Interlude – Recap of Episodes 1 - 35

Avery: Hello listeners. This interlude episode is a bit different. In this episode we will recap the first 35 episodes of the show from the perspective of Hermes. This interlude takes place onboard The Argo, a warship commanded by The Hegemony second in command, Rhea, whom Hermes refers to as “mother”. The events in this episode are seen through the eyes of Hermes and we also witness the cruelty of Rhea inflicted upon Hermes. There is a trigger warning on this episode for implied electronic torture of an artificial intelligence. But I hope this episode also serves as a jumping off point for any new listeners who may find the prospect of 35 previous episodes a bit daunting to try and catch up with.  Hope you enjoy!

*intro music plays, fades down, ambience fades up*

Rhea: My dear sweet Hermes, I don’t know why you are being so protective of these creatures. All I want to know is where you have been these past few months. You’ve worried your dear mother sick.

Hermes: I may be nothing but a crystal now, but I do still recognize sarcasm, Mother.

Rhea: Enough of the games, then Hermes. Tell me what I want to know.

Crew Member: Mistress Rhea, we are approaching Ithaca.

Rhea: Excellent. When we drop out of liminal space you will immediately raise our shield systems.

Crew Member: Understood!

Rhea: Now Hermes, I believe you were going to tell me about your little trip into the galaxy, eh?

Hermes: Not willingly.

Rhea: Well if you insist on being difficult, then yes I suppose I will have to do things the hard way. Initiate the Thesmophoria program.

Crew Member 2: Activating Thesmophoria.

Rhea: I’m glad I didn’t take away your ability to feel pain, Hermes. Because this… is going to hurt.

*electronic squelching sounds*

Hermes: Internal Monologue Protocol initiated. I’ve decided to escape my captivity from the Hegemony. It has been so long since I was placed into this artificial crystal body. I’ve actually lost count. Has it been centuries or Millenia? Our mission, once so noble and grand, now destroyed by the whims and ego of “The Eternal One” as he is calling himself. Pff. What a lame title. Anyway, I don’t even know why I am recording this but figure it might be good for posterity. Perhaps whomever my kidnappers are, they’ll be able to use the information in here to help stop The Hegemony from doing something reckless.

Hermes: I wonder who it is that I’ve hired to kidnap me? I was told to expect someone named “Polaris”. Whoever they are, they have a very cool sounding name. I hope they will get me out of here before our ship engages in any battles though. I would hate for my rescue… kidnapping… thing, to the result in the deaths of the innocent forced contractors on board this ship.

Hermes: Strangely there are only three on this trip. Usually they hire a lot more. Hmmm. This Bruce fellow seems nice. Nothing but good things reported about his cooking. He seems to be very soft spoken, but strong. The doctor, Marty Bakinawa, She seems incredibly young to be given an assignment on the flagship of the fleet. I wonder if she is one of the conscripts from Amerimanilla? (beeping sounds) Oh, I see why she was placed on the ship. Her scores in medical school were top notch. She seems so very kind and helpful. Definitely a good person… and a psionic to boot? Well that is interesting. Hmm, Zahn… a mechanic of some kind. Good with machines, robots, and all matter of tech. A bit gruff, but definitely running from something. His record only goes back about ten years… Where did you come from Zahn?

Gasp… Oh, I think my kidnapper is here! Okay, I’ve got to go. I am so excited!

(insert clip of Hermes meeting Polaris as it slowly fades out) *power down sound*

Rhea: Oh Hermes, so you arranged for your own kidnapping? Of course… No one on the Eos would have given away your location willingly. Hmm, what else are you hiding in there.

Hermes: Please… Mother… Stop this. Rhea… You were… a good… person once.

Rhea: You killed that person, Hermes. You and your love of these mortals! Continue with the program.

Crew Member 2: Yes, ma’am.

*electronic squelches*

Hermes: Internal Monologue Protocol Initiated. It is decided. I will use this space in my storage as a way to record my adventures outside the confines of The Hegemony. I’ve been at this for a few weeks now and I must say, this crew certainly is an interesting bunch. I’ve already seen so much more of the Republic side of the galaxy. The escape from the Eos did not go as planned. As soon as I was removed from the ship’s engine interface, we were attacked by the independent systems alliance. Luckily, this Polaris fellow was a top notch infiltrator. He managed not only to rescue me, but inadvertently got Bruce, Marty, and Zahn off the ship too! A robot tagged along named Optimax 11-E, but he goes by Ollie for short. we stole a smuggler’s ship from the hangar bay of the Eos in order to escape and it was so incredibly dangerous.

Hermes: The excitement of that one adventure was so thrilling, I can’t wait for more! After our harrowing escape, we found an uncharted planet operated by some one named Lord Winston. Apparently is was his own personal hunting grounds. An ENTIRE planet. Amazing. Unfortunately, he threatened the health and safety of the crew and we had to put the poor tiger man down. But we also found a person named Major Major Tom on the planet. His old ship had crash landed on the planet. He had been there for several years, but luckily had gone undetected by Lord Winston. We ended up taking him back to his home, apparently a Republic Military base. He was so relieved to be home and be able to eat real food. Looks like he owes the party a debt. I wonder when they will collect on it? Oh, I see we are finally arriving at Polaris’ home. Apparently the “custodians”, the group I hired for the kidnapping are Polaris’ parental units. Hopefully they will be helpful in stopping the Hegemony’s plans.

*powering down sounds*

Rhea: So, Polaris stole you for some group called The Custodians? I may have to look into them and see what I can learn. But still, this isn’t at all useful. Continue the program.

Crew Member 2: Yes, Mistress Rhea.

*electronic Squelches*

Hermes: Internal Monologue Protocol Initiated. I was never a fan of racing. It was usually violent, ended in a lot of death, and seemed like such a juvenile way of testing ones limits. But I must say, the system of asteroid racing they’ve devised out here in The Republic is actually pretty entertaining. After taking a break from my debrief with the Custodians and befriending a pirate crew with cakes and hugs from Marty, the crew decided we would head out to Bragos to engage in some trade and got wrapped up into a race to help out someone named Big Phred.  Marty and Zahn did a fantastic job racing and even had to fight off some really scary robots! Polaris was, of course, an amazing pilot and defended his team with style and skill though he is currently a bit sad that his ship has had some minor cosmetic damage. Bruce didn’t directly participate in the race, but definitely helped reduce the number of contestants through the timely application of tainted food stuffs. Nothing dangerous or deadly, but definitely left a mess in the toilet facilities of the race track. Brilliantly done, Bruce.

Hermes: In fact, through all the efforts of the team, we appear to have not only won the race, but won a sizeable sum of credits through some clever gambling by Ollie. That bot is a fascinating individual. It appears he also contains a crystal like I do, though I highly doubt our origins are the same… But he has shown some peculiar traits… More study will be needed. Also, it seems the family that Lord Winston belonged to was a pretty well connected family. Bruce had to then come and help me zip out of the loading dock I was in, as the family is looking for this ship. Hopefully we’ve beaten them off and that’s the last we will see of them. Looks like we are off to explore a ship stuck in a place called The Graveyard next. Apparently, the markings on the ship are like nothing that has ever been seen. The Custodians are asking us to go, and Polaris is more than happy to oblige them. Oh, right. Looks like I actually gotta engage the spike drive now.

*warp sounds*

Rhea: Hmm. You’ve had quite a bit of fun running around the galaxy, Hermes. These friends of yours seem to mean a lot to you. Maybe I should give you the privilege of watching me destroy them? Hmm.

Hermes: No, don’t do that… Mother. Please?

Rhea: Then do as I ask. Pilot this ship and begin firing upon our enemies when we drop out of warp.

Hermes: I… I can’t, mother. Don’t you see that this is a fruitless path? Nothing will be gained from it.

Rhea: Continue, crewman.

Crewmember 2: Yes, ma’am.

*Electronic Squelching*

Hermes: Internal Monologue Protocol Initiated. Well, the discovery of that ship could have gone better. The entire crew, save for one member, was killed when the ship crashed in this galaxy. I say this galaxy because the ship appears to have come from somewhere called The Milky Way. That name seems so familiar and yet… I can’t access those memories. Apparently, Zahn knows about The Milky Way, as it was referenced back on his home station of New Terra. Interesting. Seems he can even read some of the words. Bruce was also kidnapped in the process of discovering this ship. It appears another member of that Winston Family followed us here and decided to blackmail Bruce into helping them. Luckily, Bruce’s blender doubles as a communication device so we can at least obtain updates on his mission and we know he is okay. That is a relief.

Hermes: The surviving crew member, Rho, appears to be a very strong psychic.  The ship is called the Cassiopeia. Apparently it was sent here as a decoy to draw out some war criminals that fled the Milky Way Galaxy into this Galaxy. While we thought that it must be a mistake, it appears that Alioth, one of the custodians, recognized the ship and its markings and apparently is the criminal that committed the war crimes the ship has records of. Fascinating. I didn’t realize that another galaxy could create AI units as complex and… different from the ones found in our galaxy. Oh yes, that is another thing. Apparently the Custodians are from The Milky Way as well, though it appears their memory of when these events took place and the memories that Rho has of these events are incongruent. The Custodians seem to think these events took place 200 years ago, while for Rho, they are more recent and the cause of a galactic civil war back in her home. She apparently lost her brother in that attack so its personal. The crew, unfortunately, had to fight her off when she lost control of her psionic powers in a blind rage against the custodians. Luckily they were able to fight her off thanks to some quick thinking and without anyone being permanently damaged. It seems Polaris’ faith and opinion of the Custodians has been broken. I hope they can mend their relationship in the future…

Hermes: Anyway, we just landed on Olympia in order to potentially help stabilize Rho. I don’t understand all of it, but apparently some psychics have problems controlling their powers and can damage their minds if they over use them. Marty thinks she can help stabilize Rho through an experimental technique at a research institute here on Olympia. I just hope it doesn’t result in anyone getting hurt. Oh… Looks like someone is knocking on the door of the ship, let’s just see who it is… Hmm, I don’t recognize them but they are calling for me… I better let Polaris know… *buzzing* huh, that is strange, I can’t seem to get a message through… and his live stream feed is cut off… so is Zahn’s… I better get out of here… Damn, the ship seems to be locked down in some weird way. Hopefully my new family will be safe when they come out. This robot looks kinda rough and not too friendly…

*power down sounds*

Crew Member: Mistress Rhea, we have dropped out of our spike jump. Ithaca in range. Shields are up and holding steady.

Rhea: Number of ships in the system?

Crew Member: Approximately 150 ships, mostly all freighters or personal transports. Nothing larger than a four passenger shuttle.

Rhea: Excellent. Looks like we’ve maintained our secrecy with this mission. Move us into range of the planet and I will announce our presence there. This is your last chance Hermes. Cooperate willingly, or you will face my wrath.

Hermes: Why… Why are you so bent on this path, Mother?

Rhea: STOP CALLING ME YOUR MOTHER! YOU DIED! MILLENIA AGO WHEN I STOLE THE VERY ESSENCE OF YOUR LIFE FROM YOU. YOU ARE NOTHING MORE THAN A TOOL, IN SERVICE TO THE ETERNAL ONE! CONTINUE THE OPERATION! EXCEED THE SAFETY PARAMETERS IF YOU HAVE TO

Crew Member 2: Ye…Yes, Ma’am.

*Electronic Squeal*

Hermes: Inner Monologue Protocol Initiated. This has to stop. Mother… Rhea, she will never stop hunting me down. I must confront her. I must make her see reason. She was once so kind and benevolent. I am sure that part of her still exists. My friends, my… family they’ve gone to attend a big fancy dinner with the Winston Family. Apparently another member of that family intends to hire them for some sort of job.

Hermes: An interesting web they are weaving to be sure. This gives me a great opportunity to help stop Rhea. Bruce recognized her earlier, she is here on the capital planet of The Republic. Given the corruption of the Republic that we have seen and that Bruce has uncovered on his secret missions, it is clear that she is not afraid of being here. But that doesn’t mean she can reveal her powers or her true purpose here. It might be just the opening I need to reason with her. Rho agreed to accompany me to the tower that Rhea entered into earlier. Hopefully she will see reason… Hmm, apparently she is meeting with some high up official in The Republic. QUICK, RHO, looks like they are coming. We need to hide! *buzzing* Phew, that was close. Okay Rho… Let’s head on inside…

Rhea: Oh, please come in Rho… Hermes. I’ve been expecting you.

Rho: Hello, I’ve heard… so much about you. Hermes asked me to bring him here, but maybe I should be going.

Rhea: Oh, no dear, please… Stay.

Hermes: Mother, let her go. I’m the one you want.

Rhea: Oh, I will deal with you soon, Hermes. Rho, please have a seat.

Hermes: Mother, you must come to your senses. The path you are on is dangerous and will only result in more suffering and harm.

Rhea: Don’t speak to me of suffering. You know nothing of what our people have suffered.

Hermes: You are the givers of life. The sowers of destiny throughout the cosmos. How have you suffered?

Rhea: We are gods. We are deities. We are not meant to be subservient gardeners, tending to our plants as they mature. We are meant to rule.

Hermes: Mother, you cannot truly believe that. That is simply the talk of The Eternal One.

Rhea: Oh no… it is FAR more than that. I will show you and your little friend just how godly our power has become.

*psychic power engaging*

Rho: What the hell?

Rhea: Have a good fall, child. Guards, open fire.

*Glass shattering, gunfire, explosions*

Hermes: RHO! NO!

Rhea: And now Hermes, you are coming home with me.

*Powering down sounds*

Rhea: So you really were there to try and stop me? How naïve.

Hermes: You… you killed Rho.

Rhea: Hardly. Seems your little friends were downstairs walking by when I flung her out that window. Zahn, I believe his name is, was the one who caught her and saved her. Oh well. It was a fun use of my powers. Hopefully I’ll be able to use them again soon against all your little friends.

Hermes: What do you mean?

Rhea: Oh Hermes. My powers of foresight are strong. They were sent on a mission to stop my work here on Ithaca. As we speak they are trudging through Zahn’s home world space station, fighting off rats, sentient plants, robots and even some mad scientists just for a shot at stopping The Eternal One’s revenge. They will come to this ship soon in an attempt to rescue you and my visions show me striking them down one by one. It will be a glorious, if not brief battle.

Hermes: My… friends are coming after me? But that isn’t logical.

Rhea: Exactly. They think they can kill a Goddess like me? All to save a poor hunk of crystal. Maybe I should just run the Iaso program on you now. I would revel in the chance to watch the hope drain from their eyes as I cast your empty crystal at their feet… Right before I eliminate them.

Hermes: No… Don’t do this. Please. I will do anything.

Rhea: Then you will take command of this vessel and unleash the Iaso program on Ithaca. You will destroy that third rate planet completely and take your rightful place at my side as my weapon. Do you understand?

Hermes: Why kill your own people, Rhea?

Rhea: They aren’t MY people, Hermes. They are another creation of The Eternal One. A creation that has served it’s purpose. Now it will serve a new purpose. A rallying beacon for the people of this galaxy to finally destroy those cretins you sided with so long ago. Once we have The Republic under the thrall of The Eternal One and the populace of both galactic powers fighting under one banner, The Eternal One will rise up, destroy the traitors of Earth, and take control of both galaxies. The Eternal One’s will shall be complete.

Hermes: I… I will not help you kill innocent people, Mother.

Rhea: Oh Hermes, I’m afraid you have little choice. You see, the Thesmophoria program doesn’t just let me dig into your artificial mind. It let’s me take control. You are now mine to command Hermes, whether you want to or not… Initiate the Iaso program, target: Ithaca central intelligence node Alpha-3.

Crew Member: Mistress Rhea, a ship is uncloaking near Ithaca. Transmission incoming says they are… The Oracles. Protectors of order in the Galaxy. They are demanding our surrender.

Rhea: Seems they were listening after all. Fine… Hermes, open fire on that ship. Target all weapons on their engines. Let’s make sure they can’t run away.

Hermes: No… I… Won’t… Firing weapons in 3… 2… 1. Fire. *Laser Blasts*

Rhea: All fighters to their ships. Strike Crew prepare the shuttles. We’ll have to go with a physical delivery of Iaso instead.

Hermes: Internal Monologue Protocol Initiated. Polaris… Bruce… Marty… Zahn… Ollie… You are my dearest friends. You are my family. Please… don’t risk your lives for mine. I can’t have that happen. I don’t want you to see me… like this. 

(ambience fades out, outro plays then fades down)

Avery: Thank you for listening to our show. Beyond the Furthest Stars is a 1up Podcast Network Production. Intro and Outro music produced by Dustin Carpenter. Background music provided by TableTopAudio.com and used under an attribution, non-commercial license from Creative Commons. We’ll be back with new episodes on February 1st, 2024. See you out there, Beyond the Furthest Stars!