Star Hunter – Part 5: Those That Came Before
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Welcome to Series 2, Episode 7 of the Curious Matter Anthology. I'm Jonathan Pezza, the creator and host of the show. This episode is the epic conclusion of Star Hunter. Now, if you aren't caught up on this mini-series, be warned, there are spoilers ahead.

In our last episode, Ross Hume, Marina Yaktisi, Elise Brody, and the trapped psyche of Veena Lancer were forcibly transported into the alien geofront by the strange flying orbs on the planet of Jamala B.

The group found themselves trapped inside a massive network of caverns hidden deep inside the mountain, and were unable to escape due to an energy barrier that concealed the verdant subterranean world. At the center of the main cavern, the group discovered the entrance to an ancient primogenitor ship, sleeping beneath the waters of a lake.

Tonight we will wrap up our five-part mini-series with the final pieces of the puzzle that is Star Hunter. But before we start, I'd like to say thank you to our amazing cast and crew, and the entire team that puts together our aftershow. It was because of the dedication and hard work of this amazing team that we were able to bring Star Hunter, the most complex of our projects yet, to life. But once again, let's turn our eyes to the creator of this amazing tale.

In a 1985 interview with Andre Norton by Nancy Garcia and Mary Frances for the American Fantasy magazine, they attempted to unravel the heart of Norton's unique storytelling style. They noted that a reoccurring theme in Norton's work was the use of a young protagonist: alone, often female, orphaned and penniless, and usually unaware of their true identity.

When asked about this, Andre commented: "I think we all feel that way at times. That no one agrees with us and we cannot have the world as we want it. Sometimes all of us feel rather lost in somebody else's world." Her stories often found a way to give us an external lens. To look at humanity as an outsider in a universe that is so much larger and more complex than we are capable of understanding.

And through this expansion of our perspective, it reminds us that even in the darkest hours, the human spirit is capable of prevailing in the face of the most unsurmountable of challenges. So, let's get on with the show, shall we? Curious Matter Anthology is designed to be a completely immersive HD audio experience, and it's at its best when played through high-quality stereo speakers or headphones. So grab your popcorn, turn out the lights, and enjoy the final chapter of Star Hunter.

I will ask you once again. Where is the engram? It's all on the record. I told you I don't know. I could do this all day. Tell us what happened to the girl and this can all be over. But it was just getting good. With all that fancy tech, you still prefer fists. Navy never changes. Thank you, officer. I think that will be quite enough of that. Yes, sir. Mr. Wasilets. Guild rep. Now.

Oh, your rep will be here soon enough. The captain of the Pacifica's a friend. He informed KBW when they received your transmission with the LB's black box data. Always did have your hand in every pocket. It's a shame. We would have paid handsomely for a lease. You should have come to us instead of that pirate was. She was a tad more trustworthy. And look how that ended. Can't save people from themselves. Isn't that the truth?

I have nothing to say to you. Oh come on, Ross. The people out there don't know whether to arrest you, salute you, or ask for an autograph. But we both know what you are. A ruthless hunter willing to do anything to take your prize. We're not that different, you and I. KPW just does it from a boardroom. I said, get me my guild rep. And a PG find in the middle of this farking mess. Black abyss.

You're going to be rich, you know. The musks must be beside themselves. They gave up their claims to the biggest find in history. This is the kind of discovery that builds empires. It's going to be your legacy. KBW just wants its peace. After all, we technically did discover the planet first. Let's just start, however, with giving us our girl back. Star Hunter Part 5: Those That Came Before

I suggest everyone leave their weapons here. It might be smart for someone to stay behind. Do I need to remind you again? I like her. After you. Get back! Elise, get away from it! I don't think it means me any harm. It only wants her. Don't. Please. We'll figure this out. I'll get us out of this. What's there to discuss? You said it.

We are likely gonna die stuck in this place. I'm not meant to be here. What do I have to lose that hasn't already been lost? I think I'm somehow a part of this. A child of Jamala as much as the creatures here. It's my fault that you're in this. I cannot do my mistakes, but I can at least protect you. Please. You don't need to protect me. This is my path. Only I can follow it. I'm sorry.

What about your son? Goodbye, Ross. I'll do everything in my power to get them to open the path. Yaktisi, make sure he gets out of this place alive. Godspeed. It's been nine days since Elise went into the ship, and I don't know if she's alive or dead. I continue to record these messages on Marina Yaktisi's transponder, hoping that they're getting through, but

I know these are likely a futile attempt at posterity. The last words of the dying. Yektisi and I are growing weaker by the day, and what little hydration and sustenance we've been able to collect in here are only delaying the inevitable. We made attempts to explore the vast system of caves that make up this geo-front, but every avenue we've explored ends in the same energy barrier. Dead ends. I can only hope that whatever Elise found in this ship gave her some solace. Would its vena

That haunts me now. I'm not afraid to die. But failing her has become an ache I cannot escape. Breakfast? We seem to be making a habit of this. You know, I don't even mind the taste anymore. We are lucky this planet's life is carbon-based. Much like Earth. PGs are silicon dioxide. Carbon means DNA. DNA means protein and glucose. Food literally grows on trees. In our case it is the trees.

People have been eating bark on Earth since the caveman days. Why is that funny? Hey you, PGA hoes. Ross wants to know why that's funny. We were born starfarers, but we're going to die cavemen. Okay, it's a little funny. Finished your transmission? For all the good it's doing. Is this how you thought you would go? I always wanted to flame out in a blaze of glory. Doing something meaningful. My family wasn't too happy when I joined up.

Leaving the family business. Why are we always so obsessed with potential? As if a child's potential outweighs their ability to discover it. What they really mean is potential to fulfill an agenda. It's a universal truth, I guess. Rich or poor, parents see a last chance to fill their own wants and needs in their children. Be what they are. Or worse, what they couldn't be. I don't think any parent or child escapes that. Do you think the T-Fed ship has arrived?

I half expect another group of victims to walk down that corridor any minute. That's likely enough. But I doubt they'd send down a team. Not if the drones can't find survivors on the surface. You were here for three years? In orbit. The Verifier drones do most of the survey. I only came third side... a handful of times. Interesting. The feeds tend to embellish the process. Helps maintain the Guild's mystique. But the most dangerous part of the job?

is usually that first jump. The leap, as they say. You roll the dice, hoping that the scans have mapped enough of the astronomical data to keep you from colliding with something while bending gravity at 60 times the speed of light. What's the success rate? In truth, we lose one in six to the transversal. That high? And this is your...? Sixth. And now, obviously, last. I'd say we'd make for beautiful corpses.

but then those PG Beach balls are just going to take them. They can have them. The lake. It's trying to take off. Something isn't right. I think it's been here too long. It's going to destroy itself trying to break free. Elise is still in there. There's nothing we can do. It's going to bring down the mountain on top of us. Get to the entrance. But the barrier. It's the only chance we have.

Keep moving out, Hunter. A million creds, I beat you to the door. You're on. Move. There's nowhere to go. This episode is brought to you by Shopify. Whether you're selling a little or a lot.

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The blaze of glory I was hoping for. I'm getting you out of here. I don't think that's in the cards. Where's your holdout blaster? Drapped. With my leg. I'm gonna get you out. We both know that's not true. I can't feel my leg below the hip. Even if you got me free, you'd never be able to drag me with one arm. You're in shock. Can you get to your knife? I think so. But we are not doing that. You need to go. Leave me here.

No. It's okay, Ross. Give me your knife. The med spray. The spray will stop any internal bleeding. Give us some time. I'm gonna see if there's a path through this to the cave entrance. Find out if the barrier's down. Be careful. Oh, I'll be right back. Keep talking so I know you're still with me, okay? Yeah, all right. Your turn to tell me a story. What do you want to know?

How does someone two steps from the gold ring in the Yaktisi Biotech NFO end up leaving it to join up? I never fit in, I guess. I asked too many questions. Too curious for my own good. I'm sure this all sounds trite coming from someone like me. Getting out is almost impossible. And your grandmother's one of the most influential people in the T-Fed. If I did the one thing that they couldn't stop, I enlisted.

Grant tried, of course, but by the time word got to her, the papers were signed, and I was on a transport slipping FTL to my training station. All the family could do from there was try, hide that I'd... Dictacy! Marina! Yes, yes. I'm here, just having trouble. Feeling a touch lightheaded. I'm sorry. Stay with me, okay? Keep talking. How did you find your way into the enforcement service?

Yeah. Growing up in my community made me a bit of a unique asset. I get through doors that were barred to most non-NFO citizens. I started out in... Focus on my voice, Marina. I started out in... I think I can see the entrance. There's light this way. Marina? Marina! I'm coming back. Just stay with me. Ahem.

No, no, no. Come here to glow. That's what I thought. Leave her alone! Hey! Hey, get away from her! What else is there to take? I'm ready. The Ectisi. Huh? Oh, Tantor. It's gonna be okay. I told you I'd beat you. Yes, you did. Thank you.

Please respond. We have received your transmissions and are- I repeat, this is the Pacifica. Please respond. Pacifica, I read you. Think the verse. This is Ross Hume. I read you. Message received, Mr. Hume. We need immediate Casavac. Inbound now. The dropship is three minutes out. Help is on its way. Help is coming, Marina. You look like hell. Elise. No, she never made it off the ship. Vina?

Elise kept her promise. And yours. I'm so sorry, Veena. When you walked into the Starfall, you handed me exactly what I desired most in the universe. That's... that's mine to bear. The ship? It's been here for eons. I think the primogenitors considered themselves gardeners or farmers, maybe? They were sent out to cultivate the stars. To cultivate what? Thought. Sentience.

Beings like them? Only, I don't think it worked. Why? I don't know. Hymen there is hard to put into words. It melded with us, much like the Watcher, only I think it saw something of itself. The anger connected us. I think that's why it's so drawn to Elise and I. It was pure and all-encompassing. Whatever its mission, I think it failed here on Jamala. Maybe that's why the animals here are the way they are.

It was like nothing I'd ever felt. Rage at its failures. Rage at being the last of its kind. At being alone. Where is Elise? Gave us a choice. She chose to stay. I can only guess that maybe she thought she could help it find some semblance of peace. Maybe they could find it together. The ship tried to leave. The whole cavern collapsed on it. Maybe that's what it wanted. They wanted. That's our ride. Now,

How about we get the hell off this fucking planet? Welcome to the Vesta Waypoint Station, your oasis between stars. You will find guest services and family accommodations on blue levels, and commerce and retail are on the green deck. We should see Yaktizi first. Enough with all of that, just tell us where the infirmary is. The station hospital is on Orange 71. Thank you. Shall we? Enjoy your stay.

Yeah, teasing! Feed off please. Hello fellas! Shamris, you look well!

I see you settled on prosthetics. Top of the line, of course. Platinum-plated. You should see what these bad boys can do. You didn't make it out quite unscathed yourself. No. It was touch and go for a moment, I've been told. But you are on the mend now? Yes. But even with regrowth, it's going to be a while before I'm back on my feet. You should have gone with the chrome. Phew.

Have you spoken to Hume yet? We came to see you first, my friend. He hasn't been answering our calls. Yes, well, he is handling quite a lot right now. Is all the speculation on the feeds true? Did you actually find a living primogenitor?

I can't really. Oh, come on. It's us. The D-PAD sequestered us for almost two weeks. The accommodations were horrendous, and the food was... We attempted to aid their investigation, of course, but we've been kept in the dark for almost a month. All we know is what they're saying on the feeds. They deserve to hear it, don't you think, Agent Yak-TC? Out-hunter? What does he mean, agent? Long story. I'm surprised to see you two are still...

Together. We brought you your ship. Thank you. Thank you for saving our dear friend here, Miss Yaktizi. I would say we saved each other. To put it mildly. I apologize that your refund hasn't been issued yet. Things have been, uh, complicated, to say the least, since we left Jamala. I wouldn't hear of it. I don't know if you read my review on the Guild Travel Board. Not the time, my friend. Right, of course. So...

Don't keep us in suspense out, Hunter. It's true. Well, fuck me. Extraordinary. It was indeed. Hold on. Whatever happened to the girl? The survivor? State your name. For the record. Veena Lancer. This is an auspicious day. Our guild has a tradition and legacy spanning two centuries. And today, we welcome the newest among us.

You have completed your training and proved yourself a capable addition to our ranks. The life of an out hunter is solitary and fraught with risk. It must be entered upon without regret or reservation. To have come so far and to leave so much is a sacrifice few can make. So, I'll give you one last opportunity to reconsider. I never thought I'd be more than a cast-off orphan, destined to die on the mud hole I was born in.

I have no reservations and the regrets I carry will be a reminder why I have chosen this path. Well then, are you ready to take your oath of service? I am. Please put your hand on the Articles of our Federation and recite our oath. Eyes up, hearts full. Beyond the horizon we, the hunters, seek the far shore. To claim our place in the vastness, one must always be the first.

One of us must make that great leap outward. And through the endless darkness, we reach toward the light of new stars. I, Veena Lancer, take that leap. I pledge myself to the service of mankind in the name of exploration. I am the wayfinder. I am the hunter. I will be the first.

That was philanthropist Veena Lancer taking her oath of service in the Outhunters Guild. This comes only weeks after announcing she would create the First Peoples Fraternal Trust. It is designed to distribute her fortune as grants and welfare programs throughout our Terran Federation. This is the last of the documentation, ma'am. Then the starfall will be ready to launch. This is it? I'll leave for Waypoint Alpha immediately. Yes. All the permits have been filed. Thank you.

I never realized all this came with so much paperwork. The engineering crew is completing the final modifications now. I can't believe you named your ship after that dunghole! I had hoped to see you at the ceremony. They only let hunters go to those things. Well, you know, I do know a few people. I could have pulled some strings. It was your day. How is retirement treating you? Ugh.

Takes some getting used to. Well, there's still a seat on my ship with your name on it. Then who would hang back and make sure this little plan of yours works? True. Look at us. The Dirt Rat and the Legendary Out Hunter. Quite the pair. You sure you're ready for all the predators in the boardroom? I have a little experience with predators. Actually, I didn't just come to see you off. There's a bit of news I thought I'd bring in person. KBW relinquished their claim.

Turns out the investigators found a little anomaly. The black box data showed that the Largo Drift accident was sabotage. Those fuckers. KBW is trying to sweep it under the rug, of course. But we are not going to let that happen, are we? Who knew the lawyer was mightier than the blaster? Thank you for overseeing the Foundation. It is going to change things for the better. Give the podknockers like us a real chance out there.

This is quite a plan you've concocted. You sure you're okay with giving up your share? You didn't have to. Couldn't let you take all the glory. Besides, someone made sure my salary was more than adequate to see to the needs of an old man. How are the excavations on Jamala proceeding? It'll take years. Elise and that ship brought the mountain down on themselves. Hmm. How is our friend behaving? The Watcher has been helpful, but the researchers think that was always its programming.

The Faithful Pet. Good. You think she's still in there? I do. Then we'll find her. I promise. Thanks, Ross. You sure this is what you want? It can get lonely out there. I know. I need to see what's out there for myself. Leave a mark on the universe. You don't think you've done that? The Elise Foundation is gonna help billions of people spread across the T-Fet. What's life without a little adventure? Anyway, I learned from the best.

Ma'am, work is complete. We are ready to launch at your convenience. Well, that's my cue. First jump jitters. Be careful out there, out hunter. Thank you, Ross. Wish me luck. Happy hunting. We hope you enjoyed our conclusion of Star Hunter. If you liked today's episode, please check out our after show to hear more from the cast and go behind the scenes of Curious Matter. It releases on the week after our main episodes on this feed.

If you can, please leave us a review and connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook under the handle @CMANthology. Or check us out online for more information at cmanthology.com. This episode was dramatized, directed, and edited by me, your host, Jonathan Pezza. Casting assistance was provided by Sandeep Parikh, Anand Shah, and Jeff Winkler. Assistant editing by Mohamed Moiz Riaz. Tonight's show starred Colin Ferguson as Ross Hume.

AI performances provided by Play.ht

The score was provided by Epidemic Music and featured the talent of Bonnie Grace, Bon Fields, Christopher Moe Ditlofsen, Curved Mirror, Enigmatic, Golden Anchor, August Wilhelmsen, Max Anson, and Hampus Nacelis. Starhunter is a work in the public domain and was produced in accordance with U.S. copyright law. Curious Matter Anthology is produced by the Knightsville Workshop in association with FNFunny Productions.

Copyright Knightsville Workshop 2022. All rights reserved. We'll see you back here real soon for our next exciting tale. I'm Jonathan Pezza, your host, and thank you for listening. The Fable & Folly Network, where fiction producers flourish.

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