Dimension X - Competition - #30

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Dimension X - Competition - #30
Date: May 5, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode features a classic science fiction radio drama from the series Dimension X, titled "Competition." Set in a future where waves of immigrants travel from Earth to the "Ridge Stars" — a cluster of distant solar systems — the story explores corporate monopoly, exploitation, and the dangerous game of technological advancement in frontier space. Through the harrowing experience of protagonist Anne Travis, the episode delves into the high-stakes competition for a new space drive and the moral ambiguities of survival and power.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Voyage to the Ridge Stars

• The Setting:

  • Immigrants, including Anne Travis, are aboard a ship heading to new worlds. The journey is described with a sense of awe and apprehension ([00:31] Arthur Blord: "Can you predict what will come in 100 years? Can you see beyond the known dimensions of time and space into the unknown dimension X?").
  • Anne hopes to reunite with her sister on Doridora 3, while others are on their own journeys.

• Rude Awakening:

  • Passengers are informed by the crew that, contrary to their expectations, they won't be landing on their chosen planets but instead will all be deposited together on Delphi 2 ([02:28] Delaney: "...a vote will shortly be taken to determine on which planet... every passenger... will be landing.").

2. The Corrupt System

• Exploitation of Immigrants:

  • Anne learns the entire process is rigged to maximize profit for transport companies, showing the dark underbelly of frontier commercial expansion ([04:00] Delaney: "Oh, you can paste that in the scrapbook. That's all it's worth... fortunes are made and lost every day. The rich stars are wide open, and what the big operators say goes.").

• Corporate Monopoly:

  • Once on a Ridge Star, travel between worlds is impossible for most due to Earth-side monopolies on rocket patents. Only the ultra-rich have mobility.

3. Anne’s Recruitment and Coercion

• Kidnapping and Coercion:
  • Anne is targeted by criminals, injected with a "seven day poison" as leverage, and forced to follow their plan in exchange for an antidote ([09:13] Delaney: "It's an interesting device... The only antidote must be some of the original poison at its base. And I have that.").
  • She is tasked with assassinating Arthur Blord, a powerful and ruthless tycoon, by giving him a doped cigarette.

4. The Plot Against Arthur Blord

• Anne’s Mission:

  • Anne starts work as Blord’s secretary under false pretenses. Prepared to poison him (under duress), she is betrayed by her own nerves and Blord’s suspicions.

• Blord’s Cunning:

  • Blord uncovers her plot via a surveillance device and has her hypnotized for the truth ([16:33] Delaney: "Had her sitting in that wired chair and I just threw the switch... when I mentioned cigarettes it practically blew a fuse.").

5. The Real Competition

• Corporate Espionage:

  • Blord is up against Delaney and a coalition of rival business interests, seeking his new, more powerful space drive.
  • They kidnap both Anne and Blord, seeking the secrets to his technology.

• Hard Negotiations:

  • Blord negotiates a merger, giving up his drive for a 25% share in a new joint-stock company, manipulating his rivals and saving Anne in the process ([25:20] Arthur Blord: "So I'll make a deal. Now, look. We form a joint stock company. Each of you signs over his patent rights...").

6. Twists and Resolutions

• Anne’s Fate:

  • Doubting Blord’s mercy, Delaney tells Anne she’s disposable, heightening tension ([24:38] Delaney: "...If Blord gets loose, I wouldn't want to be in your place.").

• Redemption and Revelation:

  • Blord surprises Anne—injecting her not with poison, but with the antidote ([27:18] Arthur Blord: "...That was the antidote. The seven day poison Delaney gave you. I got it from him before we left. Young lady, I knocked you out in my office and had your mind examined. I knew just what you had done. I came here because I wanted to.").
  • Anne realizes Blord is more pragmatic than vindictive and possibly even cares for her.

• A New Beginning:

  • Blord offers to take Anne wherever she wants, but she chooses to stay with him, captivated by the prospect of advancement rather than simply reuniting with her sister ([28:43] Anne Travis: "I wonder if the opportunities for advancement aren't greater on your planet, Mr. Blore.").

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On ruthlessness and opportunity:

  • [04:00] Delaney: "Fortunes are made and lost every day. The rich stars are wide open, and what the big operators say goes."

• The reality of space monopolies:

  • [05:09] Delaney: "Space travel is an Earthside monopoly. They own the patents... Until that drive is developed, you just won't get off."

• On being forced into dirty work:

  • [08:01] Delaney (to Anne): "You're gonna make a thousand stellars for yourself whether you like it or not."

• Anne’s moral crisis:

  • [19:26] Anne Travis: "I didn't want to hurt him, but what can I do? What can I do?"

• Blord’s pragmatism:

  • [28:12] Arthur Blord: "I knew that after the contest there'd be a merger of research. So I merged it before instead. Wait till they discover they signed away their own patent rights."

• On choosing ambition:

  • [28:43] Anne Travis: "I wonder if the opportunities for advancement aren't greater on your planet, Mr. Blore."

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:31] - [02:44]: Immigrant voyage and crushing disappointment
• [04:00] - [05:33]: The frontier’s lawlessness and space monopoly explained
• [08:01] - [10:00]: Anne kidnapped, poisoned, and coerced
• [11:02] - [12:58]: Anne receives instructions and starts her mission
• [13:19] - [15:06]: Blord’s introduction, character, and early suspicions
• [16:33] - [17:32]: Blord uncovers the assassination plot
• [18:51] - [20:00]: Anne and Blord captured by Delaney’s group
• [25:20] - [26:12]: Blord brokers the deal, Anne’s fate hangs in the balance
• [27:12] - [28:12]: Blord’s pragmatic twist, Anne is saved, the true story is revealed
• [28:43] - [29:26]: Anne chooses opportunity over family ties

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Tone & Style

• The dialogue is sharp, cynical, and snappy, full of mid-century noir undertones.
• Moral ambiguity abounds, with both criminals and tycoons operating in shades of gray.
• Anne is swept from naive hope to desperate moral calculations, ultimately adapting and choosing the path of ambition—mirroring the ruthless spirit of the Ridge Stars.

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Conclusion

"Competition" delivers a tightly woven, high-stakes narrative of ambition, manipulation, and moral compromise set in a bustling, cutthroat galactic frontier. The episode deftly blends science fiction tropes with noir sensibilities, offering both suspense and a commentary on corporate exploitation. In the spirit of Dimension X, the story leaves listeners questioning the cost of survival and advancement—in any era or dimension.

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Transcript

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[Anne Travis]

was a sweet wine fridge.

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[Arthur Blord]

Can you predict what will come in 100 years? Can you see beyond the known dimensions of time and space into the unknown dimension X? The red stars spread 200 light years across space. To the passengers on the immigration spaceship from Earth, they appear to be pinpoints of light in the darkness. The men, women and children slept in their bunks in the tiered dormitories or sat reading the immigration that described the worlds of the ridged stars in glowing rosy terms. Anne Travis stood before the vision port and searched for the spot of light which would be her new home. I don't know.

[Delaney]

What.

[Anne Travis]

You can't tell which is which, can you? When I asked the steward for mine. There it is. You see that nice bright little star up in the left hand corner? That one? Yes. Alka 3. I'm going to meet my son there. He sent for me. Harry always was a good son. I used to say to my husband just before he died, Harry is a good son. I'm going to Dori Dora 3. My sister's there. Oh, isn't that nice? It's a wonderful thing for a young girl like you to start life way out here. I used to tell Harry's father that if he had any spunk, he'd be out on the ridge stars making a fortune. He was assistant buyer at Bloomingdale's Kitchenware. I see. Maybe if I asked the person, he could point out Dori Dora 3. Oh, would you go ahead, dear? You've paid your fare like a everybody else. What did you say your name was? Anne Travis. Well, I'm Lottie Elders. Mrs. Harold E. Elders. Though of course I don't use Harold's name now. Are you all alone?

[Delaney]

Yes.

[Anne Travis]

My folks died last year. That's why I'm coming out to live with my sister. Oh, you poor child. Traveling halfway across space with nobody to talk to. There it is. I just know it.

[Delaney]

You are now within the rich star quadrant. The trip is almost over. Captain Braxton wishes me to inform you that a vote will shortly be taken to determine on which planet of which sun every passenger of this ship will be landing.

[Anne Travis]

What is he talking about?

[Delaney]

He will decide, and all must abide by the decision. I don't understand. I Don't understand.

[Anne Travis]

What did he say about a boat? I don't believe him. He said everybody had to go to the same planet, didn't he? But Harry's on Alca 3. Look here, Mrs. Elders. They can't get away with this. They can't just set us down anywhere. I've got to meet my sisters. And what can we do? I don't know. But I'm going to find out. I'm going to see the captain right now.

[Delaney]

Landing manifest 12436. Cargo holds 1 through 12 at premium rate, including.

[Anne Travis]

I want to see the captain.

[Delaney]

Oh, look, I'm busy now.

[Anne Travis]

What kind of an outrage is this? I'm going to join my sister on Dory Dora 3. That's where I bought my ticket for, and that's where I'm going, boat or no boat.

[Delaney]

That's what you think, baby. I'll call you back. Jerry.

[Anne Travis]

I want to see the captain immediately. Do you hear?

[Delaney]

Yeah, sure, I hear. Perfect in both ears.

[Anne Travis]

What's the meaning of this? What are you people trying to get away with?

[Delaney]

We're not trying, sister. You're in space now, kid. We don't go by Earthside red tape.

[Anne Travis]

But my ticket.

[Delaney]

Oh, you can paste that in the scrapbook. That's all it's worth where you're going, kid, fortunes are made and lost every day. The rich stars are wide open, and what the big operators say goes.

[Anne Travis]

But my sister's waiting for me.

[Delaney]

Oh, she'll get tired. It's a game, kid.

[Anne Travis]

And you're in the folder. Said you were encouraging immigration.

[Arthur Blord]

Oh, sure, sure.

[Delaney]

But all the improvements in Earthside working conditions in the past 50 years were to prevent wholesale immigration to the rich. That's why we have to cut the price of the tickets below cost to suck you immigrants out here.

[Anne Travis]

Why did you lie? Why won't you take us where we want to go?

[Delaney]

It's simple, kid. The only way to make a profit is to dump each shipload in one place. This cargo goes to Delphi, too.

[Anne Travis]

The announcer said there was going to be a vote.

[Arthur Blord]

Oh, sure.

[Delaney]

But we've got it rigged so Delphi 2 gets it. Simple, isn't it?

[Anne Travis]

But you can.

[Delaney]

Oh, it's not so bad, Delphi. It's okay. We're farming great world. Especially for a kid like you.

[Anne Travis]

But how would I get to my sister? She's expecting me on doradora3. Can I take another ship?

[Delaney]

Not where you're going.

[Anne Travis]

What do you mean?

[Delaney]

Look, baby, space travel is an Earthside monopoly. They own the patents on the rocket power that makes space travel possible. Now the Ridge government offered a prize for a new kind of power that wouldn't infringe on Earth rocket patents. But until that drive is developed, you just won't get off. They'll fight too.

[Anne Travis]

You can can't travel to another planet.

[Arthur Blord]

That's right.

[Delaney]

There isn't any public transport. And only a millionaire could afford a private ship. You mean I'm just stuck like a fly on flypaper. Hey, where you going?

[Anne Travis]

Back to my bunk. I want to lie down.

[Delaney]

Now, wait a minute. I'm afraid you can't leave here till that boat is taken.

[Anne Travis]

Why not?

[Delaney]

Well, I'm a kindly type, friendly fellow. I always give a straight story to anybody. But that means I've got to keep them under wraps. So you'll stay right here till we land on Delphi too. All immigrants who have not got cleared in, please report to the inspector under the first letter of their last name.

[Anne Travis]

And where have you been, child? I looked all over for you. Kept me in the. Listen, Mrs. Elders, what shall we do? I'm sure I don't know. Harry sees my son, you know. He'll be just friendly.

[Delaney]

Any immigrants not clear?

[Anne Travis]

Oh, dear, I haven't been cleared yet. You'd better go then. I'll wait for you right here. Oh, be sure you do, dear. I'm so frightened. Oh, which way do I go? The E sign is over there, see? Oh, I don't have my distance glasses. You will wait for me, dear? Yes, right here. Go along now.

[Arthur Blord]

All right, you.

[Delaney]

Come on.

[Anne Travis]

Who are you?

[Delaney]

Never mind. Come on. Grab her, Al.

[Arthur Blord]

Come on.

[Anne Travis]

Let go of me. What's the idea? Let go.

[Delaney]

Get her.

[Anne Travis]

Who are you? Let go. Let go.

[Delaney]

We can't take any chances. Al for Al. Right? Come on up.

[Anne Travis]

What happened?

[Delaney]

Come on, sit up.

[Anne Travis]

What? Who are you? Your face.

[Delaney]

That's a motor driven face dissolver mask.

[Anne Travis]

I've read about them. I have never seen one. Who are you?

[Delaney]

That's why I'm wearing a mask, because I don't want you to know.

[Anne Travis]

But there must be.

[Delaney]

Look, lady, quit babbling. I hold you in because you're pretty and intelligent looking.

[Anne Travis]

But why?

[Delaney]

You're gonna make a thousand stellars for yourself whether you like it or not. Stop looking like scared rabbit.

[Anne Travis]

You can't do this. I'll call the police.

[Delaney]

The police? What do you know about the Rich Star's government? Obviously around here things are different. Now listen, you go to the New Sal Hotel as soon as you're registered, you go to the Fair Play. Employment agency. They'll take care of you now. Take this. It's a tape reel. Play it back in your room. It'll tell you what to do after it's played. Once, it'll destroy itself. Is that clear?

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[Anne Travis]

Oh, I had a question.

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[Anne Travis]

They won't even write me back.

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[Anne Travis]

I don't understand this at all.

[Delaney]

Have you ever heard of the Seven Day Poison?

[Anne Travis]

I don't think so.

[Delaney]

It's an interesting device. It feeds on the blood number seven undergoes a chemical change and very easy to use. You just inject it like this?

[Anne Travis]

Yeah.

[Delaney]

It's all over for seven days. The beauty of this poison is it can be made to look like a rock pattern in many thousands of small variations. The only antidote must be some of the original poison at its base. And I have that. I don't get hysterical. I'll keep the antidote here. You can get it after you've done what I want.

[Anne Travis]

But I don't know where I am. I don't know who you are. But if something happens to you, that's your problem.

[Delaney]

But remember, the police can't help you. I have the antidote to the poison. All right, I'm through with her. Take her out and drop her at the hotel. Is this room 2635?

[Anne Travis]

Yes.

[Delaney]

And Travis?

[Anne Travis]

Yes? Who is this?

[Delaney]

Play that tape reel and get started.

[Arthur Blord]

We'll be watching you.

[Anne Travis]

Hello? Hello?

[Delaney]

Hotel? New soldiers.

[Arthur Blord]

Can I help you?

[Anne Travis]

I was cut off. Someone was speaking to me.

[Arthur Blord]

I'm sorry, there was no incoming call on your line. Can I help you?

[Anne Travis]

No, no, never mind. I'd better play that tape. Guess. You push this button.

[Delaney]

You will find in your purse a full cigarette case. Half of the cigarettes are doped. Tomorrow you will be hired as private secretary to Artur Blord. When you're alone with him, you will give him one of the cigarettes. The case ejects two at a time. The outer one is doped. When he's unconscious, push the brown knob on the case. That will call my men and they will come for you. You must come with them if you wish. The antidote to the poison. After that you'll be Transported to any Ridge Star you wish. Soon as you play this reel, go to the Fair Play Employment Agency. There's no time to waste. Tomorrow the seven day poison will have only six days to go. Now that the real is finished, it will destroy itself.

[Anne Travis]

Why do they have to pick me? Oh, the real. Come on, Travis. He's got heaven babies.

[Delaney]

Come in, Ms. Travers. Well, well. Everything seems in order. I must verify one thing.

[Anne Travis]

Yes, Mr. Magerson?

[Delaney]

You did arrive just yesterday on that

[Arthur Blord]

immigrant ship from Earth.

[Anne Travis]

Oh, yes, sir.

[Delaney]

And this is your first job, not only on Delphi, but on any planet other than Earth.

[Anne Travis]

Yes, sir, that's right.

[Delaney]

We'll check that, of course. In the meantime, we can go up

[Arthur Blord]

to see Mr. Blaut.

[Delaney]

You'll be his private secretary. As we please.

[Anne Travis]

Did you say.

[Delaney]

Did I say what?

[Anne Travis]

Never mind. Nothing.

[Delaney]

Have you heard of Arturo Blord before?

[Anne Travis]

Not exactly.

[Delaney]

You would if you'd been in the rig stars longer. Amazing man. Amazing.

[Arthur Blord]

We'll wait here for the elevator.

[Anne Travis]

He must be very important.

[Delaney]

Important? There are names out here that they've never heard of back on Earth. And the greatest name is Arthur Blord.

[Anne Travis]

Really?

[Delaney]

In less than 10 years, he's made himself an astronomical fortune. Astronomy. Here we are. After you. Penthouse.

[Anne Travis]

What's he like?

[Delaney]

You see? Very dynamic. Sharp. He outsmarts the big shots, the planetary operators. They exploit whole worlds. He exploits them.

[Arthur Blord]

They hate him. The Ridge Star operators.

[Delaney]

Well, here we are. Come along, Miss Travers. Mr. Blord is waiting for you. Mr. Blood, this is Ann Travis. Her record and references.

[Arthur Blord]

Not interested. You check them. Margareson, get out.

[Delaney]

Yes, Mr. Blaud.

[Arthur Blord]

Ready, Ms. Travis?

[Anne Travis]

Yes, Mr. Bourne.

[Arthur Blord]

Take this dictation. Chromium field on transient four. Value 100 billion stellars. Just plain slogging. Let somebody else do it. Trigona 7 forest. All treasure wood. Priceless. Dennis Carey, operator. Hard, cruel, brilliant. Should be interest. All right, Miss Travis. You're new to Delphi 2, aren't you?

[Anne Travis]

Yes, Mr. Bloy.

[Arthur Blord]

I like new cities, new planets. They're soulless. They have no culture, no institutions. With hardening of the arteries.

[Anne Travis]

Yes, sir.

[Delaney]

Now, I came out here as a

[Arthur Blord]

wiper in an Earthside liner and jumped ship at transient 4. That was 10 years ago. You couldn't do that on an old world. Earthside, they developed the science. Out here we use it. The great developments today aren't in science. You don't believe that, do you?

[Anne Travis]

I. I'm not sure, sir. Will there be any more dictation, Mr. Broad?

[Arthur Blord]

No, that's all. Don't leave Yet. Mind if I smoke?

[Anne Travis]

No, no.

[Arthur Blord]

Like a cigarette?

[Anne Travis]

I. Sir?

[Arthur Blord]

I asked if you'd like a cigarette.

[Anne Travis]

Oh, thank you, but I have my own.

[Arthur Blord]

No Earth cigarettes. Would you mind letting me have one? They're very rare out here.

[Anne Travis]

Of course.

[Arthur Blord]

That's an interesting case. Ejects two at a time.

[Anne Travis]

Here, Mr. Brewer, take one.

[Arthur Blord]

Thank you. Haven't smoked one of these in years. Light, Ms. Travis.

[Anne Travis]

Thank you.

[Arthur Blord]

Drop the lighter under the desk. I'll get it. Sit back in your chair. Should be down here somewhere. Miss travis? Miss travis. Hello, Dr. Greg Lord. I've got a girl here I want you to examine. No, she's out cold.

[Delaney]

Nope.

[Arthur Blord]

Had her sitting in that wired chair and I just threw the switch. There was something phony about her from the beginning. The pickup needle from her chair was jumping like a kangaroo. And when I mentioned cigarettes, it practically blew a fuse. That's what I want to find out. Why she should be carrying doped cigarettes. I want her examined. The full hypnotism treatment if necessary. I want to find out who sent her. I want to know who's gunning for me.

[Delaney]

There you are.

[Arthur Blord]

Blood.

[Delaney]

That's the best I can do, short of a full length narcoanalysis.

[Arthur Blord]

You sure about that seven day poison?

[Delaney]

Absolutely. She's got less than six days and

[Arthur Blord]

she was right off the immigrant ship. This is the first time I've had a plant. Somebody found out, I hire him fresh from Earth.

[Delaney]

I've got her memory track on that face dissolver mask. It was Delaney.

[Arthur Blord]

I thought so, but he isn't working alone. It's that gang working for the prize on the new space drive. I got into the competition two weeks ago. And I guess they're afraid of losing the money they've put into research.

[Delaney]

What about this kid? She's got six days to live. And I wouldn't take any bets that they try to save her if she doesn't deliver the goods.

[Arthur Blord]

They wouldn't even save her if she did. Delaney wouldn't want witnesses. Doc set everything up the way it was before she went under.

[Delaney]

What are you going to do?

[Arthur Blord]

I'm going to let them take me.

[Delaney]

Wait a minute. They're liable.

[Arthur Blord]

I know what they're liable to do. Doc, you take care of the girl and leave the rest to me.

[Delaney]

Okay. It's your funeral.

[Arthur Blord]

Maybe. Now let's revive Ms. Travis. You set up the projectors.

[Delaney]

Come on, hop to it. All set. When you reverse the field, she'll come to and she won't even know anything happened. Do you remember exactly what you Were doing when you knocked her out?

[Arthur Blord]

Sure. I was looking for the lighter under the table for that doped cigarette of hers.

[Delaney]

Well, I'll be going. Good luck, Arthur. You'll need it.

[Arthur Blord]

I'll be seeing you, doc. All right, Ms. Travis. Now let's take up where we left off.

[Anne Travis]

I felt faint for a minute. Did you find the lighter, Mr. Blore?

[Delaney]

Yes, yes, thank you.

[Arthur Blord]

I haven't had a good drag on an earth cigarette in years. It's I stronger than I.

[Anne Travis]

I've got to call those men. Now, let's see the brown knob on the case. I didn't want to hurt him, but what can I do? What can I do?

[Delaney]

How's Blue, Al? I'd like a light this time. Sure. Fixed him.

[Anne Travis]

Where are we going?

[Delaney]

What do you care? Tell her. In six days it won't matter. The boss give orders. What's the difference? These two are dead ducks.

[Anne Travis]

What do you mean?

[Delaney]

You think the boss will give you that antidote?

[Anne Travis]

He promised.

[Delaney]

How he promised. Did he really? But did he give his scouts honor? You know, spit twice and cross his heart?

[Anne Travis]

Stop it. What will happen to him?

[Delaney]

A bloy. You got me. Last three guys I brought over here ended up in the disposal unit.

[Anne Travis]

You mean they'll kill him?

[Delaney]

Wouldn't be surprised.

[Anne Travis]

No, no, they couldn't.

[Delaney]

They don't play for marbles out here in the rich styles. But the police, that's just like Earthside, Sister. Police take their cut and arrest a couple of bindle stiffs every night to make it look good. Lord was playing around with some pretty big men. He knew what he was getting into.

[Anne Travis]

I didn't think they'd kill him. I don't know anything about the Ridge dog.

[Delaney]

Oh, that's tough, lady. Real tough as the beam. We're hit. All right, fasten your straps. I'm taking her down.

[Anne Travis]

Well done.

[Delaney]

You're on Delphi 1.

[Anne Travis]

What is this place?

[Delaney]

A private estate. Very private. How you cover with Blore now? He's happy.

[Arthur Blord]

All right, we stop here.

[Delaney]

I gotta spring the Voice lock combination. One, three. Alibi, Peter Uranium. Repeat. Repeat. These things never work. One, three. AlibiS, Peter Uranium. All right, drag him in, Al. Where do you want him, boss? Clamp him in the chair. Give me a hand, will you? Yeah. All right, get his feet straight. Now throw the clamps. Inject the key stimulant. Right, boss. They're up his sleeve, Al. All set, boss. We have to keep on the masks. I got a cold. No, I think we can do without them. Shut off the power. There we are.

[Arthur Blord]

He's coming, too. Jelaney. What? What am I doing here?

[Delaney]

I think we can get down to business. Blood. We represent 90 companies. We've entered the Ridge government contest to develop a space drive that won't infringe on Earthside patents.

[Arthur Blord]

Oh, well, Delaney, I've got news for you. Unless one of you has a power drive that's 25% faster than an Earth side rocket, you're licked. What do you mean?

[Delaney]

He must know.

[Arthur Blord]

Delaney.

[Delaney]

You, sir. Quiet. Can't you see he's trying to get us? Arguing?

[Arthur Blord]

When I heard some of the low speed, you boys were yelling. All right, you have the floor. Delaney.

[Delaney]

Two weeks ago you entered the contest. We know your reputation. You can't afford a failure. Your whole financial structure is a bluff. We know you have the drive. Lord. You better save time. Tell us now, what does your space drive run on?

[Arthur Blord]

Twisted rubber bands?

[Delaney]

You'll force us to extremes, Blord. All right, take that girl out of here.

[Anne Travis]

No. Now. Let go of me. You can't kill him. I didn't know. You tricked me into getting him.

[Delaney]

Get out. Come on, sister.

[Anne Travis]

Let's go.

[Delaney]

Oh, all right. So you want to play rough? Okay, that's 23. You all make your Dale cut. I trust your Dale. She's coming too. Elle. That's nice. Dale. From the top.

[Anne Travis]

Did they kill him?

[Delaney]

Who knows? You want the top card? No. Neither do I.

[Anne Travis]

Where is he?

[Delaney]

In there.

[Anne Travis]

They'll let him go, won't they? They've got to. I didn't realize they'd kill him.

[Delaney]

Well, thank you. Just the card I wanted, Pledger, I'm sure.

[Anne Travis]

Look, you've got to tell me, are they going to kill Mr. Bloord?

[Delaney]

Look, lady. A, you are interrupting a very important card game. B, you're better off if they do kill Blord. Let's face it, kiddo, you crimped them good.

[Anne Travis]

Crimped him?

[Delaney]

You think he's going to like you for doping him and getting him into this mess? Blord's a tough guy. When he first come out to the ridge, he killed three men in a mining camp over on Tranche when they double crossed him. Sure. If he ever gets out of this. I wouldn't bet a lead slide on your life. I go with 10. Tough luck, Sonny. I got three and doubled for spades. Yep. If Blord gets loose, I wouldn't want to be in your place.

[Anne Travis]

But I. I didn't understand. They tricked me.

[Delaney]

I don't think Blord will sympathize. Feel the cards will you blowd. You're a crawling rat.

[Arthur Blord]

I'm a realist. Delaney.

[Anne Travis]

He's alive.

[Delaney]

You got me.

[Arthur Blord]

So I'll make a deal. Now, look. We form a joint stock company. Each of you signs over his patent rights to the new firm and we split the shares. You get my space drive, I get 25%. Delaney runs the new company. The whole deal to be publicized, if you wish.

[Delaney]

Lord, when this gets out, it'll ruin you. They'll despise you when they find out how much dirt you've eaten.

[Arthur Blord]

Well, I didn't have much choice, did I? All right, now the other part of the deal. You got me here through a certain young lady.

[Delaney]

Now we can dispose of her.

[Arthur Blord]

No, no, I think I'd like to do that. I'll take her as part of my 25%. Any objections, Delaney?

[Delaney]

No. Just be careful. Get rid of a clean. We don't want any mess left around

[Arthur Blord]

for the Ridge government to find.

[Anne Travis]

What are you going to do with me? You promised.

[Delaney]

Did I? Get rid of her blood.

[Arthur Blord]

Only make it clean. You can loosen your strap now. We're on automatic.

[Anne Travis]

Where are we going?

[Arthur Blord]

Back to Delphi 2.

[Anne Travis]

I didn't understand what they were going to do.

[Arthur Blord]

I know.

[Anne Travis]

I didn't realize.

[Arthur Blord]

I'm sure you didn't, Ms. Travis.

[Anne Travis]

What are you going to do?

[Arthur Blord]

I'm going to play you off.

[Anne Travis]

Let go of my arm. Let go.

[Arthur Blord]

Let go of me. Shut up. What are you screaming about? Now hold still. It won't take a second. Just one small injection.

[Anne Travis]

No, don't. Let me go. Please.

[Arthur Blord]

Stop twinkling there. Scratched my face like a cat.

[Anne Travis]

Will it take long?

[Arthur Blord]

What?

[Anne Travis]

For me to die?

[Arthur Blord]

For you to.

[Anne Travis]

Stop it? Please. Please stop it.

[Arthur Blord]

But it's funny. It's very funny. That was the antidote.

[Anne Travis]

The antidote?

[Arthur Blord]

The seven day poison Delaney gave you. I got it from him before we left. Young lady, I knocked you out in my office and had your mind examined. I knew just what you had done. I came here because I wanted to.

[Anne Travis]

You mean you're not angry with me?

[Arthur Blord]

Certainly not. Besides, everything turned out my way.

[Anne Travis]

Your way? But they forced you to give them the drive. It was time to weigh the right.

[Arthur Blord]

I'm a percentage man. Let them do the operating. Besides, it was their drive in the first place.

[Anne Travis]

Their drive?

[Arthur Blord]

Yes. It's simple. I knew that after the contest there'd be a merger of research. So I merged it before instead. Wait till they discover they signed away their own patent rights. I don't think they'll feel like laughing then.

[Anne Travis]

But to give Delaney control of the new company.

[Arthur Blord]

Don't you see? I had to get him to go along. He had the antidote to your poison.

[Anne Travis]

What about me?

[Arthur Blord]

Now look at the vision port. Now turn up the scale. That's the ridge.

[Delaney]

You can have your pick.

[Arthur Blord]

Name your world and I'll take you there. You said your sister was on Doradora 3?

[Anne Travis]

Yes, but.

[Arthur Blord]

But what?

[Anne Travis]

I wonder if the opportunities for advancement aren't greater on your planet, Mr. Blore.

[Arthur Blord]

You know, Ms. Travis, I wouldn't be a bit surprised if they were. How would you like to live in a world no larger than a single gigantic rocket ship? You'll find out more about it next week. On Demand.

[Delaney]

Today galaxy max's transcribed competition adapted for radio by ernest kanhoye from a story by e.m. hull. Featured in the cast were elaine rost as anne and les tremaine as arthur blorg. Your host was norman rose. Music by bert berman. Engineer bill chambers. Dimension x is produced by william welch and directed by edward king.

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