The Cold Divide

> "The Universe was cruel when she gave life to the Tantalus Cluster." - *Director Elizabeth Ancelet*.
>
>

**"The Cold Divide"** is the first episode of Volume 1 of *The Sojourn*.

## Synopsis

As the Avalon Expedition departs the Tantalus Cluster for an extra-galactic nebula in search of resources, the crew of the *Guinevere* discover a mysterious new threat.

## Summary

> "Through ten years of violence, humanity accelerated its fate. And once the war was over, we had fallen too far to recover." - *Elizabeth, during her speech*.
>
>

The Episode begins with a speech from Director Elizabeth Ancelet about the purpose of the Avalon Exploratory Initiative , and what it means to the wider Tantalus cluster in the face of the Great Famine that it is now suffering with.

We then cut to a battle in progress, as the Privateer Corvette *Guinevere* chases a slaver ship called the *Black Rabbit*, which it quickly dispatches. A while later, the crew reconvene, Croft making them a surprisingly full breakfast of Scrambled Egg on Toast with Diced Sausages; a rare and expensive meal given the Great Famine, but one Croft justifies given it's the crew's last breakfast in Tantalus.

The Guinevere shortly after arrives at Gatehouse Station, the launching point of the Avalon Expedition. Witnessing a food riot being dispersed as they come into land, Cassandra is then told by the Deck Officer that she has been elected as the Expedition's Defence Adjutant - a position she neither applied for nor wants. Meanwhile, Croft and Meds visit a bar on Gatehouse station, striking conversation with the bartender and earning them a couple of bottles of Firewatch Whiskey for the trip.

Cassandra and Elizabeth then meet for the first time. They discuss the Expedition, and Elizabeth offers Cassandra a cigarette, but she turns it down. She then explains to the Director that she is turning down the Defence Adjutant position as she doesn't consider herself a soldier anymore, and is happiest with just herself and her crew. Elizabeth understands this, though explains that the position will remain open if the Captain should want to take it on the other side.

Soon after, the Expedition is underway. Director Ancelet delivers another speech as the fleet enters the Gate. As the *Guinevere* exits on the other side, they are pelted by rocks, causing alarms to sound and rocks to fly, but the ship decelerates intact, with only Croft suffering any injuries. Following a scan, they confirm they most likely arrived at CDC-41-Gamma; however, they find themselves out of contact with the rest of the fleet.

> "Any idea where we are?" - *Meds.*
>
>

> "Looks like we’re on the bridge." - *Croft, in response*.
>
>

After Croft's injuries are treated, the crew continue to scan, coming across another Avalon Vessel - the *Mariana*, a Unioner ship - partially embedded in an ice asteroid. Soon after, however, they pick up another, unidentified vessel, which upon catching visual of, causes concern amongst the crew as they turn on silent running.

The *Mariana* attempts to hail the Unknown Ship. However, it is soon after hit with several blasts of unknown energy weapons. The ship then fires upon the *Guinevere*, causing glancing hits. Quickly, the Captain takes over piloting from the injured Croft, targetting what the crew assumes is a comms array on the unidentified vessel with Torpedos, followed quickly by 4 more torpedos around the Mariana, freeing it from the ice.

However, before the ships can flee, a large energy signature is read from the Ship. Evasive action is taken, but the following shockwave collides with both ships, as the episode comes to an end...

## Cast

### Main

* Larissa Thompson as Captain Cassandra Farren
* Emily Serdahl as Director Elizabeth Ancelet
* Ben Prendergast as Mathias Croft
* Laura Faye Smith as Tamara 'Meds' Melari

### Additional Voices

* Stephen Trafford
* Austin Light

## Trivia

* The episode was originally titled "*Cold Lighthouse*", before being renamed to "*The Cold Divide*" by the time of the Pilot's release.

## References

1. ↑ Dan posted a image confirming so here

## Gallery

Edric's Gate as the Fleet departsFlorencia-ClassThe *Guinevere* as it enters the Ice beltThe *Mariana* following her destruction by the *Cloak of Mercy*
## External Links

* *The Cold Divide* episode transcript on TheSojournAudiodrama.com