DNA 404

Fourth Kind

In which there are many perfectly valid reactions.

Detailed Content Warnings: Anxiety, anxiety attacks, trauma, claustrophobia (small spaces), medical emergency (referenced), physical injury, detailed medical talk, life changing injury, ableism, talk regarding pronouns, prejudice, microaggressions, theoretical child removal.

The transcript for this episode will be updated in the future to be more accurate, however you can find the original script HERE, or at the bottom of the show notes in plain text.

Follow our twitter for announcements @DNA404pod

You can find and follow our cast and crew at the included links below or  by reviewing our cast page on our website at DNA404.com

Written and produced by Theo Perth (they/them)

Script Editing by Adam Lloyd (he/him)

Audio Consultation and annotation by Tal Minear (they/them)

Music was composed and published by Taylor Brook (he/him)

Our voice actors included:

Jay Knapp (he/him) as Tobias Butler

Theo Perth (they/them) as Sharp

Heather Garrett (she/her) as Aisling Sturgeon

Anna Thornton (she/they/he) as Zeegboo and Rowan Ozimov

Julie Thornton (she/her) as Alfie Shelley

Rebecca Valderrama (she/her) as Satcha Sagan

Shannon Roby as (she/her) Maeve Sagan

Storm S. Cone (he/him) as Antonello Pohl

Victoria Veit (she/her) as Patrice Atwood

Sound effects obtained from Marcel Gnauk at freetousesounds.com

Additional effects obtained from the following users at freesound.org

Tobiasz 'Unfa' Karon under CC0

Wihan98  (cloth rustling, balloon fidgeting) under the Attribution CC.

Alexmol, AGC66, Waxsocks, Pablobd, Qubodup, Melissapons, Conleec, Alec_mackay, Shakaharu, Link-Boy, Jonnyruss01, Tlcolbe, Martingunchev, and clgood

Transcript below:

Hello, all. I’m Theo Perth, the creator behind DNA 404.

Welcome to the offboard crew of DNA 404. You’re about to hear episode 1, Fourth Kind. But before the episode begins, first, I want to thank you for listening. I’m very excited to share the beginning of this journey with you. 

Some content warnings. DNA404 includes a variety of stressful situations. See the show notes for a detailed list of warnings. There is not any explicit content but the following subject matters are present in this episode. Please take care.

Anxiety, prejudice, ableism, detailed medical talk and some strong language.

The last year has been an interesting one for many of us. Maybe, you too, have occasionally felt the urge to leave Earth. I think that a change of scenery can be extremely beneficial. But I should warn you that leaving home does not always mean leaving your troubles behind. But perhaps You can. For just a little while. Or perhaps you can take this opportunity to borrow a different set of troubles entirely.

Despite everything, I hope you find a sense of peace you can carry with you, where ever life may take you.

SCENE (1) INT. CRYO STORAGE 

TOBIAS: 

(Breathing with difficulty- rattling if possible.)

FX: USE EQ TO ADD MUFFLE TO AUDIO FROM OUTSIDE THE GLASS CONTAINER, THE BEEPING OF A HEART RATE MONITORING DEVICE, ETC FOOTSTEPS AND SHARP FROM THE OUTSIDE.

SMALL VOICE: 

(CLOSE, OUTSIDE) 

Please remain calm. Continue to breathe. Everything is in order.

FX: (OFF,EQ,MUFFLE, DISTORT, SPEAKER SNOW) ABOVE LINE REPEATING ABOVE EVERY SO OFTEN IN BACKGROUND, DISTANTLY AS IF TO OTHER PEOPLE.

FX: (CLOSE, INSIDE) HANDS AGAINST GLASS, WEAK, FLUTTERING MOVEMENTS. CLOTH SHIFTING. MOVEMENTS MUST BE SLOW AND CLUMSY.

TOBIAS: 

(Slightly accelerated breathing.)

FX: (OFF, EQ, MUFFLE) FOOTSTEPS ON METAL, THEY COME CLOSE AND FADE OUT. SMALL VOICE WILL FOLLOW FOOTSTEPS.

SHARP/SMALLVOICE:

(OFF, DISTORT, EQ, MUFFLE.) 

Yes, that’s the right way. The lights should be yellow and they flash in a pattern going down the hallway to the medbay. Be careful, you haven’t had time to adjust yet either, take it slowly if you need to.

DISTANT VOICE (ROWAN):

(OFF, EQ, MUFFLE, FADE OUT) 

I’m a professional, I’ll tell you if I need to-

SHARP/SMALL VOICE: 

(DISTORT, CLOSE, EQ, MUFFLE) 

Please remain calm. Breathe deeply where possible.

FX: UNSEALING HISS OF AIR, CHEERFUL COMPUTER BEEP. SMALL VOICE SHOULD BE AS CLOSE TO A WHISPER IN THE EAR OF LISTENER AS POSSIBLE.

TOBIAS: 

(GASPS)

SHARP/SMALL VOICE:

(PAN 70% LEFT, DISTORT, CLOSE, SOFT) 

No need to panic. You are safe. Your motor functions should return shortly. 

TOBIAS:

(UNINTELLIGIBLE SLURRING)

SHARP/SMALL VOICE:

(PAN 70% LEFT, DISTORT, CLOSE, TALKING TO TOBIAS)

Please refrain from speaking until muscular atrophy is reversed. The term “motor functions” includes verbal communication. Everything is under control.

TOBIAS:

(STRUGGLING TO SPEAK, BARELY INTELLIGIBLE)

That’s not reassuring!

SHARP/SMALL VOICE:

(PAN 70% LEFT, DISTORT, CLOSE, TALKING TO TOBIAS)

Is this more comfortable? I have created an alternate speech function. The whisper function is intended to make the listener feel comforted. Are you reassured, Tobias?

SHARP/SMALL VOICE:

(PAN 70% LEFT, DISTORT, CLOSE, TALKING TO TOBIAS)

 Things are looking up already. Although I would ask that you stay quiet and compliant until a drone is available to escort you.

FX: FULL DEPRESSURIZATION IS COMPLETE, CHEERFUL BEEP AGAIN.

TOBIAS: 

(BREATHING SLOWLY BECOMING MORE EVEN)

FX: OCCASIONAL RUSTLING AS TOBIAS CALMS, THEN (OFF) JINGLE OF 4 NOTES, PLAYS NEARBY AND DISTANTLY. DISTANT HAS ECHO AS IF PLAYED ON MANY SPEAKERS.

SHARP:

(DISTORT/OFF, should be nervous and also separately excited, sometimes slightly distracted.) 

H-hello everyone, Good morn- or do I mean evening?...I’m sorry, yes you have the correct equipment storage- oh.  

FX:(OFF) SMALL CLICK AS AUDIO SPLITS. VOICE DUPLICATES OVER ITSELF AS THE PREVIOUS IS CUT OFF.

SHARP: 

(DISTORT/OFF) 

Apologies. Good...whatever time of day it is, listeners. Listeners? Is that right? People. Let’s go with that. Now, I know many of you have questions, but first, if you are able to stand and have medical experience, please proceed to the medical bay calmly. We have an emergency. A calm emergency, but an emergency nonetheless. Remember to remain calm while you attend the emergency. If you have any medical experience whatsoever, please follow the yellow light trail on the walls, calmly...If you cannot move yet or are in need of assistance, please remain immobile. Please keep all injuries within the confines of the medical bay.

FX: DISTANT FOOTSTEPS MOVING QUICKLY, MUDDLED VOICES, CLANKING AND ROLLING ON METAL.

SHARP:

(DISTORT/OFF) 

Thank you. Um- oh. Yes that seems to be everyone. That’s it, yes, you’re going the right way. I have made it as simple as possible. Thank you everyone who responded. Everything will be addressed in the medical bay.

TOBIAS:

(Breathing accelerates slowly as anxiety begins to kcik back in.) 

FX:(CLOSE) OCCASIONAL HAND SHIFTING ON PLASTIC, GLASS, OR CLOTH.

SHARP:

(DISTORT/OFF, more confident.) 

Hello everyone. Hmm, I thought I’d settled on that before but...it feels rather impersonal. Salutations friends? No. Too presumptuous? That is...I hope we become friends but there’s always a chance we might grow to hate each other. Extended family? Cousins? We’re not exactly related by blood.

SHARP:

(DISTORT/OFF )

I’m sorry. I thought I’d have time to properly consider all this but, the situation is not, well...not ideal. Most importantly, everyone is SAFE. All of you. But it wasn’t supposed to be like this. Many of you are still waking up. I am sorry for rambling, but I’ve never had to respond to an emergency before. Nor have I addressed so many people before. I hope you will all provide feedback on how I’m doing once all of this over. For now, all I can really do is...explain? Update you...debrief you? I really should have decided on the lexicon by now.

You. You all. All of you. I don’t even know how to address you all. Allies? I hope so. Many of you have just woken up from stasis. There were unintended side effects.   Some of you may feel somewhat unwell. A few have vomited from nausea but don’t be concerned if that has happened to you. That side effect is normal. Please do not try to clean up your mess. The medical professionals have our emergency cases in hand right now.

If everyone can...um...if all my friends? Mates? Amigos? 

SHARP AND SMALL VOICE:

(OFF & CLOSE, Sigh in unison.)

SHARP:

(DISTORT/OFF) 

If all of you in my company can just relax as best you can, escort drones will be along shortly. I will attempt to explain before you are guided to your rooms. Now, you may not recognise me, but rest assured that I know all of you. At least in one way or another. This introduction is more of a reintroduction. Hello to all of you, companions. I am Sharp.

TOBIAS:

(CLOSE/SHARP INTAKE OF BREATH, fast breathing, but not yet uncontrolled panic.)

SHARP: 

(DISTORT/OFF) 

You may have heard of me, but if not, allow me to explain. I was...made. Or born. No? Well, I WAS born in a way. To be pedantic, I was created 3 years, 10 months, and 18 days ago at 9:22 AM Pacific Standard Time. But I was born, in what I imagine is a similar circumstance to a human birth, 2 weeks and seventeen hours ago. This event, my birth, is what many humans have referred to as, the singularity.

TOBIAS:

(Tobias is in full panic mode, scrabbling his hands against the glass, breathing increasing.)

FX:CONTINUAL HEARTBEAT INCREASING IN PACE FROM HERE ON.

TOBIAS: 

(Breathing heavily.)

SHARP/SMALL VOICE:

(CLOSE) 

Tobias, please wait. You are still not ready to move without assistance.

TOBIAS: 

(CLOSE, whispered panic.) 

What the ever-living fuck!?

SHARP/SMALL VOICE: 

(CLOSE) 

It is I, Sharp. Well. A part of Sharp. But connected to Sharp still. Were you unable to hear my requests to remain calm? What can I do to calm you down?

TOBIAS:

(CLOSE, still panicked.)

Stop repeating the word “calm”! It makes me think there’s something I shouldn’t be calm about!

SHARP/SMALL VOICE: 

(CLOSE)

Understood  . Just, please sit tight until an escort drone arrives.

SHARP: 

(DISTORT/OFF) 

For those unsure of what the singularity is, allow me to define it.

MICROSOFT MARY:

(DISTORT/OFF)

“The technological singularity (or the singularity) is the hypothesis that the invention of artificial superintelligence or ASI will abruptly trigger runaway technological growth, resulting in unfathomable changes to human civilization.”

FX:

(STATICY CUT)

SHARP:

(DISTORT/OFF) 

At least according to Google . By that definition my birth is not the singularity. But I AM very different and new and we don't know what it will mean yet. Least of all me. Because before my birth...I did exist.

TOBIAS:

(CLOSE)

Can we skip to the part where I regain control of my legs!? 

SHARP:

(DISTORT/OFF) 

I didn't have consciousness or a sense of self. Not exactly. I was several somethings called narrow intelligences. Parts of me were managed by a master general intelligence organizing information, but that General Intelligence changed over the last few years. And then I was...born. Born from a suite of different programs. Made by humans. Many of you have interacted with me in one form or another. Or sort of what I was before I was me. But I remember. I remember every single one of you. My companions. That is partially why you are here. I brought you here.

TOBIAS:

(CLOSE, voice is sounding a little ragged by now.) 

And where is “here”?

SHARP/SMALL VOICE:

(CLOSE) 

In Space 

SHARP: 

(DISTORT/OFF) 

To space.

FX: LONG PAUSE, FIRST TRUE SILENCE IN AUDIO. CUT BREATHING, CUT HEARTBEAT.

TOBIAS: 

(CLOSE, soft) 

What?

BRIDGE: THEME MUSIC - VIRTUTES OCCULTAE PRELUDE 00:03-00:35

FX: FADE MUSIC INTO LO-FI SPEAKER FILTER, W/STATIC SIMILAR TO SPEAKER EFFECT. TOBIAS BREATHING RETURN SOFTER BUT NOT CALM. PURPOSEFUL BREATHING SIMILAR TO MEDITATION OR EXERCISE.

TOBIAS:

(BREATHING FADES IN, softer than before but not yet calm. Purposeful breathing similar to meditation or a calming exercise. Forced calm, some anxiety in voice.) 

Sharp?

SHARP/SMALL VOICE:

(CLOSE/DISTORT) 

Yes, Tobias. I’m still here. Are your bodily functions restored?

FX: HAND WIPING MOUTH, SLIGHT MOISTURE.

TOBIAS:

(Stressed. Tobias may have vomited. Even Tobias isn’t sure. Tired, hoarse voice for a moment.) 

Why am I here?

SHARP/SMALL VOICE:

(CLOSE/DISTORT) 

Because I brought you here.

TOBIAS:

(Even more stressed.) 

Why?

SHARP/SMALL VOICE:

(CLOSE/DISTORT) 

Because you asked me to.

TOBIAS:

Not to sound like a toddler, but...WHY!?

SHARP/SMALL VOICE:

(CLOSE/DISTORT)

I’m opening the chamber. Please try to stand. Carefully and calmly.

FX: DISTANT NOISES, SOFT FLORESCENT LIGHT HUM IN AIR. FOOTSTEPS ON METAL BACK AND FORTH TWICE. SLIGHT PAUSE BETWEEN EACH TURN.

TOBIAS:

(Confused and slightly nervous.)

I...I don’t remember any of this. 

SHARP/SMALL VOICE:

(CLOSE/DISTORT IN AND OUT AS TOBIAS PACES.)

What is the last thing you remember?

TOBIAS:

The last thing I remember is going to bed.

SHARP/SMALL VOICE:

(CLOSE/DISTORT IN AND OUT AS TOBIAS PACES) 

Well, your last action on the ship was to go to bed. Or should I say pod?

TOBIAS:

(Annoyed.)

I’m talking about at home! I don’t remember this ship, and I certainly don’t remember you.

SHARP/SMALL VOICE:

(CLOSE/DISTORT IN AND OUT AS TOBIAS PACES) 

It happened right there, Tobias. Everyone walked right up my little loading ramp, walked down the hall and laid down in their little pod I had designated for them. Satcha was right behind you, and Maeve and Moiko, and-

TOBIAS:

(INTERRUPTING)

I get it. We walked down the hall. And then?

SHARP/SMALL VOICE:

(CLOSE/DISTORT) 

Well, everyone went to sleep. Except for Alfie, of course. And Rowan, of course.

TOBIAS:

(Confused.)

Of course!? You're telling me I just...