Episode 6 SAWA Prince Hatov are you ready to leave? HATOV Y—yes, but why are you smaller? SAWA This is my off-ship model. Would you like me to change? HATOV No, it’s just (pause) SAWA Response unclear. Would you like me to change? HATOV No. SAWA Understood. In order to conserve energy, it is suggested that I am carried on your person. HATOV (beat) uhm…will my shoulder work? SAWA Yes. Other recommended areas are in your pocket, or in your bag. HATOV I’ve never been outside unescorted. SAWA I will be escorting you. HATOV That’s not what I meant SAWA I do not understand. I will be escorting you. HATOV Are you sure you can’t…update, somehow? SAWA Nova has denied access to the galactic data base. Until access is granted, I am unable to download the latest software, I am also unable to update information through technological means. HATOV (Sighs) Do you think I could convince her to let you? SAWA I have not been updated since the day she purchased me. HATOV (beat) Doesn’t that mean that your maps are outdated? Can you really lead me to her? SAWA I am unable to update by technological means, but Nova allows me to see the newest maps. I am able to gain information in that manner, but it is less efficient and heavily dependent on the map’s accuracy. HATOV She’s very careful, isn’t she? Why doesn’t she want you connected to the galactic database? SAWA Nova is thorough with her commands. I do not know why she does not want me connected. HATOV Of course, you don’t. SAWA Are you ready to leave? HATOV Her gear is a bit small (beat) tight. SAWA You are taller than Nova, and you are not human. Some gear will fit incorrectly, but I see nothing that will cause you harm. HATOV It’s uncomfortable. SAWA I see no way to fix that if you wish to find Nova in the minimum time necessary. HATOV Is there a place for me to buy clothes? SAWA There are many clothing shops in Iurus. HATOV We’ll go there first. SAWA Understood. Are you ready to leave? HATOV (beat) Yes. SAWA Opening the hatch, now, please brace for the cold. HATOV (Gasps) I SAWA Is there a problem? HATOV No. It’s just (beat) colder than I expected. SAWA The temperature on the surface of Gnorria-658 is currently -50 degrees Celsius. HATOV Mhmm The sound of snow crunching. It is very cold. EMMED Nova did not mention a companion Sound of stumbling in snow HATOV WOW you are (beat) You know Nova too? EMMED She’s an old friend but she didn’t mention you HATOV I was unwell, but I’m better now. EMMED You’re not planning to steal her ship are you? HATOV (doubtfully) Someone would try to steal that? EMMED (laughing) I asked her the same thing HATOV No, I’m just trying to find her, and some better fitting clothes. EMMED Oh, it’s not a good time for that. There was a bad harvest this year so the price has gone up. HATOV Harvest? SAWA The clothes on Gnorrian-658 are derived from local plant life EMMED Is that Sawa? SAWA It is. Hello Emmed. EMMED You too are smaller than I remember. Much smaller. SAWA This is my off-board model. Would you like me to change? EMMED Nova wanted you to stay onboard. SAWA I received no such directive. EMMED Is that so? SAWA It is. EMMED Then carry on. HATOV Do you know how to get underground? EMMED That door over there will lead you to the market. SAWA Something has happened to Nova. Her vitals seem stable but a large amount of endorphins have been released. HATOV What does that mean? SAWA She will be happy when you meet her. HATOV She doesn’t seem the happy type. EMMED Nova enjoys herself in her own way. Sound of door opening and going down metal steps. HATOV Do you have (beat, uncomfortably) money? SAWA Nova has 62,000 imperial units in her account. HATOV Can you access it? SAWA I have been denied access to her accounts. HATOV What use are you if you can’t even Sound of door opening, sound of crowds. By the goddess. I meant to ask earlier but…what are these? SAWA Gnorrians are recognized as the ruling race of Gnorria 658. They grow to be between 2 to 3 meters in height and are easily recognized by their thick fur coats. They are known for being one of the slowest species on the intergalactic council. HATOV They’re huge SAWA They are known as one of the lesser giants. HATOV There are things larger than them? SAWA 35 known species are larger than Gnorrians. GUARD Identification HATOV Uhm GUARD Identification, please. Sound of a card clattering on a table HATOV Uhm (beat) sorry. This is (long pause) uhm GUARD Will there be a problem? HATOV I (beat) I can’t (beat, uncomfortably) Sawa? SAWA Identification: Nova Bretius designation Leron FF38 Human 12678-omega. GUARD 6…7…8…omega Beeping sounds Welcome to Gnorria-658 HATOV Eh (beat) uhm…you too. GUARD (In the distance) What? SAWA The nearest clothing store is on your right. HATOV I have no money. SAWA There is something wrong with Nova. HATOV Besides the endorphins? SAWA Yes, an endorphin release like that can be associated with either exercise or sex, but the numbers are too high for either. HATOV So, what’s wrong? SAWA I do not know. At this distance I am unable to run a proper diagnostic. Her dopamine levels have increased as well. HATOV (Exasperated) Speak plainly, please. SAWA Such events are associated with intense euphoria and feelings of comfort. Nova may be behaving in an unusual manner. HATOV Will she still be able to help me? SAWA I am unsure. HATOV (beat) Can you still find her? SAWA Yes. Follow this path for one kilometer and take a right. Your heart rate is high, are you sure this walk will benefit you? HATOV (distractedly) Uh huh (beat) yes. I can’t just sit all day and do nothing. It’s just (beat) I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s so cold, but it’s cozy, and bright, their blankets are beautiful, but are they really replacing their doors? You can’t see the sky from here, does no one miss it? I feel warmth from their houses, how? Don’t the Gnorrians find it hot? I’ve seen others besides Gnorrians, how do they live here? SAWA Gnorrians feel no need for doors and blankets trap warmth from the planet’s core. I am unable to tell if the they find such conditions unpleasant. Gnorria 658 is home to 157 “ruling species” as classified by the intergalactic database. HATOV To think the world is so vast. SAWA This is one of many worlds HATOV (beat) Uh yes. That is not as comforting as you think it is. SAWA More information requested. What about that did you find distressing? HATOV Everything SAWA New information acquired. I will not speak of the multiple planets while you are around. HATOV What? No, don’t do that, that’s not what I meant. Don’t do that. SAWA Understood. Arguing in the background HATOV How much further? SAWA Nova is straight ahead NOVA Aw, fuck
