Ep. 20: Knock, Knock

A trip to the Theta Sector takes an unexpected turn when the Outcaster crew detects a possible threat along their  route. As they investigate, old reputations, uneasy instincts, and difficult decisions force the crew to weigh caution against duty.

Directed by Ro Glenn 

Story & Production by Laurel Steele 

Editing & Sound Design by Alex Godina 

Episode Art by Alex Durazo

Sound Editing by Montse Márquez

Sound Mixing by Alin Brindis 

Science-Fiction Consultancy by Javier Calatayud

Transcript

SPEAKER_02 0:11

Good morning, Outcasters. This is Captain Tanaka. Broadcasting on Thursday, July 9th, 2143. We're currently en route to our drone maintenance assignment in the theta sector. We were expecting a smooth voyage. However, not long into our journey, Amara flagged something along our designated route, a possible hostile presence. Aggressive activity in this region is rare, but not unheard of. Yesterday, an outcaster, who would know, told me there are a few factions in this region best left alone. In these situations, Federation Protocol calls for caution. So for now, the crew is investigating before we advance. In the meantime, let's begin today's playlist. Here's Kogarashi no Uta by Haruto Asano, born in Kyoto. His family relocated to the forests of Nagano Prefecture after the city's uprising in 2103. Asano once said this piece captures the stillness of a lone moment in the woods.

SPEAKER_05 2:13

So, what do we think about Tanaka's intro? Pirates, maybe who knows?

SPEAKER_00 2:21

Our assigned fast track route skirts the edge of Federation Space and ipso facto their maps. I wouldn't be surprised if someone is prowling beyond those borders.

SPEAKER_01 2:34

All the way out here, there isn't much booty to be had. This is a place for hiding, not ambushes.

SPEAKER_04 2:43

Regardless of their coordinates, pirates aren't exactly known for being friendly. No offense, grandma.

SPEAKER_01 2:51

None taken.

SPEAKER_04 2:54

What if you got in touch with some of your old colleagues and gather a bit of intel?

SPEAKER_01 3:00

Joey. If my hunch is right and it is the crimson claw, they aren't the kind of people who indulge in favors. Not even from me.

SPEAKER_04 3:11

But maybe it's worth asking. You've got history, Grandma.

SPEAKER_01 3:16

That's enough, Joey. Come on down to my cockpit so we can talk. Uh-oh.

SPEAKER_05 3:24

You're in trouble now, Joey. Don't forget to grab an eye patch in there.

SPEAKER_03 3:35

Outcaster radio.

SPEAKER_05 3:37

Music across the Milky Way.

SPEAKER_02 3:49

This next track is from Lila May Carter, who grew up in the Starhaven colony. A place known for its expansive biodomes and open sky simulators. Her music reflects the sense of freedom and wonder those domes inspire. Here's vertical vibrations.

SPEAKER_04 4:25

Captain, this is Cho Silk and Chapman. We've completed our scan. Go ahead.

SPEAKER_02 4:35

Knock, knock.

SPEAKER_01 4:39

Who's there? Pirates. Lots of pirates.

SPEAKER_04 4:47

There's definitely an electromagnetic signature up ahead.

SPEAKER_06 4:53

Details. It's faint, but it lines up with what Shoni mentioned earlier. The red talons use this kind of signal scrambling.

SPEAKER_04 5:06

I think you mean crimson claw.

SPEAKER_05 5:11

Right, sorry. Crimson claw.

SPEAKER_04 5:16

According to a reliable source, their MO is shoot first, ask questions never.

SPEAKER_02 5:24

Understood. Return to the Outcaster immediately.

SPEAKER_06 5:29

On our way, Captain.

SPEAKER_03 5:36

Yarcaster Radio. This transmission is not Federation approved.

SPEAKER_02 6:14

Next up Untangled Promises by the Road Dogs. If we stick to our assigned route, we'll be running into some pretty nasty pirates who would not welcome a Federation craft in their heavily armed hideout.

SPEAKER_00 7:01

Captain, should I call it into command?

SPEAKER_02 7:06

No. Unfortunately, in this scenario, two-way comms is too risky.

SPEAKER_01 7:13

Captain's right. The Crimson Claw would intercept the government channel and triangulate us right away. No comment.

SPEAKER_05 7:33

What if they're outcaster radio fans? Couldn't they just trace our location through the captain's broadcast?

SPEAKER_04 7:41

Of course they're fans. No, they can't. Listeners get the show's echo, not its source.

SPEAKER_02 7:51

Whether they can locate us or not, I'm not risking an encounter. Drone duty will have to wait.

SPEAKER_01 8:02

Shone, any insights? We've already tiptoed into their territory. Best bets to put as much space as possible between them and us.

SPEAKER_02 8:14

In that case, Amara, get us clear and away fast.

SPEAKER_00 8:20

Captain, the safest route would take us into uncharted territory and outside of Federation Comms range.

SPEAKER_02 8:32

So be it. Outcasters. Let me be clear. This is a deviation from both our assigned route and task. If anyone objects, this is the time to say something.

SPEAKER_01 8:53

All right then.

SPEAKER_02 9:02

Outcasters. And not every shadow is worth stepping into. But some are. Until next time. Stay sharp, stay safe. And remember, we may be far from home, but we're never alone. This is Captain Tanaka signing off.