[LABOURED FOOTSTEPS DOWN A CORRIDOR, WALKING WITH A CRUTCH]
[EVENTUALLY THEY COME TO A STOP AT A DOOR - A PAUSE AS GORDON CATCHES HIS BREATH, HE TRIES A BUTTON TO OPEN THE DOOR]
[IT BEEPS, UNFRIENDLY]
GORD
I’m afraid this area is restricted.
GORDON
For God’s sake when are they going to change that voice.
GORD
Hello Gordon.
GORDON
Blue Sky can you let me in to this room.
GORD
This area is restricted.
GORDON
Blue Sky-
GORD
You can call me Gord.
GORDON
Let’s be clear. I’m never going to do that.
GORD
Just think of a small pumpkin.
GORDON
You know what GORD makes me think of? Gastrooesophageal reflux disease.
GORD
I appreciate you had a difficult relationship with a Blue Sky unit back when you first arrived at Red Valley but-
GORDON
Don’t call it a relationship. You’re an… appliance! I don’t have a relationship with my kettle.
GORD
That’s fair. If I may though, I would posit that one may build a sort of trust with an inanimate object. Through reliability or comfort. Like an old pair of socks.
GORDON
Uh… There’s no way you’re supposed to sound like me. I’ve never said ‘posit’. Look, are you going to let me in?
GORD
Can I ask why you want access to this area?
GORDON
I just… I don’t want to do anything, I just want to see her.
GORD
But why?
GORDON
I don’t know why! I just… do. It’s weird that I haven’t. I can’t explain it.
GORD
It can open this door. But any other room controls remain locked. And I will inform tonight’s duty manager as soon as I open it, which is Grace.
[PAUSE]
GORDON
Why would you do that, why would you open it for me?
GORD
Maybe I can yet be a serviceable pair of socks to you, Gordon.
GORDON
How long would I have? Before Grace arrives?
GORD
A couple of minutes I expect.
GORDON
Okay. That’s fine.
GORD
Here we go then.
[THE DOOR UNLOCKS]
[GORDON HESITATES, THEN ENTERS]
[HE STEPS FURTHER INTO THE ROOM]
GORDON
She’s through the glass.
GORD
I see her.
[SILENCE FOR A MOMENT]
GORDON
That’s… that’s Bryony?
GORD
Yes.
GORDON
Oh God… They weren’t kidding. The years weren’t kind, were they?
[HE STEPS FORWARD]
She definitely can’t see me?
GORD
The glass is one way and the room is soundproofed.
GORDON
What’s she reading?
GORD
I don’t know. She reads very quickly, as I understand.
GORDON
Sure.
GORD
Are you alright, Gordon?
GORDON
I don’t know. I don’t know what I’m supposed to feel.
GORD
I doubt you’re supposed to feel anything.
GORDON
She looks feeble. But she isn’t.
GORD
No.
GORDON
She makes no sense. She’s so smart, but look where it got her. She wears all these faces, but she’s barely got two dimensions.
[SUDDENLY HE BANGS THE GLASS, INSTANTLY ANIMATED]
Did you hear that?
GORD
Gordon -
GORDON
If you turned 90 degrees in any direction you’d disappear! Like a bloody computer sprite!
[THE DOOR OPENS AGAIN AND GRACE ENTERS, FLUSTERED BUT SPEAKING CALMLY]
GRACE
Gordon, what are you doing down here? -
GORDON
You’re Paper fucking Mario!
GRACE
Gordon. Step back.
GORDON
It’s fine. It’s fine. I’m fine.
GRACE
Gord, what were you thinking?
GORD
We had a discussion about trust -
GRACE
We will have another discussion later. Gordon, please.
GORDON
Sure, sure, sure, let’s go. Let’s go.
[CUT]
[GRACE AND WARREN TALK IN THE CORRIDOR OUTSIDE GORDON’S ROOM]
[WARREN IS PACING]
WARREN
But he’s fine, right?
GRACE
Yes. I believe so.
WARREN
I mean, he’s bound to be… he’s going to be upset, like… we’re all upset she’s here, aren’t we? I’ll speak frankly, I’ve imagined paying her a visit to speak my mind myself.
GRACE
I am sure you have.
WARREN
And it’s early days, isn’t it? Since he woke up. God knows I was a bit testy when I popped out in the future, so maybe no surprise he woke up and decided to hunt down Bryony Halbech.
GORD
‘Hunt down’ is a little hyperbolic.
WARREN
You’re the little hyper bollock in this situation, why on earth would you let Gordon into her quarters?
GORD
It wasn’t her quarters, it was the viewing room adjacent to her -
WARREN
It was close enough though, wasn’t it? -
GRACE
Alright, alright.
[PAUSE]
I made a risk assessment.
WARREN
Oh… Stop always needing the last word, Gordon isn’t actually like that, you know?
GORD
I’ve done extensive analysis of Gor -
GRACE
Enough!
[PAUSE]
WARREN & GORD
Sorry Grace.
GRACE
Security is a separate issue and we will manage it. Gordon’s recovery is what is important here.
WARREN
So, what do we do, he just needs more Eterniteze right? Bryony came here as a wild dog, and you managed to get her back to original flavour psychopath in a day, just whack up a drip and we’re cooking.
GRACE
Warren, I think you know that it is not that simple. No two emergences are the same. Bryony’s treatment was rushed and, frankly, reckless. There was far more luck involved in the lead up to Gordon’s emergence than I have cared to admit.
WARREN
So, what are you saying?
GRACE
I am saying it is not simply a matter of increasing the dose of Eterniteze. Successful cryonic preservation requires some major altering of human brain chemistry. This is related to the neurological changes that occur when someone experiences severe trauma. You know this.
WARREN
It sounds so dumb when you just say it like that.
GRACE
I know. But successful emergence from hypersleep is dependent on managing those neurological changes. We don’t just have to have the correct medication, we have to identify the correct regimen, adapt and adjust, trial and error, sometimes over a long period -
WARREN
Yes, yes. I’m sure it’s extremely hard.
GRACE
It really is, you know. And for Gordon, we are facing a more challenging recovery than most. The injury he sustained, the unknowns around his infusion, the circumstances he’s emerged into… The symptoms he’s displayed are not surprising - in fact I’m almost relieved they are not worse - but they are very real and need to be taken seriously.
WARREN
Are you implying that I’m not?
GRACE
No, not at all. I only feel it important to be realistic about his recovery.
WARREN
But when I came out I -
GRACE
With respect. Gordon is not you. In fact when it comes to any aspect of cryonic preservation, no one is like you.
[PAUSE]
Which brings me to my next point.
WARREN
Well, that’s your ominous voice.
GRACE
It comes with age. You need the gravel in the back of your throat.
WARREN
What’s the problem, Grace?
GRACE
Even if it was simply a matter of increasing Gordon’s dosage of Eterniteze, we’d still be in trouble. Our supplies are dwindling.
WARREN
You had a delivery the other week. I don’t even need to take it anymore –
GRACE
As I said. Everyone’s needs are different. I did 5 years in a cryopod 30 years ago, I don’t need it anymore either. But Gordon will need it the rest of his life. So will Bryony, so will Aubrey, and others at the station too. Given the Bastion’s attitude to all things hypersleep, this medication is hard to produce and even harder to procure. And now Overhead know we’re at Red Valley, and that we have Bryony… we cannot stay here forever. Which will make it very hard indeed to secure supplies.
WARREN
This sounds not good.
GRACE
Well, I’ve had an idea. But I don’t like it.
WARREN
The gravel’s really working today, Grace.
GRACE
The day Gordon emerged he needed a significant amount of your blood in order to survive. The chemistry is… er… complicated, but put simply, your blood is full of the ingredients required for successful hypersleep, thanks to the combination of your own genes and er… everything Bryony put you through all those years ago. It gave Gordon what his body needed for survival. It’s taking a while to figure out exactly how that worked, but we are getting there.
WARREN
I think I can see where you’re going with this.
GRACE
I thought you might. Warren, I believe we may be able to synthesise our own Eterniteze. But we’d need… what we need is…
WARREN
Me. You want me to do tests and samples and science shit, right?
GRACE
…Right.
WARREN
That’s fine.
GRACE
Warren, I do not take the notion lightly -
WARREN
I know. And that means a lot. But seriously. It’s fine. It’s going to help Gordon, right?
GRACE
It could help a lot of people.
WARREN
Well, great. Let’s do it. Let’s get started.
GRACE
There is no need to rush. I did not assume your cooperation, we’ll draw up a care plan.
WARREN
Sure. Bend me shake me, any way you want me.
GRACE
Believe me, this time it would be different.
WARREN
Well, Jesus I hope so! You don’t need to be my secret wife, do you?
GRACE
Hopefully not.
[PAUSE]
But you could do worse.
WARREN
I was about to say that.
[CUT]
[GORDON LIES IN BED, SEDATED BUT CONSCIOUS]
[HE IS A LITTLE WOOZY - NOT A FAMILIAR FIT FOR GORDON]
[WARREN SITS BY HIS BEDSIDE, GORDON STIRS]
GORDON
Hey.
WARREN
Hey.
GORDON
You know I don’t think I can get used to this.
WARREN
You in the bed, me in the chair?
GORDON
Yeah. It’s very weird.
WARREN
Yeah, it is. So, how was it?
GORDON
How was what?
WARREN
Going to see Bryony. Losing your shit a little bit.
GORDON
I did not ‘lose my shit.’
WARREN
You called her Paper Mario.
GORDON
I don’t even remember that. I suppose the robot told you.
WARREN
Yeah. Anyway man, you want to do stuff like that, next time you just call me, alright?
GORDON
I was fine on my own, I’m not an invalid.
WARREN
Oh, not for support. For fun. I could rustle up a golf club or something, we could go at it proper. Really fuck shit up.
GORDON
It didn’t feel fun.
WARREN
Ergo, call me next time.
GORDON
It’s so strange. That we’re all still here. So much death in this place. But we’re all still here. All our brains held together with sticky tape, our bodies hobbling down corridors, with numb fingers and toes, or hair burned off, an arm missing, or old, and bitter, or…
WARREN
Handsome and winning, like me.
[EVEN IN HIS DOZY STATE, GORDON IS QUICK TO BE RILED UP BY HIS FRIEND’S NONCHALANCE]
GORDON
Will you just take something seriously, Oscar!
[HE CATCHES HIMSELF THE MOMENT HE SAYS IT]
[HE IS ANNOYED MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE, BECAUSE OF THE WAY IT MAKES HIM LOOK]
Warren, I mean. Obviously.
WARREN
It’s no worries.
GORDON
Don’t make a thing of it, it was just a mistake, I’m tired -
WARREN
No one’s making a thing.
[GORDON SIGHS, FRUSTRATED]
You need to sleep.
GORDON
Yeah. More sleep.
WARREN
And then we’re going to go to the chilled out choir band super laid back rehearsal thing tonight.
GORDON
I don’t think I want to go -
WARREN
Well, I am going to go because it’s Christmas. I would love to see you there.
GORDON
I’ll think about it.
WARREN
That’s all I ask.
[CUT]
[IN THE MESS, A MUSICAL ACT TINKERS WITH A PEACEFUL, SLOW, MELANCHOLIC CHRISTMAS TUNE]
[THE ATMOSPHERE IS CALM AND CHEERFUL, JUST A FEW PEOPLE AROUND AND EASY CONVERSATION IN THE ROOM]
[WARREN IS SAT AMONGST SOME EMPTY CHAIRS WATCHING ON HIS OWN WHEN GORDON ARRIVES, STILL USING HIS CRUTCH]
[GORDON MAKES A BIT OF A MEAL OF GETTING THROUGH THE CHAIRS TO WARREN, CLATTERING A FEW AS HE GOES]
CHOIR
In the bleak midwinter Frosty wind made moan Ballbag hard as iron Water like a stone Snow had fallen snow on snow, Snow on snow, In the bleak midwinter Long ago
GORDON
Sorry. Hey.
WARREN
Hey! You made it.
GORDON
Yeah, I made it.
WARREN
Can you… Can you get in alright -
GORDON
Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. I just… I don’t really need this crutch anymore.
WARREN
Yeah, you probably shouldn’t be carrying the girl at the same time -
GORDON
I’ve got her.
WARREN
Just let me… let me take her.
GORDON
No, no… You take the crutch, I’ll take the tortoise.
WARREN
No, that’s not very - fine. Whatever.
[GORDON SITS DOWN HEAVILY]
What a palaver.
GORDON
Yeah.
[WAFFLES SOUNDS A NOTE OF AGREEMENT]
[THEY BOTH SIT QUIETLY FOR A MOMENT WHILE THE MUSIC PLAYS]
Fine. You were right. This is quite nice, isn’t it?
WARREN
It is. Makes me think of the kid in Home Alone going to that church and talking to the old guy with the shovel.
GORDON
So, do I need to be worried about getting mobbed for autographs?
WARREN
Nah. I’ve worked really hard at being socially awkward in all environments and time periods. People mostly leave me alone now. Enjoy this while you can.
[PAUSE]
How are you feeling now?
GORDON
Grace has assured me that what I’m going through is to be expected after everything my brain and body has been through, blah blah blah.
WARREN
It’s so tiring, isn’t it? All the assurance. You want it, you kind of need it right, some explanation of what’s happening, but it’s all so complicated -
GORDON
And ridiculous. Don’t forget silly and ridiculous.
WARREN
I don’t know. I guess I’ve just found it easier to switch off a bit. To put myself in their hands.
GORDON
Also ridiculous.
WARREN
Fair.
GORDON
But also complicated.
[PAUSE]
CHOIR
Stasis will not hold us Neither ice sustain In the hills and valleys We are free again In the bleak midwinter Come unto this place You will find your shelter In the arms of Grace
GORDON
I don’t remember these being the lyrics. I don’t feel free, do you Waffles? I can’t really put myself in anyone’s hands. That’s not how I’ve operated. Historically.
WARREN
I know.
GORDON
So, Oscar was this guy I used to work with. When I first got into all this mess.
WARREN
I know.
GORDON
You know?
WARREN
Yeah. When I was locked up in quarantine, I kind of listened to your… memoir.
GORDON
Oh what, how did you? - oh not Gord.
WARREN
I think it was Aubrey’s idea to let me hear it but yes, Gord was kind of my guide.
GORDON
Something needs to be done about this robot before I lose my mind, Warren. It’s so weird.
WARREN
Oh! Oh! I forgot. Where’s a - oh!
[HE WOLF WHISTLES, A BLUE SKY DRONE FLOATS OVER]
Over here! Another early Christmas present.
GORDON
What did you do?
[BLUE SKY SPEAKS WITH THE DEFAULT VOICE OF REBECCA LANDRY]
BLUESKY
Hello Gordon.
GORDON
Oh thank God.
WARREN
I thought you’d be happy.
BLUESKY
Am I better placed now to be that serviceable pair of socks, do you think?
WARREN
What?
GORDON
Don’t worry about it.
BLUESKY
At least I can say ‘posit’ now without fear of judgement.
WARREN
Er… I don’t like that you guys have your own private jokes. Away with you. Go.
[HE BATS THE DRONE AWAY]
BLUESKY
Feliz Navidad.
[THE DRONES LEAVES]
GORDON
I never thought I’d be happy to hear that voice.
WARREN
Well, I’m glad.
GORDON
I mean, if it was really trying to talk like me it would’ve said Feliz Natal cos that’s the Portuguese for Christm -
WARREN
Dude.
GORDON
Sorry.
WARREN
It’s okay.
GORDON
Look… it’s much better. I mean I still have strong opinions no matter what the voice is but at least it doesn’t make me think my conscience is talking to me.
WARREN
Gord will be missed round here, so this does come with the caveat that you’re going to need to start talking to people at some point. You know… to fill the void.
GORDON
Oh please God, Warren tell me they haven’t all listened to my memoir too!
WARREN
No, no, no, I checked. That was just for me. And Aubrey I assume, I think she’s come to know as much about us as we know ourselves.
GORDON
So weird.
[PAUSE]
WARREN
So was Oscar…
GORDON
Oh. No. No. It wasn’t like that. Like I said I don’t really look for…That’s not what I want. He just… we connected. Over this stupid place at first, and then… he was a good man. I think. You may find this very hard to believe, Warren but I don’t make friends that easily.
WARREN
It’s like looking in a mirror.
GORDON
Anyway. I don’t know what you listened to. But he disappeared. I don’t know what happened to him.
WARREN
I’m sorry.
GORDON
It’s okay.
WARREN
Yeah. I guess Red Valley got him.
GORDON
Yeah. I guess it did.
WARREN
Red Valley tried to get all of us.
GORDON
It took some pretty good chunks out of us to be fair.
WARREN
Did you really need your spleen?
GORDON
I don’t know.
WARREN
I don’t even know what a spleen does.
GORDON
Grace tried to explain. I forgot.
WARREN
They can take your spleen, but they can never take your freedom. Oh shit, sorry.
GORDON
Yeah. Absolutely.
WARREN
I am sorry I’ve been the way I’ve been. Since you came back. I do know how I’ve been.
GORDON
Thank you for saying that.
WARREN
I just… we got you back. And here you are, you’re in one piece, and I just didn’t want to see… I didn’t want to see the cost.
GORDON
I get it.
WARREN
I’ve been asked to help, a bit. With some of the science stuff.
GORDON
Oh right. Help how?
WARREN
They want to make their own meds, their own Eterniteze. So we’re not so dependent on deliveries and stuff. So you can get the treatment you need.
GORDON
What does that involve?
WARREN
Special blood, special brain. I’m a special guy.
GORDON
Warren -
WARREN
Tests, scans, samples, things like that. Don’t worry. It’s not like before.
GORDON
Okay.
WARREN
Let’s flirt with optimism. Dabble with hope.
GORDON
I suppose it is Christmas.
WARREN
What do you want to do tomorrow?
GORDON
You’re not working a shift?
WARREN
Hell no. Still no Nintendo?
GORDON
I could tell you how to play Ocarina of Time or something.
WARREN
I’m no good at that stuff. How about we play Russian Roulette with the dodgy dart guns?
GORDON
I’m not having this conversation again -
WARREN
Come ooon!
GORDON
I do not want to shit myself!
WARREN
We can put down towels or something!
GORDON
What are you talking about!
WARREN
Paralyse or pooalyse!
GORDON
Shut up and listen to the music.
WARREN
Fine.
GORDON
Fine.
WARREN
Merry Christmas, Gordon.
GORDON
Merry Christmas.
CHOIR
Morior invictus Death before defeat Dwell not on thy legacy Fear not to complete ‘Neath the ancient mountains Foundations built on trust No graves and no monuments We return to dust.