Episode 27
Beeping sounds
Denial, more beeping
More denial
HATOV
All I’m asking for is a bed. Is that really so much?
SAWA
This course of action is I’ll-advised
HATOV
(Exasperated)
When did she reset the trap?
SAWA
I have no record of her doing so.
HATOV
So, during a jump? Isn’t that dangerous?
SAWA
Many actions Nova takes are ill-advised.
HATOV
I’m tired of sleeping in a hammock and my back hurts. Are you sure you don’t know the code?
SAWA
That information is currently inaccessible.
HATOV
(Sighs)
Of course, it is. Well, leaving is not an option, and staying inside is boring. Do you have any suggestions?
SAWA
Reasonable indoor activities include reading, writing, drawing, eating, or sleeping.
HATOC
Oh, so you’re suggesting I become a child in earnest? Should I ask her to praise me for my silly stories and doodles while I’m at it? Feh.
Beeping, more beeping
Rejection
HATOV
(Sighs, beat)
Is touching the radio “Ill-advised”?
SAWA
No
HATOV
Is it traceable?
SAWA
With the proper equipment anything is traceable, but Nova’s set does make it difficult.
HATOV
Can I just (beat) listen?
SAWA
I have received no order to prevent you from doing so.
HATOV
Okay
Crosses room
Tentative knob touch (lol)
Radio springs to life
VOICE 1
Weather in Xaria will be around 25 degrees Celsius a great day to take your children to
VOICE 2
Leaving 4 dead. Please remember to keep an eye on children during tide shifts.
VOICE 3
The galactic union has announced the inclusion of two new planets Canaria and Stragua G1N. First contact had been made little over 2 years ago, both planets being relatively wealthy and free of detrimental oppression have passed the preliminary checks and have opened borders to travelers.
The total of planets now part of the galactic union totals 312, with 5 more expected to join later in the year.
Radio continues in the background
HATOV
(long pause)
Sawa how long does it take for wealthy nations to join the union?
SAWA
That depends on many factors. Nations must first meet the union’s standards.
HATOV
What are the standards?
Throughout explanation, Hatov is agreeing like he’s checking his way down a list
SAWA
The country in question must be able to pay a fee, agree and put in place a plan to build an embassy, ensure a reasonable amount of safety for its workers. Recognize and value the imperial unit within 10% of the galactic standard.
HATOV
Stop, we’ve done all that. Uhm, why wouldn’t we be part pf the galactic union?
SAWA
Some planets, or nations, have conditions considered egregious for some of their inhabitants, this may include a lack of availability in whatever is required to sustain life on planet or a willful and vicious oppression of its people. However, creating and enacting a plan that will decrease these issues is enough to grant a temporary membership and once 20% of the plan is enacted they may be granted full membership with the stipulation that the plan is followed until completion.
HATOV
Okay, we’ve had none of those problems, we meet all the criteria, why are we (beat)
What is Eolara to the rest of the union? Nova said it’s some sort of (beat) children’s tale? Religion?
SAWA
Eolara is a fictional planet known in some tales as the world builders or the creator of people or simply as magicians. It is not uncommon for fantasy novels to use Eolaran blood as an excuse to allow for more fantastical elements.
HATOV
What else?
SAWA
There is nothing else.
HATOV
When’s the last time you were connected to the galactic database?
SAWA
8 months on the imperial calendar.
HATOV
And are you aware of all the planets in galactic union?
SAWA
I am likely a few months out of date. But I have a list consisting of 308 members.
HATOV
And is Eolara anywhere on there?
SAWA
Eolara is a fictional planet, it is not a candidate for the galactic union.
HATOV
It’s not (beat) whatever
Angry dial turning
VOICE 4
Time to set back your clocks
VOICE 5
The Calvara-Vraka conflict on Gnorria has
JEANNE
Nova?
HATOV gasps hands off the dial
Nova, what the fuck are you doing? Why are you using this line?
(beat)
Nova? Not Nova? Sawa, is something going on?
SAWA
There is no emergency.
HATOV
(Panicked noise)
JEANNE
Sawa, who’s with you?
SAWA
Prince Hatov
Clicking of radio being turned off, accompanied with Hatov scrambling for the radio
HATOV
Who, who was that?
SAWA
Work related information requires a C-level permission.
HATOV
Was that bad? That felt bad.
SAWA
It was unexpected. You are not supposed to interfere with conversations between myself and Jeanne.
HATOV
We’re not talking to Jeanne today.
SAWA
The short leash protocol dictates that I should not be interrupted when speaking to Jeanne.
HATOV
Short leash protocol?
SAWA
The short leash protocol was created by Jeanne 8 months ago upon finding Nova after a three-month absence.
HATOV
(beat) she disappeared?
SAWA
That would appear to be the case. I have no access to memories of that time.
HATOV
Of course, you don’t. You don’t have memory of a lot of things.
JEANNE
Goddammit, this isn’t some sort of parlor trick. Hey, who’s there? Sawa? Who’s onboard?
HATOV
Don’t
SAWA
It has been requested that I do not supply that answer.
JEANNE
(baffled)
It’s been requested (beat) interesting. Very interesting. Hey, whoever you are. I’m sure you have plenty of questions. I know how (beat) difficult Nova can be. We’ll trade, one secret for another. Ask Sawa to connect us when the sneaking gets to be too much.
(beat)
Ah, I’m Jeanne by the way. Nova’s boss, I just want the information. We’ll keep this little conversation between us, alright?
HATOV
(beat, tentatively)
What about Sawa?
JEANNE
Oh, you do talk! Don’t worry about her, Sawa lock the last five and the next two minutes.
SAWA
Understood.
JEANNE
There, it’s like it never happened. That work?
(beat, sighs)
Here, I’ll even give you a freebee, I bet that dusty room in the back is still locked. The code to open it is 2585275
(Pause)
I’ll be waiting, let me know when you feel like talking mystery boy.
Broadcast stops
HATOV
That was definitely bad.
