Thomas & the station's chief engineer show Bass the demon in the fuel arch, Bass interviews more staff while considering his assignment and station politics. 90 Degrees South releases new episodes every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. Please take a moment to leave a review and help spread the word.
All songs were properly licensed and obtained through Artlist.io.
90 Degrees South
A BMB Production, LLC
Transcripts can be found at: https://90degreespodcast.com/transcripts
90 Degrees is in no way affiliated nor endorsed (that we’re aware of) by the United States National Science Foundation (NSF) nor the United States Marshal Service (USMS).
We are 100% independently funded and not accepting commercial endorsements or affiliations.
We can put William Shatner into space, but we can’t maintain a solid mobile phone signal in Topanga Canyon. Seems our technological priorities in the United States are out of synch.
Thomas & the station's chief engineer show Bass the demon in the fuel arch, Bass interviews more staff while considering his assignment and station politics. 90 Degrees South releases new episodes every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. Please take a moment to leave a review and help spread the word.
All songs were properly licensed and obtained through Artlist.io.
90 Degrees South
A BMB Production, LLC
Transcripts can be found at: https://90degreespodcast.com/transcripts
90 Degrees is in no way affiliated nor endorsed (that we’re aware of) by the United States National Science Foundation (NSF) nor the United States Marshal Service (USMS).
We are 100% independently funded and not accepting commercial endorsements or affiliations.
We can put William Shatner into space, but we can’t maintain a solid mobile phone signal in Topanga Canyon. Seems our technological priorities in the United States are out of synch.
Ninety Degrees South
EPISODE THREE What's That You Say, Mrs. Robinson?
Brian M Bradley
INTRO MUSIC
ARCHES BACKGROUND AMBIENCE THROUGHOUT SCENE
THOMAS
(midway recounting a scary story)
That's when the drill seized up. Oh boy let me tell ya…people were panicking, yelling over one another, hot steam started to erupt and everything! Thankfully, Zeke was already standing by with a thick wrought iron plug to fill the bore-hole, just in case!
ZEKE
(proud)
That's cast iron, baby! If I used wrought iron, Franklin would already be out and doing demon-ass things causing only God knows what demon-ass damage.
FRANKLIN
(muffled from being inside metal)
Please! Don't bring HIS name up. It hurts the ears!!
ZEKE
Shut your mouth, soul eater, ain't nobody talking to you!
FRANKLIN
Alright, sheesh!
THOMAS
The plug was a converted access hatch we used to use over one of the old fuel pits. We got it ready to be deployed if the geothermal tap hadn't worked! It had already been welded shut to keep the pressure from blasting open the door. We also drilled small porthole valves for occasional inspection. We were checking it when, well …when Franklin appeared inside.
BASS
(confused)
Appeared?
THOMAS
Well yeah! You tell him, Franklin!
ZEKE
(interrupting)
Look, Tommy, you know I respect you! You're the only Dexter I let walk around free down here in these Arches. I don't need beakers coming down and breaking stuff. I don't need sightseeing tours here for the five o'clock freak show.
BASS
Gentlemen! You're keeping a person confided against their will.
That's called kidnapping! It's (sarcastically emphasize) kind of a serious thing.
FRANKLIN
(Muffled)
I like the new guy!
BASS
I want you to get him out and release him. (Stern) Now!
THOMAS
(nervously)
Oh, Deputy Marshal, that would be a horrible idea, sir.
ZEKE
(Getting Angry)
Look, lawman, you may be the authority up on the surface, but they're things it sounds like nobody brought you up to speed on.
SOUND OF OPENING DRAWER
ZEKE
(sarcastic)
Now… don't go all 'Mark Furhman' on me; I'm just reaching for a bottle of water
BASS
Go ahead…
DRAWER CLOSING, SOUND OF WATER SLOSHING
BASS
Oh you can't be serious!
ZEKE
Lawman, I'm serious all day long and twice on Sunday about not letting Damien here outta this here cage! I get it! Some people need to see with their own eyes.
DRINKING WATER
ZEKE
("ahhh" sound after drinking) No tricks! No magic! No sleight of hand! Just consecrated H2O.
FRANKLIN
(nervous, muffled)
Oh c'mon! That's unnecessary, and besides…(factly)… it's just plain rude.
TOSS AND CATCH SOUND
ZEKE
Tommy?
THOMAS
Just regular holy water Deputy Marshal! Down the hatch!
DRINKING SOUND, THEN TOSS AND CATCH SOUND
ZEKE
This round on us, hell-spawn!
HISSING SOUND LIKE STEAM, THEN WHOOOOOSH OF FIRE IGNITING
FRANKLIN
(muffled, Demon Voice, shouting)
OW!!! , AHHHHHHH, ON FIRE!
SOUND OF PATTING OUT FIRE FRANTICLY
FEW SECONDS OF SILENCE
BASS
(flabbergasted)
…..It’s a trick!
ZEKE
(frustrated)
Man, I just got done telling you it's no trick. You saw me and Tommy drink the stuff with your own fool eyes!
BASS
(contemplates, still not believing)
There's… there's some kind of ignition device in there!
ZEKE
(referring to the space around him)
Where are the wires for an electrical ignition? Where's the fuel line for gas and pilot light?
FRANKLIN
(muffled, angry Demon Voice)
I'm fine by the wayyyyyy… I appreciate the concern!
ZEKE
(stern)
This ain't no David Blaine street magic shit. There ain't no cameras around here except the one on your vest! I just met you now, a few minutes ago, but I don't have no reason to impress you. This ain't fantasy, lawman. This here is real-life shit in that cage!
THOMAS
(reassuring)
I know this takes getting used to Deputy Marshal, but we're being 100% serious with you. Scouts honor!
FEW SECONDS OF SILENCE
BASS
I'm going back topside. I have a murder investigation to resume!
THOMAS
I'll head back up with you. (Beat) (Over shoulder) Thanks for showing him, Zeke!
ZEKE
Serious now Tommy! This here is MY vehicle maintenance facility. Ain't no Barnum and Bailey circus tent. You come down here; it's for business! Not to show off Heaven's rejects! My V.M.F. is sacred!
BEGIN SLOW FADE OUT
FRANKLIN
(Back to human voice)
Seriously, some burn ointment? Aloe? Nothing says 'I'm sorry' like nature's own salve!
ZEKE
(warning)
Don't test me, demon! I'm two seconds away from having a super-soaker shipped down here.
FRANKLIN
(confused)
What’s a super-soaker?
ZEKE
oh I'd LOVE to show you!
VMF DOOR CLOSES
ELECTRONIC BOOP, FEMALE ROBOTIC VOICE – RECORDING STOPPED FADE FROM ARCHES BACKGROUND TO STATION BACKGROUND NOISE
ELECTRONIC BEEP
BASS
(VO)(Formal voice)
…This is day 4, US Deputy Marshal Bass Marlow reporting. October 6th, 0530 hours…(nervous cough, informal voice)…Ok I'm not going to even TRY to describe what I witnessed yesterday in the Arches. You don't know what the Arches are, right. It's uh…The main storage and mechanical infrastructure complex that supports the elevated station. It resides in 4 separate large trenches which were dug out 50 feet deep. Arch-shaped domes were constructed inside and then covered with snow and Ice. Prefab buildings were then added inside. Their power plant, their water treatment plant, garage, and fuel are down there, along with. . .’other things'.
BASS
(VO, Formal voice)
After my experience in the arches, I focused back on the case and was taken to the crime scene. Arrived 1750 hours and examined room where the body was discovered by Doctor Karl Jovac. Dr. Jovac and base surgeon Dr. Ambrose accompanied.
2 SECOND PAUSE
BASS
(VO, Formal)
The body was found in the MAPO lab. MAPO sits about a half kilometer away from the main elevated station and is part of what they call 'The Dark Sector'. An area which is kept clear of sources of interference with electromagnetic signals that could hamper radio telescopes. MAPO is the central facility for maintenance and operation of South Pole observing systems such as telescopes and detectors. The room where Rodney was found is a small self-contained office inside the overall MAPO lab and had been sealed off. The tags were still in place and the room had not been entered since Rodney was discovered. (Beat)
BASS
(VO, informal)
Diane, can you ship me a new UV flashlight? Mine isn't working so I'm borrowing a UV cleaning wand from one of the beak…(catches himself) from the scientists. Damn, I'm starting to talk like them now. The wand is working OK, but I want my own gear.
BASS
(VO, Formal)
In-depth investigation didn't net any new information the photos or videos haven't already provided. The one interesting item we did discover was an external drive that was supposed to be in Rodney's office was missing. I've ordered the doctor's laptop to be taken to the local IT team to see if they can determine what may have been on that drive, as well as all Rodney's computer activities for 72 hours leading up the night he was murdered.
BASS
(VO, Formal)
Today also marks the deployment of the NASA lifeline satellite array. Launched several months ago the satellites have aligned themselves to allow for more direct internet access and greater speeds for Antarctic science stations. Now a more stable internet service should be available at least 10 hours per day and with higher bandwidth speed.
SIPS COFFEE
BASS
(VO, informal)
Better than the 1998 dial-up speed they had anyway! (Formal) The first interview at 0900 with Dr. Helena McKendrick, the romantic partner of the deceased Dr. Rodney.
ELECTRONIC BOOP. FADE IN OVERHEAD MAIN STATION BACKGROUND NOISE
HELENA
(offended)
Of course I'm sad to have heard he was murdered, but he wasn't my husband, he was…a summer flower in winter's garden. A distraction that provided temporary comfort for the season.
BASS
(no emotion)
Poetic way of classifying it. Dr. McKendrick…
WRITING ON PAPER
BASS
Had you and Dr. Rodney been having any relationship issues?
HELENA
(dismissive)
Nothing too unordinary.
BASS
(questioning)
Can you… specify
HELENA
Rather *personal* question don't you think Deputy Marshal?
BASS
(Deflecting)
I find homicide even more personal, the more I understand all the elements in Dr. Rodney's life, the sooner I can complete the puzzle.
HELENA
(Resigned)
Like most men I've known, they have problems …' rising to the occasion' when it's cold. Mark was no exception. Walking to and from his precious 'Bicep array' in MAPO certainly didn't help him . . 'stand tall.'
BASS
(dryly)
Other than his performance issues, were there any other problems.
HELENA
(Quick chuckle)
My relationship with Mark was all about performance. We had SEX deputy marshal! I wasn't looking for somebody to confide in and share all my woes. I have one of those back in Bethesda and that's more than enough!
|
| |
BASS
(dryly)
Up till his death were you on good social terms?
HELENA
Yes.
BASS
Tell me about Fred Ferguson.
HELENA
Firefighter Fred? (LOL) Man is a lovesick little puppy-dog…(factly) he was hitting on me 16 seconds after I stepped off the plane in Christchurch.
BASS
You don't have any interest in him?
HELENA
(offended)
No! …I mean…I SUPPOSEEEEE he might appeal to some of the *younger* grad students, but I need a man a bit more… (accentuate the word, sensually) seasoned!
AWKWARD MOMENT OF SILENCE
HELENA
(flirting)
What are you, Deputy Marshal? Thirty-five. . .forty?
BASS
Spoken for, and on the job.
HELENA
So was Mark!
BASS
(pleading)
Doctor!
HELENA
(flirting)
oh please, call me Helena!
BASS
(firm)
Doctor!
HELENA
(playful)
rrmmmm! Likes to take charge too!
TWO SECOND SILENCE
HELENA
(resigned)
Very well Deputy Marshal, I'll behave!
BASS
Thank you! Did Dr. Rodney and Fred get on alright?
HELENA
Not at all. Mark knew full well of the affection Fred had for me. Unrequited or not, Mark could be a bit jealous of the attention other men showed me.
BASS
Did that contention ever manifest to physical altercation?
HELENA
Heard the pie story did you?
BASS
Pie story?...no.
HELENA
(deep sigh)
Well the way I heard it…Mark and Fred were in the galley around the same time. After Mark had finished his lunch he went up to the dessert counter for a piece of pie. (Brush something off her shoulder) Fred saw this, got up from the table he was at and took the last piece of pie Mark was reaching for. Then he made. . .(hesitate but says it) a comment. A rather RUDE comment.
BASS
(curious)
What was this comment?
HELENA
(sighs, curtly)
Aren't you getting enough pie, already?
BASS
What did Dr. Rodney do?
HELENA
He punched him. You have to understand, Mark was. .an academic. I don't think the man had been in a fistfight his entire life, but when Fred said that, he hit him. Knock Fred right out. (clear throat) Well that was a major ordeal let.me.tell.you! Fred started talking about pressing charges until he realized that he'd have to admit he got taken out by a beaker. There was a formal hearing. . .well as 'formal' as things get with Lawrence in charge.
BASS
Dr. Waynewright?
HELENA
Yes. He threatened to send Mark back to the states if there were any more issues. Told Fred he was also being put on notice. Lawrence has little patience for anything that disrupts the smooth operation of the station.
BASS
When did this happen?
HELENA
Uhhh, would have been in …late January.
WRITING IN NOTEBOOK
BASS
I think I have everything I need for now Doctor.
HELENA
May I see your pen a moment?
BASS
Of course, here.
CHAIR SQEAK FORWARD, WRITING IN NOTEBOOK
HELENA
My room number, just in case…you need to follow up with more, questions!
BASS
(cordial)
Good afternoon Doctor.
DOOR OPEN AND CLOSE
BASS
…Unbelievable!
ELECTRONIC BOOP
TWO SECONDS
ELECTRONIC BEEP, FEMALE ROBOTIC VOICE – RECORDING STARTED
CROWDED HALLWAY, LOTS OF CONVERSATION SOUNDS, SHOES SQUEAKING ON TILE. FADE NOSE DOWN 30% AFTER 5 OR 6 SECONDS
BASS
Hey … Mr. Kelley?
THOMAS
(Startled)
Oh geez Deputy Marshal, I didn't hear you walking up!
BASS
(question)
These all the new summer people?
THOMAS
The largest batch anyway. We sometimes get a final few stragglers late the first week and into the next, but other than an 'ungone' or two…this is the bulk of 'em!
BASS
I'm afraid to even…' Un-Gone?'
THOMAS
Oh! No-no. That's just somebody who says their goodbyes and then they have to turn around because of weather or plane issues. They're back where they started and have to say all their 'goodbyes' and 'fair-thee-wells' all over again. (Beat) 'Ungone'!
BASS
(low voice)
Around here…always best to ask!
THOMAS
Uh, that reminds me …you have a message here from the Marshal's office; Hawaii! It came in over CB and was re-routed from McMurdo to us.
PAPER BEING HANDED OVER, UNFOLDED
BASS
(Reading to himself, low voice)
To US Deputy Marshal Bass Marlow, from US Marshal Goodwin blah,blah,blah,blah… National Science Foundation is requesting any 2021 Winterover staff who can be cleared as suspects and were slated to return to the US…(mad) should be allowed to do so?
BASS
(Angry, talking to himself)
What the hell is Charlie thinking???
BASS
(Angry)
Mr. Kelley, How can I get a call out to Honolulu?
THOMAS (nervous)
Oh that's not hard. All our calls go out on VOIP, take a sat-relay to the Beauregard-Lowing complex in Boulder. From there it gets re-routed like any other phone call…but you better hurry.
BASS
Why?
THOMAS
Lifeline four satellite crosses the horizon in 20 minutes.
L.L.-five won't be in position until fourteen hundred hours.
BASS
(Deep sigh)
Any way to make that call without going through Beau-Low?
THOMAS
Well (Beat) I guess the Iridium satellite phones wouldn't have to connect through Beau-low.
BASS
Do we have any?
THOMAS
(nervous again)
Well…. we do have two or three. But they're for emergency use only, Doctor Waynewright's orders.
BASS
(frustrated)
Perfect!
WALKING BACK TOWARDS THE HALLWAY CROWD, CROWD VOLUME SLOWLY BACK TO START LEVELS
THOMAS
(from a distance)
Sorry I couldn't be more help!
SOUND OF OFFICE DOOR CLOSING, REDUCING BACKGROUND CROWD NOISE BY 90%. PHONE HANDSET LIFTED FROM DIAL AND DIAL TONE. 15 DIAL TONES SOUND. PAUSE A MOMENT, STATICY RINGING. RINGING. . . .RINGING
MALE VOICE
(STATIC)
US Marshals office Honolulu, how can I direct your call?
BASS
D.M. Marlow for Marshal Goodwin.
MALE VOICE
(static, happy)
Bass! Howzit?
BASS
Hey Steve, no time for chatting. I lose this satellite in 20 minutes. He in?
MALE VOICE
(static)
Yeah bruh, two-ticks.
STATICY PHONE RINGS. GETS PICKED UP
CHUCK
(VO phone static)
Didn't think it would take long for you to call!
BASS
(mad)
What the fuck Charlie? When did we start rolling over for a defense contractor?
CHUCK
(VO Phone: static, stern)
Ok I figured you'd be mad but let me clarify a thing or two for you. ONE. The request came from the NSF, not from Beauregard-Lowing. …TWO…
BASS
(cuts him off)
… Oh cut the horseshit Charlie! This request has Beau-Low stamped all over it! When was the last time the NSF was so damn…
CHUCK
(VO phone: static, cuts off Bass)
… TWO, The US Marshal's service is at Amundsen-Scott due to the request of the NSF. As such we need to keep this in mind and remember they could insist we hand the investigation over to Ol' Bill Cullagan out of McMurdo; technically he has the jurisdiction in Antarctica; which leads me to point THREE…
BASS
Go ahead
CHUCK
(VO phone: static)
You're generating interest back in DC, Bass. The *wrong* type of interest! I've had Don Washington's office so far up my ass, I can taste patent leather and shoe polish.
BASS
(Defensive)
What's their problem with me?
CHUCK
(VO phone: static)
You're there on a homicide investigation Bass. I'm hearing you're looking into goblins and parallel universes…
HARSH STATIC SOUND THEN, CLICK.
AUTOMATED VOICE
Satellite connection lost… Satellite connection lost…Satellite conn
PHONE HANDSET SLAMMED INTO BASE SET
PAUSE
BASS
(yelling)
FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! FUCK YOU!! YOU MOTHER-FUCKERS CAN GO EAT SHIT AND DIE! FUCK YOUR STATION, FUCK YOUR ORDERS, FUCK YOU AND YOUR DEFENSE BUDGET SPENDING SIDEWAY SELF GRATIFYING ….
OUT OF BREATH HUFFING FOR SEVERAL SECONDS
SIT DOWN IN CHAIR, LEG SQUEAK ON TILE
KNOCK ON DOOR AND OPENS(up crowd noise 25%)
CHERYL-LYNN
(curious, southern accent)
Y'all ok in here Shug?
BASS
(still winded)
I'm ok Ms. June, thanks for checking in on me.
CHERYL-LYNN
(motherly)
Well now bless your heart! You can't be rasin' that much Kane for another few days! You only just arrived and the altitude will get you winded faster than a knife fight in a phone booth. (Resolved) Now you just sit there a spell and I'll fetch ya a glass of water.
BASS (winded)
No Ms. June, I’m ok!
CHERYL-LYNN
(from around the corner)
You are so Darlin! You thought that was a suggestion! (voice coming back from around the corner) Now I want you to slowly sip this over the next ten minutes and stay in that chair. The hydration will make you right as rain again. (motherly) I don't see you sipping your drink Deputy!
DRINKING SOUND
CHERYL-LYNN
(happy)
Thank youuuuuu. I'll just be around that corner if y'all need anything else.
BASS
Thank you, Ms. June
CHERYL-LYNN
(motherly)
You're welcome shug!
DRINKING WATER
ELECTRONIC BOOP, FEMALE ROBOTIC VOICE – RECORDING STOPPED
ELECTRIC BEEP; JOHNNY CASH LIKE TWANGY SONG IN BACKGROUND, LOW
BASS
(VO, informal, a bit tipsy, contemplative)
Diane, when I came here I knew it wasn't going to be easy. No serious crime has ever been committed by an American on Antarctic soil. No murder has ever been committed by any nation's citizen on Antarctic soil. A very unfortunate distinction for us.
DRINK, GLASS KLINKING WITH ICE
BASS
(VO, informal)
You've known me for 10 years, Diane, I'm not one to shirk from a challenge. Lack of resources, lack of support staff, lack of proper communications; all this I can overcome. The man I was named for, Bass Reeves worked in Indian & Oklahoma territories in the 19th century and didn't have any of the luxuries we have today. This is a challenge I fully accept
TAKES A DRINK, ICE KLINKING
BASS
(VO, informal, a bit tipsy)
What I can't…accept. What I WON'T accept is being under-dermind-ed by a cut-throat defense contractor with no moral compass. (accusatory) There was still 10 minutes left on that (slur)stat-a-lite. I know BOLO was listening in. AHEM. Hey!!!!! What WAS that Dustin Hoffman movie in the '60s? Having an affair with an older woman? (singing, badly) What's that you say, Mrs. Robinson…that one!
TAKES A DRINK, ICE KLINKING
BASS
(VO, informal, a bit tipsy)
Which reminds me…need you to requisition a (slur)stat-a-lite phone. Iridium!
SIP/SLURP
BASS
(VO, informal, tipsier)
Need one of em. Best.shipping.possible! So fun facts as I look at my drink and talk at you! The locals have a drink they make called 'popey'. It's any booze you have, poured over Antarctic ice, HUNDREDS of THOUSAND years old! (Reminiscing, pontificating) in a way…Diane, you could say the ice I'm staring at in my glass of Knob Creek Bourbon right now, frozen 250,000 years ago was made exactly for this moment. Waiting for me to be here. In this place.
SILENCE, JUST HUM ABOVE
BASS
(VO, informal, drunk)
Fact theeeeeee, second. Drinking, (reciting fast)atAltitudesOfExtremeHeightAboveFiveThousandFeetCanAccelerateTheEnebrationProcess! (exhale)
BASS
(VO, informal, drunk)
Fact the Three….Two seconds…
FUMBLE WITH RECORDER AND THEN ELECTRIC BOOP
ELECTRIC BEEP
BASS
(VO, informal, drunk)
Sorry Diane, I had to pee! (clears throat) Now…where was I?
PHONE RINGS
BASS
(panicked)
SHITTTTT! No no no no no, you got this! (Deep breath, clears throat)
BUTTON PUSH BEEP
BASS
(VO Formal Voice)
Deputy Marshal Marlow.
THOMAS
(VO/PHONE)
Good evening Deputy Marshal. Sorry to disturb you at this hour, but wanted to let you know I've notified the 4 individuals you want to interview tomorrow. Also…iffffff you wanted to know. LL-7 crests in 5 minutes.
BASS
(VO Formal Voice)
Thank you. Mr. Kelly.
THOMAS
(VO/PHONE)
Oh no problem at all sir. Good night.
CLICK
BASS
(VO, informal, drunk)
The third…thing. Is named: 'Kendra'! I don't know what it is Diane. She is just… it's hard to put in words. (chuckle) You know, when … my wife and son…(HUGE SIGH) mmmmm, sorry….I didn't think I'd care for anybody again. (Ponders a sec). NO NO! Not saying I have feelings for a woman I just met and had a grand total of 4-minute conversation with. It just…I don't know. Something there, maybe? EH.
TURNS MUSIC OFF
BASS
(VO, informal, drunk)
Obviously none of this is for the formal investigation transcript. Please reach out to Charlie, let him know I'll call him back when able. Thanks, Diane. Goodnight. (Formal, but drunk) This is day 4, US Deputy Marshal BASS MARLOW reporting. October 6th, 2355 hours. Conclude the day…report…BASS, OUT!!
OUTRO MUSIC & CREDITS