S2E14: Bubble

Summary

Station 151: Season 2, Episode 14 – "Bubble"

Release Date: December 17, 2024
Produced by Pale Matter and Bear Weiter
Written by Andy Scearce and Steven James Scearce

---

Introduction

In the fourteenth episode of the second season of Station 151, titled "Bubble," listeners are plunged deeper into the enigmatic and perilous world of Antarctica’s first astronomical radio observatory. Hosted by Pale Matter and part of the Realm Podcast Network, this episode continues to follow astrophysicist Wayne Robertson as he navigates a series of harrowing challenges that threaten both his mission and his very survival.

Setting the Scene

The episode begins shortly after the opening advertisements, swiftly transitioning into the core narrative. It's clear that Wayne Robertson and his team are in a precarious situation, grappling with unforeseen complications that have arisen at Station 151.

Key Plot Developments

The Aftermath of the Earwig Extraction ([03:16] – [04:18])

Wayne expresses discomfort following the removal of an "earwig," a procedure that seems to be physically painful and psychologically unsettling.

• Wayne: "Well, that sucked. I think taking the earwig out hurt more than it did going in. Actually feels weird without it." ([03:16])

His colleague, Speg, indicates urgency, pushing the team to proceed without delay.

• Speg: "No time for reflect. We go now. Pod waiting." ([03:35])

Resurrecting Dr. Alfieri ([04:18] – [08:21])

A significant twist occurs when Speg resurrects Dr. Alfieri, a character presumed dead. This resurrection is driven by Speg's ulterior motives tied to the creation of the SPEG program, which relies on Dr. Alfieri's continued existence.

• Wayne: "Jesus, this just keeps getting more and more fucked up. Don't tell me that asshole is still alive in the future too." ([04:18])

• Speg: "Dr. Die. Speg no live." ([04:03])

Dr. Alfieri confronts Wayne and Speg, showing hostility and confusion about his resurrection.

• Dr. Alfieri: "Are you trying to torture me or something, you assholes?" ([07:35])

Wayne reluctantly acknowledges that keeping Dr. Alfieri alive is crucial for their plans, despite his personal dislike for the doctor.

• Wayne: "So in other words, because the shit Alfieri is doing down here eventually leads to your creation if we don't bring him back to life, then maybe you just like, vanish after we go back to the future, right?" ([04:40])

SPEG’s Mysterious Abilities and Conflict ([08:21] – [16:00])

Speg demonstrates his unique abilities by producing eggs, which are essential to their mission but unsettling to Wayne.

• Speg: "SPEG have many function heal. Injured human is one such function. You have weak stomach, Wayne?" ([06:58])

Tensions escalate as Speg reveals the necessity of these eggs, leading to a conflict over their use and the safety of their escape plan. Speg’s insistence on following the mission puts him at odds with Wayne's moral compass.

• Speg: "What now?" ([14:16])

• Wayne: "We're going to need to bring Buzz on our little trap." ([14:18])

The Escape Pod Crisis ([16:00] – [21:22])

The team grapples with the malfunctioning escape pod, compounded by the mysterious orange goo and the door’s resistance to opening. Wayne's frustration peaks as he questions the technology and their chances of survival.

• Wayne: "I forgot about the orange goo. What is this shit anyway? It's all over the place." ([17:29])

As they attempt to activate the pod, tensions between Wayne and Speg heighten, especially concerning Speg's disregard for the dog's safety, Buzz, who has proven to be invaluable.

• Wayne: "I'm not leaving him." ([15:38])

• Speg: "Leave it. Dog doesn't matter." ([15:42])

Climactic Confrontation and Launch Sequence ([21:22] – [23:32])

In the climactic moments, the escape pod initiates its launch sequence, creating a sense of urgency and impending danger. Wayne's interactions with Speg and the automated system named Astrid add layers of complexity and foreboding.

• Wayne: "I can really feel that in my chest. Hold on, Buzz." ([21:08])

As the pod ascends, mysterious phenomena begin to unfold, hinting at greater cosmic threats and unresolved tensions that set the stage for future episodes.

• Wayne: "You were kidding about me holding my breath, right? Right?" ([21:07])

• Speg: "Maybe." ([21:07])

Notable Quotes

• Wayne on Resurrection: "Jesus, this just keeps getting more and more fucked up." ([04:18])

• Speg on SPEG Program: "SPEG have many function heal. Injured human is one such function." ([06:58])

• Dr. Alfieri on Collaboration: "If we could harness that, it could change the world." ([08:44])

• Wayne on the Dog Buzz: "I am not leaving Buzz. I got you, buddy." ([15:06])

• Speg's Ultimatum: "You leave the dog behind. Fuck you leave the dog." ([15:38])

• Wayne's Desperation: "Whatever. But I am not helping you until you take it out." ([16:41])

Themes and Insights

"Bubble" delves into themes of trust and betrayal, as resurrected allies reveal hidden agendas that endanger the entire mission. The ethical implications of scientific advancements are explored through the SPEG program and Dr. Alfieri's controversial work. Additionally, the episode highlights the struggle between duty and morality, with Wayne torn between following Speg's directives and his own conscience.

The episode also emphasizes the mystery of advanced technology, such as the escape pod's self-repairing mechanisms and the enigmatic orange goo, which serve as narrative devices to build suspense and intrigue.

Conclusion

"Bubble" serves as a pivotal episode in the Station 151 saga, amplifying the stakes and deepening character dynamics. The precarious balance between survival and ethical compromise sets the stage for future conflicts and revelations. As Wayne grapples with Speg's manipulations and the ever-present threats of Station 151, listeners are left on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next installment in this gripping science fiction narrative.

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For More Information:
Visit www.station151.com for detailed podcast credits, episode descriptions, and to connect with the Station 151 community. Support the podcast by following, rating, and sharing, or join the exclusive Patreon community for early releases and special rewards.

Transcript

[Host 1]

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[Host 2]

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[Host 1]

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[Host 3]

Welcome to Station 151, a pale matter podcast production and proud member of the Realm Podcast Network. As an independent podcast listener, support means a great deal to us. If you like what you're hearing, please follow like rate and share us and then come hang out with us over on Discord. If you love what you're hearing, check out our Patreon, where our dedicated fans help us produce new episodes, develop new seasons, and receive exclusive rewards in return, including early and ad free releases of episodes. To find our Patreon or join our Discord community simply Check the episode description for links or visit our website at www.station151.com. Warning. Station 151 is a science fiction and horror audio drama intended to mature audiences only. Please see episode descriptions for content warnings. Listener discretion is advised.

[Wayne]

Well, that sucked. I think taking the earwig out hurt more than it did going in. Actually feels weird without it.

[Speg]

No time for reflect. We go now. Pod waiting.

[Wayne]

Yeah. Yeah, okay.

[Speg]

Gah. Almost Forgot to resurrect doctor.

[Wayne]

Resurrect Dr. Alfieri. Why would you do that?

[Speg]

No doctor. No speg.

[Wayne]

What?

[Speg]

Dr. Die. Speg no live.

[Wayne]

I don't get it.

[Speg]

Antarctica work eventually lead to SPEG program in future. If doctors stay dead, SPEG never get create.

[Wayne]

Jesus, this just keeps getting more and more fucked up. Don't tell me that asshole is still alive in the future too.

[Speg]

Dr. Long dead in future.

[Wayne]

Well, thank God for that.

[Speg]

Not God do it. Doctor murdered by SPEG number six.

[Wayne]

Damn. Killed by his own creation, huh?

[Speg]

Thanks, Speg for that.

[Wayne]

So in other words, because the shit Alfieri is doing down here eventually leads to your creation if we don't bring him back to life, then maybe you just like, vanish after we go back to the future, right?

[Speg]

Maybe. Never done this before.

[Wayne]

That explains why you brought him back the first time.

[Speg]

Yes, Wayne Smart.

[Wayne]

Are you sure you want to do this? Because Alfieri, like, really sucks. Maybe there's some other evil asshole at Teldur's corp who could pick up from where he left off, huh?

[Speg]

Maybe. Maybe. No. Not worth risk now. Come time to plant eggs. What? Time to plant eggs. Do you hear bad?

[Wayne]

No, I hear good. I'm just not sure I like the sound of that.

[Speg]

You like, follow?

[Wayne]

Yeah. Okay.

[Speg]

All right. I put doctor on table.

[Wayne]

Oh, okay. Do you need any help or. Jesus. How did you do that? He must weigh like 200 pounds.

[Speg]

Big, strong.

[Wayne]

I guess so, doctor.

[Speg]

Such big ugly man. Such big waste of carbon.

[Wayne]

Yeah, no shit.

[Speg]

Gah.

[Wayne]

Whoa. What the hell are you doing?

[Speg]

Eggs.

[Wayne]

That's where those eggs come from. You puke them up. Quiet. Oh, God. I can't watch this. I can't. Why on earth do you have that ability? And why do you have to throw them up?

[Speg]

How else you want them come out other end?

[Wayne]

No.

[Speg]

SPEG have many function heal. Injured human is one such function. You have weak stomach, Wayne?

[Wayne]

No, I'm good. It's just.

[Speg]

You get used to it.

[Wayne]

Oh, God, I hope not. Oh, shit. He's back already. That was fast.

[Speg]

Fresh egg work best. Nice and warm here, too. Perfect condition.

[Dr. Alfieri]

Where am I? Oh, My God. What is that thing?

[Wayne]

Dr. Alfieri, meet Speg.

[Dr. Alfieri]

Hi, Wayne. What the hell is going on here?

[Wayne]

You were dead and we brought you back to life. Again.

[Dr. Alfieri]

Are you trying to torture me or something, you assholes?

[Wayne]

Yeah, I wish. Unfortunately, Speg here has decided that your work is far too important to leave you unalive.

[Speg]

Important work? Critical work.

[Dr. Alfieri]

What work?

[Speg]

Best not to tell. Bad for timeline. If doctor finds out.

[Wayne]

Yeah. Things might change for the worse. So we're not gonna do that?

[Dr. Alfieri]

I don't understand. What are you two talking about? What work? What's so damned important?

[Wayne]

Nothing. The point is you're alive again. You're welcome. And now you just need to keep doing your evil shit, I guess.

[Dr. Alfieri]

Well, if you're not gonna torture me, then help me up.

[Wayne]

I'm not helping you up, prick.

[Dr. Alfieri]

Oh, God damn it. Wayne.

[Speg]

Hey, Wayne. Don't kill again. I need eat before I make more eggs.

[Dr. Alfieri]

Wait, make more eggs? You produce those naturally?

[Speg]

Maybe.

[Dr. Alfieri]

Interesting.

[Wayne]

Yeah, it's a whole thing.

[Dr. Alfieri]

Listen, spag, I've seen what those eggs can do. Obviously. But Jesus, if we could harness that, it could change the world. Think about it. An end to suffering, pain and even death. Wayne, Speg. Let's put our differences behind us and work together on this. It's not just a choice. It's our duty to humanity.

[Speg]

Shut your mouth. I know how you change world. I know how it ends.

[Wayne]

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Stop with the beatings, will ya? I thought we didn't want to kill him again. I mean, not that I give a shit, but damn.

[Speg]

He be fine. Time to go.

[Dr. Alfieri]

Where? Where are you going?

[Wayne]

We're getting the fuck out of here. Finally.

[Dr. Alfieri]

The hell you are. Leopold. Leopold.

[Speg]

Yes, sir.

[Dr. Alfieri]

Don't let them leave. Lock the hatch.

[Speg]

My apologies, sir. The telda's agent left it open when he came in. And? And I am unable to secure it.

[Dr. Alfieri]

God damn it. Wait, wait. Let's talk about this off.

[Speg]

Bye bye.

[Dr. Alfieri]

You're not going to get far. You. We've got an army out there. An army?

[Speg]

Not anymore. What?

[Dr. Alfieri]

What was that? What did he just say?

[Wayne]

Christ. You unleashed hell on earth out here. How many Telders people did you kill?

[Speg]

No time Think about that. We go.

[Wayne]

Wait. This one's Russian. Oh wow. They're all over the place. How did you.

[Speg]

Russia. America. Do not know none of this exists. In future, huh?

[Wayne]

I wonder what the Russians had on Richard. Guess we'll never know. Hey, you didn't happen to see a husky out here? The fuck?

[Speg]

Don't move. Don't you move. Gah. What is this crap? Sergei. Sergei. I have them.

[Wayne]

God damn it.

[Speg]

Who you have? You have walking fish, yes, yes, and Wayne Robertson. What about Richard? I don't know. I don't see him. Find him. Where is Richard? You, you pieces of shit. Who is this Richard?

[Wayne]

He's one of the guys you eviscerated.

[Speg]

Doesn't really narrow it down. Sergei. Richard.

[Wayne]

Probably dead.

[Speg]

Doesn't matter. Shoot a fish in the legs, he. Yes, sir.

[Wayne]

What the hell? You son of a bitch.

[Speg]

Done. And we do not need Wayne Robertson. Kill him. Yes, sir.

[Wayne]

Hey, hey, hey, hey. Now just wait a goddamn minute.

[Speg]

I shoot you in face Trujok. Goodbye.

[Wayne]

Wait. Holy. Buzz. Yeah. Buzz. Oh, God, that is a lot of blood. Yeah. Where'd you run off to, buddy? Oh, I missed you. I missed you. There's a good boy. Such a good boy. Such a good boy. Yes, you are.

[Speg]

Wayne.

[Wayne]

Oh, Spec. No, no, no. It's okay, Buzz. It's okay. He's a friend. He's a friend. Sort of. I think. Jesus Speg.

[Speg]

Your legs, I can heal.

[Wayne]

You can? Do you, like, throw up on yourself or something?

[Speg]

No, but need food. Quickly. Hand me some Russian.

[Wayne]

Uh, Hand you some Russian?

[Speg]

Give it to me.

[Wayne]

Okay, okay. Here's part of his face. Oh, come on. No offense, but I am just going to look over here while you do that. Hey. While you're eating.

[Speg]

What now?

[Wayne]

We're going to need to bring Buzz on our little trap.

[Speg]

No room for dog.

[Wayne]

We'll make room for dog.

[Speg]

Impossible. Get new dog in future.

[Wayne]

The hell with that. Buzz just saved our lives, if you didn't notice. If it wasn't for him, you'd probably be on your way to some Russian dissection lab right now.

[Speg]

None of that matter. Or too small for three of us.

[Wayne]

Then we'll rip out one of the goddamn seats. He's going.

[Speg]

No.

[Wayne]

Fine. I'm not going then.

[Speg]

You make no sense. Do I need use Lilith?

[Wayne]

Are you kidding me? This shit again.

[Speg]

Use the. Lilith. There's no time for this.

[Wayne]

Go ahead, I don't care. I am not leaving Buzz. I got you, buddy. A rock.

[Speg]

Sick of that.

[Wayne]

Stop it.

[Speg]

You leave the dog behind. Fuck you leave the dog.

[Wayne]

No. No.

[Speg]

Leave it. Dog doesn't matter.

[Wayne]

I said no. You. I'm not leaving him.

[Speg]

Yeah. Didn't work.

[Wayne]

You're goddamn right it didn't.

[Speg]

Fine. We make room in pod.

[Wayne]

Jesus Christ. After all that? You know what? Whatever you implanted in my neck, you need to take that shit out, Lilith.

[Speg]

Yeah, that shit not so easy. Need to cut out.

[Wayne]

Then we Cut it out.

[Speg]

Dangerous.

[Wayne]

Then it's dangerous.

[Speg]

Gah. We take out after trip. We need special equipment.

[Wayne]

Whatever. But I am not helping you until you take it out.

[Speg]

Gah. Fine.

[Wayne]

It's okay, Buzz. We're going soon. Can you walk Speg? Your legs are looking better.

[Speg]

Probably okay now.

[Wayne]

All right. Let's go then.

[Speg]

Pod, over here.

[Wayne]

I see it. Are you sure that thing's functional?

[Speg]

Some repair needed. But it repair itself.

[Wayne]

It can do that?

[Speg]

Just told you it can.

[Wayne]

Whatever. I forgot about the orange goo. What is this shit anyway? It's all over the place.

[Speg]

It makes soft landing.

[Wayne]

That's what I thought. So it's like some kind of impact gel and sort of that. How do we get inside? The door's closed now and I don't see any seams or.

[Speg]

Just wave to open wave.

[Wayne]

What me?

[Speg]

You go ahead.

[Wayne]

Okay. I'm waving.

[Speg]

More fast.

[Wayne]

Like this.

[Speg]

More. Uh.

[Wayne]

Nothing's happening. Should I use two hands? Hello? It's not working. You're fucking with me.

[Speg]

You really think wave open door.

[Wayne]

I don't know, man. I don't know what the hell they do in the future.

[Speg]

Wave don't work. Use badge for open door. See badge.

[Wayne]

That is so stupid.

[Speg]

You get used to it.

[Wayne]

Oh, believe me, I'm used to it.

[Speg]

Time to go.

[Host 1]

Welcome back. S185709 all repairs have been completed.

[Speg]

Good. Detach pilot harness.

[Host 1]

Please confirm that you would like to remove the pilot.

[Speg]

Pilot harness is confirmed.

[Host 1]

Be advised that operating the bubble without a harness increases the risk of security. Bolts have been detached.

[Speg]

Okay. Inside both of you.

[Wayne]

That's it. Taking out the seat took like two seconds. You hit me with the lilith over that.

[Speg]

Just get it over there.

[Wayne]

All right. Chill. It's okay, Buzz. You can sit on my lap. You know I had a Ford Fiesta that was bigger than this.

[Speg]

Fiesta. Let's not party.

[Wayne]

No, I didn't mean. You know. Never mind.

[Speg]

Small is good. We squeezed through a wormhole.

[Wayne]

How are we going to get this thing off the ground? Isn't an escape pod like a one way trip?

[Speg]

This not escape pod.

[Wayne]

Okay, but there's no visible engines or anything. How does it achieve escape velocity? What kind of radiation shielding does?

[Speg]

Too many questions. Close door.

[Host 1]

Closing. Exit hatch secured.

[Speg]

Begin launch sequence.

[Host 1]

Ascent initiated. Ascent engine initialized. Hull integrity 100%.

[Wayne]

It's okay, Buzz.

[Host 1]

Departure trajectory and flight path installed.

[Wayne]

Hey, shouldn't I be wearing a space helmet or something like that?

[Speg]

Just hold breath. You'll be fine.

[Wayne]

What?

[Host 1]

Wormhole and entry point calibration complete. Engaging inertial dampeners.

[Speg]

Time to leave. Let's go.

[Wayne]

You were kidding about me holding my breath, right? Right?

[Speg]

Maybe.

[Wayne]

Oh, shit. I can really feel that in my chest. Hold on, Buzz.

[Host 1]

Ready for ascent. On your mark. S185 Ready.

[Speg]

Astrid.

[Wayne]

Astrid.

[Host 1]

Acknowledged. Ascent in five.

[Wayne]

Wait, what did you just say? Astrid.

[Host 1]

Three, two.

[Wayne]

Hey, is that the computer's name? Astrid. Astrid.

[Host 1]

It's been a long time.

[Wayne]

What the.

[Host 1]

Ascend.

[Speg]

It.

[Host 3]

You've been listening to Station 151, a pale matter podcast production and proud member of the Realm Podcast Network. For more detailed information about the podcast credits for this particular episode or the team behind this show, please visit our website at www.station151.com or see the episode description for links to find us, follow us, or connect with us.

[Wayne]

If I play you something, will promise not to tell anyone about it.

[Speg]

What is it? There's a thing in the sky. You've got to get someone down here quick. It's fucked.

[Wayne]

It's moving.

[Speg]

It's buzzing. It's getting closer.

[Wayne]

I think I need to talk to someone. Singing you through now.

[Speg]

No, don't pop me. It's getting louder. I can feel it.

[Wayne]

I can feel it inside my head.

[Speg]

Listen to Hovering, the latest fiction horror show on Rome's premier horror channel, Undertow. Hovering is available now wherever you get your podcasts.

[Mike Carruthers]

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