While You Were Hypersleeping 3: Part 2

Summary

Red Valley: While You Were Hypersleeping 3: Part 2 – Detailed Summary

Introduction

In the third installment of the "While You Were Hypersleeping" series, Part 2 of "Red Valley" delves deeper into the enigmatic world where experimental science pushes the boundaries of human experience. Set against the backdrop of a mysterious seed vault project, the episode intertwines themes of memory loss, existential confusion, and the resilience of human connections. Hosted by Kontinue Productions, this episode masterfully blends dialogue and narrative to unravel the protagonist’s struggle to piece together his fragmented past and uncertain future.

Opening Dynamics

The episode begins with a brief advertisement and a haunting narration about vampires, setting a dark and suspenseful tone. Shortly after, the focus shifts to the central characters, Gordon Pollock and Warren Godby, who engage in a tense conversation punctuated by interruptions from Aubrey—a voice that appears to assist or monitor the dialogue.

Exploring Seed Vaults and Organizational Challenges

At the [02:22] mark, Gordon Pollock initiates a discussion about seed vaults, sparking a debate with Warren Godby about the classification and significance of heirloom versus historic seeds.

• Gordon Pollock ([02:22]): "Actually qualifies as an heirloom seed or is just a historic seed? Some would argue there's more."

• Warren Godby ([02:30]): "What's going on? Too many. Too many. Gordons. Shush."

The conversation quickly becomes heated as Gordon emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary knowledge, blending sociology and agriculture, to properly categorize and manage seed archives. Warren’s frustration is evident as he expresses disinterest and fatigue over the technical aspects:

• Warren Godby ([05:00]): "It is 4:38am Right."

Aubrey intervenes ([03:02] and onward), attempting to mediate the conversation and steer it back to the main topic. This interaction highlights the strained communication between Gordon and Warren, reflecting deeper tensions within their professional relationship.

Memory Loss and Existential Crisis

The dialogue shifts towards Warren’s personal turmoil following his emergence from hypersleep. He grapples with memory loss and a distorted perception of time, questioning his reality and the authenticity of his interactions:

• Warren Godby ([04:20]): "Why would you laugh?"

• Warren Godby ([05:04]): "I have no idea what time it is."

Warren's existential crisis is further explored as he contemplates the nature of time and his identity:

• Warren Godby ([05:53]): "I'm not the same guy in a different time right now. I'm this version, or Warren Godby, whoever, whenever he is."

These reflections underscore the episode’s central themes of identity and the human psyche’s resilience in the face of profound uncertainty.

The Red Valley Seed Vault Project

At [10:31], Gordon provides an in-depth account of his involvement with the Red Valley Seed Vault, detailing the project's inception, development, and eventual downfall:

• Gordon Pollock ([10:31]): "They continued to work. What else were we gonna do? But grumbles started amongst the team. Oscar had heard that budget reviews had been mentioned."

Gordon recounts the abrupt termination of the project and the subsequent fallout, highlighting the fragility of collaborative endeavors in high-stakes scientific environments. The narrative introduces Oscar, a key team member whose sudden departure adds to Gordon’s sense of isolation and betrayal.

Mystery and Suspense: The Unexpected Meeting

The plot thickens when Gordon receives a cryptic message from Oscar, prompting him to meet in a secluded car park at [15:54]. This encounter is fraught with tension and uncertainty:

• Gordon Pollock ([15:54]): "Oscar isn't going to show up, is he?"

• Gordon Pollock ([15:56]): "Hello? Hello? Is it working?"

Gordon’s decision to record the meeting underscores his distrust and paranoia, suggesting underlying secrets and unspoken truths about the Red Valley project.

Climactic Build-Up and Production Credits

As the meeting unfolds without Oscar’s appearance, the suspense continues to mount. Aubrey's interjections ([16:13]) indicate a possible supernatural or technological oversight, leaving listeners anticipating future revelations.

The episode concludes with production credits, giving a nod to the creative team behind "Red Valley" and setting the stage for subsequent episodes.

Notable Quotes

• Gordon Pollock ([02:22]): "Actually qualifies as an heirloom seed or is just a historic seed? Some would argue there's more."

• Warren Godby ([05:04]): "I have no idea what time it is."

• Gordon Pollock ([10:31]): "I was fucking livid."

• Gordon Pollock ([15:56]): "Hello? Hello? Is it working?"

Conclusion

"While You Were Hypersleeping 3: Part 2" of "Red Valley" intricately weaves a narrative that explores the complexities of memory, identity, and the ethical implications of experimental science. Through its rich dialogue and compelling character dynamics, the episode invites listeners to ponder the boundaries of human experience and the profound impact of technological advancements on personal and professional relationships. As Gordon grapples with his fragmented memories and the enigmatic Red Valley Seed Vault, the story promises further intrigue and suspense in the episodes to come.

Key Takeaways

• Memory and Identity: The protagonist’s struggle with memory loss highlights the fragile nature of identity and the human mind’s capacity to adapt.

• Ethical Science: The seed vault project serves as a metaphor for the ethical dilemmas inherent in scientific experimentation and archival preservation.

• Human Connection: Despite professional conflicts and personal turmoil, the enduring bonds between characters like Gordon and Oscar underscore the importance of trust and collaboration.

Final Thoughts

Kontinue Productions continues to excel with "Red Valley," offering a thought-provoking blend of mystery and drama that challenges listeners to engage deeply with its characters and themes. "While You Were Hypersleeping 3: Part 2" stands out as a testament to the power of storytelling in exploring the human condition amidst the uncharted territories of experimental science.

Transcript

[Advertiser]

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[Narrator]

Vampire are well known. He does not die, but clings to life forever. Having lost his own life, he must steal the life of others. If a place is a home, he may only enter after he's been invited in. And though the vampire may look like a man, all traces of intelligence vanish upon death, leaving behind nothing but a beast. There are no vampires that can think like a man.

[Gordon Pollock]

None.

[Warren Godby]

Except for one. Dracula the Dance Macabre. A four part fiction podcast event from Gabriel Urbina, the creator of Wolf 359, bringing Bram Stoker's timeless horror classic to audio. Wherever you get your podcasts, Red Valley.

[Production Credits]

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?

[Gordon Pollock]

Actually qualifies as an heirloom seed or is just a historic seed? Some would argue there's more.

[Warren Godby]

What's going on? Too many. Too many. Gordons. Shush.

[Gordon Pollock]

Connection to specific groups of people. Honestly, you need to be as much as sociologists, agriculture. And I am neither of those.

[Warren Godby]

No, no, no, no. What. What is this all about?

[Gordon Pollock]

Let's work through the different categories you need to organize by.

[Warren Godby]

No.

[Gordon Pollock]

Why?

[Warren Godby]

Wait, wait, wait, wait. Stop.

[Aubrey]

Is everything all right, Warren?

[Warren Godby]

I fell asleep.

[Aubrey]

You did?

[Warren Godby]

How long for? I was actually trying to listen to that he was talking about. He was just getting started. The. The Chin Chin something.

[Aubrey]

People of Northern Chile.

[Warren Godby]

Yeah.

[Aubrey]

You've been asleep for just under two hours.

[Warren Godby]

Hmm. I must have missed loads of it. Should we. Shall we wind it back?

[Aubrey]

If you really want to.

[Warren Godby]

Why are you saying it like that?

[Aubrey]

It's just. After his introduction, Gordon discusses the purpose of a seed vault.

[Warren Godby]

Yeah, that sounds. I don't know. Is that interesting?

[Aubrey]

Well, before he gets into seed vaults, in particular, he goes into some extensive depth regarding the study of seed and crop history.

[Warren Godby]

Yeah, okay, that sounds less interesting. Um. I was asleep for two hours.

[Aubrey]

Yes.

[Warren Godby]

And he's still going on about it.

[Aubrey]

He is?

[Warren Godby]

Yikes. Let's take a break then.

[Aubrey]

Indeed. How are you feeling, Warren?

[Warren Godby]

Yeah, fine.

[Aubrey]

May I ask you something?

[Warren Godby]

Sure.

[Aubrey]

Yesterday you spoke to Aubrey for the first time, fully compos mentis with your short term memory intact. She told you that you've been in hypersleep for 44 years and you laughed.

[Warren Godby]

What's the question?

[Aubrey]

Why would you laugh?

[Warren Godby]

Is this where the robot asks me about this mysterious human behavior called denial?

[Aubrey]

Are you in denial?

[Warren Godby]

I mean, there probably are ways that you could prove it is in fact 2064, but you are yet to do so.

[Aubrey]

I am under instructions from Aubrey to limit the information given to you at this stage of your emergence. Your conscious level may have improved, but we remain uncertain over the speed of your recovery, both physical and psychological.

[Warren Godby]

You know, Aubrey could literally just like show me her face or something. That would be good proof. Oh God. Is she a robot too? Oh God. Are you all robots? Is this a human zoo? Am I an exhibit in a human zoo?

[Aubrey]

It is difficult to tell if you are joking.

[Warren Godby]

The reality is, Gord, that I have largely lost respect and appreciation for the passage of time. Time is utterly subjective. Of course it is. I have had years of memories scrubbed clean out of my head. Apparently I've been awake the last few days, but I can't remember. I've lost weeks and months of my life dipping in and out of the cryonic void, if you will. I didn't age. Basically not existing. Right. You know, everyone at some point or another develops a kind of internal clock. Even if it's just waking up right before your alarm every morning.

[Aubrey]

I literally do have an internal clock.

[Warren Godby]

Right. Of course you do.

[Aubrey]

It is 4:38am Right.

[Warren Godby]

Well, I have an absence of that. Like a. Like an anti internal clock. I have no idea what time it is.

[Aubrey]

It is 4:38am yes, thank you.

[Warren Godby]

I mean, I have no interest what time it is on an existential level to. Here it is 2064. I find myself indifferent. It could be 2034 or 84 or 3064, or star date, blah blah. I'm not the same guy in a different time right now. I'm this version, or Warren Godby, whoever, whenever he is. Next time I might be different. Or the time after that, or the time after that. All our cells get replaced anyway, don't they? Every few years or whatever. I read that right. We all shed our skin. We shed everything. Every atom become different people. I don't know what I'm saying. I guess it really is 4:38am English.

[Aubrey]

Author Charles Caleb Colton once wrote, the present time has one advantage over every other. It is our own wow.

[Warren Godby]

You pluck that out of thin air.

[Aubrey]

No, I actually dropped that quote into conversation with Aubrey the other day, but I thought it appropriate here, too.

[Warren Godby]

That's very honest of you.

[Aubrey]

You know, I did consider concealing the truth just then to make myself appear more intelligent. Is that arrogance?

[Warren Godby]

Oh, my God. You're gonna be insufferable, aren't you?

[Aubrey]

Do you want to go back to sleep?

[Warren Godby]

No. No, I do not. Can I listen to more of the memoir thing, please?

[Aubrey]

Shall I skip the part that debates the nature of an heirloom seed?

[Warren Godby]

Absolutely.

[Gordon Pollock]

You can find seed banks all over the world. They've existed for longer than you might expect. The first known seed bank was founded in 1894 in Russia. The Vavilov Institute of Plant Industry. Other wonderfully named examples include the Berry Botanic Garden in Oregon and Peru's International Potato Center. But the most famous seed bank in the world is easily the Svalbard International Seed Vault, due no doubt to its dramatic surroundings buried deep in the permafrost of a mountain somewhere between Norway and the North Pole, and its equally dramatic nickname, the Doomsday Vault. I'll be frank. As a student of the archival sciences and shameless nerd. The idea of an isolated frozen seed library acting as a backup for the world's crop resources in the event of global catastrophe is definitely up my street. Imagine the scope for hijinks and shenanigans running around a mountain in the permafrost. So I want you to imagine how truly over the top pumped I was when I heard that Overhead had taken on a contract to build the UK's own seed library deep in the Scottish Highlands, a decommissioned military radar tracking station at the base of a mountain in a place called Red Valley. And they need an archiving system built from the ground up. I would take this job for free. My application went in 25 minutes after the position of archival facilitator for the Red Valley Seed Vault went live. Everything happened in a whirlwind. Application, interview, job offer, induction. I couldn't believe it. Just 10 people in the archive team. Didn't need to be in contact with any other departments, got to work remotely, didn't even have to change desk. It was a fascinating challenge for me on a systems level. I've been with Overhead straight out of uni, so I was leaning far too heavily on the Archive Department's Integrated Records Program. It's all I knew. But this was the first time I'd been part of a biological archive, a real living document, if you will. That required a Very different logistical approach with a whole new band of parameters to work.

[Warren Godby]

Oh, tell me more.

[Gordon Pollock]

So once I laid out a preliminary. I take it back.

[Warren Godby]

Stop, stop, stop. How much archive talk is there?

[Aubrey]

This section is not succinct.

[Warren Godby]

It's pretty dry.

[Aubrey]

It does not get wet.

[Warren Godby]

Should we skip it?

[Aubrey]

I can skip it.

[Warren Godby]

Make it so.

[Gordon Pollock]

Which really opened my eyes to a different way of thinking.

[Aubrey]

I'd never had much time for the.

[Gordon Pollock]

Holistic approach, but Oscar put it in a way that really spoke to me. Made me realize just how indoctrinated I was to the OVERHEAD archiving program. Oscar would go off about the records continuum model once we were off the clock, just really digging into multi dimensional and non sequential archival theory while we were playing an emulator of Mario Kart Double Dash that you had found online, which, incidentally, we both agreed was the most undersung. Mario Kart.

[Warren Godby]

Okay, wrong. Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

[Aubrey]

The archive talk is just ending.

[Warren Godby]

Who is Oscar?

[Aubrey]

A member of the team working on the seed vault.

[Warren Godby]

Oh, right.

[Aubrey]

He was based at overhead's Manchester office.

[Warren Godby]

Sure.

[Aubrey]

Shall I resume playback?

[Warren Godby]

Yeah. I don't think Double Dash was that good.

[Aubrey]

I'm sorry?

[Warren Godby]

Nothing.

[Aubrey]

Shall we continue?

[Warren Godby]

Yep, sure.

[Gordon Pollock]

And so the seed vault model came together relatively quickly. Management were happy with the progress we'd made. The team were happy too. Oscar said he'd never worked on a project with so much creative freedom. And I agreed. It had been liberating to be given so few boundaries, to have such little pushback from on high. Of course, that's exactly what should have made us suspicious. As we approached the 12 month point, our manager suddenly left the project. No leave no notice. Gone. We'd never even met in person. They'd been brought in from outside, headhunted for the role. Then poof, no replacement. We continued to work. What else were we gonna do? But grumbles started amongst the team. Oscar had heard that budget reviews had been mentioned. And before long, team members started being moved over to other projects. It became a miserable time, waiting for the axe to fall. This was overhead. We knew the game. If they don't like the numbers, you're toast. And one quiet Tuesday, I got the email informing me that the Red Valley seed vault was no longer in active development and I would recommence my old role in Archives the following week. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. I was fucking livid. The team drifted apart almost immediately. We never really knew each other anyway. And I was hardly the life and soul of the remote working Party. But Oscar and I stayed in touch. We'd actually mentioned meeting up a couple of times. We never made any plans, but yeah, we still messaged each other for a few weeks. Then out of the blue, one day he tells me he's back on board. That the Red Valley project was back in action in some capacity. He asks me if I'd been invited to return too. I said no. I heard nothing. Not yet, anyway. He'd see what the deal was and get back to me. And I waited. But that was it. No more contact, no response to any messages. I even called him. Nothing. Just like the job, Oscar had dropped me. I asked around the old team about Red Valley, if any of them had been taken back on. I heard back from a couple, but they knew even less than me. The others never replied. I don't know if they'd been reached out to like Oscar, or if they just couldn't be bothered to answer. Weeks went by and eventually I just settled back into a comfortable pattern of quiet, seething and resentment. But then one night, I got a message. Not at work, at home, online. A DM on my gaming account from Oscar. No details. He just asked me to meet him in a car park just a few miles from my flat that night. And he asked me. He asked me to record everything we would talk about. So here's what I recorded. Hello? Hello? Is it working? Yes. This is me, Gordon. Gordon Pollock. I'm sat in my car in the rain, in the car park by the big Asda and the pets at home. I'm recording myself sat in my car. It's very late and I'm very weirded out because I'm meeting a colleague, a friend, my friend Oscar. We're meeting in my car, in the rain, in the middle of the night because he wants to tell me something. He's late, but that's fine. He doesn't live anywhere near here, so that's weird. But he said, come, and I've come, and he said, record. So I'm recording. I like the sound of the rain on the roof of my car. I'll let you know when he arrives.

[Warren Godby]

Oscar isn't going to show up, is he?

[Aubrey]

No.

[Warren Godby]

How long does he wait?

[Aubrey]

The recording lasts another 40 minutes. Would you like me to play the next recording?

[Warren Godby]

No, no, I can wait.

[Production Credits]

While you are. Hyperspace Sleeping is a Red Valley miniseries written by Jonathan Williams, directed by Alan Mandel and 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 John, Jonathan Williams and Alan Mandel. 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.

[Human Be Gone Host]

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[Advertiser]

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[Gordon Pollock]

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[Human Be Gone Host]

But there's still the problem of human infestation. That's what it's time to call. Human begone.

[Warren Godby]

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[Human Be Gone Host]

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[Warren Godby]

Whoa.

[Advertiser]

Sounds like we got some dingers in there.

[Human Be Gone Host]

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[Warren Godby]

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[Human Be Gone Host]

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[Warren Godby]

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