About this episode Immerse yourself in 'One Side of the Line: Stories You Only Hear Once,' a captivating audio series that unfolds through the perspective of a single speaker on a phone call. Each episode reveals a complete, compelling story told solely from one side, encouraging listeners to interpret the unspoken and fill in the silences. This unique narration style highlights the power of voice and silence, offering a fresh, intimate experience that deepens your understanding of human connection and storytelling artistry.
0:00 Okay.0:00 Just… listen to my voice.0:04 Only my voice.0:05 Last week, we heard a call about talking someone down from a ledge.0:15 Turns out, the principle is the same, even when the ledge is a pressure plate.0:25 Tell me your name again.0:28 Alright, Sam.0:30 I’m right here.0:32 I’m not going anywhere.0:35 Now, describe the device to me one more time.0:41 Slowly.0:42 Don’t rush.0:44 Okay.0:44 A metal box, grey.0:47 A digital timer.0:49 What does the timer read now?0:53 Six minutes, forty-one seconds.0:57 We have time.0:59 We have plenty of time.1:02 You said there’s a lid held on by four screws?1:08 Good.1:09 You have the screwdriver from the kit I told you about?1:16 Okay, Sam.1:18 Very carefully, I want you to remove those screws.1:25 Counter-clockwise.1:27 Left to loosen.1:29 That’s it.1:30 Take your time.1:32 Don't worry about the timer right now.1:38 You just worry about the screws.1:42 If your hands start to shake, stop, take a breath, and start again.1:51 I’m right here.1:53 Good.1:54 All four?1:55 Okay.1:56 Now, lift the lid.1:58 Gently.1:59 Lift it straight up and place it beside the box.2:05 Do not let it touch the device again once it's off.2:12 Right.2:13 Now tell me what you see inside.2:18 Talk to me, Sam.2:20 A block of grey… putty.2:23 Wires coming out of it.2:26 How many wires?2:28 Five.2:29 Okay.2:29 What colors?2:31 Red, blue, green, yellow, and black.2:36 Standard.2:37 This is good, Sam.2:39 This is a pattern I know.2:43 Now, look closely at where they connect.2:48 Is there a small circuit board?2:52 Little flashing lights?2:56 No.2:56 No lights.2:57 That’s… also good.3:00 Simpler is better.3:02 Now, I need you to be VERY still.3:07 Do you see where the black wire connects to the timer display?3:15 Okay.3:16 That’s our target.3:18 But not yet.3:20 We do that last.3:22 First, we have to isolate the power source.3:28 Follow the red and the blue wires with your eyes.3:34 Only your eyes.3:36 Where do they lead?3:39 To a silver cylinder?3:42 Looks like a battery?3:45 Okay.3:45 It’s not a battery.3:48 That’s the detonator.3:51 DO NOT touch it.3:53 Do not even breathe on it too hard.3:58 Are we clear?4:00 Good.4:00 Now look at the green wire.4:04 It should run from the main block to a separate, smaller terminal.4:13 Do you see it?4:15 That’s the one.4:17 That’s our first cut.4:20 I want you to take the wire cutters.4:24 Get a firm grip.4:27 You’re going to cut the GREEN wire.4:31 Only the green wire.4:34 I know it’s close to the red one.4:39 That’s why you need to be steady.4:43 Put the tool on the wire.4:46 Feel it settle into the blades.4:51 Are you ready?4:52 On my mark.4:54 Three… two… one… cut.4:57 Okay.4:57 Okay, good.4:59 The timer didn’t speed up.5:02 Nothing happened.5:05 You did perfectly, Sam.5:08 Absolutely perfectly.5:11 You’re doing great.5:13 Now for the yellow one.5:16 Same process.5:18 Find it, isolate it, cut it.5:22 Go.5:22 Done?5:23 Fantastic.5:24 Two more.5:26 We’re almost home.5:28 Now… this is the important one.5:32 The blue wire.5:34 It’s the trigger for the pressure plate you’re standing on.5:42 We cut this, and you’re free.5:46 But you CANNOT move until I say so.5:51 You understand?5:53 Even after the cut.5:55 Okay.5:56 Cut the blue wire, Sam.5:59 Sam?6:00 Talk to me.6:01 Did you cut it?6:03 Sam?6:04 Okay.6:05 Okay.6:05 Don’t move an inch.6:08 We’re coming to get you.6:11 Just… keep listening to my voice.
