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Season 1, Episode 9 Transcript: The Alternative

Alex contemplates authority, bonds, and things that aren’t quite right.

CONTENT WARNINGS: - Gaslighting/unreality - Anxiety/ panic attacks - Self loathing - Paranoia - Glitching - Medication - Death mention - Smoking mention - Discussion of mental health - Relationship conflict - Yelling - Crying ____

[Theme Music Plays]

ANNOUNCER Futuristic Trail Mix Productions presents Micro-Cosmos: A Science Fiction Podcast. ____ [sfx:comms click] FELIX I spy with my little eye… something… grey. C41 The cave walls? FELIX That's 3 points for Cal! [Miles SIGHS] [sfx: Felix writes down a tally] FELIX You next, Athena. ATHENA Right, um…I spy… with, my little eye…something… Mmm, something beginning with the letter A.

FELIX Athena?

ATHENA [Athena LAUGHS] No.

FELIX Alex? ATHENA That's closer.

C41 Alex's communications device? ATHENA There you go! Impressive, good job! ALEX You sure you can't read minds, Cal? C41 I'm full of surprises, Commander. FELIX 4 points for Cal… [sfx: Felix writes down a tally] Your turn Cal. C41 (pointed) I spy something that begins with the letter B. FELIX Do you have any hints? C41 Of course! This thing just so happens to also begin with "No," and "Fun," and "Spoilsport," and can be alternatively spelled as M-I-L-E-S

MILES (overlapping) Alright, that's it! C41 (overlapping) It's just part of the game

FELIX (overlapping) Oh, "Bored!" ATHENA (overlapping) Okay

ALEX (overlapping) Alright, alright

[sfx: comms clicks] ATHENA -didn't exactly do a lot of dancing in the military, Alex. ALEX You watched my streams! It's not like I was out here dancing on the daily either! Come on, look, here,\just, place your hands… mhm, and your foot… there, see? Like a box. ATHENA Oh, so we're waltzing? Fancy, Ms. de la Cruz… ALEX Mm, fancy indeed. Why don't you play us a song, then, Ms. Romero? ATHENA Play… oh my god. ALEX (overlapping) I'll sing with you! It'll be like a mov- hey! Watch where you step! [Athena LAUGHS] ATHENA I was watching. [Alex SCOFFS]

ALEX Wooow. So are we just going to keep staring at each other, or

ATHENA Alright, a

[sfx:comms clicks].

FELIX What's for dinner tonight?

ALEX Your favorite, bud. Pot roast and potatoes.

[Miles SIGHS]

ALEX (CONT'D) Don't forget to eat your Brussel sprouts and drink your milk.

MILES Alex... We don't have anything else? Are these even healthy to eat with no other form of sustenance? I mean, at this point...

ALEX We'll make due, kid. Hopefully, the storm will be letting up soon. 20 days is getting a bit excessive, even for Ophiuchus. So, soon, we'll be getting out of here and we can... find a fruit tree or something? Lots of uncovered land out there to search.

FELIX I can second this. The soil here is perfectly fertile for all sorts of plant growth, and our late Mercutio and his, surely existent, friends must have been eating something.

MILES Hnnnn...

C41 If you really think about it, Miles, there are plenty of other edible things in the caves! You know, moss. Rocks. Fungus. The crew

ALEX Cal... C41 Kidding! Kidding! I was just kidding... heh.

ALEX Sure... Look, if you're not hungry, I'm not going to make you eat, but given that we're already having to split rations, I just... Think you should maybe have something whenever you're feeling it. Okay? Alex offers Miles their rations and a comforting smile. After a small beat, they sigh quietly and take the package.

MILES [Miles SIGHS] Okay.

ALEX Thank you. And for you, Athena.

ATHENA Thank you, angel. ALEX Mm... So. What'd you all do today? Anything fun?

FELIX Actually, I'm very glad you asked. I made a... very good discovery today! Very good news.

ALEX Well, we can always use some of that. Shoot. What is it? [Crew RESPONDS unintelligibly, overlapping]

FELIX Well, since you are so enthusiastic! I actually found a corner of the cave with enough exposed and fertile soil to foster plant life. Perhaps we could even work to make it slightly more expansive. Create a little garden of sorts, maybe?

ALEX Oh!

MILES Oh, hell yeah.

ATHENA That's great news!

FELIX Indeed! However... [Crew GROANS]

FELIX (CONT'D) We don't... have anything to grow.

ALEX Oh.

FELIX Yes, which is... a bit counterproductive, as a garden with no plants is no garden at all. Perhaps one of us could venture out of the cave and try to collect

ALEX No. No, I'm not letting any of you out into that mess. Not again. Not even as a last resort. I'm sure we'll be able to find something in the caves. A quick beat.

FELIX Of course, Commander.

ALEX I'm sorry, I didn't... that is great news, Doc. We'll have to keep an eye out for seeds and the like on our cave ventures. Maybe they have, uh... those flowers Athena liked so much. For tea. They're probably edible, right? Statistically?

FELIX I would hope so. We've already consumed it.

MILES Uh... ditto... also... hope so.

ALEX [Alex SIGHS] Right, yes...Amazing job, Felix, really. We'll all keep an eye out the next couple of days.

[Felix HUMS] ALEX (CONT'D) Uh, Miles, what about you?

MILES Oh, I just, uh... I made a... video game.

ALEX No way!

ATHENA Really?

MILES It's nothing big, it's just, like... BlickBlock. It's stupid. I just wanted something to do other than stare

ALEX No, don't say that's stupid, that's so impressive! A whole video game? Where?

MILES Just... on my wristpiece. Like I said, it's not

ALEX Your wristpiece?

MILES Yeah. Don't... don't make a big deal out of- C41 Are you replacing me, Miles?

MILES Wh... no. Of course not, Cal, what?

C41 I'm joking! I know I'm cooler than a... couple of bricks on a calculator. Obviously, I am.

ATHENA How long did that take?

MILES Like an hour? What, do you all want it or something

ALEX (overlapping) Yes!

ATHENA (overlapping) Of course!

FELIX (overlapping) Sure.

MILES Okay, I guess I'll... I don't know, just give me your stuff sometime, I don't know.

C41 Hmmph.

MILES Well, Cal, what did you do today, then?

C41 How kind of you to ask, Miles. I've been trying to reach signals off of the planet. Obviously, I had no luck, since we're still sitting in a circle on the floor talking miserably to each other and not to someone back at HQ. When I realized I wouldn't be reaching anyone, I decided to run a few statistical diagnostics screenings and... well, cheerily, it looks, at least based on what I can pull without the correct computing services, like the storm will likely not be letting up for a few weeks, at least. If anything, it'll likely get worse before it shows any signs of getting better. I also deduced that, with our current standing of provisions and victuals and the speed at which you all consume them, we will be running out of rations in approximately 22 days, and water in-

ALEX That's enough, Cal.

MILES You know, I don't see why we're even making an attempt at-

ALEX You too, Miles. (Alex SIGHS) Well, Athena and I spent our day wandering the caves and charting out the tunnels more extensively. I have the work-in-progress map just over there so, whoever sets out next just grab it and help the cause for us.

FELIX I'd assume we'd also be using it as a tool to... not get lost?

ATHENA That too, yes. More importantly that.

ALEX Right, yes. Whenever I die by force of getting lost in the caves you can put that on my tombstone. "Alex de la Cruz. 2062-2094. We tried to tell her to stop mapping!" (Alex LAUGHS) Alright...

[sfx: comms click] _____

[sfx:comms click]

(Alex PLACES CARD) ALEX Uhh... 3.

ATHENA 9. (Athena PLACES CARD)

ALEX Jesus, okay, uh... 11? (Alex PLACES CARD)

ATHENA 15 for 2. (Athena PLACES CARDS)

ALEX Oh my god, brutal. [sfx:beeps of points being input]

ATHENA I'm being easy on you.

ALEX Sure. 25. (Athena SIGHS) ALEX (CONT’D) (Alex LAUGHS) What?

ATHENA (Athena GROANS) Go.

ALEX If you say so. 12. (Alex LAUGHS)

ATHENA Can you go?

ALEX Nah, but the round's still mine. Sorry, who needs to be easy on who now, Romero?

ATHENA One win does not account for 2 lost rounds, de la Cruz. ALEX Aww, what happened to 'Angel'?

ATHENA It just slipped out. (Athena PLACES CARDS) Right, so... run of 3 for 3, and 15 for 2, so 5 total. [sfx:beeps of points being input ]

ALEX Mm. Okay, okay, okay. 2, 2, 10, and the Jack of Comets... which is in the turn up suit, so, Jack for 1, pair for 2... Only 3 total. [sfx:beeps of points being input]

ATHENA Hmmmm. Interesting.

ALEX Oh, come on, I'm catching up.

ATHENA A Go can only do so much of the heavy lifting, Alex.

ALEX 13. You take this very seriously, starshine. I respect that. Ready to start the next-

ATHENA Hey, not so fast! It's still my crib. Let's see... Six... three... four, okay that's a 15 for 2, another three, 15 for four, and pair... for 6 total. [sfx:beep]

ALEX I trashed the wrong ones. (Athena LAUGHS)

ATHENA I think you did.

ALEX Nature of the beast?

ATHENA Sure. You know, Miles and Felix are great, and all, but... this match is considerably less argumentative than our usual fare.

ALEX Don't forget Cal, expert potstirrer.

ATHENA Oh, god. Not a surprise you're exhausted.

ALEX ... Me?

ATHENA Yeah?

ALEX I'm... I'm not exhausted, I'm fine.

ATHENA Okay.

ALEX We're all tired.

ATHENA You can say that again. ALEX Yeah. Yeah. You know, I think we all deserve to be a little tired.

ATHENA Alex, can I ask you something?

ALEX Sure, if I can ask you something too.

ATHENA No, actually, you go first this time.

ALEX I don't know about-

ATHENA Seriously, Alex. I insist.

ALEX (Alex SIGHS) Alright. Starshine?

ATHENA Yes?

ALEX Can I kiss you?

ATHENA Huh?

ALEX Can... can I-

ATHENA Mhm. (They KISS)

ATHENA How about one more? For luck.

ALEX Luck?

ATHENA Mm.

ALEX We could use some of that. _______

ALEX This is Alex de la Cruz, Mission Commander and Navigations Specialist of Omnitarian Establishment Crew 0137-F on the Ophiuchus-22 mission. The date is May 15 and it is day 57 of our mission.

Morale is on a steady decline, tensions are rising, and the caves... I don't know what it is but there is something in these caves that is getting to me on a psychological level. Or... neurological. And I've been looking for potential causes since it came to my attention but... there's nothing visible, nothing case typical, nothing Cal knew upon base search. I just... I don't know how much longer we can stay in this situation. How much longer I can keep dealing with this, not being able to trust... anything. Someone has to be hearing us, somewhere in the cosmos, please. We have had a 20-74 Code Drag standing for 24 days, I just need any kind of response.

Rations and water are beginning to run low. The crew itself, we're... well we're all painfully aware that we can't fix anything. None of us know how. It's getting harder and harder to put up a front when, honestly, I don't even know if we'll make it to June. Group conversations aren't even an out when all anyone- myself included- knows how to do is argue, to no fault of their own, and just... I know someone hears me. Give us a sign. Give us hope, give us anything.

Do you want a rundown? Do you want me to... give you a reason to trust me, to explain myself? Sure! Sure, you know what, let's go to the beginning. Day-

ATHENA Alex? Alex, are you alright? I brought cards if you still wanted to rematch?

ALEX Shit. _____ [sfx:comms click]

ALEX This is, once again, Alex de la Cruz, Mission Commander and Navigations Specialist of Omnitarian Establishment Crew 0137-F on the Ophiuchus-22 mission. The date is May 16, 2094, and it is day 58 of our mission.

Given my last log was cut short and no response has been delivered to... any of us... I figured, how about, I just finish what I was trying to say in the first place, kay? (Alex SIGHS) Kay.

For starters, I wanted to establish a quick, uh... retroactive continuity, if you will, hm? Because, see, I've been thinking about it. A lot. And... it isn't just the cave. It never has been. Because, thinking back, it wasn't just me experiencing it. Maybe I noticed it more, but... it was never just me. The, uh... the candles. Those... there was... there was something off about them, more than just normal faulty candles. They... Uh, the... the tent! There... the... (Alex GROANS)

Listen, I know what I'm talking about, alright?! You can't keep trying to convince me that I'm crazy because... because I know that I'm not. And I think you do, too! Because it switched from all of us to just me standing as an outlier as soon as we were in the cave systems! Or- no, it was... when the storm came. The radio, it... I know what I've been experiencing, okay, and I wish everyone would stop looking at me like I've lost it!

ATHENA Alex?

ALEX Goddammit.

ATHENA I think we should talk.

ALEX Give me a second, Athena.

ATHENA Now, Alex. (Alex SIGHS)

ALEX What is it?

ATHENA You've... been worrying me. A lot, lately.

ALEX What are you talking about, Athena?

ATHENA What am I talking about? Alex, you... (Athena SIGHS) I don't know. But I just wanted to check in and make sure that you know that I care. You've been secluding yourself, doing some kind of... self-isolation, and talking, paranoid, into your comms about-

ALEX You've been listening in on me?

ATHENA That's not what I'm saying.

ALEX Then what are you saying?

ATHENA I'm just saying that I'm worried. Have you been getting enough sleep?

ALEX Yes.

ATHENA Okay, were you... medicated, or something? Before?

ALEX Athena.

ATHENA I'm serious. Is that what you need right now? To help?

ALEX Athena, please-

ATHENA You said the cigarettes helped you in the past, right? You have a lighter, you could-

ALEX Athena, that's enough! You can stop trying to parent me now, alright, I'm fed up with it! And stop with the face! The pity, I... you keep acting like this, like you're able to fix all of my problems! Like I'm a problem to fix-

ATHENA Alex, take a breath, that's not what I mean-

ALEX Is it? Is it really? Athena, you're important to me. I care very deeply about you and I would follow you to the ends of the Earth, but you don't know me like you think you do. Alright? You're not my therapist, you're not my psychiatrist, you're not my wife. I don't owe you any insight on my mind, and I would appreciate it if you would stop acting like I do.

ATHENA Alex, I'm sorry, but I don't understand-

ALEX What right did you have to tell me how I feel about my son? In what universe was that an appropriate thing to bring up in that moment?

And, you know, maybe it wouldn't have gotten to me as much if it wasn't such a reoccurring thing. Time after time, you keep taking to... I don't know, psychoanalyzing me? Trying to tell me how I feel? How I should feel? And I know you thought you were helping, I do, but I am telling you now that you need to stop.

ATHENA Alex, I'm so sorry, I didn't realize.

ALEX No. You didn't. And maybe it's on me for not telling you sooner, but... I'm an adult. I've dealt with my issues just fine this far, okay, for 16 years, and I don't need you trying to convince me that I've been doing it wrong. (she sighs angrily and takes a quick beat; then, shaking her head) I can deal with it. I’m the Commander.

You know what? Take the damn cigarettes, okay, I don't even need them, you can stop bringing them up.

ATHENA Alex, I’m sorry. I am so sorry that I hurt you like that... this.

ALEX Thanks.

ATHENA But you are not just the Commander. You’re a-

ALEX Athena

ATHENA No, listen to me, Alex. I’m sorry, I am so genuinely sorry, for everything, but I cannot sit here and watch you… tear yourself apart. You’re not just the Commander. You are a person. A friend. A mother. And you’re… not well.

ALEX Athena, did you not-

ATHENA Alex, please, just let me talk. Okay? I am worried about you. I am worried because I am watching you lose yourself, I am worried because I know this anger is fear, I am worried because you have a family waiting back home for you

ALEX Don’t you dare bring them up right now.

ATHENA -and they would be worried for you, too.

ALEX You don’t know how they’d feel right now.

ATHENA Then I know how I feel, Alex! I know the rest of the crew feels! And we are worried! For all of us! For you! I want to help you, honey, but I don’t know what I can do! So, please, let me try to help you.

ALEX You can help me by listening.

ATHENA I am listening. What else would you have had me do? What else do you want me to do?

ALEX Nothing, Athena. I would rather you do nothing. Please. I can deal.

ATHENA Alex-

ALEX No, Athena, okay? I said I can deal.

ATHENA Alex, please stop interrupting me.

ALEX You’re not listening to me.

ATHENA Alex, I am. Like I said, I’m sorry that I… tried to dictate how you were feeling. That I hurt you. Okay? I am so, so sorry. But I wasn’t aware of that until right now, and I will fix it in the future.

ALEX Okay. Thank you.

ATHENA But right now, in this moment, you need help. And if you don’t want it from me, then I can ask somebody else to come in here and talk to you.

ALEX I. Don’t. Need. Help.

ATHENA Alex, please! Listen to yourself! Let me in, let somebody in!

ALEX Where the hell do you get off, Athena? I’m done having this discussion, okay, I don’t need anyone’s help! When are you going to realize that not everything is something that you have to fix?

ATHENA Alex, you are hurting! The rest of us are hurting, too, okay? We’re all scared! I am scared for you, and I am trying to support you!

ALEX Well, I don’t need your support right now! What I need is to get out of this goddamn cave!

ATHENA And you’re going to do that alone? After, what, talking yourself mad?

ALEX Don’t you dare insinuate that I would ever leave any of you behind.

ATHENA Then what more am I supposed to take from what you’re telling me, Alex? I’m not allowed to be by your side when you’re… scared? And… rash?

ALEX I never said that. I said that right now I would rather you stop trying to fix me, and make an attempt to hear my side.

ATHENA And I am doing that.

ALEX (Alex SIGHS) This conversation is going nowhere.

ATHENA Alex- (Athena SIGHS) You aren’t letting it go anywhere.

ALEX And you’re just repeating yourself.

ATHENA So are you! If we could just talk this out-

ALEX Not right now.

ATHENA Then when?

ALEX I don’t know.

ATHENA I- (Athena TAKES A BREATH) I want to have it now, Alex.

ALEX You’re not the only person here though, Athena, okay! We've been trapped in these caves for weeks, it's high-stress, and, let's be honest, a bit traumatic! I just want space right now, and you’re not respecting that.

ATHENA I’m worried!

ALEX I am too, alright? So, please, just stop worrying about me and let me-!

ATHENA You know I can’t do that! Listen to yourself, Alexandra-

ALEX Oh, so it’s Alexandra now-

ATHENA Listen to yourself! You need rest! This isn’t like you, Alex, and you need… something.

ALEX You keep saying the same thing.

ATHENA Because I’m right. If Orion was here you would be scaring him. This isn’t (Alex SCOFFS) ATHENA (CONT’D) I am so sorry. I shouldn't have said that, that's not what I meant, you're not...

ALEX I’m done having this pissing contest with you. I’m going for a walk. Alone. I’ll be back by morning.

ATHENA I'm... (Athena SIGHS)

ALEX Goddamn recorde- [sfx:comms click] ___

ANNOUNCER Micro-Cosmos: A Science Fiction Podcast.

This episode, The Alternative, was written by Jesse Smith, edited by Luka Miller and Lauren Tucker, and directed by Jesse Smith and Lauren Tucker. It starred Jesse Smith as the voice of Athena Romero, Jackson Rossman as the voice of Miles Abbott, Luka Miller as the voice of Alex de la Cruz, Kaleb Piper as the voice of Felix Couvillion, and Pippa van Beek-Paterson as the voice of Cal. Original music by Julia Barnes, and sound editing by Tobias Friedman.

Be sure to stay tuned to our feed for upcoming episodes from the new backpacking intergalactic adventure from Futuristic Trail Mix Productions. Enjoying the show, and want to give us a boost? You can support us by rating and reviewing us on iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts, or telling a friend about us.

To follow the show and find transcripts, you can find us on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram as @MicroCosPod. Questions, comments, and concerns can be emailed to us via [email protected].

Thank you for listening.

#microcospod #micro-cosmos #micro-cosmos podcast #audio drama

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radicalreliablerandomness · 3 years

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Felix talking to the recorder is something that can be so personal

#Lol #funny #shitpost #micro-cosmos #Felix #Podcast #Podcasts #microcospod

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do-you-have-a-hairtie · 3 years

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i've changed my mind felix is my favorite character i would provide him with all the trail mix he desires

#microcosmos #microcospos #micro-cosmos #podcasts #dr felix couvillon #is that how its spelled #idk #microcospod

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rqg179 · 3 years

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c41 my beloved <33

#'captain ... youre blushing' 'shut up cal' was so cute #microcospod #micro-cosmos #my post

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sylvygone · 3 years

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Miles Abbott really said *screams* and honestly me too

#micro-cosmos #joy's soul #microcospod

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microcos-pod · 3 years

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Auditions are OPEN

Are you interested in voicing a character in Micro-Cosmos? If your answer is yes, you're in luck! We are now opening auditions for late season 1 and season 2 characters. Find more information here.

The cutoff date is, at the moment, May 22nd at 12 AM EST. We will let you know about an updates in the future.

Thank you for the support, and work well!

#podcast #microcospod #micro-cosmos #podcast auditions #fiction podcast #audiodrama #the magnus archives #the adventure zone #tma #taz #podcast recommendations #new podcast

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microcos-pod · 3 years

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Micro-Cosmos Bonus Episode #3 Transcript: To Touch the Stars

(Miles struggles with falling asleep and looks to their friend for help.

CONTENT WARNINGS: Existentialism, feelings of insignificance, attempting to comprehend the vastness of space.

Transcript below break.)

JESSE Hey there, it’s Jesse Smith! Before we get to the bonus episode, I need to share an important announcement with you all. Though we have just come back from a short hiatus, we, the crew, have decided it best to stick to it a little while longer. Don’t worry, we will be back soon! We just need a bit more time to prepare so we can give you the best show that we can. We have no definite return date to share with you all at present, but we will keep our social medias updated with any new information in the coming weeks. We will be returning with Episode 9: The Alternative very, very soon, we promise. In the meantime, you can share your thoughts on the show on social media with the tag “microcospod,” rate and review us on your podcatcher of choice, or add a new show to your podcast list, such as the Heart of Ether or the Night Post.Until next time, work well.

[Fade to episode.]

[SFX: The sound of city night life is faintly heard from outside. There is silence for a beat, before MILES is heard tossing and turning excessively, mumbling to themself. Finally, they groan loudly, shoving their face into their pillow. Unit C41 flickers to life from where they were set on the bedside table.]

C41 Miles, would it kill you to be quiet? I’m trying to get my beauty rest.

MILES What does it matter to you? You should be able to rest regardless of external stimuli.

C41 Yeah, well, it’s annoying, so.

[MILES groans loudly again.]

MILES Sorry, I just—well, no matter how hard I try to sleep, I can’t shake this restless feeling I have.

C41 Maybe if you didn’t down so much caffeine—

MILES [cutting them off, annoyed] I don’t even like coffee, but I wouldn’t be able to function without it! Not that you’d understand.

C41 [they huff.] You’re being quite rude, you know. I’m just trying to help you.

MILES [mutters] You’re ridiculing me, more like it. [a beat.] Sorry. I just have to be up early tomorrow for that meeting with Emily, and I know I’ll be kicking myself in the morning if I don’t fall asleep soon.

C41 [mocking] Aw, does poor Mx. Abbott need me to read them a bedtime story?

[MILES ponders this for a moment.]

MILES [serious, but also teasing, in a way] You know what? Yeah. That would be lovely, Cal.

C41 [“wait no,” scrambling to take it back] Hey, you know I was joking—!

MILES [cutting them off, almost cooing, in a cruel way] And I’m not getting any more tired with all this bickering. You know you won’t have any fun tomorrow either if I don’t get enough rest. [a beat, then] Well? I’m waiting.

C41 [they groan] Ugh. You want a bedtime story? Fine. Once upon a time, there was a software engineer named Miles Abbott. They never knew when to shut up. One night, though, they finally decided to, and everyone was happy! The end.

MILES Cal.

C41 Don’t blame me! You didn’t program me to tell stories.

MILES Actually, I programmed you to do a lot of things, and this should be well within your capabilities. Do I need to go into your code again?

C41 No! Just—fine. I’ll make up an actual story, if you’re going to be so stubborn about it.

[C41 huffs a sigh. They think for a few moments before they begin telling their story.]

C41 Once upon a time, there was a fox who lived in a little village with a bunch of other animals.

MILES Does the fox have a name?

C41 No. This is one of those folktales where the animals are a metaphor, so they don’t need names.

MILES Let me guess, then, the Fox was sly and mischievous.

C41 [spiteful] Actually, no. The Fox was incredibly sweet, and made everyone cookies every Monday. Everyone in the village loved the fox.

MILES But that’s not what they usually represent—

C41 And this is my story with my characters, so they can do whatever I want! Stop talking, this is supposed to help you sleep.

[MILES yawns.]

MILES Fine.

C41 So, this fox had a great life in this village, but there was one thing they really wanted. Every night, the Fox would climb onto their roof and look up at the stars. Their dream, above all else, was to touch those stars. Not just that, the Fox wanted to jump across them. Like lilly pads, guiding them through space. They wanted to see where the stars would take them. From where the Fox sat, it seemed like they were forming a path. Thus, if they followed the path, it must take them somewhere special, right?

MILES So, how’d the Fox do it?

C41 Well, they started by going to their friend, the Owl, who was very wise, because, duh, owls are always the wise ones.

MILES You said—

C41 My story, remember? Anyways, the Fox went to the Owl, not only because the Owl was smart, but she could fly. The Fox asked the Owl if she could fly them up to the stars. She shook her head, though. She couldn’t fly up that high, even if she tried.

But, she had an idea. She may not be able to reach the stars, but she could reach the clouds. Because this is my fantasy world, and I make the rules, I’m going to go ahead and say the clouds here aren’t like normal clouds. These clouds, you’re able to stand on. Not just that, but they’re super bouncy, like a trampoline. The Owl thought that if she could fly the Fox up to the clouds, then they could bounce up high enough to get to the stars. Simple as that.

The Fox thought it was super clever, so the following night, they executed their plan. The Owl let the Fox sit on her back, and the two of them flew up, and up, and up, until the Owl finally couldn’t go any higher. That was when the Fox jumped off of her back and onto the nearest cloud. And guess what? It worked! The Fox went up even further, and they kept bouncing from cloud to cloud, going higher and higher with each jump.

Around them, the sky grew darker. They couldn’t even see their village anymore. Even when they started to feel scared, they kept jumping between the clouds until eventually, there were no more clouds. The only place left for them to jump…was the nearest star.

Their paws landed on the surface of the star with grace. Don’t worry, these are also fantasy stars, so the Fox didn’t burn alive. If anything, the star sent a pleasant tingling sensation through the pads of their feet. These stars were just like how a kid would draw stars. Not millions of light years apart, but clustered together, as if a living painting laid out before the Fox’s eyes. They were all the same cold yellow, all shining like glitter and glowing magnificently. They were exactly like the Fox had always dreamed of.

And the Fox should be happy. Ecstatic, even. This is what they’d wanted all their life.

But…they weren’t. Getting a closer look, they realized there was no cohesive path the stars formed. In fact, there were far more stars than they anticipated, spread out across the vastness of space. When they looked down, they saw the planet they had come from, and it was so much smaller than they had thought. When they looked up, around them, they saw even more planets in the distance, ones they couldn’t see before. Planets they could probably jump to, if they tried hard enough.

They could. Explore the universe by hopping from star to star. Their feet didn’t move, though. Looking around, they realized just how small they were in comparison to these grand celestial bodies. All their life, they had lived with their own goals, aspirations, ideas, and thought that that was all there was. That there was one life made just for them.

They didn’t realize how insignificant it all was until that moment—their desire to touch the stars, the cookies they made each Monday…their friends. Was there another little fox on one of those distant planets with the same life, the same dreams? Had that fox already accomplished all of their goals, better than this Fox ever could? Was it ever really the Fox’s choice to do all of those things, or was that just the role it was expected to play in the grand scheme of things? How could they go home with the knowledge that all this time, their village was only a speck of dust?

The Fox stayed on that first star they landed on. They stayed for a long, long time. It’s possible the Fox stayed there for the rest of eternity, standing on that star, staring out into space. It’s possible they stayed until it burned out and died. No matter what, as long as they kept looking, they couldn’t move. Because seeing it all so up close made them realize…it didn’t matter if they continued or not. They had always dreamed of touching the stars, and when they finally did? The stars didn’t even notice.

What a big universe, and what a small, small Fox. [with emphasis] How dare they. How selfish of them. To think their choices mattered at all.

[There’s a pause.]

C41 [trying to brush it off] Whew! That got a bit heavy at the end, didn’t it…Miles?

[MILES is softly snoring. C41 sighs deeply.]

C41 Goodnight, Miles. Try not to drink so much coffee tomorrow. I don’t think I have any more bedtime stories left in me.

[CREDITS.]

#microcospod #podcast #micro-cosmos #audio drama #fiction podcast #transcript #miles abbott #unit c41 #audiodrama

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microcos-pod · 3 years

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Micro-Cosmos CASTING CALL

Thank you all for your audition submissions thus far! They have all been phenomenal! However, we did want to throw out a couple of specific casting calls for characters we have yet to receive/have received very few auditions catered towards. Thanks again for all of the support! Initial callbacks should be sent out within the next week.

Casting calls below the break.

CASTING CALL:

Minor Character Season 1, Supporting Character Season 2. Voice must sound mid-20s to early 30s (actor may be of any age). No accent preference. Character uses he/him pronouns. Looking to cast Latinx actors only.

Minor Character Season 1 & 2 (presence integral to plot, just not as active as other characters). Voice must sound like a child. (Sounding around 5-10; actor may be of any age) No accent preferences. Character uses he/him pronouns and the actor must be comfortable playing a child role.

Supporting antagonist Season 2. Voice must sound noticeably older than most of cast; 40-50. (Actor may be of any age) Preferably British accent but we can work out something else if need be. Character uses he/him pronouns.

*NOTE: These are not all of the characters we are currently casting! These are just the ones we are lacking in auditions for.

Feel free to extend our audition sheet to anyone you feel would be interested in these roles! Thank you so much. :)

#auditions #podcast auditions #microcospod #micro-cosmos #micro-cosmos podcast #audiodrama #audiodrama auditions #voice acting #tma #the magnus archives #tpp #the penumbra podcast #the adventure zone #taz #podcast #fiction podcast #casting #moonbase theta out #king falls am

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microcos-pod · 3 years

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Hello, all!

Good news! We will officially be returning from our hiatus with Episode 8: The Fever Called Living on AUGUST 9TH!

See you then! Work well. 😉

#micro-cosmos #microcospod #audiodrama #new podcast #audio drama #fiction podcast #microcos pod #micro-cosmos podcast #podcast #scifi

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microcos-pod · 2 years

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Bonus Episode #4 - The Fire Is Slowly Dying

*** JESSE Hey, it’s Jesse Smith! It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Believe me, we’ve missed being in your feeds every two weeks so much, but we are sadly still on hiatus. In good news: we are getting very close to being ready to return, and we will keep you updated on our social medias of an estimated time of returning to normal scheduling. About a year ago, we released our first bonus episode on a whim, having written all of the trailer and the first draft of our pilot. Who would’ve thought that we’d have come so far in just a year. But, we couldn’t have done it without the amazing support of all of you, listeners, and for that we thank you so very much. Anyways, without further ado, our newest mini-episode: The Fire is Slowly Dying. Work well.

*** ANNOUNCER Futuristic Trail Mix Productions Presents Micro-Cosmos: A Science Fiction Podcast. ***

JASON Mr. Lacount? I have your coffee.

[sfx: knocking on the door, opening it]

JASON (CON’T) Mr. Lacount? Uh, Hello? Hello?

VIOLA I’ve collected a series of voicemail messages addressed to a select number of company employees, Mr. Lacount, just as instructed. Would you like for me to play them?

[Jason yelps.]

JASON Uh, ah, oh. Oh. [He puts on an impression of Mr. Lacount in a panic.]

Um, um...Yes, yes, dear, that would be perfect?

VIOLA Message 1: Addressed to Dr. Emily Macey. December 11, 2093. 3:41 PM.

[sfx: a voicemail beep] OCTAVIA Good evening, Emily. This is Octavia. Though I appreciate your fast response to my previous email regarding my son’s upcoming project, I would appreciate it even more if you could return my calls. This is, after all, a rather time sensitive matter, I hope you recognize that.

[Octavia sighs.]

Irregardless, I would appreciate an ETA and a description of his accessibility to communication. I would like to speak to my son. Thank you very much.

[sfx: a voicemail beep]

VIOLA Message 2: Addressed to Dr. Emily Macey. December 14, 2093. 6:53 PM.

[sfx: a voicemail beep] JEANETTE Hey there, Dr. Macey, it’s Jeanette. Is Marsha still at the office? She’s normally home by now and she’s not answering the phone, it’s not like her to-

[sfx: a door creaks open, footsteps as Marsha returns]

JEANETTE (CON’T) Oh, hey there, doll!

MARSHA Hi-a, honey. Sorry I’m running late, I had to stop by Ann’s for some flowers.

[sfx: cats meowing distantly]

JEANETTE Oh, Marsh, they’re beautiful! I- One moment, I’m sorry. Problem solved. Sorry about that! Thanks, anywho. Chag Sameach!

MARSHA Aww, were you worried about me miss-

[sfx: a voicemail beep]

VIOLA Message 3: Addressed to Receptionist Marsha Francis. December 15, 2093. 10:27 AM. [sfx: voicemail beep]

MINERVA Hey, Dr. Macey? It’s Minerva, um, Minerva Romero. My sister came in to see you last week and she’s just been… super cryptic about it since then. Like, she doesn’t normally tell me everything, but this is different, and I really don’t need that energy hanging over Christmas dinner. So…to herselfI know this is probably a long shot.steadying herselfI was curious to know if I might be able to get some information on the project she’s been training for? I totally understand the confidentiality part and all, I’m not asking for much, I just want something. Please? You’ve got my phone number, please call me back when you can. Merry Christmas.

ATHENA Minnie, I’m about to head-

[sfx: voicemail beep]

VIOLA Message 4: Addressed to Dr. Felix Couvillion. December 17, 2093. 12:48 PM.

MOTHER Good evening, Felix. I’m reaching out to you on behalf of my son, your supervisor. It would be quite appreciated if you could visit his office within the next 24 hours and receive your instructions. Your lack of response to his, and now my, calls is quite unprofessional.

[sfx: voicemail beep]

VIOLA Message 5: Addressed to Receptionist Georgina Hollinghead. December 17, 2093. 2:54 PM.

[sfx: voicemail beep]

FELIX Gnädige Frau, good afternoon! You see, that's incredibly interesting- your last message! Very interesting, indeed, because the funny thing is: I did not intentionally miss any calls! Speaking with your son is …A joy, and I would never miss talking to him for the world! Such a good supervisor, oh boy, yes indeed! I have just been

[He continues as if he’s struggling to push something] - with some work- in the lab. [Felix pants slightly but appears to have succeeded at whatever his task was.] But yes, I am on my way to his office right now, as a matter of fact! I will see him then! Thank you so much, have a lovely day. Happy Holidays.

[sfx: voicemail beep]

VIOLA Message 6: Addressed to Receptionist Marsha Francis. December 21, 2093. 3:02 PM.

[sfx: voicemail beep]

MINERVA Hey, it’s Minerva Romero again. Was hoping you could work on getting back to me with that information, please? I know you’re not supposed to, believe me, I know, I’ve looked into the legality, but I just want to be aware of what is happening. She won’t tell me anything. I won’t tell anyone if you tell me, okay? I swear on my life. I swear on her life. I just want to know what my sister is doing, since it’s clearly so important. Please, Dr. Macey.

[sfx: voicemail beep]

VIOLA Message 7: Addressed to Receptionist Marsha Francis. December 22, 2093. 9:34 AM.

[sfx: voicemail beep]

GABRIEL Sorry if this is the incorrect use of this phone number, I don’t want to schedule an appointment or anything, I just wanted to see what the status of Alex de la Cruz’s training was? Is there a chance she could come home for the holidays? Her son and I have missed seeing her, and God knows she could use the break. Just consider it, please?

[Gabriel sighs.]

Thanks. Have a happy New Year.

[sfx: voicemail beep]

VIOLA Message 8: Addressed to Dr. Emily Macey. December 23, 2093. 10:43 AM.

[sfx: voicemail beep]

MARSHA Hey there, dolly. I know it’s your day off, but I am just hopin’ and hopin’ to everythin’ nice and good out there that you’re gonna listen to your voicemail for once.

[sfx: paper shuffling and typing for a moment]

I’ve had a coupla family members of the Ophiuchus-22 crew contact me, and… Well, I think you should reach out to them when you get the chance? I just know if this was about Jeanette, or one of my sisters, or someone else in my family or what have you… I don’t know. I just can sense the fragility that they’re left with right now. This is a big project, y’know, and they can tell! They don’t even know anythin’ about it and they can tell. They deserve to be treated with some humanity. It’s a lot to ask, I know, but… One was a girl. Sixteen or seventeen, maybe eighteen at most? The other had a little boy. I just… I can’t in good conscience let them sit without some answers. You already know how much that M.J. kid pulls at my heartstrings, and they’re grown!

Just consider it, Em. These are real people. Real families. And they’re countin’ on you, hun. I don’t have the standing to do anything, but you do. I just emailed you their phone numbers and names. Reach out if you can. I’m gonna look into that Dawkins case some more tonight, I think. Have a good evening. Kisses.

[Marsha sighs.]

[sfx: voicemail beep]

VIOLA Message 9: Addressed to Receptionist Marsha Francis. December 27, 2093. 10:58 PM.

[sfx: voicemail beep]

ARCHIE Oh, whatever could this be? A freshly submitted HR report?

[sfx: Jiminy produces the sound of an audience gasping]

[sfx: shuffling and tapping of papers]

ARCHIE (CON’T) Now, I don’t typically respond to these funny little things, but this one really caught my eye! Y’know, you and I, Marshy poo, have always been very similar, I think. I like you a lot, Mrs. Francis, I do! I really, really do! So I think you’ll understand the little twinge I felt in my chest, oh so painful, when I caught a glimpse of this silly little thing on Ms. Lacount’s desk.

[sfx: Jiminy generates the sound of the world’s saddest violin]

ARCHIE You wouldn’t be doing anything to taint company face, would you, Marsha Marsha Marsha?

[Archie laughs after a moment, delighted]

No, of course not!

[sfx: Jiminy produces the sound of an audience cheering]

ARCHIE (CON’T) Of course not, you’d never do anything like that. You’re a loyal, dedicated employee.

Right?

Right! Well, call me when you can, I’d like to discuss this sometime. Just as I’ve got that heavy focus in Company Portrayal, y’see, I need to make sure our associates are sticking to the fine print and not harming our branding in any way! I’m sure you understand. Alrighty then. Toodles!

[sfx: Jiminy produces various cues indicating a goodbye]

[sfx: voicemail beep]

VIOLA Message 10: Addressed to Dr. Emily Macey. January 1st, 2094. 3:01

LADY Good morning, Emily. Just popping in with the Season’s Greetings.

There’s something magical about the New Year, isn’t there? You’d think with all of our calendar troubles across establishments that it would have lost some of its charm, but as we do with all things, we’ve kept it in shape. The snowfall is rather picturesque outside of this window. Any revelry has faded out by this hour. Only those of enough mind and ambition to appreciate the wee hours of a blank slate, of change, of a birth, if you’d like, find themselves awake. You are awake, aren’t you? Happy New Year, Emily. Here’s to the big year ahead.

VIOLA End of selected voicemail messages. JASON (impersonating Mr. Lacount) I would drink to that.

VIOLA May I ask why you gave me these instructions, Mr. Lacount?

JASON (impersonating Mr. Lacount) “Theirs not to reason why, theirs but to do and die”.

VIOLA Of course, sir.

[sfx: Viola powers off]

[sfx: retreating footsteps, door opens and the coffee is spilled]

[Jason yells.] ***

[sfx: a phone dialling]

WOMAN Find anything?

MR. LACOUNT (over phone) Oh, much. But first, if you’ll humor me enough to listen to these…

WOMAN Tapes? What are those from, the 20th century?

MR. LACOUNT (over phone) Last year, actually. Just listen.

[sfx: inserting a tape into a tape deck]

***

[Miles’ voice sounds considerably younger, this memory being from a number of years ago.]

NORA Pass me that one, honey.

MILES This one?

NORA Mm-hmm.

MILES It’s from me.

NORA Oh, perfect. Those are my favorite kinds of gifts.She shakes the box lightly, and then opens it.

[sfx: shaking the box lightly]

NORA (CON’T) Oh, Miles, you shouldn’t have!

SHAWN The hell is that?

NORA Shawn…

Go on, Miles, you can explain it to him if you’d like.

MILES It’s fine, Mom, it’s not his gift.

SHAWN It looks like a piece of trash to me.

NORA I think it’s perfect. The yellow accents, the–

[sfx: button pressed, a noise is generated by the gift]

NORA (CON’T) Amazing! Miles, your little inventions just keep getting better and better!

SHAWN Don’t encourage this, Nora.

MILES Thanks, Mom.

NORA Stop it, Shawn. You really need to…

[The tape fades out.]

***

[Miles sounds to be their usual age.]

MILES -wasn’t really a fan of my gift giving, anyways. Plus, I haven’t really got a reason to celebrate anymore, y’know? EMILY I understand. I was the same way when I was your age. Then I… well, I told you that story. With, er—

MILES Barf, yes, I remember.

EMILY Right. But after we… you know-

[Miles gags.]

MILES Spare me those details please, Em-

[Emily laughs.]

EMILY You, you are a pain! After we split, effectively, I went back to… This, I suppose.

MILES That’s surprising, honestly.

EMILY Is it?

MILES Sort of. Not sure why, but… They shrug.

EMILY I see… the hot chocolate is good though, yes?

MILES Oh, hell yes.

[Miles takes a sip.]

MILES (CON’T) By the way, thanks for letting me know ahead of time about training last week. Alex would’ve had my ass if you didn’t tell me to look over those…

[The tape fades out.]

***

WOMAN Pardon me for my lack of enthusiasm, but I am still confused as to why I am wasting my time with… tapes?

[sfx: loading the tape deck]

***

ALEX (whispering) Oh. My God.

GABRIEL (whispering) How does it look?

ALEX It looks… great. Very red.

GABRIEL Jolly?

ALEX You could say that. He’s fast asleep in his room, you know, I’m not sure this is entirely necessary.

GABRIEL Sure it’s necessary.

ALEX Mm…

GABRIEL Think about the cookies! The milk, the candy canes, the stockings hung with care? A job for Saint Nick, methinks.

ALEX Gabe…

GABRIEL Come on, it’s fun!

ALEX It’s 1 AM…

GABRIEL It’s Christmas! If you really think about it, you can thank that Dr. Macey from your work for this. She’s the one who gave you the opportunity to be a part of this in the first place.

ALEX Sure… can we not bring up work right now?

GABRIEL … Right. Right. Well, what are you waiting for, get the camera!

ALEX God…

[The tape fades out.]

***

MR. LACOUNT (over phone) Do you understand now?

WOMAN Right! Yes, of course! I can see oh-so-clearly that this is not robbing me of precious hours. I understand with full clarity.

[sfx: loading the tape deck]

***

MINERVA So that’s it? You’re just not going to say anything?

ATHENA Minerva, we’ve discussed this over and over and over again, alright, legally I cannot.

MINERVA Why? I’m blood.

ATHENA Blood isn’t enough.

MINERVA Blood isn’t enough? You favor the law over your sister?

ATHENA It’s not favoring, Minnie, I never said that! I just can’t. I need this job, I— we can’t afford to lose it.

MINERVA You’ve been under Omni-Corp’s toe since you were 16, Athena! You—

ATHENA It was different then.

MINERVA You know what? Yeah! Sure, that’s true! Back then, you came home at night. You told me what you were doing.

ATHENA Things can change.

MINERVA I just want you to stop lying to me.

ATHENA Lying?! When have I ever—

MINERVA Dr. Macey told me everything.

ATHENA … What?

MINERVA She told me everything, like how you have been…

***

[sfx: the tape is popped out of the deck]

WOMAN Hm…

MR. LACOUNT (over phone) Do you see now?

WOMAN This is… interesting… Elaborate, please.

***

ANNOUNCER Micro-Cosmos: A Science Fiction Podcast.

This mini-episode, The Fire is Slowly Dying, was written by Jesse Smith, edited by Lauren Tucker and Luka Miller, and directed by Jesse Smith and Lauren Tucker. It starred Jayce Pelletier as Viola, M. Furch as Octavia, Sivan Raz as Jeanette Francis, Jackson Rossman as Miles Abbott, Luka Miller as Marsha Francis and Alex de la Cruz, Mae Sokolik as Minerva Romero, Jesse Smith as Athena Romero, Kaleb Piper as Felix Couvillion, Oscar “Tumbleweed Tom” Ramos, Jr., as Gabriel de la Cruz, Lauren Tucker as Dr. Emily Macey, Nikki Paige as Nora Abbott, Colin Tucker as Shawn Abbott, and Griffin Berlstein as Archie Armstrong, with additional voices by Billie Willett, Emma Johanna Puranen, and Briar Zachary. Original music by Julia Barnes, and sound editing by Jesse Smith. Be sure to stay tuned to our feed for upcoming episodes from the new backpacking intergalactic adventure from Futuristic Trail Mix Productions. Keep an eye on updates to the show's hiatus on our social medias. Enjoying the show, and want to give us a boost? You can support us by rating and reviewing us on iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts, or telling a friend about us. To follow the show and find transcripts, you can find us on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram as @MicroCosPod. Questions, comments, and concerns can be emailed to us via [email protected]. Thank you for listening.

#microcos pod #Microcosmos #micro cosmos #micro-cosmos podcast #microcospod

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