S2: E05 - Lost Transmission

S02-E05: Lost Transmission

[Intro music - 5 sec]

Narrator: Wake Of Corrosion Season 2 - Episode 5: Lost Transmission

[Radio Tuning]

[Muffled sounds can be heard as someone switches on a recording device and moves it into the correct position]

Prof Ryan: [spoken in a solemn voice] This is Professor Ryan of Bunker A:12. This is a public broadcast to any Survivors out there. Before I begin, please be aware that I advise listener discretion going forward, as some of the content of this broadcast can be unsettling or disturbing.

[SFX: Morse code]

Ryan: Before we begin, Survivors, allow me to apologise for the abrupt ending to the last broadcast. Whilst I always remain with the radio whilst broadcasting any of our findings to you, there was an urgent matter I had to attend during the previous instalment. Especially as it was to do with our power distribution which, as you know, is vital to our safety here. 

As I’m sure you’re aware, the broadcast ended abruptly and I wasn’t able to officially sign off the broadcast. Although, coincidentally you still heard my voice...which, well to be honest with you, when I returned and listened back through the part of the recording I’d missed,  it stunned me. Of all the experiences and interactions I expected the brothers to have, hearing a broadcast of mine certainly wasn’t one of them. I listened back through and around that section a couple of times. Unfortunately there wasn’t enough there for me to determine when exactly that broadcast was. I don’t recall saying what can be heard on the recording. Ahh [forlorn] I’ve been doing this for long and so often…I sound so different...

[resolving not to dwell on it] No matter. It’s comforting at least to know that there are people out there, listening. Many residents at Bunker A:12 consider what I’m doing a lost cause. I hoped Claire would convince them otherwise, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough for some.

In regards to Claire…[growing solemn] well, I’ve not heard from her in almost a day now. I’m hoping that she’s just in an area with a disrupted signal, it seems logical that that would be the case as she moves closer to Ralford. I musn’t jump to conclusions here. Rest assured though Survivors, I will let you know when she gets in touch.

For now, let us continue where we left off.

[SFX: Recording click]

Ryan: It’s my sincerest hope that there’s someone out there listening to this broadcast, someone who could perhaps one day get in touch with us. Please. It’s hard enough as it is with everything...[SFX: Bad signal]

Elliot: Holy shit, is that a radio broadcast? Roman...Roman, I think someone is out there!

Roman: [getting louder] Then there could be someone listening to it? There could be people here? My kids Elliot!?

[SFX: Radio static]

Jim: [confused, serious] Hello? Who’s down there? Who is that?

Ryan: [in background] Maybe one day, I’ll know if we’re alone out here. [SFX: Bad signal] Until then, friends, don’t wander in the dark alone.

Elliot: [in a whisper to Roman] Should we…?

Roman: [raising his voice] It’s okay, I’m just here looking for my family. My name is Roman, I’m with my brother Elliot.

Jim: How did you get in here? How long have you been here?

Elliot: The bunker door was open, the main one that is. The one we’ve just come through we had to open ourselves. May we come up to you?

Roman: [to Elliot] We’re going up any way, you know that, right?

Jim: Yeah... But slowly. Arms out.

Elliot: Alright.

[SFX: Footsteps. Metallic stairs]

Roman: [to Elliot quietly] My kids better fucking be here mate.

Elliot: Let’s just take it easy. We’re strangers here, remember?

Roman: Kinda hard to do when I don’t know what’s going on with them..

Elliot: [to the survivor] Okay….We’re here. [to Roman] Put your hands up.

Roman: What?

Elliot: Just do it.

Jim: Got any weapons on you?

Roman: [too quick] No, who else is with you?

Elliot: Yes, we’ve got a crow bar, camping knives and an old bayonet. That’s all we’ve got.

Roman: [quietly at Elliot] Fuck’s sake.

Jim: Place them on the ground.

Roman: [stern] Look. I’m just looking for my kids. Is there anyone else here with you?

Jim: On the ground.

Roman: [quietly] Jesus Christ. [louder] Alright, here.

[SFX: Bag sounds, metallic clang]

Elliot: Look, I’m sorry if we come across a bit desperate. It’s just that we’ve been out there for a long while and well...we’re just hoping to find my niece and nephew. Roman’s children. And hopefully his wife. We were told they’d be here. We don’t want to hurt you or anyone. If anything, we want to help.

Jim: Step forward toward me. Leave those things on the floor.

Roman: [sighs]

[SFX: Footsteps]

Jim: Hands up still...No funny business. Looks like you pair have been through hell. How long ago d’you lose those fingers there?

Elliot: Uhh, couple of days.

Jim: And you've been out there, how long?

Roman: Look, does this matter? [growing desperate and pleading, not angry] Just answer my question, please. Are my children here?

Jim: [a long pause] Just being cautious. [pause] Look, I’m sorry...It’s just me.

Roman: [rapidly becoming distraught and upset] Fuck! Fuuck! God fucking damn it! Why? Why are they not here? Why is nobody anywhere they’re supposed be?!?

Elliot: Roman…

Roman: [sobs]

Jim: Guess you boys really did mean what you were saying. Huh.

Elliot: [getting angry] Of course we did! Why would we lie about something like that?

Jim: Look here boy, I’ve been in here a good couple of weeks and before that, I was out there. It was only a few days...but the amount of people that lied, cheated and robbed one another at the drop of a hat. I ain’t taking any chances. Y’hear me? Now how about you start by telling me how you got in here and then we can start trusting one another.

Roman: [sobbing quietly]

Elliot: It was open. The bunker door was open-

Jim: The hell it was!

Elliot: [stern] Look, do you really think between us we could get a bunker door open if it wasn’t already like that or opened for us from the inside? It wasn’t locked properly okay? It was open and we came in, for help, for peace, for...for our family.

Jim: I locked that door up good and tight.

Elliot: Well I’m sorry to say this, but it wasn’t locked when we arrived. [pause] So, where is everyone?

Jim: [laughs] You wouldn’t believe me.

Elliot: Try me. If you’ve any idea what’s out there, then you’ve got an idea about what we’ve already been through.

Jim: Vanished. Gone. Dis-a-ppeared!

Elliot: So...what? They left?

Jim: No you damn fool, they went poof! [SFX: Clicks his fingers] Just like that, right before my damn eyes. Got it?

Elliot: Where? When?

Jim: Come, I’ll show you. Although it’s not a pretty sight.

Elliot: Roman, you coming?

Roman: [quietly, defeated] Fine.

[SFX: Footsteps]

Elliot: What’s your name anyway? I’m Elliot.

Jim: James, but since we’re best buds now you can call me Jim.

Elliot: This is Roman by the way. I’m sorry for the way things started out.

Jim: Yeah, don’t worry about it son. I wasn’t exactly Mr Nice Guy here...Too many people tried to wrong me on the way, that’s the problem.

Elliot: So, you saw people out there?

Jim: Oh yeah, sure. There’s plenty of people. Robbin’, stealin’, taking anything that isn’t nailed down. That’s why I ain’t leaving this place. Got my vitamin D tablets once a day and all the food and water a man could need. And sure, I’ve got room for a couple more if you and your brother over there are planning on staying.

Roman: Then why haven’t we seen anyone?

Elliot: Well, we have seen some people Roman.

Roman: Two Elliot. We’ve seen two living people and we’ve been travelling.

Jim: And you ain’t seen no one else?

Roman: Not a soul.

Jim: Then I wonder if it happened out there as well.

Elliot: If what happened?

[SFX: Metal door creak]

Jim: This…

Elliot: Oh Jesus it stinks.

Jim: Yeah I wouldn’t go any further if I were you.

Roman: Jesus, is that rotten food?

Jim: Well if you wanna go in there and clean it up, then be my guest. But after what I saw, I’m not taking another step forward.

Elliot: There’s so much left behind in here. People’s things...children’s toys. Roman, they’re not?

Roman: No...no not theirs. Listen to me carefully Jim...how many kids were in there?

Jim: Oh hell son, I don’t know. I’d only been here about a day when this happened. Nipped out to take a leak, open the door then...well near enough what you see here. Without the smell ‘course.

[SFX: Roman fumbling in his bag to get a phone]

Elliot: You saw them vanish?

Jim: One minute they were just tucking into the morning meal, the next...just dust and quiet. I’ve not been in there since. Rather not and if it suits you all the same, I’m gonna close this door now. Best the whole bunker didn’t stink of rotten food for the next few days.

[SFX: Door closing]

Roman: Look at this picture here, do you remember these? Her name is Imogen or Immie and this is Scott.

Jim: [pause] Uh, no sorry. They don’t look familiar to me at all. But like I said, I was only here a day.

Roman: No...no...It’s alright. If anything, well if anything it means they might never have been here. Which, well that’s either terrifying or at least gives me a bit of hope.

Elliot: There’s always hope Roman. We can keep looking.

Roman: [defeated] But where?

Elliot: I don’t know right now, but we’ll stay here and figure something out, alright?

Jim: Like I said boys, you’re welcome here with me for as long as you like. It’s not like I’ll be running short of supplies any time soon. We just have to keep the lights and power to a minimum. Running completely on solar. [a pause] C’mon, let’s go grab a drink.

[SFX: Metallic footsteps] 

Roman: Jesus Elliot, what are we even doing?

Elliot: What do you mean?

Roman: All this time, all these days, all I could think about was my kids and now...Now I don’t know what to think.

Elliot: Keep them up in there Roman, we’re still here, still together. We got this.

Roman: How the hell are you keeping it together more than I am?

Elliot: I’m not, but we’re here for each other right?

Roman: Right. Say, Jim...Were you listening to something when we first showed up?

Jim: Ah, yeah. Just the last of a broadcast. Same one has been going on for a couple of weeks now.

Elliot: Is it a government one or something?

Jim: [laughs] No son, the government are long gone I’d imagine. Nah, it’s this guy, Professor Ryan’s his name. He’s just looking for other people out there and information. Must be the only Bunker in the entire country with a fully functioning radio tower. That or everyone else is too busy fighting over the last scraps to reply.

Elliot: And yours is broken as well isn’t it? I remember seeing it on the way in. Looks like something hit it. It’s all twisted back.

Jim: Yup. Was like that when I arrived as well. Probably one of those damn things.

[SFX: Door creaks]

Elliot: You’ve seen them too?

Jim: Only one. But I heard plenty more.

Roman: We’ve had a few close encounters. I...well we still don’t know what to call them.

Jim: Demons.

[SFX: Drinks pouring]

[Throughout this next scene, play pouring/drinking SFX as Roman drowns his sorrows]

Jim: Whiskey?

Roman: Definitely.

Elliot: Demons, monsters, aliens...It’s all the same I suppose. Something terrifying and stronger than us.

Jim: More than that as well...I’ve seen people straight up killing one another for the sake of these things.

Roman: What?

Jim: You heard me. That’s the only time I saw one of those things. It was late, been dark for a while and I didn’t dare sleep, couldn’t. I’m tucked in a block of flats, opposite a row of shops. [pause] All ‘a sudden this big flood of light comes seeping through the curtains. I creep over and take a look out the window and I can see all these people standing around in a sort of half-circle at the entrance to the butchers…[laughs morosely] the butchers of all places. Anyway [takes a sip of his drink] Next thing I know there’s this blood curdling scream, awful it was. I duck down for a second in panic but couldn’t help but peek back out the window soon after.

And that’s when I see it. Grey skin, tight to it’s bony frame, filling the doorway to the butchers. It looks for a second, almost human-like. ‘Cept it’s not, not even close. Behind it all these tendrils splay out, feeling their way around the doorframe like it’s blind or something and from where a human chest would be, these boney finger-like appendages stretched out, there must have been about twenty of them altogether, all moulded around this central fleshy column with knuckle-like lumps along it. The creature seemed to reel back a second, as though it was taking in a mighty breath. Then this sound filled the air, this…[remembering it] hideous metallic tune. And all the people in front, they all sway to it, some of them drop to their knees and just stare at this thing. They looked...possessed. And they step right over that poor soul they killed. Step over them like they’re not even there. I’m telling you now I’ve never covered my ears so fast in my life. I’ve got no idea whether that thing was doing something to them but I’ve watched enough horror flicks in my life to know that ain’t happenin’ to Jim! Not a god damned chance.

Didn’t sleep that night, didn’t dare look out the window. Just sat up, back pressed against a corner of that room. Wishin’ I were somewhere else. Hoping none of them saw me, hoping that thing didn’t see me. Crept out soon as daylight hit and headed in the complete opposite direction and by sheer luck came across Bunker A:7 a day or so later. The distant things I heard in those few days after [shudders]. Not worth thinkin’ about.

Roman: Jesus, that’s horrific.

Elliot: All of these things..they all have something in common.

Jim: What d’you mean son?

Roman: Yeah, what’re you on about El?

Elliot: The one that got you in the woods Roman? Do you remember how you got there?

Roman: No, you know that I don’t.

Elliot: Exactly! And the thing in your house...both of us were completely bewitched by it at some point.

Roman: Oh fuck. And the one in the shop? It paralysed you and the guy you were with was obsessed with it.

Elliot: Exactly! They all seem to be able to control us in some way or another, to invoke this possession or dream-like state. Like an enchantment.

Jim: [surprised] Well I’ll be. So, you’ve had some close calls yourself then?

Elliot: [holds up hand] Its, uh…how I lost these.

Roman: So what you’re saying Elliot, is that we should avoid even being near these things? More So than usual

Elliot: And listening to them, if what Jim says is true.

Jim: [sips drink] Which it is.

Roman: Jesus.

Elliot: It doesn’t end does it?

Jim: Just be glad we’re in here boys. Say, you did lock that door behind you, right?

Roman: You bet we did. I’m not having some gribbly from out there creep up on me.

Jim: [laughs] Amen to that!

Elliot: Was there anything else you noticed when you were out there Jim?

Jim: Boy, there was a hell of a lot going on out there last time I checked.

Elliot: What about things aging?

Jim: [sighs] Breaking and falling apart all of a sudden you mean?

Elliot: Yeah, sort of.

Jim: If I go telling you much more of what I’ve seen out there, you’re gonna start thinking I’m mad.

Roman: I guarantee you we won’t. We’ve seen a stag with half its ribs sticking out its chest making mating calls in the middle of the woods. Heard things creeping round our tent. Seen things fly off in the distance, way too big to be a bird. You’re not at risk of sounding crazy here Jim.

Jim: Well, in the day or so before I made it here. I was heading through some back alleys and side streets, just trying to avoid the main roads, you know? And I come across this garage at the back of one of the houses. Now I’m not one for stealing, but with the world collapsing around me and a whole bunch of demons on the loose, well…

Elliot: You stole a car? It’s fine...we’ve...well we’ve been there.

Jim: [laughs] Well I certainly tried. Weirdest thing happened though…So I kneel down by the door and take a look at the lock, see if it’s breakable, hell see if it’s even locked in the first place. I’m just about to reach out and grab the thing when all a sudden there’s this horrible cold that hits me. And the lock, no word of a lie, starts getting little spots of rust on it. Before I know it, the whole thing is a corroded mess. I stumble and land on my backside, look up and the whole garage door starts peeling, rusting, pitting,. Then the wooden frame holding the roof up, then the whole thing just crumbles away. All the while I’m staring in complete shock freezing my ass off. And I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that even though Summers over here ain’t exactly toasty, it’s by no means frosty. I mean, I can see my damn breath this whole time and all the while the garage in front of me is crumbling, the door curls in on itself, breaks away from the frame as the rest disintegrates around it and I see the car inside. Pretty thing it was...Was. Before whatever the hell happened there turned it into a pile of junk. 

So there I was, staring into the remains of the building I was considering breaking into a moment ago and then it starts warming back up again. I can feel the glow of the sun on my skin and I’m completely stunned. Ain’t got no reasoning for something like that boys...nothing at all.

Roman: Happened in my home. Didn’t see it, but it sounds the same.

Jim: Sorry to hear it son, but I think we can all forget about what our homes were at this point.

Roman: I’d rather not...Not yet.

Jim: I can reason with that.

Elliot: Jesus...What is all this...I’m just so sick of not knowing.

Jim: Well, we could sit here and guess all evening I suppose but I don’t think any of us are gonna know. Not for sure anywho…

Roman: [Roman is getting a little drink here] Elliot loves to speculate.

Elliot: Wouldn’t say it’s by choice. I can’t help what my mind decides to do.

Roman: Well, it is what it is bro.

Elliot: And what exactly is that?

Roman: Just...what is it? You know?

Elliot: No, I really don’t...Here have mine. I’m gonna take a walk.

[SFX: Drinks clink, sipped, poured etc.]

[Recording clicks off]

Ryan: Survivors. Bear with me one moment. [SFX: Switches] Bunker A:7, this is Professor Ryan of Bunker A:12, do you hear me? James, Elliot or Roman….anyone...If you’re in Bunker A:7 you need to stay where you are. Do not leave. Find the long range radios stored in the back-up room and program them to Channel 12. You should be able to reach myself or Claire using this channel, depending on interference. If you can hear this, please respond.

[SFX: Radio clicks on. Bunker ambience]

I shall keep the radio hooked up for the remainder of the day. If you are able to get in touch, please do. As soon as you’re able.

Survivors, whilst I don’t know for certain what path the brother’s choose to take next, I sincerely hope that I am able to get a response from A:7. Even if they left, they might have returned at some point. Surely…[pause]

Damn it, what am I hoping for? It doesn’t make sense for Claire to have come here with all of their recordings and journal entries if they’re safe in A:7.

It seems as though I may have enough power for-

[SFX: Radio bleep]

Claire: [urgent] Professor Ryan, come in. This is Claire. Over.

Ryan: [shocked] Claire! I read you, is everything alright? Over.

Claire: [breathing heavily] Not at all Ryan. I...fuck…[SFX: Footsteps] [long pause as she tries to keep herself quiet, muffled breathing can be heard, before a quiet panicked response] I’m hiding in someone’s house near Ralford. I...I’m surrounded, Ryan. I don’t know if they know I’m here for certain but I can hear them moving around.

Ryan: Who, who can you hear?

Claire: Those people, those monsters I saw the other day. I think they must’ve seen me. I think they followed me here. I want you to know that I’m nearly there but if I don’t make it...If I don’t make it and you find my husband. Tell him I’m sorry.

Ryan: Claire. I don’t know what to say…

Claire: You don’t have to say anything Ryan. If these people don’t leave soon...or if they find me. Well I’m gonna have to fight my way out but I’m hoping-

[cut off all of a sudden as the door to where she’s hiding opens. SFX: Deep laugh from unknown voice] [Claire screams in rage and charges] [SFX: Radio cuts out.]

Ryan: Claire? Claire, come in! Oh Jesus, I did not mean for this to happen. Claire, are you alright? [a long pause] God damn it…

Claire: [out of breath] I’m here [breathes heavily] But I’m gonna have to go now, like fast. I’ll get in touch later. [rushed] Claire out.

Ryan: What happened? What was that noise? [a long pause of static] Claire? [pause] Damn. [back to radio broadcast] Survivors, I don’t know what to say. I certainly shan’t be leaving this radio until I hear back from her...but honestly...I think that’s all I can do. Damn it, I’m such a fool for letting her go out there. I should’ve known not every survivor would be looking to help others.

[growing frustrated] Damn it, why didn’t I listen to the others? I’ve sent someone to their death and…[pause, growing more serious with a low tone] For those of you out there still sane and safe. Do not travel. Do not interact with anything unusual. Keep to yourselves and keep one another safe. [desperate] We WILL find a way through this. If it’s the last thing I do, I will find a way through this! I...I have to.[slowing down] For everyone that we’ve lost, I have to.

[SFX: Paper shuffling slowly]

[sighs] I...I need some time to gather my thoughts. Survivors. I’m ending the broadcast here for today. I’ll return when I can, hopefully with news of Claire. There’s just so much going on, even though my life is contained within these walls there’s almost too much to handle and that’s just inside the Bunker. I’ll do what I can Survivors, we all have to.

Until then...Don’t wander in the dark.

[credits]