The Only Two Telepaths In The World by Exploring Tomorrow

Summary

Podcast Summary: "The Only Two Telepaths In The World" Relic Radio Sci-Fi (Old Time Radio) Hosted by RelicRadio.com Release Date: August 11, 2025

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Introduction

Relic Radio Sci-Fi presents "The Only Two Telepaths In The World," a gripping episode that delves into the tumultuous lives of Alan and Jeanne, the sole telepaths navigating a world that neither understands nor accepts their unique abilities. This summary captures the essence of their strained relationship, the ethical dilemmas they face, and the profound consequences of their telepathic powers.

Setting the Stage

The episode opens with John Campbell Jr.'s narration, introducing listeners to the psychological complexities of telepathy:

John Campbell Jr. [00:48]: "These adventures of the mind... Absolute power corrupts absolutely... it isn't really power that corrupts, but immunity... The two individuals of the same great fundamental characteristic will be normally attracted to each other."

This sets the tone for exploring how Alan and Jeanne's telepathic connection affects their relationship and sanity.

Character Dynamics and Rising Tensions

Early interactions reveal the tension between Alan and the other characters, particularly Jeanne and Ellen:

• Ellen [00:30]: Engages in a light-hearted conversation, contrasting the underlying tension.
• Jeanne [03:22]: Confronts Alan about his distant behavior:

  "Why haven't you been answering me these last few days?"

Alan's increasing irritability and withdrawal become apparent:

Alan [02:11]: "Get off my back."

Jeanne [04:00]: "You always have. All these things you do are challenges to me to set right all your venom against a fate that made you one of the only two telepaths in the world..."

The Struggle with Power and Responsibility

Jeanne confronts Alan about the burdens of their telepathic abilities:

Jeanne [04:00]: "I thank whoever or whatever's responsible for making us as we are... I have the additional power to reach out and move physical objects with my mind."

Alan resents the limitations and the weight of their unique condition:

Alan [04:46]: "You? Would you waste something like that and then feel good about it?"

Escalation and the Desire to Escape

Alan's desperation culminates in his plan to flee:

Alan [05:09]: "Go ahead. Play the little mother. You're no good for anything else."

Jeanne pleads for understanding and a normal life:

Jeanne [05:57]: "Because I love you, Alan. If you'd been a man with decent instincts... we could have married and found what little happiness is possible for two like us in this world."

Despite Jeanne's pleas, Alan becomes resolute in his desire to escape the confines imposed by their telepathic bond.

The Climax: Confrontation and Loss of Control

A crucial turning point occurs when Alan's actions lead to violence, highlighting the dangerous intersection of their powers and personal turmoil:

Arthur [10:09]: "I didn't think so once, Alan."

John Campbell Jr. [08:32]: "Telepathy has long seemed like a wonderful thing... absolute end of privacy."

The tension peaks as Jeanne tries to stop Alan from causing further harm:

Jeanne [16:10]: "You would break loose, wouldn't you, Alan? You would kill again..."

In a heart-wrenching moment, Alan loses control, leading to irreversible consequences.

Resolution and Themes

John Campbell Jr. concludes the episode with a poignant reflection on responsibility and consequence:

John Campbell Jr. [19:03]: "Alan wanted immunity from consequences of his actions. There's only one way to achieve it... do nothing."

This underscores the central theme: the inescapable nature of one's actions and the inherent responsibility that comes with power, even one as extraordinary as telepathy.

Notable Quotes and Timestamps

• Power and Immunity:

  "Absolute power corrupts absolutely... immunity to punishment, control." [00:48]

• Jeanne's Plea:

  "Because I love you, Alan... we could have married and found what little happiness is possible..." [05:57]

• Telepathy and Privacy:

  "Telepathy... absolute end of privacy." [08:32]

• John Campbell Jr.'s Conclusion:

  "If you do nothing... you have immunity from consequences." [19:03]

Conclusion

"The Only Two Telepaths In The World" is a compelling exploration of isolation, power, and the human condition through the lens of telepathy. Alan and Jeanne's tragic narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the burdens of extraordinary abilities and the fundamental need for connection and understanding in a world that fears the unknown. Relic Radio Sci-Fi masterfully combines intense character drama with philosophical musings, offering listeners a thought-provoking experience that resonates long after the final moment.

Transcript

[Alan]

Relic Radio.

[Ellen]

This is Relic Radio. Sci Fi Old time radio. Science fiction stories from relicradio.com.

[Alan]

Exploring tomorrow. And now, here is your guide to.

[John Campbell Jr.]

These adventures of the mind, John Campbell Jr. There's the old saying that power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. You know, it isn't really power that corrupts, but immunity. Immunity to punishment, control. And every fool with a little power wants to achieve that immunity. Usually it's held that like attracts like. The two individuals of the same great fundamental characteristic will be normally attracted to each other. Now, this isn't necessarily so. It may not be true. You may have two people who don't like each other, but are forced by the very nature of the fact that they have a unique characteristic to endure each other.

[Ellen]

Oh, just a little more. Oh, Alan, isn't it beautiful the way it bubbles and bubbles. Alan, let's have champagne every night on our honeymoon.

[John Campbell Jr.]

You want to take a bath in it? I can arrange that, too.

[Ellen]

Oh. Oh, Alan. Pink champagne.

[John Campbell Jr.]

Pinkies.

[Laurie]

You're blushing right now.

[Ellen]

Oh, Alan.

[John Campbell Jr.]

What's the matter?

[Laurie]

Do you think Mr. And Mrs. Allen.

[John Campbell Jr.]

Carvel are going to live like the.

[Laurie]

Rest of the slobs?

[John Campbell Jr.]

I tell you, baby. Eve.

[Jeanne]

Alan?

[Ellen]

What's wrong, Alan?

[John Campbell Jr.]

Nothing.

[Ellen]

Alan, you look so funny all of a sudden.

[Alan]

Get off my back.

[Jeanne]

Thank heaven I found you. Why haven't you been answering me these last few days?

[Alan]

Do I have to check in with you everything I do, every place I go?

[John Campbell Jr.]

Alan, no, it's all. I'm all right, Jeanne. Just leave me alone for a minute.

[Alan]

Get out of my mind, Laurie. Get out, I tell you. I'll talk to you later.

[Jeanne]

You talk to me now. What are you doing with this child? What are you trying to hide from me?

[Alan]

All right, all right. I'll get rid of her and then I can talk to you. Give me 20 or 30 minutes to take her home.

[Jeanne]

I'll give you half an hour, that's all. And don't try to close up your mind and hide from me again.

[Alan]

Right. All right, I see.

[John Campbell Jr.]

JeIe.

[Arthur]

Je.

[John Campbell Jr.]

It's all right.

[Ellen]

You went so white there all of a sudden. Alan, honey, are you sick?

[John Campbell Jr.]

No, no. It's just one of those migraine headaches of mine, honey. Look, I better take you home. Oh, honey, it's all right. I just need some sleep, that's all. Come on, let's get your coat.

[Arthur]

Oh, you better not come in that old landlady.

[John Campbell Jr.]

Oh, that's okay. Good night, baby.

[Bill Goodwin]

Good night now.

[Ellen]

And. And get lots of sleep. Take care of your poor head. Call Me in the morning.

[John Campbell Jr.]

That's the deal. Good night, honey.

[Ellen]

Good night, Alan.

[Jeanne]

What makes you do things like that, Alan?

[Alan]

You stuck with me every inch of the way.

[Jeanne]

How old is she? 16?

[Alan]

17? What's it to you?

[Jeanne]

Oh, I have to be conscious for both of us.

[Alan]

Thank you, sweet Lorraine. Who asked you to?

[Jeanne]

You did, Alan. You always have. All these things you do are challenges to me to set right all your venom against a fate that made you one of the only two telepaths in the world is twisted against me your only partner in this lonely land. You strike out at me because I'm like you and because by the same chance that made us, I'm the stronger one.

[Alan]

That's a lie. I can break loose from you anytime I. Let me go. I can't breathe.

[Jeanne]

I won't hurt you, Alan. I could never hurt you. Though I thank whoever or whatever's responsible for making us as we are that it's me, not you, who has the additional power to reach out and move physical objects with my mind.

[Alan]

You? Would you waste something like that and then feel good about it? What I could do would. Something like that? Why don't you leave me alone?

[Jeanne]

Because I love you, Alan. If you'd been a man with decent instincts bound as we are together we could have married and found what little happiness is possible for two like us in this world. But there's a twisted streak in you that wouldn't let you settle for that.

[Alan]

Go ahead. Play the little mother. You're no good for anything else.

[Jeanne]

You didn't think so once, Alan.

[Alan]

You're over the hill, baby. Face it.

[Jeanne]

I faced it, Alan. Have you?

[Alan]

What do you mean?

[Jeanne]

Can't you see you're getting worse? When we were just children together before we'd even seen each other face to face we used to talk to each other at night clear across the city, mind to mind about how someday we'd go out and find others like us. If you had the chance to find someone like us now, you wouldn't take it. You don't want others. You want to be the only one.

[Alan]

Why not?

[Jeanne]

Why not? You've got a gun in your pocket right now. Don't you see the danger in all that? Don't you know what it can do to you?

[Alan]

Don't try to scare me.

[Jeanne]

I'm not trying to scare you. Alan, a telepath living in a world of non telepaths is not a normal person.

[Laurie]

He can't be.

[Jeanne]

He has to walk a chalk line all the time to preserve his sanity. He can't afford inner conflicts or emotional violences or shocks. What do you plan to do with that girl? What's the gun for? And what's that you're trying to hide right now, right under the surface of your mind there?

[Alan]

All right, you want to know? I'm tell you. I'm getting out. I'm getting away from this city and away from you.

[Laurie]

And that girl goes with me.

[Alan]

I'm going to take what I want.

[Laurie]

Anything I want, and live like I deserve to. And you can't stop me.

[Ellen]

Alan. Ellen, answer me.

[Jeanne]

Don't shut yourself off from me like that.

[Ellen]

Alan. Alan.

[John Campbell Jr.]

Exploring Tomorrow continues in just a moment.

[Bill Goodwin]

This is Bill Goodwin. You know, someone once said, humor is the true democracy. That's why we Americans can smile when we tell the stories of the legendary heroes who helped to build our country's.

[John Campbell Jr.]

Great institutions and industries.

[Bill Goodwin]

Like Boleg Bill, hero of the tuna fishing industry back in Provincetown, Massachusetts. They claim that when it came to hauling in the horse mackerel, as the easterners call tuna, Bill could handle two gaffes at once and catch more than any six men put together. And they're still talking about the time Bill caught old slick Britches, the biggest horse mackerel of them all. No one could ever get his hooks into Slick Britches, who weighed 2,000 pounds and had a tail 6ft long. But bow leg Bill promised to land him single handed. He set out in his boat toss up. When he spotted slick riches. He made a grab for him, but the tuna slipped through his hands. So Bill go over the side. Before folks knew what had happened, Bill was sitting astride all Slick Riches who was bucking like a bronco elite almost a mile out of the water. But Bill hung on. All over the harbor they went jumping and leaping, but still Bill hung on. Finally, Slick riches gave one last leap over the toss up and then calm down. All the fight gone at him. Bill steered him towards shore, but all of a sudden, he headed him back out to sea, slapped the tuna's tail and jumped off. Folks were mighty disappointed when flick birches disappeared. But it was like Bill told them, there's nothing that'll break a cowhand's heart so quick as to find a critter with the ruff. All rode off at the first mouth. Yes, sir, it is a democracy which lets us tell the stories of such a legendary character as Bowleg Bill with a twinkle in our eyes and a chuckle in our throats. And so long as we continue to laugh together as a people, ladies and gentlemen, we will live together as a nation.

[John Campbell Jr.]

Telepathy has long seemed like a wonderful thing to have wonderful possession. But have you ever considered it in terms of the absolute end of privacy? You know, explorers have found that if you put two men in one little cabin, isolated, far away from the rest of the world, they don't learn to like each other. They learn to hate each other. Now shoe that with you, honey.

[Laurie]

Oh, I thought she was going to watch the late, late show on Channel.

[John Campbell Jr.]

2, which is a little past midnight.

[Laurie]

Oh, I'm sorry I woke you, honey.

[John Campbell Jr.]

I just felt like. Phone? No, it's quiet as a church. Been through the plant in the tool.

[Laurie]

Shop four times already. I just gonna check their offices and.

[John Campbell Jr.]

Oh, now come and I stop worryin'. Nobody knows about these night payroll deliveries. Anyway, they've come and gone.

[Laurie]

The money's already in the safe.

[John Campbell Jr.]

Sure, sure, I will. It's a gun you feel in your back. You say goodbye and hang up fast and don't turn around.

[Laurie]

No, no, no, it's all right. I just remembered I forgot to ring in and I better hurry and do that right now. I'll call you back later.

[Arthur]

Goodbye.

[John Campbell Jr.]

All right, let's head for that safe over there. Now move.

[Laurie]

Don't worry. I have a healthy respect for guns. There it is, over there. I don't know what good's going to do. I ain't got the combination.

[John Campbell Jr.]

Shut up. I'll stand over there where I can want you. Hey, you opened it right up.

[Laurie]

Who told you the combination?

[John Campbell Jr.]

The president of the company.

[Laurie]

Are you kidding? What is this, a gag of some kind? Look, if this is just a joke, mister. No, I didn't m.

[John Campbell Jr.]

Think about jumping me, will you.

[Laurie]

Rob?

[John Campbell Jr.]

Slob. That's all he was. A slob.

[Ellen]

Please tell me what this is all about. You go home with a migraine headache. And then you call up and get me out in the middle of the night. And you keep drinking and you won't tell me what's the matter.

[John Campbell Jr.]

What's the matter? That's a funny one. Come here. Come here. Come close. I'm going to tell you something.

[Ellen]

I want my aunt.

[John Campbell Jr.]

Listen to me. You want us some? You know how trees think? They think real long, slow and peaceful. And sometimes they take all winter just to think. One. One little thought.

[Ellen]

Breathe. Thinking.

[John Campbell Jr.]

Oh, it isn't real thinking. It's just living. You know? You hear them? Living calm and quiet and slow. And cats. Listen to me, baby. You know how cats think?

[Ellen]

No.

[John Campbell Jr.]

Cats think sort of s shaped like a snake crawling. And dogs. You Know, dogs are all excited. Up and down, you know, like a pogo stick. Even when they're dreaming, everything thinks. Do you know that, Jamie? Everything. All day long. Forever. Never. Everything goes around thinking. Long as they live.

[Bill Goodwin]

When they die.

[Ellen]

Alan, are you cold? Let me hold you. Are you shivering like crazy?

[John Campbell Jr.]

Give me a drink.

[Ellen]

Sweetheart, you've had enough.

[John Campbell Jr.]

I want a drink, I said. Here, give me yours. You're not touching it anyway.

[Ellen]

Alan, I really think you shouldn't have.

[John Campbell Jr.]

Look, I've got a better idea. Tell you what. Let's get out of here. Get out of this town tonight. And we'll go far away where she can never find us. We'll take my car and we'll head south right now. We can buy what we need as we go. We get married on the way. What do you say, Jeannie?

[Laurie]

You love me, don't you love me, baby?

[John Campbell Jr.]

Arthur, you said you'd always do anything I ever wanted. Well, this is what I want. Get out tonight. And don't worry about money. I got lots of it.

[Ellen]

You have?

[John Campbell Jr.]

Sure.

[Ellen]

Where did you get a lot of money all of a sudden?

[John Campbell Jr.]

I'll tell you when we're on the road, okay? Well, answer me or do I leave you behind here?

[Ellen]

Alan, you wouldn't go off and leave me.

[John Campbell Jr.]

Of course not, honey, but I gotta go. There's no two choices about it. I gotta go now. Now. You're coming with me or aren't you? One of the worst things about a conscience is that the darn thing is always going with you wherever you are. Alan had something other than a conscience and running away didn't do much good. You know, telepathy has no distance limitations.

[Ellen]

Alan. Alan.

[John Campbell Jr.]

What?

[Ellen]

It's starting to get light. Alan, you never did tell me where you got the money.

[John Campbell Jr.]

Not now. Not now. Can't you see I'm out of my feet?

[Ellen]

We could stop and get a couple of hotels, some.

[John Campbell Jr.]

No, we've got to keep driving.

[Ellen]

We're nearly 100 miles out of town already. You. You keep saying we've got to keep driving, but I don't know why we couldn't stop for just a few hours.

[John Campbell Jr.]

Oh, shut up, will you?

[Laurie]

You don't like it, get out and take a bus back. Who needs.

[Ellen]

I don't know what's wrong with you. You never used to be like this. And last night.

[Alan]

Well, just shut up. Alan.

[Ellen]

What?

[John Campbell Jr.]

Nothing.

[Alan]

Nothing, Ellen.

[John Campbell Jr.]

I'm not turning back.

[Jeanne]

Yes, you are, Alan. This time you're turning back, even if I have to make you.

[Ellen]

Make me then, Alan. You're slowing down.

[John Campbell Jr.]

She's making me.

[Alan]

She's making me.

[Jeanne]

Well, Alan, talk out loud.

[Arthur]

You look in pretty bad shape.

[John Campbell Jr.]

Give me a cigarette.

[Arthur]

There's some on the desk. I'm glad you came right back here when I turned you around.

[Jeanne]

Chose.

[Arthur]

There's some hope.

[Laurie]

I'll cut it out.

[John Campbell Jr.]

What did you stop me for?

[Arthur]

That watchman. It was you, Alan, wasn't it?

[John Campbell Jr.]

What watchman, Alan? All right, all right. Yes, it was me.

[Laurie]

He was a slob. So he's dead. So what?

[Arthur]

That gun you beat him to death with is in your pocket right this minute.

[John Campbell Jr.]

So what?

[Arthur]

So I'm gonna have to make you go to the police and show them the gun and tell them.

[John Campbell Jr.]

You can't do that by remote control. You'd have to go with me.

[Bill Goodwin]

I'll go with you.

[John Campbell Jr.]

And what'll you tell them about how you happen to know all this? How about that?

[Arthur]

I will tell them.

[John Campbell Jr.]

What? About us?

[Laurie]

About me and you? About you.

[Ellen]

I don't want.

[Laurie]

Are you crazy? You know what that would mean?

[John Campbell Jr.]

You think they believe you.

[Laurie]

And if they did, do you know what it'd be for the rest of your life?

[John Campbell Jr.]

You'd be owned, Laurie.

[Laurie]

Owned, guarded and locked away by them.

[John Campbell Jr.]

They're slobs. Like a piece of machinery.

[Laurie]

Made to do what they wanted you.

[John Campbell Jr.]

To do for them.

[Laurie]

You'd never be free again.

[Arthur]

All I ever wanted was what any woman wants. The chance to lead a normal life. Look at me, Ellen.

[Ellen]

I'm not bad looking.

[Arthur]

I never was. But the only man I could ever have been a normal wife to was you. And you never grew up. You've been a selfish little boy all.

[Ellen]

Your life, and I. I've paid for it.

[John Campbell Jr.]

Why didn't you leave me alone? Just leave me alone.

[Laurie]

Leave you alone?

[Arthur]

Do you think you ever really wanted me to leave you alone? I was forced to love you the same way the only woman in the world would be forced to love the.

[Ellen]

Only man in the world.

[Arthur]

Well, now it's too late. I can't let you kill again.

[Laurie]

Then do it.

[John Campbell Jr.]

Go ahead.

[Laurie]

Handcuff me with that mind of yours. Take me to the cops. Make them believe you. Do you think that'll stop me? Do you think there's any jail that can hold me? Any gods that can keep me?

[John Campbell Jr.]

Go ahead.

[Laurie]

You're the only force in this world that can chain me. And you can't watch me 24 hours a day. You've got to think sometimes.

[Alan]

And Laurie.

[Laurie]

Laurie, you're choking.

[Arthur]

You would break loose, wouldn't you, Alan? You would kill again, in spite of all I could do to stop you. All right, you can breathe now. No, don't look at me like that. I'm not going to kill you. Even now. I can't do that. That gun of yours is in your inside pocket. Lift your right hand, Alan. Put it inside your coat. Now take out the gun. Don't try to fight my will, Alan. You know it's no use. Now you will point it at me.

[John Campbell Jr.]

No.

[Laurie]

No, Laurie, not you. Anyone but you. Not you, Laurie.

[John Campbell Jr.]

Not you.

[Ellen]

Darling. Can't you hear me? Genie, Sweetheart, just try to move your finger or your eyes. Just. Just move your eyes a little so I know you'll hear me.

[Alan]

Genie, I can't move. I can't do anything. Help me. It's like being buried alive. I'm paralyzed. Help me.

[John Campbell Jr.]

Glory Lori.

[Laurie]

Come back and help me.

[Alan]

Glory Lori.

[John Campbell Jr.]

And so Alan had his wish fulfilled. Alan wanted immunity from consequences of his actions. There's only one way to achieve it, and he achieved it. If you do nothing, if you have no actions whatever, then you have immunity from consequences. And that's the only way. Otherwise, you're responsible for what you do, whether you like it or not.