While You Were Hypersleeping 3: Part 1

Summary

Summary of "Red Valley: While You Were Hypersleeping 3: Part 1"

Released on May 26, 2024, by Kontinue Productions, "Red Valley" is a captivating mystery drama that explores the boundaries of experimental science, the confrontation with one's past, present, and future, and the quirky quest to recall the level select cheat from Sonic 2. In the episode titled "While You Were Hypersleeping 3: Part 1," listeners are plunged into a suspenseful narrative that intricately weaves personal struggle with scientific intrigue.

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Content Warning

At the outset ([00:58]), Aubrey delivers a crucial disclaimer:

“Red Valley is intended for mature audiences and contains scenes some listeners may find distressing.”
This sets the stage for the intense and potentially unsettling themes that follow.

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Warren Awakens: Conversations with Gourd

The episode primarily centers around Warren, who has recently emerged from hypersleep after an unprecedented duration. His immediate interaction is with Gourd, an AI assistant programmed to oversee his quarantine and recovery process.

• Initial Interaction ([02:05] - [04:32]): Warren awakens disoriented and seeks information about his current state and the whereabouts of Aubrey, another key character. Gourd introduces herself as a "Blue sky unit," adopting Gordon Porlock's voice to provide a semblance of familiarity ([03:30]). Warren expresses skepticism about his confinement:

  “You sound very plausibly like an evil robot keeping me in evil robot prison.” ([06:48])

• Quarantine Justifications ([04:32] - [05:24]): Gourd explains that Warren is in quarantine due to his extended hypersleep period, which poses potential health risks. She emphasizes the necessity of these precautions to protect both Warren and the Red Valley residents:

  “You've been in hypersleep for an unprecedented period... to make sure you are not at risk of spreading or contracting any contagion.” ([04:32])

• Concerns About Gordon Porlock ([05:25] - [08:45]): Warren's primary concern revolves around Gordon Porlock, who was placed in cryonic preservation after sustaining fatal injuries in 2020. Gourd provides limited and somewhat vague information about Gordon's current state:

  “In 2020, Gordon sustained injuries that could not be adequately treated... placed him in a state of cryonic preservation.” ([05:25])
  Warren's frustration grows as he feels Gourd is withholding information: “You don't fucking know, do you?” ([06:17])

  Gourd attempts to reassure him by offering details from archived recordings, including Gordon’s personal logs and poetry. This interaction underscores the murky ethics and uncertainties surrounding cryonic preservation within the Red Valley universe.

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Memoir Narration: "You Can't Freeze a Soul"

A significant portion of the episode transitions into a narrated segment from Gordon Porlock's memoir, providing a deep dive into the philosophy and practicalities of cryonics.

• Introduction to Cryonics ([09:01] - [10:58]): The memoir begins with a reflective narrative comparing everyday preservation methods, like pickling eggs, to the more ambitious goal of preserving human consciousness:

  “This story is about the preservation of all that we are and what must be left behind in the process. This is the cryonic void.” ([09:01])

• Historical and Cultural Context ([10:58] - [14:41]): The narration delves into humanity's long-standing obsession with preservation, linking ancient practices like mummification to modern cryonics. Gordon muses on the rationality behind the desire to stave off death, drawing parallels to mythological and religious resurrection stories.

  The memoir is interspersed with dark humor and surreal imagery, highlighted by Gordon's poetic expressions:

  “The great ball bag looms.” ([08:13])
  “Colon My Journey into the Cryonic Void. That was a dreadful fucking title.” ([08:34])

  These lines inject a sense of absurdity and levity into the otherwise serious discourse on cryonics, reflecting Gordon's complex personality and coping mechanisms.

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Aubrey and Gourd Discuss Warren’s Recovery

Post-memoir, the focus shifts back to the immediate concerns surrounding Warren's recovery process.

• Monitoring and Support ([14:41] - [15:19]): Gourd checks on Warren’s state, suggesting that the memoir was an effective tool for his mental engagement:

  “The memoir was a good idea.” ([14:41])
  Aubrey adds that Warren hasn't reached the "boring parts" of the memoir yet ([14:49]).

  Aubrey emphasizes the importance of providing Warren with sufficient mental stimuli while avoiding negative emotions:

  “Just no more than disgust.” ([14:54])

• Aubrey’s Role and Future Plans ([15:10] - [15:23]): Gourd acknowledges Aubrey’s directives and prepares to adjust Warren's environment accordingly:

  “As you wish, Aubrey.” ([15:10])
  Aubrey hints at upcoming challenges and her limited availability: “There’s a lot going on right now, Gord.” ([15:19])

  The conversation underscores the collaborative yet strained efforts to aid Warren’s recovery, hinting at deeper institutional dynamics within Red Valley.

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Conclusion

"While You Were Hypersleeping 3: Part 1" intricately weaves character development, ethical dilemmas, and philosophical inquiries into a compelling narrative. Warren’s uneasy awakening, juxtaposed with Gourd’s ambiguous guidance and the haunting reflections from Gordon’s memoir, creates a rich tapestry that questions the very essence of humanity and the lengths we go to preserve it.

Notable Quotes:

• Warren:

  “You don't fucking know, do you?” ([06:17])

• Gourd:

  “I'm simply a Blue sky unit. You can call me whatever you like.” ([03:30])
  “The great ball bag looms.” ([08:13])

• Warren on Cryonics:

  “Colon My Journey into the Cryonic Void. That was a dreadful fucking title.” ([08:34])

• Aubrey on Recovery:

  “Just no more than disgust.” ([14:54])

These quotes encapsulate the tension, humor, and existential musings that drive the episode forward, offering listeners a deep and engaging experience into the mysterious world of Red Valley.

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Overall Impact:

Through its nuanced characters and thought-provoking themes, "Red Valley: While You Were Hypersleeping 3: Part 1" invites listeners to ponder the moral and emotional complexities of experimental science and the human desire to overcome mortality. The seamless integration of dialogue, narration, and lyrical elements ensures a rich and immersive storytelling experience.

Transcript

[Advertiser]

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[Narrator]

You, I was just looking on ebay where I go for all kinds of things I love. And there it was. That hologram trading card. One of the rarest, the last one.

[Gourd]

I needed for my set.

[Advertiser]

Shiny like the designer handbag of my dreams. One of a kind.

[Narrator]

Ebay had it.

[Warren]

And now everyone's asking, ooh, where'd you.

[Narrator]

Get your windshield wiper? Ebay has all the parts that fit my car. No more annoying, just beautiful. Whatever you love, find it on ebay. Ebay.

[Aubrey]

Things people love Red Valley is intended for mature audiences and contains scenes some listeners may find distressing. Please go to RedValleyPod.com for full content warnings on every episode. Do you want to continue?

[Warren]

Is there a. Is there a light switch? Do I just say lights or something? How does the future work?

[Gourd]

You can say whatever you like. I'll probably get the gist of it.

[Warren]

Thanks. What time is it?

[Gourd]

It's just after 3am Are you alright?

[Warren]

Yeah. Yeah, not so much. Is Aubrey coming back? She.

[Gourd]

She left things a little cryptic and melodramatic.

[Warren]

Yeah, exactly that.

[Gourd]

Aubrey's not on shift at this hour. She'll be back at some point, I'm sure. But right now it's you and me.

[Warren]

And how do you work? Are you just listening out for me?

[Gourd]

All the time and watching.

[Warren]

Watching too. Oh, good.

[Gourd]

You make it sound sinister.

[Warren]

Not at all. It's. It's cool and normal. Everything seems very cool and normal.

[Gourd]

Would you prefer a stranger was brought down to watch you through the glass?

[Warren]

Point taken.

[Gourd]

That's been required ever since your emergence. However, your recovery has now reached a stage where I am able to provide ample supervision.

[Warren]

Yeah, supervision sounds a little.

[Gourd]

It sounds a bit prisony, doesn't it? My apologies. I assure you we're only working in your best interest.

[Warren]

Right. So what do I call you?

[Gourd]

I'm simply a Blue sky unit. You can call me whatever you like. But since Aubrey asked me to adopt Gordon Porlock's voice, we settled on Gourd.

[Warren]

Yes, Gordon Gord, of course. You know, it was a very strange idea to do that.

[Gourd]

I assure you, we are only working in your best.

[Warren]

My best interests. Right.

[Gourd]

I imagine you're very concerned about him. About Gordon.

[Warren]

Yes.

[Gourd]

Would you like to talk through your concerns?

[Warren]

Yeah, I'm not sure that's in my best interest right now.

[Gourd]

Can you say more?

[Warren]

You know, thinking about it, Gord, I am actually going to need Aubrey or whoever is on shift right now to start telling me what is going on here. Starting with what's happened to Gordon.

[Gourd]

As I said, Aubrey is currently off shift. But I can answer some of your.

[Warren]

Questions, you know, just tell me where she is. I know my way around.

[Gourd]

Warren, you will be in quarantine for several more days.

[Warren]

Why exactly am I in quarantine?

[Gourd]

You've been in hypersleep for an unprecedented period. It is vital for both your safety and that of our residents that we make sure you are not at risk of spreading or contracting any contagion. That could pose a risk.

[Warren]

Yeah, that sounds very dramatic. I would like to get out, please.

[Gourd]

Gord, Please try to understand. Warren, we've put procedures in place to keep everyone at Red Valley safe.

[Warren]

Who? Who is everyone? What do you mean? Residents.

[Gourd]

Warren, you are tired. This is the first day where your short term memory appears to be back to normal. That's excellent progress. But you are still immunocompromised and in need of rest.

[Warren]

Okay. Okay.

[Gourd]

You wanted to know more about Gordon. Aubrey has more detail and would like the opportunity to explain in full. But let me tell you what I can.

[Warren]

All right.

[Gourd]

In 2020, Gordon sustained injuries that could not be adequately treated with the facilities at hand. The decision was made to place him in a state of cryonic preservation. He is currently in a pod almost identical to the one you emerged from three days ago. The most recent diagnostics from that pod show stability with no significant variances reported in his condition over the last 44 years.

[Warren]

So he's no worse than when he went in.

[Gourd]

There is no notable indication of deterioration.

[Warren]

Wait, is that because nothing's changed or because you can't tell what's actually happening inside his pod?

[Gourd]

There are aspects of Gordon's preservation that remain unquantifiable. Unquantifiable, lacking measurable characteristics.

[Warren]

You don't fucking know, do you?

[Gourd]

The circumstances around Gordon's preservation presented variables that could not be adequately.

[Warren]

He was shot. He was dying.

[Gourd]

Every effort was made with the facilities at hand to.

[Narrator]

You weren't there.

[Gourd]

I have been given accounts made at Mult. Of course.

[Warren]

I need to see him. Please.

[Gourd]

What you need is natural REM sleep. It's totally understandable that you might be experiencing anxiety. I strongly recommend a sleep aid. You are clearly fatigued.

[Warren]

You know, I am trying to give you the benefit of the doubt, but you sound very plausibly like an evil robot keeping me in evil robot prison.

[Gourd]

That's a pity. I'd taken time to study all available records on Gordon Porlock in an effort to more accurately convey his personality. It's disappointing to hear that I sound Creepy? Inauthentic.

[Warren]

Well, if it makes you feel better, Gordon can, on occasion, sound a little creepy.

[Gourd]

Oh, so I'm on the right track?

[Warren]

I mean, don't get carried away. He's not Vincent Price.

[Gourd]

Understood. Thanks all the same.

[Warren]

You're welcome.

[Gourd]

So would you consider a sleep aid?

[Warren]

What did you mean, available records?

[Gourd]

I'm sorry, I didn't catch that.

[Warren]

You said you studied available records of Gordon. What do you have? That's his.

[Gourd]

Aubrey had a limited number of Gordon's recordings when she left red Valley in 2020 more remained here, along with your cryopods when she returned. They were found to be largely undamaged and were archived for posterity. They include his daily logs while stationed at Red Valley.

[Warren]

Daily logs? He recorded himself every day.

[Gourd]

He did daily logs. Historical logs from the duration of his employment with overhead. Personal recordings, poetry.

[Warren]

What?

[Gourd]

Haikus and sonnets. I believe he enjoyed the parameters within which he could express himself.

[Warren]

Good God, Porlock. Poetry.

[Gourd]

The great ball bag looms.

[Warren]

Whoa.

[Gourd]

Unconcerned by rain, snow, sleet, a weathered scrotum, and of course, the draft of his memoir.

[Warren]

Oh, my God, the memoir.

[Gourd]

You Can't Freeze a Soul.

[Warren]

Colon My Journey into the Cryonic Void. That was a dreadful fucking title.

[Gourd]

I could play some if you like.

[Warren]

Yeah. I thought you were gonna give me a sleep aid.

[Gourd]

How do you know this isn't it?

[Warren]

Yeah. Okay. Okay. I, I, I would like that.

[Gourd]

Excellent.

[Warren]

Let's start at the start.

[Gourd]

Of course.

[Narrator]

Every other Friday, my family would get fish and chips. The shop was called. This must be the place. Wonderful smell. Terrible Mushy peas. And on the counter, a jar filled with pickled eggs. 20 or so hard boiled eggs bobbing about in vinegar, a sickly green tinge to them that I felt sure belonged to the eggs themselves and not just the thick, discolored glass. Why? I had asked my parents, why pickle an egg? As a boy, I could not imagine a less appealing thing. I never saw anyone order one. I wasn't convinced the jar had ever been opened. My father dryly recounted the practices of food preservation dating back hundreds of years from all over the world. He had seen a segment on the topic on TV AM one morning. My mother's reply was typical in both its brevity and its digression to a preferred topic. You know who belongs in a jar like that? She said to me. Little boys who talk too much. There'll be some cool theme music right here. This is not a story about eggs. This is a story about preservation. Not of an object or specimen, not a document or record. This story is about the preservation of all that we are and what must be left behind in the process. This is the cryonic void. Oh, wait. The theme music should probably go here, actually. You can't freeze a soul. My Journey into the Cryonic Void, A memoir by Gordon Sergio Pollock, read by the author. You'll know what cryonics is, of course. The freezing of bodies or brains after death in the hope they may be returned to life one day in the future. The ultimate preservation of the self.

[Gourd]

It's a joke.

[Narrator]

Science, right? If you've come across this memoir, you've probably read a bit about cryonics already. Maybe you've heard some of the horror stories. Doesn't take more than a quick Google. Bodies cracked down the middle, frozen heads cut off with chainsaws, clients left to thaw out and rot, some turning to nothing but sludge to scrape into a bucket and hand back to their relatives. Makes it hard to take seriously, doesn't it? What if I told you that it's taken very seriously by people you might not expect? Important people. Powerful people. Maybe you should take cryonics a little more seriously too. If you found this memoir, you're already on your way. Surely cryonics is not so wild a concept at the end of the day, is it? A desire to stave off death is perfectly rational. Some of the most enduring tales in our history are those of resurrection, be it the Egyptian God Osiris, murdered by his brother and brought back by his wife, Isis. That guy Jesus and his busy Easter weekend. Or Captain Scarlet and the Mr. Ons. But how do we get from there to throwing Grandma in a trough of liquid nitrogen? Let's return to that jar of pickled eggs in the fish and chip shop. Let's think about our ability to preserve and where it took us as a species. Could mankind's obsession with corporeal preservation have have stemmed from the humble pickled egg, the first cured meat, the first fermented grains of barley? Preserving our food allowed us to create structure and community, to travel further, to broaden our knowledge. The foundations of human society are as much salt, honey, vinegar and ice as the spear, the trap, and the net. Alongside these great innovations in our development is another cornerstone of human society that separates us from animals, for better or worse, the treatment of our dead. The overlapping of these two concepts brings us to the earliest attempts to conserve human remains after death. From the first mummifications by the Chinchorro people of northern Chile to Alexander the Great's supposed immersion in honey to make the journey back to his homeland. For thousands of years, we have sought the means to preserve our debt in reverence, in respect for sentimentality. Perhaps most commonly, though, for faith. Linked inextricably in so many cultures, of course, to what? More life, a journey, perhaps to another world, another existence. Not just to live again, but perhaps to live forever. Many of these practices were and are carried out with noble, loving intention. There are some practices, however, that are less than noble, less than respectful, less than scientific. And there are some that. That just really take the piss. This story is also a journey. But where does this journey begin? Not with death, not with ritual, not with faith. It begins with a small patch of land in the shadow of an unremarkable mountain and a small bag of seeds.

[Gourd]

Are you still awake, Warren? The memoir was a good idea.

[Aubrey]

I didn't actually think it would put him to sleep. He hasn't even got to the boring parts.

[Gourd]

His sleep patterns will remain erratic for some time, perhaps permanently.

[Aubrey]

It's going to be a long few days for him until he gets the all clear. He needs something to focus on. Give him as much as you can. Just. Just no more than disgust.

[Gourd]

As you wish, Aubrey.

[Aubrey]

Keep me informed. All right.

[Gourd]

When will you be down to see him?

[Aubrey]

There's a lot going on right now, Gord.

[Gourd]

Of course.

[Aubrey]

Good night.

[Gourd]

Good night.

[Aubrey]

While youe Are Hypersleeping is a Red Valley miniseries written by Jonathan Williams, directed by Alan Mandel. An associate directed by Carol Pestridge with music, editing and sound design by Richard Orpheus Campbell. Additional sound effects editing by Luke Elliot. Original podcast artwork by Claire Hoopes. Lucy Downing was content creator performances by Jonathan Williams, Alan Mandel and Tash Reith Banks. Thanks as always to the Overhead board of directors Jack Rees, Marguerite Kenner, Dev Patel, Paul James and Hayley Daniel. Red Valley is recorded at Orpheus Studio London and brought to you by Continue Productions. Thanks so much for listening.

[Narrator]

The Fable and Folly Network where fiction producers flourish.

[Obituary Writer]

Greetings. I am the modestly handsome obituary writer of this fetching town of Crestfall, Idaho. And this is Death by Dying. Death is exhausting. And so, after a long day of funeral attending, I had retired to my apartment to get some shut eye. I loosened my Versace tie and changed into my Egyptian silk pajamas.

[Advertiser]

Are you the detective in town?

[Obituary Writer]

No, I'm the obituary writer.

[Advertiser]

Really? Someone said you solve murder cases.

[Obituary Writer]

Murder?

[Advertiser]

I'm Charlotte, by the way.

[Obituary Writer]

Forgive me, but I haven't gotten past the murder part. Charlotte, the friend I now have, is staying in the apartment above her aunt Lillian's bookshop.

[Advertiser]

She was my aunt. She was all I had growing up. I need to know why she's gone.

[Obituary Writer]

Murder is the spice of life. I knew just who I had to see. The angel of Death. We have become friends over the years.

[Advertiser]

Careful. Death is ever present.

[Obituary Writer]

Her pet, the button eyed Raven, moaned inconsolably. As usual, your friends are abandoning you one by one.

[Advertiser]

You write about death. Ow. But how much do you know about what it feels like to lose someone?

[Obituary Writer]

The Shadow in the Dark woods is making its way into Crestfall. Listen to Death by Dying on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcatcher.