Fresh Air
WARREN
[weak and fatigued] Do I just sit right here?
GRACE
Yes please, Warren.
[HE SITS DOWN]
[AN AWKWARD PAUSE]
WARREN
Umm… Is there something you’d like me to do?
GRACE
No, no. Just er… getting things - there. Okay. Can we start the tape?
GORDON
Oh… I’ve already started the tape.
GRACE
Of course you have.
WARREN
Gordon? Is that you?
GORDON
Hi Warren!
WARREN
Will I actually be able to see you now after this? Like are they going to let me out?
GORDON
Oh, yeah, I think so -
GRACE
Your quarantine period is up, this is just an important part of study that we -
WARREN
Yes, yeah of course, whatever you need. I’m just really eager for some fresh air.
GRACE
Of course, of course. So. March 14th, 2020. This is just a short memory test. The treatment for your first period of hypersleep resulted in significant disruption of your short-term memory, as you might recall. Or not. As the case may be.
WARREN
Okay, yeah.
GRACE
Through adjustments to your treatment for this second period of hypersleep, we hope to have avoided this damage to your memory going forward. Initial observations in the 72 hours since your emergence -
WARREN
Sorry, Dr Melé?
GRACE
Yes?
WARREN
Sorry. It’s just, it is really cold in here, could I get a blanket or something?
PAMELA
There’s one just behind the chair actually, Warren.
WARREN
Oh, hi Dr Jennings.
PAMELA
Please, call me Pamela. Or Pam.
GRACE
If we could stay focused -
PAMELA
He’s cold. The air con is right over his head.
WARREN
Where is it - oh.
GRACE
In the 72 hours since your emergence -
WARREN
Ooh, it’s er… it’s really scratchy. Like in a nice way, but yeah scratchy. Um… I am allergic to wool. This is… oh this is wool, isn’t it?
GORDON
Wait is that a problem? Do we need to get him out of there?
GRACE
In the 72 hours since your emergence! The results have been very encouraging. You’ve displayed recognition, recall, neuro obs all strong, seemingly fully compos mentis. We’re just here today to keep an eye on things, a few simple questions.
WARREN
Brilliant, thanks.
GRACE
Could you tell me your full name, please?
WARREN
I can, it’s Warren William Godby.
GRACE
And your date of birth?
WARREN
That is September the 25th.
GRACE
Can you tell me where you are right now?
WARREN
I’m in your interrogation room?
GRACE
It’s actually an interview room, but I meant where in general.
GORDON
Wasn’t much of an interview last time he was in there.
GRACE
Excuse me?
GORDON
It wasn’t much of an interview. Clive was very mean to Warren and he threatened to kill me a couple of times.
PAMELA
And then Warren broke his nose.
WARREN
So sorry about that, by the way.
GRACE
Gordon you don’t have to be here actually.
WARREN
I’m archiving like Bryony wanted me to.
GRACE
Well, maybe we need to speak to Dr Halbech about the exact nature of -
PAMELA
We just want to know where you think you are in general, Warren.
GRACE
Pam, I’m quite capable of conducting this inter-
WARREN
The Red Valley Seed Vault! Er, that’s it. Or just Red Valley, whatever it is that you call it now.
GRACE
And er… where is that?
WARREN
Scotland um… Quite high up. Sorry I don’t, don’t actually know how far. Off the A9 somewhere.
[A LITTLE MOMENT OF SILENCE]
WARREN
Oh! Ballbag!
GRACE
I’m sorry?
WARREN
We’re in the shadow of the mighty Ballbag. That’s what you call the mountain isn’t it? I don’t actually remember what it’s really called.
GRACE
The mountain is Beinn Bagg.
WARREN
Yes, yes that’s it! That’s not because I’ve got amnesia or anything. I just literally forgot that. Like anyone would.
GRACE
Can you tell me the last thing you remember before commencing this period of hypersleep?
WARREN
Uhuh, Gordon and I were on a road trip to find Red Valley, erm… for my work, and we found it, clearly. And then we came downstairs and Clive Schill was there and he was all like, ooh, surprise, and there was cheesecake or something…and then I met both of you, and you were all ‘this way Mr Godby’ and off we went… and then I was in here again, like you were just discussing, with the headbutting and, uh, my life… that’s all made up, um. Then I went to sleep. Hyper…magic sleep. And now I’m back.
I Continued! That’s, that’s what you want to call it isn’t it? Continue but with a special K, was that it?
GRACE
Yes and how do you feel about that?
WARREN
I mean it’s catchy, I think it would go down quite well. The K is a bit much. mean unless you’ve already decided? In which case, I love it.
GRACE
No, no, no I mean how do you feel? About your situation?
WARREN
Oh. Well, fine, more or less. I mean a bit of a hangover but that’s probably to be expected after 3 months of being clinically dead, I guess? Nothing a few Beroccas wouldn’t fix I’m sure.
GRACE
I meant emotionally though, Warren. How do you feel?
PAMELA
Why are you ask -
[SHE IS CUT OFF]
[WARREN WAITS A MOMENT]
WARREN
Hello?
[THE SPEAKER COMES BACK TO LIFE SUDDENLY]
[THERE IS A SLIGHT PAUSE BEFORE ANYONE SPEAKS]
GRACE
Why did you keep your name, Warren?
WARREN
What the f -
[CUTS OUT
[PAUSE]
WARREN
My name, sorry?
[MUFFLED VOICES]
GRACE
–for me to decide.
PAMELA
No it isn’t.
GORDON
Let’s get Bryony.
GRACE
Don’t even think about it -
GORDON
You suggested it first, I’m just agreeing -
WARREN
Everything okay in there guys?
[MUFFLED VOICES CONTINUE]
Guys?
[A PAUSE, AND A LITTLE SQUEAL AS THE SPEAKER COMES BACK ON SUDDENLY]
GRACE
Your name. Why did you keep it?
WARREN
Is this still a memory test?
GRACE
Yes.
WARREN
I… I don’t understand the question.
GRACE
You left your home town after your mother’s death never to return. Your father William Godby was a sex offender and domestic abuser. You wanted to start over again yet you still carried his name. Warren William Godby. Did you not think to change it?
PAMELA
Dr Melé, outside now!
[A DOOR SLAMS IN THE DISTANCE]
[HURRIED FOOTSTEPS DOWN THE CORRIDOR OUTSIDE THE INTERVIEW ROOM]
[MUFFLED VOICES - PAMELA AND GORDON’S]
WARREN
Everything alright out there?
[NO ANSWER]
Er… Okay. Well, my father, he already had a criminal record for petty crimes when he met my Mum. When they married they took her last name for a chance at a new start, I suppose. She chose the name Warren herself after her umm… favourite uncle. My Dad wasn’t present at the birth anyway.
[STILL NO REPLY]
You know I think I am actually properly allergic to this blanket. I… I have a rash.
[SILENCE FROM GRACE]
[THE MUFFLED DISCUSSION IN THE CORRIDOR CONTINUES]
GRACE
That’s great Warren, that’ll be all for now.
WARREN
Okay. Can I go now?
[NOTHING]
[EVENTUALLY THE DOOR OPENS]
GORDON
Warren.
WARREN
Gordon bloody Porlock.
GORDON
How about some fresh air?
[CUT]
GORDON
It’s bloody cold outside. Kind of a blizzard actually.
WARREN
Aw, is it snowing?
GORDON
Oh yeah, yeah, been this way for weeks. It’s fun at first but a bit much after a while.
WARREN
That’s cos you’ve had no one to play with.
[THE DOOR OPENS AT THE OTHER END OF THE CORRIDOR]
GORDON
Oh man.
WARREN
Yeah.
CLIVE
Stop all the clocks! Prevent the dog from barking with a big juicy bone!
WARREN
This is disconcerting.
CLIVE
Warren fucking Godby! The man, the myth, the bellend!
WARREN
Hi Clive.
[CLIVE CLAPS HIS ARM ON WARREN’S SHOULDER, MAKING HIM ALMOST STUMBLE]
CLIVE
You look great. Alright Games Workshop, here take this would you.
[CLIVE DUMPS A HEAVY RUCKSACK ON GORDON]
GORDON
…Sure.
CLIVE
How do you feel?
WARREN
Is this another test?
CLIVE
How do you mean?
WARREN
How do I feel, like, physically or emotionally?
CLIVE
Uh. I don’t know. Small talk. Most people just say fine, how are you?
WARREN
I’m fine then.
CLIVE
Yeah, seriously though, how are you? Everything working? You all there?
[HE CLICKS HIS FINGERS IN WARREN’S FACE AS THE DOOR OPENS AGAIN]
BRYONY
Give him some space, Clive.
CLIVE
He looks good. A bit pasty. Does he get Vitamin D when he’s down there?
GORDON
We were just on our way outside actually.
BRYONY
Very good.
CLIVE
Why do you want to go outside? It’s a blizzard.
WARREN & GORDON
Just want some fresh air.
BRYONY
Let them go outside Clive.
WARREN
Thanks.
BRYONY
Not at all.
[WARREN AND GORDON STRIDE PAST BRYONY AND CLIVE AND GET TO THE DOOR]
[THERE’S A RUSTLE AS THEY PULL ON COATS]
[BRYONY AND CLIVE ARE HAVING A BUSY, UNINTELLIGIBLE CONVERSATION IN THE DISTANCE]
WARREN
Clive seems a little…stressed.
GORDON
Wait till we’re outside.
[CUT]
[THE WIND BLOWS BUT IT’S TRANQUIL COMPARED TO THE CONSTANT BEEPS AND BOOPS INDOORS]
[WARREN TAKES A DEEP BREATH]
GORDON
So, I was going to ask how you feel but I think you’ve probably had enough of that for today.
WARREN
Maybe yeah. Look at this snow though. It’s gorgeous.
[HE CRUNCHES HIS BOOTS UP AND DOWN IN THE SNOW]
So, three months. Kept yourself busy?
GORDON
Oh… Yeah. The archiving is really fascinating, you know, if you’re into elaborate human rights abuses in the name of theoretical science, which apparently I am
WARREN
Yeah, I bet you are.
GORDON
The caretaking stuff though, I have no idea. I think they assumed I might be handy, like, be able to actually look after the place or something. I thought I’d just wing it with YouTube videos, that’s what I did in my flat. This isn’t really like putting up a widescreen tv bracket or building a gaming PC though. And this weather.
WARREN
What’s the place like? I barely made it through the front door before it went all Eastenders drum roll cliffhanger ending last time so I didn’t really take much note of any of it.
GORDON
Oh it’s fun. There’s the farmhouse, where you stayed the last time you were here, you remember that?
WARREN
No.
GORDON
There’s the mess room, they’ve got a pool table and a juke box, like an old working men’s club kind of feel, you remember that?
WARREN
No.
GORDON
They’ve got all these disused military bits and bobs from the Cold War, when it was a missile tracking station, like a situation room with these big world maps on perspex screens where you can move all this stuff around it’s very cool. And they’ve got those clocks all in a row that tell the time in different countries. You must remember that.
WARREN
I’m just going to nip this in the bud and assure you I don’t remember any part of ever being here.
GORDON
Oh. Sorry. I guess I’m not really sure where your brain is at.
WARREN
Well, my mind eggs don’t seem to be any more poached than they were before, but whatever was missing though, I don’t think is coming back.
GORDON
Oh well. It could be a lot worse.
WARREN
I can see you are busting to tell me more about this place, aren’t you?
GORDON
There are these old plans and blueprints from when they first built this place, they built it over some ancient granite mine, there are tunnels you can still go into, well, I mean one tunnel specifically, going right into the mountain to all these disused mineshafts, and Overhead were going to try out putting some kind of miniature reactor down there, like a nuclear reactor, as a test to see if they could power remote outposts all over…Look I’m sorry. I’m blabbering. I haven’t had anyone to talk to about any of this.
WARREN
It’s alright, it’s alright. Gordon, are you okay?
GORDON
Oh yeah I’m fine. I’m fine. It’s just been a bit solitary. But I wasn’t exactly in the after work 5-aside football team before I got here, was I?
WARREN
Umm… So how is…everyone else then? Are they treating you, ok?
GORDON
Well Pam is nice. For a conscience-free cryonic scientist. And Grace is umm…
WARREN
A wanker?
GORDON
Yeah. Keeps his nose so far up Bryony’s…well. Oh er… Apparently things aren’t going so well for Clive. I think he thought the first time you woke up everything was going to take off and he’d make his millions. Think he made some promises he couldn’t keep to the directors. His eyes bulge a bit these days. And Bryony… well, Bryony is without doubt the scariest person I have ever met.
WARREN
Yeah, right.
[THEY STAND IN SILENCE FOR A MOMENT]
Relieved is how I felt, by the way.
GORDON
Sorry?
WARREN
They wanted to know how I felt. After the freaking out and the headbutting way back when. When I was laid up in the bed and you were there. I felt… relief. Do you think that’s weird?
GORDON
I know what you mean.
WARREN
You do?
GORDON
I was scared of everything. I was scared of people. Talking to people on the phone. Or in person. Or anywhere. The idea of calling a customer service line because my wifi had gone down, or to haggle over upgrading my phone, that would make me sweat. And then I was here and it was all gone. I don’t have to worry about well, any of that. You know when you’re on a train, and it’s held up, and you’re just stuck in the middle of a field while they get leaves off the line or whatever, and you’re going to be hopelessly late, there might be awful consequences to get stressed about but…there’s literally nothing you can do about it. It’s not your fault. Hopefully you’ve got a book or something. You’re just sitting on the train.
WARREN
You know that is exactly it.
GORDON
Only with live-in cryonic scientists studying you in your home pretending to be your spouse, and prison sentences you can’t remember and stuff like that.
WARREN
Well. Yeah.
GORDON
I don’t know what you did, you know.
WARREN
They haven’t told you?
GORDON
I mean, the files are here. I just didn’t look.
WARREN
Why not?
GORDON
I mean, it wasn’t my place.
WARREN
So, everyone else here knows.
GORDON
Yeah.
WARREN
Is it weird that we’re the only ones who don’t?
GORDON
Look it’s your call. I mean, you can look, or I can look, or neither of us can look, or whatever you like.
WARREN
You’re a really good friend, Gordon. I’m really sorry you’re caught up in all of this.
GORDON
Shall we go back inside?
WARREN
Do you think it’s alright if I just have a minute to myself? My head’s kind of banging a bit.
GORDON
Uh, er, yeah, yeah, sure. Here. Take my comm, I’ll grab another one. Everyone uses channel 2 on the station. Why don’t we use channel…6, just to talk to each other?
WARREN
That is a great idea.
GORDON
Erm… See you in a minute.
[GORDON STEPS BACK TO THE DOOR, GOES INSIDE]
[INSIDE THE STATION, CLIVE AND BRYONY ARE STILL IN THE CORRIDOR]
CLIVE
Where’s he gone?
GORDON
He’s just having a minute.
CLIVE
To do what?
GORDON
To have a minute. It’s his first time outside in 3 months.
CLIVE
Get him back in.
BRYONY
Clive, let him be.
CLIVE
Since when did you get so protective over him?
BRYONY
I was about to say the same thing to you.
CLIVE
How do you know he isn’t running for the hills right now?
GORDON
He’s not going to run -
CLIVE
Get him in please. It’s cold out there.
GORDON
He’s not a puppy.
BRYONY
Fine, let’s get him indoors.
[GORDON GOES TO THE DOOR]
GORDON
I think everyone’s over-reacting.
[HE OPENS IT AND STANDS THERE FOR A MINUTE]
CLIVE
Porlock.
GORDON
Well. Don’t I feel silly.
[CUT]
[THE WIND HOWLS, BLOWING A BLIZZARD AROUND WARREN AS HE WANDERS FORWARD IN THE SNOW]
[HIS BREATHING IS HEAVY BUT HE IS ENTIRELY RELAXED]
[HIS COMM HISSES WITH STATIC]
GORDON (VO)
Warren! Warren are you there!
[HE FINALLY STOPS, FUMBLES WITH THE COMM]
WARREN
Echo 3 to Echo 7, Han old buddy, do you read me?
GORDON
Warren?
WARREN
That’s not the line, but whatever.
GORDON
Where did you go! Clive’s throwing a shit fit.
WARREN
I just went for a walk. I love snow. And it’s been three months, I wanted to stretch my legs.
GORDON
When are you coming back? Everyone’s worried.
WARREN
I’m sure no one is ‘worried’.
GORDON
Well, I’m worried.
WARREN
Well, thank you, Gordon.
GORDON
For myself! Clive smashed an office chair into the wall and now he’s staring at the fire extinguisher like it insulted his mother.
[NO ANSWER]
GORDON
Warren are you still there?
WARREN
What is that?
GORDON
What’s what?
WARREN
Looks like headlights.
GORDON
Headlights?
WARREN
Yeah, but up in the hill?
GORDON
Warren what are you talking about, what lights?
WARREN
That’s a minivan.
GORDON
A minivan?
WARREN
That’s a Mazda Bongo Friendee.
GORDON
A wait what?…say that again?
WARREN
A Mazda Bongo Friendee.
GORDON
I think you’re slurring Warren, are you feeling alright?
WARREN
A Mazda.
GORDON
A Mazda?
WARREN
Bongo.
GORDON
Bungle?
WARREN
Friendee.
GORDON
Is your tongue swelling up? Is this what happened last time you were defrosted?
WARREN
Oh… someone’s getting out. I’m going to say hello.
GORDON
No, no, no Warren, turn around and come back! Come back
[NO ANSWER]
Motherfu -
[CUT]
AUBREY
Stop.
GORD
Would you like me to play the next entry, Aubrey?
AUBREY
I guess it’s reassuring that Warren was just as big a pain in the arse when he woke up 40 years ago as he is right now.
GORD
It is fortunate we have greater care options now than were available at that time.
AUBREY
Doesn’t help Gordon though, does it? Now or then. Poor Gordon. I never gave him the credit he deserved for what he had to go through
GORD
The nature of your relationship did not lend itself to sentiment.
AUBREY
It was a strange relationship, if you can even call it that. I met him in a subreddit on cryonic preservation. What was his username? From the movie, what was it?
GORD
His username was John Spartan. The Sylvester Stallone character from Demolition Man.
AUBREY
Yes, so I chose Simon Phoenix, the Wesley Snipes character, so we could get talking. All the while wikipediaing Demolition Man. Still haven’t seen it.
GORD
The reviews were resoundingly average.
AUBREY
Two years of passing the strangest information over the internet with no idea whether he could be trusted or if he was just some loser stringing me along. I didn’t even know if he was truly Overhead like he claimed, but he was someone who took me seriously, this insane story of hypersleep and dead test subjects in a ridiculous secret research facility in the Highlands. He promised me he would ‘blow this shit wide open’. It petered out. Ben Thomas found other contacts for us to focus on. None of them came to anything. We couldn’t get close enough to anyone to convince them we were telling the truth without revealing ourselves. It was impossible then. Overhead were everywhere. I didn’t give Gordon any more thought.
GORD
But then you met in real life. Here at Red Valley.
AUBREY
I never even made eye contact with him, Gord. By the time we were in the same room together he…well you know what happened. I don’t even know why I’m telling you any of this, you know it better than I do, better than anyone. Unclouded by guilt, or shame, or 40 years of twisting memories around until they’re nothing like what really happened.
GORD
That’s why we’re doing this. To remember what really happened. And if the plan is successful you will be able to meet Gordon face-to-fa -
AUBREY
One thing at a time Gord. Bryony’s already testing her theory though. Or is she? Is it just Grace trying to score points? Pushing a theory he doesn’t even understand yet. None of them do. Warren’s barely been out for five minutes, he must’ve been drugged up to his eyeballs. I’m surprised he could talk. But then he is surprising isn’t he.
[SHE SIGHS AND PUSHES HER CHAIR BACK, STANDING UP AND STRETCHING]
Wee break.
GORD
We can commence the next entry when you return.
AUBREY
No, let it run, I’ll only be a minute.
GORD
What if you miss something?
AUBREY
I won’t. I remember the next part just fine.