Omen Episode 111: Weal and Woe
Transcript & Credits
Narrator: Omen is intended for an adult audience. The story explores mature themes and contains instances of dramatized violence and self harm. Full transcripts of each episode can be viewed at omen cast dot com.
SCENE 1
[[SFX: harbor ambiance, creaking planks]]
Toby: [[deep satisfied breath]] Ah! I never thought I'd be so glad to see the Shipyard again! [[calling]] Hello, rickety old pier! Hello, smelly old dockworkers! How I've missed your proletarian scowls!
Lola: [[under breath]] Oi, genius! Do you have any idea how much harborfolk make? There's a reason we used to hit them up first for information.
Battoh: [[knowing]] Aye. And word travels quickly amongst hirelings.
Toby: Are you kidding me? These are my people! [[calling]] Hail and well met, my good salty sir!
Random Guy: [[calling]] Blow it out yer arse, you corny-faced addlepate!
Toby: [[cheerful]] Ah! So good to be home!
Lola: Is it always so busy here?
Toby: [[excited]] Hey, that's right--it's Sarenith! We're just in time for the Great Andoran Fair!
Quent: [[wary]] Hmm. That'll make it harder to track down Mara. Other than the crowds, though, everything seems so… normal. Business as usual, even.
Lola: Well that's how she operates, isn't it? Blend in with the crowd and wait for everyone to let their guard down.
Toby: Unless she's learned her knots overnight, Mara should be fairly easy to spot on the pier at least.
Battoh: No one shall board the Woe without your permission, Lady Gwen.
Lola: And we should keep the crew detained. There's no telling who could come back from the tavern a succubus.
Quent: [[concerned]] Uhh… Gwen?
Gwen: [[distracted]] Hmm… what? Oh! [[thinking]] No, the crew may take their leave. We'll probably be harboring in Almas for quite some time. And besides, they've earned a bit of rest.
Battoh: And what of those who wish to look for other work?
Gwen: Hmm. I think any of the crew should be free to look elsewhere. Though I would like to offer everyone double the current rate to stay on as privateers.
[[SFX: coin bag dropped, coins tinkling]]
Toby: [[under breath, forlorn]] And… there goes the bounty from the Witch's Teat.
Quent: What about our demon problem? We can't keep an eye on the entire crew.
Battoh: They know what we have come to do. And they know the risk of leaving the safety of the ship.
Toby: [[worried]] Yeah, it's more the "coming back disguised as a lust demon" that's got me nervous.
Gwen: As soon as anyone steps off the Friend Ship II, they won't be allowed back on board until we depart. That includes all of us, obviously.
Lola: [[under breath]] Listen, Princess. I know of at least a half dozen wankers on this tub that'll sell your name for a copper, no matter how much you pay them.
Gwen: Then I leave the decision whether or not to release questionable crew members to the discretion of my First Mates--all three of them.
Lola: [[protesting]] Hey! You can't leave me behind! Not when there's a chance we'll run into-- [[confounded]] Hold on--did you say three?
Gwen: That's right. I promoted Batab yesterday. I thought it was high time he received the recognition he deserved.
[[SFX: signing]]
Battoh: [[smiling]] He expresses his gratitude, Lady Gwen.
Gwen: [[cheerful]] Oh, you're quite welcome, Batab.
Lola: [[bitter]] You know, there are such things as Second and Third Mates.
Gwen: Not aboard the Friend Ship II, there aren't. Besides, three equally ranked first mates is more a system of checks and balances.
Lola: [[sardonic]] How very democratic of you.
Gwen: Please be sure to take note of those who take permanent leave, Battoh. We'll need to hire replacements before our departure.
Battoh: It shall be done, Lady Gwen.
Gwen: And Lola?
Lola: [[crabby]] What?
Gwen: I'm afraid you've been on your feet long enough for the day. You're confined to bed rest until Toby says otherwise.
Lola: I told you--I'm fine! I've been standing on my own all morning!
Toby: [[unimpressed]] Yeah--and I'm sure that's "anticipation" you're shaking with right now?
Lola: I just need to find my land legs, is all.
[[SFX: heavy footsteps]]
Battoh: This one shall ensure Lola is resting.
Lola: [[angry]] Hey! Get offa me!
[[SFX: rustling cloth, struggling]]
Battoh: When you are able to fend this one off, you may come above deck.
[[SFX: walking away]]
Lola: Let me go, you damn stinking lummoxes! [[calling]] You scrubs better not kill that bitch without me!
Gwen: [[calling, guilty]] Sorry, Lola! We'll check back soon!
Toby: That woman is Hell-bent on maintaining irregular fluid levels.
[[SFX: walking on wooden docks]]
Quent: So what's our first move? We can't take Hannah back home with Mara on the loose. And keeping Stoddard on board for much longer is bound to attract unwanted attention.
Toby: [[annoyed]] At least he's stopped that obnoxious singing of his. Figures he clams up as soon as we make port.
Quent: Stoddard has been pretty quiet. Has someone checked on him recently?
Gwen: Battoh will make his rounds after the crew have eaten. And Hannah is happy enough exploring the ship with Wisp looking after her.
Quent: Well, we'll have to report both of our new passengers to the Aerie sooner rather than later. [[wary]] And warn them about Mara.
Toby: [[wary]] And during the busiest time of the year, no less. We really picked the worst possible day to show up, didn't we?
Quent: The Eagle Knights are probably stretched thin enough as it is right now. [[hesitant]] We should really get the Pathfinder Society involved.
Gwen: I suppose it would be wisest to inform Lieutenant Drakeheel and Venture-Captain Brackett about Mara, wouldn't it? But… [[distracted]] no, that doesn't feel right…
Toby: Of course it doesn't feel right! Do you have any idea how much Pathfinder muscle costs!?
Quent: [[frustrated sigh]] I suspect we'll be talking to my uncle about that.
Gwen: [[distracted]] No. I mean right now… walking these streets… at this very moment. It feels… familiar somehow.
Quent: [[confused]] Uhh… you mean being back in Almas?
Toby: [[weirded out]] Yeah--I'd say a bit of nostalgia is in order.
Gwen: [[gasps, frightened]] No--it can't be! [[alarmed]] This way! We have to hurry!
[[SFX: frantic running]]
Quent: Wait--Gwen! Where are we going?
Toby: Yeah--what's wrong?
Gwen: Something terrible is about to happen!
Quent: What is it?
Toby: Is it Mara?
Gwen: No… it's so much worse.
[[SFX: OMEN MAIN THEME]]
SCENE 2
[[SFX: crowd ambiance, festive calliope music]]
Quent: [[low tones]] Yeah, so… what do you make of all of this?
Toby: [[low tones]] I think she's cracking up.
Quent: What about this recurring dream she mentioned?
Toby: The pressure's obviously gotten to her.
Quent: From being Captain?
Toby: Partially. I think it has more to do with Hannah and the murder case, to be honest. She literally dreamt Almas was under attack from hooded figures shooting more of those muskets. Sound familiar?
Quent: Yeah, but somehow she knew this huge curtained stage would be in the middle of the square.
Toby: It's the new Platinum Line locomotive engine, obviously. And I wouldn't give Gwen too much credit. The plans have been on display in the Mercantile District for months now. Where else would Pepperbox display their newest toy?
Quent: [[nervous]] Speaking of which, should we really be walking around in the open like this?
Toby: I think out in the open is the perfect place to stay. It's wandering alone in dark alleys that we want to avoid right now.
Quent: We're basically on the Pepperbox Trading Company's front doorstep. And as far as we know, it was Malik who funded our abduction in the first place.
Toby: Yeah--and what's she going to do? Step out of the shadows and blow us away with her blunderbuss? At this point, I'd consider that a favor.
Quent: I heard someone mention Malik's giving a "firearm demonstration" in the Field of Concord soon. Shouldn't we be keeping an eye on that? [[pause]] Toby?
Toby: [[distracted]] Hmm? Oh--yeah, yeah. That's uhh… definitely a… [[trails off]]
Quent: What are you looking at?
Toby: On top of the Reserve Building. You see him?
Quent: [[dismissive]] Uhh… yeah--that's just a soldier, Toby.
Toby: [[suspicious]] And is it normal for fully armored Eagle Knights to be patrolling rooftops during major public events?
Quent: Since that dwarf’s assassination? Probably. It's a good vantage point, and the visible presence makes everyone feel safer. For all we know, there could have been more attacks while we were gone.
Toby: Hmm. If that were the case, I doubt there'd be so many carefree people wandering around.
Quent: Do you think Gwen's on to something?
Toby: Just keep an eye out for any suspicious-looking characters, alright? And here--
[[SFX: tinkling vials]]
Quent: [[surprised]] Wait--is this…?
Toby: My last astronomy extract, yeah. They're good for about fifty feet vertically, thirty feet horizontally--give or take a few inches.
Quent: [[annoyed]] So you had two of these the night we… [[under breath]] the night we broke into Hogshead?
Toby: [[miffed]] Uh, yeah? We also had rope. Do you have any idea how long it takes to brew these up?
Quent: You used one! [[frustrated sigh]] Whatever. So what am I supposed to do with this? Triumphantly leap into any oncoming musket balls?
Toby: [[shrugs]] I dunno--this is all I have until I can get back to my alembic. [[somber]] And we might have to make a quick getaway. It won't be long before Malik figures out we're back in town.
Quent: [[sigh]] Yeah, so about that. I've been thinking…
Toby: [[teasing]] Oh? What's the occasion?
Quent: I'm being serious. Almas won't be completely safe for us until we can prove Malik and Temperance are guilty. You know that, right?
Toby: [[grim sigh]] That pretty much sums it up, yeah. But we'll deal with them soon enough. Right now we have to make sure Gwen isn't crazy.
[[SFX: trotting up]]
Quent: [[under breath]] Shh! Keep your voice down!
Gwen: [[breathless, worried]] This is it--I'm certain! I saw those exact buildings in my dream! The gunmen were positioned there and there!
Quent: [[doubtful]] Where those Eagle Knights are posted?
Gwen: And that stage… this "steam engine" contraption--it was at the center of all the carnage! [[low tones]] I think all of these people are in danger!
[[SFX: laughing children run past]]
Toby: You said you saw the entire square in flames?
Gwen: [[worried, distracted]] Yes, but there's something more… a strange aura emanating from behind that curtain.
Toby: [[dismissive]] It is a "magically augmented" train, Gwen. I read the metal's supposed to be enchanted to handle extreme heat and pressure.
Gwen: [[frustrated]] No! This is something else… and I swear I've felt this somewhere before! I just… can't seem to place it.
Quent: It isn't the same warding from the warehouse, is it?
Gwen: [[distracted]] No, that isn't quite right either. It's strong, though--that's for certain.
Toby: Okay, so… [[grasping at straws]] the engine block has been magically hardened or there's a bunch of alarm spells or something?
Gwen: [[frustrated]] No… I think this is a large concentration of the same singular aura. [[exasperated groan]] Why can't I remember it?
Quent: [[tired sigh]] Look--we've all had a rough week. Maybe we should take a few days off and--
Gwen: [[interrupting, angry]] Oh, no you don't! Don't think for a second I don't see how you're both looking at me!
Toby: We believe you, Gwen. [[insisting]] We do, really! It's just… [[doubtful]] have you ever had… other dreams like this?
Gwen: [[frustrated]] I don't believe I've ever remembered a dream before, much less had the same one again and again! But I saw this! All of this! The stage, the people… [[worried]] the children. If we don't do something…
[[SFX: laughing children run past]]
Quent: [[reassuring]] It's okay, Gwen. This place is crawling with guards. Let's just check in with Drakeheel first and warn them--
Gwen: [[interrupting, impatient]] No! You aren't listening! There isn't time!
[[SFX: storming off, hurried walking]]
Toby: [[calling]] Wait! Gwen!
Quent: Where are you going?
Gwen: [[determined]] I'm getting a closer look.
Toby: [[nervous]] Uhh… hold on, now. You realize those are Eagle Knights guarding the stage, right?
Quent: [[wary]] Yeah--they kind of completely outrank us.
Gwen: I will not stand helplessly by and wait for disaster to strike!
Toby: [[exacerbated]] It was just a dream, Gwen!
[[SFX: walking stops]]
Gwen: [[desperate]] Do you trust me?
Toby: [[taken aback]] What?
Gwen: [[stubborn]] Do. You. Trust me?
Quent: [[earnestly]] Yes, of course we do.
Gwen: [[forceful]] Do you?
Toby: Yes! You know we do, Gwen.
Gwen: [[pressing]] Then why won't you help me?
Toby: [[fed up]] Help you do what exactly?
Gwen: [[frustrated]] Just… I don't know, alright? I have this dreadful feeling that won't go away. [[pleading]] That has to mean something, doesn't it? Doesn't it, Quentin?
Quent: [[distressed]] I don't know, Gwen. I mean… everything that's happened since the beacon… weird jungles at the bottom of the sea… ancient artifacts I thought were only stories… [[mirthless laugh]] and finding out my own uncle has been summoning demons--
Toby: [[warning]] Allegedly.
Quent: [[yielding]] Yes, allegedly. [[sigh]] There's just a lot going on right now that… I don't want to believe. I'm not even sure I know what's real anymore, Gwen.
Gwen: [[softly]] Oh, Quentin.
Quent: [[tired]] And this premonition you're talking about… I don't think I could handle something like that on top of everything else.
Toby: [[deep breath]] [[determined]] You won't have to, Quent. Come on.
[[SFX: walking]]
Gwen: [[surprised]] Toby? Where are you going?
Toby: How many times did you say you've had this dream, Gwen?
Gwen: I'm not sure. A half a dozen nights, at least. [[distracted]] But even when I don't remember dreaming, I've still woken up each morning with that same dreadful feeling in my stomach.
Quent: [[wary]] Toby, what are you--
Toby: [[interrupting]] But you always saw this exact stage when you did have the dream?
Gwen: I believe so, yes.
Quent: Umm… what are we doing?
Toby: [[determined]] Nipping this nightmare in the bud, Quent. And we'll start by getting a closer look at that stage. We are investigators, after all.
Gwen: [[grateful]] Oh, Toby--you do believe me!
Toby: [[saving face]] Point of clarification--I believe that you believe this dream is some vision of the future. But as a man of science, it is my duty to rule out every possibility, no matter how improbable.
Quent: [[skeptical chuckle]] What? Since when?
[[walking stops]]
Toby: [[defensive]] Since shut your hatch, that's when! Gwen saved our asses in the Somal Caves and she's gotten us back home in one piece. We owe her this.
Quent: [[deep sigh]] [[relenting]] Yeah, you're right. We do owe you, Gwen.
Gwen: [[emotional]] Oh, you two!
[[SFX: rustling cloth, Toby and Quent grunt as they are crushed in a hug]]
Toby: [[embarrassed]] Okay, Gwen. People are watching.
Quent: [[smiling]] Let them. We broached the hugging phase a long time ago.
Gwen: [[tearful sniff]] Thank you. Both of you. You're my best friends.
[[SFX: rustling cloth, Toby and Quent grunt as they are crushed in a hug]]
Toby: All right, all right. Hugging has been achieved.
Quent: [[strained]] Also, having trouble breathing here.
Gwen: [[sheepish]] Sorry. [[deep breath of composure]] Well--shall we?
[[SFX: walking]]
Toby: [[resolved]] Alright, then. Just follow my lead.
Quent: [[warning]] Toby--please don't do something stupid.
Toby: When have I ever done anything stupid?
Quent: That time you--
Toby: [[interrupting, annoyed]] Rhetorical question, Quent.
Guard 1: That's close enough, folks. The unveiling's at noon.
Toby: [[authoritative]] Stand down, soldier. We're on official Aerie business. Just need to make a quick final inspection of the engine.
Quent: [[hissing under breath, warning]] Toby…
Guard 2: [[condescending]] Move along, kid. You can see the shiny choo-choo train with everyone else in a couple of hours.
Toby: [[theatrically offended]] How dare you! Do you have any idea who I am!?
Gwen: [[apologetic]] What he means to say, sir, is… [[improvising poorly]] we're here to… check the… structural integrity of the stage.
Guard 2: [[warning]] Listen, scrubs. I'm going to count to ten. And if you three aren't gone by then--
Quent: [[interrupting, authoritative]] Apologies for the uhh… lack of notice, Privates. But… [[resolved sigh]] we're here on Lieutenant Drakeheel's orders.
Gwen: [[surprised, going with it]] Uhh… yes, what he said!
Guard 1: [[suspicious]] Is that right? Let's see some identification.
Gwen: [[at a loss]] Oh, umm…
Quent: [[authoritative]] I'm First Constable Charthagnion under the People's Council, division… [[improvising]] twelve-o-one. I have orders to escort these two inspectors while they check the stage for any signs of buckling. Won't take more than a minute.
Guard 1: [[suspicious]] "Inspectors", huh? So then why are you dressed like a civilian, "Constable"?
Toby: [[improvising]] He's already told you! We're with division twelve-o-one--the plainclothes contingent.
Guard 2: [[condescending]] Then I suggest you come back with a warrant, pee-wee. This is a military matter.
Quent: [[wary]] Which battalion did you say you were with, "Private"?
Guard 2: [[annoyed]] I didn't. Now piss off--all of you.
Toby: [[wary]] You know--it's weird, Quent. I don't remember local divisions going as high as twelve-o-one.
Quent: [[darkly]] That's because they don't.
Guard 1: [[annoyed]] We don't give a damn about your blasted divisions! Now shove off or--
Gwen: [[interrupting, realization]] That's it! That's where I've felt this aura before! The blasting powder from Hogshead!
Toby: You mean the propellant we used to obliterate the Witch's Teat?
Quent: [[grim]] You're absolutely certain, Gwen?
Gwen: [[terrified]] Oh, Gods! There's so much of it! All of these people--
Guard 2: [[threatening]] Alright then. You three need to come with us. Now.
Toby: [[challenging]] And why the Hell would we do that?
Guard 1: [[threatening]] Because you're under arrest. Let's go.
Gwen: [[pleading]] Please, sirs! This locomotive is going to… [[suspicious]] Hold on. Under arrest? For what?
Guard 1: Disturbing the peace, loitering…
Guard 2: We'll figure out the specifics down at the "station".
Gwen: [[affronted]] What? That's ridiculous! We did nothing of the sort!
[[SFX: sword unsheathing]]
Guard 1: [[darkly]] I'm not going to tell you again. Now move.
Toby: [[challenging]] I didn't know private-ranked Eagle Knights were allowed to make arrests.
Quent: [[grim]] Especially since those are naval insignia on their uniforms.
[[pause]]
Gwen: [[threatening]] I do believe it's you two who are coming with us.
Guard 2: [[panicked]] Gods damn it! I told you--
Guard 1: [[panicked]] Just shut up and kill them already!
[[SFX: sword unsheathing, sword unsheathes/mace unsheathes from belt]]
[[SFX: Guard 1 and Guard 2 charge, weapons clash, Gwen and Quent grunt]]
Quent: [[straining with exertion]] Toby--
Toby: [[calling over shoulder]] I'll find the explosives! Just keep these morons off my back!
Guard 1: [[shouting]] Now! Now! Do it now! [[pained cry]]
[[SFX: sword slash]]
Guard 2: [[zealous]] Die, Andoran scum!
[[SFX: magical inferno/crackling flames]]
[[SFX: Guard 2 shrieks in agony, crowd gasps/murmurs]]
Toby: [[calling]] I appreciate it, Gwen, but watch your flames! There could be-- [[realization]] Oh, wow.
Gwen: [[breathing hard]] What's wrong? Did you find anything?
Toby: [[calling, anxious]] Guys! Lots of barrels behind the curtain!
Quent: [[out of breath]] Come on! We need to find the fuse!
[[SFX: bullet ricochet, scattered rifle shots, crowd screams/panicking]]
[[SFX: Gwen yelps as a bullet whizzes past her head]]
Quent: [[frantic]] Get down!
[[SFX: bodies hit the ground, Gwen and Quent grunt from the impact]]
Gwen: [[panicked]] Oh, Gods! The Eagle Knights on the rooftops!
Quent: [[breathing hard]] I'm so sorry, Gwen! We should have listened-- Augh!
[[SFX: bullet ricochet]]
Toby: [[calling, anxious]] I hate to interrupt, but I'm taking cover behind like twenty full kegs of blasting powder over here!
Gwen: [[desperate]] Oh my gods! We have to stop them!
Quent: [[thinking]] Gwen--how much do you weigh?
Gwen: [[taken aback]] I beg your pardon!?
Toby: [[calling, annoyed]] Kind of hard to defuse this enormous bomb when I'm being shot at!
Quent: [[calling]] Toby! What's the weight limit on this jumping potion?
Toby: [[calling]] How the Hell should I know!?
Quent: [[calling, annoyed]] You made it!
Toby: [[calling]] Sometimes alchemy is more art than science!
Gwen: You have more of those "Peeping Tom" potions?
Toby: [[calling, annoyed]] They're for stargazing! [[startled]] Ah!
[[SFX: bullet ricochet]]
Quent: [[harried, to Gwen]] I only have the one! And I don't know how high we'll be able to jump if we split it!
Gwen: [[determined]] We have to do something!
Toby: [[calling, anxious]] Guys! They're piercing through the locomotive's hull! I'm pretty sure this metal isn't magical at all!
Quent: [[calling]] Hang in there, Toby! [[To Gwen, determined]] I have an idea. On the count of three, we make for the Reserve Building. And then… grab on to me as tightly as you can.
Gwen: [[determined]] I'm ready. One…
[[SFX: bottle uncorks]]
Quent: [[worried]] Two… [[drinks]]
Gwen: [[deep breath]] [[suddenly]] Three!
[[SFX: running, Gwen and Quent panting, random gunshots, screaming crowd]]
Quent: Hold on! [[grunts with exertion]]
[[SFX: rushing kinetic energy]]
Guard 3: [[surprised]] What in the--
Guard 4: [[alarmed]] Fire! Fire!
[[SFX: boots landing on gravel, running]]
[[SFX: magical inferno/crackling flames, Guard 3 and Guard 4 shriek]]
Gwen: [[breathless, fierce]] Fire it is, then!
[[SFX: running on gravel, scattered rifle shots]]
Quent: [[breathless]] Come on! There's still two more across the square!
Gwen: [[breathless]] How long does the extract last?
Quent: We're about to find out! Take my hand! [[grunts with exertion]]
[[SFX: rushing kinetic energy, gunshots]]
[[SFX: boots landing on gravel, Gwen and Quent grunt with the impact]]
Guard 5: [[desperate]] Shoot them, damn it! Shoot them!
[[SFX: running, Gwen and Quent give a warcry as they charge]]
[[SFX: sword slash/blunt impact, Guard 5 cries out in pain]]
Quent: [[breathing hard]] Drop your weapon! Now!
Gwen: [[breathing hard]] We don't want to hurt you!
Guard 6: [[panicking]] No, no, no, no! My family!
Gwen: Your "family" were firing on innocent people! And you'll be dealt with the same unless you surrender! Now!
Guard 6: [[desperate]] No! No! If I'm captured, they'll all be killed! [[panicking]] Stand back! Don't come any closer!
Quent: [[breathing hard]] Whoa, now--take it easy! Just drop the gun and--
Gwen: [[alarmed gasp]] No! Stop! [[terrified scream]]
[[SFX: rifle shot, body slumps]]
[[SFX: Gwen and Quent heavy breathing, crowd confusion]]
Quent: [[disturbed]] Gods… What in Hell is going on?
Gwen: [[disturbed]] Why? Why on Golarion would she do something like that to herself? And why were they firing on all of these people!?
Quent: [[grim]] It seems the Platinum Line attacks have migrated south. [[tired sigh]] Are you okay?
Gwen: Yes, I'm-- [[alarmed]] Oh my goodness, Quentin! You're bleeding!
Quent: [[grunts]] Ow. [[mildly surprised]] Yeah, I guess I am. [[painful grunt]] That last shot must have caught my shoulder.
Gwen: [[worried]] How bad is it?
Quent: [[painful wince]] Nothing Toby can't patch up. Speaking of which--
Toby: [[distant, annoyed]] I'm fine, by the way! You two want to get your asses down here or what?
Gwen: [[calling]] Toby! The blasting powder!
Toby: [[distant]] I've already defused them, obviously! But there's a lot of people asking a lot of questions down here! I could really use some crowd control!
Quent: [[calling]] We'll be right down!
Random Citizen 1: [[shouting]] Up there! That's them!
Random Citizen 2: [[shouting]] They're the ones who stopped the gunmen!
[[SFX: crowd cheering]]
Toby: [[annoyed, distant]] Hello! Guy who disarmed the bomb over here!
Gwen: [[pleased]] Well! I suppose it's nice to get a bit of recognition for a change.
Quent: Yeah, that's kind of what I'm worried about. [[pained grunt]] We should get down there.
Gwen: Here, let me help you. [[grunts]] Come on--there's a fire escape over here.
[[SFX: walking]]
Quent: [[pained grunt]] Gwen--I don't know how you knew all this would happen, but you were right.
Gwen: [[modest, strained]] Well, I couldn't have stopped them on my own, now could I?
Quent: I'm so sorry I doubted you. If we hadn't gone along with you--
Gwen: [[interrupting, smiling]] Then you wouldn't be my friends.
Quent: [[smiling]] Yeah. I guess not.
[[SFX: metal steps down]]
Gwen: [[coddling]] Easy now. Take your time.
Quent: [[pained grunt]] Why does being the hero always have to hurt so much?
[[Gwen and Quent share a strained chuckle]]
[[SFX: running approaches]]
Courier: [[calling, out of breath]] Hoy, there! Miss! Would your name be Gwen?
Gwen: [[calling, suspicious]] Yes. Do I know you?
[[SFX: trotting up]]
Courier: [[out of breath]] Message for you. Sender says it's urgent.
[[SFX: handling paper, running away]]
Quent: [[calling after]] Wait! Who sent… [[giving up]] you.
[[SFX: unfolding paper]]
Gwen: [[gasp]] Oh my gods!
Quent: What? What is it?
Gwen: It's from Lola… Stoddard is dead! [[horrified, to self]] His heart has been torn out…
Quent: [[alarmed]] But that would mean--
Gwen: [[interrupting]] We have to get back to the ship! [[shouting, frantic]] Toby! Toby!
[[SFX: trotting up]]
Toby: [[breathless]] There you are. Hey, who was that--?
Quent: [[grim]] We're leaving, Toby. Now.
Toby: What? Why? We can't go yet!
Gwen: [[frantic]] Mara's on the ship, Toby! She's on the ship with Hannah!
[[SFX: TRANSITION MUSIC]]
SCENE 3
[[SFX: ship ambience, creaking planks]]
Lola: [[frustrated]] Gods damn it! Just listen to me, will you? She can't just snap her fingers and make anyone dance about like a puppet, alright? It takes time!
Battoh: [[wary]] And how are we to trust what you say? Even now you could be under her spell!
Lola: [[crabby]] How many bloody times do I have to explain this to you two? I was likely in bed with a fever when Stoddard was killed! And besides, you'd know if that bitch were piloting more than one person 'cuz it takes a whopping lot of concentration to make 'em talk and move convincingly!
Battoh: She was able to fool Lady Gwen and the others in Escadar.
Lola: She wasn't controlling me then! She was disguised as me! And Gwen and her boys don't know me as well as you, do they? So you tell me if I've not been acting myself lately!
Battoh: You say this spell takes time. You were with the demon for many days.
Lola: [[fed up]] Ugh! That ain't how it works! I told you--she has to work her way up from the bottom, yeah? Sure, she'll nick your quirks and manner of speech first to help with the disguise. But she can't pinch recent memories 'til she's been through all your old ones first! [[defensive]] And don't you dare say I could be lying! You really think I'm making up all this crazy shite?
Battoh: [[wary]] Hmm… This one has heard more outlandish yarns from you… and better spun.
Lola: [[angry]] Aw, bugger off you great git! And what about you, eh? I suppose you think blood's thicker than common sense?
[[SFX: signing]]
Battoh: Batab disagrees with this one on whether or not we should restrain you. He feels we should wait for Lady Gwen first.
Lola: [[crabby]] Checks and balances my arse! If you fetchers think I'm standing for this "three First Mates" bollocks--
[[SFX: distant running, door bursting open]]
Gwen: [[frantic]] Hannah! Hannah, where are you?
Lola: [[harried]] There you are! What in Hell is going on in this town?
Battoh: Lady Gwen! This one heard screams from across the river--
Toby: [[hurried]] Just a few unrelated war crimes. Nothing to worry about.
Gwen: [[frightened]] Where is Hannah?
Quent: [[wary]] And more importantly, where is Wisp?
Lola: [[crabby]] Missing… along with half the bloody crew.
Toby: [[disbelieving]] Ummm… what?
Battoh: After Stoddard's body was discovered, many of the men fled.
Toby: [[frustrated]] And you didn't stop them?
Lola: [[miffed]] Oi! You try holding back two dozen blokes what just found out there's a damn succubus on the ship!
Gwen: [[sympathetic]] Could you blame them, really?
Quent: [[frustrated]] Great. Now we don't have enough crew to leave!
Toby: So much for a happy homecoming.
Gwen: [[worried]] Have there been any other deaths?
Battoh: None that we have found. And there has been no sign of the girl since you left.
Toby: [[thinking]] So Mara's been aboard the Woe since Escadar? What's she playing at?
[[SFX: creaking door, footsteps]]
Lewin: [[announcing self]] I believe I can answer that.
Gwen: [[surprised]] Professor!
Lola: [[crabby]] Who in Hell is this now?
Lewin: Perseus Lewin, Almas University Department of Ancient Civilizations, at your service. [[relieved sigh]] I cannot express how good it is to see you three safe. Hello Quentin, my boy. You look like you've been having quite the-- [[realization]] Good Heavens! Are you wounded?
Quent: [[guarded]] I'm fine. So… you finally decided to show up?
Toby: [[annoyed]] Yeah--what the Hell, Perseus? Have you been following us?
Lewin: [[sheepish]] Ah, yes… I apologize for not making my presence known sooner. [[impressed]] Though, you three seem to have made the best of things during your hiatus. However did you find the time to become a sea captain, Gwendolyn?
Gwen: [[stern]] This is hardly the time for pleasantries.
Battoh: [[wary]] Is this man welcome aboard, Lady Gwen? He might be controlled by the demon.
Lewin: Yes--well put, sir. But I can assure you, she's had no contact with me. I managed to follow the three of you here after that heroic display in the Merchant's Square. [[impressed]] Quite impressive, actually! Was that a Jump extract or a Levitate potion used to get onto the rooftops?
Gwen: [[relieved sigh]] It's alright, Battoh. I don't sense any illusion auras around him. He's a friend.
Quent: [[sardonic]] Not quite the word I'd use.
Toby: Yeah, we're kind of in the middle of cleaning up your mess, Perseus.
Quent: [[stern]] You've got a lot to answer for, Uncle.
Lewin: [[hurried]] And I promise you all there is a rational explanation for everything that has happened. But now I think it's best if you all armed yourselves.
Lola: [[irritated]] What is he going on about?
Gwen: [[realization]] You're trying to draw her out, aren't you?
Quent: [[angry]] Are you crazy? You're going to get us all killed!
Lewin: [[deep breath]] [[resolved]] She's here for me. I have no idea how you managed to cross paths with Tamar'anoth. But if she is indeed aboard this ship, then we finally have an advantage over her.
Toby: [[unimpressed]] So you thought trapping us in an enclosed space with her was the best option?
[[SFX: sword unsheathes]]
Battoh: [[fierce]] We must take defensive positions above deck!
Lewin: [[determined]] No! Staying put is your best chance at stopping her. Succubi are more deadly out in the open. There's nowhere for her to run down here.
Lola: How in Hell does this geezer know all that?
Quent: [[accusing]] Mara is his pet. Isn't she, Uncle Lewin?
Lewin: [[impatient]] We will speak of that later, I promise. Please, my boy. We must put an end to this nightmare.
Gwen: [[worried]] But Professor--if we draw Mara out now, we'll be putting Hannah in danger!
Lewin: [[confused]] I'm sorry, who?
Quent: [[accusing]] The last victim you and your friends used as bait.
Toby: [[realization]] Oh, gods… he doesn't know!
Lewin: [[shocked]] Good gods! The girl is here!?
Wisp: [[ominous]] Safe and sound, Perseus.
Battoh: [[surprised]] Wisp!
Gwen: [[horrified]] Hannah!
Lola: [[realization, afraid]] Oh, bloody Hell!
[[SFX: swords unsheathe]]
Quent: [[threatening]] Release her! Now!
Wisp: [[smiling]] No--I don't think I will. Besides--you don't want to leave my side, do you little one?
Hannah: [[stony]] Mara is my best friend.
Lewin: [[grim, panicked]] Enough of this, Tamar'anoth! I'm the one you want. This girl is innocent!
Wisp: [[long sniff]] Yes, she certainly is… It's been such a maddening temptation. But now that you're here, Perseus--
[[SFX: leathery stretching]]
Mara: [[sultry]] I can finally indulge myself.
Toby: [[threatening]] Like Hell you will!
Lola: [[threatening]] You ain't going nowhere, you bleedin' weapon!
Battoh: Batab! Bar the door!
Mara: [[threatening]] Another step and the girl dies! All of you!
Gwen: [[through gritted teeth]] You will pay for this!
Mara: [[harsh]] Silence, worm! This is no concern of yours. [[smiling]] I've been waiting for this moment for forty long years, Perseus.
Lewin: [[trying not to panic]] You're surrounded, Tamar'anoth!
Mara: [[laughs]] Fool! I am finally free! I can traverse miles on this pitiful world as you would turn the pages of a book!
Toby: [[realization]] Hold on--no… you can't!
Gwen: She can teleport, Toby! We've seen her do it!
Toby: [[thinking fast]] But she can't bring others with her. [[realization]] She's trying to escape with Hannah!
Mara: Clever boy. That is why you are all going to tell your handsome friend to step away from the door. [[threatening]] Now.
[[SFX: heavy bootsteps]]
Quent: You want out? [[snarling]] You've got to get through me first!
Lewin: [[fearful]] Quentin, please--
Quent: [[interrupting, seething]] No! I'm not going to let your monster hurt anyone else!
Mara: And I will not be denied what is rightfully mine! This innocence is payment for services rendered! [[threatening]] Stand. Aside.
Quent: [[darkly]] Never.
Mara: [[fiercely]] As you wish--
[[SFX: claws extend]]
Lewin: [[panicking]] Stop! I have a… counterproposal.
Toby: Perseus… what are you doing?
Mara: [[angry]] The time for that is long passed, old man! You have nothing left to offer me!
Lewin: [[defeated]] I offer my soul to you.
Gwen: [[horrified]] Professor! No!
Quent: [[confused]] What does that mean? [[demanding]] What does he mean by that, Gwen?
Lewin: [[talking fast]] Take my mind, take my life… anything you want. I can lead you to Theodric and you may finish this vile business of yours without further interruption. Just… [[pleading]] just please don't harm anyone else.
Mara: [[cautious]] And what of the girl?
Lewin: [[defeated]] She means nothing to me.
Mara: [[intrigued]] And yet you offer me blood for blood?
Lewin: [[grim]] I do.
Gwen: [[distressed]] Wait--Professor, this feels wrong.
Lewin: If you truly wish to punish me, Tamar'anoth, then come--take your vengeance. I offer it willingly.
Quent: [[protesting]] This is insane! You don't need to do this!
Mara: [[coy]] Very well, Perseus. I accept your blood in place of the girl's.
Toby: [[desperate]] No--we won't let you!
Gwen: [[appalled]] There must be another way!
Lewin: [[somber]] I am sorry for everything I've put you through, my friends. But this is for the best. Everything has its price, after all.
Mara: [[smirking]] Are you watching, Perseus? Blood for blood. Blink… and you'll miss it.
[[SFX: claws extending, inverted whoosh]]
Lewin: [[surprised gasp]] [[horrified]] No!
[[SFX: visceral tearing, Quent gasps in agony]]
Gwen: [[screaming]] Quentin!
Toby: [[anguished]] Quent!
[[SFX: squelching sounds, Quent tries to take in breath]]
Mara: [[victorious]] Until we meet again!
[[SFX: claws retract, inverted whoosh, Mara laughs mockingly]]
[[SFX: Quent gasps weakly, body crumples]]
[[SFX: clattering weapons, running]]
Toby: [[panicking]] Quent? Quent!?
[[SFX: Quent struggles to take in breath]]
Lewin: [[shocked, trembling]] No… no, it isn't fair…
Lola: [[disturbed, to self]] Oh, gods.
Gwen: [[panicking]] Lola! Bandages! [[trying to speak calmly]] Are you alright, Hannah? Can you hear me? [[shouting]] Lola! Now!
Lola: [[disturbed]] Yeah… Yeah, okay.
[[SFX: running]]
Battoh: [[hurried, grim]] Batab will take Miss Nesmith to her quarters. I shall go topside and see if we can track that fiend. Come, Batab!
[[SFX: running]]
Quent: [[gurgled wheezing]]
Lewin: [[shocked, trembling]] Oh, gods… What have I done?
Toby: [[desperate, panicking]] We just need to stop the bleeding. Stop the bleeding, stop the bleeding…
Gwen: [[desperate]] You're going to be alright, Quentin! Just keep looking at us! Please!
Lewin: [[tearing up]] Oh, my dear boy. Forgive me. I've been such a fool…
[[SFX: grabbing cloth roughly]]
Quent: [[gasping intensely]] Keep… them… safe… for me… [[death rattle]]
Toby: [[panicking]] Quent!? Quent! Stay with me! Come on, big guy! Don't leave yet! You can't! [[crying]] Please… please don't leave… [[weeps]]
Gwen: [[weeps bitterly]]
[[SFX: dramatic stinger, OUTRO MUSIC]]
CREDITS
Narrator: Omen, episode 111: "Weal and Woe" was written and directed by Tim Krause. Featuring Mamito Kukwikila as Gwen, A.J. Beckles as Tobias, Charlie Wes as Quentin, Méabh de Brún as Lola, Gary Scales as Battoh, Chris Einspahr as Lewin and Wisp, Sarah Doreen MacPhee as Mara, and Sophie Fae as Hannah. Additional voices provided by Sam Eisele, Sarah Rhea Werner, Graham Rowat, Kyle Brown, Phill Usher, Tom Laflin, Brandon Jenkins, and Sarah Golding. Original music composed by Matt Lee.
If you would like to support these independent creators as well as unlock exclusive Omen content, please consider becoming a patron at patreon dot com slash omenpodast. You can also show love for Omen by leaving a rating and review wherever you listen. Your encouragement is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Have you ever thought about creating your own podcast? Either a fictional show like Omen or a nonfiction podcast that showcases what you're passionate about? Podcast Now is a comprehensive online course that will guide you step-by-step from your show concept to a successful podcast... with an emphasis on SUCCESS. Developed and taught by Sarah Rhea Werner, creator of the award-winning audio drama Girl In Space, Podcast Now has helped many shows find their own success stories — including Omen. Visit Sarah Werner dot com — that's s-a-r-a-h-w-e-r-n-e-r-dot com — and download the free Podcast Roadmap, an invaluable tool that will get you started down the right path. Again, visit Sarah Werner dot com and click on "Free Podcast Roadmap" to get started today!
Thank you so much for listening to Omen. And until next we meet, fair winds and following seas.
© 2021 Write Now, LLC. All rights reserved.