2.07 A Quarter to Midnight

Summary

Summary of "The Strange Case of Starship Iris" - Episode 2.07: "A Quarter to Midnight"

Released on June 21, 2021, "A Quarter to Midnight" delves deeper into the high-stakes tensions aboard the Starship Iris following Earth's narrow victory against extraterrestrial forces in 2189. This episode intricately weaves themes of survival, espionage, and personal conflicts, all while setting the stage for impending challenges.

---

1. Tensions on the Starship Iris

As the crew awaits the return of Arkady and his team, the atmosphere aboard the Iris is thick with anticipation and underlying stress.

• Violet Liu expresses her longing for the crew's return and reflects on personal sacrifices:

  "Counting the days until Arkady and the rest of the crew are back? Glad to have something to do for the moment. Wishing I'd had more of a chance to say goodbye to Juniper." (01:20)

• Captain Tripathi offers reassurance while discussing potential visitations:

  "As soon as we get some free time, we can swing by Mirzakhani." (02:02)

2. The Espionage Plot Thickens

The crew discovers disturbing evidence suggesting that a faction named Vacheron may have been involved in illicit arms dealings with a regime, raising alarms about potential breaches and betrayals.

• Brian Jeter voices skepticism about breaking into an alien spaceship:

  "I've never broken into an alien spaceship before. Brian. Give me some room. Are we even sure this will work?" (03:49)

• Krej discusses the implications of Vacheron's actions:

  "I mean, it'd be a way to hold the regime accountable for their end of the deal. If fashion's more worried about that than getting caught." (04:23)

• Arkady Patel outlines their cautious approach:

  "Today is about stealth and caution. I can get us into the system, but from there..." (04:32)

3. The Arrival of Officer Nan Walker

An unexpected encounter unfolds when Officer Nan Walker, an old acquaintance of RJ McCabe, initiates a security scan that jeopardizes the crew's covert operations.

• Juniper Liu faces suspicion as a stowaway:

  "You're a literal stowaway. What are you doing here? What is your plan? What's wrong with you?" (09:56)

• Officer Nan Walker challenges RJ McCabe's identity:

  "Riley. Jo McCabe. How long has it been? Five years?" (22:02)

4. Revelation of Personal Relationships and Conflicts

The episode delves into the strained relationship between Violet Liu and her sister Juniper Liu, unveiling deep-seated emotions and conflicting loyalties.

• Juniper Liu confronts her sister:

  "You just happened to leave the womb a couple years sooner." (10:13)

• Violet Liu addresses Juniper's impulsiveness:

  "I can't believe you. We agreed you'd be better off on Mirza Khan." (14:00)

5. Critical Decisions and High-Stakes Actions

Faced with mounting threats, the crew must make swift decisions to safeguard themselves and their mission.

• Captain Tripathi orders immediate action following Officer Walker's advanced security measures:

  "We need to get out of here." (07:05)

• RJ McCabe devises a plan to use her original government-issued ID:

  "I've been thinking about it, and there's a decent chance my family was able to bury what I did." (16:37)

6. Climax: Confrontations and Sacrifices

Tensions reach a boiling point as personal confrontations overlap with the pressing mission demands.

• Juniper Liu pleads for understanding amidst chaos:

  "I'm not acting. I'm being honest about my emotions. Am I not allowed to do that?" (26:49)

• Captain Tripathi grapples with the tragedy of a fallen crew member:

  "Once we've got the engines going, we can cremate her. I know it's not ideal. We don't have time for anything else." (31:18)

7. Unfolding Mysteries and Future Threats

The crew uncovers unsettling truths about their adversaries, hinting at larger conspiracies and imminent dangers.

• Krej theorizes about the motives behind Vacheron's gun trade:

  "Why would Fashren care about getting thousands of human-made weapons? What's in it for them?" (18:44)

• Arkady Patel warns of impending attacks:

  "There's gonna be a Duaranian attack on Telemachus and we don't know when." (19:56)

8. Resolution and Cliffhanger

As the episode nears its end, alliances are tested, and the crew braces for the challenges ahead, setting the stage for future confrontations.

• Officer Nan Walker confirms the crew's clearance, adding a layer of complexity to RJ McCabe's undercover status:

  "False alarm. Manwalker to Command. We're all clear. You three kids, you're free to go. Enjoy your time on the Zephyr." (29:27)

• The episode concludes with unresolved tensions and the ominous presence of external threats, leaving listeners eager for the next installment.

---

Notable Quotes with Attributions and Timestamps

• Violet Liu reflecting on missing someone:

  "No matter where you are, no matter where you go, Always missing somebody." (02:20)

• Krej questioning Vacheron's motives:

  "Why would Fashren care about getting thousands of human made weapons? What's in it for them?" (18:44)

• RJ McCabe during Officer Walker's interrogation:

  "Please give me the benefit of the doubt when I tell you there are a thousand variables. And without even being able to see that other ship, I really can't guess. We need to hide you." (13:08)

---

Character Development and Dynamics

• RJ McCabe: Her loyalty and resourcefulness are highlighted as she navigates complex situations, balancing her undercover role with personal relationships.

• Juniper Liu: Portrayed as rebellious and determined, her actions create friction but also reveal her depth and commitment to uncovering truths.

• Captain Tripathi: Embodies leadership under pressure, making tough decisions to protect the crew while managing the mission's integrity.

• Officer Nan Walker: Introduces an element of unpredictability, intertwining past friendships with current allegiances, thereby complicating the narrative.

---

Themes and Insights

• Trust and Betrayal: The episode explores the fragile nature of trust within the crew and their interactions with external entities, emphasizing the ever-present threat of betrayal.

• Family and Loyalty: Personal relationships, especially between siblings Violet and Juniper, underscore the sacrifices and conflicts that arise in high-stakes environments.

• Espionage and Deception: The intricate spy dynamics and undercover operations highlight the complexities of warfare beyond direct confrontations.

• Survival and Sacrifice: Characters are frequently faced with choices that test their commitment to the mission versus personal morals and relationships.

---

Conclusion

"A Quarter to Midnight" masterfully intertwines intense plot developments with deep character explorations, setting up a riveting narrative that promises further excitement and revelations. As the crew grapples with internal conflicts and external threats, listeners are left on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the saga of the Starship Iris.

---

Timestamps Reference

• [01:20]: Violet discussing her longing and personal reflections.
• [02:02]: Captain Tripathi proposing a visit to Mirzakhani.
• [03:49]: Brian expressing doubts about the mission's feasibility.
• [04:23]: Krej contemplating Vacheron's accountability.
• [04:32]: Arkady outlining their cautious approach.
• [09:56]: RJ confronting Juniper as a stowaway.
• [10:13]: Juniper's defiant remarks to Violet.
• [14:00]: Violet addressing Juniper's presence on the ship.
• [16:37]: RJ's plan involving her original ID.
• [18:44]: Krej questioning the motives behind weapon trades.
• [19:56]: Arkady warning of a potential Duaranian attack.
• [22:02]: Officer Walker questioning RJ's tenure.
• [26:49]: Juniper defending her emotions to Violet.
• [29:27]: Officer Walker clearing the crew.
• [31:18]: Captain Tripathi's tragic revelation about a fallen crew member.

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For more information about "The Strange Case of Starship Iris," visit Procyon Podcasts.

Transcript

[RJ McCabe]

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[Brian Jeter]

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[RJ McCabe]

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[Brian Jeter]

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[Juniper Liu]

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[RJ McCabe]

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[Juniper Liu]

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[RJ McCabe]

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[Captain Tripathi]

Hey, Violet.

[Violet Liu]

Hey, Captain. Can I get you anything? Meds? Vitamins? Oakley helped me sort all the loose pills, which was a huge help. Although I think a might be colorblind.

[Captain Tripathi]

Just wanted to check in. How's things?

[Violet Liu]

I finished the latest round of checkups. Gertrude's iron levels are back to where they should be. All 14 of our guests have a clean bill of health.

[Captain Tripathi]

I meant more. How are you.

[Violet Liu]

Counting the days until Arkady and the rest of the crew are back? Glad to have something to do for the moment. Wishing I'd had more of a chance to say goodbye to Juniper.

[Captain Tripathi]

I take it she was upset she couldn't come along.

[Violet Liu]

It's not even like I don't want her to. It would be great to have a while to get caught up, but you know what it's like out here. Yeah, I can't subject her to all of that. At least she'll be safe at Max and Julio's school. And at least mom and dad are okay. I don't know if they're okay. At least they're not in immediate danger.

[Captain Tripathi]

As soon as we get some free time, we can swing by Mirzakhani.

[Violet Liu]

Pay your sister a visit after we stop at Telemachus. You mean say hi to Campbell?

[Captain Tripathi]

Yeah.

[Violet Liu]

Telemachus is less than a day from here, you know.

[Captain Tripathi]

I know.

[Violet Liu]

Is this adulthood?

[Captain Tripathi]

What?

[Violet Liu]

No matter where you are, no matter where you go, Always missing somebody.

[Captain Tripathi]

At least until science finds us a way to teleport.

[Violet Liu]

Teleportation. Free time. Tell me another fairy tale.

[Officer Nan Walker]

So long can't dodge the dawn Red.

[RJ McCabe]

Light shines on and on and on.

[Arkady Patel]

And on and on but it's not the sea that's coming for me and it's not the storm no, it's not.

[Juniper Liu]

The storm so come sing me no.

[Arkady Patel]

Songs Though once we go we are gone and gone and gone When I go to sea don't fear for me.

[Krej]

Fear for the Storm.

[Arkady Patel]

Fear for the storm.

[Krej]

Arkady, how's it going?

[Brian Jeter]

I told you, physical locks aren't my thing. And Fashren clearly spent a lot of money on this.

[Krej]

Are you in here?

[Brian Jeter]

I'd tell you I was in if I was in. I've never broken into an alien spaceship before. Brian. Give me some room. Are we even sure this will work?

[Krej]

Shouldn't I be asking you?

[Arkady Patel]

No.

[Brian Jeter]

I mean, what are the odds Vacheron actually made recordings of themselves plotting the arms deal with the regime?

[Krej]

I mean, it'd be a way to hold the regime accountable for their end of the deal. If fashion's more worried about that than getting caught. You don't pull stuff like this in the first place unless you think you'll get away with it, right?

[Arkady Patel]

Okey dokes. Folks, without going into detail, I bought us a few more minutes for our adventure. In vehicular burglary.

[Brian Jeter]

We slip in, check the computer for evidence, and then slip out. We're not flying a meter in this ship, Krej. We're in. Okay, today is about stealth and caution. I can get us into the system, but from there. Krej, I'm gonna need your Dwarnian. Incoming call for Krej. Seriously?

[Rijol]

From Rijol.

[Arkady Patel]

That's how Ella says Ishgreb.

[Brian Jeter]

Krej. Don't answer. We're very busy.

[Arkady Patel]

I know, but they want to take down Vashraun, too.

[Brian Jeter]

Smaller the circle here, the better.

[Krej]

It's CR's relative.

[RJ McCabe]

Incoming CR's.

[Juniper Liu]

Call for CR.

[Arkady Patel]

Accept call is. What's wrong?

[Rijol]

Is Brian spelled with a letter I or a letter Y?

[Officer Nan Walker]

What?

[Rijol]

Naming the first human Lafla will be a great to do. You wouldn't want the wrong Brian.

[Brian Jeter]

Cris, can we.

[Arkady Patel]

You're really going through with this?

[Rijol]

The proceedings are half done already.

[Arkady Patel]

How long have you been preparing? Are you really saying in three turns Gluthnum? Just like that, he'll have rank to marry me.

[Rijol]

Try two Earth days.

[Arkady Patel]

Normally it takes.

[Rijol]

Normally it is not arranged by me. I make bureaucracy pack a bag and fake its own death to avoid my wrath. I twist red tape into strings, and upon those strings play a symphony of efficiency and discretion. Do we have confirmation that Vacheron was behind the arms deal?

[Brian Jeter]

Working on it.

[Rijol]

Listen, Vacheron is a tricky foe. I face them in the meeting room too many times to believe the task before you is easy. I have a strategy breakfast with La Shreb and Reshreb. But Kraj, as the English speaking humans say, good luck. Make me proud then. Translator Jeter.

[Krej]

Brian with an eye.

[Rijol]

Wonderful. Connection ended.

[Arkady Patel]

Kerm and Jeter I they if isgrab's telling the truth, we have two days to plan a wedding.

[Krej]

Dude, what are we doing for readings?

[Arkady Patel]

And the music. We're gonna need to commission a wedding zone.

[Brian Jeter]

I'm a hair away from fashion's recordings. Can you please get down?

[Arkady Patel]

Camera says it's one of Ashran's bodyguards. I really thought my distraction was better.

[Krej]

They're definitely coming this way. They must have seen movement.

[Arkady Patel]

We need to get out of here.

[Brian Jeter]

You're not suggesting.

[Arkady Patel]

There's a set of caves on the edge of town. Cover visibility. Should buy us time to crime. Buckle up, friends.

[Brian Jeter]

Krej, if we openly steal Vashraun's ship, it'll scrap the whole mission.

[Arkady Patel]

Not if we don't get caught. It's joy riding time.

[RJ McCabe]

Captain Tripathi. Yeah. How much longer until our contact touches down and we can offload the teams and get out of here?

[Captain Tripathi]

Last I heard, The Zephyr was 20 minutes away.

[RJ McCabe]

Right, and it's been 21 minutes.

[Captain Tripathi]

Hey, we chose an obscure spot on purpose. They'll make it here soon.

[RJ McCabe]

Do we need anything from storage?

[Captain Tripathi]

Not at the moment. Why?

[RJ McCabe]

It's just, you know, such a useful, well built place. Such sturdy walls.

[Captain Tripathi]

I know. We're a much fuller house than usual. And it can't be easy to come back to your home planet after everything. Thanks again for volunteering this place. That took a lot of guts. If you want to go stand in a quiet room for a few minutes, I won't begrudge you.

[RJ McCabe]

I'm on duty.

[Captain Tripathi]

Well, as your captain, I officially order you off duty for the next 10 minutes.

[RJ McCabe]

Thank you, ma'am.

[Krej]

Hey.

[Arkady Patel]

R.J. oakley.

[RJ McCabe]

And your friends.

[Juniper Liu]

I'm May.

[RJ McCabe]

I'm Isadore.

[Juniper Liu]

And that's the third time we've told you.

[RJ McCabe]

Sorry.

[Krej]

How much longer till our contact?

[RJ McCabe]

Soon.

[Violet Liu]

What do we do in the meantime?

[RJ McCabe]

Whatever you want. Pizza party? Practice your new credentials in case we get searched. You said nobody would find us out here. No, I said if we're lucky.

[Juniper Liu]

You okay?

[RJ McCabe]

I just need to get something out of storage.

[Arkady Patel]

Ah.

[RJ McCabe]

It'S not a rat. It's not a rat. Listen, I'm armed and I have very good aim. Come out with your hands up. Unless you're a rat. In which case we're both about to feel very silly.

[Juniper Liu]

Jesus. Don't shoot me, please.

[RJ McCabe]

Captain Tripati was very clear about which areas. We're on and off limits to guess. You shouldn't.

[Juniper Liu]

Right. I'm sorry.

[RJ McCabe]

Hang on. You're not one of Max and Julio's students. You're juniperlew. What are you doing in here?

[Juniper Liu]

Can you please keep your voice down?

[RJ McCabe]

Oh my God.

[Brian Jeter]

You're a stowaway.

[RJ McCabe]

You're a literal stowaway. What are you doing here? What is your plan? What's wrong with you?

[Juniper Liu]

Which one do I answer first?

[RJ McCabe]

You were supposed to stay on Mirzakani.

[Juniper Liu]

Who gets to decide what I'm supposed to do? I'm 22. I've been a legal adult for years. I should be able to.

[RJ McCabe]

Violet said.

[Juniper Liu]

Violet is not my advisor, she's not my mom, and she's not some elected official. She just happened to leave the womb a couple years sooner.

[RJ McCabe]

What were you thinking?

[Juniper Liu]

I wasn't gonna let myself spend the revolution stuck on a goat farm.

[RJ McCabe]

It's a school. You know what? You really want to be treated like an adult? Then be an adult and face the consequences of your actions. I'm telling the captain. And Violet, please listen to me.

[Juniper Liu]

If you tell her now, she'll talk.

[RJ McCabe]

To the captain and arrange some transport for you out of Martineau. Whereas once we take off, we could go weeks without landing again. Which is exactly when you plan to show yourself.

[Juniper Liu]

Yes. You're very smart. Can we please work together for a second?

[RJ McCabe]

Absolutely not. Why would you think I.

[Violet Liu]

Attention.

[Officer Nan Walker]

In accordance with new regulations, this is a random roadside screening. You are second in the queue. Please be patient and prepare to submit a comprehensive bullshit search. Thank you.

[Juniper Liu]

Why is your face doing a thing?

[RJ McCabe]

That officer. Her name is Nan Walker. We've known each other since we were toddlers.

[Juniper Liu]

Any chance she won't recognize you on sight?

[RJ McCabe]

Maybe, if she's suffered massive head trauma. Well, here's hoping she's my friend.

[Juniper Liu]

Well, your pal is an agent of the regime.

[RJ McCabe]

Believe me, I know that. Let me.

[Arkady Patel]

Good news. We're halfway to the caves.

[Brian Jeter]

Shit news. We're being followed.

[Arkady Patel]

You sure?

[Brian Jeter]

Greenish craft right back there. They've been with us way too long.

[Arkady Patel]

Big turn coming.

[Brian Jeter]

Still following. Krish, what are you.

[Krej]

What if we had that poem by Rebecca Joyce Harris in our ceremony? The one I like about the trees?

[Brian Jeter]

Oh.

[RJ McCabe]

Woohoo.

[Officer Nan Walker]

First paper towel.

[Arkady Patel]

You are cordially invited to lay down some covering fire. Grim and Jader, if we're going with Rebecca Joyce Harris, you know I like her ocean one better.

[Krej]

Oh, the ocean one is good. And we could have like a call response with the guests.

[Arkady Patel]

Evasive maneuvers, folks. Brace yourselves.

[Krej]

This is some top notch flying crash.

[Arkady Patel]

My only notch.

[Krej]

Arcade, you okay?

[Arkady Patel]

I. Arcade.

[Brian Jeter]

What?

[Krej]

Did they hit you?

[Brian Jeter]

Where's my gun.

[Arkady Patel]

You don't know where your gun is Here.

[Krej]

If we're distracting you.

[Brian Jeter]

No, Jeter. I'd say the problem is all the bullets.

[Arkady Patel]

Well, in that case, would you be up for leading the wedding pantomime? We'll just have a real basic one, don't you think, Crewma? Jeter, should they take 20 minutes?

[Brian Jeter]

I think I. Nope, didn't get them. They're definitely going faster. Krezh.

[Arkady Patel]

Vehicular burglary.

[Officer Nan Walker]

I repeat, you are currently second in the queue. We will board you shortly. Have a nice day.

[Juniper Liu]

How long will it take to search the other ship?

[RJ McCabe]

I don't know.

[Juniper Liu]

Well, hey, can you ballpark it?

[RJ McCabe]

Please give me the benefit of the doubt when I tell you there are a thousand variables. And without even being able to see that other ship, I really can't guess. We need to hide you.

[Juniper Liu]

Hang on. I do have a fake ID to use it for concerts.

[RJ McCabe]

Yes, well, congratulations on your juvenile delinquency. But Nan is very good at what she does, so let's not test it if we don't have to.

[Juniper Liu]

Hasn't landed me in trouble yet.

[RJ McCabe]

Well, I think it might be about to.

[Violet Liu]

Juniper, what are you doing here? We're about to be searched.

[Juniper Liu]

I know. And that means for literally everyone's safety, you need to be cool about this. You can yell at me later.

[Violet Liu]

I can't believe you. We agreed you'd be better off on Mirza Khan.

[Juniper Liu]

You agreed? You never even asked me what I wanted.

[Violet Liu]

It's not a vacation package, Juni. We are teetering on the biggest war in human history.

[Juniper Liu]

All the more reason to think strategically instead of just dumping a capable, qualified adult in the middle of nowhere.

[Violet Liu]

I wasn't dumping you. And qualified to do what? You're a journalism student.

[Juniper Liu]

There it is. Just because I didn't pick a stem field.

[RJ McCabe]

I can't believe I'm about to say these words with my own mouth, but. Violet. Juniper has a point. McCabe, that you need to put this aside for now and deal with our principal threat, which is the very real government agent getting ready to search us.

[Violet Liu]

Alright, cockpit. Now.

[RJ McCabe]

Violet, I. McCabe.

[Violet Liu]

How long have you known that my little sister was stowing away in the ship?

[RJ McCabe]

About four minutes. Get yourself under control.

[Juniper Liu]

My name is Chiaome.

[Captain Tripathi]

Good reason for traveling.

[Juniper Liu]

School trip. That was too slow, wasn't it?

[RJ McCabe]

Try again. It's okay.

[Arkady Patel]

School trip.

[Juniper Liu]

School trip.

[Captain Tripathi]

Breathe. It's all right. Once the Zephyr clears inspection, all you have to do is pass muster for one guard and you'll be Free to slip out of here and board.

[RJ McCabe]

That's our contact being searched right now.

[Captain Tripathi]

It is.

[RJ McCabe]

Can someone please tell them to work on their timing?

[Captain Tripathi]

The Zephyr crew are professionals. They'll be fine. May, Isadore and Oakley are getting in some last minute review before the officer boards you. Hang on.

[Juniper Liu]

Is it Juniper?

[Arkady Patel]

How.

[Juniper Liu]

Not the time.

[Captain Tripathi]

Right.

[RJ McCabe]

We need to get her into Krej's hiding spot.

[Captain Tripathi]

Isadore, can you please climb up here and help me with the panel?

[RJ McCabe]

On it.

[Violet Liu]

Juniper, when we're out of this, I swear to God.

[Juniper Liu]

Then let's get out of it first.

[Rijol]

Attention.

[Officer Nan Walker]

You are now first in the queue. Search will begin momentarily.

[Juniper Liu]

What do we do?

[RJ McCabe]

It's okay, May. The officer searching us is Nan Walker. We grew up together. We used to run around the farm playing dragon detectives.

[Krej]

Playing what? Sorry.

[Arkady Patel]

Yeah.

[Krej]

No, not the time.

[RJ McCabe]

If I handle everything correctly, I think we might get out of this.

[Juniper Liu]

If we're lucky, yeah.

[RJ McCabe]

Captain, the panel's stuck on my side.

[Captain Tripathi]

Okay, keep pushing on it and I'll.

[Officer Nan Walker]

In accordance with new security measures, after three non responses, we are now cleared to use a Reisler log scrambler.

[RJ McCabe]

A what?

[Captain Tripathi]

Isadore, let go. Now. Heat activated. As a side effect, it fries all the upper panels.

[Violet Liu]

Will they still be safe to hide in?

[Captain Tripathi]

No. I'm sorry, Juniper.

[Juniper Liu]

It's okay. I've made it through searches before.

[Violet Liu]

Not like this.

[Juniper Liu]

No. Because I've always done it alone.

[Captain Tripathi]

Juni, Was that the external doors? I'll gather up the rest of the students, install the officer as long as I can.

[RJ McCabe]

Captain. Go ahead. I've got a plan.

[Captain Tripathi]

Great. And good luck.

[Violet Liu]

What are we doing?

[RJ McCabe]

Look, I still have my original government issued ID in my room.

[Juniper Liu]

Why?

[RJ McCabe]

I've been thinking about it, and there's a decent chance my family was able to bury what I did. Or at least keep news from getting to Martineau. They have a lot of power here.

[Krej]

Could they protect us?

[RJ McCabe]

They wouldn't do that.

[Juniper Liu]

How sure are you this will work?

[RJ McCabe]

Um, less and less every second, but I think it's our best shot.

[Violet Liu]

Okay. Juniper, when the officer asks. You're a student?

[Juniper Liu]

My ID says I'm a 26 year old personal assistant from Elian.

[Violet Liu]

Juniper.

[Juniper Liu]

It's a fake id. It's not gonna say I'm younger. How much time do we.

[Captain Tripathi]

There's dirty construction on these.

[Officer Nan Walker]

Rj.

[RJ McCabe]

Hey, Nan.

[Krej]

Arcadia.

[Juniper Liu]

Woo.

[Arkady Patel]

Got him. And the cliff is in sight.

[Brian Jeter]

That's your safer ground?

[Arkady Patel]

We got sight lines like nobody's business. And for hiding Craig's galore.

[Brian Jeter]

Arcady don't ask me if I'm fine back there.

[Krej]

You had a second or two where.

[Brian Jeter]

It felt like everybody has an off day at work sometimes. Jeter. Anyone got a bandage? Sniper grazed my ear.

[Krej]

You got shot?

[Brian Jeter]

Grazed. Tissue. Thanks. Serves me right for not getting down and staying down.

[Arkady Patel]

Grim and Jeter, for the reception, we need that song I love. That's all. Get down, stay down.

[Krej]

There's a few. Which one? Or do we care about traditional mixtape rules? Arcady, what do you think?

[Brian Jeter]

About your dance mix or the hired guns tailing us?

[Krej]

Right. Hey, can. Can we pull up the video again?

[Brian Jeter]

Be my goddamn guest. Why?

[Krej]

Something still doesn't feel right to me. Why would Fastrank care about getting thousands of human made weapons? What's in it for them?

[Arkady Patel]

Human guns are collector's items in some circles. Novelties. No pants. They can be worth a lot of money.

[Krej]

Okay, but why not just ask the regime for a lot of money?

[Arkady Patel]

Cash would make a better gift for a politician. Less muss, less fuss. Nothing to fence.

[Brian Jeter]

Maybe the regime doesn't care about the enemy's convenience.

[Krej]

Sure, but if they're angling for another war, why orchestrate a trade? Wouldn't they want to hold on to every gun? They've already got the crates.

[Arkady Patel]

Yeah.

[Krej]

Are they what the military would have used to transport arms?

[Brian Jeter]

They're meant for rations. Not like the regime would use boxes marked illegal guns. Very secret.

[Krej]

But what if they are full of food?

[Arkady Patel]

Bud, you know I love you, but a secret snack trade?

[Krej]

Crap. I knew I was missing something. I knew.

[Brian Jeter]

What?

[Krej]

Guns. The grand gun?

[Arkady Patel]

Yeah.

[Krej]

Hired guns.

[Brian Jeter]

You think they're moving soldiers?

[Krej]

What can both sides agree they want?

[Arkady Patel]

Shit, shit, shit.

[Brian Jeter]

If they're trading people so each side can stage an airstrike on the other.

[Krej]

That's what I think.

[Brian Jeter]

There's gonna be a Duaranian attack on Telemachus and we don't know when.

[Arkady Patel]

And a human attack. We don't know where.

[Krej]

We gotta tell Campbell. We have to spread the word.

[Brian Jeter]

The word'll only spread so far without solid proof. Brian, reach out to him while I close the gap on Vacheron's files. A study on a ship this small? So pretentious.

[Krej]

Brian Jeter to Ignatius Campbell.

[Rijol]

Attempting.

[Arkady Patel]

That can't be the answer. It can't be soldiers attempting connection. Kraj, do you know how many Dornians would need to know about this in order to make it happen? Moving troops, moving rations. You can't do that without High Command's approval. Heck, you can't move that many military folks without med supplies. And that means you'd need the Health Chancellor. The first war happened because of not caring. Nobody actually wanted. Ella, please.

[Krej]

Computer, stop. Looks like someone does want now love.

[Arkady Patel]

Putting this to light would fracture the Dwarnian government. Reshtub is the Health Chancellor. And they're having breakfast with y'screb right now. Because they're friends. They're very good friends.

[Krej]

Is there any way Reshreb didn't know?

[Arkady Patel]

No. They're very thorough. Careful. You couldn't sneak this past them.

[Krej]

Do you think he shred?

[Arkady Patel]

No. I don't know.

[Brian Jeter]

Brian. What'd Campbell say?

[Krej]

No connection.

[Brian Jeter]

Try again. Krej, I need you to grab these headphones. I've got Vacheron's call log open, but surprise, it's all in Dornian.

[Arkady Patel]

Yeah, there in a sec. See if there are any calls from reshtep.

[Officer Nan Walker]

Riley. Jo McCabe. How long has it been? Five years?

[Arkady Patel]

Six?

[Officer Nan Walker]

I don't think I've seen you since you left for the academy.

[RJ McCabe]

Nan. How you been?

[Officer Nan Walker]

Fine. Just, you know, working the hometown beat. Not exactly what we dreamed of as kids, huh?

[RJ McCabe]

Running around on the farm, fighting invisible bad guys.

[Arkady Patel]

Nan.

[Krej]

Hi. We've heard all about you. So these dragon detectives, were they dragons working as detectives or detectives with a focus on dragon crime or.

[RJ McCabe]

Not really the time.

[Officer Nan Walker]

Little of column A, little of column B. So what have you been up to? The last I heard, your folks were casually letting my folks know that you were climbing the ranks in record time.

[RJ McCabe]

Don't exaggerate. You know, mostly it's a lot of paperwork.

[Officer Nan Walker]

What's this rumor about champion markspersonship?

[RJ McCabe]

Well, there is that.

[Officer Nan Walker]

Well, congratulations. Are you still stationed in New Jupiter?

[RJ McCabe]

Yeah. I miss the quiet, but there's always something to do.

[Officer Nan Walker]

What in the world brings you all the way out here with all these.

[Violet Liu]

No offense, guys, children, I. RJ's being humble. They're our best volunteer at ICAP.

[Officer Nan Walker]

ICAP?

[Violet Liu]

Brand new government initiative. We're mentoring promising young people, giving them free, formative experiences they wouldn't otherwise have. They've just finished the Martineau leg of the trip, and our colleagues over on the Zephyr are waiting to pick them up for the rest.

[Officer Nan Walker]

And you are?

[Violet Liu]

Oh, sorry. Sophia Wu.

[Officer Nan Walker]

Can I see some id, please?

[Violet Liu]

Of course. Here.

[Officer Nan Walker]

Says you're a scientist.

[Violet Liu]

Head science ambassador at icap.

[Officer Nan Walker]

What's of scientific interest in Bardno? Jupiter's got all the best labs.

[Violet Liu]

Oh, don't get me started on the local mineral deposits. We'll be here all day. I always say if we want to stay on the cutting edge. We need to pay attention to what's under our feet.

[Arkady Patel]

Words to live by.

[Officer Nan Walker]

Now, if you'll hang tight, I'll just do a quick scan. There you go, ma'am.

[Violet Liu]

Thank you.

[Officer Nan Walker]

So, what does ICAP stand for anyway?

[Violet Liu]

You know, this is so embarrassing. I can never remember.

[Juniper Liu]

Independent the Improving Childhood Aptitude Program. Hi. Julie Wang, personal assistant to Ms. Wu. Here's my ID.

[Officer Nan Walker]

Nice to meet you. You're clear. Probably not a surprise to you. Your boss is rounding up the rest of the crew in the dining area. So if you kids want to come with me. Rj, I can scan you on the way.

[RJ McCabe]

I can't find my id.

[Officer Nan Walker]

It can't be far.

[RJ McCabe]

Yeah, I'll go check my room.

[Juniper Liu]

I'll check the cockpit. I know you headed up here at some point.

[Violet Liu]

I will check the cockpit, too.

[Officer Nan Walker]

Teamwork. Alright, kids, let's move out.

[Brian Jeter]

Well, what have we got?

[Arkady Patel]

Every call from RESHDUB is just nonsense. They keep saying Magorje, Andre Alfredes.

[Krej]

Okay, is my modern Dwarnian very off? Or is that Put a fish on.

[Arkady Patel]

The windowsill at dusk Code Brian.

[Krej]

Make a copy and send it to me. I'll look at it when I can. Meantime, any calls from humans?

[Arkady Patel]

I already tried every IGR bigwig I could think of. General Jahan, Zus, Major General Frederick. They're not in the system anywhere.

[Krej]

Yeah, Major General Frederick would stick out on a Dwarnian computer.

[Brian Jeter]

Wait, Krej.

[Arkady Patel]

If this program mirrors ela, then it wouldn't catch Earth names like Jahanzus. It'd come up with something silly like Rejogged or Stretch.

[Krej]

Major General Frederick, Major.

[Brian Jeter]

Krej. Search for calls from on it.

[Juniper Liu]

Shouldn't you go with the others? How's the captain supposed to know your cover story about eye Cap and all that?

[Violet Liu]

We came up with it ahead of time.

[Juniper Liu]

You forgot your own acronym. Violet. What the hell?

[Violet Liu]

Yeah, shockingly, I was a little distracted. What are you doing here, Juni?

[Juniper Liu]

What is it gonna take for you to realize that you don't get to decide what my life is supposed to be?

[Violet Liu]

Is that what you broke into our ship to tell me? Why Juniper? Why my ship?

[Juniper Liu]

I don't know.

[Violet Liu]

You don't?

[Juniper Liu]

You know, once the regime blew up the IRIS one, it never occurred to me that I would see you alive again. Even when it was clear you survived. It always seemed like a matter of time. By pure random chance, the story I'm chasing leads me to Max. And Julio's leads me to you alive. And you, what? Tell me to be A good little girl and wait where I'm told while you race off and do who knows what. Do you know how that feels?

[Violet Liu]

Don't try to manipulate me. The act never worked on me like it worked on mom and dad.

[Juniper Liu]

I'm not acting. I'm being honest about my emotions. Am I not allowed to do that?

[Violet Liu]

We don't have time for this. We need to find a way to back up McCabe.

[Juniper Liu]

Do we trust them?

[Violet Liu]

Yeah. But I don't trust their id.

[Juniper Liu]

It looks like we need to figure something out.

[Violet Liu]

For the record, I am still furious at you.

[Juniper Liu]

Yeah, I'm getting that.

[Krej]

Crash. What's wrong?

[Arkady Patel]

You need to hear this.

[Rijol]

So how do we know your people will come?

[Brian Jeter]

Major General Frederick.

[Arkady Patel]

Yep.

[Rijol]

If we strike at our target and your forces leave us hanging, that will be very inconvenient. We can secure his system.

[Arkady Patel]

That's Bashorn.

[Rijol]

So that both teams act on the same order simultaneously, regardless of the distance. You can do that? Dornian technology?

[Arkady Patel]

That's Freshlab.

[Captain Tripathi]

Give us a list of targets on.

[Rijol]

San Ramos and we will hit every one of them.

[Brian Jeter]

It is we who should worry about your capabilities.

[Rijol]

Heimdalla will be a crater.

[Arkady Patel]

A lot of Dornians live on Heimdallah. We need to call Thasia, too. They've got connections on the Dornian side. They can help.

[Brian Jeter]

Brian.

[Krej]

Yeah. Copying the message and sending to us and to Thasia. Other Violet. Captain Tripathi and Campbell.

[Brian Jeter]

Send one to Rift.

[Krej]

The radio station.

[Brian Jeter]

We need this to travel far. Fast.

[Juniper Liu]

Chalme. Here's my.

[Officer Nan Walker]

Very good. May I believe that's everyone but rj.

[RJ McCabe]

Here you go. Sorry that took so long.

[Officer Nan Walker]

Not a problem.

[RJ McCabe]

Uh, there must be a mistake.

[Officer Nan Walker]

Let's try it again. McCabe, is there something you want to tell me?

[Juniper Liu]

Officer Walker, we need to speak with you for a moment.

[Officer Nan Walker]

Make it fast. I legally can't put my back to your colleague right now.

[Juniper Liu]

Listen carefully. We have reason to believe one of these teens knows the real location of Taylor Rovelli. Agent McCabe is deep undercover, and we can't let you compromise.

[Officer Nan Walker]

Do you have any proof?

[Violet Liu]

You know how deep cover works, Officer. Look, you know R.J. mcCabe better than anyone. What makes more sense? That they're a dedicated civil servant doing dangerous work? Or some kind of crazed insurgent?

[Officer Nan Walker]

False alarm. Manwalker to Command. We're all clear. You three kids, you're free to go. Enjoy your time on the Zephyr. It looks like quite the ship.

[RJ McCabe]

Thanks.

[Krej]

Bye, McCabe.

[RJ McCabe]

See ya, Oakley.

[Officer Nan Walker]

R.J. can you come here for a sec? Yes, I've held you all up long enough. But before I go, we need to call Ferdy. I know, I know, but come on. All the Musketeers to gather again.

[Juniper Liu]

The really must insist on the highest degree of discretion.

[Officer Nan Walker]

If anyone can be discreet, it's Ferdy. Nan walker to Ferdinand McCabe. Private line.

[Violet Liu]

Ferdinand, my brother.

[Officer Nan Walker]

Ferdy. Nan, it's been forever. I know. But I have got a surprise for you. I just ran into RJ On Nan.

[RJ McCabe]

What's.

[Officer Nan Walker]

Ferdy, what are you talking about? What? Are you sure? Yeah, I see. NanWalker out. McCabe, I'm gonna need you to put your hands up right now.

[Juniper Liu]

Look, they're deep undercover. You know what that means? Nobody can know, not even their own family.

[Officer Nan Walker]

Rj, is that true? Look me in the eye and tell me it's true.

[RJ McCabe]

Nan, I. Please listen to me.

[Officer Nan Walker]

I think I've done enough of that for today.

[Juniper Liu]

Apprehending Taylor Rovelli depends on you thinking clearly. For God's sake, take a breath.

[Officer Nan Walker]

You do not want to be raising your voice at me.

[Captain Tripathi]

Violet. Juniper.

[Arkady Patel]

Vince.

[RJ McCabe]

Thank you for putting her back to me.

[Captain Tripathi]

McCabe, what do you need?

[Arkady Patel]

I'm fine.

[RJ McCabe]

I'm fine.

[Captain Tripathi]

McCabe, honey, you just did something very hard and very brave.

[RJ McCabe]

Don't call me that. I need to go throw up now.

[Juniper Liu]

McCabe, what do we do with the body?

[Captain Tripathi]

Once we've got the engines going, we can cremate her. I know it's not ideal. We don't have time for anything else.

[Juniper Liu]

How do we even. How do we do that?

[Captain Tripathi]

You'll have to do some fast research. Look, we will absolutely talk as a group and process what just happened, but at this moment, I need to get us out of here right now. Understood?

[Violet Liu]

Yes, Captain.

[Captain Tripathi]

Violet, go make sure McCabe is ready for takeoff, please.

[Violet Liu]

On it, Captain.

[Captain Tripathi]

Thank you. God damn it.

[Rijol]

I cannot believe you'd even suggest race drip, of all people. Why are you so determined to destroy the social order?

[Arkady Patel]

Why are you so determined not to see?

[Rijol]

You always think you know better. You bring forth these ridiculous ideas. How many more times must we have this fight?

[Arkady Patel]

I think this is the last one. Computer. And call.

[Brian Jeter]

Kre in here.

[Arkady Patel]

I'm packing.

[Brian Jeter]

Look, I.

[Arkady Patel]

You heard. We were shouting. I don't know why I let myself hope. It only hurts when you hope.

[Brian Jeter]

In my experience. Hurts either way.

[Arkady Patel]

How'd our people take the news?

[Brian Jeter]

Thia said they'd do everything they can. Still haven't been able to get in touch with other. Violet.

[Arkady Patel]

Where's Kerm and Jeter?

[Brian Jeter]

He wanted to Give other Violet one more chance. Never thought I'd spend the revolution playing phone tag.

[Arkady Patel]

Phone tag? One of those human things. That sounds way more fun than it is.

[Krej]

Good. We're packing. We need to go.

[Brian Jeter]

Where are we?

[Rijol]

We're not getting through to anyone at Telemachus.

[Arkady Patel]

Oh, they're Violet. Are. Are you sure?

[Rijol]

I've been trying to reach them all morning. I think it's connected to your new intel. What I'm about to ask is highly dangerous. But we need someone to go down.

[Brian Jeter]

There and warn them we're in.

[Rijol]

You don't want to take a vote?

[Brian Jeter]

I'm reading the room.

[Rijol]

We have no idea what this mission will entail. I want a full team on it. And given what we now know about Telemachus, not a lot of people are going to be jumping for this one.

[Arkady Patel]

We'll call the rest of the crew on the way. Let's go.

[Juniper Liu]

The Strange Case of starship Iris episode 7 a quarter to Midnight Starring Ishani.

[Brian Jeter]

Kanitkar as Arkady Patel Jamie Price as.

[Arkady Patel]

Brian Jeter Brittany LaFeber as Krezh Sean Rouhani as E.J.

[Brian Jeter]

Grip Jeffrey Mills Gardner as Vashren Sarah.

[Arkady Patel]

Golding as General J. Goulding Frederick Elijah.

[RJ McCabe]

Myers as Reshtreb Jackie Andrews as RJ.

[Captain Tripathi]

McCabe Rukmini Desai as Sanathrapathi Cindy Chu.

[Juniper Liu]

As Violet Liu Ray Tay as Juniper.

[Officer Nan Walker]

Alex Welch as Officer Nan Walker Ella.

[Juniper Liu]

Womersley as E L L A Joe.

[RJ McCabe]

Chang as Other Violet Leslie Gideon as.

[Juniper Liu]

Isadore Jones Chant Wu as Mei Lee.

[Krej]

Finn Truant as Oakley Cannon Brown Sound.

[Violet Liu]

Design, mixing and editing by Hannah Cross and Erin Bauman.

[RJ McCabe]

Directed by Rachel Kellam written by Jessica Best.

[Officer Nan Walker]

Opening credits music is Fear for the Storm, written by Jessica Best and Essie Winters and performed by Kyron Starr with.

[RJ McCabe]

Aaron Bauman on vocals.

[Officer Nan Walker]

Ending credits music is rocket science by David Devereaux of Tin Can Aud.

[Krej]

The.

[Brian Jeter]

Fable and Folly Network where fiction producers flourish.