simplicity and guerilla tactics to tech.

GARYN: What are we fighting? Biological or synthetic beings?

STRATEGIST 1: Biological. There's no sign of synthetics or implants. The ones we've been able to take down ourselves haven't had any sort of enhancements.

WARREN: How many are there in total?

STRATEGIST 1: We're not sure, but it's not an overwhelming amount. They attack in small groups, but if they had enough to kill us all off in a single onslaught, I'm certain they would. They have yet to do that, so that leads us to believe they don't possess the numbers.

STRATEGIST 2: Either that, or they're excessively cautious.

LEADER: They move their camp around frequently, but we've been able to locate it a few times with scouts. It's important to note that they have an EMP field surrounding them whenever they're stationary.

WARREN: The entire camp? Where do they get the power to cover such a large radius?

STRATEGIST 1: We've never been able to get far enough in to find out.

STRATEGIST 2: We believe they have a mobile power structure - most likely something pulled from the ship that landed them here - that they use to power it. But again, we cannot confirm this.

WARREN: That puts a damper on things. All of our weapons are energy-based except for a few.

EDWARD: It explains why they use rudimentary arms and have no synthetic upgrades.

[SFX: An explosion penetrates the canvas walls of the tent, alerting everyone to dangerous activity outside in the settlement.]

LEADER: Wait here.

[SFX: LEADER issues orders in their native language to the two strategists, and they follow them outside.]

EDWARD: Grape?

GRAPE: It appears the attack they were anticipating is underway.

ATTA: And we're just supposed to wait here? Ain't nothin' doin'!

[SFX: ATTA primes the gun on her suit and makes a dash for the tent flaps. Before she can get there, however, LEADER and one of the STRATEGISTs returns. The sounds of fighting escalate outside.]

STRATEGIST 2: Quickly. Come with us.

LEADER: Arm yourselves. We are under attack.

[SFX: The Spectre CREW rushes out of the tent to join the fray.]

[SFX: The music escalates and transitions to the outro music which plays while the closing credits run.]

SHOWRUNNER: You have just been listening to Spectre, an indie, sci-fi, audio drama podcast. I'm Stef Howerton, the creator and showrunner, and I am so glad that you chose to spend some time with us today. If you have a moment, I'd appreciate it if you could rate and review Spectre on your podcast platform of choice. It’s a really great and easy way to help new listeners find the show, and the more people who listen, the more we can do in future episodes. This episode featured the voice talents of myself, Stef Howerton, as Rho, Allen Chan as Warren Lee, David Ault as Edward Whitlaw, David S. Dear as Garyn Beikirch, Tal Minear as Macie Vincent, Newton Schottelkotte as Atalanta Harris, Marcus Rothenberg as Grape, Karim Kronfli as Dr. Karl Amos, Lindsay Zana as Dr. Cicely Bennett, Aubrey Poppleton as Leader, and Orion Tuesday Ibert and Ali Hylton as the Strategists. Sound Design by Brad Colbroock, and Music by Tim Rosko. For a written list of credits and a full script of this episode, please visit spectrepod.com - that's s-p-e-c-t-r-e-pod.com. You can also chat with us on Twitter or Instagram via the handle @spectrepod. Thank you so much again for spending part of your day with us. There are a plethora of great podcasts to listen to out there, and I'm so honored that you opted to listen to Spectre. Have an absolutely wonderful day.

[SFX: The theme music fades to silence.]