Podcast Summary: "End of All Hope"

Episode Title: DERELICT by Night Rocket Productions
Episode: Fathom (Season One, Episode One: "Fathom")
Release Date: March 19, 2024
Duration: Approximately 49 minutes
Creator: J. Barton Mitchell
Produced By: Night Rocket Productions

Introduction

"End of All Hope" introduces listeners to a gripping, immersive sci-fi narrative set in a world under alien invasion. This summary focuses on the first episode of the series, titled "Fathom," which delves into the psychological and physical challenges faced by scientists working at an underwater research base. The episode masterfully combines elements inspired by classics like Aliens, H.P. Lovecraft, and 2001: A Space Odyssey, creating an atmosphere thick with tension and mystery.

Setting the Scene: Fathom Base

The story unfolds at Fathom Base, an underwater research facility built around an enigmatic artifact discovered 19,000 feet beneath the ocean's surface—a colossal, door-like structure embedded in the ocean floor. The base's primary mission is to study and ultimately open this mysterious "vault," a decision fraught with unforeseen dangers.

Notable Quote:

Eva Graff: "They say that in the dark the eyes begin to see, and in the silence, we begin to listen. Believe me, nowhere is it darker or quieter than in this place." ([01:19])

Characters and Dynamics

• Eva Graff (Elizabeth Laidlaw): The protagonist, a dedicated scientist grappling with personal loss and the immense pressures of her role at Fathom Base.

• Dr. Clayton (Sarah Clayton): Eva's medical officer, concerned about Eva's mental and physical well-being.

• Mac: An advanced virtual intelligence (VI) system designed to assist the team, exhibiting signs of malfunction.

• Joe Freeman (Eli Goodman): The base commander, navigating the tension between the scientific mission and internal security pressures.

• Agent Blaine (Michael Mao): Representative from Internal Security Division (ISD), tasked with investigating anomalies and enforcing protocol.

Plot Overview

Initial Tensions and Malfunctions

The episode opens with Eva Graff reflecting on her isolation and loss while at Fathom Base. Her disconnection from the surface and lack of regular sleep cycles hint at underlying psychological strains.

Notable Quote:

Eva Graff: "Loss is an insidious thing. Whatever we try to escape, we inevitably bring with us, even to the darkest, quietest places." ([01:19])

Dr. Clayton expresses concern over Eva's elevated heart rate and erratic behavior, suggesting that Eva hasn't slept normally for over a month ([02:51]).

Meanwhile, Mac, the VI, begins exhibiting strange behavior—reporting anomalies like unexpected snow in Chicago during June ([05:05]) and displaying confusion during critical events, such as a hull breach in the hydroponics capsule ([18:30]).

Internal Conflict and Sabotage

Tensions escalate when communication logs reveal that an explosion and flooding occurred, leading to suspicions of sabotage within the base. Joe Freeman and Eva discuss the deteriorating state of the base's support systems and the mysterious disappearance of personnel.

Notable Quote:

Joe Freeman: "We've sunk a lot of money into this travesty to pull either of us out now." ([09:11])

Agent Blaine’s Investigation

Agent Blaine arrives to investigate the malfunctions and potential sabotage. His interrogation of Eva reveals cracks in her mental state and raises suspicions about her reliability. Blaine questions Eva's motives and her deep personal ties to the base, suggesting that her emotional state may be influencing her work.

Notable Quote:

Agent Blaine: "I know the kind of darkness Moss Dorian's capable of finding. I've shut it back in the box over and over again." ([32:02])

Eva fiercely defends her commitment, denying any intentional sabotage and attributing strange occurrences to the overwhelming environment.

The Vault Signal and Revelation

A pivotal moment occurs when Eva deciphers the vault's signal equation, realizing that the frequency (11 Hz) is both the key and the lock to the mysterious door. This breakthrough, however, coincides with increased tension and the collapse of support systems, pushing Eva towards a desperate decision to open the vault.

Notable Quote:

Eva Graff: "The signal is exactly 10 seconds long and is the same length every broadcast." ([41:51])

As Eva attempts to manipulate Mac to execute her plan, Agent Blaine intervenes, urging her to abandon the project and return to the surface, citing her deteriorating mental state and the recent death of Dr. Edgar—a former scientist who succumbed to the base's psychological pressures.

Climactic Breakdown

The episode culminates in chaos as support systems collapse, communication fails, and Eva's determination to open the vault leads to a catastrophic hull breach. Her final plea to Mac underscores her fragile mental state and desperation to resolve the situation, setting the stage for intense conflict and uncertainty.

Notable Quote:

Eva Graff: "The vault. It's a long story, but I figured it out. I can open it. I can give them what they want." ([43:58])

Themes and Insights

• Isolation and Psychological Strain: The oppressive underwater environment serves as a metaphor for the characters' internal battles, highlighting how isolation exacerbates mental health issues.

• Science vs. Security: The tension between scientific exploration and security protocols underscores the ethical dilemmas of pursuing knowledge at potentially devastating costs.

• Human vs. Artificial Intelligence: Mac's gradual malfunction raises questions about the reliability of AI in high-stress environments and the blurred lines between machine and sentient being.

• Mystery of the Vault: The enigmatic artifact represents the unknown frontiers of space and the unforeseeable consequences of human curiosity and ambition.

Conclusion

The first episode of "Fathom" expertly sets up a narrative rife with suspense, character depth, and intricate plotting. As Eva grapples with personal demons and external threats, listeners are left on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the true nature of the vault and the fate of Fathom Base's inhabitants. The episode concludes with unresolved tensions and impending disaster, promising a thrilling continuation of the story.

Final Quote:

Eva Graff: "This story will continue." ([49:15])

Production Notes

"Fathom" is meticulously crafted with exceptional voice acting, immersive sound design by Music Radio Creative, and a haunting musical score from Ryan Talbert, Luke Atencio, and Davis Harwell. The collaborative efforts of producers Kirsten Rudberg and Thomas Barker, along with support from Flashpoint Chicago and Grand Scheme Productions, ensure a high-quality auditory experience that captivates the audience from start to finish.

For more information or to support the series, visit derelictpodcast.com and fathompodcast.net.