Ghost Signals, Episode 1: Part 1.1
Episode 1
FADE IN:
INT. LABORATORY OF DR. RAIVEN O'OZAHL, TA SCIENCE CONSORTIUM
An image of a computer screen showing from top to bottom on the left half of the screen a display of soundwave data. On the right half, you can see a trajectory laid out on an astrological map of the TA (Tristellar Alliance) going out to an area marked as the "Outer Borderlands."
BOLTAS (Off-Screen, to Raiven) Just got word from Steggy- Collection Sat 28.51 just hit 100.
RAIVEN (Off-Screen, to Boltas) Excellent. Slide me a data copy, so I can take a look at it.
BOLTAS (Off-Screen, to Raiven) Yes, Doctor O...
A few moments later, a cacophony of sounds suddenly blares in to the relatively silent scene. Each one blends into the other to form an auditory stew.
DR. RAIVEN O'OZAHL, tall, curvy, aqua blue skin, nerdy, rainbow colored wavy hair, is pained by the screech of the signals as it blares through the speakers of her computer screen; her long fingers typing as quickly as possible as she speaks.
RAIVEN (pained/annoyed, glancing to her right) I thought you fixed the bett'n filters!
CUT TO:
BOLTAS, not as tall, wiry, bald with yellow skin and ridged forehead, no hair, glasses, glances back at his boss from the other side of the room as the sound continues. He carries a tray of tools and measuring equipment over to a table near the back of the lab as he speaks.
BOLTAS (explanatory, through the noise) I did fix 'em. It just takes a few tics for 'er to get going.
CUT TO:
Raiven glances up from her typing a couple of seconds later, letting out a relieved sigh when the noise settles into a more manageable configuration.
RAIVEN Ah, fantastic. (to Steggy) Focus in on the top layer, Cap.
The very top of the signals is heard a split second later- "Tuxedo Junction" by the Glenn Miller Orchestra; the sound of which causes the good Doctor some gastric distress.
RAIVEN (Cont.) Eeech- that's definitely not gonna help out. (quickly typing on the off-screen keyboard) Let's see if there isn't one lower that's more compatible...
She resumes typing on the keyboard for a short time, going through a litany of celebrity/political voices (George Carlin, Shirley Chisholm, FDR, Moms Mabley) in roughly 20 second bursts. With each one, Dr. O'Ozahl shakes her head and grumbles disapproval over it.
Boltas glances over at his boss' station shortly after dropping the tray of machinery on the table. You can see him observing curiously the whole scene as she continues with more and more voices from more and more Earth people.
BOLTAS That last one was pretty good.
RAIVEN (explaining while she types) Not good enough though. I can't use any of these Signals on the path. It has to be a Signal with the perfect frequency pattern to balance what's already been...
STEGGY (interjecting, in a Scottish brogue; to Raiven) Hey Doc, think I mighta found that "perfect Signal" you're gabbing about.
RAIVEN (stops typing, intrigued; to Steggy) Play the file, Cap...
A second later, the opening chords to "Heaven is a Place on Earth" by Belinda Carlisle plays; Raiven listening with a steadily growing smile.
SINGER Ooh, baby, do you know what that's worth? Ooh, heaven is a place on earth They say in heaven, love comes first We'll make heaven a place on earth...
RAIVEN (as the song continues) Tres perfect, Steggy! Weave it in with the path I've put together so far. Notify me of the path's new dimensions once you're done. (song stops)
STEGGY Aye aye, Doc...
RAIVEN (underneath sound of a steady beep from the computer screen; inner monologue) Maybe todatum's the datum when I can finally chart a course to the Signals' source. After a rohtla 'n change of work though, I'm not that hopeful it'll--
Her train of thought is interrupted by Boltas clearing his throat; a louder, single pair of "DING!" sounds can be heard simultaneously with the sound.
BOLTAS (helpful reminder, pointing to a metal ball that's the source of the "DING!") We have another Jahukagonis Test in 13 over at the MuerMoss on Stro McNinna- in case you forgot.
RAIVEN (to Boltas) Thank you... (inner monologue) Speaking of things I wish turn out well, at least once!
CUT TO:
Dr. O'Ozahl walking away from the computer screen toward the front of the office. A few beats later, Boltas comes into view of the shot, taking out the Jahukagonis from underneath a set of drawers. It looks like a slightly larger backpack with a square indentation in the front.
BOLTAS (slipping his arms through its shoulder straps) It took me weatts to fix up the battery, along with the YA sensors, after the last test. Hopefully it holds up this time.