Episode 58: Through Ashen Winds & Quiet Moons - Part I of III

0:28Fniper

0:41Recording has commenced.

0:51Well, now that Agent Fowler has graced us with her presence, we may proceed. Oh, put a sock in it, Wainwright. Now's not the time for egos. We've got bigger fish to fry tomorrow. No, we have to start every meeting like this. I mean, you can almost set your watch to it. Lack of punctuality and attempted jocularity aside, let's get underway, shall we? Despite my trepidation of the United States government reversing the decision, we at Beauregard-Lowing have convinced them having the Supervisory Deputy Marshall and his colleagues join us for Event 4 will be an unnecessary distraction at best, and at worst, a complete security logistics nightmare.

1:32We can rest easy that we won't have to deal with too much buffoonery. Well, buffoonery with the exception of... Heenan. Correct, Doctor. Doctor, the only individual approved to accompany us continues to be young Master Drexler. His engineering and mechanical skills may be required. I have provided him with a non-disclosure agreement earlier this morning, which he signed. I briefed him thereafter, and after an hour and a half of inane questions, he was fully read into this endeavor. It was immensely monotonous. Nonetheless, I advised him to have a cargo loader crew move and prepare the crates and boxes we stacked outside the logistics arch and be inside the mechanical bay and ready to depart at 0430 tomorrow morning.

2:21Right, then. Everyone packed and ready, yeah? Week's worth of kit and essentials sorted. We're all ready and excited to be returning. Well, I am, anyway. Excited. I'm the only one returning other than Dr. Wainwright, of course. Spider? Right. We're all packed, Agent, and based on the after-mission report, is that the correct term? Anyway, any gear or equipment we think may be useful is all ready to go. The only question I have is, what exactly are we doing for meals? Oh, you lot are in for a right treat. We've got four boxes stuffed with ten full ration packs each. Four thousand calories a day of pure misery, courtesy of the Ministry of Defense.

3:11Keeps your average squaddy alive for ten days. Barely. In the States, we call them MREs. Over here, we just try not to think about the taste. Sounds delightful. Well, last time we went, we took an abundance of freeze-dried... Tut-tut-tut, doctor. You had your chance last time. This time you've got someone with a bit of sense running the show. All that freeze-dried nonsense you packed before took up half the cargo bay. These rations do the job and leave space for what matters. The more signal beacons we can bring with us, or additional batteries to power them, will only better our success probabilities this time next year for Event 5.

3:54I'll prepare another dozen or so, so have them loaded up as well. Splendid. Now, according to my notes, last month you said you were going to brief us on this additional preparation you had assembled, Agent Fowler. Do you wish to share this enlightened epiphany you've reached with the rest of us? I'm sure it should be. Oh, what is the colloquial terminology again? Ah, yes. Knock our socks clean off. Who almost saw the gears grinding in your head with that one, Grandad? The more I dug through the report from Event 3, the more it became clear. We've got a proper obstacle in that station AI. Any system we can't command, or worse, one that actively gets in the way, is a threat we can't afford to humor.

4:44I've arranged for a little countermeasure to handle it. What exactly do you mean by handle? Don't you think that's risky? Against the overall goal? Well, this is like a rare species of cicada that emerges from underground only once every 17 years. We'll only have just a brief window to observe behavior, collect samples, and uncover the secrets of their existence before they vanish again. If you neutralize... If you two could hold fire for just a second. I'll explain. The DIA's been working with Unit 42 over in Palo Alto. All hush-hush cyber warfare stuff. Internet's the new battleground, isn't it?

5:27They built us something special. Real clever piece of kit. It's called Helminth. Well, that's the entomological term for a parasitic worm. I like the naming convention. If not, somewhat alarmed at the connotation. Please, please, Dr. Lorenz, let's let Agent Fowler continue. I'm curious to see where this is going. Helminth's a next-gen version of something called HDR-335. It's not just a virus. It's a proper AI chameleon. Sneaks in, watches, learns how the systems work, and hides in plain sight. Once it's ready, gives the slip into the command layer and gives us full control, no fuss. All we've got to do is be inside the facility, connect to Wi-Fi, and send it in.

6:13The rest handles itself, like a parasite with a PhD. Well, that's insidious. It's like a weaponized tapeworm. Why is this the first I am hearing of this? As Director of Research and Development for Beauregard Lowing... Need to know, Wainwright. Given the, let's say, strained relations between your firm and the department lately, the higher-ups decided to keep this under wraps until it was mission critical. That call fell to me, and I'm making it. Now. Oh, wait a minute. Aren't you concerned about the impact your malware program might have? Concerns over the integrity of the station's systems? Let alone the catalog of scientific data stored in legacy files that might be put at risk.

6:58Agent Fowler, I am ordering you to advise me prior to deploying your computer virus. You've made your point. Duly noted. Consider it filed away under polite suggestion. But let's not forget the pecking order here, shall we? You're the contractor. DOD pays the bills. I'm DOD. So I don't answer to you. Right, are we seriously not going to mention how Jovac's been sat there like a monk this whole time without butting in once? Hello. Oi. Earth to Dr. Barmy. Carlton. Oh, I'm sorry, sorry. I've been monitoring all the gravimetric distortions from here and awaiting the beacon signal to lock in. Sneaky kid.

7:48Carl. What are you doing down there? Hmm? Oh, I'm just catching up on some reading. Well, I'm examining, really. Apparently it's a carnival this time. That doesn't appear to be a scientific journal. Is it... Is that a children's picture book? Yeah, where is Waldo? Where is he? The shifty bastard is hard to find in a massive neutrino. possible. I suggest we all get an ample night's sleep and be assembled in the vehicle bay at 4 a.m. and ready to depart one half hour thereafter. Agent Fowler, you and I need to get on a phone call with Washington and Madeline Dantes to further discuss this computer bug, let alone the hierarchy of this project.

8:40Oh, you may all go now. Recording has concluded.

8:47Okay, so what do you have, Zeke? Well, it's like the good book always says, ask and he shall provide. The solution to the problem came to my office door late last week. I was dubious at first, but once he stopped using the weather innuendos and being all, you know, toppery, it's all for the opportunity it was. Chief Meteorologist Topper, huh? Oh, oh, jump into Josephette, that's a swell idea, Zeke. Dr. Hunt's been asking Dr. Wainwright about this for the last three years. All right, fellas. How about one of you spills the beans on what you've all put together? Or do I have to shake the tree myself?

9:22Oh, sorry. Of course. Um, so, every year at the start of winter season, Dr. Hunt would ask to have a team head out to deploy weather sensors and environmental monitoring equipment. The further out from the station, the better. He wants to conduct research into ketobatic winds to track how snow and ice travel across Antarctica, it would help predict ice sheet movements and surface mass balance. Oh, yeah, right, right, right. Yeah, katabatic, yeah, that all makes sense. Yeah, I'm not getting a word or anything you guys are saying. He wants to understand how the ice moves and make the surface even more stable for new buildings.

9:59I appreciate that translation, Doc. Hey, how you doing? Oh, knock it off, Fred.

10:08It's been a rough day. So, I made Dr. Hunt a very happy scientist by telling him a team we put together to drive the equipment he has about 200 miles out. I felt like I needed to take a shower after we chatted. Oh, so if anybody asks why we're even out on the ice, we'll have a valid excuse for support from outside. Good job. I have him and his team preparing their equipment and filling in Patrick here on how to deploy and activate it. It will run by itself for the rest of the winter, and they'll come collect it in the summer to get all their readings. Man, I'm... Wait, hold on. I'm going with the team, right?

10:51Back to the future! Oh, wait, that's copyrighted. Can't use that one. You'll be heading out with Mr. Todd and myself, Doctor. Which leads me to my next question. Do we know when the Atlas crew is heading out? Yeah, I'm still having trouble believing this myself. And I don't know if I should be proud or long to feel bad for Dr. Wainwright and the team. You should feel proud, Zeke. They wouldn't have picked him if they didn't think he could do the job or was experienced enough. With the experience you provided him, by the way. You don't mean... Why don't people just give it to you straight anymore?

11:27The full skinny. Someone's dancing around going on. I feel like I'm back at the Copa on East 60th. Yeah, they picked Ken to go along with him. Youngblood told me he'd be gone starting tomorrow morning for the next week. Asked him what for, and he said he was feeling real sick. That boy cannot lie to save his life. That and the amount of gear being staged outside the yellow arch was the first clue. Wayne White asking for Naughty One to be ready by midnight today and preheated sealed the deal. Kenan? Ugh, those poor bastards. Given they didn't ask you, Zeke, or you either, Deputy, to go with them again?

12:00Even though you already know what's going on is, well, weird, isn't it? No, not weird, Mr. Kelly. It's Jocelyn. She doesn't want us anywhere near the Canadian station. So, Kenan being the new chief of engineering... Hey, wait a minute now, Doctor. Nobody told that dummy the chief. That is still me. Um, yeah. So everybody down there is actually going to him now for their assignment, Zeke? That's why I go looking for people nowadays? Shit! Pardon my language, Lord. I just, I thought I was extra busy. You were. You still are. Yeah, ain't that the truth, Tommy. But Kenan still ain't no chief. Damn fool.

12:40Checklehead. All right, buddy. Let's get back on the point here. Dr. Dauber, Mr. Todd, you should go and get packed quickly. Grab five days worth of clothes and items you'll need, whatever tools and items you think might be necessary. I need to stop by the station store. I'm gonna go buy every strawberry pop tart I can find. They're Em's favorite, you know. I'm also bringing him the Ewok sweater and a hat my Nana knitted for his birthday. He's gonna love them. I can't wait to hear all about the adventure when you all get back. We'll make sure everything goes smoothly while you're gone. I wonder if I can look myself up when we get there.

13:16Like, see what I did. Or like, am yet to do? Have done? Dudes, this is all kinds of trippy. Is the hidden GPS active and test on Naughty One? Installed two weeks ago and transmitting. Has a battery life of three months with a backup for another week or so. I program with a signal so you can track her from Naughty Two. She's gassed and ready, but I have the winter tops still over to avoid any suspicion. Dr. Darber, you okay driving the Naughty? Have you driven one before? Oh yeah, absolutely. Not a worry, Mr. Deputy Duder, sir. I'll have that baby going up to 88 miles an hour so we can travel in time with no problems.

13:54Which leads me to my next point. Dr. Darbert, let's maybe not partake in any of your usual wares, especially since you'll be needed to operate heavy machinery very soon. Like asking Derek not to swipe from the Wool Wars. Ew. Yeah, I'm all good, Deputy Duder. I'll purge the urge to splurge. Convincing. All right. I think we're all good here. I'll say a prayer for you and the boys tonight, little man. Anything you think that might help, buddy. So you're on the launch pad there, deputy. Uh, Bass, can we hang back a minute? Sure. Oh, hey now, yous two. If me and Catrin ain't allowed to use this meeting place to have our nasty bits meet one another's, then you guys...

14:39Yeah, Doc? Out. Yeah, Doc. Bet we can still hear her all the way out here, too. Hey, wait for me, yous guys.

14:52I really think I should be going out there with you, sweetie. Chris should be able to handle any computer or technical issue that arises. Patrick, assuming he's cognant at the time, can handle any mechanical or electrical concerns. But if you get into a situation where you need a scientific solution, none of you have any expertise. I thought about that, too. And I completely hear what you're saying. And I know this is most likely not what you want to hear, but I can't have you coming on this outing with us. having you with us while it's... It's what? Well, frankly, you'd be a distraction. I'd be a what?

15:33Sweetheart. Don't sweetheart me, Bass Wyatt Marlow. I want you to explain this to me. Explain this to me like I was Zeke, rather than your girlfriend. Wow. All three names, really? Look, you being a woman has zero to do with my thought process. Losing patience. But you being the person I love more than anything in this world is the reason. If you were out there with us, I would not be able to put 100 % of my focus and attention on the job. On ensuring I get everybody back in one piece, both from our group and Atlas. If you were there, my attention and priorities would be divided, and rightly so.

16:15it's the same reason why they don't let siblings serve in the same military units or why marshals and relationships can't be on the same operational team so in a situation where you have to leave me in order to get everybody out safely we'd all be stranded i don't have to contemplate the question for me there is no option in that situation and frankly that scares me

16:41I understand what you're saying. What I'm having problems with right now is figuring out if I should be flattered or if I should punch you in the nasty bits. Do I have a say in the matter? No. No, I get it. I don't like it. And it makes me worried as hell that you're going out there with a slapshot team and half a plan at best. Just come back in one piece. That's the half a plan I do have locked down. Oh, sweetie. Easy on the aftershave, huh? I barely put any on this morning. Also, how can you smell it? I like this heavy coat. Oh, how can you not smell it? It's like hugging a teenager who got into his dad's dracar noir.

17:25Sorry. Let's head back to the station so we can try and salvage what's left of the evening before I get the call that Atlas has headed out. Can you take a shower first? And it's working. I tested the signal from us to that radio repeater antenna we set up halfway. Signal's making it all the way back to the station, and I got a nice clean line with old Jobeck. Till the daft get to keep alert till this place shows up again. With these strong winds, I wouldn't put any faith in the tensile strength of the metal cords holding the antenna in place for more than a week. Even with woven titanium and nickel alloys, the combination of wind and cold is a structural stability deal-breaker.

18:07How long do we have, Shep? Oh, I see. According to our latest data, the station should reappear in exactly 73 seconds. Although we've been holding here for almost half an hour, I suppose we should be grateful for the moment of silence. How Mr. Drexel can manage to talk for seven hours straight is a torture I never anticipated being subjected to. By hour two, I already started thinking of ways to off him and ditch the body. Got up to 72 before he finally shut his gob. So then, what are we in for when this magical mystery bus of yours drops back in, eh? Nobody's ever been this close before, so it's all theoretical.

18:50Maybe a bright flash of light, most likely a mild shockwave due to the sudden rush of air being displaced by the structure suddenly. It's really all unprecedented. Right, so let me get this straight. We're parked danger close, and no one's got a clue what's about to happen. Brilliant. That is indeed what the word unprecedented means, Agent. Yes. And in five, four, three, two, one.

19:41Simply fascinating. I wasn't expecting any electrical disruptions coming from the event horizon. While the dash-moded monitors are coming back on... No, not an electromagnetic pulse per se. More akin to electrostatic discharge, or controlled electromagnetic interference. Yes. We'll have to make a note of this, and based on where the station has reappeared, calculate an even safer distance for Event 5. Had we been much closer, we may have had all our electrical equipment destroyed by any distortion. Oh, me ears popped. Not just me. Ah, no. Same here. How was Keenan able to sleep through all of that?

20:28He didn't even stir. The poor little honeybee must be all tuckered out. Ah, Eureka! Can you be any more specific, Doctor? Has our sensors confirmed the reappearance of the station? You have to say over. Would you please grow up? What? Oh, yes, it just registered. It registered, all right. It registered. I started the countdown to reinsertion, insertion again, back into the null space in 5.8 days from now. More importantly, however, I finally found world... Nope. Nope, that is a ketchup stain. Dag nabbit! Insufferable. Please proceed in sending our coordinates of the Canadian station to our vehicle, Doctor.

21:25Should I wake Keenan up? No, no, no. Are you daft? Let the lad kip. I'm cleared to drive this beast anyway. Plus, he's going to need all that energy to lug these crates off by himself. Dr. Jovac has successfully sent us the coordinates for event four. It appeared on the far side of our estimates. One full mile that way.

21:57This is Supervisory Deputy Marshal Bass Marlow. Today is April 12th, 2023, and the current time is 13.05 hours. As you can hear in the background, we are en route to a location where the other naughty, naughty one driven by the Atlas team, stopped about 30 minutes ago. Our current position is, let me check the screen. We are on the dark side of the moon, Deputy Duder, sir. Pink floating our way into the year 2040. Best to keep your eyes on the road, Dr. Dauber. Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads. Um, great time travel reference, Patrick, but I thought we agreed three hours ago to wait on time travel puns until we get there.

22:43Besides, they told us the station was only established in 2044. For the time the AI said she was active, plus this last year Emery's been trapped there, that would make the date where he is 2061. Gentlemen, I tend to narrate these updates as a monologue, not a dialogue. It's important that I record our updates, so do me a solid, okay? My bad, Dupdutski. As I was saying, we are presently at 87 degrees, 38 minutes, 8 seconds south by 27 degrees, 18 minutes, 4 seconds west on a 264 heading, about 160 miles out from a Munson Scott. Early this morning, just after 0430 hours, we got the message from Zeke that the Atlas team had possibly...

23:28Plus my boy Kenan. Plus Dr. Darver's boy Kenan left the station. We departed about 30 minutes after they left and followed their trail. After about seven and a half hours, they stopped for a while, I presume waiting for the station to reappear. We held position as well until we saw their GPS signal moving once again. We used that time to deploy the ARO monitoring equipment Dr. Topper Hunt asked to have brought out. Strangely, just before we got underway again, there was a... Well, I guess you'd call it a shutter. Oh, no, no, more like a hiccup. Nah, that was an electrical disruption. Localized electromagnetic pulse 100%.

24:13Thank goodness a week went over, we'd be stuck in here for a while. It was more like a blip than a hiccup. Guys, seriously.

24:27At least it's not Kenan. The blip was almost assuredly the station coming out of, well, wherever it goes when it's not here, I guess. I started a timer to ensure we know how long we have until the station disappears again. 140 hours. In addition to various supplies, medical items, and survival gear we brought with us, we made sure we made room for Mr. Waters, for Emery on the Nauti after we liberated him. And I'm sure he's going to have quite the story to tell us all. How we're going to explain to everyone how he didn't die and where he's been all this time, well, that's a bridge we'll have to cross when we get there.

25:08I also made sure to be properly armed this time. While I'm sure we were able to kill all the ice spiders in the last year, the last thing I want is to not have enough firepower or ammunition. I packed some of the firearms which were sent down at the beginning of last summer when the emergency supply mission arrived after we got Mr. Ferguson out of the Halen jump cycle. Um, I apologize for being a Budinsky again, Sub-Dev Dutrino, but I think that's it. The big structure in the middle of Nowheresville. Yeah, that's it, gentlemen. We're here. Up ahead, you'll see a small light yellow building up on your right.