3.04 Relapse

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Strange Case of Starship Iris
Episode 3.04: Relapse
Release Date: July 24, 2025
Host/Author: Jessica Best (Procyon Podcast Network)

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Introduction

In Episode 3.04, titled "Relapse," of The Strange Case of Starship Iris, the crew of the Starship Iris faces their most perilous mission yet. Set in the aftermath of Earth’s narrow victory against extraterrestrial forces in 2189, this episode delves deep into themes of survival, espionage, personal struggles, and the complexities of interpersonal relationships under extreme stress. With heightened tensions and imminent threats, the crew must navigate both external dangers and internal conflicts to achieve their mission.

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Mission Overview

The primary objective of this episode revolves around a critical mission: rescuing Sanaa from Crestwind Landing, a notorious prison planet. The crew is under immense pressure as they prepare for what is described as "the most important mission we've ever had." The stakes are high, with the success of this mission potentially tipping the balance back in humanity’s favor.

Notable Quote:

Violet Liu to Junie:
“[...] we're four days out from an impossibly Dangerous mission to rescue your best friend from Crestwind Landing.”
[02:00]

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Crew Dynamics and Tensions

As the crew gears up for the mission, underlying tensions surface, particularly between Captain Arkady Patel and the pilot, Krej. Krej expresses doubts about the chosen flight path, advocating for a more aggressive maneuver to evade enemy drones, while Captain Patel urges caution and adherence to the mission plan.

Notable Quotes:

Krej to Captain Patel:
“We're about to slip behind schedule on our mission. On the most important mission we've ever had because Krej. Krej. Suddenly isn't willing to do their goddamn job and take a calculated risk.”
[04:24]

Captain Patel to Krej:
“You're not showing me that you do, right?”
[07:28]

These exchanges highlight the strain between maintaining mission integrity and the desperate need to counteract relentless threats.

---

The Drone Threat and Tactical Debate

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the relentless pursuit by enemy drones. The crew debates the best course of action to avoid detection and interception. Krej advocates for a risky but potentially rewarding maneuver to save time, while Captain Patel remains cautious, emphasizing the importance of not jeopardizing the mission.

Notable Quotes:

Krej:
“She's willing to say I love you even before I'd said it. But I don't think she was even sure I'd come along for the mission [...]”
[02:30]

Krej to Captain Patel:
“We have less than half an hour to land on Creswin Landing. Find Sanaa, get her out of there and get her intelligence to headquarters.”
[06:14]

Captain Patel:
“We need more than half an hour. You've gotta know that.”
[07:26]

The debate underscores the high-pressure environment and the difficult choices the crew must make to ensure their survival and mission success.

---

Emotional Struggles and Personal Relationships

Amidst the chaos, personal relationships and emotional burdens come to the forefront. Ryan Reynolds’ character grapples with commitment issues and the fear of losing loved ones, while Captain Patel provides emotional support to Krej, who is struggling with guilt over the mission’s risks.

Notable Quotes:

Ryan Reynolds:
“It's funny. This is the best dating relationship I've ever had. [...]”
[02:30]

Krej to Arkady Patel:
“I'm supposed to be in charge.”
[25:37]

Arkady Patel to Krej:
“This is beyond me. But you're a good pilot. You're a clever pilot. And if there is a way out of this, you're gonna find it.”
[20:18]

These interactions add depth to the characters, showcasing their vulnerabilities and the strain the mission places on their personal lives.

---

Climactic Drone Evasion and Mission Progress

The climax of the episode is marked by intense aerial maneuvers as the Starship Iris attempts to evade and outsmart the pursuing drones. Using heat shields and strategic swerve tactics, the crew engages in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, pushing their ship to its limits.

Notable Quotes:

Ryan Reynolds:
“We are the ones who will prevail. We are the ones who will slice the battle sharpened edge.”
[24:20]

Captain Patel:
“Heat shields at 50%. Change of course Recommended.”
[23:38]

The successful evasion, though exhilarating, leaves the crew with limited fuel and uncertain prospects for the mission’s completion.

---

Emotional Conclusion and Hope Amidst Despair

In the aftermath of the drone evasion, the crew confronts the reality of their situation. Krej expresses profound guilt over the near-miss, while Arkady Patel reassures him of his value and leadership, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and mutual trust.

Notable Quotes:

Krej to Arkady Patel:
“I'm gonna miss you. When this is over and you're back in San Ramos. [...]”
[27:03]

Arkady Patel:
“We are a crew. We trust each other. We work together.”
[26:14]

The episode concludes on a hopeful note, with the crew preparing to reunite with Captain Tripathi and continue their mission, embodying the themes of found family and resilience.

---

Conclusion

"Relapse" masterfully balances high-octane action with deep emotional storytelling, illustrating the complexities of leadership, the weight of responsibility, and the bonds that hold the crew together in the face of overwhelming odds. As the Starship Iris hurtles towards its next challenge, listeners are left eagerly anticipating the crew’s next move in their fight for survival and peace.

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For more information about The Strange Case of Starship Iris and other episodes, visit Procyon Podcasts.

Transcript

[Ryan Reynolds]

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[Brian Jeter]

Thing Mint Mobile Unlimited Premium Wireless Better get 30, 30.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Better get 30.

[Krej]

Better get 20, 20, 20. Better get 20, 20. Everybody get 15, 15.

[Ryan Reynolds]

15, 15.

[Krej]

Just 15 bucks a month.

[Captain Patel]

Sold.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Give it a [e-mail] Switch upfront payment.

[Krej]

Of $45 or three month plan equivalent to $15 per month required new customer offer for first three months only. Speed slow after 35 gigabytes of network's busy taxes and fees extra.

[Ryan Reynolds]

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[Violet Liu]

Hey Junie, it's. Sorry, I didn't realize until the call went through to voicemail that it's so late in Telemachus, even you might be asleep. You know how time works in space, though. Dark outside, no matter what, hovering between any planet's time zones. It's 0 o'. Clock. I guess I should skip to the chase and tell you that I haven't done it yet. There is never a good time. And that's an excuse. You know, I thought it meant something when she was willing to say I love you even before I'd said it. But I don't think she was even sure I'd come along for the mission to be with her and everyone doing something that could tip the war back in our favor. And anyway, it's tripathi. After what we've been through, how could she think I'd be able to stay at home? And I don't know how to look in the face of that, whatever that is, and say, hey, after the war, if we're both still alive, do you want to bend our lives together to live in the same place, out of any place in the universe? It's funny. This is the best dating relationship I've ever had. And also, I can tell she does not want to talk about living together when the war is done. But I can't just oh, hey, Captain, no. Everyone's vitals look great. We're four days out from an impossibly Dangerous mission to rescue your best friend from Crestwind Landing. You remember the prison planet? That brings up a ton of your past. Can we have a little chat about your commitment issues? I've been avoiding her a little since we had this talk. This very much not a talk. And I know what you'd say, but I miss you. Jerk. Everyone else is doing well. I think as well as we can. Brian seems lighter lately. McCabe's got a little spring in their step. Even park is focused, but not in a bad way. And Krej? To be honest, I can never tell with Krej.

[Ryan Reynolds]

So long. Can't dodge the dawn Red light shines on and on and on 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 the storm so come sing me no songs though Once we go we are gone and gone and gone When I go to sea don't fear for me Fear for the storm Fear for the storm hold me closer Tiny dancer How this dancer gets so tiny. It's okay. I need no answer I'll just try hard not to sleep.

[Arkady Patel]

Hey, Krej. Hey, Brian.

[Brian Jeter]

Hey.

[Arkady Patel]

Mind if I hang out here for a few?

[Brian Jeter]

Actually, we.

[Krej]

Krej. What the hell are you trying to pull?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Oh, so that's what this is. Had a drip of an inkling you'd be returning with reinforcements, Captain Patel. So I thought I'll bring my own. Make this a reinforcements party, a backup.

[Brian Jeter]

Box social, a supplemental soiree.

[Ryan Reynolds]

5 it.

[Arkady Patel]

What is happening right now?

[Krej]

We're about to slip behind schedule on our mission. On the most important mission we've ever had because Krej. Krej. Suddenly isn't willing to do their goddamn job and take a calculated risk.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Oh. When'd you attend flight school, Cap' n Patel? Dude.

[Brian Jeter]

Captain, maybe don't try to explain it to them.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Don't think I can see my own panel. You think my funny little alien brain can't comprehend that we move faster in a straighter line? I'm not doing this for giggles, Cap' n Patel.

[Krej]

Not loving the attitude right now, Krezh.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Oh, that's a sobbing shame. Cause I'm having an absolute slice right.

[Krej]

Now if we show up even half a minute too late.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Oh. Cause there's no way I could have done that math on my own. I must just be taking it easy.

[Krej]

I don't know, Krez. You had time to do whatever this is to the walls.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I took one hour when the ship was in autopilot to zazz up the paint job so that for one second we'd have something to smile about. Look around. There's not much else for us right now.

[Arkady Patel]

Wait, wait, hang on. Why aren't we flying the most direct route to Cresswind?

[Krej]

Because Krej won't.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Because Angela Kim is dead.

[Arkady Patel]

Who's Angela Kim?

[Ryan Reynolds]

A pilot from Nezhev. One of the best human pilots left. She was out in this part of space seven hours ago. Her last transmission? A drone. Godder, there's an extra drone out there. One we haven't accounted for. Scanners say there's three main spots it could be and breached. I don't care what you say, Cap Patel. We're steering the shit clear of all of them.

[Krej]

Krej, if we follow your route, we have less than half an hour to land on Creswin Landing. Find Sanaa, get her out of there and get her intelligence to headquarters. You've outrun regime ships. You've outrun explosions. You landed a ship almost upside down. So why the absolute hell are you choosing this moment?

[Ryan Reynolds]

I'm not sitting there with a chocolate box, picking and plucking. Look, I. I'm the best. I know I am. But best doesn't matter with a drone. You can't out think them, you can't out fly them. They just keep coming till you're dead.

[Krej]

Just because nobody's escaped a drone yet.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Angela Kim couldn't do it in a good ship. Does this look like a good ship to you?

[Krej]

If we move through just one of those spots, our odds are 1 in 3, right? Kressh, I know for a fact you've taken worse risks. This is the mission. This is the window. We need to attack the source of these goddamn machines in the first place. This is Captain Tripathi. We need more than half an hour. You've gotta know that.

[Ryan Reynolds]

You think I don't care enough? That's it?

[Krej]

You're not showing me that you do, right?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Right. What could I possibly care about saving the life of one of 10 people left in the universe who will ever understand me?

[Krej]

We don't have time for this. We do not have time because putting.

[Arkady Patel]

Off our feelings until later has worked.

[Ryan Reynolds]

So well in the past. Hi. We heard shouting. Sound really does carry in here.

[Krej]

Hey, can we table this part of the conversation till after we've recovered Sanaa?

[Ryan Reynolds]

I don't know. I don't know.

[Brian Jeter]

This feels like something we address.

[Krej]

This feels like something we address later, when we've done the mission and Captain Tripathi is here to Help us deal with whatever the hell it is.

[Arkady Patel]

Could we just. Krej, Are we flying the fastest we can without putting ourselves in danger?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Taking into account we gotta save fuel for the return trip. And we gotta duck and weave to avoid a couple of big stars and the likeliest drone sights. Yeah.

[Arkady Patel]

One of my first memories of Tripati is her telling Brian to sleep. I think she'd be upset if we died not taking proper precautions. Fair even. If that's what she would do.

[Krej]

Are you calling Captain Tripathi a hypocrite?

[Arkady Patel]

I'm calling her a human being. Same as anyone. A bundle of contradictions. We lose something if we treat her as a Paragon.

[Krej]

She'd hate that. She'll hate that.

[Arkady Patel]

The rest is up to you. Captain.

[Krej]

She means. You are Katie, right? I think. What's the range? How far can these drones sense us coming?

[Ryan Reynolds]

We don't know.

[Krej]

How cautious are your projections right now?

[Ryan Reynolds]

I don't. Pretty cautious.

[Krej]

I'm not saying we sail straight through the middle of a possible drone site. But if we moved 5%, 10% closer to just one. Say that one. That's better than a 2 out of 3 chance of avoiding it. And we'd save looking at the map. Can anyone do the math?

[Ryan Reynolds]

We'd gain five hours.

[Krej]

Five hours? Krezh. That's huge.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah.

[Brian Jeter]

Yeah. Really? Are we good? Krej?

[Ryan Reynolds]

I like five. And change hours way more than less than one.

[Arkady Patel]

Okay then. Are we. Are we agreed?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Tweaking course.

[Captain Patel]

Flight path amended.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Could anyone else use a Cuppa Park?

[Krej]

Have you been hiding a stage Dylan here?

[Ryan Reynolds]

He meant tea.

[Krej]

Presumably.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Whatever we couldn't sell on Greylands.

[Krej]

Right?

[Ryan Reynolds]

When people who aren't Sanaa se Kappa. They don't mean moonshine.

[Krej]

Of course. Tea then.

[Arkady Patel]

Lead the way.

[Brian Jeter]

Hey, love. Have you talked to Thawsia or Swarnch today?

[Ryan Reynolds]

I know, I know. Even if we just get the kneevath on board, any chunk of Dornian aid would be a huge asset.

[Brian Jeter]

No, I meant maybe they could help with some of what you're feeling. What you said just now about the universe.

[Ryan Reynolds]

But also. Yeah, the war.

[Brian Jeter]

Maybe if you.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I should call Smaunch. Maybe I'd feel less if I could actually do something. Talk them into committing to something.

[Captain Patel]

Attempting connection. Attempting connect.

[Other Violet]

Crash Aversly iblx cloak.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Hi, Schwarnch crewmajetor's here too.

[Brian Jeter]

Hey.

[Other Violet]

Do you terribly mind if I practice my English then? Such a complex language. So many crannies.

[Brian Jeter]

Go right ahead.

[Other Violet]

How are you faring?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Uh, been better. Swarnch. Look, we are strapped tight right now. Dwarnians have software, hardware. You've got advanced anti aircraft stuff. And we've got people and pluck and not much else.

[Other Violet]

Kressh, I am sorry. You need to understand that I am doing everything I can. I am talking to everyone I can talk to. The situation here is volatile.

[Ryan Reynolds]

What if a little something happened to go missing? The shielding tech. Just the shielding tech.

[Other Violet]

Then the Dwarnian Federation would consider that a hostile action committed against the state by humans. And they would likely declare war again over the strenuous objections of the nevaf.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Like always. War on the humans. Which humans?

[Other Violet]

I have made the case many times. But the Dwarnian Federation does not draw a meaningful distinction between the regime and the Rooks. They see you as a failed coup of a larger coup. If you could establish an election across all Rook territory.

[Ryan Reynolds]

They're shooting our ships out of the sky. A whole lot of places are struggling to get food, meds, basic supplies.

[Other Violet]

Suppose you could mark one major military victory. Prove your side has a chance of becoming a galactic power.

[Ryan Reynolds]

You won't help us unless we can score a win. And we can't score a win unless you help us.

[Other Violet]

It is much like they say in.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Have you ever seen that marvelous soap to thermray, pal? I could quote it shot by shot.

[Other Violet]

No, it's newer. The English title would be something like Secret Flight. It's espionage historical fiction.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Fly in secret like. Oh, right.

[Other Violet]

I believe I remember, though. What was that five years ago with.

[Ryan Reynolds]

The outlaw and pirate? It was a space pirate.

[Other Violet]

So sorry. I believe some of my senior advisors enjoyed that one.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Of course. Listen, can I talk to you later?

[Other Violet]

Of course.

[Captain Patel]

Connection ended.

[Brian Jeter]

Sounds like a good one.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Asia never mentioned it to me.

[Brian Jeter]

They've got a lot on their mind right now, bud.

[Ryan Reynolds]

When I was young, we had a. You'd call it a computer, probably. And it was for me to do basically homework. Diplomatic homework. And I used to sneak flight simulators onto there. They'd add another layer of security. I'd figure out how to weasel my way through. And it was an old tango.

[Brian Jeter]

You can hack?

[Ryan Reynolds]

No, I can weasel. And not on human built machines. That bends the brain in too many ways at once.

[Brian Jeter]

Makes sense. That's cool though, that you can't.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I just wanted to be somewhere else, so, so bad. Even before the war ended and I saw what we'd done. I always wanted to be gone. You're from a place and you know you have to leave, so you do. But everywhere you go, everyone who meets you says, oh, hey, you're the one from that place that's always who you're gonna be to them. And you know you're too far from it to go back in a way that matters. And then you start to realize that as much as you'll always be the one from the place to those who've never been, your connection to the place is kinda only in your head. It's a memory that gets fuzzier every day, and you hate it, and you miss it, and you hate that you miss it, and you just. Sometimes you want to go the heck back when you didn't even have to really think about being from anywhere. Yeah, I've been dreaming in English. And I love you, Crewman Cheater. And I love the way you feel about languages, and I love what we've built together. But I don't want.

[Brian Jeter]

Of course, love. Of course.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Sorry. I should be. Everybody's got so whopping much on their plates all the time. I shouldn't gum up. The works. It's me, folks. Expect sunshine and a cool little zinger. And frankly, impeccable, perfect style.

[Brian Jeter]

Speaking of that scarf.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I do what I can.

[Brian Jeter]

There's room for you to feel whatever you're feeling. Well, make room.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I can't even. I can't get any movement on the diplomatic dealings. I don't even know what they're watching back on the homeworld. They live in the mountains, and I live in the past. I'd make an awful human, but I'm a worst Warnian.

[Brian Jeter]

You're not an awful anything. You're an amazing spouse. You're a wonderful friend. You're an astonishing pilot. Hang on. If I'm gonna do this right, I'm gonna need to pull up a thesaurus.

[Ryan Reynolds]

There's always gonna be a big chunk of me that doesn't fit anywhere. No. Oh, please.

[Brian Jeter]

Is that.

[Krej]

Yeah.

[Captain Patel]

Danger drone approaching. Missile targeting systems locking on ship in three, two.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Cowabunga, loser. Whoa. Crema. Cheater. My wonderful spouse. Can you flip that big red switch?

[Brian Jeter]

What did I just do?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Don't worry about it.

[Brian Jeter]

Crash, love.

[Ryan Reynolds]

We overrode the Osorio. Catch.

[Brian Jeter]

What?

[Ryan Reynolds]

The safety that stops the engine from overheating.

[Brian Jeter]

Don't we need that?

[Ryan Reynolds]

We need a whole heck of a lot of things right now, my pal.

[Captain Patel]

Drone range clear.

[Brian Jeter]

Did you just outrun a drone?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Hard to say.

[Krej]

Was that what I think it was?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Captain Patel? Did you think it was? A heavily armed flying weapon straight from the bad guys. Don't you worry. It is making a positive meal of our dust.

[Krej]

Kresh. I'M sorry. If you could go back to the more cautious route.

[Ryan Reynolds]

It's a little late for that.

[Krej]

Okay, do your best, Arcady. Patel out.

[Brian Jeter]

You okay?

[Arkady Patel]

Of course.

[Ryan Reynolds]

You?

[Brian Jeter]

If there was anybody I'd trust to get us out of this.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I can't just wait around to get shot.

[Brian Jeter]

What are the odds? Another drone and we can just. Again.

[Ryan Reynolds]

It's the same one.

[Captain Patel]

Danger drone approaching.

[Ryan Reynolds]

It's the same one. It never left.

[Captain Patel]

Missile targeting systems locking on. Ship in three.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Oh, no, you don't. Wow.

[Brian Jeter]

Okay.

[Captain Patel]

Drone range clear.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Hey, drone range clear for now.

[Krej]

How's our fuel? How many more times can we surge like that?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Hang on, just let me.

[Brian Jeter]

Chris, buddy.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Five.

[Krej]

Five? Are you sure?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah, and every time we do it, we put a whole big load of stress on the engine. Which would be fixable, but only if we had a mechanic.

[Krej]

5. And how much more time do we have?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Maybe 11 hours, 50 minutes.

[Brian Jeter]

If we jettisoned everything that wasn't, like, essential.

[Ryan Reynolds]

We already did that on Greylands. The main thing slowing us down is the ship itself. Fruit bats weren't built for speed.

[Krej]

We've got to have something we can fire at them. We've got explosives. Can't we jettison something out the back airlock?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Even if we scrounged up a way to aim, we couldn't get the flotsam and jetsam moving fast enough to make a dent.

[Brian Jeter]

If we eject it at the exact same time as we put on a burst of crap. This is a physics problem. Why am I so bad at physics?

[Ryan Reynolds]

It's okay, drone. Facts, Drone facts. What do we know about the drone Advanced Targeting System.

[Krej]

Devastating weapons locked onto our location. Not an ounce of dead weight doesn't experience doubt, fear, or pain.

[Ryan Reynolds]

What are we p. It's back.

[Captain Patel]

Danger drone approaching. Missile targeting systems locking on. Ship in three, two. Drone range clear.

[Krej]

So we have four more.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Three and a half. Captain Patel, what do I do?

[Krej]

I don't know.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Captain Patel.

[Arkady Patel]

Arcady.

[Krej]

I screwed us. It was my call and I got it wrong.

[Arkady Patel]

Krez needs you.

[Krej]

Krez needed me hours ago. I failed them. We're gonna die out here. And it'll be my fault, my plan, my goddamn mistake.

[Arkady Patel]

Listen, There was a 2 in 3 chance your plan would have worked and we'd all be singing your praises. That doesn't make you bad at this. It just means we rolled the dice. It's not a risk if it can't go wrong.

[Krej]

We have three and a half surges left. That goddamn thing's bearing down on us. It's over.

[Arkady Patel]

Like hell it is. Krezh. This is beyond me. But you're a good pilot. You're a clever pilot. And if there is a way out of this, you're gonna find it. This is me saying you're gonna find it and you're gonna solve it your way.

[Ryan Reynolds]

It's still there. I can see it on the scanners. It's not through. Leaving. It won't leave.

[Violet Liu]

And we can't. No amount of charm or brains or.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Footwork'S going to clear it.

[Arkady Patel]

I know. We know. And that's why it's going to be so incredible when you save us.

[Krej]

Cr. Do you want us up there with you?

[Ryan Reynolds]

That'd be good. Can you get the others in case we need to. In case?

[Krej]

Arkadi Patel to all crew. Look, you all know about the drone. It's still coming. We have about three hard accelerations left, and we're still almost 12 hours from Cresswind. I trust you to do the math. If you want to be alone, that's fine, but the rest of us are going to be at the cockpit if you need someone to. If you don't want that. Arkadi Patel out.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Dr. Liu. Wish we had better news.

[Arkady Patel]

Any updates?

[Ryan Reynolds]

More of the same.

[Brian Jeter]

What kind of defense systems do we have? If it hits us for hard impact?

[Krej]

Nothing. One good shot will sink us.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Standard issue heat shields. And that's all they wrote.

[Arkady Patel]

And there's no way we could stay on path but get out of range?

[Ryan Reynolds]

I'm telling you, Dr. Leah, we got a sink and sag if we want to see. Steer clear. Some hot, hot stars. Wait.

[Arkady Patel]

Wait, wait, wait.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Crash, we've been asking the dig dang wrong questions. Crash to all crew. Hang tight. No matter what, stay cool. My hat cats. Crash out. Kerman. Cheater.

[Brian Jeter]

Yeah, bud. A kiss for good luck?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Thank you, my kind and wonderful spouse.

[Krej]

Kre, what's the right question?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Oh, the right question is what kind of heat shields do you find on a government drone?

[Brian Jeter]

And what's the answer?

[Ryan Reynolds]

We're gonna find out. Hang on, Krej.

[Krej]

Is this smart?

[Ryan Reynolds]

You said to solve it my way.

[Captain Patel]

Capel Danger Drone approaching.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Whoops. That swerve brought us a lot closer.

[Captain Patel]

Missile targeting system Hardy Hill.

[Ryan Reynolds]

And welcome to our newest friend, a blue hot ball of exploding gas.

[Captain Patel]

3.

[Arkady Patel]

Kresh, can we go a little faster?

[Captain Patel]

2.

[Brian Jeter]

Into the sun, though.

[Captain Patel]

Turn. Range clear.

[Ryan Reynolds]

The trick. The trick is to zoom from the kaboo while letting them catch up so they can follow us where we want them. Doom. What's going on? You ever hear the old Human story of Icarus. No. No.

[Krej]

Yup.

[Captain Patel]

Heat shield activated. Heat shields at 90%.

[Ryan Reynolds]

We're leaving Daedalus in the dust.

[Captain Patel]

Heat shields at 80%.

[Krej]

Prej, tell me you remember how that story ends.

[Captain Patel]

Heat shield at 70%.

[Ryan Reynolds]

We make our home on the edge of the knife blade.

[Captain Patel]

Heat shields at 16%. Change of course recommended.

[Ryan Reynolds]

What's the plan?

[Captain Patel]

Heat shields at 50%. Change of course Recommended.

[Ryan Reynolds]

That star looks close and warm. It's about to look warmer. We make our friends on the edge of the knife blade.

[Captain Patel]

Heat shields at 40%. Amend flight path immediately.

[Krej]

We're trying to out burn the drone.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Got it in one, my friend. We rejoice. On the edge of the knife blade.

[Captain Patel]

Shield at 30%. Amend flight path. Immediate danger. Drone approach approaching. Incoming call from other viles.

[Ryan Reynolds]

You are kidding me. We breathe in. On the edge of the lifeplane. Suspended between victory and defeat.

[Captain Patel]

Missile targeting system locking on.

[Ryan Reynolds]

In.

[Captain Patel]

Incoming call from other viles.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Ella, cancel call.

[Captain Patel]

3.

[Ryan Reynolds]

We are the ones who will prevail.

[Captain Patel]

2.

[Ryan Reynolds]

We are the ones who will slice the battle sharpened edge.

[Captain Patel]

One.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Love y'. All.

[Brian Jeter]

Time.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Swerve.

[Krej]

Holy shit.

[Captain Patel]

Heat shields at 25%. Drone range clear.

[Krej]

Kre, how's our tail?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Scanning the scanners and holiest amoles. We cooked that sucker like an eel dinner. We are home free, folks. Wow.

[Brian Jeter]

And like in that moment, were you copacetic with your last words being holy shit?

[Krej]

You know what? I stand by it.

[Arkady Patel]

Right to the point.

[Krej]

Violet, can we in the hallway for a sec?

[Arkady Patel]

Of course.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Ooh.

[Krej]

Can it, Krezh. But you did good.

[Ryan Reynolds]

No, I did great.

[Krej]

I'm sorry.

[Arkady Patel]

For?

[Krej]

For giving the hell up. For folding like a sheet if you hadn't stepped in.

[Arkady Patel]

Well, I did.

[Krej]

But if you hadn't. I don't know if I can do this. Any of it. Be captain. If I make another mistake like that.

[Arkady Patel]

Then something, someone else will step in, give the situation a nudge. We're a crew. We trust each other. We work together.

[Krej]

I'm supposed to be in charge.

[Arkady Patel]

Look, my whole adult life, I've had bosses. People promoted by the regime who treated us. I mean, you can imagine. I guarantee you none of them would have listened to me. None of them would have let me.

[Krej]

Try talking to Krej when that's your bar.

[Arkady Patel]

I'm not done. You're not perfect at this. You've also been in charge for how many days? You don't have to know everything. You just have to listen to the people who do have an idea of what comes next. Today was a win. And in 12 hours, we'll be reunited with Tripathi. We'll sneak her off Creswin and into the ship. Somehow she'll shut down the drones, get a sing along going. And it'll be the whole crew again. Like the old days.

[Krej]

That does sound good, doesn't it?

[Arkady Patel]

It sounds incredible.

[Krej]

Thank you for what you did. Saving our asses with the pep talk.

[Arkady Patel]

Thanks. Unfortunately, I don't know how often fly straight into the nearest sun can be the answer.

[Krej]

Christ.

[Arkady Patel]

What?

[Krej]

I'm gonna miss you. When this is over and you're back in San Ramos. I know they need you. I know. Long term. It would be so stupid and selfish to do anything else, but I actually. What? Spit it out. You.

[Arkady Patel]

I'll miss you too. I guess we need to just enjoy the time we have together.

[Krej]

You mean as we race across a hostile war zone to save our friend's life?

[Arkady Patel]

You are making me nostalgic.

[Krej]

Ha.

[Arkady Patel]

Ready to go back in?

[Krej]

Yeah.

[Arkady Patel]

Arkady?

[Krej]

Uh huh?

[Arkady Patel]

Are you thinking about that moment with Krej again?

[Captain Patel]

Maybe.

[Arkady Patel]

Seriously, don't torture yourself before this is done. You'll get plenty more chances to. To handle high stress situations.

[Krej]

Truer words. I should probably apologize to them, huh? For losing my.

[Arkady Patel]

It couldn't hurt. Arcady.

[Krej]

H.

[Arkady Patel]

Nothing. I love you.

[Krej]

Love you too.

[Brian Jeter]

CR. That was. You're a legend. I'm married to a legend.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Was there ever a question?

[Captain Patel]

Incoming call from Other Violet.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Computer, accept call.

[Krej]

Other Violet. Can we.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Look, I don't have much time. I'm on my way back from meeting.

[Captain Patel]

With the kid who saw Tripathi after her disappearance. Winnie. She's real. It all checks out. They were in a secret prison on Creswin together.

[Krej]

Slateston in a. Oh, my God. Is Sana okay?

[Captain Patel]

We don't know. She escaped with a group, realized they.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Put a tracker in her and broke off in a shuttle.

[Krej]

A tracker in her broke off where? Where is she?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Stay calm. Commander Liu, is there a star?

[Captain Patel]

There's nothing.

[Ryan Reynolds]

There's. No.

[Captain Patel]

I'm in a jump ship. I'm almost out of fuel.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I really thought.

[Captain Patel]

Thought this part of space was clear.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Where is Sanaa?

[Captain Patel]

Tell. Tell Thazia I love them.

[Krej]

Where is Sanaa? Please.

[Ryan Reynolds]

We don't know. But the likeliest place is.

[Krej]

This episode features Ishani Kanitkar as Arkady.

[Arkady Patel]

Patel and Cindy Chu as Violet Liu.

[Brian Jeter]

Jamie Price as Brian Jeter Brie LaFever.

[Krej]

As Krish Jackie Andrews as RJ McCabe.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Chris Choi as Jinson Park Rain Corbin.

[Krej]

As Swarnsch Ella Womersley as Ella Joe.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Chang as Other Violet SJ as Non Ella Pleasant voice written by Jessica Bust.

[Krej]

Directed by Lauren Grace Thompson production coordination.

[Ryan Reynolds]

By Eleanor Hyde sound design by Jeffrey Nils Gardner. Opening credits music is Fear for the Storm, written by Jessica Best and Essie Winters and performed by Chiron Starr with.

[Krej]

Aaron Bauman on vocals and harmonies arranged by Jamie Price. The closing credits music is Rocket Science by Amber Devereux of Tin Can Audio, the Fable and Folly network where fiction producers flourish.