Future Tense 74-05-13 (05) Knock

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "Future Tense 74-05-13 (05) Knock"

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Introduction

"Future Tense 74-05-13 (05) Knock," an episode from Harold's Old Time Radio, transports listeners to a gripping narrative set in a post-apocalyptic future. The story unfolds with Mark Spink (portrayed by Mark Spink) grappling with the harrowing realization that he may be the last human on Earth. The episode delves into themes of isolation, humanity, and resistance against an alien oppressor.

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Setting the Scene

The episode opens with an ominous yet intriguing premise, narrated by Douglas Dudley:

Douglas Dudley [00:16]: "Tonight we have a strange story to tell. A sweet, blood-curdling little tale that is really only two sentences long. The last man on Earth sat alone in a room. There was a knock on the door."

This succinct introduction sets the tone for an exploration of solitude and the unknown, compelling the audience to ponder the possibilities of what lies beyond the door.

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The Unexpected Visitor

Shortly after, Mark Spink finds himself confronted by an alien being, Greg Moody (voiced by Greg Moody), who identifies himself as Aan, a member of the alien species Zaun:

Greg Moody [02:24]: "Good morning, man."

Mark Spink [02:27]: "Who are you?"

Greg Moody [02:34]: "I am Aan."

The dialogue rapidly escalates as Greg reveals the unsettling truth:

Greg Moody [03:22]: "The Zahns have annexed your world."

Mark's confusion turns to shock as he learns that Earth has been overtaken by the Zahns, an alien race intent on converting the planet into a living exhibition.

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Realization of Captivity

As the conversation progresses, Mark grasps the gravity of his situation—he is imprisoned in what is essentially a zoo for human specimens. The aliens, referred to as Zombs, have eradicated other life forms deemed unnecessary for their purposes.

Greg Moody [03:36]: "But how about the people?"

Greg Moody [03:39]: "There is no longer any use for large numbers of lower life forms. Therefore, we have dispensed with them."

Faced with the reality of his eternal confinement, Mark attempts to assert his identity:

Mark Spink [04:11]: "Oh, I'm. I'm Walter Phelan, Associate professor of anthropology at Western Michigan University."

However, the aliens' advanced understanding of human languages underscores the depth of their dominance.

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The Grief of Loss

Mark struggles with the concept of mortality, contrasting his own human experience with the Zahns' apparent immortality. He introduces the notion of death as a natural end, something the aliens evidently cannot comprehend.

Mark Spink [07:24]: "Well, sure, they. They just died."

Mark Spink [08:18]: "They get us all."

This dialogue highlights the fundamental differences between humans and Zahns, setting the stage for the impending conflict.

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Introduction of Grace Evans

Gerard McLeod steps into the narrative as Grace Evans, another human captive. Her introduction brings a personal dimension to the story, emphasizing themes of companionship and resistance.

Grace Evans [16:48]: "Call me Walter. After all, George does. And we have more in common."

Together, Mark and Grace begin to contemplate ways to defy their captors, sparking the beginning of their collaborative resistance.

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Conflict and Resistance

The heart of the episode lies in Mark and Grace's struggle against the Zahns. Mark's discovery that natural death affects the Zahns introduces a potential weakness in their otherwise invincible facade.

Mark Spink [13:47]: "He can see stop you. But you can't stop him. And you'll all die if you stick around."

This revelation fuels their determination to fight back, leading to a critical turning point where Mark decides to share limited information with the Zahns to buy time.

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Turning the Tables

In a bold move, Mark leverages the Zahns' misunderstanding of human emotions, particularly affection, to undermine their control. By demonstrating the concept of love, he destabilizes the aliens' perception of humans, leading to their eventual downfall.

Mark Spink [29:07]: "And then I introduced Donald."

Gerard McLeod [29:37]: "Donald? Who's that?"

Through strategic deception and emotional manipulation, Mark and Grace outsmart the Zahns, causing internal chaos within the alien hierarchy.

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Resolution and Rebirth

With the Zahns defeated, the episode concludes on a hopeful note. Mark and Grace contemplate rebuilding humanity, preserving knowledge, and restoring Earth's ecosystem. The bonds forged during their ordeal underscore the resilience and enduring spirit of humanity.

Mark Spink [30:33]: "They never knew."

Gerard McLeod [31:38]: "Once more, please, Walter."

The final moments reflect on the importance of love, memory, and the collective effort to rebuild a world free from alien oppression.

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Conclusion

"Knock" masterfully weaves a tale of despair and hope, encapsulating the essence of classic radio storytelling. Through compelling dialogue and emotional depth, the episode resonates with themes of survival, resistance, and the enduring power of human connection.

Notable Quotes:

• Douglas Dudley [00:16]: "The last man on Earth sat alone in a room. There was a knock on the door."
• Greg Moody [03:22]: "The Zahns have annexed your world."
• Mark Spink [07:24]: "They get us all."
• Mark Spink [13:47]: "He can see stop you. But you can't stop him."
• Mark Spink [29:07]: "And then I introduced Donald."

Listeners who appreciate narratives exploring human resilience against seemingly insurmountable odds will find "Knock" an engaging and thought-provoking experience.

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Produced and Directed by Ellie Siegel

Cast:

• Mark Spink as Walter Phelan
• Greg Moody as Greg Moody (Zahn)
• Mary Godfrey as Grace Evans
• Douglas Dudley as Narrator

Adapted by: Ernest Canoy

Closing Invitation:

Gerard McLeod [33:14]: "Our narrator was Douglas Dudley. Future Tense is produced and directed by Ellie Siegel. This is Gerard McLeod inviting you and your entire family to join us every Monday through Thursday at the same time for Future Tense. Be sure to listen."

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This episode exemplifies the golden age radio storytelling tradition, blending suspense, drama, and emotional depth to create an unforgettable auditory experience.

Transcript

[Gerard McLeod]

Stay tuned now for adventure and excitement in the world of the future. It's entertainment for the entire family. Produced right here in Kalamazoo.

[Douglas Dudley]

Tonight we have a strange story to tell. A sweet, blood curdling little tale that is really only two sentences long. The last man on Earth sat alone in a room. There was a knock on the door. Think it over. Suppose you were the last man alive on Earth. In the universe, for that matter. The last man. Sitting alone in a room. And suddenly there was a knock on the door. What knocked on the door? You wonder, don't you? Your mind, faced with the unknown, supplies something vaguely horrible. But it isn't horrible, really. You'll see.

[Mark Spink]

Join us now for a voyage into another dimension. A journey into our realm as infinite and limitless as time itself. Our destination, the farthest reaches of the imagination. WMUK Special Projects presents Future Takes.

[Frederick Brown]

Knock by Frederick Brown.

[Douglas Dudley]

The last man on Earth. All alone in a room. A rather peculiar room. He'd been studying the reason for its peculiarity. And his conclusion didn't horrify him. It annoyed him. There was a knock on the door.

[Mark Spink]

What?

[Greg Moody]

Good morning, man.

[Mark Spink]

Who are you?

[Greg Moody]

You have regained consciousness.

[Mark Spink]

Who. Who. Who are you?

[Greg Moody]

I am Aan.

[Mark Spink]

Maybe if I. I close my eyes, it'll go away. I will not go away, man. Oh. Oh, no. I. I guess I am awake. Who. What are you?

[Greg Moody]

I am a Zaun.

[Mark Spink]

What's that?

[Greg Moody]

A Zaun is intelligent life.

[Mark Spink]

What. What happened? Where are you from?

[Greg Moody]

From Planet 7 in the fourth galaxy of the third quadrant. Where it is not necessary to repeat information which is correct in the original statement.

[Mark Spink]

Planet seven? You mean I'm not on Earth?

[Greg Moody]

You are still on your planet.

[Mark Spink]

Well, then what are you doing here?

[Greg Moody]

The Zahns have annexed your world.

[Mark Spink]

You mean you've conquered Earth?

[Greg Moody]

Yes, that is correct. We will now prepare your planet for habitation by the zombs.

[Mark Spink]

But how about the people?

[Greg Moody]

There is no longer any use for large numbers of lower life forms. Therefore, we have dispensed with them.

[Mark Spink]

Dispensed with what?

[Greg Moody]

You mean you.

[Mark Spink]

When did all this happen? Two days ago.

[Greg Moody]

You have been unconscious until now.

[Mark Spink]

Oh, you. You really mean that I'm the last man on Earth?

[Greg Moody]

That is correct. Identify yourself now.

[Mark Spink]

What?

[Greg Moody]

Kindly provide data as to your position in the elementary social order of your planet.

[Mark Spink]

Oh, I'm. I'm Walter Phelan, Associate professor of anthropology at Western Michigan University. Well, how is it you speak English?

[Greg Moody]

We have deciphered your written and recorded records. It is not difficult to reconstruct your language. It is a primary type of auditory communication.

[Mark Spink]

Oh.

[Greg Moody]

Is there anything you want to complete your natural habitat?

[Mark Spink]

Well. You mean I'm a prisoner?

[Greg Moody]

That is correct. What will you want further in your room?

[Mark Spink]

Well, do I. Do I have to stay here?

[Greg Moody]

Yes.

[Mark Spink]

The rest of my life?

[Greg Moody]

Forever.

[Mark Spink]

Well, you better bring in my books. I gotta call you something. Do you mind if I call you George?

[Greg Moody]

It is immaterial.

[Mark Spink]

All right then, George. You know, I. I can't really believe this.

[Greg Moody]

Fat is characteristic of low life forms.

[Mark Spink]

I'm. I'm trying to take this in without going off balance completely.

[Greg Moody]

I will be back. Associate professor of anthropology.

[Mark Spink]

Oh, it's. It's all right, George. Just. Just call me Walter.

[Greg Moody]

Very well, Walter. I will be back with your books.

[Mark Spink]

All right, George. I'll see you around.

[Greg Moody]

You will not be around, Walter.

[Mark Spink]

You will be here. Come in. Oh, hello, George. Hello, Walter. What can I do for you?

[Greg Moody]

Point 1. You will please henceforth sit with your chair pointed the other way.

[Mark Spink]

I thought so. That plain wall is different from the other sides, isn't it?

[Greg Moody]

That is correct. It is transparent parent.

[Mark Spink]

Oh, that's what I thought. I'm in a zoo, right?

[Greg Moody]

That is correct.

[Mark Spink]

Oh, I knew it. If I persist in sitting with my back to it, what then? You'll kill me? I ask, hopefully.

[Greg Moody]

No, we will not kill you.

[Mark Spink]

Well, that's too bad, George. Face the bars and perform for the people. I mean for the zan. How many other animals do you have here in the zoo, George?

[Greg Moody]

216. Male and female of each of 108 kind.

[Mark Spink]

Male and female of. Of all the animals.

[Greg Moody]

There is a female of your species among the collection.

[Mark Spink]

Anyone I know? Well, never mind. It doesn't matter anyway. Well, George, you started out with point one. I suppose there's a point point two kicking around somewhere. What is it?

[Greg Moody]

One thing we do not understand. Two of the other animals sleep and do not wake. They are cold. What is wrong with them, Walter?

[Mark Spink]

Well, they must be dead.

[Greg Moody]

Dead? That means stopped. But nothing stopped them. Each was alone.

[Mark Spink]

Well, sure, they. They just died.

[Greg Moody]

But I told you they were alone. Nothing stopped them.

[Mark Spink]

George did. Do you mean to tell me that you don't know what natural death is?

[Greg Moody]

Death is when a being is killed, stopped from living.

[Mark Spink]

Well, maybe these animals just died of old age.

[Douglas Dudley]

Old age?

[Greg Moody]

I do not understand.

[Mark Spink]

Georgia, how old are you?

[Greg Moody]

Your planet went around its sun about 7,000 times since I was born.

[Mark Spink]

7,000 years?

[Greg Moody]

Yes, and I'm still, still young.

[Mark Spink]

Look, George, you. You've got something to learn about this planet. You hijacked here on Earth. We've got somebody that's a stranger. Where you come from? Down here, people and animals live until the Grim Reaper stops them.

[Greg Moody]

This Grim Reaper stop the two animals?

[Mark Spink]

Right.

[Greg Moody]

Will he stop more?

[Mark Spink]

He gets us all.

[Greg Moody]

George, this is a new factor we have not considered.

[Mark Spink]

And, well, you can consider it. Because when the Grim Reaper gets through, there won't be very much left of your zoo.

[Greg Moody]

You mean he will stop more animals soon?

[Mark Spink]

Well, with your lifespan, it won't seem more than a minute and we'll all be gone. It looks like you've made a mistake, George. And I don't think there's very much you can do about.

[Greg Moody]

That is not correct. The Zahn is a logical being. We will take action. You will live here. Now, Walter, it is a larger room.

[Mark Spink]

Well, be it ever so humble.

[Greg Moody]

Go inside.

[Mark Spink]

Be careful with those books. George. Don't. Oh, excuse me.

[Gerard McLeod]

Who are you? What are you doing here?

[Mark Spink]

Well, I. I guess George didn't explain. George tries to be polite, but he hasn't quite caught on yet. I'm Walter Phelan.

[Gerard McLeod]

I'm Grace Evans. Mr. Phelan, what is all this about? Why did they bring me here?

[Mark Spink]

Well, I think I. I know why.

[Gerard McLeod]

Why?

[Mark Spink]

You see, I've been talking to George.

[Greg Moody]

George, I leave you to now.

[Mark Spink]

Well, that's what I call him. All of them. There's no way to tell them apart. And anyway, there aren't many of them here yet. They come from outside the solar system. Sort of an advanced scouting party.

[Gerard McLeod]

Yes, I saw their spaceship. It's as big as a mountain.

[Mark Spink]

They're moving in on us. They've cleaned off the Earth with some sort of vibration that destroys all sorts of animal life. They killed everybody?

[Gerard McLeod]

Oh, no.

[Mark Spink]

The cheerful note is that you and I and 200 odd other animals were picked up beforehand as specimens for the zoo. You know that this is a zoo, don't you?

[Gerard McLeod]

I suspected it, but I don't remember anything about being captured. I just woke up here.

[Mark Spink]

Well, we solved a lot of problems for us. Housing shortages, wars. I don't suppose the human race, you and I, that is, have to worry about anything now.

[Gerard McLeod]

It's awful.

[Mark Spink]

Only they made one mistake. They overestimated us.

[Gerard McLeod]

I don't understand.

[Mark Spink]

They thought we were immortal.

[Gerard McLeod]

Immortal?

[Mark Spink]

Immortal, like they are? Oh, they. They can be killed. The Zahns don't know what natural death is, though. And they didn't know anyway until they lost two of us yesterday.

[Gerard McLeod]

You mean there are more than two of us?

[Mark Spink]

No, no, no. More of Our species, these were merely brother animals. A rabbit and a canary. And by the Zahn's way of reckoning time, the rest of us are only good for a few minutes more anyway. Well, that's a joke on them. They figured they had permanent specimens here in their zoo.

[Gerard McLeod]

But didn't they know that we all die eventually?

[Mark Spink]

No, I don't think so. You see, George told me that he was 7,000 years old. He's supposed to be young. When they learned how quickly we die, they were probably shocked to the core. If they have cores.

[Gerard McLeod]

How can you talk about it that way?

[Mark Spink]

Academic detachment. I learned it at faculty meetings. At any rate, they've decided to reorganize their zoo two by two. They figure we'll last longer collectively, if not individually.

[Gerard McLeod]

Well, if they think. That is, if you think for one minute.

[Mark Spink]

Oh, no, don't. Don't worry, I don't.

[Gerard McLeod]

But are they going to keep us locked up together in this one little room?

[Mark Spink]

I'm afraid so.

[Gerard McLeod]

It's horrible.

[Mark Spink]

Well, I agree with you perfectly, my dear. But all personal considerations aside, the least favor we can do the human race is to let it end with us. I don't see much point in continuing it just for an exhibition in a zoo.

[Gerard McLeod]

How can you just sit here and. And lecture?

[Mark Spink]

Habit.

[Gerard McLeod]

But we got to do something.

[Mark Spink]

What?

[Gerard McLeod]

Well, I don't know. It just seems we owe it to the human race to do something.

[Mark Spink]

Does it? You got a suggestion?

[Gerard McLeod]

There must be some way they can be killed, you said.

[Mark Spink]

Well, I think that anything that would kill one of us would kill one of them. You see, I figured it out. I think now George cut his. I suppose you'd call it his hand when he brought in my books. Now it started to bleed red blood. But I could see the cut closing just as he stood there. And by the time he left, it was healed.

[Gerard McLeod]

I don't understand.

[Mark Spink]

Well, don't you see? Whatever factor there is in man that makes him grow old is missing in the zan. They just go on and on and on until. Well, until they're stopped.

[Gerard McLeod]

But suppose we kill one.

[Douglas Dudley]

What would be the use that where.

[Mark Spink]

They wouldn't even punish us. They just give us our food through a trap door and put up a sign saying beware of the man dangerous.

[Gerard McLeod]

I don't think they'd have to bother in your case. I don't see anything funny.

[Mark Spink]

This reminds me of Martha.

[Gerard McLeod]

Martha?

[Mark Spink]

My wife. She died two years ago.

[Gerard McLeod]

I'm sorry.

[Mark Spink]

Oh, not at all. Oh, that will be George with my books. Come in. Hello. George.

[Greg Moody]

Hello, Walter. Point one.

[Mark Spink]

I have brought your books. Point one, huh? Well, what else is on your mind?

[Greg Moody]

Point two. Another creature sleeps and will not wake up. A small feathered one called a duck.

[Mark Spink]

Well, it happens, George. I warned you. Old man Death. The Grim Reaper. I told you all about him.

[Greg Moody]

Walter, the Council of Zahn has met. It has been decided logically that the only intelligent life to escape the vibration is you. Therefore, the logical conclusion is you are stopping these animals by some means unknown to us.

[Mark Spink]

George, you flipped your wing.

[Greg Moody]

You will tell me now how this is done.

[Mark Spink]

Why? Are you boys afraid you're going to lose the whole zoo?

[Greg Moody]

It is necessary to save the remaining specimens as long as possible. If we do not get information, we may be forced to dispense with your species entirely.

[Mark Spink]

Oh, now, wait a minute.

[Greg Moody]

This means you, Walter, and the people.

[Mark Spink]

Now, now, wait a minute, George. Now, don't go off half. Let me take a look at these animals that won't wake up.

[Greg Moody]

I will take you there now.

[Mark Spink]

This is the reason you should have got him in the winter, George. His fur is worth more than than. It's an ermine.

[Greg Moody]

This is the reptile cage. Here are the ducks. This is a male. The female has been stopped.

[Mark Spink]

A lucky girl. What's the matter? Fell on here? You lonely down there?

[Greg Moody]

Walter, you will tell me how you stopped the female duck.

[Mark Spink]

Well, you got me, George. I didn't do it. Maybe she died of the Dutch Elm blight.

[Greg Moody]

Walter, you are not being logical. We have concluded that you are stopping these animals. Tell us how it is done.

[Mark Spink]

Well, I told you, George. I haven't the foggiest notion.

[Greg Moody]

Very well. We will have to take further action.

[Mark Spink]

What are you going to do, George?

[Greg Moody]

We have methods of action. You will know soon. We will go back now to your room.

[Gerard McLeod]

What happened, Mr. Phelan?

[Mark Spink]

Call me Walter. After all, George does. And we have more in common.

[Gerard McLeod]

Oh, please. What happened?

[Mark Spink]

Just a duck. A dead duck. George thinks I killed him by remote control. He thinks I'm holding out on him.

[Gerard McLeod]

Good.

[Mark Spink]

What?

[Gerard McLeod]

Well, at least we can get back at them. At least we can do something to them.

[Mark Spink]

But why? After all, George isn't a bad fellow. If you like an ant mentality.

[Gerard McLeod]

How can you say that? They wiped out the whole human race. They've murdered everybody.

[Mark Spink]

I suppose they have. But we can't change that now. So why think about it.

[Gerard McLeod]

We can't just sit here and do nothing.

[Mark Spink]

Well, I fail to see how we can do anything else.

[Gerard McLeod]

Of all the men in the world, they had to pick don't you even want to fight back? Don't you want to keep on fighting until the end?

[Mark Spink]

It hadn't occurred to me.

[Gerard McLeod]

But we've got to, Walter.

[Mark Spink]

Why?

[Gerard McLeod]

Well, I. I can't really explain, but. Walter, if there was any good in man, it was that he kept on struggling against nature. And in the end, even against himself. But at least he kept on fighting for what he thought was right. And we're all left. Walter, we just can't. Can't end it by giving up. We've got to keep on fighting.

[Mark Spink]

You do remind me of Martha.

[Gerard McLeod]

Oh, look. There isn't much left for us. But we could beat them in this one small thing. We can pretend that there's a secret about death and we could refuse to tell them anything.

[Mark Spink]

But there isn't anything to tell.

[Gerard McLeod]

They don't know that. Promise me you won't give in.

[Mark Spink]

I suppose the worst they can do is to kill us.

[Gerard McLeod]

Oh, Walter.

[Mark Spink]

All right, Ms. Evans. Hello, George. Hello, Walter.

[Greg Moody]

Now you will tell us how these animals are stopped.

[Mark Spink]

George, this may cut as a great shock to you, but I've decided not to tell you.

[Greg Moody]

Why?

[Mark Spink]

Well, call it a romantic attachment to lost causes. My grandfather was a Confederate officer.

[Greg Moody]

Walter, you are not being logical. But that is expected in lower life forms. You will come with me now, Walter.

[Gerard McLeod]

Where are you taking him?

[Greg Moody]

To the second level. Come now, Walter.

[Gerard McLeod]

You won't tell them?

[Mark Spink]

I can't guarantee anything, but as of now, I don't intend to.

[Gerard McLeod]

We've got to fight. Remember that, Walter. We've got to go out fighting.

[Greg Moody]

You will tell us now.

[Mark Spink]

Walter. That was the first level of vibration.

[Greg Moody]

There are many more. However, we have calculated that none of them exceeds your threshold of unconsciousness.

[Mark Spink]

Very clever, George. Of course.

[Greg Moody]

You will tell us now. How do you stop these animals?

[Mark Spink]

As of now, no. However, I'm. I'm not very brave if that encourages you.

[Greg Moody]

You are not being logical, Walter.

[Mark Spink]

You're telling me.

[Greg Moody]

We will now use vibration level two. You will tell us now.

[Mark Spink]

You know, George, I can't figure it out myself, but I'm stubborn. Maybe it has something to do with the dignity of man. The civilization such as it was that you wiped out.

[Greg Moody]

I do not understand.

[Mark Spink]

I didn't think you would, but go ahead.

[Greg Moody]

Vibrate vibration level 2. It will be very painful. Walter. Walter. Walter, you are still conscious.

[Mark Spink]

Let me alone. George.

[Greg Moody]

You will tell us now. You will tell us how you stop the animals.

[Mark Spink]

Oh, please, let me alone.

[Greg Moody]

We have had vibration levels 1 through 10. There are still 15 more before your threshold of Unconsciousness.

[Mark Spink]

Oh, no. Let me alone.

[Greg Moody]

Walter, listen to me. Another creature sleeps and will not wake. We must know now.

[Mark Spink]

Oh, that's tough. You'd better start vibrating again, George.

[Greg Moody]

No.

[Mark Spink]

What?

[Greg Moody]

It would not be logical. We have calculated that no further level of vibration will overcome your irrational psychological block. We conclude you will not tell you.

[Mark Spink]

You mean you're going to let me go?

[Greg Moody]

That is correct.

[Mark Spink]

Well, that's real nice of you, George. I appreciate it.

[Greg Moody]

We have calculated that the resistance of the female of your species will be lower. We will now place her under conditions.

[Mark Spink]

No, George, you can't do that.

[Greg Moody]

Why not, Walter? It's the logical thing.

[Mark Spink]

Oh no. She. She couldn't take it.

[Greg Moody]

Yes, that is what we expect.

[Mark Spink]

Therefore we will go and bring the woman here. No, no, no. Now listen to me, George. There is no secret. Now do you understand that? There's no secret. Those animals died from natural causes. I'm telling you the truth.

[Greg Moody]

That is not a logical answer.

[Mark Spink]

We will get the woman. I told you the truth. Now can't you understand?

[Greg Moody]

We must know now. The female animal caged next to the duck has been stopped.

[Mark Spink]

We must preserve the survivor animal next to the duck.

[Greg Moody]

We will bring the woman here. She will tell us after the. The vibration.

[Mark Spink]

No. No. Listen, George. George, do. Do you want the truth? Do you want to know how to save the mates to the animals that have been stopped?

[Greg Moody]

You will tell us now.

[Mark Spink]

Yes. Yes, I'll tell you. Take me to that stopped animal and I'll tell you how to save its mate.

[Greg Moody]

Very well, Walter. You are being logical. Now we will go.

[Gerard McLeod]

Walter, I. Are you all right?

[Mark Spink]

Yes. Just let me catch my breath a minute.

[Gerard McLeod]

What happened?

[Mark Spink]

Well, after a while I told them what they wanted to know.

[Gerard McLeod]

You didn't?

[Mark Spink]

Sure. As George pointed out, it seemed to be the logical thing at the time.

[Gerard McLeod]

You gave up?

[Mark Spink]

Well, I suppose you can call it that. I guess I'm weak. Something might turn up. Martha.

[Gerard McLeod]

But they've beaten us completely. Then there isn't anything we can do. The last of the human race and we give up. We don't even die fighting. Wait. You called me Hun.

[Mark Spink]

I must have said Martha. I'm. I'm sorry. She was my wife. She died two years ago. What were you saying?

[Gerard McLeod]

Nothing. Nothing. It doesn't matter now. It's too late. Too late? The whole thing.

[Mark Spink]

What now? George?

[Greg Moody]

Z has been stopped.

[Mark Spink]

What?

[Gerard McLeod]

Zahn is dead.

[Greg Moody]

That is correct.

[Mark Spink]

You didn't believe me, George. But you can die. You can really die. You'll have to get used to that. If you Want to stay here?

[Greg Moody]

The Council has decided a. You have in some way stopped the Zan be. You and the woman must be eliminated.

[Mark Spink]

Oh, you. You've got it wrong, George. I didn't stop that Zahn. It's just death. It gets all of us here.

[Greg Moody]

You will be eliminated now.

[Mark Spink]

But. But George, it won't do any good to kill us. It won't save you. Everything that lives on Earth must die.

[Greg Moody]

That is not logical.

[Mark Spink]

But it's true.

[Greg Moody]

Council has decided. This time you will have the full vibration.

[Gerard McLeod]

This time? Walter, what did they do to you?

[Mark Spink]

Healthy. They have a rather effective third degree.

[Gerard McLeod]

They tortured you, Walter. Yes, yes, and I. Walter, it was all my fault.

[Mark Spink]

I wouldn't have even tried without you. I suppose we have a at least a chance now to end with some dignity.

[Gerard McLeod]

I think you're a very brave man.

[Mark Spink]

Well, there isn't much else to do. Do we go now, George?

[Greg Moody]

Now, Walter.

[Mark Spink]

What's that?

[Greg Moody]

I have been told Another. Another Zahn has died.

[Mark Spink]

Well, now. Now will you believe me?

[Greg Moody]

The Council of the Zahn meets now.

[Mark Spink]

Two Zahns gone already. And. And you were with me. George, you know I didn't kill this one.

[Greg Moody]

What stopped them then?

[Mark Spink]

I told you. Why, it's old man death. You came to the wrong planet, George. Your immortality doesn't go down here. He can see stop you. But you can't stop him. And you'll all die if you stick around.

[Greg Moody]

Now what the Council has decided this.

[Mark Spink]

Is a place of death.

[Greg Moody]

We will leave your planet.

[Gerard McLeod]

Leave? You mean you're giving up?

[Greg Moody]

It is not safe for the Zahn.

[Gerard McLeod]

Walter, they're leaving. They're really going.

[Mark Spink]

Well, go on then, George. And don't hurry back.

[Greg Moody]

We not be logical to do so. We are leaving the Earth now. Goodbye, Walter.

[Mark Spink]

Goodbye, George. Well, they're all aboard now.

[Gerard McLeod]

Oh, it's so wonderful to feel the wind and the sun again. Walter, is it safe for us to be out here?

[Mark Spink]

Sure. They're not interested in us any longer. They only want to get away. And I want to see this Grace. The Zahn leaving Earth forever. Oh, no. They're blasting off.

[Gerard McLeod]

There they go.

[Mark Spink]

Yes, it's over now.

[Gerard McLeod]

I still don't understand, Walter. What made them go?

[Mark Spink]

Oh, I just told them the facts of life.

[Gerard McLeod]

Of death, you mean?

[Mark Spink]

No, no, of life. After all. I thought George was old enough to know. 7,000 years is getting me pretty big.

[Gerard McLeod]

Boy, I wish you'd stop joking and tell me what happened.

[Mark Spink]

Well, do you remember when the first animals died?

[Gerard McLeod]

Yes, the rabbit and the canary.

[Mark Spink]

Well, their Mates just wanted to pine and waste away. Yes, well, that worried the Zan. They wanted to keep the last specimens alive, but they couldn't. So finally I broke down and told them about affection.

[Gerard McLeod]

Affection?

[Mark Spink]

And then I introduced Donald.

[Gerard McLeod]

Donald? Who's that?

[Mark Spink]

Come with me and I'll show you. Grace, I want you to meet Donald.

[Gerard McLeod]

Oh, Walter, please. What does affection have. Have to do with it?

[Mark Spink]

Well, that's what the Zan wanted to know. I told him it was love that made the world go around. Having lost his mate, Donald would die immediately unless he had affection. And constant petting.

[Gerard McLeod]

Petting?

[Mark Spink]

I even showed him how. Come here. Come here. Yes, I held Donald in my arms and I. I petted them over. Then I let the Zan take over with the animal in the next cage.

[Gerard McLeod]

What animal?

[Mark Spink]

Take a look. Now, watch out. Don't get too close.

[Gerard McLeod]

It's a rat snake.

[Mark Spink]

Yes, it's a rattlesnake. The Zaans metabolism made it impossible for them to die of old age. But I had a hunch that they could be poisoned.

[Gerard McLeod]

It was the snake that killed the two Z.

[Mark Spink]

They never knew.

[Gerard McLeod]

What, then you outwitted them, Walter?

[Mark Spink]

Well, I suppose.

[Gerard McLeod]

And I thought you'd just given up. Oh, Walter, I'm so proud of you.

[Mark Spink]

You don't have to be. I had given up. I probably wouldn't have fought at all if you hadn't pushed me.

[Gerard McLeod]

Oh, well.

[Mark Spink]

Well, we've got a world to plan. A whole new world. Grace. I know we'll have to decide which animals to let out of the zoo and which ones it'll be safer to keep in. But first there's a much bigger problem.

[Gerard McLeod]

What's that?

[Mark Spink]

The human race.

[Gerard McLeod]

Oh.

[Mark Spink]

We got to make a decision about things that. It's a pretty important one.

[Gerard McLeod]

Oh, yes, but.

[Mark Spink]

Well, it hasn't been a bad race. Of course, it may go backward for a while till it gets its breath, but. Well, we can save the books and all of the most important things and get it started ahead.

[Gerard McLeod]

Once more, please, Walter.

[Mark Spink]

Yes, it's the Garden of Eden all over it again.

[Gerard McLeod]

Don't be ridiculous, Walter.

[Mark Spink]

Funny, you even blush like Martha. Only you're stronger than she was. And prettier too.

[Gerard McLeod]

I wish you'd forget about Martha.

[Mark Spink]

I think I will, my dear, if you'll only give me a little time.

[Gerard McLeod]

Now, Walter Phelan, you listen to me. If you think for one minute that.

[Mark Spink]

We thought it would never happen to me again. But it is love that makes the world go around. And so, Grace, I wouldn't love you if.

[Gerard McLeod]

If you were the last man on Earth.

[Mark Spink]

That's exactly what I am.

[Gerard McLeod]

I don't care. I don't even want to talk about it. I'm going.

[Mark Spink]

Well, all right, my dear. But think it over and please come back.

[Douglas Dudley]

You see, I told you it wasn't really so horrible. Our story. Remember how it goes? Goes? The last man on earth sat alone in a room, and then there was a knock on the door.

[Mark Spink]

Come in. Come in. Come in, my dear.

[Douglas Dudley]

You see? It wasn't horrible after all.

[Frederick Brown]

WMUK Special Projects has presented the Frederick Brown story Knock, adapted for radio by Ernest Canoy. Mark Spink was heard as Walter Phelan, Greg Moody as the Zon, and Mary Godfrey as Grace Evans. Our narrator was Douglas Dudley. Future Tense is produced and directed by Ellie Siegel. This is Gerard McLeod inviting you and your entire family to join us every Monday through Thursday at the same time for Future Tense. Be sure to listen.