November 13, 2024 • 58 mins
Episode 50. An outsider comes to the station to get more insight into what really goes on day to day at Amundsen Scott.
90 Degrees South releases new episodes once a month for the first four episodes of season three. We then return to our twice monthly release. Please take a moment to leave a review and help spread the word. We also now have merch and a Patreon page. For Patreon visit: www.patreon.com/90degreespodcast . For our Merch store visit: http://tee.pub/lic/y_EZRao4htc
- “New Land” (90 Degrees Theme Song) by Ian Post.
- "The Four Seasons Summer 3" By (Larry) Dover Quartet
- (Topper) Aves - "Make It Right"
- idokay - "its all in your head"
- Lance Conrad - "Waiting and Hoping - Stripped Version"
- Master Minded - "Amazonian Grounding"
- Or Chausha - "Lost the Moment - Stripped Version"
- Tristan Barton - "Ember"
All songs were properly licensed and obtained through Artlist.io or pond5.com.
90 Degrees South
A BMB Production, LLC
Transcripts can be found at: https://90degreespodcast.com/transcripts
90 Degrees is in no way affiliated nor endorsed (that we’re aware of) by the United States National Science Foundation (NSF) nor the United States Marshal Service (USMS) nor the United States Department of Justice.
We are 100% independently funded and do not accept commercial endorsements or affiliations.
Episode 50. Wow! I feel like I should have something really profound to say for the occasion. "That'll do pig. That'll do. "
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:19):
Our regular programming will notbe heard tonight, so we can
bring you a special report from Crosshairs.
From exposing drug operations inthe jungles of Cambodia,
shedding light on corruption andmajor investment banking firms
to criminal injustices of the wrongly accused, it's Crosshairs
with your host Alexa Rydell. A month since Scott Antarctica
(00:45):
Polar Research Facility, it's asremote as one can get on planet
Earth. Yet even here in this barren,
frozen wasteland, the footprintsof humanity are far from
absinthe. Since the mid 20th century, the
United States has maintained a presence at the South Pole named
Amundsen Scott in honor of Norwegian Roald Amundsen and
(01:06):
Britain Robert F Scott, who LED separate teams that race to
become the 1st to reach the spotin the early 1900's.
The current station as you see it today is the fourth version
to stand watch over an endless desert of ice.
The elevated station, or L Station as the locals call it,
was constructed in 2008, and it's just one of many buildings
(01:27):
on the complex which house researchers, scientists and
operation support teams year round.
While normally a Center for scientific research and studies,
not so long ago it became the site of Antarctica's first
recorded homicide in the historyof human exploration.
More to come on that later. With recent tensions and growing
(01:47):
concern from the international community, the White House
recently announced it was takingsteps to temper ongoing
disagreements. A presidential invitation was
sent to several foreign, environmental and scientific
cabinet ministers from 11 different nations to tour the
Amongst and Scott Research Facility selected to conduct and
lead the tour with House Minority Whip as well as up and
(02:10):
coming Senator Louisa Buxton. Viewed by some to be a strong
party favorite for the nomination in the 2024
elections, Crosshairs was given permission by the Office of
Polar Projects and the National Science Foundation to visit the
station, interview its residentsand international visitors.
While we were there, we also wanted to ask the ever growing
(02:32):
public question, is the station still relevant or even truly
necessary? Lawrence Emerson Wainwright,
doctor, head of this research facility and most recent Nobel
laureate. Doctor, what is it like managing
(02:52):
a science research facility so far away from basic civilization
out here on the frontier? While it most certainly has its
unique challenges, I'd like to think myself and my scientific
colleagues bring refinement and Western civilization with us as
we arrive. The work done here benefits not
only humanity and the bettermentof scientific research and
(03:13):
development, but also increases the understanding of the very
nature of our universe. You mentioned the Nobel Prize.
I see it sitting behind you on the shelf.
Would you consider that the defining accomplishment of your
career? Winning the Nobel was
unexpected, of course. The field of competition and
discoveries made each year a testament to mankind's academic
(03:36):
aspirations. However, finding accomplishment
of my career, perhaps of my career to date.
Speaking now of the upcoming tour from foreign scientists and
ministers, are you concerned about America's current trend or
regarding what some have termed the President Campbell
isolationist era? I'm not concerned in the least.
(03:59):
I put my trust and faith in our nation's elected officials.
Most have made public service their life's ambition and goal.
Well, perhaps not as glamorous or holding the prestige as
science enjoys. It is an admirable profession
nonetheless, I suppose. So then you're looking forward
to receiving so many dignitariesin having Amundsen Scott be the
(04:20):
site to showcase America's resolve to maintaining positive
and productive relations hand inhand with our allies.
There is simply no words to describe just how I feel to have
my station selected for this illustrious honor to act as a
guide to these academic allies and demonstrate how critically
vital our works are. Oh, oh, the the the works we do
(04:45):
here are absolutely critical forthe human race and not the
running time. This facility is at the South
Pole exactly for the optimal observational environment it
provides. There's no light pollution, no
magnetic or radio frequency noise.
The interference Well, there's simply no better place, no
better place to conduct scientific research into the
(05:06):
climate of our Galaxy and the whole universe other than a
Munson, Scott Well, and maybe Fresno.
And as the head scientist, you oversee all of the divisional
operations. Oh yes, yes, I'm very busy.
Very, very busy. I I oversee scientific
operations in the South Pole Telescope Station, the the
Martin A Pomeranz Observatory, the Ice Cube Observatory, Mama
(05:29):
Cook, the Breakfast No Hog, as well as the Atmospheric Research
Observatory. Impressive.
And all these projects, as well as the scientific operations on
the station, are taxpayer funded.
Well, well, well, I mean, we have the usual academic grants
or cooperative agreements and fellowships.
Not at the ring, of course, but yeah, I mean, we do receive some
(05:55):
taxpayer funding, a couple of Buckarino's here and there.
Don't be so modest, Doctor. The NSF petitioned Congress for
funding of Amundsen Scott under the Antarctic Infrastructure
Modernization for Science project or Ames and the
Antarctic Infrastructure Recapitalization or AIR program
for 80 million over fiscal year 2020 and over 100 million in
(06:19):
fiscal 21 and 22 each. Quite a lot of investment
capital. Yeah, yes, it is a large sum.
A large sum all right, but all well spent, All very well spent
on research and development. Not to mention the private
funding from the very fine and generous Beauregard Lowen
(06:41):
Foundation. All funding put into ground
breaking research. Oh, that must be tea time, but
I'll tell you, Lexi. It's Alexa.
Altimeter here isn't just your adrenaline addicted storm chaser
thrill seek. I'm the premier chief
(07:03):
meteorologist stationed high atop the frozen tundra in Oasis
for atmospheric accumulation. Pardon me, Doctor Hunt?
It is Doctor Hunt, Yes. Oh well, answer to anything you
want to just scream out when thefeeling moves you.
May I interest you in a Courvoisier cocktail?
No, no, thank you. Just how long have you been?
(07:24):
Pardon. Oh.
Sorry, barometric pressure must be playing tricks on my eardrums
accumulating my station build up.
For almost four years now. I started strong and maintained
strength and finished with a Gale force intensity and rapid
income Tides leg shaking force. Yes, I get it, Doctor, in all
that time, you must have mentored a good amount of
(07:44):
university researchers, doctoralcandidates, and grad students.
No, I mean a good zone Chase never keeps track of the many
tornadoes he's pursued, driven directly towards and penetrated
the swirling cyclone of danger and adventure.
Yeah, it's 64 by the way. And with all those researchers
under you, there's never been any complaints.
(08:05):
Under me on top, upside down. Trust me Lexi, after I'm done
working, there aren't any complaints.
Oh, I wouldn't use the word complaints exactly.
You must understand the NationalScience Foundation, the Office
of Polar Projects, and, well, there are a lot.
Is Julia Chipperfield, head of human Resources and employee
(08:25):
relations here at Amundsen Scott.
Julia has been on the station only a short time, missing last
summer season due to recovering from an automobile accident, but
is charged with ensuring a safe,non threatening and harassment
free workplace. Is researched and investigated
completely, fairly and without any preconceived prejudice,
guilt or blame assigned. Also without any fear of
(08:47):
retaliation or reprisals. So then the various concerns, as
you called it directed at DoctorTopper Hunt are that that is a
confidential matter. Privacy laws and non disclosure
agreements don't allow me to go into specifics.
There's also sensitivity over those with the concerns.
We need to protect anonymity. You understand sensitivity?
(09:09):
I completely hear what you're saying and the importance you
put upon it. Me too, am I right?
What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of working
with such a diverse cross spectrum of scientists,
contractors and administrative staff?
Well, gosh, that's a very difficult question.
I, I don't think of it so much as a challenge.
(09:32):
I think of it as an opportunity.You know, how can I go about
making each person's job and function down here just a little
bit easier every day? Gee, it's, it's what I love to
do. Be as helpful as possible.
You are such an energetic young person, Mr. Kelly.
Oh, please, just call me Thomas.Oh, oh, were your quarters
(09:54):
acceptable? We repurposed one of the offices
for you to use for editing for any paperwork you might have, or
just a quiet place to retreat ifyou needed.
Everything was perfect. Thomas, we absolutely appreciate
all of the effort you went. To if you're happy, I'm happy.
You're quite young for such a lofty role on the station.
(10:15):
If you don't mind me saying, just how old are you?
Oh well, fine, I know I look like I'm really young, but don't
let the babyface fool you, I'm actually 24.
How 24? If I read correctly, you've been
on the station for five years, so you started.
Right out of school, I did some interning at a data management
(10:38):
center somewhere after I graduated.
Not where I wanted to be, you know, sitting in a cube day
after day and just crunching numbers.
I just had a, well, I, I, I don't really know what to call
it actually a, a pole I guess, to head down here to the ice to
work. Been on the station ever since.
(11:02):
And the roles you perform, are they fulfilling?
Yeah, I just, I mean, I guess hey, are we live 0?
No, no, no. It's all recorded in advance.
What we're doing now, it will air later in the year.
OK, Yeah, OK. But you mean like on on
television, right? Yeah, television streaming, you
(11:24):
and the station. All her residents will be on
multiple platforms. So then, so should I look at you
or, or should I look at the my man with the camera over there?
Yeah, you haven't been interviewed for television
before, have you? No, I'm sweating here just a
(11:45):
bit. Can iPhone a friend?
Is that still a thing? Of all of the residents at the
station, more than the scientists or beakers as they're
called, more than the contract workers or Dewalt's, one person
stands out and is something of an enigma.
At Amundsen Scott Supervisory United States Deputy Marshall
(12:06):
Bass Wyatt Marlowe, the ice sheriff as he enjoys calling
himself. Originally assigned to the
station almost one year ago, Deputy Marshall Marlowe was sent
to investigate not only the station's first recorded
homicide, but also the first homicide on the entire
continent. Doctor Mark Rodney was viciously
attacked and murdered by one of his research assistants, Joshua
(12:29):
Nichols. Upon apprehending his suspect
and transporting him back to themainland for his crime, his
plane experienced a catastrophicmalfunction and crashed on them.
There he is, Steve. Over there.
That way. Deputy Marshall, Deputy Alexa
Rydell, Crosshairs. Can we get it quick?
I apologize, but there's an urgent matter I need to attend
to, perhaps later. This will only take a few
(12:51):
moments. We're going to have to chat
later. I'm sorry.
My apologies, ma'am. Damn it.
OK, let's reset. I'm going to get this interview
even if I have to. Now Crosshairs with Alexa,
Rydell continues. Prior to traveling to a month
(13:15):
since Scott, we scheduled several interviews with members
of the US Senate and House of Representatives, as well as
previous academic occupants of the station.
Since the introduction of the Office of Citizen Morale by
President Campbell, initial favorability surveys are showing
an overwhelming popularity in the current United States
administration, close to 87% favorability across all key
(13:39):
demographics. One interview we were very
honored to get was current Speaker of the House,
Representative Lillian Hammer. Madam Speaker, thank you so very
much for agreeing to this interview.
We fully understand how preciousyour time is.
Nonsense, Miss Rydell, I enjoy speaking to all members of the
(14:00):
press, despite what you may see in the tabloids.
When the Antarctic Peace Treaty was signed back 65 years ago,
the world was a much different place.
Yes, we were neck deep in a ColdWar with Russia and communism,
but that was it. We weren't facing dangers from a
(14:21):
multi vector approach and from numerous hostile actors.
It was a much different time in America.
You didn't have to lock your doors at night.
Kids played outside all day without any external dangers.
There was a keen sense of community and national pride.
(14:41):
When you look around at the United States today, that
picture is more nuanced and not in particularly favorable ways.
The idea of international scientific exploration is an
admirable goal. Its aims are for beneficial
purposes. But over time, as bickering and
(15:02):
I even dare say congenial, nations and their internal goals
and intentions evolve. Shouldn't then we too take a
breath. Take a breath and ask the
question, do we evolve and alignto the present day or remain
behind in a bygone and outmoded era?
(15:24):
So you're saying that? What I'm saying is maybe it's
time to pause and really take stock in where our priorities
should lie. All due respect to the speaker,
that is a ludicrous statement. Doctor Helena Mckendrick is a
world renowned geologist teaching at the University of
(15:46):
Maryland and previously worked for a month since Scott for two
years. She returned to the States last
year, shortly after the murder of Doctor Rodney was solved.
The research conducted at the South Pole represents some of
the most meaningful and thought provoking endeavour science can
pursue. The geopolitical issues on the
globe should have no bearing on continuing those works.
(16:07):
That was the original goal of the Antarctic Treaty
signatories, to establish a communal environment where it
was science that had the emphasis, not politics or
national ideological agendas. It sounds like you see the work
being conducted at Munson Scott as being beneficial, even
despite the ongoing international disagreements.
(16:28):
I. Think the work should be
continued to spite those international disagreements?
Science is the pursuit of knowledge and attempt to gain a
better understanding, not to gain a strategic advantage over
conflicting interests. Our current.
Government could take a lesson or two from scientific academia.
(16:49):
Our newborn, he seems to only want to sleep for two hours at a
time. Will you pardon me a moment?
Mommy's coming, Bass. I have him.
Sweetheart, you do your interview.
Besides, it's my turn to change the Diaper Genie.
Who's the fussy baby? Who's the bus bus?
Big Bass. That's quite a unique name named
(17:12):
for. The man who helped me back onto
the path, I was always meant to be a pawn.
Without him, that little one wouldn't be here.
Bass he's. Well.
I guess complicated would be thebest way to describe him.
That or pig headed doofus of a Sasquatch this is.
(17:32):
Federal Bureau of Investigation agent Fiona Murphy, head of
cybercrime and financial forensics in the FB is Honolulu
office. She's also known Supervisory
Deputy Bass Marlowe all their lives.
So then, in essence, Deputy Marlowe is more or less of an
older brother to you in. Essence and practice and
(17:53):
overprotectiveness and more or less any term you want to apply
to it. He sure as hell axe the part so
not. Your brother by blood then.
I'm sure there's a story on how you two met.
It's not overly exciting, but well, my parents were killed in
a car crash when I was three. We lived at the farm next to the
Marlow's in Emporia, KS. Once the word got out Deanna
(18:16):
that was Bass's mom, Deanna informed the local sheriff and
Child Protective Services that they would be caring for me.
Not asking, not suggesting telling.
Both my parents were only children so I had no aunts or
uncles to go to. Bass is 8.
Years older, but he would alwayslook after me before and after
my folks were killed. Anyway, you don't really argue
(18:39):
with Deanna, you just follow herlead.
So the sheriff agreed and I was given to the care of the
Marlowe's. When I turned 10, they formally
adopted me. So.
The two of you grew up together?Yep, after he.
Graduated fast, went off to Glencoe and the Marshall
Service. I graduated from the University
of Kansas and went into the Bureau's Computer Crime
Division. Our department supports FBI
(19:00):
investigation as well as other members of the Department of
Justice, including. The US Marshals.
Including. The marshals, yes.
For all the scientists conducting experiments and
exploring the mysteries of the universe, the administrative
individuals who deal with paperwork station routines,
tally the scores, and submit andreceive reports.
(19:20):
One of the most overlooked rolesare the individuals who keep the
station looking brand new and spotless, the custodians.
This. Is McHale the station's chief
custodian? I am simply Jennifer, not fancy
pants custodian with all. The staff and operations
happening day-to-day at the station, how difficult is it to
(19:43):
really keep clean all of them? God.
God, I don't get it. All of our camera batteries are
almost completely drained. Damn it, Gary, I told you to
recharge the batteries every evening.
Real college radio production you're running here, huh?
I did. Recharge them like they just
drained rapidly over the last few 4 seconds.
(20:05):
Is Vinny Morphibron. I have cleanings which must be
done there. Maybe you can find me later.
And we do a janitor on the strict interview segment.
Yeah. Sounds incredible Joe be a great
intern and go get the spare camera batteries now, duh.
Those got drained too. 15 minutes ago an announcement came
(20:31):
over the stations loud speakers announcing an incoming plane
would be given priority to land.A sudden sense of urgency and
Dr. overcame the staff who work out here on the station single
air terminal called pack station.
The plane you hear behind me literally just came to a halt
after landing and crews are scrambling to get inside.
I see yes. I think I see the pilot exiting
(20:53):
now. Captain.
Captain Alexa Rydell. Crosshairs.
Make sure to check engine 3. It's running sluggish.
Oh, hi, You're the reporter we were told about last month.
OK. Alexa Rydell Captain, can you
tell us what's taking place thatnecessitated landing priority
and being rushed to station operations?
(21:15):
I was on a standard supply run back to Amundsen when I got a
call over the radio about an hour ago.
A hurt that departed from McMurdo and set to land here is
having some issues. What kind of issues?
Is it serious? The kind of issues where a plane
could potentially crash. So I'd say serious.
Yeah, No, please, if you'll pardon me.
(21:35):
Wait, what flight ANG? 813.
That's the international delegation flight.
Like I said, serious. We've re entered the station and
there is a palpable sense of tension in the air.
Excuse us, press coming through,please.
Excuse me. We have to get through.
(21:57):
Ma'am, Ma'am. No cameras in here.
It's not let her. Through let her, let them in, we
are to provide them full and unfettered access.
All right. Any luck on contacting Dr.
Wainwright? No.
He's still not answering pages or his radio.
(22:18):
Heck, what a time to be working on that, dad.
At least five different things that I'm sure are important.
I'm here, Mr. Kelly, what do we have?
The incoming diplomatic flight stopped responding to air
traffic about an hour ago. They're still showing up on the
(22:38):
radar and following their flightplan.
We just can't reach them do. We think it's radio issues on
their end. Possible.
I had Captain Traeger called to the OPS deck to assist.
He's flown LC130's for years. He's changing out of his flight
suit now. OK, any word for McMurdo?
Any mention of trouble from the OPS team there spoke.
(22:58):
With them a short time ago, theysaid the flight took off as
scheduled. No issues they saw or were
reported. Routine take off.
Where's Wainwright? We've.
Been. Trying to reach him, He's
indisposed. Can I follow?
(23:19):
Just perfect. All right, everybody listen up.
I'm assuming command of OP center.
I need everybody to stay calm and focus on the task at hand.
We don't know the full story yet, but the only priority we
have at this time is to re establish communication with the
iceberg and get them safely on the ground.
All right, I'm all set. Bess, What's the word?
(23:40):
Still silence do. We know what the crew and the
pastor count on a plane like that is it's.
AC130J Super Herc 2 pilots, 1 loadmaster and a dozen
passengers. She's also hauling incoming
cargo from the station. Hold.
On I'm going to need to borrow your clipboard here guys, sorry.
OK, Assuming Max with 22 tons full fuel tank at about £82,000
(24:03):
Christmas speed of 42 lbs per hour, right?
Talk to me, Captain. Come on.
OK, good news is the J series isone of the more recent planes
and the top of the line. It has 2 mission computers, dual
redundancy, terrain awareness warning systems and ground
collision avoidance systems. Best of all, it has autopilot
(24:23):
and autoland systems, so if something were to happen to the
crew, that thing will stay in the air for as long as it has
fuel. Which will be.
How long they're? Still on set and on target to
land in about 3 hours. Assuming they had full tanks,
which they always do, they couldgo another 4 hours after they
(24:45):
pass us. Let's make.
Sure, they don't pass us. Let's get them back on the ice,
old George's. Bad news is, even with the
autopilot not a land there is that human interaction needed to
turn them on the control panel and instra panels.
If the pilots are not there, if they are impaired in some way,
(25:05):
shape or form, we will need a Plan B.
We'll be back after these messages.
How is? School Billy.
I hate it. I don't ever want to go back.
What happened? Some of the kids.
(25:27):
Said America wasn't the best country in the world and on the
wrong track. I said they were wrong and they
laughed at me. T VS Michael Breckenridge.
What are you doing here? I was.
Walking by and couldn't help buthere.
Billy, the problem isn't the faith you have in America, it's
(25:47):
that your school friends have nofaith at all.
You mean I was right? Absolutely.
It's not that your school friends are evil or dangerous,
not yet. It just means they don't know
any better. They didn't have the wholesome
and proper upbringing your mom installed in you.
Instead of being mad at them, you should work to help them see
(26:08):
a better way. How can I do that?
I'm just a regular kid. By calling us at the Office of
Citizen Morale, the OCM has specialists trained to seek out
those who may be sowing the seeds of discontent, talking to
them, engaging and showing them there is a better way to express
their views and frustrations. But even we're not perfect.
(26:30):
I need to. Sit down after that.
That can't be. True, Mr. Breckenridge, you're
America's sweetheart. We need you, Billy, and all of
you out there to help us identify these misguided but
well meaning American souls so we can find them, talk to them,
and help them see the air of howthey think.
Whatever I can do, Mr. Breckenridge, to help my
country, the Office of Citizen Morale, we're here to help
(26:54):
America stay on the proper track.
Now back to our show. A Monson Scott station boasts a
wide variety of demographics in the contractors and scientists
who live and work on the station.
When looking at gender statistics, males make up 68% of
(27:15):
the current facilities population, with females at 28%
non binary and non specified at 2% each.
While the station may be overwhelmingly male, to call the
female population underwhelming would be quite a mistake, with
the majority being found in the scientist population.
We spoke with the longest serving female doctor, Kendra
(27:37):
Jennings. I'm a this is a new experience
for me. OK, I'm Doctor Kendra Jennings,
Department head of the Dark Sector Lab, and it's not as
scary as it sounds. The two primary projects under
me are the BICEP and my first assignment, the South Pole
(27:58):
Telescope Array. The bicep.
That stands for Background Imaging of Cosmic Extragalactic
Polarization. Quite the mouthful.
So we just say BICEP. According to your profile, you
are one of the longest tenured scientists on station with
almost five years. In fact, next to Doctors
(28:19):
Wainwright and Jovak, you hold the record.
It's well, when I first applied for the research grant, I knew
this had the potential to be a long term project.
So it was more, well, it was away from the more populated
Centers for research. So for me at the time it was
very appealing. So that appeal has lost some of
(28:42):
its Lester. No.
Oh. No, no, no, not at all.
I love what I do here, the studies, the research papers
I've written, and all the accomplishments while working at
Amnes and Scott. All of them.
It's just that, well, as my motivations have matured, so
have I. Where remoteness and isolation
were quite the allure, it's wellnow.
(29:04):
It's the friendships, the close sense of community and
relationships I've formed that have become equally reward a
brilliant. Scientist, chipper and bubbly,
and not to mention attractive. I imagine you get quite a bit of
attention. Thank you.
No, actually, no. Up until a year ago, I kept
(29:27):
mostly to myself. I didn't really get to, I mean,
I didn't, I, I couldn't interactwith people comfortably,
certainly not to the extent I can today.
You. Mentioned relationships.
I assume that means you met a special man woman.
(29:48):
There there is a special person in my life, somebody that I hold
closer to my heart than others. I see.
I sense that you're not going togive me much detail about this
specific mystery person. We're both very private people,
very reserved and modest. Neither of us really want to
(30:09):
have our personal lives on public display.
But going going back to my professional career.
We'll go back to that. But first I just want to know,
are you worried that such may become a distraction, interfere
with the work you both do on station?
No. That's not really it, and I
certainly wouldn't consider it distracting.
(30:30):
Or what is it? Doctor Wainwright always says
interrupt the operational efficiency of critical station
research. Good impression.
So being a woman, you haven't found that to be an obstacle in
your work here on station? Never spoken down to or demeaned
(30:52):
for not being male. Gender so.
I'd be lying if I said I never faced any prejudice or misogyny
both in my time on station or inmy career as a whole.
I mean, I doubt you could find any woman alive who hasn't at
one point or another. But.
You're on. Station.
I found it exceedingly rare. One big, happy family.
(31:16):
Yeah, most. Days.
I guess my answer would be most days it's happy.
More so when you're with certainpeople.
I suppose that's true too. You are not.
Going to tell me the name of your special person, are you?
Nope, Deputy. Marshall, Bass, Mallow.
That's who she's banging. Two of them are like wild
(31:39):
rabbits, you know what I'm saying?
I don't think it was the sound of the station's generator when
them foam earplugs were given tothe new pulleys in the a two
section of birds. Got somebody flight ANG813.
(32:00):
This is a Mudson Scott flight deck.
Please respond over. Hello.
Can you hear me? ANG813 Yes we hear you loud and
clear. Who is this?
Please identify and give your situation over.
This is Airman First Class PeterLachance, New York Air National
Guard, 109th Airlift Wing. I'm the roadmaster.
(32:21):
The pilot and copilot are dead. They have blood coming from
their eyes, nose and ears. Over how?
Are the passengers over? They're all fine.
I was in the rear with them since we left.
They aren't even aware anything is wrong up here.
It was only when I I can't fly this thing over.
Get Captain Traeger from the galley quick.
(32:42):
OK, let's get a Plan B going here.
Thomas, I'll take over if you want to coms do me a favor and
determine what time they would normally be starting their
landing procedure. Here's.
The deck cans Thanks. What's?
His name? Airmen First Class Lechance no
Thomas. His first name?
Oh. It was Peter, Peter, Peter.
OK, got it. Peter.
Peter, you still with us over? Who is this now?
(33:05):
Over. Hi Peter, my name is Bass.
I'm going to be leading the teamdown here at the pole and the
guy that helps you and your pastors down safely.
Over. Not going to lie, but I'm a hell
of a scare right now. Sir.
Over. You remember your boot training,
Peter? Over.
Yes Sir. Over.
What did they tell you about fear when you were going
(33:26):
through? Over.
It makes you either shake your pants or tighten your stance
will either make you focus or stop and showcase Sir.
Over. Perfect.
I I knew I wasn't dealing with some pencil push when I heard
your voice. You got this, Peter.
Let's go with the focus part over.
What do I need to do, Sir? Over.
Well, First off, you're going tostart calling me Bass, not Sir.
(33:48):
Second, I have the most seasonedflyer with the most hours over
the ice going to be on my deck here in seconds.
I'm going to hand him over to you while I get everything else
ready for your safe landing. Over.
I'm here, I'm here. Is that him?
Yeah, Lastly, you're going to belistening to every word our
flyer has to say and let the skill he has work his magic
(34:09):
through you. He's going to make your first
solo landing like you just laid your head on one of those foam
memory pillows. Peter, let me introduce you to
Air National Guard Captain Traeger.
Over. Thank you, Bass.
Over. OK.
Airmen Captain Hank Traeger on the line here.
You're having a real shit day today.
Let's see if we can improve thatfor you.
What do you say over get? Zeke and Chief Landry on the
(34:32):
line. Let them know we have a flight
declare an emergency and the potential for a crash landing.
I want them both up here in 15 minutes on it, Mr. Kelly.
They should be. Ready to start putting down in
30 minutes? We can work with.
That please call Doc Ambrose andlet him know we may have a Mass
Casualty Incident Level 2 heading our way.
He needs all staff on hot standby and find anybody with
(34:53):
even rudimentary medical training.
Send them Ambrose's way. Yes, Marshall.
Deputy. Marshall, Deputy Marshall,
ma'am, I. Understand you have a job to do
and you're cleared to be here, but for everybody's safety and
to ensure we focus, I need you and your crew back against the
wall. As long as you are here, I need
you out of the way. For what seemed like an
(35:15):
eternity, we watched as the teamput all possible preparations in
place, unsure what the outcome would be, but preparing for the
worst. Captain Hank Traeger gave the
young airmen instruction after instruction to ready the
aircraft. Until the final tense moments,
here's what we recorded. You're doing great Airmen.
Almost there, next to your rightleg and back a bit on the center
(35:36):
console you'll see the letters AFCS going from top to bottom
over. I see it over OK.
That's your autopilot system. I want you to flip the left
switch down, but leave the rightone up.
That's going to keep it engaged on the number two chair, but
you'll take over in one over. OK, switch flip.
(35:59):
I have the oh go over, good job.Airman now call it out now.
Just like we went over. Eyes on the standby attitude and
altimeters. They're your battle buddies from
now on over. Zeke, Mr. Thibodeau, you in
place, me and the case. You're ready lol man.
Doctor Ambrose, medical teams onstandby, ERS one and two and
three prepped and ready. Flaps down, landing lights left,
(36:26):
right and on flap and trim indicator above the light
lightning panel just like you told me. 1908 hundred doing
good. Kid. 65 five airspeed, 105
knots. Got the speeder 32100.
(36:53):
We're down all four levers. In the middle, all the way down,
he's slowing. Slowing above the.
Windshield 2 engines and three engines.
Turn them both to stop. Now hit the brake.
Step on it for all you got slowing.
Slight drifting to the right, slowing, they stopped.
Absolutely incredible the MonsonScott team has managed to get
(37:16):
the international flight down safely with no formal pilot on
board. We're we're hearing the rear
cargo doors in the flight have been opened and the medical
teams are beginning their triage.
On behalf of myself and the entire flight operations crew on
the elevator station, we'd. Like.
To welcome you to Edmonton ScottSouth Pole Research Facility.
(37:38):
First round is on Deputy Marshall Bass, Marla.
I can't take any credit, Captain.
You did all the heavy lifting onthis one.
Bess, before I took over, what the hell did you say to that
kid? Nobody, and I mean no damn buddy
has the right to have their headscrewed on that tight in a
situation like he was in I, I. Just said some words and
(37:58):
encouragement. OK, you'll have to fill me in
over that first round deal. Medical and Fire Rescue
technicians tended to the pilotsof Flight 813.
However, it was too late. The bodies were taken into a
Munson Scott for initial review prior to being sent back to the
United States and their next of kin.
None of the 12 passengers, including Senator Buxton,
(38:19):
experienced any injury. Indeed, if not for the bravery
of the young United States airmen, this mission of peaceful
expression could have become just one more tense
international incident. Upon learning of the fate of
their pilots, the fledgling and the ambitious senator thanked
Airman first Class the chance and pledged to initiate a full
investigation into what took place on that flight.
(38:42):
The visitors, senator, and station leaders all met that
night for what we were told was a banquet par excellence.
Prior to ending our stay at the South Pole Station, we wanted to
leave with just one important question to each person we
interviewed. What future does the station
hold? Is the.
Science being conducted there worth the peril our scientists,
(39:05):
citizens, Senator Buxton and foreign dignitaries were exposed
to. Oh, I just thank the one true
God above that our United Statesmilitary was on hand to save the
day. That that is where funding for
such antiquated programs should be redirected into funding the
(39:29):
brave men, women and others who take the oath to defend the
United States of America. Of course, this station has a
future. Anybody who attempts to tell you
otherwise is a philistine, a vulgarian.
(39:50):
Well, I hope, I hope it has a future.
A long one at that, too. It took me forever to get
everybody around here trained perfectly.
There's no place on this entire planet I'd rather be.
I ain't hailing jumping no more,so I can't tell you it's the
(40:11):
future. But what I.
Can tell you is there's a lot worse places to be.
You know, you could be in Newarkbeing forced to watch those Girl
Scouts the locals called Joy Easy Devils try to play hockey.
Don't want to break a nail. Ain't that right?
91 Dawson Mercer Know what I'm saying?
Oh yeah. So should I, should I put my
hands in my lap or should I justkeep them to my side like this?
(40:35):
Wow. Is it just me or is it like
really hot up in here? The.
Universe is full of endless and wonderful mysteries, and our
understanding of them hasn't even scratched the surface.
No, we may not be designing the next microchip or developing
artificial intelligence or working to cure diseases, but
(40:56):
the fundamental question of whatis out there?
Where did the universe come fromand what's our place within?
I know I may be biased, but I feel that's important as well.
Yes, this facility absolutely has a future.
The old saying goes, all things come to She Who Waits.
(41:16):
After many attempts and many requests, we were finally able
to get some alone time with the very striking hero of a Munson
Scott Supervisory United States Deputy Marshall Bass Marlowe
I'd. Like to start out by setting the
record straight. I am no hero, I'm just a man
doing a job he was asked to do. The word hero is a title
(41:37):
deserving of those who made moresacrifices, Sometimes the most
selfless sacrifices 1 can make. To that end, I am no hero.
You're too modest, Deputy Marshall.
Wow, those are firm arm muscles.I read in the station dossier
that you're now a full time resident of a Munson Scott.
(42:00):
Well, technically, I'm a full time Deputy Marshall assigned to
help oversee legal operations and keep the peace at three
different stations. the United States operates on the ice.
I just happened to currently be storing all my stuff here at the
Munson Scott. Would it be possible to get a
tour of your office, your birth?I'm sure my audience would like
(42:20):
to see that Ice Sheriff laid outthere.
I Sheriff? Yeah, I guess people told you
about the nickname, huh? Hardly.
Surprising deputy solving murders, escaping a plane crash,
uncovering the largest drug smuggling operation the US and
most nations have ever seen, protecting the citizens of both
(42:42):
McMurdo and Scott stations from an escaped and dangerous
mobster. Adding on the rescue today of 12
different foreign leaders and a United States Senator, I'd say
it was a title well earned. I'll respectfully agree or
disagree, Missus Rydell. Please call me Alexa and it's
(43:04):
Miss. For the record, I don't happen
to see a wedding ring on you, Deputy.
No lucky woman has managed to tie you down yet.
I was married previously, she passed on 20 years ago.
I'm so sorry a widower. It must be difficult and lonely
(43:27):
being down here with no companionship, no moments of
tenderness, no intimacy. Actually, I recently started
seeing somebody again. It wasn't planned.
I didn't see it coming when it happened, and it reset almost
(43:47):
everything in my life that I knew to be true.
Or I guess you could say that I thought I knew to be true.
Oh, so it's a happy relationshipthen, No issues.
No ma'am, no issues. I'm very happy.
Who is the lucky woman who gets to be the focus of your love and
(44:09):
admiration then? Yeah, Yeah, there are, there are
some things I would like to justkeep private and to ourselves,
if that is OK I'm. Telling you 4, sometimes five
nights a week. Now, I ain't no perv or sleaze
or nothing like that. It's not like I'm camping out
outside Deputy Marshall's birth late nights.
(44:31):
But I'm going to be honest here,I pay money to know what he's
doing to Doc Jennings, to get tomake the noises like that, you
know what I'm saying? Does this station have a future?
Yeah, it does. And look, I know very recently
there have been some decisions made and we are all facing hard
(44:51):
times, times that a lot of us are having questions and
concerns and, well, let's be honest, even despair.
But in the depth of despair, when all the way to the world
and all our struggles press hardis upon us, it's very easy to
lose sight of what truly matters.
(45:14):
We may. Find ourselves torn between
yearning for power and control and the simple yet profound
desire for dignity. The dignity that every single
human being is born with and which so many are denied is not
a luxury nor a privilege. It's our birthright.
Look. I'm not making a plea for power
(45:35):
or a political gain. And this is not a call to arms
or a cry for violence. If anything, it is a plea to
reduce the divide that seems to grow wider every day now.
This is more of a call to try toreach across the oceans that
divide us with basic understanding and maybe even
(45:56):
hope. We've long been a species defied
by our imperfections. History has shown us countless
examples of the darkness we're capable of, but it has also
illuminated the greatness we canachieve when we rise above our
faults. Look, we'll.
Stumble, we'll fall, but we always learn from that, and we
(46:17):
can grow, and from that growth we can hopefully build a future
that's brighter and more just than the one we inherited.
I think the question we need to ask now, at this moment, this
critical juncture in human history, is what will we choose?
Will we? Choose to remain divided by our
(46:38):
differences, caught in the endless cycle of power and
conflict? Or will we choose something
greater, something nobler? Will we choose to heal, to rise
together, and to build a future founded on understanding,
compassion, and shared humanity?Look, I'm no.
Leader, I'm just one voice amongmany just trying to remind us of
(47:04):
the power of possibilities. It's not.
About the power of politics, northe principalities of nations.
But it's the power that lies in possibility.
The possibility that we can choose even now to be better.
That we can overcome the darkness that surrounds us, both
the darkness outside and the darkness within, by embracing
(47:25):
the light of love, of empathy, and of hope here on the.
Ice People who live here in the most inhospitable environment on
earth understand this better than most.
Here, in that frozen silence where the sun disappears for
eight months out of the year, wealways find that even the most
extreme isolation there is always a glimmer of light it.
(47:49):
May be small, it may be fleeting, but it never goes out.
And that light? I'm referring to isn't the light
from the stars above us, nor thewarmth of the sun.
It's a light that lives within all of us, as corny as that may
sound, but it's true. It's the light of our shared
(48:09):
humanity, the light of caring for one another.
Like even the darkest moments, that light endures.
And that's love. Love for our families, our
communities, our planet, and thehuman race itself.
(48:31):
In this remote, frigid place, welearn every day that survival
isn't simply about enduring the cold, but about nourishing the
warmth that comes with understanding.
When we're cold and isolated, wecling to each other.
We share that light. It is the one thing that makes
the difference between despair and hope.
(48:55):
And this is the lesson for all of us.
In the darkest times, when the world feels cold and divided,
when the forces of hatred and fear seem overwhelming, we must
remember that there's a light that will never be extinguished,
a light that can never be buriedby the storms of injustice, the
(49:17):
winds of war, or The Tempest of division.
That light is love. And I think now it's time for us
to step forward into that light and embrace the fullness of that
shared humanity. We have to act more civil to one
another, to offer more understanding instead of so much
(49:37):
conflict and try to bring hope when there's so much to spare.
And to look at our past not as asource of shame, but as a
teacher of wisdom. And like I said before, we learn
from our stumbles and we learn from our falls.
But we can't let those falls andstumbles define us.
(50:02):
Instead, let them propel us towards a future where we can
rise higher. Together.
We have. The power to create a future
that's not defined by fear or scarcity, but by the infinite
possibilities of compassion, unity and understanding.
So let us choose that future. So to every person listening.
(50:24):
We should all. Remember and this.
Despair. Let's try to find the courage
and the hope, and let's be that light in.
The face of division. Let's choose understanding.
And through it all, let's remember that we're bound by
something far greater than politics or power or ideology.
We're bound by the indomitable strength of our shared humanity,
(50:48):
the world we long for. The world we deserve.
It's absolutely within our reach, if only we choose it.
Now anyway, that's the future I see coming from this station.
Although we only had 48 hours tospend at a month since Scott,
(51:09):
one gets the impression that it would take years to even scratch
the surface of what makes this very remote research station
such a polarizing and complex place.
Not just the Center for researchand scientific exploration.
It's become a symbol that just as many find dated or hokey as
there are who rally behind the international cooperation and
(51:30):
original ideals the Antarctica Treaty was founded upon.
As a result of the foreign diplomatic visitation, there is
a renewed focus on trying to find a common ground between
those who feel a more internal national focus is warranted and
those who feel an outstretched hand of friendship is the
correct answer. Before we end tonight's episode
(51:50):
of Crosshairs, I want to play a segment we were fortunate enough
to record in the course of our many interviews.
A candid and unfiltered view of what takes place in some of the
more hushed quarters of the station.
We need to warn viewers in advance what you're about to see
may be unsettling to some, and everybody in the VMF told us you
(52:14):
were the man to go to for a real, unfiltered view of what
life on the station is and the artists is truly like.
So, Keenan, what can you tell us?
It's them. Sorry, Keenan, we'll pick this
up later today. Hey.
(52:34):
Hey, hey, hey. I hear voices coming from the
air vent. It's them.
Let's get closer, closer, Diffiethe mic.
The mic hurry up here. What are?
The Ambrose and medical team saying.
They're not really set up for autopsies or anything close to
operations a coroner would perform, but from general exam
(52:54):
and observation. Gee, his.
Best guess was a severe cerebralhemorrhage, but he wanted to
make sure I fully understood that wasn't his formal
diagnosis, it was just an educated guess.
No, no, I get that. So what about the other pilot?
What about him? What did Ambrose?
Guess happen to him. Oh, oh, oh, I'm.
(53:18):
I'm sorry, Deputy. The cerebral hemorrhage was his
determination for both pilots. Both.
That's. Not statistically possible for
two people that suffer the same exact ailments sitting feet
apart. Anybody else on the plane suffer
anything like that themselves? Nobody.
Doctor Ambrose, Tim's, Blake andChu examined everyone on the
(53:38):
flight, including the Air Force guy.
Clean bills of health? Well, that would.
Rule out environmental causal factors, and unless the pilot
and copilot were direct relatives, genetic causal
factors are out all right. So that leaves what causal
vectors? If not environmental or genetic?
What about external ones? You mean like chemical?
(54:01):
Maybe like food or beverage or chamomile tea.
Yeah, Bess, they don't serve no airplane meals on the flight.
Runs between mud town and up. People just bring their own
snacks if they want. Doctor Patani called me earlier
today, said that Keck spoke up again and said chamomile
standard three times. Zeke, can you call your
counterpart in McMurdo, see if the plane crew's there or
(54:23):
anybody can remember seeing the pilots eating or drinking
anything before the flight? Keck has had a perfect record up
to now. I'm betting that Street
continues the. Only reason to target the pilots
to be to. Crash the plane to kill the.
Diplomat and the Senator and thepolitical shock waves would be
massive against the United States, potentially resulting in
(54:43):
more seclusionary edicts and policies from the government.
The fact that potential nationalpolitical challenger in the 2024
elections was also on the plane makes this very incendiary add.
That onto the disappearance of Flight 990.
Golly, whoever is behind all this really has something
against planes. Today's the Indonesian flight
(55:05):
Deputy Marshall's flight. Look, I thought it was going to
be gone for 10 minutes. I need to get back up to that
banquet. Let's keep in mind we don't know
anything for fact. All we have right now are
suspicions and educated guesses.No facts, no proof.
Getting everything taking place in the world today.
Talk like this is dangerous. Let's keep this amongst
(55:26):
ourselves. Only we can update the others.
But seriously, let's keep the contain in the barn.
Don't move. When my editor first handed me
(55:48):
this proposal, I honestly thought this was going to be
nothing more than what we call in journalism.
A fluff piece devoid of any need, merit or motivation.
Just window dressing to lure in prospective viewership. 48 hours
in a frozen box on the tail end of the planet covering a dinner,
not the prizes Pulitzers are made of.
(56:08):
The more we looked around the station and the interviews of
the local residents, the more perplexing the view.
Allocation of taxpayer funding on dubious experiments, long
term effects of human isolation and some of the more seasoned
senior scientists. Talk of missing commercial
airliners and a potential assassination attempt against a
young maverick US Senator. Hardly a fluff piece.
(56:30):
After all, We're conducting additional investigations and I
have a feeling we may be returning to the South Pole.
There is just something about the ice.
This. Has been Crosshairs.
Crosshairs is written and produced by Alexa Rydell with
Generous France from Beauregard Lowing, Rexall Pharmaceuticals,
the Office of Citizen Morale, and Galen Ross Bioengineering.
(56:53):
Transcripts of Crosshairs can beobtained by sending.
This is Brian Bradley. Thank you for listening to our
show. We are commercial free and able
to do so thanks to our amazing sponsors.
You can help support 90° by visiting our Patreon page.
Go to 90° podcast.com, that's the number 90 and degrees
(57:16):
podcast alloneword.com you'll find a direct link to our
Patreon page where you can make a monthly pledge and get shirts,
buttons, stickers or even a shout out as an honorary
station. Pulley.
Speaking of, we'd like to send aspecial shout out to the
following pulleys Nick Wolf, Tatum Adams, Monica David,
(57:38):
Rainbow Lights, Thomas Reische, and L Link.
Thank you for your sponsorship. It helps and supports us in so
many ways. This has been 90° S On behalf of
the cast and crew, I'd like to thank you for listening.
If you liked the episode and areenjoying the series, Please
(58:00):
remember to give us a like a share a tweet, send a Raven or
review on iTunes Audio boom for your favorite podcast site.
It helps us to get the word out and keeps the cold until next
time. Well, I tell you what, if we're
off the record, the person I would most like to kick in the
taint in this in this space would be Doctor Topper Hunt.
(58:23):
He makes my life hell and if I could, I would watch him into
the sun. He's a human relations nightmare
and I can't stand him. This has been a B MB production.
Our regular programming will notbe heard tonight, so we can
bring you a special report from Crosshairs.
From exposing drug operations inthe jungles of Cambodia,
shedding light on corruption andmajor investment banking firms
to criminal injustices of the wrongly accused, it's Crosshairs
with your host Alexa Rydell. A month since Scott Antarctica
(00:45):
Polar Research Facility, it's asremote as one can get on planet
Earth. Yet even here in this barren,
frozen wasteland, the footprintsof humanity are far from
absinthe. Since the mid 20th century, the
United States has maintained a presence at the South Pole named
Amundsen Scott in honor of Norwegian Roald Amundsen and
(01:06):
Britain Robert F Scott, who LED separate teams that race to
become the 1st to reach the spotin the early 1900's.
The current station as you see it today is the fourth version
to stand watch over an endless desert of ice.
The elevated station, or L Station as the locals call it,
was constructed in 2008, and it's just one of many buildings
(01:27):
on the complex which house researchers, scientists and
operation support teams year round.
While normally a Center for scientific research and studies,
not so long ago it became the site of Antarctica's first
recorded homicide in the historyof human exploration.
More to come on that later. With recent tensions and growing
(01:47):
concern from the international community, the White House
recently announced it was takingsteps to temper ongoing
disagreements. A presidential invitation was
sent to several foreign, environmental and scientific
cabinet ministers from 11 different nations to tour the
Amongst and Scott Research Facility selected to conduct and
lead the tour with House Minority Whip as well as up and
(02:10):
coming Senator Louisa Buxton. Viewed by some to be a strong
party favorite for the nomination in the 2024
elections, Crosshairs was given permission by the Office of
Polar Projects and the National Science Foundation to visit the
station, interview its residentsand international visitors.
While we were there, we also wanted to ask the ever growing
(02:32):
public question, is the station still relevant or even truly
necessary? Lawrence Emerson Wainwright,
doctor, head of this research facility and most recent Nobel
laureate. Doctor, what is it like managing
(02:52):
a science research facility so far away from basic civilization
out here on the frontier? While it most certainly has its
unique challenges, I'd like to think myself and my scientific
colleagues bring refinement and Western civilization with us as
we arrive. The work done here benefits not
only humanity and the bettermentof scientific research and
(03:13):
development, but also increases the understanding of the very
nature of our universe. You mentioned the Nobel Prize.
I see it sitting behind you on the shelf.
Would you consider that the defining accomplishment of your
career? Winning the Nobel was
unexpected, of course. The field of competition and
discoveries made each year a testament to mankind's academic
(03:36):
aspirations. However, finding accomplishment
of my career, perhaps of my career to date.
Speaking now of the upcoming tour from foreign scientists and
ministers, are you concerned about America's current trend or
regarding what some have termed the President Campbell
isolationist era? I'm not concerned in the least.
(03:59):
I put my trust and faith in our nation's elected officials.
Most have made public service their life's ambition and goal.
Well, perhaps not as glamorous or holding the prestige as
science enjoys. It is an admirable profession
nonetheless, I suppose. So then you're looking forward
to receiving so many dignitariesin having Amundsen Scott be the
(04:20):
site to showcase America's resolve to maintaining positive
and productive relations hand inhand with our allies.
There is simply no words to describe just how I feel to have
my station selected for this illustrious honor to act as a
guide to these academic allies and demonstrate how critically
vital our works are. Oh, oh, the the the works we do
(04:45):
here are absolutely critical forthe human race and not the
running time. This facility is at the South
Pole exactly for the optimal observational environment it
provides. There's no light pollution, no
magnetic or radio frequency noise.
The interference Well, there's simply no better place, no
better place to conduct scientific research into the
(05:06):
climate of our Galaxy and the whole universe other than a
Munson, Scott Well, and maybe Fresno.
And as the head scientist, you oversee all of the divisional
operations. Oh yes, yes, I'm very busy.
Very, very busy. I I oversee scientific
operations in the South Pole Telescope Station, the the
Martin A Pomeranz Observatory, the Ice Cube Observatory, Mama
(05:29):
Cook, the Breakfast No Hog, as well as the Atmospheric Research
Observatory. Impressive.
And all these projects, as well as the scientific operations on
the station, are taxpayer funded.
Well, well, well, I mean, we have the usual academic grants
or cooperative agreements and fellowships.
Not at the ring, of course, but yeah, I mean, we do receive some
(05:55):
taxpayer funding, a couple of Buckarino's here and there.
Don't be so modest, Doctor. The NSF petitioned Congress for
funding of Amundsen Scott under the Antarctic Infrastructure
Modernization for Science project or Ames and the
Antarctic Infrastructure Recapitalization or AIR program
for 80 million over fiscal year 2020 and over 100 million in
(06:19):
fiscal 21 and 22 each. Quite a lot of investment
capital. Yeah, yes, it is a large sum.
A large sum all right, but all well spent, All very well spent
on research and development. Not to mention the private
funding from the very fine and generous Beauregard Lowen
(06:41):
Foundation. All funding put into ground
breaking research. Oh, that must be tea time, but
I'll tell you, Lexi. It's Alexa.
Altimeter here isn't just your adrenaline addicted storm chaser
thrill seek. I'm the premier chief
(07:03):
meteorologist stationed high atop the frozen tundra in Oasis
for atmospheric accumulation. Pardon me, Doctor Hunt?
It is Doctor Hunt, Yes. Oh well, answer to anything you
want to just scream out when thefeeling moves you.
May I interest you in a Courvoisier cocktail?
No, no, thank you. Just how long have you been?
(07:24):
Pardon. Oh.
Sorry, barometric pressure must be playing tricks on my eardrums
accumulating my station build up.
For almost four years now. I started strong and maintained
strength and finished with a Gale force intensity and rapid
income Tides leg shaking force. Yes, I get it, Doctor, in all
that time, you must have mentored a good amount of
(07:44):
university researchers, doctoralcandidates, and grad students.
No, I mean a good zone Chase never keeps track of the many
tornadoes he's pursued, driven directly towards and penetrated
the swirling cyclone of danger and adventure.
Yeah, it's 64 by the way. And with all those researchers
under you, there's never been any complaints.
(08:05):
Under me on top, upside down. Trust me Lexi, after I'm done
working, there aren't any complaints.
Oh, I wouldn't use the word complaints exactly.
You must understand the NationalScience Foundation, the Office
of Polar Projects, and, well, there are a lot.
Is Julia Chipperfield, head of human Resources and employee
(08:25):
relations here at Amundsen Scott.
Julia has been on the station only a short time, missing last
summer season due to recovering from an automobile accident, but
is charged with ensuring a safe,non threatening and harassment
free workplace. Is researched and investigated
completely, fairly and without any preconceived prejudice,
guilt or blame assigned. Also without any fear of
(08:47):
retaliation or reprisals. So then the various concerns, as
you called it directed at DoctorTopper Hunt are that that is a
confidential matter. Privacy laws and non disclosure
agreements don't allow me to go into specifics.
There's also sensitivity over those with the concerns.
We need to protect anonymity. You understand sensitivity?
(09:09):
I completely hear what you're saying and the importance you
put upon it. Me too, am I right?
What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of working
with such a diverse cross spectrum of scientists,
contractors and administrative staff?
Well, gosh, that's a very difficult question.
I, I don't think of it so much as a challenge.
(09:32):
I think of it as an opportunity.You know, how can I go about
making each person's job and function down here just a little
bit easier every day? Gee, it's, it's what I love to
do. Be as helpful as possible.
You are such an energetic young person, Mr. Kelly.
Oh, please, just call me Thomas.Oh, oh, were your quarters
(09:54):
acceptable? We repurposed one of the offices
for you to use for editing for any paperwork you might have, or
just a quiet place to retreat ifyou needed.
Everything was perfect. Thomas, we absolutely appreciate
all of the effort you went. To if you're happy, I'm happy.
You're quite young for such a lofty role on the station.
(10:15):
If you don't mind me saying, just how old are you?
Oh well, fine, I know I look like I'm really young, but don't
let the babyface fool you, I'm actually 24.
How 24? If I read correctly, you've been
on the station for five years, so you started.
Right out of school, I did some interning at a data management
(10:38):
center somewhere after I graduated.
Not where I wanted to be, you know, sitting in a cube day
after day and just crunching numbers.
I just had a, well, I, I, I don't really know what to call
it actually a, a pole I guess, to head down here to the ice to
work. Been on the station ever since.
(11:02):
And the roles you perform, are they fulfilling?
Yeah, I just, I mean, I guess hey, are we live 0?
No, no, no. It's all recorded in advance.
What we're doing now, it will air later in the year.
OK, Yeah, OK. But you mean like on on
television, right? Yeah, television streaming, you
(11:24):
and the station. All her residents will be on
multiple platforms. So then, so should I look at you
or, or should I look at the my man with the camera over there?
Yeah, you haven't been interviewed for television
before, have you? No, I'm sweating here just a
(11:45):
bit. Can iPhone a friend?
Is that still a thing? Of all of the residents at the
station, more than the scientists or beakers as they're
called, more than the contract workers or Dewalt's, one person
stands out and is something of an enigma.
At Amundsen Scott Supervisory United States Deputy Marshall
(12:06):
Bass Wyatt Marlowe, the ice sheriff as he enjoys calling
himself. Originally assigned to the
station almost one year ago, Deputy Marshall Marlowe was sent
to investigate not only the station's first recorded
homicide, but also the first homicide on the entire
continent. Doctor Mark Rodney was viciously
attacked and murdered by one of his research assistants, Joshua
(12:29):
Nichols. Upon apprehending his suspect
and transporting him back to themainland for his crime, his
plane experienced a catastrophicmalfunction and crashed on them.
There he is, Steve. Over there.
That way. Deputy Marshall, Deputy Alexa
Rydell, Crosshairs. Can we get it quick?
I apologize, but there's an urgent matter I need to attend
to, perhaps later. This will only take a few
(12:51):
moments. We're going to have to chat
later. I'm sorry.
My apologies, ma'am. Damn it.
OK, let's reset. I'm going to get this interview
even if I have to. Now Crosshairs with Alexa,
Rydell continues. Prior to traveling to a month
(13:15):
since Scott, we scheduled several interviews with members
of the US Senate and House of Representatives, as well as
previous academic occupants of the station.
Since the introduction of the Office of Citizen Morale by
President Campbell, initial favorability surveys are showing
an overwhelming popularity in the current United States
administration, close to 87% favorability across all key
(13:39):
demographics. One interview we were very
honored to get was current Speaker of the House,
Representative Lillian Hammer. Madam Speaker, thank you so very
much for agreeing to this interview.
We fully understand how preciousyour time is.
Nonsense, Miss Rydell, I enjoy speaking to all members of the
(14:00):
press, despite what you may see in the tabloids.
When the Antarctic Peace Treaty was signed back 65 years ago,
the world was a much different place.
Yes, we were neck deep in a ColdWar with Russia and communism,
but that was it. We weren't facing dangers from a
(14:21):
multi vector approach and from numerous hostile actors.
It was a much different time in America.
You didn't have to lock your doors at night.
Kids played outside all day without any external dangers.
There was a keen sense of community and national pride.
(14:41):
When you look around at the United States today, that
picture is more nuanced and not in particularly favorable ways.
The idea of international scientific exploration is an
admirable goal. Its aims are for beneficial
purposes. But over time, as bickering and
(15:02):
I even dare say congenial, nations and their internal goals
and intentions evolve. Shouldn't then we too take a
breath. Take a breath and ask the
question, do we evolve and alignto the present day or remain
behind in a bygone and outmoded era?
(15:24):
So you're saying that? What I'm saying is maybe it's
time to pause and really take stock in where our priorities
should lie. All due respect to the speaker,
that is a ludicrous statement. Doctor Helena Mckendrick is a
world renowned geologist teaching at the University of
(15:46):
Maryland and previously worked for a month since Scott for two
years. She returned to the States last
year, shortly after the murder of Doctor Rodney was solved.
The research conducted at the South Pole represents some of
the most meaningful and thought provoking endeavour science can
pursue. The geopolitical issues on the
globe should have no bearing on continuing those works.
(16:07):
That was the original goal of the Antarctic Treaty
signatories, to establish a communal environment where it
was science that had the emphasis, not politics or
national ideological agendas. It sounds like you see the work
being conducted at Munson Scott as being beneficial, even
despite the ongoing international disagreements.
(16:28):
I. Think the work should be
continued to spite those international disagreements?
Science is the pursuit of knowledge and attempt to gain a
better understanding, not to gain a strategic advantage over
conflicting interests. Our current.
Government could take a lesson or two from scientific academia.
(16:49):
Our newborn, he seems to only want to sleep for two hours at a
time. Will you pardon me a moment?
Mommy's coming, Bass. I have him.
Sweetheart, you do your interview.
Besides, it's my turn to change the Diaper Genie.
Who's the fussy baby? Who's the bus bus?
Big Bass. That's quite a unique name named
(17:12):
for. The man who helped me back onto
the path, I was always meant to be a pawn.
Without him, that little one wouldn't be here.
Bass he's. Well.
I guess complicated would be thebest way to describe him.
That or pig headed doofus of a Sasquatch this is.
(17:32):
Federal Bureau of Investigation agent Fiona Murphy, head of
cybercrime and financial forensics in the FB is Honolulu
office. She's also known Supervisory
Deputy Bass Marlowe all their lives.
So then, in essence, Deputy Marlowe is more or less of an
older brother to you in. Essence and practice and
(17:53):
overprotectiveness and more or less any term you want to apply
to it. He sure as hell axe the part so
not. Your brother by blood then.
I'm sure there's a story on how you two met.
It's not overly exciting, but well, my parents were killed in
a car crash when I was three. We lived at the farm next to the
Marlow's in Emporia, KS. Once the word got out Deanna
(18:16):
that was Bass's mom, Deanna informed the local sheriff and
Child Protective Services that they would be caring for me.
Not asking, not suggesting telling.
Both my parents were only children so I had no aunts or
uncles to go to. Bass is 8.
Years older, but he would alwayslook after me before and after
my folks were killed. Anyway, you don't really argue
(18:39):
with Deanna, you just follow herlead.
So the sheriff agreed and I was given to the care of the
Marlowe's. When I turned 10, they formally
adopted me. So.
The two of you grew up together?Yep, after he.
Graduated fast, went off to Glencoe and the Marshall
Service. I graduated from the University
of Kansas and went into the Bureau's Computer Crime
Division. Our department supports FBI
(19:00):
investigation as well as other members of the Department of
Justice, including. The US Marshals.
Including. The marshals, yes.
For all the scientists conducting experiments and
exploring the mysteries of the universe, the administrative
individuals who deal with paperwork station routines,
tally the scores, and submit andreceive reports.
(19:20):
One of the most overlooked rolesare the individuals who keep the
station looking brand new and spotless, the custodians.
This. Is McHale the station's chief
custodian? I am simply Jennifer, not fancy
pants custodian with all. The staff and operations
happening day-to-day at the station, how difficult is it to
(19:43):
really keep clean all of them? God.
God, I don't get it. All of our camera batteries are
almost completely drained. Damn it, Gary, I told you to
recharge the batteries every evening.
Real college radio production you're running here, huh?
I did. Recharge them like they just
drained rapidly over the last few 4 seconds.
(20:05):
Is Vinny Morphibron. I have cleanings which must be
done there. Maybe you can find me later.
And we do a janitor on the strict interview segment.
Yeah. Sounds incredible Joe be a great
intern and go get the spare camera batteries now, duh.
Those got drained too. 15 minutes ago an announcement came
(20:31):
over the stations loud speakers announcing an incoming plane
would be given priority to land.A sudden sense of urgency and
Dr. overcame the staff who work out here on the station single
air terminal called pack station.
The plane you hear behind me literally just came to a halt
after landing and crews are scrambling to get inside.
I see yes. I think I see the pilot exiting
(20:53):
now. Captain.
Captain Alexa Rydell. Crosshairs.
Make sure to check engine 3. It's running sluggish.
Oh, hi, You're the reporter we were told about last month.
OK. Alexa Rydell Captain, can you
tell us what's taking place thatnecessitated landing priority
and being rushed to station operations?
(21:15):
I was on a standard supply run back to Amundsen when I got a
call over the radio about an hour ago.
A hurt that departed from McMurdo and set to land here is
having some issues. What kind of issues?
Is it serious? The kind of issues where a plane
could potentially crash. So I'd say serious.
Yeah, No, please, if you'll pardon me.
(21:35):
Wait, what flight ANG? 813.
That's the international delegation flight.
Like I said, serious. We've re entered the station and
there is a palpable sense of tension in the air.
Excuse us, press coming through,please.
Excuse me. We have to get through.
(21:57):
Ma'am, Ma'am. No cameras in here.
It's not let her. Through let her, let them in, we
are to provide them full and unfettered access.
All right. Any luck on contacting Dr.
Wainwright? No.
He's still not answering pages or his radio.
(22:18):
Heck, what a time to be working on that, dad.
At least five different things that I'm sure are important.
I'm here, Mr. Kelly, what do we have?
The incoming diplomatic flight stopped responding to air
traffic about an hour ago. They're still showing up on the
(22:38):
radar and following their flightplan.
We just can't reach them do. We think it's radio issues on
their end. Possible.
I had Captain Traeger called to the OPS deck to assist.
He's flown LC130's for years. He's changing out of his flight
suit now. OK, any word for McMurdo?
Any mention of trouble from the OPS team there spoke.
(22:58):
With them a short time ago, theysaid the flight took off as
scheduled. No issues they saw or were
reported. Routine take off.
Where's Wainwright? We've.
Been. Trying to reach him, He's
indisposed. Can I follow?
(23:19):
Just perfect. All right, everybody listen up.
I'm assuming command of OP center.
I need everybody to stay calm and focus on the task at hand.
We don't know the full story yet, but the only priority we
have at this time is to re establish communication with the
iceberg and get them safely on the ground.
All right, I'm all set. Bess, What's the word?
(23:40):
Still silence do. We know what the crew and the
pastor count on a plane like that is it's.
AC130J Super Herc 2 pilots, 1 loadmaster and a dozen
passengers. She's also hauling incoming
cargo from the station. Hold.
On I'm going to need to borrow your clipboard here guys, sorry.
OK, Assuming Max with 22 tons full fuel tank at about £82,000
(24:03):
Christmas speed of 42 lbs per hour, right?
Talk to me, Captain. Come on.
OK, good news is the J series isone of the more recent planes
and the top of the line. It has 2 mission computers, dual
redundancy, terrain awareness warning systems and ground
collision avoidance systems. Best of all, it has autopilot
(24:23):
and autoland systems, so if something were to happen to the
crew, that thing will stay in the air for as long as it has
fuel. Which will be.
How long they're? Still on set and on target to
land in about 3 hours. Assuming they had full tanks,
which they always do, they couldgo another 4 hours after they
(24:45):
pass us. Let's make.
Sure, they don't pass us. Let's get them back on the ice,
old George's. Bad news is, even with the
autopilot not a land there is that human interaction needed to
turn them on the control panel and instra panels.
If the pilots are not there, if they are impaired in some way,
(25:05):
shape or form, we will need a Plan B.
We'll be back after these messages.
How is? School Billy.
I hate it. I don't ever want to go back.
What happened? Some of the kids.
(25:27):
Said America wasn't the best country in the world and on the
wrong track. I said they were wrong and they
laughed at me. T VS Michael Breckenridge.
What are you doing here? I was.
Walking by and couldn't help buthere.
Billy, the problem isn't the faith you have in America, it's
(25:47):
that your school friends have nofaith at all.
You mean I was right? Absolutely.
It's not that your school friends are evil or dangerous,
not yet. It just means they don't know
any better. They didn't have the wholesome
and proper upbringing your mom installed in you.
Instead of being mad at them, you should work to help them see
(26:08):
a better way. How can I do that?
I'm just a regular kid. By calling us at the Office of
Citizen Morale, the OCM has specialists trained to seek out
those who may be sowing the seeds of discontent, talking to
them, engaging and showing them there is a better way to express
their views and frustrations. But even we're not perfect.
(26:30):
I need to. Sit down after that.
That can't be. True, Mr. Breckenridge, you're
America's sweetheart. We need you, Billy, and all of
you out there to help us identify these misguided but
well meaning American souls so we can find them, talk to them,
and help them see the air of howthey think.
Whatever I can do, Mr. Breckenridge, to help my
country, the Office of Citizen Morale, we're here to help
(26:54):
America stay on the proper track.
Now back to our show. A Monson Scott station boasts a
wide variety of demographics in the contractors and scientists
who live and work on the station.
When looking at gender statistics, males make up 68% of
(27:15):
the current facilities population, with females at 28%
non binary and non specified at 2% each.
While the station may be overwhelmingly male, to call the
female population underwhelming would be quite a mistake, with
the majority being found in the scientist population.
We spoke with the longest serving female doctor, Kendra
(27:37):
Jennings. I'm a this is a new experience
for me. OK, I'm Doctor Kendra Jennings,
Department head of the Dark Sector Lab, and it's not as
scary as it sounds. The two primary projects under
me are the BICEP and my first assignment, the South Pole
(27:58):
Telescope Array. The bicep.
That stands for Background Imaging of Cosmic Extragalactic
Polarization. Quite the mouthful.
So we just say BICEP. According to your profile, you
are one of the longest tenured scientists on station with
almost five years. In fact, next to Doctors
(28:19):
Wainwright and Jovak, you hold the record.
It's well, when I first applied for the research grant, I knew
this had the potential to be a long term project.
So it was more, well, it was away from the more populated
Centers for research. So for me at the time it was
very appealing. So that appeal has lost some of
(28:42):
its Lester. No.
Oh. No, no, no, not at all.
I love what I do here, the studies, the research papers
I've written, and all the accomplishments while working at
Amnes and Scott. All of them.
It's just that, well, as my motivations have matured, so
have I. Where remoteness and isolation
were quite the allure, it's wellnow.
(29:04):
It's the friendships, the close sense of community and
relationships I've formed that have become equally reward a
brilliant. Scientist, chipper and bubbly,
and not to mention attractive. I imagine you get quite a bit of
attention. Thank you.
No, actually, no. Up until a year ago, I kept
(29:27):
mostly to myself. I didn't really get to, I mean,
I didn't, I, I couldn't interactwith people comfortably,
certainly not to the extent I can today.
You. Mentioned relationships.
I assume that means you met a special man woman.
(29:48):
There there is a special person in my life, somebody that I hold
closer to my heart than others. I see.
I sense that you're not going togive me much detail about this
specific mystery person. We're both very private people,
very reserved and modest. Neither of us really want to
(30:09):
have our personal lives on public display.
But going going back to my professional career.
We'll go back to that. But first I just want to know,
are you worried that such may become a distraction, interfere
with the work you both do on station?
No. That's not really it, and I
certainly wouldn't consider it distracting.
(30:30):
Or what is it? Doctor Wainwright always says
interrupt the operational efficiency of critical station
research. Good impression.
So being a woman, you haven't found that to be an obstacle in
your work here on station? Never spoken down to or demeaned
(30:52):
for not being male. Gender so.
I'd be lying if I said I never faced any prejudice or misogyny
both in my time on station or inmy career as a whole.
I mean, I doubt you could find any woman alive who hasn't at
one point or another. But.
You're on. Station.
I found it exceedingly rare. One big, happy family.
(31:16):
Yeah, most. Days.
I guess my answer would be most days it's happy.
More so when you're with certainpeople.
I suppose that's true too. You are not.
Going to tell me the name of your special person, are you?
Nope, Deputy. Marshall, Bass, Mallow.
That's who she's banging. Two of them are like wild
(31:39):
rabbits, you know what I'm saying?
I don't think it was the sound of the station's generator when
them foam earplugs were given tothe new pulleys in the a two
section of birds. Got somebody flight ANG813.
(32:00):
This is a Mudson Scott flight deck.
Please respond over. Hello.
Can you hear me? ANG813 Yes we hear you loud and
clear. Who is this?
Please identify and give your situation over.
This is Airman First Class PeterLachance, New York Air National
Guard, 109th Airlift Wing. I'm the roadmaster.
(32:21):
The pilot and copilot are dead. They have blood coming from
their eyes, nose and ears. Over how?
Are the passengers over? They're all fine.
I was in the rear with them since we left.
They aren't even aware anything is wrong up here.
It was only when I I can't fly this thing over.
Get Captain Traeger from the galley quick.
(32:42):
OK, let's get a Plan B going here.
Thomas, I'll take over if you want to coms do me a favor and
determine what time they would normally be starting their
landing procedure. Here's.
The deck cans Thanks. What's?
His name? Airmen First Class Lechance no
Thomas. His first name?
Oh. It was Peter, Peter, Peter.
OK, got it. Peter.
Peter, you still with us over? Who is this now?
(33:05):
Over. Hi Peter, my name is Bass.
I'm going to be leading the teamdown here at the pole and the
guy that helps you and your pastors down safely.
Over. Not going to lie, but I'm a hell
of a scare right now. Sir.
Over. You remember your boot training,
Peter? Over.
Yes Sir. Over.
What did they tell you about fear when you were going
(33:26):
through? Over.
It makes you either shake your pants or tighten your stance
will either make you focus or stop and showcase Sir.
Over. Perfect.
I I knew I wasn't dealing with some pencil push when I heard
your voice. You got this, Peter.
Let's go with the focus part over.
What do I need to do, Sir? Over.
Well, First off, you're going tostart calling me Bass, not Sir.
(33:48):
Second, I have the most seasonedflyer with the most hours over
the ice going to be on my deck here in seconds.
I'm going to hand him over to you while I get everything else
ready for your safe landing. Over.
I'm here, I'm here. Is that him?
Yeah, Lastly, you're going to belistening to every word our
flyer has to say and let the skill he has work his magic
(34:09):
through you. He's going to make your first
solo landing like you just laid your head on one of those foam
memory pillows. Peter, let me introduce you to
Air National Guard Captain Traeger.
Over. Thank you, Bass.
Over. OK.
Airmen Captain Hank Traeger on the line here.
You're having a real shit day today.
Let's see if we can improve thatfor you.
What do you say over get? Zeke and Chief Landry on the
(34:32):
line. Let them know we have a flight
declare an emergency and the potential for a crash landing.
I want them both up here in 15 minutes on it, Mr. Kelly.
They should be. Ready to start putting down in
30 minutes? We can work with.
That please call Doc Ambrose andlet him know we may have a Mass
Casualty Incident Level 2 heading our way.
He needs all staff on hot standby and find anybody with
(34:53):
even rudimentary medical training.
Send them Ambrose's way. Yes, Marshall.
Deputy. Marshall, Deputy Marshall,
ma'am, I. Understand you have a job to do
and you're cleared to be here, but for everybody's safety and
to ensure we focus, I need you and your crew back against the
wall. As long as you are here, I need
you out of the way. For what seemed like an
(35:15):
eternity, we watched as the teamput all possible preparations in
place, unsure what the outcome would be, but preparing for the
worst. Captain Hank Traeger gave the
young airmen instruction after instruction to ready the
aircraft. Until the final tense moments,
here's what we recorded. You're doing great Airmen.
Almost there, next to your rightleg and back a bit on the center
(35:36):
console you'll see the letters AFCS going from top to bottom
over. I see it over OK.
That's your autopilot system. I want you to flip the left
switch down, but leave the rightone up.
That's going to keep it engaged on the number two chair, but
you'll take over in one over. OK, switch flip.
(35:59):
I have the oh go over, good job.Airman now call it out now.
Just like we went over. Eyes on the standby attitude and
altimeters. They're your battle buddies from
now on over. Zeke, Mr. Thibodeau, you in
place, me and the case. You're ready lol man.
Doctor Ambrose, medical teams onstandby, ERS one and two and
three prepped and ready. Flaps down, landing lights left,
(36:26):
right and on flap and trim indicator above the light
lightning panel just like you told me. 1908 hundred doing
good. Kid. 65 five airspeed, 105
knots. Got the speeder 32100.
(36:53):
We're down all four levers. In the middle, all the way down,
he's slowing. Slowing above the.
Windshield 2 engines and three engines.
Turn them both to stop. Now hit the brake.
Step on it for all you got slowing.
Slight drifting to the right, slowing, they stopped.
Absolutely incredible the MonsonScott team has managed to get
(37:16):
the international flight down safely with no formal pilot on
board. We're we're hearing the rear
cargo doors in the flight have been opened and the medical
teams are beginning their triage.
On behalf of myself and the entire flight operations crew on
the elevator station, we'd. Like.
To welcome you to Edmonton ScottSouth Pole Research Facility.
(37:38):
First round is on Deputy Marshall Bass, Marla.
I can't take any credit, Captain.
You did all the heavy lifting onthis one.
Bess, before I took over, what the hell did you say to that
kid? Nobody, and I mean no damn buddy
has the right to have their headscrewed on that tight in a
situation like he was in I, I. Just said some words and
(37:58):
encouragement. OK, you'll have to fill me in
over that first round deal. Medical and Fire Rescue
technicians tended to the pilotsof Flight 813.
However, it was too late. The bodies were taken into a
Munson Scott for initial review prior to being sent back to the
United States and their next of kin.
None of the 12 passengers, including Senator Buxton,
(38:19):
experienced any injury. Indeed, if not for the bravery
of the young United States airmen, this mission of peaceful
expression could have become just one more tense
international incident. Upon learning of the fate of
their pilots, the fledgling and the ambitious senator thanked
Airman first Class the chance and pledged to initiate a full
investigation into what took place on that flight.
(38:42):
The visitors, senator, and station leaders all met that
night for what we were told was a banquet par excellence.
Prior to ending our stay at the South Pole Station, we wanted to
leave with just one important question to each person we
interviewed. What future does the station
hold? Is the.
Science being conducted there worth the peril our scientists,
(39:05):
citizens, Senator Buxton and foreign dignitaries were exposed
to. Oh, I just thank the one true
God above that our United Statesmilitary was on hand to save the
day. That that is where funding for
such antiquated programs should be redirected into funding the
(39:29):
brave men, women and others who take the oath to defend the
United States of America. Of course, this station has a
future. Anybody who attempts to tell you
otherwise is a philistine, a vulgarian.
(39:50):
Well, I hope, I hope it has a future.
A long one at that, too. It took me forever to get
everybody around here trained perfectly.
There's no place on this entire planet I'd rather be.
I ain't hailing jumping no more,so I can't tell you it's the
(40:11):
future. But what I.
Can tell you is there's a lot worse places to be.
You know, you could be in Newarkbeing forced to watch those Girl
Scouts the locals called Joy Easy Devils try to play hockey.
Don't want to break a nail. Ain't that right?
91 Dawson Mercer Know what I'm saying?
Oh yeah. So should I, should I put my
hands in my lap or should I justkeep them to my side like this?
(40:35):
Wow. Is it just me or is it like
really hot up in here? The.
Universe is full of endless and wonderful mysteries, and our
understanding of them hasn't even scratched the surface.
No, we may not be designing the next microchip or developing
artificial intelligence or working to cure diseases, but
(40:56):
the fundamental question of whatis out there?
Where did the universe come fromand what's our place within?
I know I may be biased, but I feel that's important as well.
Yes, this facility absolutely has a future.
The old saying goes, all things come to She Who Waits.
(41:16):
After many attempts and many requests, we were finally able
to get some alone time with the very striking hero of a Munson
Scott Supervisory United States Deputy Marshall Bass Marlowe
I'd. Like to start out by setting the
record straight. I am no hero, I'm just a man
doing a job he was asked to do. The word hero is a title
(41:37):
deserving of those who made moresacrifices, Sometimes the most
selfless sacrifices 1 can make. To that end, I am no hero.
You're too modest, Deputy Marshall.
Wow, those are firm arm muscles.I read in the station dossier
that you're now a full time resident of a Munson Scott.
(42:00):
Well, technically, I'm a full time Deputy Marshall assigned to
help oversee legal operations and keep the peace at three
different stations. the United States operates on the ice.
I just happened to currently be storing all my stuff here at the
Munson Scott. Would it be possible to get a
tour of your office, your birth?I'm sure my audience would like
(42:20):
to see that Ice Sheriff laid outthere.
I Sheriff? Yeah, I guess people told you
about the nickname, huh? Hardly.
Surprising deputy solving murders, escaping a plane crash,
uncovering the largest drug smuggling operation the US and
most nations have ever seen, protecting the citizens of both
(42:42):
McMurdo and Scott stations from an escaped and dangerous
mobster. Adding on the rescue today of 12
different foreign leaders and a United States Senator, I'd say
it was a title well earned. I'll respectfully agree or
disagree, Missus Rydell. Please call me Alexa and it's
(43:04):
Miss. For the record, I don't happen
to see a wedding ring on you, Deputy.
No lucky woman has managed to tie you down yet.
I was married previously, she passed on 20 years ago.
I'm so sorry a widower. It must be difficult and lonely
(43:27):
being down here with no companionship, no moments of
tenderness, no intimacy. Actually, I recently started
seeing somebody again. It wasn't planned.
I didn't see it coming when it happened, and it reset almost
(43:47):
everything in my life that I knew to be true.
Or I guess you could say that I thought I knew to be true.
Oh, so it's a happy relationshipthen, No issues.
No ma'am, no issues. I'm very happy.
Who is the lucky woman who gets to be the focus of your love and
(44:09):
admiration then? Yeah, Yeah, there are, there are
some things I would like to justkeep private and to ourselves,
if that is OK I'm. Telling you 4, sometimes five
nights a week. Now, I ain't no perv or sleaze
or nothing like that. It's not like I'm camping out
outside Deputy Marshall's birth late nights.
(44:31):
But I'm going to be honest here,I pay money to know what he's
doing to Doc Jennings, to get tomake the noises like that, you
know what I'm saying? Does this station have a future?
Yeah, it does. And look, I know very recently
there have been some decisions made and we are all facing hard
(44:51):
times, times that a lot of us are having questions and
concerns and, well, let's be honest, even despair.
But in the depth of despair, when all the way to the world
and all our struggles press hardis upon us, it's very easy to
lose sight of what truly matters.
(45:14):
We may. Find ourselves torn between
yearning for power and control and the simple yet profound
desire for dignity. The dignity that every single
human being is born with and which so many are denied is not
a luxury nor a privilege. It's our birthright.
Look. I'm not making a plea for power
(45:35):
or a political gain. And this is not a call to arms
or a cry for violence. If anything, it is a plea to
reduce the divide that seems to grow wider every day now.
This is more of a call to try toreach across the oceans that
divide us with basic understanding and maybe even
(45:56):
hope. We've long been a species defied
by our imperfections. History has shown us countless
examples of the darkness we're capable of, but it has also
illuminated the greatness we canachieve when we rise above our
faults. Look, we'll.
Stumble, we'll fall, but we always learn from that, and we
(46:17):
can grow, and from that growth we can hopefully build a future
that's brighter and more just than the one we inherited.
I think the question we need to ask now, at this moment, this
critical juncture in human history, is what will we choose?
Will we? Choose to remain divided by our
(46:38):
differences, caught in the endless cycle of power and
conflict? Or will we choose something
greater, something nobler? Will we choose to heal, to rise
together, and to build a future founded on understanding,
compassion, and shared humanity?Look, I'm no.
Leader, I'm just one voice amongmany just trying to remind us of
(47:04):
the power of possibilities. It's not.
About the power of politics, northe principalities of nations.
But it's the power that lies in possibility.
The possibility that we can choose even now to be better.
That we can overcome the darkness that surrounds us, both
the darkness outside and the darkness within, by embracing
(47:25):
the light of love, of empathy, and of hope here on the.
Ice People who live here in the most inhospitable environment on
earth understand this better than most.
Here, in that frozen silence where the sun disappears for
eight months out of the year, wealways find that even the most
extreme isolation there is always a glimmer of light it.
(47:49):
May be small, it may be fleeting, but it never goes out.
And that light? I'm referring to isn't the light
from the stars above us, nor thewarmth of the sun.
It's a light that lives within all of us, as corny as that may
sound, but it's true. It's the light of our shared
(48:09):
humanity, the light of caring for one another.
Like even the darkest moments, that light endures.
And that's love. Love for our families, our
communities, our planet, and thehuman race itself.
(48:31):
In this remote, frigid place, welearn every day that survival
isn't simply about enduring the cold, but about nourishing the
warmth that comes with understanding.
When we're cold and isolated, wecling to each other.
We share that light. It is the one thing that makes
the difference between despair and hope.
(48:55):
And this is the lesson for all of us.
In the darkest times, when the world feels cold and divided,
when the forces of hatred and fear seem overwhelming, we must
remember that there's a light that will never be extinguished,
a light that can never be buriedby the storms of injustice, the
(49:17):
winds of war, or The Tempest of division.
That light is love. And I think now it's time for us
to step forward into that light and embrace the fullness of that
shared humanity. We have to act more civil to one
another, to offer more understanding instead of so much
(49:37):
conflict and try to bring hope when there's so much to spare.
And to look at our past not as asource of shame, but as a
teacher of wisdom. And like I said before, we learn
from our stumbles and we learn from our falls.
But we can't let those falls andstumbles define us.
(50:02):
Instead, let them propel us towards a future where we can
rise higher. Together.
We have. The power to create a future
that's not defined by fear or scarcity, but by the infinite
possibilities of compassion, unity and understanding.
So let us choose that future. So to every person listening.
(50:24):
We should all. Remember and this.
Despair. Let's try to find the courage
and the hope, and let's be that light in.
The face of division. Let's choose understanding.
And through it all, let's remember that we're bound by
something far greater than politics or power or ideology.
We're bound by the indomitable strength of our shared humanity,
(50:48):
the world we long for. The world we deserve.
It's absolutely within our reach, if only we choose it.
Now anyway, that's the future I see coming from this station.
Although we only had 48 hours tospend at a month since Scott,
(51:09):
one gets the impression that it would take years to even scratch
the surface of what makes this very remote research station
such a polarizing and complex place.
Not just the Center for researchand scientific exploration.
It's become a symbol that just as many find dated or hokey as
there are who rally behind the international cooperation and
(51:30):
original ideals the Antarctica Treaty was founded upon.
As a result of the foreign diplomatic visitation, there is
a renewed focus on trying to find a common ground between
those who feel a more internal national focus is warranted and
those who feel an outstretched hand of friendship is the
correct answer. Before we end tonight's episode
(51:50):
of Crosshairs, I want to play a segment we were fortunate enough
to record in the course of our many interviews.
A candid and unfiltered view of what takes place in some of the
more hushed quarters of the station.
We need to warn viewers in advance what you're about to see
may be unsettling to some, and everybody in the VMF told us you
(52:14):
were the man to go to for a real, unfiltered view of what
life on the station is and the artists is truly like.
So, Keenan, what can you tell us?
It's them. Sorry, Keenan, we'll pick this
up later today. Hey.
(52:34):
Hey, hey, hey. I hear voices coming from the
air vent. It's them.
Let's get closer, closer, Diffiethe mic.
The mic hurry up here. What are?
The Ambrose and medical team saying.
They're not really set up for autopsies or anything close to
operations a coroner would perform, but from general exam
(52:54):
and observation. Gee, his.
Best guess was a severe cerebralhemorrhage, but he wanted to
make sure I fully understood that wasn't his formal
diagnosis, it was just an educated guess.
No, no, I get that. So what about the other pilot?
What about him? What did Ambrose?
Guess happen to him. Oh, oh, oh, I'm.
(53:18):
I'm sorry, Deputy. The cerebral hemorrhage was his
determination for both pilots. Both.
That's. Not statistically possible for
two people that suffer the same exact ailments sitting feet
apart. Anybody else on the plane suffer
anything like that themselves? Nobody.
Doctor Ambrose, Tim's, Blake andChu examined everyone on the
(53:38):
flight, including the Air Force guy.
Clean bills of health? Well, that would.
Rule out environmental causal factors, and unless the pilot
and copilot were direct relatives, genetic causal
factors are out all right. So that leaves what causal
vectors? If not environmental or genetic?
What about external ones? You mean like chemical?
(54:01):
Maybe like food or beverage or chamomile tea.
Yeah, Bess, they don't serve no airplane meals on the flight.
Runs between mud town and up. People just bring their own
snacks if they want. Doctor Patani called me earlier
today, said that Keck spoke up again and said chamomile
standard three times. Zeke, can you call your
counterpart in McMurdo, see if the plane crew's there or
(54:23):
anybody can remember seeing the pilots eating or drinking
anything before the flight? Keck has had a perfect record up
to now. I'm betting that Street
continues the. Only reason to target the pilots
to be to. Crash the plane to kill the.
Diplomat and the Senator and thepolitical shock waves would be
massive against the United States, potentially resulting in
(54:43):
more seclusionary edicts and policies from the government.
The fact that potential nationalpolitical challenger in the 2024
elections was also on the plane makes this very incendiary add.
That onto the disappearance of Flight 990.
Golly, whoever is behind all this really has something
against planes. Today's the Indonesian flight
(55:05):
Deputy Marshall's flight. Look, I thought it was going to
be gone for 10 minutes. I need to get back up to that
banquet. Let's keep in mind we don't know
anything for fact. All we have right now are
suspicions and educated guesses.No facts, no proof.
Getting everything taking place in the world today.
Talk like this is dangerous. Let's keep this amongst
(55:26):
ourselves. Only we can update the others.
But seriously, let's keep the contain in the barn.
Don't move. When my editor first handed me
(55:48):
this proposal, I honestly thought this was going to be
nothing more than what we call in journalism.
A fluff piece devoid of any need, merit or motivation.
Just window dressing to lure in prospective viewership. 48 hours
in a frozen box on the tail end of the planet covering a dinner,
not the prizes Pulitzers are made of.
(56:08):
The more we looked around the station and the interviews of
the local residents, the more perplexing the view.
Allocation of taxpayer funding on dubious experiments, long
term effects of human isolation and some of the more seasoned
senior scientists. Talk of missing commercial
airliners and a potential assassination attempt against a
young maverick US Senator. Hardly a fluff piece.
(56:30):
After all, We're conducting additional investigations and I
have a feeling we may be returning to the South Pole.
There is just something about the ice.
This. Has been Crosshairs.
Crosshairs is written and produced by Alexa Rydell with
Generous France from Beauregard Lowing, Rexall Pharmaceuticals,
the Office of Citizen Morale, and Galen Ross Bioengineering.
(56:53):
Transcripts of Crosshairs can beobtained by sending.
This is Brian Bradley. Thank you for listening to our
show. We are commercial free and able
to do so thanks to our amazing sponsors.
You can help support 90° by visiting our Patreon page.
Go to 90° podcast.com, that's the number 90 and degrees
(57:16):
podcast alloneword.com you'll find a direct link to our
Patreon page where you can make a monthly pledge and get shirts,
buttons, stickers or even a shout out as an honorary
station. Pulley.
Speaking of, we'd like to send aspecial shout out to the
following pulleys Nick Wolf, Tatum Adams, Monica David,
(57:38):
Rainbow Lights, Thomas Reische, and L Link.
Thank you for your sponsorship. It helps and supports us in so
many ways. This has been 90° S On behalf of
the cast and crew, I'd like to thank you for listening.
If you liked the episode and areenjoying the series, Please
(58:00):
remember to give us a like a share a tweet, send a Raven or
review on iTunes Audio boom for your favorite podcast site.
It helps us to get the word out and keeps the cold until next
time. Well, I tell you what, if we're
off the record, the person I would most like to kick in the
taint in this in this space would be Doctor Topper Hunt.
(58:23):
He makes my life hell and if I could, I would watch him into
the sun. He's a human relations nightmare
and I can't stand him. This has been a B MB production.
Popular Podcasts
CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.