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Episode 9 - The Liberator
86 Plays7 months ago
Travel back 200 years to hear the origin story of Leela Desai, “The Liberator.”
Supreme Administrator Leela Desai ruthlessly governs the Reman Colony, silencing whispers about her half-Terran heritage. But trouble brews as Khan Noonien-Singh and his Augments escape Earth.
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Transcript
Introduction and Classified Research
00:00:00
Speaker
Again encrypted report. Classified research report. c o four hundred d zero zero CRO400D00D3SA1 Chairman, integration of the magus wave technology is moving according to schedule.
Technology Development and Tensions
00:00:15
Speaker
I've tasked Freeman with experimental wave technology upgrades to the zoom types on the ship. Hollow Gild is predictably keen to expand her arsenal and let Freeman experiment on her.
00:00:26
Speaker
My wife, however. I mean, Commander Desai is growing more suspicious of me by the day. I found this conversation logged when I reviewed the security feed in the ready room.
00:00:41
Speaker
It took me forever to escape Nairima. Pour me some of that Romulan ale you've got stashed away. Senpai, what's going on with you? I don't know what you mean, Kohai.
Conflicts and Personal Dynamics
00:00:55
Speaker
Two weeks ago, your trivia team recruitment efforts resulted in no less than four psychic injuries that required medical attention. Uh, they were hiding from me. They were off duty. You can read mind, Senpai. You knew they didn't want to join.
00:01:13
Speaker
You know, enjoy I'm older than you by centuries. Can you get to the plate? Then you should act like it. Last week, the only reason you didn't beat Freeman to a pulp is because Guild stepped in. And you still didn't decommission that goddamn holo for assaulting me. Leela. Grumman Freeman made illegal modifications to assume type- On direct orders from Dr. Leo. Holograms improving holograms. Are you blind to what's going on here? Are you just stupid? I thought I taught you better than... Captain Khan slaps Commander Desai across the face.
00:01:48
Speaker
You sometimes forget that I was the captain of a pirate ship. If I didn't love you, I would strike you. In multiple timelines, you certainly try. Are you quite certain you're in control of the reckoning, Captain? Do you want to find out? Um,
Leela's Trust Issues and Program Concerns
00:02:10
Speaker
Leela looks at her student, catching the faint glow creeping into Shaka's eyes. She sits back down, deflated.
00:02:20
Speaker
Leela, I don't need to be able to read minds to know this is about your ex. Shaka Khan raises her glass to her first officer with a pirate smile. He's not my ex. He's just a shadow that looks and sounds like him. Who knew you could keep an old flame burning for 300 years? It's not like that. Not even a little bit? Here, have another.
00:02:49
Speaker
Apologies, Kohai. I have not been on my A-game. But Chaka, that thing isn't my husband. It is a program he made. I loved Leopold more than anything, but he only loved his work, our family, and the Khanate. Which came first? I have no idea. All I know is this. My daughter has been dead for 80 years, and I know what Leopold Shamanuka was capable of doing in the name of the Khanate when he actually had a heart.
Crew Distrust and Leadership Challenges
00:03:18
Speaker
Are you sure none of the parts about him you trusted aren't also in there? Are you asking me if a good recording of my dead husband makes me miss him? I'm asking if you're sure we can't trust him, Leela.
00:03:34
Speaker
Weren't you in his mind on Bacchus 2? You didn't learn anything about what was going on inside his head? Do I trust my genius husband's program to do its job? Yes. Do I trust him? I can't. Never.
00:03:50
Speaker
Well, he's probably listening to us right now. You know this entire ship records every fucking thing we say or do. My first officer and psychologist can't spread her paranoia on a ship run partially by holograms. Do you understand? But... I, Captain... Apologize to the Musikur and get your shit together, Senpai. Mmm. Aye, Captain.
00:04:20
Speaker
Chairman, your fears that Leela will read my mind are unfounded. After making the connection on Barker's tomb, she is reluctant. No action necessary. The doctor pulls up an old hollow of himself standing next to Leela Desai and a young dark-skinned pot Romulan girl in the Khan Aid Academy uniform.
Starship Mission and Strategic Challenges
00:04:39
Speaker
She looks a lot like Captain Khan, except with pointed ears.
00:04:45
Speaker
Dr. Leo tries to look dignified as he poses. The two women give each other devilish I can have both of you disappear. The image goes away. Lida's wrong. My family, the carnate, and work, one and the same.
00:05:27
Speaker
Space. The Heartless Darkness. These are the records of the starship Hoodoo. It's tasked to secure, contain, and protect against the entities and phenomena that pose a threat to the people of the United Socialist Khanate. Always resolved to boldly go where no one dares. We are Khans.
00:06:00
Speaker
Dark Trek. Starry. Tabeca Hernandez-Rigmaiden, as Captain Shaka Khan. Hip Hallman, as The Narrator. Vicky Sial, as Commander Lima Desai. Bongani Malambo, as Dr. Leo Traminuca.
00:06:22
Speaker
Episode 9, The Liberator. Written by Roo Pinkle, Tony Rizzo, and Rizik Brown.
00:06:43
Speaker
200 years before the incident, six months before the founding of the United Socialist Conate. Supreme Administrator Leela Desai sits in her office.
00:06:58
Speaker
Private log, day 3751. Despite the growing disruptions to production caused by Terran incursions in the labor camps, net profits continue to rise. So long as I continue to line their pockets, the senators are happy to grant me resources to fight the threat. Those idiots. The Terrans provide a nice distraction for my own plans. Status report, aid Chetius. Supreme administrator to decide there's been another Terran attack.
00:07:27
Speaker
They delayed shipments out of Sector G. A security team is on the way, but... But? A Chetius, but is a word for incompetent fools. Give me solutions, not excuses. Well, there is one possibility. We could use their presence as a cover to enhance our security protocols.
00:07:47
Speaker
and implement the new drone surveillance system we've had on hold. So you do have a brain, Chetius. Launch cloaked drones now. If Khan Nuneon Singh wants to play a game of shadows, we'll show him how true darkness can go on Remus. Understand, Supreme Administrator. I'll see you to it right away. And perhaps it's time to start a shadow game of my own.
00:08:18
Speaker
What now? Computer? Open encrypted channel. Supreme administrator decide. We must meet. Who is this? How did you get this frequency? Identify yourself. There are developments within the Terrans that could change everything for Remus. For the Remans. I am the supreme administrator. I don't give a shit about the Remans. I know that's not true. I've heard the rumors.
00:08:46
Speaker
You were raised by Remans. Yeah, I don't peddle in nonsense. Shinsan, wait. I represent a faction of Ramyans who believe our future lies with the Khanate, the Remans, and with you, Administrator. We should meet. Fine. Where and when? The old mining shaft in Sector 4G. It's abandoned and secure. Meet me at midnight, alone.
00:09:16
Speaker
Trust is paramount here. We're Romulan. There's no such thing as trust.
00:09:27
Speaker
Decide stands in a mining shaft. A Romulan emerges from the darkness followed by a Terran man. You didn't tell me you were bringing a friend. If this is a trap, it's a bad one. Give me an insight and security role for Decide to assess the situation.
00:09:46
Speaker
The number to beat is 14. And since Desai has a focus in infiltration, you get an extra role to reduce the difficulty. Three, seven, 12. Success. Desai's suspicion deepens as she observes the Romulan. His motions are too precise and controlled. Supreme Administrator Desai, let me introduce Dr. Leopold Chamanuka, representing the great Khanate of Earth. What do you want, Taren?
00:10:16
Speaker
The cons of me here to negotiate with you. You have the means to augment the Reman's administrator. With your leadership and our technology, we could... Desai draws a concealed weapon and fires without hesitation. The Romulan collapses with a thud. Damn tall char agents. Desai reaches into the clothes of the dead Romulan, retrieves a recording device, and examines it. Conveniently for us, the data is stored locally.
00:10:45
Speaker
Are you here to help the Rehman cause? Or are you a dead Terran walking? I... I didn't know he was Tal Shia. Why should I trust you? I have no reason to deceive you. The Khanate needs the Romulan regime overthrown. We need places to live. Your Rehman leaders have offered us refuge here if we help. What exactly is your plan? Don't leave anything out. You're decisive. I respect that. We... I can help.
00:11:14
Speaker
The Khan's plan isn't just about medicine. It's about fortifying your people against the Romulan bioweapons. Continue. If you give me access to the Remans, I can augment them. We can disguise it as a disease inoculation. You can move your Romulan operatives into place. In place for what? When you decide the time is right, we'll launch a joint attack. Think of it. Augmented Remans throwing off their oppressors, seizing the means of production,
00:11:43
Speaker
And what do you get out of this, doctor? A place in the new world you're building. My people need a home. And I believe in the cons vision for free reamers.
00:11:58
Speaker
Very well. We start immediately. But understand this, doctor. My trust isn't given. It's earned step by step. We'll do it quietly.
00:12:13
Speaker
Don't be too dressed. You have my loyalty, Administrator. Let's prepare Remus for the fight.
00:12:29
Speaker
Status update on Sector 7. Recon teams anticipation of the incoming storm front. Of course they are, Acheteus. The Terrans are as predictable as you.
00:12:50
Speaker
If I may. No, Chetius. Your recommendation was noted the first dozen times you made it. We are not sending in strike teams during the storm. I won't crush our profits just to squelch our opposition. Of course, Supreme Administrator. I only sought to... You only sought to sabotage me. But don't forget your place, Chetius. I'm the Supreme
00:13:19
Speaker
Be careful how you glare, Chetius. We don't want you blinded by envy before I have a chance to teach you what it means to be a leader. As you say, Supreme Administrator. Now, enough bantering. Let's go check on the progress of this new Romulan physician. What did you say his name was? Dr. Turok.
00:13:43
Speaker
I still don't understand why you're expending such resources on the Raymond Vermin. There are more profitable uses of our time and money. You discount the value of labor aid, Chetius. They're no good to me, sick or dead. As you see fit, administrator. We've arrived.
00:14:07
Speaker
Dr. Leo Chaminuca, effectively disguised as a Romulan, moves between his patients with efficient precision. Noticing the administrator and her aide, he delegates work to his staff before greeting them.
00:14:20
Speaker
Supreme Administrator, to what do I owe the privilege? You're slower than a gorn moving a moon, Doctor. How soon will our labor forces be inoculated? My apologies, Supreme Administrator. We've been working as quickly as we can. I have the progress reports in my office if you'd like to review them.
00:14:39
Speaker
Very well, doctor. Chetius, make yourself useful. Keep these lines moving while I confer with the doctor. So long, Tom. At once.
00:15:01
Speaker
How are we really doing with the inoculations? Just Leo. Leopold was my father.
00:15:23
Speaker
nearly there.
Desai's Revolution and Power Struggles
00:15:25
Speaker
That's remarkable, Leopold. Seems you've been quite busy. Anything in service for our cause? And perhaps in the hope of impressing a certain supreme administrator?
00:15:39
Speaker
Well, doctor, you are risking your life for someone else's cause. Consider me... harshly impressed. Be careful. We can't risk discovery. And I worry about aid shittiest. That man hates me. He's looking for any sign of weakness. The Khan himself admires the scope of your machinations. You've dedicated much to our cause. We'll make sure our people are ready for anything.
00:16:09
Speaker
For now, let's focus on ensuring our victory. Of course, Supreme Administrator. And perhaps when this is all over, the drink is in order? Perhaps. Owen, Shamanuka, you look good as a Romulan. Those ridges give you some nice definition.
00:16:31
Speaker
Leo Grinswally.
00:16:38
Speaker
This had better be important, Cheezius. Supreme Administrator, I have news. We have intercepted encrypted communications. It appears the commie to launch a large-scale invasion of Remus. How did you come by this information, Chetius?
00:17:05
Speaker
mining colony to the likes of the Khan. An invasion could destabilize everything we've been working towards. How reliable is your source? It's solid, Or perhaps it's time to question the motives behind your sudden helpfulness. You stand to gain much if this goes awry, tedious. I assure you, my loyalty is to you and the success of our operations.
00:17:41
Speaker
Yes, or perhaps to the position you think you might reclaim. I will convey this news to Romulus. Ready our fighting forces. Right away, supreme administrator. Never fuck. Computer, activate encrypted channel.
00:17:59
Speaker
To all cells, this is the Shinzone. The hour of our liberation has been pushed forward. Prepare your teams and stand by for my signal tomorrow. You'll hear me on the comms. We are con.
00:18:14
Speaker
As dawn breaks the next day, Leela decide prepares for the fight ahead. How much caffeine does it take to incite a revolution? Maybe one more shot of espresso.
00:18:32
Speaker
Attention all personnel, this is the last Supreme Administrator of Remus. That's right, the last. Effective immediately, all operations are terminated, all positions are dissolved, and all personnel are stripped of rank. But simply, you're all fired.
00:18:55
Speaker
Those who wish to retreat to Romulus to face the Senate's wrath, lay down your arms and you will be escorted to transport vessels. Those who would rather live as free people may submit themselves to the Terran and Riemann augments and request amnesty.
00:19:11
Speaker
Those who wish to uphold the status quo will be purged with extreme prejudice. Today, Romulus gives this land back, willingly or not. Surrender or face me in battle. We are calm.
00:19:44
Speaker
As the echoes of the size proclamation fade, she steps out of her private office, the stride confident and purposeful. Yet, the quiet of the corridor offers no peace. An enemy attacks. Give me a role for fitness and security. The number to beat is 13. 13.
00:20:05
Speaker
The size, quick reflexes save her from a direct hit as she dives inside, but her own disruptor is struck from her hands, skittering across the floor,
00:20:36
Speaker
Oh, Cheez-It. Look at you. The Senate's kiss-ass. Finally brave enough to take me
00:20:49
Speaker
Chetius, face twisted and rage, raises his disruptor to take another shot. Give me another roll. Eight. Tapping into her new augment abilities, courtesy of Dr. Leo, the size mine sharpens. She executes a precise, reamful deflection strike, sending a telekinetic pulse that shifts the disruptor's aim just as Chetius fires. You're still an incompetent fool.
00:21:24
Speaker
Chetius rises on the floor. The hate in his eyes now mingled with fear as Desai approaches. Her silhouette casting a long shadow over his fallen form. What's the matter Chet? Zap got your tongue? It's Chetius. I know.
00:21:54
Speaker
All over Remus, the air crackles with the energy of revolution. From the depths of thylethium mines to the sprawling factories, Remans rise, their bodies and spirits fortified by Dr. Leo's
00:22:28
Speaker
Across the colony, the oppressor's real back, unprepared for the strength and fury of a people long subjugated but never broken. Above them, the sky dockings with the arrival of the Terran augment fleet. Look! The skies! Reinforcements! Terran pilots encased in mech armor slammed to the ground. The artillery guns of their suits make quick work of their foes.
00:22:55
Speaker
The Iron Man. Titans in battle.
Future Alliances and Celebrations
00:22:58
Speaker
Deliver grim justice. Power to the people. We are Khan. We are Khan.
00:23:12
Speaker
After the battle, Leela Desai meets with Riemann forces and the legendary Khan Nuneon sings to discuss the future. We want our freedom, but the cost has been high. We need to assess the full extent of the damage and prepare for any Romulan attempts to retake the planet. Liberator, reports are coming in. Casualties are higher than initial estimates, and several key facilities are severely damaged. The infrastructure needs immediate attention if we're to keep the colony functional.
00:23:43
Speaker
prioritize medical facilities and critical infrastructure. I want recovery teams mobilized within the hour. We can't afford to let our guard down now. Administrator Desai, we have received a communication from Khan Nguyen Singh himself. He congratulates us us on our victory and offers the support of the Khanate to stabilize remits. Let's hear what Khan has to offer. But remember, we remain vigilant. The Khanate's support is not without its own ambitions.
00:24:14
Speaker
Commander Desai, your courage has lit a fire across the stars. The Khanate stands with you. Together, we can build a new order free from Romulan tyranny, a beacon of strength and prosperity. We welcome your support, Khan. Together, let us forge a future where we must stand strong and miss the stars.
00:24:49
Speaker
As the first night of freedom descends upon Remus, the colony thrives with the sound of celebration. Lights glitter across the landscape, illuminating faces of both weary and joyous, as Remans and Terran augments alike revel in their success. To freedom, and to those who dare to fight for it. And to new beginnings, however daunting they may be.
00:25:17
Speaker
You know, there's something exhilarating about standing at the threshold of the unknown. Could a Terran, say, live with a Romulan bride? Makes one ponder the limits of life, and perhaps ways to extend it. Always the scientist, Leo. But let's focus on the life we have now. There are no guarantees after all. True, but imagine the possibilities, Leela.
00:25:47
Speaker
If we could not only free ourselves from oppression, but from time itself, what if we could spend an eternity like an ambitious line of experimentation, doctor. Possibly even dangerous. For now, let's enjoy the time we do have. To time then. May it be kind to us, and may it be long.
00:26:14
Speaker
to us, Leo, to the Remans, to the Connie, to a better tomorrow, no matter how long it lasts. Wow. Now, as I recall, you owe me another drink. Far tender. Another for the liberator of Remus. We are gone. We are gone. Leela, the liberator, decides, slams her mug of Romulan ale on the counter after she downs the entire drink.
00:26:44
Speaker
We are Khan. Just as Desai and Leo are clearly about to share a passionate kiss, Balthazar Eku Edison walks up to the pair in tactical gear, clearly slightly tipsy. um He's been looking for Leo all night.
00:27:05
Speaker
Now that is where my best friend has been hiding. Echo, you're interrupting right now. Eh, Charlie, tell me, who is this beautiful woman? Please, don't mind him. He's a worm. You know what? Never mind. I will find out over a drink.
00:27:34
Speaker
Also starring, Milo Lam as Chetius, Chris Crow as the mysterious Romulan, Zeke Brown as the Riemann leader, and Aaron Vaughn as Khan Nuneon Singh.
00:27:51
Speaker
Sorry, folks. We were a day late because I was a little sick. Do not eat the 10 for 5 meal deal at 7-11 at 11 o'clock at night. I would not suggest it.
Conclusion and Listener Message
00:28:06
Speaker
Anyway.
00:28:08
Speaker
Thank you for tuning in. um Check out the newsletter at Dark Trek podcast dot com. And you know where to find find us on Patreon, www.patreon dot.com slash Dark Trek. And we'll see you in two weeks later.