Metra: A Climate Revolution with Songs
Metra is an original musical fiction podcast about how we change the world.
The year is 2043. The world is hot, water is scarce, the weather is unpredictable…and the fossil fuel industry continues to thrive. The wealthy are comfortable in their air-purified, cooled, humidified, superbly hydrated Bubble cities. But in a roadside bar on the Outside, an unlikely group of revolutionaries is about to demand a new story.
Starring Tony-nominee Jeannette Bayardelle and a Broadway and NYC theatre cast. Metra weaves ancient myth, transformative magic, and memorable music to tell the story of a dangerous climate future, and the fight for the world we deserve.
Written and created by The Hartfords.
Metra: A Climate Revolution with Songs
A Show We Love: Windfall
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This week, we're excited to introduce you to Windfall, by Rogue Dialogue!
This is Season 1, Episode 1, "Bottom Feeder" -- Find all episodes here!
About the Show:
Ever since the castle first appeared in the sky above the city of Windfall, its residents have been building upward. Now the city consists of towers where the wealthiest residents live at the top while the poor eke out a living on the ground. Our podcast follows Cas, Shaima, and Argus, three brothers who live with their Uncle Vern after being orphaned during the grounder rebellion twenty years earlier. They find themselves drifting apart as Argus, the youngest, falls hopelessly in love with the much-older Helina, a foreign merchant haunted by her past; Cas, the middle brother, works in secret for the local crime boss; and Shaima, the oldest, struggles to keep their uncle’s scrap shop from going under. When Cas’s best friend, Kendall, is offered a position with the Wolfpac, Windfall’s military cult that acts as the city’s police, Cas is forced to decide where his loyalties lie. Meanwhile, something sinister looms over the city itself, threatening the lives of all who live in Windfall, from the wealthiest residents to the ground-level poor.
Episode 1:
Brothers Cas, Argus, and Shaima hunt for dinner in the sewers. Helina pays a visit to her favorite bartender, Gert. Queen Wanda meets with Captain Root to discuss the upcoming Contact Day Festival. Meanwhile, Kendall runs into trouble with the Wolfpac.
Produced by Rogue Dialogue Productions
Written and directed by Bob Raymonda and Christie Donato
Sound design and score by Adam Raymonda
Logo by Sam Twardy (www.samtwardy.com)
More info at roguedialogue.com/windfall, and follow @WindfallPodcast on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram
CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes adult language and depictions of physical violence.
Windfall is a dysotopian sci-fi fantasy epic from the team behind Forgive Me. Ever since the tyrannical Wanda's castle appeared in the clouds above Windfall City, its residents have built upwards in a meter. But not everyone is convinced of Her Majesty's grace. The show tells an epic story on a small scale, focusing on the everyday lives of regular people in a fantastic world. Feeling like you're getting the eavesdrop on the conversations of this massive cast of characters is fascinating. And the series is a thrilling and present use of sci-fi to explore class, power structure, and so much more. If you love Xylo and Battlestar Galactica, you'll love Windfall. The show is written and directed by Bob Raymond and Christy Donato, with sound design and score by Adam Raymond. Windfall's two seasons are out now. What you're about to hear is season one, episode one, where we meet brothers Cass, Argus, and Fama hunting for dinner in the sewers. We hope you'll enjoy Windfall.
SPEAKER_01Windfall is intended for a mature audience. See our show notes for more information. Listener discretion is advised.
SPEAKER_03I've got it. I've got it, I've got it, Cat! Watch out! I've got it! Damn it!
SPEAKER_02Argus, you little shit. You said you had it!
SPEAKER_03I did have it, Cass. If you'd only stayed out of the way, I would have gotten it!
SPEAKER_05You couldn't hit that thing if it were tied down in front of you. Fighting amongst yourselves is absolutely gonna feed us tonight, boys. Shut up, Shamma. No, honestly, keep bickering. Scare all of them off. Uncle Vern will love that.
SPEAKER_03I got it!
SPEAKER_02I've got it!
SPEAKER_03I've got it! I've got it! Woo! Yeah! That was my kill and you know it. You saw it, right, Shamma?
SPEAKER_05You only slowed it down. I had the finishing blow. Were the two of you just bagged the thing? If we can cook it fast enough, we'll be able to eat and bring Gert some leftovers before the bar closes.
SPEAKER_02You wanna claim the kill? You carry it home. About time you started pulling your own weight.
SPEAKER_03Hey, that's not fair and you know it. I run as many deliveries for Vern as you do.
SPEAKER_02You keep telling yourself that. Hop to it, Runt.
unknownOh!
SPEAKER_03Ah! I swear to one, the cast!
SPEAKER_02You'll what, Argus? Ask that magical cloud princess to send one of her yellow boogeyman after me? I'm shaking in my boots.
SPEAKER_05Do you ever shut your mouth for a second? Even one? Now help him up, take the bag, and I swear, if you bruise that thing, I'll snap your neck myself. I'd like to see you try, Buzzkill. You alright, buddy? Yeah, I'm alright. Thanks, Shima. Now, follow the idiot and let's go. I'm hungry enough to eat my own arm at this point.
SPEAKER_02Hey, Uncle Vern.
SPEAKER_14Yes, my boy. Where are your brothers? Huh? Who cares? Look what I got. Holy. All of us will be elite for a week.
SPEAKER_05Don't listen to this one, Vernon.
SPEAKER_14That was Argus's kill.
SPEAKER_02It'll all be. That true boy? Sword Wanda. It was me. That baby's nothing but a bottom feeder. Look at all the slime he's covered in. Couldn't hit a target if he tried.
SPEAKER_03Wanda, damn it, Cass, I swear.
SPEAKER_14Alright, which one of you is trying to pull one over on me? Don't let Cass fool you. Or Argus. Well then, Argus, you get first pick. You want the thigh?
SPEAKER_03You read my mind, Vern.
SPEAKER_14Whatever. I've got somewhere to be anyway. Oh, stop being a sore sport and help me cook. Nobody makes a spice rub like you, Cass.
SPEAKER_02Ha! Not hungry, but thanks. Save something for me when I get home tonight.
SPEAKER_14You're a loss. I'll do it, Vern. Big baby. What's gotten into him? Where does he go all night long?
SPEAKER_05Hell if I know. Probably off to see that Kendall. Never trusted her. She always seemed like trouble.
SPEAKER_03Don't blame Kendall, Sheema. Cass has been that moody for as long as I've known him.
SPEAKER_05I suppose you're right. Were you able to get the hydrolater up and running, Bern? And did Willem stop by with that payment he owes us?
SPEAKER_14Not while we eat. Go and lock up.
SPEAKER_05We'll talk later. Argus is man enough to hear about the business. Not now.
SPEAKER_08Queen to Rook 4.
SPEAKER_07And with preparations going the way they've been, we should have the new garrison fully trained and ready in time for the Contact Day Festival, provided Pavlima can move swiftly and get us those new robes in time.
SPEAKER_09Knights of Bishop 7.
SPEAKER_07Speaking of, I looked into it, and if you'd only entertain Mr. Chasma's offer of service, we could have triple the amount of uniforms that we need in an entire year done in a week's time.
SPEAKER_09Those rats have a quicker turnaround time because their product is garbage, and you know it. Pavlima's cloth is both blade and bulletproof, and impossible to counterfeit.
SPEAKER_08Pawn to pawn free.
SPEAKER_09If we went with anybody quicker than that, it would be a waste of time and money since we'd have to pay her to do it over anyway. Now shove off! We're playing a game here.
SPEAKER_07Of course, ma'am. But this is important. I have a tally of the extra vendors anticipated, along with a forecast of how many tourists were expecting to show up the week before the festivities start.
SPEAKER_09And I thought we'd already talked about this. The wolf pack is here to oversee things for me, so I can spend some extra time by myself.
SPEAKER_07Yes, Wandachoon, I understand that, but you also requested progress reports.
SPEAKER_09You have a communicator route. Knight to Rook 4.
SPEAKER_08Bishop to pawn eight.
SPEAKER_07Yes, I understand that, but yours is never on. Checkmate.
SPEAKER_09You're cheating, Rustbucket. I told you to never make that move again. Fancy a rematch, old friend.
SPEAKER_07Ma'am, this really isn't the time for games.
SPEAKER_08Why, of course, Wanda Chune. And Ruth, may I ask how many new recruits Wanda said we needed?
SPEAKER_07At least eleven more pairs of boots on the ground by the opening ceremony.
SPEAKER_08Do you remember our conversation from last night, Wandachoon?
SPEAKER_09How could I forget? Ruth, we need you to double that and add one more for good measure.
SPEAKER_07Twenty Twenty-three new recruits in six weeks. Forgive me if I'm overstepping, ma'am, but that's both impossible and entirely unnecessary.
SPEAKER_08While you may venture to think that, Captain, my calculations say otherwise. We, of course, both expect another successful year, but bringing in this many tourists at once always attracts the more unsavory types.
SPEAKER_07Okay. But isn't 23 a little high? Every sector in both the north and east towers, where the majority of the festival will take place are at capacity, with only a few recruits to go to fill up both the other towers as well. Where else could possibly require stronger presence?
SPEAKER_09The surface has been woefully under police for many years now, as Tin Man here tells it. It seems there's been a wild spike in illegal activity among the locals. Isn't that right, Tin Man?
SPEAKER_08That is correct.
SPEAKER_07I assure you, Your Highness, there hasn't been a single whisper of resistance from the grounders in the decade I've been in charge of this organization. We are more than equipped to deal with any rattle rousers you feel are overstepping their bounds.
SPEAKER_09Well, there's one man in particular, Root, that we'd like to get our hands on. A certain loan shark with his fingers in weapon smuggling and the drug trade, as I hear. Someone named Isaac. Was it?
SPEAKER_08That's the one Wonder June. And if you were smart, Captain, you'd hire a local for this assignment. Somebody who knows the lay of the land down there a bit better than you do.
SPEAKER_07Isaac is certainly a special case, but I promise that the route. Yes?
SPEAKER_09You can go now.
SPEAKER_08But I I believe Her Majesty has given you an order, Captain. Fulfill that order, or you and I will have to discuss the termination of your contract. I'm sure there are other eager pups looking to assume the position of Elpha Wolf.
SPEAKER_07Why, of course, sir. Forgive the imposition.
SPEAKER_09One more game.
SPEAKER_10Proximens everywhere are clamoring for a seat at the East Tower Coronation in hopes to get a glimpse of our beloved Queen Wanda. Some for the very first time in their lives. Her Majesty, whose divine castle appeared in our sky and changed our lives forever on that fateful day, will raise us with a rare tree of her.
SPEAKER_06Shut that off. I can't listen to that shit. Slow it off! I got it, you two, enough. Can I get another gertie?
SPEAKER_11Somebody must have had a day.
SPEAKER_06You sure about that? I pay you to get me drunk, not to ask questions. Now let's have that beer. Alright, that's fair. How long have I been coming here anyway?
SPEAKER_11A year, two? Helena, you've been coming here since your tentacles were barely to your shoulders. And now they're halfway to your ass.
SPEAKER_06And in all that time, have you ever seen me make a fool of myself in this bar? Hmm, well, there was that one time.
SPEAKER_04Hey, we do not talk about that. Oh, you mean the time she got up on the bar? Hey!
SPEAKER_06I said we don't talk about that! We heard you. Gert may have another. Have you ever had the kind of day where no matter how hard you try to stay positive, it's like every single person who walks through that door's goal is to break you down. But they're the ones that pay the bills, so you keep trying your best to be happy in front of them, but really, deep down inside you're screaming? You know, one of those days.
SPEAKER_11Isn't that every day?
SPEAKER_06I don't I don't think I'll ever get used to it. How did you? People are terrible.
SPEAKER_11I have a clear advantage over you on this one, Helena. This here bar is mine, and every grounder knows it. If anyone ever walked in here and tried to give me a hard time, well they'd have us to deal with. That's right.
SPEAKER_06You've got a nice setup. I really do envy you that.
SPEAKER_11I won't lie. I could never do your job. Spending all day helping those nosebleeds? No, thank you. I'm fine down here with my own people. Ah, Gert. We love you too. Cheers. Benny, aren't you supposed to be cleaning something up? Ah, but she's the one that broke it. And you're the one who made her do it. Now clean up. You know my rules.
SPEAKER_06You're the best kind of bartender. You know that?
SPEAKER_11Oh yeah? Why's that?
SPEAKER_06Not only do you water down this cheap swill so it's bearable enough to drink, but you've got every one of us lowlifes coming back night after night just to get a little taste of what life could be like if we didn't live in the filthy fucking depths of this towering metal city.
SPEAKER_04Lowlifes? Someone sell that former fine own place to get drunk. What'd you say to me? Gertie, do me a favor and tell the freak to minor man. I'd watch your fucking mouth if I were you! Oh yeah? What are you gonna do about it?
SPEAKER_11Come over here and I'll show you. Benny, get the hell out of here, you jackass. Come back when you can behave yourself.
SPEAKER_04Oh, Gert. Are you serious? We was only playing around.
SPEAKER_11Come on, Benny, get.
SPEAKER_04Fine, I'll go. I see when I'm not wanted.
SPEAKER_13You're gonna be okay to do this?
SPEAKER_02Right, because you're some shining beacon of light, eh, Kendall?
SPEAKER_13Hey, I'm serious. If you're going to be distracted, don't bother coming. I'd rather collect and take the 8% all to myself.
SPEAKER_02I'm fine. You sure? Stop wasting time and let's go. Who's the mark?
SPEAKER_13Here's the thing. Kaz, I talked to Isaac and No!
SPEAKER_02Not today, not yet.
SPEAKER_13We can't keep putting this off. A debt is a debt, is a debt. No matter who it is that owes it.
SPEAKER_02I told you I'll be the one to take care of that. Who else?
SPEAKER_13Well, the cut's smaller, but there's always Benny. That drug isn't good for anything, and you know it. We'll see. Let's go.
SPEAKER_02Lead the way. You ever think about how exactly we got into this, Kendall?
SPEAKER_13So we can eat something besides the bottom feeders you catch in the sewers? Drink something other than the swillier ant petals? That's reason enough for me.
SPEAKER_02I'm serious. Your parents, my parents? The things they did to keep us alive, they died fighting to give us a future. And now we beat the shit out of other grounders for a few extra credits. It doesn't do either of us any good to dwell on that stuff. What would your dad say? What would mine? They stood up for people like us.
SPEAKER_13I don't have time to sit and wonder what my dad would or wouldn't say about my choices. It's thanks to his choices that I'm alone anyways. I don't have a family like yours, Kaz. If I don't look out for me, who will? Would you look at that? Just the degenerate we've been looking for. Why, hello, Ben.
SPEAKER_04Oh, evening, Candle and Cass. Uh, I don't know if uh Isaac told you already, but he gave me an extension. In fact, he mentioned you might be coming with an advance. Well, isn't that convenient, Kaz?
SPEAKER_13An extension and an advance.
SPEAKER_04Well, you don't believe me? I would lie.
SPEAKER_02Whoa, take it easy.
SPEAKER_13Where's the money?
SPEAKER_04Uh swear one to Kendall was dying comms with Isaac seconds ago. And he said you have so much money you don't even know what to do with it. Hold him, Kaz. He was begging to give some more away.
SPEAKER_02Is that really necessary? He can barely stand as it is. Are you gonna do your job? Damn it, I knew you'd be useless today.
SPEAKER_04Uh uh, kidding around, Kendall. Cass, give me another week. I promise I'll have the money.
SPEAKER_02I've got him, I've got him. Take it easy, would you?
SPEAKER_04Wait, wait, wait, no, what are you doing? I swear, I was only kidding. Two days!
SPEAKER_12I could get it to you in two days. This is her last warning. Money tomorrow or next time Isaac comes himself. Okay.
SPEAKER_02I don't know who we are anymore.
SPEAKER_13We're employed. Now grab his wallet, or do I have to do everything around here?
SPEAKER_02I've got him. He's barely got ten credits in here.
SPEAKER_08You two.
unknownStop what you're doing.
SPEAKER_13Fuck! Why? Hello, officer. What can I do for you this evening? Sorry, Kendall.
SPEAKER_00Get the fuck back here!
SPEAKER_07Sure. Let him go. She's the one we're looking for.
SPEAKER_11Sheesh, nephew, you look terrible. You see some kind of ghost on there tonight?
SPEAKER_02Could everyone stop telling me how bad I looked?
SPEAKER_11You know I love you, Pinhead, but I couldn't lie to you.
SPEAKER_06Hey there, Kath! Would you mind telling your aunt to quit being so uptight about my smokes?
SPEAKER_11Uh, I can't have you stinking up this place again. Wolfpack almost shuddered me the last time you lit up. The hell with the Wolfpack. Name to that. I don't get what's so wrong with a little bit of medicinal herb once in a while. I'm not saying I agree with them. I'm simply saying I've gotta keep the taps flowing. The last citation they gave me said the fumes caused irreparable damage to the apartments on the upper floors.
SPEAKER_06That is some shit. There's no way that could have gotten any higher than 30 feet above us.
SPEAKER_11I agree. You know the wolves, though. Anything above ground level is high class to them. And besides, it still cost me 300 credits. Uh speaking of which, I've been thinking about your tab. Whoa, whoa. Take it easy there. Hey Gert. Sheyma, Argus, how are you boys tonight? I brought you some dinner, Gurdy. Smells good.
SPEAKER_05So why don't you pour us around? We saved you the breast. My pleasure.
SPEAKER_03You're right there, Cass. Keep your mouth shut, Twerp. I was trying to be nice.
SPEAKER_02Do me a favor, and next time you consider doing that, don't. Would you relax? Quit being so tough. Like you can talk. You're nothing but some lap dog. Doing everything at Burns Beck and Call. Bowing your head down to the wolves. Where's your spine?
SPEAKER_05Same place as always, last I checked.
SPEAKER_02Well, at least I do something to keep this family afloat.
SPEAKER_03Excuse me? I've been picking up your slack left and right lately.
SPEAKER_02Ha, that's rich. The run of the litter thinks he does anything worthwhile.
SPEAKER_03At least I don't stay out all night and come home smelling like a corpse.
SPEAKER_05Yeah. What in Wanda's name do you do to help anyone but yourself, anyway? So much more than you'll ever understand.
SPEAKER_11Could the three of you shut up long enough to give me my dinner?
SPEAKER_05Oh, yeah, of course. Sorry.
SPEAKER_06Ugh, what is that?
SPEAKER_03Hmm. You don't want to know where it came from.
SPEAKER_02Bottom feeders from the sewers underneath Uncle Vern's. You know, they're a bit chewy, but if you've got the right condiments, they are not that bad.
SPEAKER_06That's disgusting.
SPEAKER_11Oh, like your one to talk. What were you eating in here last weekend?
SPEAKER_06Tree nut loaf.
SPEAKER_02Oh, by Wanda. None of those words have any business being in a sentence together.
SPEAKER_06Oh, yeah, but bottom feeder and condiments do? Swear to Wanda, the scent of burning flesh makes my skin crawl. And what did they ever do to you, huh?
SPEAKER_05Uh, infested our sewers for one.
SPEAKER_06Didn't you ever think about the fact that they inhabited this land first? Before these stupid towers were ever built above us.
SPEAKER_02You know, they chewed through our pipes for another.
SPEAKER_06They weren't sewer vermin. They actually roamed the forests. And the communities that they built within the local underbrush were fascinating. I could show you some diagrams from my shop.
SPEAKER_11Nobody here asking for a history lesson.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, Helena. Our family's been here since before the towers, too, you know.
SPEAKER_05And it was still a city then. Smaller, sure, but it's not like before Wanda, our parents lived in tree houses.
SPEAKER_06History goes back a bit further than our progenitors, boys.
SPEAKER_09My little proximum. Talking fast approaches. Please don't let my wolves catch you outside after life time.
SPEAKER_11All right, everybody. Time to go home.
SPEAKER_06Come on, Gert. One more for the elevator ride back up.
SPEAKER_11I'll see you tomorrow, Helena.
SPEAKER_06Alright. But I am bringing you one of those diagrams. You can hang it right up there behind you. Might keep you all from killing and eating such smart critters.
SPEAKER_02Oh, of course. Night, Helena. Enjoy your nutloaf.
SPEAKER_05Alright, you two. Go back to Burns. I'll be back shortly.
SPEAKER_02You have something to say you can't say in front of us. Cassius, please.
SPEAKER_11Not right now.
SPEAKER_02Hey, Cass. What now, Argus? Who's Gertie's friend? Keep dreaming, buddy. No, I'm serious. Who is she? I know you are. I am too. Leave it alone.
SPEAKER_11Something's going on with Cassius, Sheyma.
SPEAKER_05He's just angry now. Thinking about mom and dad. He took it the hardest. I had a good 15 years with them, and Argus doesn't remember a thing, but he only had five.
SPEAKER_11Your mom and dad died 20 years ago.
SPEAKER_05I know. But he feels like he got shafted, so he's lashing out.
SPEAKER_11Your parents. They were good people. But the decisions they made were selfish.
SPEAKER_05You don't have to tell me that, Gert. Bern's been plenty honest with me about what they did.
SPEAKER_11Look, I don't mean to be insensitive, but the boy should be used to his lot in life by now. He's not some moody teenager. Something about this feels I don't know, different.
SPEAKER_05It'll pass. It did for me, didn't it?
SPEAKER_11I suppose.
SPEAKER_13Now, officers, I don't know what you thought you saw, but Benny and I are old friends. It was merely a silly drunken argument. I'm sure you can relate. That's right. It was just sorting things out.
SPEAKER_03Did we ask you to speak?
SPEAKER_13No, no, you did not. I just thought I'd offer an explanation. You know, fully cooperate however I can.
SPEAKER_07If I have to ask you to shut your mouth one more time. Stand down, recruit.
SPEAKER_13Yeah, that's right. Stand down, recruit. Let Dad and I talk.
SPEAKER_07It's Kendall, isn't it?
SPEAKER_13Who's asking?
SPEAKER_07Why, the wolf pack is. And we've got a proposition for you.
SPEAKER_13The fuck would a couple of wolves possibly want with grounder trash like me?
SPEAKER_07Actually, quite a lot. And I have a feeling you'll like what you hear, but I need you to come with us first.
SPEAKER_13I'm listening.
SPEAKER_01It was written and directed by Bob Raymonda.
SPEAKER_00And Christy Donato.
SPEAKER_01Sound design, mix, and score by Adam Raymonda. Here's our cast in order of appearance.
SPEAKER_03Marcus Stewart, Argus.
SPEAKER_05Cornelius Moore, Cass. Mushaka Benson, Sheymo.
SPEAKER_08Bob Frame, Vernon. Michael Larkin, Tin Man. Josh Rabino, Root.
SPEAKER_10Jess Clark, Wanda June. Katie Vaughn, Newscaster. Emily Battles, Helena.
SPEAKER_01JP Miller, Benny.
SPEAKER_10Mallory Roach, Kendall. Cheryl Mordot, Gert.
SPEAKER_03And Casey Callahan, Guard No.
SPEAKER_01Casting direction by Clara Lopez. Produced by Bob Raymond.
SPEAKER_06Christy Donato.
SPEAKER_01Adam Raimunda and Michael Paunowski. Our cover art was designed by Sam Twardy. Find out more details about the show, characters, and world of Windfall by visiting our website, Windfallpodcast.com. If you enjoyed our show, please rate it and review it on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Radio Public, or wherever you get your podcasts. Being that we're a brand new show, it helps us bring in new listeners. Also, we love hearing from you. So get in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram by following Windfall Podcast. If you would like to support the show, consider signing up to be a patron at patreon.com slash rogued dialogue. Rogue Dialogue patrons get access to an ad free feed, bonus episodes, director's notes, and more. Come join our community over at patreon.com slash roguedialogue. And listeners, don't forget to ask yourselves what would Wanda do?