Journey Into Space 53-09-21 001 Operation Luna01

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio: Journey Into Space - Episode 53-09-21 001 Operation Luna01

Release Date: April 5, 2025
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Description: Relive the excitement of the Golden Age of Radio with "Journey Into Space," a gripping space adventure that transports listeners to the nerve-wracking moments of a lunar mission. This episode, "Operation Luna01," captivates with its authentic 1960s radio drama style, complete with dramatic tension, character conflict, and the pioneering spirit of space exploration.

---

1. Mission Preparation and Launch

The episode opens on October 19th, 1965, in the vast expanse of the Australian outback, where the rocket ship Luna stands ready for its momentous journey to the moon. The crew comprises:

• Jet Morgan (Host) - The composed and authoritative captain.
• Stephen Mitchell (Engineer) - The mission's engineer with a strong sense of ownership over the ship.
• Lemmy Barnett (Radio Operator) - The affable and somewhat flippant radio operator.
• Doc Matthews (Narrator) - The medical officer, providing insights and commentary.

As the rocket prepares for launch, Narrator sets the stage:

[01:01] "Within the ship, outwardly calm and strapped to our couches, the four of us who are to make this momentous journey are anxiously waiting for our captain to launch us out into space."

The countdown begins, building suspense as Jet Morgan communicates with Control:

[02:28] Jet Morgan: "Hello, Control. Standby for firing."

The launch sequence unfolds with meticulous detail, capturing the tension and anticipation of the crew as they brace for liftoff.

---

2. Initial Launch Challenges

Shortly after ignition, Lemmy Barnett notices unusual vibrations:

[03:19] Lemmy Barnett: "J, J, what's wrong? She's shaking like a le."

Jet Morgan maintains composure, instructing the crew to stay flat and secure:

[03:21] Jet Morgan: "Quiet. Let me. Save your breath."

Despite these measures, the rocket experiences significant shaking, leading to concerns about potential damage:

[03:24] Control: "Height 6.8 miles. Velocity 3750."

The crew grapples with the realization that something may have gone awry during launch.

---

3. Communication Breakdown and Crew Tensions

As the mission progresses, communication with Control falters. Control provides intermittent updates, but the signal strength diminishes:

[05:02] Mitch: "What's up, Jet?"

[05:03] Jet Morgan: "They don't answer. Hello, Control. Hello, Lemmy. Any idea what's wrong?"

This communication breakdown exacerbates tensions among the crew. Stephen Mitchell becomes increasingly frustrated:

[10:02] Mitch: "This ship's not turning back. It set out to land on the moon and it's going to do it."

Jet Morgan asserts his authority, leading to a heated exchange and a near-mutiny:

[10:31] Jet Morgan: "One more word out of you, Mitchell, I'll put you under arrest."

[10:34] Mitch: "That's funny, that is. Go on, try it, try it. Just try and lay a hand on me."

The conflict highlights the psychological strains of space travel, especially in isolated and high-stress environments.

---

4. Scientific and Technical Struggles

Lemmy Barnett dedicates himself to restoring communication with Earth, facing repeated failures:

[12:52] Lemmy Barnett: "I don't know. Three times I put this thing together, and each time she should have worked."

Despite his efforts, the radio remains unresponsive, deepening the crew's isolation:

[15:07] Lemmy Barnett: "It's them. It's them. We made it. Hello?"

After several attempts, Control finally re-establishes contact, providing critical mission data:

[15:58] Jet Morgan: "Try and stop us?"

[15:59] Control: "And here it comes. The time is now 3 hours, 11 minutes and 54 seconds. Universal Time time from takeoff is 0 plus 27 hours, 11 minutes and 59 seconds. Your distance from Earth is 142,000 miles. Your speed is 4,200 miles per hour. Your position is as follows."

This reconnection reaffirms the mission's trajectory and calms the crew, restoring a semblance of direction.

---

5. Meteor Strike and Emergency Procedures

Mid-journey, a meteor impacts the Luna, prompting immediate emergency protocols:

[18:19] Jet Morgan: "A meteor hit the ship. Emergency stations."

The crew swiftly dons their spacesuits, ensuring the integrity of the vessel remains uncompromised:

[18:32] Lemmy Barnett: "Here you are. Red for Doc."

An internal examination reveals minimal damage, but awareness of vulnerability persists:

[19:01] Mitch: "Fuel tanks and motor seem to be intact. No damage there as far as I can see."

Asserting the need for external inspection, Jet Morgan initiates a spacewalk. The dramatic portrayal captures the awe and danger of venturing into the void:

[21:30] Jet Morgan: "It's more beautiful than I have a dream. Millions of them. Literally millions."

---

6. Final Challenges and Psychological Struggles

Back on the ship, Lemmy Barnett begins to exhibit signs of psychological strain, hearing unexplained music and experiencing disorientation:

[24:00] Lemmy Barnett: "What's wrong? Jet? That music, didn't you hear it?"

Jet Morgan remains skeptical, attributing the phenomena to technical issues:

[24:18] Jet Morgan: "But there was, I'll tell you. I heard it. All I heard was you screaming."

Despite Lemmy’s insistence, the crew grapples with the implications of their mental and emotional states in the confines of space.

---

7. Episode Conclusion

As the episode draws to a close, the crew faces unresolved tensions and the haunting mystery of the unexplained phenomena within the ship. Mitch confronts the psychological fallout, underscoring the profound impact of isolation and stress:

[25:14] Jet Morgan: "What's happening to him, Mitch?"

[25:16] Mitch: "What do you think's happening to him? I told you, he's unstable. A psychological misfit."

The episode ends on a suspenseful note, leaving listeners eager for the next installment in the Luna's perilous journey.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jet Morgan on Leadership:

  [10:24] Mitch: "Sure you are. As long as you carry out the job I hired you for, this ship is mine."

• Lemmy Barnett on Isolation:

  [23:27] Mitch: "You can make out the African continent quite easily. And the southern ice cap. The reflection is brilliant."

• Jet Morgan Reflecting on the Mission:

  [23:27] Jet Morgan: "Did you ever see anything like it? Oh, Mitch, if we never get to the moon, the trip was worth it just for this."

• Tensions Escalate:

  [10:31] Jet Morgan: "One more word out of you, Mitchell, I'll put you under arrest."

---

Production Details

"Journey Into Space" features a stellar cast:

• Andrew Fowles as Jet Morgan
• Alfie Bass as Lemmy Guy
• Kingsley Pointer as Doc Matthews
• David Williams as Mitch
• John Casabon in additional roles

The immersive soundscape is complemented by an original score composed and conducted by Van Phillips, enhancing the dramatic tension and authenticity of the space adventure.

Produced by Charles Chilton Foreign for the BBC, this episode exemplifies the rich storytelling and technical prowess of classic radio dramas, making it a must-listen for enthusiasts of the genre and newcomers alike.

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Note: Advertisements and non-content sections, including promotions for services like Talkspace and Chumba Casino, have been intentionally excluded from this summary to focus solely on the narrative and dramatic elements of the episode.

Transcript

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[Narrator]

Journey into Space. BBC presents Jet Morgan in Operation Luna. October 19th, 1965. In the Australian outback, many miles from the nearest town, stands the rocket ship that is about to carry Jet Morgan and his crew to the moon. Beside Jet, the captain, there are Stephen Mitchell, engineer Lemmy Barnett, radio operator, and Doc Matthews. That's me. Already the scaffolding has been removed and the ground crew have taken cover from the shattering rocket blast that is soon to send the moon ship on its way. Within the ship, outwardly calm and strapped to our couches, the four of us who are to make this momentous journey are anxiously waiting for our captain to launch us out into space.

[Control]

0 minus 45 seconds.

[Jet Morgan]

Hello, Control. Standby for firing.

[Control]

Standing by and good luck. Clear enough.

[Jet Morgan]

Switch on recorder.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Recorder on.

[Jet Morgan]

Doc? Gyros.

[Narrator]

Gyros.

[Jet Morgan]

Okay. Mitch?

[Narrator]

Okay.

[Mitch]

Jet.

[Jet Morgan]

Doc?

[Narrator]

Okay.

[Jet Morgan]

Lemmy?

[Lemmy Barnett]

Okay, I'll think.

[Jet Morgan]

Standby for count off.

[Mitch]

Don't anybody try to move. Don't even try to raise your head.

[Jet Morgan]

Lemmy, lie down.

[Lemmy Barnett]

I'm only getting comfortable.

[Jet Morgan]

Lie flat and stay flat.

[Narrator]

Hole.

[Jet Morgan]

Firing in 15 seconds. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Contact.

[Lemmy Barnett]

J, J, what's wrong? She's shaking like a le.

[Jet Morgan]

Quiet. Let me. Save your breath.

[Lemmy Barnett]

She. Shake yourself. Pieces.

[Control]

Height 6.8 miles. Velocity 3750.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Oh. Oh. What's happening? Jet? Up. I can't move.

[Control]

0, 20. Height 12.1 miles. Velocity 4350.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Oh. Oh. Oh. Don't stand it.

[Jet Morgan]

Hang on, Lenny. It won't last long.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Oh, why did I ever come?

[Control]

0 plus 30. Height 27.2. Velocity 6550. Maximum speed will be reached 50 seconds. 0 plus 81 seconds. Height 76 miles. Velocity 11,000 miles per hour.

[Jet Morgan]

The booster's paid out.

[Narrator]

Oh.

[Control]

Standby to jettison booster.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Oh, I wouldn't go through that again for all the rice in China.

[Jet Morgan]

You'll be going through it again in just a few moments.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Oh, no. I'll be pushed right through this couch and out the other side.

[Jet Morgan]

You all set, Mitch?

[Mitch]

Yes, Jed.

[Jet Morgan]

Doc ready? Okay, Doc. Booster, jettison switch. Standby.

[Control]

Jettison switch. Contact now.

[Jet Morgan]

Hello, Control. Booster stage jettisoned. Standing by to cut in atomic motor. Waiting for your signal. Over. Hello, Control. Booster now jettisoned. Waiting for your signal. Over. Hello, Control. Hello.

[Mitch]

What's up, Jet?

[Jet Morgan]

They don't answer. Hello, Control. Hello, Lemmy. Any idea what's wrong?

[Lemmy Barnett]

Well, according to the indicator, she's still working. But if you ask me, the shot when you blew the booster off, it must have smashed every valve in the ship.

[Narrator]

Radar's still working, Jet.

[Jet Morgan]

Hello, Control. Hello?

[Mitch]

We can't wait much longer, Jet. We're losing momentum every second. We won't make it.

[Jet Morgan]

I'll give them one more try. If they don't answer, we'll have to use our own judgment. Hello, Control? Hello? Hello? Let me switch on the televiewer. Stern view.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Televiewer. Stern view on.

[Jet Morgan]

Standby to. Cutting the motor, Mitch. We'll give her full power.

[Mitch]

Don't overdo it, Jet. We can't afford the fuel.

[Jet Morgan]

Watch the tank gauges. We'll cut out as soon as number one tank is empty. Are you ready?

[Mitch]

Ready.

[Jet Morgan]

Then stand by every batten down.

[Narrator]

Okay, Jet.

[Jet Morgan]

Atomic motor fire. Lie flat. This is going to be unpleasant. Very unpleasant.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Yes.

[Mitch]

The tank, she's almost empty. Stand by to switch off.

[Jet Morgan]

I'm standing by, Eddie.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Yes. No, can't. My arm.

[Jet Morgan]

Oh, switch off.

[Mitch]

Switch her off, for be sake.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Oh. Oh. Oh.

[Narrator]

Is it over?

[Jet Morgan]

Yes, Don. The time being, anyway. You all right?

[Narrator]

Yeah, I think so. Oh, boy. We must have hit 15 GS at least.

[Jet Morgan]

Mitch.

[Mitch]

Okay. I think I. Oh.

[Jet Morgan]

What's up, Mitch?

[Mitch]

I don't know. I feel like death.

[Narrator]

Lie still. Don't move, Lemmy.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Okay, Jet. I'll think so anyway.

[Narrator]

We'd all better lie still for a few minutes.

[Jet Morgan]

Let's hope we've hit the right speed.

[Mitch]

We certainly won't be under. You didn't switch off soon, Enough. And we used up a little of the reserve fuel.

[Jet Morgan]

You think we might be going too fast then?

[Mitch]

Maybe, but there's nothing we can do about it yet.

[Jet Morgan]

I'm sorry, but the acceleration was so great, I thought I'd never press the switch.

[Mitch]

We must get through to control.

[Jet Morgan]

Lemmy, if you feel fit enough, get up and get to work on that radio.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Yes, Je. Oh.

[Jet Morgan]

Soon as you like, I'll get going.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Oh. Oh, here.

[Narrator]

He's drifting up to the ceiling.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Get me down. Help.

[Jet Morgan]

Serves you right for getting off your bed without your boots on.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Well, all I did was bend down to pick them up and I'll shot straight up here.

[Jet Morgan]

You should have held onto your couch.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Can't you throw them up to me?

[Narrator]

Pull yourself down by the rail, Lemmy.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Oh. Oh, oh. Just to move makes me feel worse. I feel just like a feather.

[Narrator]

You certainly don't weigh anymore.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Yeah. Is it gonna be like this all the way to the moon?

[Narrator]

I'm afraid so, but you'll get used to it. Now pull yourself down slowly like this. Yeah, that's it.

[Jet Morgan]

Now put your magnetized boots on, Lily.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Yeah.

[Jet Morgan]

In fact, I think we'd all better put them on.

[Narrator]

Okay, Jack.

[Jet Morgan]

And keep them on. Keep them on at all times while zero gravity conditions last.

[Lemmy Barnett]

What, you mean we even wear them when we sleep?

[Jet Morgan]

No, you can take them off then. But keep a good hold on your bunk while you do it or you'll go drifting up to the roof again.

[Narrator]

Well, that's mine fixed. Yeah. Well, there's no trouble standing.

[Mitch]

What's it like to walk, Doc?

[Narrator]

Okay. Feel a bit light headed.

[Jet Morgan]

Try walking up the wall.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Aye.

[Jet Morgan]

Yes. Go on, Doc. Should be easy.

[Narrator]

Hey, how's that?

[Lemmy Barnett]

If you could do that down on Earth, you'd earn a fortune in a circus. Well, come on.

[Narrator]

Come on, try it.

[Jet Morgan]

Come on, Lemmy. We'll have a walk on the wall.

[Mitch]

Don't hang up there like that. I feel bad enough as it is. Hey, what about that radio?

[Jet Morgan]

Yes, cut out the fun and games. Try and get that radio working. How are you feeling, Mitch?

[Mitch]

Not so good.

[Lemmy Barnett]

The radar's still working.

[Jet Morgan]

Well, that's something. At least we'll be able to calculate our height above Earth.

[Mitch]

Yes, but we can't depend on the radar, not for the whole trip.

[Jet Morgan]

We can depend on it for a few hours yet.

[Mitch]

Well, for height, yes, but what about.

[Jet Morgan]

Course, now, don't you worry, Mitch. Let me all get that radio going. You can bet on it.

[Mitch]

I hope so. Well, how's it going? 20 hours he's been at It. And not a peep out of the darn radio.

[Jet Morgan]

Take it easy, Mitch. He's doing his best. He's been working all this time with no sleep.

[Mitch]

We should never have brought him. He's psychologically unsuitable.

[Jet Morgan]

That's a matter of opinion. But now he's here, the least we can do is let him get on with it.

[Mitch]

But why does he have to take so darned long? Doesn't he know every second is carrying us further and further away from the Earth, possibly to our death?

[Jet Morgan]

Oh, it's not that bad, Mitch. We can figure our approximate speed and position. If it comes to it, we'll give Lemmy a couple of hours more.

[Mitch]

Yeah, what if he still hasn't got through to Control?

[Jet Morgan]

Well, we wait until our velocity has dropped to minimum and then turn the ship over and go back.

[Mitch]

Go back?

[Lemmy Barnett]

Go back?

[Mitch]

This ship's not turning back. It set out to land on the moon and it's going to do it.

[Jet Morgan]

But if our speed is too high, we'll use up too much fuel during landing. We'll be on the moon all right. But how do we get off again?

[Mitch]

We've got to take a chance.

[Jet Morgan]

Oh, no, not that kind of chance. I'm not taking any unnecessary risk with the lives of this crew. If the radio isn't working within 48 hours, we're turning back.

[Mitch]

We are not turning back.

[Jet Morgan]

Am I the captain of the ship or are you?

[Mitch]

Sure you are. As long as you carry out the job I hired you for, this ship is mine. I designed her, I built her, and she's going to the moon.

[Jet Morgan]

One more word out of you, Mitchell, I'll put you under arrest.

[Mitch]

That's funny, that is. Go on, try it, try it. Just try and lay a hand on me.

[Jet Morgan]

Right.

[Narrator]

All right, Mitch, Jet, break it up. Come on, you're carrying on like a couple of.

[Jet Morgan]

You stay out of this document. If I want your advice, I'll ask for. Now, look, Jeff, it seems we have a case of mutiny on our hands.

[Mitch]

Mutiny?

[Jet Morgan]

What else is it?

[Mitch]

Now, wait a minute, Jet. I didn't.

[Jet Morgan]

All right, all right, we'll forget it. But if I decide to go back, we go back. Is that clear?

[Narrator]

How you doing, Lemmy?

[Lemmy Barnett]

Well, I'm putting it all together again now and. And hoping.

[Narrator]

Can I be of any help?

[Lemmy Barnett]

Oh, yes, Doc. You can pass us a few things as I ask for him. But be careful. One touch and they go shooting all over the place. Talk about light and airy, like a fairy.

[Narrator]

Okay, I'll be careful then.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Hand us that for a Start? Yeah, Chuck here. How's the mutiny going?

[Narrator]

Well, they seem to have forgotten it for the moment. They're trying to work out our position.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Do you think they'll do it?

[Narrator]

I guess so, but it'll take a long time. Our real hope is you, Lemmy. You and that radio.

[Lemmy Barnett]

What made Mitch flare up like that?

[Narrator]

I don't know. Maybe the thought that he wouldn't get to the moon at all. Or maybe the cramped conditions and lack of gravity had something to do with it. Must be some reason why two men, perfectly stable on Earth should jump at each other's throat less than 24 hours after leaving. It just doesn't make sense.

[Lemmy Barnett]

I'm not jumping at anybody's throat. Neither are you.

[Narrator]

Not yet you're not. But watch it.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Do you think we should turn back, Doc?

[Narrator]

Yes, unless you can get that radio working. However much figuring we do up here, Lemmy, we may overlook something. We can't be sure our deductions are correct.

[Lemmy Barnett]

I think so too. Jett was right. Mitch ought to have known better.

[Narrator]

Maybe. That still doesn't excuse Jet for losing his temper.

[Lemmy Barnett]

No. Can they hear what we're saying?

[Narrator]

If they were listening, they might.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Now we'll try again.

[Narrator]

What do you think the chances are, Lemmy?

[Lemmy Barnett]

I don't know. Three times I put this thing together, and each time she should have worked. And three times I've had to pull it to pieces again. Even the emergency cut in circus don't work. I can't understand it. Makes me feel like I'm letting the ship down.

[Narrator]

Don't go getting to feel that way, Lemmy.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Well, that's it for the fourth time. Now let's see if we get any current through her.

[Narrator]

Yes, it's there.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Yes, we've made it. No. No way.

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[Jet Morgan]

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[Lemmy Barnett]

Now let's get too excited. We're not through to home yet.

[Narrator]

Then give them a Call, for goodness sake. Try to raise them, Lemmy.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Hello, Control. Rocket ship Luna calling Control. If you love me and can hear me, let's hear from you. Over. Not a peep. They should be receiving us. The. There's bags of aerial current. Oodles of it. They could hear us on Mars with this equipment. Hey, listen. What's that? I don't know. Gives you the creeps, doesn't it?

[Narrator]

Haven't you any idea what it is?

[Lemmy Barnett]

It sounds like music, but like music I never heard before.

[Narrator]

Hey, can I hear a voice there?

[Lemmy Barnett]

I don't know. I can't make it out.

[Narrator]

Jet, Mitch, come over here. Listen to this.

[Jet Morgan]

Got the radio working?

[Lemmy Barnett]

Well, kind of.

[Mitch]

You contacted Control?

[Lemmy Barnett]

We tried to, but. Whether this is them or not, I don't know.

[Mitch]

If it's not Control, then what is it?

[Lemmy Barnett]

Search me.

[Jet Morgan]

Are you sure she's on the right frequency, Lemmy?

[Lemmy Barnett]

Yes, as far as I can tell, there's no reason why she should drift off. Not with them crystal stabilizers in there. Yeah, it's gone. Packed in again.

[Jet Morgan]

Try once more. Lemmy, call them again.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Hello, Earth? Hello, Control. Rocket ship Luna calling. Trying to contact you. Can you hear us? Come in, please.

[Control]

Hello, Luna. Can't hear you. Strength 4.5.

[Lemmy Barnett]

It's them. It's them. We made it. Hello?

[Jet Morgan]

Hello, this is Morgan. Can you still hear me?

[Control]

Hearing you loud and clear.

[Jet Morgan]

Oh, thank goodness.

[Control]

We've been with you ever since the takeoff. I should think every amateur radio station on Earth has been listening to you.

[Lemmy Barnett]

I.

[Jet Morgan]

You mean you've been hearing us all the time?

[Control]

Except when Lemmy took the radio to pieces.

[Jet Morgan]

Thank goodness for that.

[Control]

Must be something wrong with your receiving circuit.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Well, beats me. I couldn't find nothing wrong. Nothing.

[Control]

Well, you certainly seem okay. Now. We can give you all the information you require. Want to take it?

[Jet Morgan]

Try and stop us?

[Control]

And here it comes. The time is now 3 hours, 11 minutes and 54 seconds. Universal Time time from takeoff is 0 plus 27 hours, 11 minutes and 59 seconds. Your distance from Earth is 142,000 miles. Your speed is 4,200 miles per hour. Your position is as follows.

[Narrator]

Wow.

[Jet Morgan]

That's more like it. Now we know where we are and what we're doing, there's no question of turning back now. According to Control, we're on course and our speed is very nearly correct. We should reach the neutral gravitational point between Earth and Moon three Earth days from now. The moon will then be only 23,600 miles away. Our speed will be only a few miles an Hour, but enough to overcome the pull of the Earth entirely. From then on, we will be falling towards the moon's surface.

[Mitch]

If we were back on Earth, we'd drink to this.

[Narrator]

Cold tea is all we have.

[Mitch]

How about a cigarette, Doc? Do you think the oxygen supply can stand it?

[Narrator]

Yes, I think it might. Shall I get them, Jet?

[Jet Morgan]

Yes, Doc, one each. And after that we'll organize the watches. Four hours apiece. Now I'll take first watch. The rest of you can get some sleep. You'll need it. We all need it. The toughest part of this trip is yet to come.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Hey, Thork.

[Narrator]

Yeah, Lemmy?

[Lemmy Barnett]

Push us up a banana, will you?

[Jet Morgan]

Lemmy, must you always eat your meals upside down on the ceiling?

[Lemmy Barnett]

What difference does it make? Food goes down. Or should I say up just the same?

[Jet Morgan]

Well, it looks undignified.

[Lemmy Barnett]

It's a great idea for parties. Think of the room it saves.

[Narrator]

Anything more to eat, Lemmy? No thanks to okay then, push your empties down. I'll storm away.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Here, how about a little after dinner music?

[Mitch]

Oh, no, Lemmy, not that.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Well, we've got to do something to pass the time.

[Jet Morgan]

Why did I ever suggest that each member of the crew should be allowed to bring one small personal object with him?

[Narrator]

Well, I'm glad you did, Jet, aren't you?

[Jet Morgan]

Well, yes, but mouth organs should have been banned. Why couldn't he have brought a book or something?

[Narrator]

Every man to his taste.

[Mitch]

What was that?

[Jet Morgan]

A meteor hit the ship. Emergency stations.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Limey emergency in the Animal A, upside down on the.

[Jet Morgan]

Let me get the spacesuits.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Don't panic yet. I'm on the way.

[Narrator]

Air pressure constant. We don't seem to be losing any media bumper.

[Jet Morgan]

Must have worked on that. We'll find out. Meanwhile, get your spacesuits on just in case.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Here you are. Red for Doc.

[Narrator]

Yep.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Blue for Jet. Yellow. Permission? Oh, I would be free.

[Jet Morgan]

Now get into them. Don't fix your helmets yet, but carry them with you all the time.

[Narrator]

Air pressure still constant. I don't think the cabin could have been damaged.

[Jet Morgan]

That's a relief. What about the fuel tanks and the motor?

[Mitch]

I'll be checking up in just a minute.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Right, that's me. Set.

[Jet Morgan]

Get the radio. Lemmy, report to to control immediately. Now everybody else, check your indicator reading. See what damage there is. And somebody turn off that buzzer, will you?

[Narrator]

Well, Doc?

[Lemmy Barnett]

Yeah?

[Narrator]

Air supply okay, Oxygen supply okay.

[Mitch]

Fuel tanks and motor seem to be intact. No damage there as far as I can see.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Hello, Control. Luna calling.

[Control]

Hello, Luna.

[Lemmy Barnett]

And meet the adjusted emergency procedure somewhere.

[Narrator]

But we seem to be all right.

[Jet Morgan]

James, we've just been hit by a meteor. He must have done something to us.

[Lemmy Barnett]

At what?

[Jet Morgan]

How should I know? Somebody will have to go out there and look.

[Lemmy Barnett]

What? What? Out there? Outside the ship. Into. Into nothing.

[Mitch]

I'll go.

[Narrator]

No, Mitch, this is my job. Besides, you're more important to the crew. And me. I'll go.

[Lemmy Barnett]

What? You? You mean there's a chance it'll be.

[Narrator]

The first time any man has ever been out there in space. And I designed the suit he'll wear.

[Mitch]

You tested it, didn't you?

[Narrator]

As far as was possible on Earth, yes. But this is different. This is the real thing.

[Jet Morgan]

Look, let's not start another argument. We'll draw for it.

[Mitch]

Fair enough.

[Jet Morgan]

All agreed?

[Narrator]

Agreed.

[Jet Morgan]

Lemme get one of the navigational tables. Open it up. Place it face down on the control table with your eyes shut.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Right. Okay, here goes.

[Jet Morgan]

We'll guess the page number. Whoever gets nearest goes outside. Okay. Mitch?

[Mitch]

136.

[Jet Morgan]

Doc?

[Narrator]

127.

[Jet Morgan]

Lemmy?

[Lemmy Barnett]

149.

[Jet Morgan]

And I'll take 155. What is it, Lemmy?

[Lemmy Barnett]

153.

[Jet Morgan]

Then it's me. Stand by to open the airlock.

[Mitch]

Airlock. Contact.

[Narrator]

Airlock. Full pressure.

[Jet Morgan]

Open the hatch. Right. I'm going down. Fastening helmet over to intercom. Helmet fastened. Okay, I'm ready. Close the hatch and exhaust the airlock. Suit now. Inflating.

[Narrator]

Air pressure zero.

[Jet Morgan]

Open the main door, Doc. I'm going out. Good heavens.

[Mitch]

What is it, Jet?

[Jet Morgan]

It's more beautiful than I have a dream.

[Lemmy Barnett]

What, the door?

[Jet Morgan]

No, no, the stars. Millions of them. Literally millions. Now leaving door and walking upside of ship. I'll make a complete circuit.

[Narrator]

How's the suit, Jet? Okay, fine.

[Mitch]

How are the boots?

[Jet Morgan]

Perfect. Now hitching the safety line and walking towards nose.

[Mitch]

Any sign of where the meteor hit us?

[Jet Morgan]

Not yet.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Here. Ask him if he can see the moon.

[Mitch]

One thing at a time, Lemmy. Finding where that meteor landed is more important.

[Jet Morgan]

I found it about 13ft from the nose.

[Mitch]

Much damage, Jet?

[Jet Morgan]

No, nothing to worry about. Must have been minute. Only a small area of the bumper is vaporized.

[Mitch]

Let's thank our lucky stars it wasn't a larger one.

[Jet Morgan]

You must come out here, all of you. Come on. This is a sight you've got to see.

[Mitch]

We can't all go. Somebody must stay.

[Narrator]

Look, I'll stay. Mitch, you and Lemmy go.

[Mitch]

You sure, Doc?

[Narrator]

Yeah, yeah. By way of compensation, you can let me be the first to step on the moon.

[Mitch]

It's a deal, Doc. Now, if you wouldn't mind opening the airlock again, Lemmy and I will get started.

[Lemmy Barnett]

What a sight. Did you ever see so many stars? So many different colors here. And they don't twinkle like they do on Earth.

[Jet Morgan]

There's no atmosphere to make them twinkle.

[Lemmy Barnett]

So small they look. And bright. Chip, how fast are we going?

[Jet Morgan]

About 2,000 miles an hour.

[Lemmy Barnett]

But we don't seem to be moving.

[Jet Morgan]

Look at the moon, Lemmy. Even from here you can begin to see the mountains and craters.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Anna, how far off is she now?

[Jet Morgan]

About a hundred thousand miles.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Oh, no distance at all. Company bus ride. Here, here. Jet, we must be off course.

[Jet Morgan]

Of course. How do you mean?

[Lemmy Barnett]

Well, the moon's not in front of us. It's to one side.

[Jet Morgan]

She'll be there when we are. She's moving towards our rendezvous all the time.

[Mitch]

Hey, Jet, have you taken a look at the Earth yet? You can make out the African continent quite easily. And the southern ice cap. The reflection is brilliant.

[Jet Morgan]

Did you ever see anything like it? Oh, Mitch, if we never get to the moon, the trip was worth it just for this.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Jet, I'm going for a walk down under. See how things look from there.

[Jet Morgan]

Now, be sure your safety line is secure. We don't want you drifting off.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Don't worry, Jet boy. Oh, if only Becky could see me now. She wouldn't know if I was on my head, on my heels. No more than I do. Yeah. What's that? It's the funny music again. Hello? Hello? Jet? Jet?

[Jet Morgan]

Jet.

[Mitch]

Jet, can you hear me, Jet? Hello?

[Jet Morgan]

Lemmy? Lemmy.

[Lemmy Barnett]

What's wrong? Jet? That music, didn't you hear it?

[Jet Morgan]

Music? What music?

[Lemmy Barnett]

Oh, you must have heard it. It was like it was right inside me.

[Jet Morgan]

Let me pull yourself together. I heard no music. All I heard was you screaming.

[Lemmy Barnett]

But I was calling you before that. Didn't you hear me?

[Jet Morgan]

No.

[Lemmy Barnett]

Jed. Look, let's get back into the ship. I heard it. I'll tell you. I heard it.

[Jet Morgan]

Calm down, Lemmy. Stay where you are. Now, don't attempt to re enter the ship until I'm alongside you.

[Lemmy Barnett]

I heard it, I tell you. The same kind of music we heard when I got the radio working, only this time it was much louder, like it was right inside me helmet. Oh, it was uncanny. It scared the living daylights out of me. It scares me now just to think of it.

[Jet Morgan]

Lemmy, if there had been any music, it must have been coming through your radio and we'd have heard it too.

[Lemmy Barnett]

But there was, I'll tell you. I was calling you when it first came on, but you didn't hear me till it stopped.

[Narrator]

Lemmy, lie on your bunk. Get some sleep.

[Lemmy Barnett]

I don't need sleep. Yeah, you don't believe me, do you? None of you believe me.

[Narrator]

Now, come and lie down.

[Lemmy Barnett]

You believe me, don't you, Doc? You heard that music coming over the radio, didn't you?

[Narrator]

I wasn't out there, Lemmy. I was here in the ship.

[Jet Morgan]

What's happening to him, Mitch?

[Mitch]

What do you think's happening to him? I told you, he's unstable. A psychological misfit.

[Narrator]

You have been listening to episode one of Journey Into Space with Andrew Fowles as Jet Morgan, Alfie Bass as Lemmy Guy, Kingsley Pointer as Doc, and David Williams as Mitch. Other parts were played by John Casabon. The orchestra was conducted by Van Phillips, who also composed the music. Journey Into Space was written and produced for the BBC by Charles Chilton Foreign.

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[Jet Morgan]

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