by D.J. Sylvis
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There has been no response to my two most recent transmissions. The last broadcast received from Earth was November 17th, and that was fragmented and incomplete. The satellite that we use to bounce messages back and forth has appeared on schedule, we are able to ping it, it seems to be sending … but no response, on either the standard or backup channels. This would indicate a communications issue of significant duration, and after consulting with Security, Maintenance, and the current Science lead, I’m invoking Article 27, Base Emergency Communications Procedures.
As I indicated in last week’s broadcast – if you got that – there is one primary function of those procedures. That is the inspection of the microwave towers linking Theta to the near-side Moonbases. I’ve spoken to Michell regarding use of the Rover vehicle, which Wilder will give a checkup and load for possible repairs. Ashwini is analyzing the latest photo footage to plan a safe route. I will depart three days from now.
Of course, all of this could be halted if a message was received.
Base operations report. Everything remains within acceptable levels. Helium-3 combined stores are now at 152% – Wilder’s obsessive supervision of mining operations continues apace. Water stores have declined a bit, down to 60% – reports trace this to increased cycling of the airlocks connected to, umm, surface visitation. Power levels are acceptable, we had to cut back a bit inside to keep powering the mining machinery, but they were areas scheduled for decommission anyway. Supplies are adequate … on the current schedule.
Obviously, we don’t know what the situation is on Earth. The rumour mill shuts down, even for Michell, when everyone on the other end stops talking. There are assumptions being made, and arguments regarding how we should react, what can be done if things … are the worst. If there are even options beyond proceeding with the last tasks of the shutdown sequence and keeping up hope.
For now, that’s our status. By next broadcast … too many variables to tell.
Personal message to follow. Alexandre, love. Hello.
The hardest part of … whatever is happening down there, what is definitely happening up here, is not knowing about you. I think about you all the time … wandering through the house, working in the garden, wrangling that pack of vicious canines, sprawled across my side of the bed. All the life we’ve built together, everything I want so badly to return to.
But that’s all the more reason why I have to say what I’m saying now, and hope things have fractured enough that the message gets through. Alex, if you hear this, if things are as … tenuous as I understand down there … You need to go. I need you to go. Get your things, take the dogs if you can, but leave the city, leave the enclave … run and don’t stop running. When you find people you trust, ask about the nearest freehold and head in that direction. Please, love.
I’ll find my way back to you. If there’s any … chance at all, I’ll find you, but get somewhere safe.
I keep looking at that nebula, the one I named after you, when I go up to the surface. I can just barely make it out without instruments. I wish we were headed there this minute, hurtling away from Earth at the speed of light, all our energies and gravitational forces aligned. I wish we were …
Go, Alexandre. Go now. I love you.
Moonbase Theta, out.
(The episode ends.)
D.J. SYLVIS
Thank you for listening to Moonbase Theta, Out! Leeman Kessler is Roger Bragado-Fischer; the episode was written, edited and produced by D.J. Sylvis.
Theme music is “Star” by the band Ramp – check them out at ramp dash music dot net. Additional credits are in the show notes, and additional show information is on monkeyman productions dot com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter – we use Twitter a lot – and if you want to be one of the super-moon-heroes who help us make the show possible, support us at Patreon dot com slash monkeymanproductions! We give our backers a lot of extras and
behind-the-scenes info, even special minisodes! And you always have our grateful thanks for listening, sharing the show with friends, joining our Discord to chat with us … all the ways you’re a part of our Mooniverse community. Take care, and we’ll be back soon!
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