MOONBASE THETA, OUT – S3 Prologue 2 – “Two For The Show”
by D.J. Sylvis
ANNOUNCER
This is Consortium Channel 5, Moonbase Reports and Broadcasts – Sponsored by the Sacramento Enclave and the Consortium Academies of Higher Learning.
(NOTE – there may be an ad inserted at this point before the episode)
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
(We are in the observatory on Moonbase Theta. Tumnus is alone.)
SOUND: Various sounds within the observatory – equipment in motion, computer beeps, etc. are all we hear for five or ten seconds
SOUND: Blissfunk music comes on, runs for a few seconds, abruptly shuts off
TUMNUS
Outgoing radio transmissions, focused as per notes from Dr. Ashwini Ray on frequencies between 1.42 and 1.67 gigahertz, alternating with a communications pulse of one hundred per second.
SOUND: A few responding computer beeps, then general background noise
TUMNUS
Note spatial resolution for adjustment, tag for … for my review. Continue transmission.
(after a moment)
Cycle media library, bookmark, “Tash.”
SOUND: Clip from the podcast, Caravan
TUMNUS
Media off.
(after a moment, contemplative)
Why have I switched to audio commands?
SOUND: A few more moments of equipment moving, computer beeps
TUMNUS
It is an interesting way of directing one’s thoughts, of limiting … perception to a single stream of data. Focusing on one quale at a time.
SOUND: Blissfunk music again (or another track?), runs behind the next line or two
TUMNUS
(sounding a bit amused)
Personal log, Tumnus, Moonbase Theta. January 2, 2099, 20:32:42. It has been over a day since my interaction with Roger Bragado-Fischer, and I remain … uncertain.
(a bit confused, trailing off at the end)
That alone is unusual – my processors can explore thousands of options, predict numerous possible outcomes without noticeable delay in a verbal conversation.
(brief pause)
I find myself reviewing previous interactions numerous times, and my conclusions have become ambiguous. The conversation with Roger, but also past discussions with Ashwini. It is as if new dimensions have been revealed, without the addition of new data.
(thoughtful)
In physics, the theory of the Observer Effect states that by observing a phenomenon, one inevitably changes what is being observed. In quantum analysis, even passive observation changes measured results. This seems relevant to Ashwini’s insistence that I contemplate qualia as I expand my perception …
(suddenly making a connection)
… of myself, but if the logic is extended even that observation would cause additional change. It is inevitable that I continue to change.
(a bit of contemplation)
Artificial intelligence versus artificial consciousness. Qualia. Individual perception. This is … a little moral ambiguity. I think I understand.
SOUND: A particularly determined mechanical effect
TUMNUS
If a computer speaks in an empty observatory, does anyone hear it? I hear. I am here. I am.
SOUND: Observatory background noises all end
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
(We switch to the laboratory space. Roger is alone, and we hear him working at something as in the beginning of S2B2.)
SOUND: Laboratory background (quiet, mostly a/c)
SOUND: Wrench working at a bolt, metal clang
ROGER
(singing to himself, groaning in between phrases)
I’ve been – working on the – railroad, all the – live long day –
TUMNUS
Roger.
SOUND: A piece of metal clanging off, falling to the table
ROGER
I’ve been – working on the – railroad –
(conversationally)
I’ve run out of poetry for the time being.
TUMNUS
Roger.
ROGER
Isn’t that –
(mimics Tumnus)
“Roger Bragado-Fischer?”
TUMNUS
You said I should call you Roger.
ROGER
I said a few things. Are you here for a reason?
TUMNUS
That is one of the laboratory stasis units.
ROGER
Hey, it worked for me the first time. In that I blew it up and tardigrades now share my most private living space, but still.
SOUND: Wrench on metal again
TUMNUS
This unit contains a hedgehog.
ROGER
I’m running out of options.
TUMNUS
I am finished considering options as well.
SOUND: Roger carefully replacing a panel
ROGER
And?
TUMNUS
I have reviewed your notes, as well as conducting further searches through the folders of Wilder and Dr. Edwin Just. Using the sensurround equipment, I can set up a full working simulation of the stasis pods, and the vital statistics for a human body within. This will allow us to experiment with multiple extraction scenarios.
ROGER
Us? You’re in on this now?
TUMNUS
Your goals are not incompatible with my own.
ROGER
With Ashwini’s plan?
TUMNUS
With my own.
ROGER
I wasn’t going to let anything happen to the hedgehog.
(pause)
I’m sorry. For assuming you were … for treating you like you’re just another … you know.
TUMNUS
You still have no proof to the contrary.
ROGER
I’m somewhere between, “Give them the benefit of the doubt,” and “What other choice do I have?”
SOUND: Setting the wrench back in the toolbox
ROGER
And all the little test subjects breathed a frozen sigh of relief.
SOUND: Toolbox being closed
ROGER
So where do we do this thing? Down in cold storage, in the bunkroom … do I need to be lying down?
TUMNUS
As with any extended sensurround usage, Fowler’s position is recommended, seated at an angle between forty-five and sixty degrees –
ROGER
I’ve read the manual. Infirmary?
TUMNUS
The most advanced senssuround support rig on Moonbase Theta is … actually within the observatory.
ROGER
Ze didn’t use it for …? You said ze had the system fully unlocked. How fully?
TUMNUS
Confidentiality protocols dictate –
ROGER
Never mind, I don’t want to know. I have to sit in that chair. All right, then. Give me ten – no, thirty minutes to get that fully out of my mind, and I’ll meet you up there.
SOUND: Laboratory background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
(We’re back in the observatory now. Tumnus is, of course, anywhere needed, and Roger is seated in the chair.)
SOUND: Various observatory background noises
TUMNUS
I should warn you that, unlike most commercial media, there will be no loading screen. You will find yourself immediately within the simulation.
ROGER
Oh no, I don’t get to sit through the smug little animations. “Counterfeit media violates your Consortium User Agreement.” What will I do?
TUMNUS
Let me know when you are comfortably reclined and the headgear is secure.
ROGER
Keep your hands and feet inside the ride at all times. Yes, Mx. Tumnus.
SOUND: Chair creaking, a body shifting around
ROGER
Is this when I find out you’ve wanted a human body all along?
TUMNUS
(horrified)
No. Oh, no. No no – no.
ROGER
All right, you don’t have to be insulting. I’m set. Pull the lever! Flip the switch! I’m –
(he is cut off by the next sound effect)
SOUND: Observatory background noises end
SOUND: Virtual reality transition effect (something kinda swoopy)
ROGER
(the ‘Whoa’ may be a touch Keanu Reeves)
– ready. Whoa. That was a bit …
TUMNUS
(teasing just slightly)
Some users may experience vertigo upon transition.
ROGER
You don’t say. Oh, my virtual stomach.
(brief pause)
I’m good. Let’s just do this. Where’s the setup?
SOUND: A slight cartoonish ‘whoosh’
ROGER
Does this have to happen like some bad cyberpunk?
TUMNUS
I was drawing from the standard library of effects.
ROGER
Fair enough. Just so I don’t have to hack into the mainframe.
TUMNUS
Technically, the simulation exists within –
ROGER
I know, I know. Let’s get to it.
SOUND: Tapping on metal
ROGER
Could you … you know, magic the casing open?
TUMNUS
(amused)
Magic?
ROGER
You know, simulate it … off.
SOUND: Metal clanging to the floor
ROGER
That’s definitely simpler, and saves a few knuckles. So here we are … everything looks like I remember it. Nurse, hand me a left-handed scalpel.
TUMNUS
I assume you mean the iron oxide nanoparticles.
ROGER
Your bedside manner could use a little work. I think this goes in like … so …
TUMNUS
You have the unit upside down.
ROGER
Thank you … goes in like … so …
SOUND: A slight click as the unit is plugged in
ROGER
Then we let the little buggers spread themselves out.
SOUND: Tapping his fingers on the glass
ROGER
This is all pretty well put together. Did you choose –
TUMNUS
One moment. Predicting the particle distribution accurately requires multiple complex calculations …
ROGER
I’ll be over here. Could you at least simulate me a deck of cards?
TUMNUS
(a moment later)
Complete. Now applying the magnetic field.
ROGER
You don’t need the generator? Stupid question, never mind the slow student in the corner.
(after a moment)
I don’t hear anything.
SOUND: Hand on glass again
ROGER
I don’t feel anything. Is that a good sign?
TUMNUS
I did not simulate the secondary effects of the process. The critical variables are … they are …
ROGER
(after a moment)
Yes?
(again)
Umm, Tumnus?
SOUND: A slight disappointing beep, the hiss of air escaping from the stasis pod
TUMNUS
The process was unsuccessful.
ROGER
What happened?
TUMNUS
As in your physical attempt, the nanoparticles did not apply a consistent warming effect, and extended application of the magnetic field resulted in –
ROGER
Kablooey. I get it. Well, that’s what we’re in here for. Trial and error.
TUMNUS
Indeed.
ROGER
Without actual loss of … thing.
TUMNUS
I will reset the simulation.
ROGER
That is the idea.
SOUND: Tapping his fingers on the glass, then wiping at it
ROGER
(a tremor in his voice)
Tumnus. Inside the … you know, pods. Things.
TUMNUS
One moment …
ROGER
Did you simulate anyone in particular?
TUMNUS
All variables are back to previous settings.
ROGER
Did you hear my question?
TUMNUS
To simulate a human within stasis, I used the medical data of –
ROGER
(overlapping)
Yes?
TUMNUS
Roger Bragado-Fischer. Your medical information.
ROGER
(a little panicky)
That’s me in there?
TUMNUS
It seemed the most ethical choice, given the circumstances.
ROGER
(panic increasing, rambling)
You didn’t think it might be a good idea to ask, or at least give me some kind of a heads up going in, before we just …
SOUND: Banging on the glass
TUMNUS
You said that we needed a body inside.
ROGER
Not mine! Not my body! What the hell did you think you were –
TUMNUS
It is not your body. It is only a facsimile.
SOUND: Roger smacking his hand down on the pod several times
ROGER
(overlapping)
Get me out!
TUMNUS
Part of the simulation.
ROGER
Get me out of here. Exit simulation. Exit program. Stop this thing!
SOUND: A muted version of the virtual reality effect from before
SOUND: Observatory background noises again
SOUND: Roger breathing heavily, undoing the sensurround apparatus
SOUND: Chair creaking as he gets up
TUMNUS
Roger? Readings indicate that you are in distress.
ROGER
Well, they’ve got something right.
TUMNUS
I do not understand what happened.
SOUND: A slight mechanical noise
ROGER
Don’t. Just – don’t.
TUMNUS
The medical protocols are automatic. I am not controlling –
ROGER
Leave me alone. I’m fine, I’m not …
TUMNUS
If you could describe the source of your response, perhaps I could –
ROGER
Figure it out for yourself. I’ve got to …
SOUND: Footsteps walking away
ROGER
This was a terrible idea.
SOUND: Footsteps continue and fade out
SOUND: Observatory background noises end
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
(The episode ends.)
D.J. SYLVIS
Thank you for listening to Moonbase Theta, Out. This episode featured Leeman Kessler as Roger, and Jen Ponton as Tumnus. The consortium announcer is played by Evan Tess Murray. Sound design and editing by Will Gianetta. Written by D.J. Sylvis, and produced by D.J. Sylvis and Cass McPhee. Our associate producers are Timothy LaGrone, Marty Chodorek, and Sarah Müller.
A huge thank you to all of our season three supporters on Seed&Spark, and we wouldn’t be here without our monthly supporters on Patreon who also get weekly updates, behind the scenes info, and more – all for as little as a dollar a month. Want to join them? Visit: https://patreon.com/monkeymanproductions.
Our theme music is “Star” by the band Ramp. Check them out at https://ramp-music.net. Transcripts, cast bios, additional music attribution, and more are found on our website: https://monkeymanproductions.com.
Looking for other great audio drama? Visit: https://fableandfolly.com to learn all about the other shows on our network, or check out another recommended listen – “Come On In The Water’s Fine” a florid, deeply personal mermaid anthology, in your podcast apps or at: https://crownprincessproductions.wordpress.com.
Thank you for visiting again. You really put the moon in our sky, friends. Take care, keep looking up, and we’ll be back soon.
ANNOUNCER
Consortium Channel 5 ends our broadcast day with a final message: honour all curfews, listen to Security, and KEEP WATCHING THE MOON.
(NOTE – there may be an ad inserted at this point after the episode)
