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Episode: Malevolent Recommends: The White Vault

Author: Harlan Guthrie
Duration: 00:22:23

Episode Shownotes

Today I wanted to recommend a show to listen to, The White Vault: Explore the far reaches of the world’s horrors. Follow the collected records of a repair team sent to a remote arctic outpost and unravel what lies waiting in the ice below.The White Vault is a horror fiction

audio drama podcast that features languages and voices from around the globe. It often showcases the found footage format, accurate depictions of modern archaeology, and isolation horror, brought to life by a full cast and detailed soundscape.Check them out at https://thewhitevault.com/Season 5 Starts May 1st Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Full Transcript

00:00:01 Speaker_01
Hello all, Harlan Guthrie here. Creator, producer, voice actor, but basically I do everything behind the scenes for Malevolent.

00:00:09 Speaker_01
If you've listened to the episode before this, the Q&A I did with my friend Wren, then you should be no stranger to my, let's say, normal speaking voice. However, this is a little different than the Q&A.

00:00:21 Speaker_01
The first part of season five drops right here on this feed on May 1st. But in the meantime, I wanted to do something different. Something you haven't heard on here before.

00:00:33 Speaker_01
This isn't a new project or a plea for Patreon support, though that's always helpful. No, this is something special. I often get asked what shows beyond this one I would recommend.

00:00:43 Speaker_01
And while this isn't going to be a common occurrence, in fact, this is possibly the only time I'm going to do this, I wanted to give you a taste of a show that I firmly believe is absolutely fantastic.

00:00:55 Speaker_01
Some would say in a class of its own, that some being me. The White Vault is a horror audio drama by my friends Travis and K.A. exploring the far reaches of the world's horrors.

00:01:09 Speaker_01
Not only does the show feature a ton of friends I've made over the last few years, but it rivals few others in its writing, sound design, and sheer unbridled terror. Featured in nearly each and every episode.

00:01:21 Speaker_01
It's so good, in fact, that I'm hoping you'll listen along with me right now to the first episode. So sit back, relax, and prepare to be transported.

00:01:35 Speaker_01
Afterwards, make sure you check them out at thewhitevault.com or subscribe wherever you do for podcasts. There are so many moments of the show that you do not want to miss out on. Otherwise, see you all May 1st, friends.

00:01:59 Speaker_07
Several days ago, I came into the full collection of documents and recordings that I will be presenting here. Although many of the recordings and documents are dated, some lack explanation for where they fit into the constructed timeline.

00:02:12 Speaker_07
Additionally, due to the multiple viewpoints present, I have taken it upon myself to edit and sort documents or recordings into appropriate points in the hope of presenting a fuller picture.

00:02:22 Speaker_07
This report includes the records of Dr. Rosa De La Torre, Walter Heath, Graham Kasner, Dr. Karina Schumacher-Weiss, and Jonas Launesen during an expedition in Svalbard. The White Vault. This recording comes from the phone of Dr. Schumacher Weiss.

00:03:05 Speaker_06
Hey mom, it's me. I'm supposed to work for a company for a few weeks in Svalbard. Hey mom, it's me. One of the companies I work for needs me to go on a trip out to Svalbard for a few weeks. But more accurately, I hope to work for them.

00:03:17 Speaker_06
Apparently they received a signal from one of their outposts that may indicate some rather interesting finds. Seeing as how they've been looking to expand, I'm hoping this job will solidify and a good job for me within their geological team.

00:03:31 Speaker_06
Oh, my stop is coming up, Mama. I'm sorry I will miss Papa's birthday, but I ordered a gift for him and shipped it to you. Please wrap it up and give it to him at the party, okay?

00:03:39 Speaker_06
After all this time in this job market, I cannot afford to pass up this opportunity. I spoke with Rolf yesterday about this. He was obviously upset, but he supported my choice to take this job.

00:03:50 Speaker_06
If I impress them, I would not have to live permanently on Svalbard, as most of their geological surveys take place during the summer months.

00:03:57 Speaker_06
it would be rough but the payment would certainly help us with our house payments honestly wolf is not the best at keeping secrets i found the ring when i was cleaning mama i think he will propose when i get back before spring for certain if i don't message you again be well i love you and i'll see you later pass my love on to papa okay tschüss

00:04:22 Speaker_07
Dated slightly before Dr Schumacher Weiss' recording, Mr Walter Heath of Reading, UK, had written in his personal journal, a collection of emails he sends to himself in the folder labelled, Documentation.

00:04:37 Speaker_04
I got a job. Serendipitous timing, my lease is up on the flat soon and the company says the job will take a little less than a month between travels, preparations and weather conditions.

00:04:47 Speaker_04
I don't own too many possessions, especially after the divorce, so that's not going to be a problem.

00:04:53 Speaker_04
I have a few weeks to sell some things on Gumtree, I know a friend who will give me a few pounds for my old TV, and Molly took Sir Tufts in the separation anyway.

00:05:03 Speaker_04
Space between this place and me would seem like a certified vacation, were it not in the ass and frigid wastes of Svalbard. So yes, the job is in Svalbard, land of polar bears and the midnight sun.

00:05:18 Speaker_04
Except at this time of year, I'll be lucky to see any sun at all. It's not as though I have a tanned complexion to maintain. I'd been sending out feelers for a job for months now, but I'd not even applied for their company.

00:05:31 Speaker_04
Sijagroup is some independent mining contractor out of Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.

00:05:37 Speaker_04
Apparently, they're hiring on short notice due to many of their general contractors occupied on winter jobs elsewhere, since apparently, most people don't want to head to the dark, cold, endless night of a hungry bear-ridden glacier.

00:05:52 Speaker_04
I, on the other hand, have little less to do than pack up and head out. When I spoke with them on the phone, I was told I was required because of reports of an equipment malfunction. They're sending a team to an outpost to address the issue.

00:06:04 Speaker_04
The company is unsure what caused the signal they received, but it's more expensive to mount multiple expeditions than to send a team, including myself, out to fix or assess the transmitter. I heard rovers may be involved. And the pay is fantastic.

00:06:21 Speaker_04
I'll be back in Reading at... No. No, I'll find somewhere else to let a new flat. After all this is over, there will be no need to come back here.

00:06:37 Speaker_07
No other documents pertaining to their work with the Sieger Group were found before the arrival of the team at the Sieger Group meeting station on Svalbard in the Olesund.

00:06:57 Speaker_02
Oh, hello! Come in! Are you Mr. Kastner?

00:07:03 Speaker_04
No. Sorry to disappoint. I'm Walter Heath, the repair technician and IT specialist.

00:07:08 Speaker_03
Sorry, Mr. Heath. I'm Jonas Thorisson. But please call me Jonas. I'm the CJ Group's project representative for this expedition. I hope your travels were not too difficult?

00:07:18 Speaker_04
Everything was quite fine. My flight from Longyearbyen experienced some fairly frightening turbulence, though. I hope you don't mind, but I'm recording this. This is quite the adventure into the dark north.

00:07:32 Speaker_03
Not at all, please. I don't think my voice will lend to fair listening. The flight turbulence, that is to be expected during this time of winter. It is uncommon to have flights this time of year for exactly such a reason.

00:07:44 Speaker_03
There's coffee on the pot if you would like some.

00:07:46 Speaker_04
Oh, yes, please. I think my fingers are stuck in place. After a bout at the university, I promised myself I would never head further north than Aberdeen. Heh, how things change.

00:08:01 Speaker_00
Is this the seizure room?

00:08:03 Speaker_03
Yes, please come in. The heat will get out. I'm Jonas Thorson. You must be Dr. Della Tore.

00:08:09 Speaker_00
Yes, nice to meet you, Mr. Thorson.

00:08:13 Speaker_03
Jonas will be fine. Please, come in, doctor. Pour yourself a cup of coffee. We're waiting on others.

00:08:18 Speaker_00
Thank you, Jonas. And Rosa will be fine. Are you also on the expedition?

00:08:27 Speaker_04
Yes. Hello. Hi. I'm Walter Heath, the repair technician and IT specialist. And you, Dr. de La Tour, are you a geologist? Volcanologist? I don't know what Sieger Group would need out there beside me in a warm overcoat.

00:08:42 Speaker_00
Rosa, please. And I am a medical doctor. I've worked on Svalbard for companies before. I'm there to make sure you and the others on the expedition come back in good health, Mr. Heath.

00:08:53 Speaker_04
Walter is fine.

00:08:54 Speaker_00
Jonas, are you on the expedition?

00:08:57 Speaker_03
Yes, I'm the SITIA group's project representative.

00:09:00 Speaker_00
And that entails...?

00:09:01 Speaker_03
I report back on the status of outpost stations and assess the abilities of potential hires.

00:09:06 Speaker_04
So you are the man to impress.

00:09:11 Speaker_06
Hello? We're looking for the SITIA group.

00:09:14 Speaker_03
Yes, come in. You must be Dr. Schumacher Weiss and Mr. Kastner. Hello. Mr. Kastner and Dr. Schumacher-Weiss, this is Dr. Rosa Della Torre and Mr. Walter Heath. I am Jonas Thoreson, the representative for SITIA.

00:09:30 Speaker_03
Now that we're all here, I would like to begin the short presentation regarding our goal at Outpost Freestead.

00:09:35 Speaker_06
Mr. Thoreson, I see coffee. Is there coffee?

00:09:39 Speaker_03
Please call me Jonas. And my apologies, there's coffee over there. Please make yourself comfortable while I set up the presentation.

00:09:49 Speaker_04
Are you recording? Yes, it's for my travel logs. Does it bother you?

00:09:54 Speaker_05
No.

00:09:55 Speaker_04
And what do you contribute to our little expedition, Mr. Gasner?

00:09:59 Speaker_05
Have you ever been to Svalbard before, Mr. Heath?

00:10:02 Speaker_04
Walter is fine. And no, I've never been this far north before at all.

00:10:07 Speaker_05
Not many people have. I'm here to make sure you don't break down and get stuck out atop a glacier in negative 17 degrees, or get stalked by a polar bear when you go out to repair whatever it is you all need to fix.

00:10:23 Speaker_04
Well, it is calming to know the company has thought so much about our safety.

00:10:26 Speaker_03
Hello, everyone. As the representative of Sitia Group, I would like to thank you for accepting the offered position for the examination and repair expedition out to Outpost Freestead.

00:10:34 Speaker_03
Sitia Group knows it was a short notice, but we are appreciative and hope you find yourself in the position to aid Sitia further in the future.

00:10:42 Speaker_03
Several weeks ago, a transmission from Outpost Freestead was received at Sitia Group's primary receiving station here in Ny-Åleset.

00:10:48 Speaker_03
While we mostly operate mining contracts around Svalbard, Citigroup is also an established surveyor here and across multiple Scandinavian countries.

00:10:55 Speaker_06
Excuse me, I'm not sure if I got this right. I think I heard something about polar bears?

00:11:02 Speaker_04
They must be hibernating about now. Polar bears do not hibernate.

00:11:08 Speaker_06
That answers my question.

00:11:10 Speaker_03
We have specialized equipment at several outposts, including Freestead, that receive input signals from several research rovers, both belonging to Sitcher Group and multiple other organizations who prefer to use our network than set up their own.

00:11:21 Speaker_03
The signal we recently received from the station was unintelligible, but more importantly that outpost is only meant to receive and aggregate data for collection in the summer, not send messages or signals unless a malfunction or an emergency has taken place.

00:11:35 Speaker_03
We cannot tell what it was based on the single message received. Due to this, Citra Group has decided to send out this team to find the reason for the signal.

00:11:43 Speaker_06
Wait, hold on. I was told that my expertise would be needed? This sounds more like some lost tourist stumbling across a refuge from the winter cold.

00:11:52 Speaker_03
And that very well might be, but the information collected by those rovers is paramount to several geological studies being undertaken here, for several reasons across several projects.

00:12:01 Speaker_03
Your past work with the advancements of the use of GPR and its mining applications, as well as your recent work in Norway regarding volcanic activity, has been taken into account by our primary managers.

00:12:10 Speaker_03
I'm not a scientific man myself, so I apologize if I've misrepresented your work.

00:12:15 Speaker_06
So I am to examine the collected data, right? I will at least require information regarding what data has been collected and what for.

00:12:23 Speaker_03
Not exactly. Because of the rovers, we utilize an algorithm that takes incoming geological data to inform us of any important changes to Swarbrick itself. For both glacier and seismic activity can at any point endanger the life of miners on the island.

00:12:37 Speaker_03
If the program detects too many outliers, it can be considered an emergency. I will have some papers available for you tomorrow when we depart. I apologize for the short notice.

00:12:46 Speaker_03
Being it is the winter months, many simple amenities are not fully stocked. Printing, for example.

00:12:52 Speaker_06
Ah, thank you. Although I do not see why this could not have been messaged to me earlier.

00:12:57 Speaker_03
Now that we understand Dr. Schumacherweiss' role, Mr. Heath, or Walter, will be required to inspect and repair the transmitter for any possible damage.

00:13:05 Speaker_03
While SIGIGROUP is uncertain for the reason for the signal, the cost of sending two groups at separate times is too high. One of you may be redundant, but you will be paid nonetheless.

00:13:13 Speaker_03
Dr. Della Torre and Mr. Kastner are assigned to get you there and back safely. I will be accompanying you in case of any damages or events that require documentation for SIGIGROUP records.

00:13:23 Speaker_03
The next rover is scheduled to transfer information to the outpost three days from now, so we must assure the station's receiver is operational by then.

00:13:31 Speaker_07
Every instance of lost data... This was the point at which Mr. Heath's recorder died. The next available document is an action report from Mr. Kasner following their arrival at Outpost Freestead.

00:13:49 Speaker_05
We have successfully reached Outpost Freestead. Departure from Nielessen was planned for 0500, with five fully-fueled snowmobiles, four of which haul supplies. Due to mechanical difficulties, we did not leave Nielessen until 525.

00:14:07 Speaker_05
Mr. Heath was a capable driver, contrary to previous concerns. Jonas and Dr. Schumacher-Weiss also did well. Dr. de la Torre, Rosa, had several problems with the snowmobile, only one of which warranted addressing.

00:14:22 Speaker_05
A belt had become shredded and was properly replaced before leaving the vicinity of Niellesund. We traveled approximately 53 kilometers to Outpost Friested, located just south of the border to Nordwest Spitsberger National Park.

00:14:37 Speaker_05
We traveled slowly and safely and made it here within two and a half hours. We've been here for some time now, perhaps three hours. The outpost is a bunker. Sijur Group obviously invested in these stations.

00:14:52 Speaker_05
We brought weeks' worth of rations with us to assure our safety and comfort, as well as restock the outpost. I spent time unloading and stocking the bunker with the goods we brought, and covered the snowmobiles for our return trip.

00:15:07 Speaker_05
The generator was easy to start up, even given the conditions. To the slight disappointment of Dr. De La Torre, there was no injured tourist here upon our arrival. She is since taken to starting the internal appliances.

00:15:21 Speaker_05
She also helped put away goods in the auxiliary bunker, a few meters from the primary station. She's quite helpful, and, uh, sympathetically. No one will accuse me of not keeping thorough notes regarding this expedition. The bunker is operational.

00:15:39 Speaker_05
I did not understand, Mr. Heath, but apparently something is broken, and it looks like vandalism. It will take some time to repair the damage, but he believes he is capable.

00:15:51 Speaker_05
Dr. Schumacher-Weiss, Corina, I think it is, is upset that there may be little for her to do, but she is finding some of the previously stored data here regarding the... geological... something of the area to be rather interesting.

00:16:08 Speaker_05
It looks like a storm is coming.

00:16:17 Speaker_07
The next recording came from the station's computer. As part of the relay and radio built into the outpost, a recording function is available at all times. Mr Heath made use of this use promptly.

00:16:39 Speaker_03
That storm blew in fast. Weather can change very quickly.

00:16:43 Speaker_04
It's best not to be caught unaware. I've got it working. What? The recorder in the computer. The radio setup here is rather advanced as well.

00:16:55 Speaker_06
Do you record often, Walter?

00:16:57 Speaker_04
I like to. Keeps me honest. Enough. I packed a camcorder as well.

00:17:03 Speaker_05
We are well stocked. Between rations left here from the summer expeditions and the reserves we brought in, we can wait the storm out.

00:17:11 Speaker_00
I even sold alcohol.

00:17:13 Speaker_05
Welcome to the North.

00:17:15 Speaker_00
I think it is universal.

00:17:21 Speaker_06
What was that?

00:17:21 Speaker_05
That polar bear.

00:17:24 Speaker_06
They come in this far from the coast?

00:17:26 Speaker_05
They can, though it may not be common.

00:17:30 Speaker_04
Is it safe to work on the equipment? Tomorrow, that is, after the storm dies down. Yes. So you think it'll leave? The bear? Eventually.

00:17:41 Speaker_00
You seem very sure about this.

00:17:43 Speaker_05
Don't feel confident in your ability to patch up a bear attack, Doc?

00:17:48 Speaker_00
Oh, I can. And I think Walter would look all the better with the scars for it. What?

00:17:53 Speaker_04
Oh, preferably not.

00:17:55 Speaker_03
It won't come so close.

00:17:57 Speaker_05
Once out of the populated areas, all groups must carry weapons to further their safety precautions.

00:18:04 Speaker_06
You will shoot the bear, Mr. Kastner?

00:18:06 Speaker_05
Well, first I'll shoot around the bear, but if it gets too close, yes. A warning shot will scare them off most of the time.

00:18:23 Speaker_03
So, how long do you believe the repairs will take you, Walter?

00:18:26 Speaker_04
The repairs outside? Not too long, a couple of days at most, if I can get my hands to stop shaking. I'm more concerned with the internal problems.

00:18:35 Speaker_00
Is there something broken with the computer?

00:18:37 Speaker_04
Well, not precisely.

00:18:39 Speaker_04
While it looks like the transmitter-receiver tower outside was manually and rather coarsely disconnected, the computer itself, which acts as an interface for the data both incoming and outgoing, has some obviously malicious coding.

00:18:54 Speaker_00
A computer error?

00:18:56 Speaker_04
No. Coding is difficult. It was intentional.

00:18:59 Speaker_00
So a virus?

00:19:01 Speaker_04
Maybe. I'll be examining it later after I fix the physical damage. Any idea what it does? I think it's what sent out the message.

00:19:10 Speaker_03
So someone intentionally damaged Citigroup property and altered some computer thing.

00:19:15 Speaker_04
Seemingly so.

00:19:17 Speaker_03
Thank you. This will make a difference regarding insurance claims. Please document the evidence you need to help prove this to be true. It will be valuable for my work.

00:19:26 Speaker_00
So, I saw something that looked like a bottle of cheap tequila earlier.

00:19:30 Speaker_05
That was a bottle of Aquavit. Still cheap, though.

00:19:35 Speaker_00
Until the storm settles down, I don't see much work happening.

00:19:38 Speaker_06
What are you looking for, Jonas?

00:19:40 Speaker_00
Glasses.

00:19:46 Speaker_07
The following letter was taken from the notepad of Dr. de la Torre, though the page had been torn out. Her handwriting, though legible, is disordered and unpunctuated. Given the content of the letter, I believe she was intoxicated.

00:20:07 Speaker_00
Aquavit is a disgusting drink. It burns like vodka, but tastes like something you would expect from a people who enjoy pickled fishes. I think it's well about enough to know it will rear its ugly head at some point or another.

00:20:20 Speaker_00
I miss chiles and nogada, mama's mole tamales. I'd fight for fresh fruits. Still, dill alcohol, pickled fishes, and repugnant cheese endure. Which, as it turns out, was one of the jarred foodstuffs we were lucky enough to open tonight.

00:20:36 Speaker_00
Pickled fish, a tin of mashed potatoes the size of my head, and another of cut carrots. Not what I would have hoped for, but what I had expected. Jonas poured ample drink for us all.

00:20:48 Speaker_00
Walter was a surprisingly heavy drinker until he fell asleep at the computer desk. Karina as well. I could not stand the taste of it. Some kind of potato thing it is. Karina sipped it, as did Graham. Karina is a talker when drunk.

00:21:03 Speaker_00
Apparently she was some geology prodigy who lost some big job. But she won't stop going on about a soon-to-be fiancé back home. It is difficult to understand her when she starts speaking in a jumble of English and German. And she snores.

00:21:19 Speaker_00
Jonas showed us pictures of his kids. Twin girls. Blondest hair I've ever seen. Tiny traditional Icelandic sweaters. Cute. Graham and I were up late. Are up late. He's interesting. Lots of stories from travels across the north. I think he liked tequila.

00:21:39 Speaker_00
Shit, it's late.

00:21:45 Speaker_07
As far as I could discern, no other documentation or recordings were taken during the first day of the expedition. This completes the first collection of information regarding the repair team at Outpost Freestead. The White Vault