MOONBASE THETA, OUT – S3 Bonus Episode 4 – “Patrick”
by D.J. Sylvis
D.J. SYLVIS
Please see our show notes for content warnings related to this episode.
Note – CONTENT WARNING: Discussion of death; character death.
ANNOUNCER
This is Consortium Channel 5, Moonbase Reports and Broadcasts. The Combined Corporate Moonbase Project – a sign of our ongoing success!
NOTE – There may be an ad inserted at this point before the episode.
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Background, outside, Florida – swampy, night (ongoing)
SOUND: Far off in the background, the sounds of shouting, trucks moving in – the idea we’re creating is a paramilitary takeover, but no gunshots; you can repeat these sounds sporadically through the scene
SOUND: Tall grass rustling, footsteps in mud
AHNUNG
(breathing heavily)
This way. Shit, I’ve been lax on my workouts.
STEPHEN
(out of breath as well)
My shoes are ruined. How can you see out here?
AHNUNG
I can’t. But I’ve walked this path two or three times a week the whole time we’ve been at Patrick, keeping ready.
STEPHEN
I appreciate your foresight.
(after a moment)
You’re sure they’re coming?
AHNUNG
They’ll catch up soon. You’re sure they’re coming?
STEPHEN
In my case, it’s only one ‘they’. And … soon, I’m sure.
SOUND: A muted tone as he turns on his communicator
STEPHEN
(into the comms device)
We’re approaching the meeting point. Some of us.
SOUND: Nima’s line following is over the speaker, and garbled as if the reception is spotty
NIMA
Understood. I’m getting there.
SOUND: Another muted tone
AHNUNG
When we stop, I can probably boost the reception for you.
STEPHEN
I can feel this in my socks. I planned for a more elegant departure.
AHNUNG
You and me both, pal.
SOUND: A few more footsteps, as much water as mud
AHNUNG
This is it, the big trees, the beacon is implanted halfway up. Stay out of the water. I can’t say it enough, stay out of the water.
STEPHEN
Got it. At least there’s a nice view of the Moon from here.
AHNUNG
Yeah.
(Pause for a few seconds, looking up at the Moon.)
AHNUNG
I wonder how they’re doing up there? Well on their way by now.
STEPHEN
I wish they’d let me check that inertial unit one more time.
AHNUNG
You did everything you could.
STEPHEN
Those … hooligans who took over, I can’t imagine they’re keeping close watch.
AHNUNG
Half of them were technos.
STEPHEN
That’s true. I’m sure they have my notes.
SOUND: In the distance, dogs barking
STEPHEN
Oh no.
AHNUNG
It’s okay, that’s gonna be Cas and Pol.
(raising her voice)
Here! This way!
STEPHEN
Should you be shouting?
AHNUNG
If anyone from the Enclave is close enough to hear, we’re already in trouble.
SOUND: Dogs getting closer
ELIO
(at a distance, serious, sounding more mature)
Cas, Pol, wait up girls. We need your help.
AHNUNG
Right through here, Elio. Watch the water.
ELIO
Of course. Pol, not that way …
SOUNDS: Several sets of footsteps in mud, grass rustling, dogs snuffling
ELIO
I brought some people.
TECHNO 1
I don’t get where we’re going.
FREE FOLK 1
Just so we’re away.
FREE FOLK 2
Ahnung!
AHNUNG
Here. Glad you made it.
SOUND: Dogs barking a little, snuffling
AHNUNG
All right, you too, girls.
FREE FOLK 1
I brought food. From the party.
STEPHEN
We won’t be here long. Are these people all, can we trust them?
ELIO
They’re all good ones.
AHNUNG
If Elio says they’re okay, they’re okay.
TECHNO 2
(suspiciously)
Who says we can trust you? You’re the one who showed up conveniently out of nowhere.
STEPHEN
You’re welcome to head back. Stay away from the water as you go.
SOUND: The dogs bark a few times, sensing the conflict
ELIO
Stephen! Everyone, we’re friends, it’s all okay. You’re making the dogs nervous.
SOUND: Another bark or two, less upset
TECHNO 2
(after a moment)
I am kinda hungry.
FREE FOLK 1
Over here. If that’s okay?
AHNUNG
We’re still waiting for a bit.
SOUND: Dogs scampering, panting
SOUND: A bit of quiet talking now and then behind the next half page or so
FREE FOLK 2
(in the background)
Cas! Pol! Treats!
AHNUNG
Elio, did … anyone else get out?
ELIO
They’re coming. Elena told us to go ahead.
AHNUNG
And …
ELIO
(gently, saying a lot in these words)
Moddy Sarah’s … moving slow, but they’re coming.
TECHNO 1
The old lady?
AHNUNG
Not a lady –
TECHNO 1
(continuing through)
She was great! Those Enclave goons busted in and she faked a heart attack, threw them off their game. Since half of them were ours and she’d been feeding them these last few months …
STEPHEN
It’s a pretty good tactic.
AHNUNG
(not convinced)
Yeah.
STEPHEN
What happened down in the hangar? I was already on my way out.
TECHNO 1
There was some squabbling going on, no one knew who was running things. That new Mission Lead disappeared pretty quick after the launch –
STEPHEN
That might explain how they made it through the gates.
TECHNO 1
Yeah. Yeah! Anyway, there were always two groups, but suddenly the other guys had a bunch more backup. Breaker, Ten-Twenty-Four, I knew they were assholes, but these were assholes without security clearance! Without PGP keys!
STEPHEN
I know the type.
TECHNO 2
Funny part is, that side was always talking about taking on the megas.
(brief pause)
I brought you a sandwich. They’ve got sandwiches.
TECHNO 1
Thanks.
SOUND: Grass rustling in the distance
SOUND: The dogs barking, upset in response, sporadic until noted below
ELIO
Girls! They wouldn’t bark if it was Elena.
AHNUNG
It’s the wrong direction anyway.
STEPHEN
(pronunciation of the name is “nih-muh”)
I think this one’s mine.
(calling out)
Nima? Nima! I know it’s you!
NIMA
(sarcastically, Arabic, translation is, “Keep yelling. I could not be Nima.”)
ضلك سرخ، بلكي انا مش نعمة
STEPHEN
That’s them all right.
(He calls back in Arabic – haltingly, not a native speaker; the translation of his line would be, “Come here. Watch out for the water.”)
STEPHEN
(Pronunciation – “Teh-aal. Deer bah-lek, fee mai.”)
تعال. دير بالك، في مي
NIMA
(very sarcastic, Arabic, translation is, “Genius.”)
يحيا الزكاء
SOUND: Footsteps, grass rustling for another moment
SOUND: Dogs stop barking, whine a little
ELIO
(quietly)
Cas, Pol, it’s okay.
NIMA
Is this all of your people? We should get going.
STEPHEN
We’re waiting for two more.
NIMA
Long enough to have a picnic, I see.
STEPHEN
We’re just waiting.
(to the others)
This is my colleague; we’re going to get you out.
NIMA
Nima, Gaza Free Zone. The Palestinian Resistance.
STEPHEN
They have a relationship with the NAC, we provide mutual support.
FREE FOLK 1
I have friends in Jerusalem.
NIMA
Great.
AHNUNG
I’m Ahnung. We really appreciate your help.
NIMA
(easing up just a little)
Stephen mentioned you. These are all your people?
AHNUNG
I guess they’re together now. Here, this is Elio.
ELIO
(pronunciation of the name is “nih-muh”)
Hi, Nima.
NIMA
You’re cutting the dogs loose when we leave? That’s good, might throw them off our trail.
ELIO
Cutting the dogs loose?
SOUND: A few unhappy barks
AHNUNG
I think you misunderstood –
ELIO
Cutting them loose?
STEPHEN
The dogs are important to her.
NIMA
Hey, I’m fine with dogs. But we’ve got three ultralights, that’s maybe nine people. Those two are worth a person each.
ELIO
I’ll stay behind if it keeps them safe.
AHNUNG
You’re not staying.
STEPHEN
I know the weight tolerance, I was involved in the design. We’ll make it work.
NIMA
If you say so. We need to get out of here.
AHNUNG
Elio, can you send Cas and Pol …?
ELIO
Of course! Girls, go find Elena! Go find Moddy Sarah!
SOUND: Dogs barking, moving away
STEPHEN
If we have to, I can stay behind with one of the planes.
SOUND: Dogs barking excitedly, not too far off
ELENA
(in the distance, pronunciation is “spar-tie-na alter-ni-flora”)
Thanks for checking on us, ladies. We’re almost there. Just one more patch of spartina alterniflora …
MODDY SARAH
(similarly distant, sounding a little weak, breathing heavily)
Elena, I love you … but it’s been ‘one more patch’ for … seven patches now.
ELIO
There they are!
AHNUNG
Should be just another minute.
SOUND: Dogs barking, same distance as the voices
MODDY SARAH
Thank you, Cas. Or Pol. Or both.
NIMA
Get your people together. We’re late already.
STEPHEN
Everyone, get ready to move out. We’re running low on time.
SOUND: Grass rustling, people moving around
TECHNO 2
Just throw the rest of that food in the swamp.
FREE FOLK 2
Umm, you know why they say to avoid the water, right?
TECHNO 1
Have you got all our backups?
NIMA
(calling out, commanding them)
Two minutes! Then it’s back to the ultralights.
SOUND: Dogs barking, running back and forth, close now
SOUND: Grass rustling just a bit more
ELENA
All right, we’re here now. We made it.
ELIO
Elena! Moddy Sarah – Moddy Sarah, are you okay?
ELENA
Here, let’s get them sitting down.
MODDY SARAH
(trying to catch their breath, coughing)
Not there. Somewhere I can … see.
(brief pause)
Elio. Elio, hello. Ahnung. Stephen … this is your friend?
STEPHEN
Nima, this is Moddy Sarah.
NIMA
(respectful, but brusque)
Nice meeting you. We’ve got to get them out.
STEPHEN
Start with the others, we’ll be right behind.
NIMA
Make sure you are.
(more rudely, to the others)
All right, up on your feet and follow me.
FREE FOLK 2
You mean us?
FREE FOLK 1
Right, umm, ready.
TECHNO 2
Here, stuff this in your bag.
NIMA
(commanding, voice low)
Stay down, stay quiet!
SOUND: We hear the first group of people walking away, footsteps in mud, grass rustling
SOUND: Dogs whining, running back and forth
ELIO
(sounding uncertain)
Here, girls. It’s okay. Everyone’s okay.
ANHUNG
Elena, thanks. I’m glad you got out safe.
ELENA
I wish everyone had.
(brief pause to separate the statements)
It’s a mess back there.
MODDY SARAH
Elena was wonderful. All of you have been …
(after a moment)
Sorry, inappropriate pauses are my thing now. All of you are a blessing.
(they lapse into a coughing fit)
ELIO
Moddy Sarah!
STEPHEN
I thought all this was a tactic?
AHNUNG
(trying to explain behind the words)
It was … the tools they had at hand. Let’s give Elena a break. You take one side, I’ll take the other –
ELENA
I can help. I’m fine. Here’s their cane …
SOUND: Dogs barking
MODDY SARAH
None of you … need to help me. I’m good. Upon this rock … upon this tree stump … I will build my church.
STEPHEN
I don’t know what that means.
SOUND: A muted tone from Stephen’s communicator
NIMA
(over the speaker)
Made it to the ultralights. How close are you?
STEPHEN
(replying)
We’re on our way.
AHNUNG
Okay, we’ve got to get you there. We’ll all help.
ELENA
It’s just a little bit further …
MODDY SARAH
You don’t have to … it’s all good.
ELENA
It’s not all good. We have to go.
MODDY SARAH
I know, dear. But I’m not …
(coughing fit)
I’m not …
ELIO
(flatly)
Moddy Sarah isn’t coming with us.
SOUND: The dogs whine, confused
ELENA
(after a moment)
No. Absolutely not. Let’s get up, it’s just three, maybe four patches of grass –
AHNUNG
Elena, they don’t want to –
ELENA
No! We’re not doing this. Elio! Help me.
MODDY SARAH
Elena … you got me out of there. That’s all I wanted … I wasn’t going any further. I’m a shepherd who has … outlived my flocks, and I’m ready to rest.
ELENA
You can rest in Africa! You don’t have to do anything. Stephen?
STEPHEN
I … of course, we’ll take excellent care of you.
MODDY SARAH
Thank you. Thank you all … but this is the end of my wandering. I’ve done enough … I think I get to choose.
NIMA
(over the communicator)
Stephen?
STEPHEN
(apologetic)
We’re out of time here. We have to …
MODDY SARAH
You have to get going. I’m comfortable … here. I can see the sky, I can see … the Moon. That will be enough company for me.
ELENA
Moddy Sarah, no.
AHNUNG
(calming them)
Elena, it’ll be all right.
(after a brief pause)
Stephen, take them. Don’t forget the dogs. I’m staying here.
STEPHEN
But –
ELIO
Ahnung …
AHNUNG
I was never really leaving, not where you’re going. My work is done, I need to go back. I’ve got a stash in a trailer park about a klick from here, I’ve got my route and my contacts along the way. It’s time to go home.
ELENA
This isn’t fair. We got out. We got them out!
ELIO
You did it, Elena. You did so well.
(brief pause)
Can you help me with Cas and Pol?
ELENA
Moddy Sarah?
MODDY SARAH
Be good, Elena … go, love, fix the world. Elio … take care of them all.
ELIO
I will, I promise.
SOUND: The dogs bark a time or two
ELENA
It’s … okay, Pol. I’ve got you.
AHNUNG
Stephen, I’ll miss our talks. You know where to find me if life gets boring.
STEPHEN
I don’t anticipate that happening. But I do hope I find you. Elio, Elena?
ELIO
Goodbye, Ahnung. Safe travels. Goodbye … Moddy Sarah. Safe …
(she cries a little)
AHNUNG
Goodbye, Elio. Goodbye, Elena.
(flirting a bit to defuse the situation)
If you ever need anything …
ELENA
(smiling just a little)
Right.
AHNUNG
Just putting it out there.
NIMA
(over the communicator, angry)
Stephen!
(Arabic, translation is, “Right now!”)
هلء!
STEPHEN
We’re coming, we’re coming. All right, through this way.
ELIO
Come on, girls.
SOUND: Dogs barking, footsteps, grass rustling as before
AHNUNG
(after the other noises have died down)
You’re sure? I could still get you there, on my damn back if I had to.
MODDY SARAH
(laughs, then coughs)
I’m sure. But thank you. If you want to … sit for a while, that’s all the help I need.
AHNUNG
I might have snuck a brownie or two in my bag, if you’re hungry.
MODDY SARAH
I’ll let you know.
(For a few moments, they sit quietly, and we listen to the background of the swamp around them.)
MODDY SARAH
It is a lovely view. I’ve … looked up at the Moon all my life … my body followed the cycles; new, full, waning … but I never looked at it quite like this.
AHNUNG
I hope they make it safe. They deserve to make it. Alex … I’ve never known anyone who loved that hard.
MODDY SARAH
I was married … when I was young. Did I ever tell you?
AHNUNG
I’ve never heard that story.
MODDY SARAH
She was something. You think my heart … my heart is big? Every stray cat, every stray cousin, every clerk she exchanged five words with … they had a place in there. She loved in every direction at the … same time, and never ran dry. When I lost her, she said … “Sarah, it’s time I gave back to the Universe …” Gave back, as if she hadn’t given … every day of her life.
(they pause, starting to weaken)
She made me listen closer … to what the Universe wanted from me … what I ought to be giving back. That’s when I beat my sword into a ploughshare and took up the mantle …
(coughing)
Took up that mantle and I …
AHNUNG
(after a while)
Moddy Sarah? You didn’t finish what you were saying.
MODDY SARAH
I lost the thread for a moment … wandering inside as well, I suppose.
AHNUNG
That’s okay.
MODDY SARAH
It is. Not a lot left to say at this point … I just …
(one last moment to breathe)
I hope I’ve given enough back to the universe. That’s all I meant to say.
AHNUNG
You surely have.
(after a long pause)
It is quite the Moon. Moddy Sarah?
(after another pause, understanding)
It is … quite the Moon.
SOUND: Background, outside, Florida – swampy, night – ends
(The episode ends.)
D.J. SYLVIS
Thank you for joining us again. Today’s episode featured Leslie Gideon, Robin Regalado, Becca Marcus, Corey Spruill, H.E. Casson, and introduced Serena Rahal as Nima; with guest appearances – re-appearances, really – by Tal Minear, Kirsty Woolven, Cait Gallagher, and Tom Zalatnai. Our Consortium Announcer is Evan Tess Murray. Sound design and editing was by Will Gianetta; the script was by D.J. Sylvis; D.J. and Cass McPhee co-produced the episode.
None of this would be possible without our Patreon backers – join them at any level and get early access to episodes – including exclusive minisodes, interviews, and lots of behind the scenes content, that’s at patreon dot com slash monkeyman productions.
Our theme music is “Star” by the band RAMP – check them out at RAMP dash music dot net. Transcripts, cast bios, additional music attribution and more are found on our website: MonkeyManProductions dot com. Looking for other great audio drama? Visit Fable and Folly dot com to learn about all the other shows on our network.
And that’s the last step we’ll take into the future with our story for a while. Next month, we’ll be starting our next flashback miniseries, ALL YOUR BASE, where we’ll explore the history of every single Moonbase from Alpha back to Theta! Which makes it all the more appropriate that we come back to one of our favourite ending lines – 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.
