3.08 Rejoice

Summary

The Strange Case of Starship Iris

Episode 3.08: "Rejoice" (October 23, 2025)

Host: Jessica Best (Procyon Podcast Network)

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Overview

Episode 3.08, "Rejoice," is a pivotal chapter in The Strange Case of Starship Iris. The story centers on the immediate aftermath of a high-stakes mission: a small resistance cell has risked everything to disrupt a militaristic regime’s oppressive grip. In the fallout, the crew reflects on victory, loss, and the path forward for both themselves and the revolution. With the crew reeling from success and personal change, this episode explores what it means to survive—and what it means to build something new out of the rubble.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Aftermath and Uncertainty (01:55–04:42)

• Processing Victory and Survival: The episode opens with Piper questioning Sanaa Tripathi about her hopes post-war, highlighting exhaustion and the need for healing—on both a personal and societal scale.
• Quote:
  "We're gonna need so many menders. And not even just fixing the damage from the war itself. We're gonna need to finally address all the deeper cracks, all the fault lines that let a military coup take power in the first place."
  — Sanaa Tripathi (02:31)

2. The Status of the Mission (03:09–05:08)

• Waiting for News: Arkady Patel’s captain’s log reflects tension and ambiguity as the crew awaits word of the mission’s effectiveness and the fate of their allies. There's a palpable sense of exhaustion and cautious hope.
• Quote:
  "The possibility of success and the possibility of failure hang in every room of this borrowed ship. Like smoke making the air thicker, tenser, harder to breathe."
  — Arkady Patel (03:29)

3. Personal Cost and Moral Reckoning (05:12–09:54)

• Medical Supplies and Memories: Leo patches up Arkady’s wound, leading to discussions about the humanity of their enemies and the blurred lines in war. Finding a marker for sarcastically labeling enemy first aid supplies offers a moment of levity and coping.
• Empathy Amid Conflict: Leo expresses guilt and difficulty reconciling necessary violence with personal ethics, prompting Arkady to distinguish between survival and cruelty.
• Notable Dialogue:
  "They were people with the potential for good or bad, and they used it to do monstrous things. And it's important to remember we all have that capacity so that we don't. But we had to stop them. They didn't give us better options."
  — Arkady Patel (08:03)
• Leo's Self-Doubt:
  "I know that makes me weak."
  — Leo (07:50)
  Arkady counters:
  "Bullshit. Feel how you feel. What matters is what you do about it. Nothing else."
  — Arkady Patel (07:54)

4. The News Breaks: The Rooks’ Major Victory (12:00–15:21)

• Confirmation: Radio transmission announces that the regime’s munitions factories have been destroyed and their drones are down.
• Jubilation and Shock: The crew can scarcely believe their success, sharing physical gestures (high fives, hugs) and manifesting collective relief and joy.
• Quote:
  "If you're listening from a regime ship...this is the sound of the...that thread snapping."
  — Piper Tanaka (13:39)
• Response:
  "We did it. High five. Higher fives...Victory hug."
  — Krej, Arkady, Leo (13:30–13:37)

5. Seizing the Moment (15:26–18:32)

• Next Steps: Thazia calls in, confirming success and discussing the revolutionary opportunity created by the regime’s weakness.
• Collective Leadership: Sanaa suggests a broad, decentralized election for a new leader, proposing democracy as a way to fill the post-commander vacuum.
• Process and Challenges: McCabe immediately considers the logistical complexities, while others see hope in local autonomy.
• Quote:
  "We all pick a leader and they choose who runs our military, our espionage, all of it."
  — Sanaa Tripathi (19:19)

6. Transition and Found Family (19:56–24:47)

• Celebratory Toast: The crew drinks subpar coffee together, symbolizing unity despite hardship.
• Contemplating the Future: Crew members discuss their next steps, hinting at new rescue missions and potential departures. Roles and allegiances shift as characters consider their places in the coming peace.
• Quote:
  "To minor miracles."
  — Sanaa Tripathi (21:37)
  "To being together again. We did it. Look at us."
  — Krej (21:44)
• Goodbye & Change: Several crewmates plan for new roles or to leave, each considering where they can do the most good.

7. Emotional Goodbyes and What Endures (24:08–28:07)

• Letting Go and Moving Forward: Sanaa declares her need for space to heal and help organize the vote in San Ramos. Krej expresses emotional turmoil at the prospect of the group splitting up.
• Philosophy of Impact: Leo offers comfort:
  "It doesn't need to last forever to matter. And it matters, okay? It counts."
  (24:45)
• Acceptance: The crew affirms love and connection, even as members prepare to go separate ways.

8. A New Start: Passing the Torch (30:54–32:36)

• Arkady Steps Up: With encouragement, Arkady embraces the mantle of captain, buoyed by the promise of her found family’s support.
• Joy in Togetherness: The crew dances and sings—a little unsteadily—signifying hope and persistence despite uncertainty.

9. Closing: Holding Onto Hope (32:36–end)

• Last Landing as a Crew: One final collaborative act before transitions, marked by anticipation and a sense of fulfillment.
• Looking Forward: Characters speculate on the political future. Uncertainties remain, but hope—however cautious—persists.
• Quote:
  "Tell me a story about when it all stops hurting so bad."
  — Krej (33:32)
  Brian promises to try.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Healing and Responsibility:
  "At the end of this, we're gonna need so many menders...all the deeper cracks, all the fault lines that let a military coup take power in the first place."
  — Sanaa Tripathi (02:31)

• On the Morality of War:
  "They were people with the potential for good or bad, and they used it to do monstrous things. And it's important to remember we all have that capacity so that we don't."
  — Arkady Patel (08:03)

• On the Impact of Actions:
  "It doesn't need to last forever to matter. And it matters, okay? It counts."
  — Leo (24:45)

• On Future and Togetherness:
  "No matter what, you'll have a ship full of weirdos at your back."
  — Leo (31:07)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Post-mission reckoning and desires: 01:55–03:04
• Status update, uncertainty, and waiting: 03:09–05:08
• Ethics and emotional aftermath of violence: 05:12–09:54
• Breaking news—victory confirmed: 12:00–15:21
• Thazia’s update and revolutionary strategy: 17:55–20:15
• Crew’s celebration and planning for the future: 21:15–24:47
• Goodbyes and letting go: 24:08–29:27
• Arkady’s leadership and affirmation of family: 30:54–32:36
• Final approach to San Ramos—looking ahead: 32:36–end

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Tone and Style

The episode masterfully interweaves heavy, reflective dialogue with humor and emotional warmth, characteristic of The Strange Case of Starship Iris. Even in victory, the crew grapples with guilt, grief, and exhaustion, counterbalancing somber moments with found-family banter, gentle teasing, and deep care. The writing is poignant but leavened with hope, resilience, and the awkward, enduring joy of being together—if only for a while.

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Summary

"Rejoice" is both a celebration and a reckoning. A daring mission has succeeded; hope is real, but it comes entwined with loss, doubt, and the burden of what’s next. In the shadow of revolution, the crew chooses—again and again—to care for each other and seize their hard-won chance for better days. As the episode closes, new leaders prepare to step up, others prepare to leave, and the legacy of courage, care, and camaraderie is unmistakably secure. The victory may not be total—but as Leo reminds the crew, it counts.

Transcript

[Arkady Patel]

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[Thazia]

Cause I always find something amazing.

[Arkady Patel]

Just so many good brands.

[Krej]

I get an extra 5% off with.

[Arkady Patel]

My Nordstrom credit card.

[RJ McCabe]

Total queen treatment.

[Arkady Patel]

Join the Nordy Club at Nordstrom Rack to unlock our best deals. Big gifts, big perks. That's why you rack.

[Krej]

So long can't dodge the dawn Red light shines on.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

And on and on and on and.

[Krej]

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.

[Arkady Patel]

Come sing me no songs Though once.

[Krej]

We go we are gone and gone and gone When I go to see.

[Arkady Patel]

Don'T fear for me Fear for the.

[Krej]

Storm Fear for the storm.

[Piper Tanaka]

So is that everything you need for me? Just one or two more questions, if you don't mind, and then you can get back to all the many things waiting for you. Sure. If the Rooks win, if we find a way out from under the regime, what's next for you? Sleep. I want one of those naps where you wake up and it's dark out and you're not even sure what year it is. You've earned it. And once you're out of bed, it's like my friend Doc, Dr. Robinson says, @ the end of this, we're gonna need so many menders. And not even just fixing the damage from the war itself. We're gonna need to finally address all the deeper cracks, all the fault lines that let a military coup take power in the first place. Sure. That's what the situation needs. But what about you? I want to help. Of course. But what do you want for yourself? What would a happily ever after look like for Sinatrapati? Uh, can I get back to you.

[RJ McCabe]

About that.

[Arkady Patel]

Captain'S log? Ugh. Acting captain slogan, soon to be ex Captain's log. It's been about 18 hours since we got her back. We've combed through the ship Three times. And we're confident we've finally found and disabled every hidden listening device on here? Took a good goddamn while. Currently flying our stolen warship back to San Ramos, where Sanaa can scrap it for parts. Ground forces there have promised to radio check in before they shoot us out of the sky on sight. Still no word from Thazia or anyone else in the know. We still don't know if the mission succeeded. If we took down the regime's drones long enough for the attack on the weapons factories to go through. If our forces made it out okay. The possibility of success and the possibility of failure hang in every room of this borrowed ship. Like smoke making the air thicker, tenser, harder to breathe. We've had a long trip. But she's here. She's here and she's alive. And I think that's as good a point as any to leave on. Let's call this my final entry. Temporary. Captain Arcady Patel signing out.

[Leo]

Hey.

[Arkady Patel]

Hey, you.

[Leo]

Fresh ice pack for your wound.

[Arkady Patel]

Thanks, Blue. Guessing we haven't been able to get in touch with anyone.

[Leo]

Yeah, McCabe and Brian are searching every source they can dig up. Nothing. But we still haven't found anything on the scanners that looks like a drone. So maybe we were able to take them out.

[Arkady Patel]

That doesn't mean our people were able to get in there in time.

[Leo]

I know. So the good news is I found where the regime agents were keeping the med supplies.

[Arkady Patel]

And the bad news?

[Leo]

It's a little thing.

[Arkady Patel]

The bad news?

[Leo]

It's all covered in regime branding care, courtesy of the Intergalactic Republic of Free Worlds, stamped all over the bandages, stuff like that. So when we need to change your dressing.

[Arkady Patel]

Okay, there's gotta be some way we can make that look sarcastic.

[Leo]

If we can do it while keeping everything sterile, little quote marks around. Free and cross out care. Because the wound's what they gave you. Krej must have a marker somewhere.

[Arkady Patel]

I love you for that. For so many things.

[Leo]

Love you, too. Can I get a look at that shoulder? Been a while since I had to wrap a gunshot wound.

[Arkady Patel]

I'm afraid that's about to become a feature of your life when you stay on, I mean.

[Leo]

Thanks for not saying if. Although I feel like we already had a talk months ago about you getting shot.

[Arkady Patel]

Less you got shot, too.

[Krej]

I was shot at.

[Leo]

Doesn't count if the bullet doesn't touch blood.

[Arkady Patel]

Oh, awfully convenient.

[Leo]

Hey, can I.

[Arkady Patel]

What's up, Violet?

[Leo]

I found something else when I was looking for gauze and everything.

[Arkady Patel]

Yeah.

[RJ McCabe]

Here.

[Arkady Patel]

I owe you one. Mani Pedi. Whose writing is this? Oh, damn. It was here before.

[Leo]

It's weird, right? Walking around the ship. I know they were trying to kill us. But I have all this training on how to save people's lives. And at the end of the day, yeah, if my life had gone differently, I could have been one of them.

[Arkady Patel]

You turned pretty much the first chance you got.

[Leo]

Maybe they never had the chance. Or maybe they really believed. Maybe they would have still been on the wrong side if they lived another hundred years. But they had families. And favorite foods. And one of them brought a cat with them. And one of them owed another one a pedicure. I'm glad we made it. And obviously, I wouldn't trade getting Tripati back. But I don't know how to square what we did. What I did. And I know that makes me weak.

[Arkady Patel]

Bullshit. Feel how you feel. What matters is what you do about it. Nothing else. But I hear you. Everything in you wants to lean away from the pain, right? You want to say, well, they were monsters. You kind of know that's what they're saying about us. Chuck Weathers and those assholes.

[Leo]

Yeah.

[Arkady Patel]

And it's not the same. Them wanting us dead because of who we are and us wanting them dead because they're killing us. That piece was never fair. But I think calling them monsters isn't fair to monsters. They were people with the potential for good or bad, and they used it to do monstrous things. And it's important to remember we all have that capacity so that we don't. But we had to stop them. They didn't give us better options. Survival. You know, if we're lucky, what we did on Clay's name might let our friends live a little longer. And that's about the best you can hope for in a war.

[Leo]

Thanks.

[Arkady Patel]

Why? Did that actually help a little. No shit.

[Leo]

Can you. Can you sit here with me for a sec?

[Arkady Patel]

Of course.

[Leo]

What if the mission failed? What if our people got hit before they could do anything to the factories? Even with the drones down, the regime still could have shot him.

[Arkady Patel]

Yeah. Guess we cross that bridge when we come to it.

[Leo]

Is that what you're doing?

[Arkady Patel]

What?

[Leo]

Waiting to cross until.

[Arkady Patel]

Oh, no. I've already been over the bridge in my mind a thousand times. It just doesn't help.

[Leo]

Maybe in an hour or two, we'll hear.

[Arkady Patel]

Yeah. Maybe.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

Um, I'm very sorry, but I'm allergic to you. And I don't have any food.

[RJ McCabe]

Look.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

Look at my empty hands. I don't sleep holding snacks.

[Brian]

Captain Tripathi, how goes it?

[Sanaa Tripathi]

Brian how long have I been out?

[Brian]

20 hours, give or take.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

Any news?

[Brian]

Nothing from Thazia. Nothing from our camp.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

Oh, Campbell says hi again.

[Brian]

I gamble. Hey, sorry to bother you about this, but have you seen the cat?

[Sanaa Tripathi]

Think so. Yeah.

[Jinsun Park]

Come in.

[Brian]

Uh, hey, Park. So, hanging out in Tripathi's room while she sleeps?

[Jinsun Park]

Evidently.

[Brian]

Cool. Cool. Uh, Captain, how are you feeling?

[Sanaa Tripathi]

It's amazing what almost 20 hours of pure sleep can do for a person.

[Brian]

Right on, man. Good to hear. I'll just take this girl from you. Arcady was worried she might have gone into the engine.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

It's a she.

[Brian]

So it seems. We're still working on the name. Arkady wants to go with Lenore violet saying Carson McCabe wants Daisy. Me and Krej both think we should name her Duchess Calpurnia Higginsworth Cobb ii.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

Arcadia'll love that.

[Brian]

Oh, dude, she's already vetoed. But we only need one more vote to override her. So if either of you want to.

[Arkady Patel]

Lakshmi, Jennifer, you're killing me.

[RJ McCabe]

Nothing. Right?

[Jinsun Park]

Yeah.

[RJ McCabe]

Next.

[Krej]

Come on, new station. No whammies.

[Brian]

No whammies.

[Piper Tanaka]

Welcome. Welcome to Free Press with Chuck Weathers. Our thanks to the brave IGR agents for their generous donation of some truly state of the art comms equipment. I can now say with confidence that the days of our frequency getting hijacked by those damn radio pirates are fine. This is Radio Free Telemachus. Signal intruding from our contraband brains to your outlaw ears, I'm Piper Tanaka. Not my real name. And with me, as always, is the woman we call Kestrel Roll Colvin.

[Thazia]

Next up, we have.

[Piper Tanaka]

Hang on.

[RJ McCabe]

What?

[Thazia]

Oh, hang on.

[Piper Tanaka]

We have an update, folks. Is this real? Are you sure? Okay. Reina Sakamachi in the booth would like you to know that roughly 22 hours ago, the regime's three largest munitions plants were hit by an aerial attack.

[Krej]

Uh, folks, Crestall crew, cockpit right now.

[Thazia]

Minimal casualties, but early reports say all three Rosado based factories have been nearly leveled.

[Piper Tanaka]

Yeah. What the.

[RJ McCabe]

Did we.

[Thazia]

And what's more, this maneuver was only possible because the regime's armed drones were somehow taken out of commission. And as of right now, the drones are still not operational.

[RJ McCabe]

Did we actually do it?

[Krej]

Heck, yeah, we actually did. High five. Higher fives.

[Leo]

How?

[Krej]

Victory hug.

[Arkady Patel]

Victory hug.

[Piper Tanaka]

So, if you're listening from a regime ship. And the one final thread keeping you from mutiny was the threat that they'd remotely bomb your craft out of the sky. This is the sound of the. That thread snapping.

[Thazia]

At least for a little while.

[Piper Tanaka]

Yeah. Yeah. Act fast. Act so fast. Super fast. I don't even. I don't. What do we do, audience? We. We had a block of five songs scheduled, but I don't know how you can cut from that, too. Hey, here's a little diddy.

[Arkady Patel]

What's wrong? Is something on fire?

[Sanaa Tripathi]

I've got a med kit.

[Krej]

Listen, I'm a professional.

[Thazia]

This operation marks significant success for the pro revolutionary forces known as the Rooks. For the time being, the regime just. They just don't have major weapons manufacturing facilities.

[Arkady Patel]

Did she just say.

[Thazia]

Yeah.

[Krej]

Yeah.

[Leo]

Holy.

[Krej]

It worked.

[Arkady Patel]

It worked.

[Leo]

Oh, my God.

[Krej]

Arcady.

[Piper Tanaka]

Obviously, they're gonna boost up their other manufacturing centers as soon as they can, but right now, the regime's got no drones and no way to replace their arms. Let me say it again. No drones, no way to replace their arms. And when the enemy has their pants down, I think we can all agree the funniest move is to kick them in the ass. Just for your consideration.

[Brian]

Krej, love, what's going on?

[Thazia]

We'll let you know when the drones are back online. Resources say it looks like this process could take days, possibly weeks.

[Piper Tanaka]

So, hey, hey, maybe dust off those old supply routes and let's send some aid to San Ramos for old time's sake.

[Brian]

The drones.

[Krej]

We did it.

[Leo]

The drones, the three targets, everything. The factories are gone.

[Brian]

Okay, you all need to get out of the way so I can kiss my spouse.

[Piper Tanaka]

I don't know what to say. I. I literally. I. I don't know how to.

[Thazia]

Do you want to just.

[Piper Tanaka]

Yeah. Yeah, yeah. Okay. Let's play a song, I guess. And, hey, if you're in San Ramos, have hope. If you're out there doing what you can for the revolution, stick with it. And if we've got any regime grunts listening in on the airwaves tonight, kill your boss. In the meantime, uh, here's Tail Light Rebellion with this season's hit single Going to Fall.

[Arkady Patel]

Sanaa.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

We won.

[Krej]

How'd you.

[Jinsun Park]

Your faces.

[Brian]

Holy crap.

[Arkady Patel]

You guys, we should celebrate. How do we celebrate?

[Jinsun Park]

Crush and Brian could get married again.

[Krej]

Don't threaten me with a good time. We did it. Of course we did it. How could we not?

[Brian]

Dude, I think our forces might deserve a smidge of the credit.

[Krej]

A smidge?

[Brian]

A smear.

[Krej]

A skosh, A skosh, a skosh.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

Is there anything we can toast with?

[Leo]

I think they left half a pot of cold coffee in the kitchen.

[Jinsun Park]

That works.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

I can go get it. Are there cups?

[Leo]

Plastic mugs? Cabinet above the coffee maker.

[Arkady Patel]

I'll help. Carrie. Can you believe it?

[Sanaa Tripathi]

No.

[Arkady Patel]

I know How'd you sleep?

[Sanaa Tripathi]

Like the dead.

[Arkady Patel]

That's good.

[Thazia]

Yeah.

[Arkady Patel]

Before we head back in, we haven't really gotten a chance to talk.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

You want to discuss feelings on purpose? Sober. Where's the real Arcady?

[Arkady Patel]

You're putting off a chance to discuss feelings with Snark. Where's the real Sanaa?

[Sanaa Tripathi]

Oh, here we are. Kitchen and coffee pot. Where'd she say the mugs were?

[Arkady Patel]

Above the above.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

The coffee maker.

[RJ McCabe]

Right.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

Arkady, you want to help me with these?

[Arkady Patel]

I'm sorry.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

For what?

[Arkady Patel]

Sanaa.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

Look, I know I just slept for almost a day, but I'm honestly still beat. So if we could keep moving, please?

[Arkady Patel]

Yeah. Here. Are you sure?

[Sanaa Tripathi]

What.

[Arkady Patel]

You don't want to talk about.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

I really don't.

[Krej]

Cat and chapati.

[Leo]

And first.

[Krej]

Maipatelle. Scoot your boots back to the cockpit.

[Arkady Patel]

Krej, what's the situation?

[Krej]

We got Thazia on the line.

[Arkady Patel]

Thazia.

[Thazia]

You've heard the victory, dude.

[Brian]

It's all over Radio Free Telemachus.

[Thazia]

Our side has needed something to celebrate for a long while. Besides, it's to our advantage. The people know how long the drones are down. There's an opportunity in that. Pause.

[Krej]

How are you holding up?

[Thazia]

I don't understand how the planets still spin and the stars still burn. It feels inappropriate. Disgusting, almost. But she would want me to persist.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

She would. Yeah.

[RJ McCabe]

Thasia. Security officer McCabe here. We're very sorry for your loss.

[Thazia]

Thank you.

[RJ McCabe]

But also, what the hell are our orders?

[Krej]

Is this the time?

[Jinsun Park]

Well, it is the middle of a war.

[Arkady Patel]

Kid's got a point. We're sorry you've lost someone. We really are. But we've all lost someone. The only way we don't lose more is if we get a shit ton of work done right now. You said we have an opportunity. So let's use it.

[Thazia]

I don't think I can sit in the office of Commander. I am not her.

[Leo]

Nobody's asking that, Tazia.

[Thazia]

I can't begin to guess how to find someone else to lead us.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

So don't.

[Thazia]

What?

[Sanaa Tripathi]

We take advantage of the lull from the drones and we hold a vote. Everyone from our side, all the rooks everywhere. We all pick a leader and they choose who runs our military, our espionage, all of it.

[RJ McCabe]

How would we? Do you have any idea the layers of planning and logistics that would go into throwing together a space wide election at short notice? Who's overseeing the polls? Who's tallying the votes?

[Thazia]

We're not without structure. Each planet or station or moon has its own chapter of who you call the Rooks. Commander Liu has lists. Somewhere we could reach out. Let all the local leaders plan for their own worlds.

[Arkady Patel]

We can tell Campbell break the news that he's got a shit ton of work ahead of him.

[Brian]

Are you kidding? No drones and an excuse to gather. It's his birthday.

[Krej]

Thasia.

[Leo]

What will you do?

[Thazia]

I was meant to wander. That's always been my calling. Once we have this squared away, I might travel to your part of the human world. World? Speak on what I've seen and why it matters what we do.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

Sounds good. Is there someone to check in on you?

[Thazia]

I have a team. Thank you, everyone. Now, as far as orders go for now. You've earned a rest. Connection ended.

[RJ McCabe]

I had way more questions about the inter military structure.

[Arkady Patel]

Okay. I've been clutching these mugs like a goon long enough. A toast.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

A toast.

[Leo]

On second thought, I don't love that we're drinking their coffee.

[Brian]

Better to let it go to waste.

[Jinsun Park]

Besides, if it's regulation strength, coffee is a stretch.

[Krej]

Well, we can flavor it with our victory. And these. Hazelnut creamers from my pocket?

[RJ McCabe]

Oh, yes, please.

[Arkady Patel]

You okay, Leo?

[Leo]

Yeah.

[Arkady Patel]

Yeah, you don't have to be.

[Leo]

All the drones down. Speaking as someone who's seen what they can do, every second that lasts is a minor miracle.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

To minor miracles.

[Brian]

To minor miracles.

[Leo]

To being in the right place at the right time.

[Krej]

To being together again. We did it. Look at us.

[Arkady Patel]

To keeping the faith.

[Leo]

Cheers.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

Oh, I haven't had coffee in months. But that was not good.

[Brian]

Now do you think, love?

[Krej]

Yeah. Good a time as ever.

[Leo]

What?

[Krej]

So when we get back, me and crewmate are gonna get a ship. Just a small one to start search and rescue.

[RJ McCabe]

Krish during the war.

[Brian]

We'll have plenty to do.

[Krej]

Yeah. It's gonna be all hands on deck. We'll need a hacker.

[Arkady Patel]

I'm in that easy.

[Leo]

Leo, if you're still looking for a doctor.

[Arkady Patel]

One doctor in particular. She's about this tall.

[Leo]

I'm taller than that. I'm in.

[Brian]

We'll need a sniper for security.

[RJ McCabe]

I'll help you draw up a hiring rubric for my replacement.

[Krej]

Which won't be, say, you in a funny hat. Are you sure?

[RJ McCabe]

I'm reaching out to Thazia again. Once we're done here, we need an interim command structure. And we need someone to organize a lot of variables. And I would be very, very good at that.

[Brian]

You would.

[Krej]

We'll throw your goodbye party once we're done with this party.

[Brian]

In the meantime, do you want to help us with our to do lists for the new crew?

[RJ McCabe]

I'd like that.

[Krej]

And I'm thinking maybe we'll need another crewman to help fly the thing.

[Jinsun Park]

You will need one of those.

[Krej]

And to lead us all in missions. And sing along songs, Krezh.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

I can't.

[Brian]

What?

[Krej]

I mean.

[Leo]

Okay.

[Krej]

You got your spot in San Ramos for now. But when the war ends.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

Crash.

[Krej]

Captain Tripathi.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

Let's try plain old Tripathi for a while.

[Krej]

Borne your names don't work like that. And we need a captain.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

I think you've got one.

[Arkady Patel]

Before, when that drone was tracking us, I screwed it up. I almost got us killed.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

I made mistakes all the goddamn time. Stuff like this. It's not about getting everything perfect the first try.

[Brian]

You did pull it off in the end, Arkady.

[Arkady Patel]

Only because I had so much help.

[RJ McCabe]

Yes. While I have reliable intel that it's our job.

[Leo]

She is here. We're all here.

[Krej]

You, Crema, Chapathy. You can't just go.

[Thazia]

Sharpshooter.

[Krej]

McCabe's already leaving us. You can't do this.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

I need time and room. I need so much of it. I don't know if there's any point in waiting.

[Krej]

What are we supposed to do without you? What? What's the point? What was the point of any of this?

[Leo]

The lead singer of Birdie and the Swan Song said this thing after the band broke up. That's always stuck with me.

[Krej]

Birdie and the Swan Song broke up, too.

[Brian]

Crash, buddy.

[Leo]

She said it doesn't need to last forever to matter. And it matters, okay? It counts. Violet from a year ago. Wouldn't even begin to recognize the person I am now if we'd never met.

[Jinsun Park]

You're here.

[Arkady Patel]

Granted, park could probably still have two eyeballs.

[Jinsun Park]

It was worth it eventually.

[Krej]

We're supposed to be a crew.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

We still are. Krej. I love you. I love all of you. I just.

[RJ McCabe]

Where do you think you'll go?

[Sanaa Tripathi]

San Ramos for a while. Help organize the vote there. After that, we'll see.

[Brian]

So, Park. Does that mean you're out, too?

[Krej]

Why would park be out? No way.

[Piper Tanaka]

Really?

[Leo]

What?

[Piper Tanaka]

For how long?

[Jinsun Park]

Years after I'd formed my boundaries.

[Brian]

If you wanted to keep your relationship under wraps, dude, I'd recommend not opening the door to her room.

[Thazia]

What?

[Arkady Patel]

Krej.

[Krej]

Eh.

[Arkady Patel]

I meant to say great work getting us out of there.

[Krej]

Your desperate attempts at changing the subject through flattery won't. No, I'm kidding. Obviously. Tell me how AMAZING I am.

[Jinsun Park]

McCabe.

[RJ McCabe]

Yes.

[Jinsun Park]

Are you working?

[RJ McCabe]

Mm.

[Jinsun Park]

Can you take a break?

[RJ McCabe]

Um, briefly.

[Jinsun Park]

You know, Sanaa and I might need security.

[RJ McCabe]

On your way To San Ramos.

[Jinsun Park]

Or what comes after. You're seriously drinking the rest of the coffee?

[RJ McCabe]

It takes me back.

[Jinsun Park]

When I first met you on New Jupiter.

[Arkady Patel]

You were naive, deluded, brainwashed.

[Jinsun Park]

You scared me. You were so focused, ambitious, unwilling to cut a corner or make a mistake.

[RJ McCabe]

Nobody willingly makes mistakes.

[Jinsun Park]

You were the last person I would have expected to turn. Oh, I'm so glad you did. You know that you can come with us. Any of us.

[RJ McCabe]

I know. But Azia needs help putting together a temporary command structure, and I have to think about where I could have the greatest impact. And my career. Same old McCabe.

[Jinsun Park]

You want to do something important?

[RJ McCabe]

Yes.

[Jinsun Park]

Nothing wrong with that. Ambition's like anything. It can be good or bad.

[RJ McCabe]

I'll have to watch myself.

[Jinsun Park]

We all have to watch ourselves. Have you ever had regular strength coffee? Is it that different when this stuff is done? I'm showing you how to brew a decent pot.

[Arkady Patel]

It's that good?

[Jinsun Park]

It's adequate.

[RJ McCabe]

Thank you.

[Jinsun Park]

Pass it on to everyone at Thia's base. Nobody deserves to drink this. Come on.

[Arkady Patel]

Come on.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

Who are you talking to?

[Arkady Patel]

She's behind the fridge.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

Who is undecided?

[Arkady Patel]

For now.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

You're keeping her.

[Arkady Patel]

Not her fault her old owners were fascists. Should we get her a bell or something?

[Sanaa Tripathi]

Do you think it'd hurt her chances as a mouser?

[Arkady Patel]

She can be unemployed. Doesn't need a job to have a fuzzy little tummy.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

You realize she'll be a liability, right?

[Thazia]

What?

[Sanaa Tripathi]

You'll be heading into a ton of tense, dangerous situations. You don't need an animal running around, making noise, needing food, needing care.

[Arkady Patel]

There's room for her on the ship. Whatever ship comes after this one, she's.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

Gonna take up time and resources. She won't contribute anything.

[Arkady Patel]

The crew already loves her. Her? What do you suggest we do?

[Sanaa Tripathi]

I'm sure we could find someone to take her in San Ramos.

[Arkady Patel]

I'm sure we could. We're keeping her. And no offense, but it's not really your call.

[Leo]

I.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

Yeah. No, you're right.

[Arkady Patel]

Hey. Can I give you another hug?

[Sanaa Tripathi]

Always. I'm sorry. I really am tired. I should.

[Arkady Patel]

You don't owe anyone anything. In fact, I seem to remember I owe you 20 bucks, Katie. And a year or ten years from now, if we can keep a spot open for a fuzzy little bastard who mostly just scares the shit out of us by hiding in places she shouldn't be.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

I don't want to give you fuss.

[RJ McCabe]

Hope.

[Arkady Patel]

Well, good news. Turns out there's other kinds.

[Leo]

Why are you two. Is Duchess back there?

[Sanaa Tripathi]

Duchess.

[Leo]

As In Calpurnia Higginsworth Cobb ii.

[Arkady Patel]

She's not Duchess. I vetoed Duchess Krezh. And Jeter still needed one more vote.

[Leo]

Yeah. I caved.

[Arkady Patel]

Why?

[Leo]

Brian and Krez traded me their share of the chocolate they found in the mess.

[Arkady Patel]

Oof. Bribery. Is that where we're at?

[Sanaa Tripathi]

Shocking.

[Leo]

They were so proud of themselves. I'll split it with you, Arkady.

[Arkady Patel]

Oh. Soft bargain.

[Leo]

Is that a yes?

[Arkady Patel]

Duchess. Duchess.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

I've got her. No, I don't. And there she goes. I'll be right back.

[Leo]

So. Captain Patel.

[Arkady Patel]

It's growing on me.

[Leo]

Yeah.

[Arkady Patel]

I can't. I don't think I can be like Sanaa.

[Leo]

You don't have to be. Plus, you know what? No matter what, you'll have a ship full of weirdos at your back.

[Arkady Patel]

No matter what. Yeah. Let's give it a try.

[Leo]

Sounds good.

[Arkady Patel]

Hey. Dance with me, Leo.

[Leo]

To what?

[Arkady Patel]

Who cares?

[Leo]

Jenny. She had tricked me. And it chilled me to my marrow. But then she aimed my pistol at the heart of Captain Farrell. She was a triple agent. Much to my utter wonder. Now we live in the mountains Free and happy with our plunder. Musharing dumadoo Dummada Whack for my daddy O Whack for my daddy O There's.

[Arkady Patel]

Whiskey in the jar O I don't remember those lyrics.

[Leo]

I had some downtime during slow shifts at the hospital. I know it's probably heresy.

[Arkady Patel]

But folk music bends to fit its purpose. How many verses did you write?

[Krej]

Folks. We are coming up on San Ramos. Conditions are good. Descent is clear. Nobody's got anything aimed at us. And I was thinking. Join me in the cockpit. One last landing as a crew.

[Brian]

Crash. Love. We'll have a crew after this.

[Leo]

Too.

[Krej]

Then one last landing is us. Crash, out. So I talked to Swarch about what the Dornian Federation could do for us now that we've got a fighting chance.

[Brian]

How'd it go?

[Thazia]

They're.

[Krej]

They don't want to make promises yet.

[Thazia]

Yet.

[Krej]

But they're hopeful.

[Brian]

You okay?

[Krej]

I. Not really.

[Brian]

K. Is there anything I can do?

[Krej]

Tell me a story about when Captain Tripathi comes back and everything's like it was.

[Brian]

Are you sure you want that story, bud? Might not come true.

[Krej]

Tell me a story about when it all stops hurting so bad.

[Brian]

Of course. Let's see. Where to begin?

[Arkady Patel]

Captain's log, Entry one. We've got a ship. We've got a full tank of fuel and a. A brilliant doctor ready to look after some patients.

[RJ McCabe]

Hi.

[Leo]

And a promising new captain at the helm.

[Arkady Patel]

Hello.

[Brian]

Plus one very Good looking pilot.

[Krej]

And also the handsomest crewman in this galaxy or any other.

[Arkady Patel]

Anyone else? Diaz Roz. Might as well complete the roll call. Samuel Diaz, Security officer. I'd say I'm a 6 or a.

[Thazia]

7 in the right lighting.

[Arkady Patel]

Roskirkpatrick mechanic for hire. And let the record show Diaza's selling himself short. Eight and a half at least.

[Brian]

Yeah, yeah.

[Piper Tanaka]

You think everyone's beautiful.

[Arkady Patel]

Well, everyone is. I can't help that. Okay, that took a turn. Not sure if that's a good turn or a shit turn, but a turn was made. Craige, where are we at?

[Krej]

Keeping pace. We're looking at at an hour from Nahar.

[Arkady Patel]

Sounds good. Let's maintain speed for now.

[Krej]

Right on, Captain Tell.

[Arkady Patel]

Alright, we won't have much time when we land, so let's be ready. Mission review in five. Unless anyone's got something to add before I sign off.

[Thazia]

One thing.

[Arkady Patel]

Yeah? Say the word. Liu.

[Leo]

Let's do this. This episode features Ray Tae as Juniper.

[Sanaa Tripathi]

Liu Rukmini K. Desai as Sanathrapathi Brie.

[Brian]

Lafever as Krish Jamie Price as Brian.

[Leo]

Jeter and Cindy Choo as Violet Liu.

[Arkady Patel]

Ishani Kanitkar as Arkady Patel Vri Kaiser.

[RJ McCabe]

As Thassia Jackie Andrews as RJ McCabe.

[Jinsun Park]

Chris Choi as Jinsun Park Julia Morizawa.

[Arkady Patel]

As Piper Tanaka Lucille Valentine as Kestrel Colvin Jaron Bakat as Samuel Diaz Asher Lloyd as Ros Kirkpatrick Written by Jessica Best Directed by Ella Watts Dialogue cut.

[RJ McCabe]

By Lauren Grace Thompson Production coordination by.

[Arkady Patel]

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 Aaron Bauman on vocals and harmonies arranged by Jamie Price.

[Piper Tanaka]

Going to Fall is written and performed by Taillight Rebellion.

[Arkady Patel]

It was exclusively created for the Strange Case of Starship Iris and will be.

[Piper Tanaka]

The lead single off their upcoming album the closing credits.

[Arkady Patel]

Music is rocket science by Amber Devereux of Tin Can Aud. This has been the Strange Case of Starship Iris. Thanks for listening. The fable and folly Network where fiction producers flourish.

[RJ McCabe]

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