We learn more about the Norwegian science "Trolls" as they visit the station. Waynewright gets new orders from Beauregard-Lowing. Franklin the demon's past from the 1980s is discussed and we learn about the 300 club. 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 do not accept commercial endorsements or affiliations.
Sad day. My son says he is officially too old to sit on my lap and steer the Jeep. Guess this means I have to get an Uber home from the pub from now on.
We learn more about the Norwegian science "Trolls" as they visit the station. Waynewright gets new orders from Beauregard-Lowing. Franklin the demon's past from the 1980s is discussed and we learn about the 300 club. 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 do not accept commercial endorsements or affiliations.
Sad day. My son says he is officially too old to sit on my lap and steer the Jeep. Guess this means I have to get an Uber home from the pub from now on.
Ninety Degrees South EPISODE SEVEN Now you’re under control.
INTRO MUSIC
Part II of II
Brian M Bradley
NARRATOR Previously, on Ninety Degrees South
SOUND CLIPS FROM THE LAST EPISODE WITH SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
FADE IN, LARGE BRAWL IN PROCESS. YELLING, VIKING HOWLS, GLASS BREAKING.
1
THOMAS (nervously)
Really doctors! There is no need for (sound of a yelling person being thrown over sofa) such violence!
CHRISTIAN (Rope på norsk)
Den døde bestemoren min slåss bedre enn deg!
My dead grandmother fights better than you!
KARL (shouting)
DOCTOR ISAKENS, PUT HIM DOWN!
SOUND OF FAST DRINKING, NORWEGIAN 'SKOL!' AND THEN GLASS BEING SHATTERED
JIMMY (Shouting)
NOT MY ACCORDION, I JUST GOT IT... BAD ACCORDIAN SOUND
JIMMY ...Tuned, awe man!
COUPLE MORE SECONDS OF THE FIGHT FEST SOUNDS, AND THEN INSANELY LOUD FINGER WHISTLE. FIGHTING SOUND STOP.
BASS (Authority Voice)
THAT IS ENOUGH! (loud, but not yelling) Now. I am a Federal Officer and United States Deputy Marshal on special assignment. I will place, under arrest the next person who punches, pushes, kicks, shoves, or otherwise physically assaults
2
anybody from this point on. TREATY OR NO TREATY...Do not test me!
CHRISTIAN (På norsk)
Hvem er den mannen der, og skal jeg liksom slå han eller høre på han?
Who is this Man, and am I supposed to punch him or listen to him?
ISELIN (På norsk)
Han er politi. Han virker sint, men det kan også bare være forstoppelse.
Government Police. He seems angry, may also be constipated. Not sure.
CHRISTIAN (På norsk)
Spør om hva han heter. Ask him his name
ISELIN (In English)
Hello, Officer Marshal. I am Doctor Iselin Nybo, climatologist. This is Doctor Christian Isakson, also a climatologist. The man with an American in a headlock is Doctor Erling Noorderm, Geologist. Please, what is your name?
BASS
Bass Marlow. US Deputy Marshal. Would you help...please
with the headlock situation!
ISELIN (Strengt på norsk)
(Direkte) Erling! Slipp da! (Rolig) Han heter Bass Marlow. Erling! Drop the Yankee already! His name is Bass Marlow.
3
COUGH
CHRISTIAN (Nysgjerrig, på norsk)
Hva er betydningen av navnet? Bass?
What does his name mean, Bass?
ISELIN
(To Bass, friendly, English)
In Nordic cultures, our names sometimes have meanings. 'Iselin', my name means ‘dream or vision'; Doctor Isakson asks, what does your name mean?
BASS (Calmly1)
I was named after the first black man to have ever worn a US Marshal’s badge. Bass Reeves. He was a cowboy in Oklahoma and the indigenous territories. What used to be called ‘Indian territory.’ He was my father’s hero.
ISELIN (Ivrig, på norsk)
Han er en amerikansk cowboy!
He’s an American Cowboy
CHRISTIAN (Impressed, Broken English)
Yankee Cowboy?
ERLING
(Shocked, Broken English)
Yankee Cowboy!
BASS (Correcting)
4
Well ...now not...
THOMAS (Showboating)
YES! He’s not just ANY western Cowboy! Why...who you have here is a... Marshal Cowboy!
ERLING
(På norsk) Marshal?
ISELIN (På norsk)
Lensmann.
Sheriff
CHRISTIAN (Impressed, Broken English)
Yankee. Cowboy. Sheriff!
SLOW NORWEGIAN LAUGH AND EXCITEMENT
ISELIN (English)
Mr. Kelley, they say you have honored them by bringing a true western cowboy to the station to greet them. This has been a dream of Doctor Isakson’s since he was a child. (humbled) Please, tell Doctor Waynewright we are most appreciative of this grand gesture to the Norwegian people!
BASS (Confused)
Doctor Waynewright is not here?
5
THOMAS (Embarrassed)
He...had an urgent phone call from Colorado. Beauregard- Lowing business. He said he’d attend after his call ended.
BASS (disgusted)
I see. Doctor Nybo, thank you for helping me defuse the situation here. Why don’t we move to the galley and continue the reception there until dinner is served? I don’t want anybody to hurt themselves on broken glass, cucumber sandwiches and...(not sure what he sees) accordions? Is that really...(snaps back) Mr. Kelley would you...?
THOMAS (happily)
Of course depu...Sherriff, Happy to help!
ISELIN (warmly)
I will make sure Doctors Isakesn and Noorderm understand.
THOMAS (loudly)
Alright everybody...we’re moving to the galley. Grab your drinks and plates! (considers aloud) Unless they’re on the floor, I suppose... LET’S GO! LET’S MOVE.
BASS (sternly)
I'll go find Waynewright!
ISELIN (English, excited)
You will join us in the dining room afterward, Ja?
6
BASS (politely)
Yes, Doctor, of course.
CROWD NOISE TRAILS OFF AS BASS WALKS DOWN HALL. FOOTSTEPS WITH LITE HALLWAY CHATTER. SIX OR SEVEN SECOND WALK. SPEAKING LEVEL VOICE BEGINS TO BECOME AUDIBLE
2SP
LARRY
(behind a closed door, muffled)
...and I can ensure you, the Ice Tunnels were never compromised at any time.
MADALINE
(On Speakerphone / Curt / Direct)
Whatever you need to do in order to get the Norwegians off my station, DO IT! I want them gone.
LARRY
(behind closed door, muffled)
...They depart tonight. They didn't seem interested in the tunnels at all, and even if they had insisted, we would have pushed the usual line.
MADALINE
(On Speakerphone / Curt / Direct)
You can pat yourself on the back later, Larry! Just get them out of there! I don't need this complication right now and don't want the Marshal snooping either. I'm told he's getting too involved down there.
2SP
7
2SP
LARRY
(behind closed door, muffled)
The DEPUTY Marshal is being monitored. He's under control.
MADALINE
(On Speakerphone / Curt / Direct)
I want the experiments restarted as soon as posable after the Norwegians are gone. I want to see the next set of telemetry reports by end of this week. We only have six months before it reappears again, and I want to be ready.
LARRY
(behind closed door, muffled)
I understand, we’ll be ready.
SOUND OF QUICK SHUFFLING OFF. FEMALE ROBOTIC VOICE – RECORDING STOPPED
2SP
ELECTRONIC BEEP
DRINK
BASS (VO)
I snuck into my office, Diane. I internally debated with myself on what to do. Should I confront him on what I just heard, play it off as if I didn’t listen to it?
8
BASS (VO)
I waited until I heard him starting down the hallway and confronted him there. Feigned like I had just missed him in his office. I asked him why he didn’t attend the beginning of the reception, which he told others they were required to be in attendance. (Deep breath) I figured it best not to mention the phone call I had just heard...had just eavesdropped on. (thinks) If I were to tell him, his guard would go up even more. No, I think it best to keep this to myself for now.
BASS (VO)
The remainder of the reception, what could be salvaged anyway, went fairly smooth and without much incident. I had always thought the old cliché of Europeans believing the old west was alive and well was just that... .'cliché. Seems I was mistaken!
DEEP BREATH
BASS (VO)
Although I was the wild west center stage for our Troll guests, I was able to sneak away for a bit to mingle with others...
BACKGROUND HUM FADES OUT, AND COCKTAIL RECEPTION MINGLING FADES IN
THOMAS (happy)
oh, hello again, Deputy Marshal!
BASS
(seeking explanation)
9
Real American Cowboy Sheriff?
THOMAS (gleeful chuckle)
I apologize for that, but gee...in the 4 years I’ve been here, I’ve never seen the trolls this... calm! I guess we have you to thank for that!
BASS What is it with them anyway?
THOMAS (explaining)
Oh they don’t mean anything by it, Deputy Marshal, that’s just their custom. (consider) I don’t think they see it as ‘fighting’ per se. Just. . .well, I guess the closest thing we would have would be ‘horseplay.’
BASS
So I witnessed. Horseplay is one thing but when you're play
fighting with somebody built like a Chicago Bear’s defensive lineman. . .that’s a whole other issue. Has anybody ever been seriously hurt?
THOMAS (reassuring)
oh no no, certainly not! Bruises and scratches, sure. Maybe a cut or two from debris...I think once there was a cracked rib. All in all, it's the furniture and equipment that takes the brunt of the damage.
LAUGHING FROM OFF IN THE BACKGROUND. TOASTING ‘SKOL’!
BASS
(refocusing on Thomas)
Something else I wanted to ask you.
10
2SP
THOMAS (helpful)
Anything! You know that!
BASS Franklin.
THOMAS (cautious, lower tone)
We’ve been told to keep some topics silent while our guests are on station. Waynewright’s orders, you understand.
BASS
(matches lower tone)
I'll make it quick then. He's a lawyer?
THOMAS (low tone)
Yes. He said he possessed a young lawyer in Ronald Regan’s 1980’s Los Angeles. Franklin explained that for demons, 80’s Los Angeles was like Las Vegas, Mardi Gras, Carnavale, Oktoberfest, and Chuck-e-Cheese all combined into one. Franklin was having such a good time that he went ahead and finished his Law degree while high on cocaine. Finished 2nd in a class of 200.
BASS (low tone)
Embellishment?
11
THOMAS (Low tone)
Probably, Franklin likes to talk!
ISELIN
(From a distance, raised voice)
Mr. Bass, please... come join us!
BASS Thanks Thomas.
MINGLING SOUNDS, GLASSES KLINKING
BASS (Cordial)
Doctor.
ISELIN
Hello, Officer Marshal. I wanted to thank you one more time
for the hospitality you and other researchers have shown us.
BASS (Humble)
I shouldn’t take any credit; I just happened to be here at the same time you came to visit. May I ask, what brings you to see the station?
ISELIN (happy)
No mystery; we get bored. Our station, Troll one and
Troll two, are nowhere as large as your South Pole Station or as McMurdo. Coming here is ...I believe your saying is a pressure valve from the constant boredom and same routine each day.
12
BASS (Curious)
Do you also visit the other stations?
ISELIN
Nowhere near as much. They are smaller stations, much fewer
people, and they don’t understand us the same way you Americans do. It is probably the main reason why we look forward all year to returning at the start of the summer season. This is great for our morale and after a long dark winter.
BASS
How many people at your station?
ISELIN (Thinks)
At the moment, for the summer season, around 40. Over last winter there were six. Three left when the first planes arrived to bring in the summer teams. I, Christian & Erling were the only ones who stayed a full year.
BASS (understanding)
I can understand why you would need to visit others. Seven months in the same place with the same six faces... that would be difficult.
ISELIN (happily)
With the new dedication and opening of Troll II, we will now house double this number each season. Plus, Station II is only an hour's travel by plane to you here.
13
BASS
I heard of the new station being completed.
Congratulations!
ISELIN (curious)
And you; Officer Marshal? If you are not a researcher or doctor, why did your government send you to Amundsen- Scott?
BASS (cautious)
There was, unfortunately, a homicide committed in April. I am here to investigate.
ISELIN
Yes, I recall hearing something about this on the radio. We
thought it was just a rumor or misunderstanding. Did you find the killer?
BASS The investigation is still...
CRASH FROM OFF IN THE DISTANCE AND THEN YELLING SOUNDS OF A BRAWL.
BASS (curtly)
Please excuse me, Doctor!
BASS (LOUD)
BREAK IT UP RIGHT NOW, DID YOU NOT HEAR WHAT I SAID TWENTY MINUTES AGO....
14
BRAWLING SOUNDS FADE OUT. 2SP
ELECTRIC BEEP
DRINK
BASS (VO)
It was like herding cats Diane, no lie! You get them all quieted down and calm, and the stupidest thing starts the whole thing rolling again. I still don’t understand what set that off. I think one of the Biggs Brothers. . .David and Dan, did I tell you about them? Anyway, *huge* hockey fans.
BASS (VO)
So, one of the Trolls also enjoys hockey. He
commented about the US hockey win in the 1980 Olympics. Offense was taken, and it all started back up. (sigh) Thankfully, we got them separated before it
went too far or spilled over to the other Trolls starting up.
BASS (VO)
Waynewright had dinner served slightly earlier than intended. He was anxious to get them back on the way to their
station. There wasn’t much damage from the tussle in the galley. A few knocked-over tables, chairs scattered, all easily fixed.
CHERYL-LYNN
2SP
15
DRINK
(VO/PA IN BACKGROUND)
Repair team six; please report to B-1 lounge. Repair team six; need ya'll in B-1. Thank youuuuuuuuuu
BASS (VO)
Dinner was served, and any classic American entree you would find in a 1950’s diner was on tonight’s menu. The Trolls were beside themselves with dishes they had only seen in movies and old television shows. Everything was sampled.
BASS (VO)
They’re not bad people, Diane. I understand the
apprehension from the locals. Especially given their actions and behavior this evening. (Beat, introspective) Yet; at the same time, I think we don’t truly get how well off we have it here than other nations trying to compete and keep
up. This base has anywhere from 40-50 people over the Winter isolation season. That is the same number most other nations have at max over the accessible summer season. Imagine having only a half dozen people to interact with for half a year. Tell me you wouldn’t go slightly stir crazy and act out when you saw new people again!
BASS
(VO) (clears throat; formal)
Attended a dinner banquet for visiting dignitaries, representing the US Marshal’s Service from 1800 to approximately 1930. Despite the apparent dissatisfaction of Area Manager Doctor Waynewright, was invited by our guests to sit with them at the head table.
BASS
16
PAGE FLIP
(VO) (Formal)
Provided them with publicly accessible, non-sensitive accounts of various activities undertaken while in the Marshal’s service. Examples include fugitive apprehension, suspect transfers, federal warrant execution, and protecting government officials.
BASS (VO)
2SP
Hrmmm. (formal) Dinner concluded at 19:30 hours. Desserts comprised of fresh fruit and coffee were served. Pleasantries were exchanged, and dignitaries departed the station at 20:30 Hrs. All formal reports to be drafted and audio/video updates to be submitted in the next bulk data transmission on twenty- four October. Currently 21:10 hours; October 21, 2021, investigation day nineteen. US Deputy Marshal Bass Marlow. End.
BASS
(Informal, more relaxed)
Ok, Diane. Gonna need you to edit before sending it to NSF and Beau-Low. Some of the footage from the camera and recorder didn’t make it. Extreme temperatures, from both directions; Here’s what happened the rest of the night...
BASE HUM FADE OUT, QUIET CROWD CHATTING FADES IN
CHRISTIAN (På norsk)
Så han ser på den første mannen og sier, "bare hvis du sitter baklengs på den."
So, he looks at him and says, “only if you sit on it backward”.
17
ISELIN (Translating in English)
He told the first man You have to sit on it backward. POLITE LAUGHING, NOT OVERBOARD
LARRY (Feigned humor)
How...colorful.
HELENA (smiling)
Oh, please do tell Doctor Isakson he tells the most delightful jokes.
ISELIN (På norsk)
Doktoren som oppfører seg som en katt i varmen sier du er morsom.
The doctor who acts like a cat in heat says you are funny.
LARRY (Dismissing)
Well, where HAS the time gone this evening? It’s a shame we couldn’t... (confused) is something the matter? What is it you’re looking. . .oh. . .no!
(MURMING DISCUSSION in NORWEIGEAN
BASS
(Leans over to Zeke)
Zeke, what's going on?
ZEKE (Amused)
Aw Lawman, things are about to get wild up in here!
18
ISELIN (Ecstatic)
As if our visit this season was not remarkable enough, the elements provided a perfect end to the evening. Let us do...Three hundred clubbing!
HELENA (Excited)
Ohhh, what a wonderful idea!
LARRY (cautioning)
Well, Doctors, I think that for safety...
BASS (Obviously amused)
Now Doctor Waynewright; we don't want to pass up the perfect evening . . .do we?
LARRY (not amused)
I think, DEPUTY Marshal, we shouldn’t keep our guests too long in such a dreadful and dangerous cold. (Beat) I took the liberty of calling ahead to PAX terminal to have their plane started up a short time ago. (Cautious not to offend them) So the deep cold didn’t seize up the engine, of course!
BASS (Taking a dig)
Well then, how fortunate for all of us. With the plane started we can help them experience the end of the evening with . . .(beat) three-hundred clubbing.
ZEKE
(Trying not to crack up, low voice)
19
Oh Bass, you don’t know, do you!
LARRY (perverse pleasure)
Well then, As you have been so kind in regaling stories and our ...guests hold you in such great regard, by all means; (to all) Enjoy your three hundred club experience... I’ll alert Doctor Ambrose in the med lab.
BASS (Serious)
Wait...what?
ZEKE BUSTS OUT LAUGHING, THOMAS SNICKERS
ISELIN (excited)
We will freshen up and meet in the sauna in five minutes.
LARRY
Mr. Bustamante and Kelly, I’m sure would love to join you too,
wouldn’t you!
LARRY (whisper to Bass.)
Don’t trifle in matters you don’t understand... DEPUTY Marshal.
ZEKE
(PISSED, LOW VOICE)
Youuuuuu mutha (DISTORTION AND GLITCH)
2SP
ERROR SOUND FROM CAMERA ‘BOOP BOOP BOOOOOOOO’ WALKING DOWN EMPTY HALLWAY, DISCUSSING INTERNALLY
20
BASS (Sentence in process)
...did I agree us to do exactly?
ZEKE (Mad)
Damn, lawman! How’s your fool ass been down here a month almost and nobody explained what the 300 club was?
HELENA (reassuring)
Oh, it’s not that bad, Ezekiel! Seriously, Deputy Marshal, you are in for a treat. There is simply no sensation like
it... (considers) Well, then again...
THOMAS (Nervous)
Uhhhh guys...I don’t think I can do this. I get all sweaty, and then a bit ...a bit woozy...
BASS (frustrated)
Still waiting for a description!
HELENA (Explaining)
The three hundred club was started down here years ago by winterovers back in the ’90s. When the temperature outside drops to 100 below.... which it looks like it will do soon, you sit in a sauna at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for ten minutes. Once your body is ready, you walk outside naked, around the ceremonial pole. . .
(Distortion, glitching ) ERROR SOUND FROM CAMERA ‘BOOP BOOP BOOOOOOOO’ DOCTOR WARNING IN PROCESS
21
JULIAN
...to avoid getting frostbite! Do not talk! Do not ‘whoo-hoo.' Breathe slow, short breaths. The frigid air will damage your airways and lungs if you don’t listen.
BASS Is Mr. Kelly ok?
ZEKE
He’ll be fine. He passes out when he gets overly nervous.
Seeing Doctor McKendrick and Iselin naked was too much.
JULIAN (Scolding)
You gentlemen need to pay attention! I do not advise
this. As the station’s lead medical physician, this is not only dangerous; it’s reckless and childish!
MURMURING IN NORWEGIAN
JULIAN (questioning)
Do they understand Doctor Nybo? ISELIN
Ja!
Yes
JULIAN
Once you get back in, you will come back immediately to the
sauna and sit for 10 minutes. I will be here to check your vitals.
22
BASS
I can’t believe I tricked myself into this!
HELENA (flirting)
I'm glad you did! Hmmm, it really does match your shoesize huh ?
ZEKE
(psyching himself up)
If we going to do this...let's do this!
JULIAN
External temps at 101 below. One...two...
(Distortion, glitching ) ERROR SOUND FROM CAMERA ‘BOOP BOOP BOOOOOOOO’
QUICK SOUND OF BLOWING SNOW
(Distortion, glitching ) ‘BOOP BOOP BOOOOOOOO’ CRUNCHING SNOW WITH BOOTS. FOUR OR FIVE STEPS (Distortion, glitching ) ‘BOOP BOOP BOOOOOOOO’ STRONG WIND SOUND, DOOR CLOSE.
HELENA (euphoric)
Didn't I tell you, what a rush! NORWEIGNS LAUGHING
ZEKE (Cold)
Trolls loved it; you gonna be a legend in their eyes, lawman.
23
JULIAN
(Worried, from a bit away)
Everyone.... I must insist you hurry back to the sau... (Distortion, glitching ) ‘BOOP BOOP BOOOOOOOO’
BASS
...think body cam is coming back. Go ahead, I’m right behind
you; it’s making ‘BOOP BOOP BOOOOOOOO’
BASS
... green light stopped flashing and is solid, so I’m
KENDRA
Bass? (shocked) OH MY GOD, YOU'RE...
BASS Kendra!
KENDRA (embarrassed)
Oh. .oh my...were you...three hundred club?
JULIAN (Insistent)
Deputy Marshal, that was not a friendly request. I am giving you a medical order!
BASS (heart sinks)
Kendra, I'm soooo...
24
KENDRA (calm)
No, it’s ok...just...alot to take in; (shock) I didn’t mean that...to refer to...I meant to say...
JULIAN (Stern)
Last chance Deputy Marshal! KENDRA
Go, go!
BASS Coming, Doctor!
FRANTIC STEPS UP THE STAIRS
JULIAN
When I say now, I don’t mean. . .
‘BOOP BOOP BOOOOOOOO’ RECORDING STOPPED. RECHARGE UNIT.
2SP
BACKGROUDN STATION HUM
BASS
And that Diane, is how my intentions backfired, how I
embarrassed myself, almost froze, was electrically shocked, and accidently exposed myself to Kendra... all within 10 minutes.
25
BASS (VO)
I.T. guys said they think the body cam is fixable. Emery thinks he’ll have it up and running by morning. The data card...... is going to be twitchy at best. (laughs) I threatened them with federal prison if nude shots of ANY of the participants show up anywhere on the net. Fairly sure they’ll behave!
HAMMER HITTING NAILS
MIKHAIL (VO, distance)
Why is cake in DVD machine?
BASS (VO, informal)
The trolls left about 45 minutes ago. The look on their faces expressed a deep joy and admiration I have seldom seen in my life. They have asked that they be able to return the favor and host me and the others at Troll II. (cough) I’ll have to check my calendar.
BASS (VO, Informal)
From what Zeke tells me, this is the least amount of damage they’ve seen around here in the entire time he’s been on station. He and many others seem to think I was the cause. (Beat) I’d like to think it was due to me being a US Deputy Marshal and not the....... ‘Ice Sheriff'.
FEMALE VOICE (VO, Distance)
We found Doctor Bernard! He’s passed out in the cupboard over here.
BASS (VO)
By the look of things, the DeWalts will have this place back to normal by tomorrow night, and the only actual causality was one accordion.
JIMMY
(VO, from a distance but walking closer)
Oh, you didn’t hear! The damage wasn’t as bad as I thought. Dan Biggs patched her up, and she’s playing fine! I get to go right back to playing my Rage!
ACCORDION NOTES
BASS (VO)
Diane, meet Jimmy. 2021 winner of Antarctica has Talent. Jimmy...Diane. Handler and back-office wizard of organization. (Beat) Jimmy, play the lady a tune!
Outro (killing in the name of on Accordion) and credits.