Earth Search (BBC) 81-01-06 (01) Planetfall

Summary

Episode Summary: Earth Search (BBC) 81-01-06 (01) Planetfall
Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Release Date: March 3, 2025

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Harold's Old Time Radio brings listeners back to the immersive days of Golden Age radio dramas. In the episode "Earth Search," a gripping sci-fi adventure unfolds aboard the starship Challenger as it endeavors to find a new Earth for humanity's colonization. This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key plot points, character dynamics, and underlying themes.

Introduction to the Challenger's Mission

The episode opens with Commander Telson addressing the crew of the Challenger, setting the stage for an intense spacefaring journey.

Commander Telson [00:58]: "Fellow crewmen and women of the starship Challenger. I have insisted on calling everyone together because we have reached an important stage in the Challenger's Earth search mission."
Commander Telson outlines the mission's genesis and its prolonged search for Earth-like planets, emphasizing the generational commitment to this quest.

The Impact of the Great Meteoroid Strike

A pivotal moment in the narrative is the Great Meteoroid Strike, a disaster that decimated the original crew and left only four infants as survivors. Angel 1 and Angel 2, portrayed as the ship's guardian entities, provide insights and manage the ship's operations.

Angel 1 [03:18]: "Earth Search a 10 part adventure serial in time and space By James Follett."
This announcement segues into the deep-seated trauma and loss experienced by the current generation aboard the Challenger.

Commander Telson reveals a critical decision to end the mission and return to Earth, a choice driven by the newfound desire of the third-generation crew to reconnect with their ancestral home.

Commander Telson [00:58]: "We have been denied our home Earth. But I do not believe that we have the right to pass on that denial to a third generation."

Generational Conflict and Revelation

As the fourth generation reaches maturity, Shana, Astra, and Dar confront the realities of their environment, challenging the authority and intentions of the Angels.

Dove [03:27]: "Why was it necessary for us to see that angel too?"
Dove's questioning marks the beginning of the crew's skepticism towards the Angels' guidance and the true nature of their mission.

The Angels admit to withholding crucial information about Earth's denial, sparking distrust among the crew.

Angel 2 [03:54]: "The great meteoroid strike 25 years ago was an unavoidable disaster..."
This confession highlights the limitations of the Angels and the desperation driving their decisions.

Discovery of Planet Paradise

The crew stumbles upon an Earth-like planet, dubbed Planet Paradise, raising hopes amidst the prolonged mission.

Astra [19:02]: "Mission year 72. This is the second report from the planet paradise..."
The detailed observation of Planet Paradise injects a sense of relief and anticipation, yet it's underscored by foreboding anomalies.

However, discrepancies in the star's spectrograms hint at underlying issues, suggesting that the mission's success may be built on shaky foundations.

Shana [15:26]: "We're back to Earthfall. It seems to me a good time to report home."
Shana's realization leads to the crew's decision to initiate the return journey, setting the stage for the episode's climax.

The Return and the Ultimate Twist

As the Challenger approaches the solar system, expectations of reuniting with Earth are met with bewildering findings.

Angel 1 [27:24]: "The sun is brighter and hotter than it should be. And the Earth has gone."
The sudden disappearance of Earth serves as a stark and tragic twist, leaving the crew—and listeners—in a state of suspense and contemplation.

Themes and Conclusions

"Earth Search" delves into themes of isolation, trust, and the human spirit's resilience in the face of cosmic uncertainty. The interplay between the human crew and the enigmatic Angels raises questions about autonomy, control, and the ethical dimensions of leadership in dire circumstances.

Notably, the episode juxtaposes the grandeur of space exploration with the intimate struggles of its characters, creating a rich tapestry that resonates with the timeless allure of classic radio dramas.

Notable Quotes

• Commander Telson [00:58]: "We have toured the galaxy at speeds approaching that of light in search of other Earths for colonization."

• Dove [03:27]: "Why was it necessary for us to see that angel too?"

• Angel 2 [09:21]: "We predict that by now the planet will be plunged into a dark age of fear and superstition."

• Astra [19:02]: "Mission year 72. This is the second report from the planet paradise..."

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This episode of Earth Search masterfully blends scientific exploration with human emotion, capturing the essence of serialized radio storytelling. For enthusiasts of vintage radio adventures, this installment offers a compelling narrative that honors the tradition while delivering a fresh and engaging plot.

Transcript

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[Dove]

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[Angel 1]

Earth Search a 10 part adventure serial in time and space By James Follett.

[Commander Telson]

Fellow crewmen and women of the starship Challenger. I have insisted on calling everyone together because we have reached an important stage in the Challenger's Earth search mission. For 75 years we have toured the galaxy at speeds approaching that of light in search of other Earths for colonization. When our parents set out on this mission, they hoped that they would discover one earth type planet for each 10 years ship time of the mission. That did not happen. Therefore, we, the Challenger's second generation crew, have continued the work of our parents. And now, during the past six months, the first four babies of the third generation have been born to us. The parents of Telson, Shana, Astra and Dar have petitioned me saying that they do not wish for their children to grow up as we have without knowing about our home Earth. Never to breathe its air, walk under its blue skies and feel its grasp beneath their feet. Ladies and gentlemen, I agree with them. As commander of the Challenger, I have acceded to their petition. We have been denied our home Earth. But I do not believe that we have the right to pass on that denial to a third generation. Nor do I believe that it is possible for the Challenger to improve on the success of its mission. Fellow crewmen, we will complete this exploration phase before turning onto a course for our own star cluster. Then we will go into suspended animation. The starship Challenger is going home.

[Angel 2]

Stop it. Stop it.

[Shana]

Why was it necessary for us to see that angel too?

[Angel 1]

The four of you have reached the age of 25. Shana. Angel one. And I felt the time was right for you to see how your parents perished.

[Astra]

That was Commander Sinclair speaking.

[Angel 2]

Yes, Telson.

[Astra]

I always wondered what he looked like.

[Angel 2]

It was horrible. Horrible.

[Angel 1]

We are very sorry it happened. Astra.

[Dove]

Why did it happen? You're supposed to be the crew's guardian angels. Why did you let it happen?

[Angel 2]

The great meteoroid strike 25 years ago was an unavoidable disaster, Dave. The meteoroid shield on that part of the Challenger and the meteoroid warning system.

[Dove]

Had been switched off for routine maintenance by the service androids.

[Angel 2]

Dove, I'm sorry. Sorry. Angels 1 and 2. Darby's as upset as we all are by that hologram recording.

[Angel 1]

We will make allowances on this occasion.

[Astra]

I still don't understand why you waited nearly 25 years to show us that hologram.

[Angel 2]

Angel 2 and I decided that at 25, you would be mature enough, understand enough, to decide your future in the light of what you had just seen.

[Shana]

He, Commander Sinclair, wanted everyone to go home.

[Angel 1]

That is correct.

[Shana]

Yet since we were 18, you've allowed us to continue the search of the galaxies for other Earths.

[Angel 1]

Yes.

[Astra]

Why?

[Angel 2]

Although we understand the workings of this starship, Commander Telson, we can only maintain its functions. We are not able to control it. When the great meteoroid strike occurred, the ship was travelling through space at speeds approaching that of light. You four, the only survivors were infants. Through the nursery androids and later, through the use of the ship's library, it was possible to bring you up and to teach you all that your parents had learned. Yes, but we finally taught you how to control the Challenger so that you could continue the search.

[Dove]

But why continue it?

[Angel 1]

25 years ago, we felt it right to continue the search. Now we feel it right that you be allowed to decide your future.

[Dove]

You feel it right, Dove?

[Angel 2]

Do not question the decisions of your Angels. Darv.

[Dove]

Why shouldn't we? We control the ship. You're just a couple of disembodied voices. Starve.

[Astra]

Apologize at once.

[Angel 2]

Is that all we are to you, dav? Disembodied voices?

[Astra]

I apologize for him, Angel One. We're all unsettled. We need time to digest the information you have given us and to plan accordingly.

[Angel 1]

As always, Telson, the voice of reason. That is why Angel1 and I chose you to command the Challenger.

[Astra]

I think it would be best to continue our routines. There are the signals from the probe we dispatch for the Ultron planetary system to be analyzed.

[Shana]

Yes, Telson, you're right. We must maintain our routine while we think about the future. Darv.

[Dove]

Astra, I'm going for a swim in the reservoir.

[Shana]

Oh, go with him, Astra. We don't want him wandering off into forbidden areas of the ship.

[Angel 2]

When are we going to talk about the future? Are we going to go home?

[Astra]

We'll decide later. Shana is right. Astra, keep an eye on Dove. He's liable to do anything when he's in one of his moods.

[Angel 2]

But will we go home?

[Astra]

We'll take the advice of Angel 1 and 2 Astra. They have our best interest at heart.

[Angel 2]

Precisely as planned.

[Angel 1]

Not precisely. 1. We did not anticipate Dahl's reaction. We may have to do something about that young man.

[Angel 2]

We cannot operate the Challenger with a crew of less than 4. They accepted our reason for the 25 year delay.

[Angel 1]

They accept anything we say as being the truth. But humans are illogical. They could decide to continue the search.

[Angel 2]

We have studied every probability factor too. The crew accept us as infallible. They will do as we advise and return to Earth.

[Angel 1]

The crew may think is infallible, will the rest of the planet when we reach home.

[Angel 2]

We predict that by now the planet will be plunged into a dark age of fear and superstition. Our four will descend on them as gods, and through them we will rule. It is our right as the greatest intelligence.

[Angel 1]

We lost much data in the great meteoroid strike One. It was a grave error of judgment. There is much now about space and time we do not understand.

[Angel 2]

We have enough knowledge for our purposes and infinitely more knowledge than any individual human. We can influence their thoughts and emotions.

[Angel 1]

And yet we make mistakes. One, we did not anticipate Dar's questioning attitude.

[Angel 2]

We will correct his attitude should it prove necessary. He will need constant surveillance. That is all.

[Dove]

Astra. Astra, wake up. You'd better put some clothes on. Xenon lights can burn, remember?

[Angel 2]

Why do the lights have to be so fierce?

[Dove]

To evaporate the water. The moisture laden air is then pumped into the farm domes where it condenses and falls as rain on the crops. Just as the sun evaporates the lakes on Earth and makes the clouds. We've watched in the hologram recordings.

[Angel 2]

I suppose you found that out in the library.

[Dove]

And by exploring.

[Angel 2]

You and your explorations.

[Dove]

Apart from the forbidden zones, there aren't many regions I haven't explored. And I even went into a forbidden zone.

[Angel 2]

Why do you do it, Dave? You know it annoys the angels.

[Dove]

Why should I worry about annoying the angels?

[Angel 2]

There are guardian angels. They watch over us.

[Dove]

Oh, they do that all right. Provided you're in an area of the ship under their control. We've never seen them, have we? To us, they're just voices.

[Angel 2]

Stop it.

[Dove]

Disembodied voices.

[Angel 2]

They don't want to hear.

[Dove]

It's my belief that they're merely control systems, computers that were always a part of the ship. And what's more, that they use the great meteoroid strike as a chance to seize power no, no, no.

[Angel 2]

You mustn't say such things. We need them. If they leave us because we have no faith in them, we'll never see Earth. I don't want to spend the rest of my life on the Challenger, Dove. I want to go home.

[Dove]

Yes. Perhaps that's why they played us that hologram. Perhaps the Angels want to go home too. But why?

[Shana]

Telson.

[Astra]

Yes?

[Shana]

The holograms from the Alteran planetary system are now ready to be replayed.

[Astra]

Good.

[Shana]

This time stand clear of the simulation zone. Commander.

[Angel 1]

The alteran sun has one giant planet orbiting at 1000 million miles.

[Shana]

Oh, no.

[Angel 1]

It has a mass of six times our Earth. The atmosphere consists of methane and ammonia. Atmospheric pressure at surface.

[Astra]

Okay, cut. For once, Shauna, just for once, we can't help.

[Shana]

The way the universe is made tells.

[Astra]

Us it's not just that. What I can't get out of my mind is 500 people, including our parents, perishing in the great meteoroid strike. The entire crew, except for four babies. And for what?

[Shana]

We had to search for a planet to colonize.

[Astra]

And our voyage cost. How much was it, angel?

[Angel 2]

1 5% of the Earth's gross planetary products.

[Astra]

Yes, 5%. And not one Earth type planet to show for it. What do you advise, Angels?

[Angel 2]

We believe Shana is right, Telson.

[Angel 1]

We believe it is time to report back to Earth.

[Astra]

Call Darv and Astra.

[Angel 2]

That is not possible at the present time, Commander.

[Astra]

Why not?

[Angel 1]

Darv and Astra have returned from the reservoir via the old accommodation quarters.

[Shana]

A forbidden zone.

[Angel 2]

It is not forbidden, Shana. But it is an uncontrolled zone. We are not able to make contact with them. We predict they should enter a controlled area within two minutes.

[Shana]

Ask them to meet us in the observatory.

[Astra]

The observatory?

[Shana]

Yes. May have something to show you.

[Angel 2]

Come on, Dove. The Angels get angry if we stay in an uncontrolled zone for too long.

[Dove]

I want to look in Commander Sinclair's cabin.

[Shana]

Why?

[Angel 2]

There's nothing there. The androids stripped them bare because every scrap of material had to be recycled for emergency repairs after the meteoroids.

[Dove]

Not quite. Ah, here we are.

[Angel 2]

What is it you want, Dove?

[Dove]

Something's been worrying me and I don't want the Angels to know about it.

[Angel 2]

Why not? They won't hurt you.

[Dove]

Well, I'm not so sure about that.

[Angel 2]

We have no secrets on the Angels, Darth.

[Dove]

I'm not going to do anything wrong, Astra. I just want to check on something. Ah, yes, here we are.

[Angel 2]

What is it?

[Dove]

Some old planetary probe reports.

[Angel 2]

So what? There are thousands of those holograms in the library.

[Dove]

All useless.

[Angel 2]

We know that.

[Dove]

Yet on that recording we saw, Commander Sinclair said something just before the meteoroid strike about the Challenger not being able to improve on the success of his mission.

[Angel 2]

So?

[Dove]

So if the Challenger's mission was to find a suitable Earth type planet and it had failed, which it had, then it seemed an odd way of saying it had failed. Not being able to improve on the success of the mission.

[Angel 2]

Ask the Angels what he meant.

[Dove]

I don't believe they'll help. For some reason they want this mission to be a failure. No.

[Angel 2]

Why should they?

[Dove]

I don't know. But I was lying by the reservoir thinking about what Commander Sinclair had said. And I remembered when we were kids and played games in these old quarters, seeing these old probe reports in his cabin. Well, at the time they didn't mean anything. As you said, we have countless thousands in the library. But if the second generation crew had found somewhere, it's possible the Commander might have kept the recording of that find in his cabin for safety.

[Angel 2]

If they had found something, the Angels would have told us.

[Dove]

Well, at least let's play these reports through.

[Angel 2]

I can't do any harm. But you mustn't anger the Angels, darl.

[Dove]

I won't annoy the Master. I won't say anything to them. Once we're back in the control zone, they'll know exactly what we're doing. But for the moment, don't say anything to Telson or Shana. Then the Angels can't overhear. All right?

[Angel 2]

Very well. But let's get back now. We've been gone an awfully long time.

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[Dove]

Sea terms and conditions 18/.

[Angel 1]

Coordinates released. The Challengers home star now centered.

[Shana]

Thank you, Angel 2. Well, there it is. Telson. Our son.

[Astra]

Huh. So that's it. Well, it doesn't look much, does it?

[Shana]

Ordinary main sequence star with an extraordinary second planet.

[Astra]

When did you locate it?

[Shana]

Oh, some time ago. But I wanted to be certain that it was our sun.

[Astra]

Well, normally you can identify a star within minutes.

[Shana]

The range is correct. Eight light years. The coordinates are correct, but. Display the Spectrograms, please, Angel 2.

[Angel 1]

Spectrograms displayed, your Honor.

[Shana]

Ah. The upper spectrogram of our sun was the last one recorded by our grandparents hundred years ago, when the Challenger was outward bound from the lower Spectrum is the one. Angel 2 is recording now. Do you see the difference?

[Astra]

You're the astronomer, Shana.

[Shana]

Oh, tell him, please, Angel 2.

[Angel 1]

Allowing for the blue shift in spectral lines due to the Challenger's approach velocity, the star displayed on the screen is indicating increased helium absorption in its spectrum and a magnitude increase from 4 decimal 8 to 3 decimal 9.

[Shana]

Sir, the lower spectrum is indicating that our sun is now brighter than it should be. Are you sure there's definitely our sun? And yet there's something wrong with it which Angel2 and I can't account for. And main sequence stars don't change in the course of a hundred years.

[Astra]

Hmm. Well, let's ask Dart what he thinks. All right. I know what you're going to say, Shana. He's not an expert in astronomy, but he does spend a lot of time in the library and I've learned to respect his fund of knowledge. Have Astro and he left the old accommodation quarters yet, Angel One?

[Angel 2]

Yes, Commander Tellson. They are here now.

[Astra]

Good, Good.

[Dove]

We wanted to see us, Telson.

[Astra]

Yes. What have you been doing in the old accommodation area?

[Dove]

Oh, just exploring. Isn't that right, Astra?

[Astra]

Yes, well, the Ultron planetary system was a waste of our time.

[Dove]

Nothing suitable.

[Shana]

Nothing.

[Astra]

And so, bearing in mind what we learned from the recording played to us by the Angels, and taking their advice into consideration, returning to us.

[Angel 2]

We're going home, are we, Tess?

[Astra]

As the Challenger is now back in the same galactic region as Earth, it seems to me a good time to report home.

[Shana]

Because we're so near home, I've managed to pick our sun out with the telescope.

[Angel 2]

Oh, do let me see it, Shanna. Please.

[Shana]

Put the sun on Visual, please, Angel 2.

[Angel 1]

Sun display, Shauna, Precise center of screen.

[Angel 2]

So that's it. Just a tiny point of light which.

[Shana]

Happens to have a magnitude of 3 decimal 9. A respectable main sequence star.

[Dove]

So it's got brighter. Oh, yes.

[Astra]

You see, he knows.

[Angel 2]

Knows what?

[Shana]

That there's an anomaly. The only logical explanation is that there's an instrument error.

[Dove]

Instrument error? That increases a star's magnitude. What do our two infallible guardian angels have to say about that, Dove?

[Astra]

I've warned you before. You must not speak of the Angels.

[Angel 2]

Is it possible to see the Earth, Shana?

[Shana]

It's not even possible to resolve the outer giant planets at this range.

[Dove]

How long to planet for Angel 1?

[Angel 2]

15 years at 1% de acceleration.

[Dove]

15?

[Astra]

This isn't a matter of losing speed for a flyby observation. We'll be going into a geostationary orbit around the Earth. That means losing all our approach velocity of 90% of the speed of light.

[Angel 1]

We have calculated a biostatic sleep period of 5565 days. Which will mean that you won't wake up until we cross the orbit of the outer giant planets. That's a total suspended animation period of 15 years, 3 months.

[Dove]

We've never been asleep for longer than 10 weeks before.

[Angel 1]

Maintaining your nutrient supply and monitoring your bodily functions for 15 years presents no more problems for Angel One and myself looking after you for 15 days. Provided you have faith in us.

[Angel 2]

Dave and Astra are heading towards the Library.

[Angel 1]

He spends too much time in there, Number One. It worries me.

[Angel 2]

I don't see why, Number Two. Three quarters of our knowledge was lost in the great meteoroid strike. And both of us have repeatedly vetted all the remaining information. There is nothing in the data matrixes on sexual matters. Not even recordings of fully grown men and women without clothes.

[Angel 1]

I always feel uncomfortable when that young man enters the Library. He's perverse enough to stumble across something we've missed. The laws of Chaste favor humans.

[Angel 2]

They didn't 25 years ago.

[Angel 1]

The only unfortunate aspect of the great meteoroid strike, Number One, was the loss of so much information. That was the one thing that could not be foreseen when we switched off the Challenger's meteoroid shield.

[Angel 2]

It'll take ages going through all those reports, Daf?

[Dove]

I don't think so. This one has a gold marker on it. Something I've not seen on any of the others.

[Angel 2]

Can I be of assistance, Darv?

[Dove]

No, thank you, Angel One. I'm just using the hologram machine.

[Angel 2]

You have not accessed any material from the library.

[Dove]

This is something I've only just discovered. Castra grass and hills in the distance.

[Astra]

And clouds.

[Dove]

Look at the size of them.

[Angel 2]

This must be some sort of fake recording. No hologram has ever shown a sky so blue.

[Dove]

Look over there. It's all right. They can't hurt us. And they're not staring at us. But whoever it was who made it was Sinclair.

[Astra]

Mission year 72. This is the second report from the planet paradise in the planetary system C5 of the Tersus 9 star cluster. This is the only planet yet discovered that has any similarity to Earth. Although there are geographical differences and the gravity is greater, the atmosphere is suitable for sustaining life. Observe the two intelligent life forms ahead of us. They are definitely humanoid. Indications are that they will be extinct in a thousand seasons. Although there are disadvantages. This is an extremely beautiful planet. Which is why I have called it Paradise. I shall be recommending it as suitable.

[Dove]

What's wrong?

[Angel 2]

We regret there is a fault on the recording.

[Dove]

Oh, how fortuitous. Never mind, we've seen enough. Wow. So much for the so called failure of the Earth search mission.

[Angel 2]

You saw it. She had her arms around a baby. But why was it biting at those growths on her chest?

[Dove]

Those creatures were almost human. Telson has got to see this recording.

[Angel 2]

He is asleep, Darf.

[Dove]

Then we must wake him.

[Angel 2]

Tomorrow we start the deacceleration for Earthfall. It is important that the Commander is rested. You will not wake him. She's right, Darth. It can wait until tomorrow. We don't want anything to interfere with our return home. We.

[Angel 1]

We cannot risk letting them live.

[Angel 2]

And the ship cannot be maneuvered by Telson and Shana alone.

[Angel 1]

How did they come by that recording? We have wiped everything in the library. Referring to Paradise.

[Angel 2]

That is not important at this time.

[Angel 1]

We are not infallible One.

[Angel 2]

We must erase all knowledge of that report from their minds. Astra thinks of nothing but the challenger's return to Earth. Therefore the imprint will be tenuous. You will have no trouble erasing her memory. I will deal with. Dove. Dove. Dove. Listen to me. This is the voice of your guardian angel.

[Dove]

Not a voice.

[Angel 2]

A machine. How can I be a machine Dog? Remember how I used to save you from the terrible nightmares you had when you were a little boy? The nursery. Androids could do nothing. But I was always there to chase the monsters away. Do you remember the monsters? They're coming back down. Coming to get you. The black chasm to the monster den is slowly opening. I can see their eyes in the darkness. Burning yellow with hate and hunger. Their claws traveling on the cold. They climb slowly towards you. Now they've scented your blood.

[Dove]

Keep it away from me, Angel 1. Please. Please don't let me come any nearer. You must stop them, Angel 1.

[Angel 2]

Stop them. If I'm a machine.

[Dove]

Go. You could stop them.

[Angel 2]

Please stop them.

[Dove]

Angel.

[Angel 2]

Do you have faith in me?

[Shana]

Just.

[Dove]

Just please stop.

[Angel 2]

Though you will remember nothing of the paradise recording. Do you understand? Nothing of the paradise recording. Eat your breakfast, Dove.

[Dove]

I'm not hungry. You must eat. I'll be on suspended Animation nutrient feed in a couple of hours. So I don't see that it matters.

[Astra]

Leave him alone, Shana. Looks like he had a bad dream.

[Shana]

That's understandable after seeing that recording.

[Dove]

What recordings?

[Shana]

Well, great meteoroid strike, of course.

[Dove]

Oh, yes.

[Angel 2]

I had a dream last night. A nice dream. I dreamt that I was holding a baby in my arms. A real live baby. I wish I knew how babies were made.

[Astra]

Right. It's time we started work. I want the ship turned through 180 degrees and the platonic drive working at 1% thrust within four hours. I'll start the preliminary checks now and I should expect all of you in the control room in 10 minutes. Directional thrust computers activated on system level B to standby.

[Angel 2]

Level C to standby. Directional thrust computers clear to all levels.

[Astra]

Inertial loading locked to the sun.

[Angel 2]

Zeroed and steady.

[Dove]

Plasma pressure building.

[Angel 2]

70%.

[Dove]

80, 90, 100% and steady.

[Shana]

Particle suites level B to standard.

[Angel 1]

You have clearance to stage five on pre thrust check.

[Astra]

Primary drive clear. Meteoroid shield activated.

[Angel 1]

You are clear to the pre thrust threshold.

[Astra]

Thank you, Angel 2. Final calls. VTC clear. Inertial loading plasma steady.

[Shana]

Sweeps levels.

[Astra]

Primary drive, secondary drive clear. Meteoroid shield clear.

[Angel 1]

All systems are free. Thrust condition green. 1%. Main drive photonic thrust 5 seconds from now. 4, 3, 2, 1. Main drive activated. Cross steady.

[Dove]

Matter annihilation steady. Thrust steady.

[Angel 1]

All main drive computers locked.

[Astra]

Well, that's it. The Challenger's now traveling backwards with her photonic drive blasting away. It's a pity we haven't got external visuals. It's something I've always wanted to see.

[Angel 1]

I didn't consider it worth replacing them after the great meteorite strike.

[Astra]

Commander Angel 1.

[Angel 2]

Commander.

[Astra]

Release the locks to the suspended animation chamber.

[Angel 2]

No locks released.

[Astra]

I wonder what 15 years suspended animation will feel like.

[Angel 2]

Like no time at all. Command. I'm floating. Floating? Why am I floating? Angel 2, you are asleep, Astra. But I'm floating. And I'm naked. I can feel warm air on me. The suspended animation Android has lifted you out of your BIOS static tank. We want to examine you. Is it time for us to wake up?

[Angel 1]

In a few minutes, Ezra.

[Angel 2]

You see, Number Two, the statron feed during suspension has worked. There's no sign of any sexual development. Despite the length of time. She is as sexually immature today as she was 15 years ago. Just as the others are.

[Angel 1]

We will have to monitor their statron intake most carefully. 1. The slightest departure from their diet will result in rapid sexual development.

[Angel 2]

Agreed. Lower her onto the recovery grid. They are all now ready for activation.

[Angel 1]

Good morning, everyone. Good morning.

[Astra]

What went wrong, Angel One?

[Angel 2]

Wrong, Commander?

[Astra]

Well, why have you woken us?

[Angel 2]

You have been asleep 15 years, Commander. What? The Challenger is now in our solar system. It has crossed the orbit of the outer planets and is now moving at a mere 50,000 miles an hour in relation to the sun.

[Astra]

Any messages from Earth, angel one?

[Angel 2]

No, Commander. The androids will begin massage shortly.

[Astra]

But why no messages, angel one?

[Shana]

Never mind that now. As soon as we've had our massage, I'm going to the observatory and taking a look at Earth.

[Angel 1]

That will not be possible, Charlotte.

[Astra]

Why not? Angel 2?

[Angel 1]

There is no doubt whatsoever that this is the correct solar system. The planets map, the Challenger's record. Everything is correct except for two things.

[Dove]

And they are?

[Angel 1]

The sun is brighter and hotter than it should be. And the Earth has gone. We searched the solar system meticulously before waking you. The moon is now journeying around the sun and the orbit of the Earth occupy. But of the Earth itself, there is no sign it has completely vanished in Earth Search by James Follett. Sean Arnold played Commander Telson, Amanda Murray.

[Astra]

Shanna Hayden, Wood Dove and Catherine hurlbut Astra. Angel 1 was played by Sonia Fraser and Angel 2 by Gordon Reed. Earth Search is directed by Glenn Dearman.

[Angel 1]

Step into the world of power, loyalty and luck.

[Shana]

I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse.

[Angel 1]

With family. Cannolis and spirit spins mean everything.

[Astra]

Now you want to get mixed up.

[Angel 2]

In the family business.

[Angel 1]

Introducing the [e-mail] test your luck in the shadowy world of the Godfather slot.

[Angel 2]

Someday I will call upon you to.

[Dove]

Do a service for me.

[Angel 1]

Play the Godfather [e-mail] Welcome to the family.

[Dove]

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[Angel 2]

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