Ep. 16: How We Respond

After threading a volatile asteroid field, the crew regroups. Repairs are underway, systems are  steady, but not everyone’s ready to move on. The Outcasters take a moment to recalibrate, to remember, and to let off a little steam.

Directed by Ro Glenn 

Written and Produced by Laurel Steele 

Editing & Sound Design by Alex Godina 

Assistant Sound Design by Max G 

Episode Art by Alex Durazo 

Original Design for Outcaster Ship by Alex Durazo

Graphic Design by Yesica Mendoza 

Sound Editing by Montse Márquez

Sound Mixing by Alin Brindis 

Science-Fiction Consultancy by Javier Calatayud

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Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:04

Outcaster radio.

SPEAKER_06 0:08

I don't know what to say.

SPEAKER_00 0:11

Good morning, Outcasters. This is Captain Tanaka. Tuning in on March 19th. 2143. Last Thursday's encounter with the asteroid field was a stark reminder of how unpredictable space can be. We pulled together as only the Outcaster team can. Ket's swift repair work saved us from further damage. And our navigation systems are fully operational again. Just a few more panel replacements on the Outcaster's belly will be on our way. Our primary goal remains delivering the distress signal we received from the Seraphim to the rest of the Federation. Although we're still a week away, I'm hopeful we'll reach the nearest relay station without further incident. As long as we're not dead, mistakes in the cosmos are a chance to recalibrate, learn, and grow. And sometimes what feels like a mistake is really just a misfortune. The important thing is how we respond. Now, let's set the tone for the day with Velvet Notes by Rena Chase. Take a moment to breathe it in as we continue forward.

SPEAKER_02 2:25

It's been at least a year since I've used my bomber for anything other than blasting asteroids to make way for drones. It felt good to dust off the old targeting system.

SPEAKER_07 2:37

You mean my targeting system, Joey? Don't forget who's kept that thing running through all your near misses.

SPEAKER_08 2:46

It was just like old times, wasn't it? All of us operating at full tempo. Cho and Chapman weaving, Ket patching, Shoney and Joe obliterating anything in our paths.

SPEAKER_07 3:04

Amara. And our rookie didn't do half bad herself.

SPEAKER_04 3:11

I don't think she sees it that way.

SPEAKER_11 3:16

Speaking of, anyone heard from Silk? Feels weird not having her chime in.

SPEAKER_09 3:24

You're right. She's been practically silent all week.

SPEAKER_05 3:30

She actually asked to go off comms for today.

SPEAKER_08 3:35

Probably still sorting her thoughts.

SPEAKER_05 3:40

I cruised past her ship earlier. She's hovering two clicks out, just sitting there, staring out her cockpit window.

SPEAKER_08 3:50

I think she's been doing repairs on our ships at night. Monday, I noticed some new plating on Compa's dorsal, which I know I didn't put there.

SPEAKER_09 4:01

Same thing with Dusty's bow.

SPEAKER_06 4:06

Her fighter was patched days ago, but she's always in the hangar first thing in the morning, looking exhausted.

SPEAKER_00 4:22

Over the past month, Yokusugiora's latest album has found its way onto playlists, from lunar lounges to deep space outposts, proving that music is meant to travel. Its title track has become a favorite across multiple planetary systems. Here's Handmade.

SPEAKER_07 4:45

One, two, three, four. Jog my memory, too.

SPEAKER_09 5:13

Do you ever miss the chaos of pirating?

SPEAKER_07 5:17

Sometimes. But there were moments when I miscalculated. And those moments stick with me.

SPEAKER_10 5:27

For me, it was a fleeing war zone. Sure, it was a thrill. But when I got it wrong, it wasn't just cargo we lost.

SPEAKER_07 5:37

That's a different kind of weight, too.

SPEAKER_10 5:43

Honestly, there were nights when I thought I couldn't fly again. But I just had to keep going. Doubt's loud, but it doesn't have to drown you out.

SPEAKER_07 5:54

Yeah, that's the truth, isn't it? Making sure doubt doesn't get the last word.

SPEAKER_03 6:19

Broadcast by the Fed 57 Frequency.

SPEAKER_00 6:31

Barak Demir traces his roots to the Anatolian highlands of Earth, but he was raised in the orbital shipyards of Colatus 9, where the welding torches and the station's low frequency vibrations shaped his early sound. You can hear it in Echoes of Alloy, a track that melds old world melodies with a metallic pulse.

SPEAKER_05 7:22

Unfortunately not. Like I said, she's still sitting out there just floating.

SPEAKER_08 7:31

Poor thing. We've all done our fair share of just floating after a tough mission.

SPEAKER_05 7:40

She's probably replaying it over and over in her head.

SPEAKER_08 7:56

The commander chewed me out, but you better believe I never made that mistake again.

SPEAKER_06 8:04

That's nothing. First time I was in a combat situation, I wired a critical relay backward. Jettisoned half the cargo.

SPEAKER_08 8:15

Half the cargo? Sugar. That's impressive in the worst way.

SPEAKER_02 8:23

Did you at least wave goodbye to the payload?

SPEAKER_05 8:28

Not funny, Joe. Captain wasn't thrilled. But here's the thing. Nobody remembers it now but me. We fixed it, moved on, and I learned not to rush, just because the pressure's on.

SPEAKER_08 8:44

It's part of the job, isn't it? Silk will realize that soon enough.

SPEAKER_00 9:06

The band Kalabu Drift takes its name from an old legend on their homeworld. In their native tongue, Kalabu means ashen gray, the color of the mist that rolls over the mountains at dawn. According to the story, those who follow the mist are doomed to lose their way forever. A fate eerily reflected in the band's music. Their song, Moonlit Errant, pulls listeners in like a wandering fog, leaving them adrift.

SPEAKER_03 9:44

This transmission is not Federation approved.

SPEAKER_02 10:11

Silk's out there tearing into that asteroid like it owes her half a million credits.

SPEAKER_07 10:20

Better the rock than her holding it all in.

SPEAKER_02 10:26

Ken, Amara, Cho. Get over here and take a look. We're hovering just past the outcaster's upper engine bay. Looks like she's been at it for a while now.

SPEAKER_05 10:40

On my way.

SPEAKER_09 10:51

Guess Silk found a new way to clear her head.

SPEAKER_06 10:57

At this rate, she's gonna carve her name into it.

SPEAKER_08 11:04

If legacy was her plan, I think she'd choose a different four-letter word.

SPEAKER_00 11:17

Five generations deep. Raised on rhythm and improvisation, she now calls Nova Orleans home, blending tradition with innovation. Desert Sky is one of her most haunting pieces. Expansive, restless, and full of longing.

SPEAKER_05 12:10

Wait, who just fired? That's not filled. It's that chap.

SPEAKER_08 12:17

Of course it's chapter. Well, if chapman's in, I'm not fitting out. Watch yourself. I'm swinging around to the right, lining up a shot.

SPEAKER_09 12:38

Take a left plane.

SPEAKER_07 12:44

Joey and I are holding steady just above. We've got them on the ground.

SPEAKER_02 12:49

Look at us. Whole squad proving we can hit a target the size of Dynasty. Real high bar, folks.

SPEAKER_07 12:56

Joey, if you're gonna run your mouth, at least hit something first.

SPEAKER_02 13:01

Challenge accepted, Grandma. Watch this.

SPEAKER_04 13:12

I'll take rear. Someone's gotta make sure you all don't hit each other. Don't say I never contribute to morale.

SPEAKER_00 13:25

Let's not forget, crew. We're a week away from the nearest Federation artillery cache. You know what? Fire away.

SPEAKER_05 13:52

Thanks, everyone.

SPEAKER_00 13:56

Until next time, Outcasters, stay sharp, stay safe, and remember, we may be far from home, but we're never alone. This is Captain Tanaka signing off.