Fight fire with gas!

[OutSource]

Peer review time! And...

Quip alert!
At the end on this script re-enters the character of Richard Brooks II, so hit me up Quip and we'll rework the dialogue as we usually do--unless you like it as is.

Which this includes everyone in fact. 'S the point of peer review innit? Comment here in this thread if you see discrepances, objections, concerns.

Also, be advised that I'm going to finish the scripts to end this season before I start producing the episodes.

I'll e-mail the scripts out next Sunday, so if there are corrections to make, lemme know between now and then.

Thanks!

[Quip]

[Archive]

So far, the script looks very silent.



-Archive, hitting refresh repeatedly.
_________________
"Why is it I can recall the most detailed minutiae about Feedback and Tech Support, yet if you ask me for driving directions something has to go wrong?"
-Archive, Tech Support's Acting Director of Information Technologies

[OutSource]

You guys don't play around! Here it comes. And concurrently, Brad Beeson--I need you for the part of Colonel Alex Weathers if you're able? Thanks in advance!

[OutSource]

FEEDBACK: A HERO’S CALLING
Season Two; Episode Eight
"Family"
by Lyn Cullen, Caith Donovan & Alan White

SCENE ONE--Exterior, Alleyway, City Streets
SFX: the sound of a body crashing into garbage cans

AGENT S
(shouting angrily): Assassins! Murderers!

SFX--moving through the cans
ALEX
(Badly wounded)
Sam, please…Please just trust me. We’ll find out how to fix this… Just come back with me…Sam, please… I love you. Remember?

AGENT S
No! There is no love! There is only victory!

SFX--Of water swirling around in the hand of an oncoming new player in this scene. She arrives in the air and comes to hover

LECHARA
That’s enough S!

AGENT S
Murders! Assassins! All of you!

SFX of Agent S running away, and Lechara flying down from where she had been, then walking toward Alex

LECHARA
(tenderly): It’s ok, it’s over, Agent S is gone… and you’re a very lucky man to have survived a fight with her. What’s your name?

ALEX
Alex. Why are you calling her Agent S?

LECHARA
I'm calling her what she calls herself. I've been trailing her for months

ALEX
Thanks for the assist, but I can make it on my own here.

LECHARA
No way. You’re hurt and we’re going to get you to a hospital. I don’t want to risk her coming back to finish the job.

SFX: Shifting in the cans and Alex tries to get to his feet until he--

ALEX
Ow!

LECHARA
Sorry.

Look, I don’t mean to state the obvious, but you might want to stay out of her way, she runs on the temperamental side. Trust me- that’s experience talking.

ALEX
Yeah, no kidding. It’s funny, you know? She never did listen when she got up a full head of steam. I suppose now that’s amplified just like everything else.

<a>

I think I can stand, I have some friends who should be nearby.

LECHARA
You sound like you know Agent S too.

ALEX
I do.

<a>

She's my sister.
And who are you?

LECHARA
My name is Lechara.
I manipulate elemental forces. I should be more than enough to help you in this situation.

ALEX
Elemental forces? Earth, air, fire ... water? That's all?




LECHARA
Beg pardon?

ALEX
Trust me...if you're determined to keep pursuing her, you're going to need a few more elements. You're going to need the entire periodic table.

LECHARA
Are you joking?

ALEX
I'm really not.

LECHARA
Hmm. Well ... I know just the people who can help us.

BUMPER--MATT ATHERTON READS
SFX -- THEME SONG "MY CALLING" BY JEFFERY WAYNE KIRKPATRICK BEGINS

FEEDBACK: EVERY MORNING, I WAKE UP TO A MECHANICAL ALARM CLOCK, PUT ON MY DAMPENING SUIT, AND CROSS MY FINGERS THAT THE GAME I'M ABOUT TO PLAY IS GOING TO BE THE "RIGHT" ONE. IF I DON'T, TWO THINGS HAPPEN. ONE, MY FEEDBACK FIELD REMAINS ACTIVE AND I FRY EVERY ELECTRONIC PIECE OF EQUIPMENT WITHIN 30 FEET OF ME. AND TWO, I WILL HAVE NO SUPERPOWERS TO SAVE THE WORLD.

FEEDBACK: MY NAME IS FEEDBACK, AND THESE ARE MY STORIES.

SFX -- THEME SONG CONTINUES THEN FADES INTO...


SCENE TWO--TECH SUPPORT, Mission Control
SFX: Tech Support Department heads are assembled in various places around Mission Control
CONSOLE
I’d heard rumors about Project Cyclone back when we were still in CalTech!

FEEDBACK
When we heard about it back at Grinnell, we called it ‘Project Borg.’ I never realized it had gone live.

LECHARA
Apparently it’s not live any more. From what Alex told me, the project was shut down about 4 years ago.

BLACKTHORN
And you trust this ... Alex?


LECHARA
(hesitantly): He seemed genuine and he had some pretty substantial information on S.

BLACKTHORN
"S?"
So you’re just on a first name basis with the whole family...

LECHARA
Sorry sir, I’ve had so many run-ins with her over the last couple months I guess I do feel like I know her.

Even though I don't have the resources you do, everything I’ve found has checked out. The operatives were re-programmed to have no memory that Project Cyclone ever existed and all their technology was removed.

BARTON
Begging your pardon, Lechara, Mr. Blackthorn ... and uh ... "Tech Support," but Alex didn't tell you everything. Not every operative had the Cyclone tech removed.

ARCHIVE
Catch all of us up to speed, Mr. Barton, not just Lechara and CPU. With all due respect Feedback, Console ... what even is Project Cyclone?

BARTON
Ah, you're right Mr. ...

ARCHIVE
Just Archive. No Mr.

BARTON
Yes. Archive. Ok. I'll need a few tries before I'm used to calling you by your codenames when you're not wearing a superhero uniform.

ARCHIVE
You'll get used to it, Mr. Barton.

BARTON
Thanks. I guess that means I'm staying.

BLACKTHORN
You need our protection, Mr. Barton. You sacrificed a lot to give us the inside information on the Consortium that came gunning for Feedback and the Forthright tech.
So yeah, you're staying. As long as you want to.

BARTON
That's ... thank you, er, CPU.

LECHARA
Can we get back to the part where Alex didn't tell me everything?

BARTON
Yes! The corporation is LifeTech. Their motto, "Live, learn, and play high tech!"
They developed the Cyclone technology. When it came time to shut it all down, they left one group of individuals active.

LECHARA
And you know this how ...?

BARTON
LifeTech is the last corporation member of Hildegarde Eng's Consortium--the band of financiers and researchers looking to exploit technology for personal gains.

FEEDBACK
Who is the group that they left the Cyclone tech active in, Michael?

BARTON
I couldn't get that level of clearance. I never found out.

CONSOLE
But we did find what their technology could do.

LifeTech developed this stuff to increase the response time and intercommunication of a unit of individuals. When activated, the ops members wouldn’t physically report in for duty, they would jack in. Each operative had a wireless neural interface implanted in his or her brain. Once in, each had full telepathic communication with his or her CO as well as with each other. They had full mission instructions as well as real-time knowledge of what other operatives doing and thinking.

BARTON
That actually sounds pretty interesting.

CONSOLE
Except the by-product is that all the memories of their sleeper lives would be blocked. When they went into that unit...nothing else remained.

FEEDBACK
(hard believing anyone would do this to themselves)
A complete wipe of everything they were before they jacked in? They lose ... all their personality. Everything that made them who they were. Willingly.

K2
Feedback ... I can hear how disturbing that is to you. You're fighting against that happening to you every time you use your powers...

FEEDBACK
...yet LifeTech wants to hand people this kind of blank slate on a silver platter.

ARCHIVE
I guess there actually are people who want to forget their pasts. Maybe they have nothing to be proud of when they look back.

CONSOLE
Then Project Cyclone is not the one for them.
The mindwipe is temporary. It was only designed to make the subject into these soldiers for whom nothing exists outside of their objective.

K2
Nothing ... and no one.

CONSOLE
Right.
Force them to bond. But when the mission was complete they would unplug and it all went in reverse Their mission would be blocked from their memories and they'd go back to their sleeper lives to wait for the next assignment.

FEEDBACK
(subtle realizing this could be an answer for his own memories)
Then ... all they had been made to forget--just--comes back again?

LECHARA
But Alex told me all of that, Console. Everything that Console and his research just reported.

He also said that there had been a system failure during the exit protocols from Cyclone's last mission. All of the team members had safely exited except for Agent S. The power went down with S still jacked into the software.

ARCHIVE
Agent S. A list of her known offenses is displayed on your panels. And ... if you'll look at the bottommost left corner, you'll see that Agent S used to be a deep cover military operative named Samantha Weathers.

LECHARA
It took me weeks to find that info!

ARCHIVE
The Information Technologies of Tech Support has advanced a little since you were last here. Perhaps you should have given us a call first.

BLACKTHORN
So LifeTech wasn't just using any ol' volunteers for their trial runs of Project Cyclone. They were using military-trained operatives.

CONSOLE
Which is not the kind of person you want loose with corrupted data and contradicting commands running through the thing that used to be their brain.

BARTON
Maybe that's why they kept a group still active with live Cyclone implants--housekeeping.

BLACKTHORN
To clean up the mess they made? That'd be nice, except ...

FEEDBACK
...where are they now?

LECHARA
I bet I know who has that information...

ARCHIVE
Colonel Alex Weathers.

LECHARA
Colonel?!

ARCHIVE
Career military, like his sister.

BLACKTHORN
Well now you're barking up my tree. Let me put a few calls out there and see what I can come up with about these soldier siblings.

Meanwhile, Lechara, why don't you take some time to get yourself reacquainted with the Tech Support HQ and the changes we've made in your absence. I want Dr. Karroux to give you a clean bill of health before you make contact again with this "Colonel Alex Weathers," and I want you to be fully armed.

LECHARA
Do we have time for that?

BLACKTHORN
I know you prefer working on your own, but this time you wanted our help and this is how we give it. Make the time.

LECHARA
(a beat)

Yes sir.

SFX--exit Lechara.

FEEDBACK
(speaking to Console after having taken him aside. He doesn't want the others to hear.)
Zack. You realize what the Cyclone technology did -- does-- to its subjects?

CONSOLE
(responding quietly as well)
I know...it's crazy. Volunteering to lose their memories.

FEEDBACK
(quiet, in private conversation)
But the memories were then replanted.

CONSOLE
(quiet, in private conversation)
Yeah. That would almost be an answer to your problem...it's just too bad that ...

(a beat)

(quiet, in private conversation)
Wait a minute!!

FEEDBACK
(quiet, in private conversation)
My lost memories aren't gone.

CONSOLE
(quiet, in private conversation)
They're in Blackthorn's daughter!

FEEDBACK
(quiet, in private conversation)
And if we extract them...

CONSOLE
(getting excited, voice raising)
...the Cyclone technology might be able to put them back into you!!


FEEDBACK
(quiet, in private conversation)
Shhh, Zack!
Yes. It might. But we don't know. We don't even know if that’s all of them. Or
why the memories left me to begin with, or why they took shape afterwards ...

CONSOLE
(quiet, in private conversation)
...or why they just didn't go back into you when they had the chance. I mean, why they had to jump into my head I'll never know.

FEEDBACK
(quiet, in private conversation)
And Blackthorn's. And they practically overrode Firewall's whole personality. You guys were in the wrong place at wrong time, I guess. I'm so sorry about that man.

CONSOLE
(quiet, in private conversation)
Matt. We were and are at the right place at the right time. Don't sweat it.

(a beat)
(with humor)
I could've done without knowing about that Grinnell weekend during the winter recess though...but it's alright. I'm alright.

FEEDBACK
(quiet, in private conversation)
(a beat)
(with humor)
Do I even want to know?

CONSOLE
(quiet, in private conversation)
(with humor)
No my friend you do not.

ROUTER
Y'all know I can hear everything you're saying, right?

FEEDBACK
(sighing but quietly, in private conversation))
Yes, Router.

CONSOLE
(quiet, in private conversation)
I thought when we sub-vocalize, we could get some privacy!

ROUTER
From everyone else, yes, but not from me while you're right in the middle of Mission Control.

FEEDBACK
(quiet, in private conversation)
It's okay, Console. You know we can trust him. Router let's just keep this between us right now, okay? There's no need in giving Tech Support a lot of hope that might not lead anywhere.

ROUTER
But...Feedback, they're your memories, not ours!

FEEDBACK
(quiet, in private conversation)
I know that, but...everyone here is doing this all for me. I just don't want to see them all disappointed.

CONSOLE
(quiet, in private conversation)
Matt, you're about to take the definition of 'selfless' to a whole new level, dude.

FEEDBACK
(quiet, in private conversation)
Speaking of selfless ... Router, how's our new recruit doing on his first mission?

ROUTER
Yes…! CPU, you're going to want to know about this...!

BLACKTHORN
What's happening?

ROUTER
It's Sparrow sir. I think he might be catching some flak while running interference on PreFetch.

REBOOT
That is not good. PreFetch is in full-on freak mode. It should be me out there trying to reign him in, not Sparrow! I’ve always been able to handle him.

(admittedly)
One way or another...!

BLACKTHORN
You're the last one who should be interacting with PreFetch right now. He thinks you're an impostor and that there was some other Reboot that he's known for years.

Right now, for whatever reason, he trusts Sparrow. He wants a trip up the yellow brick road to see the wizard in the Emerald City. Let him have it. He might be safer that way.

REBOOT
He might be safer--but will Sparrow?

SCENE THREE--Roadside, Northern California
SFX--The "open road" and all that entails.

PRE-FETCH
(to Sparrow)
Hey… breakfast. Time to get up, hero.

SPARROW
I’m not a hero. Never make that mistake. Did… did you even sleep?

PRE-FETCH
I only need four hours to power a full day, Sparrow. I’ll be done packing in a few minutes, be ready.

SPARROW
Dude… you may be Canadian Special Forces… but I’m gutter-scum. Gimme a few.

PRE-FETCH
Why? We’ve wasted enough time already.

SPARROW
If you want to go, the keys are right there. I’m finishing this food.

PRE-FETCH
You can eat in the car.

SPARROW
I plan on eating right here.

PRE-FETCH
What is it with you? Why do you keep delaying? This is my friend we’re talking about here.

SPARROW
Yeah… your friend… not mine. I mean, he sounds like a great guy, but I have nothing invested in him. I need to finish waking up. Like I said, the keys are right there if you need to go.

PRE-FETCH
And what am I going to do when I get there, huh?

SPARROW
Lily and Wisp are expecting you. Now get going. I’ve still got a couple minutes.

PRE-FETCH
Is that your answer to everything? Walk away from it. Leave things unfinished.

SPARROW
My business is finished, Pre-Fetch. I only came down with Tech Support because one of the few people I trust told me I needed whatever it was you had to offer. I’m not incredibly convinced, but I made the effort. If you think I’m done, then I’m okay with that.

PRE-FETCH
You ever wonder what might happen if you stuck something out? Stayed with it until the end, even if you don’t think it’s fair?

SPARROW
I know what happens. I make the mistake of getting attached.

PRE-FETCH
Yeah… and…?

SPARROW
…and I’ve learned better.

PRE-FETCH
(a few beats as PreFetch begins to suspect)
Are you buying them time? Are you letting them catch up to us so they can take me back and erase Reboot?

SFX--Sparrow stands, picks up his pack.

SPARROW
…and people think I’m paranoid. Good bye again, Pre-Fetch.

SFX--Footsteps.

PRE-FETCH
I'm talking to you.

SFX--Footsteps. Pre-Fetch runs forward and grabs Sparrow.

PRE-FETCH
Don’t you dare ignore me.

SFX--No answer.

PRE-FETCH
You take me for an idiot? Where are they? Where's Tech Support?!

SFX--Pre-Fetch pushes Sparrow to the ground. Body falls.

PRE-FETCH
If I have to use you as a hostage to keep Tech Support at a distance then I'll do it! You're taking me to your shaman, Sparrow!

SFX--Sparrow struggles to get to his feet.

PRE-FETCH
Say something! Deny it?!

SFX--Pre-Fetch kicks the cane away. Body falls

PRE-FETCH
What the hell is wrong with you? I can push you to the ground and you just take it? What kind of hero are you?

SFX--Sparrow screams in rage. Pre-Fetch takes kicks to the gut and to the face. He pounds on Pre-Fetch.

SPARROW
I am not a hero! Never say that. Never make that mistake!

SFX--Pre-Fetch pushes him off. Sparrow grunts with rage and energy.

PRE-FETCH
So… you can get mad. There’s a human under there after all.

SPARROW
Shut up!

PRE-FETCH
Or what?

SFX--Fight. Sparrow gives as good as he gets, but Pre-Fetch is clearly winning. Sparrow goes down.

PRE-FETCH
(panting) I… I thought you said… you weren’t a fighter.

SPARROW
(panting)
I’m not… I don’t fight… to fight… not like you. You’re… a trained professional… Canadian Special Forces… I’m gutter scum… I just fight ... to kill…

PRE-FETCH
(panting)
You're taking me ... to Wisp.

SPARROW
I ... never said I wouldn't. I wanted to finish the breakfast you made. Remind me never to throw a compliment your way again.

SFX--Pre-Fetch helps Sparrow up.

PRE-FETCH
Here's your cane. Sorry that I kicked it out from under ya.

SFX--Sparrow gets to his feet. They dust themselves off.

PRE-FETCH
Why did you say that? About yourself?

SPARROW
Because it’s true.

PRE-FETCH
That's a load of crap. Archive checked you out before you ever made it into the base. Your father is a University professor. Your mother teaches as an exclusive private school. You come from money.

SPARROW
Where you start doesn’t matter so much as where you end up, Pre-Fetch. Reboot was Russian. For a long time, the Russians were the bad guys - especially in Afghanistan. But you didn’t care, you saw the honorable, selfless man for who he was. That’s why you hold onto him so tightly, because when a man that good sacrifices himself, it needs to be honored… cherished… appreciated by those who live.
For me… I started out in the Upper Middle Class, yeah… but that’s not where I ended up. The only way to survive has been to stay out of the universe’s way. I tried … to make a difference. The only person in the world who has ever truly mattered to me ... ended up worse than dead. So yeah… I learned to walk away… and I’m good at it.

PRE-FETCH
You’re not walking away this time. I need you. Kennet needs you. I think those girls you pulled out of Favor’s little prison needed you… and I’m guessing they still do. You walk away from them, you might as well be killing them yourself.

SPARROW
Wisp and Lily can help you with Kennet better than I. Ashanté needs professional psychological and medical help, and I’ve done what I can for Manga. I’m extraneous. Let me go.

PRE-FETCH
No.

SPARROW
What? At first you can’t get rid of me fast enough, now you deny me freedom of choice-

PRE-FETCH
Stop with the passive-aggressive, Sparrow! You agreed to help me, and I’m holding you to it. Once it’s done, do what you want, but you will finish what you started here, or so help me I will leave you broken here in the woods for someone to find. You may not be a hero, but you are responsible, and I will see you follow through.

SPARROW
I’m not a hero. Never make that mistake.

SCENE FOUR—Tech Support, BIOS, Exterior
SFX-Outside, the wind is blowing and there is an echo contributing to the voices.

LECHARA
(musing to self, inner thought)
Why are briefings always anything but? Nice job on that Seattle zombie outbreak. Outsource did his usual thing of making sure Feedback’s good works stay in the news while Forthright Industries stays out. How does he manage that? Meanwhile Mr. Forthright had gone on a shopping spree. What’s new there? New van and super-fast helicopter for transportation. Drive looked like a kid in a candy store. K2 is generally happy with everyone’s health, except, of course for Feedback’s memory issues. And those are always an issue. Mainframe likes his newest recruits…at least, he likes them enough. Haven’t seen Pre-Fetch around though …

Wow, I’ve really missed all these people.

DRAGONRYDER
(from distance)
SQUEEEEEEEEEEE!
Lechara!! You really are back!

LECHARA
(laughter)
Hiya Dragonryder. How's being in Beta Flight treating you?

DRAGONRYDER
Ah...they're a good bunch of kids once Mainframe and I whip them into shape!

LECHARA
Uh.... I thought you were the youngest member on that team?

DRAGONRYDER
Pfff! If you're talking chronological years, then yeah--but I've been a Tech Support Super longer than any of them!

LECHARA
(teasing)
Except Adam and Mainframe.

DRAGONRYDER
Whatever!

LECHARA
(teasing)
Whatever!
Now where’s my glomp?

DRAGONRYDER
Right … here!

SFX—Zap of electricity.

LECHARA
Ow! Hey!

DRAGONRYDER
You're just trying to stall from having our rematch! And here we are right out in the BIOS! Let’s go!

LECHARA
Just remember…you asked for it!
Router! Initiate program Willow Alpha One!

ROUTER
What setting, Lechara?

DRAGONRYDER
Put it on the max!

SFX—We hear the BIOS changing the environment mechanically.

ROUTER
Ah. So you ladies want to play rough

Lechara, your flag is green. Dragonryder, yours red. You both must find these flags and their prospective color-coded container and deliver them to them. You may interfere with one another’s progress and the environment ... is not your friend.

Initiating in 6 … 5 … 4 … let’s get ready to rrrrumble…!

DRAGONRYDER
So long, Grandma…!

LECHARA
Oh I don’t think so, squirt…!

SFX—A series of electric zaps and surges as Dragonryder defends herself and offers aggression. Along with are the sounds of the elements at different times to both defend Lechara and nudge Dragonryder.

DRAGONRYDER
(a series of battle talk full of panting, good humor, and efforts exerted)
Ow! No fair! Oh I’m SO going to get you! Hahaaa! There’s my flag! Come to mama! Oh no you don’t!

LECHARA
(a series of battle talk full of panting, good humor, and efforts exerted)
Oooh, tricky! So that’s how you want to play it? Catch some wind! Where is that flag?! Hah! No target, no victory!

SFX—Lechara torches Dragonryder’s target container.

DRAGONRYDER
I’ll just take your flag then!

LECHARA
Oop! Why you--! But you don’t know where my target container is.

DRAGONRYDER
Yes I do! Around here—around here—whoa--!!!

LECHARA
Look out!!

MNEMONIC
AHH!

SFX—a collision of bodies and they collapse to the dirt.

ROUTER
BIOS powering down…! Match called on account of interference on the field.

DRAGONRYDER
Aw!

LECHARA
(to herself, thoughts)
My shoulder!

DRAGONRYDER
Mnemonic! Whatcha doing out here when the BIOS is running?

MNEMONIC
I just got here—I didn’t know it was running!

LECHARA
(in pain, laying hurt)
There aren’t … 8,000 safety protocols … on this thing?

ROUTER
8,000 plus me. If you’re hurt, you did it to yourselves. K2, are you standing by?

K2
(over radio frequency)
Everytime the BIOS is fired up. We have two more supers knock heads?

ROUTER
Two supers and a civilian.

DRAGONRYDER
(bouncing back, unhurt)
I’m fine!

MNEMONIC
(Also unhurt, dusting self off)
And I’m not a civilian.

K2
(over radio frequency)
Lechara, what about you?

LECHARA
(in pain)
I’m fine.

K2
(over radio frequency)
Clearly not. We’ll be right there.

LECHARA
(in pain)
Dr. Karroux. I said I’m fine. But … I’ll come down to you.

DRAGONRYDER
Come on, let me help you down to medical. Least I can do. Mnemonic you too.

MNEMONIC
Ummm…maybe not.


LECHARA
We were going pretty fast when we hit you. You need to get looked over.

MNEMONIC
I don’t think anyone cares if I’m okay or not.

SFX—The three start walking, transitioning from the outside to an elevator, to the interior corridors.

SCENE FIVE--Tech Support HQ, Elevator
SFX—The three walking, transitioning from the outside to an elevator, to the interior corridors.

LECHARA
What would make you say that? The whole Id Monster thing?

MNEMONIC
You know about that?

LECHARA
I’m just out in the field a lot—I’m not on Mars. I read the briefings.

MNEMONIC
Great. And who wrote the briefings, I wonder?

DRAGONRYDER
What do you think, Lechara?

LECHARA
What? About what she did?

DRAGONRYDER
Yeah..?

SCENE SIX--Tech Support HQ, Corridor
SFX—The three walking, transitioning to the interior corridors.

LECHARA
Um.

MNEMONIC
…Aaaaaand hesitation means doubt, and doubt means distrust, and distrust means just forget it. I’ll see you later Robin.

DRAGONRYDER
Stop right there. Wait a minute. Lechara, come on!? You know if it weren't for her, Dr. Karroux would have been boiled alive from the hydraulic fluid that Firewall emptied into the access corridors...!

LECHARA
Robin, relax. I don't disagree, but I just got back and I don't think I'm in any position right now to act as Mnemonic's defense attorney. I mean, you're still here, Courtney. Doesn't that count for something?

MNEMONIC
I'm only here because Feedback is still using me for memory journals, and boy ... when I first came in with that news did they freak! They treated me like I cheated somehow.

DRAGONRYDER
As if she snuck in through the back door or something.

MNEMONIC
Yeah!

LECHARA
Hmm. Is that how you really felt, Courtney?

MNEMONIC
Of course! They never invited me in on staff briefings or anything...!

LECHARA
Well. That might have had something to do with why you didn't go directly to them when the Id Monsters first found you.

I tell you what. Stick with me for a while. You don't have to say anything, just hang out. It's time you get to know your teammates--and they you--!

FEEDBACK
Hey, Lechara! Headed someplace?

LECHARA
Oh, I just thought K2 might be lonely so I was headed her way. What’s up?

FEEDBACK
Hi Robin! Hi Courtney!

DRAGONRYDER
Feedback! What's up.

FEEDBACK
CPU re-established contact with Colonel Alex Weathers for you and the jumpjet is priming up in the hangar. We're set to take off in t-minus nine minutes but ... I was hoping you and I could have a chat before we go.

LECHARA
(hesitates)
Um...no problem. Just ...

MNEMONIC
Lechara, it's fine. I'll be here when you get back.
And thanks.

Be careful, Matt.

FEEDBACK
Thanks Courtney! Will do!

DRAGONRYDER
I need to dry off before I meet with Mainframe. See ‘ya at the party when you guys get back tonight--Grandma.

SFX-- Dragonryder snickers or outright laughs as she bounds down the hallway.

FEEDBACK
What was that all about?

LECHARA
It stinks to get old.

SFX they start walking

FEEDBACK
We haven’t had time to catch up since you came back. It actually feels like you’ve been avoiding me.

LECHARA
Avoiding you? Nooo. Why would I do that?

FEEDBACK
(gently)
Lyn, you are many things, but a good liar isn’t one of them. Please drop the act? I just want to make sure I haven’t offended you some how.

LECHARA
No Feedback, no offense.

SFX--uncomfortable silence as they walk.

FEEDBACK
So then… what happened?

LECHARA
You mean with Stan.

FEEDBACK
Yeah, last I heard you were going to apply for entrance into the Excelsior training program but since you're here and not ... there ... I’m guessing that didn’t happen.

LECHARA
Actually? I never even made it to Stan’s recruit drive, much less through the actual training. I intended to, but within days of leaving Tech Support I picked up Agent S’ trail again. Mostly it was a trail of her victims. I did what I could to keep moving toward The Lair, but it finally just got to a point where I just needed to fish or cut-bait. I want to do the Excelsior training, I really do. I just couldn’t leave S out there unchecked and causing all that mayhem. I wanted to make you proud of me, Feedback and I’m sorry, I really am.

SFX--footfalls stop, Feedback’s suit rustles as he puts his hand on her shoulder

FEEDBACK
So you gave up your goal to help prevent Agent S from hurting others. Lechara, that does make me proud. That’s what a hero does, okay?

Now, get down to K2 and have her look at your shoulder. That looks pretty painful. The jumpjet will wait if need be.

LECHARA
Thank you, Feedback.
Feedback?

FEEDBACK
Yes?

LECHARA
I hope the Cyclone technology can somehow help you with the memory loss.

FEEDBACK
(a beat)
You ...
Lyn, you been doing this for me too, haven't you?

LECHARA
When Alex briefed me on all of it ... how could I not think of you?

FEEDBACK
Wow. That means a lot to me. Thank you.
I'll see you in the hangar.


SCENE SEVEN--Exterior Desert
SFX: Jeep driving up and stopping, man gets out and walks to them.

CONSOLE
Hmmph. Desert. Never really what's it's cracked up to be, you know?

ALEX
Sorry, I’m late. We don’t get visitors too often and we needed to clean up a bit.

SFX: hugs, handshakes

LECHARA
Wow, you look a whole lot better than the last time I saw you. Alex, this is Console, and this is Feedback. This is Colonel Alex Weathers.

ALEX
Gentlemen, it’s a pleasure and an honor.

FEEDBACK
Colonel, it’s nice to meet you.

ALEX
Please, call me Alex. Welcome to LifeTech.

SFX of gate closing behind them, they climb into the jeep and it starts up.

ALEX
So ... these are the grounds. A humble little situation but we call it home.
Basically we have the transmitter building over there, it keeps communications between the operatives in Alpha Squad open. The server building with the Cyclone mainframe is right next to it. Over on that side of the base is the infirmary, power station and my office.

SFX of jeep driving off


SCENE EIGHT LifeTech Industries, Exterior grounds.
SFX: walking outside on the base


ALEX
Lechara has told me a little bit about your situation Feedback. I must say, the fact that you continue to serve the cause of justice and freedom in spite of the personal cost speaks well of you.

FEEDBACK
Thank you, but I have a lot of help.
How does it work?

ALEX
Cyclone remembers events, for instance going to a comedy show, but is not sophisticated enough to implant the emotions associated with them. When transmitted back, operatives might remember why they laughed, but Cyclone doesn’t bring the emotion back, per se. I’ve been told it feels very close to a real emotion, just a bit more distanced. We’re continuing to work on that and hope someday it can bring back real emotions too.
Let’s take a look. I hear you have some experience with computers?

SFX: Footfalls stop, key-fob kind of entry code is punched in, door opens

ALEX
After you.

SFX: door closes, footfalls through an empty hallway

ALEX
This is the server building. This is where most of the magic happens. I want to introduce you to someone

SFX: Footfalls stop, key-fob kind of entry code is punched in, door opens, sound of fans cooling the server room

ALEX
Step inside please?

SCENE NINE--Server Bldg, Interior Room
SFX: Footfalls

FEEDBACK
(excited)
Is this what I think it is?

CONSOLE
Even Forthright couldn't have afforded this!

ALEX
(proudly)
DNA computing: the only thing on earth that can store and transmit human memories. It’s even got DNA Boolean gates. The Alpha Squad’s implants are exactly the same, only smaller.

SFX: Footfalls, monitor turning on

ALEX
Meet "Leonard."

CONSOLE
(laughter)

FEEDBACK
(laughter)

LECHARA
Uhm… Would someone please enlighten me in non-geek what this is and why naming a computer Leonard is funny?

FEEDBACK
DNA computers are exactly what they sound like. They use DNA, or strands of protein suspended in a liquid medium to provide computing power vastly superior to current silicon technology. See, regular computers use silicon microchips and process data linearly- or one calculation at a time. In DNA computing, small strands of genetic material parallel process data through a complex set of chemical reactions. The parallel processing creates output at a vastly accelerated rate. Some scientists think it’s the only way around Moore’s Law.

Did you say the squad’s implants are DNA as well?

ALEX
I did.

LECHARA
So Leonard Moore invented this? That’s where you got the name?

CONSOLE
(slightly condescending, but not irritatingly so, more like having fun at her expense)
No, Moore’s Law is named for Gordon Moore. Leonard Adleman is the inventor of bio-molecular computing.

LECHARA
(whistling)
Nerd alert!

CONSOLE
He was the first person to successfully get a DNA computer to function. He gave it a complex mathematical problem and it created all possible answers to it in just a few seconds. Then it just became a matter of weeding out all the incorrect answers using something we call Boolean logic gates. They determine which of the possible answers are correct and which should be deleted. Others picked up that research, and we perfected it to the point where a DNA based microchip can perform hundreds of trillions of calculations at a time.

ALEX
Mind if I lift this stray hair off your uniform?

DNA is cheap, sustainable, and eco-friendly. The fact that it performs many calculations at once instead of one calculation at a time gives it the ability to do in seconds what a silicon-based computer would take years to do. All of Alpha Squad’s information is processed and stored here. The microchip implant in their brain contains a single cubic centimeter of DNA fluid. It not only acts as a transmitter, and a memory gate, but also as a sort of PDA, storing excess information until they need it. The transmitter station is next door; I can show it to you once we’re done here.

LECHARA
Thank you. I now feel like an official geek.

CONSOLE
Hey Matt- assuming this works…what’s the first memory you want to recover?

FEEDBACK
Anything and everything about Sarah.

(inner voice monologue)

How many times have I looked thought our wedding album and still I remember nothing? Her dress, her smile, she looked like an angel that had come to earth. Will I ever remember what we talked about? What we shared? No, I’m not going down that path again. There are other memories I still do have. Happier days, like the night we met

(a beat)

a lifetime ago…
SFX: memories fading into...


SCENE TEN-- Busy restaurant party room
SFX large group of people around them, indistinct chatter and noises

MATT
(inner voice monologue)
Did I just say what I think I just said? Oh man, I really am a geek. I think I’ll just crawl under the table here because there’s no way she’s ever going to want to date a guy like me with words like that coming out of my mouth.

SARAH
Hello...?
I said "I’d love to."

MATT
Huh?

SARAH
Go on the scavenger hunt tomorrow. I’d love to. You ok, Matt? You sort of faded away there for a second.

MATT
Really? You’ll join us?

SARAH
Really. What time?

MATT
Uhm… Tell you what- I’ll pick you up at 11:00. I’ll buy you an early lunch and then we’ll head over.

SARAH
Sounds like fun. So what’s all involved?

MATT
My friend wrote this one up, so I don’t know a lot about it yet, but I do know that he’s going to get kidnapped. We’re all meeting at the Main Street Ice Cream Parlor, where we’ll get our first clue. We follow each one until we find the villain who kidnapped him, and then we have to find him. Hopefully we’ll get there before he gets…
(makes cut throat sound, drawing finger across his throat)

SARAH
(brightly) Ok!

MATT
Really?

SARAH
(laughing)
Really, really.

MATT
That’s perfect. Uhm… you’ll want to dress comfortably, it’s supposed to be pretty warm tomorrow and we’ll have to do a lot of walking. I’ll make sure to have plenty of water bottles along with us, and I’ll bring some power bars too. Oh, and if you’re interested, after we finish the scavenger hunt we all get together back at my place and grill-out.

SARAH
That sounds really great, Matt; I’m looking forward to it. Are, uh, you ok?

MATT
Yeah, I’m fine, why?

SARAH
Well, your face is a little flushed. I wasn’t sure if…

MATT
(spoken rapidly with excitement)
Oh. I’m sorry, it’s just that…uh… well, it’s just that these are really fun, and I know you’ll do really well, ‘cause you’re really smart, and you’ve got this really great personality, and you said you love puzzles, so I just know we’re going to make a great team and...

(taking a deep breath, then slower)
Ready to be Holmes and Watson?

SFX: extending hand for handshake

SARAH
Forget Holmes and Watson...

SFX: her hand extending

SARAH
...We’ll be two superheroes out saving the world. There won’t be a villain around who can stand against us!

SFX: party chatter back to the sounds of the Server Bldg, Interior Room




SCENE ELEVEN--Server Bldg, Interior Room
SFX: party chatter back to the sounds of the Server Bldg, Interior Room

CONSOLE
Feedback? Yoo hoo? Earth to superhero? Come in superhero...?

FEEDBACK
Yeah ...Console. I'm here. Uh ... will you excuse me a minute? I need to make a phone call.

ALEX
This room has satellite and cell tower blockers. You may need to use the corridor.

FEEDBACK
I'll be right back.

SFX Exit Feedback, door opens and closes behind him


SCENE TWELVE, Server Bldg Corridor, Interior
SFX--Feedback dials.

ROUTER
(by radio signal)
Feedback, you went off my radar for a second. And I'm not reading Console or Lech...

FEEDBACK
They're in with the Cyclone server, Router. It's shielded.

ROUTER
(by radio signal)
From me? Oh I don't like that one little bit.

SARAH
(by phone)
Hi honey.

FEEDBACK
Sarah! Hi sweetheart.

SARAH
(by phone)
What's up?

FEEDBACK
I ... um. I just wanted to tell you that I love you.

SARAH
(by phone)
Matt, what's happening? Are you in trouble?

FEEDBACK
No! It's just that ... I remembered something on my own and --well, this technology at LifeTech might be able to put more memories back into me ... but ... I don't know.

I just wanted to tell you that I remembered you today.

SARAH
(by phone)
Oh Matt.

FEEDBACK
I'll see you when I get home.

SARAH
(by phone)
Take care of yourself, Matt. I love you too.

FEEDBACK
See you later.

SFX--Feedback putting his phone away while someone approaches for around a corner.

FEEDBACK
(to self)
I'm going to get this technology to work for me, honey. For us. If it's the last thing I ever do.

BROOKS
Not if it means going back through that door.

FEEDBACK
Wha-- Richard Brooks?! You're working at LifeTech?!

BROOKS
And not just me only. Colonel Weathers was going to introduce you to the Alpha Squad, but why wait? I think you know...this guy?

SFX--Another approaches.

THE FIGURER
Hi there, Sunshine!

FEEDBACK
The Figurer?!

THE FIGURER
What? No hug for old times sake?

FEEDBACK
Brooks, this man sabotaged our HQ and tried to blow up a hospital!

BROOKS
I know that. You first thought it was me who tampered with your HQ. After I got over my hurt feelings I had to find out who this man was. And what he could do.

FEEDBACK
He should be in jail!

THE FIGURER
Forgive and forget?

FEEDBACK
This is insane. Brooks, you work with teams of superheroes! You designed our BIOS training facility! Why would you stoop to this--?

SFX--Another set of footprints approach--this time sounds like steel boots.

BROOKS
Intellect is rare when you can find it Feedback. You of all people should know that.
But ... speaking of my work with superheroes--I think you're familiar with Paladin...?

PALADIN
(in greeting)
Feedback.


FEEDBACK
Paladin, you too? You support this man being freed from the penalty of his crimes?

SFX--There is another set of boots approaching--heavy, powerful treads.

TAKEDOWN
Well now, Feedback ... that depends on how you define "penalty."

FEEDBACK
Jarrett! But you--you're--!

TAKEDOWN
I'm glad to see that you still remember me, Feedback, but please. While we're on the job I'd prefer you to call me ... The Defuser.

SCENE THIRTEEN--Atherton/Blevins Household, Interior
SFX--Room tone.

SFX--Sarah is crying, then picks up something smashable and throws it into a wall--shattering it.

SARAH
(partial sobbing, partial fury)
Damn it! Damn you Forthright and your stupid experimental technology...!
I just want my husband back. Is that too much to ask?

SFX--doorbell rings

SARAH
(to self)
Rrrgh. It never fails.

SFX--a knock on the door to follow-up the doorbell

SARAH
Hold on! Can't a girl have a moment?!

SFX--Sarah goes down the stairs


SARAH
(to self)
Let me just wipe my face. The brave superhero's wife can't be all soppy, now can she?

SFX--More knocking.

SARAH
Oh, you know what--? You'd better not be selling anything or you just lost some money.

SFX--Sarah opens the door.

SARAH
Huh? Well, hello? What's going on? Why are you here--

FIREWALL
Hi sweetheart! I forgot my keys! Can't find them anywhere!

SARAH
--Firewall? MMMPH!!

SFX--Firewall has swept Sarah into a big kiss before she even knows what's happening.

SARAH
(pushes away)
What are you doing?!?

FIREWALL
What? Can't a man kiss his wife?

SARAH
(a beat)
Oh you have got to be --frakkin'-- kidding me.

End of Part I


Cast of Characters
LECHARA-Lyn Cullen
ALEX WEATHERS- Brad Beeson
AGENT S-

FEEDBACK -Matt Atherton
BLACKTHORN-Mark Kalita
CONSOLE-Elie Hirschman
K2-Kim Gianopoulos
BARTON-Steeven Orr
ARCHIVE-Steven Hykes
REBOOT-Craig L. Dye

PRE-FETCH-Paeter Frandsen
SPARROW-Caith Donovan

DRAGONRYDER-Robin Carlisle
MNEMONIC-Courtney Schwarz
ROUTER-Mike Sims

SARAH-Sarah Blevins
FIREWALL-Steven Jay Cohen

BROOKS-Richard Brooks
THE FIGURER-David A Price
PALADIN-Howard Margolin
TAKEDOWN-Jarrett Crippen

[Mnemonic]

Okay, I cheated... got this a couple hours early from someone. I think I caught a couple typos or grammar-y things or something, but my brain's still going OMG NEW SCRIPT AWESOME so I can't quite remember what they are. I'll get back to ya.

I really like it, though. This is probably my favorite of Lyn's stories and I'm stoked that it's getting the audio-treatment. (Poor Firewall, though. And poor Pre-Fetch.)

[Lechara]

Really ridiculously picky for the written credits. My mother cursed me when she adopted me, and decided to spell my name with only 1 N.

IT's spelled "Lyn."

Just one of the reasons we don't really get along....

Oh, and edit: you have no idea how excited I am that you have worked Defuser into my story. I've met him twice, I think the squee I let out was heard in Chicago.
_________________
Also stealing the color coding from Schiz
~Lyn/~Lechara/~Void

[elizabethvarga]

*whistles*

Very niiice.
_________________
EV/Shinobi/Solaris


For Rascal, taken too soon but will always be loved. A real dog's dog. RIP:2002-March 10th, 2010


Hawaii Five-0 2010!!!

[OutSource]

[Mnemonic]

So, stupid question: this is episode eight, right? It's listed in the topic title as ep 9, and I just got confused for a sec.

[Dragonryder]

Holycrap DR's back in the main series? Awesomesauce ^_^

I've got a stack of recording to do tomorrow afternoon--I'll probably just do mine then and if any of my lines change when you send the script out I'll redo those.

As always, awesome job!!
_________________
Stealing the Color Coded Text Key Sig idea from Schiz....
~Robin/~Dragonryder/~Ryuami/~Opus

[Blue Streak]

This script is Blue Streak approved.
_________________
Blue Streak/Ted Vincentson/Contrail

[OutSource]

[K2]

OK, so in consistent K2 fashion, I have some thoughts. Thank you, Alan, for soliciting feed-...er, comments. FYI, I'm coming at this from a broader perspective, not a "line-editing" perspective.

(1) I really like the scene with Firewall and Sarah. It reads a lot more powerfully than the current finale, so I'd recommend moving that scene to the end.

(2) I count 23 characters in a 31 page script. As with other Beta Flight and Feedback scripts, I think that's way too many. You're introducing a few new characters, reintroducing characters we haven't seen in a while, and maintaining recurring characters. IMHO, other audio series with less characters per episode fare much better. Which leads me to...

(3) There is a LOT going on in this episode. I feel as though I can follow it on paper because I can flip back and forth or slow down and look at one part more carefully. However, I'm not sure that a listener will be able to keep the subplots straight, especially given the 23 voices they will hear over the course of the episode.

Just my two cents.

[OutSource]

[DngrWoman98]

The Tech Support Pets and I want to say great job on writing another great episode.
I know that I am NOT in this episode, BUT I am NOT sad.
Being that I await very patiently for the next episode of this grand saga again.
Danny Boy, The Fabio Swiss Collie, His Puppies and Kittens and I want to say that this is a very good story indeed, with some very special laudings for Lechara's hard work in this exciting episode.

I just hope that I get to help Pre-Fetch. The Poor thing is going through some serious grief and I feel that before this story arc is over, I may be the only one who can help him come to terms.
I know how he feels, when he was NOT allowed to grieve.
Whenever I grieve, the grownups yell at me for doing that.
The worst thing that the grownups threatened me was either get the beating of my life or be sent to the mental hospital, for loving a gay man.

And I wanted to let you all that the pets and I are going to rehearse very hard on not only our lines, but also the barks and mewing too.

Well, I need to go now. The TAGUS are telling me that I have to go to a BORING BINGO Event.

Until we meet on the net, GAME ON!

Yours In The Fight For Justice,
DANGER WOMAN
_________________

[OutSource]

I really appreciate your patience DW and your candid experiences. That's really a revealing look into your life. I can respect that.

And you know, you actually hit the nail on the head when you say this;

[OutSource]

Okay, I pared out Freakopaedia and Codec for this episode and made the changes above. Plus, Robin, there were some minor tweaks to your conversation with Lechara so heads up there.

Kim, I'm hoping the difference of voices and the specific roles they play will help stem the confusion of still having 21 characters in a half hour episode. And too, the last 4 characters are only in it for about a minute of the show, and the same for the Agent S cypher at the beginning. So that leaves 16 familiar characters spread across roughly 28 mins of show.

Ah! Forgot to try the ending switch.

[USSEnterprise] working... [/USSEnterprise]

[Dragonryder]

After seeing you say you were gonna tweak some stuff, I figured I'd wait till you sent the final version. Thanks for the heads up though.

Again, can't wait to hear it!!
_________________
Stealing the Color Coded Text Key Sig idea from Schiz....
~Robin/~Dragonryder/~Ryuami/~Opus

[OutSource]

Ending changed.



I like it that way too!

[Freakopedia]

I might miss the "Geek Brothers" but I'm kind of partial to them....hehehehe
Over all great story! Can't wait till I hear it cause thats when all the magic of the project comes together.
Hurdy gur,
Freakopedia
_________________
I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'

[Lechara]

I'm sorry Ken, I really am. But Kim's right, it's a huge cast. However, do not fear. Freak has some GREAT lines coming up in the next episode, and if Alan tries to take them out I'll definately go to bat for you!
_________________
Also stealing the color coding from Schiz
~Lyn/~Lechara/~Void

[Quip]

[OutSource]

[K2]

Good...I think the ending is much stronger and cliffhanger-y now.

I appreciate your limiting the number of voices..I still think the script is a lot to absorb aurally, especially for people who are not as familiar with the TS universe, but we'll see how it goes.

On a slightly more granular level, I think K2 should at least nominally be involved with any potential remedy for Feedback's memory issues...that's one of the main reasons she was recruited to the team.

Thanks.

[Lechara]

Kim, K2 should be very involved in the second part, at least that's how the original story was written. What I see right now, is that they're just investigating the technology, and kind of a "let's get to know you" visit, not so much the human interface nuts and bolts yet. However, with the changes from story to script, if Alan wants to insert you into the visit to LifeTech, I wouldn't have a problem with that.
_________________
Also stealing the color coding from Schiz
~Lyn/~Lechara/~Void

[supernova]

[Archive]

I just want to say that is Freakopedia really wants to have some lines in this ep, I am willing to bow out of this in favor of him. Shouldn't be too difficult to manage - I think.

Having re-read it, the story is strong with the cliffhanger ending and I like it.

[OutSource]

[OutSource]

Okay, I'm sending out the script now. Cast members search your inboxes momentarily. If you are listed in the cast and you didn't get this script by 7pm EST, please PM or email me for your copy.

Thanks!

[Freakopedia]

Dudes, I'm like totally ok not having lines. We all know even with out words being said Freakopedia lurks over his keyboard and monitor always willing to lend support when needed. Till then I swear I'll beat this dang Mind sweeper game!!!!!!
Hurdy gur,
Freakopedia
_________________
I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'

[Console]

Heh. This sounds like another awesome episode.

Hey, Alan, could you pm me or email me at any chance that there may be something I can lend my voice to in any episode. Cause it looks like you got all your voice actors down for this one. Fantastic job on our series!


-Console

[Lechara]

Hey Tech Support family and friends.

Last night I received an email from Alan that he is re-writing this episode to exclude the Lechara character and the portions of the storyline that were based on my story "Family."

Before all the excitement and accolades start over his new script, I would just like to take a moment and thank you guys for your investment. I appreciate the work you put into it more than you know.

L
_________________
Also stealing the color coding from Schiz
~Lyn/~Lechara/~Void

[Tribunal]

I'm so sorry Lynn.

I guess a promise to DW and 333 from Alan is worth more than a promise to you, and that sucks royally...

[K2]

[Sparrow]

Damn.
_________________
~Sparrow/~Drive/~Good Twin/~Rana/~Chant sa kol/~Samedi's Favored Childe

[Mnemonic]

[Lechara]

I apologize if I've started a fight, my intent was to thank people for their time, not to start assigning public blame.

Let me give you some details: Alan and I have been working to make "Family" fit into his current storyline. Problems arose because Alan hasn't had the time to read all of "Family" and I don't know where his season is going. It was frustrating for both of us.

Two weeks ago he mentioned a cut-off point for the story, which I was not happy with. Alan and I worked through the issues, we left it that the story would go on as he planned, but we would change the name to something else and credit it as "based on Family." Last night I got the news that it was cancelled. I brought up the possibility of push-back to season three, he made it clear that it's cancelled.

I don't want bashing of anyone. I just wanted to thank people for their time. If I opened the door for bashing, I apologize.
_________________
Also stealing the color coding from Schiz
~Lyn/~Lechara/~Void

[OutSource]

Man o man o man.

First I need to decompress a little bit at how easy it seems for some folks to believe the worst of me.

Okay. Okay okay okay.

This;

[Freakopedia]

If memory serves me true this in not the first time people have jumped all over Alan about his decision when it came to things to do with the Audio Drama. I'm not going to speak on the exact situation because I'm not personally attached to that project.
I will say I know some of the things that Alan is going through. I have read an amazing amount of wonderful stories from truly some very talented writers. However, not all of them are right for an audio format do to complexity of story or time constraints. I would never try and hurt a fellow Tech Support members feeling by rejection of their story or submission but unfortunately it sometimes turns out like that.
I know Lyn is very proud of her story and the work she put into it, as she should be since it being a great story. Think, if you were her, would you want the story you were proud of to be chopped up just in hopes to fit into time and story arc constraints.
Alan I feel, maybe fully unclear about it, felt to respect the story and the stories creator that it would be best to not use the story as it was being turned into. Honestly, if you have read the original story does the changed scripted version really do it justice?
I know peoples feeling have been hurt from both side for different reasons, but I would like to see a stop to it.
I will never pick side in a family fight like this but I will play mediator so everyone will see the happy medium.
I think we all enjoy the audio drama and would hate to see the end of it. I fear that if the bickering and fighting over these things will ultimately be it's end. So people lets please think about the whole situation over all and find out all sides before we react and say something regrettable.

Hurdy gur,
Freakopedia
_________________
I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'

[Lechara]

You know, this morning when I started this whole mess I was extremely sad about events, and I truly just wanted to thank people for their work. Now I’m just absolutely freaking furious.

Alan White: How dare you use my words against me. Yes, the possibility of moving “Family” to season three was brought up last night. BUT BY ME, NOT YOU. You never mentioned a word of it to me. NOT A WORD. Had you done so, we would be in a completely different place right now.

On 3/1/10 you said ‘Yeah, I'm not pretending that I've made small changes. Sorry again. We can do "Based on..." and even put a link to the original one's home address on the webpage if you'd like so people can seek out what the original story was supposed to be and I'll re-title the actual audio episodes.’

I have given you *EVERY* storyline concession you asked for. Cyclone is cut down in its numbers. Its members were renamed. Its purpose was altered. General Porter was completely dropped. Lechara was altered in the opening scene to be far more ignorant of what she was bringing in to TS than was in the story. You wanted to cut the story off at it’s knees and keep Feedback from saving the day. But I trusted you. I trusted you to pull it all together and make it work.

Now it’s just cancelled. Your direct words to me last night were—“Even though you didn't want to call off production for fear of reprisals from Tech Support, I've decided not to use "Family." There was no mention of pushing it back all night by you. In fact, by the end of the night you basically told me that my hurt feelings were none of your concern.

Toby is right, you did make me a promise. 3/1/10 “I wanted to honor the promise that I made to you Lyn-- to bring Lechara into the audioverse and to use your story to do it."

But that promise is now null and void. Your own words have cancelled it. Apparently your promises to DW and Tesseract do mean more to you than your promise to me. Or perhaps they’re just more valuable members to you.

You have twisted my words around to save yourself, I no longer trust you, and I don’t want to put up with this crap any longer.

I quit.
_________________
Also stealing the color coding from Schiz
~Lyn/~Lechara/~Void

[OutSource]

Yeah, ready to move on now. If anyone needs to see the full thread of conversations between myself and Lyn, unedited, I have no problem sending them to you. Otherwise I don't want to drag this out any further except to say I never canceled my promise. The "Family" story wasn't working for this season.

Please try not to let any further devisive statements make you believe things about me that aren't true.

Keep watching this space for the new scripts for S02E08.

[Tribunal]

To quote the Dictonary:

Promise:
/ˈprɒmɪs/
–noun
1. a declaration that something will or will not be done, given, etc.,
2. an express assurance on which expectation is to be based.
3. something that has the effect of an express assurance; indication of what may be expected.

Please do elaborate how you didn't cancel your promise? You said you were going to use "Family", did you not? Does that not fulfill definitions 1-3? Are you still using it? No? Well, how is what you said any different than saying you'll use Tesseract or Danger Woman in the Audio Dramas?

Oh, I'm sorry... I'm not really seeing what the difference is between those two statements other than one of them is keeping someone who had difficulty distinguishing between fantasy and reality from having a clean break from the group, while the other one is to someone who has done nothing but attempt to contribute positive things to the group since they joined. My statement at the beginning stands.

Apparently your 'promises' are more 'I'm going to do what the @*^% ever I want, but if someone calls me on it, I'll say I promised such-and-such something so that I can try to save face and look honorable, when I'm really just choosing to do what I want.'

[OutSource]

[supernova]

You guys are being kinda harsh. He is doing this for free and doing it very well. In the end it really is his decision whether or not something ends up in the show
_________________
"
If a man chooses to do evil...it becomes my sacred duty to bash him to a pulp!"

[Tribunal]

EDIT: I shall say nothing more on this topic.

[Console]

There's obviously been some deep tensions brewing against Outty for a while if he is attacked like this... as if people were just waiting for an excuse to snap at him. Hopefully we can move on from this now, though. Both sides appear neither totally innocent nor totally guilty. Alan may not have been as clear as he should have, or even as commited to promise-keeping as he should, but Lyn seems to be over-reacting a bit much. I mean, sure it sucks when Alan has to mend your story around, but the audio drama IS his story. He is just borrowing our stories and using them for his own purposes. He's got every right too. On the other hand, Alan has definetely got some explaining to do regarding his choices and choice of words.

Mending time please?

[Typhoon]

Console, I couldn't agree with you more. I don't listen to the audio dramas (mostly because I didn't know about them when they started so I'm too far behind to dream about catching up) but from listening to Piper about the stuff she does for Pendant, it takes a lot of work to do this. My understanding is Alan does this for free, which is not easy to do. Putting in this much work for these audio dramas takes time and effort, and it times like these where I feel he gets underappreciated.

I know that the storied we write sometimes need to be adapted and somethings get lost in translation. Hopefully now that things have had a chance to coll down there can be some compromise between the two sides. Console is right - both sides are neither totally innocent or totally guilty. I don't want Lyn to quit, and I don't think I'm alone. Alan does good work, and I know that in my writing sometimes I have to alter things as I go to make it flow and work better. That's what is happening here.

For all of the writers, think about when you've written your stories - have there been times when you've had to change something because it just no longer fit for whatever reason? That's what Alan did.

I think the best compromise would be if "Family" were pushed back to season three. If there's a teaser for it at the end of season two, I think that would be epic. But that's my two cents for someone that doesn't follow the audio drama that much.

Aren't we all about compromise anyway? We're (mostly) adults here. I know this entire situation has upset a lot of people. It's time to take a deep breath, and work this out like the civil adults that we are.

~~Typhoon/Gilbert
_________________
Also Stealing Schiz's Color Coding Signature
--Gilbert/~~Typhoon/~~Vines/**Tsunami/--Nightshade

[supernova]

yes lets definitely resolve this. its very simple if any story is going to be adapted expect change. as little as a few tweeks to as severe as changing main story elements.

its just like any other adaption movies,games,books,ect...

so how about this.

you allow him to do the story and allowing Alan to adapt your story, you give him the right to change as little or as much as he wants if he chooses to take your suggestions thats his choice.

or you dont, if you dont want your story changed say its not up for adaption and leave it on the page dont expect him doing it exactly the way you want him to do it because its his choice


example: when typhoon turned my synopsis into a story i just said heres the details and plot and i just gave him a few suggestions "change this to this and have him say this" but other then that i said you have free reign.

and thats how it should be done
_________________
"
If a man chooses to do evil...it becomes my sacred duty to bash him to a pulp!"

[Moira Hightower]

Let me start by saying, Allen, in my view as an outsider, you are a very good man, doing something very hard and time consuming very, very well. Not many people can commit to something as large as producing an audio drama, almost single-handedly. I respect you for the dedication you have shown to the project and your ability to produce show after show, and put them all together so to sound coherent and complete.

I'm an outsider looking in, for at the moment that is kinda what I am. I haven't gotten to know anyone very well, and you all haven't necessarily gotten to know much about me other then I like to draw, I'm kinda nerdy, and I'm dating Nova. As that outsider though, I hope i can help in some way to mediate or break ground.

I've been lurking to this situation since it was brought to my attention, and feel that it quickly and almost horrifically got out of both control and context. The speed for which accusations flew was very unbecoming of all parties. With that said, I can see the situation has the potential to be salvaged.

Firstly, in this situation, I believe, Allen has the rights to decide what is best for the show. He is the writer, the producer, the editor, the everything. Obviously his work is liked as most people on the site are either in the audio drama or wait feverishly for the next installment to release. As the writer, Allen made a decision that he thought would be best for his project.

Unfortunately, that meant cutting a piece of the story out of this episode.

That was part of the start of the situation. In my point of view, this situation could have been avoided by keeping it out of the forums untill a resolution was made. But that was not the case, and I will put no blame on any one party as we have all read the thread, so in some way or another we have contributed to this situation. I'm going to assume, and hopefully it won't bite me later, that private conversations have also happened between other members of the site which has created more undo tension.

The comments that Nova and Typhoon make are very good suggestions worth taking a look at. Adapting is hard to do, and things DO get lost in translations. Lyn wrote a good story that Allen recognized as a good story and wanted to use. Promise or not, the final choice is Allen's.

As for the conversations, Lyn, Allen, i believe those are best kept between you and out of the forum. They were between you and i feel like by displaying them it causes confusion, as well as assumptions.

The feeling i get from both parties is that "Family" is a good story, worth using, and worth using properly. Allen can make that choice for where and when it will be appropriate to use. Other people made comments early on in the forum that the story was very good, but cluttered with new voices, old voices, and introductions, so that as an audio track, may be confusing to listeners. I can understand that concern. I know i wouldn't be able to keep up, even if i had been up to date on the audio drama.

Sometimes you have to take everything with a grain of salt. That was the situations, as far as i can tell, and that may be one of the reasons Allen had to cut "Family" from this season. Allen said somewhere that he wanted to use "Family" in a future season where its context could be adapted more accurately to the already established story. I think that would be a very reasonable solution if both parties can agree to it.

I hope my long ramblings can help you guys in some way, if anything, i hope i have not offended anyone with my thoughts, as I mean only respect.

-Moira