S6E1- Are you Emily?

Summary

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I Witness: The Long Shore

Episode S6E1 – "Are You Emily?"

Release Date: May 8, 2026
Host/Production: Northwest Christian School, Red Five Media

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Episode Overview

In the season six premiere of "I Witness: The Long Shore," listeners are immersed in a gripping new mystery as a group of friends reunite and embark on what should be a historical simulation—only to get trapped somewhere (and somewhen) unexpected. With themes of reconciliation, forgiveness, and discovery, the story launches with unresolved relationships, the allure of immersive technology, and a classic case of technology gone awry, setting up a suspenseful journey through both personal history and America’s past.

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Key Discussion Points and Episode Breakdown

1. Rekindling Old Relationships and Tensions (00:35–02:15)

• Nya (B) and Emily (C) discuss inviting Alex back into their group and the Elysian Program, despite a troubled history.
• Themes of forgiveness and unresolved conflict:
  • "I'm not good at forgiveness. I'm better at holding grudges. But I'm working on it." – Emily (C) [01:56]
  • Both consider the potential for history (the Revolutionary War simulation) to bring them together again.
• Notable emotional moment as Nya weighs her desire to reconnect against past wrongs.

2. The Awkward Reunion: Inviting Alex (02:15–04:37)

• Alex (D) is contacted, highlighting the awkwardness and skepticism over the sudden invitation:
  • "You do realize it's been like a year since we spoke, right? Like, actually spoke?" – Alex (D) [03:37]
• Nya admits hoping the Elysium tech could mend the rift:
  • "I thought that if the Elysium is what separated us, then maybe it could also be the thing that brings us back together." – Nya (B) [03:56]

3. Entering the Simulation—And Something’s Wrong (05:00–07:00)

• The trio (Nya, Emily, Alex) and tech-operator Quinn (E) prepare for immersion.
• At first, it seems Alex won’t arrive, but he shows up last minute:
  • "I guess curiosity got the best of me." – Alex (D) [05:28]
• They enter the Elysium program, expecting to relive the American Revolutionary War, but instead find themselves in a void ("Infinite Nothing"), unable to extract or get Quinn’s help.
• Initial confusion and worry set in as commands to exit the simulation fail.
  • "I know I did. I don't know what's going on, though." – Nya (B) [06:58]

4. Realization: Stuck in the Wrong Place (07:00–09:31)

• Quinn admits she cannot pull them out:
  • "I'm sorry, you guys, but the program failed to launch...you guys are stuck." – Quinn (E) [07:28]
• Attempts to figure out their location/time and means of exit; confusion deepens as they realize they aren’t in the expected simulation.
• Emily tries to make sense of things:
  • "We just have to run out the program." – Emily (C) [09:09]
• Alex’s reluctance and past love for puzzles are highlighted, contrasting with his current cynicism.

5. Discovering Their New Reality: 1961 Virginia (09:31–11:03)

• By interacting with simulated passersby, the date is revealed:
  • "It's May 3rd, 1961." – Emily (C) [10:45]
• They learn they are in Virginia, not the Revolutionary War.
• Group dynamics and playful banter about Alex's reputation as a history nerd arise:
  • "I thought you were a history nerd." – Emily (C) [10:54]
  • "Yeah, I like history, but I don't know every date and event." – Alex (D) [10:56]

6. The Mystery Emerges: Freedom Rides Connection (11:13–12:41)

• The trio is approached by Sarah (F), who is expecting Emily (C) and mentions a friend, Miles.
  • "Are one of you Emily?...Miles said you'd be coming to help." – Sarah (F) [11:13]
• Sarah reveals they are about to participate in the Freedom Rides, pivotal events of the Civil Rights Movement:
  • "Because Thursday is the start of our freedom rides. And you three are gonna be some of the rider[s]." – Sarah (F) [12:28]
• The group realizes they are locked into a program with monumental historic relevance, and the stakes shift from personal drama to involvement in a significant movement.

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Forgiveness and the Past:
  "I'm not good at forgiveness. I'm better at holding grudges. But I'm working on it." — Emily (C) [01:56]
• On Resurrection of Friendships:
  "I don't know, I guess I thought that if the Elysium is what separated us, then maybe it could also be the thing that brings us back together." — Nya (B) [03:56]
• On Glitches and Being Trapped:
  "I'm sorry, you guys, but the program failed to launch...you guys are stuck." — Quinn (E) [07:28]
• On Entering History:
  "Because Thursday is the start of our freedom rides. And you three are gonna be some of the rider[s]." — Sarah (F) [12:28]

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Segment Timestamps

• Invitation & Forgiveness Discussion: 00:35–02:15
• Alex’s Invitation & Call: 02:15–04:37
• Preloading and Immersion Issues Begin: 05:00–07:00
• Discovering Error & Trying to Escape: 07:00–09:31
• Time Period Clues & Setting Revealed: 09:31–11:03
• Meeting Sarah & Freedom Rides Revelation: 11:13–12:41

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Tone and Storytelling Style

The episode unfolds as a blend of heartfelt, sometimes tense group dialogue, reflective of genuine teen insecurities and the push-pull of friendship. The spoken exchanges mix wit, sarcasm, and moments of vulnerability, especially in the face of the unknown. The immersive "audio drama" style—the fully-voiced cast, authentic sound design, and in-world dilemmas—creates an urgent, emotionally-charged atmosphere that keeps listeners engaged and eager for the next chapter.

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Summary

Season 6 opens with Nya, Emily, and Alex forced to confront their unresolved past as they are drawn together for what should be a routine historical simulation. The Elysium technology malfunctions, and they find themselves trapped in a mysterious version of 1961 Virginia, primed to participate in the Freedom Rides—a vital episode in American history. With escape uncertain and their friendships put to the test, the trio faces not just a technological puzzle but a deeper journey through history, forgiveness, and courage.

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Transcript

[A]

Northwest Christian School Online provides online Christian education for any students ranging from kindergarten to 10th grade. The tuition is fully covered through the State of Arizona's ESA program and is affordable for families out of state. You can count on NCS Online for a rigorous, proven online program that establishes a robust biblical worldview for all students. For more information, go to ncsonline.org that's ncsonline online.org.

[B]

I've been thinking about something.

[C]

Yeah? What's that?

[B]

More like who.

[C]

What do you mean?

[B]

I've been thinking a lot about someone Who? Just don't get upset when I tell you.

[C]

Well, try not to.

[B]

Alex.

[C]

Oh. Well, what about him?

[B]

It's been a while since he and I spoke. Like, actually spoke. We've seen each other in passing on campus, but we haven't talked.

[C]

Okay.

[B]

So I was thinking maybe we ask if he wants to do the next Elysian Program with us.

[C]

Well, uh. I have some thoughts.

[B]

I knew you'd hate the idea.

[C]

I don't hate it.

[B]

But you don't like it.

[C]

No, I don't. Why? Because of how he treated Germanicus. The program? The Elysium. Because of how he treated you.

[B]

All valid points. But I don't know. He and I were so close, and then all of a sudden, we just aren't. I'm not gonna lie. It's been a little hard.

[C]

Yeah, sure. The times I've expressed my dislike for him haven't helped either.

[B]

Not really.

[C]

I'm not good at forgiveness. I'm better at holding grudges. But I'm working on it.

[B]

And I am a forgiving person who wants to give people chances. I think I'm ready to give Alex another chance.

[C]

You sure about this?

[B]

I think so.

[C]

Well, why now?

[B]

Because he loves American history. And if we're going to be experiencing a pivotal moment for our country without an emphasis on Jesus, then I think he'd be really interested in participating. Especially since he already knows how incredible the Elysium is once you're in it.

[C]

But the way everything ended before.

[B]

You know how it ended. That's the reason I want him to come back with us.

[C]

Emily. Please. Fine. We go in tomorrow at 11, whether he's there or not.

[B]

Thank you.

[C]

I hope you know what you're doing.

[B]

Me, too.

[C]

What are you doing?

[B]

Texting Alex.

[C]

Now? Yeah.

[B]

Why?

[C]

I don't know. Guess I didn't think you actually would. Is that him?

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Why is he calling?

[B]

Cause I asked him to.

[C]

Hey, Alex.

[D]

Hey. What's up?

[B]

Well, we're doing a new program for the Elysium And I thought you'd want to join.

[D]

Are you serious?

[B]

Yeah.

[D]

Why?

[B]

The new program we're doing is historical, so I thought you'd want to be part of it.

[D]

Just like that?

[B]

Yeah.

[D]

I'm confused.

[E]

At what?

[D]

You do realize it's been like a year since we spoke, right? Like, actually spoke? And now you text me out of nowhere, ask me to call you, and you expect to just pick up where we left off?

[B]

The truth is, I've been thinking a lot about you and the way we left things.

[C]

And.

[B]

And I don't know, I guess I thought that if the Elysium is what separated us, then maybe it could also be the thing that brings us back together.

[C]

You there?

[B]

Yeah. Well, what do you think?

[D]

I don't know. What's the context?

[B]

American history? The Revolutionary War.

[D]

When?

[B]

Tomorrow at 11am so, you coming?

[D]

Maybe.

[C]

What time is it?

[B]

1106.

[C]

I don't think he's coming.

[B]

Yeah, I guess not. Quinn, can you start the preloading? Yep.

[E]

Just give me a minute.

[C]

Sorry, Nya.

[B]

It's okay. I was just really hoping that he'd come. Oh, well, I guess we can.

[E]

We are preloaded and ready for three users.

[B]

Three? No, it's just me and Emily.

[D]

Hey.

[B]

You came.

[D]

I guess curiosity got the best of me.

[B]

I'm glad it did.

[D]

We'll see. So what do I do again?

[B]

Just sit down. I'll help connect you. I'm not sure how much you remember, but this is fully immersive, so you'll be able to see, touch, smell, hear everything.

[D]

I remember.

[B]

So which parts are you most curious about?

[D]

Revolutionary War. Seems better than Rome.

[B]

I knew you couldn't say no.

[D]

I almost did.

[B]

But you didn't.

[D]

How do I get out of this thing again if I don't like it?

[B]

Just say Elysium extract and it will pull you out. But I'm pretty sure that you won't be saying that.

[D]

We'll see.

[E]

Everyone ready?

[C]

I think so.

[E]

Okay, I'll get you guys loaded. Now just sit back, relax, and have fun. Elysium experience.

[D]

Beginning.

[C]

Error.

[B]

So this is odd.

[D]

I don't recall being in Infinite Nothing.

[C]

Yeah, this isn't supposed to happen. I think it froze.

[D]

What does that mean?

[B]

Well, we should be able to tell Quinn, and she can reset and pull us out, right?

[C]

Hey, Quinn, I think we're stuck. Can you reset us?

[D]

Okay, I'm out of here. Elysium extract. I thought you said that would work.

[B]

I know I did. I don't know what's going on, though.

[D]

How do we get out of here.

[B]

Elysium extract. Emily, I don't think it'll work for any of us, but do you want to give it a try?

[C]

Elysium extract. Quinn, Hello?

[E]

Can you hear me?

[C]

It's a reset. But we should have been pulled out.

[F]

Can you hear me?

[D]

What does that mean?

[C]

I'm not sure.

[E]

Can you hear me?

[C]

Yes. Good.

[E]

I'm sorry, you guys, but the program failed to launch.

[C]

What does that mean?

[E]

It means you guys are stuck.

[D]

Stuck? For how long?

[E]

I don't know. It wouldn't let me reset, and I can't pull you out. I'm running a diagnostic to see where the problem is.

[C]

Can you call Miles?

[E]

I already tried. He didn't answer.

[C]

Did you try to load us in a minute ago?

[E]

No. Why?

[C]

Because it sounded like it tried to. Like an engine failing to start.

[E]

That's strange. I didn't do anything. Maybe it's a. Emily.

[C]

I don't know.

[D]

Don't know what?

[C]

I don't know where we are.

[D]

What do you mean?

[C]

I mean, I have no idea what's happening.

[D]

Nya, you said Revolutionary War. This is not that. By the looks of it, this is like a few decades ago. Forget this. Elysium extract. You kidding me?

[B]

It's still not working.

[C]

Quinn, can you hear us?

[B]

Great. So what do we do? Emily?

[C]

I'm not really sure. I've never seen this happen before.

[D]

What exactly is happening?

[C]

We're stuck.

[D]

Stuck where?

[C]

In the Elysium. And whatever program it put us in.

[B]

Do you know which one?

[C]

I have no idea.

[B]

So how do we get out?

[C]

If extraction doesn't work and Quinn can't hear us, then we just have to.

[D]

Have to what?

[C]

We just have to run out the program.

[D]

And how do we do that?

[C]

I'm not entirely sure.

[B]

Aren't you on the story team?

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

So? Shouldn't you know which program this is?

[C]

Not entirely. We have so many of these available, and a bunch more still in the beta phase. There's a lot of stuff that was made before I even got here.

[D]

Whatever. I'll just sit here until it's fixed.

[B]

You really just want to sit on this bench for possibly days?

[D]

Why not?

[B]

Wouldn't you rather figure it out?

[D]

Not really.

[B]

Interesting.

[D]

What?

[B]

I remember you liking puzzles a lot.

[D]

Okay, these are two totally different things.

[C]

Are they?

[D]

Yes, they are.

[B]

No, they're not.

[D]

How.

[B]

Em.

[C]

Alex, this is a puzzle. That's all it is. We're here looking around, trying to figure out where to start. Once we do, we begin putting the pieces together. When we don't know the story. It takes even more effort to figure things out.

[D]

I guess the bench idea would be a bit boring, but the second we get out, I'm out of here. Got it?

[B]

Got it.

[D]

So where do we start?

[C]

Let's find out. Excuse me. What day is today?

[F]

It's Tuesday.

[C]

And the date?

[B]

May 2nd.

[C]

And you're gonna think I'm crazy, but the year?

[B]

1961.

[C]

61. Thank you.

[B]

What a weirdo.

[C]

It's May 3rd, 1961.

[D]

Okay.

[C]

Does that date sound familiar to either of you?

[B]

No.

[D]

No.

[C]

I thought you were a history nerd.

[D]

Yeah, I like history, but I don't know every date and event. So what now?

[C]

I'm not sure. I don't see anything that looks like it's waiting for us to interact. Think, Emily, think.

[F]

Sorry, but are one of you Emily?

[C]

Yeah.

[F]

Emily Harper?

[C]

That's me.

[F]

Good. Miles said you'd be coming to help. He didn't say he'd be bringing friends. The more the merrier, though. Where are my manners? My name's Sarah.

[C]

Emily, obviously.

[B]

I'm Nya.

[F]

Nice to meet you, Nya.

[D]

I'm Alex.

[F]

Alex. Nice to meet you all.

[C]

You said Miles told you I'd be coming.

[F]

He said his friend Emily would be here and that you'd be a great help to our cause.

[C]

Your cause?

[F]

Yes. He didn't tell you?

[C]

No.

[B]

We actually don't even know where we are.

[F]

How can you not know where you are? You know what? Don't answer that. You're in Virginia.

[D]

Virginia.

[F]

Birthplace of the nation.

[C]

This is all great, but can we go back to something for a second? What exactly did Miles say I'd be coming to do? To help with what?

[F]

With the bus rides.

[C]

Bus rides?

[F]

Yeah. We leave tomorrow evening for Washington, D.C. that's where we're all starting from.

[C]

We?

[F]

All the other riders.

[B]

Riders?

[F]

Yeah. Wait a second. Did Miles really not tell you any of this?

[C]

No, he didn't.

[F]

You guys are in for a ride. Literally. Because Thursday is the start of our freedom rides. And you three are gonna be some of the rider.

[C]

Foreign.

[G]

Thanks for joining us for this episode of Eyewitness. Ride to freedom. Come back next week for the next episode. This episode of Eyewitness is brought to you by Northwest Christian School's summer term. Summer does not have to mean falling behind. NCS summer term gives Students flexible 4 and 8 week online classes to catch up, get ahead and create space before next school year even begins. Real progress. Flexible schedule. Summer that moves you forward. Learn [e-mail].

[D]

Sa.