Season 1, Episode 17

Episode 17: The Night of Stars

A celebration of light, and love.

The transcript of this trailer can be found below or as a PDF here

CW: Holidays & Holiday celebrations

Station Arcadia is a podcast by Metal Steve Productions, and licensed under a creative commons attribution noncommercial share-alike 4.0 international license.

It is produced by Eliana Esdi and C.V.V.M., and directed by Tovah Brantner. It is edited by Eliana Esdi and J. R. Steele, with soundscaping by J.R. Steele and Becker Hoang, and music by Theo Goodwin.

Today’s episode was written by Eliana Esdi, Tovah Brantner, and J.R. Steele.

Subscribe to our patreon for early access and bonus content!

Join us on twitter and tumblr, @stationarcadia for more content. Join us on discord at https://discord.gg/Reb8UCw to chat with other fans.

!NOTICE: This episode's transcript is still being formatted, apologies for any inconveniences. The transcript can also be accessed through a PDF here

Transcript for Episode 17:

Jade Virginia: On behalf of the Station Arcadia team, a big thank you to our patrons: Claws of Fenrir, Antigone Brickman, n13e86, Bronwyn Toth, and Natah the Ninja.

Bronwyn: Hey, Bronwyn here, the voice of Alice Harlow. We’re back from our hiatus, and will be releasing episodes every other week, as usual. Season one will contain twenty-five episodes, so you have another eight after this one to look forward to! This episode is a winter holiday special that happened to fall in our real-world May. Hey, it’s never a bad time for a little holiday cheer!

Thank you for your continued support, and enjoy episode 17 - The Night of Stars.

INT. STATION ARCADIA

KASS. Welcome, anyone. Seasons greetings, and may all your numbers rise. You’re listening to Station Arcadia.

[THEME SONG]

KASS. Happy Night of Stars, listeners! I’d completely forgotten it was this time of year again. I’m glad Jo reminded us at our weekly Station Meeting! I always loved the Night of Stars as a kid, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I’m also glad that Marvin is still here to celebrate it with us, though, he did try to stop me from doing a broadcast. He said that no one needed to hear one of Arcadia’s sad stories on today of all days, and that I shouldn’t be working on the Night of Stars.

I don’t think Marvin fully understands the Station. She wouldn’t share one of the more depressing stories on a day like today, not unless we really needed to hear it. But, that being said, I thought I might as well do something a bit different to mark the occasion.

So, instead of plugging into Arcadia, I’m going to tell you about the first Night of Stars I can remember.

I must have been at least in my 5th year, because I’d moved up to the mid-level housing, and I’d just gotten some new mood-sensitive bionics. In the weeks leading up to the Night of Stars all of the kids lit up orange with excitement and anticipation. I had no clue what was going on, but the good mood was infectious. By the time the Night rolled around, I was bouncing off the walls.

The day before the Night of Stars, we decorated our bags. I drew pink circles on mine, because that’s what I thought stars were. I could barely sleep that night, I just lay awake imagining what the next day might hold. When it finally came, I jumped out of bed and ran towards the play room. I stopped when I noticed the main doors were open. One of the nurses waved me over and explained that for this one day only, I could go wherever I wanted without a guardian, as long as I stuck with my buddy. He paired me with another kid around the same age, and we set off into the city.

The Nexus is always a city of motion, but nothing-- nothing-- can compare to the buzz and activity on the Night of Stars. Even early in the day, people were setting off fireworks, and parades were already rolling through each street. There were dancers and performers on corners, hoverboards, and rooftops.

Me and the other kid started wandering. People in the parades threw candy into the crowd, and we scrambled to grab as much as we could. We held our bags out to the street performers and nearby adults, and were rewarded with various sweets and toffees. I wonder if the kids in Talsoria still get bitbyte candies these days... I would always get a bag every Night of Stars, even once I was too old to candy-gather. They just taste like the season.

[A VENT OPENS ABOVE KASS.]

KASS. Lyssel?

[A SMALL THUMP, AS A CANDY LANDS ON THE DESK IN FRONT OF KASS]

KASS. Wha... Is this BitByte sugar wires? Lyssel, where did you get this?

LYSSEL. (from vent) Didn’t save. Hope it boosts you though. KASS. It does! Are you sure I can have it? You don’t want it?

LYSSEL. Z. says gifts are a Night of Stars thing. Never stored that, but I’m happy to test it, y’know?

KASS. Oh, thank you Lyssel, that’s very sweet of you. Do you wanna come down from there and say a quick hello to the listeners?

LYSSEL. Sure.

[A THUMP AS LYSSEL JUMPS DOWN]

[AWKWARD SILENCE]

KASS. Did you have anything you wanted to say to them? Do you have any particularly fun Night of Stars memories?

LYSSEL. Oh! Right, yes. Um ...Kass, showing code, I hated the Night of Stars.

KASS. Wait, really? Even as a kid?

LYSSEL. Yeah. Too much data too fast, y’know?

KASS. Right, of course.

LYSSEL. The stars themselves were nice.

KASS. Huh. You know, I forgot they did that.

LYSSEL. What? But that’s the engine of it all!

KASS. Listeners, during the Night of Stars, the cities of Talsoria use drones to simulate the stars in the sky. They include lines between constellations and everything. Apparently it’s quite nice.

LYSSEL. You couldn’t scan em?

KASS. Nope. Bionics don’t go that far. Or at least, not ones I could afford.

[DOOR OPENS]

LYSSEL. That’s a worm!

Z. No, that’s Kass.

KASS. Hey Z, what’s up?

Z. Jo’s done cooking!

KASS. (crosstalk) Jo was cooking?

LYSSEL. (crosstalk) We’re in full charge, this is levelled! Z. Hey Lyssel, I have no clue what that means.

LYSSEL. It means you should save Talsorian slang, Z.

Z. You got me there!

KASS. You know, I AM in the middle of a broadcast. Can this wait? Z. It absolutely cannot!

KASS. Z

Z. Jo made a traditional Hardizan feast, Kass. This is a special occasion.

KASS. (clearly weakening) I don’t know if

Z. It smells so good Kass… (gets an idea) Kass, Kass. Sniff the air. [KASS TAKES A DEEP SNIFF]

KASS. Alright, let’s go.

Z. Whoo!!

KASS. We can just let the station do it’s own thing. Arcadia, keep ‘em entertained.

[TRANSITION]

INT. CHARLIE’S OFFICE

PEACHES. Emmeline and Lavinia seemed so shocked to see I was working today.

CHARLIE. Did they now.

PEACHES. They did! (with incredulous humour, like “can you believe this”:) They thought I’d have the day off.

CHARLIE. Wouldn’t that be something.

PEACHES. Maybe someday.

[PEACHES SIGHS. CHARLIE’S PEN SCRATCHES ON THE PAPER] PEACHES. I suppose we’re supposed to be grateful for the half day. CHARLIE. Sure. You know, some people are.

PEACHES. Poor fools. Someone needs to tell them to dream bigger.

CHARLIE. I actually had an idea about that. I was thinking- what if we made some brochures, and gave everyone a stack at our next committee meeting? People could leave them around their workplace for others to find.

PEACHES. (considering it) We’d have to make sure it couldn’t be traced back to us...

CHARLIE. Of course. No identifying information.

PEACHES. What would they say?

CHARLIE. I’m not exactly sure. I was going to make some drafts after I finish this paperwork.

PEACHES. What? But we have the rest of the day off.

CHARLIE. I don’t really have any other plans.

PEACHES. Are you not eating with your family tonight? CHARLIE. I would if I had one.

[A MOMENT OF STUNNED SILENCE]

PEACHES. Charlie, you were not about to spend the Night of Stars by yourself.

CHARLIE. It’s not a big deal, Peaches. It’s just another day.

PEACHES. It’s a day for family, and good food. And I know you can’t cook. You’re coming to my place. I am not going to let you spend our one free afternoon doing paperwork!

CHARLIE. It’s got to get done sometime.

PEACHES. Come on Charlie, it’s a holiday!

CHARLIE. Peach…

PEACHES. Take one night off. Just one.

CHARLIE. I still have so much to do before tomorrow…

PEACHES. I’ll make sure you can go home at a reasonable time. Please? CHARLIE. I don’t know Peaches.

PEACHES. My family wants to meet you, and my mom makes the best food for the holidays! Well, any day really. But especially holidays.

CHARLIE. Well

PEACHES. And she’s been bothering me to have you over, so you really have no choice. You’re coming tonight and I’ll drag you if I have to.

CHARLIE. (sigh) You’re set on this?

PEACHES. Nothing you can say will change my mind.

CHARLIE. Hm.

PEACHES. And if it makes a difference, I want you there. I want you to meet my family, and have a nice time. Take a break from your work. It’s the Night of Stars, after all.

CHARLIE. And you’re sure you want me there?

PEACHES. Positive. (pause) Please?

CHARLIE. (sigh) Alright. You’ve convinced me.

[HE STANDS UP.]

PEACHES. Really?

CHARLIE. Yeah Peach. I’ll come to dinner.

PEACHES. Okay! Wear my helmet, we’ll take my bike. Oh I’m so excited you’ll get to meet my family! My mom comes on a bit strong but she’s the sweetest woman you’ll ever meet and my Uncle Alfred is gonna love you…

[THE DOOR CLOSES BEHIND THEM.]

[TRANSITION]

INT. TEDDY’S OFFICE

[DISTANT SOUNDS OF CELEBRATION]

[BOTTLE IS SET DOWN ON THE DESK]

[BEAT OF SILENCE; ASIDE FROM THE CELEBRATION OUTSIDE]

[TEDDY SIGHS]

TEDDY. Another year, huh?

[NO RESPONSE. HE’S ALONE.]

Yep, that’s what I thought.

[TEDDY STARTS QUIETLY HUMMING AS HE POURS A GLASS AND THEN-] [BANG! THE DOOR OPENS]

[TEDDY MAKES A “HALF A SECOND AWAY FROM A HEART ATTACK” KIND OF SOUND]

ALICE. Hey, Teds! I know Snakebite let you have a day off for the holiday, but we thought we should drop by and say hello!

TEDDY. Did you just kick in my door?!

ALICE. Only a little bit!

BLUEBELL. Alice, I told you to knock first!

ALICE. I did knock! It was just with my foot. Look, I don’t think either of you are appreciating the effort I put into this surprise.

TEDDY. You two have already shaved enough years off my lifespan. ALICE. Aw, don’t be like that! Especially not when I got you… [LITTLE DRUMROLL ON TEDDY’S DESK]

A knife!

[KNIFE GETS PUT ON THE DESK]

[ALMOST AWKWARD PAUSE]

TEDDY. You got me a gift?

ALICE. Well, yea. You’re our friend, idiot. It’s kind of a thing you do?

Do you like it? I spent a long time looking for one I thought you’d like. I know you have the sword cane, but I figured something small and concealable would be a nice addition to your arsenal.

TEDDY. Um. Yea, Alice, I do. Thank you.

ALICE. (Excitedly:) Bluebell, give him yours!

BLUEBELL. Alright, take a breath, love. Now, I just want to say mine isn’t as practical as Alice’s gift…

ALICE. C’mon, Bluebell, you have to hype it up more!

BLUEBELL. Look- Just take it.

[SOMETHING SMALL, METAL, AND WITH A CHAIN GETS PUT ON THE DESK]

I know you’re not a really “flashy” guy but

TEDDY. No, no, it’s nice! Really! I just, uh…

I didn’t get you guys anything.

BLUEBELL. That’s fine, we weren’t really expecting you to.

ALICE. Buuuuut, if you do want to make it up to us you can come to the L’Aurore’s bonfire.

TEDDY. I don’t know

ALICE. Or you can just stay here and be sad, that’s fine too. TEDDY. No, I can come.

[TEDDY, ALICE AND BLUEBELL GO TO LEAVE AS SCENE FADES OUT] [TRANSITION]

INT. MOORE HOUSEHOLD

PAT. (continuing a card) Lots of love and happy holidays! From Hazel.

DORIA. Aww. We should go and visit them again soon, it’s been too long.

PAT. Deb’s having a get-together next week, I’m sure they’ll be there.

DORIA. Ooh, probably! (changing subject) Alright let’s finish up here, I want to get to the market before the rush.

AXEL. I’ve got just one more card, it’s from Sorren and Finn! Sorren gave it to me before I came home.

PAT. That’s so nice! How are they?

AXEL. Still happy as ever. (smiling) When he’s not scolding me for my posture, Sorren always finds time to gush about his husband.

DORIA. Well go on, see what the card says!

AXEL. Alright, alright.

[AXEL OPENS THE CARD.]

AXEL.(In goofy “Sorren” voice:) Dear, Axel. Happy Night of Stars! I’m so glad that we get to celebrate our friendship again this year. You’re one of the most driven, confident people I know. And even when we have our ups and downs, I’m happy to be your campaign manager and your best friend. (pause, in regular voice:) That’s from Sorren.

(In soft “Finn” voice:) Axel, you are doing amazing. Keep up the great work, and keep being yourself. Knock ‘em dead, I can’t wait for the

three of us to celebrate your big win! Don’t tell anyone, but you’ve got my vote. Your favorite, Finn.

DORIA. What a sweet card!

PAT. You’ve got a fan!

AXEL. (smiling) Yeah.

[PAT STANDS UP]

PAT. You guys ready to go?

AXEL. Let’s do it!

[THEY GET UP AND WALK TO THE DOOR. IT OPENS AND THEY GO OUTSIDE AND WALK DOWN THE STREET, IN THE SNOW. THERE ARE SOUNDS OF THE STREET AND PEOPLE LAUGHING AND WALKING BY.]

AXEL. I just love how decorated everything is this time of year. And people look so happy.

PAT. Everyone needs some time to relax. That’s this week for a lot of folks.

BEA. (from a little ways away) Hey!

PAT. Oh, hi Bea!

DORIA. Hello Bea!

[BEA RUNS UP TO THEM.]

BEA. Happy Night of Stars!

DORIA. Happy Night of Stars. Do you have any plans tonight?

BEA. My husband and I are planning on having some old friends over and staying up to watch the sun rise.

AXEL. That sounds fun!

BEA. Oh, Axel! You’re home!

AXEL. Yeah! It’s good to see you.

BEA. You too! You look good, seems like the campaign’s going well. We’re all rooting for you!

AXEL. Well that’s very kind of you!

PAT. We’re just on our way to get some dinner and mulled wine, did you want to tag along?

BEA. I’d love to! But I think I’d better stick around and make sure everyone gets to my place safely. Plus, my husband’s on his way with the groceries, so I’ll need to help him with those.

PAT. Ah, good idea! Say hi to everyone for us.

BEA. Will do! I won’t keep you all any longer, I’m sure the market’s going to get busy. Have a good evening! It was great to see you again Axel.

AXEL. You too Bea!

BEA. Bye!

DORIA. See you later!

[BEA WALKS AWAY AND THE MOORES CONTINUE WALKING.]

DORIA. Ve’s always so sweet.

AXEL. I only think I’ve seen ver once or twice.

PAT. Oh, Bea and Cason have been here... what, four years now?

DORIA. You’re thinking of Alexi and her partners. Bea and Cason just moved in about a year ago.

PAT. Ahh, okay.

[THERE ARE MORE PEOPLE NOW, AND IT’S QUITE SIGNIFICANTLY LOUDER. THERE IS SOME JOVIAL MUSIC PLAYING.]

PAT. I’ll go get dinner.

DORIA. Meet back here when you’re done.

SHOPKEEP. Hi there, Happy Night of Stars!

DORIA. Happy Night of Stars! Could I just get three mugs of mulled wine please?

SHOPKEEP. Sure! That’ll be a flat 14.

DORIA. Here you go. Keep the change, alright?

SHOPKEEP. Thank you so much! You have a good evening!

DORIA. You too.

[THEY WALK TO SIT SOMEWHERE CLOSE.]

AXEL. Thanks mom.

DORIA. For what?

AXEL. For... being the best? Being cool and supportive of me. I love you a lot.

DORIA. (smiling) I love you too sweetheart. I’m so glad you’re home for the holiday.

AXEL. Me too.

[SOME MARKETPLACE NOISE. THE SCENE FADES OUT.]

[TRANSITION]

INT. STATION ARCADIA

JO. We’re not lighting a fire in the Station. That’s final. Z. Gunmetal Steve you’re the worst!

MARVIN. (the voice or reason) Jo, it’s traditional in the Empire to have a fire on the Night of Stars.

JO. Go for it. Outside.

Z. It’s pouring!

JO. Can none of you see that this is a terrible idea? MARVIN. We’ve got a barrel, it’s fine.

JO. No.

KASS. Me and Marvin lit some tapes on fire to warm him up when he first crashed here.

JO. (crosstalk) Not. Helping.

LYSSEL. (crosstalk) Oh, is that what the scorch marks in the break room are from?

KASS. Yeah...

Z. Jo I swear I’m not even doing this just to annoy you. This is my culture.

JO. So you admit you do things just to annoy me!

KASS. Alright, alright. Let’s not

Z. Jo. Jo look at me. I’m being serious here. First off, you are not in charge, and you’re outnumbered. Secondly, we did your traditional thing, and now it’s our turn. Thirdly, I pinky promise not to set anything on fire.

JO. (after a beat of silence, grumpy, but giving in) You’d better not. MARVIN. (simultaneously) You’re a good man, Jo.

Z. (simultaneously) Whoo!!

[THE SOUND OF A FIRE BEING LIT FADES INTO THE TRANSITION] EXT. THE MARKS HOUSE

[THE MOTORBIKE PULLS UP TO A HOUSE WITH MUFFLED NOISE INSIDE. THE ENGINE STOPS AND PEACHES AND CHARLIE GET OFF THE BIKE.]

CHARLIE. Ah. Your house is nice.

PEACHES. It’s… well, (jokingly) it’s cosy that’s for sure. CHARLIE. I’m… a bit nervous.

PEACHES. That’s okay! I’d just let Mom lead you around. She’ll probably introduce you to everyone but you don’t have to remember their names. And I’ll stay by you the whole time! Don’t worry.

CHARLIE. (sincerely) I’m not worried.

PEACHES. (flustered) Oh! Okay! Good!

CHARLIE. Should we…

PEACHES. Yeah!

[THEY APPROACH THE HOUSE AND THE DOOR OPENS BEFORE THEY GET THERE.]

MAMMA MARKS. Canned Peaches that had better be that boy you always talk about!

PEACHES. Mom! (sigh) Yes, this is Charlie.

MAMMA MARKS. So you finally came! It’s so nice to meet you Charlie, we’ve heard so much about you!

CHARLIE. (smiling) All good things, I hope.

MAMMA MARKS. Oh yes our Peaches thinks very highly of you. Come in and meet everyone, and we’ll get you some food!

CHARLIE. Thank you Mrs. Marks.

MAMMA MARKS. Of course dear. Now don’t fall behind Peaches, I’m sure your boy’s going to want you around.

PEACHES. Sure, mamma. I’m coming.

CHARLIE. (offhand) Your mother is lovely. Thanks for inviting me. PEACHES. (laughing) The night’s not over yet!

[THE DOOR CLOSES.]

[TRANSITION]

EXT. THE NEXUS

[FOOTSTEPS]

SOMA. Come on, Memorie, we’re gonna miss it!

MEMORIE. Slow down there, bud, the parade will go for a few more hours!

SOMA. Well, we’re gonna miss all the cool stuff!

[DOOR OPENS A CLOSES]

[SOUNDS OF A PARADE AND CELEBRATIONS]

Oh, Memorie, that guy has sugar wires!

MEMORIE. If I get you some, promise you won’t be hyped up all night? SOMA. Promise!

MEMORIE. Alright, alright.

[WHILE THEY’RE CROSSING TO THE BOOTH:]

How much for some sugar wire?

STREET VENDOR. For the little one? It’s the Night of Stars, he gets it free of charge.

MEMORIE. Oh, thank you.

STREET VENDOR. Here you go, spark. Now, you have a good night. SOMA. Thanks!

[AS THEY’RE WALKING AWAY:]

MEMORIE. The book club is supposed to be around here somewhere… SOMA. I don’t want to talk about books right now, Memorie.

MEMORIE. Oh, we’re not doing any of that boring stuff tonight. We just wanted to hang out. Plus, they really want to meet you. I’ve been talking you up big with them and they think you’re pretty cool.

STITCH. (In the distance:) Memorie! Over here!

MEMORIE. Well, speak and they will come, I guess.

[FOOTSTEPS]

Stitch, Avi! Where are the others?

STITCH. Last I checked Kyreese was currently escaping from her parents and she’s Dyne’s ride, so… On the way?

AVI. Is this the little brother we’ve heard so much about? MEMORIE. The one and only. Come on bud, say hello.

[BRIEF PAUSE, SOMA IS NERVOUS ABOUT THE NEW PEOPLE]

SOMA. Hi.

AVI. Soma, what’s that behind your ear?

SOMA. I don’t have anything

AVI. Whoa! How’d you fit a whole chocolate bar back there? MEMORIE. Avi, don’t give him too much sugar.

AVI. Ah, it’s a holiday! Let him have some fun.

[HOVERBIKE PULLS UP A BIT MORE QUICKLY THAN IT SHOULD] [SOMEONE SCRAMBLES OFF OF IT]

DYNE. Kyreese, where did you learn how to drive?!

KYREESE. It wasn’t that bad.

DYNE. Not that bad!? You jumped the bike three times, two of which I almost fell off for!

KYREESE. I didn’t hit anyone.

DYNE. That’s the bare minimum!

[MEMORIE CLEARS FAER THROAT]

MEMORIE. Uh, guys. This is Soma. My little brother.

DYNE. Ah! Hey there!

KYREESE. Sup.

SOMA. You were going really fast.

KYREESE. Well, I’ve always said that speeding laws could kiss my

MEMORIE. (Cutting her off:) Wow, so what do you guys want to do?! I heard that the parade upgraded their holograms this year.

DYNE. That does sound interesting.

AVI. Speaking of the parade, I nabbed some of those cool masks for all of us.

STITCH. Where did you get them?

AVI. You know. Around. Hey, while we’re walking, anyone want to see the newest card trick I learned?

(At the same time:)

KYREESE. No.

STITCH. Absolutely. Wait, let me stream it.

AVI. I’m going to need a volunteer…

MEMORIE. You know what? Sure

STITCH. Oh, yes! This is gonna be so good!

[CHATTER CONTINUES, FADES OUT]

[TRANSITION]

INT. LAYTON/ROBINSON HOUSEHOLD

[AN AMBIENT, WARM ROOM. A FIRE CRACKLING AND SOFT MUSIC PLAYING. SORREN POURS A DRINK.]

FINN. Thank you Sorren.

SORREN. (warmly) Of course.

[FABRIC RUSTLES AS SORREN SITS ON THE COUCH]

SORREN. (sigh) It’s nice to have some time to relax.

FINN. You deserve it. You and Axel are working so hard. And it’s paying off.

SORREN. I hope so.

FINN. C’mon, let’s talk about other things tonight, get your mind off the election.

SORREN. Fine by me. I’ll welcome any distraction.

FINN. (teasing) Any distraction?

SORREN. (with a laugh) Almost.

[PAUSE.]

How’s that latest mix coming along?

FINN. Oh, we’re talking about my work now?

SORREN. What do you suggest we do instead?

FINN. Hmm, how about a dance.

SORREN. A dance?

FINN. Why not?

[FINN SETS HIS GLASS ON THE COFFEE TABLE AND GETS UP OFF OF THE COUCH.]

FINN. Hm?

SORREN. Alright.

[SORREN GETS UP AS WELL. FOOTSTEPS WHILE THEY ADJUST.] SORREN. (smiling) Haven’t done this in a minute.

FINN. We haven’t had time.

SORREN. We do now.

FINN. (smiling) We do.

[A FEW MORE STEPS.]

SORREN. You are, (pause) the best thing that’s ever happened to me. FINN. (teasing) Oh, we’re being sappy tonight?

SORREN. I’m relaxing.

FINN. Don’t let me stop you.

SORREN. Anyway, you are. I don’t know what I’d do without you.

FINN. (laughing) You’d be just fine. It’d be me that’s lost without you.

SORREN. You don’t give yourself enough credit. (content hum) We’re better together.

FINN. (teasing) We’re perfect together. (laughing) You are a wonderful, focused man. And I’m so incredibly lucky to have you.

SORREN. I’m lucky to have you. I love you so much Finn. [FABRIC RUSTLES.]

FINN. (content hum) I love you too, Sorren.

[TRANSITION]

INT. STATION ARCADIA

ALL.(jumbled, rattle shaker instruments)

That’s what you do with a drunk stormchaser

That’s what you do with a drunk stormchaser...

On the night of stars.

ALL. (cheering, ad-lib celebration)

Z. You know, I always sung that as being about a soldier.

MARVIN. Really? I always heard it about sailors. ...But I suppose Surrigen would make everything about the war.

Z. What, like Camnesse doesn’t? At least Surrigen lets you travel between cities.

MARVIN. Sure, but in Surrigen why would you want to?

KASS. (trying to break the growing tension) So, Jo, is there any dessert?

Z. But we’re not done singing!

JO. Kind of looked like we were.

Z. Of course not, we haven’t sung the fire song yet!

LYSSEL. (crosstalk) What’s that?

KASS. (crosstalk) The fire song?

Z. It’s only The Most Important song in the Empire.

JO. Marvin is this true?

MARVIN. If we’re thinking of the same song, then yes. I’m not sure that’s it’s proper name, but there’s one song everyone sings every year.

Z. You gather round the fire with your family and sing it. Therefore: fire song.

JO. That’s... actually quite nice.

LYSSEL. But we haven’t saved it.

Z. You’ll pick it up. Kass, give me four.

[FOUR BEATS ON SHAKER/DRUM]

Z. (singing)

The day is dark

And the stars are close

But the fire is burning bright

(Add MARVIN)

And it's all ok

At the end of the day

Cause we're standing here tonight

[TRANSITION]

EXT. OF L’AURORE, ON A STREET IN STEVESTON

[BONFIRE SOUNDS]

[VAGUE CONVERSATION IN THE BACKGROUND SLOWLY FADES AWAY] BLUEBELL. Hey, are you okay? You seem really tense.

TEDDY. (Definitely tense:) Yea, I’m good. I just haven’t been to one of these in a long time.

BLUEBELL. Too busy barricading yourself in your office? TEDDY. (Mumbles:) … Maybe.

Besides I… you know.

BLUEBELL. Yea.

[FOOTSTEPS]

SNAKE BITE. Ah, Bluebell! My favorite employee!

BLUEBELL. I think you’ve used that line on all of us.

SNAKE BITE. And it was true each time. Glad you could make it tonight. You gonna sing for us?

BLUEBELL. (Good naturedly:) You paying me, boss? I only sing on the clock.

SNAKE BITE. Alright, no solo from the star of the speakeasy tonight. I hope you’ll at least join in the group.

ALICE. Speaking of which, what time is it?

TEDDY. 9 pm by my watch.

ALICE. Shoot, that’s what I thought. I gotta get home soon. I promised my parents I’d go to the fire in the square with them.

SNAKE BITE. Well, we can’t do the fire song without my favorite employee! We’ll get one round in before you go.

[SNAKE BITE CLAPS TWICE]

[THEY GET QUIETER AS THEY GET FURTHER AWAY]

Alright everyone! Time for the group round! Get your asses over here so you can get divided up.

[UNINTELLIGIBLE BACKGROUND CONVERSATION]

TEDDY. I’ll just go over here so I don’t get in your way

ALICE. What? No way, you’re singing the song or I’m starting a riot at this fire, and trust me, it will be big.

BLUEBELL. You only have to join if you want to.

TEDDY. I mean, if it won’t bother you?

BLUEBELL. It won’t.

ALICE. Hey, make the decision fast because the song is about to start!

[FOR JUST A SECOND THERE’S ONLY THE SOUND OF THE BONFIRE] [THEN THE ROUND STARTS]

ALL. (2-part round)

The day is dark

And the stars are close

But the fire is burning bright

And we’re all okay

At the end of the day

Cause we’re standing here tonight

[MUSIC CONTINUES INTO TRANSITION]

EXT. THE MARKS HOUSE

[THE DOOR OPENS.]

PEACHES. I’ll be right back, Ma! I’m just walking Charlie out! [THE DOOR SHUTS, MUFFLING THE NOISE FROM INSIDE.]

PEACHES. (short huff of laughter) Well.

CHARLIE. (smiling) I had a great time.

PEACHES. Really? (half-joking) I thought for sure when Grandpa shoved a pie in Ben’s face you’d never want to come back.

CHARLIE. (laughing) It wasn’t the strangest thing I’ve ever seen. PEACHES. Well, I believe that. You sure you don’t want a ride? CHARLIE. It’s only a few blocks, I’ll be fine.

PEACHES. Just be careful.

[PAUSE.]

CHARLIE. You know, I haven’t had this much fun in a long time.

PEACHES. (joking) Well if you’d listen to me and come over for dinner more often…

CHARLIE. Actually, I think I will.

PEACHES. Really?

CHARLIE. I loved getting to know your family. And I think I got to know more about you tonight than I ever would have just talking to you.

PEACHES. You… want to get to know me?

CHARLIE. (sincerely) Yeah. I do.

PEACHES. I think I’d like to get to know more about you too. Definitely want to see you smile like that more often.

[THEY LAUGH, SOMEWHAT AWKWARDLY, THEN FALL SILENT.]

CHARLIE. Well I should…

PEACHES. Get some work done. Make sure to--

CHARLIE. I’ll get some rest. Don’t worry.

PEACHES. Good.

[THEY FALL SILENT FOR A LONGER TIME. CHARLIE BEGINS WALKING AWAY.]

PEACHES. (hesitantly) Hey Charlie?

CHARLIE. Yeah Peach?

PEACHES. Can I… um… Can I?

[PEACHES WALKS OVER TO CHARLIE. THERE IS A SMALL KISS] PEACHES. Uhm.

CHARLIE. Hm. (smiling) I’ll see you tomorrow?

PEACHES. Definitely.

CHARLIE. Alright.

PEACHES. Don’t work too hard.

CHARLIE. For you, I’ll try.

PEACHES. (flustered) Good.

CHARLIE. (also flustered) Goodnight then.

PEACHES. Goodnight Charlie.

[CHARLIE WALKS AWAY, AND PEACHES STANDS IN THE NIGHT FOR A MOMENT.]

PEACHES. (happily) Huh.

[TRANSITION]

EXT.STEVESTON, THE EMPIRE

[ALICE SPEAKS ABOVE BACKGROUND CHATTER]

ALICE. Alright, I have to go now. You guys have fun or I’ll haunt you. BLUEBELL. You’re not even dead yet.

ALICE. I’m a force of nature, I’ll figure it out.

[FOOTSTEPS AWAY]

[BLUEBELL PULLS OUT A FLASK; UNSCREWS IT]

BLUEBELL. Want a sip?

TEDDY. It’s pretty dangerous to be drinking that stuff out in the open. Especially on nights like this.

BLUEBELL. I guess we have to get rid of the evidence then. TEDDY. (Smiling:) I suppose so.

[JINGLE OF THE FLASK BEING PASSED]

Happy Night of Stars.

BLUEBELL. Happy Night of Stars, Teddy.

SNAKE BITE: Let’s try this one more time, all together now! 1, and a 2, and a 3, and a 4-

ALL: (sans Alice)

The day is dark

And the stars are close

But the fire is burning bright

And we’re all okay

At the end of the day

Cause we’re standing here tonight

Fire burns

Stand closer

I see your face in the light

And the darker spaces

Hold different faces

The ones we lost to the fight

INT. STATION ARCADIA

ALL STATION CREW, 3 PART ROUND

The day is dark

And the stars are close

But the fire is burning bright

And it's all ok

At the end of the day

Cause we're standing here tonight

KASS.

Fire burns

Stand closer

I see your face in the light

(Add Z)

And the darker spaces

Hold different faces

The ones we lost to the fight

ALL. (Station + Empire)

Fire burns stand closer

I see your face in the light

And it's all ok

At the end of the day

Together for tonight

[INSTRUMENTAL FIRE SONG OUTRO - TRUMPET BEGINS PLAYING, AND IS LATER JOINED BY OBOE. THERE IS PIANO UNDERNEATH.]

ELI ESDI. Station Arcadia is a podcast by Metal Steve Productions, and licensed under a creative commons attribution noncommercial share-alike 4.0 international license.

It is produced by Eliana Esdi and C.V.V.M., and directed by Tovah Brantner. It is edited by Eliana Esdi and J. R. Steele, with soundscaping by Becker Hoang and J.R. Steele, and music by Theo Goodwin.

Today’s episode was written by Eliana Esdi, Tovah Brantner, and J.R. Steele. It featured, in order of appearance, Jade Virginia as Kass, Olly Davis as Lyssel, Tizzy Trusler as Z, CaraLee Rose Howe as Peaches, Cory Repass as Charlie, Andrew Simons as Teddy, Bronwyn as Alice, Cole B as Bluebell, Laurent J.L. Hall as Axel’s dad, Sam Chauvin as Axel’s mom, Rae Cameron as Axel, Quinn O. A. Feinburg as Bea, J. R. Steele as the Shopkeeper, Marina Verlaine as Jo, Dylan Ramdin as Marvin, Taylor Maimone as Mama Marks, F. A. Calkins as Soma, Ellison Cardenas as Memorie, Eliana Esdi as the Street Vendor, C.V.V.M as Stitch, Antigone Brickmas as Avi, Coco Chen as Dyne, Ari Delyne as Kyreese, Dylan Ramdin as Finn, Aakash S as Sorren, and Juno Miller as Snakebite.

The Fire Song was written by Eliana Esdi, and featured the voices of: Jade Virginia, Tizzy Trusler, Olly Davis, Marina Verlaine, Dylan Ramdin, Juno Miller, Andrew Simons, Bronwyn, Cole B, Taylor Maimone, Coco Chen, Eli Esdi, Rowan Wright, Ari Delyne and CaraLee Rose Howe.

The Fire Song featured trumpet by Russel and oboe by Eli Esdi.

Join us on twitter and tumblr, @stationarcadia, for more content. Join us on Discord to chat with other fans, using the link in the

description. Check out our website, stationarcadia.com for a transcript of this episode as well as information on the cast and crew. And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to our patreon!

Todays alternative holiday name, is LandleCights.

KHORA TRAILER

[MEDEA’S THEME ON VIOLIN]

MEDEA. My name is Medea. I am of the planet Colchis. It’s embarrassing that I didn’t realize up until now that I’ve been captured by...

MEDEA. Atalanta?

ATALANTA. I was the last remaining crew member aboard the Argo, and it’s been a while. You’re the only person who has any idea where the Fleece is.

MEDEA. You’re... looking for the Fleece?

ATALANTA. Something as powerful as that is dangerous if it falls into the wrong hands. Best for a hero like me to find it before anything bad happens, y’know?

[ARGO’S ALARMS BLARING, SHIP CREAKING]

ECHO. Critical systems failures detected.

MEDEA. That doesn’t sound good.

ATALANTA. Oh, you think?!

MEDEA. --Firing now!

[ARGO’S GUN SHOOTS]

[CROWD ROARS]

ATALANTA. You call that a parry?

[CHIMERA SCREECHES]

ECHO. Present dangers include: the chimera must be very close to our projected flight trajectory.

ATALANTA. Medusa, focus!

MEDUSA. I can’t focus! There’s a giant monster out there! [MINOTAUR BELLOWS MECHANICALLY]