MOONBASE THETA, OUT – S3 Episode 9 – “Release”
by D.J. Sylvis
D.J. SYLVIS
Please see our show notes for content warnings related to this episode.
ANNOUNCER
This is Consortium Channel 5, Moonbase Reports and Broadcasts – The Combined Corporate Moonbase Project – a sign of our ongoing success.
The Consortium interrupts this broadcast for the following sponsored message.
(NOTE – there may be an ad inserted at this point before the episode)
SCENE ONE
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
(We are in the Enclave Officer’s office. He is sitting there alone.)
SOUND: Enclave Officer’s office – background (ongoing, see E6-Scene One)
SOUND: Lifting a mug, drinking coffee
ENCLAVE OFFICER
And that’s falling into place. Check that off the old to-do list, boss.
SOUND: Pen scratching on paper
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Let’s open file ESM-27 again. Show me the projections. And the distribution channels.
SOUND: A few muted computer beeps
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Good deal there. Shoot, I need to get that written, I hope the actors are still on retainer. This one should get a bit swankier, maybe they’re celebrating something, birthday, promotion, anniversary? “En-Soy-Ment Gold – for special meals and special moments.” Yeah, I like that. I like that a lot. Let’s get that done today.
SOUND: Muffled voices from the outer office as follows:
RECEPTION BOT
(muffled, outer office)
Buon pommerigio! Come posso esserle utile oggi?
MONICA
(similarly)
What has he done to you?
RECEPTION BOT
Su richiesta possiamo preparare anche piatti vegetariani.
MONICA
All right, I’m letting myself in.
SOUND: Door opens (see effect from E6-Scene One)
MONICA
You may be the last active office in this wing, but that doesn’t mean you own the place.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Mx. Parker, how nice of you to come all this way.
MONICA
Funny how certain … equipment has migrated to your outer office.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
You said I stay here and do the work you send me. Can’t do that without the right tools.
MONICA
(dripping with sarcasm)
Of course.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Not that you’ve sent anything our way recently. Is that why you’re here?
MONICA
Oh, you’ll find out why I’m here. But observe the goddamn pleasantries. Offer me a chair, get me a decent coffee – I know you’ve fixed that little supply issue, but the beans haven’t made their way to my office yet.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I’ll see to that right away. Must have been a mixup. Please, take a seat.
SOUND: A slight beep for the intercom
RECEPTION BOT
Come posso aiutarla?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Umm … due … caffe, per favore. Roba buona.
RECEPTION BOT
Subito!
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I can order in six different languages now.
MONICA
Uh huh.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
(quickly, under his breath)
Uno decaffeinato.
SOUND: A slight beep for the intercom
ENCLAVE OFFICER
That should meet standard business etiquette. So what brings you down to our level?
MONICA
I’ll wait for the coffee.
SOUND: Papers being shuffled
MONICA
And what’s this? You’re aware of the ban on handwritten paperwork.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
(strained but polite)
Nothing official, just … to do lists, notes to myself
MONICA
I see. “Review Conglomerate …” some sort of squiggle, I don’t know how you read your own handwriting. “En-Soy-Ment Gold” – you’re still on that old horse? I zeroed out that budget.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
We’ve scaled back, diverted some revenue. I’m writing the ads myself.
SOUND: A sliding hatch opens, we hear the sound of mugs clinking together
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Here we are. Cream and sugar on the tray if you need them.
MONICA
I don’t.
SOUND: They’re both drinking their coffee
ENCLAVE OFFICER
(after a long pause, reasonably)
If you’re waiting on reports, I’ve kept your office copied on everything I’ve filed since our –
SOUND: Monica’s chair being pushed back – cuts him off
MONICA
The Consortium has decided to pull out.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Ser?
MONICA
All official offices in the Rio-Sao Paolo Enclave will cease operations as of this week.
(after a moment)
Well? I expected you’d have something to say to that.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I mean, I’ve got eyes, it’s not a shock. I assume there’s more to it.
MONICA
This doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. I promised you, you’ll be here until the day you die, and I’ve made sure that promise holds.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I’d expect nothing less.
MONICA
Remaining work will be integrated with our Recycling subdivision, to which you’ll be assigned indefinitely. Our holdings will be transformed into a landfill facility, which I’d imagine you’ll have a hand in running. You’ll be digging through the trash here for a very long time.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I see.
MONICA
That will be your only project, your sole responsibility. We’re removing every supply line, all communication channels, we’ll leave you water and power but that’s about all you’re getting. I know you thought you could rebuild some little empire while I watched the bigger picture, but I’m cutting all your strings.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
(calmly)
And you believe that’s going to shut me down?
SOUND: Monica slumping back down into the chair
MONICA
(sighs, sounding very tired)
No, goddamn you I don’t. But that’s what I promised them I would do, before I … sever my own ties with the organization.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Wait, what’s that now?
MONICA
You’re going to be someone else’s problem, and while they’ll get my full files, it’ll take some time before they’re read. Feel free to fight the power as you wish.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
That’s a cavalier attitude. Are we heading off to our mountain, Monica?
MONICA
Mx. Parker. I’m not gone yet. And where I’m going is no business of yours. Not that you’ll have any business, officially, from this point.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I heard you, I’m on my own, this message will self-destruct and so on. You just seem … particularly disinterested.
MONICA
And why would that be? As you mentioned in our charming previous conversation, I’ve signed off on every action from this office, and now it’s been abandoned as a trash pile. That’s not going to be wonderful for my future prospects.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Every executive has that in their back story somewhere. You know how I started up North. You’ll land on your feet.
MONICA
(after a significant pause)
In your little underhanded web, is there anyone who specializes in missing persons?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
That depends. Unofficially … I could reach out. Who are we missing?
MONICA
Look, this is … keep this quiet or I’ll … it doesn’t matter. At this point, it doesn’t really matter.
(pause to pull herself together)
I’ve got a child. Off the books, outside the Consortium’s records, I’ve always wanted them to stay … far from my professional life. For their good and for mine. I know, I know, that makes me one hell of a mother, go on and say it.
(she waits, he’s silent)
Now that things are … in flux, I wanted to reach out, and it seems they’ve gone further afield than usual. I don’t know how to find them. If that’s on purpose, fair enough and I’ll adjust expectations, but …
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Of course. You want to know.
MONICA
(as if she hasn’t heard)
I just want to know.
(pause, almost pleading)
I can’t offer you anything, I suppose I could pay you …
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Come on. I’m not that much a villain. I’ll help if I can.
MONICA
Thank you.
SOUND: We hear the chair slide back as she stands again
MONICA
I suppose that’s official and personal business concluded; I’ll be on my way. Thank you for the coffee, even though I tasted what you did there.
SOUND: A few footsteps toward the door, heels on hard surface
MONICA
Best of luck on … whatever comes next. I’ll bet you wish you’d gone to the Moon in person.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Take care … Mx. Parker.
SOUND: Door being opened, footsteps through, door closed again
RECEPTION BOT
(muffled, through door)
Buona giornata! Continuate a guardare la luna!
ENCLAVE OFFICER
(after a moment or two)
All right, connect me with Daniels, full security protocols.
SOUND: Pen on paper for a moment or two while he waits
OFFICER DANIELS
(on speaker throughout, calling in; ‘ser’ is pronounced ‘sair’)
What’ve you got for me, ser?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I just had an interesting conversation with Monica Parker.
OFFICER DANIELS
She came all the way to the basement?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
To my offices, yes.
OFFICER DANIELS
You’ve got more than one now?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
The point is my sources were right. She’s on her way out, and that means it our time. We’re closing in on the endgame.
OFFICER DANIELS
Really?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
It’s time to play all my cards, call in all my markers.
OFFICER DANIELS
You were so, so close that time.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
It’s time to settle all family business.
OFFICER DANIELS
Now you’re way off. You know I’m not even in place yet?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Well, get on that. You shouldn’t have any problems. The Ryders owe me.
OFFICER DANIELS
It won’t be long. You really think you’re ready? She won’t be watching you?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
She’s got her own worries, it turns out. I might be able to play that to my advantage as well. Another thread in my … how did she say it? Underhanded web.
OFFICER DANIELS
You like that image just a little too much.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I’ll be pulling all those threads pretty soon.
OFFICER DANIELS
You do know how to mix your metaphors.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Never mind. You’ve got the word. Monica’s on her way out, and that leaves a pretty big gap we can step right into, if we’re ready for the moment. So get to your final destination, grab on to that thread, and get ready.
OFFICER DANIELS
Grab the thread. Got it.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
You haven’t heard … anything else, have you?
OFFICER DANIELS
You’re the one who sent the messages. You’d know better than I would.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Just thought I’d check. You’re still my man on the Moon.
OFFICER DANIELS
Not a man, not on the Moon. But I’ll let you know if I hear anything back.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
You do that. We’re the only ones who know that Base is waking up, and we’ve got to keep it on our side.
SOUND: Computer beep, call being shut off
SOUND: Pen on paper for a few more moments
SOUND: Enclave Officer’s Office background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SCENE TWO
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
(We are in the laboratory for another Base Theta meeting. Things seem to be going more smoothly this time around.)
SOUND: Laboratory background (ongoing)
ROGER
We’ll get that added to the list, visits to the polar power arrays. Wilder, I assume you’ll handle that yourself?
WILDER
Since it was my report, and it’s my department, I figured yes.
ZHONG
I’d be happy to take care of it –
WILDER
Good day, sir.
ROGER
All right. Leaving that with … Maintenance, however it shakes out. Assuming we ever solve the Rover issue. Tumnus, do we have access to those yet?
(brief pause)
Tumnus?
TUMNUS
I’m sorry. Just a moment. The … Rover thing, yes.
DR. DAY
(as Dr. Raptor)
Red Rover, Red Rover … send Tumnus on over!
DR. RINGLING
(whispering)
Would you please?
TUMNUS
Rover thing. I have that on my …
WILDER
We can touch base later.
ZHONG
I thought the point of these meetings was to talk things out publicly?
SOUND: Wilder’s arm cycles
WILDER
I said good day!
ROGER
Kids, kids. Moving on …
ZHONG
(muttering)
At least make sense when you insult me.
ROGER
Jaxon, you had a few updates?
JAXON
Yes, the umm …
SOUND: A few footsteps
JAXON
There are some aspects in development. Medic Pacey is looking at the notes on renewing bone mass, reducing muscle atrophy –
MEDIC PACEY
There’s some interesting stuff in theory. I don’t know who was doing her research – it wasn’t me, and it definitely couldn’t have been my … colleagues, prior to the shutdown, but there’s some good stuff.
JAXON
(a bit annoyed)
… is looking at the notes. And Wilder is testing updates to the Base recycling system.
ZHONG
Right, Wilder.
JAXON
For myself, when I’m not busy in the kitchen –
DR. SEMAAN
No one’s complaining about that!
SOUND: One or two people applaud
JAXON
Umm, the farm is back to full capacity. We’ve been experimenting with new crops, myself and … Doctor Ray …
ASHWINI
Happy to be of service.
JAXON
(a bit bashful)
With Ashwini … crops that may provide additional yield and, umm, nutritional variety. I spoke to Doctor Ringling about access to the Genetic Archives for additional cultivars or hybrids that we could try … and I don’t know what’s happened from there. No reply yet.
ASHWINI
Kris? What’s the progress on that?
DR. DAY
Wake up, it’s science time!
DR. RINGLING
(perturbed, hitting up the paperwork note hard)
Yes, I processed that request as per standard procedure, logged and distributed to representatives of the appropriate discipline, which would be Doctor Just and Doctor Serano.
(after a pause)
Who … I don’t see at this meeting.
(raising their voice a bit)
Edwin? Jules?
(after a moment)
Tumnus, could you request that they –
DR. DAY
(Dr. Raptor voice)
I’ll go track them down!
(regular voice again)
They might be in the kitchen. It is muffin day.
SOUND: The door sliding open
SOUND: Her footsteps fading down the hall
ASHWINI
To be fair, we are meeting in their workspace. You’re sitting at Doctor Just’s station right now.
ROGER
I know. The other one had a … threatening note for anyone who came too close. I’m sorry, Jaxon, we’ll come back to that point. Was there more?
JAXON
There’s one thing more. We’re running out of space.
ROGER
(after a moment)
Could we … expand on that? I figured space is the one thing we’ve got in spades. Because … you know, outside, space … space.
DR. SEMAAN
Can’t you spread out a little? There’s got to be room, half the crew is still … you know.
JAXON
Two thirds, but … it’s not just the room, it’s equipment, and maintaining the appropriate temperature and humidity for growth in the farm’s case, and for further development from Nessa’s notes we need …
DR. SEMAAN
Okay, but … if you’re talking about expanding our structural footprint, I have some concerns.
SOUND: Tapping on a keyboard
JAXON
That’s not … exactly the plan …
(sings to himself just a little)
Work to be done, work to be done …
WILDER
I think I can expand on that a little. Can I have th’ floor?
ROGER
And a table, if you want. Just avoid the one with the hedgehogs.
WILDER
We talked about checkin’ out the poles, I’m expecting we’ll find quite a few panels down when that happens. And we’re doin’ okay with food thanks to Jaxon, but … we’re gonna need other supplies to keep things running, and probably other people with special skills when those supplies run low. Point is, we’re gettin’ to where we gotta talk about th’ other Bases, Alpha through … whatever comes before Theta. We got to talk about wakin’ them up.
SOUND: Background muttering, whispers
DR. SEMAAN
What? You’re kidding, right?
ROGER
Wait, what? We didn’t talk about – I didn’t see that on the agenda.
ZHONG
We can’t even keep this Base together!
DR. SEMAAN
Won’t that require the Rovers we don’t have?
WILDER
It does assume we fix the Rover situation … though I think that fix is comin’. And Zhong, that’s the damn point – we need help to keep things together. Tumnus, tell ‘em, this was all in Nessa’s notes.
TUMNUS
(still sounding a bit distracted, trails off at the end)
Umm, right. The idea was that … one Base alone couldn’t maintain sustainability. We’d need the other bases to consolidate supplies, to rotate specialists and services … certain Bases might even specialize. There might be a farming base, a communications base, a base devoted to scientific research or mining …
WILDER
(when she doesn’t continue)
There y’ go! It’s th’ obvious next step. Now, as to how to make that happen –
MEDIC PACEY
Just a minute. We’re still working as a group, right? We didn’t trade one cabal for another? Let’s talk the damn thing over before we trample on.
ZHONG
Right? Let’s talk it all over!
DR. RINGLING
Ze has a point, this would be new business, which generally falls at the end of the –
MEDIC PACEY
Don’t help me.
(muttering)
Mouthpiece of the previous power structure.
DR. SEMAAN
While I admire your convictions, how dare you?
MEDIC PACEY
How dare you, Doctor?
JAXON
(singing quietly in the background)
Work to be done, work to be done … work to be done, work to be done …
WILDER
Hold on now, everyone, I was tryin’ to talk things out.
ZHONG
Roger? Aren’t you in charge? Do something!
ROGER
Yeah. Well. The thing is … look, Wilder, this obviously struck a nerve. Can we give folks a chance to think it over, maybe loop back around next meeting?
WILDER
Look, we need to … we can’t just … damn it, fine. Haters gonna hate.
ROGER
Of course. Everyone … put some thought into that until next meeting. Sit down and have a think.
MEDIC PACEY
Speaking of sitting down … I hate to be the one to bring up accessibility issues, but do we have to have these meetings in the lab? It’s basically standing room only – or those stools which are even worse. I keep leaning harder on my crutches and you folks keep not noticing, so …
JAXON
I would … be more comfortable sitting down, too.
MEDIC PACEY
Thank you.
ROGER
Well, umm … I mean, is there … did you have a suggestion?
MEDIC PACEY
Why can’t we just use the bunkroom?
ROGER
Anyone have a problem with that?
SOUND: A mumble or two in the back of the room
ROGER
All right, then. Next time, in the bunkroom. Everyone, remember to pick up your socks. I think that’s enough for today? Until next time, kiddos.
SOUND: Stools sliding out, footsteps, murmuring voices, clearing out before Wilder below
DR. RINGLING
And that is not how you adjourn a meeting! Do you read any of my memos?
DR. SEMAAN
(quieter, as they move away)
It’s okay. At least they’re trying, you know?
WILDER
(again, background)
Roger, we’re gonna have a talk.
ROGER
I’m not surprised. Should I meet you at the closet?
JAXON
Ashwini, could I … buy you dinner?
ASHWINI
Buy me?
JAXON
Make you dinner. I thought that would be charming.
ASHWINI
I’m not saying I wasn’t charmed.
WILDER
And Tumnus, you were all over th’ place. And none of them were th’ places I needed you.
TUMNUS
I’m sorry. I’ve been a little … distracted. There’s some things Ashwini shared with me …
(suddenly professional)
Wait. Roger. Immediate alert on the storage level.
ROGER
Already? I thought we had until –
TUMNUS
Full revival is imminent.
ROGER
I’m already gone.
SOUND: Quick footsteps leaving
WILDER
Wait, what? Revival? You’re doing it now? You already did it? Without tellin’ me?
TUMNUS
Wilder, wait a minute.
WILDER
What the hell? What th’ hell?
SOUND: Wilder’s arm cycles wildly
SOUND: Laboratory background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SCENE THREE
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Stasis background (ongoing)
(We are in the storage area with all the stasis units. Michell L’Anglois is just waking up, alone, in his unit.)
SOUND: We hear Michell rocking back and forth in the pod as he wakes
SOUND: The glass of the pod rattling a bit
SOUND: Michell moaning, gasping as he rides out a nightmare
MICHELL
(talking in his sleep, barely audible at first but volume slowly building)
No, no, that’s not what I … why was she even … move! Move! I can’t … écarte toi du chemin! Not … out of there! Oh, ses yeux … Eir, help her …
SOUND: Michell sobbing for a few moments
MICHELL
(still mumbling, asleep)
Je serai sage, c’est promis … c’est vrai, je ne fumerai plus. Maria, ne la laisse pas …
SOUND: Pod shaking as he sits up suddenly, coming awake
SOUND: Michell gasping
MICHELL
C’est quoi ce bordel!!
SOUND: Michell breathing heavily for another moment or two
SOUND: Michell scrabbling at the sides of the pod
MICHELL
(frantic)
Where – what – how did I wind up … what kind of shit is this? Is it still – why can’t I move?
(he shouts)
Who’s out there? Who fucking did this to me? Pour qui tu te prends? Bring your goddamn face close enough to …
(a brief pause, changing train of thought, still in survival mode)
It’s still – this is still the base. It’s got to be. It’s still the moon, and that means …
(shouting again)
What did you fuckers do to me? All right, L’Anglois, breathe … fucking breathe! Olfactory – no olfactory down here. Goddamn it!
SOUND: Michell feeling around the pod, testing the handles, etc.
MICHELL
I need something to … when they come back … even if I can’t get up, I can … yes!
SOUND: Something metal breaking off
SOUND: An alarm goes off
MICHELL
That’s gonna bring somebody soon. Just wait … ready to strike.
TUMNUS
Roger! Roger, get here quick! He’s broken off the coolant inlet valve.
MICHELL
Who the hell was that? Who the hell are you? Wilder? Maria?
(after a pause, whispering, flustered)
Nessa?
SOUND: Running footsteps, door being opened
SOUND: Roger breathing heavily
ROGER
Oh, shit. Is that … are you okay? Is he okay? I ran all the way.
TUMNUS
Should I call Medic Pacey?
MICHELL
Bragado-Fischer? What the hell did you do to me? What’s going on? Status report!
ROGER
Just hang on … there. Everybody needs a bit of time post-revival.
MICHELL
Status report! What’s going on, what’s the situation, why – why are you still awake? Was that your plan the whole time? Ça me tue que je t’aie fait confiance!
SOUND: Stasis pod rattling as Michell tries to get up
ROGER
(getting worried)
Look, just … it’s better to take it easy. Your legs aren’t gonna work yet, you probably aren’t seeing right, Tumnus said you broke the –
SOUND: Michell grunts and lunges at him with the broken bit of metal
ROGER
Fuck! Where’d you get a –
TUMNUS
I told you he’d broken off the ductwork –
SOUND: Michell still grunting, lunging out as best he can
ROGER
Hold the fuck on a minute, all right!
MICHELL
I will when you give me a goddamn status report! This is an official request from Base Security! Don’t make me …
ROGER
What, lunge at me again? All I have to do is stay a metre away.
SOUND: Michell falls back, breathing heavily
MICHELL
(sounding drained)
Tell me what’s going on. Who’s awake? What … do they know? Is it the Consortium, did they send someone up? Is there anything from the other side? Maria, is Maria okay?
(he groans)
Merde, my head is killing me.
ROGER
Here. Look. Drop that thing and I’ll come closer, I’ll help you out of there. Okay?
SOUND: Small piece of metal falling to the floor
ROGER
All right. You should be getting some feeling back in your legs by now, right? Just … lean on my shoulder …
MICHELL
Don’t – I can do it! Hands off.
ROGER
Goddamn it, if you could do it, I’d let you.
SOUND: Roger helping Michell heavily out of the stasis unit, struggling a little
ROGER
Sit down. You make everything more difficult than it needs to be, you know that?
MICHELL
Don’t … touch me.
SOUND: Michell sitting heavily in a chair
ROGER
I mean, most people don’t come out of it this hard. Here, rehydrate.
SOUND: Bottle of water gurgling
SOUND: Michell drinks
MICHELL
(shaking, still panicking)
I don’t think I ever went in. I never stopped … it was like I was half-asleep, I could still think, and … think …
ROGER
I don’t think that’s how it works. Tumnus?
TUMNUS
Technically, no.
ROGER
Technically?
MICHELL
(paranoid)
Who is that? I’ve never heard that voice before.
ROGER
Okay, where do I even start …?
SOUND: Rushing footsteps outside, getting closer
SOUND: Wilder’s arm revving (outside the room to begin with)
WILDER
(inside now, pissed off)
All right, y’all better not get in my way. I’ve been waitin’ for this.
ROGER
Just hold on –
MICHELL
(weary, unsure)
Wilder? Oh, shit, Wilder.
WILDER
You better, “Oh shit, Wilder.” And don’t give me that, “What year is it?” look, you know what’s goin’ on. You’re lucky I held off this long.
TUMNUS
Wilder, we think Officer L’Anglois might be –
WILDER
No.
ROGER
Listen for a minute –
WILDER
Don’t you fuckin’ even. You know what he did. You know what you did. I’d say I’ve got th’ only moral authority in this room. Now, you –
SOUND: Wilder’s arm revs up angrily
SOUND: Chair falls over
SOUND: Michell grunts
SOUND: Body being pushed up against the wall
MICHELL
(physically pressed but emotionally flat, throat is being compressed)
Wilder, I want to start by saying –
WILDER
Shut your lyin’ mouth! You’ll talk after I say what I’ve got t’ say. You just … dammit! I don’t even … you know what y’ did, though I can’t figure out why. Didn’t you screw with us enough as it is? Was it because they ordered you, or did your own little scumbag brain come up with it? Did you know it was gonna keep me from –
SOUND: Slams him up against the wall again
SOUND: Strangled noise from Michell
ROGER
Wilder, dammit, he can’t breathe.
SOUND: Wilder’s arm cycles
WILDER
Look me in th’ eye while I talk to you! Did you know – and you’re gonna answer me but good after this one, bucko – did you know it was gonna keep me from savin’ Nessa?
SOUND: Body sliding down the wall to the floor
WILDER
Jesus, I need t’ sit down.
SOUND: Chair being put upright, Wilder sits
WILDER
Well, start your talkin’.
ROGER
Jesus.
WILDER
I’m waitin’.
MICHELL
(still flat, a bit disjointed)
I did it. I asked them for the virus, but it was my idea. You were tagged as a security risk before I got here and … they tell us in training to work out creative solutions. You were mine.
WILDER
You son of a …
MICHELL
I didn’t know what it would do, I thought you’d just go a little haywire and stay out of my … but I didn’t care, either. They admired my innovation. They thought I was The Guy for a day or two.
(pauses for a moment, a bit more life again but not much)
But I didn’t … I wouldn’t … je le jure sur ma tête, not Nessa.
WILDER
No, just me. That’s gonna get ya lots o’ brownie points.
MICHELL
Not Nessa. Not Nessa.
ROGER
Wilder, back off a little.
WILDER
Screw that noise. “Not Nessa …” but you sent a goddamn report down on her, didn’t ya? Roger squealed on that part –
ROGER
Hey …
WILDER
What did you tell them? What did you say about her?
MICHELL
She was sending messages to her family all the time, talking about her work, about me … I said she was a security risk. Trade secrets, whatever would trigger a review. I thought they’d send her home, or put her in stasis, and I’d be … it’d be … easier.
WILDER
You didn’t care what happened, just as long as she was out o’ th’ way.
MICHELL
I was in love with her.
WILDER
Well, she didn’t love you, that’s th’ one thing that makes me feel better. Wait a minute. Talkin’ about her work – did you tell them about the plan? Do they know she had a plan?
SOUND: Pushing the chair back as she gets up
SOUND: Wilder’s arm revs up
WILDER
Answer me! You goddamn robot, you say you loved her, did you ruin her work?
(shouting)
Do they know about the plan?
SOUND: A ringing slap
TUMNUS
Wilder!
ROGER
All right, I’m stopping this.
WILDER
You’re gonna stop me?
ROGER
If I have to. Look, he’s a shit and you definitely owe him, just … take a break for now.
WILDER
Answer me, and you can have your “break for now.” Did you tell them about th’ plan?
MICHELL
I don’t know what you’re talking about. What plan?
WILDER
The plan! The only plan! Nessa’s plan!
MICHELL
(starting to come out of it a bit)
I don’t know anything about a plan!
(he groans)
Oh, my head. I need my olfactory.
ROGER
All right? Are you done now?
WILDER
Whatever. You’ll know about it soon; you’re workin’ for us now. We’ll make use of you.
(the briefest pause)
I got things t’ do.
SOUND: Fast-paced footsteps leaving the room and fading
SOUND: Michell groaning
ROGER
All right, up we go, back in the chair. She’s … got a lot of reason to be angry.
MICHELL
How did she … know all of that? Did you open my files?
ROGER
(concerned, piecing things together)
What? You told me. You don’t … remember, that last message, telling me where to find everything, and about your sister, you don’t … remember?
MICHELL
Are you sure?
TUMNUS
Roger, the way he’s reacting … that’s not just the stasis.
ROGER
No, it’s not … just that.
TUMNUS
You sound like you have some idea.
ROGER
A little too much.
SOUND: Michell groaning
MICHELL
Can I go … lie down somewhere? Is that okay?
ROGER
I’ll walk you to the infirmary. Tumnus, maybe give Pacey a heads up?
TUMNUS
Of course.
SOUND: Helping Michell to his feet
MICHELL
I still don’t know that voice …
ROGER
I’ll explain as we go. We’ve got things to talk about, I think. Probably too much.
SOUND: A few fading footsteps
SOUND: Stasis pods background ends
SOUND: Chime – bookend
SCENE FOUR
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
(Alex, Elena, Payload, Ahnung and Addie are in a meeting room inside the Space Wing Building.)
SOUND: Meeting room background (ongoing)
SOUND: Some small little projector-like presentation noise (maybe a bit more future-y)
ELENA
… that’s where my data runs a little low. Nessa never … had the chance to send back her findings, and I’m not sure she had time to integrate my results. But you can see that the basis is sound in all aspects – following these plans, combining what I’ve done on Earth with her work up there …
(she loses focus for a moment, comes back)
With her work up there. If your interest in the Moonbase includes sustainability –
ADDIE
Oh, I think it definitely does.
ELENA
Then you definitely need her plan.
(she chuckles a little)
You need MEEP.
SOUND: Presentation shutting down
PAYLOAD
I’ll probably call it something else when I present it to my people, but … it’s really impressive. And we do want to make use of those bases. This was never just about salvage.
ALEX
That’s good to hear.
PAYLOAD
I mean, especially now, with Roger still up there.
AHNUNG
(flirting a bit within this)
There’s some really cutting-edge stuff in there on power conservation. And crop growth. Could I get a copy of your notes?
ELENA
Of course, they’re yours.
ADDIE
So what do you think? I always bring you in the good stuff.
PAYLOAD
All the tech makes sense, and if Alex vouches for her …
(getting more excited)
I think it slots really smoothly into our plans. We just wanted to get there, we don’t really have a plan for what comes next. But … this idea, for what we could make of things … that’s critical. That’s crucial. It’s getting a lot harder down here. There’s more and more pressure from the megas; we’re putting all our production cycles into this. It’s got to deploy successfully.
(brief pause)
We can definitely work with you on integration.
ADDIE
I am all about integration.
ELENA
I might also be able to assist with the coding; that was my main focus before. Construction and maintenance bots.
PAYLOAD
That definitely carries over. Alex, you could probably use help preparing at ground level?
ALEX
The trenches are dug, but there’s a lot more site work to be done.
AHNUNG
Same goes for expanding the power grid.
PAYLOAD
Let’s bring your people here in on that.
ADDIE
Always at your disposal.
PAYLOAD
(pronunciation – Eh-lay-na)
Elena, I’ll make your security status permanent right now –
SOUND: Slight computer beep
PAYLOAD
Just let me know what else you need.
ELENA
(slow but certain)
Well …
(deep breath)
I’d really like to be on that flight.
ALEX
Seriously?
AHNUNG
Yeah?
PAYLOAD
That’s a little bit …
ELENA
A lot of this … critical, crucial knowledge, is in my head. No one else knows the full reach of the plan. It was only … Nessa and I.
(brief pause)
I need to get up there.
PAYLOAD
Well … I’ll talk to some of the other seniors here, see what I can do. We’ve got our own candidates.
ELENA
It would make a big difference in the integration.
AHNUNG
If you need our people – our plan – so badly, don’t we deserve a seat?
PAYLOAD
I’ll see what I can do.
ADDIE
Just remember, kiddos, I call shotgun!
ALEX
Wait, you’re going?
ADDIE
Wouldn’t miss it for the world, amigue! I’ve taken all of the pilot training.
PAYLOAD
(with a slight sigh, unable to really push back)
We have a list of candidates, Addie is … certainly on the list.
SOUND: Slight sound of chair pushed back on carpet
PAYLOAD
Elena, if you send me that presentation, I’ll make sure it’s posted to the intra. And I’ll talk to the other seniors. You can find me down on the floor if you need anything else.
ELENA
I’ll be in touch.
SOUND: Quiet footsteps on carpet, door opening and closing again
ADDIE
And that’s it, folks! You’re in.
AHNUNG
Good deal!
ELENA
Absolutely.
ADDIE
And you’re welcome.
AHNUNG
We should talk to Moddy Sarah, see who else we can use on the inside.
ADDIE
The more the merrier!
ALEX
You’re really going to go up there?
ELENA
If they let me.
(after a pause, determined)
No. I’m going.
ALEX
You’re really going up there.
SOUND: More chairs being pushed back on the carpet
ADDIE
(fading out at the end of the line)
Woohoo! That was one hell of a meeting. Let’s get out of here; I need to stretch my legs and get about a dozen drinks.
SOUND: Meeting room background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
(The episode ends.)
D.J. SYLVIS
Thanks for returning to Moonbase Theta, Out! With Leeman Kessler, Jen Ponton, Tina Daniels, Tau Zaman, Shereen Lani Younes, Cole Burkhardt, NayMyo Win, Dallas Wheatley, Teddy Hannah-Drullard, Sarah Rhea Werner, Gabriel Taneko, Leslie Gideon, Jas LaFond, Robin Regalado, Philomena Sherwood, D.J. Sylvis, Shade Oyemakinwa, Nerys Howell, and Kirsti Boulton. And the return of Cass McPhee as Michell L’Anglois! 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 final audio shoutout goes to Esther Brown. We’re so thankful for all of your amazing support. Esther didn’t have a personal project to promote, so she generously requested that we shoutout her friend Jamie and their website: https://menstrualfolx.ca.
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. Today, we’re going to recommend a show that’s NOT audio fiction – but I think you’ll understand the reason why. The Tartan Tardigrade is a podcast by the UK Centre for Astrobiology (out of the University of Edinburgh, thus the name), and it’s definitely deep science but it’s absolutely fascinating if you’ve got an interest in how life might develop elsewhere in the universe. That’s the Tartan – as in fabric – Tardigrade – as in tardigrade; don’t need to explain that again. Give it a listen.
Countdown is at three episodes left in the season! And the next one … well, all I can say is that big stuff happens! Get caught up, tell your friends, tell your nemeses … and KEEP WATCHING THE MOON!
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)
