Blood and Thunder was conceived by Stefan Claypool and William Guida and written by Stefan Claypool. Mr. Claypool also composed the music for the piece using Apple GarageBand, as well as editing and directing the program. Bill Noble acted as the director of the Vermont unit.
The performance starred Derek Long as John McCutcheon, Kofi Appiah as Sterling Hawley and the beggar, Izzy Nuttall as Gwen Carlyle and Maureen, Charles Giardina as Archie Talbot, Adrienne Losch as Catherine Pease and Bess, Cynthia Wang as Miss Mary Jane, Dave Malinsky as Inspector Nesbit, and David Seamans as Assistant Inspector Dinsdale.
A Victorian working girl is seemingly struck by lightning outside of a London theater. Now a stage magician, a troupe of actors, a group of prostitutes, and a floundering writer are all out to solve a mystery that blurs the lines between science and magic. Starring Derek Long, Kofi Appiah, and Izzy Nuttall.
I have begun to black out with regularity. I don’t know whether this is due to nutritional deficiencies or something more sinister, but I have begun to lose track of large chunks of time. I can’t say with any certainty what is happening or where I am, but I do know that despite Rothman’s efforts, the chances of he and his men finding me out here are minimal.
It has been two hours since I wrote that last sentence – two hours of which I have no memory. What is happening to me?
I found this information in the data surge that nearly destroyed my ship. I don’t know how it ended up out here, or if I should be joyous or terrified. The voices you hear are those of Admiral Arthur Webber and Fleet Captain Peter Rothman.
I have not made a transmission in over two weeks. During that time, I found myself in close proximity to a mysterious planet that gave off a radiation which interfered with my communications equipment. When I emerged from the shadow of this unknown gas giant, I immediately found my systems bombarded with information that threatened to overwhelm them. The integrity of Escape Pod X itself was threatened by this deluge, and only through quick and decisive action was I able to prevent a total systems failure. However, the resulting damage left my communications system crippled, and it is only now that I am able to broadcast again. Restoring audio capabilities will take more time still, but repairs are proceeding with relative swiftness.
I am still in the process of sifting through the information I received during the incident, but I am filled with hope by the possibilities. Among the disparate elements, I believe I have found a series of transmissions from Earth. They could be anything, even old entertainment programs, but they’re still a little piece of home, and I treasure them. If I find anything worthwhile among them, I will relay it you as soon as possible.
To you. I often wonder if I am just imagining that someone is hearing this broadcast as a means of preserving my own sanity. Is there really anyone listening? Or am I merely shouting alone into the blackness with no one to hear me? Is there anybody out there?
Is there anybody out there?
