A Long Trip; Episode One: The Capture of A Captain
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-The Crew!!
A Long Trip
EPISODE 1:
The Capture of A Captain
Narrator: Today is the 21st of November, 53-79. Our story begins with Chase Foster, a human from the Spara EE1 Solar System owned by the Allegiance Military. Having lost his parents and brother at the young age of twelve, eight years before maturity, due to a war for freedom, he was forced into the Military. Chase worked as a mechanic and pilot for the next eight years on The Allegiance Ship, “Carnation.” It was hell to say the least. Chase, now twenty-two, has spent the last two and a half years on the pirate ship “The Barbaric Princess.” Despite the name, The Princess and it's crew have been his home and family in peace… until now...
Chase to Ngozi: (With Excitement) Today is the day, Ngozi! Captain Paris is letting me pilot The Princess when we depart from dock today!
Ngozi: (tiredly with a bit of a sigh.) You know Chase, you're my best friend but I swear if you wake me up this early ever again….. (Grumbling and mumbling “I fucking hate you sometimes”.)
Chase: (laughing in amusement) Haha alright, go back to sleep, lazy fish.
Narrator: The halls of The Barbaric Princess always hum with a soft metallic noise. It's quite peaceful once you get used to it. Chase was definitely used to it. He'd been in space since he was twelve. He'd love to say he'd never look back but he'd be lying. Right now though, Chase was the one humming with excitement.
Murphy: (Slightly out of breath but still energetic) Chase! Wait up!! I wanted to make sure I caught you before you head off to see Aquila!
Chase: Oh? (Chuckles softly) Did Tadala(pronounced Tuh- dala) mess with inventory again, Murphy?
Murphy: (also with a giggle) Actually, it was Glaw(pronounced Gl- auh). I mean of course Tadala helped. Which, of course made Aquila(pronounce Aquail-a) mad, I thought it was hilarious so apparently I'm “grounded” from inventory today along with them.
Chase: And you want me to get you something? Right? You're just plain trouble, all three of you.
Murphy: (laughs softly) and we're proud of it, Chasey poo. But you will, won't you?
Chase: I always do, don't I?
Murphy: So you know that blaster I've been talking about?! Well it's here! (Sad pouting and fake whimper) Except Aquila won't let me in…
Chase: (laughs) I'll get it for you. Just know you owe me.
Murphy: Always Sweetie!
Narrator: Inventory is huge. It's one of the biggest rooms in the whole ship. It holds everything from hygiene products to blasters. Sometimes even people, though we won't get into that. The large security door is made of a strange alien metal, which everyone has the code to. Chase slowly pokes his code in with soft beeping noises.
Aquila:(noticing Chase with excitement) (Draw out the a.) Darling, how wonderful it is too see you on your first day as pilot under Olu +pronounced O-loo+.
Chase: Honor to you and yours, Aquila.
Aquila: (giving a soft scoff) We know each other enough not to use such… formalities, do we not Darling?
Chase: Of course, Aquila. I just heard you've been having some issues with certain people.
Aquila, sighing deeply: When will I ever learn not to trust Tadala and Glaw with inventory…
Chase, softly: I'm not sure. I am here for a reason though. There's —
Aquila: Murphy asked you to get her new blaster, didn't she?
Chase, softly: Yes…
Aquila, huffing harshly: You know if she wouldn't have thought it was hilarious that those two added an extra two hours of work... (Rumbling through boxes)
Chase: She could have gotten it herself, I know, Aquila.
Aquila: Here you go. Tell her that she can come get anything else she needs tomorrow instead of bothering you on your big day, Darling.
Chase: Alright, Aquila. I hope your day goes better. Honor to you and yours.
Aquila: And Honor and Health to you and yours.
Narrator: The control area of the ship is a bit cluttered with work stations. Chase is anxious when he spots Captain Paris next to the Pilot’s station.
Olu: (gruffly with little patience) Foster!
Chase: (Distant from across the room) Uh… Sir?
Olu: (Deeply annoyed sigh before snapping out with heavy sarcasm and annoyance) Are you going to stand there all day or are you actually going to pilot?
Chase: *running across the room* (anxiously) Pilot, Sir!
Olu: I would hope so, Ch-- (Immediately Correcting himself with a hint of embarrassment) uh Foster.
Chase: (Oblivious that Olu was correcting himself over almost calling him Chase) Yes, Sir?
Olu: (With embarrassment) Uh, nothing. *shuffling away*
Viv: (From the side in deep amusement) Well, he’s getting worse everyday.
Chase: (suddenly very concerned) Wait, is Captain Paris sick Vivian?!
Viv: (amused and trying not to laugh) You could say he’s sick. (Under her breath) Love sick.
Chase: Hmm….
Viv: We are headed to the Spara quadrant, which personally, I think is a (emphasis) horrible idea seeing as it’s crawling with the Allegiance… Stupid boy….
Chase: (worried) Do you think he’s trying to test me?
Viv: Cassie trusts you, he does too. You’re an excellent pilot, Chase don’t doubt that.
Chase: (Happily) Thank you Vivian. Alright, let’s get down to business.
----
Radmila: Ren.
Ren: Yes, my love? What can I do for you?
Radmila: Look at this signature. (pause for a moment as shuffling is heard) That’s The Princess’ signature. What the fuck are they doing here?
Ren: (Suavely with a hint of dark amusement) Preparing to die, no?
Radmila: (With a bit of hesitation) It would seem... that way…
Radmila: /Audio Notes: find a way to make this sound like it’s through a speaker, if possible/ (Loudly and authoritative) Captain of The Barbaric Princess, you and your crew are under arrest for piracy and murder!
Olu: (Confident and with sass) Sorry Captain Radmila Herry, you’d have to catch us for any of us to be under arrest.
Olu to Chase: Better hurry, Foster. If we're caught, we’re all dead.
Chase: Yes, Sir! All thruster to full capacity. Shields to stealth mode.
Vivian: (Authoritatively) Watch out for those debris in Field B-2, Chase!
Chase: I see it! Damn it, Damn it, they’re too close. Fuck!
Olu: (Calmly with a hint of confidence) Chase… You’ve got this. I believe in you.
Chase: Ah.. Yes, Sir. Alright, we’re going into the field.
Viv: That’s Cra--
Olu: I trust him.
Viv: Yes, Captain.
Ren /speakery noise again/: (evil laughing) You’re not going to win. I will…. Eat you all alive. I will burn your brains out! I will flay the skin from your fucking bones. Your bones will decorate my halls.
Chase: I think…. She may be crazy and I don’t know about you… But I want nowhere near her.
Viv: I agree and you need to go left!
Chase: I’m going left! Fuck, no, right!
Viv: We have damage to the right side! Fuel is leaking!
Radmila: If you continue, you will die. Surrender.
Chase: We will not give up our freedom, you murderer. I will never give control of my life or my family’s life to you… (gritted out in anger and sadness) Ever Again. So Fuck Off.
Olu: Chase, she’s right. I’ll go distract them long enough for you to fix the ship. Mom….
Viv: I will take care of them, Son. I promise. You just make sure you come back.
Chase: Respectfully, Sir…. No. (Definitely) I will not let you go sacrifice yourself. I will not lose anyone. So sit down and stay here. I will fix the ship in no time.
Olu: Chase, I will come back.
Chase: That’s what my parents said, too. Except, no one fucking comes back. So, fuck you, Olu. Sit. Down.
Vivian: Chase…. You won’t have enough time… I don’t want this either. He is my son… but we don’t have much of a chance otherwise…
Chase: (sobbing) Fuck…
Olu: I’ll find a way back to you guys. No one can keep me from The Princess. (Quietly so the others can’t hear /with departing steps/) Nor from you, Chase….
______________
Olu /microphone filter/: Captian Herry. I am surrendering. You will give my crew an hour to themselves then you can board them. /drop microphone noise/ God… I hope Chase can do this in time if not in an hour we’re all dead.
Ren to Radmila: He’s fucking lying. They’ll have their ship fixed by then.
Radmila: Ren… Shut up… /microphone filter/ Alright Paris. Get your ass over here.
Ren: Are you serious? They’re going to get away. Again.
Radmila: Without either of the Paris Captains.
Ren: (Suavely) They’ll still have a paris… Vivian.
Radmila: (snapping with a bit of a growl) She is not... a Paris… Ren.
Ren: And (pausing a bit) you are?
Radmila: O-of course not!
Ren: Exactly, because… (dangerously low) you’re mine, Radmila…
Radmila: (Trying to sound reassuring) E-exactly..
Ren: Now let’s go have fun with Captain Paris. (dark laughter).
Radmila: Of course, Dear.
Olu: Well… This is… not what I thought it would look like.
Ren: What did you think it’d look like?
Olu: More evil lair… Less space hotel.
Ren: (slightly crazed laughter) The Allegiance gets only the best.
Olu: For stealing the lives and freedom of everyone. Even their own people! Have you ever made a decision on your own?
Ren: I chose to love Radmila.
Olu: (sarcastic laughing) You don’t know what love is, Buewrid +pronounced Boo-rid+.
Ren: (growling in anger) I don’t know what love is? You insolent little, prick. I will fucking kill you!
Radmila: Ren, my beautiful squid… Calm yourself. You know I love you. You love me and I know that. Please calm yourself.
Ren: (Breathing heavily.) I do know what love is… I would never, ever, ever, hurt you. I love you. I love you. I… love… you…
Radmila: (soothingly) I know, My Squid. I love you.
Ren: (settling) I want him taken to my Chamber.
Olu: (Cockily) I’d think you’d buy me a drink first, Squid Face.
Radmila: Soon, dear, soon. We must wait the hour and capture the rest.
______________
Chase: That stupid, stupid goat. If he dies….
Glaw: Chase, The Captain is smart. He won’t get himself in trouble.
Chase: Glaw… What do you call what he’s in right now? Also, hand me that red one there.
Glaw: Here. I’d Call it a minor… inconvenience.
Chase: These are the people who killed my family, and not just my family! Glaw, you didn’t see it. So many orphans… so many people… Murdered for even thinking of freedom.
Glaw: I know, Chase.
Chase: And he’s done more than think of freedom.
Glaw: I know, Chase, but this is The Captain. He wouldn’t have done it if he didn’t think he’d get out of it alive.
Viv: Yes, he would have, if it meant we all got out of here alive. We’re lucky, though. He was caught by Captain Herry. She loves Cassandra and won’t kill on the principle that he’s her son. So, get this ship done. We will go get Cassie and then rescue his stupid ass.
Chase: Alright (sniffles). I’ll have it done in five.
Viv: Good, we’ll need you to pilot us out of here.
____________
Ren: Ah Olufunmilayo Jyoti Paris… I will have so much fun teaching you.
Olu: Squid, you’ve got nothing to teach me. I, on the other hand, can teach you a lot.
Ren: You could teach me about… Chase and Cassandra.
Olu: (through gritted teeth) I will never tell you anything about them.
Ren: Oh? Are you sure? I can be very… convincing, little goat. (evil laughter)
Olu: Fuck off, Squid.
Ren: Where is the stupid human bitch?
Olu: I Won’t- She’s in the- Fuck. Off.
Ren: (More evil laughter) Oh, come on, Little Goat, play along.
Olu: Fuck off, you evil fucking squid. I will never fucking tell you.
Ren: Oh? You don’t have to speak…
Olu: (in mind) No, no, no, no ,no, no, fuck off, fuck off, fuck off. Fuck Off!
Ren: I will break you eventually.
________
Ngozi: Oh god, Chase, I just heard.
Chase: We’re getting him back.
Ngozi: What can I do?
Viv: Be ready to treat him when we get him back. I have no doubt that he’s… (Gritted teeth) being hurt… (deep breath then back to normal voice) for Cassandra’s location.
Chase: I can’t believe we let him do this.
Glaw: It was the only way, Chase….
Chase: I know… Let’s get going.
Ngozi: Chase…
Chase: Yeah, Zi...?
Ngozi: (Reassuringly) You’ll get him back. I believe in you. You’re strong and you are the most caring and smart person, I know. You can do anything.
Chase: Thank you, Zi.
__________
Radmila: No, Ren you are not going to kill him. End of Discussion. We need him.
Ren: (angrily) Why do we need him?
Radmila: He knows the planet’s that work with pirates. The Empress needs that.
Ren: Then let me torture it out of him.
Radmila: Not happening.
Ren: I want to have fun!!
Radmila: You would dare threaten to defy your captain, Ren? You would defy me, the person you love?
Ren: (pouting basically) Why do you want to deny my fun, Mila (drawn out in whinning)?
Radmila: You don’t need to break our gift for the Empress, My Squid.
Ren: (huffs) Fine.
______________
Viv: We’re in the right system, Chase.
Chase: I know. Just… I’m worried about him.
Viv: I think we all are, Chase.
Chase: That’s the planet, yes?
Viv: Yes, that’s home… Varnu. It’s beautiful, isn’t it?
Chase: You’re homesick, aren’t you?
Viv: Yes, but Cassie’s really my home. Let’s go get her and then Olu.
Chase: Yes.
Narrator: Varnu is a simple earth-like planet if you’ve never been to earth. If you have… Well, Varnu is nothing like Earth. It’s run by retired pirates who make sure everyone is treated fairly and outside of the tyrant rule of The Allegiance Military. My favorite part is the mountains made of Blue Granite. They shine like the oceans of Earth. Varnu’s waters are black. Everything is different and, oh, so wonderful.
Viv: The valley between those two mountains up ahead is where we live.
Chase: Alright. ( A bit teasing and fondly) Let’s get you home to the wife.
Viv: (stifled laughter) Don’t let her hear you call her that. She hates that. Something about marriage being an enforced thing by The Allegiance.
Chase: Alright, makes sense, though it was originally human.
Viv: But it’s been enforced by The Allegiance.
Narrator: The building in which Cassandra had made her home was made of a rich blue stone that allowed light to bounce off it in the most blindingly beautiful way. The whole crew of The Barbaric Princess stood in front of the structure for what seemed like forever. Most had never seen anything like it. It was like water, seeming to move while not moving at all. It was… Incredible.
Cassie: So are you just going to gawk all day or come inside, my love?
Viv: (breathless) Cassandra… Oh god, how I’ve missed you…
Cassie: As have I, my love. You can’t believe how my heart feels to have you in my arms again.
Viv: (with a hint of amusement and laughter) I think I have a clue.
Cassie: Now, where is that foolish son of ours?
Viv: Cas… (voice breaks) Herry, has…. She has him…
Cassie: Wh-what do you mean? Oh god, how? What happened?
Viv: The ship got damaged in a debris field and they were right on us. We didn’t have the time to fix it.
Chase: He… (voice breaking) gave himself up so I could fix it…
Cassie: That… That sounds like him. We need to go get him. Oh god… Why did I ever leave? If I hadn’t…
Viv: Love, this is not your fault. He would have done it either way. We both know that. We will get him back. (Pause) I promise.
___________
Olu: Radmila, nice to see you again. I thought I was going to be stuck with Squid Face forever. (Sarcastic) You’ll be more fun to hang out with, won’t you, Captain?
Radmila: (Completely disregarding Olu) Ren, darling, would you give me some time alone with the prisoner?
Ren: (reluctantly) Yes, of course, Dear.
Radmila: Now, dear Olufunmilayo… You are going to tell me where I can find my darling Cassandra or things will stop being… fun for you.
Olu: You may as well get on with it then because I will never tell you where my mother is.
Radmila: (Evil Laughter) Oh precious child… It’s funny you think you can withhold her location from me. I may not have let Ren leave a mark on you, but I can leave whatever marks on you I wish too. You belong to me now; (Pause) just as Cassandra will.
Olu: I think you may be insane. There's a cure for that, you know...
Radmila: (more laughter) Pray tell... what is this miracle cure for my ‘insanity’?
Olu: (Serious, all hints of humor gone.) Death.
Ramila: (crazed laughter) Only one of us shall be dying today, boy.
_________________
Cassie: So we last saw them in the Spara quadrant? My guess is they haven’t gone far.
Viv: They are probably setting a trap. Radmila is obsessed with you after all.
Cassie: (with a hint of pity) She lost her mind. You know I tried to get her to come with me. She wouldn’t though because the goddamn military.
Viv: They’ve broken so many people. The Empress is good at making them feel they’re doing good things.
Cassie: I know. I’m so glad I escaped even if it was too late…
Chase: Captain, I don’t blame you. I haven’t in years. I know you weren’t yourself. It was them.
Cassie: (heavy sigh.) Let’s go get Olu.
Narrator: The Spara quadrant has a total of three solar systems; Spara EE1, Spara EE113, Spara EE449. Each solar system is under the control of The Allegiance. Spara EE1 has been on the forefront of The War For Freedom. Slowly, riots have sprung up through all three systems, ending with a rise in the military personnel stationed within. Punishments have rose from jail time to death for most crimes. Space has been littered with hundreds of thousands of corpses. Debris fields made purely of bodies is not uncommon in the quadrant. Populations struggle due to the constant execution.
Chase: I honestly hoped I’d never be back here… ‘Fields of Sorrow’…. We call them… My parents and brother are out there somewhere…
Viv: I’m sorry, Chase, but this isn’t a time to lose ourselves. We have to keep our minds on saving Olu.
Cassie: (softly) Viv, let him have this… It can’t be easy to be going through this again.
Viv: You’re right.
Ngozi: Chase… Why don’t you let someone else pilot and we can go get ready to kick some Allegiance butt?
Chase: Captain?
Cassie: Of course, Chase. I can pilot rather well, after all.
______
Ngozi: We won’t stand by this time and watch our families die.
Chase: (determined) No we won’t.
Ngozi: Olu is strong, no matter what happens he will come to us.
Chase: I know, let’s just grab what we need.
Murphy: Ah there you are Chase. The Captain told me that it would be the three of us plus Vivian. We’re the strike team!
Ngozi: I think you mean stealth team, Murph.
Murphy: Nope. I’m going to kill as many as these shits as I can.
Ngozi: I think the mission is to rescue people not kill people, Murphy.
Murphy: (Cheerily) I can do both! Didn’t you know?
Ngozi: (sighs with a chuckle) One of these days, Murph, you are going to get us killed. Let’s just not let that be today.
Murphy: (Pouting) None of you are any fun!
________
Cassie: Vivian, be careful, okay? I can’t lose you.
Viv: Cassandra, you worry too much. I know you wanted to go but Radmila is too crazy. I won’t risk you.
Cassie: So I have to risk both of you?
Viv: We’ve done alright for the past six months, Cas.
Cassie: (Sighing) I know, that’s why I’m staying here, plus Chase needs this more than I do.
Viv: I think you're right about that. I feel bad for bringing him back here but this is the heart of the rebellion. We need to be here.
Cassie: I might stay… I think the universe still needs me.
Viv: I don’t know if the universe needs anyone, but I know the crew would love to have you back.
Cassie: (teasingly) What about you, Dear Vivian? Would you love to have me back?
Viv: (soft laughter) I don’t know… I’d have to share the bed again and I’m not sure if I’d be willing to do that.
Cassie: Oh that’s just mean, Viv. (sniffles) I’m hurt.
Viv: You are such a drama queen. Of course, I’d love to have you back. (Lovingly) It would be my only wish to have you back with me, Cassandra.
Cassie: I love you, Vivian, so make sure you come back and bring our son back too.
Viv: I will. (Softly) I love you too. Be ready.
________
Cassie: (Over the intercom) Alright, I have The Carnation in sight. I need you guys suited up and ready to go in five.
Chase: Yes, Captain. (determined) We will get Olu back!
Ngozi: What Chase said, Captain.
Murphy: We’re ready to go kick some Allegiance ass!!
Viv: Alright, let’s go get my son back!
___________
Narrator: Space is cold and barren. Yet, for some reason, seeing a Knazz moving freely through space is a powerful thing. They move with such blinding speed and ease that shouldn't be possible yet somehow it is. Every time Chase sees Ngozi in space it’s like seeing it again for the very first time. Chase watches Ngozi’s face light up in spite of everything going on, watches as he does trick after trick. It even brings a smile to him face and calms him a bit.
Viv: Watch out for the bodies, Ngozi. Chase, find the panels that will open this stupid door.
Chase: On it!
Murphy: Chase, is this the panel?
Chase: Yeah! You may have a hand for mechanic work, Murph! Can you hand me the gear I had you pack?
Murphy: Here.
*swooshing noises*
Radmila: /distant/ (Laughing) You could have just knocked if you wanted in. Come on in.
Vivian: Ah, Radmila, it’s nice to finally meet Cassandra’s ex.
Radmila: (angrily) I will have her heart and I will have your head, (pause and then evil laughter) just like I have your son’s.
Vivian: You and I both know you will never have her back and you would never risk Cassandra never forgiving you for hurting him. So just give him back and we’ll leave.
Radmila: (more laughter) You think I wouldn’t kill that pathetic demon? (Pause) Hilarious.
Chase: Wow… Radmila, I knew you had gone insane but to go as far as threatening the most important people to the person you claim to ‘love’.... That’s low even for you.
Radmila: Insolent child…. (Yelling basically) I raised you and you dare to speak to me in that way?! Did your punishments teach you nothing?
Ngozi: (Slowly and low voice) You will… Never… Touch Him… Ever again.
Chase: You only raised me because you killed my family. Now give him back and I won’t tell Cassandra that you threatened her family. I’ll tell her you aren’t all the way gone; that you can be saved.
Radmila: I…. (Stunned silence before gathering herself) Why should I even believe you? After all I’ve done why would you help me?
Chase: Because Olu is part of my family. I would do anything for any of these people.
Radmila: Tell her… and you can have him… But I get to keep Vivian.
Chase: Not going to happen. We all leave or I will tell her that no can save you!
Viv: Chase.. I will go if it means Olu gets to leave.
Ngozi: No, Chase is right. We all leave or she loses Cassandra’s faith.
Murphy: Or I could just kill her… Might help the resistance!
Chase: No. No killing.
Radmila: Fine, but you need to take him and go. Leave Spara and don’t come back.
Vivian: Just give me my son!
___________
Cassandra: (happy worriedness) Olu, son, are you okay? Come here let me see you.
Olu: Mom, I’m fine. Mom already looked over me, as did Ngozi. Just bruises and cuts. I’ll be fine.
Cassie: Good. Now…. Why are you so stupid?
Olu: Not like I had a choice, Mom.
Cassie: (Huff) I know. I missed you, Orange Juice.
Olu: (Chuckles) Been awhile since you called me that. I missed you too, Mom. When do you have to go back home?
Cassie: I don’t think I’m going too. Not till Radmila is taken care of. I’m not going to risk either of you again.
Olu: I’m glad you’re staying. I think the resistance and The Princess could use your guidance again.
Cassie: We will free everyone together, (pause) as a family.
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