Season 2 - DERELICT - E1 - Through the Gate

Summary

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DERELICT - Season 2, Episode 1: "Through the Gate"

Release Date: November 27, 2023
Produced by: Night Rocket Productions
Creator/Writer: J. Barton Mitchell

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Episode Overview

"Through the Gate" launches Season 2 of DERELICT into a tense, claustrophobic, and cosmic mystery. The Maas-Dorian Corporation assembles a desperate team of outcasts for a high-stakes recovery mission in deep space. Their objective is to retrieve a derelict ship orbiting a gas giant under mysterious and dangerous circumstances. Internal tensions, personal demons, and the specter of corporate secrecy set the tone for the harrowing journey ahead.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Developments

1. The Recruitment of Sarah Rainer (01:38 – 04:14)

• Wilson Chambers of Maas Dorian wakes Sarah Rainer, an ousted engineer with a troubled record, to offer her a place on a critical mission in exchange for reinstatement, her patents, and possibly access to her estranged son.
• Quote:
  • Chambers (02:23): “I need a band 8 or higher engineer for an executive action near Thornton Station. And the only one downstream from that T gate is you…Even with your baggage.”
• Rainer’s reluctant agreement is motivated by a chance to rebuild her life and reconnect with her son.

2. Team Assembly & The T-Gate Journey (05:20 – 09:59)

• Rainer learns her fellow team members are all former or disgraced Maas Dorian staff, each with their own flaws and debts, including:
  • Stephanie Freed (digital systems hacker, criminal record)
  • Kyle Stevens (propulsion engineer, debt-ridden)
  • Chambers (managing the mission but fallen from grace)
  • Blaine (internal security, stoic and intimidating)
• Passage through the terrifying, unpredictable T-Gate wormhole establishes high tension and the dangerous nature of travel in this universe.
• Quote:
  • Rainer (04:20): “Life’s a lot like going through a T gate. You don’t know if you’ll make it out the other side, but you do it anyway…when life puts a choice in front of you, you act. You go through the [gate].”

3. The Assignment Briefing (12:10 – 18:27)

• Chambers outlines the mission: recover a mysterious, derelict Maas Dorian vessel discovered by an ice mining ship, the Crichton, now missing.
• Mission Objectives:
  • Board the derelict
  • Recover the ship and its valuable cargo
  • Rescue or recover any members of the Crichton’s crew
• An undercurrent of distrust: team members worry about hidden motives and why only "lost souls" were recruited.
• Quote:
  • Freed (09:06): “Action team. Full of last chance losers, no offense, put together in a rush and shipped off to the middle of nowhere…It’s an off the books op with a good chance of shit hitting the fan.”
• Blaine (16:42): “What every one of you was offered was a second chance. Those don't come around very often. Trust me, I know.”

4. Tension & Character Backstories (18:48 – 22:56)

• Blaine warns Rainer about her physical vulnerabilities—her brain’s susceptibility to electromagnetic fields due to jet addiction—and gives her a risky medication as a contingency.
• Rainer expresses her motivation: to see her son again, highlighting her deep sense of loss and failure.
• Quote:
  • Rainer (21:39): “It isn’t empty at all. It’s a tomb. And something very bad happened inside it…the only thing I do care about…the only reason I do anything anymore, is because I want to see my son again.”

5. Approach to the Derelict – Spacewalk Hazard (23:31 – 34:22)

• The crew faces an immediate spacewalk to the spinning, derelict ship. The danger is palpable:
  • The ship is spinning and in a decaying orbit
  • Mag boots fail due to degaussed (demagnetized) hull; chaos on landing
• Team improvises to open the airlock via dual gyros as the ship hurtles toward atmospheric burn.
• Communication with their transport, the Eldritch, is lost—possibly destroyed.
• Blaine makes a sacrifice, untethering to help seal the airlock, urging Rainer to take leadership.
• Quote:
  • Blaine (34:47): “Rainer, you’re the only one who can get the others through that ship. I’m sorry, but it’s going to come down to you.”
  • Blaine (34:54): “If it’s awake, don’t trust it. Don’t trust anything it tells you.”
• The team's survival coming at a high cost; they're now sealed within the ship with no way back.

6. Aftermath and Closing Reflections (36:23 – 39:43)

• Rainer sends a heartfelt message to her son, vowing to be worthy of him.
• The team regroups inside the derelict, injured and scared but alive.
• Ominous noises hint that the worst is yet to come.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Sarah Rainer (04:20):
  “Life’s a lot like going through a T gate. You don’t know if you’ll make it out the other side, but you do it anyway.”
• Freed (09:06):
  “Action team. Full of last chance losers, no offense, put together in a rush and shipped off to the middle of nowhere…”
• Chambers (02:23):
  "I need a band 8 or higher engineer for an executive action near Thornton Station. And the only one downstream from that T gate is you."
• Blaine (16:42):
  “What every one of you was offered was a second chance. Those don't come around very often. Trust me, I know.”
• Rainer (21:39):
  “It isn’t empty at all. It’s a tomb. And something very bad happened inside it… the only reason I do anything anymore, is because I want to see my son again.”
• Blaine (34:54):
  “If it’s awake, don’t trust it. Don’t trust anything it tells you.”

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Key Segment Timestamps

• Rainer's recruitment and motivation: 01:38 – 04:14
• The team assembles at the T-Gate: 05:20 – 09:59
• Mission briefing and derelict’s reveal: 12:10 – 18:27
• Blaine and Rainer – consequences and leadership: 18:48 – 22:56
• Dangerous EVA and airlock sequence: 23:31 – 34:22
• Rainer's message to her son: 36:23 – 37:48
• Team recovers inside the derelict: 38:42 – end

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Tone, Atmosphere & Style

DERELICT maintains a gritty, suspenseful, and character-driven tone. The writing is sharp, dialogue-heavy, and filled with tension—both mechanical and psychological. The episode artfully blends science fiction tropes (derelict ship, wormholes, sinister mega-corporations) with themes of desperation, redemption, and personal trauma.

The cast brings depth and humanity to their roles, balancing gallows humor with a sense of impending doom. The sound design and music amplify the claustrophobic, perilous setting.

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Summary — For New Listeners

Episode 1 of DERELICT’s second season is an excellent starting point: it introduces a ragtag team with dark pasts, a deadly corporate mission to reclaim a haunted ship, and a universe where trust is in short supply. The episode crackles with suspense, heartbreak, and the promise of terrors lurking ahead. If you enjoy character-driven, cinematic sci-fi thrillers with ensemble casts and corporate intrigue, DERELICT is a must-listen.

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Transcript

[A]

This episode is brought to you by Rumchata, a delicious creamy blend of horchata with rum. It's best enjoyed over ice or in your coffee. Rumchata. Delivering vacation vibes anyway. Or anywhere you drink it. Find out [e-mail] Drink responsibly. Caribbean rum with real dairy cream, natural and artificial flavors. Alcohol 13.75% by volume 27.5 proof. Copyright 2025 Agave Loco Brands, Pojoaquee, Wisconsin. All rights reserved. Hi, this is Elisabeth Laidlaw, the voice of Dr. Eva Graf and a producer of Derelict Podcast. If you're wondering how you can support the show, the very best way is by becoming a member of Derelict Premium. You'll get early access to ad free episodes, special bonus content and exclusive rewards. And your support means the story will continue. To join Derelict Premium, just go to derelict.supercast.com or click the link in the episode notes below. Thanks for listening and enjoy the episode. Perfect.

[B]

What?

[C]

Sarah Rainer?

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Band 9 mechanical engineer.

[B]

Who is this?

[C]

Rayner. My name is Wilson Chambers. I'm with the Mast Dorian Corporation.

[B]

I'm already settled the lawsuit. Any questions given to my case?

[C]

No, no. I'm an offering manager. I'm not with legal. That's not what this is about. Not directly anyway.

[B]

What do you want?

[C]

I'm sorry to wake you, but this is a pressing matter.

[B]

What do you want?

[C]

Bluntly, Sarah, I'm putting together an impromptu team for a field assignment and I'd very much like you to be a part of it. It is of course, a compensatory arrangement.

[B]

Why in hell would I?

[C]

I'm authorized to restore your Band 9 status, if that interests you. For 1. Successful completion of the contract would mean a guaranteed posting of your choice.

[B]

You just fired me three months ago. You pressed charges. You took my patents.

[C]

Well, yes.

[D]

Of all of it.

[C]

I have your file here. I'm glad you mentioned the patents. Reinstatement of your band 9 would of course mean reinstatement of those rights as well. Rainer, I'm short on time. I need a band 8 or higher engineer for an executive action near Thornton Station. And the only one downstream from that tea gate is you. There's a Band seven entry level. Me, I can contract from Fudomio. But frankly, I'd rather have your experience. Even with your baggage.

[B]

Baggage?

[C]

I know you went through a withdrawal episode at a design demonstration. I know you were terminated and that your patent was seized. I also know your son is with Custody Services now and that you aren't allowed to contact him until you meet prerequisites. I know how the system is stacked against people in your situation.

[B]

Do you?

[C]

I do. No job means no contact with your son. But being an addict means no job.

[B]

Recovering addict.

[C]

Well, we're all recovering one way or another. Rainer, understand this offer is a chance to start rebuilding things, maybe even get your son back. Maasdorian can be generous to those who make up their debts. The UEG Corvette I'm on is called the Eldritch. It's inbound on you docks in two hours. You have until then to get your gear, full kit. All right.

[B]

What the hell have you gotten yourselves into?

[C]

Honestly, Rainer, does it matter?

[B]

Full reinstatement. Band 9 and MD pulls strings to get me messaging to my son in the interim.

[C]

I'm not sure that's possible.

[B]

It's MAS Dorian Chambers. You and I both know it is.

[C]

Two hours, be on the docks.

[B]

Jesus Christ. People get terrified going through tea gates. Pass through one giant ring, come out the other side light years away. Crazy as that is, it's not the worst of it. Something like 7% of ships that enter the gates just never emerge on the other side. No one knows why. Not really. Any particle physicist giving you a hypothesis is blowing it out his ass. Because theoretically, 100% of ships should come out the other end. The math says so. But they don't. Which means we don't know anywhere near as much as we think we do. And that makes you start rethinking all kinds of things. Life's a lot like going through a T gate. You don't know if you'll make it out the other side, but you do it anyway. Guess that's the one piece of advice I have for you. You may be scared, you may feel out of control, but when life puts a choice in front of you, you act. You go through the.

[E]

All hands, TK protocol. 60 seconds to X core. Power down. All crew to transport stations.

[F]

Repeat, 60 seconds.

[D]

Final call.

[G]

Hi.

[B]

Yeah. Salutations.

[G]

First Teagate. Nope, just not a fan.

[B]

T. Gates and I have a kind of dysfunctional relationship.

[G]

It's a goddamn dark that gets me. You lose the lights when the X core goes, they make you go through the whole damn thing in pitch black.

[B]

Not sure why they do that. Well, we are about to fly into a stabilized wormhole generated by intense magnetic fields that stretch the boundaries of feasibility. Probably best not to bring any other fields in with you, provided, you know, you don't want to come out the other end wearing your lungs on the outside.

[G]

Admittedly, that would be ideal. You an engineer? Here for the op?

[B]

Yeah.

[G]

You couldn't be more excited about it.

[B]

Are we it?

[G]

No. One more. Plus Chambers and Blaine Chambers, I know.

[B]

Who's Blaine?

[G]

My story. And isd.

[B]

Internal Security. Are you sure? Pretty sure.

[G]

He arrested me two weeks ago.

[E]

All hands, X core.

[F]

Power down in three, two, one.

[G]

Goddamn dark.

[B]

What? Arrested for what?

[G]

Just a little corporate espionage. Sounds more exciting than it was. Hacked some stuff, stole some stuff, the usual, I guess.

[B]

Must have gone really well.

[G]

Oh, I got the data, even got the creds. But then this guy, he shows up in my apartment night before I jump off world. I'm pretty good in a chase, but Blaine has to be augmented. You always hear that about isd. But anyway, I made it about three blocks and that was all she wrote. MD gave me a choice. Prison time or work this up. Not much of a choice.

[B]

I am familiar with this no choice phenomena.

[G]

Oh, they got dirt on you too?

[B]

Just leverage. I lost something I want back.

[G]

I see a pattern forming. Everyone on this thing is defunct. MD.

[E]

All hands.

[F]

30 seconds to gate.

[E]

Standby for lockdown.

[F]

Repeat the 30 seconds.

[B]

No one here is a Moss Dorian employee.

[G]

Oh, ship's crew is uag, but as far as the action team, just Blaine, you, me, Chambers, all lost souls.

[B]

Chambers isn't md?

[G]

No. Washed up like the rest of us. Didn't tell you that though, did he? He's sensitive about it. He spent the last 18 months trying to worm his way back into offering management.

[B]

I guess he got what he wanted.

[G]

And you know what they say about that, right?

[B]

What do you think's going on? I mean, really?

[G]

Action team. Full of last chance losers, no offense, put together in a rush and shipped off to the middle of nowhere. What do you think's going on? It's an off the books op with a good chance of shit hitting the fan. And if MD is anything, it is fatally allergic to accountability. If none of us make it back.

[B]

They can whip up any story they want.

[G]

Not like we're employees, are we?

[E]

All hands, 10 seconds to gate.

[G]

My name's Freed. What's yours?

[B]

Rainer.

[G]

See you on the other side, Rainer.

[B]

Admittedly, that would be ideal.

[E]

All hands locked down.

[C]

3, 2, 1, 8.

[B]

When did making plans get this complicated? It's time to streamline with WhatsApp, the secure messaging app that brings the whole group together.

[A]

Use polls to settle dinner plans.

[B]

Send event invites and pin messages so no one forgets mom 60th and never miss a meme or milestone. All protected with end to end encryption. It's time for WhatsApp message privately with everyone. Learn more at WhatsApp.com.

[F]

Upgrade your laundry routine with a durable and reliable Maytag.

[H]

Laundry pair at Lowes.

[F]

Like the new Maytag washer and dryer with performance enhanced stain fighting power designed to cut through serious dirt and grime. And what's great is this laundry pair is in stock and ready for delivery when you need it the most. Don't miss out.

[H]

Shop Maytag in store or online today at Lowe's.

[E]

Okay.

[F]

It's okay.

[E]

Just breathe. Breathe. There you go.

[F]

There you go.

[B]

What the hell happened to her?

[D]

She lost it in a room.

[G]

There you go.

[E]

Just relax.

[B]

Where?

[E]

The mess hall.

[F]

Now.

[E]

We brought you in after the gate, lost you for a few minutes. How are you feeling?

[B]

Ever had your brain shoved out your eyes and sucked back in?

[G]

Dysfunctional relationship with Teagates? You weren't kidding.

[D]

Okay, am I the only one that sees the math here? Far as I know, there's only one type of person that blacks out in a teegate.

[B]

Busted. Congratulations, Jet addict.

[D]

Well, this is basic horseshit. You're telling me.

[I]

Everyone calm down.

[D]

Calm down? You brought a Jet user on this op? Are you just all the way trying to get us killed?

[B]

I don't use anymore.

[D]

That's not the problem. I mean, Jesus, I have to spell it out for everyone? That drug has made her brain susceptible to anything. Electromagnetic. Whatever it is we're here to do, given all our expertise, it seems pretty damn likely we're gonna encounter electromagnetics in the near future, doesn't it?

[I]

You're exactly right, Stevens. There are many risks to accepting this offer. And it is an offer. If any of you at any point decide you prefer not to participate, you are more than welcome by all means to not participate. Of course, whatever negotiations you've made in the way of compensation will no longer apply nor be earned. Having clarified the issue, does anyone now wish to withdraw their participation from this action team? No.

[B]

Hell no. No.

[I]

Good. Very good. Then we can finally turn to the matters at hand. Let's begin by introducing ourselves. Name an engineering specialty, please.

[G]

Stephanie. Stephanie Freed, Band 8 digital systems.

[D]

Former Maastorian, Kyle Stevens, Band 9 propulsion engineer, washed up. Moss Dorian.

[B]

Sarah Rayner, mechanical engineer. No longer Mastorian.

[I]

Lovely. And my name is Wilson Chambers, as you all know, offering manager. We also have Captain Dunbar of the UEG Navy in charge of our transport ship, the Eldritch.

[E]

Hello.

[I]

In the few hours we have left on this Corvette, you will likely run into his crew. Please don't interfere with any of their duties. As we Move to.

[G]

And the tall, brooding presence in the corner. Shouldn't he get a turn? I mean, I know him, but I'm not sure that anyone else has had the pleasure.

[I]

Mr. Blaine is here to make sure everything runs smoothly and to deal with any physical difficulties we might encounter.

[D]

ISD agents can't speak for themselves.

[G]

Oh, he's got away with words.

[I]

Do your job and Mr. Blaine will do his. He may be glad he's here in the hours to come.

[B]

What kind of executive action needs an ISD agent?

[I]

The kind I'm about to describe. Please listen closely and pay attention to the monitor. I'm only going to do this once. 27 hours ago, an ice mining vessel named the Crichton detected a wide band signal emanating from an uncharted star system in this region. They then trained their interferometric receptors on the source. This is what came back.

[D]

What is that? A redshift analysis?

[I]

Yes, from something orbiting a gas giant in the system. Significant quantities of rhodium and platinum.

[D]

As you can see, it's probably an asteroid. In a degrading orbit, skirting atmosphere and heating up.

[I]

That is exactly what the crew of the Crichton assumed. According to the flight report they filed. It's also why they dumped their ice and headed straight for it.

[G]

Don't blame them. Rhodium and platinum would be a shitload more valuable than ice.

[B]

What did it actually turn out to be? We wouldn't be here if it was an asteroid.

[I]

Quite right. This is a still frame capture from the Crichton's nose ray, taken as it approached the planet. Here. The object is 100 miles from the optics. 30 miles now and 10.

[G]

It's a ship.

[I]

A derelict ship. Completely abandoned.

[C]

Well, aren't.

[D]

Aren't these some lucky ass ice miners? A derelict without an active transponder. Haul that back to a sanctioned outpost or colony. And maritime losses. Right of salvage is all theirs.

[B]

What size is this derelict heavy frigate.

[I]

At least from our data. Perhaps a base cruiser?

[B]

Yeah, an ice tug could pull that.

[D]

If it's in a degrading orbit, then the planet's gravity's pulling it in. They need the derelict's engines to help break out.

[I]

They seem to have agreed with you. The last of their logs before the transponder went off showed they were docking and boarding the ship.

[G]

Yeah, but there's no way to know if the engines were operable.

[B]

That's why they went in to find out. So I'm gonna go ahead and guess that this derelict ship is in fact Maastorian. Property. And we've been brought in to recover it before these ice miners tow it back to Thornton and cash it in for credits. How am I doing?

[I]

You are correct. The derelict is indeed a Maast Dorian vessel. And the corporation is very invested in reclaiming it.

[B]

I can see that. But how do they lose it in the first place? What was it even doing out here? An MD heavy frigate in an uncharted red giant.

[F]

These kinds of questions don't need asking.

[B]

And what kind should we be asking, Agent Blaine?

[F]

Only one, really. What do I have to do to get what I was offered? And what every one of you was offered was a second chance. Those don't come around very often. Trust me, I know.

[D]

Seems like having an idea of what the hell we're walking into might be helpful.

[F]

You have all the information you need to have. Like you've been told. You aren't satisfied with the arrangement. Sit it out. But you leave here the same as you came, or do your job. Leave the rest to chambers and myself. And you leave here very different than you came. Am I being clear enough?

[G]

Told you you had a way with words.

[I]

Captain Dunbar.

[E]

Yes.

[I]

How long until intercept?

[E]

We are unloading supplies at Thornton Station. I'd say just under 14 hours.

[I]

14 hours until we begin Then.

[D]

And how's that?

[I]

We intercept the derelict, board it, find the crew of the Crichton, take command of their vessel to help pull out of orbit, then haul the derelict back to Thornton Station under escort from the Eldritch. You're all brought for your skill sets. Rayna, we'll find the derelict's fusion drive and determine its operability. Stevens will do the same with the ship's X core. Fried will evaluate the computer nexus.

[D]

You said the Crichton was already docked on the ship. How are we supposed to board it then?

[I]

Captain?

[E]

Standard protocol. Will bring the Eldritch alongside in a parallel flight path, then wire you over to the secondary airlock.

[I]

I'm sorry.

[D]

Spacewalk.

[B]

Feels like no one values my physical.

[G]

Health in the slightest.

[F]

The captain said wire over.

[G]

Over.

[F]

You'll be connected to both ends, wearing environment suits. It's nothing to worry about, as long as you follow instructions.

[D]

Instructions says you.

[I]

That is the assignment, ladies and gentlemen. And you have 14 hours to prepare.

[C]

Such as?

[I]

Sleeping. If you haven't in a while. We have high postage. You need do what you're told, use the skills you have, and this will all be over quickly. We will all get what's due to us. You're dismissed.

[G]

Why do I not feel encouraged?

[B]

Because you're not an idiot.

[F]

Rainer, A moment.

[G]

Whatever you do, don't look him in the eyes.

[F]

How's your head?

[B]

Sweet of you to ask.

[F]

It's not empathy. Stevens is right about EM fields in your brain.

[B]

Ah, you're evaluating a potential problem.

[F]

No, I've already done that for you.

[B]

I don't need help to sleep.

[F]

It's not that kind of hypo. Pharmaceutical division's been working on a treatment for jet withdrawal. Boost your gray matter ZM resistance for about an hour or so. In theory. In theory may give you an aneurysm instead. For emergencies only.

[H]

Okay.

[G]

Okay.

[F]

It doesn't mean we're married or anything.

[B]

That's good. My first one was not a critical success.

[F]

Yeah, it's in your file.

[B]

Really? What else is in there?

[F]

No degree. Hired through the MD Technical Education Program at Band 6. Band 7 within a year. Four years later, Band 9, nothing. Twelve years with the company. Smart as you are, you should have been an ste that's sitting at nine.

[B]

Wow. Gee, thanks for the career evaluation.

[F]

Any idea what your problem is?

[B]

Well, I'm not sure. Maybe my issue with mind altering narcotics had something to do with it.

[F]

That's not a problem. It's a symptom of a problem.

[B]

What are you, a 12 step mentor? Did you grill the others this way?

[F]

Freedon Chambers. I already know. Steven's isn't that interesting. Just a guy with bad debts to bad people. He'll pay him off with a zop, Run him back up. That's not my problem. You're different.

[B]

Why?

[F]

Because if things go bad over there, the others aren't going to be looking to Stevens to get them out. Or Chambers.

[B]

Well, they aren't going to be looking at me either. I'm not a leader.

[F]

Sometimes not the kind of thing you get to choose.

[B]

Sounds like you're expecting things to go bad.

[F]

I always expect things to go bad. Go get some sleep.

[B]

You know Chambers is wrong. He said the derelict is abandoned, but that's not true.

[F]

Come again?

[B]

For a ship to be abandoned, its crew has to evacuate. If they had evacuated, they would have reported in once they were rescued.

[F]

So?

[B]

So its crew never left. Not one soul. Otherwise that ship wouldn't still be out here. It's too close to Thorton. It would have been recovered.

[F]

And your point?

[B]

Just that it isn't empty at all. It's a tomb. And something very bad happened inside it. Look, I know you're not going to tell me the truth. Not until we're all knee deep in whatever the hell's going on. And there's no other choice but to come clean. I get it. It's your job. And frankly, I don't care. The only thing I do care about, the only reason I am here. Hell, the only reason I do anything anymore, is because I want to see my son again. I haven't seen him in nine months. Do you have any idea? Nine months? He's seven. Do you know how much a seven year old boy grows in nine months, Blaine?

[F]

You know, I think I know what your problem is. You're scared of failing.

[B]

I already did that.

[F]

What's his name, your son?

[B]

Sean.

[F]

Mine's named Joel. He's 7 2. You do this up, Rainer, you'll see Sean again. You have my word. If that counts for anything.

[B]

Well, I guess we'll see.

[F]

Go get some sleep.

[B]

Easy for you to say.

[J]

This is the uegs Corvette Eldridge.

[G]

Response is negative.

[B]

Control heat skins negligible.

[D]

Also.

[F]

Everyone give me a green light on your suits. Pressure and ammo check.

[C]

I'm green.

[D]

Green.

[G]

Green here.

[F]

Rainer.

[B]

I'm fine. Yeah, green to go.

[F]

Venting airlock. It's gonna be loud.

[G]

Sound of life just venting.

[I]

Kind of glass.

[D]

Half empty. Aren't you freed?

[G]

You've got no idea.

[C]

Everyone, let's keep the chatter down.

[I]

Captain Dunbar.

[J]

Masdorian. We pulled into a parallel orbit with the derelict. Right at 100 yards distance. That's as close as I'm comfortable going for a transfer.

[F]

That should be fine, Captain.

[D]

Sure. Only about a football field of vacuum in between us and it.

[G]

You're not helping. Stevens.

[J]

Be advised we've tried to raise the Crichton repeatedly, but there's just static. They're either unwilling to respond or unable to respond. No way to know from here.

[F]

But they are docked on the derelict.

[J]

On the main airlock? Yes. And there's a complication.

[C]

What?

[J]

The derelict isn't stable. It's in a spin. A slow one, but it's spinning. And since it's in a degrading orbit, that means it's rolling itself into atmosphere burn.

[C]

Lovely.

[J]

We don't see any signs of heat shield breakdown yet, but it's only a matter of time.

[B]

That complicates things.

[J]

That it does. You're not going to be able to do a wire. The rolling of the ship would pull the wire up and over as it spins. And the Eldridge along with it.

[F]

How fast is the spin?

[J]

Half a rotation is taking about four minutes. So that's your window.

[B]

Or the ship spins us into the atmosphere.

[C]

Better and better. What are our options?

[I]

Captain.

[J]

Well, Blaine is certified for lead position in tethered spacewalks.

[C]

Yes?

[F]

Yeah, I am. Okay, let me get this straight.

[D]

We're gonna do a tethered spacewalk to something like a six foot by six foot airlock a hundred yards away on the hull of a spinning ship in a degrading planetary orbit?

[F]

Yeah.

[C]

Okay then.

[G]

I love my life so much right now.

[C]

Rainer, is the lock going to be a problem?

[B]

Not as long as the mechanical override's still functional. They won't need power. It's pneumatic at least. Civilian ship overrides are.

[J]

We're timing the ship's spin. Tracking the airlock. Blaine and I'll put it in your hug when you step out. If you want this rotation, you have 60 seconds.

[F]

We want this rotation.

[J]

Understood. Standby for lock open.

[F]

Okay, everyone line up. Clip onto each other.

[C]

God.

[G]

Jesus.

[F]

I'll take point. Rayner, behind me for position on the lock. Everyone just follow my instructions. This will go smooth.

[G]

Smooth, right.

[D]

You okay, Chambers? You're looking a little white.

[C]

I'm fine, thank you.

[D]

Yeah. Hey, listen, I'm sure we're gonna make it. What could go wrong? After all our ISD guys certified. And not to mention we're bringing a jet addict along.

[B]

Drop it, Stevens.

[F]

You know, I'm just saying.

[D]

Really great forethought we got going on here.

[F]

Shut up. I'm gonna mute your channels, focus on what's coming. Do not thrust laterally. I'll handle acceleration. Just use your directional thrust to stay as much in a straight line as possible.

[G]

I have a very unpleasant vibe about this.

[B]

We'll be okay. We'll be okay.

[J]

Mast. Dorian, airlock opening in 3, 2, 1.

[G]

Christ in a cup.

[D]

Look at that planet, planet, look at the ship.

[B]

There's the Crichton. Far left on the hull, spinning into Atmos.

[E]

See it?

[D]

Check out the heat coming off it.

[C]

The heat shield.

[F]

My God. Quiet down, everyone. Captain, I'm beginning traverse.

[J]

Acknowledged. Good luck, Monster.

[C]

Wayne.

[G]

Sure you're okay, Chambers?

[C]

I'm fine, thank you.

[F]

All right, everyone, exiting the airlock. Here we go.

[G]

No, we'll be okay. Machine timer, 2 minutes 59 seconds, 58, 50.

[F]

Welcome to the void, ladies and gentlemen.

[I]

God.

[F]

Eldridge, I need the airlock vector in my hud.

[J]

Roger, Mastorian. Standby.

[F]

Eldridge. Acknowledge receipt. I have the ball team. Hold for course correction. Keep the line straight.

[B]

People.

[F]

You have vector thrusters for a reason.

[B]

Roger.

[F]

Good work, Rainer. Everyone else, follow her lead.

[G]

Damn, that thing is coming fast.

[F]

Friggin my ass.

[B]

Cruiser.

[G]

At least that thing Looks dark. No power. Thing looks dead.

[D]

Yeah, that's what derelict means.

[F]

Team, when you hit the fuselage, don't lock your knees or you'll blow them out. We're coming in under thrust. Your mag boots will attach automatically. When they do, remember to move to the side because you have people incoming behind you. Understood?

[B]

Understood.

[G]

Metal looks strange. Does anyone else think the metal looks strange?

[B]

Mean the hull looks like plates banded together. Big plates.

[D]

Slightly reflective too. Anyone else seen the.

[I]

Maybe instead of analyzing it, we should focus on landing on it.

[G]

Ah, Chambers, don't worry, we're all tied together. We can't leave you outside. Mission timer, two minutes 30 seconds.

[J]

Ma storian, you're looking good. Brace for landing.

[B]

28.

[F]

Roger, eldridge. Everybody, this is it. Focus check. Distance in your HUDs, 20 yards.

[G]

10 JEs.

[F]

3, 2, 1. Contact. Mag boots are ineffective.

[J]

Repeat, mag boots.

[H]

Out here.

[F]

Everyone. Everyone check in.

[J]

Maoran, say again, what is your situation?

[G]

I'm ok, Raider, I'm fine.

[B]

I have a grip on something.

[F]

Chambers.

[C]

I'm here, I'm here. Stevens is down. Now he's back on the Hulk. I have him. What the.

[D]

What the hell was that?

[G]

Mag boots didn't engage.

[B]

They engaged, they just didn't stick. The entire damn ship's been degassed.

[D]

Why in Christ's sakes?

[J]

Nos Dorian, what is your status?

[D]

Eldridge?

[F]

The hull is degaussed. We hit hard and slid probably 50ft, but we're okay.

[J]

Roger that MD clock's ticking. You may need to plan a jump back.

[F]

We slid towards airlock.

[C]

We're still in position, so we're gonna.

[F]

Give it a try.

[C]

Everyone move.

[B]

I can see it. I can see the airlock door.

[F]

Keep going. Rainer go past me.

[B]

I'm here. I'm at the lock. Looking for the override.

[G]

One minute 59 seconds. 58, 56.

[I]

Found it.

[B]

I have the latch.

[G]

This ship is rolling fast.

[B]

Okay. Okay. It's a gyro. And it's linked.

[C]

What does that mean?

[B]

Means there's another one. We have to turn them both to crank the door. It's not gonna happen fast either. Blaine, we may not make this.

[F]

If we need to ditch, we will. Right now. Stretch out on the tethers. Whoever on the line can reach the second gyro. Do it.

[G]

On it.

[F]

Moving.

[B]

It's got a red cover on it for visibility. A handle in the middle.

[C]

I see it. I'm there. Trying the handle. It's stuck. The case is stuck.

[B]

It twists open.

[C]

I know it twists open. I'm saying this.

[G]

One minute, 30 seconds.

[B]

Remains.

[D]

God damn it, Chambers.

[C]

I got it. It's off. I Good.

[B]

Chambers. We turn them at the same time, clockwise on counts of three. Okay?

[C]

Ready? Okay.

[B]

One, two, three.

[F]

That's it.

[B]

I said it would go slow, Chambers. One, two, three.

[G]

It's working.

[D]

No, it's not. Not fast enough. We should jump back now.

[F]

The atmosphere, I need it all the way open. Just enough to squeeze through.

[D]

Look, I can do really complicated math in my head and I'm telling you we're not gonna make it.

[B]

One, two, three. No, it's going to work. It's going to be enough.

[G]

1.

[J]

We're getting strange readings of sort of high impedance signal. Meaning from your position. You still reading us?

[F]

Eldridge, you're breaking up. Not sure if it's us or you.

[J]

Are you say again. We lock.

[G]

What the hell?

[J]

Aaron, signal is again. Our signal over here is Hayw again.

[F]

Eldridge, where they go? Eldridge, do you. We just lost the eld.

[E]

Lost?

[F]

It exploded.

[B]

That happened the debris wave.

[C]

Everyone race on the hall.

[D]

Race with what.

[A]

I got.

[B]

Is everyone. Are you guys.

[C]

Hello?

[G]

Hello?

[F]

Everybody, everyone check in.

[B]

I'm okay, I'm okay.

[C]

My surf is messing.

[F]

I'm raging.

[D]

Oh God.

[F]

Chambers, use your patch kit.

[G]

I can see atmo. I can see atmo burn.

[B]

Stevens, we have to get the lock open. Chambers, get back the gyro.

[C]

I think Steven's dead.

[B]

Get on the gyro.

[C]

Okay, okay, okay.

[G]

Mission timer 45.

[F]

Oh, no, no, no, no, no.

[I]

I'm at the gyro.

[C]

I'm at the gyro.

[B]

Chambers, focus clockwise. 1, 2, 3. 1, 2, 3. I can hear the burn now.

[F]

Keep warning.

[C]

Oh my God.

[F]

Oh my God.

[B]

Keepers. One, two, three.

[F]

That's enough. It's enough.

[C]

Chambers, go.

[G]

Pull in.

[C]

Stevens, re push from behind.

[F]

One at a time. Watch your tethers.

[G]

Chambers, help me with Stevens.

[C]

Okay, okay.

[G]

Machine timer 30 seconds. 29.

[B]

Oh, there's no override. Right here. I don't see a way to seal the lock.

[F]

There isn't. The interior doors won't open unless the exterior ones are shut.

[B]

Why are you untethering?

[F]

I'm going to release the gyros and seal the lock.

[B]

Blaine, listen to me.

[F]

Rainer, you're the only one who can get the others through that ship. I'm sorry, but it's going to come down to you.

[C]

One last thing, and it's important.

[F]

If it's awake, don't trust it. Don't trust anything it tells you.

[G]

Mission time.

[B]

If it wasn't awake.

[C]

Good luck.

[H]

It's okay not to be Perfect with finances. Experian is your big financial friend and here to help. Did you know you can get matched with credit cards on the app? Some cards are labeled no Ding Decline, which means if you're not approved, they won't hurt your credit scores. Download the Experian app for free today. Applying for no Ding Decline cards won't hurt your credit scores if you aren't initially approved.

[C]

Approved.

[H]

Initial approval will result in a hard inquiry which may impact your credit scores experience.

[A]

Wayfair's big sale is returning. Get ready for way day. For four days only, score up to 80 off all things home with free shipping on everything. From October 26th through 29th, score Wayfair's best deals like up to 80% off area rugs, up to 60% off mattresses, up to 60% off bedroom furniture, and more exclusive doorbuster deals. So mark your calendar and shop Wayday starting October 26th at Wayfair.com Wayfair Every style, every home.

[B]

You're not old enough to understand any of this, but you will be one day. You deserved so much better than what you got.

[I]

God.

[B]

I'm sorry. I couldn't beat my demons, even for you. I failed in the most horrifying way possible. And I know it is nothing I can live with. So I'm going to try and be worthy of you for once. Life gave me a choice and I acted. I went through the gate. And I will do everything I can so that I can see you on the other side. For what it's worth, I swear it. I love you very much, Sean. Computer in Message.

[F]

Message recorded. Relay Relay. Message sent. Sean Rayner. Interstellar message relay. Transmission rates apply. Expected ETA 7 solar days.

[B]

I swear.

[C]

It's Sainer. Rainer.

[B]

She's coming back.

[E]

She's coming.

[H]

Still here.

[G]

Oh, thank God. Rainer, you're in the airlock.

[H]

We're sealed in.

[B]

We're okay. Do you. Do you hear that? Do you hear that?

[G]

Rainer, are you okay?

[C]

Fred, help me with Stevens. We have to patch a suit.

[B]

You don't hear it.

[C]

Freed.

[G]

Rainer, we made it. We made it. We're safe. L. Still okay.

[E]

I'll be back.

[G]

Oh, God.

[B]

Where are we?

[E]

Derelict is created, written, directed and edited by J. Barton Mitchell. It features sound design by Ian Guyberger and Music Radio Creative, as well as original music by Luke Atencio. The podcast is produced by Kirsten Rudberg. It stars Chad Morgan as Rainbow Rayner, Michael Mao as Blaine, Ian Guyberger as Chambers, Danny Payne as Freed and J.D. cerna as Stevens. Derelict is produced and recorded in Santa Fe, New Mexico by Night Rocket Productions. It is a part of the Future X Podcast Network. Discover some other great podcasts by visiting FutureX FM. Please sign up for our mailing [e-mail] to learn more about our cast and creators and get the latest information on upcoming episodes. Please help us continue this journey. Derelict is currently crowdfunding its first season of production. If you enjoyed this episode and want to see the story continue, join us and help bring it to life. This visit derelictpodcast.com and click on the Support the Show link to find out how. And most importantly, thanks for listening.

[C]

The.

[A]

Fable and Folly Network, where fiction producers flourish. This is Yani and welcome to season two of Harlem Queen. Thank you for listening. The season picks up with the search for Michelle.

[H]

You are listening to the Floyd J. Calvin program A. And now straight to the headlines. Manhattan debutante and socialite Michelle Mondecier has been kidnapped from her Connecticut boarding school. There is a tri state search for Mademoiselle Montessier, who is 15 years of age, Caucasian, and was last seen yesterday evening going to her dormitory.

[A]

Stephanie is frantic and she risks all in order to find her missing daughter.

[F]

You will find Michelle.

[I]

There are troopers all along the New Jersey and Pennsylvania highways.

[G]

That's not enough.

[H]

Madame Stephanie St. Clair posted a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the safe return of Ms. Mondecier.

[B]

You need to take down your reward, Stephanie.

[G]

I will not. Those no good couples are already saying she's dead.

[H]

The connection between the debutante and the number's queen is unclear.

[A]

And Stephanie still has to contend with Luciano and Schultz plotting to push her out of her own turf. Word on the street is that it.

[I]

Schultz, who cares about a lost colored girl?

[J]

This one is white, Fifth Avenue debutante, lot of money, well connected. And I want to find out why Stephanie is so fixated on the girl. Stephanie is highly invested in her safe return.

[B]

What do you need me to do?

[J]

I need you to cheese it.

[F]

What about Sinclair?

[J]

You tried to clip her twice. Is she pushing up daisies?

[H]

No.

[J]

We're gonna get her another way.

[A]

Even Holstein is suspicious. Is he truly a friend or a foe?

[H]

She's putting herself behind the eight ball. There's something more there and I need to find out. In the meantime, someone has to earn their money. She's deciding what to earn.

[B]

You have no power in this case, Stephanie.

[A]

In fact, you're a liability.

[G]

I will do everything in my power to get her home safe and sound.

[A]

Listen up for season two. Harlem Queen is a recipient of the lower Manhattan Cultural Council's Creative Engagement grant. And one Once we all get through this safe and sound, we will have a live radio show of Harlem Queen this fall. More episodes to come. Take good care and stay well.