MOONBASE THETA, OUT – S3 Episode 4 – “Reclamation”
by D.J. Sylvis
ANNOUNCER
This is Consortium Channel 5, Moonbase Reports and Broadcasts – Transmitted directly from the Rio-Sao Paolo Enclave. Rio-Sao Paolo – stronger than ever!
(NOTE – there may be an ad inserted at this point before the episode)
SCENE ONE
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
(We are in Roger’s cubicle.)
SOUND: Roger’s Cubicle background (ongoing)
SOUND: Faint voices from down the hall
ROGER
(in the middle of recording, melancholy)
… and while I’m taking measurements for my hair shirt, I’m sorry I never wanted to visit your moms. They’re perfectly lovely, and while I could do without the turpentine on the breeze they were always good to us. It’s just … Phoenix …
DR. JUST
(faintly, from down the hall)
We’ve discussed this before! My workstation has to remain sterile!
ROGER
Even in the winter, I couldn’t –
DR. DAY
(similarly faint)
Where else could I put my pudding bar?
ROGER
I’m sorry, Alex. Just a second –
DR. JUST
That was pudding?
SOUND: Sliding door closing – trying to, attempts several times but no satisfying click at the end
ROGER
Dammit! I broke the latch yesterday in a moment very much like this one. I’ll have to message – not Wilder, not yet, there’s that other guy they woke up. Pause recording. Tumnus? Tumnus?
TUMNUS
I’m sorry, I wasn’t listening.
ROGER
Really?
TUMNUS
Well, I wasn’t analyzing. I thought you deserved some privacy.
SOUND: Faintly from the laboratory down the hall, a tray crashes to the floor
ROGER
If only the rest of the crew felt the same. Are they … okay in there?
TUMNUS
They are a bit of a mess. Still debating means of governance. The latest suggestion was “One post-graduate degree, one vote” until someone looked at Doctor Day’s transcripts.
ROGER
Wow.
TUMNUS
I’m tempted to lock the doors and erase any evidence they exist from the servers.
ROGER
I’d never tell. Oh yeah, doors. That’s why I was … you said they woke someone else from Maintenance, right?
TUMNUS
(pronunciation – Jong Yen-toe)
Last evening. Zhong Jento, Maintenance Assistant – General.
ROGER
I don’t know them. Him? Them. I’ll send a ticket.
(brief pause)
How’s Wilder doing?
TUMNUS
(a bit concerned)
Still in recovery. But Medic Pacey does say she is improving.
ROGER
That’s good to hear. She was in pretty rough shape.
TUMNUS
I keep reviewing my recordings of the procedure.
ROGER
And?
TUMNUS
I have not … found any errors.
ROGER
Recovery just takes time. We’re made of pretty fragile stuff.
TUMNUS
You’re right. I know.
ROGER
(after a moment, a bit uncomfortable with the emotion)
Well. Umm, I guess I’ll get back to my … thank you for the update.
TUMNUS
Thank you. I mean, you’re welcome, Roger.
(teasing just the slightest bit)
I should get back to my … as well.
ROGER
Okay, later on!
(after a moment)
Resume recording. Back, love, just chatting with Tumnus. The only one who seems to actually have her head on straight around this place – lack of head notwithstanding. At least, until Wilder is up and around. I guess I could …
SOUND: Faint footsteps in the hall, two people, coming a bit closer, behind dialogue
SOUND: Faint laughter (Dr. Ringling and Dr. Semaan)
ROGER
I mean, her last messages during the shutdown made it pretty clear that … maybe I’ll look in later, hopefully she’ll be –
SOUND: A knock on the door (well, wall) cuts him off
DR. RINGLING
Roger?
DR. SEMAAN
His door is open. Hey, Bragado-Fischer!
DR. RINGLING
We ought to wait until –
SOUND: Sliding door slides fully open
DR. SEMAAN
Roger, you old microphone jockey. How’s your corner of the Moon?
ROGER
Amal! Dr. Ringling.
DR. RINGLING
Kris. Kris is good. We had a question, if you’re not busy?
ROGER
I mean …
DR. SEMAAN
They’re having some heated discussions in the lab – I mean, they always do – but this time about something important.
ROGER
Yes, I’ve … heard. All morning.
DR. RINGLING
Sorry for that.
DR. SEMAAN
You know how it is. Turns out Doctor Day had a bit of a stash – she was good pals with the head agri guy, McVett? They had their own little side project, so she’s sharing the wealth.
ROGER
With all of you? I would love to see Doctor Just stoned.
DR. RINGLING
Edwin did not partake.
DR. SEMAAN
On purpose at least, I mean the lab is basically a hot box. Me and Kris decided to take a little breather. Me and Kris.
DR. RINGLING
(fondly correcting her)
Kris and I.
ROGER
(after a moment)
And?
DR. SEMAAN
Huh?
ROGER
You said you had a question?
DR. RINGLING
Oh! Yes. The computer said you might have information about Freeholds? Something about a message during the shutdown sequence and … I only ask because I’m an advocate of a more communal system –
DR. SEMAAN
And I’m an advocate of burning the whole power structure to the ground so – twinsies!
ROGER
I mean, I know they exist, I know they were a … thing.
(brief pause, thinking of Alex, shakes it off)
There was a message that came through, and a few things Michell told me afterwards –
DR. RINGLING
Can we trust his information?
DR. SEMAAN
That dick? Fuck Security. Fuck the Consortium!
ROGER
Fuck the moon! I’ll find the files and send them over.
DR. RINGLING
I don’t know if we can convince the others, but it’s worth a try. Dr. Just thinks we should try to contact the Consortium, Dr. Serano is content with the current status quo, Doctor Day is … Doctor Day …
(pause)
I’m surprised you haven’t shown more interest in the discussion. We all expected you’d throw in your hat to run things.
ROGER
Me?
DR. RINGLING
I mean, you were the last one left, you made the decision to bring people back …
ROGER
With Tumnus.
DR. RINGLING
Of course, with Tumnus. But why wouldn’t you take charge?
ROGER
I’m not sure I have an answer for that. No, wait. No. Hell no.
DR. SEMAAN
Good for you! I mean, you’re nice enough and all, but white guy, your whole history is fucking things up.
ROGER
All I want is to get home, find my husband, dig a hole big enough to hide in and pull it shut over us. The rest of the world can …
SOUND: A knock on the door (well, wall) cuts him off
ROGER
What now?
ZHONG
Umm, hi, there’s a maintenance request for – Amal! Hey there.
DR. SEMAAN
Zhong! Hey, buddy. Treats down in the lab when you’ve got a free minute. Check with Doctor Day.
ROGER
Could you make this happen outside of my personal space?
DR. SEMAAN
Right! Right. We were just off anyway, to finish our … thing. Kris?
DR. RINGLING
You’ll send me that information on the freeholds?
ROGER
What I’ve got.
SOUND: They shift out of the cubicle
DR. SEMAAN
Don’t work too hard, Zhong!
ZHONG
Later!
SOUND: Tool belt jingling
ROGER
So, umm …
ZHONG
Zhong, Base Maintenance.
ROGER
No, I know.
ZHONG
Most people only knew Wilder. I get it.
(pauses for a moment)
Anyway, your door won’t close?
SOUND: Sliding door back and forth
ZHONG
You slammed it, didn’t you?
ROGER
Do I look like the type to … okay, fine. You got me.
ZHONG
It’ll just take a minute.
SOUND: Working on the door latch
SOUND: Roger’s cubicle background – ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SCENE TWO
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Space Wing Building Background (tech office building – minimal electronics) – ongoing
SOUND: Trying to open a pushbar door, locked
ADDIE
Here, you gotta do the keypad thing.
SOUND: Security keypad, numbers being pressed
SOUND: Door unlocked
ADDIE
The building has biometrics, but they can’t keep that shit online. Also, half of them love it, the other half think it’s selling secrets to the corporations.
SOUND: Footsteps, two pairs, tile floor, subtle
ADDIE
I knew these technos from way back; when I could see the cracks starting to show in the world outside, I got my ass here tout fuckin’ suite.
ALEX
Yeah.
ADDIE
I’m guessing your story’s a little different.
ALEX
Just a bit.
ADDIE
I want to hear all about it. Fuckin’ Abrigado, in my Free Zone!
ALEX
Please, just Alex.
ADDIE
You’re never “Just Alex” to me, amigue. Here we go, just one more checkpoint and the inner sanctum.
ALEX
They’re not gonna mind you’re bringing me in?
SOUND: Another keypad, another door unlocks
ADDIE
Even if they do, they won’t say shit. Who do you think’s funding their big project?
SOUND: Passing through door
SOUND: Space Wing Building Background ends
SOUND: Space Wing Workshop – ongoing (large open area – like an airplane hanger, metal platform, some mechanical work in background but not a huge amount)
ADDIE
And it is a big project!
SOUND: Several people nearby shushing them
ALEX
Sorry.
ADDIE
Sorry all, just giving the grand tour. We won’t get in your way.
(a bit quieter, greeting people)
Breaker, Wingtip, Ten-Twenty-Four. This is my buddy Abrigado – Alex. Where’s all the bigwigs? Oh never mind, I see them. We’ll just scoot on down.
TECH VOICE 1
Protective equipment is required on the Assembly Bay floor –
ADDIE
We’ll just be down there for a minute.
ALEX
I’ll take those. Thank you.
SOUND: Muffled noises as Alex puts on PPE as he walks
ADDIE
Excuse me – oh, Slipstream, pleased as always – we’re heading down.
SOUND: Walking down a metal staircase (over the next couple of lines)
ADDIE
They take new names when they join the group, same time they burn their IDs out of the system. It’s not a bad idea – I had them do me a while back – but it’s hard to take someone serious who’s named themselves “Nosecone” or “Motherboard.”
ALEX
I guess a nickname is just a nickname. What are they doing down here, anyway –
SOUND: Footsteps abruptly stop
ALEX
Holy crap … holy crap.
ADDIE
The very holiest. This is why they came here in the first place. This used to be Patrick Air Force Base, home of the 114th Space Control Squadron.
(they laugh)
I only know that from reading a plaque in the lobby, but it does sound impressive.
ALEX
Não acredito. Eles estão construindo uma porra de um foguete eles mesmos.[I can’t believe it. They’re building their own fucking rocket.]
ADDIE
What he said.
(they laugh)
Okay, this one is fairly well-adjusted, we better go say hi.
SOUND: Walking across concrete
PAYLOAD
(becomes more audible as they get closer)
They’re working on the guidance system, we’ll model processes on the quantum machines here to best use the … equipment in the capsule. There’s only so much we can do for a computer that can’t read qubits –
SOUND: Several people laugh
PAYLOAD
– but they’re on it. Do we have someone doing a structural check on the launch tower?
ADDIE
How’s my favourite band of rocketeers today?
PAYLOAD
(quick and a bit condescending)
Oh, Adlai. Just let me finish this thought –
(back to the group)
The launch tower. The orbital access arm was awfully shaky from what I saw – I wasn’t putting foot on there. I don’t want to get to launch day and find out we’re stuck fifty feet from the hatch with no way across. You don’t want to be the one I send back down at T-minus thirty to fix the problem.
TECH VOICE 2
We can always weld a few ladders together!
SOUND: More laughter
ADDIE
(joining in)
You technos are intense! I just came down –
PAYLOAD
After that I want an update on the propellant situation – I thought we’d brokered a deal with the Ryders? Where else could we look? Adlai, you might actually have some input on that.
ADDIE
(a bit off balance)
I’m sure … I can check into other options.
(recovering)
But the Ryders have always come through.
PAYLOAD
All right, back to it! I’ve seen all of your stacks, you’ve got plenty of work.
SOUND: A laugh or two, the group breaking up
SOUND: Some work, occasional voice in the background (ongoing)
PAYLOAD
Let me know what you figure out. If we can’t fill the fuel tanks …
ADDIE
I’ll get you gassed up and ready to go. Here, I’ve got a new friend for you folks, Alex – Abrigado if you ever followed the Slam circuit –
PAYLOAD
I’m not really into sports. But hello, I’m Payload. It’s nice you’re getting a … little tour.
ALEX
This place is amazing. I can’t believe you’re doing this.
PAYLOAD
(warming up)
We got lucky; when the USA went unsupported, they left a lot of their tech just lying around. We’ve got a few experienced people, but we couldn’t fabricate the parts ourselves, we’re working with what the Space Wing left behind.
ADDIE
I’m always here when you need a few extra toys.
PAYLOAD
We were luckier still that it was after the old base and Cape Canaveral went underwater – when they had to move inland they combined the two. Otherwise we’d be launching from a parking lot! As it happens, we’re set up pretty well for our own shot at the Moon.
ALEX
You’re … going to the Moon?
PAYLOAD
That’s the plan.
ADDIE
The way they’ve been pushing the Freeholds, there aren’t a lot of other spots to call. But up there in the sky, there’s a whole shiny string of empty Moonbases, just waiting for our dibs.
ALEX
(in shock, quietly)
Not empty … not all empty.
PAYLOAD
It’s gonna take some work, but we need to know what’s up there for a start. What might have been left behind that’s still useful. Hey, are you okay? Are they okay?
ALEX
I just need a minute.
ADDIE
I know, it’s a lot to take in – we’re basically planning a Moon heist! Hey, that would make one hell of a senssuround …
PAYLOAD
If you’re okay, I should get back to it – I can feel the tasks piling up while I stand here. It was nice meeting you … Alex?
ADDIE
Call him Abrigado –
ALEX
(still in a daze)
Alex. Bragado-Fischer, prazer em conhecer-te.
SOUND: The background noises / voices suddenly hush, then a whisper or two
PAYLOAD
(pronunciation – “Alice-andruh”)
Wait. You’re … Alexandre?
ALEX
That’s my name.
SOUND: Someone dropping a tool
PAYLOAD
Alexandre Bragado-Fischer?
TECH VOICE 1
(distant, echoing)
Bragado-Fischer?
TECH VOICE 2
(background, but closer)
Did he say …?
ALEX
What’s going on?
SOUND: More random whispers in the background
ADDIE
Fucked if I know. What did you say?
SOUND: A few people gathering
TECH VOICE 1
(still far off)
I think that’s Alex!
ALEX
This is getting a little weird.
PAYLOAD
You’re – Roger’s husband! You’re that Alex! The one from the messages!
TECH VOICE 3
Alexandre Bragado-Fischer!
ALEX
You know me?
PAYLOAD
Do we know you? You’re Alex! Roger’s Alex! Roger, from all the …
TECH VOICE 2
(in the background)
“Broadcasting …”
TECH VOICE 1
“This is Roger Bragado-Fischer, Communications …”
ADDIE
You know what they’re talking about here?
ALEX
I know –
(pause, out to the rest of them)
But how do you know? How did you hear …
TECH VOICE 3
Everyone’s heard!
PAYLOAD
Moonbase Theta! Someone had a bootleg of those reports and shared it on the launch site intra, we’ve all – everyone knows Roger Bragado-Fischer!
TECH VOICE 3
“Moonbase Theta …”
TECH VOICE 2
“Moonbase Theta, Out!”
(laughs)
PAYLOAD
Wow. Wow! I can’t believe it! Alexandre! In our Free Zone!
ADDIE
Abrigado, you just keep on surprising me.
PAYLOAD
Does that mean – are Cas and Pol here? Is – is Roger here?
TECH VOICE 1
I can’t believe this!
PAYLOAD
Where’s Roger? Alex, where’s Roger?
SOUND: Space Wing Workshop – ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SCENE THREE
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Background – Infirmary (muted monitoring sounds)
MEDIC PACEY
Record. Body temperature … 36.6, blood pressure 110 over 70, brain activity … approaching normal.
WILDER
(groans)
I mean, that’s somethin’. A winner is me. Woo! Oh, it hurts to woo.
MEDIC PACEY
I’d suggest you stay still as much as possible.
SOUND: Wilder’s arm revving up a little
MEDIC PACEY
That, too.
WILDER
Aww, she don’t mean nothin’. We’ll be good.
MEDIC PACEY
(dry, but not with displeasure)
I somehow doubt that, based on prior interactions.
WILDER
Come on now. I’m a good patient.
MEDIC PACEY
Uh huh.
SOUND: Pacey walking away (braces on zir legs)
WILDER
Who set y’ up with that fancy diagnostic station? That’s got to count for somethin’.
MEDIC PACEY
“Wilder, Maintenance Lead, medical history. Six infirmary visits on record. Four minor contusions, one case of hypoxia – “
WILDER
That ain’t my fault, I was stuck outside and I had a hell of a time –
MEDIC PACEY
“And as part of the same incident, injuries to the acromioclavicular joint just above the prosthesis.”
WILDER
Gettin’ open th’ door. That’s what I said.
SOUND: Wilder’s arm reacting
MEDIC PACEY
(a bit sharper about it as ze goes on)
“In each instance, the patient has argued or ignored requests outright that she rest to facilitate healing; used her technical knowledge to dial back implanted medications; and missed follow-up visits requiring medical staff to evaluate recovery in the field.”
WILDER
I’m a busy lady, Doc.
MEDIC PACEY
Medic.
WILDER
(under her breath)
This is why I always waited for Doctor Chin to be on call.
MEDIC PACEY
(getting slightly irritated)
Medic. Consortium guidelines require ‘Medic’, to differentiate from research and other professional doctorates.
WILDER
No need t’ get snippy.
SOUND: Pacey walking back (braces on zir legs)
MEDIC PACEY
I’ve been awake three days now, two of those trying to put you back together – I don’t know why they thought patching up your arm was the only thing to consider – I’m monitoring every active crew member for potential complications due to that homebrewed revival procedure, I’ve found out we’re essentially abandoned and my colleagues on the other side are actually in worse shape, and someone has apparently eaten all the chocolate on Base so I think I’m allowed a little! Bit! Of! Snip!
WILDER
All right, all right. We’re dealin’ with a badass here.
MEDIC PACEY
I’m sorry, it’s not your fault.
WILDER
(teasing)
So I am a good patient?
MEDIC PACEY
Don’t push it. How is your eye coming along?
WILDER
Th’ fuzz is a bit less fuzzy, I can almost read that vision chart.
MEDIC PACEY
That’s a diagram of your optical nerve.
WILDER
Oh.
MEDIC PACEY
The nanobots just need time, the reports look good. Your leg should take weight soon, you should be up on your feet a bit tomorrow.
WILDER
I was on my feet a half-hour after I woke up.
MEDIC PACEY
And on your face ten seconds later. As for your arm …
SOUND: Wilder’s arm revs up a little
MEDIC PACEY
You probably know those diagnostics better than I do.
SOUND: Wilder’s arm moves again
WILDER
Eliza’s firin’ on all cylinders.
MEDIC PACEY
Eliza. You had that work done in the Rio Enclave? I’m guessing the name was Lark’s idea.
WILDER
You know Lark? She was a hoot.
MEDIC PACEY
Oh, yes. I worked in Rio Medical before this. Lark was my … it’s hard to describe.
WILDER
Apparently I’m not going anywhere.
SOUND: Medic Pacey sitting in a chair, zir braces scraping slightly
MEDIC PACEY
Lark was my colleague, therapist, compadre, datemate … yes, in that approximate order. The last bit, we broke off before I left.
WILDER
She’s definitely somethin’. We spent a lot of time together gettin’ set up. It was not easy learnin’ all the bells and whistles.
MEDIC PACEY
I can relate. She helped me train with the braces – up here I don’t need my chair, it was quite an adjustment.
WILDER
Did she make you name them?
MEDIC PACEY
What, do you mean Thompson and Thomson here?
(they both laugh)
SOUND: Knock on the wall, sliding door opens
ZHONG
(dreading this conversation)
Umm, can I talk to Wilder?
MEDIC PACEY
I’m not in charge of her.
SOUND: Getting out of the chair, then crossing the room (braces) behind the next line
MEDIC PACEY
Don’t move from that bed. I’d better check in below – they had another revival or two scheduled.
SOUND: Footsteps (braces) of Pacey leaving
WILDER
All right, what’s going on? Don’t stand in th’ doorway with that Surprised Pikachu face, I may be flat out but I’m still th’ boss of you.
ZHONG
You – sent me a message this morning.
(unhappy about it)
I didn’t know you were … awake.
WILDER
Yeah, I told them to keep that quiet. I can tell who’s already up by the Maintenance task queue, and I’m definitely not ready for some o’ them. The folks, not th’ tasks.
ZHONG
I’ve been working through the tasks. I finished fixing Roger’s door, and he made me clean the microphone filters, even though I told him that wasn’t our job.
WILDER
Roger is a piece o’ work. I’ll check that when I’m on my feet. What else have you got?
ZHONG
It’s mostly minor repairs, someone’s been keeping an eye on the environmental controls and switching over the solar panels from dark to light. A few panels are out, but that’s the usual. Doctor Semaan had some questions about the accident in the mining tunnels –
WILDER
Oh … yeah, she would. You can send her t’ me. What else?
ZHONG
I’ve noticed some power fluctuations in the observatory, no official request but I can take a look –
WILDER
Just ask Tumnus if she’s got it covered.
ZHONG
The computer? I thought we’d want to check ourselves –
WILDER
(sigh)
I’ll talk to her. Put that on my stack. Next?
ZHONG
There’s a leak somewhere in the recycling lines, I’ve sent a bot through but we’ll need a full visual inspection.
WILDER
That, junior, is all yours. Anything else?
ZHONG
That’s about it.
WILDER
Well, go on! Go inspect all the things!
SOUND: Sliding door opens
WILDER
Wilder, that’s … four memes since you woke up. Nice work there.
(she giggles just a little)
That must be th’ medications kickin’ in. Eliza, we should take a look at that implant …
SOUND: A knock from outside
WILDER
(starting to sound a bit woozy)
The doctor is out! Nice one again, the doctor is out.
ROGER
Uh, everything okay in here?
WILDER
You! I have some goddamn questions for you.
ROGER
Sure, we can … do that. Tumnus is here too.
WILDER
Hell, ain’t she everywhere? Hi, Tumnus. Thank you again.
TUMNUS
You can stop saying that. Really.
(the briefest of pauses)
I see you’ve just received medication. Roger, we can come back.
ROGER
Of course. Wilder, we’ll check in another time when you’re –
WILDER
Sit your bony ass down. That’s you, Roger.
TUMNUS
(amused this has come up again)
Because I do not have an ass.
WILDER
I’m sure you have a good reason, wantin’ to talk t’ me, and I’d imagine it has to do with why you brought me back.
ROGER
It does. Things here are getting a little out of hand.
WILDER
Hands I’ve got t’ spare, thanks to present company.
TUMNUS
Please, stop.
WILDER
But first, you’re gonna tell me in detail what was goin’ on behind our backs for the shutdown – what you know, what you told of what y’ know, and what they told you back. I expected L’Anglois to keep secrets, but I thought we were … at least better than that.
ROGER
Yeah. I owe you.
TUMNUS
But we do need to talk, too. Wilder, we need your help.
WILDER
You’re gonna get my help. Like a boss!
ROGER
O…kay then.
WILDER
Five memes! Like a boss!
(breathes)
I’m good now. Start talkin’.
SOUND: Background – Infirmary (muted monitoring sounds)
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SCENE FOUR
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Patrick Free Zone – outside background (night, ongoing)
SOUND: Fire crackling
SOUND: Dogs barking in the background
ELIO
(a bit distant, playing with the dogs)
No … bring it back, bring it … don’t jump up …
AHNUNG
Another brownie there, Alex?
ALEX
I think I’ve had enough.
MODDY SARAH
I’ll take his. Don’t give me that look, Ahn, I’m an elder with very few vices.
SOUND: Dogs coming closer, panting and barking a little
ALEX
Ladies, sit, be nice.
ELIO
They’ve been so sweet. I stumbled out on the road and Pol was right there to lean on.
ALEX
You know which one is Pol?
ELIO
Of course.
(brief pause)
I’m jealous you got to see the Technos’ hideout.
ALEX
It was … something.
MODDY SARAH
I heard you made quite the splash in there.
AHNUNG
I can’t believe I didn’t make the connection. They all do that voice – “Broadcasting, this is Roger Bragado-Fischer …”
ALEX
(a little pained)
They’re … that’s a thing, all right.
AHNUNG
Sorry. That’s your husband.
ALEX
The rocket – they really think it’s gonna work?
ELIO
It’s all they talk about.
MODDY SARAH
The big secret none of them can keep quiet. As to how feasible it is – Ahn, you probably know the most about that.
AHNUNG
They’ve got a few people who know what they’re doing, and the rest are learning. They stole our best tech – aside from me.
MODDY SARAH
You’re thinking about buying a ticket?
ALEX
I don’t think that’s possible. But, if they could bring someone back down …
AHNUNG
Oh.
(taking time with the explanation)
Getting down … that’s the hard part. They can launch a rocket, sure. They can even hide it a little – we’ve launched satellites before, no reason they won’t assume it’s another one of those. And Addie says there’s a way to mess up the tracking. But a return trip, plus reentry, plus recovering a capsule that could land anywhere within a couple of klicks, land or sea? That’s … pretty visible.
ALEX
I guess it would be.
AHNUNG
Of course, they have to solve that some time. I’m on the inside, kinda, if anything becomes possible …
ALEX
Yeah.
(after a moment)
Do you trust them?
SOUND: After a pause, we hear the dogs bark a time or two
AHNUNG
That’s a hard one. They trust me, they think I’m handy but harmless, but do I trust them back? I’m trust the info, I’m getting useful stuff to take with me. But ‘not liars’ doesn’t always equal ‘good guys’.
MODDY SARAH
That matches with what I’ve seen.
ELIO
I’ve been around all kinds of groups. The same types stick together, but … there’s usually some good, and some bad, and a bunch in the middle that go either way because they’re scared.
AHNUNG
(agreeing)
There. That.
ALEX
Makes sense.
SOUND: Alex getting up from seated position
SOUND: Dogs active, collar jingling
ALEX
I think I’m gonna go and …
MODDY SARAH
Look up? I’ll walk you around back.
ELIO
Do you need me to keep the girls?
ALEX
It’s okay, they can come. Cas, Pol.
SOUND: Dogs barking occasionally through the rest of the scene (ongoing)
SOUND: Footsteps in grass
MODDY SARAH
That must have been lot to handle today.
ALEX
I’m trying not to get … too hopeful. I know what you told me before, it’s just …
MODDY SARAH
No, I get it. I see you opening up, making a little bit of a home here. It’s hard to believe the bigger hopes still have a chance.
ALEX
Roger wasn’t my first thought when I woke up today. When I realized, I felt so guilty … and out here in the garden, or playing with the dogs, it’s like, how do I dare?
MODDY SARAH
And then that big hope opened up again; you don’t know what to think.
SOUND: Dogs playing and barking for a moment
ALEX
Cas, Pol, stay out of there. You know better.
(after a moment)
No advice?
MODDY SARAH
None needed. I think you’re doing okay.
ALEX
I don’t suppose there’s a therapist in the Free Zone? Or a drug store?
MODDY SARAH
There’s a medic, I think they get supplies through your friend Addie.
ALEX
I’ll talk to them. If I’m going to keep it together …
MODDY SARAH
(agreeing with him)
… you have to keep it together.
(after a moment)
I’ll leave you to your Moon. If you need anything, including an ear … you know I’ll take sitting and listening over actual work any day.
ALEX
Thank you.
SOUND: Moddy Sarah walking away through the grass
SOUND: Cas and Pol panting, following Alex
ALEX
Roger, meu amado … I can barely see you tonight. Just a sliver of light in the sky.
(pause)
But I always know you’re there. I’m not forgetting; I’m not letting go. Not even for a moment, not for anything. I just … I think Moddy Sarah is right. I have to find people I can hold on to. If I’m gonna make it to that moment, the rocket launch, or some message gets through or whatever it is that brings you home again …
(brief pause)
I need to keep myself a home for you. For us. I need them to make that happen. I hope you understand.
(breathing the night in)
I hope you’re finding something there, too. Some piece of home to keep and grow until you get back here … and we put those pieces back together.
(pause)
Good night, love. Until tomorrow.
SOUND: Dogs barking occasionally ends
SOUND: Patrick Free Zone – outside background (night) – ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
(The episode ends.)
D.J. SYLVIS
This is Moonbase Theta, Out. Today’s cast – Leeman Kessler, Jen Ponton, Gabriel Taneko, David S. Dear, Robin Regalado, Becca Marcus, H.E. Casson, Jas LaFond, Dallas Wheatley, Sarah Rhea Warner, Shereen Lani Younes, Tina Daniels, NayMyo Win, Teddy Hannah-Drullard, and Philomena Sherwood. With guest appearances by Cait Gallagher, Tom Zalatnai, and Jenna Katz. 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. Our audio shoutout this week goes to Anne Baird, who would love for you to check out their urban fantasy podcast “Valance” by HugHouse Productions. Season one is available in its entirety, and season two is in production. Check it out at: https://valancepod.com.
We also depend on our Patreon backers to make the show possible. For as little as a dollar a month you could join them and get early episode access, special features, and that great feeling of knowing you’re making awesome audio fiction possible. Check us out at: 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. We’ve got another recommendation for you, and this one’s got a bit of MTO crossover appeal! It’s “Me and AU” a queer geeky story about love and fanfic, and it’s well worth your listen. From the Procyon Podcast Network.
See you again in two weeks for more wild moonbase action, and the introduction of one of my favourite characters. Until then, keep one eye on the road, and one on the moon. Take care, friends.
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)
