Episode Transcript
Rogue Tyger
“The End Run,” Part 5
INTRODUCTION
HOST
Welcome to Jabberwocky Audio Theater.
RATING ANNOUNCER
The following audio theater is rated AD-PG, so parental guidance is suggested.
ANNOUNCERLAND
MUSIC: THEME MUSIC BEGINS
ANNOUNCER
In the distant reaches of space, a lone ship fights for survival. 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
Narrowly escaping enemy agents in the Imperial capital on Acheron, the crew of the Tyger search for a safe haven for themselves and Princess Nalini.
(BEAT)
Jabberwocky Audio Theater presents Rogue Tyger. Tonight’s episode: “The End Run,” part five.
MUSIC: THEME MUSIC ENDS
ALLEYWAY
(MORE OPEN AMBIENT, MARKET WALLA DISTANT)
AIDAN
I am happy to be out of the sewers and that stench.
ENLING
I hate to break it to you, Aidan, but you’re only half right.
AIDAN
Oh.
(BEAT)
Do they have a place to wash up at this cultural center?
NALINI
They should.
(SEES TINKER, TORMAR)
Ah, Tinker and Tormar have returned.
TORMAR
Your highness, the front entrance to the center is being watched.
NALINI
What about the back entrance, down there?
TINKER
Let us see.
(WALLA GETS A BIT MORE DISTANT)
SOUND: MULTIPLE COMPUTER BEEPS
SOUND: TRY DOOR
TINKER
It is locked.
AIDAN
Seriously!?
NALINI
Tinker. Our priority code did not work?
TINKER
No, your highness.
AIDAN
We come all this way and then this…
ENLING
Hush. Tinker, does Clarke-Timurin change codes?
TINKER
Of course. At regular intervals. However, our codes should always work.
ENLING
So the only reason your code would not work is…
TINKER
The most logical explanation is that an enemy agent working undercover changed them.
ENLING
So we could have a welcoming committee behind that door.
TINKER
Unlikely, but not impossible.
TORMAR
We are still safer inside.
ENLING
It won’t take the goons too long to figure out where we’ve gone.
TINKER
I concur on both points.
AIDAN
How do we get into a locked door?
ENLING
Perhaps we could shoot it “just right.”
AIDAN
Hey, it worked.
TORMAR
Is this the lock?
TINKER
Yes.
TORMAR
I have seen this model before. It is not advanced.
AIDAN
It’s advanced enough to keep us on this side of the wall.
TORMAR
With your permission, your highness, I will attempt to pick the lock.
NALINI
Tinker?
TINKER
You may try, Engineer Tormar, but an alarm will sound on a third attempt.
SOUND: METAL GEAR RUSTLE
SOUND: COVER POPS OPEN
SOUND: DISCORDANT BEEP
TORMAR
I have made it so the the alarm will only go off if the correct code is not entered within ten seconds.
AIDAN
Well, what good is that going to do?
SOUND: RAPID COMPUTER BEEPS
TORMAR
I found the code. The door is unlocked.
AIDAN
(SOTTO VOCE)
Did you know his tentacles could move that fast?
ENLING
(SOTTO VOCE)
Yes. Never tell Tormar I said this, but humans underestimate Coutharians all the time.
TORMAR
I do not see anyone, just trees.
TINKER
Hold on. Stay back until I may perform a scan. Doctor, if you could check down the alley. Vosky, if you could stand in front of her highness.
AIDAN
So I can catch stray blaster fire. Got it.
NALINI
Aidan.
AIDAN
Yes?
NALINI
I didn’t have a chance to say, but… well, thank you for making sure Tinker didn’t have to sacrifice himself back in the tunnels.
AIDAN
I know how important he is to you, Nalini.
NALINI
A lot of people are important to me, Aidan.
ENLING
Okay, no movement down the alley. Are we clear?
TORMAR
It appears so.
CULTURAL CENTER GARDENS
(ADD BIRDS, LESSEN MARKET WALLA)
AIDAN
Wow, you know Nalini told me their House was all into gardens, but still: this is amazing.
ENLING
Well, I’m glad you have something worthwhile to see finally.
(PAN CONVERSATION ELSEWHERE)
NALINI
Tinker, can we use this communication panel next to the doorway here for a secure connection?
TINKER
I am ascertaining that now your highness.
(END PAN)
AIDAN
You know, this is all kind of anti-climatic.
ENLING
You’d rather be back in the sewers with people shooting at us?
AIDAN
Well, no, it’s just well…
(BEAT)
I don’t know. I’m not used to things being this peaceful.
TORMAR
Someone comes.
ENLING
Nowhere really to hide.
NAVEED
What the—? Who are you people?
ENLING
We’re just —
NAVEED
Oh no, you’re robbers! You broke in. Please, I’m just a gardener. See? Shears. They’re harmless.
SOUND: SHEARS DROP TO GRASS
NAVEED
I was just going to tend to some of the trees. I’m harmless. Really, you don’t need to hurt me. Please.
TORMAR
Relax, human.
NAVEED
Aah! Is that a Koothy thing?
ENLING
Easy… Yes, he’s a Coutharian and he means you no harm. None of us will harm you.
NAVEED
Promise?
NALINI
Naveed, is that you?
NAVEED
That voice… Your-your highness?
NALINI
It is Naveed, isn’t it? I remember the last time I was here. You showed me the apple trees you were growing to make cider for the Yalda festival.
NAVEED
It is you, your highness!
SOUND: KNEES TO THE GROUND
AIDAN
Whoa! He’s kneeling.
ENLING
Maybe you should have tried that.
NAVEED
I would never have recognized you, your highness. Forgive me. Your hair, that pressure suit. Are you all right? I’m sorry.
NALINI
Don’t be sorry. I am none the worse for wear, thank you Naveed. Here, let me help you up.
(BEAT)
Aah!
SOUND: WRESTLING
SOUND: GUN POWER UP
NAVEED
Don’t any of you move, especially you robot.
(BEAT)
Now drop your blasters. Drop them or she dies!
SOUND: GUNS CLATTER TO GROUND
NALINI
Naveed, why?
NAVEED
I really am sorry your highness, I didn’t think I would be the one to have to do this. I guess I should have expected this when I saw the back door was forced open.
TINKER
Why are you betraying your House?
NAVEED
Oh, shut it, robot. An oath isn’t part of my programming and also unlike you, I can use the monits. These mercenaries understand.
AIDAN
We’re not mercenaries any more than you’re a gardener.
NAVEED
Oh, but I am a gardener: soon to be a fabulously wealthy retired gardener.
SOUND: COMPUTER BEEP
SOUND: HOVERCAR APPROACHING (DISTANT)
TINKER
A vehicle is coming down the alleyway.
NAVEED
Very astute. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have —
SOUND: DART TO NECK
NAVEED
(SLURRED)
Have a hovver —
SOUND: BODY TUMBLES
NALINI
Oh!
TINKER
Your highness!
AIDAN
What was that?
ENLING
Tranq dart from a sniper rifle. From someone who knew what they were doing. He’s out cold but still alive.
SHOHREH
Lucky for you, someone did know what they were doing.
(BEAT)
Baker, has your team captured the hovercar?
SOUND: DISTANT BLASTER FIRING (X2)
SOUND: DISTANT BLASTER FIRING
BAKER
(RADIO FILTER)
Affirmative. We have two men in custody.
SHOHREH
Good. Report back to me when the prisoners are secure for transport.
BAKER
(RADIO FILTER)
Yes milady.
TINKER
Your ladyship. Did you get our message?
AIDAN
Ladies carry sniper rifles?
(BEAT)
Whoa! No need to point it.
SHOHREH
I assume these are the mercenaries you hired?
NALINI
Yes, Lady Shohreh.
SHOHREH
Your highness, are you all right?
NALINI
I think so.
SHOHREH
Ugh. What is that smell?
TINKER
We had to traverse the city sewers to get here, your ladyship.
SHOHREH
Are you insane? Do you know what toxins are down there?
ENLING
Well, you could ask Tormar, but as it happens, the princess is all right. No injuries.
SHOHREH
Apart from nearly getting her head blown off.
ENLING
Her head looks fine to me.
SHOHREH
And I suppose you’re a doctor?
ENLING
(BRING IT)
As it happens I am, lady.
TINKER
Doctor Shen is a capable physician.
SHOHREH
I will speak to you after I have assessed the situation myself, Taquermeraphan.
(BEAT)
You there, am I safe in assuming you are not another doctor or medic?
AIDAN
Uh, no.
SHOHREH
Then you have no need to stare at her highness.
AIDAN
Yes ma’am.
SHOHREH
Good. Now, your highness, some of your father’s personal guard will be here momentarily to escort you to the Ducal apartments.
TINKER
We were not sure who to trust.
SHOHREH
Your choice in sending the coded message was wise, though it would have been better sent sooner. I have been searching for you for most of the day.
NALINI
What if there are others?
SHOHREH
I will conduct this traitor’s questioning personally. We will get the truth. First we must clean you up and then you may see your father.
(SNIFFS)
In fact, we should clean all of you up.
ENLING
Well, we agree on one thing.
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC IN
DUCAL APARTMENTS
(OPEN AMBIENT)
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC OUT
ENLING
Why, Aidan, you clean up quite well.
AIDAN
Enling, is that—?
ENLING
Yes, it’s me and yes, I wear girl clothes sometimes.
(BEAT)
Come on, pick the jaw up. It’s undignified.
AIDAN
Sorry, uh, you look wonderful.
ENLING
Thank you.
AIDAN
Actually, I’m surprised they’ve been so nice to us, lending us these clothes and all. That Lady Shohreh wasn’t exactly welcoming.
ENLING
You should have told me about her. Nalini’s governess and sworn protector since the princess was born? I think we got off easy.
AIDAN
You think we’ll be able to spend some time here?
ENLING
You mean not being hunted in sewers or threatened in gardens? I hope so.
AIDAN
I missed the sunset. I want to see a sunset, maybe find a lake to fish a little. I wish I had brought my fishing gear.
REG MACORUM
I think you’ll be able to borrow some. If not, yours is safe aboard the Tyger.
AIDAN
Captain!
ENLING
Grainne!
SOUND: YES, CUTE FINALE EMBRACES.
GRAINNE
We heard there was going to be a feast in our honor, so we weren’t going to miss it.
REG MACORUM
Not exactly our honor, I understand they were going to have this feast anyway because of Mandja-makan.
GRAINNE
He’s just sour because he needs to look respectable.
ENLING
Which you do, Captain. Well done.
TORMAR
Ceremonies are important, captain.
GRAINNE
Indeed Tormar.
AIDAN
But I want to hear about Hrageddor. How did that work?
REG MACORUM
Better than I expected. I have to say when our mutual friend said he knew some independent captains who were into lucrative ventures, I had no idea they could lay hands on so many ships that could double as wrecks. Well done, Mister Ratha.
VIC RATHA
No names please. I am but a silent partner aiding in the outcome of a minor skirmish in a forgotten corner of space.
AIDAN
Vic!
VIC RATHA
What did I just say about no names, kid?
AIDAN
Victory. It was a great victory.
VIC RATHA
Thank you, but nothing so big. It was a pleasure to aid the forces of more-or-less good in the aforementioned skirmish.
REG MACORUM
A skirmish which dealt Zenocrate its worst defeat in decades. You and your band of captains will profit over their losses for years to come.
VIC RATHA
As you say, better than you expected. My bank accounts have no regrets. But very risky. Very risky. Might not have worked.
TORMAR
You did not say this before.
VIC RATHA
I’m a salesman, aren’t I? You had a need that I could supply. Though I don’t think I want to be on a ship with yobbos taking pot-shots at me again. I don’t know how you all stand it.
ENLING
So are you staying for the feast, Mister Nobody?
VIC RATHA
Heavens no. In fact, if you’ll excuse me, I have a long circuitous route back to Flatrock. Hardin needs to be watched, you know. Look me up if you stop by again, I’d love to do more business. Straight-up smuggling suits me, mind you. The combat, not so much.
(BEAT)
Oh, and you might want to check in on your man, doc. He asked about you.
(BEAT)
Ta!
AIDAN
Your man?
ENLING
Hush, your princess approaches.
NALINI
Father, may I present to you the crew of Tyger, led by this man, Captain Reg Macorum.
REG MACORUM
Your grace. We are at your service.
KHALIL AL-ZAMIN
I thank you. And it would seem the House of Clarke-Timurin is in your debt.
REG MACORUM
Your grace is too kind.
KHALIL AL-ZAMIN
Not at all. You and your crew’s valor in the skies and beneath this city’s streets has not gone unnoticed by us… and certainly not unnoticed by our enemies.
REG MACORUM
I am happy that we have… struck a blow against your enemies, your grace. Truth be told, most were already my enemies. Now they just know I’m not an easy mark.
NALINI
Indeed you are marked Captain. Marked with honor.
KHALIL AL-ZAMIN
Well said daughter. We may discuss all the just rewards for your bravery in due course, but now I must ask you to join us in celebration.
REG MACORUM
(OH BROTHER)
We would be honored, your grace.
KHALIL AL-ZAMIN
Excellent. Taquermeraphan. Show them to their seats.
TINKER
Yes, your grace.
MUSIC: HEROIC FANFARE IN
ENLING
(SOTTO VOCE)
Don’t go lousing up this moment, captain.
REG MACORUM
(SOTTO VOCE)
I’ve been dubbed “the best thing ever” before, Enling. It’s all show.
ENLING
It isn’t all show when you pull off what we just did — and did you consider some of us might want to be showered with a little praise?
AIDAN
Hey, I just realized. We’re the heroes.
GRAINNE
Yes we are.
REG MACORUM
Enjoy the moment, kid.
TINKER
Crew of the Tyger, please, step this way.
SOUND: GRAND DOOR OPENING
CRIER
Ladies and Gentlemen, please rise and hail the Heroes of our House.
SOUND: RAUCOUS APPLAUSE AND CHEERS
MUSIC: HEROIC FANFARE CRESCENDO
ANNOUNCERLAND
MUSIC: CLOSING MUSIC BEGINS
ANNOUNCER
You’ve been listening to Rogue Tyger, episode thirty, “The End Run,” 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 Sophia Medley, William R. Coughlan, Yasmin Tuazon, Phil Amico, Nick DePinto, Neil Conway, Samantha Merrick, Bjorn Munson, Erin Goldstein, and Brooks Tegler.
(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 exciting details about the worlds of the Imperium… and beyond.
(BEAT)
Did I say beyond? Yes, because this is William R. Coughlan, reminding you that the adventures of the Tyger and her crew are just beginning. Stay tuned!
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.