MOONBASE THETA, OUT – S3 Episode 2 – “Comeback”
by D.J. Sylvis
ANNOUNCER
This is Consortium Channel 5, Moonbase Reports and Broadcasts – All transmissions approved by Enclave Security Information Officer Stan Hobinson.
(NOTE – there may be an ad inserted at this point before the episode)
SCENE ONE
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Bunkroom background (mostly just a/c)
(We are in the Moonbase Theta, Out bunkroom as Dr. Just wakes in his bed, groaning.)
TUMNUS
(having a little bit of fun with it)
Good morning, Doctor Edwin Just. I am your internal conduction alarm. The year is 2099. The ambient Moonbase temperature is –
DR. JUST
Ugh, alarm off.
SOUND: Blankets being pulled down, feet hitting the floor
DR. JUST
What happened last night? Oh, my head.
SOUND: A few shuffled footsteps
SOUND: Bunkroom background ends
SOUND: A few more footsteps
SOUND: Kitchen ambience fading in (music – RAMP track TBD) – ongoing
DR. JUST
Finally, the first one up. No raw proteins today.
SOUND: General kitchen bustle, cupboards, spoon in bowl, etc.
DR. JUST
Supplies are running a little low. And no fresh fruit. I’ll have to stop and visit Nessa later.
(pause, eating)
I wish I could remember where I finished in the lab. Edwin, you’re getting old.
SOUND: A few more spoon in bowl moments
SOUND: Kitchen ambience / music ends
SOUND: Hallway background (mostly just a/c, more enclosed)
DR. JUST
I might even make it in without having to suffer –
ROGER (Rec.)
Good morning, Moonbaseians!
(Dr. Just groans.)
ROGER
Or one of you in particular – this is going out to a very special listener. I’m your Comms Lead Roger Bragado-Fischer and welcome back –
SOUND: Sliding door opens (see effect used in previous seasons) – over end of previous line
SOUND: Hallway background ends
SOUND: Laboratory background begins
ROGER
(in the room, the line continuing face to face)
– to your life on Base Theta!
SOUND: Sliding door closes
ROGER
(laughing)
I’m sorry. I couldn’t pass this up.
DR. JUST
(still groggy)
What? Roger, you know you’re in my lab … what?
ROGER
Here, you’ll be glad in a minute if you sit down.
SOUND: Stool sliding across tile as he sits
ROGER
Tumnus said – oh, Tumnus, say hi to the nice science man.
TUMNUS
Hello, Doctor Just.
DR. JUST
He – hello.
ROGER
Tumnus said it might be best if you woke up in your own bed, and … well, the rest kinda wrote itself.
DR. JUST
You’re … in my lab.
ROGER
Shit. You do … remember, right? We didn’t … your brain is okay?
DR. JUST
My brain is excellent. Just … give me a moment. Ugh. I … remember the shutdown, packing up the lab, placing the tardigrades in suspension –
SOUND: Stool sliding back again, Dr. Just rummaging through lab equipment
DR. JUST
Wait – where are they? Where are my tardigrades!
ROGER
Hold on a minute. Everything’s fine.
TUMNUS
(overlapping)
Doctor Just, you should attempt to keep your heart rate even until full revival.
SOUND: Some science stuff being swept off a table
DR. JUST
Where are my tardigrades!
ROGER
Whoa! Your little gremlins are safe. They’ve had an adventure, that’s all.
DR. JUST
(overlapping)
What happened? Where are they?
ROGER
I was working on their stasis unit and it might have … gone kablooey. So I put them in –
DR. JUST
You don’t understand how delicate the – why would you touch them? Why would you be here at all? Damn your interference – I’ve never liked you.
TUMNUS
Please, Doctor, I promise that your experimental subjects have been kept safe.
DR. JUST
Who are you? I don’t even know who you are! What is going on here?
(holds with that for a moment, and realizes)
The stasis units. How did you – we’re not supposed to be capable of reversing the process. The entire science crew had to sign waivers. But … somehow, you must have …
SOUND: Stool one more time
DR. JUST
I … think I ought to sit down.
TUMNUS
Doctor, my name is Tumnus, I am an artificial consciousness who was working with Doctor Ray. And I can explain everything if you will try to stay calm.
DR. JUST
Ashwini had an AI? Ze hid that from us?
TUMNUS
(already a bit weary of explaining this)
Artificial consciousness. AC. I’ve only recently … that isn’t relevant at the moment. Allow us to bring you up to date on recent events.
ROGER
Wait. Why don’t you like me?
SOUND: Laboratory background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Stasis Unit background begins
SOUND: Tapping on the glass
DR. JUST
You placed them in your own stasis pod. I appreciate that, though it barely makes up for the tampering.
ROGER
(apologizing)
Hey. It was for a good cause.
DR. JUST
I appreciate that as well, though I am still absorbing everything that you say has occurred since the shutdown.
TUMNUS
I can provide additional details on any point, and public recordings if those would be helpful.
DR. JUST
Not at the moment, please.
SOUND: Wiping condensation off the glass
DR. JUST
(almost mesmerized by the pods)
This is … Administrator Howell.
SOUND: A footstep or two
SOUND: Wiping glass again
DR. JUST
And this is … I feel terrible, I can’t remember their name, one of the mining specialists.
SOUND: A footstep or two
SOUND: Wiping glass again
DR. JUST
And Doctor Ringling. Everyone, still here, waiting. All forty-two.
ROGER
Just about.
DR. JUST
(heartbroken)
Yes. I’m still trying to … I’m sorry. Nessa was …
ROGER
(after a pause)
She definitely was.
DR. JUST
Wait – you said every base … on the near side, too? Every one?
ROGER
I saw the monitor logs. Every base, Alpha to … us.
DR. JUST
And Base Gamma?
ROGER
All their crew in stasis. All across the Moon.
(brief pause)
Wait. Base Gamma?
DR. JUST
I have a … friend, Doctor Andie Kashyap, she worked there.
ROGER
Gamma, that was where … one pod read as a critical failure.
DR. JUST
Which …?
ROGER
They didn’t give personal details. Confidentiality, I guess.
SOUND: Hand striking the glass (not breaking, just smacking against it)
DR. JUST
(bitterly)
As per official Consortium guidelines. They planned to just … leave us all up here. No questions asked. No questions allowed to be asked.
(pause)
Those bastards.
(brief pause)
Well, maybe this will surprise them. I’m sure they didn’t count on you putting together the revivification process. Waking the crew again. Making plans. I assume you have a plan?
ROGER
Actually, we have several. But you’re our step one!
(wryly)
You’re that first step they warn you about.
DR. JUST
Why was I your first revival?
ROGER
Oh. Hey, umm … Tumnus?
TUMNUS
While we feel fairly certain we have solved any problems in the mechanics of the stasis pods, we are not as certain of the effects of resuscitation on the human system. You are the closest we have to someone who might know that process.
DR. JUST
You understand that the stasis procedure used on humans is completely different than the natural process experienced by the phylum tardigrada –
TUMNUS
I could quote you numerous papers on the theory in both instances. Still, we were hoping … cryobiosis might be cryobiosis.
DR. JUST
I can’t tell you how many ways that isn’t true. Actually, it’ll bother me if I don’t.
(brief pause)
Just a moment. You’re unsure of the effects of revival and you started with me?
ROGER
We had to start somewhere?
DR. JUST
You started with me.
ROGER
Come on, Doctor J.
DR. JUST
Don’t call me that.
ROGER
We’re not experts. They wouldn’t send us any experts, remember?
TUMNUS
Your knowledge and abilities are vital to the plan.
ROGER
The plans. Several possible plans.
TUMNUS
We could not see another way.
DR. JUST
(after a moment)
All right. What comes next?
ROGER
You’re in?
DR. JUST
I’m here. I’m not going back into stasis, particularly not with you running things on the outside.
ROGER
Ouch. I mean, fair.
DR. JUST
Whatever the plan, I’d prefer to be involved. And to keep an eye on my …
TUMNUS
Little friends?
DR. JUST
Experimental subjects.
ROGER
Believe me, they’re completely yours.
DR. JUST
So what comes next?
TUMNUS
The question at this point is … who comes next?
ROGER
And it’s not my turn to choose. I did mine. Unfortunately, with no takebacks.
TUMNUS
Do you have thoughts, Doctor?
DR. JUST
As much as I hate to admit that I do.
SOUND: Tapping on the glass of the pod he is still beside
DR. JUST
I know who we’ll need to make this work.
SOUND: Stasis Unit background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SCENE TWO
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Patrick Free Zone – outside background
(We are back at the Patrick Free Zone. Alex is out in the middle of the very expansive garden, working with Ahnung on the irrigation system.)
SOUND: Garden background noise
SOUND: Pipe valve being turned , water returning to system
ALEX
I think that’s open? Either that, or it was open and I’ve closed it again.
AHNUNG
(a ways off across the garden)
You can’t hear the water?
ALEX
I hear water … I wasn’t sure in which direction.
AHNUNG
But it’s flowing.
ALEX
Right. I’m … that wasn’t so smart.
AHNUNG
(laughs)
I’m glad to have another pair of hands. It takes twice as long to patch leaks when I’m also the one at the valve handle.
ALEX
I am another pair of hands.
AHNUNG
Shut it off again?
SOUND: Pipe valve being turned
AHNUNG
At least it’s just the coupling. Could you bring me that thread sealing tape?
ALEX
Umm …
AHNUNG
The white tape, blue reel.
ALEX
Got it.
SOUND: Alex walking, leaves rustling
ALEX
Here you go.
SOUND: Sealing tape being pulled and torn
AHNUNG
(close up now)
Glad you volunteered to help yet?
ALEX
When I said, “I’ll work in the garden …”
AHNUNG
(laughs)
I was just passing through back in the day, and Sarah said, “We have this problem with the power hookup …” They have a way of pulling folks in.
ALEX
I’ve noticed.
AHNUNG
(she grunts, pulling the tape tight)
There, that should do the trick.
ALEX
Another … not smart question? It’s the irrigation system, why does it need to be sealed tight?
SOUND: Screwing the pipe connection back together
AHNUNG
These pipes are full of salt water, not great for crop growth.
SOUND: Leaves rustling as she stands up
AHNUNG
(she groans a little, stretching her back)
It’s a condensation system, we pump cold sea water through and the humidity does the rest. I hate the South, but it’s good for this.
ALEX
It’s way beyond the soaker hoses I used in Rio.
AHNUNG
(pronunciation – “Mo-non-ga-HEE-la”)
That’s what we did at Three Rivers, ran them right from the Monongahela. Hand me that canteen? Got to top up my systems, too.
SOUND: Water gurgling
ALEX
May I?
(he drinks, and gasps a little)
It’s rough out today.
AHNUNG
Imagine if you grew up in Northern Ontario.
ALEX
Seriously? I didn’t think … they tell us the Conglomerate burned everything. Everyone.
AHNUNG
They tried. Razed most of Canada to the ground, all the parts they knew how to use. But they’d always ignored us, other than when they needed diversity points. Some of us survived on-rez, and when they moved out … we found each other, pooled our skills, started to reclaim.
ALEX
You’re … Indios.
AHNUNG
Ojibwe. North of Superior.
ALEX
I’m sorry.
AHNUNG
Why they hell would you be sorry?
ALEX
I mean …
(he drinks again, awkward)
Here. Your canteen.
SOUND: Screwing the cap back on
MODDY SARAH
(a bit distant)
Alex! We were looking for you.
SOUND: Dogs barking (distant)
AHNUNG
Thanks for helping out.
MODDY SARAH
(coming closer)
I ran into your dog walker, I think Cas and Pol may have gotten the best of her.
ELIO
They’re fine! They’re good girls, they do … run a lot.
SOUND: Dogs barking, cavorting – closer now
ELIO
(out of breath, trying to downplay it)
Here you are! Bring the piggy, bring the … okay, bring Daddy your piggy.
ALEX
Castor, Pollux, calm yourselves.
SOUND: A few barks, then just panting
ELIO
We’ve been all over, haven’t we?
MODDY SARAH
It’s time for a break. For everyone. Let’s go around front.
AHNUNG
Just gonna pack up my tools. I’ll be there in a minute.
ELIO
Come on, girls, front yard!
SOUND: Garden background fades out – PFZ background outside stays
SOUND: Dogs barking, moving away
ALEX
Is it okay that she …
MODDY SARAH
(pronunciation – “Uh-nung”)
She knows her limits. I’m glad you’re getting to know Ahnung.
ALEX
I hope I didn’t screw anything up.
MODDY SARAH
She’s a genius. I just let her do her thing, try to get whatever she needs.
ALEX
She’s been with you for a while?
MODDY SARAH
A couple of years now. We’re lucky to have her. I know it won’t last, she’ll head back home. They need her more than we do.
ALEX
It must be a big difference, culturally.
MODDY SARAH
Hopefully not too much. How do you think the Freeholds started?
SOUND: Dogs playing, barking a little
MODDY SARAH
Can I get you a drink?
ALEX
I’m good. Thanks.
SOUND: Chairs creaking, dogs barking nearby
ALEX
Cas, Pol, stay close.
ELIO
I’ve got my eye on them!
MODDY SARAH
I’m glad you’re comfortable working with us. We could use your experience in the community.
ALEX
You need a civil engineer?
MODDY SARAH
Possibly, but what we need more – your stories. Your view of the world. Our people were isolated for too long, I encourage them to consider new experiences.
SOUND: Footsteps approaching, slightly off, using a cane
ELIO
They’re slowing down now. I think it’s the heat.
ALEX
It takes a full day to wear these two out. Thanks again for watching them.
ELIO
Thank you for letting me.
MODDY SARAH
(pronunciation – “Eel-e-oh”)
Elio came to us from outside as well, she picked up with us on our trip South.
ELIO
I move around a lot. I like meeting new people.
ALEX
On your own?
ELIO
I’m careful. I find a good group, help out where they need help, share a few meals, and move along. Everybody needs some help sometime, and I don’t eat much.
MODDY SARAH
You’re a help and a joy, dear.
(they sigh)
I wish we’d done as well with these techno folk. They trade with us, they gave us land, but they keep themselves locked away.
ALEX
I was hoping I’d be able to send more messages.
MODDY SARAH
You’re not the only one. I’ll keep asking. Ahn works for them sometimes, maybe your skills would be useful.
ALEX
Might as well be good for something. I doubt I’m going back to my old job. Or house. Or garden.
(he sighs and pauses for a moment, lost in thought)
Everything I couldn’t pack, I buried in the roots of the papaya tree, just in case … just in case. Books, dishes, backups of all Roger’s media …
MODDY SARAH
It sounds like you had a good life.
ADDIE
(a little ways off)
There they are! Moddy Sarah! Moddy Sarah, good to see you again.
SOUND: Dogs – protective barking
ELIO
It’s okay, it’s all right, they’re a friend.
ADDIE
(getting closer)
And who are these fearsome beasts?
ALEX
Cas, Pol.
ADDIE
Where’d you come from, you fuckin’ beauties?
SOUND: Dogs panting
ADDIE
(right there with them now)
Moddy Sarah, Elio, new person I haven’t met. Howdy.
MODDY SARAH
(pronunciation – “Alice-ahn-druh”)
Alexandre, this is Addie.
ADDIE
Came out looking for Ahnung, where is that brilliant beauty?
MODDY SARAH
She’ll be along.
ADDIE
Their power’s all gone to shit, she’ll know how to sort it out.
(brief pause)
Adlai, pleased to make your acquaintance.
ALEX
You’re one of the … techno folk?
ADDIE
Technoanarchists, believe me they want the full goddamn word. I’m more of a … free agent, but I’ve got fingers in enough of their pies that I go where I want.
(chuckles)
You can take that any way you’d like.
ALEX
I think I’ll leave it alone, thank you.
ADDIE
Alexandre … well, shit-sticks! You’re Abrigado, right?
ELIO
Abrigado?
ALEX
What? No. Yes. Not anymore.
ADDIE
I knew I recognized that voice! Fuckin’ Abrigado! You’ve got a genuine celebrity here!
MODDY SARAH
We haven’t heard that story.
ALEX
It was … years and years ago.
ADDIE
I followed the Slam circuit hardcore way back when. I was there when you decimated the team from Paraguay with that goddamn wicked villanelle! Abrigado! Holy hell! I gotta – you don’t mind if I hug you, right?
SOUND: Dogs barking, excited now
ALEX
I mean, that’s not really necessary –
(grunts, air squeezed out of him)
ADDIE
In my Free Zone! Fuckin’ Abrigado!
SOUND: Free Zone outside background – ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SCENE THREE
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Stasis pods – background (ongoing)
(We are back on the storage level with the stasis pods.)
SOUND: Tapping on glass
DR. JUST
Go ahead. This one right here.
(after a moment)
What’s wrong?
ROGER
(a bit irritated)
I kinda need you to move, to get at the …
DR. JUST
Yes, of course.
SOUND: A footstep or two
SOUND: A wrench on a bolt, a metal panel falling to the floor
ROGER
Umm …
TUMNUS
Is something wrong?
ROGER
Doctor Jay – Doctor Just, making sure you’re sure. Once I take the next step, you can’t unbox the Pandora, know what I mean?
DR. JUST
I don’t, because that makes no sense at all. Pandora wasn’t in the box, Pandora was the one who –
TUMNUS
Roger, we did ask Doctor Just for a decision.
ROGER
(muttering)
We asked him for a second decision, after he stopped moaning about his little bug friends.
TUMNUS
Roger! I’m still the only one who knows where a certain consumable is kept. It would be a shame if the heat in that storage area were raised above the melting point.
ROGER
All right, all right. I’m just the guy with the wrench. Proceeding with … revivification! Mwah-hah-hah …
(after a moment)
Do you have to stand right over my shoulder?
DR. JUST
I thought you requested my observational capabilities.
ROGER
Not until we get this meat popsicle thawed out.
TUMNUS
It is a small storage area, Doctor. Perhaps you could wait in the bunkroom.
DR. JUST
If that will speed things up.
SOUND: A few brisk footsteps
DR. JUST
Actually, have them brought to the laboratory.
ROGER
(in a lisping Igor voice)
As you wish, Master.
TUMNUS
(trying not to laugh)
Roger!
SOUND: Stasis Pod background ends
SOUND: Chime – bookend
SOUND: Laboratory background (ongoing)
DR. JUST
Computer. Lab notes.
TUMNUS
May I help you, or were you just … the computer computer, I suppose. Sorry.
DR. JUST
(after a moment)
Lab notes, January … twenty-first, twenty ninety-nine. The revival process has begun with my colleague, Doctor Jules Serano.
SOUND: Dr. Serano groaning
DR. JUST
I have been monitoring vital signs since they were removed from the stasis chamber. Side effects of the vitrification have so far been minimal; however, upon full revival I’ll be requesting a DNA analysis for potential protein degradation.
DR. SERANO
Ohhhhh. Edwin?
DR. JUST
Jules! Welcome back.
DR. SERANO
Edwin. What am I doing … on a table in the laboratory?
DR. JUST
There is, of course, a logical explanation.
DR. SERANO
(a little dazed but putting it together)
My assumption is that the shutdown sequence went awry; a plot was discovered by the Consortium that the crew remain in stasis, presumably before the last crew member went into stasis; that with the help of purloined schematics and a computer simulation they were able to determine how to reverse the stasis process; that their first test subject was yourself to assist in each subject’s recovery; and that I am in the midst of said recovery under your watchful eye.
DR. JUST
Well … that is … quite specifically accurate.
DR. SERANO
But why on a table and why in the laboratory?
SOUND: Sitting up on the counter
DR. SERANO
And more importantly – where are my hedgehogs?
SOUND: Chime – bookend
DR. JUST
Lab notes, continued, of the same date. Doctor Serano, fully revived, is observing as well.
DR. SERANO
Observing my own test subjects. I’m not overly concerned with –
DR. DAY
(groaning, cutting her off)
Ohhhh. Ohhhhh! What. A. Ride!
DR. JUST
The current revival … should be all too obvious.
DR. DAY
Woo! Put me back under, I want to go again!
DR. SERANO
You’re sure we needed her awake?
DR. JUST
I determined that key members of the science crew – ourselves, Doctors Day and Ringling, as well as –
DR. DAY
Wait, Kris is next? I have to get ready! Where’d I leave my …
(grunting as she sits up)
SOUND: Scuffling as Dr.Day tries to get up off the table
DR. DAY
Hey, my legs don’t work yet. Neat!
SOUND: A body falling to the floor
SOUND: Chime – bookend
DR. JUST
Lab notes, our third subject for revival, technically fourth if I’m included … Doctor Kris Ringling. In attendance, Doctor Jules Serano and … Doctor Day.
DR. SERANO
I swear, Day, whatever gods you believe in. If you come one step closer to my hedgehogs –
DR. DAY
They’re in stasis! How can I hurt them? Even though they still look so squishable, those little squishy bristles – that’s a fun thing to say. Squishy bristles, squishy bristles.
DR. SERANO
Edwin!
SOUND: Dr. Ringling groaning
DR.DAY
No wait, it’s time!
DR. RINGLING
(groaning louder)
Ohhh. Ohhhhh.
DR. DAY
Welcome … to the world of tomorrow!
DR. RINGLING
(sighs)
What did she do now?
SOUND: Chime – bookend
SOUND: Scuffling, lab instruments being knocked to the ground
DR. SERANO
Get back or I’ll eviscerate you with my micro-dissecting scissors!
DR. DAY
Let! Me! Cuddle! The cuties!
DR. RINGLING
This is the only reason you woke me, isn’t it? Doctor – Day – let – go!
DR. JUST
(shouting)
All of you, stop!
SOUND: A couple of them breathing heavily after the fight is broken apart – background
DR. DAY
(breaking the silence)
Doctor Just, after careful consideration I’ve decided not to endorse your park.
DR. JUST
This is how you intend to welcome our esteemed colleague?
DR. DAY
Which esteemed colleague would this be, exactly?
DR. SERANO
She’s right, I don’t think I recognize this one.
DR. RINGLING
Oh, please. This –
(it takes just a moment to remember; pronunciation – “Uh-mall Say-mahn”)
– is Doctor Amal Semaan, our Base Geology Lead. Also a qualified structural engineer.
DR. DAY
Which Enclave?
DR. RINGLING
Aleppo Citadel.
DR. DAY
Oh. I interviewed there. They never called.
DR. SERANO
I still don’t recognize her.
SOUND: Dr. Semaan groaning, quietly at first
DR. RINGLING
She spent a lot of her time in the mining tunnels.
DR. DAY
(as Dr. Raptor)
Tell us about her science! Show the credentials!
DR. SEMAAN
(quietly groaning)
Ohhh. Ohhh.
DR. JUST
Could you just … behave, one time?
DR. SEMAAN
Uh … folks?
DR. DAY
You’re not my dad!
DR. JUST
I’m quite certain I have seniority.
DR. SEMAAN
Fine, I’ll just … do for myself over here.
DR. SERANO
(overlapping a bit, not hearing Dr. Semaan)
I mean, she does have a point. Not the dad part, but do we have a CV?
DR. RINGLING
(overlapping a bit as well)
If you’re pulling rank, I am the Base Science Administrator –
SOUND: Clapping twice to get their attention
DR. SEMAAN
Yo! Assorted big brains of Base Theta! Anyone gonna welcome me back to the non-refrigerated world?
DR. JUST
Doctor Semaan! I have to apologize for the comportment of my colleagues.
DR. RINGLING
(overlapping a bit)
Amal! How do you feel? You remember me, Kris Ringling, I sign off on your –
DR. SERANO
(cutting them off)
Jules Serano, biology, and as long as you keep your hands off my test subjects we’ll get along just fine.
DR. DAY
(overlapping a bit)
What are your feelings on the origins of the Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary? I lean toward the Chicxulub Crater hypothesis myself.
DR. JUST
(overlapping)
No one wants to answer your questions first thing –
DR. RINGLING
(overlapping)
She might be a bit disoriented –
DR. SEMAAN
(talking over them all, their voices drop out)
Hey, hey, whoa! I get it, new girl in school, and I appreciate the attention, but let a geoscientist breathe!
SOUND: We hear her sit up
DR. SEMAAN
I assume we’re all here for some subversive anti-corporate plot, which believe me I am all about, just give me a minute to clear the cobwebs and I am with you.
SOUND: Hallway background begins, crossfade in as next cues run
SOUND: Sliding door closes
SOUND: Laboratory background ends
ROGER
I’m just gonna … leave them to it for a while.
TUMNUS
I can see why Ashwini kept to zirself.
ROGER
And vice versa, from what I’ve heard. You don’t think ze is on their list?
TUMNUS
No.
ROGER
No. They wouldn’t.
TUMNUS
Ze wouldn’t.
SOUND: Chaotic laughter from inside, muffled conversation
ROGER
They’ve got quite the little gang as it is.
TUMNUS
Are you concerned?
ROGER
Maybe? What if we’ve given too much away?
TUMNUS
I had not considered that possibility.
ROGER
The next time we make a choice, it’s gotta be someone we can trust.
TUMNUS
Who can we trust? We should move them to the top of our list.
ROGER
Wilder would be ideal, but impossible. And of course, someone else who … we can’t wake up.
TUMNUS
Yes.
(absorbing the second part of his statement)
Oh. Yes.
SOUND: More muffled laughter from inside
ROGER
Shit.
TUMNUS
What now?
ROGER
I just remembered. I was supposed to do a lot of favours for these people while they were in stasis.
(brief pause)
Anyway, yeah. We might want to work on our own team, before …
SOUND: Breaking glass from inside
ROGER
Actually, scratch the before. We need our own team.
TUMNUS
I might have an idea for that.
ROGER
Do tell!
TUMNUS
I’m not sure if it’s a good idea. But I think that I’m going to do it.
SOUND: Hallway background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
(The episode ends.)
D.J. SYLVIS
Thanks for listening to Moonbase Theta, Out. Today’s cast included Leeman Kessler, Jen Ponton, David S. Dear, Shereen Lani Younes, Dallas Wheatley, Sarah Rhea Warner, Hazel Stapp, Gabriel Taneko, Jas LaFond, Robin Regalado, H.E. Casson, and Becca Marcus. 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 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. Our recommended listen this week is “The Path Down” – a personal story about growing up, holding on, and dealing with super powers. Find it in your apps, or at: https://thepathdown.com.
More coming in two weeks, including our first scene in a place you’ve never been before. Keep telling and sharing your stories, keep hope alive, and keep on fighting.
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)
