
Tales From The Otherside 92-09-20 (1) Silicone Symmetry
Loading summary
Winifred Phillips
Somewhere in the silent movements of time, the whirling vacuum of space, and the blackest illusions of the mind, there are stories whispered across the stars, tales from the other side.
Paul DeLeo
It's.
Winifred Phillips
Love. There is no stranger emotion. Jason Caldwell is about to learn that the parameters of love can begin in the wildest fury of the imagination and end in a tale from the other side. Silicon Symmetry by Winifred Phillips.
Harold Boyd
Hey, Jason, have you any idea what Professor Greenberg is talking about?
Paul DeLeo
Sure, Tom. He was just going on about writing Pascal computer programs using packed arrays. It's all in the book. Look. Who is that girl?
Harold Boyd
Oh, her? That's Andrea Barnes. You've got to help me out on this computer stuff, Jason. You're the wizard.
Paul DeLeo
You know Andrea Barnes? Have you ever seen anything like her? I mean, look at her.
Harold Boyd
I'm looking at her.
Paul DeLeo
Well, have you?
Harold Boyd
Isn't she a little old? I mean, for you.
Paul DeLeo
Oh, come on, she can't be over 25. Okay, sure.
Harold Boyd
She looks great. She should be on a magazine cover.
Paul DeLeo
So? I haven't seen her around campus before. I would have known if I had.
Harold Boyd
Oh, go over and talk to her. Just get it out of your system, okay?
Paul DeLeo
I can't.
Harold Boyd
She's going to leave. Go.
Paul DeLeo
What will I say?
Harold Boyd
I'll say anything. Talk about computers. Impress her to death with your incredible expertise. Just go.
Paul DeLeo
And good luck.
Harold Boyd
See you later, Jason.
Paul DeLeo
See you, Tom. Hi, I'm Jason Caldwell. Are you new to the college?
Winnie Waldron
Yes, actually I'm new to the area.
Paul DeLeo
Just moved here. That can be tough.
Winnie Waldron
Yes, I noticed you know all the answers in class. You seem to know so much about these computers.
Paul DeLeo
Oh, well, keys are okay, but the memory is small and that's limiting. Once you start working in a network, you're spoiled for this stuff.
Winnie Waldron
A network?
Paul DeLeo
Yeah, it's. Oh, this is probably boring.
Winnie Waldron
Oh, no, it's fascinating. Everything on Earth is somehow recorded in a computer somewhere. How can one not be interested?
Paul DeLeo
Yeah, it starts to get really weird. You know, you can find out anything about anybody with a computer.
Winnie Waldron
Can you?
Paul DeLeo
What?
Winnie Waldron
Can you find out anything about anyone with a computer?
Paul DeLeo
Jason, do you want to find out how? My apartment is just two blocks away from here. The computer setup I have in there is one of the best.
Winnie Waldron
I can come right away. I have a few things to do.
Paul DeLeo
Oh, no, that's all right.
Winnie Waldron
Just give me the address and I'll be there. How about 7:00?
Paul DeLeo
7:00.
Winnie Waldron
7:00. Luck.
Paul DeLeo
Krista. What are you doing here?
Winifred Phillips
What do you mean, what am I doing here? You Asked for this stupid cable. Are you gonna let me in or you're just gonna stare at me while I get eaten alive by the mosquitoes?
Paul DeLeo
Come in.
Winifred Phillips
Gee, little brother, you make me feel so welcome.
Paul DeLeo
Oh, my God. What happened to your hair?
Winifred Phillips
Do you like it?
Paul DeLeo
It's pink.
Winifred Phillips
Isn't that just, like, totally wild?
Paul DeLeo
Mom's going to have a heart attack.
Winifred Phillips
When she sees she's not.
Paul DeLeo
Your hair is pink.
Winifred Phillips
It's not my hair. It's a wig.
Paul DeLeo
You're kidding.
Winifred Phillips
I didn't want to dye it and have it start feeling like Brillo, so I started wearing wigs. Yesterday I was platinum blonde.
Winnie Waldron
Cool, huh?
Winifred Phillips
Hey, I like what you've done with your apartment. It's clean and it smells good.
Paul DeLeo
Don't you have somewhere to go?
Winnie Waldron
Yeah.
Winifred Phillips
You look good, too. Less scruffy. Oh, and wait a minute. Jazz on the radio. Oh, no. Don't tell me. I came at just exactly the wrong time.
Paul DeLeo
Bingo.
Winifred Phillips
Is she pretty?
Paul DeLeo
She has three heads and she snorts like a pig. Will you leave me alone?
Winifred Phillips
Wow, you're really nervous, aren't you? This has got to be some big date.
Paul DeLeo
Oh, God. That's her. How do I look?
Winifred Phillips
You look fine.
Winnie Waldron
Relax. Hi. Sorry I'm a little late.
Paul DeLeo
That's okay. Come in.
Winifred Phillips
Hi.
Paul DeLeo
Oh, Andrea, this is Krista.
Winifred Phillips
I'm the sister. I was just leaving. I'll stop by sometime tomorrow.
Jason.
Paul DeLeo
Yeah. Bye, Krista. Oh, please, sit anywhere, I guess. Would you like anything? A soda or something?
Winnie Waldron
That sounds great.
Paul DeLeo
It's in the kitchen. I'll be right back.
Winnie Waldron
So this is the computer setup.
Paul DeLeo
What?
Winnie Waldron
All this equipment is impressive, Jason.
Paul DeLeo
It was John bringing it all here from home, I can tell you that. Oh, here's your soda.
Winnie Waldron
Thank you.
Paul DeLeo
So you still want me to show you how to find out that stuff?
Winnie Waldron
Well, how much can you find out?
Paul DeLeo
Let me show you. Okay. Let's get this baby warmed up. All right. I'll turn on the modem.
Winnie Waldron
Modem?
Paul DeLeo
Yeah, it's something that hooks up my computer with the phone line so I can reach other computers through it.
Winnie Waldron
Oh, yes, I see. So, what can you find out?
Paul DeLeo
It depends. You want to know about a person or.
Winnie Waldron
A person?
Paul DeLeo
Yes. You'd be surprised at how easy that can be. Every time anyone dials up an 800 number on their telephone, a computer at the other end has access to all kinds of information about them. And their name gets into a catalog of names of people interested in a certain product or service. All I have to do is get in. Now, it won't tell me how the person feels about War and Peace or anything. But I can find out what books they like. Magazines, or if the person reads the Times or subscribes to the Book of the Month Club. I can tell you if they've gone on a trip and where. Or sometimes I can even access their mail if they get computer mail. Of course, that's not entirely legal.
Winnie Waldron
What do you have to do?
Paul DeLeo
I'll just ask the computer to search for the name When I get into the catalog, dump the information to my hard drive and move on. Do you have any name in mind?
Winnie Waldron
How about the vice President? Is that too challenging for you?
Paul DeLeo
Why do you want to get information about him?
Winnie Waldron
Can you do it?
Paul DeLeo
Well, heck, why not? The President?
Winnie Waldron
Can you get information about him?
Paul DeLeo
No.
Winnie Waldron
I figured.
Paul DeLeo
But why? You know, that's really far out. The vice President.
Winnie Waldron
Think of it. It's a challenge.
Paul DeLeo
Yeah, I guess.
Winnie Waldron
Aren't you curious, even a little bit?
Paul DeLeo
Well, yes.
Winnie Waldron
Then why not? It'd be fun. Why mess around with the small time? Jason, let's shoot for the big sh.
Paul DeLeo
Okay, let's do it. What do you want to try first?
Winnie Waldron
You talked about getting into his mail.
Paul DeLeo
I don't know if that's really legal.
Winnie Waldron
Well, then forget it. I don't want you to get into trouble.
Paul DeLeo
No, really, I can do it.
Winnie Waldron
But if it's going to cause you problems.
Paul DeLeo
No sweat. I've done it before. Not on this scale, but I've done it. So we'll try his mail first. Okay?
Winnie Waldron
You really can do it.
Paul DeLeo
Just watch me. I'm requesting the computer search for mail networks to have his name listed in the index.
Computer Voice
Carrier detected. Ready.
Winnie Waldron
What was that?
Paul DeLeo
Oh, sorry. That's the computer. The speakers are on the desk over there.
Winnie Waldron
Your computer talks?
Paul DeLeo
In a way, yes. Okay, I'm going to set up the computer to receive the files. Wait a minute. There's a firewall security program. I'll take care of it.
Computer Voice
Access confirmed. Awaiting incoming file. Aboard with esc.
Paul DeLeo
The file should be downloading even as we speak.
Winnie Waldron
How did you do that so fast?
Paul DeLeo
It's not so hard once you get the hang of it.
Computer Voice
File 145. Dear Mr. Williams. Yes, I am very interested in reviewing all the information you can present to me concerning the crop circles recently appearing in England. I will be sending you the article in which you were so interested concerning the sightings of unidentified sovereign a military base in Wyoming. End of file.
Paul DeLeo
What was that?
Winnie Waldron
Crop circles.
Paul DeLeo
The vice president is into UFOs.
Winnie Waldron
How exciting.
Paul DeLeo
It is, isn't it? I'll print out the Rest of this?
Winnie Waldron
That'd be great.
Paul DeLeo
Look, I can find out more. I'll ask it to search the indexes of some 800 number catalogs and see what turns up.
Winnie Waldron
You know, you're just amazing.
Paul DeLeo
Well, here goes.
Computer Voice
Carrier detect. Reddy.
Paul DeLeo
Okay, I'm telling it to receive the file.
Computer Voice
Entry 1, subscript Stargazer Science Fiction Book Club. Entry 2, Member Futuristic Society. Entry 3, Consumer Scrub.
Paul DeLeo
Free washcloth, Free Screen. The rest of this looks pretty boring. Look, I can get more of those computer entries from the mail network. Log them into my hard drive.
Winnie Waldron
Oh, oh, would you?
Paul DeLeo
It would take some time. Is there someplace I can reach you?
Winnie Waldron
Uh, no. I'll see you tomorrow in class.
Paul DeLeo
What's wrong?
Winnie Waldron
I really like you, Jason. You're bright and you're a lot of fun. But there are some things I just can't tell you. Not right now, at least. I'm sorry.
Paul DeLeo
You're married?
Winnie Waldron
No, nothing like that.
Paul DeLeo
Then what?
Winnie Waldron
It's really late. I've got to go.
Paul DeLeo
Andrea.
Winnie Waldron
I'll see you.
Paul DeLeo
Andrea. Krista. What are you doing here again?
Winifred Phillips
I'm checking up on my little brother. You left your computer on.
Paul DeLeo
It's supposed to be on. I've never seen you with curly hair before.
Winifred Phillips
New wig. How do you like it?
Paul DeLeo
Well, it's different.
Winifred Phillips
Thanks. What's the computer doing?
Paul DeLeo
Searching for 800 number catalogs that have listings for the Vice President of the United States.
Winifred Phillips
What?
Paul DeLeo
It's searching for 800.
Winifred Phillips
I heard what you said.
Winnie Waldron
Why would you want to do that?
Paul DeLeo
Well.
Winifred Phillips
Oh, I get it.
Showing off again.
Paul DeLeo
She asked me to.
Winifred Phillips
What are you dating an older woman for? And what did she want with a vice president anyway?
Paul DeLeo
It was just for fun. No big deal.
Winifred Phillips
Isn't this illegal, Jason?
Paul DeLeo
I don't know. It's kind of borderline.
Winifred Phillips
You're not turning into a computer hack, are you? You know, like a show on tv.
Paul DeLeo
No, I'm not. This is none of your business anyway.
Winifred Phillips
Yeah, well, it's really creep. Did you do anything besides fiddle with the computer?
Paul DeLeo
That's none of your business either.
Winifred Phillips
You gonna call her?
Paul DeLeo
She wouldn't give me your number. Okay. Are you satisfied?
Winifred Phillips
Wow, this is so far out. You know what she sounds like?
Paul DeLeo
What?
Winifred Phillips
She sounds like a spy.
Paul DeLeo
Come on.
Winifred Phillips
No, really, just. Just think about it a minute, Jason. Why would she pressure you to get into computer systems to find out about the Vice President? Why?
Paul DeLeo
If she's this big time spy, she could have done it herself.
Winifred Phillips
How do you know? You're an expert on spies or something? Think about it, Jason. Why would anybody Want the information she's looking for? Why? Is there any logical reason you can think of? Come on.
Paul DeLeo
We were just doing it for fun. Okay.
Winifred Phillips
Is your computer talking?
Paul DeLeo
What?
Winifred Phillips
Can't you hear it?
Paul DeLeo
Oh, I turned it down last night. It's probably reading out index listings, that's all. Here, I'll turn it over it up. I got to shut it down.
Winifred Phillips
What it mean?
Paul DeLeo
They found me out dead all night and all day to trace the phone lines here.
Winifred Phillips
There's a truck outside the apartment. And? And a couple of guys are looking up here.
Paul DeLeo
Get away from the window.
Winifred Phillips
Well, who are they?
Paul DeLeo
Who knows? FBI, CIA. Oh, I'm really in trouble. I am really.
Winifred Phillips
Well, what can we do?
Paul DeLeo
I don't know. What if Andrea really is a spy?
Winifred Phillips
So?
Paul DeLeo
So they could convict me of aiding a spy. You know, espionage. Damn. How deep am I in? I've got to find Andrea, get her to tell me if she really is a spy. Got to know.
Winifred Phillips
Well, how you gonna get out of here, you know, with all those guys down there?
Paul DeLeo
I've got an idea.
Winifred Phillips
What?
Paul DeLeo
We'll switch clothes.
Winnie Waldron
What?
Paul DeLeo
We'll switch clothes. I'll wear your dress and the wig. You wear my clothes, they'll think you're me.
Winifred Phillips
You mean I'll be dressed up like you and. And they'll follow me? It's crazy, but it could work.
Paul DeLeo
Let's do it. What do I have to lo. How do I look?
Winifred Phillips
Lovely.
Paul DeLeo
Very funny.
Winifred Phillips
The wig's crooked. Let me fix it. Okay. How am I?
Paul DeLeo
Good enough. They'll follow you, I think.
Winifred Phillips
Well, just keep your head down.
Paul DeLeo
Don't worry, I will.
Winifred Phillips
Where are you gonna find her?
Paul DeLeo
We have a class in about an hour. I'll wait for her there. Dressed up like that, what choice have I got? Let's go.
Winnie Waldron
Good luck.
Paul DeLeo
Thanks. I'll need it. Jason, I've got to talk to you.
Winnie Waldron
Why are you dressed like that?
Paul DeLeo
Let's walk away from here, okay? I don't want anyone to see me.
Winnie Waldron
What's going on?
Paul DeLeo
Jason, I'm in real trouble. The computer leak was traced. I've got the FBI or something watching my apartment. Look, I've got to ask you. Are. Are you. Are you a spy?
Winnie Waldron
A spy?
Paul DeLeo
You wanted to know about the vice president, and now the FBI is after me. I've got to know how much trouble I'm in. Could they convict me of espionage? Andrea? I mean, are you gathering information for Russia or somewhere?
Winnie Waldron
I am gathering information.
Paul DeLeo
Why do you need to know all that stuff? Why?
Winnie Waldron
Come with me.
Paul DeLeo
Where?
Winnie Waldron
Just follow me. I need to show you something.
Paul DeLeo
Sa. Come on. Where are we going? You're not just going to lead me into the forest.
Winnie Waldron
And it's just beyond these trees in the clearing. Come on.
Paul DeLeo
But what does this have to do with. What's that sound?
Winnie Waldron
Just past these trees.
Paul DeLeo
But what is it?
Winnie Waldron
Look up.
Paul DeLeo
Oh, my God. What is that?
Winnie Waldron
It's a vessel. You call it a US ufo? A spaceship.
Paul DeLeo
It's. It's real.
Winnie Waldron
It's real. I told you that I was new to the area. That much is true. And that. Well, that doesn't come from anywhere around here either.
Paul DeLeo
Oh, geez. It's a ufo.
Winnie Waldron
Yes. That's why I needed to know those personal things about your vice president. We're preparing to initiate first contact. I will be conducting initial relations with your country. Call it field research, if you like.
Paul DeLeo
What?
Winnie Waldron
You know. We didn't know who we should contact first, but we'd heard good things about your vice president. We'd heard he was receptive. I wanted to confirm that. You did that for me?
Paul DeLeo
You said we.
Winnie Waldron
Oh, the team. You'd call it a. A diplomatic entourage. Fancy word. We've been doing research, but we didn't have access. You. You did.
Winifred Phillips
You're.
Paul DeLeo
And I'm confused.
Winnie Waldron
I'm sorry I caused you trouble. I didn't mean for that to happen. I was telling the truth when I said that I really like you. I do.
Paul DeLeo
You can't stay here. There are people looking for me.
Winnie Waldron
All right. I'll have to move to another location. Will you come with me?
Paul DeLeo
Come with you?
Winnie Waldron
Yeah. I'd like you to come with me. Me? Will you come?
Paul DeLeo
Wouldn't I be in the way?
Winnie Waldron
Oh, no. You'd be an asset. You're bright and you know all about computers. You'll be a part of the team. Come on. It'll be fun. Why not?
Paul DeLeo
That's what you said before.
Winnie Waldron
Why do you think I'm doing this? Could there be anything more exciting than this?
Paul DeLeo
No, there couldn't, could there? Okay. Where are we going?
Winnie Waldron
Back home. That's where the last place was.
Paul DeLeo
Where's that?
Winnie Waldron
Wyoming. I'll introduce you to my folks. Then you're human. Yes. A recruit. You know, kind of like you. It's a really good deal. Hey. We'll be working together. Speaking for the Saitarians. Cider Saitarians. That's their name. And if we hit it off with a vice president, you know, we are set for life.
Paul DeLeo
What do they look like?
Winnie Waldron
You'll see. They're kind of cool, actually. You'll like them. We should go. You ready?
Paul DeLeo
Sure. Ready as I'll ever be.
Winnie Waldron
Food to transport.
Paul DeLeo
Transport.
Winifred Phillips
Somewhere in the vacuum of space lies a world different. Different and yet similar to our own. Where people are even now, reaching out to us and doing their research. In A Tale from the Other side, Silicon Symmetry were written by Winifred Phillips. The role of Jason was played by Paul DeLeo. The role of Tom was played by Harold Boyd. The role of Andrea was played by Winnie Waldron. The roles of Krista at the Computer Boys were played by Winifred Phillips. The Tales from the Other side radio drama series is produced by Generations Radio Theater, which is solely responsible for its content. Copyright 1992 WP Phillips. All rights reserved. Support for this program came from National Public Radio member stations and the NPR Cultural Program Fund. Contributors include the National Endowment for the Arts and the Charles E. Culpepper Foundation. This is npr, National Public Radio.
Podcast Summary: Tales From The Other Side 92-09-20 (1) Silicone Symmetry
Harold's Old Time Radio, hosted by Harold Boyd, transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio with compelling stories that blend suspense, intrigue, and the supernatural. In the episode titled "Silicone Symmetry," released on February 25, 2025, listeners are immersed in a thrilling narrative that explores themes of technology, espionage, and extraterrestrial contact.
The story unfolds in a collegiate environment, introducing us to Jason Caldwell (voiced by Paul DeLeo), a talented computer enthusiast, and his interactions with his peers and family. The opening scene sets a mysterious tone, with Winifred Phillips (Winifred Phillips) narrating:
[00:06] Winifred Phillips: Somewhere in the silent movements of time, the whirling vacuum of space, and the blackest illusions of the mind, there are stories whispered across the stars, tales from the other side.
Jason's technical prowess is evident as he navigates computer programming challenges alongside his friend Harold Boyd (Harold Boyd). Harold encourages Jason to approach Andrea Barnes (voiced by Winnie Waldron), a captivating new student, signaling the beginning of an unexpected journey.
Jason's attempt to connect with Andrea is met with hesitation. His friend Harold pushes him to impress her with his computer expertise:
[02:37] Harold Boyd: She's going to leave. Go.
Despite his reluctance, Jason gathers the courage to converse with Andrea. Their interaction is brief but leaves Jason intrigued, laying the groundwork for the unfolding drama.
As Jason continues his academic pursuits, he meets Winnie Waldron (Winnie Waldron), who is fascinated by his computer setup. Their conversation delves into the capabilities of computer networks, revealing Jason's ability to access extensive personal information:
[07:04] Winnie Waldron: Well, how much can you find out?
[08:22] Winnie Waldron: How about the vice President? Is that too challenging for you?
Jason demonstrates his skills by hacking into systems to retrieve sensitive data about the Vice President, indicating the depth of his technical abilities and the potential consequences of his actions.
Winifred Phillips returns, uncovering Jason’s illicit activities:
[13:38] Winifred Phillips: I heard what you said.
Her suspicions grow as she questions Jason's motives, hinting at deeper conspiracies:
[14:26] Winifred Phillips: Just think about it, Jason. Why would anybody want the information she's looking for?
The tension escalates when authorities begin to scrutinize Jason's actions, forcing him to question his allegiances and the true intentions of those around him.
In a pivotal twist, Winnie Waldron reveals her true identity as an extraterrestrial from the Saitarians:
[20:02] Paul DeLeo: Oh, my God. What is that?
[20:14] Winnie Waldron: It's a vessel. You call it a UFO? A spaceship.
She discloses that her mission involves initiating first contact and that Jason's hacking inadvertently assisted their cause:
[20:48] Winnie Waldron: You know. We didn't know who we should contact first, but we'd heard good things about your vice president. We'd heard he was receptive. I wanted to confirm that. You did that for me.
Winnie extends an invitation to Jason to join her mission, blending the lines between technology and extraterrestrial endeavors.
Faced with imminent danger from pursuing authorities, Jason and Winifred devise a plan to evade capture by disguising Jason:
[16:10] Paul DeLeo: We'll switch clothes.
Their escape marks a turning point, leading them to unite with Winnie and the Saitarians. The narrative concludes with the promise of new beginnings and interstellar collaboration:
[21:56] Winnie Waldron: Why do you think I'm doing this? Could there be anything more exciting than this?
[22:09] Winnie Waldron: Back home. That's where the last place was.
"Silicone Symmetry" masterfully weaves a tale of technological mastery, unexpected alliances, and the quest for knowledge beyond human understanding. Through its dynamic characters and unforeseen plot twists, the episode invites listeners to ponder the implications of technological advancements and the mysteries that lie beyond our world.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
[00:06] Winifred Phillips: "Somewhere in the silent movements of time, the whirling vacuum of space, and the blackest illusions of the mind, there are stories whispered across the stars, tales from the other side."
[12:05] Paul DeLeo: "I really like you, Jason. You're bright and you're a lot of fun. But there are some things I just can't tell you."
[20:14] Winnie Waldron: "It's a vessel. You call it a UFO? A spaceship."
[21:56] Winnie Waldron: "Why do you think I'm doing this? Could there be anything more exciting than this?"
"Silicone Symmetry" is a part of the Tales from the Other Side radio drama series, produced by Generations Radio Theater. The episode features a talented cast, including Paul DeLeo as Jason Caldwell, Harold Boyd as Tom, Winnie Waldron as Andrea Barnes, and Winifred Phillips as Krista. The production is supported by National Public Radio member stations, the NPR Cultural Program Fund, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Charles E. Culpepper Foundation.
Listen to "Silicone Symmetry" on Harold's Old Time Radio to experience this captivating story of love, technology, and the unknown.