Lord Of The Flies Part 2 of 6

Impala Films presents Haunted the Audio Drama Season 3 Episode 10 Lord of the Flies Part 2 of 6 Written by Jamie Evans.

I'm sorry. Carter Stone has gone to the UK.

For the final beta test of Conduit, of course. Didn't you know that?

Of course we knew about the beta test. We just didn't know Mr. Stone would be coming to personally oversee the project. We're quite flattered, actually.

Aren't we?

Oh, yes, yes, absolutely.

I mean, how many CEOs on Mr. Stone's level are still getting involved in the day-to-day of the company?

Well, it's hardly day-to-day, is it? Conduit is going to revolutionize the social media landscape. According to the files your team sent over in advance, you're expecting to have put your largest competitors out of business within 18 months of launch. Some would say that's ambitious, but I say, why not aim high? I may be based here, but I hope you understand I'm very much open to opportunities at other businesses in the Carter Stone family.

Well, we'll make sure to put in a good word for you with Mr. Stone when we get back to the UK.

Oh, you would?

Oh, thank you.

That would be wonderful. Don't get me wrong, I'm very excited for the work we'll be doing with here, but to be at the forefront of the project would just be wonderful.

Well, we're very much looking for people like yourself for the project. Young go-getter types. People with their pulse on the culture.

Oh, I absolutely have that. I'm very familiar with the business models of all the big social media companies and how conduit will be different. I personally think it's incredible the mathematical way you've designed your algorithm and the partnership with ourselves will only drive profits for both businesses.

What exactly is the partnership between a social media company and a medical insurance company?

The project you've come here to work on today? To do the integration for it? You don't know what that is?

Of course we know already, but we'd like to hear it from yourself. In your own words. We find that it's the best way to ensure both parties are on the same page when approaching a collaboration.

Oh, um, yes, of course. Well, the idea is to integrate our system into the Conduit Network. Our AI will monitor the Conduit Network for continuous health updates. That way, we'll be able to continuously monitor people's health and adjust their policies in real time.

I'm not, I mean, could you elaborate, please?

So, for examples, if an individual puts up multiple pictures of themselves going out to bars or parties, the AI would notify their alcohol intake and make relevant adjustments to their policies. The individual could make the choice to either increase their payments, or they could remove coverage for any alcohol-related illnesses. We'd be able to do the same if they put up pictures of them smoking, or if we notice them gaining weight.

Oh my god.

Right.

Yes, very good. You summarized that excellently.

How will you ensure Conduit gets such a large portion of the market share?

Well, Carter & Co. has very deep pockets and a great deal of connections. As you can imagine, a lot of corporations will be very interested in the data we gather, and so they'll push the service very heavily as well.

With Carter & Co.

Support, we'll be lobbying nations like the UK, who have socialized healthcare, to move to a privatized model so we're fairly certain we'll be able to increase revenue exponentially. Why are you looking at me like that?

Like what? Like what?

You're looking at me like I said something wrong. Have I misunderstood the project somehow?

No, sorry. I have a headache, that's all.

Maybe we should have gotten some rest before coming here after all.

Could we see the files you have on the project? Particularly around the beta test taking place in London?

I won't have any information you don't already have. After all, your team sent us most of the documents. I'm sorry to ask this, but could I see some ID?

ID?

Yes, I'm sorry I have to ask. It would be wonderful if we could take people at their word, but yes, I need to see ID, please.

Certainly.

One second.

Where did I put it?

You should have showed it at reception.

Oh, no.

The gentleman there waved us right through it.

I apologize, that was a breach of protocol. Please show me your IDs now.

Lauren?

IDs now.

One second.

I'm calling security.

Hello, Rebecca. Sorry to intrude like this.

Dr.

Galway, what are you doing here?

Robert sent me to let the guests know they left their bag down at the reception area. Would you like to come and collect it?

Oh, of course. That's where we left our IDs.

Ah, sorry. Must have slipped our minds with the jet lag.

I see.

If you'd like to come with me, I'll take you back to reception to collect your bag.

We'll be back with you shortly, Rebecca. Apologies for the confusion. Who are you?

Why, follow me.

The man Rebecca had called him Doctor looked unwell. He was a middle-aged man with a bald spot in the center of his dark hair and a pot belly that came from a life of two little exercise coupled with one too many fine dinners. His skin was pale and clammy, and there was an odd jerky nature to his movements and voice. It almost felt like a lag, like every action took just a second too long. He had gotten us out of an awkward situation, but I had to wonder if he was taking us out of the frying pan only to toss us in the fire.

Where are you taking us?

Friends must leave.

They will sound alarms soon.

Suspicious.

I'm sorry. I gave it away.

No, you didn't.

I did.

I'm sorry. I just couldn't hide the disgust on my face. That's evil, what they're doing.

They would have caught us out soon anyway. Don't beat yourself up.

I know that Carter Stone is some sort of inhuman monster from another dimension, but most of these people going along with this are human beings. I can't help but think, are we really that different from him if we're willing to do something like this?

Makes you wonder, doesn't it?

Yeah, it does.

Jesus, I miss Abigail. She always sees the best in people. I hadn't realised how much I needed that sort of energy.

Friends.

Out here. Dan. Lauren. James.

Cassandra.

Stone already left on a plane this morning.

Going where?

Britain.

Yeah.

Go figure, right?

Who's your friend?

We don't know. He's a doctor on staff here, but as to why he's sneaking us out... No time.

Don't have long.

Here. You take... A map? Go. Go to the X.

The X.

A port of Savannah?

A port?

A man there will help you. Put you on a ship. A ship?

That would take days to reach the UK.

Our passports and everything were lost in a fire. We can't get on a plane.

Don't worry. It won't be a problem. Here. Port.

About four hour drive.

Blue sedan.

About one hundred meters down the road.

What about you? Not important. Wait.

Please, one second.

Doctor.

Galway.

Doctor Galway. I.

I mean, I can feel... I can sense.

Not.

Important. What are you?

I mean, are you human?

Not....

Anymore.

Just.

Porn. A pawn?

Like a chess piece?

Yes.

Cassandra, we should get going. Just hold up! One second!

My....

Ask.

is.

done.

Time.

To leave.

Wait, no!

No! Why did he do that?

Let's go, now.

There's the car.

I'm driving.

Why the hell did he do that? He must have been crazy or something.

I don't think he was. I think something made him do it.

Stay back. Oh no.

I'm terrified.

What do you want?

Is that any way to repay my generosity? I brought you some water. I even thought you might be a bit hungry. I bought you some crisps.

Oh, I hate cheese and onion. Did they have any prawn cocktail?

Do you find yourself amusing, Abigail?

I do, actually.

I can see a lot of James's mannerisms have rubbed off on you.

If you're here to mope and whine about how much you miss James and how jealous you are of his new friends, then I kindly invite you to fuck off, Carl. I'm not in the mood.

Oh, poor Abigail.

Feeling sorry for yourself? How very unlike you.

Seriously. Unless you're going to let me go free right now, piss off. I'm not in the mood for games or mockery.

You know I can't let you go. Carter thinks you might be valuable.

Oh, he does, does he?

Besides, where would you go? You've got no one left. Your friends and your boyfriend are dead. I suppose there's still your mother. Maybe I'll visit her when we're done here. Offer my apologies for burning down her church.

They're not dead.

Excuse me?

James, Cassandra, Dan, they're not dead.

Of course they are.

You saw me burn down the house and blow up the bunker.

They've gotten out of worse situations.

Your faith in them is admirable.

I'll never give up on James. Not like you.

Well, let's see if that's how you feel after you've been here for a while. Why don't I leave you alone for a bit whilst you Familiarise yourself with your new living arrangements. This is what faith in James Hunter gets you, Abigail Corbin.

You're not going to break me that easily.

I think this is the place.

What gave it away, all of the giant cargo ships?

Can you two not.

Start sniping at one another, please?

Okay.

What do we do now?

He said there'd be a man here looking for us.

He might be looking for a while. It looks like a very big place.

Or maybe it's the old geezer approaching us?

Hello there.

Well, hello there. I've been waiting on you folks. You found the place okay?

It was fairly straightforward. How did you know we'd need a ship?

Ah, we can discuss the details later. Right now, we need to shake a leg. Don't want to miss our ride. Follow me.

What do you think?

Seems suspicious.

What other choice do we have?

Every moment we delay could make things worse for Abigail.

You're right.

Come on.

So, do you have a name, Captain?

Farrow.

Farrow?

Aye, it'll do for a name.

I don't suppose you plan on telling us who you are or why you're helping us?

There will be time for that later. For now, let's just say we have mutual interests.

Mutual interests.

You're familiar with the phrase, the enemy of my enemy is my friend, I presume.

I am.

Then there is your answer.

You have to be kidding. No way are we getting in there.

You are for now, if you don't want to be detained by Port Authority. I'll be able to let you out once we're out in international water.

And we're just supposed to take your word for that?

Considering you're up Schitt's Creek without me.

Yes.

I put blankets in there and water and snacks. You'll only be in there a few hours. Five or six tops.

Five or six?

James, there has to be a better way back to Britain than this.

The man back in Atlanta.

Dr. Galway?

Yes.

How did you do that?

Do what?

You know what.

You were controlling him.

You made him step into traffic like that. You killed him.

Do you think? How could a mere man do such a thing?

Cassandra, do you want to start telling us what's going on here?

I don't know.

If this is some sort of game to you, Pharaoh.

Why, yes, I suppose that is one way of looking at it. A great game.

Did anybody else suddenly get goosebumps?

I told you. We want the same thing. You want to stop the man known as Carter Stone. I want the man known as Carter Stone stopped. This is what we call a mutually beneficial arrangement.

So tell us who you are.

You don't need to know who I am. Yet.

So you expect us to just get in this prison willingly?

I am offering you free passage across the Atlantic, but I am not a patient man. That offer is rescinded in five, four, three, two.

We'll take it.

What? You'll get us back to the UK.

Yes, and you will put a stop to Carter Stone.

It sounds like you know what he's up to. Why not tell us so we can be prepared?

Because that just wouldn't be any fun for me, James. Now step inside. You too, Cassandra.

You're soaked in it.

Hmm? The abyss.

The stench of it. It's all over you.

What are you?

Now, now, Cassandra. No skipping ahead. Enjoy your ride, travelers.

Rise and shine, sleepyhead.

Is it morning?

Who could say?

Don't be a dick, Carl. There's no windows or clocks in here and I feel like I'm going crazy.

Isn't it funny? Once upon a time, humans didn't care about time at all. But then we just had to go and do what we do best, didn't we? Start counting.

Categorising.

Taking the day and parceling it up into seconds and minutes and hours. Now you take away a clock and people lose their damn minds.

Do you have a point? Or have you gone even more mad than you already were?

Oh, no. No point.

Just enjoying adding to your torment.

What do you want?

To talk.

Do you mind if I sit? Please, Abigail, sit down. I trust you're comfortable.

Fuck you.

Oh, you don't want to make idle chit-chat?

I repeat, fuck you, Carl.

Have it your way then, straight down to business. Why does James think you're part of the Church of Unity's prophecy?

I have no idea what you're talking about.

You're a smart woman, Abigail. Surely you can see it would be better for all of us if we skipped the part where you pretend to not know what I'm talking about.

I had no idea James thought I was part of anything until Dan told me tonight. Approximately 20 minutes before you burned the house down.

So James isn't such a saint after all, is he? Keeping secrets.

Another man with a misguided belief that they have to somehow protect me.

His protection isn't wanted.

It's not that it's... We're supposed to be a team. What sort of team keeps things from one another?

Tonight on a very special program, we learn all about what teamwork really means.

And what about you? Teaming up with the Lord of the Flies doesn't exactly seem like an ideal partnership.

As if you know nearly enough to make a judgment on what I'm doing.

Carter wants to destroy the world, am I right?

Speculation, Abigail.

More like learning from history. I saw the murals beneath the desert in California. I may not know what creature Carter Stone is, but I think I know pretty much what he wants.

Please, don't let me stop you now. Go on, clever clogs.

To consume. That's what that thing does. It eats and takes over everything until there's nothing left but it. It will destroy the world. That's not what you want, Carl.

How can you presume to know what I want?

You want revenge. On the Church of Unity, you don't have a problem with the rest of the world. You just want to make the people who hurt you suffer.

And you don't think that burning their entire world would achieve that?

Not in the way you want. You want to do it yourself. With your own hands. You're pretty messed up, by the way.

Oh, no.

Abigail Corbyn has judged me. However will I live with myself?

Whatever, Carl. Your act doesn't impress me. You want to make them bleed with your own two hands? You want to tear up their plans for yourself? This partnership with Stone will only go as far as you want it to. Then you'll take off.

So what if I do?

Using people to get what you want sure seems to work out until you meet someone who sees it coming and betrays you first.

You think I'm not a match for Carter Stone?

I think we wait and see.

Well, you'll have a front row seat.

Won't you?

So you are planning on turning on him?

Aye.

Well played, Abigail. Very clever.

Running away? You wish.

You're going to be here for a few days. Why rush things? I will have many more chances to learn what I want to learn from you.

I told you. I don't know why James thinks I'm part of some prophecy.

It doesn't matter if you do or do not. If James figured it out, so will I.

He's going to come and get me. You know that, don't you? And he's going to stop you.

Shut up about....

Carl, just in time. Come, look at this. Look down there.

Your men work fast.

Of course they do. I pay them well.

Shame for them. They won't have long to spend their money.

True, true.

The machine is almost complete. The buses bringing the beta testers for Conduit are due to arrive the day after tomorrow.

Then we begin.

What's the time frame? How long do I have to wait until I have my weapon?

The girl has upset you somehow.

No.

I'm just tired of waiting. I want my revenge.

I've heard it said that revenge should not be rushed. That it should be savored.

Where did you hear that nonsense?

I don't recall. One of your human books, perhaps. Or maybe I heard it from someone I killed many years ago.

Well, I have waited decades for my revenge. I would say I've savored long enough. It's time to eat.

That it is, my boy. That.

Starring Jamie Evans as James Hunter, Isabella Barbieri as Abigail Corbin, Luke Hunter as Dan Cowell, and Cherie Hendry as Cassandra D'Angelo. Also featuring Hannah Schooner, David Gardner, Peter Wicks, Shayla Tharp, Tony Gilbert, Marlon Danshoy, David Jervis Green, Thank you for listening to this audio presentation. Haunted is a production of Impala Films and is directed by Jamie Evans and Benton Hodges, with audio engineering by Benton Hodges and Jamie Evans. Haunted theme by James Crow. Haunted is recorded at Free Sprite Media Studios, with special thanks to Duncan Newell for equipment support.

Come back next week for the next exciting chapter of Haunted, the audio drama.

Lord Of The Flies Part 2 of 6

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