The Time Fold by The CBS Radio Mystery Theater

Summary

Relic Radio Sci-Fi Episode Summary: "The Time Fold" by The CBS Radio Mystery Theater

Release Date: May 19, 2025
Host/Author: RelicRadio.com
Episode Title: The Time Fold
Series: CBS Radio Mystery Theater

---

Introduction

"The Time Fold" is a gripping science fiction drama presented by The CBS Radio Mystery Theater, featured on Relic Radio Sci-Fi. Set aboard the luxurious corporate jet, the Barracuda, the episode masterfully weaves a tale of technological marvels, interpersonal conflict, and a harrowing journey through space and time. The story explores themes of control, free will, and the consequences of human ambition.

---

Setting the Scene

[00:41] EG Marshall:
"The CBS Radio Mystery Theater presents... Act one in the field of private executive airplanes. Number one is the Silver Streak... The Barracuda, as this plane is named, is a corporate plane... Flying the plane are Pilot Chad Stevens and Co-pilot Jake Slade."

The episode introduces listeners to the Barracuda, a state-of-the-art twin-engine jet designed for luxury and efficiency. Only J. Bruce Proctor, the corporate executive, and his secretary, Meg Chatham, accompany the dedicated flight team—Chad Stevens and Jake Slade.

---

Rising Tensions

As the flight commences, Captain Chad Stevens becomes increasingly uneasy about the weather conditions.

[05:10] Jake Slade:
"Why don't you tell Proctor you handle them better than me."

Their tension reveals deeper issues beyond the imminent turbulence. Chad confides in Jake about his strained relationship with Proctor and his failing marriage.

[05:19] Jake Slade:
"Anybody got an eye for that lady, it's got to be me. You're married up and all."

[05:33] Chad Stevens:
"Spirit. Then what are you wasting your life up here... playing second fiddle to Mr. Proctor's uniformed air chauffeur?"

---

Encounter with Clear Air Turbulence

The flight encounters severe clear air turbulence (CAT), a phenomenon that surpasses typical turbulence and threatens the safety of everyone on board.

[15:05] EG Marshall:
"Four people in a modern aircraft... caught in the pilot's dread, the phenomenon known as clear air turbulence... but without any destination or target, and doomed to end up in a world beyond our own."

The turbulence intensifies, causing the plane's instruments to malfunction and sending the Barracuda spiraling into an unknown domain.

---

Into the Unknown

The crew and passengers realize they have been thrust through a "time fold," propelling them into space and into orbit around the moon.

[17:28] Chad Stevens:
"I'm afraid to say what? Chad, we're in free flight."

[18:12] J. Bruce Proctor:
"The moon."

Confusion and panic set in as they grapple with the reality of their predicament—stranded in space with dwindling oxygen supplies and no clear path back to Earth.

---

First Contact

Major Alexander from the futuristic Space Station Goodspeed One makes contact with the stranded aviators, offering assistance.

[26:18] Jake Slade:
"This is Major Alexander speaking... Welcome."

Alexander explains the advanced state of humanity in the year 2978, highlighting the ecological demise of Earth and the utopian existence achieved in space colonies.

[34:12] Chad Stevens:
"What burnt out cinder?"

[34:46] Jake Slade:
"Earth moved too late to develop energy... it choked itself to death on ecological poison."

---

Moral Dilemmas and Decisions

As the characters process the information, internal conflicts arise regarding their desire to return to their original timeline versus embracing a new life in space.

[36:00] Jake Slade:
"If we are to take advantage of the timefold that brought you here to return you, there is no time to lose."

[37:09] Narrator (Meg Chatham):
"I understand... But Mr. Proctor wants us to return."

Chad Stevens faces the ultimate decision between obeying Proctor's directive to return or seizing the opportunity for freedom and a fresh start in the future.

---

Climax and Resolution

Chad and Meg decide to return to their original timeline, defying Proctor's wishes. The ensuing conflict leads to Proctor's demise amid the chaos of activating the time fold.

[39:25] Jake Slade:
"Fire up your engines."

[39:58] J. Bruce Proctor:
"I'll break you in two before I let you take Meg away from me."

Tragically, Proctor succumbs to the turbulence-induced stress, ensuring the success of Chad and Meg's return.

---

Conclusion

The episode concludes with the successful re-entry of the Barracuda into the 20th century, specifically the year 1978, restoring the lives of Chad Stevens and Meg Chatham. The narrator reflects on the journey, hinting at future advancements and the enduring human spirit.

[42:05] EG Marshall:
"All of our travelers returned safely from beyond whatever veil they penetrated. Except one. And there will be few to measure the death of such a selfish man."

The finale underscores the resilience and moral integrity of the protagonists against the backdrop of high-stakes science fiction adventure.

---

Notable Quotes

• Chad Stevens:
  "I knew it. I knew it. Helped us. The cat got us by the tail." [01:48]

• EG Marshall:
  "Clear air turbulence... doomed to end up in a world beyond our own." [15:05]

• Jake Slade:
  "We fell through a hole in space, got folded up in the time warp." [21:42]

• Major Alexander:
  "This is a controlled environment. After nearly 1,000 years, we have finally managed to make our population almost 100% disease free." [33:54]

• Meg Chatham:
  "I love you. And in whatever time is left, I wish to heaven you could say it back to me." [25:12]

---

Themes and Insights

"The Time Fold" delves into the ethical complexities of time travel and interdimensional displacement. It highlights the struggle between personal desires and greater good, the impact of human relationships under extreme stress, and the confrontation with advanced extraterrestrial civilizations. The episode serves as a testament to human resilience and the enduring quest for freedom and redemption.

---

Conclusion

Relic Radio Sci-Fi's "The Time Fold" is a captivating addition to the classic old-time radio drama genre. Through its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes, it offers listeners an immersive experience that bridges the nostalgia of traditional radio storytelling with the expansive possibilities of science fiction. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, this episode is sure to engage and inspire.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Relic Radio.

[Chad Stevens]

This is Relic Radio. Sci Fi Old time Radio. Science fiction stories from relicradio.com foreign78. This is CBS News Radio 78, WBBM Chicago.

[EG Marshall]

The CBS Radio Mystery Theater presents. Come in. Welcome. I'm EG Marshall. Have you ever been in the cockpit of a jet plane? Faced that amazing array of instruments row on row, everything that science and mathematics can do to make man safe. And yet when the elements choose to outwit them, the pilots still have to answer the challenge. And of all nature's challenges in the air, the most dreaded is the one known as Cat. Clear air turbulence.

[Chad Stevens]

I don't like the way the temperature's dropping. Jake, I smell trouble.

[Jake Slade]

Ah, we're cleared at this altitude. Chad, no one's here.

[Chad Stevens]

What about clear air turbulence?

[Jake Slade]

There have been reports.

[Chad Stevens]

I knew it. I knew it. Helped us. The cat got us by the tail.

[EG Marshall]

Our mystery drama the Timefold was written especially for the mystery theater by Ian Martin and stars Paul Hecht. It is sponsored in part by sign off the sinus medicines and true value hardware stores. I'll be back shortly with act one in the field of private executive airplanes. Number one is the Silver Streak. A twin engine jet designed to seat 12 in the utmost luxury. Capable of flying 3000 miles without refueling. Fully automatic, a jewel feed, its computer the size of a small camera. And except for takeoff and landing, you could rely on automatic pilot. The Barracuda, as this plane is named is a corporate plane, but no one ever uses it except J. Bruce Proctor. He is the only passenger with the exception of Meg Chatham, his secretary. Flying the plane are number one and two boys, Pilot Chad Stevens. Co pilot Jake Slade.

[Chad Stevens]

How's the weather Jake?

[Jake Slade]

Wild, Chad. Wild. What we get up front beating up the sky6o the big mother.

[Chad Stevens]

Well, not so long as we stay clear. It doesn't bother me. It's the other. Hold it a minute. XN743 to Little Rock VOR do you have a weather update? My flight path.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

Roger XN743.

[Jake Slade]

That's a good word.

[Chad Stevens]

Only put in his nickel. Now we wait for Charlie computer to answer that. Possible cat canceled.

[Jake Slade]

What do you have to ask for? You can see what's up front.

[Chad Stevens]

It isn't always what's up front front that counts. Like who's going through that?

[Jake Slade]

Oh, like you said, we bypass.

[Chad Stevens]

Yeah. Only which way?

[J. Bruce Proctor]

Who you are? This is 2743.

[Chad Stevens]

I read you. Cancel the cat. Well, what about those pilot reports?

[J. Bruce Proctor]

No sweat. Light Terminus 1900 hours Central Commercial 747 or 350 this side of Kansas City. Ditto corporate pilot flying jet over Shrevesport at 2802010 Central. All other flights report no turbulence. Will you follow machine plan or file?

[Chad Stevens]

New flight plan notified. I'll get back to you. Vor.

[Jake Slade]

Chad, what's eating you?

[Chad Stevens]

Anytime I hear anything about clear air turbulence, I get goosebumps. You ever ridden any of the. No. Me neither. I'm not anxious to try.

[Jake Slade]

Why play Lone Ranger? You got a clean bill of health if you pick up the new mfp.

[Chad Stevens]

Yeah, which will bring us into New York pretty near an hour late.

[Jake Slade]

I'll be later if you try to go around the front.

[Chad Stevens]

The other way, I guess. Okay. I'll swallow my hunches and follow the rest of the sheep. You better tell our boss, the great shepherd, that his little sheep are gonna be late tonight. Yeah.

[Jake Slade]

Look, why don't you tell Proctor you handle them better than me.

[Chad Stevens]

Not anymore I don't. Not after the last few flights and the way he's handled Mick. Hey, hey, hey, hey.

[Jake Slade]

Hold up, lover boy. Anybody got an eye for that lady, it's got to be me. You're married up and all.

[Chad Stevens]

Yeah, don't remind me.

[Jake Slade]

Uhuh. Gone sour again.

[Chad Stevens]

Still you.

[Jake Slade]

You think Proctor's really making out with Meg?

[Chad Stevens]

Proctor doesn't make out with anyone. He just issues a requisition. He owns us all, body and soul.

[Jake Slade]

Oh, he doesn't own me, okay?

[Chad Stevens]

Please, Spirit. Then what are you wasting your life up here in this old cockpit playing second fiddle to Mr. Proctor's uniformed air chauffeur?

[Jake Slade]

You can't knock the pay and I like to hang loose. Too much red tape with the airlines.

[Chad Stevens]

You could call your life your own.

[Jake Slade]

You don't like it, why don't you check out?

[Chad Stevens]

Don't knock your elders. I'm too old to go into commercial flying at 35 37. If it take too long to get seniority and fall down that captain's pay. I have a wife. Keeps me in debt, remember? Go back and tell the boss man we're going to be behind schedule.

[Jake Slade]

You blow his stack.

[Chad Stevens]

Money can't buy everything.

[Jake Slade]

Yeah, just try to tell him that.

[Chad Stevens]

You're the diplomat. Besides, I want some privacy.

[Jake Slade]

So what?

[Chad Stevens]

I want to call a wife.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

Mag, build me another scotch.

[Narrator]

Yes, Daddy.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

How about one for you?

[Narrator]

Oh, no, not while I'm working. I. I mean as a secretary.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

One hour out of Houston. We're still working on these merger papers.

[Narrator]

Oh, why bother with New York Seal and Casey? That's small potatoes.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

Because once I get that pokey little sperm in my hip pocket. Then International's gotta come to me on its knees. And once I get them, I'm pretty near as big as I want to be.

[Narrator]

And how big is big?

[J. Bruce Proctor]

The most. Number one. I got a hind end don't fit too comfortable in anything short of the catbird teeth.

[Narrator]

I guess we all ought to know that by now. Take a drink.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

A little short on scotch, long on ice.

[Narrator]

I thought you might like to try something in moderation. Tell me, what are you going to do when you die, JB what the.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

Devil are you talking about? I'm not planning to die.

[Narrator]

Oh, I don't mean right away. But that's one deal you can't buy yourself out of. As it must to all men.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

You know, I don't know what the sam hills got into you lately, Meg. But I'll tell you one thing. I don't lay out all I do on you to get sniped at. If you think you can. Yes. L. What do you want?

[Jake Slade]

Excuse me, sir, but Skipper asked me to tell you we've got some weather we got to go around. We're going to get into New York about. About an hour late.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

No, no, that's no good. I got a meeting with my lord as soon as the plane lands. Can't we climb over the stuff?

[Jake Slade]

It's too high. Mr. Proctor, this is a 60,000 foot front.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

Then go through it.

[Narrator]

You're in that much hurry to mount the throne.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

We got it, Meg. This is business. Business is time and time is money, Slade. No way we can read it when.

[Jake Slade]

The man upstairs makes the deal. No, sir.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

No shortcuts.

[Jake Slade]

Well, you'd have to talk that over with a skipper.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

I might just do that right now.

[Jake Slade]

Give him a couple of minutes, sir. He's just busy realigning the court.

[Narrator]

Where are you calling from, Chad?

[Chad Stevens]

What do you mean, where am I calling from? Alice? Isn't that obvious? 33,000ft over Shrevesport. And would you mind telling me where you were when I called before you left Houston?

[Narrator]

Minding my own business, I expect.

[Chad Stevens]

Yeah, you were so tied up you couldn't answer the phone.

[Narrator]

Maybe I was.

[Chad Stevens]

Now, look, let's not play games. Just wanted to let you know we should be at LaGuardia around 11. And to ask you to please pick me up at the usual place.

[Narrator]

Oh, just like that. I expected you home for dinner.

[Chad Stevens]

Did you? Then why didn't you answer the phone when I tried to call you to tell you I wouldn't make it?

[Narrator]

I Went down to the store for cigarettes or something.

[Chad Stevens]

Or something. Alice. Huh? You're not drinking again.

[Narrator]

Same old thing.

[Chad Stevens]

You can't trust me, Alice. Are you gonna meet me at the field?

[Narrator]

Maybe. I've nothing better to do.

[Chad Stevens]

Ah, never mind. I'll grab the limo or a cab. But I'll be home in a few hours and then we can.

[Narrator]

Don't hurry on my account. Maybe I'll be around, maybe not. What difference does it make anymore? We got nothing left.

[Chad Stevens]

We back to that again?

[Narrator]

We never left.

[Chad Stevens]

Why don't you come right out and say it? You want a divorce?

[Narrator]

Only on my terms, lover.

[Chad Stevens]

You can't expect me to sit back and let you take me six ways from nowhere.

[Narrator]

Why not? And you? Me?

[Chad Stevens]

Alice, come on. Just because we've lost whatever we once had, we don't have to fight dirty, do we? Not us.

[Narrator]

Then cut me loose.

[Chad Stevens]

On your terms.

[Narrator]

Only on my terms. I want it all, lover. Now why don't you find your own way home?

[Chad Stevens]

Alice. Alice. It's kicking up. Look at that. Hey, Jake.

[Jake Slade]

Yeah, skip, right there. Hey, how's it going?

[Chad Stevens]

I don't know.

[Jake Slade]

Maybe we're kicking around quite a bit. On my way up floor now.

[Chad Stevens]

Let's just lose turbulence around the edge of the front. That doesn't matter.

[Jake Slade]

Yeah, so what does?

[Chad Stevens]

I. I don't know. Get your phones on. Pull on Kansas City and get me a weather update.

[Jake Slade]

Roger.

[Chad Stevens]

Look what's got you so steam hunch the wrong vibes. Look at that outside temperature, how it's dropping. So what? Why should. No, no, no, forget it. Just give me that weather report.

[Jake Slade]

Roger. This is XN743 to Flight Service station. Request weather information and our new heading. We are at 330-bearing-320. Repeat, that is 320. Are we still at same thickness metaphor?

[J. Bruce Proctor]

Hey, Meg, how'd you like to build me another Scotch?

[Narrator]

Dystopia. So you can keep knocking out enough ideas to gobble up the world or to relax.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

Oh, we sifted through all the papers. It's time for fun games.

[Narrator]

In that case, you got the scotch, you'll join me. I just might.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

Sometimes you even like me, don't you?

[Narrator]

That's a fine question to ask a woman.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

I want you to be different. Now. I can buy all of that.

[Narrator]

I know. You bought me now.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

Don't say that, Meg.

[Narrator]

No, it's true. Well, I didn't think so at first. But then the sun was in my eyes. There's a wild glory and absolute power. JD it dazzles the subject Like Louis XIV did.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

You're trying to make fun of me again?

[Chad Stevens]

No.

[Narrator]

No, not really. Here, Want to drink a toast?

[Chad Stevens]

Sure.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

To What?

[Narrator]

To thanks. So many thanks and farewell.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

Hmm.

[Chad Stevens]

To. To.

[Narrator]

To me.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

No way.

[Narrator]

Oh, why not? JB we're at a dead end. It didn't work for us.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

It works for me. As long as I say it does, no one walks out on me.

[Narrator]

Well, I'm not walking out. I just want to shake hands and agree to end a bargain.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

Not until I'm ready. You know too much about me, lover. You're too dangerous to let go.

[Narrator]

How can you stop me if I want to?

[J. Bruce Proctor]

You'd be surprised how many ways if I ever made up my mind mind to use them.

[Chad Stevens]

I don't believe it.

[Jake Slade]

Hey, what does this give?

[Chad Stevens]

The temperature. It's dropped again.

[Jake Slade]

We've left the front behind. There's only light turbulence.

[Chad Stevens]

I know, but something's out there.

[Jake Slade]

Hey, hey, hey. What are you doing?

[Chad Stevens]

Cutting air speed. What do you read?

[Jake Slade]

Mach 8. 245. But with all the hurry. What?

[Chad Stevens]

What's.

[Narrator]

Did you press the call button? Chad.

[Chad Stevens]

Yeah, Meg. I want you to secure everything back in the cabin in the galley. Belt yourself in with the big boss.

[Narrator]

I just mixed a drink.

[Chad Stevens]

Well, dump it. Get rid of the glasses and do as I say.

[Narrator]

But we just passed the front. The sky's as blue as the Fourth of July.

[Chad Stevens]

Let's not mess around, Meg. I'm preparing for severe air turbulence. And you'd better get back inside pronto.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir, Captain.

[Jake Slade]

Hey, come on, Chad. What's eating you?

[Chad Stevens]

It's a hunch. You? You know where I got my school in barnstorming, Stunt flying. Ever since I came out of Korea and went civilian. I love all these instruments for all they feed into my brain. I still fly by what's at the other end of my spine. And when that aches, when I feel my backsides in a bucket, I'll fly by that every time. Yeah, I smelled it.

[Jake Slade]

Oh, rear turbulence.

[Chad Stevens]

Hang in with me, Jake. It's trying to take a stick out of my hands.

[Jake Slade]

We must have shot up a thousand feet. The updraft's wild. Watch your trip.

[Chad Stevens]

I'm holding.

[Jake Slade]

Oh, no, you're not. You're upside down. We're in a die.

[Chad Stevens]

You're disoriented. Jake, we're climbing.

[Jake Slade]

You got to be crazy.

[Chad Stevens]

Check your instruments. Come on, help me bring her nose down.

[Jake Slade]

Roger. Holy mother, will you look at the wing shake? They'll throw the engines right out of their mouth. There goes one of them.

[Chad Stevens]

I Think, Jake. Helps me get her nose down. She stalled out. Now we dive. Hang in there. We're going into a spin.

[EG Marshall]

Four people in a modern aircraft, equipped with every safety device and instrument to protect lives, caught in the pilot's dread, the phenomenon known as clear air turbulence. Or more simply, cat. Cat spinning as helplessly as a bullet, but without any destination or target, and doomed to end up in a world beyond our own. I shall return shortly with Act 2. Now that the cat's out of the bag, I think I should say a few words about this acronym. The three letters that spell out clear air turbulence. It's a very rare phenomenon, and every commercial pilot is trained to react instinctively to its unexpected appearance. But like every other cataclysm in nature, sometimes it's beyond mechanical or human control. The air shock has sent the plane into a high speed storm. As it whirls and falls, the instruments vibrate violently. Impossible to read, Skipper.

[Jake Slade]

What could we do?

[Chad Stevens]

Hit left, right, as hard as you can. Nose up.

[Jake Slade]

She's landed. Oh, my new buster Got it.

[Chad Stevens]

The only chance we had. What?

[Jake Slade]

Damn we Case hit me right on the head.

[Chad Stevens]

Never mind your head. What you're trying to say right now is your.

[Jake Slade]

What was that?

[Chad Stevens]

I don't know.

[EG Marshall]

We're not in a dive anymore and.

[Chad Stevens]

We'Re out of the spin.

[Jake Slade]

Look out for the briefcase.

[Chad Stevens]

It's not. It's not going anywhere.

[Jake Slade]

Yeah, that's right.

[Chad Stevens]

It's.

[Jake Slade]

It's just hanging there in midair.

[Chad Stevens]

Hey, look outside. It's bright sunlight.

[Jake Slade]

It can't be. We were coming up on 2100 hours. It was night.

[Chad Stevens]

Well, it isn't anymore. Hey, look at the controls. They're slack.

[Jake Slade]

Well, maybe the cable snapped. If we're out of electric power.

[Chad Stevens]

Oh, no, I don't think so. Have a gander at the instruments.

[Jake Slade]

Holy cow. They're crazy. They just don't read. How come? Did every system, all the backups blow?

[Chad Stevens]

I don't know. I don't think so. What I guess is. I'm afraid to say what? Chad, we're in free flight. I don't know how, but somewhere we spun right through a hole out of the atmosphere and ended up in space.

[Jake Slade]

Are you nuts?

[Chad Stevens]

If you had just one point of reference after a blind flight, what would you guess? The only land mass we could see might be where? About 10 o' clock, right off to the left.

[Jake Slade]

We were only at 33,000. That couldn't beat the Earth.

[Chad Stevens]

No, no way. But you know what it is just as well as I do?

[J. Bruce Proctor]

The moon.

[Chad Stevens]

Yeah, that's just what I read. Look at the configuration.

[Jake Slade]

That's crazy, Chad. What are we dreaming or dead or what?

[Chad Stevens]

I think we're in free orbit around the moon.

[Jake Slade]

Come on. How from 33,000ft to nearly 90 million miles in one second.

[Chad Stevens]

Maybe it wasn't Cat after all. Maybe we just fell through a hole in space, got folded up in the time warp. Whatever's happened, we got to get busy first. There's too much pressure in this cabin. We gotta release it before we just plain disintegrate.

[Jake Slade]

Okay, Kendall, why not Take it easy.

[Chad Stevens]

Real slow.

[Jake Slade]

Roger.

[Chad Stevens]

Well, not too much. We have to hang on to all the oxygen we have.

[Jake Slade]

What for if you're right? Oh, we're with now is the insurance.

[Chad Stevens]

We can try to get the engines.

[Jake Slade]

Turning over, but no atmosphere for what?

[Chad Stevens]

We're yawing pretty badly. We could get her on an even keel. I'm going to try to fire them. Meanwhile, you better check aft and see what happened to Meg and the big wheel.

[Narrator]

Jb. Jb, huh? You all right?

[J. Bruce Proctor]

Yeah, yeah, certainly. Hey, there was some kicking around. I'm gonna have a few words with Chad Stevens.

[Narrator]

Oh, why do you have to automatically blame Chad?

[J. Bruce Proctor]

He's flying the plane, isn't he? Who else would I blame?

[Narrator]

Well, it seems to me, thanks to Chad's foresight in building us in, that we're lucky to be alive.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

It's what I pay him for. And I pay him enough so he doesn't have to get caught in them.

[Narrator]

Well, you were the one who didn't want him to go around.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

I'm not gonna argue with you. Let's get out of our seat belts.

[Narrator]

Don't you think we should wait till we're released?

[J. Bruce Proctor]

I don't have to take orders from anyone. And I'm getting a little tired of Jamie.

[Jake Slade]

What is it?

[J. Bruce Proctor]

What the devil?

[Jake Slade]

What's wrong?

[Chad Stevens]

It. It's like.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

It's like I'm floating. Don't unbuckle your belt.

[Jake Slade]

Why not? I. I can't tell you.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

Except move your arm maybe.

[Chad Stevens]

You'll see.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

It's as if we didn't have any weight at all anymore.

[Narrator]

Yeah, I see what you mean, but what? Jake, what's the matter?

[Jake Slade]

Look, I'll try to explain that in a moment, best I can. I don't really understand myself, but until we all get belted down, nothing's gonna make much sense.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

When I belt myself down again, it's gonna be beside the so called pilot of this plane. Now, I want to know what's going on straight from the horse's.

[Jake Slade]

Mouth.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

I demand to know what's happening.

[Chad Stevens]

Just take up on your belt and sit back, Mr. Proctor. Hollering isn't going to help.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

Where are we? How late are we going to be into New York?

[Chad Stevens]

All right, first questions first. Where are we, sir? Just an educated guess. In orbit around the moon.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

Are you out of your mind?

[Chad Stevens]

I don't know. What I suspect is, and I'm out of our world.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

Now, what the deuce does that mean?

[Chad Stevens]

Well, at the least, I don't think we're on our way to LaGuardia Airport in New York.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

Then where are we?

[Chad Stevens]

On our way to infinity. You know, Mr. Proctor, if I were a deeply religious man, I would say that all four of us on this plane were on the way to meet our maker.

[Jake Slade]

No, there's no question, Mag. We're. We're in free flight somehow.

[Narrator]

How? Jake?

[Jake Slade]

Search me. Chad says we fell through a hole in the time warp.

[Chad Stevens]

What?

[Jake Slade]

But I don't even know what that means. All I do know is where we are right now.

[Narrator]

Where?

[Jake Slade]

In orbit about the moon.

[Narrator]

Well, can we land there?

[Jake Slade]

And this craft? Forget it.

[Narrator]

Then what's gonna happen to us?

[Jake Slade]

That's the question none of us should ask, honey. Because I'm sure none of us wants the answer.

[Narrator]

How long?

[Jake Slade]

Oh, 48, 72 hours. Long as the oxygen lasts.

[Narrator]

We can't get back to Earth.

[Jake Slade]

How? If we really are in moon orbit? No way. No way we can get this crate back home.

[Narrator]

I'd like to talk to Chad.

[Jake Slade]

He won't tell you any different.

[Narrator]

Well, that's, that's not what I'd like to talk to him about.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

Where are you going, Mike?

[Narrator]

That's a good question, JB Since I have to float and bump, I don't seem to have much control.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

None of us do. I don't like it. I don't like it at all.

[Narrator]

Who does? Where are you going?

[J. Bruce Proctor]

Back for a drink. If I can ever make the galley, why don't you build one for me?

[Narrator]

Build your own, JB I've got other fish to fry.

[Chad Stevens]

Just relax. Let yourself go, Meg.

[Narrator]

It's so long since I could do that, I've forgotten how.

[Chad Stevens]

Well, never too late to learn.

[Narrator]

Except now.

[Chad Stevens]

Relaxing is a full time job. There we are. You're almost in Jake's chair. Here, let me help you with a seat belt.

[Narrator]

I, I, I don't need a seat belt. This flight's smoother, honey.

[Chad Stevens]

Well, you'll need it to hold you down. Don't want you. There you are. Now, what can I do for you.

[Narrator]

You can level with me, Chad. It's that important.

[Chad Stevens]

Okay.

[Narrator]

What's happened to us?

[Chad Stevens]

I don't know.

[Narrator]

Jake said something about a hole in the sky.

[Chad Stevens]

The fourth dimension has to be involved somehow. By our standards, you don't travel 90 million miles in a second or two.

[Narrator]

You think we did?

[Chad Stevens]

I don't have any other explanation.

[Narrator]

And what happens now?

[Chad Stevens]

We're drifting in orbit. Even if I had the kind of engines I need in this aircraft, under normal conditions we couldn't re enter the Earth's atmosphere or even the moon. Well, we'll last as long as the oxygen lasts.

[Narrator]

How long?

[Chad Stevens]

I honestly don't know, Meg. 24 hours. Maybe not more than 40, 48.

[Narrator]

Then we're going to die.

[Chad Stevens]

You don't expect me to answer that.

[Narrator]

Except you did. It was something I had to know, Chad.

[Chad Stevens]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

We could have fussed around as we have, and nothing would ever have happened. Because neither of us could make it happen. Ted.

[Chad Stevens]

Yes?

[Narrator]

Do you know what I'm talking about?

[Chad Stevens]

Yeah. But I couldn't start it.

[Narrator]

Oh, you had to wait for me, I guess.

[Chad Stevens]

Maybe I just prayed it wasn't because.

[Narrator]

I was scared of him. And what you and your conscience? What you were married to?

[Chad Stevens]

She is my wife.

[Narrator]

Name? What do you owe her?

[Chad Stevens]

Everything. Everything I own.

[Narrator]

Give it to her. What does it matter? Do you own yourself?

[Chad Stevens]

What?

[Narrator]

I didn't. I sold myself. And I want to buy it back. My self respect.

[Chad Stevens]

Is that all?

[Narrator]

Oh, no. My whole soul. Just what you ought to do, Chad. So we can be together for good. I'm not ashamed. If there ever was a time and a place to say it, it's now. I love you. And in whatever time is left, I wish to heaven you could say it back to me. That you love me.

[Chad Stevens]

I never thought I'd have the chance, but yes, now I have.

[Jake Slade]

Alexander.

[Chad Stevens]

Hold it. Hold it a minute. What? What is that? What is it? I raised something on the radio. Yes. Yes. Would you repeat, please?

[Jake Slade]

Ah, this is Major Alexander speaking. Good speed. One moon constellation. Welcome.

[Chad Stevens]

Acknowledge. Acknowledge. We welcome contact. We thought we'd bought it. We thought we were out of touch with anyone. We have oxygen supply for less than two days. You are our only hope of survival.

[Jake Slade]

What are your military program? Commercial flights?

[Chad Stevens]

No, none of these. We. We've had an accident. Private flight locked in unaccountable weather conditions.

[Jake Slade]

We know. We have suspected that you were sucked in through the horn.

[Chad Stevens]

What? Repeat, please.

[Jake Slade]

The horn we will not explain. Now we must make preparations for your landing.

[Chad Stevens]

Where? On the moon you could not Maintain life there.

[Jake Slade]

Besides, you need some approximation of Earth's atmosphere to land your obsolete craft.

[Chad Stevens]

Obsolete?

[Jake Slade]

That's something else we can discuss later. Do you have reserve fuel?

[Chad Stevens]

Well enough for say, one and a half hours of normal. Normal flying under conditions as I understand them.

[Jake Slade]

Then you have more than enough to land at Goodspeed1.

[Chad Stevens]

I am not familiar with that airport.

[Jake Slade]

Not surprising.

[Chad Stevens]

Where is it located? The Earth? The Moon?

[Jake Slade]

Neither. It is a self contained space station. One of the worlds of the future.

[Chad Stevens]

I don't understand.

[Jake Slade]

We don't expect you to. Just put yourselves in our hands and you will be safe.

[Chad Stevens]

You realize that I am apparently in space in an aircraft not equipped to handle this medium.

[Jake Slade]

Ah, that is no problem for us. Let us bring you in by electric magnetic force field controls. Hey, Chad, did you see it? There's some great big UFO right off the starboard. It's spinning like a top.

[Chad Stevens]

I not only see it, I'm talking with it. How do I identify you?

[Jake Slade]

Good speed, Huap. Release all your controls and we will bring you home. Stand by your radio to start engines once we are inside the envelope.

[Chad Stevens]

The envelope?

[Jake Slade]

Certainly. You need air to land just as much as you need it to breathe. So do we. Keep this channel open.

[EG Marshall]

Suspended in space, One of our most sophisticated airplanes hangs out of the element on the edge of death. Four people inside it rely on the atmosphere to remain alive. Suddenly, a voice from space is more than disembodied. It extends a helping hand. Who of us would not choose it, but at the same time fear the consequences? I shall return shortly with Act 3.

[Jake Slade]

This is WBBM Chicago.

[EG Marshall]

Can you imagine the terror of having been catapulted into an accident in the air, only to find that instead of crashing to Earth in flames and disaster, you are somehow suspended in space in a vehicle not suited for this element. And with a rapidly diminishing supply of the air you need to breathe. Small wonder that you would grasp at any hope of staying alive.

[Jake Slade]

Now you are inside the envelope. XN743, you are now in normal flight posture. Activate your engines.

[Chad Stevens]

Roger. How about that?

[Jake Slade]

Very good. Now take your normal designation and follow the tower's instructions in.

[Chad Stevens]

Where am I landing?

[Jake Slade]

As I told you before, station. Good speed 1. And have no fears. We may be new to you in space, but believe me, we are very little different. Once you bring your spacecraft to our land. If you want it, you are coming home.

[Chad Stevens]

Approach control, this is XN743.

[Jake Slade]

We have you, XN743. You are 1500ft from threshold. 50ft high and hot the chat. The air speed is 17 knots too high.

[Chad Stevens]

Well, let's hope there's plenty of concrete.

[Jake Slade]

Well, maybe we should go around.

[Chad Stevens]

We're out of fuel. This is it.

[Jake Slade]

You better pull back on the threads.

[Chad Stevens]

I'll break your arm. And just hold on to your hat.

[Jake Slade]

Welcome to Goodspeed One. I am Major Alexander.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

And I'm J. Bruce Proctor. And I can't waste any time. How soon can we get a connecting flight?

[Jake Slade]

Oh, I don't think you quite realize where you are, Mr. Proctor.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

So tell me.

[Jake Slade]

You are now on Space Station Number One. Named at its inception as Goodspeed One. From here, the only connecting flights are to the moon. And such other stuff of us as you might select in our area.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

What are you talking about? I want to get home to Earth.

[Jake Slade]

Many other people in your position have.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

I don't think you quite understand. Tomorrow morning I have a meeting with my lawyers and all the other people from International Ore and Carbide. My deal has to be firmed up by the end of May. And that's the day after tomorrow.

[Jake Slade]

Oh, what year is that?

[J. Bruce Proctor]

Oh, come on. Don't be ridiculous. This year. 1978.

[Jake Slade]

Then I think you can stop worrying about the whole deal. It's ancient history, you see. This is 2978.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

What? Last night, before our flight, what did you say? 2978.

[Jake Slade]

I don't blame you for being surprised, sir. It's the consequence of falling through a timefold. The older we get, we do nod now and then and lose a few precious moments. It must be catastrophic to wake up suddenly and realize that somewhere we've lost a thousand years. I'd like to have a few words with you, Captain, if I may.

[Chad Stevens]

Well, that suits me. Major Alexander, I'd like to have a couple with you. Where's Mr. Proctor?

[Jake Slade]

I'm afraid I had to have him temporarily restrained. One of our doctors is treating him now.

[Chad Stevens]

Restrained?

[Jake Slade]

For his own good. He has a heart condition, or did you know?

[Chad Stevens]

I knew he was hypertense.

[Jake Slade]

He's had at least one coronary. He should be more careful. The man has no control.

[Chad Stevens]

What's bugging him now?

[Jake Slade]

His belief that we are making a prisoner out of him. That is not true. I hope you understand that.

[Chad Stevens]

Well, we are confined to the plane.

[Jake Slade]

You are quarantined, Captain Stevens. That is all. You must understand that this is a controlled environment. After nearly 1,000 years, we have finally managed to make our population almost 100% disease free. We have no infectious or contagious disorders. And have made gigantic strides against the normal systemic ravages of old age. This is a far different world from yours. With its poisons, its savage wear and tear, its bent for destruction.

[Chad Stevens]

What is your world like out there, Major?

[Jake Slade]

Let's see. You are from the 20th century. 1978, correct?

[Chad Stevens]

Yes.

[Jake Slade]

Then you know nothing, of course, of the history of space stations like this, or colony orbits, as we call them.

[Chad Stevens]

No, no. There's been talk and speculation about establishing them, but of course, none have ever been started. I mean, hadn't been before.

[Jake Slade]

I can understand your problem. As time folds, even we are just getting used to them.

[Chad Stevens]

I beg your pardon?

[Jake Slade]

Intergalactic flights are just moving out of the experimental stage now. It's possible to go to Centauri 4 now, for example. But the time lag there is really a bummer. Knocks you out. It's approximately another 1,000 years. Not at all.

[Chad Stevens]

You were going to tell me something about the history of. What do you call this?

[Jake Slade]

Goodspeed one. Yeah. We were the first station you see.

[Chad Stevens]

When was that?

[Jake Slade]

Oh, back in your millennium. Around 1990, I think. Maybe a couple of years later. Of course, it was nothing like it is now. Then it was just an experiment to collect and store solar power to bring cheap energy to Earth.

[Chad Stevens]

You deliver energy to Earth?

[Jake Slade]

Now, Earth, that burnt out cinder for.

[Chad Stevens]

What burnt out cinder?

[Jake Slade]

I'm afraid Earth moved too late to develop energy. By the middle of the 21st century, it choked itself to death on ecological poison.

[Chad Stevens]

How did you and the other colonies you mentioned grow so large?

[Jake Slade]

What would your choice have been? Our colonies grew by leaps and bounds. The waiting lists grew longer and longer. Here on Goodspeed, we rotate at such a controlled speed. That gravity is reproduced within the envelope that encloses us. Our grass is always green. We live in a temperature like that of Hawaii. And the air we breathe is pure. We are, insofar as it is possible, all of one class. We are as close to Utopia, I suppose, as man can come.

[Chad Stevens]

And we can be part of this.

[Jake Slade]

Once you are decontaminated? I would think so.

[Chad Stevens]

Oh.

[Jake Slade]

Our immigration laws are necessarily strict, but yours is an unusual case. However, the. The question may be academic.

[Chad Stevens]

Oh? Why?

[Jake Slade]

Because your employer is adamant that he.

[Chad Stevens]

Must return to Earth the burnt out cinder.

[Jake Slade]

Ah, not that Earth. No, the one you left.

[Chad Stevens]

But that's impossible.

[Jake Slade]

Not if you move quickly. I won't go into scientific details, but that is why I wanted to talk to you. If we are to take advantage of the timefold that brought you here to return you, there is no time to lose. Now, as captain of the Ship. It is entirely up to you. I can give you one hour to talk it over with the others. But no.

[Narrator]

You'Re not going to try to get back Chad.

[Chad Stevens]

The big man's orders, Meg. He pays my salary. What else can I do?

[Narrator]

We'll stay here. Don't you know what it could mean?

[Chad Stevens]

Yes, I know.

[Narrator]

We'd all be free. We could live our own lives. It'd be like a second chance. A chance to live down the mistakes.

[Chad Stevens]

I understand.

[Narrator]

Well, isn't that what you want?

[Chad Stevens]

It's not what I want. It's what Mr. Proctor wants.

[Narrator]

Oh, you can't be serious. What about what I want? What Jake wants?

[Chad Stevens]

Jake doesn't care where he lives.

[Narrator]

And me?

[Chad Stevens]

You could be your own woman anywhere.

[Narrator]

Well, I'm not now.

[Chad Stevens]

Bought and paid for. Maybe it'd be the same here.

[Narrator]

No. Oh, Jed, don't you see? I'd be free here. He can't control me. And you're not free if you go back. You're only going back to her.

[Chad Stevens]

Alice. Oh, no. Never. That's over.

[Narrator]

Well, she'll take you for everything you have.

[Chad Stevens]

Okay. Let her. We could manage somehow.

[Narrator]

If you stole me from JB he'd break us both. Grind us to powder.

[Chad Stevens]

We can still take the chance.

[Narrator]

Why, Jed?

[Chad Stevens]

Why? Because if you and I are going anywhere, Meg, it has to be because we fought for it, not ran away from it. It has to be a matter of conscience. I have to go back. I have to live with myself. Maybe you should stay.

[Narrator]

No. No, darling, you're right. I have a conscience too. That needs quite a bit of polishing. No. No. We'll go back together and face whatever has to be. God willing, it'll work out for us.

[Jake Slade]

We are circling you now, Captain Stevens, and drawing you by magnetic field toward the timefold.

[Chad Stevens]

Roger, I read you.

[Jake Slade]

We cannot guarantee your safe re entry back to the last century.

[Chad Stevens]

So if you or any of you.

[Jake Slade]

Wish to change your mind. Mind? This is it.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

What's he saying? What's he saying?

[Chad Stevens]

He's giving us a last chance to back out, sir.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

Tell him absolutely not. We don't belong in this gym crack fantasy world. We belong in the real one.

[Chad Stevens]

Well, that's your decision, JB the others are entitled to theirs. Meg.

[Narrator]

Are you going back, Chad?

[Chad Stevens]

Yes, I am.

[Narrator]

Then so am I.

[Chad Stevens]

Okay. Jake.

[Jake Slade]

How can you fly a plane through all that flak without me, old buddy? Besides, I either want to be best man or give away the bride. Did you read me, Captain Stevens? I said this was your last chance to stay.

[Chad Stevens]

I Read you, sir. And our thanks for all you have done. But our decision is to return.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

Very well.

[Jake Slade]

Fire up your engines.

[Chad Stevens]

Roger. Engine start completed.

[Jake Slade]

We'll start the countdown at 30. Envoyage and good luck. Are you ready?

[Chad Stevens]

Ready, Sir.

[Jake Slade]

Synchronize. Coming up. 30 on zip.

[Chad Stevens]

Read 30.

[Jake Slade]

29, 28.

[Chad Stevens]

Get back and get belted in. JB Meg.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

Go ahead, Meg. I heard what your co pilot buddy said. Stevens. I just want you to know if we get back, I'll break you in two before I ever let you take Meg away from me.

[Chad Stevens]

Wow.

[Jake Slade]

I hope I never have to sweat anything like that out again.

[Chad Stevens]

Me too. But we lived through it. Hey.

[Jake Slade]

Hey, Chad.

[Chad Stevens]

Yeah? Did.

[Jake Slade]

Did I go off on some sort of a crazy trip or.

[Chad Stevens]

The major good speed one. I don't know. Doesn't seem very real now. Doesn't.

[Jake Slade]

Oh, easy, man.

[Chad Stevens]

Easy.

[Jake Slade]

Only what about you and Mag?

[Chad Stevens]

All that. That's for real.

[Jake Slade]

Are you gonna handle the heavyweight?

[Chad Stevens]

I don't know. Take over. I better check back in the cabin.

[Jake Slade]

Okay. Take your time. I feel a thousand years younger and ready for anything.

[Narrator]

Say that quick.

[Chad Stevens]

What is it, man?

[Narrator]

KB I think it was his heart. It was just too much.

[Chad Stevens]

What? Is he dead?

[Narrator]

Well, right after we hit the turbulence, he just sort of hunched over. He. He made this terrible sound and slumped. The way we were being thrown around, I couldn't get to him.

[J. Bruce Proctor]

Jack?

[Chad Stevens]

Yes, dear?

[Narrator]

I feel terrible. I wished him dead so often.

[Chad Stevens]

He wished this on himself.

[Narrator]

I wonder.

[Chad Stevens]

What do you mean?

[Narrator]

It's like a gift from God for us.

[Chad Stevens]

Or the answer to a prayer. You know, you said God willing, it'll work out for us. Me? It seems like a thousand years, but we finally found our way home.

[EG Marshall]

Well, there's quite a little tale to news over. The fact of cat is real enough. But what was all the rest? Real or imagined? Does that really matter? In the larger sense? All of our travelers returned safely from beyond whatever veil they penetrated. Except one. And there will be few to measure the death of such a selfish man. Be back shortly. By the time you hear this program, or shortly after, the first experimental space station should have been placed in orbit. Of course it'll be small, but it's a beginning. With the Earth's desperate need for new sources of energy, it doesn't stretch the imagination to think that within a thousand years, colonies like Godspeed1 will not only exist, but will proliferate. Unfortunately, neither you nor I will be there to check the statement. But wouldn't you consider it a good bet our cast included Paul Hecht, Ian Martin, Evie Just and Fred Gwyn. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. And now, a preview of our next tale.

[Jake Slade]

Nobody believes the profit of doom.

[Chad Stevens]

Your people. They don't want to stop me and Ivora from taking over the Earth.

[Narrator]

That's because they don't know any better. But I do.

[EG Marshall]

And therefore you have decided to stop me.

[Narrator]

How did you know?

[EG Marshall]

It's true, isn't it?

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Chad Stevens]

You're going to kill me.

[Narrator]

I have to kill you.

[Jake Slade]

They won't believe the reason.

[Chad Stevens]

You know that.

[EG Marshall]

I know that you'll spend the rest.

[Chad Stevens]

Of your life in an insane asylum.

[Narrator]

I'd be doing that anyhow. So I got myself a gun.

[Jake Slade]

A gun?

[Narrator]

This one here.

[EG Marshall]

I see.

[Jake Slade]

You're going to kill me.

[Narrator]

Oh, it's nothing personal. It isn't because I hate you. I don't hate anyone. But I have to kill you.

[EG Marshall]

RADIO Mystery Theater was sponsored in part by buick motor division. Mrs. E. G. Marshall inviting you to return to our Mystery Theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time, pleasant dream.

[Chad Stevens]

That's the show for this week. But don't forget, there are thousands more like it at relicradio. Com. Horror, strange tales, science fiction, crime, all available for free. If you'd like to donate to Relic Radio and help keep it all free, you can do that through the website as well. Visit donate. Relicradio.com to find out more and to see the special downloadable sets that are available. My thanks to those who have donated and thanks for listening today. Talk to you again next week.