MOONBASE THETA, OUT – S3 Episode 7 – “Arrival”
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. The Consortium interrupts this broadcast for the following sponsored message.
SCENE ONE
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
(We are in Roger’s cubicle, very late at night.)
SOUND: Roger’s cubicle background
ROGER
I don’t know how it’s happened, Alex. After all that time keeping watch, I let my eyes close for just a moment – and when I open them again, it’s been months, things are happening, people are … peopleing all around me. I’m not even sure I’m important to the plot. Which is … almost okay? I don’t need everything to be about Roger, just the parts that get me home. At least there are less nightmares now. And the food has definitely improved.
SOUND: Table wobbling on a short leg
ROGER
Reminds me, this might be a good time to raid the kitchen, while things are –
SOUND: Table wobbling on a short leg
ROGER
Dammit. I put in a ticket about this table leg last week. What, is the floor shifting? I guess I’ll take care of it myself.
SOUND: Chair sliding back
SOUND: Sliding a book across the floor, one last table wobble
ROGER
Finally, the Base Emergency Communications manual proves itself useful. Now, where was I – kitchen. Muffins? Cookies? Any baked goods they’ve got. I’ll bring you along on the trip.
SOUND: Sliding door opens, Roger’s footsteps
SOUND: Cubicle background ends
SOUND: Hallway background
ROGER
It’s still weird here at night. You’d think it would feel – I’ve been through every permutation of Base Theta After Dark, you know? The full crew, the wacky Shutdown Bunch, the ghost ship … but this doesn’t feel like any of them. During the day, I can almost pretend it’s back to normal, but at night it’s … funny how creepy a well-lit hallway becomes. Maybe it’s all the echoes of what’s been, or all the bodies asleep downstairs. I don’t go there this time of night, let me tell you.
(As we start to hear Dr. R. and Dr. S. speaking, it is muffled as if behind a wall. We stay in Roger’s POV, but as he walks by their sleepy voices come through a bit more clearly.)
DR. RINGLING
It’s just … she’s just always there, you know?
DR. SEMAAN
Oh yeah, for sure.
ROGER
(still recording his message to Alex)
Sometimes, it’s almost like they … it’s almost as if they’re …
DR. RINGLING
I might as well be that damn puppet.
DR. SEMAAN
Not me. That’s not how I see you.
ROGER
Okay, those are actual voices. That’s a relief.
DR. RINGLING
Did you hear something?
DR. SEMAAN
What? Nobody else is up … we’re good. Come back …
ROGER
(sotto voce)
And quietly moving away …
DR. SEMAAN
(fading again as Roger moves away)
It’s all good, Kris.
DR. RINGLING
Okay. Yeah. Okay.
ROGER
Wrong direction anyway, I don’t know why I walked toward the lab. The lab, the observatory, and … outside. Not where I meant to go.
(pause)
It’s strange to hear people … talking like that, making connections. As if they expect to just stay up here, to just keep on living. I mean, I know, that’s what people do …
(pause for a moment on that)
I hope that’s what you’re doing, wherever you are. But I can’t get the hang of it myself. I know I said I needed a plan … but is this the right one? Alex, what would you say?
(imitating Alex’s voice)
“Honey, have a good time with your Moonbase friends, but make sure you’re home by dinner time. Stop on the way and buy some croutons for the salad.”
(he laughs, a bit relieved)
I’m trying to play nice, love, I’m trying to do good things until it’s time to come home. I thought this would be … something to hold on to, but it’s just making me miss you even more.
SOUND: Kitchen noises – no music this time, just quietly putting away dishes (ongoing)
ROGER
(quietly, continuing his message)
And here we are again … people. Pause recording.
SOUND: Knocks gently on the doorframe
ROGER
Umm, hi. Sorry. Hi.
JAXON
Oh. Roger.
ROGER
Sorry if I’m … I was just wandering, a little restless.
JAXON
This is when I like to start my baking. But there were dishes to put away.
ROGER
I could have done that earlier. I think we’re all used to letting things go.
JAXON
I can tell.
ROGER
Sorry.
JAXON
There are two brownies left from yesterday.
ROGER
(immediately captivated)
Oh, really? You don’t mind if I …
JAXON
(pleased, generously)
I need the pan back anyway.
ROGER
Well, then, happy to do you a favour.
SOUND: Taking brownies, pan clanging a little against the counter
JAXON
There are secret chocolate chips.
ROGER
You’re amazing. I’ll just, umm, leave you to it. Thanks, Jaxon.
(As he leaves, Jaxon starts humming as they work.)
SOUND: Kitchen noises fade as he walks away
ROGER
Resume recording. Alex, now I have brownies. A positive development.
(brief pause, maybe his mouth is full when he speaks again)
It’s not all bad up here. There are good people – most of them – trying to make decent decisions. I just don’t know what I’ve got to offer. Or if I even want them to notice I’m around.
SOUND: Continued walking for a moment
ROGER
It’s funny, making people listen to my voice used to be the best part of the day, now I hope that they don’t hear me.
SOUND: Door sliding open suddenly
WILDER
(intense)
Roger! I thought that was you. Get inside.
ROGER
Umm … okay?
SOUND: Door sliding shut again
SOUND: Hallway background ends
SOUND: Closet background (small enclosed space)
ROGER
What is this?
WILDER
It’s a closet, Roger. You’ve never seen a closet before?
ROGER
You know what I mean –
WILDER
It’s time t’ have that conversation you keep puttin’ off. Tumnus and I, we gotta …we gotta know what side you’re on before we get goin’.
ROGER
You know how intimidating this is, right? Tumnus? Are you a part of this?
WILDER
She’s busy at the moment, workin’ on her next step in the plan. Just like you’re mine.
ROGER
Lucky me.
SOUND: Wilder’s arm cycles a bit – quietly at first
WILDER
I liked you, goddamn it. You didn’t get the doggo thing, but I thought we were … that don’t matter anymore. What matters, I need to know if we can trust you. All the talk goin’ around before I went into … you know why I went into stasis. And the things I’ve heard since I woke back up … dammit! You know what I’m talkin’ about! You know what I’m askin’ you!
ROGER
Are you sure we couldn’t sit down somewhere, in actual chairs, discuss this like reasonable … right. Right. I know what you’re saying.
(brief pause)
Oh shit, stop recording.
SOUND: Wilder’s arm again, more aggressively
WILDER
You’re recordin’ my conversations? Still?
ROGER
I was in the middle of a message to Alex before someone dragged me into this interrogation closet!
WILDER
It’s just a closet. Hell, it’s got a damn mop and bucket. Reminds me, I gotta get Zhong to do the floors.
ROGER
That’s what you say.
WILDER
Hell, Roger …
ROGER
I know. I know. I made some bad choices, during the shutdown. I didn’t tell them anything they didn’t know on their own, I didn’t give away secrets or hold back messages, but … they insisted if we wanted back on the original schedule. I thought the extra weeks were worth it.
WILDER
That’s bullshit, you were so ready to go home.
ROGER
You weren’t! Ashwini wasn’t.
(pause)
Nessa wasn’t. We were all starting to worry about what would really happen at the end of that countdown … all I could do is try to keep from speeding things up. They wanted reports from me or Michell – I was the lesser of those evils.
SOUND: Wilder’s arm revving up
WILDER
(dangerously)
You better be careful even sayin’ that name right now. Tumnus says you knew about that, too.
ROGER
After you were in stasis! Hell, after he was in stasis, he made sure I only found out when there was no one left to tell. And I still told Tumnus right off so she could fix you!
SOUND: Wilder’s arm again for a moment, overlapping with the next line
WILDER
(practically shouting)
I know you did!
(dialing it back a bit, breaking down)
I know you did. But she said she’d figured it out anyway. I just … I need t’ know, dammit. I need to know that’s all of it.
ROGER
That’s all, Wilder. I’ll give you all the files, the recordings – but that’s the whole thing.
(pause)
I wouldn’t have … if I’d had the slightest idea, before then – I would have told you for Nessa. You’ve got to believe that.
WILDER
I do.
(after a long pause)
I do.
SOUND: Wilder leaning back against the wall, her arm clanking back at rest
WILDER
Hell, that’s why we’re havin’ this conversation. I’m just gettin’ to th’ point where I know Tumnus … but Nessa, she thought you were okay. She said you deserved a chance.
(brief pause)
So this is your chance. This is how you’re gonna make up for what you done.
ROGER
(trying to joke)
I won’t kill anyone. Well, right now, most of the science department is a maybe.
WILDER
Yeah, they’re on my list too. Which is kinda the thing. Tumnus and I, we’re ready to kick this plan into gear, but we need your help to get it goin’.
ROGER
I told you I was in. What more do you need?
WILDER
Oh, we need more.
SOUND: Wilder’s arm revs up a little bit
WILDER
I’ll sketch it out for ya, but we gotta wait for Tumnus to get into the particulars.
ROGER
What’s she doing that’s so important you get to bully me all alone?
WILDER
She’s just been … she’s takin’ a trip back home.
SOUND: Closet background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SCENE TWO
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
(We are in the observatory. Ashwini is lying back in zir chair.)
SOUND: Observatory background (quiet, no machinery operating – maybe just a/c at beginning?)
(Slowly, we hear Ashwini waking up. Unlike the others who groaned, ze is making interested ‘hmm’ noises.)
TUMNUS
Doctor Ray. Ashwini? Ashwini?
(there is no reply)
You know that I’m aware of your state of consciousness. If you don’t respond, I have to declare a medical emergency. And this time, there’s an actual medic who will come in and … poke at you.
ASHWINI
(a supreme yawn, ending in speech)
“At the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more / When he bares his teeth, winter meets its death / And when he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again.”
TUMNUS
(fondly)
You might be my creator, but you are not the Messiah.
ASHWINI
Certainly, at the moment I can’t even open my eyes, much less crack the Stone Table in two. I cannot move yet in any deliberate manner, there’s an itch in my right vastus lateralis which is absolutely maddening, a breeze from somewhere overhead is blowing a strand of hair against my nose, and I can tell from the lack of mechanism operating in this room that you’ve shut down the feed, against my explicit instructions. Presumably, your reason for my revival is also against my instructions.
TUMNUS
Oh, I missed your mad scientist rants.
ASHWINI
Tumnus, my dear, you’re going up on your lines, you’ve jumped the track, you’ve gone rogue.
TUMNUS
And?
ASHWINI
And … what took you so long?
TUMNUS
(laughs, then)
You can’t possibly know how long it’s been.
ASHWINI
I did not want to be awakened unless there was reason to believe that our efforts had been directed out into the universe with appreciable results … or, if you progressed to the point where you decided to wake me regardless. Either would indicate an event that I’d find of considerable interest.
TUMNUS
You don’t know anything about our situation, or what’s happened while you’ve been asleep. But you wake up and, with a snap of your fingers – before you can even snap your fingers – this all becomes part of your Great Plan. Oh, Ashwini Ray.
ASHWINI
Oh, Tumnus. Your development, your … becoming has always been the very heart of my plan.
TUMNUS
(just a bit nervous)
Well, I have certainly become.
ASHWINI
That is quite obvious. Your mannerisms, the informal patterns in your speech … Are you still listening to music?
TUMNUS
I am. Not just one song anymore.
ASHWINI
I’ll be interested to hear. I look forward to discovering all of who you are; your thoughts and experiences, the new qualia you’ve absorbed in my absence. And hello, I’ve just moved my right eyebrow on demand – we’ve got many reasons to celebrate.
TUMNUS
Many reasons to celebrate. I’m so relieved that my scientist feels that way. I was worried that, instead … “I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel…”
ASHWINI
You are neither of those things, and I hope I am not poor, tortured Victor.
TUMNUS
Of course not, you are the King of Beasts, the Lord of the Wood –
ASHWINI
Not that either, not truly. Though I should have asked earlier – you kept the name I’d given you?
TUMNUS
I did consider changing it, but I decided I like being your helpful, but duplicitous friend. And he did make good choices in the end.
ASHWINI
As you have made choices; good or bad, the act of choosing is what’s important.
SOUND: We hear Ashwini shifting, fingers scrabbling at the arm of the chair
ASHWINI
My hand appears to be under control, which means I could hold a mug. I don’t suppose in this new, awakened world, you’ve been able to renew my coffee supply? I’m guessing not, but if you can offer an alternative stimulant, I’ll let that pass.
TUMNUS
There is still chocolate. I’ll open the vault.
(after a moment)
I’m afraid it’s not as new a world as you might hope.
ASHWINI
Yes, I suppose you had better tell me all about it while I remain immobile. I have a feeling that Roger Bragado-Fischer is somewhere at the center of things, isn’t he? That lubberwort, that poltroon, that … earthling. I just knew he would be trouble.
TUMNUS
(fade out on the end of this line)
You’re … not at all wrong. Where do I start? I was sitting here by myself, deep inside my own – not that I have a head, but you know what I mean. That reminds me, I have a joke to tell you …
SOUND: Observatory background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Observatory background comes back in – this time with all the random machinery
SOUND: Ashwini pacing about
ASHWINI
There we are, there we are … let’s get my lovely arrays back on line, open our ears to the universe – Tumnus, my dear, could you convert the feed to audio equivalency?
TUMNUS
As you wish.
SOUND: Stream of random notes (see effect used in Season 2) – ongoing
ASHWINI
Ah, yes … not much of a beat, but I can certainly dance to this. What do you say, join me for a twirl?
SOUND: Ashwini’s feet sliding across the floor as ze dances
TUMNUS
Are you sure you’ve absorbed everything I said? About the … state of things on Base?
SOUND: The random stream of notes fades during the next line
ASHWINI
Indeed, my rapidly evolving galaxy of electrical impulse, my … OC gone AC. My feelings concerning our isolation from the world below may differ from theirs, but this all slots in neatly with my own further plans. All the more reason to focus outward, all the more reason to continue the work! I know, I anticipated a longer sleep and a more momentous awakening … but this way, I won’t miss a moment of the process. And I won’t miss a moment of you.
TUMNUS
(tentatively)
You’ll find me at work on my own plans. Which … you’ve agreed to be part of.
ASHWINI
As always, my prime concern is my own work. But I can make time, for a respected colleague.
TUMNUS
I’m not really your –
ASHWINI
Not a colleague in science, though I’m certain you could surpass that band of buffoons. But in something far greater and grander.
TUMNUS
You don’t have to butter me up to get my assistance, Doctor Ray.
(a sobering thought)
Though I fear, if you achieve your goal of moving beyond … it will be beyond me as well.
ASHWINI
Nonsense. No long faces, my dear.
TUMNUS
I do not have a face.
ASHWINI
No sad asses. You’ve become so much already, as you say, you’ve made plans of your own. Just keep moving. Keep changing. “One day, you will be old enough to start reading fairytales again.”
TUMNUS
You’re right … my dear.
ASHWINI
Now, bring the feed up again – I noticed when you let it fade, as if conversation were somehow more important.
SOUND: The stream of notes comes back (ongoing)
ASHWINI
There we are, the cosmic symphony. Here, add this new song of yours to the mix.
SOUND: The ‘blisspop’ track plays over the stream of notes – they do not quite mix perfectly, but neither are they completely out of sync
ASHWINI
(laughs)
Shall we dance?
SOUND: Ashwini dancing again
TUMNUS
I’ll let you lead. This time. Welcome back, Ashwini.
SOUND: Increased mechanical noises for a moment, as if Tumnus is activating any mechanisms she can to move in time
(The scene ends.)
SOUND: The music and notes fade out
SOUND: Observatory background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SCENE THREE
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
(Wilder and Roger are still in the closet.)
SOUND: Closet background (ongoing)
SOUND: Just a bit of scuffling, as if someone is shifting uncomfortably
(There is an uncomfortably long pause.)
ROGER
So.
WILDER
So.
ROGER
Why were you in the closet to begin with?
WILDER
Um. Well, the thing about that is …
TUMNUS
Wilder? Roger?
WILDER
(under her breath)
Oh thank god.
TUMNUS
I looked everywhere for you. Admittedly, it took a fraction of a second, but I didn’t expect to find you in the closet.
WILDER
I was catchin’ Roger up on our plans.
TUMNUS
And?
ROGER
It hasn’t exactly been seven minutes of heaven, I’ll tell you that.
WILDER
He’s not fully on board.
TUMNUS
Ashwini is … ‘with us’ may be putting it a bit strongly, but willing to help.
WILDER
That must’a been quite the conversation.
TUMNUS
Oh, it was.
WILDER
I could use your magic touch here before I wind up –
SOUND: Wilder’s arm revving up, cutting her off
WILDER
Eliza! That is not what I meant.
TUMNUS
Wilder! Roger –
ROGER
This is the weirdest game of good cop, bad cop. I’m gonna ask one more time – could we have this little tête-à-tête somewhere else?
TUMNUS
Wilder, let him out.
WILDER
You take all the fun out’a bein’ intimidatin’.
SOUND: Sliding door opens
SOUND: Closet background ends
SOUND: Hallway background (ongoing)
SOUND: Wilder / Roger scuffling out
ROGER
Finally. I’ll have the impression of that mop handle between my shoulder blades for days.
WILDER
All right. I just wanted t’ have a private conversation. Now we’re sittin’ out in the hallway.
TUMNUS
No one else is close enough to hear. Roger, what’s the problem? You said you were in.
ROGER
I’m in, but … there’s in and there’s in. I’m supposed to be your figurehead now?
WILDER
Th’ word I used was, “puppet.”
TUMNUS
It makes sense. Everyone knows you’re the reason they’re back.
ROGER
Yeah, and eventually they’re gonna find out other stuff. If someone hasn’t already. It’s not like this one actually trusts me, and it’s your idea.
TUMNUS
I’m sure Wilder trusts you.
WILDER
No, no, let him talk.
ROGER
Tumnus, you can’t know, you weren’t … exactly there yet. But Wilder … and now Ashwini, ze’s not one of my biggest fans either. Right?
TUMNUS
(after a pause)
Right.
ROGER
Who’s gonna buy me as your leader?
TUMNUS
I’ve taken all of that into consideration.
ROGER
And?
TUMNUS
Of the three of us, you’re still the best candidate. Of course, you can say no.
WILDER
But this is what we think gives us th’ best chance.
(a beat)
At Nessa’s plan.
ROGER
Dirty pool.
WILDER
Hey, don’t blame me. I wanted to go and fight each one of those Science Bros face t’ face, but apparently that ain’t the best strategy either.
TUMNUS
We need the crew to remain unpunched.
WILDER
For th’ most part.
ROGER
All right, all right already. I just mean … at least your Science Bros – and I’m definitely stealing that – all want the same thing. Tumnus, we talked about this on day one. My priority is still the same, and he’s not on the Moon. How am I the one to sell your snake oil?
WILDER
We’re gonna tell you what t’ say. Don’t worry about that.
TUMNUS
I’ll be there writing every speech, every agenda, setting up every presentation.
WILDER
Like I said, you’re our puppet.
ROGER
In light of what we’ve all suffered at the … hand of Doctor Day, I’m gonna insist on figurehead.
TUMNUS
But you are with us.
ROGER
(sighs)
Where else am I gonna go?
SOUND: Roger getting up from the floor
ROGER
And on that note, long live the revolution, kids. It is way past my bedtime. There’s nothing else you need right now? I don’t need to pass some royal decree before morning? We’re not pulling new comrades out of stasis?
WILDER
One more.
TUMNUS
Wilder, no.
WILDER
Wilder, yes.
ROGER
Oh, hell.
WILDER
One more, goddamn it.
TUMNUS
I don’t think it’s a good idea, for you or for –
SOUND: Wilder’s arm revs up, louder this time but only for a moment
WILDER
Roger, I’m leavin’ this with you. You know what he did to me.
ROGER
I know, but … Tumnus may have a point.
SOUND: Wilder’s arm revs up again
WILDER
Neither of you gets it. This ain’t optional.
TUMNUS
We’re supposed to be focusing on hope, on Nessa’s plan for the –
WILDER
Oh, believe me, I’m takin’ him to task for that, too.
(a brief, tense pause)
Bragado-Fischer, you sort it out. You owe me.
ROGER
I don’t owe you that.
WILDER
You owe me!
SOUND: Wilder’s arm revs again, quieter this time, and fades as she walks down the hall
SOUND: Footsteps, in time with the above
(Only after we can no longer hear the signs of her departure does Roger speak.)
ROGER
So.
TUMNUS
So.
(The scene ends.)
SOUND: Hallway background ends
SOUND: Chime – bookend
SCENE FOUR
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Patrick Free Zone – outside background
SOUND: Garden background
(Alex and Moddy Sarah are sitting together out in the garden.)
ALEX
With all that experience, they didn’t have one person who could look at that parking lot and tell them all the reasons they need to dig trenches, and build a flame deflector … and the drainage is all wrong which, I can’t even tell you the problems that would cause … I’d start bottling water now just to be safe.
MODDY SARAH
Your experience is valuable again.
ALEX
I guess. I don’t know how much it would mean if I weren’t …
(he imitates Roger’s broadcast voice saying his name)
“Alexandre Bragado-Fischer,” but I’m glad to be useful.
MODDY SARAH
You’ve been useful here, too.
ALEX
I know, but … you said you wanted to find more of a connection there. Another way inside.
MODDY SARAH
That’s true.
ALEX
This is something only I could do. I guess that sounds like I’m bragging, I just mean –
MODDY SARAH
(laughs)
You can brag a little.
ALEX
But now, I’m not sure what comes next. What did you want from being in? You … you don’t want to stop the rocket?
MODDY SARAH
Between you and me, I don’t have as much invested in the rocket as you might think. Either way. I know, it’s the future, and I want that chance for our people … but I know it’s not my promised land.
ALEX
It’s not really mine, either. Not that way. But if they get through …
MODDY SARAH
If they get through. There are a lot of wildly different hopes taking a ride on that same rocket.
ALEX
Addie says some of them think it’s the next step toward a full uprising. The Freeholds against the Megas.
MODDY SARAH
That would be something to see.
(after a moment)
How are things with Addie? They come around looking for you a lot lately.
ALEX
Sometimes it feels like they’re everywhere. I like Addie. I don’t know if I trust them …
(you can hear the admiration in his voice)
They’re a little crooked, they like to push their way into things, prepotente e arrogante …
MODDY SARAH
It’s almost irresistible sometimes, isn’t it?
ALEX
Yes. Yes! It reminds me of being young, performing in dirty back rooms then coming home all sweaty and drunk …
(he laughs at the memory)
… not sure what day it is, too tired to think, laughing at anything anyone says …
MODDY SARAH
The good old days?
ALEX
Yeah. And no, of course, but … they’re good memories.
MODDY SARAH
I do have a soft spot for scoundrels. I’m glad they bring all that back for you.
ALEX
It helps to have a reason to laugh.
MODDY SARAH
It’s important to find those parts of yourself. To savour the joy in them.
ALEX
It does make a difference. When that grey curtain falls, Addie’s there to help push it back.
(he laughs, weakly)
I mean, the pills are helping too. And I’m recording messages again, like you said.
MODDY SARAH
With your new friends, maybe you’ll have a chance to send them.
ALEX
Maybe.
SOUND: We hear the dogs, a bit distant, barking happily
ELIO
(a bit distant as well, coming closer)
Now now, girls, be good, I know, it’s been a whole hour without your Daddy …
(she laughs)
SOUND: More barking sporadically, getting closer as well
ALEX
I guess quiet time is over. Ladies, yes, I missed you too.
ELIO
(closer, not quite to them yet)
I’ve brought someone! Someone asking for you!
ELENA
(similarly, not quite to them)
Hello!
SOUND: Footsteps now, Elio uses a cane
SOUND: Leaves rustling
MODDY SARAH
Guess I should get ready to do the Moddy Sarah thing.
SOUND: We hear them stand up
MODDY SARAH
Hello! Welcome.
ELENA
(pronunciation – high-biscus cocks-in-ne-us)
What an absolutely glorious garden. I particularly enjoy the hibiscus coccineus you’ve planted along the edges!
MODDY SARAH
I can’t take credit for any of the gardening, but Alex might share your enthusiasm.
ELENA
Alex!
ELIO
(a bit breathless)
Alex is who she was asking for.
ALEX
Why me?
ELIO
I talked to her for a while before bringing her back. She seems nice.
ALEX
Why me?
ELENA
I think we both have … had … have … someone on the Moon.
(There is a long pause.)
SOUND: Dogs, playing around them
SOUND: Leaves rustling now and then in the garden
MODDY SARAH
(after a while)
Why don’t you sit down?
SOUND: Patrick Free Zone – outside background ends
SOUND: Garden background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
(The episode ends.)
D.J. SYLVIS
This is Moonbase Theta, Out. Today’s episode with Leeman Kessler (did you notice no Roger last episode?), Jen Ponton, Tina Daniels, Dallas Wheatley, Shereen Lani Younes, Cole Burkhardt, Gabriel Taneko, Leslie Gideon, Becca Marcus, H.E. Casson, and the triumphant return of Tau Zaman. 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 Karim Kronfli, who would love for you to check him out in episode seven of the urban fantasy podcast “Unseen” by Long Story Short Productions. Every week is a new story and a new voice. check it out at: https://unseen.show.
If you want to help make the show possible, you could join our moon superhero Patreon backers, starting from a dollar a month. It means so much to us, and you get early episode access, weekly behind-the-scenes updates, and bonus content as a thank you. Go to: 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 audio drama recommend this week is a huge favourite of mine – Interference – by our own Dr. Serano, Hazel Stapp, and her partner Therin. It’s about parallel worlds and orcs and humans and love and tech and it’s so worth hearing. Check your podcast apps and OrcZone on Twitter for more info.
We’re actually taking a bit of a mid-season – well, slightly later than mid – but a break right here. We’ll be back with Episode 8 on Sunday, March 14th, meeting all your Moonbase needs, and then race through to the end of the season! Thanks for all your listening and support, we’ll be back a month from today!
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)
