Satellite Seven - 58-05-02 - 02 - Whispering Voices

Summary

Podcast Summary: Satellite Seven - 58-05-02 - 02 - Whispering Voices

Harold's Old Time Radio presents an evocative episode of the adventure serial Satellite Seven, titled "Whispering Voices." This detailed summary captures the essence of Part 2, highlighting key plot points, character interactions, and the mysterious developments that propel the narrative forward.

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1. Introduction & Setting

The episode opens with the aftermath of a dramatic event: Jake Thompson and his brother, Brady, find themselves stranded on the Hebridean island of Shuna following the wreck of their cabin cruiser. They take refuge in Ferguson's cottage, setting the stage for unfolding mysteries.

Notable Quote:

Jake Thompson: "That evening after the wreck of our cabin cruiser, as I lay in bed in Ferguson's cottage in the Hebridean island of Shuna, I knew in my bones long before Tony said so that something darn queer was going on."
[01:19]

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2. Main Characters & Relationships

• Jake Thompson: The 15-year-old protagonist and narrator, eager to understand the strange occurrences on Shuna.
• Brady Thompson: Jake's brother, also caught in the unfolding events.
• Fergus O'Neill: The welcoming yet enigmatic host who provides initial explanations about the island and its inhabitants.
• Billy Hackett: The liaison officer described as having a distinct personality.
• Granny Stewart: A wise and foreboding figure who warns Jake about the island's dark past and impending dangers.
• Professor Max Waters, Roderick McIntyre, and Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael: Officials associated with the mysterious rocket station, representing governmental authority and secrecy.

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3. Plot Developments

Arrival and Initial Interactions

Upon arrival, Fergus O'Neill and Billy Hackett greet Jake and Brady warmly, discussing the recent distress signal and the group's efforts to assist. However, underlying tensions hint at unexplained behaviors among the island's residents.

Notable Quote:

Fergus O'Neill: "You'll meet them all in time, kid. Nice bunch of fellows."
[02:04]

Granny Stewart's Forewarnings

Jake interacts with Granny Stewart, who imparts cryptic warnings about the island's transformation from a peaceful community to one marred by distrust and mysterious activities linked to the "Great War." She speaks of "whispering voices" and "sobbing souls," hinting at supernatural or sinister forces at play.

Notable Quote:

Granny Stewart: "Evil days have come to Shuna. ... I hear their voices in the night. The evil men. I hear them whispering in the dark."
[04:23] - [05:14]

Exploration of the Rocket Station

Jake, Brady, and Bridie, along with Fergus and Billy, investigate the nearby rocket station. Their observations reveal heightened security, large machinery, and suspicions of rocket launches despite assurances from some characters.

Notable Quote:

Jake Thompson: "Have they launched any rocket ship, too, in the past?"
[06:20]

Mysterious Voices and Suspicion

While surveying the station's perimeter, the group hears unexplained whispering voices. The phenomenon reinforces Granny Stewart's earlier warnings, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.

Notable Quote:

Jake Thompson: "Remember what Granny Stewart said? Evil men whispering in the darkness. And others sobbing and crying."
[08:47]

Confrontation with Government Officials

A pivotal moment occurs when Professor Waters and his colleagues confront Jake and Brady, questioning their identities and intentions. The officials express skepticism about the Thompson brothers' presence, suggesting espionage motives and tight security measures.

Notable Quote:

Professor (Narrator): "We call Satellite 7, an adventure serial..."
(Note: This quote isn't from within the transcript's dialogue but serves as a narrative anchor for the show.)

Later, during the interrogation:

Narrator: "Now that we have introduced ourselves, Mr. Thompson, we should like to ask you and your brother a few questions with a view to establishing your identity and the purpose of your visit here."
[09:23]

Escalation of Tensions

As the officials press further, doubts arise about the Thompson brothers' true identities. The interrogations hint at possible government conspiracies, secret missions, and the fabrication of alibis to justify their presence on the island.

Notable Quote:

Fergus O'Neill: "If you'd just come sailing into the bay for instance, we'd have sent you away at once on government authority. As it was, you had a perfect alibi for getting ashore."
[11:15]

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4. Key Moments & Quotes

• Granny Stewart's Warning:

  Granny Stewart: "Repair your boat and leave this island before it is too late."
  [05:14]

• Discovery of the Mysterious Presence:

  Fergus O'Neill: "It's in the air. There's nowhere else it can be coming from."
  [08:40]

• Government Officials' Skepticism:

  Narrator: "If you'd just come sailing into the bay for instance, we'd have sent you away at once on government authority."
  [11:15]

• Declaration of Continued Surveillance:

  Narrator: "We'll make arrangements with Mr. O' Neill that you should remain as his guests for another 10 days."
  [13:54]

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5. Tensions & Mysteries Introduced

The episode skillfully weaves suspense through the introduction of:

• Supernatural Elements: Whispering voices and Granny Stewart's eerie warnings suggest forces beyond the characters' understanding.
• Government Intrigue: The presence of officials who suspect espionage adds layers of political tension and distrust.
• Character Conflicts: Fergus's frustration with the officials' questioning hints at deeper interpersonal conflicts and possible hidden agendas.
• Unresolved Questions: The true nature of the rocket station, the cause of the whispering voices, and the island's transformation remain shrouded in mystery, enticing listeners to anticipate future episodes.

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6. Conclusion & Cliffhanger

The episode culminates with the officials denying the Thompson brothers' request to depart, insisting they remain on the island under surveillance. This decision heightens the stakes, leaving listeners eager to discover the motivations behind the government's actions and the fate of Jake and Brady.

Notable Quote:

Narrator: "At the same time, we must insist that you remain here until the 21st of the month."
[13:45]

The unresolved tensions and unanswered questions set a compelling stage for subsequent episodes, promising further adventures and revelations.

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7. Production Notes

• Narrative Style: The story is delivered through immersive dialogue and narration, capturing the golden age of radio storytelling.
• Sound Design: Ambient sounds, such as the whispering voices and environmental noises, enhance the mysterious and suspenseful atmosphere.
• Character Depth: Each character is portrayed with distinct personalities and motivations, contributing to the layered narrative.

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8. Final Thoughts

"Whispering Voices" exemplifies the allure of classic radio dramas, blending mystery, suspense, and character-driven storytelling. Satellite Seven continues to engage listeners with its intricate plot and evocative atmosphere, maintaining the spirit of the Golden Age of Radio.

For those who haven’t listened to the episode, this summary provides a comprehensive overview, highlighting the essential elements that make "Whispering Voices" a captivating installment in the Satellite Seven series.

Transcript

[Teen Advocate]

Use of flavored tobacco by teens is a crisis. Tobacco companies use flavors like cotton candy, watermelon ice and cool mint to hook kids like me. They seem harmless, but they aren't. Addiction to nicotine sets us up for a lifetime of health problems. Organ legislators can do something about it. Passing Senate Bill 702A will keep flavored tobacco away from kids. But there are just a few short weeks left for lawmakers to act. Take action to protect kids like me. @ flavorshookorgankids.org paid for by the Campaign.

[Tobacco Free Kids Representative]

For Tobacco Free Kids Action fund.

[Jake Thompson]

Sam.

[Narrator]

The BBC presents Satellite 7, an adventure serial in eight parts by Angus McVicker. The storyteller is 15 year old Jake Thompson. Part 2 the Whispering Voices.

[Jake Thompson]

That evening after the wreck of our cabin cruiser, as I lay in bed in Ferguson's cottage in the Hebridean island of Shuna, I knew in my bones long before Tony said so that something darn queer was going on. Then Bridie's father and Billy Hackett came into the room.

[Fergus O'Neill]

I delighted to see you better, Jake. I was sure you'd come too pretty soon. Mr. Fergus O' Neill. Jake.

[Tobacco Free Kids Representative]

How'd you do?

[Fergus O'Neill]

And Mr. Billy Hackett.

[Jake Thompson]

How'd you do?

[Fergus O'Neill]

How'd you do, son? That was exciting, all right. Here I was settling down on a bit of overtime, the workshop, when Ms. Bridie comes running up to the fence shouting about a shipwreck. I stuck my finger on the alarm buzzer and 20 of the lads come belting it off to us to the shore. But when they see they wasn't needed, back they go inside. You'll meet them all in time, kid. Nice bunch of fellows.

[Narrator]

We call Billy our liaison officer.

[Fergus O'Neill]

For some reason we see far more.

[Narrator]

Of him than of any of the others.

[Fergus O'Neill]

Blimey. The reason is sticking out a mile. Some of the blokes up there will drive you nuts. Talk about eyebrows. Thank goodness for Mr. O' Neill or Ms. Bridley. That's all I can say anyway. Don't you worry, Jake. As I told you, brother, we'll have that boat of yours all ship shape in a couple of days. You're all certainly very kind to us. We appreciate it very much. Don't let her give you a thought to. But look, perhaps Jake's had enough of.

[Narrator]

Us in the meantime with that head of his.

[Jake Thompson]

Please don't go because of me. I'm feeling fine.

[Fergus O'Neill]

Sure, but it's time you had a little peace. And time that we had something to eat. Come on, Billy.

[Narrator]

And you two.

[Fergus O'Neill]

Tony. All right. I Think Granny and Bridie should have our meal ready by now. See you later, Jake. Granny will bring in a tray for you, Jake, in a few minutes.

[Jake Thompson]

Come in.

[Granny Stewart]

Oh, there you are now, dear. Looking ever so much better. Ready for your supper, I hope.

[Jake Thompson]

Well, I do feel a bit hungry.

[Granny Stewart]

Well, here's a nice plate of eggs and a few bacon and a cup of tea to freshen you up.

[Jake Thompson]

Thanks, you big Granny Stewart.

[Granny Stewart]

Ay, that's what they call me here in the island. All my life I've lived on Shuna. Yours is not the first boat I've seen made a prisoner by the rocks.

[Jake Thompson]

Bridie said this was your cottage before her father bought it.

[Granny Stewart]

Yes, it was here the two children were born. Mary and Donald and Fiona. Fiona, my youngest, is a maiden of the skies.

[Jake Thompson]

Maiden of the skies?

[Granny Stewart]

Ay, she's an air hostess. And she flies in a great air of plane. A different machine from those up there at the station.

[Jake Thompson]

Granny, what happens up there at the station?

[Granny Stewart]

That I cannot tell. But to you, a stranger, I will say this. Evil days have come to Shuna.

[Jake Thompson]

How do you mean?

[Granny Stewart]

Well, it's hard to explain. I remember the days when I was young. When Shuna was an island of many families. With no enmity or suspicion amongst us. But the Great War changed all that. And the people could no longer make a living. I was left alone, except for Fergus o' Neill and his darling girl. In the summertime. Then the strangers came.

[Jake Thompson]

What strangers, Granny?

[Granny Stewart]

Oh, strangers whose words were difficult to understand. With great roaring machines to build their towers. They spoke to me and were kind. But fear and suspicion dwelt in their eyes. Ay, my dear, there is evil in Shuna. A strange mystery I cannot understand.

[Jake Thompson]

Well, Johnny says it's a rocket station. Government research. There's nothing to be afraid of in that.

[Granny Stewart]

I'm not afraid. Not of the big machines that go flaming up into the sky. But I am afraid of something else. There is hatred and distrust in Shuna. And to you and your brother, so young and innocent, I would give a warning. Repair your boat and leave this island before it is too late.

[Jake Thompson]

But I don't understand.

[Granny Stewart]

I also do not understand. But I hear their voices in the night. The evil men. I hear them whispering in the dark. And sometimes I hear others sobbing and crying. Like the souls of the lost.

[Jake Thompson]

You mean here in this cottage?

[Granny Stewart]

Not here. Down by the shore when the moon is full. And I walk alone with my thought.

[Jake Thompson]

Next day we worked on the boat. Bridie and Tunny and I. And for a while in the afternoon, Billy Hackett helped us. At sunset, Bridie suggested that we should have a closer look at the station. In the gathering dusk, we lay on top of the ridge, looking down at the tall towers and the rows of sea small white buildings enclosed by a barbed wire fence.

[Fergus O'Neill]

Does that engine keep running all the time, Brady?

[Tobacco Free Kids Representative]

I think so, but we scarcely hear it. It's become part of our lives, like. Like the wind on the sound of the sea.

[Fergus O'Neill]

I expect it's a dynamo. They must use a terrific amount of electricity for light and power. And all that radar equipment.

[Jake Thompson]

Have they launched any rocket ship, too, in the past?

[Tobacco Free Kids Representative]

Six weeks, out into the Atlantic, or so they said. Each time they gave us plenty of warning and asked us along to the station. Granny Stewart and Father and I, we took shelter with the workmen in a safety bunker. The eggheads, of course, were in the firing bay.

[Fergus O'Neill]

Who are the eggheads?

[Tobacco Free Kids Representative]

Well, amongst others, Professor Waters. Professor Max Waters, who's in charge, and Roderick McIntyre, his chief engineer. And Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael, who commands the guards.

[Fergus O'Neill]

Oh, so there's an RAF guard, eh?

[Tobacco Free Kids Representative]

About 30 men on duty all the time.

[Fergus O'Neill]

You wouldn't think they'd be so strict about security in a lonely island like this.

[Tobacco Free Kids Representative]

Recently they've been very strict indeed.

[Jake Thompson]

Well, they soon be launching another rocket. Do you think?

[Tobacco Free Kids Representative]

I don't know. But if you notice, there's something pretty big in that little gantry.

[Fergus O'Neill]

I'll say there is. It looks like an enormous torpedo standing on its tail.

[Jake Thompson]

Something brewing, eh?

[Tobacco Free Kids Representative]

Father thinks so. He tried to get in touch with the professor twice last week. Some technical details he wanted for his new play. But Harik or Michael stopped him at the gate. Father was quite hurt. Oh. Well, we better make tracks for the cottage before it gets too dark.

[Fergus O'Neill]

Okay, Brady, you bet.

[Jake Thompson]

I'm hungry.

[Tobacco Free Kids Representative]

We'll take the shortcut along the cliff top. It's a bit rocky and uneven, so mind you don't slip.

[Jake Thompson]

Right.

[Tobacco Free Kids Representative]

Tell me, where do you two come from? I've been bursting with curiosity and all day I've been too polite to ask.

[Jake Thompson]

We live in Edinburgh, but Dad was Highland from Argausha. Maybe you've heard Tooley on the radio or on a record.

[Fergus O'Neill]

Shut up, nosy.

[Tobacco Free Kids Representative]

Oh, no, not Tony Thompson, who sings those lovely Scots ballads.

[Jake Thompson]

That's it. But this is marvelous.

[Tobacco Free Kids Representative]

I never even suspected. And me with stacks of your records.

[Jake Thompson]

And gosh, regard where you're going, Tony.

[Fergus O'Neill]

I didn't notice that big crack in the rock.

[Tobacco Free Kids Representative]

Oh, you're right.

[Fergus O'Neill]

Yes, yes, I just slipped. No damage done.

[Tobacco Free Kids Representative]

Oh, I'M sorry I forgot to warn you. I was so excited. We've got to keep away from the edge here. Some of the cracks go right down.

[Fergus O'Neill]

Wait. What's that?

[Tobacco Free Kids Representative]

What is it, Tom?

[Narrator]

Listen.

[Jake Thompson]

I hear something.

[Fergus O'Neill]

Keep quiet.

[Narrator]

There it is.

[Fergus O'Neill]

Louder now.

[Tobacco Free Kids Representative]

Of course there's something else.

[Jake Thompson]

There's nobody here that's anywhere near us. Nothing but rocks.

[Fergus O'Neill]

Voice is all right.

[Tobacco Free Kids Representative]

Whispering voices, like somebody crying. Where is it coming from?

[Fergus O'Neill]

It's in the air. There's nowhere else it can be coming from.

[Jake Thompson]

Bridie, have you ever heard anything like this before?

[Tobacco Free Kids Representative]

Never. Never.

[Jake Thompson]

Remember what Granny Stewart said? Evil men whispering in the darkness. And others sobbing and crying.

[Fergus O'Neill]

Oh, for goodness sake, Jake. There must be some natural explanation.

[Jake Thompson]

Listen.

[Fergus O'Neill]

It's gone.

[Tobacco Free Kids Representative]

What on earth could it have been?

[Fergus O'Neill]

I don't know. But take it from me, you two, it was nothing supernatural. Come on, let's get back to the cottage. We'll find out about this if it's the last thing we do.

[Jake Thompson]

We didn't say anything about the voices to Mr. O' Neill or Granny Stewart. And next day we had something else to think about. Billy Hackett brought us a letter from Professor Walters saying he'd like to see us at the station. The professor was sitting behind a desk with two other men beside him. A tall, thin, smiling chap with a fair moustache who was Flight Lieutenant Harry CARMICHAEL. And Roderick McIntyre, the chief engineer, a big, dark man about 50, who looked surly and unfriendly.

[Narrator]

And now that we have introduced ourselves, Mr. Thompson, we should like to ask you and your brother a few questions with a view to establishing your identity and the purpose of your visit here.

[Fergus O'Neill]

But I've already told you quite.

[Narrator]

In the circumstances, however, verbal evidence is not enough.

[Fergus O'Neill]

Our work here is of such a.

[Narrator]

Nature that security must be complete until the last possible moment. Well, I think, professor, we can take it that they are brothers or generate close relatives whose resemblance is quite. I agree. Harry McIntyre, have you anything to say on this?

[Fergus O'Neill]

Nothing, except that this one is only 21. As he says, he looks older and more experienced.

[Jake Thompson]

Tony's a famous singer. He's been working hard since he was 18.

[Narrator]

The point is, can your brother prove that he is Tony Thompson?

[Fergus O'Neill]

I don't know. Oh, yes. Wait a minute. I've got a letter here for my agent. There.

[Narrator]

Seems genuine.

[Fergus O'Neill]

If they came here to spine us, a letter like this would be an elementary precaution. Oh, what absolute rubbish. Jake and I are here on holiday.

[Jake Thompson]

And I tell you what, Brady on you has some records of Tony's. Why not Compare the voices.

[Narrator]

That's an idea. It would certainly clinch the matter of identity.

[Fergus O'Neill]

He could be Tony Thompson and Sel remain a spy. Well this is fantastic. How on earth could we be spies when we don't even know what you're doing here? Besides, you think we have deliberately wrecked our boat and risked our lives to make a landing. It's the only way you could have made a landing. What do you mean?

[Narrator]

Where is he? In the ordinary course of events. If you'd just come sailing into the bay for instance, we'd have sent you away at once on government authority. As it was, you had a perfect alibi for getting ashore.

[Jake Thompson]

An alibi?

[Narrator]

Hackett has made it quite clear that the anchor is missing and that the cable did snap. But then, you know similar accidents have been stage managed before.

[Fergus O'Neill]

Now I. I'm flabbergasted. The whole thing's ridiculous. Do you mean Hackett's been. What do you call it? Screening?

[Narrator]

Of course.

[Fergus O'Neill]

Of course. Don't pretend to be so naive.

[Jake Thompson]

But my goodness, what about this lump on my head? Can you imagine? Tony bonked me one just to make it look more realistic.

[Fergus O'Neill]

You talk too much. The bonier. I beg your pardon, Mr. McIntyre, if it comes to the bit, none of you have any right at all to question private citizens in the way you're doing.

[Narrator]

You are perfectly right, of course, up to a point. But we are under strict orders from the government. We appreciate your cooperation so far and I want you to continue that the questions we put are for your own good as much as for us. Exactly. Now as soon as we're convinced of your good faith, well then we can. We can become friends.

[Fergus O'Neill]

Why pander to them? Like all youngsters of the present generation, they're far too big an opinion of themselves.

[Narrator]

Cr I think we can proceed, Mr. Thompson. Now then, I believe you sailed your boat from Leith up around the Pilgrim Fir and down the west coast.

[Fergus O'Neill]

That's right.

[Narrator]

Did you call in anywhere?

[Fergus O'Neill]

Yes, at Aberdeen, Wick, Ullapool and Tobermory to buy food and petrol. We can use the radio telephone to check up, you know. Check if you like. We've nothing to hide.

[Narrator]

Where do you live? In Edinburgh.

[Fergus O'Neill]

Castle Terrace.

[Narrator]

Both of you? Yes, and I have your agent's address here. What school does your brother attend, Harriet?

[Jake Thompson]

If you ask old Bicky Brown, he'll not give me a very good character I'm afraid.

[Fergus O'Neill]

Why not?

[Jake Thompson]

I blew off his mustache once. An accident in the lab.

[Narrator]

Such things happen even in the best regulated laboratories. It's happened here. Well, unless my colleagues have any further questions? I think that's all, Harry. No, no, no questions. I'm inclined to believe them, McIntyre.

[Fergus O'Neill]

They're a confounded nuisance in my opinion. I'll keep an open mind and we'll check the story.

[Narrator]

Right. By the way, Mr. Thompson, how are the repairs going?

[Fergus O'Neill]

Well, I reckon we can leave tomorrow. And we were hoping you'd let us have a few gallons of petrol just.

[Jake Thompson]

To take us back to Tobermory. I bet you'll be glad to see us gone.

[Narrator]

On the contrary. We've made arrangements with Mr. O' Neill that you should remain as his guests for another 10 days.

[Fergus O'Neill]

What? It's not because we're eager for your company, I can assure you that.

[Narrator]

But.

[Fergus O'Neill]

But we can't. We just can't wait for another 10 days. Look, I've got a recording session a week tomorrow and I'm not.

[Narrator]

I'm Sorry about that, Mr. Thompson. At the same time, we must insist that you remain here until the 21st of the month.

[Jake Thompson]

But why? What's going on here?

[Narrator]

When we verify your story, we'll probably tell you. But I must warn you. Meantime, my men will be watching every move you make. That was part two of Angus McVicker's adventure serial Satellite 7, produced in the Scottish studios of the BBC.

[Teen Advocate]

Use of flavored tobacco by teens is a crisis. Tobacco companies use flavors like cotton candy, watermelon ice and cool mint to hook kids like me. They seem harmless, but they aren't. Addiction to nicotine sets us up for a lifetime of health problems. Organ legislators can do something about it. Power passing Senate Bill 702A will keep flavored tobacco away from kids. But there are just a few short weeks left for lawmakers to act. Take action to protect kids like me. @ flavorshookorgankids.org paid for by the Campaign.

[Tobacco Free Kids Representative]

For Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund, we.

[Stiles Mackenzie]

Interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Stiles Mackenzie helping you make those rooms sing. Today's style tip. When it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print error. Carry a rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com fierce this has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior.

[Narrator]

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[Stiles Mackenzie]

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